[noselfimage]

Im not taking a chance taking effexor XR, I been readng what people had to say about it and it seems like a nightmare. IM doing really, really bad. but atleast I never think about killing my self. I don't want to take this drug that will make me feel great and I will go crazy when I get off of it. I took one last night and guess what?( I felt so good already, it alrady worked) but I wont take any more because of what I been hearing from others and what I been reading on the site. I heard a few good storys, but most were negative. I will go workout like crazy starting tomorrow, this might take care of the problem. peace.

[SeptemberMorn]

You're looking at taking meds in the wrong way. Meds don't make you want to kill yourself. If your doc is a good one, he'll monitor your effects on the med. SSRI's don't work that fast. It takes from 2 weeks to a month or even six weeks to begin to feel the effects.

While you're cutting your chances of having ill effects from the med, you're also cutting your chances of ever feeling better.

I hope you reconsider.




<font color=blue>"Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt" --Shakespeare</font color=blue>

[noselfimage]

Thanks sept

I remember used saying ( I think Im going crazy ). Now I can say, IM crazy lol. Im dying inside and I have no control of anything any more. It's just too late I think. I can't feel or think. IM not here, Im not there. Im just not me or anyone or anything anymore. I was giving effexor XR and I've read so many bad things about it from people who have used it, and I've read a couple of good storys. The thing is 90 % were bad , really bad, nightmare. But then again Im doing very bad. I been drug free for years and Im getting worst. and at the same time with drugs I feel so bad. Don't know what to do. I took one pill last night and I felt great the whole dAy, from just one pill, But Im worried about taking it and later on I might think about killing my self like some peope do. atleast I never think about taking my life now>anyone out there can help me? thanks

[krzyk101]

I agree with Septembermorn,

It takes time for the medicine to start working all the way. I have been on alot of different meds and now am on Effexor XR and it is helping me. Though some here may have positive or negative opinions on this or other medications, the people are all individuals and what works for some may not work for another. You will never know how it will work for you if you do not take it as prescribed by your doctor. It takes time to find out for sure. I hope you are able to give it a try, and wait it out and see if it helps you. Take Care.

______________
~KRIS~

If you think you have totally gave up, you haven't, because you are here!

[dexter]

You may hear so many negative stories because people love to complain but don't often compliment when something is good.

I have heard a lot of good things about effexor and am considering taking it myself.

The thing to do is to try it and stay in close contact with your doctor. If you feel ill effects let him know and he can switch you off. If you are one of the 10% (in your view) of people who it might do good things for, why deprive yourself of that chance of success? Make sure your doctor knows your concerns before you start.

------------------------------------
--http://www.idexter.com

I don't know your whole story...but just wondering something. Usually people are given Effexor, which is an SNRI, after having tried a few SSRI's. If the SSRI's don't work, then they try Effexor. Effexor increases not just serotonin, but also norepinephrine -that's the N part.

For me, it's the only thing that works. I'll be on it forever, like a diabetic and insulin. The reputation that effexor has which you've read about is for people who have tried going off it, usually unsupervised. When following a good withdrawal regime, from what I have read, it ain't all that bad. A good pdoc can help you, if necessary. And as someone pointed out (I forget...dex?) the good news stories don't usually get posted! Those folks are water skiing.

I would still try SSRI's first....that's my personal, non-medical opinion!

[noselfimage]

Thanks emily, I will give it a try, how long have u been on it for and did u gain any weight? thanks again.

Been on it for years, no weight gain. But I'm sure you know the weight gain stuff is different for everyone.

Just remember what I said about trying SSRI's first BEFORE trying Effexor! I'm assuming that has happened? em

[noselfimage]

Thanks again Emly. God bless u

[darkeyes]

Perhaps you have only heard of extreme cases, in fact there could of been other factors involved, proper DX for the proper med could of been a case, illegal drugs being mixed with the use of the Effexor, doctor that is not qualified to prescribe the Effexor, etc. so many things that can a negative review of this med and others in it's category, like SSRI's, that are commonly used today, some have been getting mixed reviews, I think people have to always keep in mind that some meds are golden to some and for other can wreak havoc, at the same time it isn't always wise to mistrust meds that can be of great value towards remission, just because of a few things negative you have heard, also you need to check the validity of your source of information.
Bottom line, there are many of meds that can be of great value, if a pdoc/doc knows what they are doing, pdocs are best for mental health evaluations and such, and are specialists on prescribing the proper dosage, titration, and helping the patient find which is the best combo.
Effexor does not work over nite, like many meds today, it will take about 2 to 4 weeks to notice any positive change, decrease in depression, so do not be discouraged till you give some time to be at the therapeutic level.
I wish you lots of luck with this.

PS Several years ago I too, also had been on Effexor, I did not go "crazy" while on it.
The only problem was that a GP prescribed it for my depression, and in actuality I really needed a proper DX and med, which later I was given by a pdoc, who in which I worked with her and had come up with the right med for me and my problem/disorder.
Just my 2 cents

Take care,
DE

In giving advice seek to help, not please your friend
SOLON
<div class="foot">(Edited by darkeyes on 08/08/04 10:52 AM.)</div>

[partlycloudy]

I didn't realize we shared a medication!! Effexor saved my life. I am certain of it. The side effects were absolutely horrendous and I am ever so glad I stuck with it. I've been on it since last October, and expect at least another year. I also take wellbutrin, which actually curbed my appetite, but the effexor didn't seem to be the culprit.

For me it was the demon ZYPREXA!!!! Made me sleep 16 hours a day and turned off the "you are now full" switch in my body. Yuck o.

pc

"Plays well with others"

[darkeyes]

Just my 2 cents. . . I have heard from many that take Zyprexa that it does cause a large amount of weight gain, I suggest to anyone having this problem to ask their pdoc if there are alternative med(s) that can be used.
Lots of luck to all

DE

In giving advice seek to help, not please your friend
SOLON

[noselfimage]

thanks so much darkeyes. god bless/.