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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Klavot on June 14, 2007, at 7:07:35
Hi all
Is there any truth to the folklore that antidepressants which cause more startup side effects will be more effective?
I once took 75 mg Effexor, which I had to discontinue due to intolerable side effects. Does it make sense to try a daily dose of 37.5 mg?
Thanks in advance
Klavot
Posted by Phillipa on June 14, 2007, at 10:45:28
In reply to More side effects = greater effects?, posted by Klavot on June 14, 2007, at 7:07:35
May I follow as i'd like to know too? Love Phillipa
Posted by Racer on June 14, 2007, at 13:46:11
In reply to More side effects = greater effects?, posted by Klavot on June 14, 2007, at 7:07:35
I don't know.
What I do know is that, from a strictly biological point of view, there are only effects -- some of which aren't wanted, some of which are. That means that it's having stronger effects on you, which might later translate to having stronger beneficial effects. Or, it might not. I dunno...
But I can say, unfortunately, that the most effective anti-depressants I've been on did have the greatest number and strongest adverse effects. And the most effective anxiolytics I've ever taken have caused the most depression and amotivation. That kinda suggests to me that it might be true.
As for trying the lower dose of Effexor, I'd say yes it's worth giving it a shot. I started Effexor at 37.5mg, and had some side effects, which recurred when I raised it to 75mg, and again going up to 150mg, etc. If you're getting the start up effects squared, it won't be fun. You might find it much more tolerable at 37.5mg, which would give you the chance to see if it turns out to be helpful for you.
Best luck with it.
Posted by Sandra62 on June 14, 2007, at 15:41:49
In reply to Re: More side effects = greater effects? » Klavot, posted by Racer on June 14, 2007, at 13:46:11
I have tried a number of different SSRI's and all of them gave me anorgasmia but Lexapro. Lexapro was the only SSRI that did not work for my depression. I'm trying Effexor XR for the first time and I'm crossing my fingers I do not experience anorgasmia and that it works for my depression.
Posted by Racer on June 14, 2007, at 18:26:48
In reply to Re: More side effects = greater effects?, posted by Sandra62 on June 14, 2007, at 15:41:49
> I have tried a number of different SSRI's and all of them gave me anorgasmia but Lexapro. Lexapro was the only SSRI that did not work for my depression. I'm trying Effexor XR for the first time and I'm crossing my fingers I do not experience anorgasmia and that it works for my depression.
I don't know if it will help you, but cyproheptidine reversed SSRI anorgasmia for me. It's such a cheap, easy, benign sort of drug, that it's certainly worth a try. It's like Viagra, in that you only take it when you want a chance to roll around, and it wears off after a few hours. The only side effect for me was drowsiness and feeling a bit dry, but that's to be expected -- it's an anti-histimine -- and the drowsiness was actually a good thing for me...
Hope that helps.
Posted by brooke484 on June 14, 2007, at 19:43:24
In reply to More side effects = greater effects?, posted by Klavot on June 14, 2007, at 7:07:35
Not in my case. I only had mild side effects (dry mouth) with imipramine and it worked wonders. And I didn't have any side effects with Lexapro and it was a miracle drug 10 years later. So why the heck did I go off them then? :)
If I had major side effects I would always cut the pill in half or even quarters. My doctor would laugh at me but hey, I was the one who was suffering.
brooke
Posted by Klavot on June 15, 2007, at 2:38:46
In reply to Re: More side effects = greater effects?, posted by brooke484 on June 14, 2007, at 19:43:24
Posted by Sandra62 on June 15, 2007, at 9:15:37
In reply to Re: More side effects = greater effects?, posted by brooke484 on June 14, 2007, at 19:43:24
This is the end of the thread.
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