I have never been on meds before but I wonder if it is time? My dr gave me a prescription for Effexer(think it is spelled this way) and I don't kow if I want to be on this. I hate the fact that I might need meds but I also know I don't like the 50% quality of life I lead. I am looking for people's opinions as why they decided to take meds verses therapy and self-help programs like Lucinda's.

Michelle,

Nobody should be taking medication WITHOUT a form of therapy ! Medication is not a method of therapy that's meant to be the only form of therapy a person has. Medication is meant to ADD to therapy and work with other forms of therapy such as this program which teaches cognitive-behavioral therapy. Because medication has different side effects and can effect people differently, it's VERY important that you are in therapy with a professional that understands this. This would be a psychiatrist.
They are professionals when it comes to psychiatric medications and they know more than your family doctor. They are best apt to help you with side effects, problems that may arise or if you need a different medication. Some people try many different medications before they find one that is right for them.

Nobody can tell you whether or not you should take medication. This is a personal choice and all people can do is tell you of their own experience. There are also many different routes you can take to healing and recovery that do not include medications. I encourage you, If you are not sure you want to begin psychiatric medications then do some research before you begin. It will help you make a more informed and more educated decision for yourself.

Wishing you the best as you move ahead in your life's journey.

do a goole search- tpye in "anybody have side-effects on effexor"- look at that seriously before you start- i personally would rather die that get addicted to effexor- also type in "anyone have effexor withdrawl"

do a goole search- tpye in "anybody have side-effects on effexor"- look at that seriously before you start- i personally would rather die that get addicted to effexor- also type in "anyone have effexor withdrawl"

I'm really scared. After reading this I did a search on effexor withdrawals and it was horrible what it said. It said that it was one of the hardest meds to get off of. I am currently taking celexa 40mg. and my doctor gave me a low dose of effexor to help me more right now. I have taken it for 5 days and I have been feeling dizzy and nauseus in the mornings, and I keep freaking out and obssessing about taking a second med. I am so nervous. I feel unreal and detacched a lot, but I was feeling this before I started taking this med. Anyone have this feeling of unreality? anyone on effexor to offer some advice??

Oh for heaven's sakes.
Effexor is my medication of choice.
It has been the best one I have ever taken.
As far as the symptoms of coming off of it these are if and only if you stop it abruptly.
Just like all anti-depressant medicines you need to taper off of them.
Effexor is really good for GAD and ruminating thoughts ( obsessive thoughts). I suggest staying off of the internet to get your information it really can scare the crap out of you. I know I've been there.
Anyway I just wanted to let you know that there is 1 person out there that has had good results with the Effexor.
P.S. I can even take an atibiotic now if I need it without panicking over it.
My family likes this medicine too.

i have to agree with Scarl444, some of the internet information will scare to you death.I know it did me.all medications, whether it be anti-depressants, antibotics, etc have side effects but that doesn't mean you will have them. i too checked out every medicine i was given and when i read the side effects i mentally had every one of them listed.
i did try effexor and i do think it would have worked well for me but i didn't give it enough time for my body to adjust. my physician said it takes at least two weeks to get use to these drugs and if you have upset stomach, headache, etc those will go away. one of my best friends is on effexor and it saved her live.
i am on xanax, which is very addicting, but i would rather be addicted than not functioning at all. i am also in therapy which i believe should go hand in hand. hopefully, i will one day be able to ween off xanax but until that day comes i just thank God it is here for me. you can only be the one to decide what is right for you and what isn't. don't go by what other people take or say, because what is right for one person may not be the right thing for another. we are all made up differently, that's why we are so unique. good luck and God bless. Sheila