[Moreta]

I ran out of Effexor XR yesterday morning.

You would think I would know this wasn't a good idea since I've been on it for 1.5 yrs now.

I didn't get anything done this weekend. I mostly just slept today.

Thankfully, my husband is going to get my prescription now.

My question is that how do the side effects of not having Effexor begin so quickly?

I hate you Effexor!!!

[anna342]

I had this happen when I forgot to take it away with me. I slept about 20hrs a day, and when I got it again and took it I was sick within the hour. You might need to gradually increase the dose again over a few days if that happens.

[Miracle1986]

I'm glad your husband is getting your script, QA

[polarsmom]

oh great. I just started taking this medication about 10 days ago along with Wellbutrin. I think I need to make sure I have extras on hand just in case I get lazy about refilling my scripts. (not that I ever do that)

[Moreta]

I think the worst thing about Effexor is that my insurance keeps sending me letters for "lower priced options" and every time I get it filled it has to get approved by my doctor, because you know, I may not actually need it. They did the same thing with Cymbalta. I really enjoy how insurance companies like to tell you what to take because of course they know better than your actual psychiatrist.

I took two (300 mg total), so I'm starting to feel human again. I just find it interesting how one medication can severely alter the way you feel about life.

[polarsmom]

Don't you just love how the insurance companies just want you to take the cheapest medication on the market because they all work the same right? Wrong!

I know what you mean about feeling human again. I am slowly coming out of my shell. Beginning to feel the desire to actually start living life instead of just existing.

Keeping my fingers crossed that my new combo of meds works.

[Moreta]

The best part, is that the cheaper alternative they suggest is usually found on the Wal-Mart $4 prescription list, so they don't even need to pay anything towards it! One alternative they always suggest is Prozac, but I already take that for the OCD.

Good luck on your combo. I've been on this combo (Effexor XR, Seroquel, Dexedrine, Prozac, Klononpin) since November, and it seems to be the first combo to actually work. I just hate that it takes FOREVER to figure out the right combination, because you may be taking the write medications, just not at the right dosage. I was on all of these medications in the past, with various other medications, at various dosages. I just wish there was some kind of test or something, that would tell you which medications to take and at what dosages, for example Thyroid medication (which I am also on). You have your blood tested and based on the results, you pretty much know what you need to take and at what dosage.

But unfortunately, psychiatric medication is like a shot in the dark, because everyone reacts so differently to it.

[polarsmom]

That's some cocktail you're having to take. Glad you found a combo that's working for you. I'm still in the process of finding the right meds and dosage.

You have your blood tested and based on the results, you pretty much know what you need to take and at what dosage.

Now wouldn't THAT be nice? It would make things so much easier.

[jennaorgana]

when i wouldnt take my lithium it would only take about a day until my mind started to go a bit wacky. not taking my seroquel is like DEATH for me. if i didnt take my antipsychotic i'd literally be off the walls crazy in a day.

[googley]

Effexor has such quick and sever withdrawal effects because it has a short half life. This means that it is processed by your body really quickly and expelled. Most other drugs have a longer half life so you don't feel the withdrawal effects as quickly and as bad, your body has more time to adjust to them not being there. I hate it when I forget to take mine, or run out.

Running out of meds is never a good idea. I sort out my meds a week ahead of time so I know when I'm about to run out. That's really helped with the running out problem.

[yutzman]

There is a new DNA test available that tests the effectiveness of your P450 enzyme that metabvolizes most of the psych drugs. I had it done, about $300.00, but it showed that I required more meds in order to get the effect because I had multiple markers for the protein. My Psych understood more than me of course, but after upping my dosages I began to feel much better. I have no insurance, so I didn't have any resistance in getting the test. Sure, I pay more for my health cost, and thats no good. But that is the only struggle I have now to get the proper care I need.......