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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by doriesmith on January 11, 2007, at 14:18:06
I am new to this site. I was prescribed Effexor after seeing my doctor on Tuesday. I've taken 37.5 mg each day for two days. Next Wednesday I start taking 75 mg each day. So far I haven't noticed any side effects at all which is good because Tuesday night I did a search and came up with this site and I read the posts on Effexor. It scared me! Maybe I'll be one of the lucky ones. I've suffered from depression my entire life. I was under the mistaken impression that I didn't need meds because I wasn't suicidal. I've never wanted to end my life, just avoid it. I did alot of that during my bad first marriage but I have an absolutely fantastic husband now and I don't want to avoid life or miss out on being with my family and feeling good. My depression is worsened by monthly cycle and two years ago my gyno put me on Sarafem to deal with severe mood swings. It took the edge off them but never completely cleared up the problem. I avoid life by sleeping all the time. Monday was the last straw for me. I slept all night, got my 3 kids up, fed them, got them dressed and ready for school, dropped them off and then went home and back to bed where I stayed until I needed to pick the twins up from kindergarten at noon. I then picked them up, came home, gave them a snack and put them down for a nap. I then went back to bed. This is typical of my behavior during my period. I hate living this way and my family deserves better. I'm depressed at other times of the month but it's most severe about 10 days a month, the days preceding and during my period. I really think my depression is a big reason why my first marriage ended. Anyway, I finally had enough and went to the doctor on Tuesday. I am supposed to see a psychologist and see my regular doctor in three weeks for a complete physical. She took me off the Sarafem. Anyway, thanks for reading my post and if you have any suggestions for me, please post. Thanks.
Posted by cubic_me on January 14, 2007, at 13:48:45
In reply to New to Site and new to taking A/D medication, posted by doriesmith on January 11, 2007, at 14:18:06
Hi there, welcome to the site.
I've been on Effexor and everyone has different experiences with it. Lots of people go on and off it with no problems at all. I hope it's like that for you.
Have you thought about hormonal treatment for your depression? It seems like it's coming at certain times of the month, so something like the oral contraceptive pill or injection may help to even things out for you.
You'll be more likely to get some helpful advice on the main board (for medication), and the other boards for anything else.
I hope you find it helpful here.
Posted by doriesmith on January 14, 2007, at 14:40:06
In reply to Re: New to Site and new to taking A/D medication » doriesmith, posted by cubic_me on January 14, 2007, at 13:48:45
Thank you for your response.
I am just hopeful and optimistic that this medication is going to do the trick for me. I am tired of suffering and my family suffering as well. I can ask my doctor at my next follow up visit about the HRT you suggested. She wanted me to have a full physical before doing anything further. Other than the dry mouth I have had no other side effects but my dosage goes up in four days so we will see with the additional meds. Yes, I know my hormones are a big factor. I was on the pill until I had my tubal ligation after the twins were born six years ago. Approximately ten days a month I'm a mess and two of those days I don't want to leave the house or have visitors, I just want to stay in bed and sleep all day. I tend to deal with all stress or upsets that way, I retreat to the bedroom and climb into bed. My hubby and I were talking last night about how I react to things (he's very loving and supportive) and I said at least my method of avoidance is better than turning to drugs or alcohol. I do overeat though and my weight yo-yo's from 175 to the 140's. I am praying that the Effexor will kill my appetite rather than lead to weight gain as others have mentioned as a side effect. I am trying Nutrisystem to lose 20 pounds to get down to my goal weight. I know my doctor wants me to exercise daily for the good endorphin rush. Anyway, I am thankful to have the support of others on this website. Thanks again for your response!> Hi there, welcome to the site.
>
> I've been on Effexor and everyone has different experiences with it. Lots of people go on and off it with no problems at all. I hope it's like that for you.
>
> Have you thought about hormonal treatment for your depression? It seems like it's coming at certain times of the month, so something like the oral contraceptive pill or injection may help to even things out for you.
>
> You'll be more likely to get some helpful advice on the main board (for medication), and the other boards for anything else.
>
> I hope you find it helpful here.
Posted by cubic_me on January 14, 2007, at 15:20:48
In reply to Re: New to Site and new to taking A/D medication » cubic_me, posted by doriesmith on January 14, 2007, at 14:40:06
I do the sleeping thing when things get bad too. You're right, it is better than some coping strategies, but still not great!
I hope the Effexor works for you so you can get your life back.
cubic_me
Posted by dmtd3b on January 15, 2007, at 20:06:00
In reply to Re: New to Site and new to taking A/D medication » doriesmith, posted by cubic_me on January 14, 2007, at 15:20:48
Hi! I've been on Effexor, too, and it worked fine for me and I didnt have any major side effects. If it seems to be working out for you, then great! Go with it and hope it stays that way... I had to try 3 different ADs before I found one that worked for me and didn't have major side effects, so good for you if you got it on your first try! :)
Hope you like it here.
This is the end of the thread.
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