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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 23 of 23. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by shadowmon on May 26, 2008, at 21:45:44
I just completed a changeover from paxil cr to efexor. I was fine at 75 mg for about 2 weeks, but then I crashed badly, I feel worse than I did before I changed over from the paxil. I just upped the dose from 75 to 112.5 on thursday and still feel lower than ever. I'm not eating and my anxiety making me miserable. If I don't see any improvement by this coming thursday, is it ok to increase my dosage another 37.5 mg?
I'm supposed to be at 150 mg total, per what Dr. put on the rx bottle. I can't really call him anymore because I'm in between health plans and am freaking out!
Posted by torachan on May 27, 2008, at 2:43:47
In reply to how fast can i increase effexor? Help!!!!!!!!, posted by shadowmon on May 26, 2008, at 21:45:44
I have/had a long history with Effexor and I believe an increase of 37.5 mg's could be made, or even 75 mg's after a week at the last dosage. Honestly, it shouldn't be a problem. 37.5mg increase is peanuts.
Get some benadryl or cough syrup of some kind in the meantime to cool your nerves.
Good luck.
Posted by nevergiveup on May 27, 2008, at 17:20:05
In reply to Re: how fast can i increase effexor? Help!!!!!!!!, posted by torachan on May 27, 2008, at 2:43:47
going up 75 mg on Effexor after the initial 75 mg is reached is generally ok, though depending on the person. Going down should be at 37.5 mg in my opinion-- I couldn't handle going down 75 mg at all. You can change doses every week or so, but 2 weeks is best to feel the real effect change-- at least that was my experience. If you don't wait 2 weeks, you may go higher than you need.
Posted by shadowmon on May 27, 2008, at 18:03:38
In reply to Re: how fast can i increase effexor? Help!!!!!!!!, posted by nevergiveup on May 27, 2008, at 17:20:05
I tried to go to work today, I could stayonly an hour, I was nauseated and anxious, and somehwat depressed to thepoint I still can't eat. I had to leave after only an hour at work bcause I couldnt take it. I called thepdoc and he told me to try to take some respiradl that I had, which I did, it cut the anxiety to a tolerable level, but I still feel overwhelmed. I can't believe that almost 2 weeks ago I was on 75 mg and I felt good, I'm confused... it's like something just happened,I started sliding down the slippery slope. My pdoc keeps on asking me If i have anny additional stress that is occurring, and I really cant think of anything that would trigger such a fast downfall. Did anyone have something like this happen to them? I'm wanting to go up to see if things will change, but I increased to 112 on thursday and It's been nothing but hell since then.
Posted by torachan on May 27, 2008, at 22:21:32
In reply to Something is really wrong » nevergiveup, posted by shadowmon on May 27, 2008, at 18:03:38
> I tried to go to work today, I could stayonly an hour, I was nauseated and anxious, and somehwat depressed to thepoint I still can't eat. I had to leave after only an hour at work bcause I couldnt take it. I called thepdoc and he told me to try to take some respiradl that I had, which I did, it cut the anxiety to a tolerable level, but I still feel overwhelmed. I can't believe that almost 2 weeks ago I was on 75 mg and I felt good, I'm confused... it's like something just happened,I started sliding down the slippery slope. My pdoc keeps on asking me If i have anny additional stress that is occurring, and I really cant think of anything that would trigger such a fast downfall. Did anyone have something like this happen to them? I'm wanting to go up to see if things will change, but I increased to 112 on thursday and It's been nothing but hell since then.
You felt good at 75mg? Well, as a layman I'd suggest dropping down to that level. Effexor affects different neurotransmitters at different doses. I believe Serotonin at the low end and Norepinephrine at the high end. Normally, the high end is around 187.5mg or 225mg, if I'm not mistaken. Maybe your high end is lower due to metabolism, weight, etc. Norepinephrine could be the culprit in you jitteriness.
Posted by Molybdenum on May 28, 2008, at 0:06:28
In reply to how fast can i increase effexor? Help!!!!!!!!, posted by shadowmon on May 26, 2008, at 21:45:44
Hi,
I went from Celexa to Efexor with a good 4 months of nothing in between, so I don't have experience re what effects the crossing over from Paxil may be having on you. But I'd certainly expect that the interim combination is what was responsible for you feeling good so soon - not just the Efexor on its own.
I'm on 600mg Efexor now and 225mg Remeron. It's been a very good mix for me for the past 2 years. When I started, I was on Efexor alone and I recall it making me feel very anxious for a week or so. Then I would be OK. Then when I increased the dose again - even by as little as 37.5mg, I felt the anxiety come back. Then my body got used to it & I was OK, etc, etc up to the 150mg my doc had recommended.
I remember being surprised when I went from 300mg up to 450mg, I just added another 150mg tab. I didn't feel any more anxiety at all. Guess my body was used to it by then.
I probably don't need to be on such a high dose - I'm just a bit of an idiot like that. I always think more is better. And now is not a good time for me to reduce it, although I plan to once other aspects of my life settle.
So....what I am saying is that from my experience, any increase in Efexor dosage can cause anxiety but that it definitely passes in a week or so.
Efexor is a very good AD. It may be months before you feel the full effects of a given dose. So if you can take something else for the anxiety in the meantime, or if you're patient enough, then take it slow.
If you can't wait for the chance to feel better, then I don't see any problem with going up to the 150mg the doc recommended as quickly as you like. It won't kill you - promise. Just expect a bit of anxiety & know that it will pass... Add some Xanax if you need to cut the angst.
Take Care
M.
Posted by shadowmon on May 28, 2008, at 0:15:06
In reply to Re: Something is really wrong, posted by torachan on May 27, 2008, at 22:21:32
I actually felt good (no anxiety or depression) for about 2 weeks at the 75 mg, but then my well feelings started to disappear, at first I thought it was something else, but now I don't know.
Posted by shadowmon on May 28, 2008, at 0:19:00
In reply to Re: how fast can i increase effexor? Help!!!!!!!!, posted by Molybdenum on May 28, 2008, at 0:06:28
Thanks, I have a sneaking suspicion that it may be the culprit, because I did a very fast changeover because I can't tolerate being off anything (I fall into bad anxiety and depression, cant eat etc) I'm not sure though. The dr. did tell me to take a .5mg of risperdal to help cut the edge so at least I can function at work. I took one whole mg today and was a zombie and slept all day, but I could tolerate and I was actually able to eat something late this afternoon.
Posted by Phillipa on May 28, 2008, at 17:08:27
In reply to Re: how fast can i increase effexor? Help!!!!!!!! » Molybdenum, posted by shadowmon on May 28, 2008, at 0:19:00
Strange though as after two weeks paxil would be out of your system and it could be the norepeneprine? Glad something to cut the anxiety. Love Phillipa
Posted by Molybdenum on May 28, 2008, at 19:08:11
In reply to Re: how fast can i increase effexor? Help!!!!!!!! » Molybdenum, posted by shadowmon on May 28, 2008, at 0:19:00
> Thanks, I have a sneaking suspicion that it may be the culprit, because I did a very fast changeover because I can't tolerate being off anything (I fall into bad anxiety and depression, cant eat etc) I'm not sure though. The dr. did tell me to take a .5mg of risperdal to help cut the edge so at least I can function at work. I took one whole mg today and was a zombie and slept all day, but I could tolerate and I was actually able to eat something late this afternoon.
Hmmm.....my doc tried to augment my AD with Risperdal once. 24hrs after the frst tab I was a zombie & felt horrible. So I dropped that straight away - just my experience.
One thing I was reading that might be of interest to you is this site : http://www.psychotropical.com/Latest_PUN_Notes.shtml Undopaminergic put me on to it. Now, the retired pdoc running it is probably not the sort of person you'd want to get stuck on a desert island with. He certainly has some strong opinions but from what I've read so far, some of it "rings true".
For instance, he has noted that on many occasions a patient says they felt better when he was crossing them over from one AD to another - better than how they ended up feeling on the new one alone. In such cases he puts them back on a combination of both the new & the old, which he claims has very good results.
So if you find after a month that Efexor alone is not as good as when you were on both, then maybe you should talk about it with your doc..?
You may have stumbled upon a "good mix" for your brain chemistry. :)
Good Luck
M.
Posted by shadowmon on May 28, 2008, at 20:46:48
In reply to Re: how fast can i increase effexor? Help!!!!!!!! » shadowmon, posted by Molybdenum on May 28, 2008, at 19:08:11
> > Thanks, I have a sneaking suspicion that it may be the culprit, because I did a very fast changeover because I can't tolerate being off anything (I fall into bad anxiety and depression, cant eat etc) I'm not sure though. The dr. did tell me to take a .5mg of risperdal to help cut the edge so at least I can function at work. I took one whole mg today and was a zombie and slept all day, but I could tolerate and I was actually able to eat something late this afternoon.
>
> Hmmm.....my doc tried to augment my AD with Risperdal once. 24hrs after the frst tab I was a zombie & felt horrible. So I dropped that straight away - just my experience.
>
> One thing I was reading that might be of interest to you is this site : http://www.psychotropical.com/Latest_PUN_Notes.shtml Undopaminergic put me on to it. Now, the retired pdoc running it is probably not the sort of person you'd want to get stuck on a desert island with. He certainly has some strong opinions but from what I've read so far, some of it "rings true".
>
> For instance, he has noted that on many occasions a patient says they felt better when he was crossing them over from one AD to another - better than how they ended up feeling on the new one alone. In such cases he puts them back on a combination of both the new & the old, which he claims has very good results.
>
> So if you find after a month that Efexor alone is not as good as when you were on both, then maybe you should talk about it with your doc..?
>
> You may have stumbled upon a "good mix" for your brain chemistry. :)
>
> Good Luck
>
> M.The funny thing though, I was never on both at the same time, Just a quick flip from one to the other. I am thinking that maybe there was some leftover paxil ad effects running around in my system. I wish I could take both without that serotonin syndrome but Idon't want to take that risky of a chance.
Posted by Phillipa on May 28, 2008, at 21:17:27
In reply to Re: how fast can i increase effexor? Help!!!!!!!! » Molybdenum, posted by shadowmon on May 28, 2008, at 20:46:48
I'm on low dose 50mg of luvox SSRI and paxil l0mg low too. Works better that way for me. Phillipa
Posted by Molybdenum on May 28, 2008, at 21:38:12
In reply to Re: how fast can i increase effexor? Help!!!!!!!! » Molybdenum, posted by shadowmon on May 28, 2008, at 20:46:48
>
> The funny thing though, I was never on both at the same time, Just a quick flip from one to the other. I am thinking that maybe there was some leftover paxil ad effects running around in my system. I wish I could take both without that serotonin syndrome but I don't want to take that risky of a chance.Hi again,
Well without researching the washout period, etc of Paxil, I'm sure there was still "some" Paxil floating around in your body during that week. So maybe that means you could get back to that state by combining a relatively small dose of the old AD with the 150mg of Efexor. You've probably got some Paxil left, so no cost for the experiment either.
As far as Serotonin Syndrome is concerned, it's supposed to be fairly rare in non-overdose scenarios. That's what Wiki says. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serotonin_syndrome If you're interested, that website I mentioned in my last post is ALL ABOUT SS. It seems to be more of a concern with people taking an old MAOI + an SSRI or two. That's what I've read. FYI, I am currently on 600mg Efexor (venlafaxine) + 225mg Remeron (mirtazapine) + 150mg Moclobemide (a sub-type of the MAOI) and if I don't have serotonin syndrome, then it sure can't bee TOO easy to get ;)
There's varying degrees of SS too. You don't just feel OK on one dose & then with an incremental increase, drop dead.
If you don't feel like doing it alone, I'd still recommend discussing it with your doc. You might get the effect you want from just a "very small" amount of Paxil added in. Just seems like you may have stumbled upon a set of conditions that your brain really liked. If it was me, I wouldn't want to throw away the chance to feel that good again without at least some experimentation to replicate it - IMHO.
Take Care & let us know how you go :)
M.
Posted by shadowmon on May 29, 2008, at 22:57:05
In reply to Re: how fast can i increase effexor? Help!!!!!!!!, posted by Molybdenum on May 28, 2008, at 21:38:12
> >
> > The funny thing though, I was never on both at the same time, Just a quick flip from one to the other. I am thinking that maybe there was some leftover paxil ad effects running around in my system. I wish I could take both without that serotonin syndrome but I don't want to take that risky of a chance.
>
> Hi again,
>
> Well without researching the washout period, etc of Paxil, I'm sure there was still "some" Paxil floating around in your body during that week. So maybe that means you could get back to that state by combining a relatively small dose of the old AD with the 150mg of Efexor. You've probably got some Paxil left, so no cost for the experiment either.
>
> As far as Serotonin Syndrome is concerned, it's supposed to be fairly rare in non-overdose scenarios. That's what Wiki says. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serotonin_syndrome If you're interested, that website I mentioned in my last post is ALL ABOUT SS. It seems to be more of a concern with people taking an old MAOI + an SSRI or two. That's what I've read. FYI, I am currently on 600mg Efexor (venlafaxine) + 225mg Remeron (mirtazapine) + 150mg Moclobemide (a sub-type of the MAOI) and if I don't have serotonin syndrome, then it sure can't bee TOO easy to get ;)
>
> There's varying degrees of SS too. You don't just feel OK on one dose & then with an incremental increase, drop dead.
>
> If you don't feel like doing it alone, I'd still recommend discussing it with your doc. You might get the effect you want from just a "very small" amount of Paxil added in. Just seems like you may have stumbled upon a set of conditions that your brain really liked. If it was me, I wouldn't want to throw away the chance to feel that good again without at least some experimentation to replicate it - IMHO.
>
> Take Care & let us know how you go :)
>
> M.Well, I called the pdoc and hopefully they will be able to get me in some time within the next week or so. I do believe that I don't have enough serotonin being kept up there in the noggin. When I was on the 112 mg of effexor, I couldnt eat and was horribly depressed. I bumped it up to 150, and now I can eat, but feel like a robot. So I guess a little progress is better than nothing, and I have been on the 150 for 2 days right about now.
Posted by Molybdenum on May 29, 2008, at 23:21:03
In reply to Re: how fast can i increase effexor? Help!!!!!!!!, posted by shadowmon on May 29, 2008, at 22:57:05
Hi
> ...When I was on the 112 mg of effexor, I couldnt eat and was horribly depressed. I bumped it up to 150, and now I can eat, but feel like a robot. So I guess a little progress is better than nothing, and I have been on the 150 for 2 days right about now.
It does take time. Seems the side effects kick in immediately whereas the desired effects gradually emerge as the weeks go by. I recall feeling pretty weird when I started it too. Two common initial side-effects are nausea and trouble sleeping. Adding mirtazapine tends to counteract both of these. So keep that in mind if you get them & it bothers you. They are commonly prescribed together. In fact, the combo is called "California Rocket Fuel". Google that - just ignore the sites who actually sell "rocket fuel" in California ;)
After a while your poor old pickled brain won't remember what it was like without it ;)
Good Luck :)
M.
Posted by shadowmon on June 1, 2008, at 5:41:39
In reply to Re: how fast can i increase effexor? Help!!!!!!!! » shadowmon, posted by Molybdenum on May 29, 2008, at 23:21:03
> Hi
>
> > ...When I was on the 112 mg of effexor, I couldnt eat and was horribly depressed. I bumped it up to 150, and now I can eat, but feel like a robot. So I guess a little progress is better than nothing, and I have been on the 150 for 2 days right about now.
>
> It does take time. Seems the side effects kick in immediately whereas the desired effects gradually emerge as the weeks go by. I recall feeling pretty weird when I started it too. Two common initial side-effects are nausea and trouble sleeping. Adding mirtazapine tends to counteract both of these. So keep that in mind if you get them & it bothers you. They are commonly prescribed together. In fact, the combo is called "California Rocket Fuel". Google that - just ignore the sites who actually sell "rocket fuel" in California ;)
>
> After a while your poor old pickled brain won't remember what it was like without it ;)
>
> Good Luck :)
>
> M.
califoria rocket fuel... sounds scary... I'm not sure if I want to take it for the long term, I'm not wanting the body to get used to it and need it when there is just the potential for the effexor alone to do what it needs to do at a higher dose? Is that a valid fear, or am I still going nuts? Being rational has not been my strength as of late.I guess I am kind of scared of being on this combo and then having it not work....then I don't have the back up plan of using it to help me out...
Posted by Molybdenum on June 1, 2008, at 19:45:31
In reply to Re: how fast can i increase effexor? Help!!!!!!!!, posted by shadowmon on June 1, 2008, at 5:41:39
Hi shadowmon,
There's certainly nothing to be scared of. One of the reasons why a small dose of mirtazapine is often combined with venlafaxine is that the mirtazapine can overcome the nausea & insomnia that the first drug commonly produces as side effects. If you're not having these troubles then that's one less reason to consider a combination.
Venlafaxine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) whereas mirtazapine is a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant (NaSSA). So they both try to increase the amount of serotonin & NE that's present, albeit they attack the problem in different ways.
Some people feel "some benefit" from one alone but but not enough of an effect to bring them out of the depression. Increasing the dose might help. If not, then it can be augmented with something that affects the same pathways but in a different way. ie the rocket fuel. So combining them for this reason is based on the assumption that "two guns are better than one". So that's reason # 2 to consider it. And BTW, I wouldn't be concerned with the "rocket fuel" expression. It certainly never made me feel manic or even "bursting with energy".
It is certainly more scientific to methodically go through one drug at a time, slowly adjusting the dose to see if it's right for you. It's just that some people want to feel better ASAP & the waiting is torturous for them. That's certainly always been my thinking. I just couldn't wait to feel better and so the combo may have helped me get OK again sooner. So the final reason to combine them is the "give it both barrels" approach rather than wait & see. And that is reason # 3.
FYI that's how I felt. Given that your post started out with "how fast can i increase effexor? Help!!!!!!!!", I assumed this might be the case for you too...?
Sorry for all the gun analogises today..!
Good Luck & let us know you you're going :)Take Care
M.
Posted by shadowmon on June 1, 2008, at 21:51:31
In reply to Re: how fast can i increase effexor? Help!!!!!!!! » shadowmon, posted by Molybdenum on June 1, 2008, at 19:45:31
> Hi shadowmon,
>
> There's certainly nothing to be scared of. One of the reasons why a small dose of mirtazapine is often combined with venlafaxine is that the mirtazapine can overcome the nausea & insomnia that the first drug commonly produces as side effects. If you're not having these troubles then that's one less reason to consider a combination.
>
> Venlafaxine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) whereas mirtazapine is a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant (NaSSA). So they both try to increase the amount of serotonin & NE that's present, albeit they attack the problem in different ways.
>
> Some people feel "some benefit" from one alone but but not enough of an effect to bring them out of the depression. Increasing the dose might help. If not, then it can be augmented with something that affects the same pathways but in a different way. ie the rocket fuel. So combining them for this reason is based on the assumption that "two guns are better than one". So that's reason # 2 to consider it. And BTW, I wouldn't be concerned with the "rocket fuel" expression. It certainly never made me feel manic or even "bursting with energy".
>
> It is certainly more scientific to methodically go through one drug at a time, slowly adjusting the dose to see if it's right for you. It's just that some people want to feel better ASAP & the waiting is torturous for them. That's certainly always been my thinking. I just couldn't wait to feel better and so the combo may have helped me get OK again sooner. So the final reason to combine them is the "give it both barrels" approach rather than wait & see. And that is reason # 3.
>
> FYI that's how I felt. Given that your post started out with "how fast can i increase effexor? Help!!!!!!!!", I assumed this might be the case for you too...?
>
> Sorry for all the gun analogises today..!
>
> Good Luck & let us know you you're going :)
>
> Take Care
>
> M.
>Yes, that would be me too! I tried to just take the effexor at the dosage that I was supposed to take yesterday without the respiradl, and I didnt feelhorrible, but I didnt feel great. Of course today, I take the mitarzepine, and I feel better, but not great as well. But it's tolerable for now until I can get into the new doc. I'll keep you posted.
Posted by Molybdenum on June 1, 2008, at 23:38:33
In reply to Re: how fast can i increase effexor? Help!!!!!!!!, posted by shadowmon on June 1, 2008, at 21:51:31
>
> Yes, that would be me too! I tried to just take the effexor at the dosage that I was supposed to take yesterday without the respiradl, and I didnt feelhorrible, but I didnt feel great. Of course today, I take the mitarzepine, and I feel better, but not great as well. But it's tolerable for now until I can get into the new doc. I'll keep you posted.Glad to hear you're feeling a little better. If the mirtazapine is sedating (normal) then do make sure you take it at night.
Look forward to your progress...!
M.
Posted by shadowmon on June 3, 2008, at 0:42:43
In reply to Re: how fast can i increase effexor? Help!!!!!!!!, posted by Molybdenum on June 1, 2008, at 23:38:33
>
> >
> > Yes, that would be me too! I tried to just take the effexor at the dosage that I was supposed to take yesterday without the respiradl, and I didnt feelhorrible, but I didnt feel great. Of course today, I take the mitarzepine, and I feel better, but not great as well. But it's tolerable for now until I can get into the new doc. I'll keep you posted.
>
> Glad to hear you're feeling a little better. If the mirtazapine is sedating (normal) then do make sure you take it at night.
>
> Look forward to your progress...!
>
> M.Went to the new pdoc today, they took me off the risperdal and put me on some klonopin to take off the "edge". Never took a benzo since diagnosed, and not sure if it will work. They didnt up my effexor dose. I hate going to new doctors. I guess they want to wait to see how the 150 mg of effexor will work It will be 2 weeks this thursday. Not sure how I will feel now, but am scared again, because it's a benzo. A benzo will only cover up the anxiety that I am feeling in the morning, and I don't know if it will make me tired so I can't drive or work. A benzo is not a permanent fix.
Posted by Molybdenum on June 3, 2008, at 1:02:43
In reply to Re: how fast can i increase effexor? Help!!!!!!!!, posted by shadowmon on June 3, 2008, at 0:42:43
>
> Went to the new pdoc today, they took me off the risperdal and put me on some klonopin to take off the "edge". Never took a benzo since diagnosed, and not sure if it will work. They didnt up my effexor dose. I hate going to new doctors. I guess they want to wait to see how the 150 mg of effexor will work It will be 2 weeks this thursday. Not sure how I will feel now, but am scared again, because it's a benzo. A benzo will only cover up the anxiety that I am feeling in the morning, and I don't know if it will make me tired so I can't drive or work. A benzo is not a permanent fix.Hi Again,
I don't want to contradict myself - I'm not a fan of long term benzo use either. However, I've been on just 0.5mg clonazepam (klonopin) for years to help with my sleep apnoea. The initial "next day sedation" disappeared after a week or so. I don't recall it ever interfering with my ability to drive a car. Depends on the dose too I suppose.
Interestingly, over all these years I've never built up a tolerance to it. And when I've forgotten to take it, I don't get rebound anxiety for instance. Maybe it's different to the other benzos?
At the very least, I'd say it's not as habit-forming as Xanax. Xanax worried me for this reason.
Good Luck ;)
M.
Posted by shadowmon on June 3, 2008, at 23:59:05
In reply to Re: how fast can i increase effexor? Help!!!!!!!! » shadowmon, posted by Molybdenum on June 3, 2008, at 1:02:43
part of me wonders if the axiety I am feeling is related to the depression or is med related. The pod mentioned that at 150 there is a balance between serotonin and norepnipherne (sp) in terms of the active component of effexor. I have responded very well to the effects of serotonin (with the paxil). She also mentioned that once you go higher, you get more norephnreprhine than serotonin, which would likely be more activating, right? But I would assume activiating would be more like staying awake, and having energy, rather than contributing to anxiety.
I still have the anxiety in the morning, and when I take a nap in the afternoon, so that's why I am curious. I am far away from being the calm happy person that I was when things were good on the paxil. I wonder if I will be that way again without taking a whole host of medications. Maybe I'm destined to be "high strung"?? I want my old self back.
Posted by Molybdenum on June 4, 2008, at 1:14:46
In reply to Re: how fast can i increase effexor? Help!!!!!!!!, posted by shadowmon on June 3, 2008, at 23:59:05
Hi again,
> part of me wonders if the axiety I am feeling is related to the depression or is med related.
It's very hard to tell. Either way, the short term use of a benzo won't do you any harm - even the dreaded / loved Xanax. When I started on Efexor I most definitely had a huge increase in anxiety & then in a week or so it would pass. When we increased the dose I would get it again and again it would pass in a week or so. Let's blame the Efexor, shall we? :) A small amount of a benzo will take the edge off until it naturally subsides.
>
>
> I still have the anxiety in the morning, and when I take a nap in the afternoon, so that's why I am curious. I am far away from being the calm happy person that I was when things were good on the paxil. I wonder if I will be that way again without taking a whole host of medications. Maybe I'm destined to be "high strung"?? I want my old self back.Well, well, well.....let's get philosophical. :) You're not a static object. You're body & mind are in a continuous adjustment, healing, improvement & aging process. You're always reacting to the changes that life presents you with. Some surprising, some expected, some good, bad and neutral. <just smile & shrug at this point>
Now, some poor souls try 30 different meds and still don't find relief. If you've been responsive to Paxil in the past, then that's a very good sign. It means that you're very likely to respond to treatment + your body "remembers" the "getting better" experience which even subconsciously, helps you cope with new treatments like the one you're on. Unfortunately these meds do take a while to work. Usually a few weeks to start to feel the effects & months before you're feeling the full effects of the dose you're on.
I suggest a little Xanax to help you over the bumpy bits and otherwise try not to focus on the drugs as something that's "making you better". I prefer to think that they're helping me to heal myself. Make yourself do some activities that you enjoy and don't be too hard on yourself. You'll be OK, probably better than ever. Try to forget about the pills a bit and I'll bet that you'll just notice one day "hey, I DO feel better". From my experience, relief from depression sort of creeps up on you - in a nice way :)
Take Care & let us know how you're doing ;)
Mr. M.
This is the end of the thread.
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