drug results

[newbrunswick123]

I am a 44 year old woman - attempted suicide and hospitalized.  They prescribed Citalopram 20mg - increased to 40 mg.  However, this med gave me such highs and lows I hated it.  One moment, I'd be talking a mile a minute - next I'd hardly be able to speak a word.  I knew this was not the one for me.  So, went back to Nurse Practioner.  She prescribed me Mirtazapine - 15 mg.  By day 3, my tongue and lips were frozen - as if I'd been to the dentist and had my mouth frozen.  My fingers were numb.  Called the ambulance as I thought I was having a stroke.  Advised to stop the Mirtazapine and see NP again.  Saw her and now on Effexor - 37.5 mg for now increased next week.

So, I am now on day 4 of Effexor and so far so good.  No ups and downs like citalopram and no zomby on Mirtazapine.  Hearing horror stories about Effexor though.  Feeling good so I'm trying to not worry - I always thought I was not an anxious person, but now realizing that I internalize it.  So hopefully this is a good mix for me.

Just wanted to drop a line.

Clare

[Venora Moonwind]

good for you sis You hang in there. I went thorugh the dame thing when I started to see a therapist but I got dug down deep and I was ruthlessly honest with myself and the therapist and  wow I can t tell you what a relieve it was . I keep a journal too.  It is good to get the stuff out of heads and on to paper. sometimes I burn the really negative stuff to ssymbolicly destroy it and get freedom from those thoughts. Keep in touch and message me any time.
Love Venora

[newbrunswick123]

Thanks Verona - wanted to send you an email, but forgot your logon.

As I'm just back to work, I've been trying to adjust to this as well as the new meds.  It takes me an hour each way to work and I've been so tired just getting tru the day.  So, I'm hoping that within the next 2 weeks, I'll have adjusted and not so tired.  Then I can start going to therapy.  I do agree that this is important.  I've also been more open and honest with my partner - not keeping things inside and talking about my feelings.  I grew up in an environment of Therapy that from early childhood I learned to say what people wanted to hear - not what I was actually feeling.  So, this is a learning curve for me.  Again, thanks for the encouragement.  Hope you are doing well.

Clare

[Venora Moonwind]

At leat get a therapist to go with the meds It helps soo much It really takes a combo of meds and therapy to beat depression.
Love Venora

[newbrunswick123]

Thanks!  I am under the care of a Nurse Practioner as she is my primary care giver.  There are not enough doctors where I live, and the NP's have full training for prescriptions/tests etc.  She has a number of doctors that she can check with (and she does) so actually, its the best of both worlds.  She's someone who is willing to ask for help (unlike some doctors).  I am under the care of a Neurologist for my Neuro problems too.  If needed, I can also see a Psychychisrist too.  So far so good.  I guess there are horror stories on any meds - I just seem to be the one who gets the worst.  

Again, thanks!

[chigirl29]

Clare,

If the Effexor works for you then you should stick with it.  There are tons of horror stories about drugs out there.  All drugs have risks and side effects.  

You really should be under a doctor's care given your condition.  If Effexor doesn't work out, I would seek another prescriber.

Take care.