Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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Effexor sucks.

Alliegator
Alliegator
I am so upset. I was on Effexor for 6 years. I just got of the medication two weeks ago. It seems that the meds were making me sick. I feel like myself again and I am happy again. I should just be thankful that life can be better now, but I feel like the last 6 years were a waste. I was miserable all the time and made a lot of bad decisions. Now I am 23, unemployed (I was fired because I had to go to the psych ward), and living at home with my parents. I have NO clue what I want to do with my life. I am looking for jobs, but I feel that having just been fired (for a completely unfair reason) is hurting my prospects. I feel like a loser and a failure.
deleted_user
deleted_user
i'm sure the multitudes that have been helped by that particular drug would disagree, but the sh*t's poison to me too.

ughh. worst. drug. EVER!!!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I was on pristiq (the 'newer' version of Effexor) for a year... it would make me feel Really Happy and then I'd almost feel a low. Then again... over and over. When I had a depression in the winter, a psychiatrist upped the dose. Mistake. It messed with my brain chemistry big time. And my life.

Effexor or Pristiq is horrible. And trying to get off it is horrible too. Incredible dizziness, brain zaps (hard to explain to people), pixelated vision, horrible moods, and no concentration at all, sleeping patterns are messed with for awhile too.
Alliegator
Alliegator
Canuck you are right. The withdrawals are TERRIBLE. I am just getting over them. I just wish I had never taken Effexor in the first place.
justletmebe
justletmebe
You arent a loser or a failure :) You are playing the hand that was dealt to you. Things will look up soon.


Effexor was hell on earth
DeeTOOL13
DeeTOOL13
I love the stuff! Saved my life, id say

We are all so different though

Your not a loser!!!!

HUGS
dancingd
dancingd
Effexor worked for me ...and then it didn't .

With drawls were hellish.

And trying to describe a Brain Zap , to someone who's never had them...yuck !

Keep trying, there is a med combo out there for you
deleted_user
deleted_user
Wow, I tried Effexor a few years back but pretty much immediately it was giving me the first stages of thrombosis, and other things and after reading these about withdrawl glad I was taken off quickly. Alliegator are you going try something else? There are so many other anti depressants out there, I do encourage you to try something else. It takes a while to get the dosage and combo right, for me 14 years later and I am still changing dosages and meds! xoxo
deleted_user
deleted_user
Yeah, you know, each drug is different for each person, but no matter, you are absolutely NOT a loser. Just plain SUCKS, though. I would try to just let go of the hang-up of bittterness and regret because you'll feel better the sooner you do. I know you'll pull together and end up doing something great because you're feeling better! :)
rennikc
rennikc
Just be honest with them and tell them your doctor had you on the wrong meds. It is not unheard of and they should have no problems considering you for a position. If you are honest and confident you should have no problem.