I have been on Effexor for 4 yrs and it is no longer effective. Now, my doc wants to taper me off effexor and add another med to lesson the side effects. In addition, she wants to switch me to a SSRI instead. Will another SSRI work for me?(I was on Celexa but it didn't work, and that is why they switched me to Effexor SRNI). I have anxiety and depression. If anyone has any experience with this stuff, let me know.
2006-09-10 02:06:19 · 13 answers · asked by ? 4 in Health ➔ Mental Health
I am a teacher and I am afraid going off effexor will freak me out. I can't let it affect my work.
2006-09-10 02:06:56 · update #1
you will feel awful for a while.... so be aware of that
2006-09-10 02:07:32 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi curious. Listen honey, you sound really worked up. I am no expert in all of the medications, but I am a doctor of common sense. Right now you need to remember this little mantra:
I can not solve everything right now
I am not a bad person because I can't
And time will show me answers I can not even imagine now
Be calm. This will sort itself out. And the more you get anxious the more chances for messing up your work life. Part of your healing comes from sources other than pills. It comes from within. Have more confidence in yourself. You are a survivor. Always have been. You are strong. Let your mind focus on being calm and at peace. Spend a few minutes each day (in the early morning before you start rushing to work?) and sit still. You only need about 5 minutes. Just close your eyes, be conscious of your breathing as a gentle rhythm, and then visuaalize yourself in a place of peace. Make it a favorite safe place that you can go to every day (several times if you need). Is it a garden? By the sea? You get to choose. But paint its picture in your mind ever so slowly until it becomes something you can easily remember. That is your quiet place. When ever you feel anxious, go there. It will help you until you get your meds worked out. Listen, I have been deeply depressed for years and I know you will be fine. Look at me! I can smile now and I have been through some scary tunnels. You will be ok. Just keep working with the people you trust. Ask questions. And believe in the good person that you are.
2006-09-10 02:17:53 · answer #2 · answered by Isis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Going off effexor won't freak you out.At most you may feel light headed for a couple days which is probably what the other med is going to counteract. I've gone from Prozac to Welbutrin to Effexor. The transitions are noticed, but not severe enough to cause alarm. I even ran out of Effexor for a few days, went cold turkey so to speak. I was light headed, kind of cotton brained for about 24 hours, but it wasn't anything I couldn't handle. Don't worry, you'll be fine.
2006-09-10 02:14:00 · answer #3 · answered by sparkletina 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since the Effexor is no longer effective, perhaps your fear is mostly from your increased anxiety levels. Switching to a more effective SSI will allow you to function more effectively as a teacher, in my opinion.
It is possible for more than one SSRI to be effective for an individual, so you shouldn't be worried that the new one will not work for you. Trust your doctor, and I think you'll be glad you did.
2006-09-10 02:14:04 · answer #4 · answered by psioni 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I went through the same thing. I would recommend finding a different doc. The one you have does not seem interested in curing you. Probably getting a kickback from the drug companies. I would recommend finding a psychologist or therapist who specializes in cognitive therapy and has a good track record with it.
Here's what finally helped me kick the depression, anxiety, and drugs once and for all. Properly applied cognitive therapy. Notice I said 'properly applied'. This is vitally important in my experience. I was attending group therapy after a suicide attempt and getting nowhere. I learned a little about cognitive therapy, but could not properly apply it, until I got this book:
http://www.seekwellness.com/bookstore/books/book65.htm
After reading and following the instructions for several weeks, I began to feel the depression lift and never looked back. Read my story if you like:
http://www.geocities.com/seabulls69/AntidepressantThatWorks.html
Good luck.
2006-09-10 02:26:27 · answer #5 · answered by Mr. Peachy® 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had been on Prozac for 4yrs. My counselor wanted my dosage upped and my meds changed. OK. I felt i was a good idea. My dr put me on a different med and upped the dose. I kept feeling funny on the new med. It was up and down. So i went to a new dr(a specialist) he changed my med and dropped me down to 10mg. I was like whoa. I was very scared because i have bad episodes when i miss pills. He did blood and xrays, everything. Anyway, turns out it was for the best. Just in the 2-3mts i was on the med from the other dr, my liver had really high enzymes. So i now feel better. I'm glad my dr got it right. Good luck.
2006-09-10 04:23:55 · answer #6 · answered by luvy7e 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well he will wean u off it just try not 2 focus on that you are coming off your meds, do more activities like working out, you will find you will feel much better, but probably during your time of the month u will feel way more depressed but keep working out, it does wonders, also eat healthy foods, stay away from caffeines and sugars etc... This will all play a factor in it. Trust me, been there.
2006-09-10 02:15:45 · answer #7 · answered by thesunnshynne 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have faith in your GP do not worry he will not do anything to harm you. Ones body gets used to certain drugs over a time hence them go really giving you the desired effect. This is the reason he needs to change so that you will get maximum benefit which over all will help you more
2006-09-10 02:09:14 · answer #8 · answered by raymag3550 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I strongly suggest that you research this on the web site I am listing below. Antidepressants may do more harm than good, and there are natural health methods to battle depression better. Many antidepressants even worsen the situation, make you feel more helpless and even suicidal. Best of luck. Please check out the web site because it changed my life!
2006-09-10 02:12:59 · answer #9 · answered by nido_tr3s 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Curious
I know how frightening it can be- at least you have your work and routine. The ads ob tv with the smily faces dont work for everyone; but there is little you can do but try the various medications looking for the one that is right for you
Good uck and survive.
2006-09-10 02:10:23 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
oh lord
i have tried to get off effexor soo many times and failed
i have heard of people going on methadone to get off it
2006-09-10 02:07:10 · answer #11 · answered by ☺Everybody still loves Chris!♥▼© 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋