Effexor? ANyone that can give me your feedback ?

Hazelnut,

I was on effexor XR for 5-years at least. Then a couple months ago my Psych Dr. wanted to wean me off. I slowly kept going down the mg until I could stop without getting sick. I'm not currently on any anti-depressant cuz my Psych Dr. feels that it causes Manic Episodes for me. She won't give me anything that could possible be addictive like, Xanax, Ativan, any Benzo's...Since I have an addictive personality. Its hard because those work the best & the quickest for Anxiety & Panic attacks.

I am currently on: Just started Lamictal 3-weeks ago with my mg being raised up every 2-weeks. Neurontin, Buspar, Visteril, & Trazadone for my Mental Health issues. I asked my doctor last week about remeron but she said its one of those meds that cause weight gain...And I cannot gain anymore weight cuz I don't want to cause any changes or problems with my stoma (ileostomy in May 2011).

I don't know how often your anxiety attacks are or how debilitating they are for you. Mine have increased so bad over the last year since I've been sober (before the alcohol was my medication & masked it-Absolutely Not Good for my health). My panic attacks wake me up in the middle of the night in a full blown one. I hate them, its frustrating that I can't control them or stop them on my own when I'm in the middle of one. I try all the things they tell you to do (deep breathing, relaxation, etc.) but it just doesn't work for me.

Sorry to make this so long Hazelnut...Sending you Smiles & Hugz, & keep us posted on how your doing.
Your Healingwell, Friend,
Serenitee

Bipolar 2, Borderline, Panic & Anxiety Disorder, Ptsd
Loop ileostomy, Pelvic & Bladder Trauma & Dysfunction...15 surgeries for various things.

Serenitee - yes my friend took effexor and told me it made her manic also - she couldn't take it for very long. she is bipolar she thinks. i did read some people say it increased their heart rate - exactly what i don't want. ugh

i just don't want to be dependant on something and will not suffer weeks with bad side affects no matter how much "better" it will get because i can't function feeling weird and wired the way i did on lexapro that i lasted a whole 4 days on. ha i guess effexor is an snri which is a little diff. i just want to feel relaxed but not out of it.

i went on a date last night and had a few drinks of wine and had a panic attack. i of course didn't let him k now what was going on but i took a benadryl and passed out when i got home.

i just want to feel normal. i know it's all in the way i think. i do have an appt with my counselor sept 8th - i guess i could ask her opinion. i almost started remeron but knowing it makes you gain weight made me pick effexor. but i want to be able to sleep too. maybe i will start the effexor today and see how i do this weekend - then decide.

you take effexor and remeron together? i'm trying to choose which one to take. when i took remeron years ago, i know i gained weight but i also remember feeling very angry - now i don't remember if it was living situation and my bf not being a very good communicator when my father died or maybe it was the remeron? ugh

hazelnut86 said...
you take effexor and remeron together? i'm trying to choose which one to take. when i took remeron years ago, i know i gained weight but i also remember feeling very angry - now i don't remember if it was living situation and my bf not being a very good communicator when my father died or maybe it was the remeron? ugh

whats the difference between the two? are they both ssris or maois?

Hazelnut,

Sorry about your panic attack while on your date. Did you have anything besides benadryl to take when it started happening? The one thing I hate about antibiotics is they don't start working for 4-6 weeks & a lot of times we don't want to wait that long, especially if we're getting any side-effects right away.

I definitely can tell that my Lamictal has really helped me immediately. Has anyone had good results from it?


Your Healingwell Friend,
Serenitee

Bipolar 2, Borderline, Panic-Anxiety Disorder, Ptsd
Loop ileostomy, Pelvic & Bladder

Dear Hazel,

That is  really taking on a lot of med IMHO for your anxiety.  Have you considered therapy and working through your feelings ? 

There is much info re both of these drugs on the net and you will find that they both come with a lot of side effects.  I would caution you, my friend, to make a wise and informed decision.

Kindly,

Kitt

Hazel,

I must have brain fog this morning as I noted in a response to you that a Member quoted you , "you take effexor and remeron together?"  I meant to say that taking those 2 heavy duty drugs for anxiety is a lot of medication for anyone IMHO. 

Many people do take multiple meds together for depression and I am one but I have Major depressive disorder and Anxiety  plus PTSD. As for you, I would like to know that you choose wisely and my post was simply a show of support for you.

 

Kitt