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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Judy1962 on August 11, 2006, at 1:43:22
Hi, I am been on 200mg of Effexor for about 2 months now...in total been on it for about a year. I am getting worried because it seems that when I increase the dose I feel great for about 3-4 weeks but then those terrible thoughts come back.
Has anyone else had that experience? I am scared and wonder if I will ever feel good again.
Posted by wildcardII on August 11, 2006, at 1:43:23
In reply to Scared and alone, posted by Judy1962 on August 7, 2006, at 21:45:34
ck out the med board as there are lots of threads on effexor...even google it below and you will see many people have had the same exp. w/ effexor as well as other meds.. hang in there.
Posted by SLS on August 11, 2006, at 6:01:14
In reply to Scared and alone, posted by Judy1962 on August 7, 2006, at 21:45:34
> Hi, I am been on 200mg of Effexor for about 2 months now...in total been on it for about a year. I am getting worried because it seems that when I increase the dose I feel great for about 3-4 weeks but then those terrible thoughts come back.
>
> Has anyone else had that experience? I am scared and wonder if I will ever feel good again.You probably will feel good again. With all of the drugs that are now available, and all of the ways they can be combined for added effect, the odds are in your favor. Unfortunately, the process of finding the right ones can be lengthy.
For many people, Effexor doesn't really start working well until they arrive at a dosage of 300mg. If you maintain a partial response to it at that dosage, you might consider adding Wellbutrin rather than making a complete switch. There are a great many choices.
- Scott
Posted by Phillipa on August 11, 2006, at 22:14:51
In reply to Re: Scared and alone, posted by SLS on August 11, 2006, at 6:01:14
Finding the right combo is the trick and not easy. Takes a long time. But others are lucky and the first med works. Maybe that will be your case. Love phillipa
Posted by Check on August 15, 2006, at 16:18:35
In reply to Scared and alone, posted by Judy1962 on August 7, 2006, at 21:45:34
> Hi, I am been on 200mg of Effexor for about 2 months now...in total been on it for about a year. I am getting worried because it seems that when I increase the dose I feel great for about 3-4 weeks but then those terrible thoughts come back.
>
> Has anyone else had that experience? I am scared and wonder if I will ever feel good again.During my journey through treatment-resistant atypical depression I have come to the conclusion that antidepressants work primarily by chemically duping the brain into believing that one is interacting with his/her environment in a meaningful and fulfilling way. For example (admittedly simplistic), if one wins the lottery, the brain recognizes this as a great thing and consequently increases the firing rates of dopaminergic neurons (among other things) and they feel energized and happy. The same effect can be temporarily attained with dopaminergics such as methamphetamine. My point: I think that some of us have brains that rapidly figureout (please excuse the personification) that they are being duped and not actually experiencing a fulfilling interaction with their environment. If such is the case, one must find a way to interact with their environment in a more meaningful way (eg finding a more exciting job, making new friends, etc.) Don't get me wrong, antidepressants work miracles for many, but for lasting improvement, lifestyle changes are often needed. In any event, hang in there, look into other drugs, and don't lose sight of the fact that you will be able to feel good again, its just the chemicals in your brain that make you feel like there is little hope.
For an interesting article check out:
http://www.zionet.co.il/v_rotenberg/sac.htmlGood luck,
Check
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