Posted by Gare on April 17, 2002, at 16:02:41
So far, I have been on Effexor twice. Last year, 2000, for winter depression (SAD) and took it for four months. And the beginning of this year for obsessive worrying and mild depression. I expect to be on it a bit longer this time as I really liked what it did for me the first time, even though I am taking it for different reasons.
Getting off of it the first time was horrible as I didn't decrease steadily. I was irritable and had lots of vivid, colourful nightmares. This was a transition period of three weeks to a month. The dreams felt real and like I was there. Not good when you are stepping on pregnant cats giving birth to deformed kittens during a hurricane.
For that first time, I would say treating my winter depression was a success as I clearly had the best Christmas I could remember without feeling sad or just dreading the holidays.
This second time, I am on Effexor XR and I am happy to report that my obsessive worrying has ceased to a level where I can actually enjoy the day and not get myself in a tizzy. I was losing sleep and as soon as I would wake up in the morning, my mind would go off instantly. Now I have a clear head and can begin to enjoy things that I wasn't able to. Of course everything comes at a price.
The only complaint I have at this time with taking Effexor is the quality of sleep. I am tossing and turning, and my vivid dreams have come back but they are more on the level of Indiana Jones-type. Fun but again scary if you don't like to be chased after big bears and land on snakes and then wake up in the middle of the night wondering why your mother is making pancakes?
So I can't complain.
And I think that when you expect to have success so quickly in the game and not get the results you want, you get disappointed and anxious and well, that doesn't help you in your treatment.
I would say it took about four-five weeks for my obsessive thoughts to get in a manageable state to a point where they don't phase me anymore.I may eat a bit more, but then I have to start going out for a walk more times a week, incorporate yoga more and well, do some rollerblading.
I may have trouble achieving an orgasm now but I am able to if I remain patient. This is a good thing for my partner as the drug has made me prolong my time in the bed. It's not a good thing when I want to have an orgasm on my own in the morning and I can't and well, that's my cup of coffee!
So I know there are good results for Effexor. I am surprised at the dosages people are taking but I am not a doctor and everyone's body is different. But maybe side effects are truly numerous in many individuals because of the large dosage.
I wish everyone good luck in finding their treatment. But remember to bring God or whatever spiritual partner you have along with you for the ride.
Hugs,
Gare
poster:Gare
thread:103350
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020416/msgs/103350.html