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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by not2late4u on December 24, 2004, at 3:20:18
Hello, first time posting. I just spent 45 minutes reading over some past posts. Wow. I have been taking Effexor xr for about 2 yrs. Recently increased to 225mg. I was on Paxil, but gained weight and it really didnt address depression, just anxiety for me. Nice to know that the "electric" feeling in back of head and cant seem to get out of bed in the morning, is not just me. Other things, lack of sex drive, some increased headaches with exercise (anyone else experience this?) I do want to get off, eventually, hopefully sooner than later. I have to wonder how many of you and others are actually being MONITORED by a PSYCHIATRIST who is much more knowledgable about these types of medications. I see my psychiatrist about every 2 months just to check in and see how its going. It takes about 10 minutes. Why would anyone ever just stop taking the medication? Doesnt the pharmacy give information about not stopping the drug without consulting your doctor? I had a hard time with Paxil, whooo, it was HELL when I just missed a day. When I transferred over to Effexor I was wheened off at the same time I was starting Effexor and it was seemless. I dont know what to expect when I SLOWLY withdraw from Effexor, but I am not sorry I took it, it got me where I am today, much more functional and in a place where I can work on things so I can get off it. Just hope its not chemical imbalances that will keep me from getting off and I am afraid to go off not because of side effects, I think dont think much can top the 24/7 anxiety I had for several months straight, its the fear of experiencing that constant anxiety again. Well I've got an appt with a counselor to help me sort this through along with some PSTD. I will get will be free from medications some day! I've decided to put my trust in my Lord God and go from there. REMEMBER, you CANT just stop taking ANY anti-depressants!!!! You really need to have a psychiatrist help you along. Not a family doctor. Sorry, just my point of view. I pray all of us are able to overcome our hardships.
Posted by AdaGrace on December 24, 2004, at 7:11:03
In reply to Pros and Cons, posted by not2late4u on December 24, 2004, at 3:20:18
Hi and welcome.
I was prescribed Celexa a few years ago after my Mom died. I didn't think it was working so I stopped taking it. No side effects.
I had a major breakdown (years ago they would of called it a "nervous breakdown") and I went to a therapist (three whole times). He did not have the capability to prescribe and wouldn't even give me any suggestions, only told me to go to a doctor and get something. So I did. She prescribed Lexapro. I had to ween myself onto it. Since then I have had serious crossed vision when I took it along with the anti-anxiety meds, high blood pressure, headaches, decreases sex drive combined with feelings of inadequacy and innability to finish any sexual act, and more panic attacks. All these got better over time. However, I have been having trouble remembering to take them lately and about a week ago I went three days without. Had a major, major breakdown. When I discussed this with the doctor, she then informed me that I would not be able to just stop taking them I would have to follow her instructions and be weened off them. Said I would immediately feel worse than I did before I started taking them. A nice lovely titbit she didn't inform me of in the beginning. How can something that took 3 months to really work, have the opposite effect in 3 days without it??? Anyway, I don't live close enough to a PDoc to get the meds analyzed. So I don't really know if I am taking the right thing, but I guess I am stuck with it.
By the way, Dr. Bob will probably redirect this thread to the med board. He likes to keep things organized here. So if that happens, he will give you a link don't worry.
Welcome Aboard,
AdaGrace
Posted by not2late4u on December 24, 2004, at 14:38:17
In reply to Re: Pros and Cons » not2late4u, posted by AdaGrace on December 24, 2004, at 7:11:03
Hi, Im new and didnt know where I ended up posting! Think I finally figured it out late last night and posted again. I wonder, and I dont know, but if a psychiatrist would monitor you over the phone? I just think these meds are far to serious to try and figure out on our own or whatever. Hope it all works out better for you.
Posted by Dr. Bob on December 25, 2004, at 15:50:41
In reply to Re: Pros and Cons » not2late4u, posted by AdaGrace on December 24, 2004, at 7:11:03
> By the way, Dr. Bob will probably redirect this thread to the med board. He likes to keep things organized here. So if that happens, he will give you a link don't worry.
Here it is:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041223/msgs/433681.html
Bob
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