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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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
Posted by KrissyP on March 9, 2003, at 16:55:33
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by Mikeyqld on March 8, 2003, at 2:01:19
Hi, I experience those "yawning attacks" the first few days when I went back on Effexor.
I can relate to what you say here-"Nice to see that the doctor had been careful while messing with my own health and well-being"! I went through numerous stomach problems too-scopes barium-EGD's-you name it, and one of the meds I was taking was so making the problems worse. I now take Prevacid though (did I tell you that already?)and it helps a lot!
I hear so much of myself in what you say here about the "worrier" part-like my mom too.
Obviously from what I have learned and from the many posts on Effexor-I think that food and absorption of these meds go together? Maybe that's why you had the feelings of "yawning attacks and lethargy and you felt out of it - dissociated and your speech was slightly slurred and your memory was getting worse".
I am so happy that you got it "sorted".
Please let us know the results of the EEG and the CT scan k? :-) I have lost a few friends
because of my "stuff" too and I'm with ya and here for you! Hang tough, you have been through a hell of a lot and you have come a long way in helping the most important person-YOU:-)
I wish you nothing but the best.
You also make a great point that I am now starting to realize>>>" But if they run, its not because they don't care, its because they can't understand". A lot of people don't understand and we need to stick with the people who do but can also set their boundaries so they don't become weighed down. I DO understand:-)
And I pledge with you that when I finally get myself stabled on the meds I will continue to come here and try to help others in similar positions.-most definate-I promise-you gonna hold me to that???? :-) :-)
Yes, the answers are bloody hard to find but this board and everyone who participates on it is a true Godsend and hugs to you and everyone here:-)
Thank you!
Keep us posted,Kristen
==================================================================================================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.
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!).
Posted by KrissyP on March 9, 2003, at 17:40:26
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by RealTim on March 8, 2003, at 10:40:32
hi, I agree>>> Your brain chemistry can clearly be changed by experiences-not to mention the genetic component. I may vomit too lol Some professors aren't perfect obviously and I hear ya. Just some personal stuff-for me it was a combo of setbacks in my college career, a trauma, 3 car accidents, and big problems with family.(my dad's drug and alcohol problem and my parents' dvorce especially), physical sickness, or just not feeling like I fit in)
ALL of that lol I can laugh now cuz I have gotten so much better-but I am still learning.
I can sooooooooo relate to this>>>" (1) we WANT to believe it is a physical problem because then there it is not our "fault" I suffered from stomach problems for years from 24 to 30, and it caused a lot of heartache-not to mention pain. The docs found nothing, and it was labeled "functional" and the many recommendations were referrals to see a psychiatrist-I was in total denial-BUT I saw my first psychiatrist at 25 and I am glad I did-better at 25 then 45 right? (that's what she said lol) I hear you-I personally think that a "quick-fix" is the only answer to what I feel, but I know in reality it isn't-I just need to keep grasping this concept-like most.
Thanks you so much for this post All the best:-)
Kristen===========================================================================================>> 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 ewshepp on March 10, 2003, at 13:04:27
In reply to Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by juanantoniod on February 8, 2003, at 22:11:31
I was on about 300mgs of Effexor SR for about a year (sometimes I took more and sometimes I took a little less, but for the most part it was about 300mgs), and last week, last Sunday to be exact (it's Monday as I write) I quit cold turkey, as the Effexor didn't seem to be helping with anything, and perhaps making the depression worse. Anyway, first was the dizziness and nausea, then the ultra-intense dreams, then the diarrhea and the brain shivers, and then the mood fragility. Well, just about everything has resolved now. I started to feel much better on about Friday.
I used Klonopin and Ambien (not at the same time) to help me sleep, since I kept waking up at night due to the intense dreams. For food, I just ate crackers and stuff that I knew wouldn't upset my stomach too bad. For the diarrhea, I tried Immodium (at probably too low a dose) and drank lots of tea for the tannins. The symptoms of withdrawal pretty much went away after 6 or so days. I still get the occasional really mild brain-shiver type thing, but it's much improved from last week, and I don't really notice it. I think it should go away completely by the end of this week.
People mentioned to me that it's a good idea to take, say, 1 or 2 Prozac while you're in withdrawal. Someone said that eliminated his brain shivers. People have also been known to use Benadryl for sleep, and since it also has anti-cholinergic action (if I'm not mistaken), it might help with the diarrhea as well. The anxiety goes away, so don't worry about that either.
You'll probably feel much more alive once you get completely off the Effexor. I feel much, much better than I have for the past couple months. And the sun is starting to peek through the sky as well, so that's good. Hang in there--hopefully you can come off it without the withdrawal lasting too very long.
Posted by natural on March 10, 2003, at 23:50:01
In reply to Re: starting effexor tommorow » natural, posted by KrissyP on March 7, 2003, at 2:06:45
i dont know what my diagnosis is...they are still trying to figure that out....iam in some pretty harsh therapy and stuff but i dont know...i did a physck test today.....the panic attacks are still happening but they arent as severe and iam starting to learn how to tame them a bit....the effexor hasnt seemed to do much yet except help me stabalize the attacks but iam in the right direction....(sorry it took me so long to reply...i havent been on the net much latley)
Posted by KrissyP on March 11, 2003, at 0:59:23
In reply to Re: starting effexor tommorow__krissy, posted by natural on March 10, 2003, at 23:50:01
Hi, keep posting and I hope you feel better soon. What mg of effexor and for how long again-sorry??? I am glad you are in some good therapy-hang in there it does wonders IMHO.
> i dont know what my diagnosis is...they are still trying to figure that out....iam in some pretty harsh therapy and stuff but i dont know...i did a physck test today.....the panic attacks are still happening but they arent as severe and iam starting to learn how to tame them a bit....the effexor hasnt seemed to do much yet except help me stabalize the attacks but iam in the right direction....(sorry it took me so long to reply...i havent been on the net much latley)
Posted by Mikeyqld on March 11, 2003, at 2:31:02
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal , posted by ewshepp on March 10, 2003, at 13:04:27
You mention "brain shivers" and i think they are what i have talked about as being 'electric shocks' except i have felt them starting in my chest as well as my brain and eminating outwards. It has been 5 days since i last took effexor and for 2 weeks prior to that, i had been tapering off very slowly. This tapering I must say, in hindsight did not help me at all. It allowed me to feel these intense "brain shivers" every night while bringing the dosage down and now, 5 days after stopping totally, i still get them basically all the time. Up to 20 a minute when its at its worst.
I found it promising to read your posting as you too have experienced these strange shivers/shocks as well as a list of other things like myself. Ive had the sweating, the emotional instability, the anxiety, the ..... . Thanks
Posted by jtc on March 11, 2003, at 9:57:22
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal , posted by Mikeyqld on March 11, 2003, at 2:31:02
> You mention "brain shivers" and i think they are what i have talked about as being 'electric shocks' except i have felt them starting in my chest as well as my brain and eminating outwards. It has been 5 days since i last took effexor and for 2 weeks prior to that, i had been tapering off very slowly. This tapering I must say, in hindsight did not help me at all. It allowed me to feel these intense "brain shivers" every night while bringing the dosage down and now, 5 days after stopping totally, i still get them basically all the time. Up to 20 a minute when its at its worst.
> I found it promising to read your posting as you too have experienced these strange shivers/shocks as well as a list of other things like myself. Ive had the sweating, the emotional instability, the anxiety, the ..... . Thanks
>Hi, I am tapering Effexor XR from 75 down to 37.5. I am on my sixth day of 37.5 a day. I don't know how long to continue the 37.5 before stopping altogether. At night when I am trying to go to sleep I sometimes feel like I am falling or that my legs are having a seizure. I know that sounds really crazy but has anyone else had that? It is like an uncontrollable tremor in the legs. The sweating during the night is also returning. My psychiatrist told me that I could just stop the Effexor cold turkey but after reading about the withdrawal symptoms I don't think he was right about stopping cold turkey. I also take Klonopin at night. I am staying on that. Any advice would be greatly appreciated...This is a great posting board and very helpful...Thanks, JC
Posted by maliak on March 11, 2003, at 11:42:14
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal , posted by jtc on March 11, 2003, at 9:57:22
I am a mom of a 13 year old boy who has just been prescribed Effexor. He has been on Adderall for 2 years and some type of ADHD med for almost 8 years. Every time we thought we had his ADHD under control we would hear from school to find out we didn't. Since hitting Middle School things progressed for the worse. 6 months ago his therapist and pediatrician started him on Paxil changing his dose 3 times with no difference. He is now expelled from school due to lack of respect for authority. He simply can not stay focused and will not stop running his mouth. He is not violent nor does he have a drug and/or alcohol problem. It is heart breaking to watch him and listen to him when all he can do is cry because he can't help himself.
The good I hear is that this drug is the preferred combo with Adderall (noted on more than just this site) but in adults. I am excited about what could be the answer to our prayers not to mention his misery. The problem is I can not find ANYTHING on the effects in a teenager going through puberty on top of everything else. HELP! I can not bare to think of him dealing with the withdrawal issues posted on this site. As an adult we tend to grind our teeth and get through it. For a teen who gets the flu and thinks the world is coming to an end I can not imagine telling him to hang in there and it will eventually subside over time.
I do not question his pediatrician or his counselor for wanting to try Effexor. His doctor has been there since he was born and his counselor comes with high recommendations. I just fear the "unknown". I know they believe this is his best option right now and would hate to turn it down if it could truly help.
I find a lot of info on how Effexor treats depression but how does it work in combo with ADHD and is it really worth the side effects and withdrawals, because if it is he will receive his first dose tonight and we will learn how to deal with everything that comes with it. Main item here is to help my son grow in to a respectful and responsible adult, his success will be my Effexor!
Thanks!
Posted by napaba on March 11, 2003, at 11:52:44
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal , posted by maliak on March 11, 2003, at 11:42:14
> Effexor is not approved for children, that's probably why you can't find anything out about it's effects on teenagers. I wish I could offer some advise, but all I can say is Effexor works great for me. I've never heard of it being prescribed for ADHD. I'd get a second opinion before I gave it to a 13 year old.
I am a mom of a 13 year old boy who has just been prescribed Effexor. He has been on Adderall for 2 years and some type of ADHD med for almost 8 years. Every time we thought we had his ADHD under control we would hear from school to find out we didn't. Since hitting Middle School things progressed for the worse. 6 months ago his therapist and pediatrician started him on Paxil changing his dose 3 times with no difference. He is now expelled from school due to lack of respect for authority. He simply can not stay focused and will not stop running his mouth. He is not violent nor does he have a drug and/or alcohol problem. It is heart breaking to watch him and listen to him when all he can do is cry because he can't help himself.
>
> The good I hear is that this drug is the preferred combo with Adderall (noted on more than just this site) but in adults. I am excited about what could be the answer to our prayers not to mention his misery. The problem is I can not find ANYTHING on the effects in a teenager going through puberty on top of everything else. HELP! I can not bare to think of him dealing with the withdrawal issues posted on this site. As an adult we tend to grind our teeth and get through it. For a teen who gets the flu and thinks the world is coming to an end I can not imagine telling him to hang in there and it will eventually subside over time.
>
> I do not question his pediatrician or his counselor for wanting to try Effexor. His doctor has been there since he was born and his counselor comes with high recommendations. I just fear the "unknown". I know they believe this is his best option right now and would hate to turn it down if it could truly help.
>
> I find a lot of info on how Effexor treats depression but how does it work in combo with ADHD and is it really worth the side effects and withdrawals, because if it is he will receive his first dose tonight and we will learn how to deal with everything that comes with it. Main item here is to help my son grow in to a respectful and responsible adult, his success will be my Effexor!
>
> Thanks!
Posted by lovemybabies on March 11, 2003, at 14:03:19
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal , posted by napaba on March 11, 2003, at 11:52:44
I read your post and my heart goes out to you. My kids are young(5 and 3) so I can't really speak to the ADHD issue. What I do want to say is do not fear the withdrawal hype. At this time, the most important thing is to get your son functioning and able to hang in a classroom setting. I have, in fact, read posts from people who say the withdrawal side effects were no big deal and/or only lasted a short time. In my opinion, any withdrawal would be far down the line. If this IS the right drug for your son, it would be well-worth it. I would trust your pediatrician and therapist's advice. They have your son's best interests at heart. Good luck.
Jen
Posted by Jewels on March 11, 2003, at 14:08:23
In reply to Efferox side effects, posted by Asyan Delight on February 20, 2003, at 13:17:48
Hi....just new to this site and needed some help. I "stopped" taking Effexor (just because I ran out) on Sunday. I am SO dizzy and nauseous and am having very distrubing dreams. I have been reading all your posts and am thinking I should STAY off this drug and just deal with the side effects. Have any of you quit cold turkey and if so, how long did the side effects last? I don't want to go back on, but will if weaning is better.
Thank you! Good luck to you all!
Jewels
Posted by natural on March 11, 2003, at 19:57:05
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
i have been taking effexor for a week i think and i beleive its 75mg's..i dont want to take a higher dose unless my anxiety gets worse.....i was wondering how anxiety affects peoples nerves and limbs and other various body parts....one of the things that sets of my panic attacks is when a part of my body feels different then usuall....ex:...the last couple days i have been paying close attention to my right arm and right leg because they feel different then my left side...i dont know how to explain how they do...but they do....
also when i exercise i feel like i cant breathe....iam pretty sure thats just me telling myself i cant but does anyone know how to overcome these things?...or better yet how to get your mind off of it??....90% of the time what is constantly on my mind is my anxiety and how iam feeling...so if there is anyway to ge tmy mind of it of it things would be alot easier obviously
thanks
Posted by RealTim on March 11, 2003, at 20:29:43
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Below is a site that discusses the unusual side effect referred to as brain shivers.
http://depression.about.com/library/weekly/aa052598.htm
Here is a quote from it: "One of the most disturbing things I was told by ASDers was that the "brain shivers" often continued long after the medication was stopped. Some expressed the fear that the brain was being permanently altered by their medication. It does indeed seem that the side-effect profile of Effexor is not fully understood. After collecting data on reported side-effects, Priory Lodge Education Limited has expressed the opinion that because side-effects are more severe than previously thought, Effexor should be used only in cases of depression resistant to other medications."
I have personally not encountered this effect.
I do agree with the recommendation that the 13 year old boy get a second opinion, especially in light of that quote above. I have a 10 year old boy and he is the whole world to me. You are trying your best to help your baby and it does you tremendous credit that you are even doing the research unlike so many others who are willing to give their kids pills without a second thought.
Good for you, keep hunting to help. The internet is also a powerful tool if you spend the time and read everything with a degree of skepticism. No one will help you like you can help yourself. Conclusions can only be reached after developing patterns in the things you read. No one knows your little guy like you do.
These issues and others are why I am weaning off of Effexor. My Dr had me on Wellbutrin for 6 months with zero side effects for me. I went a year with no meds no problem, and then a semi-traumatic event caused relapse but my Dr jumped to the conclusion that I needed something more "long term". Thus Effexor.
It did the trick, like a miracle. In fairness, he did recommend therapy too but I just can't bring myself to spend the time and money on it (even with insurance at co-pays of $40USD for 2X per week it ain't cheap)
Now that I am much better I am tapering off from 150 to 75. Cold turkey was so harsh with the "sea sick" feeling and weird/vivid dreams that I could not take it. No problem at 75. I will probably consult with my Dr before reducing to 37.5. I want to see if I can get some samplers of Prozac or something because there appears to be a consensus out there that Prozac 10 mg can help ease effexor withdrawl.
And to answer one posters question: I have read of withdrawl ranging from 0 days to 180 days, but the average appears to be 10 days or less...
Good luck all.
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