How many people are taking Effexor or another anti-depressant?
610496
From the latest statistics listed in magazines, polls, special studies on mental health, over 90% of the population (that can afford to) are taking an anti-depressant of some kind. The reason for this, is because the stress in people's lives can be so overwhelming, but when they go to see a psychiatrist, many psychiatrists, would rather slap a label on someone, give them a pill, rather than to sit down and work with the individual and their problems. I want to make it clear for the record, that I said many, not ALL Psychiatrists. Think about this, med checks take about(15 mins)which with a Psychiatrist actually means 10 mins, and cost almost as much as an hour long therapy session (Again with Psychiatrists, this usually means 50min). now in a hour, a Psychiatrist can work through something with a patient, and make an average of somewhere around $200.00, or more, or they can charge $125.00 for each 10 min med check. That gives them a total of around $625.00, and still gives them a 10 min break. Which path do you think the Psychiatrist is going to take. If he does the med checks, he makes $425.00 more, then he would by sitting down and working the problems out.
585434
I was put on Citalopram (Cipramil) as the first medication for my depression. I was on it for about a year and then I think my system just got used to it. Unfortunatley I was then put on Efexor, which caused some very bad side effects.\n\nI have now tried every anti-depressant available to me (I'm 24) and for me, Seroxat works.\n\nIf you really want to give up, here is what I recommend - I tried to do this and it reduced the electric shock sensations in my head and sickness of withdrawal.\nAsk your docotr to prescribe you a low dose of Prozac instead of the Cipramil. Prozac is quite non-aggressive to come off of, so after your system has got used to the Prozac, you can then come off it.\n\nWorked for me...til I had to go back on meds, but hopefully you can do it. Good luck!!
496774
I am bi-polar too.  I take effexor and just recently saw a alternative doctor who put me on a product called Serene Plus which is loaded with amino acids and suppose to help my serotonin levels.  I, too, pray I could get more help but so far this is all I have been able to do.  I do feel a little more in control some days.  My BIGGEST problem is insomnia.  Unless I take something for sleep, I only sleep about 2-4 hours at a time.  I will keep you in my prayers and if you find anymore information that would be helpful, please feel free to e-mail me!\n\nMuch love in Christ
1165494
It is not rare - it is a common side effect.  But it actually matters what kind of antidepressant you are on.  If it is welbutrin, the side effects are common, but less severe.  the other more common ones - the side effect is common.  Ask your doctor to try another kind, maybe welbutrin (if that isn't the one you are on) or perhaps another type of anti- depressant.  Good luck.  And yes, been there.  Couldn't have an orgasm to save my life.  I'm not on them now, so all is fine.  but I know what you are going through.
124718
It works for some and not for others.  Prozac in general is very popular, but there are also a lot of people it has a negative effect on, even suicide.  The doctor has to experiment with these drugs to find one that works, unfortunately.
112719
i also took effexor. my experience was a positive one. i found that the toughts that usually made me sad were now just processed as a regular thought i did find it to be difficult to cry but who can complain right? anyway i would recommend taking this drug it helped me very much and i took it for two years through an abusive relationship. but i found that it did help numb a majority of the pain. but in your case i beleive it will help you function normally without bursting into tears at every thought. \ni'm sorry for you loss good luck this should work!
779253
are you taking anti-depressants? The give many people that frantic "rush to accomplish" feeling.
1044627
Your friend is right. There are many people out there on anti-depressants and just as many more who SHOULD be but won't. I have been on them on and off since I was about 23 and I am 32 now. I am getting ready to go back on shortly and I will be taking Celexa. It isn't a sign of weakness it is a sign of strength to admit you have a problem with depression and seek the help you need. Depression is a disease, like diabetes or cancer, and you have to seek medical treatment to get better . End of story.
655255
I'm a doctor.\nFirst of all it is NOT a stupid question.  Far from it.  As a matter of fact, its a hot & controversial topic in medicine right now.\nSecondly, ALL doctors should go over any new medication with his/her patient.\n\nAbout prozac - this and all the other meds of its class (SSRIs) have come under scrutiny in the last couple years.  Despite the large benefit that these meds can do, some claim there is a small yet signifigant risk.  According to some highly disputed research, there is a SLIGHTLY higher risk of suicide in patients, esp younger patients, in the period briefly after starting the medication.  Its poorly understood, but if its true it may related to the increased motivation and decreased impulse control BEFORE the antidepressant effects have kicked in yet.  Some psychiatrists believe that the evidence is not strong and has not been able to be reproduced because it isnt true.\n\nWait a second, isnt this supposed to be an ANTI-depressant??!!  Yes, and that's part of the problem.  These meds are being given to a population of patients that are allready at high risk for suicide to begin with.  You can see why this is so controversial...\n\nThat being said, it shouldnt be forgotten that these meds (the SSRIs) have helped MILLIONS of people not only with depression, but also with other problems like OCDC like yourself.  As a matter of fact, these meds are so good that they've totally changed the practice of psychiatry today.  \n\nHOWEVER, if you do experience problems with the medication (or ANY other new medication for that matter) tell your doctor or somebody that can help RIGHT AWAY.  In that situation, your doctor should talk to you, and likely an alternative medication can be tried.\n\n\nI know this is very confusing.  I'm SORRY!  but you are not alone.  It is a controversial and unresolved issue for doctors as well.  Don't blame your parents, because they may have easily been totally unaware too.  PLEASE dont be afraid to ask your doctor these questions - PLEASE.
1156094
Go to a doctor and ask for wellburine it is  a anti depresson.It works great I quit 3 years ago and i havent wanted one .TRY IT
949328
The anti depressant Wellbutrin.  I know someone who it was prescribed to for quitting smoking, but it made them too emotional so they had to quit taken it.
691779
Go back to your doctor, it sounds like you need a different anti-depressant...  You're having too many side-effects...  Good luck and i hope you feel better soon...
750145
EXERCISE!!!!!!!!!!!  It will also relieve your depression and allow you to stop taking the anti-depressants.  But start the exercising first for a life-changing experience.  Peace and good luck.
15748
Fluoxetine.  Prozac is Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.
970585
St. Johns is not a good idea to take.. It's been a long time but I used to take that and had bad side effects. (dizzy, sick, headaches)  I've been on Prozac and gain weight with that... I've also been on Effexor XR.  If the DR ever prescribes you Effexor XR do not take it! It was the worst feeling I have ever had when trying to get off of it!!!  I have been on others and after the Effexor incident I will not take prescriptions anymore... I did a lot of research on what would be safe and I found a herbal pill called 5-HTP, it works I've noticed I've been calmer, happier, I can sleep at night, and I don't have panic attacks anymore.  You can find it online... I buy it from an online company Swanson... I've been using them for years for vitamins and such. They are trustworthy.  I've also seen it in CVS.
1068682
There are many different anti-depressant drugs on the market.  Wellbutrin (bupropion), for example, is more frequently associated with weight loss than weight gain.  Discuss your treatment options with your physician.\n\nFYI - If you are currently being treated by your Primary Care Physician for depression, you should consider consulting a Psychiatrist or Advanced Practice Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner.  Their practices are limited to Behavioral Health treatment, and for that reason, they are "up" on the most current research and studies.  Internal Medicine physicians and Family Practitioners have very limited training in the treatment of psychological/psychiatric disorders.
633574
It depends on the physician, just like any profession there are good and bad ones. St. Johns Wort is the most common anti-depressant used in natural medicine and has been Proven to be as effective for mild to moderate depression. There is even a patented version of this on the market and you cannot get a patent unless it has been thoroughly tested and approved.