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Doctors Lounge - Psychiatry Answers
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| johnjohn
- Mon Jan 16, 2006 12:40 pm |
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I have been having panic attacks and social phobia for about 7 years now. Also I have smoked marijuana everyday for about 12 years. I quit the marijuana about 3 weeks ago after weaning myself off over the last year. The anxiety over the years has been sometimes better sometimes worse, but lately it is bad and leading to avoidance of certain situations (line-ups, interviews, etc.)
I have seen my doctor and he has prescribed effexor xr, he is quite knowledgable and has told me of side effects and withdrawal symptoms. I have read alot of negative comments about effexor and anti depressants in general, now I don't know whether to take the drug. I'm scared of the effects, but my life has become unproductive and unfulfilling.
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| R. Zein, Pharm D
- Mon Jan 16, 2006 4:38 pm |
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 Dear johnjohn
most antidepressant drugs have side effects, in fact it is rare for any medication to not have a side effect.
however what is more important is you to treat or reduce your depression/anxiety symptoms.
so you should start the medication, it takes around 4-6 weeks for these drug to exhibit their effectiveness, however, you should start seeing some differences and enhancement of your symptoms with in 2 weeks.
remember to avoid side effects , and especially withdrawal, u should not quit the drug suddenly without first referring to your doctor...
when those drugs are tapered down, they will not cause as much as withdrawal symptoms as they will do when stopped irresponsibly.
i hope you always feel better , thank you
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