I was on it for 3 years, the last 2 years the dosage was at 150. They say that is average. The trouble was that I had terrible burnout that started the whole mess - 3 years ago... I couldn't get out of bed and all that... so the Dr. said I was depressed, gave me Effexor, the lowest dose, did that for about 1 year and yes I did function... to a point... Anyways, another Dr., because Imoved, put me up higher.... on and on that goes,.... anyways: My husband noticed I was dragging myself around like a zombie and so I went to the Dr. and they wanted to put up the dose to 225.! I said no., but then reconsidered...tried it for a week., it made me superwoman, I couldn't sit still, I did everything... but then I crashed... exhausted. So I decided the drugs had done their job for me, now it was up to me so I weaned myself off. Well: sick?? Yeah, I guess. I had flu symptoms for about 2 months, I could barely walk, my legs, my feet, everything ached terribly, and with the help of my friends I got help for these aches thru 'Emu Oil' it really helps!!!!! I would have been lost without it and a little goes a long way. Anyways, my body would be paralyzed at times, I couldn't move and I had to command myself to walk. I still have a bit of a limp at times, dragging my leg sometimes... go figure. My WEIGHT GAIN!! I became a compulsive eater of carbs and sweets on that drug. NOW? I eat Lentils, lettuce, celery, maybe one little treat a day ie. rice krispie cake, I try to make wise choices, but the point was that drug I swear made me compulsive in the food department. I did not and could not seem to make wise choices about food, just stuff the face.. NOW? I have lost 15 lbs. and am exercising (slow but sure) and I am working on the new me. I TOOK CONTROL!! I'M FIGHTING BACK. The doctors all thot I was crazy to come off the drug. TIME WILL TELL. I am waiting for my doctors appointment in July and when I ask her to weigh me I am waiting for her reaction!! Fight fire with fire.... they don't really want to believe that these 'wonder drugs' could possibly hurt someone. I know in my case, my body was rejecting them and I said enough. I got a new doctor thru all this and she whole-heartedly agreed with me that I had to treat the source of my illness: the burnout and anxiety - do whatever it takes. So here I am doing that and I am quite proud with myself - even getting through the passing away of my father I didn't relent to go back on the drugs. I have a long way to go, but I know I will get there!!!

WOW!!! Good for you!
My husband became clinically depressed 8mo.s ago. He didn't sleep or eat for 3 wks. and I thought I was going to lose him. His average weight is 145lbs. and he got done to a 130 in those 3 wks. He looked awful. He got in to the Dr. and he was prescribed Remeron and Effexor. The Effexor was to stimulate his appetite. It's working like you say... he's now eating everything in sight except for the good stuff. I know it's not healthy but, he won't go for any of this therapy stuff. He'd rather just pop a pill. I just keep hoping by me working this program some of it will rub off on him and I pray for him. Anyway that's my 2 cents and I really applaud you!
Take care-
Diane

quote:

Originally posted by prncessbuttercup:
I was on it for 3 years, the last 2 years the dosage was at 150. They say that is average. The trouble was that I had terrible burnout that started the whole mess - 3 years ago... I couldn't get out of bed and all that... so the Dr. said I was depressed, gave me Effexor, the lowest dose, did that for about 1 year and yes I did function... to a point... Anyways, another Dr., because Imoved, put me up higher.... on and on that goes,.... anyways: My husband noticed I was dragging myself around like a zombie and so I went to the Dr. and they wanted to put up the dose to 225.! I said no., but then reconsidered...tried it for a week., it made me superwoman, I couldn't sit still, I did everything... but then I crashed... exhausted. So I decided the drugs had done their job for me, now it was up to me so I weaned myself off. Well: sick?? Yeah, I guess. I had flu symptoms for about 2 months, I could barely walk, my legs, my feet, everything ached terribly, and with the help of my friends I got help for these aches thru 'Emu Oil' it really helps!!!!! I would have been lost without it and a little goes a long way. Anyways, my body would be paralyzed at times, I couldn't move and I had to command myself to walk. I still have a bit of a limp at times, dragging my leg sometimes... go figure. My WEIGHT GAIN!! I became a compulsive eater of carbs and sweets on that drug. NOW? I eat Lentils, lettuce, celery, maybe one little treat a day ie. rice krispie cake, I try to make wise choices, but the point was that drug I swear made me compulsive in the food department. I did not and could not seem to make wise choices about food, just stuff the face.. NOW? I have lost 15 lbs. and am exercising (slow but sure) and I am working on the new me. I TOOK CONTROL!! I'M FIGHTING BACK. The doctors all thot I was crazy to come off the drug. TIME WILL TELL. I am waiting for my doctors appointment in July and when I ask her to weigh me I am waiting for her reaction!! Fight fire with fire.... they don't really want to believe that these 'wonder drugs' could possibly hurt someone. I know in my case, my body was rejecting them and I said enough. I got a new doctor thru all this and she whole-heartedly agreed with me that I had to treat the source of my illness: the burnout and anxiety - do whatever it takes. So here I am doing that and I am quite proud with myself - even getting through the passing away of my father I didn't relent to go back on the drugs. I have a long way to go, but I know I will get there!!!