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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Poppi on October 19, 2003, at 0:13:51
Hello folks
I'm new to this board and will start off with my apoligies for not reading all the prior posts that would probably answer my questions. Just don't have the time or patience. There must be hundreds.
My problems: Started last May when I had a fishing trip planned (annual event) and as the time neared I became anxious and really dreading what is usually a really fun week. The day I was to leave I got up sick to my stomach and extremely on edge. This feeling only got worse as the day progressed. It was so bad that I called my friend to say that I couldn't possibly drive 10 hrs. feeling that way.I didn't go.
After 2 weeks of that awfull feeling I went to my Doc. Explained the best I could how I was feeling. He seemed to think that I had lingering effects from a virus. Probably Norwalk.
Two more weeks and I felt worse than I've felt in my life. Doc. did all kinds of tests (blood, urine, ct scans, etc.). Nothing wrong phsically!!
Four more weeks and 30 less pounds (did I mention I could't eat) the Doc. put me on effexor. Gradually up to 150 per day. Still felt like crap. Two weeks later I started feeling better and could eat again.
Am now 50 pounds lighter and feel good again. Enough of my whining, my questions are:
(1) Why would I ever want to quit taking this
drug?(2) Are there side effects that outweigh the
benefits?(3) I have seen posts here speaking of
withdrawal symptoms. If I stop taking the
drug then what can I expect?(4) I have seen posts here about weight gain.
I have experienced the opposite. Is this
abnormal?Sorry for the Tome. This depression is a new deal for me and at 60 years of age kinda depressing. Pun intended!!
Posted by Bridge on October 19, 2003, at 1:54:22
In reply to Effexor or what??, posted by Poppi on October 19, 2003, at 0:13:51
hello poppi
I can answere only one of your questions.
**Do not** i repeat **do not** stop effexor abruptly as it says on manufucturer's leaflet. Take as long as you cud (you and your doc can decided this) to taper it down. I ended up stopping 3days and went thru withdrawal as if I was a junky (as non junky person can imagine)on some movie segment, locked up in a place for detox.
If you received prescription from your Doc other than Psychiatris, S/He may not be familiar with severe, but notorious withdraw symptoms.
I wonder if it is working for you and 150 mg dose not sound a lot...why wud you want to stop?
Posted by Robert Fairburn on October 19, 2003, at 5:56:28
In reply to Effexor or what??, posted by Poppi on October 19, 2003, at 0:13:51
Poppi
Be thankful that the drug is working for you. Just keep in mind that depression for many people is a physical illness no different from any other sickness. Something goes wrong with your bodies biochemistry and you start feeling ill. You take your medicine and if helps correct the problem. Dont over complicate thing in your mind. Just keep taking your medicine and start living again. One word of advise do NOT stop taking your medicine on your own advise. You must taper off slowly in consultation with your docter.
Regards Robert
Posted by Poppi on October 19, 2003, at 22:57:45
In reply to Effexor or what??, posted by Poppi on October 19, 2003, at 0:13:51
Thanks Bridge and Robert for your responses. I do not intend to stop the medication now or in the foreseable future. Only the sexual effects give me cause for concern. Compared to the way I felt before Effexor I can live with that. What about the withdrawal symtoms I see discussed here so much?? Shock? What does that mean? Nervousness? What does that mean? I was so nervous before that I could thread a needle while rideing a bucking bronc. Still am but accept that as part of life.
I know that there will come a time when I stop taking this drug for whatever reason and would like to know what to expect.Any thoughts appreciated??
This is the end of the thread.
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