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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by quilter on July 6, 2000, at 22:40:03
In reply to Doc wants me to try Effexor XR, posted by neecy1014 on July 5, 2000, at 19:01:31
> > Hi all...I've been taking Xanax for years for anxiety and panic. Lately, I've been feeling tired and having trouble staying asleep at night. My GP says the blood work is great, but that I must be depressed and handed me the Effexor samples to start with. Well, my psych and I talked in April, and he said he didn't think I was depressed, just bored. My psychologist and I talked last week and she said she thinks the sleep problem is related to issues going on in my life. The GP doesn't know me like these other 2 docs do and I'm VERY hesitant about taking Effexor or any other AD...especially after reading about these side effects. I don't have suicidal tendencies, I'm a bit of a loner, single parent, not much social life. I'd really like to try to fix this "depression" if indeed I really am depressed by myself. Can anyone convince me that Effexor is truly the way to go?? Thanks! and God bless you all...
I think your caution is warranted. Effexor is not the usual thing to try first for depression. Your pdoc, if he feels you need an AD, would probably suggest one with fewer side effects and less of a chance of discontinuation (withdrawal) symptoms. Quilter
Posted by Stan F. on July 6, 2000, at 23:16:30
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by jeanette on April 14, 2000, at 6:58:11
Just found this site and am sure glad I did. I had been taking Effexor @ 150mg for about 6 months for depression caused by work related stress. Although it seemed to help with the depression it did nothing for the anger and anxiety. I had problems with side effects the most troublesome was sexaul disfunction which the doctor says he has never heard of. He cut me back to 75mg for 6 months which did not help with the side effects. Then he switched me to Wellbutrin and cut the Effexor back to 37.5mg for 2 weeks after which I was supposed to be done with it. After 2 or 3 days I experienced all the withdrawal symtoms explained by maggie and also experienced being very emotional (crying easily). The doctor gave me another 14 days worth and said he knows of no problems with quitting this medication. He has tried to convince me that I should have no problems but having experienced problems when missing doses I knew better. Now I don't feel so all alone and will print out several messages to bring back to the doctor when I need more of this medication. I would like to ask Cam W. where he/she got the information about using 10mg Prozac to assist with the withdrawal. If my doctor believes that there is no problem with withdrawal how can I convince him that what Cam said will work?
Posted by Stan F. on July 6, 2000, at 23:32:44
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by claire 7 on June 15, 2000, at 10:28:43
Try splitting that in half again for a week or so, then taking that amount (18mg approx)
Please explain your method of splitting a capsule in half. I've tried and all those little tiny beads go all over the place. I would certainly try it and would be able to do it for sure if this came in tablet form.
Posted by JohnL on July 8, 2000, at 4:56:54
In reply to I am scared of this medicine, HELP ME!, posted by ToddfromPhoenix on July 8, 2000, at 0:06:12
Todd,
How could anyone from Phoenix be depressed? I mean, all that sunshine, wide open skies? Hey...I'm just kidding. :-) I often wish I had your climate up here in Maine. But I know for a fact lots of sunshine never helped my depression at all.When the psychiatrist told you Effexor was 'the answer', I'm sure he must have known that the odds of it working aren't really much different than anything else. That is, about 70%. Perhaps he told you that hoping for the power of suggestion to help. Kind of like the placebo effect. The more we believe something will work the more likely it is to actually work. Our brains can play funny tricks on us. Actually, funny isn't a very good choice of words.
On the bright side, you came to the right place. There are wonderfully supportive people here, and impressively knowledgeable folks. You will read posts here by average people who are far more expert at depression and medications than most psychiatrists in Phoenix. You are among people just like you. Only some of them are real experts at all this stuff. If you want to learn more in a short amount of time, select the 'Tips' link at the top of the main page. When you get to Tips, leave the search box empty and just push the search button. You'll see a huge list of topics to explore. Some of them may interest you. For example, the ones on Effexor. Or anything to do with side effects. Stuff like that. You can make your search more specific by typing in what you want in the search box.
I have never been on a high dose of Effexor. But I have heard other people say that sometimes the side effects are actually less at the highest dose than at lower doses. That's because at the lower-mid doses most of the medication's action is on serotonin and somehwhat on norepinephrine, whereas at higher doses it also has action on dopamine. It is the increased dopamine that theoretically counteracts the side effects of increased serotonin. Just food for thought. It is possible that the Effexor will work better for you 1)At a higher dose, 2)Given longer than the current 3 weeks.
Possible solutions for the sexual side effects are: increase dose (I know that sounds ironic); change medications altogether (though just about any serotonin med is likely to do the same thing), or add a second medication specificially for the side effect, such as Ritalin, Adderall, Wellbutrin. But of course, all of these possible solutions are just that...possible solutions. They may or may not work. But they have worked for some people. It's possible for example you might add Wellbutrin, notice an improvement in sex and depression, and end up taking just Wellbutrin alone. Wouldn't be the first time that's happened.
There's no easy answer Todd. We all wish there was. But you'll find the support and the knowledge you need here to get over the humps. Hang in there. You will get well. It happens everyday. Keep fighting. And ask your psychiatrist a lot of questions. Make him work for his money.
JohnL
Posted by Cindy W on July 8, 2000, at 11:41:37
In reply to I am scared of this medicine, HELP ME!, posted by ToddfromPhoenix on July 8, 2000, at 0:06:12
> I have never posted to any bulletin board, but I really feel alone on this one. I took Prozac 40mg for nearly 8 years for depression. About six months ago, I decided that it was time to try and "be normal" and stop taking the medicine. These past six months have been awful and I have been very depressed.
>
> I finally took my wife's advice and went to a Psychiatrist to get re-evaluated. He said that Effexor was "the answer" and dropped a sample box into my lap. I have been taking it for about 3 weeks and am up to 150mg a day. So far I can say it has made an improvement, but I can't say it is the answer for what is going on with me right now.
>
> My concern is that I stumbled onto this sight and it seems like a bunch of people have had a bad time with this medicine, both taking it and getting off of it. I have always struggled with psych meds because I feel I lose some of my control of how I truly feel about things being masked in the medicine's "cloak of apathy" so to speak. I am worried that I might be taking this stuff for life and that just isn't how I would like to see myself forever.
>
> I am also finding a rather embarrassing side effect. It seems my libido has taken a vacation and doesn't know when it is coming back. Also, the literature talks about "abnormal ejaculation". My experience is it's very hard to have an orgasm with this medicine. Has anyone else experienced this? I am serious about this and it is starting to become problematic.
>
>
Todd, I take Effexor-XR 375 mg/day, and have found it mildly interferes with libido. It interferes less for me compared with Prozac, Luvox, and Zoloft; Serzone didn't interfere at all. Talk to your pdoc about your concerns; possibly you will "habituate" to the Effexor and not have the sexual side effect, or you might add Wellbutrin or one of the many things people have posted which can help. Or, you may need to change meds. Check out the article on medications for adults at www.ocfoundation.org by Michael Jenike, M.D.; he has a great discussion of how to deal with sexual side effects. Best wishes to you!
Posted by Gerri_mww on July 8, 2000, at 13:37:35
In reply to This is scarier than I thought , posted by Jennifer on April 25, 2000, at 23:10:39
> I know that we all react to things differently, but most of the things I have read here have scared me. I took my first dose of Effexor XR 75 mg tonight. The label said that I cannot operate heavy machinery with it, so I took it at night. My doctor told me to take it in the morning. Should I have done that? Do you get better results that way?? I am just wondering if I should deal with my symptoms without this medicine. Yikes.
Jennifer, I haven't read any posts past this one so if this reply is outdated for you, forgive me. Anyway just wanted to say you should take the med in the am like the MD (and others who answered this post ) told you. I have been on Effexor for a couple months now and I just started taking 225mg in the am. I had started on 75 and then increased to 150 when the effects of the 75mg started to wain. I have been on 225mg for about three days now and today I noticed "the change". I actually found myself doing things and *wanting* to do things instead of just xoning out (I have inattentive ADD--couch potato syndrome..LOL). I actually am looking forward to getting some housework done today (and I haven't done that in years!!!--I have lots of pathways to get around but LOTS of clutter). Please do not react hastily to this med. I, too, was very apprehensive at first. I have extreme panic attacks and could talk myself into dying if need be, but I decided to realize that my fears were in my head. Even some over-the-counter meds have warnings about operating machinery. This is a way the company protects itself against any liability. Years ago if someone had an accident they blamed it on the cold med they were taking so now companies put this warning on all products (also they warn against stomach upset i.e. take this with food--- just in case you are sensitive to the meds and it makes you vomit---this way they are protectig themselves).
Tell us if you are continuing with the effexor. I hope to read that you are. For me it is turning out to be a great asset in my life. I am sure as time goes on I will again need to increase the dose (I have heard that for ADD patients most times we need the very maximum of dosage to have an effect---which will be normal for me as I usually have to take double the dose of any meds).
Good luck in your treatments and remember needing med to help you control something isn't a bad thing. I know even by trying to re-train myself I would never be able to live a normal productive life without the help of meds to help me gain and keep control.Gerri
Posted by Jillie on July 8, 2000, at 20:10:26
In reply to I am scared of this medicine, HELP ME!, posted by ToddfromPhoenix on July 8, 2000, at 0:06:12
I was wondering if there were any long-term effects of Effexor XR. I have been taking it for about 6 months and don't plan on stopping soon. It has worked great for me, and I haven't had any side effects.
I was also wondering if you had to stop taking the medicine during pregnency. Just wondering if anyone had any info.
Thanks,
Jill
Posted by stjames on July 8, 2000, at 23:15:07
In reply to Long-term effects, posted by Jillie on July 8, 2000, at 20:10:26
> I was wondering if there were any long-term effects of Effexor XR.
James here....
I've been thaking it since 1994, when it went on makret. 6 yrs and no problems. After 6 mos to a year whatever side effects you have are there to stay and will not decrease. Get your BP checked as Effexor can raise it a little in some.
james
Posted by shar on July 8, 2000, at 23:29:13
In reply to Re: Long-term effects, posted by stjames on July 8, 2000, at 23:15:07
I've been on Effexor for about 2 years and take 300 or more per day. Also take Wellbutrin.
I have not had any real problems with either, and it scares the p** out of me to hear about the awful problems people have with getting off the meds. I also take 1 mg. klonopin to sleep.
I don't really plan to get off the meds, because I have been depressed for 30 years, and meds do make a difference. I may have to go with another med, or whatever, but I hope I never have to withdraw. From Klonopin, also.
I think I would just ask to be sedated for 2 weeks or something. Really scary and awful sounding.
Shar
Posted by nico on July 9, 2000, at 0:14:29
In reply to I am scared of this medicine, HELP ME!, posted by ToddfromPhoenix on July 8, 2000, at 0:06:12
ive been taking 225mg of effexor xr for about a year now, and im trying to get off of it. so far it has been hell. i tried to decrease my dose to 150, but i couldnt do it. its too much of a decrease. i couldnt even get out of bed.
i had to go back to 225mg. i told my dr. i was haveing trouble, so he me gave 37.5mg pills.
so i decreased my dosage by 37.5 mg. i tried it for a week, i ended up in the emergency room, because i thought i was going die.
so they upped my dose again and im back at 225 mg.
i dont know what to do now.
37.5mg is the lowest dose they have. but its not low enough.
how can i get off this med, without losing my mind?
Posted by stjames on July 9, 2000, at 1:47:29
In reply to im trying to quit, im losing my mind, posted by nico on July 9, 2000, at 0:14:29
> how can i get off this med, without losing my mind?
James here....
Taper then take Prozac for a few days. The prozac will slowly leave your body and end the problems you are having. I'm glad you found this space because we mention this trick often. Sorry your doc does not know about it, many do.
james
Posted by Cindy W on July 9, 2000, at 11:14:08
In reply to Re: im trying to quit, im losing my mind, posted by stjames on July 9, 2000, at 1:47:29
> > how can i get off this med, without losing my mind?
>
> James here....
>
> Taper then take Prozac for a few days. The prozac will slowly leave your body and end the problems you are having. I'm glad you found this space because we mention this trick often. Sorry your doc does not know about it, many do.
>
> james
james, I found your post reassuring about no long-term side effects. I've taken Effexor-XR for about 7 months now, and it has really helped. I doubt whether I'll experience any withdrawal effects if I ever quit and will use the Prozac trick if I do. BTW, a couple days ago, I totally forgot to take my Effexor-XR and my decongestant...that night, I saw them still sitting by the computer, and the only strange thing I felt all day was that my nose felt congested! ;)
Posted by Gerri_mww on July 9, 2000, at 14:36:45
In reply to Re: im trying to quit, im losing my mind, posted by stjames on July 9, 2000, at 1:47:29
> > how can i get off this med, without losing my mind?
>
> James here....
>
> Taper then take Prozac for a few days. The prozac will slowly leave your body and end the problems you are having. I'm glad you found this space because we mention this trick often. Sorry your doc does not know about it, many do.
>
> jamesIt sounds like the Effexor was really helping with anxiety. If the Prozac plan doesn't appeal to you maybe have your doc put your on Wellbutrin or Buspar for the panic until you are totally off the Effexor or as a med instead of the effexor to control anxiety. I was first on buspar but even at half a dose I felt drugged out so I switched to Wellbutrin for the anxiety. You also might try cutting out all forms of caffiene, I find that even having a chocolate bar will increase my chances of having an attack that day (and I have gone to the emergency room several times for "heart attacks" LOL).
Gerri
Posted by SLS on July 9, 2000, at 16:06:18
In reply to Re: Possible withdrawal agony scares me, posted by riverrock on July 9, 2000, at 12:44:20
>
> >
> > I think I would just ask to be sedated for 2 weeks or something. Really scary and awful sounding.
> >
> > Shar
>
>
> Shar, I spent about two hours this morning reading through the posts from the last 6 months or so.....Holy cow! I had no idea how scary this stuff could be...I am currently taking 400mg of Welbutrin and had just worked my way up to 75mg of Effexor XR to replace the Welbutrin, when I changed my mind!! Have already gone back to 37.5mg capsule and plan to ween myself off this week. Too, many horror stories, too many side effects...I am so sensitive to the sexual dysfunction side effects of SRI's I should have know this would be the same...I can put up with alot of side effects, but that ain't one of 'em!!!And at 75mgs it is already happening. Welbutrin alone just wasn't doing the trick...maybe my pdoc will find something else to combine it with....I like your idea of being sedated for 2 weeks :-)
>
> Thank you everyone for all the information you have posted here and for helping me make another difficult dicision about AD's....Back to the drawing board......
> Beth
Dear Beth,Effexor is not a drug from Hell. It is an extremely effective antidepressant that has helped people for whom no other treatment was adequate.
I am a bit dismayed that you have decided not to try Effexor based upon what you have read here. For the most part, these complaints about Effexor involve the withdrawal symptoms that appear when it is discontinued too quickly. Other drugs have this same potential. Effexor is a good drug, and can really act well when combined with Wellbutrin. If the time comes when you must discontinue Effexor, there are ways of preventing intense withdrawal symptoms. First of all, it must be tapered slowly. I see too many people attempt to discontinue both Effexor and Paxil abruptly. Withdrawal symptoms are almost guaranteed under these conditions.
One of the better methods of discontinuing Effexor is to use Prozac as "buffer" substitute to allow the body to acclimate gradually to the loss of its serotonin action. I am surprised that I don't see this done more often here. The strategy is simple. Take one 20mg Prozac pill. Sometimes a second dose of 10mg is added a week later. That's it. It would be nice to hear from people who have tried this method to see how well it really works. I think I might start a new thread to find out.
If Wellbutrin is partially effective, I would be inclined to add another drug to it rather than switch. Effexor and Zoloft are good choices. Actually, Wellbutrin makes a good drug to combine with just about everything.
I am not suggesting that you try taking Effexor as your next drug, but I encourage you not exclude it from your list of alternatives.
Be well.
- Scott
Posted by ToddfromPhoenix on July 9, 2000, at 17:57:42
In reply to Re: Possible withdrawal agony scares me » riverrock, posted by SLS on July 9, 2000, at 16:06:18
I am convinced this medicine only prolongs the agony that has been this life. I have decided to discontinue this and any other psych medicine. If things get too bad, well it hasn't been the best of lives anyway and I won't be missed.
My marriage and life is in shambles. It won't matter to anyone if I disappear.
Goodbye and good luck.
Posted by shar on July 9, 2000, at 19:28:03
In reply to I am more nervous about this cr*p than ever!!, posted by ToddfromPhoenix on July 9, 2000, at 17:58:58
I think I understand exactly what you're saying. But I must disagree with you about not mattering if you disappear.
I believe the whole world could change if you disappear. That's scary too. There may be a life you need to touch, a place you need to be, or something important to do. I believe that we all need to be here, and it's not good to go where we're not invited. (Not that I don't want out of this dimension myself at times...many times.)
You can also share on this board, Todd. A lot of people get into very bad spaces like it sounds like you are now. Who better to offer them a flicker of hope than someone who has come out the other side? (I expect you have come out of many other bad times, and have experience with this.)
You are a survivor. Many of us are. Bloody but unbowed. There is something important about you staying here, and I really, really hope you will.
In SLS post, he indicated that there are ways of dealing with all this withdrawal crap. I don't think I will ever get off meds, but the idea of withdrawal sure scares me. Don't go until you've tried what SLS said; you have something to teach us (whether on this topic or another one).
Shar
> I am convinced this medicine only prolongs the agony that has been this life. I have decided to discontinue this and any other psych medicine. If things get too bad, well it hasn't been the best of lives anyway and I won't be missed.
>
> My marriage and life is in shambles. It won't matter to anyone if I disappear.
>
> Goodbye and good luck.
Posted by shar on July 9, 2000, at 19:40:50
In reply to Re: Possible withdrawal agony scares me » riverrock, posted by SLS on July 9, 2000, at 16:06:18
Posted by riverrock on July 9, 2000, at 19:43:03
In reply to Re: Possible withdrawal agony scares me » riverrock, posted by SLS on July 9, 2000, at 16:06:18
>
> > >
> > >
>
>
> Dear Beth,
>
> Effexor is not a drug from Hell. It is an extremely effective antidepressant that has helped people for whom no other treatment was adequate.> - Scott
Scott,
thank you for putting things into perspective for me. I was panicing and being a bit hasty in my decision....But in all honesty many of the posts on here seem to be negative and it really did frighten me. If you could start a positive thread about Effexor that would be great.I've decided that I will stick with it for a minimum of two months, and then make my decision. I am not even up to a theraputic dose yet, but unfortunately, I am already experiencing some sexual disfunction..Jeez, I hate that more than anything! Does it ever get better?
thanks again,
Beth
Posted by Cindy W on July 9, 2000, at 20:35:11
In reply to Re: Possible withdrawal agony scares me, posted by riverrock on July 9, 2000, at 19:43:03
> >
> > > >
> > > >
> >
> >
> > Dear Beth,
> >
> > Effexor is not a drug from Hell. It is an extremely effective antidepressant that has helped people for whom no other treatment was adequate.
>
> > - Scott
>
>
> Scott,
> thank you for putting things into perspective for me. I was panicing and being a bit hasty in my decision....But in all honesty many of the posts on here seem to be negative and it really did frighten me. If you could start a positive thread about Effexor that would be great.
>
> I've decided that I will stick with it for a minimum of two months, and then make my decision. I am not even up to a theraputic dose yet, but unfortunately, I am already experiencing some sexual disfunction..Jeez, I hate that more than anything! Does it ever get better?
>
> thanks again,
> BethBeth, I think your idea of sticking with it for two months is a good one. That will give you time to see if it works and to see if the sexual dysfunction decreases. For me, there was initial sexual dysfunction which gradually faded to just a tiny amount of delay in getting aroused (a big improvement for me compared with other AD's I tried, incl. Prozac, Luvox, Zoloft). Best wishes! P.S. it helps to get a "head start" when you're with someone, plus this means you can ask for more foreplay! ;)
Posted by Cindy W on July 9, 2000, at 20:39:01
In reply to I am more nervous about this cr*p than ever!!, posted by ToddfromPhoenix on July 9, 2000, at 17:58:58
> I am convinced this medicine only prolongs the agony that has been this life. I have decided to discontinue this and any other psych medicine. If things get too bad, well it hasn't been the best of lives anyway and I won't be missed.
>
> My marriage and life is in shambles. It won't matter to anyone if I disappear.
>
> Goodbye and good luck.Todd, hope you will still feel free to let us know if we can help you, whether or not you are on meds. I've felt much like you feel for a very long time (my life and marriage are in shambles, too). Things can and will get better. Are you in therapy? What's going on in your life? We will miss you if you disappear. Please keep writing and share your experiences.
Posted by Gerri_mww on July 9, 2000, at 20:53:38
In reply to I am more nervous about this cr*p than ever!!, posted by ToddfromPhoenix on July 9, 2000, at 17:57:42
> I am convinced this medicine only prolongs the agony that has been this life. I have decided to discontinue this and any other psych medicine. If things get too bad, well it hasn't been the best of lives anyway and I won't be missed.
>
> My marriage and life is in shambles. It won't matter to anyone if I disappear.
>
> Goodbye and good luck.OMG You DEFINITELY NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE___A PROFESSIONAL ASAP!
I know a lot of us talk about suicide in passing and as fleeting thoughts but to actually verbalize it to strangers to me means you are seriously needing someone to help you. Dodging life or taking it is never the answer.
We all have a purpose here and our lives touch thousands of others who will be affected by the loss of our life. If Effexor isn't working please call your psych immediately to find something that does. BUT NEVER GIVE UP!
I have lived all my life contemplating leaving this world for the better life in the next. I even have my funeral plans/wishes all laid out. BUT, I have realized that we must never give into these thoughts more than as an amusement or wishing to change things.
I once saw a chicken suop episode that stated don't hope things, make them (ie change them).
If you feel a stranger or someone in this forum would better understand your feelings right now. I am available. E-mail me at gerri_mww@yahoo.com and I will send you my phone number if you need someone other than a close friend to talk to (sometimes someone totally uninvolved can see the situation and a solution better than those closest to the picture.
Please if you do not get ahold of me find someone to talk to.
Please do not give up one yourself. Once you have hit rock bottom the only way is up.
Take Care and please do not do anything for at least 24 hours...
Gerri
Posted by paul on July 9, 2000, at 23:00:34
In reply to Possible withdrawal agony scares me, posted by shar on July 8, 2000, at 23:29:13
shar-
fwiw i came off wb coldturkey and had NO problems w/it at all-except for an end to the tremors/rage etc which i'd call more of a benefit than anything else----
pcl
Posted by nico on July 10, 2000, at 1:20:26
In reply to Re: im trying to quit, im losing my mind, posted by stjames on July 9, 2000, at 1:47:29
thanks for the advice james. but i cant take prozac. it will make me manic. and someone else said i should try buspar or wellbutrin, but i cant take those either.
i just dont know how to get out of its control.
Posted by Libby on July 10, 2000, at 9:59:37
In reply to prozac wont work, posted by nico on July 10, 2000, at 1:20:26
Nico, I wouldn't worry too much about the withdrawal symptoms if your doctor slowly tapers you off the medicine. The nasty withdrawal effects I have experienced were the result of my forgetting a dose. With my doc's help, I successfully tapered from 300 mg to 150 in a week with no bad effects at all. I start tapering off for good very soon and although I probably wouldn't choose to take Effexor again, I'm not terrified of stopping.
L.
Posted by stjames on July 10, 2000, at 17:43:14
In reply to prozac wont work, posted by nico on July 10, 2000, at 1:20:26
> thanks for the advice james. but i cant take prozac. it will make me manic. and someone else said i should try buspar or wellbutrin, but i cant take those either.
> i just dont know how to get out of its control.James here....
You might try what I use, Atavin, 1 mg, once or twice a day for a few days. Stops the w.d symptoms
dead for me.james
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