Posted by T_R_D on April 2, 2003, at 10:00:26
In reply to New to Effexor XR « Ssunflower, posted by Dr. Bob on April 1, 2003, at 22:58:34
> [Posted by Ssunflower on April 1, 2003, at 12:46:54]
>
> > Hi...I just started effexor a week ago and am not too familiar with it as my Dr. did not go into much detail. He told me to take 37.5 mgs for a week and if I did not feel better to keep increasing it each week but yet others tell me that it can take up to six weeks to notice changes...not a week. My Dr. was not very informative at all and I am venturing to find a new one. Could you please enlighten me as to the pros and cons of this med. I've stuggled with depression off and on for years and this is the 6th med that I am trying. I went without meds for years because I did not feel taking pills was the answer. I was totally relying on my faith but then I got worse so I had to go on something! Anyone else feel the same? Thank's in advance for your advice. God Bless...Ssunflower
>
>Hi Ssunflower, I was on Effexor for 4 years (but am in the process switching to something new.) One other reason you need to increased the dosages slowly are because of possible side effects. Unfortunately, anti-depressants can make you feel rather ill until they reach a therapeutic dose where they actually start doing some good. If you jumped right in at therapeutic minimum you might have side effects so severe you'd want to just forget the drug altogether...it could be intolerable!
Effexor is a good drug. It worked well for me for those years. I chose to stop taking it because either the drug or some breakthrough depression managed to crop up and cause some complications in my life. It's still an option for me if nothing else will work...I think I would go back on it.
Another key thing to remember is that our depressions and our body chemistries are all different. What might work for someone may not work for you. One person may find the side effects do not go away or are severe, one person may stay on the drug forever because it works so well. I know it's hard but it is SO important to have patience. I have something called Treatment Resistant Depression (hence my nickname on the board) and often suffer from breakthrough episodes. As a result, I was on 375mg of Effexor a day plus taking a thyroid drug to "boost" the anti-depressant. It got a little crazy at times but once I made some allowances everything went smoothly.
I'm not sure what more I should add. Oh yes, if you're feling uncomfortable with your doc', by all means, find someone else! A trusting relationship is so necessary when you're being treated for deression.
Good luck and keep us "post"ed!
Karen
poster:T_R_D
thread:215300
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030402/msgs/215381.html