effexor for depression?

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Hope60
Hope60 Member Posts: 223
edited June 2014 in Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts

Hi all.....I have been on antidepressants for years....long before BC.  Have been taking Lexapro for 5 years, which worked well, but lately it has "pooped out" on me.   My doc is suggesting that I switch to Effexor.  I know a lot of ladies on these boards take it for hot flashes, but has anyone taken it for depression or anxiety?  Wondering how it worked for you, and if you had any side effects.  Thanks!

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  • stephN
    stephN Member Posts: 284
    edited January 2012

    Hope,

    I started taking it during rads.  I was crying all day...thought it was normal emotions dealing with everything.  When I couldn't quit crying because I couldn't find my favorite oatmeal bowl, I realized maybe I could be a little depressed.  Duh.  Anyway, I was feeling better within a week, three weeks before it fully kicked in.

    The one thing I will say is that it was hard for my body to adjust to.  I was really nauseated the first two weeks and finally had to ask my RO for some Zofran, which did help me get over the hump.  Now I have no problems with it at all.  I haven't gained weight or any of the usual side effects from anti-depressants.  I know some people have trouble with Effexor, but it's been a life-saver for me.  Now if it would just help with the darn hot flashes!

    Good luck!

    Steph 

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  • Racy
    Racy Member Posts: 2,651
    edited January 2012

    I took Lexapro for six months then changed to Efexor for the hot flashes. While my mood is generally ok on Efexor, I think I felt a bit stronger emotionally on Lexepro. I still have a few sweaty flash episodes but am afraid to go off Efexor in case the flashes become worse. I had no side effects with either drug.

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  • Hope60
    Hope60 Member Posts: 223
    edited January 2012

    Steph and Racy - thanks so much for responding to my post.  

    Steph, I had a total emotional meltdown during rads.  I had chemo first & I figured rads would be a walk in the park by comparison....boy was I wrong!

     Racy, it was helpful to read your comparison of both drugs.  I'm in the process making the switch....tapering off Lexapro and starting a low dose of Effexor, so I guess time will tell how this works for me.

    Thanks again! 

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  • Dixiemine30
    Dixiemine30 Member Posts: 163
    edited January 2012

    Effexor was wonderful for me...I took it for 3 years after my hysterectomy.  Loved it :-)

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  • Outfield
    Outfield Member Posts: 1,109
    edited January 2012

    I have been taking it about 8 months.  I had taken antidepressants in the past, but wasn't on anything when I started it.  I think it has helped with my anxiety and depression.  At first, I had some nausea - that went away in a couple days.  It can have a nasty withdrawal syndrome if you miss more than a dose or two, which I discovered when I mis-filled my pillbox.  My psychiatrist says it's probably the worst of the antidepressants that way, but she also says when I'm ready there are strategies to make coming off it easier, like switching to something else then tapering.  I don't regret having started it at all.  Good luck.

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  • bevin
    bevin Member Posts: 1,902
    edited January 2012

    Hi there, I too take Effexor 37.5 mg, the lowest dose.It took about 7 weeks for hot flashes to be fully gone but its a god send to me.  I also don't have any other negative symptoms.  I have missed a dose and due to the low amount I am on, it had no effect - except my hotflashes increased for the day :(

    Good luck to you. I hope you find one that works.

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  • bevin
    bevin Member Posts: 1,902
    edited January 2012

    Hi Birdlady. I actually lost 4lbs when I started it. That levelled off 1 year later :(

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