Antidepressants

I was on it for 2 years also. I stopped because it wasn't working any more and I cross-tapered to another antidepressant. I had no SE's getting off Effexor, but some people seem to. You might not need as high a dose as for depression, so getting off would be even easier. It is given to help with hot flashes, so getting rid of them might improve your mood.

Hi Sophiamarie, I think you are doing the right thing investigating if anti d's are right for you. I'm in Australia and it seems that they are prescribed a lot less often here. I don't know if that is a good or bad thing! Personally, I don't want to add another chemical into my body, particularly with all the other stuff running around In me. In saying that though, if it was necessary I would of course take them.

LIL

Check it out; the good and the bad. I slowly worked up to my current dose and have never needed to increase it. No brain zaps or skipping. If I choose to stop taking it, I'll do it under my psych's direction. No cold turkey. Ultimately, it's up to you. As with all of the other medical choices we make, if it's not for you, then you simply stop.

Oh, I forgot! I took Celexa for hot flashes during natural meno before bc. No problems with that either.

I've been on Arimidex for 10 mos and Effexor for 7 mos. when the Effexor kicked in, it was like someone opened the blinds and let the sun in. It wasn't such a struggle to join the world. My hot flashes eventually eased off too. I'm an advocate for antidepressants. You don't have to live like that. I talked to my GP last week about weaning off them but she recommended waiting until I'm done reconstruction as it is such an emotional roller coaster. In the end, you'll do what you're comfortable with. All the best to you. J

Hi ladies,

Just jumping in here regarding antidepressants because I am such a believer in taking medication for depression and anxiety. Depression is a serious illness and comes with a list of issues. It rears its ugly head whether you are sick from this disease or not. It doesn't discriminate but there are some that think it's just an attitude thing.

I've been on Cymbalta for several years. If I had SE from it I didn't know it. I do know I was having some difficult times dealing with issues, crying a lot, isolating myself and everyone else. I was so unhappy. One day, I was in the middle of one of those crying episodes when my daughter really spoke firmly to me, not mean, just firm. I knew I needed to get help. So, I did. In 2013, I lost a very dear friend to liver cancer. I was crying a lot and they upped my dosage. Ironically, I was diagnosed with BX two months later and that dried up my tears. Now, I'm dealing with my own cancer. Cymbalta has helped me and I feel it has helped me not to spiral down into that blackness. It's a very dark hole and just waiting for you. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Even if it's another pill...

I've been on Effexor Xr for several years - 75 mg. - a low dose - helped immensely, and eased my hot flashes.  I could not have managed without it.  I have been off Femara for nearly 2 years, all is well (7 1/2 years out!) and am going to wean off the Effexor this spring/summer, under the supervision of my GP and my homeopathic drs.  Can't think of any s/es from the Effexor, had many from the Tamoxifen and then the Femara, but I did my 5 years combined of those 2 drugs.  About 6 months after finishing the Femara, I started to feel so much better - more energy, no more joint pains/muscle aches, ankle swelling gone etc.  Now it's time to let go of the Effexor.  I am ready.   Remember that you read mostly the horror stories of meds on the internet, as mostly people who have had bad reactions/issues complain - people who are doing well normally do not have much to say.