Posted by DustBuster on October 29, 2004, at 20:39:39
In reply to Re: Just starting on effexor, posted by ants on September 29, 2004, at 15:27:32
I also just started taking Effexor XR 37.5mg four days ago, as treatment for severe depression. This is the first time I've seen a psychiatrist about my problems, which have existed (untreated) for quite a number of years.
I am seeing many of the "normal" side effects, but nothing too bad. The worst was two days with hardly any sleep, but today I was able to get some. Sweats, foggy thinking, lots of extra energy. On the other hand, I really haven't felt bad or had any dark thoughts since.
I've been researching this drug on the net for the past two days, luckily found this site, and am now worried by all the negative comments, in particular about horrible withdrawl symptoms.
My next psych appt isn't for another 2 weeks, but I'm supposed to go to 75mg next week, the same day as my second appt with the therapist. I've been told to go to 150mg the following week (which will be before the dr appt).
I think I made a big mistake taking this med without researching it first. I guess I trusted the doctor (too much). I'm not sure what the best next step would be. Maybe I ought to quit now, and ask the dr if we can try a different SSRI first. Maybe I should just keep taking the meds and call him on Monday. Maybe I should find another doctor. Considering part of my depression is difficulty making decisions, this is a really, really tough one for me.
A couple things bothered me about the visit to the dr. First off, after nothing more than an hour's visit, he's giving me 3 weeks worth of drugs (effexor xr sample packs). He never once explained the seriousness of side effects or that I may have to take these drugs for life (even though I'm paying out of pocket, not using insurance). The second dr appt being 3 weeks after the first seems a little long, especially considering all the published warnings about closely monitoring blood pressure and other side effects. Lastly, when the therapist wrote down the titles of a couple of books to read, it was on green "Effexor XR" branded type post-it pad.
poster:DustBuster
thread:374803
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/newbs/20040812/msgs/408907.html