Posted by hemingwaykitten on September 30, 2009, at 22:33:32
Any info about Effexor XR jumping ship and leaving you high and dry would be appreciated. After 10 years, I have none to very little response to my 450 mg/dy of Effexor. MDD/GAD symptoms reappeared 2 months ago. Still responding to 1 mg/Klonopin 3x/dy as needed.
I'm back in college at 42 and the anxiety is overwhelming. I began treatment for MDD and GAD at 19. Effexor XR has quit working after 10 years (started 1999). I have all the symptoms of lack of serotonin, and MORE anxiety than when I started the drug.
I'm frustrated by Pdocs now trying to augment the Effexor XR with drugs which NEVER WORKED for me when I tried them the first time. List of failed drugs is LONG. Pamelor, BuSpar, Zoloft, Paxil, Wellbutrin, Provigil, Lexapro, Celexa, Neurontin, probably more I've forgotten. Prozac worked 1997-98 and pooped out. Effexor XR started at that point. It WAS my miracle drug.
I'm rapidly losing functionality. I can dress and feed myself, but have to force myself not to hide under the bed from fear. I was an avid reader, now I can't focus, comprehend or read properly. Extreme noise sensitivity, migraine-prone, easily distracted. Cannot organize my thoughts or keep up with simple homework or chores. Disability Services at college can only help so much with my instructors. No other drama, I should having the time of my life in school.
Augmentation with Clonidine, BuSpar both a bust. Now augmenting with Prozac and Neurontin. No response yet. I don't see the point. I've been through withdrawal of Effexor XR twice to try Celexa and Lexapro due to side effects. Withdrawals were not a party but managable with some Prozac to extend Effexor XR half-life.
I DON'T UNDERSTAND. ARE PDOCS THAT SCARED OF EFFEXOR? My opinion is start me on a different SNRI or give me ECT. I need a big gun for this beast. I can't flunk out of college after waiting 24 years for the opportunity to attend. 24 years of MDD/GAD making me a spectator in my own life is ENOUGH!
All feedback is appreciated, thanks!
poster:hemingwaykitten
thread:919213
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/neuro/20090701/msgs/919213.html