Bugz,
EFFEXOR IS NOT A JOKE !!!!
Valzap is wondering why her combo of Concerta and Effexor is not doing what she was told it would do for her.
The new negative symptoms she describes are very common to Effexor users.
It is extremely unlikely that she will not get rid of the "negatives" by doubling her dose as she did today. Most likely she will double the current symptoms and add new ones.
Reality, please take your anti-effexor campaign somewhere else. Sigh. and if you can't, then at least reduce the font size.Valzap -
if you're wondering about the adderall and if it might work better than Concerta - it just might for you. The dexedrine and derivatives tend to be a higher stimulant and can increase your ability to focus if lack of energy is a part of that. For us inattentive ADHDers it seems to work quite well in the majority of cases.
Some Anti-deps can have a dampening effect - they can be a little like a slow-down, which for some ADHDers with a small or capital H can be very beneficial. They can give some that "woah nelly" they need.
In that way if you start at a lower energy level the anti-deps will make that part of it seem worse.
So don't be afraid to try different combinations. With depression and ADHD - it can be a hard combo because it defeats the attempt to focus if you are obsessing on the sadness and the lack of self-esteem that can come with it.
Just stay in touch with your MD - and us!
Valzap,
5 days on concerta and I am still not able to concentrate on the things that I should. I am not being productive at work.
The only thing I feel is calm (which I guess is good) and I feel like I should be more agitated because I'm not working, but I'm not agitated.
Shouldn't Concerta be more of an instant thing? What should I be noticing if the meds are working?
If you are getting lessened relief with concerta after 1 week (but you DO feel that it's working somewhat), you can ask your MD to up your dose slightly. Best to do it in small increments but that will make a very quick change.
It sounds like you are getting reasonable effects. You should feel a better control of concentration - and if you are not that could mean either you are on the wrong med or too weak a dose.
Don't fear asking a change of dose. It regularly needs to be done with Ritalin, concerta, adderall etc. That's why they come in so many dose types.
Perhaps even you might work best with a combo of concerta and adderall. You'll never know until you become the squeaky wheel!
I'm glad you are getting improvement anyway. Just remember it's still a consumer transaction and that as the customer you are always right!! So get your rear moving to the Doc and get what you need!!
So there.
valzap,
It could very well be the Effexor that's slowing you down. Antidepressants do have a tendency to make you slack off. That's why they're used to curb anxiety.
At least it got rid of your road rage. LOL.
[QUOTE=reality]
valzap,
It could very well be the Effexor that's slowing you down. Antidepressants do have a tendency to make you slack off. That's why they're used to curb anxiety.
At least it got rid of your road rage. LOL.
[/QUOTE]Hmm, I am taking 54 mg of Concerta (3 pills in the morning only) and last week 37.5 mgs of Effexor. Just upped that today as directed to 75 mgs of effexor.
I have often wondered this week if the anti-d is kinda contradicting some of the benefits Concerta is supposed to give. But, I am willing to give it another try this coming week with the full dosage now and see how it goes.
So far feeling fine but no new focus or anything.
To the person saying they are going to start Adderall - let me know how that works for you. I'm interested to hear.
I've been taking Concerta for three months now and I've found the same thing... it really does great with just calming me down and allowing me to sit but it doesn't really do a lot for being able to concentrate enough at work. So, the doctor just gave me adderall to try (instead of Concerta). I haven't yet but will next week. If it works, I'll just switch because I'd really like some help focusing better.how much are you taking val?Hi,
Thanks for the encouragement.
Still taking the effexor. Not as tired (but then I finally went to bed early and got 8 hours of sleep). I'm better on the days when I can sleep past 5:30 am instead of getting up at 4:30 as usual.
Hunger pains have subsided somewhat. Yesterday had a compulsive eating incident with the new low fat Doritos, but really, that was the ONLY thing I overate all day. That's new for me.
Not as agitated today though still not able to concentrate well - or maybe concentrate on the things that need to be done. I'm still feeling like a lazy slacker.
And, no real road rage behavior all week. That's a blessing since I drive 60 miles each way to work.
So, maybe things are working a bit, just not in the way I thought.
losing patience.Take heart in knowing that you are still holding on and strong. You show willpower and control - bet you thought it couldn't happen! Have courage in your convictions and ability to get what you need.
When the trial you've set for yourself is done if things aren't better - get into the MD's office!
I'm proud of you - I see good things in your replies here and that's good!
valzap,
You don't mention the Effexor anymore. Are you still taking it or did you drop it ?
Adderall worked immediately for me. Then I tried Concerta. It made me feel depressed after a couple of days, so I stopped.
I think it is different for every person. You have to find what works for you.
I'm just wondering how Valzap is doing now that she's doubled her dose of effexor.
Here is the warning on the Effexor web site. I think as long as you are not having these symptoms, and the drug is helping you, you should be fine. But if you are not being helped, then check back in with your doctor.
Suicide in Children and Teenagers
Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and teenagers. Patients who are started on therapy should be observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. EFFEXOR XR® (venlafaxine HCl) is not approved for use in children and teenagers.
People taking MAOIs should not take EFFEXOR XR. Adult and pediatric patients taking antidepressants should be watched closely for signs that their condition is getting worse or that they are becoming suicidal, especially when they first start therapy, or when their dose is increased or decreased. Patients should also be watched for becoming agitated, irritable, hostile, impulsive, or restless. Such symptoms should be reported to the patient's doctor right away. EFFEXOR XR may raise blood pressure in some patients. Your blood pressure should be controlled before starting treatment and should be monitored regularly. When people suddenly stop using or quickly lower their daily dose of EFFEXOR XR, discontinuation symptoms may occur. Talk to your doctor before discontinuing or reducing your dose of EFFEXOR XR. Pregnant or nursing women shouldn't take any antidepressant without consulting their doctor. Before starting EFFEXOR XR, tell your doctor about any medicines you're taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements. Until you see how EFFEXOR XR affects you, be careful doing such activities as driving a car or operating machinery. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking EFFEXOR XR. In clinical studies, the most common side effects with EFFEXOR XR (reported in at least 10% of patients and at least twice as often as with placebo) were constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, sexual side effects, sleepiness, sweating, and weakness. Ask your doctor if EFFEXOR XR is right for you.
bugz,
Do you really think this is a joke ???
I wont hijack this thread to attack reality,, I wont. I won't bugzappers38661.7529398148
I know, I know...It's just another "anecdotal" story.... but I've got hundreds of them... just on Effexor.
Valzap,
You should know in about a week if the Effexor is slowing you down... now that you've doubled the dose.
“The drug company should have let us known that this could happen to us.”
Six years ago I had became very depressed. Little did I know that depression ran in our family, starting with my grandmother, my mother and then myself.
I tried for three long agonizing years to beat the beast in my life. Finally, I decided to go and talk to my doctor about my depression and she put me on Paxil. I don't even remember half of what I did for about a month. All I could do was cry and sleep. She then decided to put me on Effexor, which has been just as bad. I have gained so much weight that I find myself still depressed.
In all I have gained 53 pounds. I also have other side effects that I had no idea the Effexor was causing until I starting researching the drug. I have muscle tremors that my doctor put me on seizure medicine for. I also have headaches, and I cannot sleep. An example is that I am writing this and it is almost three in the morning and I get up at five to get my children ready for school. This is another problem. I do not feel like doing anything because I feel numb almost all the time and if I forget to take my medicine I become very aggressive and outspoken in a very ugly manner and this is not the person I am nor do I want to continue to be this way.
I don't feel like cooking, cleaning, washing, or doing everyday activities and I also have problems with my memory and that is a bad thing when you have children to do things for everyday, and it takes a toll not only on me but my family. I am only 33 and I want to be able to live a normal life and that will never be until I get this medicine out of my system. I want to be a good wife and mother, and not have my family suffer with me through this hell. If I had known what this crap would do to me I would have never swallowed that first pill. I will continue to pray for all those that are taking the drug Effexor and I hope that you will do the same for me.
Maybe, just maybe we can beat this addiction to a drug that was suppose to help us overcome depression. And the drug company should have let us known that this could happen to us. What if it was their wife, their child, or their relative that had to live the Effexor nightmare? Would it make a difference to them then or would it be just another dollar in their pockets?