![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1432 to 1456 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by JANNBEAU on November 13, 2001, at 12:02:35
In reply to RE EFFEXOR-DID ANYONE HAVE TINNITUS SYMPTOMS, posted by Mary-Teresa on November 3, 2001, at 16:41:49
> My doc has suggested I try effexor. I had terrible tinnitus develope on zoloft. I am still having severe panic attacks when the ringing elevates. Right now I am on 3 mg lorazepam daily.
> I'm scared to try anything new, but need to.
> MaryHi, Mary
I have preexisting tinnitus. Effexor-XR makes it worse. However, I feel SO much better that I tolerate the ringing in my ears. I'm taking Effexor-XR 150 mg/day for chronic intractable pain and associated depression. MUCH better since starting this medication. I'm not worried about stopping it. My doctor says she has never had anyone who could not stop taking it, when properly tapered off.
Posted by petey on November 13, 2001, at 13:30:09
In reply to Re: RE EFFEXOR-DID ANYONE HAVE TINNITUS SYMPTOMS, posted by JANNBEAU on November 13, 2001, at 12:02:35
> > My doc has suggested I try effexor. I had terrible tinnitus develope on zoloft. I am still having severe panic attacks when the ringing elevates. Right now I am on 3 mg lorazepam daily.
> > I'm scared to try anything new, but need to.
> > Mary
>
> Hi, Mary
>
>
> I have preexisting tinnitus. Effexor-XR makes it worse. However, I feel SO much better that I tolerate the ringing in my ears. I'm taking Effexor-XR 150 mg/day for chronic intractable pain and associated depression. MUCH better since starting this medication. I'm not worried about stopping it. My doctor says she has never had anyone who could not stop taking it, when properly tapered off.I have also developed tinnitus from zoloft. Will this ever go away? It really drives me crazy some days. Also, I keep developing ear infections since I've been on zoloft. could there be a connection? thanks! Petey
Posted by clay potzz on November 13, 2001, at 15:56:45
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by kid47 on November 8, 2001, at 15:50:33
I have been on XR for about 2 years, taking 300mg/day, along with Concerta 36 mg for ADD, xanax .5mg 3x and risperdal 1.0/ day.
I have been able to cut out the xanax and risperdal, but continue on with the Effexor and Concerta.
I don't feel any better. For some reason, I still dont have energy, still day dream, have a lack of focus, can't get my weight under control. I don't know what to do next.
I was on prozac about 8 years ago, and at first felt great, then it tapered off. We tried the prozac again, but switched to the Effexor.
Don't know where to turn.
> Howdy. I was on 300mg/day FXR xr for over a year & tapered off with no problems. I did taper slowly (75mg every 2 weeks) & added 20mg/day Prozac the last week. I had no noticable discontinuation problems. If you feel you are better with the FXR why stop? You might check with your doc about adding something (Wellbutrin maybe) to help with motivation. Good luck. Take care.
>
> kid
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > Hi there
> > I am new to the board, this is my 1st post.
> > It was great to find this on the internet.
> > I started reading starting from the begining,
> > and was hoping it would get better...does'nt seem that way.
> > I have been on Effexor XR for the last 9mo.
> > I started on AD right after i had my 3rd baby.
> > severe post partum. tried alot of different things none worked. zoloft, prozac,buspar,and several others, the my pdr put me on effexor.
> > I now am taking 300mg of it a day in the morning.
> > I'm glad to know that im not AS crazy as i thought i was.
> > It has helped with my moods and feeling irritable
> > all the time,helped me to to sit around and cry.
> > However...
> > I have had the vivid dreams, dreams that seem so real they stay with you all day long.
> > I have had the acne arounf the scalp. Ive never had acne before.
> > I have also had the fatigue, cant sleep at night,
> > not gained weight, becasue i started taking Ad
> > right after having the baby, however i hav'nt dropped a pound.
> > I have had no motivation, the things i use to love to do, id still love to do, i just dont want to. its very werid!
> > and God forbid i miss a dose! Whoa! I feel so
> > dizzy, i feel like im here and im aware of everything around me, but im just there. a blob!
> > i hate that feeling!
> > Im now convinced i'll be on this the rest of my life! i have 3 little girls and i cant afford at this point in my life to go through withdrawls as
> > severe as everyone has dicribed in here. I have not read where one person has said it was easy i had no problems. Maybe thats what the pharmasutical compant intended, get people addicted, and we make money FOREVER! I know when i miss my dose, im like trying to get to ASAP!
> > so no one can tell me its not addicting!
> > Right now im looking for the right meds that i can combine any sugestions would be great!
> > Something that will get me going and something that will help me sleep.
> > its funny but my pdr says i should not be feeling this way. he says it should have the opposit effect on me more energy, better sleep, lose weight, and the reason it has'nt happened yet, is
> > because im on not on the right dose. how high can
> > it go? anyone that could give me any info id appreciate. Also the pdr is talking about putting me on welbutrin, what does anyone know about this?
> > thank you-
> > witchypoo
Posted by witchypoo on November 13, 2001, at 18:57:52
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by clay potzz on November 13, 2001, at 15:56:45
ok i can not believe that there is something out there that cant help with losing weight , this is just crazy. Someone out there has had to have luck with something. I know maybe but they havnt been to this board! anyways i cant believe that i barly eat a thing and it just hangs there. Why?
I know if someone had that answer they would have told us back in 99 when this board started! Gee
what do i need you all for when i can answer my own questions!LOL
I just find this really baffeling.
Posted by Iseley on November 13, 2001, at 20:35:00
In reply to Possible withdrawal agony scares me, posted by shar on July 8, 2000, at 23:29:13
Please call your Food & drug administration on your side effects & withdrawal symptoms. They are not aware unless YOU inform them. I would never have taken Zyban / welbutrin had I known I would have withdrawal symptoms that feel like brain seizures which come at me back to back. I could also describe this as being electrocted with high voltage to the brain every couple of seconds. I cannot even wean without having these horrific symptoms. The FDA is not aware of adverse effects unless we report them ! Oh, of course they have had some complaints but not enough (considering the millions of people on these psychotropic drugs) to warrent adding them to the list of side effects. Had we notified the FDA many of us would not have chosen a particular drug that might be causing these & other serious side effects. I've read of several deaths relating to these psychtropic drugs in the UK & Canada. Please alert the FDA regarding any adverse side effects so others can be more informed than we are. Call information for their listing, you can register the information over the phone. We may save a life! Go to all the sites you post drug reactions to & let others know of the importance of getting this information to the FDA. Who knows, some drug company might see the merit in creating something to help us through the withdrawals or side effects Luck to all.
Posted by angel1 on November 14, 2001, at 6:17:41
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » kid47, posted by Pamela Lynn on November 13, 2001, at 3:01:16
THANK GOD THERE ARE POSITIVE PEOPLE TALKING
ABOUT EFFEXOR. I AM STARTING MY SIXTH WEEK AND
SLOWLY FEELING BETTER. I AM HOPEFUL WITH THIS
MED, BUT HAD A MAJOR EMOTIONAL BREAKDOWN THREE DAYS AGO AND WAS WORRIED IT WASN'T WORKING. BUT
MY DR. TOLD ME TO HANG IN THERE AND LET MY BODY
CONTINUE TO ADJUST. I CAN SLEEP NOW WITHOUT
TAKING A SLEEP AID, WHICH I COULDN'T WHEN FIRST
STARTING. THANKS AGAIN FOR A POSITIVE RESPONSE. I HOPE I CAN SAY THE SAME ABOUT IT SAVING MY LIFE.
GOD BLESS YOU. STAY WELL.
Posted by Mary-Teresa on November 14, 2001, at 7:49:04
In reply to Re: RE EFFEXOR-DID ANYONE HAVE TINNITUS SYMPTOMS, posted by petey on November 13, 2001, at 13:30:09
> Hi Petey, how long have you been off the zoloft. I have been off 10 weeks so far, and things are improving, but its not gone yet. You can report this effect to the FDA, and to Pfizer so they can follow up. Please keep me posted on how your making out. So far I have learned that I may have this same effect from any ssri. Still trying to sort it all out.
Mary
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 14, 2001, at 8:22:10
In reply to IMPORTANT To All, posted by Iseley on November 13, 2001, at 20:35:00
> Please call your Food & drug administration...
I think it's important for people to be aware of adverse drug reactions, too, but you posted that before:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011104/msgs/83828.html
Please don't repost the same message repeatedly. Thanks,
Bob
PS: Follow-ups regarding posting policies should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration; otherwise, they may be deleted.
Posted by petey on November 14, 2001, at 9:48:12
In reply to To Petey re Tinnitus from zoloft, posted by Mary-Teresa on November 14, 2001, at 7:49:04
> > Hi Petey, how long have you been off the zoloft. I have been off 10 weeks so far, and things are improving, but its not gone yet. You can report this effect to the FDA, and to Pfizer so they can follow up. Please keep me posted on how your making out. So far I have learned that I may have this same effect from any ssri. Still trying to sort it all out.
> MaryMary Teresa,
I am not completly off the Zolft yet. I am still tapering down and not feeling very well at all. I am at 12.5 mgs. right now and will be tapering again soon. I really don't know if everything I am experiencing is from Zoloft withdrawl or not. I have flyu-like symptoms, extremly fatigued, and both my ears are infected. I go to the doctor today for the infections. I just pray that someday,I'll feel like myself again. I am very discouraged. What withdrawl symptoms did you experience and how long did it take for them to subside? Some days I just want to end it all!
Petey
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 14, 2001, at 11:29:50
In reply to Re: please don't repost same message repeatedly, posted by Dr. Bob on November 14, 2001, at 8:22:10
Hi, everyone,
Sorry, there was a bug in the program. Which explains why there have been so many duplicate posts in this thread! It's fixed now. Was this happening in other threads, too?
Follow-ups regarding posting problems should be redirected to Psycho-Babble-Administration, thanks.
Bob
Posted by JANNBEAU on November 14, 2001, at 12:41:30
In reply to IMPORTANT To All, posted by Iseley on November 10, 2001, at 21:10:15
> You can report adverse events (drug reactions; interactions, etc. to FDA online, too. The URL is: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/
>
orJust follow the links within the Medwatch homepage. You should attempt to get your doctor to do this, but if that isn't possible the consumer can do it, instead.
Cheers,
Jannbeau
> Please call your Food & drug administration on your side effects & withdrawal symptoms. They are not aware unless YOU inform them. I would never have taken Zyban / welbutrin had I known I would have withdrawal symptoms that feel like brain seizures which come at me back to back. I could also describe this as being electrocted with high voltage to the brain every couple of seconds. I cannot even wean without having these horrific symptoms. The FDA is not aware of adverse effects unless we report them ! Oh, of course they have had some complaints but not enough (considering the millions of people on these psychotropic drugs) to warrent adding them to the list of side effects. Had we notified the FDA many of us would not have chosen a particular drug that might be causing these & other serious side effects. I've read of several deaths relating to these psychtropic drugs in the UK & Canada. Please alert the FDA regarding any adverse side effects so others can be more informed than we are. Call information for their listing, you can register the information over the phone. We may save a life! Go to all the sites you post drug reactions to & let others know of the importance of getting this information to the FDA. Who knows, some drug company might see the merit in creating something to help us through the withdrawals or side effects Luck to all.
Posted by Sleepy on November 14, 2001, at 12:59:29
In reply to Re: OFF Effexor----- Sleepy, posted by galtin on November 10, 2001, at 11:46:00
> > The first really bad episode consisted of myself and my two children on our way to my daughter's weekly music lesson. After 3 months of driving her there every Saturday I suddenly FORGOT how to get there and drove around
> frantically searching (of course this frightened my children and scared the bleep out of me.
>
>
>
> Sleepy,
>
>
> I have used Effexor for six years with lots of success. But I was glad to read your post. My concentration, such as it is, seems as good as ever but I do have memory lapses. I have been wondering if this is just another sign of getting older (48) or an Effexor side effect. Yesterday i drove by two gorgeous trees a mile or two from home whose leaves had turned a deep, late autumn red. I made a note to myself to show them to my wife and ask her what kind of trees they were. Later in the day I remembered to take her by the trees, but I could not remember where the hell they were.
>
> A friend refers to these episodes as "senior moments," but maybe, for me, they are "Effexor moments." I hope the effect is not cumulative.
>
>
> galtinGaltin,
Since I don't consider 48 to be at all near those "senior" years (I'm 43 myself), I'd lean more toward "Effexor moments." And yeah, I also hope the effect isn't cumulative!
I had the same kind of memory loss with Serzone, but with Serzone it was even worse--whole huge chunks of time gone forever.
~Sleepy
Posted by JANNBEAU on November 14, 2001, at 14:44:37
In reply to Re: RE EFFEXOR-DID ANYONE HAVE TINNITUS SYMPTOMS, posted by petey on November 13, 2001, at 13:30:09
> > > My doc has suggested I try effexor. I had terrible tinnitus develope on zoloft. I am still having severe panic attacks when the ringing elevates. Right now I am on 3 mg lorazepam daily.
> > > I'm scared to try anything new, but need to.
> > > Mary
> >
> > Hi, Mary
> >
> >
> > I have preexisting tinnitus. Effexor-XR makes it worse. However, I feel SO much better that I tolerate the ringing in my ears. I'm taking Effexor-XR 150 mg/day for chronic intractable pain and associated depression. MUCH better since starting this medication. I'm not worried about stopping it. My doctor says she has never had anyone who could not stop taking it, when properly tapered off.
>
> I have also developed tinnitus from zoloft. Will this ever go away? It really drives me crazy some days. Also, I keep developing ear infections since I've been on zoloft. could there be a connection? thanks! PeteyPetey:
First, the disclaimers: I am not a medical doctor. I just search for answers like everyone else and try to put the information together to make some sense.
Now that we have that out of the way, I found a side effect of Zoloft that may explain your ear symptoms: Apparently Zoloft (other drugs in class?) can cause rhinitis, an inflammation of the nasal lining; the inflammation may be manifested by nasal congestion, which could lead to fluid retention behind the ear drum, which, in turn, could get infected (just as in infants and children) or sinusitis.
Are you sure you have had ear INFECTIONS? Have you had a diagnosis? Have you taken antibiotics for this condition with success? More than once? Have you tried nasal decongestants (Afrin; Pseudofed, etc)? Just a thought! Were you taking any other medications along with the Zoloft? Are you prone ot ear infections?
Posted by Mary-Teresa on November 14, 2001, at 16:48:19
In reply to Re: To Petey re Tinnitus from zoloft, posted by petey on November 14, 2001, at 9:48:12
> > > Hi Petey, how long have you been off the zoloft. I have been off 10 weeks so far, and things are improving, but its not gone yet. You can report this effect to the FDA, and to Pfizer so they can follow up. Please keep me posted on how your making out. So far I have learned that I may have this same effect from any ssri. Still trying to sort it all out.
> > Mary
>
>
>
> Mary Teresa,
> I am not completly off the Zolft yet. I am still tapering down and not feeling very well at all. I am at 12.5 mgs. right now and will be tapering again soon. I really don't know if everything I am experiencing is from Zoloft withdrawl or not. I have flyu-like symptoms, extremly fatigued, and both my ears are infected. I go to the doctor today for the infections. I just pray that someday,I'll feel like myself again. I am very discouraged. What withdrawl symptoms did you experience and how long did it take for them to subside? Some days I just want to end it all!
> PeteyHi Petey, Please don't give up. I went through all of those symptoms including feeling soooo low and discouraged. It has been 10 weeks since I took my last zoloft, and things are starting to clear up. I'm not a doc, but have been doing alot of research. Its real imp not to take any similar medication that elevates seratonin right now. My neurologist suggested I stick with Lorazepam or something in the benzodiazepam class for 6 to 8 months. Things are settling down for me. I also went to a naturopath for help, and am following a detox program he prescribed. Its all helping. Its been the roughest thing I've ever gone through. Hold on, we will both make it through. LESSON LEARNED BIGTIME!!!!
Mary
Posted by petey on November 14, 2001, at 17:26:06
In reply to Re: To Petey re Tinnitus from zoloft, posted by Mary-Teresa on November 14, 2001, at 16:48:19
> > > > Hi Petey, how long have you been off the zoloft. I have been off 10 weeks so far, and things are improving, but its not gone yet. You can report this effect to the FDA, and to Pfizer so they can follow up. Please keep me posted on how your making out. So far I have learned that I may have this same effect from any ssri. Still trying to sort it all out.
> > > Mary
> >
> >
> >
> > Mary Teresa,
> > I am not completly off the Zolft yet. I am still tapering down and not feeling very well at all. I am at 12.5 mgs. right now and will be tapering again soon. I really don't know if everything I am experiencing is from Zoloft withdrawl or not. I have flyu-like symptoms, extremly fatigued, and both my ears are infected. I go to the doctor today for the infections. I just pray that someday,I'll feel like myself again. I am very discouraged. What withdrawl symptoms did you experience and how long did it take for them to subside? Some days I just want to end it all!
> > Petey
>
> Hi Petey, Please don't give up. I went through all of those symptoms including feeling soooo low and discouraged. It has been 10 weeks since I took my last zoloft, and things are starting to clear up. I'm not a doc, but have been doing alot of research. Its real imp not to take any similar medication that elevates seratonin right now. My neurologist suggested I stick with Lorazepam or something in the benzodiazepam class for 6 to 8 months. Things are settling down for me. I also went to a naturopath for help, and am following a detox program he prescribed. Its all helping. Its been the roughest thing I've ever gone through. Hold on, we will both make it through. LESSON LEARNED BIGTIME!!!!
> MaryJust got back from the doctor. As I suspected, both ears are infected. Doctor gave Cipro. Should take care of the infections! She said since I already cut my zoloft to 12.5 mgs. to just stop taking it. I'm really scared because I'm afraid of the withdrawl. Guess I'll just have to try it and see what happens! I'm already feeling some anxiety about it. Thanks for your concern, and I'll keep you posted.
Petey
Posted by Allen F. on November 14, 2001, at 22:53:11
In reply to Re: To Petey re Tinnitus from zoloft, posted by petey on November 14, 2001, at 17:26:06
I was on Prozac for years and my Doctor suggested I change to Celexia. It didn't seem to be helping (may not have had enough time) and he moved me to Effexor. Since then I have had a constant ringing in my ears and other side effects.
Is the "ringing in the ears" a normal side effect? Does anyone have experience with Celexia and are the side effects about the same as Effexor? Is it better to go onto Prozac or just go through the withdrawal of Effexor?
A
Posted by JANNBEAU on November 15, 2001, at 10:49:50
In reply to Ringing in ears ... Prozac ... Effexor withdrawal, posted by Allen F. on November 14, 2001, at 22:53:11
>A: First, let me reiterate that I am NOT a physician, so my suggestions are just that--ideas from a fellow traveler (sufferer--longstanding intractable pain and depression) who has tried to do her homework.
To answer your question about tinnitus or "ringing or buzzing in the ears." This problem is reported in the product insert as an adverse event or "side effect" of Effexor (I cannot recall the % in drug vs % in placebo).
With regard stopping Effexor, my physician tells me that, with proper tapering--a long process--discontinuing Effexor should not be difficult and that she has not had ANYONE who could NOT do it (she generally tells me the truth). Some people may have more trouble than others.
With regard to withdrawing from Effexor, my personal advice is that you personally first decide whether the side effects are worth the benefit of the medication to you--(ALL medications have side effects. The trick seems to be to find one that helps you and the side effects of which are tolerable to you! --the so-called benefit/risk ratio). If, after thinking it through, you still wish to stop Effexor, consult with you physician and: (1)If you are taking Effexor-XR, switch to the regular formulation. (2)Take withdrawal in tiny steps--very slowly reduce the dose--(it may take several weeks or more to completely withdraw); (3)ask your doctor about adding an anxiolytic (depending on your reason for taking Effexor and your response to withdrawal) if necessary--
You could return at some point to Prozac if that WORKED for you--when your physician says it's ok. (I assume you are working with a physician who is very knowledgable of psychopharmacology?)
Good Luck and Cheers, Jannbeau
I was on Prozac for years and my Doctor suggested I change to Celexia. It didn't seem to be helping (may not have had enough time) and he moved me to Effexor. Since then I have had a constant ringing in my ears and other side effects.
>
> Is the "ringing in the ears" a normal side effect? Does anyone have experience with Celexia and are the side effects about the same as Effexor? Is it better to go onto Prozac or just go through the withdrawal of Effexor?
>
> A
Posted by witchypoo on November 15, 2001, at 11:35:18
In reply to Re: Ringing in ears ... Prozac ... Effexor withdrawal, posted by JANNBEAU on November 15, 2001, at 10:49:50
Hi all this is not to condem anyones religous
beliefs. so if you diagree with me sorry this is just my own opinion and i thought maybe some of you would get a kick out of it as i did.
Did anyone watch dateline, the other night?
they were preforming exorsisms on a man, they
said that he had suffered from depression. that
the meds he tried didnt help however when they
reserched it he had on taken them MAYBE 3 mos.
and i found it kinda of funny that the one man on there said that people that suffer from depression are usually possesed by demons!
if thats the case ya all were in serious trouble!
lol. just thought maybe some of you might get a kick from this!
witchypoo < [:~)
Posted by Sleepy on November 15, 2001, at 11:41:47
In reply to were all possesed, posted by witchypoo on November 15, 2001, at 11:35:18
> Hi all this is not to condem anyones religous
> beliefs. so if you diagree with me sorry this is just my own opinion and i thought maybe some of you would get a kick out of it as i did.
> Did anyone watch dateline, the other night?
> they were preforming exorsisms on a man, they
> said that he had suffered from depression. that
> the meds he tried didnt help however when they
> reserched it he had on taken them MAYBE 3 mos.
> and i found it kinda of funny that the one man on there said that people that suffer from depression are usually possesed by demons!
> if thats the case ya all were in serious trouble!
> lol. just thought maybe some of you might get a kick from this!
> witchypoo < [:~)Did hafta laugh at this (;
Sometimes it all gets so serious (and yeah, it IS serious), but it doesn't hurt to laugh and hey, isn't laughter the BEST medicine? Too bad they can't put laughter in pill form and mass market it!
Posted by JANNBEAU on November 15, 2001, at 11:59:16
In reply to were all possesed, posted by witchypoo on November 15, 2001, at 11:35:18
> Hi all this is not to condem anyones religous
> beliefs. so if you diagree with me sorry this is just my own opinion and i thought maybe some of you would get a kick out of it as i did.
> Did anyone watch dateline, the other night?
> they were preforming exorsisms on a man, they
> said that he had suffered from depression. that
> the meds he tried didnt help however when they
> reserched it he had on taken them MAYBE 3 mos.
> and i found it kinda of funny that the one man on there said that people that suffer from depression are usually possesed by demons!
> if thats the case ya all were in serious trouble!
> lol. just thought maybe some of you might get a kick from this!
> witchypoo < [:~)Yep, saw it. If depression etc is not just a conspiracy by the drug companies to sell billions of dollars of useless medicine, it's a demon--or two--or three--depending on your perspective. Maybe we're all just too caught up in the medical model of illness. Perhaps I'll call my local exorcist!--cheaper in the long run, any way, if not faster!
Jannbeau
Posted by bryanccc on November 27, 2001, at 10:52:19
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
> Hi there,
>
> Anyone care to comment on the use of Effexor? Anyone
> "happy" with it? I have tried Prozac (too much anxiety),
> Serzone (too sedating). I am currently on Buspar for anxiety.
>
> Been reading many different reports... Effexor seems
> to have a lot of success...
>
> please share your thoughts on this. i have had success with effexor xr and it has helped me immensely i have taken it for over a year(150 mg per day) and my anxiety and depression have completly subsided i can now think more clearly and express my thoughts much better the only side effects ive had are sweating and weightloss i lost 17 lbs in 8 weeks and i am almost back to my normal weight i thought my life was about as bad as it could get and after taking effexor xr everything has changed 100% for the better if you have GAD with depression i would advise you to ask your doctor about this medication i also have taken paxil buspar and zoloft which didnt help at all and even made me worse i love effexor xr and will continue to take it as long as necessary it has really made my life worth living
Posted by beezie on December 1, 2001, at 15:02:39
In reply to Re: were all possesed » witchypoo, posted by JANNBEAU on November 15, 2001, at 11:59:16
i just started taking effexor (35.7mg and then i will take 75mg daily) a few days ago and i'm so nauseous that i can barely leave my bed. i also just read posts about withdrawl and they scare me. i have never taken any medication before and had a lot of reservations for a long time, then decided that the depression and anxiety weren't going away on their own and that i needed to try something new.
my fear is that i will be taking medication for the rest of my life! everyone who has posted seems to have been on medication for a long time, or they are on a lot of different meds at once. i just started college. i have a lot of life ahead of me and i can't afford (financially and figuratively) to be on meds for all of it. does anyone have any input or advice? should i stop taking it and continue trying to get over the depression on my own?
Posted by AnneL on December 1, 2001, at 16:23:18
In reply to effexor scares me, posted by beezie on December 1, 2001, at 15:02:39
Dear Breezie,
First of all, One day at a time! Secondly, before you discontinue your medication, please consult your doctor. He or she may tell you that the nausea may be transient (short-term) or may decide to switch you to another anti-depressant/anti-anxiety medication. Before you worry about being on medication for the rest of your life, focus on finding help for your current situation with your depression and anxiety. I don't believe anyone should try to cure disease "on their own", after all if you had a serious illness (depression is an example of a serious illness) you would not try to cure yourself, would you? You might take antibiotics or follow any of your doctor's instructions, right? Same thing holds true for depression/anxiety. Let your doctor know that you are experiencing nausea. Sometimes a simple over the counter remedy may help and sometimes a prescription to help with nausea may be necessary
(again, short term until it passes). Whatever the solution may be, you need to speak with your doctor as soon as possible to let him or her know about your side effects.I had some start up side effects with Effexor and with some minor tweaking here and there, I am doing well on it. At this point, getting better is the whole issue, I would not concern yourself with what is known as "discontinuation syndrome" at this point. Discontinuation syndrome is managable with your physician's instructions. There is a specific formula for discontinuing Effexor once you have been on 75 mg. or more for two weeks or longer. Please call your doctor, today. I can imagine that nausea must really be a bummer!! Take Care and let us know how you are doing. :) AnneL
Posted by Spencer on December 3, 2001, at 9:41:07
In reply to effexor scares me, posted by beezie on December 1, 2001, at 15:02:39
I agree with AnneL. Stick with Effexor and don't worry about the withdrawal symptoms in the future. There are lots of problem cases but it seems to me that most people can wean themselves off with little effect with proper supervision from their doctor.
I developed very severe depression during August/September this year. My GP tried me on Prozac (fluoxetine) but I was so bad he sent me to a psychiatrist who put me on 75mg Effexor XR for 5 days and I've been on 150mg once a day since. I went through hell but was warned that I would feel worse before I got better and it would take anything up to 6-8 weeks to take full effect. I had side effects for about a month..blurred vision, impotence, poor sleeping pattern and restricted urination. I was also anxious about what I read on this site about withdrawal symptoms.
Effexor has changed my life. After about 6 weeks the severe depression and intense anxiety went away. The side effects, including the impotence, have gone away, but sleep is still a problem. I take half a Stilnox every so often and get a good night's sleep to catch up. I am enjoying life and have been seeing a psychologist who has been extremely helpful in changing my way of thinking.
Stay with it and as AnneL says, discuss your difficulties with your doctor...don't suffer on your one when you can get help.
Posted by JANNBEAU on December 3, 2001, at 10:25:29
In reply to Re: effexor scares me » beezie, posted by Spencer on December 3, 2001, at 9:41:07
> I, also, agree with AnneL! Tell your doctor about the nausea. There are ways to cope and it might be transient.
Try to peresevere with the medication and psychological treatment. Taking medication may be a lifelong thing, but may NOT be. Many people take a course of antidepressants and go on after that for years without needing meds.
I've been taking Effexor XR for about 3 months now and it has changed my life, also! I had suffered from CHRONIC depression and GAD for years and had resisted antidepressant therapy because of the side effects that I had when I took Elavil (including cardiac arrhythmias). Thankfully, this medication has had minimal side effects for me. The major side effect I still have is sweating. Just means I take more showers and change clothes more often. Not a big thing.
Hang in there!! You will make it. You can do this!
Jannbeau
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