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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by lovemybabies on March 7, 2003, at 6:41:46
In reply to Re: Weight gain! Dizziness! Help! » lovemybabies, posted by KrissyP on March 6, 2003, at 21:47:27
Hi,
I just increased to 150mg yesterday. So far, no nausea but the lightheadedness is back. My doc. said it helps better w/anxiety at higher doses.
Posted by lovemybabies on March 7, 2003, at 6:42:10
In reply to Re: Weight gain! Dizziness! Help! » lovemybabies, posted by KrissyP on March 6, 2003, at 21:47:27
Hi,
I just increased to 150mg yesterday. So far, no nausea but the lightheadedness is back. My doc. said it helps better w/anxiety at higher doses.
Posted by napaba on March 7, 2003, at 14:30:41
In reply to Re: Weight gain! Dizziness! Help! » lovemybabies, posted by Tina P on March 6, 2003, at 20:36:35
My doctor said it depends on why you eat. Do you eat because of the depression and Anxiety or do you eat when your happy? I eat because of the depression and Anxiety. So for me I've been losing weight. Not a lot and not quickly. Which is OK as long as it comes off.
It's funny- seems to be as much a mystery to you and me as it is to our doctors. I was switched to Effexor XL from Paxil because I was gaining weight, and it hasn't made a difference. But in your case, you WANT to gain and can't! I think it depends on the person, their eating habits/issues, and their metabolism. But that's just my opinion.
Posted by KrissyP on March 7, 2003, at 15:02:31
In reply to Re: Weight gain! Dizziness! Help!, posted by napaba on March 7, 2003, at 14:30:41
Hi, It definately depends on WHAT a person eats, but I eat mostly under stress, and frustration. I also have a HUGE sweet tooth! I don't tend to overeat when I'm happy though, which makes sense. I think I, personally use food to cope with uncomfortable feelings. I need to work on that.
I talk a good game :-( But now I need to take action-I'm workin on it.
All the best:-)
Kristen------------------------------------------My doctor said it depends on why you eat. Do you eat because of the depression and Anxiety or do you eat when your happy? I eat because of the depression and Anxiety. So for me I've been losing weight. Not a lot and not quickly. Which is OK as long as it comes off.
Posted by Tina P on March 7, 2003, at 19:29:48
In reply to Re: Weight gain! Dizziness! Help!, posted by napaba on March 7, 2003, at 14:30:32
Well, that would explain my problem. I want to eat no matter how I'm feeling emotionally!
Posted by KrissyP on March 8, 2003, at 0:12:03
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by MidgesMom on March 6, 2003, at 3:50:39
I'm sorry you had a not so good experience on Effexor. God-I'm torn with this Effexor-XR I started back on about a week and a half ago. When I was on it before it helped, but I also got nervous stutters, and last night I couldn't remember if I took the pill-when I figured out I DID.
I am realizing too that taking a pill ALONE wasn't going to make my life easier, so I did therapy, then some, and then some. I have gotten better.
Thanks for your post,
Kristen:-)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I have been on Effexor in vrious dosages for several years now and am on my way off of it. It really helped at first but slowly through the years I began to notice little changes. Twitching of the hands, feet and legs during sleep mostly, where I'd wake up from it, nervous stutters later on, forgetfullness, not being able to remember if I took the pill or not; very fuzzy logic, and lastly, sweating through the night. Sound like I am getting older? I'm not even thirty. Finally informed my doctor that I couldn't handle the side effects anymore to get the benefit of a calm presence of mind. He has been stepping me down slowly to smallest dose and onto Wellbutrin, with Buspar on the side. It works. I haven't had the sickness of withdrawal symptoms, and I am in more control now than ever before in my life. But what had to change as well as the medicine was me realizing that taking a pill alone wasn't going to make my life easier; I had to take a strong inventory of what it is was that made me so mad on a moments notice. And being able to get mental control, when I have a physical inability to make enough of the chemicals my body needs has really helped. And exercise, along with yoga as really helped me even out my life. It's been just amazing. Had I to do it over again with Effexor, for the record I would, it gave me a chance to realise how rotten I had been with my well meaning friends and family, and it gave me the power to get better control of my life; but the side effects get worse the longer you are on it; so the benefits must be carefully weighed. Ultimately, it's a personal decision. Best of luck to you in yours!
>
Posted by Mikeyqld on March 8, 2003, at 1:22:36
In reply to Re:Intractable Effexor Withdrawl , posted by cjl on August 23, 2000, at 21:07:19
Hiya all. Ive been tapering off Effexor XR for over a fortnight now and have been really hassled by the strange "electrical shocks" that some of you know about! I have stoppped taking Effexor totally for 2 full days now and last night i slept for a total of 18 hours. I have still been getting the "shocks" and am starting to think that tapering off slowly really hasn't helped these. I hope they go away soon. Any suggestions on relieving them would be great! Good luck to us all.
Posted by KrissyP on March 8, 2003, at 1:26:43
In reply to Dosage alteration symptoms, posted by Mikeyqld on March 8, 2003, at 1:22:36
Posted by Mikeyqld on March 8, 2003, at 2:01:19
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! » MidgesMom, posted by KrissyP on March 8, 2003, at 0:12:03
I thought id give an overview of my own probs incase it can help anyone else. 18 years old and i get a total of 3 panic attacks. Mention them to my GP and he says starts taking this (Aropax) and tells me im a "worrier" like my mum! I had a shocking time on Aropax (only lasted a fortnight) and my GP then changed me to Effexor. I got the same sorts of side effects but they did soon settle down to a point where i could notice nothing strange even if i tried!
The panic attacks were gone but i felt like i was on a downward spiral to insanity! I mean, i was 18 and having to take anti-depressant drugs and worst of all i had no knowledge of what they were and why i needed them and of course - no one to talk to about it all (too ashamed of myself).
Over time, i started to notice that I was sweating profusely - especially at night and when (strange i know) i was sitting with my legs horizontal (still can't figure this one out!) My memory seemed to be slowly getting worse and i had gone from being dux of my grade to an "average" brain!
After having ongoing stomach problems, my GP decided that maybe the effexor was causing this and put me on to Serzone. Well, this was the worst period in my life and when i went back to him after about a month, i discovered that he had put me on something that shouldn't have been used for panic attacks! Nice to see that the doctor had been careful while messing with my own health and well-being!
Back on effexor for me! And with a large amount of help from a different GP, i discovered that it was a safe drug to use and not uncommon for someone my age. This gave me piece of mind and more self esteem.
But....! I developed a problem where after nearly every meal and sometimes totally spontaneously, i would be hit with what i describe as "yawning attacks and lethargy". I felt out of it - dissociated and my speech was slightly slurred and my memory was getting worse.
Having been to an endocrinologist with no luck, and tested for a million different things, i decided to knuckle down and spend the time, money and effort to get this sorted. After all, as most guys would know, people will hapily spend a thousand dollars on a car if it is broken - so why not the same ease to spend money on myself while i was broken?!
So i went to a psychiatrist and have been seeing him almost weekly for 2 months now. He has been a great help and has outlined a plan to rule out some of the more scary possible causes and hopefully find an answer. The list has included the following:- Generalised anxiety disorder, adrenal disorder, hypoglycemia, chronic fatigue, post viral syndrome (did i mention the 2 viruses i had while in high school?), a rare type of epilepsy, a legion or small (normally benign) tumor, food allergy.... and the list goes on.
He and i agree that i do have some form or anxiety disorder. But this appears to be second to a main cause that we cannot (so far) track down. The other possibility was that effexor was not agreeing with me and might have been causing a lot of my problems although helping with the anxiety and panic attacks.
Hyperventilation has been ruled out as a cause of the yawning attacks and yesterday i had an EEG and a CT scan done. I will let you know of the results when i get them next friday. These were done to check for the epilepsy and the tumor or legion and its funny but i kinda hope that it turns out to be one of these (at least i will be able to tell people that this is what is wrong with me!).
Well, that is a fairly comprehensive view of my past few years. If anyone has any questions or suggestions i am here to help and be helped.
The last thing i will say is that i have lost many friends and even a close girlfriend because of my problems. They are the type of thing that are very hard for most people to talk about so try to find at least one person that you know who cares and share it with them. If they truly to care, they might be able to help. But if they run, its not because they don't care, its because they can't understand. Other than that, use this site as much as possible because here you will find people who DO understand. And make a pledge now with me that when you do finally get your own problem sorted, you will continue to come here and try to help others in similar positions. The worst thing is that once poeple don't have their problem, they will stop visiting sites like this and therefore, there knowledge and positive experiences will be lost and of no use to anyone else. There are answers out there - they are just bloody hard to find! Hugs to you all.
Posted by lovemybabies on March 8, 2003, at 6:41:43
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by Mikeyqld on March 8, 2003, at 2:01:19
My goodness! Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I agree 100% with you about spending whatever it takes to fix yourself(like some people do with their car!). I think cognitive therapy and behavior modification are really necessary to 'fix' anxiety disorders. Not just pills alone. I hope all your tests go well. It's a pain to go through those but you'll have such peace of mind when it's all over. I had an EMG last week(involves sticking needles into arm muscles...NOT fun) to rule out something horrible...why I'm having finger/hand numbness. Those symptoms threw me into a three-month long panic attack. Thinking I had everything from MS to ALS. Turns out, it's just carpal tunnel syndrome and an 'impinged' ulnar nerve in my elbow. And I was ready to commit myself to a long-term care facility since I 'knew' I'd be paralyzed for the rest of my life...duh...I NEED that off-switch for my brain sometimes!
Best of luck to you and please keep us updated. Your posting was a pleasure to read.
Jen
Posted by Tina P on March 8, 2003, at 7:36:54
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by Mikeyqld on March 8, 2003, at 2:01:19
I found your story to be quite interesting, and I agree with everything you said about dealing with our problems. I consider myself a success story. All I need is 75mg of Effexor XL a day, and insulin to treat my diabetes, and I'm functioning quite well. I intend to continue visiting this site and sharing my experiences with people like you through both the good and the bad times. I noticed you mentioned hypoglycemia as being one of the many possibilities of the cause of some of your problems. If by some chance it does turn out to be a blood sugar-related issue, I'd be happy to share my knowledge of diabetes with you, as I have had it for years and feel I know as much about it as any doctor, or even more because I actually live with it! Best of luck to you with all the tests you'll be going through!
Posted by RealTim on March 8, 2003, at 10:40:32
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by lovemybabies on March 8, 2003, at 6:41:43
Cognitive behavior therapy is in fact a great tool, and underutilized by a world that wants a pill to fix our problems. The Psych is narrowing everything down to some sort of physical problem, I assume she/he has adequately ruled out a behavioral issue? The MDs are famous for trying to fix everything with medicine. Mike, you seem young for someone to have developed panic attacks so I suppose a contributing physical issue is a likely suspect. But keep an open mind.
My wife is in school for counseling, and the PHd teaching a class about ADs keeps saying things like "we now know that chemical inbalances account for most depression and anxiety today". When she objected to what was being said, she was shut down with a comment like "yes, therapy is important but it cannot change someone's brain chemistry." My wife says if she hears the professor say "we now know" one more time she will vomit.
I think this is a load of crap. Your brain chemistry can clearly be changed by experiences. That's how many of us became depressed in the first place. For me it was a series of setbacks in my career, for others it's a trauma like rape or a car accident. Still for others it's years of living with obesity, problems with family, physical sickness, or just not fitting in, etc.
If we can get ourselves into this through environmental/behavioral means, why can't we accept that that is the best way out? Probably because of 2 things: (1) we WANT to believe it is a physical problem because then there it is not our "fault" and/or; (2) we live in a fast-paced world of convenience and have become inpatient as a society--we want the quick fix even if it "might" harm our livers and give us a series of unpleasant side effects.
I don't mean to sound one-sided. Effexor helped me get through a tough period, and all ADs have their place. But in my opinion people who resign themselves to long term treatment with drugs are making a mistake (excepting your bi-polar or shizophrenic or similar extremes perhaps).
Posted by lovemybabies on March 8, 2003, at 11:10:23
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by RealTim on March 8, 2003, at 10:40:32
Amen, Brother! :)
Posted by jtc on March 8, 2003, at 11:53:21
In reply to Re: Weight gain! Dizziness! Help! » napaba, posted by KrissyP on March 7, 2003, at 15:02:31
Hi, I agree with you Kristen. I also have a huge sweet tooth and I think I am addicted to chocolate. I also eat when stressed or frustrated especially when my husband makes me angry, which is a lot lately. I need to work on it too. I have decided to go off Effexor. I was taking 75 mg and now am on my third day of 37.5. I have a headache which is not unusual for me because I have a lot of tension and migraine headaches anyway. Will keep you posted on the withdrawal effects if I have any. Thanks for the advice everyone gives on this board. It is really helpful, JC
> Hi, It definately depends on WHAT a person eats, but I eat mostly under stress, and frustration. I also have a HUGE sweet tooth! I don't tend to overeat when I'm happy though, which makes sense. I think I, personally use food to cope with uncomfortable feelings. I need to work on that.
> I talk a good game :-( But now I need to take action-I'm workin on it.
> All the best:-)
> Kristen------------------------------------------
>
> My doctor said it depends on why you eat. Do you eat because of the depression and Anxiety or do you eat when your happy? I eat because of the depression and Anxiety. So for me I've been losing weight. Not a lot and not quickly. Which is OK as long as it comes off.
>
Posted by KrissyP on March 8, 2003, at 12:18:32
In reply to Re: Weight gain! Dizziness! Help!, posted by jtc on March 8, 2003, at 11:53:21
Your very welcome and Yes, JC-please keep us posted:-)
All the best, Kristen
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi, I agree with you Kristen. I also have a huge sweet tooth and I think I am addicted to chocolate. I also eat when stressed or frustrated especially when my husband makes me angry, which is a lot lately. I need to work on it too. I have decided to go off Effexor. I was taking 75 mg and now am on my third day of 37.5. I have a headache which is not unusual for me because I have a lot of tension and migraine headaches anyway. Will keep you posted on the withdrawal effects if I have any. Thanks for the advice everyone gives on this board. It is really helpful, JC
Posted by PuraVida on March 8, 2003, at 17:52:23
In reply to Started Effexor 3 weeks ago -- Weird, posted by humbly72 on March 6, 2003, at 10:51:04
Hi all - I'm a mess... I could use some advice. I've been on Effexor XR for almost 3 weeks now, started at 37.5 for almost a week, now at 75. Most of the other meds I've taken have done something for me sooner - but I feel I'm backsliding into this hole - this is the worst I've been in years.
I know I should call my doctor, but I have so little faith in them anymore. Has anyone gone up past 75mgs on the third week? Am I just being impatient?
I am not suicidal, and hope I never will be, but I'm feeling so hopeless and apathethic and unable to cope that I spend each day wondering why I even bother. I am seriously getting fed up - nothing seems to be working - I try not drinking, exercise,CBT, being with friends, etc, etc and all it does is make me want to crawl under the covers and hide. And I am getting physical panic pangs too - my heart will skip beats, and I find myself feeling sick to my stomach from fear.
Thanks for listening, and in advance for any thoughts -
PV
Posted by Anonne on March 8, 2003, at 19:00:24
In reply to Effexor - when will it work??!! , posted by PuraVida on March 8, 2003, at 17:52:23
Pura Vida,
You wrote ...
"I could use some advice. I've been on Effexor XR for almost 3 weeks now, started at 37.5 for almost a week, now at 75. ....
I know I should call my doctor, but I have so little faith in them anymore. Has anyone gone up past 75mgs on the third week? Am I just being impatient?"I stayed on 75 mgs. for longer than a month due to my OWN fear of the medication; it didn't seem to do much good until at least 112.50 mgs./day, better at 150 mgs, and now I'm up to 187.50 mgs. Unless there's a medical reason or you have other qualms about increasing the doseage, upping the doseage may prove beneficial.
However, I would definitely consult by phone (leave an emergency message to your dr.) about increasing it, if that's something you want to consider.
"And I am getting physical panic pangs too - my heart will skip beats, and I find myself feeling sick to my stomach from fear."
I had that too, especially in the first couple of months of Effexor XR. I had it before Effexor XR, too, actually, but I had to cold-turkey off of Nardil due to a hypertensive crisis (and cerebral hemorrhage) - so I wondered if my panic/accelerated heartbeat was made worse by the FXR or by being off the Nardil, and all the other stuff - probably a combination thereof.
The range of 'effective' EffexorXR is wide - from 75 - over 450 mgs/day. So it could be that your dose is way too low.
Good luck, write back.
A.
Posted by Lovemybabies on March 8, 2003, at 19:09:53
In reply to Effexor - when will it work??!! , posted by PuraVida on March 8, 2003, at 17:52:23
Hi,
Be patient. I started on 37.5mg. for one week, then up to 75mg. for about five weeks. The anxiety was still a problem so for the past three days I've been on 150mg(at my doctor's advice). It does take a few weeks to feel like you're 'balanced out.' The side effects can linger(as some of these postings will attest). My doctor did say that the anxiety was better-helped at doses higher than 75mg. However, if you are feeling WORSE since being of Effexor, I'd go right back to your doctor to discuss it. You may need a different med. I think it does take longer than three weeks, though--esp. to touch the anxiety. Good Luck. I wish you the best.
Jen
Posted by KrissyP on March 8, 2003, at 21:23:41
In reply to Re: Effexor - when will it work??!! , posted by Anonne on March 8, 2003, at 19:00:24
The highest I have gone on Effexor is 75 mg-seems to help ME. I did experience nausea the first few days, but because I had been on it before (I just started it again) I guess my body was used to it, but I still got that feeling you speak of "getting physical panic pangs, heart will skip beats, and I find myself feeling sick to my stomach from fear". Effexor tends to make one "hyper, nauseas, and feel different" as it starts to circulate through your bloodstream. This may be the reason you are experiencing what you talk about. Hang in there! And of course, if it worsens talk to yur doc ASAP.
Keep us posted:-)
Kristen-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I stayed on 75 mgs. for longer than a month due to my OWN fear of the medication; it didn't seem to do much good until at least 112.50 mgs./day, better at 150 mgs, and now I'm up to 187.50 mgs. Unless there's a medical reason or you have other qualms about increasing the doseage, upping the doseage may prove beneficial.
"And I am getting physical panic pangs too - my heart will skip beats, and I find myself feeling sick to my stomach from fear."
I had that too, especially in the first couple of months of Effexor XR. I had it before Effexor XR, too, actually, but I had to cold-turkey off of Nardil due to a hypertensive crisis (and cerebral hemorrhage) - so I wondered if my panic/accelerated heartbeat was made worse by the FXR or by being off the Nardil, and all the other stuff - probably a combination thereof.
The range of 'effective' EffexorXR is wide - from 75 - over 450 mgs/day. So it could be that your dose is way too low.
Good luck, write back.
A.
Posted by KrissyP on March 8, 2003, at 21:29:47
In reply to Effexor - when will it work??!! , posted by PuraVida on March 8, 2003, at 17:52:23
Hi there,
If it helps-BEEN THERE DONE THAT! Please, please be patient-that is the key to dealing with what I am hearing from you. I have OFTEN wondered too, if anything is worth it-and all I can say is YES-YOU ARE WORTH IT. I would call your doc and explain what you posted here. Please. I did CBT and sometimes that alone can also bring up the feelings you speak of here. I'm here for you, and please hang in there.I am sorry you are feeling this way and I hope it gets better soon.
Keep posting:-) *hugs*
Kristen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hi all - I'm a mess... I could use some advice. I've been on Effexor XR for almost 3 weeks now, started at 37.5 for almost a week, now at 75. Most of the other meds I've taken have done something for me sooner - but I feel I'm backsliding into this hole - this is the worst I've been in years.
I know I should call my doctor, but I have so little faith in them anymore. Has anyone gone up past 75mgs on the third week? Am I just being impatient?
I am not suicidal, and hope I never will be, but I'm feeling so hopeless and apathethic and unable to cope that I spend each day wondering why I even bother. I am seriously getting fed up - nothing seems to be working - I try not drinking, exercise,CBT, being with friends, etc, etc and all it does is make me want to crawl under the covers and hide. And I am getting physical panic pangs too - my heart will skip beats, and I find myself feeling sick to my stomach from fear.
Thanks for listening, and in advance for any thoughts -
PV
Posted by Tina P on March 9, 2003, at 8:42:33
In reply to Effexor - when will it work??!! , posted by PuraVida on March 8, 2003, at 17:52:23
My heart really does go out to you. I remember when I felt the same way. I give you credit for trying to exercise and spend time with friends. When I'm at a low I have no willingness to do those things. Anyway, to answer your question, it took me a few weeks to feel the effects of Effexor. I know it's hard, but try to be patient. And see what the doctor says about upping the dose a little more. I look forward to seeing happiness in your future posts! Good luck!
Posted by M. J. L. on March 9, 2003, at 10:11:04
In reply to Re: starting effexor tommorow » natural, posted by KrissyP on March 6, 2003, at 20:06:54
I started taking effexor xr in Dec. 2002. I am presently taking 225mg every evening. I also take 40mg prozac in am. I am feeling nausea most of time. I feel like I cant deal w anything. Im not feeling suicidal, but i feel like i need to get away from everything-my house, job, husband, responsibilities, etc. i feel like a totally different person. Like i need to just get up and leave everything and start over. it is a scary feeling. The doctor has increased my dose to where it is now. I go in spurts of being really wired and then needing a nap. i am so tired sometimes and sluggish. But when i get a burst of energy, I feel like i can do anything. I do things i normally would never think of doing. its like i have a different personality and cant get enough of otherwise deviant behavior. Has anyone ever felt this? Or am I alone. it is scary.
Posted by daizy on March 9, 2003, at 10:42:22
In reply to re: starting effexor tomorrow , posted by M. J. L. on March 9, 2003, at 10:11:04
> I started taking effexor xr in Dec. 2002. I am presently taking 225mg every evening. I also take 40mg prozac in am. I am feeling nausea most of time. I feel like I cant deal w anything. Im not feeling suicidal, but i feel like i need to get away from everything-my house, job, husband, responsibilities, etc. i feel like a totally different person. Like i need to just get up and leave everything and start over. it is a scary feeling. The doctor has increased my dose to where it is now. I go in spurts of being really wired and then needing a nap. i am so tired sometimes and sluggish. But when i get a burst of energy, I feel like i can do anything. I do things i normally would never think of doing. its like i have a different personality and cant get enough of otherwise deviant behavior. Has anyone ever felt this? Or am I alone. it is scary.
No your not alone, that sounds exactly how I was when I was on effexor, and I was only taking a small dose! Actaully You described my feelings at the time exactly! It might be that its making you manic. I also felt weird, Like I was manic and anxious at the same time, hard to describe. Feelings of being angry and annoyed by everyone too. Maybe you should go back to the doctor and tell everything, It might be that you need to change meds. Good luck!
Posted by PuraVida on March 9, 2003, at 13:38:50
In reply to re: starting effexor tomorrow , posted by M. J. L. on March 9, 2003, at 10:11:04
It might be the Prozac that is giving you those highs - I have been on it several times and it works great to lift my mood except it does tend to cause this manic bit too - and then I crash. Now I am off Prozac and starting Effexor, but it hasn't kicked in.
You said "I feel like I cant deal w anything. Im not feeling suicidal, but i feel like i need to get away from everything-my house, job, husband, responsibilities, etc. i feel like a totally different person. Like i need to just get up and leave everything and start over. it is a scary feeling." - I feel exactly the same.
Don't know about the Effexor yet, but maybe lowering the dose of Prozac will help??
Hanging in there with you -
PV
Posted by PuraVida on March 9, 2003, at 13:41:10
In reply to Re: Effexor - when will it work??!! » PuraVida, posted by Tina P on March 9, 2003, at 8:42:33
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