Stress Center Peer Support

I have been on Effexor for about 8 years now. It has done wonders for me except I have gained 25 lbs and I don't want to be on medicatoion for the rest of my life. I went off meds for about 4 mths and was a total wreck. I went back on then finally decided to buy the progrAM. Do you think this can help? without meds? Haven;t started program and am a little scared. want to go off Effexor. Can this program help?

I can understand were your coming from.When I first decided to get some help for what ever I was going through,I was told I had social anxiety disorder.One of the first drugs I was put on was effexor.For me I didnt feel any different on the drugs than off,it just added more problems to my plate.I found out after being on effexor for a while that it makes you really sick to come off it.I was upset becouse I was only trying to get better and was not counting on being on meds for the rest of my life.I quit cold turkey and stopped going to treatment and put all my cards on this program.I started in Jan. 07 and yes you can get better without drugs.I didnt like walking around zombie like,at one point I was taking 9 different pills a day.Trying to do what the program offers has really changed my life.Everybodys different,you should get more info on which way is the best path for you.Stay positive,you make it

I was diagnosed with depression, ocd and general anxiety disorder. Tried a couple of other things and combinations before getting Effexor.I've been on Effexor about 1 1/2 years and it has helped me a lot. I guess I'm not upset taking meds - some of this is tracable to a very real chemical imbalance in the brain. And I've been taking meds for thyroid and reflux for years - those conditions are not going to change, so you take what you need.
I started the program in December and can really see a change; it's not all better yet, but I can see a light at the end of the tunnel: the depression is gone, I even had an afternoon that was marvelous - no worries, no anxiety and freedom to just do what I wanted to, relax and enjoy the time.
I've gained weight too, six pounds since I started the program. I guess I have to find other ways to reward myself than food!
Hang in there, you'l make it.

If it makes you feel better take it. So if you have to be on medication for the rest of your life? If you had diabetes as I do, you would have to be on meds the rest of your life. Really what is the difference. If Effexor makes you sick then its not the right medication for you. There are a number of products out there. I know because I have tried most of them. Good Luck and don't worry so much about taking meds. God gave us the smarts to make them. Just don't abuse them.

I've tried Lexapro and Zoloft and both make me very sick to my stomach. I know they say that will go away, but I just can't stand being so sick to my stomach. How do you handle that or what antidepressants will not make a person nauseated?

Laura V:
Drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision and dry mouth. The dry mouth stayed with me. I didn't drive while experiencing side effects, but they did pass after about 2 weeks. Sugar free candy helped with the taste and bad breath that dry mouth creates, but I had to keep it in my mouth all of the time. Drinking lots of water helped, but it didn't last long. I too have IBS but I had it before the Effexor. It didn't make it worse. Also, my primary physician hooked me up with Myralax. Try it. It worked for me. IBS isn't as painful or annoying although it still exists. I do not get constipated anymore which was making IBS more painful. After 1 week I felt the difference. 3 days later the constipation and pain came back. I took the Myralax one more time and I haven't been constipated since. That was many months ago, early last fall I think. My psychiatrist never says take with or without food. He says in my case it doesn't matter. But because my stomach is wrecked(I take many preventative meds including aspirin and lipitor and a multi-vitamin-all hard on the stomach). I take all meds with milk, LOTS of water or with food. I was doing that before the Effexor. I am currently taking prevacid for acid reflux and my gastroenterologist told me I would have to take it for the rest of my life-knowing my anxiety is severe and assuming I would never be able to get rid of it. My stress goes straight to my stomach and digestive system. I no longer have reflux, but my stomach is still messed up. Effexor was great for me and still is for a friend of mine. My sister took it and she had the same side effects. Hers went away also and it didn't make her sick. I don't know anyone else who takes it.

Hi sealily, I am a 41 year old single Mom. I too have been on effexor 150mg/day except I have been on it for alot longer than yourself..8yrs. I had tried all different kinds but they made me terribly sick. I to went through a time when I was very worried about taking meds. I went into my Dr who understands depression and anxiety very well. I told him I felt like a failure because I had to take meds and others could go off. As he explained to me...every one is different, everyone's body make up is different. It certainly did not make me a failure for needing to be on meds, but rather making a better life because I can now do alot of things I could not do with my kids that I absolutly could not do with out the meds. I am a third generation in my family that has both the depression and anxiety. I have gotten past the point of where I feel like a failure because I take medications for it. I turn it around and look at the positives now..Just know you are not alone and that you are doing great. With this program I am working towards being a better person and being able to have the tools to work through the day to day things in a great positive outlook.
Be well, and know we are all here for you and we all understand.
Wheredidigo..

this program will help--most definately.

some people find that they're better off with at least a low dose of medication to help them focus on their responsibilties (including the program).

as you go through the program (carefully, acccording to the suggestions!)--you may find it easier to make a decision.

MC Grace is right. I couldn't focus on reading a book, much less do the program. As suggested by Lucinda and Dr. Fischer I needed med help too. I'm currently taking Lamictal although I'm not bi-polar, but it is helping slow down my thoughts enough to get the clarity I need to think positively and do the program. Also, I was on Effexor primarily for irritability. It worked. I don't take it anymore because I no longer need it. I am waiting to try an anti-depressant again until the Lamictal levels off. Then I'll go from there. I still have underlying depression, but it's not nearly as bad as it was before my hysterectomy.

The only thing that helps my stomach with all meds and vitamins is to never take them on an empty stomach. I drink a LOT of water before I take my meds and keep drinking water or milk, giving the meds plenty of time to dissolve in the liquid, not on my stomach. I went to a gastroenterologist and had an endoscopy. My whole stomach lining was red and inflamed. I ended up on Prevacid, and still am, which has given me total relief. It prevents stomach burn and acid reflux. Even when I eat before meds I drink. It helps me. I took Cymbalta once and that stuff about killed me. I just couldn't stand it. I dropped it. But I'm not having trouble with meds on my stomach anymore.