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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by MelissaDQ on November 5, 2003, at 13:22:29
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi. About 5 months ago I started using oral contraceptives and had an adverse chemical reaction resulting in severe depression and anxiety. I went off the BC and tried a different prescription, with the same reaction but double the intensity. Before this I was completely healthy, very positive and never had anything near depression. I had to see a psychologist who prescribed 37.5 mg Effexor which I've been on for about 3 months now. It has totally cured my depression and anxiety, but now I am tired ALL the time - no matter how much sleep I get, I'm always tired. In the beginning of taking Effexor, I was incredibly energized - would wake up early in the morning and be anxious to get up just to be awake and living! But now my sleepiness has gotten so bad I fall asleep in class and go to bed at 9:30 instead of my usual 11:30 or 12. I did experience sleepiness before I went on effexor, while I was depressed, and not before then.
My dad is on Effexor 75 mg and doing well - has had lots of experience w/ side effects though, and I was thrilled to notice I didn't have any - until this sleepiness.
Has anyone had a similar experience? What did you do about it? I will definately be talking to my doc but am wondering if I'll have to switch prescriptions or what??
Posted by Mercedes on November 5, 2003, at 14:02:34
In reply to Electric Shocks, posted by Sufferfromeffexor on October 6, 2003, at 1:27:07
ZAPs - I have them too. I describe them as having swallowed a whole porqupine and with every movement I make, the needles shoot thoughout my body. I stopped taking Effexor due to side effects that were hazardes to my heath. Although for a couple of months on Effex. I was an undepressed, happy, energyless, unemotional, couch blob, but an un-depressed blob. I even lost weight...woweeeee!
I had to quit Effexor due to High Blood Pressure, migranes, pounding heart, vision problems, memory loss, loss in IQ, word finding problems, amoung other things I can't "remember!" Oh, halucinations!!!! (i've never taken illegal drugs) so this was so new to me. I was on Effex. 37.5 mgs for one year, then this past year was upped gradually to 300mgs. So two yrs total.
10/14/03 I took my last Effexor. I titrated down from 300mgs, 225,etc. weekly, even gave the 75 mgs two weeks...till I was down to 37.5 However my Pdoc gave me Paxil, 25mgs to help with withdrawals from Effex which I started taking 10/8 along w/Effex. 37.5 mgs.
Now on Paxil 37.5 mgs. I start having horrendous gastrol esophigitis, dizzyness, worst ever blurred vision and don't know what is causing it. (I also take xanex, HBP med, thank to Effex, Cholesteral med, and had started taking Green Tea capsuls, which my MD said was fine.
No "ZAP" side effects yet, just rage/anger, suicidal thoughts, stupid ones, like putting my finger to my head as if I had a gun and POW!, other's like while driving, looking for a perfect tree to wrap my car around etc. but not my new car, I'll take the old car...who cares! I was going to be dead!On 10/20 my neuro gave me Topamax for my migranes (which were Effexor SE's). I was particularly sensitive to sun, bright lights, still having blurred vision especially after using computer. Sharp pains in my left eye too. Well, Topamax is for seizures also. I've been tested for siezures-negative. Read side effects of topamax, adema, vision problems....blindness, did I say this already? Oh, I tend to repeat myself cause I forget what I say. I stopped taking the topamax cause was having the above side effects, including bloody stool (sorry). Ok, Adema can cause Congestive Heart Failure. I wasn't having any migranes anymore.
I started the "real" withdrawals from Effex, Paxkill,Topamax. with dizzyness, uncoordination, the shooting porqupine needles thoughout my body. Every step i'd take, shooting pricks, even a key stroke at the keyboard sent shooting pins & needles thru my body.
Then my heart, "ice pick" stabbing feelings in my heart. This was last Sat. didn't go to doc., Then again this past Monday 11/3 worst pains, dizzy, feeling faint. I called my brother to take me to the Doctor. In 10 days from withdrawing from these meds, my BP went to 167/97, was given nitro two times then an EKG. Thank God, the EKG was fine after 2 nitro tabs. Dr. said yes, the withdrawal can make my BP fluctuate, blood test were taken now to see if I have an enlarged heart? I find out today. I NEVER HAD HEART PROBLEMS BEFORE!
Withdrawals...YES! I know them quite well and they are ok one day and 2 or 3 days later they feel WORSE than the first days. Pdoc, said the tingly sensations esp. around face & lips, (I call them porqupine) ARE Paxil withdrawals and that I'm still going through Effex. withdrawals. He suggested I take 1/2 of the paxil (paxkill) to help with the withdrawals and as much as I didn't want to, I did yesterday and it helped. He said the witdrawals will last a cple more weeks.
Final Note: Now I'm on Nitroglycerin for my heart. Ha Ha, It's killing me! "Final? note". Gosh I hope not.
I say, let the Pdocs/Docs take the AD's first, go through the withdrawals, then tell us "this will help you".
I'm done with AD's. I'd rather die of natural causes than from anti-depressant(s). I will not contribute to these co's. profits. $2.6 billion? and I'm f'n broke, paying my own insurance, can't work, cant think, can't comprehend AND MY DOCTORS TELL ME I'M NOT SICK!
I'm not any better than I was before the AD's and I'm very happy I quit. W/b happier when the zaps go away.
Sorry this is long...but read EVERYONE'S input slowly, due to blurred vision (Effexor SE). Just had to put my 14 cents worth in (inflation).
For those that are doing fine on Effexor, stay with it. Like I said, I was doing fine until my blood pressure forced me to stop.
My sincere understanding, hugs.... and hang in there kiddo's.
yea, I'm frustrated too,
Mercedes***************************************
> Does anyone know what exactly CAUSES these shocks that are associated with the withdrawal of Effexor? I can't seem to find any information about them, just that they exist. Also, is the time span for them to go away really as large as 1-7 weeks? I have just gone through my first week and I really REALLY don't want to do 2 but the funny thing is, today my shocks are as bad as the first couple days. My third day without the Effexor was my worst so far (nausiated, sensitive to light, tired etc.) and today it felt like day one all over again. I don't get it. Shouldn't something that is out of your body start to get better and not progress?? If anyone knows more about these shocks I would love to hear what you have learned. God Speed to everyone and may there come a day of comfort for you!
Posted by camel on November 5, 2003, at 14:14:11
In reply to Re: Effex, then Paxil, Topamx now Nitroglycerin-HA » Sufferfromeffexor, posted by Mercedes on November 5, 2003, at 14:02:34
The Paxil side effects/witdrawl were the worst.....after about 2 weeks the severe zaps tapered off but still had them if I moved my eyes too fast. I tried to stay off the AD's but after a month my family was ready to tie me up in the yard! The effexor seems to be working and I haven't noticed any side effects yet...but it's only been about a month!
Posted by alwaystired on November 6, 2003, at 3:19:11
In reply to Depression from BirthControl, Effexor Sleepiness, posted by MelissaDQ on November 5, 2003, at 13:22:29
I have been on effexor xr 150 for almost a year and the sleepiness never went away, at least not until this week. Now I'm not sleeping much at all. I have only slept one night in the past week. Feeling depressed again too, I want to sleep but it just doesn't happen. Does anyone have any ideas?
Posted by MamaB on November 6, 2003, at 7:09:47
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I was on Effexor XR 150mgmx2 daily for two years. The biggest problem I had was the gain of 50lbs. I had no trouble coming off the medication, however I was on Celexa and Seroquel at the time. Would I take it again? NO! Would I recommend it to someone else? NO! Even though I had no trouble "withdrawing from it, I know too many folks who have. My husband who is a physician (internal medicine/cardiology)absolutely would not prescribe it.
Posted by camel on November 6, 2003, at 7:12:12
In reply to Re: Depression from BirthControl, Effexor Sleepiness, posted by alwaystired on November 6, 2003, at 3:19:11
I really haven't experienced any more sleeping problems than I had on Paxil...Some nights I can't stay awake and others I can't go to sleep...on weekends I try taking an afternoon nap..and that seems to help with the sleepiness but I have learned to just go with what my body tells me. I purchased a few "nature sounds" cd's and on the nights I can't sleep I put in the ocean cd and just try to put myself on the beach..it usually works.
Posted by music on November 6, 2003, at 10:53:33
In reply to Re: Depression from BirthControl, Effexor Sleepiness, posted by camel on November 6, 2003, at 7:12:12
Has anyone had headaches coming off Effexor xr, I am still on 75mg per day along with 200mg per day of Wellbutrin SR. But I was on 300mg per day of Effexor xr, psydoc is switching me to Wellbutrin SR because I could not have a "O" with the Effexor Xr, but my depression is back now. Last night was really bad, I started having dark thoughts again. I don't think I would actually kill myself, but just thinking about it scares the hell out of me. Any suggestions for the medication would be helpful. I liked the Effexor XR because I felt it helped me with the depression, but sexual SE's was hurting my marriage. I don't know what to do. I don't care if I ever have sex, but my husband does care. Help, from anyone....
Music
Posted by KimberlyDi on November 6, 2003, at 12:44:42
In reply to Re: For Salty_dog, posted by music on November 5, 2003, at 10:19:33
Music,
Anyway, I think I am going to maybe start taking that med I told you about yesterday (amitrip....)
Imipramine?
That's what I just started. It's either helping with the Effexor withdrawal, or I've adjusted to a lower dosage of 150mg, instead of 300mg.
KDi in TX
Posted by KimberlyDi on November 6, 2003, at 12:54:23
In reply to Re: Effex, then Paxil, Topamx now Nitroglycerin-HA » Sufferfromeffexor, posted by Mercedes on November 5, 2003, at 14:02:34
Mercedes:
oh heck, your post almost made me cry. I'm so sorry you went through all this, and I'm sorry I did too. I have to lower/taper/quit Effexor because of high blood pressure (my highest I tested was 151/96 before I threw in the towel). And I loved Effexor. I HATE these withdrawals, feeling sick and wondering if I can make it through work. Today I'm better. Tomorrow could be worse.
God bless and good luck.
KDi in TX
Posted by Mercedes on November 7, 2003, at 3:25:56
In reply to Re: For Music » music, posted by KimberlyDi on November 6, 2003, at 12:44:42
Just a note here guys, when I dropped from my 300, I felt the same SE's as when I was going on it, sweating, pounding heart, joint pain... all in reverse of when I titrated up. I too loved Effexor as the wonder drug for depression. But no more :(
KDi, and anyone suffering from high blood pressure. Monitor it closely. I think i have to go out and get one of those BP monitors, expecially now being on nitroglycerine. Monday my BP was 168/94, yesterday. Wed 120/60. I'm fluctuating to much. Also did ya'll know that high blood pressure causes migranes/headaches?
Lastly, regarding Elavil/Imiprimine. From WebMD, "you should tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure before taking this med.." Good thing is it doesn't interfere with OOOOOOO's and it appears the only warning on having a cocktail every now and then is that it may cause drowsiness. This may be a plus if you've suffered insomnia like I did with Effexor. At least we'd get a good night's sleep finally.
Mercedes
..........................
> Music,
>
> Anyway, I think I am going to maybe start taking that med I told you about yesterday (amitrip....)
>
> Imipramine?
>
> That's what I just started. It's either helping with the Effexor withdrawal, or I've adjusted to a lower dosage of 150mg, instead of 300mg.
>
> KDi in TX
>
Posted by Aphid 1 on November 8, 2003, at 16:40:28
In reply to Re: Effex, then Paxil, Topamx now Nitroglycerin-HA » Mercedes, posted by KimberlyDi on November 6, 2003, at 12:54:23
Just want to know of the persons who've expierenced mood swings with effexor xr what seemed to help , ( incereasing dosage, or taking another med, etc?). i have been on effexor for almost 4 months and the past 3 weeks my attitude has gone to hell. most of the time i generally feel better, but i seem to get mad easily over stupid things, and have ALOT of dark, scary thoughts i don't like. my doc perscribed that i take Alesse ( a birth control pill, with low levels of estrogen and progestern), but i am hesitant to start this as for one i don't need birth control as my tubes are tied, and two i do not want to bleed for no months then only to bleed continously for ??? ever when i stop the Alesse,(as i heard is a common side effect with birth control pills). i do want something to control my anger and mood swings and am also perscribed Lorazepam, but am not sure if this is going to make me go down to a low which in turn would create an opposite high of mood. i just want a stabilizing "normal" range of functioning, whatever that is...
any comments, suggestions, help, ??
Posted by Clayton on November 8, 2003, at 17:19:34
In reply to Effexor and mood swings, posted by Aphid 1 on November 8, 2003, at 16:40:28
What you describe sounds like a bipolar problem - manic-depression.
I may have some relevent experience.
I am on Remaron which enhances both Seratonin and Norepinephrine levels (except that it does so by increasing the quantity produced, not reuptake Inhibition like Effexor). I am also on Paxil that blocks seratonin reuptake.
Result: Suddenly, two months ago, I became seriously manic-depressive. Mood swings. Crying and wailing followed by incessant ranting (I could NOT keep myself quiet). Reckless spending on the internet that over drew my checking account by $1400.00. I knew I was doing it on some level but I was having too much fun to stop. This is a classic behavior of people in the manic phase of bipolar disorder.(Unfortunetely, this behavior cost me my wife of twenty years and my kids).
So, of course, I went to my pdoc. He said my seratonin levels had beed increased too much. One documented outcome of this is Bipolar Disorder.
We cut the dose a remaron to bring seratonin levels back within bounds. He prescribed Zyprexa -a modern anti-psychotic mood stabalizer (same think lithium is prescribed for but better) to control symptoms in the meantime. As Remaron works fast (and is eliminated quickly from the body), I shouldn't have to stay on the Zyprexa too long.
Maybe Effexor has over-elevated your Seratonin level. Why not ask you doc?
Kind Regards and Good Luck
Posted by zinya on November 8, 2003, at 17:43:38
In reply to Re: Effex, then Paxil, Topamx now Nitroglycerin-HA » Mercedes, posted by KimberlyDi on November 6, 2003, at 12:54:23
hi Kim,
long time no post... I've been sabotaged of late by things which at first i thought had no connection to the effexor offramp but now i realize even something as seemingly disconnected as a recurrence of carpal tunnel can be related.
I only had carpal tunnel once before and then too i was in a drug-flux state, that time it was a shift in HRT (due to a stupid health insurance company decision to stop paying for the brand i was taking so i tried the one they wnated me on and it wiped out my estrogen levels, causing me to have to write and my md. too to request dispensation to go back to original HRT -- but in the interim, amid hot flashes etc etc, also my first-ever bout with carpal tunnel, a real bummer... Talk about ZAPS...
Well, now it's back again and, as mercedes helped me verify with an article she found -- i'd already learned 3 yrs ago that studies have shown a relation between carpal tunnel and estrogen ... But also Effexor w/d has one symptom of paresthesias -- which is this realm of nerve-damage problems including carpal tunnel .... Even this week an old injury of a torn ligament from a sprained ankle in 1997 that was horrible, that pain area resurfaced and my chiropractor (who was sent from god, really!) said that that is paresthesias ... Although, much as he dislikes all these drugs like ADs, he was stunned to realize that paresthesias is an SE of Effexor too.
(side note: He helped me to understand something i never knew before. The very name "effexor" comes from the nerves which EXIT the brain to our other body parts. The nerves ENTERing the brain are called "affexor")
anyway, i'm lamed up with carpal tunnel "lock" brace on one wrist, ace bandage for the other, recovering from a week of the foot pain and bad S-I nerve flare-ups, and realizing that the Effexor w/d is probably at least a factor in all this ...
I'm down to 9 mg of Effexor. As those of you i've dialogued with before know, i'm probably the "queen" of gradualness here. Just as i crept up in dose REALLY slowly and started at only half the 37.5 per night for 2 wks before even going to the full 37.5 capsule... etc... I'd had too many bad reactions on other ADs and this my last-ever stab and one more AD ...now that it was wrong too, never again...
For me it was also my heart (rapid out-of-body heart beat just for gardening, as if it was aerobics) plus UNRELENTING sweating that i tolerated for 3 months before quitting. But i started diminishing back on Sept. 3 and i've gone sooo gradually (and maybe ? becuz of that i've had very few of the horrific reactions, minimal brain zaps etc) but i HAVE had this carpal thing ... aargh... Anyway, after 2 months i've gone from 150 gradually down to now 9 mg. But if i skip one night at all, which i sometimes do intentionally now to test quitting, the next day i start to get some zaps late in the day and realize i'm not ready yet for cold turkey although after another week at 9 mgs (a 37.5 capsule divided into 4ths) i AM going to go to 9 mg every other day, then every 3rd day....
What i think explains these zaps -- which someone here asked about -- is that, as i now understand it - rightly or not -- these ADs cause the changes to depression they are designed to do precisely because they literally 'restructure' the brain. They ain't chickenfeed. These aren't like other drugs treating symptoms. They are actually causing brain restructurings. Therefore, going off one means your brain is left to re-restructure or de-restructure or some other quite monumental thing and hence the absolute need for gradualness to the max.
In my own case, i DO think my depression is behind me. And it's possible (?) that the Effexor did do something beneficial and maybe some component of its restructuring served like a mechanic tightening up a loose valve or something and maybe it's sticking with me ... The problem now is just the SE's of withdrawal itself. But i'm frustrated as hell, cuz i'm NOT depressed any more -- BUT i'm so riddled with 'handicaps' - literally - both hands and one feet riddled with nerve pains -- that i can't DO anything... which is its own source of depression cuz i was just starting to be really productive again and now i'm high and dry. Yet there IS a difference. I'm not depressed in that glum, what's-it-worth kind of way. Whether that was a stage of grieving that would have passed with time anyway or Effexor played some role in shortcircuiting it, i don't know, but i'm willing to say maybe it did something of long-term good in a 'mechanical restructuring' kind of way which will stay "fixed" even after i re-restructure on the offramp...
but it's been hell and it ain't over yet...
hugs to kim and all,
zinya
Posted by zinya on November 8, 2003, at 18:02:34
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » clb149, posted by Salty_Dog on November 3, 2003, at 22:49:43
hi S.D.
about a week ago, while i was still on hiatus from checking in here for a while, mercedes relayed to me the following which i guess came from a post of yours, as noted here, concerning something you'd gotten from somewhere listing SEs from "abrupt withdrawal" (see below) ... If i understood correctly, do you recall where you got this info from? i'd be interested if you still have a website or something for it...Secondly, i've just described in some detail in a post replying to KimD my latest symptoms and situation so i won't repeat here but if you read that post you'll see where i'm at now, which seems to QUITE contradict the notion that these SE's (and particularly the paresthesias) only result from *abrupt* withdrawal. Nobody could POSSIBLY be doing more gradual w/d than i am, but i'm rather totally hamstrung by paresthesias responses which are hard to account for as being triggered without taking the Effexor w/d into the picture...
and thanks for having shared this originally in what appears to have been a post of yours from a month ago...
good luck to you and congrats on the job!
zinyaPosted by Salty_Dog on October 6, 2003, at 17:06:37
In reply to Re: Effexor side effects - heart palpitations <http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031004/msgs/265901.html>; , posted by darthwribar on October 6, 2003, at 8:16:40
I have found a statement concerning arrhythmia and angina pectoris (chest pain) in < 1% of the trial victims. I also found a direct statement concerning withdrawl:
Abrupt Discontinuation of EFEXOR-XR: Discontinuation symptoms have been assessed both in patients with depression and in those with anxiety. Abrupt discontinuation, dose reduction, or tapering of venlafaxine at various doses has been found to be associated with the appearance of new symptoms, the frequency of which increased with increased dose level and with longer duration of treatment. Symptoms reported included agitation, anxiety, confusion, dry mouth, fatigue,
paresthesias,
vertigo, hypomania, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, diarrhoea, sleep disturbance, insomnia, sweating and nervousness. Where such symptoms occurred, they were usually self-limiting, but in a few patients lasted for several weeks. Discontinuation effects are well known to occur with antidepressants. There is also a report of a withdrawal syndrome, confirmed by two challenges in a 32 year old woman who had received venlafaxine 300 mg daily for 8 months. It is therefore recommended that the dosage of EFEXOR-XR be tapered gradually and the patient monitored. The period required for discontinuation may depend on the dose, duration of therapy and the individual patient (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
Posted by Gina bobit on November 9, 2003, at 2:48:09
In reply to Re: electric shocks proper stopping of Effexor, posted by bsho on August 30, 2003, at 17:33:15
I am now going through the withdrawals from effexor. I am afraid to go to sleep, because the way I feel right now, I may not wake up...
I have been taking effexor for 4 years. At the time it was prescribed for me, I thought the diagnosis was correct due to several deaths in my family, but now I think it was all wrong!!
I believe that I should have been diagnosed with Hypo-Thyroidism.....Often missed diagnosed as depression..
I have all the systems of hypothroidism, dry skin,dry brittle hair,low sex drive,weight gain,and MULTI THYROID NODULES...
I have been to several doctors and I am going to a new one again this week. The withdrawals from effexor are very frightening!! I don't know how long they will last. I have been off for only 5 days now.. I am really scared!!!
Posted by zinya on November 9, 2003, at 3:30:38
In reply to Re: electric shocks proper stopping of Effexor, posted by Gina bobit on November 9, 2003, at 2:48:09
I hate to offer such strong advice but i would URGE you to take half of whatever your last dose was on Effexor (even if it means dividing up granules from a capsule) to take NOW as a way of easing your withdrawal symptoms.
I say this guardedly because you haven't said whether you quit cold turkey, or what dosage level you were at, either at your peak and at your last dose level before quitting.
I am a HUGE advocate -- based first on having read months of experiences on this website and then (now) going through my own withdrawal ... very very very gradually precisely because of the experiences of others i'd read here. And it is NOT a setback to your withdrawal to take another one or part of one now. So many fall prey to thinking that taking another dose now would somehow screw up your withdrawal, but from everything i've read it's really quite the opposite. Your brain needs the softest "landing" possible coming off Effexor (or any AD) coming off very gradually.
If you're interested in more of the hows and whys of my own experience, read the posts just above which i posted earlier today.
I wish you the very best of luck, but it sounds to me like you need relief and the best immediate relief (which won't re-habituate you or anything) would be to take either a normal dose of whatever your last dose level was or taking a reduced version of it like half of that last dose level -- to help your brain adjust to the withdrawal as it has to restructure itself again ... and to give you critical relief from the withdrawal symptoms..
good luck!
zinya
Posted by Clayton on November 9, 2003, at 8:58:21
In reply to Re: For Music » music, posted by KimberlyDi on November 6, 2003, at 12:44:42
Be careful with those two drugs you are using to help get off this demonic antidepressant, Effexor that I am reading so much about. They are both "Dumb Drugs". You know how there is this class of drugs called "smart drugs" - like piracetem - known as nootropics? Their efficacy is controversial. But there are also "dumb drugs" and those are two classics. I never tried Imipramine, but it is the most infamous of all. I've taken amitryptylan and I know it impairs my cognitive functioning, slows my thinking (a lot!)and kills my memory. As a tempoary expediant to withdraw from Effexor, it's probably worth it...as long as your job doesn't demand unrelenting analytical acuity like mine does. Just watch out. You have already discovered that every drug with beneficial effects - especially psychotropics - have a dark side. Beware of the dark side.
I've been on Paxil, Prozac and Remaron. No real bothersome side-effect (EXCEPT!!! - my libido vanishes - poof! It's like, "I can't quite recall but didn't I used to find women attractive and exciting in some way??"). Thank God no doc ever put me on Effexor. Just reading about peoples' personal experiences is a nightmare!
Kindest Regards & Peace Be With You
Posted by Mercedes on November 9, 2003, at 22:16:08
In reply to Re: electric shocks proper stopping of Effexor, posted by Gina bobit on November 9, 2003, at 2:48:09
Please don't worry too much....you will wake up.
You were on Effexor for 4 yrs. What was your highest dosage? Mine was 300mgs. Did you withdraw by decreasing the dosage amount? Did doc give you anything to help with the withdrawals? I was given paxil, but the SE's of paxil were not good for me ALTHOUGH it did help when I was titrating down to my lowest dose of Effexor 37.5 plus 25mgs of Paxil.However I had to quit paxil (only took for about 2 weeks) and still had the Effexor withdrawals.
I'm now off Effexor since Oct 14th, and off paxil since Oct 29th. Let's see, what's today..Ok, Nov 9th....still having the withdrawals but not as bad. When the zaps got real bad, I broke a tablet of paxil and took 1/4 of it, per Pdoc instructions. It really helped even though I didn't want anything to do with Effexor or Paxil again. I only took that 1/4 twice and live with the withdrawals, dizzyiness, uncorridinated and the porcupine needles going thoughout my body. And I'm still waking up.
So please don't worry. I suffered insomnia for over a year while on effexor, only sleeping 3 or 4 hrs a night. Now I'm sleeping 7-8 hrs.... finally. However, sometimes I just want to get out and drive like crazy, and also go through crying episodes, anger episodes... but I don't feel depressed. My General Practictioner says it's my sugar fluctuating(?) Don't know if there is a connection w/Effexor. Blood sugar/effexor???? I'm not diabetic.
What withdrawals are you feeling?
Hope you feel better soon. It will pass. Unfortunatly, in some people (like me) it takes longer.
Mercedes********************************************
> I am now going through the withdrawals from effexor. I am afraid to go to sleep, because the way I feel right now, I may not wake up...
> I have been taking effexor for 4 years. At the time it was prescribed for me, I thought the diagnosis was correct due to several deaths in my family, but now I think it was all wrong!!
> I believe that I should have been diagnosed with Hypo-Thyroidism.....Often missed diagnosed as depression..
> I have all the systems of hypothroidism, dry skin,dry brittle hair,low sex drive,weight gain,and MULTI THYROID NODULES...
> I have been to several doctors and I am going to a new one again this week. The withdrawals from effexor are very frightening!! I don't know how long they will last. I have been off for only 5 days now.. I am really scared!!!
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 9, 2003, at 23:28:51
In reply to Re: For Music, posted by Clayton on November 9, 2003, at 8:58:21
> this demonic antidepressant, Effexor
Please don't exaggerate or overgeneralize.
Bob
PS: Follow-ups regarding posting policies should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration, thanks.
Posted by Harlock on November 10, 2003, at 8:58:18
In reply to Effexor and mood swings, posted by Aphid 1 on November 8, 2003, at 16:40:28
This doesn't help you much, but I started the 37.5 mg dosage about 6 days ago. I gotta admit, I feel "pretty" good. I'm feeling MUCH better than I was before I started taking it, but this also conicides with some life events that recently improved. I find it hard to believe the meds had an effect this soon.
Did you have the dark thoughts before the meds or only now that you are on them? I've had those for years. It's actually a coping skill of mine.. most likely an unheathly one. I'd explain what I mean by that, but intentionally leave out the details. ;) All I'll say is they are "revenge fantasies". They seem to make me feel better. I've had them for well over 10 years. I do and do not want to get rid of them. Hard to explain...
I'm also on Lorazepam. I just took my first dose now. Just took 1 pill for now, to see how it affects me. I feel kinda mellow, which is the exact opposite of my severe type-a personality. So far so good. If it kicks in more, I really hope I can avoid abusing them. I'm sick of fighting everything all the time. I want to learn how to just "let it go" and no obsess over these things (work stuff, driving rage, etc). I want to be at peace.
Jeez, I've rambled horribly again. Good luck to you.
> Just want to know of the persons who've expierenced mood swings with effexor xr what seemed to help , ( incereasing dosage, or taking another med, etc?). i have been on effexor for almost 4 months and the past 3 weeks my attitude has gone to hell. most of the time i generally feel better, but i seem to get mad easily over stupid things, and have ALOT of dark, scary thoughts i don't like. my doc perscribed that i take Alesse ( a birth control pill, with low levels of estrogen and progestern), but i am hesitant to start this as for one i don't need birth control as my tubes are tied, and two i do not want to bleed for no months then only to bleed continously for ??? ever when i stop the Alesse,(as i heard is a common side effect with birth control pills). i do want something to control my anger and mood swings and am also perscribed Lorazepam, but am not sure if this is going to make me go down to a low which in turn would create an opposite high of mood. i just want a stabilizing "normal" range of functioning, whatever that is...
> any comments, suggestions, help, ??
Posted by Harlock on November 10, 2003, at 8:59:07
In reply to Effexor and mood swings, posted by Aphid 1 on November 8, 2003, at 16:40:28
This doesn't help you much, but I started the 37.5 mg dosage about 6 days ago. I gotta admit, I feel "pretty" good. I'm feeling MUCH better than I was before I started taking it, but this also conicides with some life events that recently improved. I find it hard to believe the meds had an effect this soon.
Did you have the dark thoughts before the meds or only now that you are on them? I've had those for years. It's actually a coping skill of mine.. most likely an unheathly one. I'd explain what I mean by that, but intentionally leave out the details. ;) All I'll say is they are "revenge fantasies". They seem to make me feel better. I've had them for well over 10 years. I do and do not want to get rid of them. Hard to explain...
I'm also on Lorazepam. I just took my first dose now. Just took 1 pill for now, to see how it affects me. I feel kinda mellow, which is the exact opposite of my severe type-a personality. So far so good. If it kicks in more, I really hope I can avoid abusing them. I'm sick of fighting everything all the time. I want to learn how to just "let it go" and no obsess over these things (work stuff, driving rage, etc). I want to be at peace.
Jeez, I've rambled horribly again. Good luck to you.
> Just want to know of the persons who've expierenced mood swings with effexor xr what seemed to help , ( incereasing dosage, or taking another med, etc?). i have been on effexor for almost 4 months and the past 3 weeks my attitude has gone to hell. most of the time i generally feel better, but i seem to get mad easily over stupid things, and have ALOT of dark, scary thoughts i don't like. my doc perscribed that i take Alesse ( a birth control pill, with low levels of estrogen and progestern), but i am hesitant to start this as for one i don't need birth control as my tubes are tied, and two i do not want to bleed for no months then only to bleed continously for ??? ever when i stop the Alesse,(as i heard is a common side effect with birth control pills). i do want something to control my anger and mood swings and am also perscribed Lorazepam, but am not sure if this is going to make me go down to a low which in turn would create an opposite high of mood. i just want a stabilizing "normal" range of functioning, whatever that is...
> any comments, suggestions, help, ??
Posted by Mercedes on November 10, 2003, at 13:13:58
In reply to Class-action Lawsuit / Lawfirm Name, posted by Francois on October 21, 2003, at 18:08:01
Francois, I'm going back to some posts and found your post quite interesting as I too am going through the Effexor withdrawals (for almost a month now). I can surely identify with the dizzyness.
It's unfortunate that you found "this most interesting community" and were critizized harshly by another poster. He/She obviously hasn't experienced the withdrawals and hopefully won't ever, and I totally agree that Effexor is good for some, and not for other's.
I emphathize with you and feel ashamed that I didn't write sooner, but my blurred vision (side effect of Effexor) prevents me from being on the computer very long. One good thing about getting OFF effexor is that the blurred vision doesn't last as long as it used to after using the computer. However I do need my 5th pair of glasses (in one year!), changed one more time, but will wait till the effexor get's completly out of my system. Oh, I have been to an opthalmalogist and there is nothing wrong with my eyes...so my vision problems are effexor related.
I agree that we need to make someone "aware ...... of distressed Effexor users". Thank you for your efforts to make this known and imo, it's not about filing a law suit for money. I beleive it's to make the manufactures aware of the SE's and to help future users of the "good things" regarding Effexor and/or of the severe side effects and withdrawal effects as evidenced here by many user's. I can't imagine losing a son or daughter to suicide due to Effexor. Again, winning a class action law suit will not bring their children back. It's the principle, and future prevention imo.
Personally, I liked Effexor for my depression until "I" had to stop due to the high blood pressure side effect. I also suffered confusion, comprehension, memory loss, word finding problems, attention deficit, suicidal ideation, amoung other things like anger/rage for no apparent reason other than the Effexor? My withdrawls have also included the above with more emphasis on anger/rage, suicidal ideation, wishing to drive at dangerous speeds, etc. I would never, ever hurt anyone though. I question how many of these side effects are permanent however and this is where "I"/we need help.
Also hope to hear from you and your progress or non progress, whichever. I haven't seen any other posts from you after the response you received from a 'someone who has had great success with Effexor' and I don't blame you.You also say you spend alot of time on the internet, did you perhaps find another "user freindly" site????
Distressed Effexor user.****************************************
Hello all,
I am going through the Effexor Withdrawal's absolutely insane dizziness (and related) and have found this most interesting community.
I happen to own an internet company and spend half of my life or more online ;-) ... and have also found in my web research a lawfirm in NY City that seems to be putting together a class-action lawsuit via their "Defective Medicine" Legal Division (on behalf of Effexor users).
Although they seem to be interested in younger adults (due to higher suicidal ideation caused by Effexor in younger adults and children), I believe it would be most important for ALL of us to contact this firm and make them aware of this community and its population of distressed Effexor users.
Posted by KimberlyDi on November 10, 2003, at 14:09:16
In reply to Re: electric shocks proper stopping of Effexor » Gina bobit, posted by zinya on November 9, 2003, at 3:30:38
Listen to Zinya, she knows! HI ZINYA!!! This isn't like heroin or alcohol and even if it were... in rehabs they switch you to a similar-type drug (methadone or librium) and decrease your dosage on that until withdrawal symptoms are gone. It's all about tapering. If the withdrawal is unbearable, you're quitting too quickly.
Be kind to yourself
KDi in TX
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 10, 2003, at 15:39:39
In reply to Re: blocked for week » Clayton, posted by Dr. Bob on November 9, 2003, at 23:28:51
> PS: Follow-ups regarding posting policies should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration, thanks.
Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20031008/msgs/278280.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Mercedes on November 10, 2003, at 17:10:18
In reply to Re: For Music, posted by Clayton on November 9, 2003, at 8:58:21
Clayton, when you get back, I'd like to hear more on your experiences with the AD's. Effexor made me "stupid" for lack of a better word. I should have been saying "impairs my cognitive functioning" (your words, thanks). I have to write them down, as I still have memory problems from the Effexor.
I withdrew from Effexor, Paxil and Topamax within a month, under Dr's guidance I must say. Well, Paxil imo, caused me to have heart pains, so I only took it for m/b 2 weeks? yea, I'm the one that has to carry nitro now, just in case. But that's neither here nor there.
I too, have had very demanding, analytical jobs....25 yrs worth, and suffered greatly with the meds affecting my intellect, among other things.
Anyway, w/b interested in what AD finally worked for you and how you are progressing. I apologize if you've written it before and I missed it or just "forgot" it. The withdrawals have at times put me in that dark side, but I won't go into details now.
See ya soon and Peace to you too,
Mercedes
***********************************************I've taken amitryptylan and I know it impairs my cognitive functioning, slows my thinking (a lot!)and kills my memory. As a tempoary expediant to withdraw from Effexor, it's probably worth it...as long as your job doesn't demand unrelenting analytical acuity like mine does. Just watch out. You have already discovered that every drug with beneficial effects - especially psychotropics - have a dark side. Beware of the dark side.
I've been on Paxil, Prozac and Remaron. No real bothersome side-effect (EXCEPT!!! - my libido vanishes - poof! It's like, "I can't quite recall but didn't I used to find women attractive and exciting in some way??"). Thank God no doc ever put me on Effexor. Just reading about peoples' personal experiences is a nightmare!
Kindest Regards & Peace Be With You
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