[Zedsdead]

Is it normal to feel like crap following a higher dose of meds? Is there a chance il feel better eventually? I went up from 150mg to 225mg of effexor... usually on other meds iv felt better after upping the dose right away.. right now I feel just as low and meaningless as i did before. i just want to feel some motivation of some kind.. I have no side effects but dont feel the depression lifting at all.

[Amy3boys]

I think 225 is the Effexor dose I took several years ago. It was a good antidepressant for me but probably took a little while to feel positive effects when my dose was increased. When I took it I was also taking a tricyclic antidpressant at night which also helped my mood and helped me sleep. Hope you're feeling better soon!

[still_crazy]

hi. im so sorry you're suffering. some people take other things with effexor...remeron is a somewhat popular choice. what are your symptoms/problems? something more stimulating might help motivation, but of course adding -anything- adds more risks, too. not trying to be Debbie Downer, just...it is what it is, basically. my psych is looking at maybe trying mirapex with me, for depression. does something to dopamine receptors. there's wellbutrin...traditional stimulants, such as Ritalin...Provigil...some people say adding low dose Abilify helps motivation...

are non-drug treatments an option? maybe counseling, psychotherapy? art therapy? writing? the drugs only do so much, is the thing.

[Zedsdead]

Hi all, thanks for the replies. I sure have gone through a rut recently!!
I have been on all sorts of meds so far and pristiq was the only thing that worked, I cant afford that so we have cycled through SSRI's and SNRIs while hating the side effects of all. Effexor hasnt give me any side effects but I cant say it works either.

My original issues were depression, panic attacks and suicidal thoughts. The meds do stop all the suicidal thoughts and panic attacks thankfully.. they just leave me feeling exhausted and I have no enjoyment for *anything*. Everyday feels like a never ending chore, it's horrible.

Today was my first day off with the kids away and I couldnt muster up any effort to even do my dishes. Going outside feels off limits and I'm just so tired of it.

I would happily take more meds but gaining weight is a sensitive issue for me and I can't risk that with any more meds than I already take feeling very hopeless today and it's the 6th day of upping my dose. Ugh.

[still_crazy]

wellbutrin is added to some peoples' treatment for stimulating effects. there's a higher seizure risk than with many (most?) other antidepressants, but (supposedly) the sr and xr formulations keep that low(er). I dunno. most people either do not gain weight or lose weight while taking wellbutrin. just a thought...may or may not be a viable option for you, of course.