Afraid of taking Effexor XR-need advice

Heidiphobia · Post by **Heidiphobia** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 12:42 pm

Laura, Because you had bad reactions with Celexa and Paxil doesn't mean all meds will give you a bad reaction.

However, I need to let you know, a bad reaction can usually be temporary and happen in the first few weeks and then go away, never to return. At your worst the side effects will make you uncomfortable or give you flu-like symptoms, and the weakest you might have an occasional headache.

No one enjoys taking meds, or rather, Having to take them. I'm 30 and have been on prozac, Effexor, paxil, Zoloft, lithium, seroquel, lamictal, etc. and currently am on Cymbalta.

Now, none of these previous drugs, except maybe prozac, had any help for me. When I started Cymbalta (known for its bad side-effects), the first two weeks were terrible. I was naseous, upset, irritable.. but then, miracuously, as my body adjusted, I felt better and the medication began to work.

Efexor will not be a miracle pill. It can't fix everything and you won't wake up in the morning feeling great about everything bad in your life. But it can provide some help for you while you are dealing with this tough situation.

I would encourage you, as a non-professional and someone who is on the same page with you when it comes to anxiety and depression, to try the meds. You might be surprised that what you're feeling is part of your anxiety instead of rational fear about the meds. Anxiety can keep us from doing lots of things that are good for you.

Anne G · Post by **Anne G** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 12:25 pm

You may be worrying too much. Side effects may not be more intense or severe at a that dose. I was taking more than that. After the side effects wore off it was worth the wait for me to feel better. Lucinda and Dr. Ficher both say not to be afraid to try medication. I reluctantly started Lamictal 5 weeks ago. No side effects yet. My doctor and the box say if you experience them it will be within the first 8 weeks. I'm feeling better and I'm thinking positively because it's working and I'm in the 5th week and I pray that it's the right med. I'm tired of changing from one to another.

Debby Golightly · Post by **Debby Golightly** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 1:16 pm

Hey Laura

Just want to let you know that I am on Effexor and I had a few side effects at first. I have been on it a little more than a year from Peri-Menopause/or Mentalpause! Some of the side effects were dry mouth, sweating...some other side effects are energy and I lost about 10lbs. (i woundn't call them bad. However, now that I have been on about a year 150mg. it does not seem to be working at certain times of the month if you know what I mean and also, I believe I get more hot flashes. One thing I do notice now is that I HAVE NO MEMORY LEFT. I know some of that is hormonal. I am going to try to sloooowwwly wean myself off and work this program. I believe what Heidi says is true, you may be more afraid than you need to be. I guess it depends on how miserable you are. It is not that you can never get off of them, so if you feel on the edge...it will make you feel better. You can use it to get over the hump but still work the program, eating right, exercise, etc. We are all here for each other and we will walk through this with you if you want to try it without meds and we will be here for you if you want to try and see how you do.

Deb G

Laura V · Post by **Laura V** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 3:04 pm

Thank you, everyone for your comforting words and support. I'm going to try them on Saturday since I don't have any plans. Tomorrow(Friday) I am attending an anxiety group for the first time so I certainly don't want any side effects to get in the way and then I have some errands before the weekend. I'm really surprised at some of the high doses some of you take. I hope I can get by with the dose of 37.5mg per day. Not only am I taking it for my depression but also for my IBS; it's been getting worse lately and making it hard for me to get out of the house. Once again, thank you all!!!

Laura

Ronda E · Post by **Ronda E** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 6:03 am

Hey Laura - sorry, I didn't explain myself well. I am now at 37.5 every second day because I have reduced my dose. I used to be up at 150 mg everyday! The first time I took Effexor, it was about 3 years ago - I started at 37.5 each day, then up to 75 each day, then up to 150 each day, then after 6 months at 150, I started to come down again and gradually went off.

Then, in March (just about a year ago) it got 'hard' again (that's when I started the program) and I went back on them again. This time, because I was familiar with them, I went straight to 75 mg each day and then now have slowly come down. I think that's why my side-effects were pretty strong.

Don't worry. Honestly. When you find yourself worrying, just tell yourself positive thoughts that this medication is going to be the starting point for feeling better. I hope it works as well for you as it has for me!

Laura V · Post by **Laura V** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 7:54 am

Well, I started the Effexor today; the nausea is almost unbearable at times but so far that's the only side effect but of course with that who the heck feels like eating? Will this horrible nausea last ALL day until my body gets used to it? I have to be really careful about my weight as it is and my doctor doesn't want me to lose any more.
Laura

Ronda E · Post by **Ronda E** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 6:42 am

I found that it came and went in waves. I ate crackers and almonds when I found that I could eat and just 'rode it out'. I'm a 'little person' too and don't need to lose any weight, but did lose about 3 pounds. It passes! Honest!

Laura V · Post by **Laura V** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 6:59 am

Ronda-
I just couldn't handle taking another one today. My head is still pounding and my stomach upset so I'm going to just take it every other day like some other people said they were doing and work my way up. My body is so sensitive to meds that's why I hate having to be on any in the first place but my .5mg of Klonopin just wasn't working anymore and I'm afraid to up the dose on it. I'm 5'2" and weigh 105 now but my doctors don't want me to lose anymore weight. The last time I got down to 100 pounds and they were considering admitting me to the hospital but I refused and said I'd get myself better and once the overall stress of selling our house and moving to another state, starting a new job, was over I'd gain the weight back. Well, it did I got up to 116 but ever since I retired I've been losing weight again. due to the stressors of not being able to get a job(we still have three kids at home) our mortgage going up, and just the need to feel wanted and make some friends since I haven't made any since I've been here and my husband's always working or studying for college.
Laura

jimbobek · Post by **jimbobek** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 7:37 am

hi -- I've been taking 300mg (max dose) of this thing for a year now, recently reduced to 150mg. I noticed in the beginning I was really energized and wear-off effects are less than with SSRIs. But -- once I forgot a dose or to, withdrawals effects would kick in real quick and I felt awful. I guess it takes time to get off of it. Anyway - I found that this program so far has probably done more for me than a year of taking the med. Hope this helps.

Ronda E · Post by **Ronda E** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 6:15 am

Jimbobek - thank you for your info. That helps. As Laura mentioned, some of us take it every second day (I'm at 37.5 mg every other day) and I really want to go off it, but it is a challenge. I don't know if it is because of the drug itself or if I am just not ready to go 'solo'!

Laura, keep trying girl. It will work. I know it is really scary at first and I know exactly what you are saying. I am 5' 3" and about 105lbs, so I am in the same boat. If you need to start at 37.5 every other day, do it, but build up to one a day soon as it won't help you if you don't take it right?

When you are feeling afriad of the symptoms, just remind yourself - "taking this is going to get me to a place where I don't feel rotten everyday, this medication is going to help me". Part of your 'sick' feelings are probably from the anxiety of taking it as much as they are from taking it, so be sure to keep relaxing as you go. No matter what you are feeling, 'think' about what the truth is - the drug will help you, the symptoms will pass, you will get better!

Ronda