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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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...
Posted by jtc on May 27, 2003, at 10:12:14
In reply to Re: I'm going off- please help!, posted by BillySilva on May 27, 2003, at 8:26:44
> 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!
Hi, good luck to you. I went off of effexor xr the same way as you are trying. I took 37.5 mg for about 2 weeks and then every other day for about 2 weeks then stopped. I did okay but I had the dizziness when I stopped cold turkey for about 3 days. I have been off for about 2 months and am now starting to have a lot of crying spells and irritability to my family. I am thinking I need to try something else. What makes me angry is that the doctors say you can stop without tapering. They do not know what they are talking about. Anyway good luck to you and I have read on this posting board that you can take Benadryl for the dizziness. Hope this helps. Take care and keep us posted. jtc
Posted by jtc on May 27, 2003, at 10:26:35
In reply to Re: new to effexor, and I have questions, posted by belle rose on May 27, 2003, at 0:10:47
> > 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 roseHi, I agree with belle rose's suggestion. I would try some other antidepressants first before the effexor. I have been off Effexor for about 2 months after taking it for about 11 months. It is hard to discontinue but it did help me, however I wish I had known more about it before trying it. My 9 year old daughter took it for about 4 months. She is now off of it too. Her pediatrician does not feel comfortable with prescribing it for children. She recommnends trying Zoloft for my daughter. My daughter's psychiatrist prescribed the Effexor and told me I did not have to taper it with my daughter and that she could just stop taking it. That is the furthest from the truth I have ever heard. My daughter has extreme anxiety (just like me). Anyway we are both off of it now. I am sure it works for some people but I think we should be aware of side effects of this medication before taking and some doctors do not seem to be aware of these. Take care and good luck to you in whatever your decision, jtc
>
Posted by fanni on May 27, 2003, at 17:21:59
In reply to new to effexor, and I have questions, posted by zinya on May 26, 2003, at 21:29:22
i got the exact same thing,im very sensitive to ads,got a manic reaction with prozac and a rash on lexapro,so im reticent to take this new crap theyre throwing at me,efexor,so ive been taking it one day and skipping the next which is probably really bad.i got the nausea thing to the point of puking almost instantly like half an hour later,and felt wired and getting head rushes.i find its not so bad after doing as you did,having dinner or something,also i took half a xanax to get rid of the nausea and it worked.i hear side effects should go in about two weeks.
Posted by zinya on May 27, 2003, at 17:42:39
In reply to Re: Effexor XR? Successful but very ugly !-zinya, posted by BWII on May 27, 2003, at 9:50:27
Gosh, first, i'm appreciative of the responses here thus far and will post a more combined post responding to the suggestions directed to me.
But i'm alarmed here on your behalf and wondering if you have tried tapering down in 18 mg increments? Either by dividing the grains in a 75mg capsule in 4ths or getting 37.5 capsules (75 isn't really the lowest dose) and dividing them in half?
Do you mean the violent dreams and rage are happening even while you're taking the 75 mg? or only when you start to go off of it?
And if the latter is the case, then I'm also curious as to what symptoms made you decide to go off? Is it the (understandable) reason of just not wanting to be dependent on something forever? I'm going through weighing of all such factors myself ... enough that i put off starting this for 6 months, but it seemed finally and seems like i can't know if i don't try and some say it's been good ... Yet i'm guessing for most all of us there is the wish that their wouldn't be permanent dependence, especially since some suggest that after a time a certain level no longer 'works' for them and they up the dose.
I'm also curious: Were you ever higher than the 75 mg? My understanding is that people don't feel the benefit of the second effect - the adrenalin system one -- until at least 150 mg? Did you ever get that effect as far as you can tell? or mostly the anti-depressive SSRI effect?
> 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...
Posted by zinya on May 27, 2003, at 18:13:32
In reply to Re: new to effexor, and I have questions, posted by jtc on May 27, 2003, at 10:26:35
Thanks to the responses from each of you here already...
I guess i didn't make clear that this isn't my first a-d attempt... Going back 15 years, i've been put on prozac, lithium, depakote, zoloft, celexa, and paxil -- in that order, i believe - and in each case the side effects caused me to quit before i got to a one-month point, except for depakote which i allowed a pdoc to insist i keep trying for 5 very groggy months of feeling dead to the world til at least noon every day no matter how early i took it before bed... until i finally took myself off of it ... In all those cases, i don't recall having withdrawal present its own set of symptoms however and once i stopped, i returned to where i'd been before. It was reading here about all these w/d symptoms that gave me added pause about this despite my md (an internist)'s encouragement that Effexor would be good cuz of dealing with adreanlin as well as SSRI system ... Though i read somewhere here say the adrenalin effects only kick in at or above 150mg levels and, at the rate i'm on feeling weird effects at just 18 mg, that would require a helluva lot of 'mind over matter' .. Which is what happened i guess to cause me to finally decide to try it cuz i'd finally realized nothing was getting me out of this hole ... of virtual immobility and sense of overwhelmedness and defeat, after a life of much activism, now since my mom's passing 9 months ago took away a key prop which i think was keeping me going - as her caretaker - even though i can see that depression has been just under the surface or rather something i (barely) papered over for years of mushing on and being productive. Now productivity seems like a fantasy, a mirage, a completely elusive thing of the past.
Hence, resorting to Effexor and, despite all the reading here as background knowledge, starting with hopefulness. yet already the side effects make me pause. Again. I took the other half of the first 37.5 last night and it must have also had a sedative effect as i fell asleep unusually early (before midnight) and then woke before 6 am, also unusually early, this time not with nausea but with inner heat sensations and just feeling weird. There's been some nausea just in last hour, milder than yesterday, and there's already dry mouth, semi-big time. I do feel less back pain than i chronically experience, which is surprising, and havent' taken any painkiller today, but to feel such weird sensations forces me to wonder once again what road i'm putting myself on. I'm so appreciative that, thanks to you, at least i know what the risks are. I'm waiting for a callback from my bereavement counselor, a social worker who sees lots of folks on a-ds and who's been great as a sounding board. My actual md still doesn't strike me as the best source of knowledge and i'm still a long way from feeling the kind of energy that would make me feel up to driving a fair distance to see him even if i could get an appt.
Well, this feels like babbling. I do appreciate and thank each of you for any and all input. I'm feeling like -- because of the awareness of withdrawal symptoms you've all made me aware of -- I'm walking a fineline here of constant monitoring where i have to make a judgment call that could come at any moment of thinking "Nope, quit now before i risk any greater w/d problems" ... or... ?? ? or yikes, the alternative seems like casting my fate to Effexor forever ... or going back to being grateful for "only" being depressed and energyless.. It's a bit daunting to hear that, unlike the other a-ds i've tried, this time might be sheer hell if i give this a full shot -- e.g., for a month -- to see whether the side effects might ease away and the good effects change my life substantially.
thanks to all
zbtw, does "Cyclothalmia" mean that your mood or body chemistry, etc. then can change within an hour? That sounds very familiar though i hadn't heard this label before. Twice someone thought i was bipolar but the depression side sooo far outweighs (and is so much more problematic) than any high side that after lithium and one other (?) both failing to do any good, i scrapped that route and yet part of my depression now is compounded by circumstances of decisions i made in the effort to take care of my mom which in retrospect look like they were more than a tad unrealistic, even if my behavior wasn't "manic" at the time... And yet in a way it was, and I'm paying an enormous albatross-like price for it now that is adding to a sense of overwhlemingness with this depression that hasn't wanted to let up with the end of a long winter of desolation...
Posted by zinya on May 27, 2003, at 18:18:36
In reply to Re: new to effexor, and I have questions, posted by jtc on May 27, 2003, at 10:26:35
I've read several of you discussing drinking and the odd taste of wine, etc. you experience. I'm not drinking alcohol at all and in fact made sure i'd cleared my last beer out of my system before starting this (although the prospect of never drinking again is daunting -- but something had already changed in me due presumably to the depression which had made alcohol have a very different effect on me than it used to, no longer able to drink even a glass without a certain day-after malaise or worse...
But i'm wondering if any of you also notice that even coffee tastes different? and even water? I tend to drink bubbly water and i don't see how i could get by without my morning espresso (which i realize could have a weird interaction with Effexor too - does anyone know?)... but it also tastes different already just on day #2.
If you've had this experience, does it go away?
Posted by BWII on May 27, 2003, at 18:33:05
In reply to Re: Successful but very ugly ! » BWII, posted by zinya on May 27, 2003, at 17:42:39
I never went above 75mg. I did feel a very intense rush within the first few weeks and it continued for quite a few months. I then felt that I was gaining some sort of tolerance to this drug (and was starting to get the shocking feeling even when I took Effexor XR a few hours later than the day before) which is why I initially attempted to stop taking it. But the withdrawl is a little hard to manage when you have to work or drive or just about anything else. I have never stopped over a week so we'll see. I am supposedly switching to Lexapro (10mg) tomorrow morning so I'll see what happens.
Posted by tflower on May 27, 2003, at 19:19:51
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and ADD/ADHD? » bridgette_31, posted by jannbeau on November 18, 2002, at 19:09:53
> >Bridgette, could be, but I am not predisposed to make or to accept sweeping generalizations about any illness or any medication. Peoples' illnesses and their reactions to psychoactive medications may be far too complex for these kinds of statements.
>
> Everyone, please seek competent professional advice before you take any medication or before you reject the option.
>
> Cheers,
> Jannbeau
>
>
> Both of my children have been diagnosed ADHD and take Adderall. An ADHD person's reaction to stimulants is the opposite of a person who is not AdHD. Giving an ADHD person an antidepressant for instance would actually increase depression. A stimulant for them actually is calming. I can't imagine an ADHD person being given antidepressants!! I give my kids caffeine and they take a nap.
>
>
Just a note, effexor does seem to have some promise in the treatment of ad/hd and it will not cause depresion in ad/hd individuals. people with ad/hd do respond opposite of others in regards to stimulants.. i.e. caffeine, speed, cocaine, and adderall, ritalin etc. but not to all drugs :-)
Posted by dde on May 27, 2003, at 21:35:23
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and ADD/ADHD?, posted by tflower on May 27, 2003, at 19:19:51
I would URGE you to check out the appropriateness of these medications for juveniles. The FDA has denied Wyeth's request to add pediatric use of Effexor for ANY purpose. That denial was dated February 12, 2003, in response to their request and appeal on October 2, 2002. Go the the FDA website, do your homework BEFORE you give a child this stuff. A lot of children are being misdiagnosed as ADHD/ADD when in reality they are bi-polar, simply because they don't want to "label" a child. Effexor is the reason my 10 year old committed suicide last August, and yes, I am on a crusade to keep other children ALIVE! I would have much rather had a labeled child than a dead one. Ask questions of your P-Doc and if he can not answer them with evidence and to your satisfaction, error on the side of caution. My best to you all. dde
> > >Bridgette, could be, but I am not predisposed to make or to accept sweeping generalizations about any illness or any medication. Peoples' illnesses and their reactions to psychoactive medications may be far too complex for these kinds of statements.
> >
> > Everyone, please seek competent professional advice before you take any medication or before you reject the option.
> >
> > Cheers,
> > Jannbeau
> >
> >
> > Both of my children have been diagnosed ADHD and take Adderall. An ADHD person's reaction to stimulants is the opposite of a person who is not AdHD. Giving an ADHD person an antidepressant for instance would actually increase depression. A stimulant for them actually is calming. I can't imagine an ADHD person being given antidepressants!! I give my kids caffeine and they take a nap.
> >
> >
> Just a note, effexor does seem to have some promise in the treatment of ad/hd and it will not cause depresion in ad/hd individuals. people with ad/hd do respond opposite of others in regards to stimulants.. i.e. caffeine, speed, cocaine, and adderall, ritalin etc. but not to all drugs :-)
>
Posted by Napaba on May 28, 2003, at 7:49:41
In reply to odd tastes, and coffee in particular, posted by zinya on May 27, 2003, at 18:18:36
I didn't notice any difference in the taste of water or coffee. I've never liked drinking plain water and still don't, but force about 6 glasses down each day. I drink 2-3 cups of coffee a day. Taste the same to me. I changed the kind of beer I drink (I drink occassionally) That seemed to help with the taste difference. I no longer drink wine, it taste strange now.
I've read several of you discussing drinking and the odd taste of wine, etc. you experience. I'm not drinking alcohol at all and in fact made sure i'd cleared my last beer out of my system before starting this (although the prospect of never drinking again is daunting -- but something had already changed in me due presumably to the depression which had made alcohol have a very different effect on me than it used to, no longer able to drink even a glass without a certain day-after malaise or worse...
>
> But i'm wondering if any of you also notice that even coffee tastes different? and even water? I tend to drink bubbly water and i don't see how i could get by without my morning espresso (which i realize could have a weird interaction with Effexor too - does anyone know?)... but it also tastes different already just on day #2.
>
> If you've had this experience, does it go away?
Posted by Napaba on May 28, 2003, at 7:54:38
In reply to odd tastes, and coffee in particular, posted by zinya on May 27, 2003, at 18:18:36
Does any seem to bruise more easly while on Effexor? I have bruises all over my legs and arms, not normal for me. I never bruise when having blood drawn. I've got big veins, but yesterday I had blood drawn and have a large very dark bruise. The tech. had no problem drawing it, it was quick and painless.
I aske the doctor yesterday and she blew it off. Also blew off the rest of my symtoms, blurred vision, sweeting, and joint pain.
Posted by Napaba on May 28, 2003, at 7:57:33
In reply to Re: Successful but very ugly ! » zinya, posted by BWII on May 27, 2003, at 18:33:05
I was also switched to Lexapro 10mg. I'ms suppose to start today. But want to find out more about it before I make the switch. I was told I can just stop taking Effexor and start taking Lexapro. Anyone try this?
I never went above 75mg. I did feel a very intense rush within the first few weeks and it continued for quite a few months. I then felt that I was gaining some sort of tolerance to this drug (and was starting to get the shocking feeling even when I took Effexor XR a few hours later than the day before) which is why I initially attempted to stop taking it. But the withdrawl is a little hard to manage when you have to work or drive or just about anything else. I have never stopped over a week so we'll see. I am supposedly switching to Lexapro (10mg) tomorrow morning so I'll see what happens.
Posted by melley on May 28, 2003, at 12:57:24
In reply to Re: Successful but very ugly ! » BWII, posted by Napaba on May 28, 2003, at 7:57:33
I am almost off effexor. It hasn't been too bad; had to go up a bit for awhile.
The idea of Effexor bothers me. It made me feel numb. I'm not sure being numb is the solution to the problems of anxiety and depression. Perhaps another less-toxic antidepressant and therapy to learn how to relax yourself and to redirect the negative thoughts. Exercise, eat right. I think it's too easy to rely solely on a pill. I know I need something because of the chemical imbalance in my brain but think there are other things I can be doing along with it to help the process. Effexor is a relatively new drug, touted for its ability to address both anxiety and depression. But its side-effects can be horrendous and the withdrawal can be wicked. I don't know. Just some thoughts.
Posted by wnj on May 28, 2003, at 17:57:43
In reply to new to effexor, and I have questions, posted by zinya on May 26, 2003, at 21:29:22
I was just put on Effexor today by my doctor. I have had many emotional problems since my pregnancy and divorce. My husband of several years was in Florida recording his new album last year and I stayed home since I was pregnant and having a hard time physically with it. When I was eight months along he called me up on the phone and told me he was in love with some groupie (a girl twenty years younger than he) he met at one of his concerts out there and she moved in with him the week I was in the hospital giving birth. I have been on an emotional roller coaster ever since and now that my divorce is final my doctor said I was seriously post partem and having a problem controlling my hatred and anger toward my ex-husband and his new girlfriend. He constantly calls and gets me upset and won't leave me alone. He doesn't want to be with me and his son, but he won't get totally out of my life either and its very confusing.
I have never taken any drugs for depression and I had never heard of this particular drug. I know I have to get some help but I am wondering how well this drug actually works and if it had helped others with similar situations.
I have been totally consumed by my anger and hate and I have been totally listless and just in a horrible downward spiral. The only bright spot is my seven month old son and I don't want all of this to effect him, which I why I had to get some help.I can be emailed at TXMetalGoddess@aol.com if anyone wants to give me some insight on this.
Posted by jtc on May 28, 2003, at 20:52:18
In reply to Re: new to effexor, and I have questions, posted by wnj on May 28, 2003, at 17:57:43
> I was just put on Effexor today by my doctor. I have had many emotional problems since my pregnancy and divorce. My husband of several years was in Florida recording his new album last year and I stayed home since I was pregnant and having a hard time physically with it. When I was eight months along he called me up on the phone and told me he was in love with some groupie (a girl twenty years younger than he) he met at one of his concerts out there and she moved in with him the week I was in the hospital giving birth. I have been on an emotional roller coaster ever since and now that my divorce is final my doctor said I was seriously post partem and having a problem controlling my hatred and anger toward my ex-husband and his new girlfriend. He constantly calls and gets me upset and won't leave me alone. He doesn't want to be with me and his son, but he won't get totally out of my life either and its very confusing.
>
> I have never taken any drugs for depression and I had never heard of this particular drug. I know I have to get some help but I am wondering how well this drug actually works and if it had helped others with similar situations.
> I have been totally consumed by my anger and hate and I have been totally listless and just in a horrible downward spiral. The only bright spot is my seven month old son and I don't want all of this to effect him, which I why I had to get some help.
>
> I can be emailed at TXMetalGoddess@aol.com if anyone wants to give me some insight on this.Dear wnj,
What a sad and difficult thing for you to have to go through. I am very angry at your ex-husband for doing this to you and his child. I don't know how I would handle my anger if I were in your shoes. I took Effexor XR for about 10 months. It did help me but it was hard getting off of it. I tried Luvox for about 3 years and it helped also but my doctor, after talking with me, decided that it was not therapeutic anymore and when I would try to increase the dosage of Luvox I would be a basket case (dizziness, etc.) so I decided to try Effexor. After taking it and stopping it (finally) I think would try something else if I were you before trying the Effexor. It is a very powerful antidepressant with many side effects that we just don't know enough about yet. I still have joint pain and vision problems after being off of it for two months now and also extreme emotional highs and lows. I have been diagnosed with anxiety and panic disorder and mild depression for about 20 years, since the age of 18. I hope this helps you. Good luck in your decision and keep us posted. Do whatever you have to do to get yourself through this very difficult time and to be able to take of your precious son. God Bless you and him. jtc
>
Posted by zinya on May 28, 2003, at 22:42:36
In reply to Re: new to effexor, and I have questions, posted by wnj on May 28, 2003, at 17:57:43
Gosh, wnj, my heart goes out to you. Over the years, i've known of similar stories of seemingly heartless abandon but knowing that doesn't diminish one whit the pain and rage and angst and grief you must be experiencing when instead you had surely a vision of new joy... and surely also now, i'm guessing, considerable guilt at not being able to transmit only delight to your newborn.
You don't mention it, but your situation absolutely demands, in my opinion, that you find a good therapist or counselor to help you feel listened to in all the necessary raging and processing that you must go through over this. If your doctor only prescribed a drug and didn't also "prescribe" such therapy, I would consider it highly irresponsible. You have legitimate and concrete griefs and angers which no amount of anti-depressant medicine will make go away. I'm not saying that taking Effexor is wrong or misguided based on this, but I am suggesting it should not be viewed as a panacea or substitute for the therapy you should definitely give yourself -- and make sure you find someone you like and trust and whose perspective makes sense to you and feels right.
I'm so new to this drug myself that I am the last person to give advice on the drug per se, although I would encourage you given what must be a very fragile state of -- I'm assuming -- still also the hormonal ups and downs of pregnancy and post-partem as well. So given how potent this drug is, I would start on it very very gradually.
After reading so many posters here and knowing that i'm very sensitive and have had many bad experiences of side effects to other drugs, I have started this by taking only half of a 37.5 mg capsule -- opening it and dividing the grains roughly in half. Even with that, i've had fluctuating side effects the past 3 days but so far they're all been mild and transitory. And to my surprise i've already sensed on the 3rd day even some positive benefit already just from this 18 mg dose. I would neither recommend nor dissuade anyone from taking it because one thing is clear from all the postings here: Each and every one of us has a unique biochemistry which makes it totally impossible to generalize from one to another taker of whatever a-d drug. But if I were you i'd consider starting on it VERY VERY slowly at the lowest dose possible, and monitor your symptoms -- and be sure at least for the first month while tryign to determine if it works for you or not -- I'd stay off all alcohol and minimize stimulants of all types to avoid bad reactions while adapting...
Wishing you well and sending hugs of concern and hopes you will also find someone to be a counselor/therapist very very soon...
z.
Posted by zinya on May 28, 2003, at 22:49:28
In reply to Bruising » zinya, posted by Napaba on May 28, 2003, at 7:54:38
You might want to readdress this question without my name on it so others would be more likely perhaps to open and respond to it. I'm so new to this that i have no basis yet for commenting on bruising although i'm already naturally someone who bruises easily.
I do know that bruising is related to platelet count so, depending on what kind of blood test you had done, if it included platelet count you might want to check to see if it's on the low end of normal and talk about it to your doc.
Posted by belle rose on May 29, 2003, at 0:57:50
In reply to Re: new to effexor, and I have questions » wnj, posted by zinya on May 28, 2003, at 22:42:36
> Gosh, wnj, my heart goes out to you. Over the years, i've known of similar stories of seemingly heartless abandon but knowing that doesn't diminish one whit the pain and rage and angst and grief you must be experiencing when instead you had surely a vision of new joy... and surely also now, i'm guessing, considerable guilt at not being able to transmit only delight to your newborn.
>
> You don't mention it, but your situation absolutely demands, in my opinion, that you find a good therapist or counselor to help you feel listened to in all the necessary raging and processing that you must go through over this. If your doctor only prescribed a drug and didn't also "prescribe" such therapy, I would consider it highly irresponsible. You have legitimate and concrete griefs and angers which no amount of anti-depressant medicine will make go away. I'm not saying that taking Effexor is wrong or misguided based on this, but I am suggesting it should not be viewed as a panacea or substitute for the therapy you should definitely give yourself -- and make sure you find someone you like and trust and whose perspective makes sense to you and feels right.
>
> I'm so new to this drug myself that I am the last person to give advice on the drug per se, although I would encourage you given what must be a very fragile state of -- I'm assuming -- still also the hormonal ups and downs of pregnancy and post-partem as well. So given how potent this drug is, I would start on it very very gradually.
>
> After reading so many posters here and knowing that i'm very sensitive and have had many bad experiences of side effects to other drugs, I have started this by taking only half of a 37.5 mg capsule -- opening it and dividing the grains roughly in half. Even with that, i've had fluctuating side effects the past 3 days but so far they're all been mild and transitory. And to my surprise i've already sensed on the 3rd day even some positive benefit already just from this 18 mg dose. I would neither recommend nor dissuade anyone from taking it because one thing is clear from all the postings here: Each and every one of us has a unique biochemistry which makes it totally impossible to generalize from one to another taker of whatever a-d drug. But if I were you i'd consider starting on it VERY VERY slowly at the lowest dose possible, and monitor your symptoms -- and be sure at least for the first month while tryign to determine if it works for you or not -- I'd stay off all alcohol and minimize stimulants of all types to avoid bad reactions while adapting...
>
> Wishing you well and sending hugs of concern and hopes you will also find someone to be a counselor/therapist very very soon...
>
> z.Good advice z.
jtc,
My prayers are with you during your difficult times. Sometimes our burdens seem to much to bear. That's why we need to give them to God.I have spent several years on Effexor along with many other antidepressants and/or mood stabilizers which seem to offer little relief. I did the best when I saw a counselor. Talking to someone else helps put things in perspective, which we can't seem to do ourselves. I exercised and that seemed to clear the cobbwebs out of my brain and I could think for clearly. Sun, too has theapeutic effects.
Join groups, single groups, talk your baby to the park. Don't isolate yourself. I did this for many years and feel terrible for the time I stole away from my family. As much work as it seems to be involved in relationships, it is healthy. And remember people are always going to disappoint us. Just love on that baby and receive all his/her love back.
I wish you much luck. I will be praying for strength and hope for you during this difficult time. Know that many people care.
Belle Rose
Posted by jtc on May 29, 2003, at 8:21:52
In reply to Re: new to effexor, and I have questions, posted by belle rose on May 29, 2003, at 0:57:50
> > Gosh, wnj, my heart goes out to you. Over the years, i've known of similar stories of seemingly heartless abandon but knowing that doesn't diminish one whit the pain and rage and angst and grief you must be experiencing when instead you had surely a vision of new joy... and surely also now, i'm guessing, considerable guilt at not being able to transmit only delight to your newborn.
> >
> > You don't mention it, but your situation absolutely demands, in my opinion, that you find a good therapist or counselor to help you feel listened to in all the necessary raging and processing that you must go through over this. If your doctor only prescribed a drug and didn't also "prescribe" such therapy, I would consider it highly irresponsible. You have legitimate and concrete griefs and angers which no amount of anti-depressant medicine will make go away. I'm not saying that taking Effexor is wrong or misguided based on this, but I am suggesting it should not be viewed as a panacea or substitute for the therapy you should definitely give yourself -- and make sure you find someone you like and trust and whose perspective makes sense to you and feels right.
> >
> > I'm so new to this drug myself that I am the last person to give advice on the drug per se, although I would encourage you given what must be a very fragile state of -- I'm assuming -- still also the hormonal ups and downs of pregnancy and post-partem as well. So given how potent this drug is, I would start on it very very gradually.
> >
> > After reading so many posters here and knowing that i'm very sensitive and have had many bad experiences of side effects to other drugs, I have started this by taking only half of a 37.5 mg capsule -- opening it and dividing the grains roughly in half. Even with that, i've had fluctuating side effects the past 3 days but so far they're all been mild and transitory. And to my surprise i've already sensed on the 3rd day even some positive benefit already just from this 18 mg dose. I would neither recommend nor dissuade anyone from taking it because one thing is clear from all the postings here: Each and every one of us has a unique biochemistry which makes it totally impossible to generalize from one to another taker of whatever a-d drug. But if I were you i'd consider starting on it VERY VERY slowly at the lowest dose possible, and monitor your symptoms -- and be sure at least for the first month while tryign to determine if it works for you or not -- I'd stay off all alcohol and minimize stimulants of all types to avoid bad reactions while adapting...
> >
> > Wishing you well and sending hugs of concern and hopes you will also find someone to be a counselor/therapist very very soon...
> >
> > z.
>
> Good advice z.
>
> jtc,
> My prayers are with you during your difficult times. Sometimes our burdens seem to much to bear. That's why we need to give them to God.
>
> I have spent several years on Effexor along with many other antidepressants and/or mood stabilizers which seem to offer little relief. I did the best when I saw a counselor. Talking to someone else helps put things in perspective, which we can't seem to do ourselves. I exercised and that seemed to clear the cobbwebs out of my brain and I could think for clearly. Sun, too has theapeutic effects.
>
> Join groups, single groups, talk your baby to the park. Don't isolate yourself. I did this for many years and feel terrible for the time I stole away from my family. As much work as it seems to be involved in relationships, it is healthy. And remember people are always going to disappoint us. Just love on that baby and receive all his/her love back.
>
> I wish you much luck. I will be praying for strength and hope for you during this difficult time. Know that many people care.
>
> Belle RoseBelle Rose,
Thanks so much for your posting and thinking of me in your prayers. It is very much appreciated. Thanks again, jtc
>
>
Posted by Mercedes on May 29, 2003, at 15:11:56
In reply to Re: new to effexor, and I have questions, posted by jtc on May 29, 2003, at 8:21:52
I have been taking anti-depressants/anti-anxioty medications for almost 7 years. I suffered a PTSD which led to my condition. I started on 37.5 mgs from a prev. psyc. and he never increased it for about 1 year. I moved and now see a new psyc. and he has increased my effexor gradually to 300 mgs.
I FINALLY FEEL HAPPY. I smile with my eyes now. I laugh with my heart. I haven't had that feeling in 7 years. I have tryed other meds, ie., paxil, welbutrin, prozac and I can't remember how many others.
The only side effect I have is memory but that may be related to age (54) and to the PTSD. I also take Xanax, which I've been on for 6 years. My problem is not being able to talk to my family about the trauma I incurred. So for many years I pretended to be happy or normal, whatever that is.
Good luck with the Effexor and remember, everyone's chemistry is different. It may work for you or it may not but I cannot say anything but good things about Effexor.
p.s. this is the first time I've responded to this site. I've read alot but was too shy to respond to anyone.
mercedes
Posted by jrt on May 29, 2003, at 16:20:47
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Ninafel on June 20, 2000, at 23:00:52
I have recently started on effexor and have really good results so far. I have never been on any other ad's but have always had anxiety and depression and for the first time in my life I feel good again. It got so bad that I nearly ran off my family and the love of my life. He of all people can see the benifits from this medication. I guess in some way I knew that I needed to be on ad's but I always blamed my major mood swings and irrability on pms but it finally hit me when I had an anxiety attack for the first time and I felt like I was going to loose my mind. I wish I would have accepted this a long time ago, I guess I just never wanted think I was crazy, I was just "unique"!!!! The side affects that I have been experincing are minimal compared to the consequences of being unhappy and making everyone around me unhappy as well. Misirey loves company, right? My doctor started me off on 75 mg and the only side effects that I have experinced are yawning, sleppiness, a little dizziness, and loss off apatite(but I don't consider that a bad side effect:)I have heard everyone talking about brain tremors and I have no idea what those are so if someone could inform me I would aprecciate it!
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