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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 2 of 2. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Tabby22 on March 7, 2001, at 10:46:26
Hi everyone. I am a newcomer to this board and I can't believe I'm not alone in this nightmare.
I have been taking effexor for 4 years now. I admit it has helped my depression when other antidepressants wouldn't, but now, after all these years, the side-effects are unbearable.
I am so tired all the time, which makes caring for my handicapped daughter almost impossible. My husband is always irritable, because the sexual side-effects have left me with no desire for sex at all. Other side effects include weight gain, memory loss, muscle spasms, and others.
When I started this drug, my doctor assured me I wouldn't be on it permanently. Now, I wonder if I can ever go off this drug without affecting the good it has done. I have tried to wean myself off of this drug, but being off of it was worse than the condition I started taking it for in the first place.
I am tired of drugs. Is there any hope of being OK, and not on effexor???
Posted by mikel on March 7, 2001, at 17:37:40
In reply to Will I ever be OK without effexor?, posted by Tabby22 on March 7, 2001, at 10:46:26
I've been on AD's for only 2 years, but from what
I've read and experienced, I've come to accept the fact there is a good chance I'll never be able to be completely free of meds.
But, once I was able to accept this, I have become
determined to find one that works and has acceptable side effects. I've gone from Prozac to Celexa to Serzone. It's early, but I have a good feeling about the serzone.
You say you've tried others, but there's probably
some you have not, and there are new ones all the time (at least every year or two). Also how about augmentation
strategies that may let you be able to lower the
dose of effexor? Also, do you see a GP or psychiatrist? I'd recomend the latter, but you need to find a good one, and don't be afraid to
dump them if you don't like them- there's plenty to choose from.
I know it is hard to get on and off AD's, but what
is the alternative?
Good luck, be brave, and remember you deserve to be happy, damnit.
This is the end of the thread.
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