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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 859 to 883 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by Marilyn on April 22, 2001, at 5:37:20
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by lg on October 26, 1999, at 19:09:26
The “Chemical Imbalance” is Born
In 1963, a time in U.S. psychopharmacological infancy, LIFE magazine introduced the broad public to the concept of brain chemical imbalances. Psychiatrists had been experimenting with drugs, particularly LSD, and astounding themselves at the wide variety of behaviors, emotions, and personality changes they could induce in someone with only a tiny spec of the drug. A hypothesis was born out this. If such wide variations in behavior could be made with such a small amount of a drug, which no doubt affected the brain, then any variations from “normal” behavior must be due to extremely fine changes in brain chemistry. The idea that some other external cause of behavioral disturbance could exist seemed to be discarded. Brain chemistry simply needed to be “balanced.” Psychologists such as B.F. Skinner said that scientists could and should control human behavior and predicted that in the future an individuals mood, emotions, and motivation would be maintained at any desired level through the use of drugs.
In 1967, psychiatrist Nathan Klien, an MK-Ultra participant, made a chilling prediction which showed just how much psychiatry wanted to use drugs for behavior control, not for “treating mental illness.” Klien had been studying the effects of psychiatric drugs on “normal humans” and reported that “...the present breadth of drug use may be almost trivial when we compare it to the possible numbers of chemical substances that will be available for the control of selective aspects of man’s life by the year 2000...if we accept the position that human mood, motivation, and emotion are reflections of a neurochemical state of the brain, then drugs can provide a simple, rapid, expedient means to produce any desired neurochemical state we wish. The sooner that we cease to confuse scientific and moral statements about drug use, the sooner we can consider the types of neurochemical states that we wish to provide for people.” [EIR, British Psychiatry: From Eugenics to Assassination, Anton Chaitkin, October 7, 1994, p.39]
Psychiatrists had decided they would provide the public with the types of chemical personality they saw fit. What would follow in the years to come would be the medicalization of any behavior psychiatry deemed “inappropriate.”
As David Kaiser had noted, psychiatrists cannot measure levels of neurotransmitters in the brain in the way doctors can measure sugar levels in a diabetic patient. The question must be asked then, how can you balance or adjust something which cannot be measured? More importantly, does an actual chemical imbalance exist? Parents are told routinely that children given an ADD diagnosis have a chemical imbalance and that amphetaminelike drugs will balance the child's brain chemistry.
Thomas J. Moore, Senior Fellow in Health Policy at George Washington University Medical Center writes that while some "claim hyperactivity in children is a ‘biochemical imbalance’...researchers cannot identify which chemicals...or find abnormal levels" in children. "The chemical imbalance theory has not been established by scientific evidence." [Thomas J. Moore, Prescription for Disaster, 1998, p.22]
It has been pointed out by psychiatrists themselves that the downfall of psychiatric diagnosis is that psychiatrists never look beyond symptoms. If a child is "hyperactive" - a symptom - the psychiatrists say, "He has hyperactivity!" Psychiatrist Sidney Walker says this is like telling your doctor you have a bad cough - a symptom - and getting a "diagnosis" of "coughing disorder", without finding out if the cough is caused from a cold, lung cancer, or tuberculosis. [Sidney Walker, The Hyperactivity Hoax, 1998 p. 6]
Psychiatrists never look beyond "symptoms", they merely classify symptoms as the "disease." Dr. Mary Ann Block says she hates to see children given labels of “hyperactivity” or “attention deficit disorder.” In fact, she refuses to use such labels. She says, “How sad it is to see children drugged while their underlying health problems go untreated.” [Mary Ann Block, No More Ritalin, Treating ADHD Without Drugs, 1996 p.49]
http://www.garynull.com/Documents/HiddenSideOfPsychiatry.htm
Marilyn
Posted by Marilyn on April 22, 2001, at 5:55:51
In reply to More information (1), posted by Marilyn on April 22, 2001, at 5:37:20
Biochemical Imbalance
If you don't have a biochemical imbalance before starting Prozac, you certainly will have one once you are on it! Prozac has been shown to have drastic effects on the brain's serotonergic system. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger, that normally connects to receptor sites and fires nerves. Prozac prevents serotonin from being removed from the active place where it's working in the brain. It keeps the sparks alive longer, and as a result, a lot of excess firing takes place. The brain doesn't like all the overstimulation and eliminates 30-40 percent or more of receptors. The brain, in effect, is saying, I'm not going to have receptors for all this serotonin. It's a compensatory mechanism for the overstimulation. Receptors can be compared to catcher's mitts. The balls being thrown are like serotonin. After awhile the brain just eliminates its catcher's mitts. It says, I'm catching too much serotonin. I'm going to get rid of my catcher's mitts.
Eli Lilly knew about the disappearance of receptors from their laboratory experiments. What they failed to study, however, was whether or not receptors ever come back. The experiment, which would have been simple to perform, could have consisted of stopping the drug, waiting a couple of weeks, sacrificing some of the animals , and then seeing if their brains had come back to normal . The information could also have been indirectly gleaned from performing spinal taps on human beings before and after they had taken Prozac, to see if the breakdown products indicated that the brain returns to normal . Neither of these approaches were ever attempted. Obviously, Lilly is not concerned with this issue.
Dependence
Since Prozac's release, millions of Americans have come to depend on it and to believe that their lives are better because of it. Concerning this reality, Breggin says:
"First of all, I don't think Prozac should have been approved. But now that it's out there it shouldn't be taken away from anybody who thinks that it's helping them. People should be warned, however, about its dangerous effects. If, for example, Joseph Wesbecker committed a mass murder while on Prozac, then we're weighing the potential good of the drug against some real disasters.
"The other issue to look at is why people like to take drugs. The fact that so many people feel helped by this drug doesn't necessarily mean you or I would feel helped.
"Evidence from the FDA trials suggests that this is a very poor drug. Even a New York Times article recently said that follow-up studies show Prozac as not very effective.
"But when you give something to people and tell them it's a miracle, they'll believe it. . . Also, the drug does have stimulant effects. And while we no longer believe that stimulants should be given for depression, certainly people can feel like it's helping them. " [14)
http://www.garynull.com/Documents/HiddenSideOfPsychiatry.htm
Marilyn
Posted by pandora on April 22, 2001, at 16:27:28
In reply to More information (2), posted by Marilyn on April 22, 2001, at 5:55:51
< < Prozac prevents serotonin from being removed from the active place where it's working in the brain. It keeps the sparks alive longer, and as a result, a lot of excess firing takes place. The brain doesn't like all the overstimulation and eliminates 30-40 percent or more of receptors. The brain, in effect, is saying, I'm not going to have receptors for all this serotonin. It's a compensatory mechanism for the overstimulation. > >
Wouldn't this be true for all SSRIs? (and similarly true on other NT systems when an SNRI or SDRI is used?)
Posted by Denny on April 23, 2001, at 15:00:13
In reply to Mercy » Mercy_M, posted by Leo on April 20, 2001, at 20:22:00
> Mercy,
>
> > What you need to be well aware of is the stealthiness of the drug. Reading these posts will help you recognize when the drug is hurting you more than helping you. This trend usually begins to be recognizable right around the six-month mark of taking the drug and then there appears to be a fast relapse back to the emotions that triggered the medication in the first place.
> Again, the doctor’s response to this is to increase the dosage. More depression....more medication. This might be the answer with other meds out there but I don't think it applies to effexor.
>
> Leo is wrong or misleading you about Effexor. I've been on 75 mg a day for 5 years and have never suffered an emotional relapse or needed to increase the dosage! In fact I was taking 37.5 mgs for awhile but had to increase the dosage when the anxiety returned. I find the withdrawl symptoms to be mild when you taper off slowly- even when I've gone off cold turkey i can withstand the socalled "brain shivers" for several days until I get annoyed with them. My brother has never even experienced withdrawl or any side-effects and is back on 75 mg again. Why do I go off it so many times if "I Love Effexor" so much? Because I hope that someday through the right combination of healthfood store supplements, exercise, meditation and normal behaviour I'll beable to go thru life without taking any psychiatric meds again. I would miss those incredible dreams thought!
Posted by jerz on April 23, 2001, at 16:42:12
In reply to Hi Goofy and Pamela - update on my progress, posted by Fish on April 19, 2001, at 8:49:36
> Hi Goofy and Pamela ... both of you were so helpful in giving me information on how to wean and what to expect. It is almost three weeks now. I am down to 18 mg a day. It's been rough, side effects are bad at the end of the day, but I am able to function (work, being mom and student). I am very tired. Seem to want to sleep all the time. Feel like I ran a marathon by the end of the day, but my side effects are milder .... I feel like I have a brain again! And I have actually been cold (sweating has decreased dramatically). I am trying to be patient with decreasing dosage. I think I went from 37.5 to 18 mg too quickly. Only gave it a week ... side effect really bad for a few days. Anyway, again thank you for your support. How are you two doing? Fish
Fish--- just curious as to how you're doing with the withdrawal. I went from 9+ mg to 4+ today and so far, have moderate vertigo and fairly severe headache. Hopefully it won't last for too many days. My daughter went from 18 down to 9+ today and experienced headache and nausea, but not bad. We plan to stay on our new doses for 7 days and then taper again.
Let us know how it's going for you. thanks.
Jerz
Posted by DavidHIFI on April 23, 2001, at 19:15:38
In reply to Re: effexor and drinking, posted by sl on April 20, 2001, at 12:49:35
I just started on this stuff, right now I'm so damn shakey and dopey, I hate it. And I gotta double this dose on monday. :(
> Did ANYONE start directly at 75mgs, or did most of you folks start at 37.5?
>
> sl
As I said in previous posts, I too am just starting out on Effexor XR and I have decided to stay at 37.5 for the time being. I did not take the 75's in the starter kit requesting, instead that my Dr. give me a perscription for 37.5. I'm just about out of the initial 4 week (plus the one starter week) and although I almost upped it to 75, I've decided to take it real slow. My condition is bearable and I feel that I can take my time with this stuff at the low dosage and I can always increase to the 75. If you're having side fx, stay at 37.5 until you feel they're gone or at least bearable. My (fairly typical, see previous posts) side fx are almost all gone so don't be in a hurry. BTW, just having the sun finally come out after a really long winter (I'm in Upstate NY) has done as much as doubling the dose,Good Luck.
Posted by violalloyd on April 23, 2001, at 20:57:07
In reply to I Love Effexor, posted by Denny on April 13, 2001, at 15:38:04
> > The so called terrible withdrawl symptoms were nonexistant because I tappered off Slowly
Well, good for you.Apparently you are one of the FEW people who does not go thru the difficult withdrawl. Good for you. You are fortunate, but that in itself does not mean that the symptoms are nonexistent! And from what I have read many of US have them even when we DO taper SLOWLY.
To all the newbies and longtime users of this wonderful med, dont be swayed by the postings of mentally ill people who go off their meds and blame their depressive symptoms on withdrawl or longterm side effects: also BEWARE THE BRAINWASHED SCIENTOLOGISTS who oppose all psychiatric medication based on the lunatic ravings of a dead science-fiction pulpwriter!!What is THAT all about???? I thought this board was to help each other.
Does your lack of withdrawl symptoms classify you as 'mentally healthy'?
A lot of newbies and long-term users have found this board very helpful and informative...with the exception of your biased generalities.
Viola
Posted by Denny on April 23, 2001, at 21:22:24
In reply to Re: I Love Effexor, posted by violalloyd on April 23, 2001, at 20:57:07
> A lot of newbies and long-term users have found this board very helpful and informative...with the exception of your biased generalities.
>
> ViolaI already apologized for my sarcastic comments about Scientologists. I apologize once again.
Posted by sl on April 23, 2001, at 21:24:17
In reply to Re: effexor and drinking, posted by DavidHIFI on April 23, 2001, at 19:15:38
> > Did ANYONE start directly at 75mgs, or did most of you folks start at 37.5?
> > sl
> As I said in previous posts, I too am just starting out on Effexor XR and I have decided to stay at 37.5 for the time being. I did not takeLucky you. I didn't start at 37.5, I think cuz my Dr was a resident and not my regular internist. :/ She may also have chosen that because I was coming off Wellbutrin... I didn't ask since I didn't realize most people don't start directly at 75 like I did.
>the 75's in the starter kit requesting, instead that my Dr. give me a perscription for 37.5. I'm
37.5 isn't technically a therapeutic dose...that may also be why she didn't start me that low. I'm in a situation in my life where it wouldn't be good to go without my chemical support, so I need to get to a therapeutic dose as soon as possible. So right now I'm at 150...I took my first full dose today. And I slept a big chunk of the afternoon and right now I'm so tired I can barely think to plan for my new job tomorrow. :(
>just about out of the initial 4 week (plus the one starter week) and although I almost upped it to 75, I've decided to take it real slow. My condition is bearable and I feel that I can take
Again, lucky you. if I stayed at a dose that has no affect on my symptoms...well, I wouldn't get a new job, I wouldn't get my housework done, I pretty much would end up moving home with my mother. :/
>my time with this stuff at the low dosage and I can always increase to the 75. If you're having side fx, stay at 37.5 until you feel they're gone or at least bearable. My (fairly typical, see previous posts) side fx are almost all gone so
It was faded out to "mild" when I doubled. But...now it's bad. I'm so sleepy, I feel like I took Benadryl instead of Effexor. :/ I'm SO hoping tomorrow won't be as bad. Like I said, I need the chemical support ASAP, that's why I can't take my time in adjusting.
>don't be in a hurry. BTW, just having the sun finally come out after a really long winter (I'm in Upstate NY) has done as much as doubling the dose,Good Luck.
Heh, that's how I knew something was definately wrong. It was sunny and beautiful, and I STILL didn't want to leave my apartment. :/ Even telling myself "you'll feel like you've really DONE something today!" didn't work. :/
Thanks.....
sl
Posted by Mercy_M on April 23, 2001, at 21:46:36
In reply to Re: Mercy, posted by Denny on April 23, 2001, at 15:00:13
Posted by violalloyd on April 23, 2001, at 22:42:47
In reply to Re: I Love Effexor, posted by violalloyd on April 23, 2001, at 20:57:07
> > > The so called terrible withdrawl symptoms were nonexistant because I tappered off Slowly
> Well, good for you.
>
> Apparently you are one of the FEW people who does not go thru the difficult withdrawl. Good for you. You are fortunate, but that in itself does not mean that the symptoms are nonexistent! And from what I have read many of US have them even when we DO taper SLOWLY.
>
>
> To all the newbies and longtime users of this wonderful med, dont be swayed by the postings of mentally ill people who go off their meds and blame their depressive symptoms on withdrawl or longterm side effects: also BEWARE THE BRAINWASHED SCIENTOLOGISTS who oppose all psychiatric medication based on the lunatic ravings of a dead science-fiction pulpwriter!!
>
> What is THAT all about???? I thought this board was to help each other.
>
> Does your lack of withdrawl symptoms classify you as 'mentally healthy'?
>
> A lot of newbies and long-term users have found this board very helpful and informative...with the exception of your biased generalities.
>
> Viola>I already apologized for my sarcastic comments >about Scientologists. I apologize once again.
I wasn't offended by your Scientologist comments, but by your belittling the experiences of those of us who are truly experiencing withdrawl.
Viola
Posted by RJKid on April 23, 2001, at 23:54:02
In reply to I Love Effexor, posted by Denny on April 13, 2001, at 15:38:04
Is the patient who trusts his Dr to prescribe safe medication mentally ill? Does that same patient show mental defects by discontinuing that medication in dosages indicated by their Dr?
Come on, give us a break.
I encourage EVERYONE to be swayed by the postings of patients who continue to experience serious side effects with any medication.> > To all the newbies and longtime users of this wonderful med, dont be swayed by the postings of mentally ill people who go off their meds and blame their depressive symptoms on withdrawl or longterm side effects
Posted by RJKid on April 24, 2001, at 0:06:27
In reply to Re: I Love Effexor, posted by violalloyd on April 23, 2001, at 20:57:07
Is the patient who trusts his Dr to prescribe safe medication mentally ill? Does that same patient show mental defects by discontinuing that medication in dosage indicated by their Dr?
Come on, give us a break.
I encourage EVERYONE to be swayed by the postings of patients who continue to experience serious side effects with any medication.> > To all the newbies and longtime users of this wonderful med, dont be swayed by the postings of mentally ill people who go off their meds and blame their depressive symptoms on withdrawl or longterm side effects
Posted by GinaC on April 24, 2001, at 0:06:58
In reply to Re: 4 Wks off Effexor-/joint pain , posted by Lorraine on March 19, 2001, at 16:55:26
Posted by RJC on April 24, 2001, at 0:35:41
In reply to I Quit Effexor Cold Turkey, posted by GinaC on April 24, 2001, at 0:06:58
>I have also been on EFXR(150) for a year and I'm about to try to get off it.But if you have all of these side effects, how do you go to work, as I don't want anybody to know about my troubles.
> I recently stopped my effexor. It was all an accident caused by a screw up at the pharmacy. (I wanted to go off it any way)This is my second try and hope to be successful this time. It's only been two days and I am having terrible side effects. Dizzy, neauseas, horriffic mood swings. I have been on effexor for a year now and I just want to be a normal kid again(19)even though it has been great for my anxiety.
> Can any one tell me how long the side effects will last? any info on withdrawl would be great.
> thanks
Posted by GinaC on April 24, 2001, at 13:43:03
In reply to Re: I Quit Effexor Cold Turkey, posted by RJC on April 24, 2001, at 0:35:41
It was day 3 with no effexor. I have to say it was the worst expierence of my life. The side effects are so bad. I felt like such a junkie. Dizzieness, shaking, neausea, abdominal cramping. I feel like I'm going to die. A feeling of total unreality. I had to take one. For any one who wants to quit this drug I do not recomend making the same mistake I did. I had no idea it was such a addicting drug. Has any one had any success going off this drug and staying off?
Posted by 2ndCHANCE on April 24, 2001, at 14:48:14
In reply to Re: I Quit Effexor Cold Turkey, posted by GinaC on April 24, 2001, at 13:43:03
I went from 150mg/day to zero in one week. It's now day 4 at zero and I'm having nausea, dizziness, electric shock sensations, stomach cramps, diarhea, sinus pain, vision problems and a constant severe headache. I read on this site that the withdrawal effects last 2 to 3 weeks. Unless symptoms keep getting worse (anybody has info on that?), Im determined to tough it out although I feel that this is about as much as I can handle.
Posted by Michele on April 24, 2001, at 15:28:12
In reply to Re: I Quit Effexor Cold Turkey, posted by 2ndCHANCE on April 24, 2001, at 14:48:14
It'll end you guys.... I know it's hard to see that now. I quit cold turkey, but I was only on it for a little over a month so I didn't have any problems. One friend of mine, on it over a year.. quit cold turkey, and had these side effects last 2 weeks... until she took the advice on this board..... benadryl didn't help her but it's helped some..... and she took prozac 10mg. for 2 days... about 2 days after the last prozac she was fine.
My other friend suffered about 3 weeks... he compared it to heroin withdrawal... and he's been there!!
Hang in there if you can...it's worth getting this out of your body! I know how bad it can be tho.. I have seen it, so it's easier said than done! But if you can get your hands on a couple of doses of prozac.. people swear by that for easing the pain. Don't forget... it'll get a little better everyday. Your not alone.
Posted by Michele on April 24, 2001, at 15:42:58
In reply to Re: I Quit Effexor Cold Turkey, posted by GinaC on April 24, 2001, at 13:43:03
Hang in there you guys. As for you comment about feeling like a junkie.... my boyfriend quit cold turkey... and he compared it to heroin withdrawal(and he's been there) so your not far off the mark.
It does go away, even tho it doesn't seem like it now. I know 3 people who Have successfully stopped this drug cold turkey and made it thru, however rough.
I quit... but only on it for over a month so I didn't feel anything. Boy am I glad I did before I was on it longer.
Anyway, my boyfriend got thru it... literally woke up one morning and he was fine. It lasted about 3 weeks for him... but he didn't use any of the "tips" to ease it for him. He has amazing willpower.
I also have a girlfriend who was on it 2 years.. she quit cold turkey... For the first few days she was fine, thought she was out of the woods, then it hit. She came to stay with me because she was so afraid. I saw both firsthand. What an awful drug. So after seeing my girlfriends pain... after 3 days I put some of these psycho babble tips to use... Benedryl helped her sleep.. trust me, she needed it. Needed the downtime. Then on the 4th day she took a 10mg dose of prozac.. on the 5th day another.. then the 6th day... in the middle of the day.. it was just gone. Oh did I feel for her. She couldn't even move in bed without being sick. But it literally just "disappeared" and she is fine now.
So.... it will end.. hang in there if you can.. it's best to talk to your pdoc immediately... but That is also easier said then done. My girlfriend couldn't even move in bed, let alone get to a doctor. But it does go away.... hang in tbere... if this drug can cause this to happen to you.. you probably don't want it in your system. Be tough... use some of the tips... you'll get there!!!!!! I'm sorry you have to go through this.... such a scary drug. Take care of yourselves!!!!
Posted by Seraphim on April 24, 2001, at 19:53:08
In reply to I Quit Effexor Cold Turkey, posted by GinaC on April 24, 2001, at 0:06:58
> Gina,
Go easy and be very careful. Over the last two months I have gone from 300mg(taken for the past 2 1/2 years) to 37.5 and I still have pretty severe withdrawal symptoms daily. Being brave and hanging tough is a great concept but not very realistic when Effexor is involved. I was prescribed phenergan for nausea and also a mild pain killer so that I can get through the day. I'm exhausted, sick and in pain by the evening, though. You should definitely discuss weaning off Effexor with your doctor, read some of the previous posts with helpful hints, and be careful (especially driving). Good luck. Feel free to contact me if you want to hear more.
Seraphim
> I recently stopped my effexor. It was all an accident caused by a screw up at the pharmacy. (I wanted to go off it any way)This is my second try and hope to be successful this time. It's only been two days and I am having terrible side effects. Dizzy, neauseas, horriffic mood swings. I have been on effexor for a year now and I just want to be a normal kid again(19)even though it has been great for my anxiety.
> Can any one tell me how long the side effects will last? any info on withdrawl would be great.
> thanks
Posted by Michele on April 24, 2001, at 20:24:52
In reply to Re: I Quit Effexor Cold Turkey, posted by Michele on April 24, 2001, at 15:42:58
> Sorry.... I wrote my post.... then decided to write it over in more detail... not knowing the first one posted! Sorry for the boredom.
Posted by Diane J. on April 30, 2001, at 19:37:49
In reply to Re: I Quit Effexor Cold Turkey, posted by GinaC on April 24, 2001, at 13:43:03
Dear Fellow Effexor Haters,
Check out this site: http://www.priory.com/sideven.htm. It will confirm your suspicions about Effexor. Also, on www.feelinggood.com, Dr. David Burns" website, there will soon be some current, relevant information concerning the drug.I didn't realize the withdrawal effects would be so intolerable. Now I know what everyone was talking about. I'm back to 150mg,
unfortunately.Diane J.
> It was day 3 with no effexor. I have to say it was the worst expierence of my life. The side effects are so bad. I felt like such a junkie. Dizzieness, shaking, neausea, abdominal cramping. I feel like I'm going to die. A feeling of total unreality. I had to take one. For any one who wants to quit this drug I do not recomend making the same mistake I did. I had no idea it was such a addicting drug. Has any one had any success going off this drug and staying off?
Posted by Leo on May 1, 2001, at 9:50:13
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Wanted to let everyone know that I have a friend that was on 300mg daily of effexor. I didn't know that she was even taking the drug until just recently. Her doctor decided it was time to for her to discontinue the drug so he started her on the weaning process by cutting her dosage in half. Her first two weeks were met with mild to moderate withdrawal. He then cut her back to 75mg a day. She has been hospitalized for the last week and a half. She has had hallucinations, severe nausea, violent mode swings, has been unable to work, and experienced several of the other side effects to the point of hospitalization. Her doctor didn't have a clue as to the withdrawal from the drug and was forced to turn her case over to another doctor who specializes in drug withdrawal. They don't expect to release her from the hospital for another week or two.
Make sure that you are taking these posts to your doctors. Make sure that they are reading them. I've been involved in posting information on this site for several months now. It is probably one of the best on the net for information concerning effexor. Use what you are reading here to educate and create awareness about this drug. Use it to educate and inform your doctors. It could save someones life.
Regards,
Leo
Posted by Irene on May 1, 2001, at 11:36:31
In reply to Re: I Quit Effexor Cold Turkey, posted by Diane J. on April 30, 2001, at 19:37:49
I tried Paxil and Zoloft before finding Effexor. It took months to adjust to it, but found tremendous relief from clinical depression with it. It did make me very very tired sometimes - a few weeks stretch each time. Then I feel well for a couple of months, then v. tired again. I was at 225mg at max. I found that when I would start to get tired reducing by 37.5 mg and will feel well again after 2 weeks. Then when I became tired again in a month or two, I will vary the dosage by 37.5 again. So - up and down between 150-225 mg. I was on Effexor 3 years.
Then for 9 months I didn't have any of that tiredness, so my doctor and I decided July 2000 that my depressive episode might be over, and I could try to come off Effexor. It was not difficult to decrease until I tried to come down to 75mg. in Dec 2000. Then 37.5mg. Then 18mg. Then 20 granules. 10 granules. Then minus 1 granule every two days. Each step decrease from 37.5 has been extremely difficult, similar to others' postings on this site. Today I'm on 2 granules (4 and a half months), and feeling better, but still very lousy.
However, if my doc and I decide that what I am feeling now is truly the underlying depression unmasked, and not merely withdrawal, I think I will happily go back to Effexor because it effectively treated my depression.
My opinion is that the withdrawal is tough. Trying to find the right med that worked for my body was tough. The depression was the worst. I might try to find other anti-depressants with milder withdrawals but in the end, I will take whatever meds will control the depression (including Effexor) because suffering from depression long-term is the worst of all.
BTW, my doc did warn me that weaning would be very difficult at the lower levels. Weaning off Paxil was also very bad.
-Irene
Posted by Light on May 1, 2001, at 23:30:39
In reply to Re: Doc wants me to try Effexor XR » neecy1014, posted by quilter on July 6, 2000, at 22:40:03
hello.
i recently (5 days ago) started taking a sample pack of effexor xr after asking my physician about getting back on some medication for mild depression and anxiety. i had taken paxil for about two years, and it worked wonderfully at first, but then i began to feel completely unmotivated and lethargic. plus, i gained over 60 pounds, and this obviously depressed me more. last april i decided to go off of the paxil, and went to see a pharmacolgist, who recommended that i just go off cold turkey. i had the worst two weeks of my life--i could not function, could not work, barely could drive--i experienced all of those terrible withdrawal symptoms people have ben listing here about getting off effexor. the turning of my head and feeling like my eyes were still to the side of my head, and all that nonsense was a complete nightmare for me. i got over it, though, and was doing fantastic on no meds for a year. now, recently i have been dealing with some serious personal issues, and remembered how helpful the paxil was initially, and my docto recomended the effexor. i experienced some insomnia, mild headaches and dizziness the last few days, but nothing major. i have not yet moved up to the 75 mg dose--i think that is suppoed to start tomorrow or the next day. i am so scared about "sticking it out" because of these horror stories i am reading about going off of it. even those who have said that effexor worked great for them have still concurred about the horror of stopping the medication. i do not plan to be on this or an AD forever; i am basically looking or some assistance through a rough time. i am so confused about whether i should continue taking it, and get myself in deeper, or if i should just stop now, and deal withm problems, becuase i believe that i can--and not have to deal with that withdrawal--or potential weight gain (i simply cannot gain more weight...) i apologize for the drivel, but i would apreciate any type of input/direction anyone can offer. i am just so co
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