Last October

Hi James,

 

Thanks for reaching out and giving us an update. I am sure there are many things that work for many people, but we have to rely on our doctor's advice to find the one that works for each of us. I am sorry you crashed but the good news is you are on your way back up. There are some links to some information here you might find useful. One link is about the medicine you are currently on, Effexor. Now one thing I did read about Effexor is that coming off of it can be difficult. There were several messages that outlined the experiences of folks trying to come off of the Effexor, so this is not a medication that you want to mess with, without working closely with your doctor. 

 

Another thing it is helpful to know is that we're not alone. Larry King has suffered with Depression. There is a great video that talks about it here. Sometimes I think if you see someone who has lived through it like you have, it personalizes it more.

I hope you find something useful here. Please stay in touch and let us know how you are doing!

Vicki M

Okay there are two things that **** ME OFF about people and their lack of understanding of this disease without question:  1) is that people think you can "psych-it out".  Philosophical stuff like THE SECRET (my sister, 'the healer' sent it to me for Christmas one year.)  ha!  2) that people think you can pray it away.  Let's get real!

 

It took me much to acquiese and admit I truly had the disease, by then the ramifications of the drugs were concretely in my system.  10 years later I have had 3 "relapses" because the effexor xr built up an immunity in my system.  I have been unable to take any other medications -- Lord knows I have tried.   However, I have found that by adjusting my medication levels up or down I can "bypass" the immunity thing and start a new.  Praise God that my physician has been so faithfully committed to listening along with me to what my body says works and doesn't.  

 

Admittedly, I even coached my ex NOT to succumb to the anti-depressant meds.  He opted for the ritalyn type and it is servicing his needs well.  He finds it much more palatable with his life style as well.  It also helps our kids realize that they don't have two totally defective parents.  tee hee

 

There is no perfect drug or perfect fit.  We are each uniquely created with purpose and meaning and our bodies are uniquely created to function therefore seeking out the unique solution for us is mandatory.   

 

Keep tredging through, it's worth the effort. 

Hi James.  I want to tell you that I have been on varying doses of Effexor xr for the last few years--dosage as high as 375 mg and now at 150 mg and I can tell you that dropping down from 375 to 150 was no picnic.  SO PLEASE DO NOT drop this little number cold turkey....make sure to wean off gradually..When I was on the high dose I was off work due to severe depression and getting hassled about not showing quick enough recovery from the health insurance provider so we upped the dosage and added an antianxiety drug along with it clonazepam... I felt less stressed out but when it did come time to return to work I needed a nametag to remember my name.  So cutting back to the 150 mg was a good move and the clonagepam instead of 3 x a day now only once a day.  I have been back to work full time now for almost a year-good days and some bad ones.  but don't think going off meds entirely will improve things....Most people spiral when they do--no matter what the med...TAKE CARE AND KEEP WELL....LORNA