Posted by Paco on January 11, 2004, at 22:47:07
In reply to Re: Am I the only one here that likes Effexor? » Paco, posted by Zellie on January 11, 2004, at 21:12:26
I wouldn't mind being off of it, especially if I don't need it anymore. Unfortuantely, there is only one way that I know of to find out if I don't need it! And I am pretty sure my doc suggests spring or summer for going off it because I am quite prone to Seasonal Effective Disorder.
As for an emergency dose, I've got a container on my keychain that I keep a couple of capsules in. I also am quite involved in backcountry sports (climbing, backpacking, cross-country skiing, etc.), so I keep a one-week supply in a waterproof container in my first-aid kit in case something goes wrong. I imagine the anxiety of being stuck outdoors for whatever reason would certainly be worsened by having to deal with Effexor withdrawl too!
Anyway, I'm glad it works for you too, and I hope you have continued relief.
Paco
> I am encouraged to hear of your positive experience with Effexor. Everyone has a different story to tell, some pleasant, some not.
>
> I, too, am very pleased with Effexor. It has changed my life completely. I have GAD, Major Depression, ADHD, and for 2 decades I had Panic Attacks as well. At 42, I now have peace for the first time, and I finally no longer wish I were dead. My life and my home are unquestionably happier.
>
> My side effects are minimal, and whatever I do experience is worth it in my case. The benefits far, far, far outweigh the side-effects, for me.
>
> By the way, I have learned from several sources that, the earlier the onset of symptoms, and the greater the number of occurrences, the greater the odds are that that person may require meds indefinitely. I am a perfect example of a person who will likely always require meds to control my symptoms and help me function in a healthy way.
>
> I have discovered that many doctors seem to want to wean their patients off their meds as soon as their depression/GAD has been under control for 6-12 months. In some instances, this may be beneficial. But I have friends who are very fearful of going back to the life they once lived, once their meds are reduced or eliminated. They've had depression in their lives for years (decades), and, therefore, may be quite prone to a return to that state if taken off their meds.
>
> As I said, according to the plentiful readings I have perused, and according to my own pdoc, there are many patients who ought to never be off the meds (if not Effexor, then one that is optimal for that patient). Why does there seem to be such a push to get them off? There is much evidence that indicates that there will be a return of the old symptoms, because their problem is chronic, and not just an isolated experience of depression.
>
> You may want to research it yourself. Amazon has the book, The Mayo Clinic on Depression (by Keith, Md. Kramlinger). This is one book that had a really good summary of the matter, in my opinion. You may want to ask about remaining on Effexor or another anti-depressant, indefinitely.
>
> If you do decrease or come right off of Effexor, ask your doc to take you down by baby, baby steps, allowing at least a month, if not 2 or 3, each time you are titrated down. This will help minimize intensity of the side-effects.
>
> In the meantime, you may wish to carry an emergency pill or two with you, so that, if you wind up unexpectedly away from home when you usually take your dose, you'll have it with you. I recommend that you use one of those daily pill holders, too, so that you can check to see if you've had your pills (I can take mine, and then within a minute not remember if I've taken it...so I just check the pill box). I certainly don't want to miss a dose or be late in taking it, nor do I want to double up, if I ever cannot remember whether I've taken my meds.
>
> I wish you much continued success.
>
> Kindest regards,
> Zellie
poster:Paco
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040109/msgs/299627.html