Effexor XR?

Question

My medical doctor prescribed this anti-depressant for me back in the summer of 2005. It lead to the most severe bout of depression that I've ever had, lasting through into early 2006. I was suicidal in January and February of 2006. Has this drug done anyone any good?

Answer 1

Like all SSRI drugs, they react differently with different people. I have known people who greatly benefited from Effexor, and some that did much worse. Like you, I had a friend that turned suicidal, and ended up getting off it. I also had another friend that benefited greatly from it. The response can be varied in different people.

Answer 2

I've been on effexor for a few months and it has done wonders for me. I have an anxiety disorder and problems with depression. So much so that I lost 15 pounds and had to take a leave from school. I didn't sleep at night I've gained some weight back and am able to get up in the morning now instead of staying up all night worrying and then sleeping all day so I don't have to face the day. It is common to feel worse and suicidal when you first start an anti-depressent. But, if you can get through that, it should begin to help you. I've had very few side effects while taking effexor, only really vivid dreams and some night sweats but those symptoms have decreased as I have been on it. The only warning I would give is regarding the withdrawal symptoms. I was without my prescription for a few days while I was waiting on a refill and it was horrible. I experienced "brain shivers" and felt very dizzy and like I wanted to just stay in bed laying down all day long. I've been weening myself down from it and have gotten to the point of opening the capsules and taking a few beads of the medicine out every few nights so I don't experience the withdrawal effects.

Answer 3

I have seen a lot of people that it has been successful for the same with any kind of anti depressant medication. You should of went to your physician to get on a different antidepressant. Sometimes people have to try several medications before they find the right one and some people get lucky and get something that works right away. All antidepressants have the ability to do what Effexor XR did to you but that means its not the right one and time to change. Everyone is different and especially antidepressants effect everyone differently because it acts on the chemical imbalances present.

Answer 4

Don't blame the drug for your depression.
You were probably on the verge of depression at the same time you started the meds.
Try a different drug, take as directed, start with minimum dose and work up to maximum dose. It is going to take at least three months to notice any effects the drug might have. Don't rush this there is no quick fix. The drug is just one tool, you have to add more to get results (personal tools not drugs) Medical Dr.s can make big mistakes.
Talk to a pharmacist if you can. Get a Doctor who specializes in mental health or one that has to deal with chronic patients these guys deal with depression and anxiety every day.