efexor XL, diazepam and carbamazepine

[21stargazer64]

I have been on EFEXOR XL and DIAZEPAM for 2 1/2 years now and have found no difference in my condition whatsoever so my psychiatrist has now put me on carbamazepine aswell. I was getting severe mood swings before new tablets...going into megga highs then down into a deep depression...the highs were lasting about 48hrs at the time once a week.
Since being on carbamazapine i am having more frequent highs that can last up to 4 - 5 days at a time, then i drop into a megga depression lasting about 4days, but my patience has gone altogether and i am very angry and violent, am worried for my children as i cant cope anymore have started self harming again rather than hurt them.
Can you please give me some idea how these medications are supposed to help me and is it normal on these tablets to go without sleep for days at a time,be sick at smell of food,have no energy whatsoever unless on a high and to be so angry and violent, i feel desperate for some information of any kind.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

Your symptoms mean that the medications are not working well enough.  Ask your doctor about something stronger for bipolar, and also consider using that to replace the effexor if you can.

[jonathenngreen]

my pocket change,
See your doctor immediatley!
In addition, Effexor has been known to have side effects, is very addictive, and the withdrawal symptoms are extremely intense. If you are advised to stop taking the effexor and replace it with something else be sure to speak with him/her about weening you off slowly and I meen VERY slowly. All people's chemistry is different, however the one thing that seems to be consistant about effexor users, myself included, is that it is a complete nightmare to stop using. I cannot overstate the misory associated with removing this drug.

My advice to anyone considering using this drug is to reconsider with your md. Unless there is no other choice, the problems associated with this drug (very short half life, sexual side effects, and dependency unrelated to depression), typically considerably outweigh any benifits.

[ckg]

Definately ask your psychiatrist to change your medications.  You are exhibiting the manic symptoms of bipolar disorder -- from what you've said.

I would suggest adding an atypical antipsychotic to your treatment regimen (Personally, I use a lot of Seroquel and Abilify in my practice).  Often, you can add them as an adjunct therapy to what you're currently using.

Definately see your psych soon.

Hope this helps!
-ckg

[middlepathfollower]

I just stopped taking Effexor about 2 weeks ago after 6 months of use. I decreased my dose slowly over 2 weeks before completely stopping. At first my body reacted to the corresponding decrease in seritonin by giving me adrenaline rushes during the day, I would conk out when I'd come home from work and sleep until the next morning, then things started to stablize in terms of sleep. Lately I feel kind of anxious, but mostly because I am going back to school after taking a semester off and am moving into a new place. My suggestion to you is to turn deeply inwards and ask yourself what you really feel- in which case you can work it out through self-analysis, meditation, writing, talking to a close friend, etc. I know a lot of my anxiety/depression was brought on because of my over active mind and my lack of self-control. I have started studying Buddhism, Karate, and Yoga and they have inhanced my concentration and determination to beat this stuff without meds. Mental, spiritual, and physical excercise combined definitely helps. Good luck to you.