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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Not Sick Enough

deleted_user
deleted_user
I went to see pdoc yesterday. I guess they "worked me in" as a crisis patient because I was entertaining thoughts of suicide (just "entertaining" mind you - if I was really serious I wouldn't tell anyone I just see myself headed down that path). They (meaning resident and attending) discussed i/p but decided to change my a/d and see me again in a week. I guess I'm not sick enough. In the meantime I'm so depressed I can't work. What if I take another week off work and I'm not better? Wouldn't i/p fix me faster? Maybe not. Maybe I just have to wait and see if the new medicine works. They switched me from zoloft to effexor. Anyone else on effexor? How's it working? I tried wellbutrin and that didn't do squat. I'm afraid effexor won't work either and I'll get worse.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I can understand your fear about trying this new med and thinking it won't work either. I myself have never tried Effexor, but I do know that i/p usually can't fix you in a week if you are that depressed because the change in meds usually takes two to four weeks to work anyway. Usually i/p they offer group therapy and such which may have been beneficial to you, I don't know. When I went i/p once for depression, I came out manic :) lol!
tommymott
tommymott
I've used effexor and it worked well for me. However, it isn't gentle and be aware that going off it, even properly, can be a real trial.

My concern is that it may be much better for you to be i/p. That's the trouble with docs, they don't know how we really feel, and sometimes we convince them that we're doing better than we really are.

Take care!
deleted_user
deleted_user
My husband takes Effexor and it's been like a miracle for him. He's a LOT calmer in situations where he used to freak out, and he's even happy, something he hasn't fully known until now. He certainly hasn't wanted to kill himself in a long time.

Effexor has some side effects that some find hard, like sexual side effects...it's hard to orgasm on Effexor, apparently(Sorry if this is TMI but it's true). I've also read about headaches, which my husband gets sometimes....and weight loss, which personally I wouldn't mind, if I were taking it...lol.(grins). That's all I can think of for now, I'll let you know if I get anymore.
deleted_user
deleted_user
while I ws on meds onc they got the dose right effeor worked great for me
deleted_user
deleted_user
There are no beds in the town I live in to go i/p. Maybe this is why they didn't send you to the hospital. I had a terrible time coming off zoloft. It was one of the worst detoxes I've ever had. Effexor didn't work for me, I'm on paxil now along with a whole host of other meds. As far as work is concerned, maybe you should ask your pdoc to take you out on short term disability. This would give you enough time to have the meds/therapy work. It's just a suggestion. peace, t
deleted_user
deleted_user
I'm on Effexor now and it starting working a bit at around 187.5 mg. I have gained about 10 lbs after losing 40 while on Geodon. And some hair loss, vision blurriness, jaw clenching. My pdoc doesn't want to bring me up anymore and wants to start lowering the dose once we bring up my Lamictal. I hear the withdrawl is a ride.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Effexor was terrific for me over many years. Unfortunately after 7 years, it didn't work for me anymore. It's definitely one that works. I wish I could go back on it.
Just remember inpatient isn't going to fix you. It all takes time and work. Getting to a place where we can work is the key. I hope that you can get more stabilized with the Effexor!! Hugs!
deleted_user
deleted_user
efexxor doesn't help me
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