need some info on eflexor

[staley67]

my dr perscribed eflexor for me today i havent yet taken it i wanted to do some research on the meds first but ive been reading all these posts about people having horrible withdrawls and im kinda scared to take it now is there anyone who has taken this and does it help with depression. thanks

[Bluewings]

Effexor was great for me as a teen. I quit with no issues while pregnant. After anxiety attacks from another anti-depressant I was given Effexor again. I ended up at the ER from vomitting and extreme nausea. I definitely felt some withdrawal but knew it felt better than when I was on it.

Unfortuantely you have to see for yourself. I'd recommed using other antidepressants/antianxiety medicines that don't have addictive properties before trying it.

[Paxiled]

You might want to post on the depression forum -- lot of effexor users there.  It isn't used as much for anxiety, because it's a stimulating anti-depressant.  And yes, it is one of the toughest to quit, but that doesn't mean it will be for you.  Impossible to know how this stuff will affect us, but from reports, Paxil and Effexor seem to be the worst for withdrawal, but most snris report lots of tough withdrawals.  To me, the question is, how badly are you functioning?  If your life completely ***** and therapy hasn't helped, meds might be the thing for you, but you still have to decide which one.  A good psychiatrist can help you with this.  My experience is the good ones usually start with the meds they find the least problematic for their patients and match your symptoms, and the bad ones just give whatever they have samples of from the pharmaceutical rep, or what's gotten the most publicity lately.  Unlike the others, I don't believe ignorance is bliss -- do your homework, because your doc is unlikely to know much about meds or care.  Bad shrinks and bad docs cause bad withdrawals by not knowing or caring how to treat them, and they won't tell you about them beforehand.  When they do, you know you have a good shrink who actually cares.  And primary care physicians are clueless about these meds; even psychiatrists are pretty clueless.  I found this out the hard way, by not doing my homework and relying on docs, so my advice is pretty opposite what the above two suggested.  Now, once you decide on a med, just do it, and worry about quitting later, and when you quit, just be prepared -- it can make all the difference.  Most of the horror stories, I find, are people like me who had quacks for psychiatrists or primary care physicians who didn't know how to properly use these meds.  If you read them, as I have, I think you'll find that's true.  Good luck whatever you choose to do.

[Jenn724]

I totally agree. Depression is tricky to treat. I have taken and quit effexor, and the withdrawl was barely noticable for me. Slight headache and dry mouth. If you are worried about withdrawl, just tapper off your dosage if it isn't the right drug for you. Your docor will help you with that. Just keep trying till you find one, or a combination of meds, that work well for you. Good Luck :)

[lanvin]

Finding the right med is a trial and error process with psych meds. It is never the same for everyone. I would advise against internet research after the doctor gives you something. It may or may not help, but you will only know if you take it. I can tell yo I have been on many psych meds , including antidepressants and withdrawals are not bad with antidepressants. They also don't even occur if you take them short term or if you take them long term and taper down. Don't be afraid to take them. If you don't like it you don't have to take it, but try and trust your doctor and give it a try.