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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by AJ_82 on May 28, 2004, at 11:38:58
Hi.
I am new to this site, but I found out about it while looking for some information on Depression and effexor.
I'm 22 years old and my family doctor (G.P.) recently diagnosed me with mild depression and generalized anxiety disorder. I feel that maybe I'm rushing into the medication side of therapy.
Do G.P's usually prescribe meds like this?I've tried to expalin it to my family so they understand why I'm taking Effexor, but they think it is silly and I can just "think happy thoughts" and be better. I've been feeling horrible for the past 7-8 months...crying all the time, so tired I can barley drag one foot in front of the other and always anxious. That isnt something you can think your way out of.
I was wondering if there is anyone out there in this position or if anyone has some advice? It would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
AJ
Posted by roobie on May 28, 2004, at 14:09:39
In reply to Starting Effexor for the first time, posted by AJ_82 on May 28, 2004, at 11:38:58
AJ - I can totally relate to you... I was in my early 30's before it finally hit me, that I wasn't 'me' anymore. I could go to parties and 'have fun' but I just hated the way I was feeling inside. I was always moody and snippy; now I know certain things can be triggers (like my mom :)) but I was downright ANGRY and had no idea why. My husband and I were in Hawaii and I was MISERABLE... IN HAWAII?????
Finally my friend convinced me to try Paxil. Lord knows did I notice a change in her. I pulled my mom's pysch doc aside to tell him that I always feel balled-up, angry, like road-rage all the time. He gave me some 10mg samples and no kidding by about 10days, I was like WOW LIFE is GREAT!! (now I realize there is a placebo affect...) but I continued and I really just started to ENJOY things and didn't get irritated quickly. I went on 20mg from my GP to help with this anxiety.
I never told my parents because I didn't want to upset them (my mom obviously has bigger psych issues, not hereditary), but my husband and friends noticed the change in demeanor.
HOWEVER, after some time, (we) also noticed the WEIGHT change. AND I started feeling like not doing anything (other family issues - my dad has cancer... started contributing). I think more depression that the Paxil wasn't really addressing. So, after getting thoroughly checked out and found perfectly healthy, my GP suggested EFFEXOR. I actually found out about it from a friend who said it helps her. She said it 'should' help with weight too plus what I may have been feeling of depression.
Now several other chats say Effexor DOES make you gain weight... I did not read that in the official side-affects, but gee I hope not!! I've been in size 10 for years, which is great for my build...12 sucks!! :) OH, and lets not forget...NO ORGASMS with Paxil. Effexor is supposed to be better.
So far I feel 'good' although I WAS really SNIPPY the first few days, which I think was coming off the Paxil and building up the F-X-OR.
Anyway, NO one can tell you to just BE HAPPY.. they are not in your shoes or your head for that matter. It is NOTHING to be ashamed of!! You recognize in yourself that 'something' isn't right and you are taking postive steps to fix it. Be cognitive of how you feel from when you start taking it and keep in mind it really takes a little time to get the full effect. If something isn't right, don't be afraid to go back to your doctor. Depending on your issues, you may want to throw in some counselling.
But honestly, with so much MORE in our lives than our parents and now science can help where it couldn't help others, why stay miserable?
Yes, there are side affects some people will warn you about, but I think the % of bad is WAY less than the GOOD; of course BAD gets the news!!
Stay true to yourself. You are the only person you have to answer to; if you find out it's not helping...try something else.
Roobie
Posted by Possibility on June 1, 2004, at 17:02:46
In reply to Starting Effexor for the first time, posted by AJ_82 on May 28, 2004, at 11:38:58
You're message sounds exactly like me. I also found this site when researching on Effexor XR. I was also diagnosed with depression and GAD/Panic. I was diagnosed after several suicide attempts almost 2 years ago. At first I denied drug treatment. I am very stubborn and wanted to help myself, through meditation or reading positive self-help books. It worked I guess for a while. Im pretty good at hiding my problems. That was the thing, I wasnt dealing with anything. I was in University so if I was having a "bad day", I simply just stayed home. Now that Im am recently graduating, I have to start working and being able to function like an adult in this fast-paced world. I have recently gone on Effexor XR (just 5 days now). Im not sure its working yet. I want to wait and see. My panic/anxiety is less but i just sort of feel mellow and like not doing too much. Anyway, what I wanted to say to you is that you are definately not alone. And as I say that to you, I am reminded that I also feel alone in this struggle to feel "normal". But reading your message and seeing that it is similar to mine, I am reminded that there are others who struggle with this type of illness. My parents also think that I shouldnt be on anything. They think Im giving up. I dont have much support at home but I do know that I am not giving up. I am working towards the goal of feeling better. Whatever treatment you choose, know that it is your decision and that it will take a while before you can learn to cope with these types of problems.
Good Luck.
This is the end of the thread.
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