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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 Loki on December 1, 2004, at 1:07:20
I took effexor for about 2 years and suffered huge weight gain, blurred vision when changing dosages, and the itching others have mentioned. After seeing a naturopath who changed my diet and increased my exercise, he convinced me to wean off the Effexor. The withdrawal was torture for 6 weeks. Blurred vision, tingling in limbs, anxiety. I swore I would never go back on Effexor. My depressive symptoms crept back and I went on to Celexa for the past 2 years.
I have never felt as good mood wise as when I was on Effexor but I can't believe that I'm considering going back on it. Depression is worse than ever. If I take the amount of Celexa I need 60 mgs I get so dry that I get respiratory complications and even got pneumonia last winter. My shrink has tried a few "cocktails" to give me a boost, but I've never felt worse.
Am I nuts to go back to Effexor?
Posted by leos on December 1, 2004, at 11:33:55
In reply to Thinking of Going back to Effexor, posted by Loki on December 1, 2004, at 1:07:20
Hi Loki -
All AD's have SE's, it's a matter of how much you are willing to tolerate to feel better mentally. I know we're tired of being depressed and being on meds w/SE's - we don't seem to get a break. Diet & exercise will help 100%. I suggest trying the Effexor again and sticking to the diet & exercise (it may even help with the SE's). From my own experience, spirituality IS a lifesaver...best of luck to you!
Posted by MKB on December 1, 2004, at 11:45:09
In reply to Thinking of Going back to Effexor, posted by Loki on December 1, 2004, at 1:07:20
I found, as have others, that Effexor also has a severe drying effect. Only you know what's best for you, but I did want to point that out as a consideration.
Posted by Racer on December 1, 2004, at 19:48:44
In reply to Thinking of Going back to Effexor, posted by Loki on December 1, 2004, at 1:07:20
If it worked for you, and you are willing to risk the weight gain in order to have that relief, then by all means go back to Effexor. (Or ask your doctor about trying Cymbalta first, to see if it helps as well as Effexor did.)
For the weight gain, there are things you can do with your doctor's help to minimise it. Topomax, Glucophage, and a few other medications will help reduce the weight gain, for example. Also, there's always the option of asking your doctor to refer you to a Registered Dietitian for help with diet.
Are you nuts? Yeah, of course you are, since you need an anti-depressant. The real question is what kind of nut are you? Personally, I'm a filbert -- because I'm little and round :-D Maybe you're a cashew? They're always good.
(And please excuse the teasing, it's meant kindly. I don't think you're nuts at all for wanting relief from depression -- and I don't think you're nuts for considering the medication that worked for you. Best luck.)
This is the end of the thread.
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