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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by BJL on September 2, 2003, at 15:17:54
In reply to Re: JUST STARTED TAKING EFFEXOR XR, posted by Angelina on September 2, 2003, at 15:06:23
> Three things today. First, to the person who was going to check with their doctor/pharmacist regarding anything to combat the withdrawal, please please let us know if you hear anything.
> Second, to the person who commented that the negative comments on this board should be "taken with a grain of salt", I find that offensive. I'm very happy that this medication is working for you and you're not experiencing side effects. But, please don't dismiss the THOUSANDS of us that are not doing well on this medication, and are fighting like crazy to get off of it. Finally, taking trazadone for sleep seems extreme to me. This is NOT simply a sleep aid. Please read all side effects before taking it.
I don't think the comment to "take it with a grain of salt" was meaning to disregard those having problems with Effexor. I think it was just to state that not everyone has bad experiences, and we don't hear as much about the good things that Effexor can do. After all, it was when I experienced "withdrawals" from Paxil that I found this board, searching for help. It wasn't because I was coming on to rave about a medication.That having been said, I wanted to say something about trazodone. Yes, it really does help you sleep. I would only take 1/2 tablet and would sleep like a rock. Problem was that I was groggy all day the next day, even on 1/4 tablet. I refuse to take it because of that.
I also feel drowsy on the Effexor XR, and my psych had specifically told me to take it in the a.m. because he felt it would "wind me up." I'm gradually moving my dose to later in the day so that I can function better. Does anyone have experience with this?
Posted by sufferfromeffexor on September 2, 2003, at 15:56:01
In reply to Re: electric shocks proper stopping of Effexor » Johnlund, posted by Maeve on September 1, 2003, at 14:11:37
Thanks so much for the advice and for your story! I just saw my doc again this morning, after having some terrible breakdowns this weekend. He really didn't tell me anything new and just told me to decrease by another 37.5 for this week and alternate it next week...and to call him if I absolutely can't handle it. Gee Thanks! I know I should see a new dr. but it is such a pain in the you-know-what!! I am dropping from 75 to 37.5 tomorrow, so wish me luck and I wish all of you luck and continued success.
PS...I don't know if you realize, but I am a woman. hahahaha I noticed you made reference to a man at the end of your post. =)
PPS...really...who stays on one med for 8 continuous years...only because I was terrified to go through the withdrawls and they didn't care, just kept giving me more prescriptions. He also didn't not believe any of my withdrawl symptoms...what makes them think they know more about what we go through than our selves???
Posted by sufferfromeffexor on September 2, 2003, at 15:59:08
In reply to Effexor is a Great Drug!Online Petition!, posted by harlie on September 1, 2003, at 18:48:19
Again, I don't think any of us are talking about side effects while TAKING the medicine. We are describing what it is to try and stop the medicine. I don't disagree that it worked initially for me, but after 8 years everything about me was just dulled and I had no feelings either way. I don't want to live like that. So again, we are not saying it didn't do its job at first, but I never prepared for what it is like to just stop it when I no longer want to take it.
> Effexor has worked very very good for me-I am on my 4'th week and after months of not working I am back to my old self.I am on 300mg a day-It is a miracle.I am going to write a letter to the manufacture to thank them.Thank God-Give it a try and take the bad stuff you read here with a huge grain of salt.No side effects after the first week.
>
>
Posted by sufferfromeffexor on September 2, 2003, at 16:04:08
In reply to Re: JUST STARTED TAKING EFFEXOR XR, posted by Maeve on September 2, 2003, at 14:04:40
I have been taking Effexor xr for many years and my biggest complaint was lack of energy and motivation. I guess it wasn't that I was so sleepy (although I did like naps) as it was being really lethargic. Is there a difference?
> > > > Hi, I have just started taking effexor xr and I have only been on it for 3 days. I had been suffering from mild depression and sleeplessness. My dr. has also given me tryodozone for sleeping at night. it really helps and I wake up feeling refreshed after sleep. I don't have much of an appetite which to me feels good because I need to loose some weight. The only concern that I have is that I get severely tired during the day when taking the effexor xr the dr. said he wants me to take it during the day so that it will give me energy, but i haven't experienced that yet. I know it's only been 3 days, but am worried that I don't want to feel this exhausted during the day while taking it. Did anyone else experience this and if so how long before it went away?
> > > > thanks,
> > > > tanya
> > >
> > > Hey Tanya - I read your resonse and i as well am taking effexor xr - my main trouble has always been sleep - i read you took a med called TRYODOZONE - i looked it up on the net and could not find any info on it - do u have any further info on this med -
> >
> > I think Tanya might mean Trazadone?
>
> >>>>>>Yup - she means Trazadone - and it's fantastic for sleepytime action hands down!
>
> But I've never heard of anyone getting sleepy on the Extended Release Effexor.
>
> Call your doc and ask him or his nurse what the deal is.
>
>
Posted by Nay16 on September 2, 2003, at 17:31:21
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Kev on January 4, 2000, at 21:32:43
Well, i am on effexor xr again. I took it for 5 months before and had great success with anxiety and panic attacks. I decided to stop taking it because i wanted to do it on my own. Well that worked for 6 months, with occasional problems, but then it go horrible.
My first time i dropped 15 pds, lost any craving for meat. Everytime i tried to eat it, got sick. When i went off it, gained the weight back and had my appetite. In all, the medication has been great and I realize when i need it. I had no problems stopping it.
As for zoloft, i had such a bad experience, it took me 2 weeks to recover from 4 pills. I didnt leave my house, didnt sleep, didnt eat, and made everyone's life miserable!
Posted by Rickey on September 2, 2003, at 21:07:47
In reply to Re: Withdrawals from Effexor..... » Angelina, posted by tacky1 on September 2, 2003, at 10:38:51
I have been withdrawing for about two weeks. I was taking 75mg daily. Teh went every two days and a week ago stopped. Had usual problems mostly sleeping. Main problem I had was when rising and laying down I felt like I was going to pas out. Anyone else having this problem? Seems a little better today.
Posted by harlie on September 2, 2003, at 21:23:42
In reply to Re: Effexor is a Great Drug!Online Petition!, posted by BJL on September 2, 2003, at 12:34:07
> > Effexor has worked very very good for me-I am on my 4'th week and after months of not working I am back to my old self.I am on 300mg a day-It is a miracle.I am going to write a letter to the manufacture to thank them.Thank God-Give it a try and take the bad stuff you read here with a huge grain of salt.No side effects after the first week.
> >
> >
> What time of day do you take your Effexor?
>I take it in the AM.I am not as tired as I was when I started but I still need a coffee to get going a little.
Posted by ghh on September 2, 2003, at 23:55:07
In reply to Re: JUST STARTED TAKING EFFEXOR XR, posted by Angelina on September 2, 2003, at 6:29:59
I am now 45 and first had anxiety symptoms at 23.
I started with Effexor in 1996 and either it is a great coincidence or it changed my life. Since then, I have changed jobs three times (all for the better), have had three children and live the life I had before this mess all started. At times, the anxiety is bad, but I remember that it goes away and the good times vastly outnumber the bad. I have thought of trying to go off the medicine ( I take 75mg) but think if it works why even bother?
If diabetics can take insulin, those of us pre-disposed toward anxiety/depression should have no remorse over taking medication.
The best to all.
Posted by loolot on September 3, 2003, at 2:21:47
In reply to Re: electric shocks proper stopping of Effexor » Maeve, posted by sufferfromeffexor on September 2, 2003, at 15:56:01
I have been withdrawing from effexor, too. I read in the archive that someone had success taking benedryl to curb the horrible nausea/shocks.
I tried it and it definitely helped.
Posted by Tacky1 on September 3, 2003, at 13:40:28
In reply to Re: Withdrawals from Effexor..... » michelle29, posted by Angelina on August 31, 2003, at 18:21:27
Ok, went to family doctor regarding withdrawal symptoms. He said that some people seem to have more difficulty than others discontinuing this medication. He did say that the withdrawal symptoms will go away, hopefully within two weeks after discontinuation of the medication. I had been weaned from 150mg to 75mg for 1wk, then 37.5mg for 1 week, then off for about 4 to 5 days at this point. He asked if I wanted to go back onto the medication, and I said no. It worked good for me when I felt that I needed it, but given my circumstances now I really don't feel I need to be on any medication. He said that we could just treat the symptoms then. I took him up on a prescription for Reglan (antinausea) which is supposed to be less sedating than Phenergan. He did say that I had lost about 7 lbs since my last visit, which was only 2wks ago(I had been dieting since this Jan, without luck). I asked him if the Effexor could have been the cause of my weight gain in the first place and he said yes it could. I said, "nice to know these things now!" Anywhooo, I'll continue taking basic vitamins and the Reglan, which has already helped incredibly and keep you all posted.
Posted by Music on September 3, 2003, at 13:54:03
In reply to Re: Withdrawals from Effexor....., posted by Tacky1 on September 3, 2003, at 13:40:28
I have been on Effexor XR since the end of June 03' I started out on 37.5, then to 75, then to 150 and now to 225 mg and I feel I guess a little better, but I don't want to be on this stuff forever. My husband and I want to have children sometime in the future not right away though and I don't want to become addicted to this stuff where it interfers with having children. Any help out there.
Posted by smithy on September 3, 2003, at 14:22:35
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Has anyone had a problem sleeping using effexor xr does it cause more energy?
Posted by Angelina on September 3, 2003, at 15:17:23
In reply to How long does it take to feel better?, posted by Music on September 3, 2003, at 13:54:03
> I have been on Effexor XR since the end of June 03' I started out on 37.5, then to 75, then to 150 and now to 225 mg and I feel I guess a little better, but I don't want to be on this stuff forever. My husband and I want to have children sometime in the future not right away though and I don't want to become addicted to this stuff where it interfers with having children. Any help out there.
>Music- Your doctor should be talking with you about how long it should be before you notice the beneficial effects. Typically, I think they say you need to be on a therapeutic dose for 6 weeks to 2 months to know if it's "working". I would talk about your concerns regarding getting dependent on the medication and your desire to have children with your doctor.
Good luck!
Posted by Lela on September 3, 2003, at 16:09:05
In reply to Re: How long does it take to feel better?, posted by Angelina on September 3, 2003, at 15:17:23
Where to find more info about Effexor
Hi,
my partner has generalized anxiety disorder and has been on Effexor for the last 3 months.
He keep saying that he is OK, but I have noticed that he sweats much more, gets hot very easily, gets tired a lot, needs more sleep then before and his blood pressure is 160/110 (not good!!!).
We are now debating should he stay or get off the drug. I am looking for more info about the drug:
1. Steve Whiting effexor link www.effexorfz.freeuk.com is broken
2.some stats regarding effexor: how many people are using drug in USA or Canada, success rate, failure rate. Did anybody ever got off it cured or is this "drug for life"
3. any other options for GAD that could work?Thanks a lot
Lela
Posted by Music on September 3, 2003, at 16:23:32
In reply to Re: How long does it take to feel better?, posted by Angelina on September 3, 2003, at 15:17:23
So if 225mg is my theraputeic dosage, how will I totally know if it is or not my correct dosage? I have never been on any AD's meds before. I just want to feel better and stay better. I suffer from Major Depression and OCD. My PsyDoc says my depression is recurrent. I go to see my PsyDoc next Thursday a week from tomorrow. So should I ask her how long do I need to be on this stuff and when will I feel better, and also let her know that sometime in the future we want children. I think I it more depressed in the afternoon at work and when I have time to think about things. I need to have distractions to keep my mind from wondering to depressing things. I also need to start exercising. I used to but I have lost any desire or will-power to do it. I have really lost the desire to do most all things. Sometimes I wonder if it is worth it or not. Do you ever feel that way? Or does anyone?
Posted by Angelina on September 3, 2003, at 16:39:24
In reply to Message for Angelina, posted by Music on September 3, 2003, at 16:23:32
> So if 225mg is my theraputeic dosage, how will I totally know if it is or not my correct dosage? I have never been on any AD's meds before. I just want to feel better and stay better. I suffer from Major Depression and OCD. My PsyDoc says my depression is recurrent. I go to see my PsyDoc next Thursday a week from tomorrow. So should I ask her how long do I need to be on this stuff and when will I feel better, and also let her know that sometime in the future we want children. I think I it more depressed in the afternoon at work and when I have time to think about things. I need to have distractions to keep my mind from wondering to depressing things. I also need to start exercising. I used to but I have lost any desire or will-power to do it. I have really lost the desire to do most all things. Sometimes I wonder if it is worth it or not. Do you ever feel that way? Or does anyone?
>Music-
I would ask your doctor if he/she plans on increasing the dosage. The way I understand it, if 225 is your therapeutic dosage, you will probaby not feel maximum benefits for 6 weeks or so. If after that time, you don't feel significantly different/better, I would discuss other options with your doctor. Unfortunately, psychotropic medication is not an exact science-what works for some definitely does not work for others, and it's OFTEN trial and error until you find something that works.
Regarding your needing to stay busy, etc:- are you receiving talk therapy in addition to medication therapy? Studies all suggest that a combination of the two is most beneficial for results. Whatever the things are that you have to stop thinking about are not going to be "cured" by a medication. The medication will deal with the chemical part, but whatever the ISSUES in your life are, those still have to be dealt with!
I personally had great success with Paxil, as far as it making me feel much better, and slow down my thoughts, etc. However, I had the sexual side effect, and also had the withdrawal symptoms as I'm having with Effexor. I'm now on Buspar, which allegedly doesn't have the sexual side effects, or the discontinuation effects, but we'll see.
Keep in touch!
P.S. Not sure what you mean, "if it's all worth it". The trial and error associated with medication is a HUGE hassle, and you have to determine if the hassle is worth the chance to feel "normal" again...
Posted by pkls on September 3, 2003, at 21:10:42
In reply to Re: JUST STARTED TAKING EFFEXOR XR, posted by Angelina on September 2, 2003, at 6:29:59
Hi. I have been taking effexor xr about 6 months and mentally I feel much better...I did feel like I was "jumping out of my skin" a few days at the beginning, but now I am more fun at home and at work, and I Have more fun too. My only concern is tapering back or discontinuing in the future sometime (that whole withdrwl thing) I would rather not spend my whole life on them
Posted by Salty_dog on September 4, 2003, at 2:08:36
In reply to Re: JUST STARTED TAKING EFFEXOR XR, posted by pkls on September 3, 2003, at 21:10:42
I have been on Effexor XR for 3 weeks now and I feel great. My current dosage is 450 mg and counting.
As you can see, I am nocturnal due to the Effexor XR.
I also take Zyprexa which makes it posible to go to sleep more naturaly. I have a major Bi-Polar problem which includes suicidal thoughts when I'm on the down swing and I don't even want to talk about the up swing as it has nearly put me in jail. Between the Effexor XR, Zyprexa, Dialantin, Neurotin and Lamictal my depression and mania have no choice but to disapear. I am above zero so to speak (hypo-mania ?) and genrally happy even thougth I have no job. The Neurontin did the job of stopping the edgyness and road rage. I need to be at work, putting this energy to good use. The great news is that I am getting called every day for work posibilities. I even get an occasional phone interview. One of these positions will work out.
BTW some of these meds are due to a grand mal seizure I had a few months ago.
Has anyone out there had experience with elevated levels of Effexor XR ???
Posted by Music on September 4, 2003, at 8:43:52
In reply to Re: Message for Angelina, posted by Angelina on September 3, 2003, at 16:39:24
Hey, thank you for responding. I am doing talk therapy, but my therapist has been out of the office the last two weeks. So I am out hanging with really no release. My husband does not really understand what I am truly going through. I can be in a crowded room full of people and still feel so empty and alone. Have you ever felt that way? What State do you live in? If you don't mind me asking. When did you recieve your diagnose? I think that I have been suffering for a long time but I had no name to call it. I hate life sometimes. Sometimes I have no energy to do anything. Sometimes I don't even want to get out of bed, but I know I have to go to work and put on my corporate face and smile and act like everything is alright. Eventhough that is sometimes NOT how I feel at all inside. Do you feel that way?
Posted by kpax on September 4, 2003, at 11:23:43
In reply to Re: How long does it take to feel better? » Angelina, posted by Lela on September 3, 2003, at 16:09:05
Hi lela,
My boyfriend has been on effexor since mid July. He has been sweating more, he did sweat from other meds in the past... but there is a marked difference. So my energy bill is high and the A/C is on even if it is 60 degrees outside ;)
If the effexor helps your boyfriend, and if he is anything like mine, resure him that the sweating side effect will go away over time. I believe it will, if it doesn't, then you just deal with that in the future. This medication helps, the other SSRI's didn't. It has helped both anxiety and depression for my boyfriend, no other side effects.
Regarding other resources you have your webmd.com, rxlist.com, try bipolarworld.com, and type your question into search engines like metacrawler.com.
>
> Good luck
-K.
Posted by Angelina on September 4, 2003, at 17:00:05
In reply to Message for Angelina, posted by Music on September 4, 2003, at 8:43:52
> Hey, thank you for responding. I am doing talk therapy, but my therapist has been out of the office the last two weeks. So I am out hanging with really no release. My husband does not really understand what I am truly going through. I can be in a crowded room full of people and still feel so empty and alone. Have you ever felt that way? What State do you live in? If you don't mind me asking. When did you recieve your diagnose? I think that I have been suffering for a long time but I had no name to call it. I hate life sometimes. Sometimes I have no energy to do anything. Sometimes I don't even want to get out of bed, but I know I have to go to work and put on my corporate face and smile and act like everything is alright. Eventhough that is sometimes NOT how I feel at all inside. Do you feel that way?
<Music,
I am not diagnosed clinically depressed; I don't have the typical symptoms of loss of energy, appetite, missed work, etc. I have more of an anxiety issue-for insurance purposes-Generalized Anxiety Disorder- with recent losses exacerbating my symptoms. I often feel like no one could possibly understand how I feel, but I know that A LOT of people have similar experiences, and that's reassuring to me. I do sometimes feel alone, and I think that's partly due to the fact that almost everyone who knows me (at work, in particular) don't know what's going on with me. So, as you described, you pretend that everything's fine, and that's a very distancing feeling. I think it helps to have a trusted confidante. In my experience, that probably WON'T be your significant other. It's just too hard, and all of your emotional needs really SHOULDN'T be met by this one person. So, that's what therapy and a really really good friend are for. Or, these venues can help sometimes. I was looking for a chat room to "talk" with others about what I'm going through, and I didn't find any. Seems the topic is never what they say it is.
Keep in touch.
Oh, I live in NY.
And-for the person who said benadryl would help with the withdrawal symptoms-it definitely did!!! Of course, I was hopped up (or down, I guess) all day at work, but I'd rather feel dopey than all "head-y". THANKS!
Posted by tacky1 on September 4, 2003, at 18:17:47
In reply to Re: Withdrawals from Effexor..... » michelle29, posted by Angelina on August 31, 2003, at 18:21:27
> Does anyone know of ANYTHING that helps combat the WITHDRAWAL(not "discontinuation symptoms")? Any vitamins or supplements or ANYTHING to help this???
I went to my family doc and he first asked if I wanted to go back on the medication. I said, no thanks! Then he said that we could treat the symptoms. I received a prescription for Reglan, because it is supposedly less sedating that Phenergan. This is for the constant nausea. Although, the nausea did help me lose 7 pounds in about 2 wks. Anyway, he also said that these symptoms should start to go away after about two weeks off of the medication. Yippee! I hope he is right. It has almost been 1 week so far. I'll keep you all posted.
Posted by hog80ci on September 4, 2003, at 20:41:25
In reply to Re: JUST STARTED TAKING EFFEXOR XR » Maeve, posted by sufferfromeffexor on September 2, 2003, at 16:04:08
Hi All
I don't take effexor xr. Tried it and it didn't sit so well with me. This post is more about your mention of Trazadone. I take temazepam (restoril) to help me sleep. Doc says I need to bump it to 30mg from 15 because Lexapro is keeping me pretty wired. The way my mind works I think I'll never be able to sleep w/o help again. Does anyone know the difference between the two drugs? Restoril is used in the military to help pilots sleep. They use something else to keep them awake for those long night missions.
Take care
Jim
Posted by Music on September 5, 2003, at 8:41:43
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
You are right I do need a good friend. I have some but they live far away from me. And some of them don't even know anything is wrong with me. I have two that know. But like I said they live far away. My husband and I have moved 7 times in in almost 5 years of marriage. His job related. I am very tired of moving and I have to always look for a new job and trying to make new friends. I love my husband, but I hate my life right now. I feel very, very dark inside. Last night I dreamed I killed myself and I woke up and told my husband and he said oh that won't happen. I am feeling so sad right now, and I feel guilty about having thoughts or dreams like that. I am a pastor's wife and at times I feel like a such a failure. I really have no-one to get a soda with or go shopping with or whatever with. Are you married? And if so does your husband understand? Let me know if I get too personal okay. How do deal with the syptoms? Keep in touch.
P.S. I live in MO.
Posted by Angelina on September 5, 2003, at 9:46:54
In reply to Message for Angelina, posted by Music on September 5, 2003, at 8:41:43
> You are right I do need a good friend. I have some but they live far away from me. And some of them don't even know anything is wrong with me. I have two that know. But like I said they live far away. My husband and I have moved 7 times in in almost 5 years of marriage. His job related. I am very tired of moving and I have to always look for a new job and trying to make new friends. I love my husband, but I hate my life right now. I feel very, very dark inside. Last night I dreamed I killed myself and I woke up and told my husband and he said oh that won't happen. I am feeling so sad right now, and I feel guilty about having thoughts or dreams like that. I am a pastor's wife and at times I feel like a such a failure. I really have no-one to get a soda with or go shopping with or whatever with. Are you married? And if so does your husband understand? Let me know if I get too personal okay. How do deal with the syptoms? Keep in touch.
>
> P.S. I live in MO.>Music,
I think you need to talk to your therapist IMMEDIATELY about your "dark thoughts". You mentioned that he/she has been out of town for the past two weeks; is she/he back? If not, see if there's someone else in the practice that can see you. I am very willing to keep "chatting" with you, but if you are having suicidal ideation, you need more than this. I might also suggest you set up an appointment that your husband can go to also to discuss what depression is with a third party present. He doesn't "get it" because he's not experiencing depression.
I, too, have moved and started new jobs every year for the past four years. Moving and a new job are both two of the top most stressful occasions. They are terrible for EVERYONE, but if you are depressed they feel even more overwhelming. Have you discussed with your husband how all these moves affect you? I suggest you do.
I am not married-recently divorced (one of the losses I mentioned).
If you're in a new area, maybe you could also look into activities to meet people. I signed up for a yoga class and a belly-dance class. I didn't really make close friends, but I stayed occupied and energized and got some exercise. I really believe you have to get moving as one way to feel better.
Please let me know that you're contacting your therapist about your dream/dark thoughts.
A-
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