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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by pashmena on October 3, 2005, at 22:35:08
Hi, I am new to this site. I have just been prescribed effexor xr for mild depression and anxiety. I am so scared after reading all these posts that effexor will make me totally screwed up. Is there a chance that it will make me irrepairably worse? what r the chances of it making me feel better? Ugh, i am so confused, i just need someone who knows about it to talk to me. I am only 21 and i really want to have my normal life back. NOTHING happened in my life to make me be this way, I dont know how it happened, it was like overnight.
Posted by Ilene on October 3, 2005, at 22:58:55
In reply to Terrified to take my effexor xr!, posted by pashmena on October 3, 2005, at 22:35:08
> Hi, I am new to this site. I have just been prescribed effexor xr for mild depression and anxiety. I am so scared after reading all these posts that effexor will make me totally screwed up. Is there a chance that it will make me irrepairably worse? what r the chances of it making me feel better? Ugh, i am so confused, i just need someone who knows about it to talk to me. I am only 21 and i really want to have my normal life back. NOTHING happened in my life to make me be this way, I dont know how it happened, it was like overnight.
I had no problems *taking* Effexor, but I had problems getting off it. Other people have withdrawn from it w/ fewer problems.
It's not your fault you got this disease.
I.
Posted by linkadge on October 4, 2005, at 16:31:26
In reply to Re: Terrified to take my effexor xr! » pashmena, posted by Ilene on October 3, 2005, at 22:58:55
Please do not take effexor for mild depression. Try St. John's wort, or omega 3 fatty acids (look on the alternative section of this board).
You will get addicted to it, and your depression will morph into something worse.
Linkadge
Posted by blueberry on October 4, 2005, at 17:03:13
In reply to Terrified to take my effexor xr!, posted by pashmena on October 3, 2005, at 22:35:08
I agree with the previous post that milder alternative methods should be tried first.
Two things come to mind. Magnesium Glycinate, which is calming and sometimes has antidepressant qualities in some people, especially if you don't get enough magnesium in your diet. The glycine part of it is very relaxing, as is the magnesium itself. Daily dose is 400mg, some people take 800mg, but I find that even just 50mg is quite calming.
St Johns Wort...Kira brand, which is the LI160 formula used in clinical studies, found at Rite Aid drug stores, supermarkets. If you go this route, take a pill, cut it into quarters, and start with just 1/4 pill in the morning. See how it goes that day. Increase the dose as fast as you can, shooting for an eventual goal of 2 to 3 pills a day. If it is going to work for you, you should feel some difference in your mood and anxiety within a window varying anywhere from 4 days to 2 weeks. If it is making a difference, stick with it for more benefits as the weeks pass.
If that fails, then on to the prescriptions probably. But I would not start with effexor. My doc hardly even prescribes it anymore simply because it is so hard to get off of if it doesn't work out. Lexapro might be a better choice, based on clinical studies, and because it is a pill that can be easily cut into custom sizes.
Anyway, just a few ideas to think about.
Posted by Phillipa on October 4, 2005, at 19:40:22
In reply to Re: Terrified to take my effexor xr!, posted by blueberry on October 4, 2005, at 17:03:13
Since I've joined this Board one of the things I've learned is that once you start a med if you stop it and need to continue it again it may not work. I would suggest talking with your pdoc some more and maybe google Effexor below on this board. Good luck with whatever you decide to do. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Emily Elizabeth on October 4, 2005, at 20:22:42
In reply to Terrified to take my effexor xr!, posted by pashmena on October 3, 2005, at 22:35:08
Two things:
1. Did your doc check thyroid levels, etc? That is VERY important b/c you could have something else going on that is resulting in these problems, ESPECIALLY since you said that nothing happened, you just woke up this way.
2. Consider doing talk therapy. It can be very helpful and have lasting benefits. It may be a way to avoid meds entirely.
Best,
EE
Posted by tizza on October 5, 2005, at 0:12:18
In reply to Re: Terrified to take my effexor xr! » pashmena, posted by Emily Elizabeth on October 4, 2005, at 20:22:42
If this is your first line of treatment or first depression/anxiety episode, I agree with the others. Try some natural remedies first unless you are very ill, feeling suicidal or have anxiety that is starting to ruin your normal day life. Effexor xr should not be given as a first line anti depressant unless you are in a very bad way and not coping with the world? Have you tried other anti depressants before, if not, something lighter like prozac might be a better choice to discuss with your pdoc. This is just my personal opinion. Everyone is different and needs different meds, good luck and do some more research. I understand your hesitation.
Posted by Bill LL on October 5, 2005, at 14:21:32
In reply to Terrified to take my effexor xr!, posted by pashmena on October 3, 2005, at 22:35:08
I strongly, but respectfully, disagree with the other people who responded to your post. Effexor is a very safe and effective medication. It's true that if and when you discontinue it you may have a tough time for a while. But if you discontinue it very gradually over a period of a few weeks, and take Prozac during that time period, it shouldn't be too bad.
I do not think that it is too strong as a first medication. Doctors often prescibe it as the first antidepressant for a patient, especially if anxiety is present along with depression.
From reading a lot of articles about Effexor, it does not cause any permanent damage. The advantage of reading posts is to learn from others. The disadvantage is that one will be afraid to try a given drug since people who have problems with the drug are more likely to post than others. So keep things in perspective.
I have tried over the counter drugs such as St Johns Wort and other supplements but had little or no success. Also, I have read more disapointing posts about these alternative treatments than success stories. Once again I respect other people's views and experiences, but I personally think that you would be wasting your time with these.
In general, prescription drugs for anxiety and depression are more effective as well as safer than alternative over the counter drugs, herbs, and supplements.
As far as therapy is concerned, most doctors seem to agree that therapy without medication is not very effective. You need to control your symptoms first with medication, and then consider therapy if you want to.
> Hi, I am new to this site. I have just been prescribed effexor xr for mild depression and anxiety. I am so scared after reading all these posts that effexor will make me totally screwed up. Is there a chance that it will make me irrepairably worse? what r the chances of it making me feel better? Ugh, i am so confused, i just need someone who knows about it to talk to me. I am only 21 and i really want to have my normal life back. NOTHING happened in my life to make me be this way, I dont know how it happened, it was like overnight.
Posted by Emily Elizabeth on October 5, 2005, at 21:01:25
In reply to Re: Terrified to take my effexor xr!, posted by Bill LL on October 5, 2005, at 14:21:32
Bill, I have to respectfully disagree with this part of your post:
>
> As far as therapy is concerned, most doctors seem to agree that therapy without medication is not very effective. You need to control your symptoms first with medication, and then consider therapy if you want to.The research literature paints a mixed picture and it is a stretch to say that most doc's agree that meds are superior. There are many studies that support the idea that both have equally good outcomes. Also, it depends on what outcome you are looking at: functioning in 2 weeks or 20 weeks or 2 years? Symptoms or overall happiness? Etc., etc.
Most insurance companies agree that meds are better b/c it is cheaper for them. There are different costs and benefits for each type of treatment, meds or therapy. Everyone needs to make their own decision what will be best for them.
Best,
EE
This is the end of the thread.
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