need to switch from effexor

[rubylee]

I have had several major depressive episodes and have been on effexor for 15 years. I have several problems that I believe are side effects to effexor which did not develop until 4 years ago but have gotten worse. Problems sleeping, myclonic jerks, over stimulation, anxiety, wake up with banding feeling on upper arms, constant music in head and elevated bllod pressure. I tried Prozac earlier and had major gastric upset. First antidepressants were amitriptyline and nortriptyline which worked but were sedating. Now I feel I am too stimulated. My recent attempt (with Psych help) was to add sertaline with the idea of decreasing effexor once the sertaline was at theraputic level. Well, I just got more and more depressed and finally after 6 weeks of increasing anxiety and depression stopped the sertaline. I felt better after just a few days so I think the sertaline caused a depression (one of the worst I've had!). So I am frightened to try another antidepressant. But I need help because I am not well as I am now.

What is your suggestions on another medication to use while getting off effexor. I may need to continue on antidepressants for long-term, I am not sure.  We have considered Wellbutrin (but I am afraid it too will be too stimulating) and Lexapro (but am concerned about blood pressure).

Oh I should add that I tried 2 blood pressure medicines which also caused bad side effects. Cozar caused major pain, and depression. Now I use a breathing machine and have lowered bp some but am still about 140/80.

Thanks for any advice or experiences.

[whodunnit]

Hi Ruby,

I don't follow your story exactly as you say you've had several major episodes but have been on Effexor for 15 years. I assume you mean as needed and not sontinuosuly. Is that correct?

Either way using one med for that long, on or on and off is likely to be self defeating as our bodies do build tolerance.

As to finding another med while coming off Effexor? My own opinion and personal preference when changing is always to just come off one fully and then start anew. Else you don't know what's doing what and you also find out how you are doing and how dependant you really are. But that's my preference, not yours.

What does your doctor advise? They are the best person to ask this question of as we can usually only answer in terms of the ones we've had ourselves. They have the full menu.

Good luck, you deserve a change of fortune.

[mammo]

I think it's a matter of finding exactly the best medication, or combination of medications for you.  This is best done through your doctor.  I know it's frustrating but eventually you will find the right combination.  Your overall health has to be taken into consideration as well when prescribing you meds.  If you feel your current psychiatrist isn't doing the job, then get a second opinion on all this.  You do have a lot going on, I can certainly understand your fears and frustration with it all.  But what may work for someone here, may not for you, and vice-versa.  It's truly all trial and error.  I hope you find the right combination quickly so that you can start to feel better.  Take care.....

[JG525]

Gosh, that's a lot of factors!  I hope you have a good psychiatrist.  I'm presently withdrawing (slowly!) from Effexor because I want to get pregnant in the Spring.  I've noticed that each time I drop my dose, I have increased anxiety for a couple of days and than increased depression for a couple of days.  

I think someone one here has experience with long term use of Effexor and maybe they can tell you more.  I think eventually all ADs stop working well, so that could be the problem.  I hope you can add something.  If you go off Effexor, make sure you go slowly even if you add something else.

My impression is that Wellbutrin alone could be stimulating.  Maybe a combo of it with something else though?

Anyway, I guess I'm no big help.  Good luck!!