Anti-depressants - will they work?

ThinkingofRecovery · 07-03-2008, 11:54 PM

I'm on Venlafaxine but just 75 mg at night - apparently due to my very slight build they are not wanting to increase it just yet (that and they don't trust me with too much medication). The usual is 75mg morning and night.

I've been on it before but apparently was drinking too much for it to work.

Previously I was on Fluoxetine.

The thing is, I've never experienced any side effects from either and was wondering whether this means they are not having any effect?

DUNFERMLINEBOY · 08-03-2008, 01:44 AM

Hey there,

No just because something is not causing you any side effects does by no manner or means indicate that the medicine is having no affect on you! You'll be able to tell from the way that you're feeling if you're getting any benefit! If so just be grateful that you don't suffer from the side effects! LOL

Take Care

Stellata · 08-03-2008, 08:16 AM

It's great that you're not getting any side effects with efexor. That's awesome!
I've had no side effects with mirtazapine, and it works really well for me, so lack of side effects doesn't mean it won't work. I can understand that you'd be looking for some effects, and side effects are kind of tangible! However, it can take upto a month or so to really feel the optimum good effects of a medication.

The Midnight Crazies · 08-03-2008, 10:45 AM

Stop drinking, only then you can judge whether the medication works or not. Or don't, but then don't waste time/money on anti depressants...

Marte

craola · 08-03-2008, 01:21 PM

Consider yourself lucky you don't get the side effects, I to am reasonably lucky, I don't get too many side effects. I don't and never have been a drinker of alcohol, I can't stand it so I don't know how that effects it but no side effects does not mean it is not working. You have to give the drug at least six weeks to know whether it is having an effect, its not a quick fix.

The Midnight Crazies · 08-03-2008, 07:03 PM

Alcohol is kinda famous for rendering anti depressants useless. I'm no dr but it says 'don't consume alcohol in combination with this med' in virtually every user's guide for anti depressants.

Marte

Stellata · 08-03-2008, 07:04 PM

Alcohol is a depressant. That's why.

ThinkingofRecovery · 08-03-2008, 07:29 PM

Thanks. Yes, I know alcohol is a depressant etc and keep getting bugged to cut down. I have cut down alot recently, it's just sometimes it's preferable to get wasted than sh or od.

Starz* · 08-03-2008, 09:44 PM

Ive been gradually increasing venlafaxine over the last 6 weeks after coming off sertraline. My gp wants to be very cautious while were doing this, and is seeing me every 2 weeks to look out for any early warning signs (i dont know what that means!) because we're upping the dose quite quickly. im up to 150 XL in the morning. But i started at 37.5.
I too havent had any side-effects. But a lot of people do, and blood-pressure has to be monitored also.