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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Belle Rose on May 20, 2003, at 11:17:12
In reply to Re: Sexual Disfunction of Effexor, posted by Misha on May 20, 2003, at 7:23:57
I couldn't agree more that Effexor should be taken off of the market. I am 45 days off of Effexor and although the constipation immediately subsided, I went through 14 horrid days of nausea, shaking, extremely sensitive to sounds and smells, brain shocks (they were the worse), agitation, wanted to pull my fingers out of the joints. The symptoms day by day became more tolerable. I still have blurred vision and extreme joint pain, feeling like someone beat me across the torso with a bat. Mentally, I feel great with no depression. I spent a week being very angry that for so many years, I was made to feel weak or "crazy" when I described these symptoms to my physician. Maybe only a small percentage suffer these horrid symptoms, but we should not be dismissed.
In addition, Effexor XR has not been on the market for as long as the other mood stabilizers so there probably isn't alot of data regarding withdrawal. I believe there are alot of people that simply can't get off of it.
Posted by Kuschelbär on May 20, 2003, at 11:26:01
In reply to Re: Sexual Disfunction of Effexor » Misha, posted by Napaba on May 20, 2003, at 10:26:03
After only four days on the 37.5 mg a day strength capsule, I decided to stop, but I did notice the constipation, blurred vision, sweats (last night at work I had to change scrubs), tremors and even a mild lack of sexual desire when I saw my SO at work (and this is VERY significant for me!).
I talked to one of the ER doctors who told me "Whatever drug you use as an anti-depressant is going to have a list of side effects that include the ones you're experiencing. They HAVE to list those! Even if someone farts, they have to list that!"
It cost me 25 bucks as a copay on my insurance company, but it was worth it to find out that it ISN'T worth it! I am 53, and my SO and I enjoy a very healthy sexual lifestyle. Yes, I have my downs, but I think I'll go back to the St. John's Wort and make some other adjustments. If any of you have recommendations as to another NATURAL mood enhancer, I'd be happy to read about them here.
Thanks for your responses!
K
Posted by DeanG on May 20, 2003, at 11:46:35
In reply to Re: Sexual Disfunction of Effexor, posted by Misha on May 20, 2003, at 7:23:57
Hi Misha,
If it was not for this site and concerned people like yourself I'd probably be naively following my doctor's instructions and blissfully medicating myself with Effexor. Unfortunately, it took a 5 year addiction to Ativan, prescribed by my former family doctor to cure a nagging back condition, to open my eyes and make me leery of the ethics of the medical profession. Although their intentions may be genuine let's face it without experiencing first hand the serious side effects and withdrawals associated with any drug there's absolutely no reason for them to be reluctant or averse to distributing them as freely and as generously as they do. Believe it or not but after a mere half hour of a routine physical examination and a few questions here and there my new family doctor was able to deduce that I was bi-polar, had a very obsessive compulsive personality, somewhat manic depressive and overly anxious and high strung. And the miracle cure, none other than Effexor. I was delighted and all too eager to start treatment but I did have one stipulation, a very simple one that I was unequivocally adamant and unmistakably clear on and that was that the drug was in no way addicting which the doctor without any hesitation whatsoever clearly assured me it wasn't. My previous family doctor told me the same thing when he suggested a mild muscle relaxant called Ativan would do wonders for my nagging back. Where was he five years later when I was going through detox? As you, Misha, after going through a living hell, I felt that Ativan should immediatley be pulled off the market, the sooner the better. But that's not to say that certain people don't benefit from these two or any other drug. Although I swore off Effexor after only one capsule just four days ago, I'm now contemplating perhaps reducing the dosage to a tiny fraction of what was prescribed to circumvent the potential and obvious side effects. But my gut feel and past experience says dump the damn pills down the toilet. If only I could find a professional who knows what he's doing instead of trying to come up with a solution on my own. I know I have a chemical imbalance. But are pills the only cure? There have to be other alternatives.
Dean
Posted by melley on May 20, 2003, at 17:34:23
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I feel grotesque. Do I remember someone saying something about dramamine working?
I can't imagine going through weeks of this! This is wretched.
mel
Posted by dde on May 20, 2003, at 21:30:19
In reply to Re: Sexual Disfunction of Effexor, posted by DeanG on May 20, 2003, at 11:46:35
> Hi Misha,
>
> If it was not for this site and concerned people like yourself I'd probably be naively following my doctor's instructions and blissfully medicating myself with Effexor. Unfortunately, it took a 5 year addiction to Ativan, prescribed by my former family doctor to cure a nagging back condition, to open my eyes and make me leery of the ethics of the medical profession. Although their intentions may be genuine let's face it without experiencing first hand the serious side effects and withdrawals associated with any drug there's absolutely no reason for them to be reluctant or averse to distributing them as freely and as generously as they do. Believe it or not but after a mere half hour of a routine physical examination and a few questions here and there my new family doctor was able to deduce that I was bi-polar, had a very obsessive compulsive personality, somewhat manic depressive and overly anxious and high strung. And the miracle cure, none other than Effexor. I was delighted and all too eager to start treatment but I did have one stipulation, a very simple one that I was unequivocally adamant and unmistakably clear on and that was that the drug was in no way addicting which the doctor without any hesitation whatsoever clearly assured me it wasn't. My previous family doctor told me the same thing when he suggested a mild muscle relaxant called Ativan would do wonders for my nagging back. Where was he five years later when I was going through detox? As you, Misha, after going through a living hell, I felt that Ativan should immediatley be pulled off the market, the sooner the better. But that's not to say that certain people don't benefit from these two or any other drug. Although I swore off Effexor after only one capsule just four days ago, I'm now contemplating perhaps reducing the dosage to a tiny fraction of what was prescribed to circumvent the potential and obvious side effects. But my gut feel and past experience says dump the damn pills down the toilet. If only I could find a professional who knows what he's doing instead of trying to come up with a solution on my own. I know I have a chemical imbalance. But are pills the only cure? There have to be other alternatives.
>
> Dean
Dean,My daughter had better luck by going into a psychiatric facility, being treated one on one on a daily basis for 9 days than she did going to a psychiatrist outside. The doc at the hospital said that it is a fallacy that these meds will take weeks to get enough into your system to start doing some good. He said you will know in a matter of 2 days if your system is going to handle and adjust. He also said she would be on this med (lexapro) for a year, then taper off; and if she goes back into depression she will have to go back on and stay on for life, as the chances of future episode would increase from 50/50 to 95%! She is doing terrific now. The reality is this: mental illness doesn't just "go away" after a while like a virus or bacterial infection. The body stops making or doesn't make enough of certain chemicals, and nothing we do can start it back up again. All that can be done is adding to make up for the lack. Effexor is not good stuff. If you have brain zaps in the first days of taking it, get off of it. Only my best regards, dde
Posted by Russell on May 21, 2003, at 1:32:38
In reply to Brain Shivers, posted by dde on May 20, 2003, at 21:30:19
I quit Paxil "cold-turkey" last October - after 7 years of usage. It was an accident, I was on a business trip out of country - and ran out!
It was miserable - but research indicated that Dramnamine (sp) could help. BOY DID IT! I took two a day, morning and night, and the "Brain Zapps" were practically non-existant except for the first few minutes in the morning before the Dram... took effect.
Try it - I have been Paxil-Clean since October - but not symptom clean - worry and anxiety are in total control of my life except for an occasional Xanax...Hope this helps
Posted by melley on May 21, 2003, at 6:20:17
In reply to Re: Brain Shivers, posted by Russell on May 21, 2003, at 1:32:38
> I quit Paxil "cold-turkey" last October - after 7 years of usage. It was an accident, I was on a business trip out of country - and ran out!
>
> It was miserable - but research indicated that Dramnamine (sp) could help. BOY DID IT! I took two a day, morning and night, and the "Brain Zapps" were practically non-existant except for the first few minutes in the morning before the Dram... took effect.
> Try it - I have been Paxil-Clean since October - but not symptom clean - worry and anxiety are in total control of my life except for an occasional Xanax...
>
> Hope this helpsDid you have nausea and dizzines going off the paxil and did the dramamine help with that? I feel a bit better today so hopefully it won't worsen over the course of the day.
thanks,
Melissa
Posted by Russell on May 21, 2003, at 14:03:47
In reply to Re: Brain Shivers » Russell, posted by melley on May 21, 2003, at 6:20:17
I had all the classic symptoms reported on this board. The dramamine reduced them to a "managable" level. Hang in there - you will get better.
Posted by DeanG on May 21, 2003, at 14:38:05
In reply to Brain Shivers, posted by dde on May 20, 2003, at 21:30:19
Hi DDE,
I am so glad that things are looking up for your daughter. And thank you kindly for the encouragement and advice. As far as what my next move will be, I've still not decided. The doctor said he'd phone and set up a referral with a psychiatrist but still no call and after all the horror stories I've read I'm no longer so sure I want to pursue this. It might just be easier to go on living with my problems as I have all these years rather than have some shrink place a label on me and get me hooked on his drug of choice.
Thanks again for your concern.
Dean
My daughter had better luck by going into a psychiatric facility, being treated one on one on a daily basis for 9 days than she did going to a psychiatrist outside. The doc at the hospital said that it is a fallacy that these meds will take weeks to get enough into your system to start doing some good. He said you will know in a matter of 2 days if your system is going to handle and adjust. He also said she would be on this med (lexapro) for a year, then taper off; and if she goes back into depression she will have to go back on and stay on for life, as the chances of future episode would increase from 50/50 to 95%! She is doing terrific now. The reality is this: mental illness doesn't just "go away" after a while like a virus or bacterial infection. The body stops making or doesn't make enough of certain chemicals, and nothing we do can start it back up again. All that can be done is adding to make up for the lack. Effexor is not good stuff. If you have brain zaps in the first days of taking it, get off of it. Only my best regards, dde
Posted by Misha on May 21, 2003, at 18:10:53
In reply to Brain Shivers, posted by Russell on May 21, 2003, at 14:03:47
> I had all the classic symptoms reported on this board. The dramamine reduced them to a "managable" level. Hang in there - you will get better.
My doctor prescribed me Meclizine HCL, 25mg at 3 times daily and it worked better than Dramamine. One thing that makes it help more is that you can take up to 3 per day, unlike Dramamine.Misha
Posted by Elliot on May 21, 2003, at 21:52:10
In reply to Re: Sexual Disfunction of Effexor, posted by Misha on May 20, 2003, at 7:23:57
Anyone find Effexor the answer to their depression? I'm trying to decide whether or not to try an SSRI like Effexor or Lexapro or not medicate. I have a lot of anxiety and would like a med that will help with that
Posted by SpaceMom on May 21, 2003, at 22:08:51
In reply to Re: Effexor Q's--PLEASE ANSWER, posted by melley on April 9, 2003, at 18:50:42
Hello...Thank God not alone.
My problem is the side effects, so I have been giving up...starting again...over and over without telling the Doctor. Feel the need to drink, not my style, social yes, but this different. I think I need mental hospital!!!!Crazy????
Learned alot from you guys!
Thanks...Help!!
Sorry this is so long.
~Me
Posted by belle rose on May 22, 2003, at 1:11:11
In reply to Re: Sexual Disfunction of Effexor, posted by Elliot on May 21, 2003, at 21:52:10
I suggest any drug other than Effexor. The withdrawal side effects are just too severe. Zoloft is indicated to cover a broad spectrum of depressions/anxiety. I would look to Effexor at a last resort. Belle Rose
Posted by melley on May 22, 2003, at 6:31:07
In reply to Brain Shivers, posted by Russell on May 21, 2003, at 14:03:47
> I had all the classic symptoms reported on this board. The dramamine reduced them to a "managable" level. Hang in there - you will get better.
Thank you for this suggestion. I will get some today. Yesterday I felt so bad I called my dr only to discover that he is gone til tue. The covering dr said to go back up to 150 and continue with 150 of wellbutrin. I didn't want to undo everything I had done so far so I too a 75mg and a 37.5 mg one today along with the wellbutrin. Just have to muddle through til Tues. Thanks for the tip. I can't wait to be off this stuff. And I think it is best to use this as the drug of last resort. Because of this torture. That infereres with your daily life.
Mel
Posted by Misha on May 22, 2003, at 10:56:10
In reply to Re: Sexual Disfunction of Effexor, posted by Elliot on May 21, 2003, at 21:52:10
> Anyone find Effexor the answer to their depression? I'm trying to decide whether or not to try an SSRI like Effexor or Lexapro or not medicate. I have a lot of anxiety and would like a med that will help with that
Paxil is one of the best for anxiety. I was on it for nearly a year and I definately did not have the anxiety that I had prior to going on it. Paxil CR is supposed to be good. It hadn't come out yet when I was on it.Misha
Posted by Misha on May 22, 2003, at 10:59:51
In reply to Re: Sexual Disfunction of Effexor, posted by belle rose on May 22, 2003, at 1:11:11
> I suggest any drug other than Effexor. The withdrawal side effects are just too severe. Zoloft is indicated to cover a broad spectrum of depressions/anxiety. I would look to Effexor at a last resort. Belle Rose
My mom was on Zoloft and really liked it. But then, my mom was changed to Effexor XR and went off of it after a few months with almost no withdrawal. Too bad our chemistry is not same, ha? I was the one with the six months of hellish withdrawals. Oh, well. Lol!Misha
Posted by peabo on May 22, 2003, at 14:18:34
In reply to Re: Sexual Disfunction of Effexor, posted by DeanG on May 20, 2003, at 11:46:35
Hello:
I'm new here, and new to Effexor, but not new to depression. I'm bipolar, with the depressive side definitely dominant, anxiety not far behind. I've been on Lithium and little else since '91.
I started Effexor about a month ago, ramping up from 37.5 mg the first two weeks, then 'graduating' to 75 mg. I've had noticeable, but minimal side effects, moreso at 75 than 37.5. I think I would actually be more comfortable maintaining at 37.5 for the time being, but...
The problem is I have a lot of 75 mg samples... and no 37.5's. I have read in some places, it's not a great idea to cut the capsules... other places, that if you do cut them, you should put the halves in empty gel caps.
Can anybody tell me definitively whether it's OK (i.e. safe, _not_ foolhardy) to go ahead and take the open half caps?
I've been lurking here awhile, and appreciate the resource this site offers. I 'got here' before I even started Effexor, so my eyes were open when I took the plunge. I'm encouraged by those who say they've found more energy (which I'm sorely lacking)... somewhat daunted by the horror stories, but determined to see what an eight week course (at least) might bring.
Advice for a novice, please...
Thanks Much.
peabo
-----
Posted by Jack Smith on May 22, 2003, at 15:22:19
In reply to Newcomer..., posted by peabo on May 22, 2003, at 14:18:34
> I'm new here, and new to Effexor, but not new to depression. I'm bipolar, with the depressive side definitely dominant, anxiety not far behind. I've been on Lithium and little else since '91.Did Lithium alone control your depression?
> The problem is I have a lot of 75 mg samples... and no 37.5's. I have read in some places, it's not a great idea to cut the capsules... other places, that if you do cut them, you should put the halves in empty gel caps.There is no problem opening up the caps and splitting the contents in half. You can either put them back in the gel cap or you can take them directly, maybe take a spoon of peanut butter and sprinkle them on it. then put it in your mouth and down it with water.
JACK
Posted by peabo on May 23, 2003, at 8:54:54
In reply to Newcomer..., posted by peabo on May 22, 2003, at 14:18:34
Jack:
Thanks for the advisory re: open cap Effexor.
>Did Lithium alone control your depression?
The short answer is no...
The long answer is that I first got manic in '91, and prior to that, despite acknowledged intervals of depression and indecision, never imagined I had a problem greater than the next fool's. Meanwhile, I was self medicating with alcohol and pot... a practice which continues to this day. I've (briefly) tried Welbutrin, Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa, and Neurontin... but never allowed any of them enough time to work... don't quite know why.
Though my depression has been pervasive, it has also been subtle... carrying me down gradually, rather than suddenly. And I guess I've always been reluctant to own up to it or take an additional med to deal with it.
Lithium appears to have successfully controlled the mania... and I believe it helps some with anxiety (though I still take about 25 mg of chlorpromazine a day to stifle what the lithium doesn't address), but I can't say I recommend it (lithium) as a highly effective anti-depressant.
(This is all "for what it's worth".)
Regards,
peabo
-----
Posted by melley on May 23, 2003, at 18:21:13
In reply to Brain Shivers, posted by Russell on May 21, 2003, at 14:03:47
thank you for the suggestion of dramamine. I took 25 mg mid-day and it did help. When you took it twice a day did you take 25 mg in the morning and 25 mg at night? Or 50mg each time?
mel
Posted by zinya on May 26, 2003, at 21:29:22
In reply to Re: new to effexor and pumped up about it, posted by Paco on March 26, 2003, at 20:48:46
First, I'm grateful to have all your posts to read. I did so back when my md. first gave me Effexor back in Dec. and, because of my history of ultra sensitivities and side effects to previous drugs, I decided to delay taking it and try to 'weather' my depression (also thinking perhaps the mourning for my mom's passing was so much a factor that maybe time would heal some of the depression.
But it's gotten worse and months have gone by with no more than an isolated day here and there of any physical energy for anything beyond reading and writing.
I started Effexor last night, taking only HALF (approx.) of the grains in a 37.5 mg capsule, after dinner and dessert and presumably the fullest and most protected time of day for my stomach (also having a history of gastritis).
I woke this morning after about 5-1/2 hrs sleep with an immediately noticeable, albeit fairly mild, nausea which has been off and on all day, and just now eating crackers to try to appease it, it seemed instead to get worse. And in the past few hours, i've been having a different sort of weird sensation in my head, like a somewhat knifey-tingly-electricky feeling, not severe but noticeable and distracting. This is on only approx. 18 mg!
My question: I know from reading many of your posts that initial side effects ilke this are not unusual -- but on so little a dose, given my history of sensitivity... I'm thinking i should at least finish the other half of the first capsule, but can it be that this is already my body telling me "This drug isn't meant for you?"
I know it's a judgment call only I can make for myself, but if anyone has any thoughts/input, I'd appreciate it. My md. who prescribed told me, after I'd read comments here last Dec. about symptoms he'd given me no indication about despite knowing my ultra-sensitivity, told me he has about 200 patients taking Effexor (!?!) and had never heard of any problems with side effects. Well, that just made me not really trust his level of awareness, so I turn to you all here. Thanks.
Posted by chasesmomma on May 27, 2003, at 0:01:35
In reply to new to effexor, and I have questions, posted by zinya on May 26, 2003, at 21:29:22
I wanted to offer some encouragement...I have been on Effexor for about three months now. I started at the low doseage and will admit I had a great deal of nausea for awhile. I did find some alcohol consumption in the beginning was a bit too much to handle with the medication. I am very careful now how much I drink! I am up to 150mg a day and so far so good. Before I started effexor I was very reluctant to take another anti depressant after having been able to live without them for at least 3 years. But stress continued to bring me down and when I cried at the drop of a hat, I knew it was time to try a little help once again. I have been reading the other posts about all the side effects once you discontinue effexor, but I plan to continue with it and hope when the time comes to get off of it, I can taper without too many problems.
I am relieved to be able to handle my daily life occurences right now with a higher head and worry less about every single thing. I even drove to Chicago recently in the Ohare traffic-which I never could have done before! I felt "enpowered" and confident. I also laugh more with my 4 year old son and seem to have more patience for his occasional tantrums. This is a real plus!
So, there are positives. I am sorry to hear your low doseage is already causing such problems. I would discuss this with your dr. and see if this could be a reaction that he thinks could subside.
I wish you luck and hope you find the help you need soon. All the best, Leslie
Posted by belle rose on May 27, 2003, at 0:10:47
In reply to new to effexor, and I have questions, posted by zinya on May 26, 2003, at 21:29:22
> First, I'm grateful to have all your posts to read. I did so back when my md. first gave me Effexor back in Dec. and, because of my history of ultra sensitivities and side effects to previous drugs, I decided to delay taking it and try to 'weather' my depression (also thinking perhaps the mourning for my mom's passing was so much a factor that maybe time would heal some of the depression.
>
> But it's gotten worse and months have gone by with no more than an isolated day here and there of any physical energy for anything beyond reading and writing.
>
> I started Effexor last night, taking only HALF (approx.) of the grains in a 37.5 mg capsule, after dinner and dessert and presumably the fullest and most protected time of day for my stomach (also having a history of gastritis).
>
> I woke this morning after about 5-1/2 hrs sleep with an immediately noticeable, albeit fairly mild, nausea which has been off and on all day, and just now eating crackers to try to appease it, it seemed instead to get worse. And in the past few hours, i've been having a different sort of weird sensation in my head, like a somewhat knifey-tingly-electricky feeling, not severe but noticeable and distracting. This is on only approx. 18 mg!
>
> My question: I know from reading many of your posts that initial side effects ilke this are not unusual -- but on so little a dose, given my history of sensitivity... I'm thinking i should at least finish the other half of the first capsule, but can it be that this is already my body telling me "This drug isn't meant for you?"
>
> I know it's a judgment call only I can make for myself, but if anyone has any thoughts/input, I'd appreciate it. My md. who prescribed told me, after I'd read comments here last Dec. about symptoms he'd given me no indication about despite knowing my ultra-sensitivity, told me he has about 200 patients taking Effexor (!?!) and had never heard of any problems with side effects. Well, that just made me not really trust his level of awareness, so I turn to you all here. Thanks.Dear Friend
I would discuss the symptoms you are having immediately with your physician especially if you are sensitive to prescriptions. I told my physicians for years about the side effects I would have when I missed a dose or was even a few hours late and was dismissed. While on the drug, I had chronic constipation and weight gain only. It wasn't until I would try to go off of it because it didn't help with my "Cyclothalmia", rapid cycling, less severe than manic depression, that I experienced the hideous side effects. I am now 40 days off Effexor and still have extreme joint pain and my vision is awful. I feel much better though. If you haven't tried any other mood stabililizers, I recommend trying some others first and using Effexor as a last resort.
Best of luck to you. belle rose
Posted by BillySilva on May 27, 2003, at 8:26:44
In reply to Re: I'm going off- please help!, posted by Angel Girl on May 11, 2003, at 18:53:31
I'm getting off Effexor. Have been taking 75 mg for one year. For the last ten day I reduced the dosage to 36.5 and am doing ok. I'm planing to start taking 36.5 every other day for another 10 days and stop... Has anyone done it like this? Does anyone know for long it going to be completely out of system once I stop?
Thank you!
Posted by BWII on May 27, 2003, at 9:50:27
In reply to Re: Effexor XR? Successful but very ugly !-zinya, posted by jammin on December 4, 2002, at 12:21:04
This was very successful while taking it, but the withdrawl is by far worse than the benefits.
I have tried to stop multiple times from the lowest dosage (75 mg) but each time the withdrawl is absolutely horrible.
After only 48 hours, I find my brain having some kind of tremers or something that feels like electric shock. Especially whenever I turn my head, move my eyes or hear any unexpected or startling sound.
My dreams have suddenly become highly violent and my temper has tripled to the point that I am afraid to be around others for fear that I may hurt them.
Do yourself a favor and AVOID THIS AT ALL COSTS.
My family and work has been affected worse than when my depression and initial bursts of rage were what caused me to take Effexor XR.
No one around me has any idea why I cannot function. I cannot even think clearly and my balance is off. Nervous ticks are off the charts as well.
If anyone has any suggestions, I would be in your debt.
Good luck to any others who share in this...
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