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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by kinglear on December 18, 2004, at 14:40:14
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have had amazing success with Effexor, and I was very reluctant to try another antidepressant having used tricylics earlier in my life (too sedating, zoned out) and then prozac (stopped working after one year). Based on a psychiatrist friend's advice I finally tried to get treatment again. After a lengthy history was taken, my psychiatrist recommended Effexor XR. I began at 37.5 mgs for one week, in which I felt a little bit of jittery new energy, but after a week I felt fine. Then as I increased dose at 2 weeks to 75 mgs, I felt no additional symptoms and began to feel "anxiety" was lessened tremendously. I understand this is early to see effects but I did notice reduction of anxiety very soon and realized finally after 20+ years that anxiety has been at the root of my depression and inability to live a joyful life. After 6-8 weeks I have noticed tremendous improvement and more ability to discuss my feelings with my psychotherapist without so much extreme emotion and overeaction to those feelings. I still feel feelings though, and she has advised that it is good to stay at a level of medication that allows this. I have not had any other side effects other increased dreaming and lighter sleep - no sexual side effects at all : ) I am so happy with Effexor XR and I wanted to post this experience because I did a lot of internet research and personal research before I tried it and was very concerned about side effects. I cannot speak about withdrawal symptoms, because I have only been on the medication for 2 months but at this point I will definitey say that for me, and I emphasize this, for "Me", Effexor has proven to be a miracle drug. I want to encourage everyone who is having trouble with depression to keep trying to find an effective treatment, it may not be Effexor but there are many treatments and providers of treatment. Find a psychiatrist who will listen, and take a thorough history. Ask questions. Get good psychotherapy from a recommended therapist. Keep trying. Do not give up. This comes from a person who previously believed there was no hope for getting effective treatment! Ask trusted friends for referrals, keep seeking help. It is possible to feel better.
Posted by S. Bartel on December 18, 2004, at 22:17:42
In reply to Side Effect- Liver Damage (Effexor Cymbalta), posted by absolute on December 14, 2004, at 0:55:30
I know nothing of cymbalta, but can tell you that effexor can cause liver damage, because it has done that for me. Irreversible and I will die from it. I was only on 75mg a day for 7 yrs. and I don't drink at all, however the doctor said not to drink while on it when he gave it to me. I can't say this will happen to everyone who takes effexor but who would want to take the chance knowing this. As far as withdrawls go, I have never gone through anything like this in my life and I'm 56. The side effects I had while on it were just as bad, although I did'nt realize the cause for years and they just kept getting worse. I have been off about 9 wks. now and I don't think some of the side effects will ever go away. At least I don't live in a fog now and I don't have to stay in bed all the time. I am embarrassed that I praised this drug so highly for so long and recommended it to so many people, even my own daughter. Thank God she saw what it had done to me and did'nt listen. I agree with dancingstar and hope they will take it off the market. It's a miracle drug when you first start taking it and then it turns into a monster. It's a dangerous drug and I can't say that enough.
Sammi> Speaking of side effects- I've compared Eli Lilly's drug Cymbalta to Effexor XR. Cymbalta can damage your liver if you are a moderate to heavy drinker. I've never found any information on that being true with Effexor. In fact, my doctor says it does not.
>
> Do SNRI's increase the likelihood of liver damage when combined with alcohol, or is this side-effect limited to Serzone & Cymbalta?
>
> It's possible that no one really knows for sure.
Posted by dancingstar on December 18, 2004, at 23:17:15
In reply to Re: Side Effect- Liver Damage (Effexor Cymbalta) » absolute, posted by S. Bartel on December 18, 2004, at 22:17:42
In the tons of reading that I've been doing I believe they actually do account for liver damage as a possible side effect.
Posted by Gia on December 20, 2004, at 13:54:24
In reply to Re: Effexor works for me, posted by dancingstar on November 29, 2004, at 15:39:55
I just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and don't let your depressing get in the way of enjoying your holidays!!
Love Gia
Posted by hez on December 20, 2004, at 14:33:52
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by kinglear on December 18, 2004, at 14:40:14
Ok, so, Effexor XR worked (is working) for me. I was on the 75mgs for a few months and then had a "relapse" of emotion and anxiety and decided to increase to 150mgs. Let's just say, for me, Effexor works so good that I feel like I am not on medication. It makes me feel so normal that I can't even believe it is working. (I know, duh).
A few things tho, once I increased the dosage to 150mg BAM! I gained 15 lbs. SO not happy about that since I have a past with an eating disorder and my body perception is a huge part of my unhappiness. As someone has written once on this board before, "I would rather be thin and miserable, than fat and happy."
Second side effect: I cannot go to the bathroom to save my life. And I was an every morning type of gal, and now even Smooth Move tea does NOTHING.
Third side effect: I get these weird body jerks, (not unlike a muslce spasm) but only when I am relaxing.
Fourth side effect: It totally interfered with my alcohol intake! (this is a joke kinda) I am not a big drinker, but a few times went out with friends (and had first dates...ugh) and drank my normal range of drinks. (Between 3 and 4) over the course of an evening.) I would be fine, mildly buzzed, having fun and then BAM! I was completely trashed. I wasn't falling down drunk, but manic and just crazy. Needless to say, my first date never called me back.
Once the dosage was upped, I lost my awesomely vivid dreams (no more alien, barbarian invaders!), and my brain zaps (or what I call, Electric Head).
That said, I decided to get the hell off of the 150mg dose and told my doctor. She suggested that I come off it in 6 month increments. 75 for 6 months than 37.5 for another 6 months. I started to do that but then found myself VERY melancholy, or mildly depressed EVERYDAY. I was completely anti-social and would rather go home and put my PJ's on and watch movies, than see friends.Being that I feel I am in a pretty good situation in my life to support me coming off this drug, I decided to come off it sooner, in 6 months rather than 12. My rational is, I'd rather be really miserable for a month than mildly miserable for 6 months.
ANYWAY, I got the flu and my perscription ran out and I was so sick I couldn't get the refill for 4 days and I thought I might just go cold turkey...uhh, word of advice. Don't do that. I WAS CRAZY. I was manic and unfocused and had these awesome twitches. I felt like I was a second behind myself for 4 days. This was right before Thanksgiving and I tried to food shop (and get my refill) the night before and couldn't find a parking spot and literally lost it in the Safeway parking lot. I just totally screamed in my car and shook my head and hands around. It was really funny. I mean, I can find the humor in it. I really needed the drug but I so couldn't deal. So I just drove home. HAHAHA. I did get it the next day and scarily, within 2 hours was back to "normal."
Soooo, I am coming off the drug. My Doctor is supportive but a little clueless on withdrawal side effects. She was like, "If we see that you have break through depression, than we will know that you still need to be on it." I was like, Hello! that is a major withdrawal side effect! duh.
Overall, it really helped me. It got me up off the floor during the most trying/depressing time of my life and kept me from crying every two seconds. It worked! I curse the weight gain, but I am in the gym everyday and working hard.
Posted by dancingstar on December 20, 2004, at 15:14:24
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by kinglear on December 18, 2004, at 14:40:14
It worked well for most of us in the beginning. Most of us had no idea that the changes in our bodies were in any way related to our taking Effexor until after we had stopped taking it.
You are in a better place because you have already read about the possible side effects and so you know what to watch out for. Just be careful to monitor your own body for possible changes from three months onward as that seems to be when most of us began to notice negative changes in our bodies that would seem as though they would not be related to Effexor if so many others had not experienced them too, and you can always check to see if they are mentioned at www.wyeth.com to test the validity of your experience.
Good luck to you, and I hope you continue to feel better.
Posted by dancingstar on December 21, 2004, at 1:02:53
In reply to Re: Side Effect- Liver Damage (Effexor Cymbalta) » absolute, posted by S. Bartel on December 18, 2004, at 22:17:42
Sammi's right; according to the Physician's Desk Reference, Effexor can cause liver damage.
Posted by Cindy S. G. on December 21, 2004, at 8:37:57
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Cindy W on January 11, 2000, at 22:18:51
I started on Effexor XR about six months ago. My doctor started me on the 37.5 for two weeks and then on 75 mg. I took that for a while. I had so much energy the first week. Before the effexor I was very depressed and had a lot of anxiety. I was closing myself off to just about everyone. I could not sleep at night and had trouble waking in the morning and was in danger of losing my job for being late. Once I started taking the medication I saw very rapid improvements. I also take Prevacid 30 mg. so I wasn't nauseated. I could sleep better and I woke when the alarm clock went off. I felt like moving and it is definitely an appetite suppressant. I hardly eat anything at all. I do have increased elevations of cholesterol since taking the medication. I also experience confusion at times. My doctor increased my medication to 150 mg (effexor xr). This worked for about a week and a half. My family and friends have noticed that I seem more myself since taking the meds. I did not tell them I was on it. What I do not like about the meds is that I will be in the middle of a sentence and forget totally what I was about to say. It causes a lot of confusion and is hard for me to concentrate on things for a long period of time. I have been on the 150mg for about a month now and I seem to be going back to my restless self of not sleeping at night and being hard to wake up in the morning. I still feel a little depressed, but not like I used to. I do not know if I need to have my doseage increased or not. Let me know if anyone else is experiencing this same thing.
Posted by dancingstar on December 21, 2004, at 12:15:58
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Cindy S. G. on December 21, 2004, at 8:37:57
Though you should be able to trust the judgment of your doctor, it would be in your best interest to read everything that you can about Effexor before increasing your doseage. ( www.wyeth.com )
Your experience is tracking along the same time lines as those of us that found out too late that we lost years of our lives because of taking E. Just be sure that if you take it, you are doing so with full knowledge and consent that it can cause various problems that you are currently having, including fatigue and depression. I have come to understand that our doctors may not know this. They also do not seem to be right on top of the fact that there is no way to be sure that we can get this drug out of our system, though some people have an easier time of it than others.
Posted by Markku on December 21, 2004, at 18:18:38
In reply to Re: Effexor: I love you, but all good things must end » als1972sd, posted by dancingstar on December 17, 2004, at 14:02:31
> I wonder what happens if you stop taking Lexapro and don't take anything at all? Will you take these drugs for the rest of your life?
>
> With regard to "reported side effects," meaning no disrespect, I have come to understand that no one tells the truth about these sorts of things.
>I have taken both Effexor and Lexapro for panic. I had bad withdrawal effects from Effexor, but not so much from Lexapro. I was able to reduce my dose of Lexapro and started taking it only when I felt I needed it, even though my doctor probably wouldn't be happy with me doing such a thing. I now only take 5 mg when I feel symptoms or have trouble sleeping. With Effexor that didn't seem like an option because it felt like the shock sensations would never go away (unless I took another dose). It actually took a couple months for all traces of those sensations to finally go away after I stopped taking Effexor.
Posted by absolute on December 22, 2004, at 0:41:17
In reply to Re: Side Effect- Liver Damage (Effexor Cymbalta), posted by dancingstar on December 20, 2004, at 0:12:21
Has anyone had these side-effects?
I've noticed at work, after a few hours my thoughts get cloudy and I can't concentrate very well. I don't think this is related to hunger, lack of sleep, or any need for caffeine. It's really hard to differentiate between a normal response to stress and a side-effect of medication .
The skin rash is strange-- I have one under my eye that has not gone away in a few weeks. Never had anything like that before. Any long-term users of Effexor noticed anything like this??
Posted by beppe on December 22, 2004, at 3:25:22
In reply to Re: Effexor: I love you, but all good things must end » als1972sd, posted by dancingstar on December 17, 2004, at 14:02:31
hello this is my first time poasting. i'm very upset right now. i am 22 and have been on effexor xr for about 6 years now. i feel like i am a slave to it. i have a love hate relationship w/ it. i hate how i feel if i don't take it i'm physically and emotionally very sick. i get this wierd feeling when i turn my head in my chest and i'm so dizzy. i can't stop crying and i can't cry at all when i take it. my family will not support me in trying to ween myself off, they say i need it. i don't know what to do. i have been sleeping 13-20 hours a day and i think about suicide often. can anyone relate? please help me
Posted by dancingstar on December 22, 2004, at 10:48:06
In reply to effexor xr withdraw » dancingstar, posted by beppe on December 22, 2004, at 3:25:22
You've been taking Effexor since you are 16 years old? Wow, it would be wrong of anyone -- even me, who doesn't like this drug much at all -- to tell you to stop taking it. You need really good medical care, and you need to tell the doctor how you feel and why you feel this way. Now that I've done it, I can never tell anyone to just stop taking E, it was the hardest thing that I have ever done. If you want to stop, you really need someone to help you. Work calmly and rationally to get your doctor's support. Maybe you can tell him that an antidepressant is supposed to make you less depressed, not to leave you feeling suicidal.
The truth is that you probably know your own body better than the people that are not taking the drug, but they love you very much and are afraid for you cause they want you to be well. You, like me, may have to do some research in order to show them facts where other people have had similar problems with Effexor after being on it for a lengthy period of time. Don't give up...don't give in, and for goodness' sake, please don't take this out on yourself, please promise me!!!!!!! Also, promise me that you will have help getting off of Effexor if that is what you ultimately decide to do because you must not do this alone if you are in a fragile state. It is very difficult for some of us. Be patient with yourself and with everyone that loves you. Things will come together, and you will begin to feel better again, though it might not happen as quickly as you would like.
Blessings.
Posted by KarenQ on December 22, 2004, at 20:21:12
In reply to Withdrawl symptom?, posted by kmp68 on December 2, 2004, at 14:00:54
I am weaning off of Effexor right now and am late. When I first went on it, I was about 10 days late with my first cycle and was worried that I might be pregnant at the time. Thank God I wasn't. So, evidently Effexor has some sort of effect on the hormones. I'll be glad when its out of my system all together.
Posted by S. Bartel on December 23, 2004, at 8:12:21
In reply to Side Effects- Lethargic, Skin Rash?, posted by absolute on December 22, 2004, at 0:41:17
> Has anyone had these side-effects?
>
> I've noticed at work, after a few hours my thoughts get cloudy and I can't concentrate very well. I don't think this is related to hunger, lack of sleep, or any need for caffeine. It's really hard to differentiate between a normal response to stress and a side-effect of medication .> The skin rash is strange-- I have one under my eye that has not gone away in a few weeks. Never had anything like that before. Any long-term users of Effexor noticed anything like this??
Yes I broke on my arms and face. Only a little at first and then a lot. I looked like I had chicken pox scabs all over my face. Thought it was an allergy for a long time and tried everything to cure it.
Feeling lethargic and having trouble concentrating is a common side effect. It only gets worse. After being off Effexor XR for about 9 weeks, I still have trouble concentrating and can't do more than one thing at a time without becoming very confused and anxious. At least the breaking out has finally gone away. It was so embarrassing.
Posted by Cindy S. G. on December 23, 2004, at 8:25:33
In reply to Re: Side Effects- Lethargic, Skin Rash? » absolute, posted by S. Bartel on December 23, 2004, at 8:12:21
I have had a very bad break out on my face since my doctor increased my medication from 75 mg to 150 mg. I look like I am peeling off my top layer of skin. It looks horrendous. I have tried everything to no avail. I have also gotten over the newness of the increase and am back to having trouble waking up in the morning. I was 45 minutes late to work this morning. I feel very depressed and have not had any energy at all. I had a few days off for the pre holiday week and I didn't do anything at all but lay around the house the whole time and worried about everything that needed to be done, but I didn't do. I can't take too much more of this.
> > Has anyone had these side-effects?
> >
> > I've noticed at work, after a few hours my thoughts get cloudy and I can't concentrate very well. I don't think this is related to hunger, lack of sleep, or any need for caffeine. It's really hard to differentiate between a normal response to stress and a side-effect of medication .
>
> > The skin rash is strange-- I have one under my eye that has not gone away in a few weeks. Never had anything like that before. Any long-term users of Effexor noticed anything like this??
>
>
> Yes I broke on my arms and face. Only a little at first and then a lot. I looked like I had chicken pox scabs all over my face. Thought it was an allergy for a long time and tried everything to cure it.
> Feeling lethargic and having trouble concentrating is a common side effect. It only gets worse. After being off Effexor XR for about 9 weeks, I still have trouble concentrating and can't do more than one thing at a time without becoming very confused and anxious. At least the breaking out has finally gone away. It was so embarrassing.
>
Posted by S. Bartel on December 23, 2004, at 8:46:59
In reply to Re: Side Effects- Lethargic, Skin Rash? » S. Bartel, posted by Cindy S. G. on December 23, 2004, at 8:25:33
I'm no M.D., but it sounds like this is not a drug for you and personally I think it should be taken off the market. Stopping the drug is not easy, but it can be done. All I did was lay around and sleep. I had no energy or desire to do anything. I just wanted to stay home and be alone and do nothing. The side effects can be horrendous. I have a long list of them including irresible liver desease, dangerously high cholesterol and tryglicerides. I feel so much better since coming off effexor and I was on it for 7 years. The whole time being in a fog and not realizing what was causing it. Good luck.
Posted by Gia on December 23, 2004, at 8:51:55
In reply to Re: Side Effects- Lethargic, Skin Rash? » Cindy S. G., posted by S. Bartel on December 23, 2004, at 8:46:59
I have the same side effect I thought that maybe thats what being happy was staying home and just being happy enough though I never want to do anything I seem really lazy and just want to sleep as much as I can. I also have a rash on the side of my nose and on my chin, its red and it gets dry and peels, is this one of the side effects I wonder???
Posted by dancingstar on December 23, 2004, at 12:34:52
In reply to Re: Side Effects- Lethargic, Skin Rash?, posted by Gia on December 23, 2004, at 8:51:55
...let's take the other side for a minute in fairness to the people that have been yelling at me, like my best friend who says that I am being irresponsible in wanting this drug off the market. Staying at home being happy is better than wanting to kill yourself or running all over town being miserable. But, that said,...only each of us knows how far this can go before you have to wonder if this, too, is the wrong answer.
There is an article in this month's O Magazine about jogging and other exercise, about approaching it very slowly so as not to overload your body and burnout, but the article does explain metabolic changes that it makes in the brain in order to bring about physical changes in people with depression and anxiety. It also makes the point that this is the most difficult thing to get people to do. This is not in any way to say that anyone should stop taking drugs, just that the article is a worthwhile read.
Posted by dancingstar on December 23, 2004, at 14:13:43
In reply to Re: Side Effects- Lethargic, Skin Rash? » S. Bartel, posted by Cindy S. G. on December 23, 2004, at 8:25:33
Hi Cindy,
I never had any skin problems from Effexor until after I stopped taking it, but we all react differently to chemicals.
I could not wake up while I was taking it, especially while on 150 mg., probably even if there were a fire in the house. I slept through jury duty ;-). Nothing could keep me awake.
Posted by not2late4u on December 24, 2004, at 3:50:56
In reply to Re: Side Effects- Lethargic, Skin Rash? » Cindy S. G., posted by dancingstar on December 23, 2004, at 14:13:43
PROS and CONS
Hello, first time posting. I just spent 45 minutes reading over some past posts. Wow. I have been taking Effexor xr for about 2 yrs. Recently increased to 225mg. I was on Paxil, but gained weight and it really didnt address depression, just anxiety for me. Nice to know that the "electric" feeling in back of head and cant seem to get out of bed in the morning, is not just me. Other things, lack of sex drive, some increased headaches with exercise (anyone else experience this?) I do want to get off, eventually, hopefully sooner than later. I have to wonder how many of you and others are actually being MONITORED by a PSYCHIATRIST who is much more knowledgable about these types of medications. I see my psychiatrist about every 2 months just to check in and see how its going. It takes about 10 minutes. Why would anyone ever just stop taking the medication? Doesnt the pharmacy give information about not stopping the drug without consulting your doctor? I had a hard time with Paxil, whooo, it was HELL when I just missed a day. When I transferred over to Effexor I was wheened off at the same time I was starting Effexor and it was seemless. I dont know what to expect when I SLOWLY withdraw from Effexor, but I am not sorry I took it, it got me where I am today, much more functional and in a place where I can work on things so I can get off it. Just hope its not chemical imbalances that will keep me from getting off and I am afraid to go off not because of side effects, I think dont think much can top the 24/7 anxiety I had for several months straight, its the fear of experiencing that constant anxiety again. Well I've got an appt with a counselor to help me sort this through along with some PSTD. I will get will be free from medications some day! I've decided to put my trust in my Lord God and go from there. REMEMBER, you CANT just stop taking ANY anti-depressants!!!! You really need to have a psychiatrist help you along. Not a family doctor. Sorry, just my point of view. I pray all of us are able to overcome our hardships.
Posted by jubilee on December 24, 2004, at 8:56:32
In reply to Re: Side Effects- Lethargic, Skin Rash?, posted by not2late4u on December 24, 2004, at 3:50:56
I have tried ove and ove to read the posts , but effexor has totally meesed with my ability to read and consentrate, so I might not be following any particuar subject. I get 2 or 3 pages read in a book daily and I was an avid reader. Been off effexoe , after going slow 5 months for about a week now ( one small dose 4 days ago. My mind is in a fog and I get real emotional, and I definatly have had a personality change , but then I am going through some other heavy stuff also. Most my issues , like effexor blackouts I stull suffer with , still have severe memory lloss , which is a side affect of effexor, anxiety, emotional, nervous( and why they would give effexor for anxioty when thats one of its ver yside astounds me as I have been "hypermanic since I was put on it 4 tears ago, Fekt like I was going to jum out of my skin , when they called it Bi Polar. Got to close and a happy holiday to you all , Jubilee
Posted by dancingstar on December 24, 2004, at 11:13:16
In reply to Re: Side Effects- Lethargic, Skin Rash?, posted by Gia on December 23, 2004, at 8:51:55
Gia,
If you want to be happy on Effexor, you shouldn't be reading this board. There are many of us who will tell you the negative effects of a drug that is one of the most prescribed drugs on the market...until I do my best to have that changed because I believe that the horrendous side effects have been largely under-reported.
Posted by dancingstar on December 24, 2004, at 11:14:52
In reply to Re: Side Effects- Lethargic, Skin Rash?, posted by dancingstar on December 24, 2004, at 11:13:16
I didn't mean that to be as harsh as it sounded. I only said it cause I know that you recently started taking Effexor and wanted to give it a fair try.
Posted by KaraS on December 24, 2004, at 13:45:25
In reply to Re: Side Effects- Lethargic, Skin Rash?, posted by dancingstar on December 24, 2004, at 11:14:52
I just wanted to add another perspective here. Effexor helped me more than any other antidepressant to date (and that includes MANY years of trials). I also tolerated it unusually well. I couldn't even tell I was taking anything except for the muted sexual desire and anorgasmia. Unfortunately, despite being better than anything else I've taken to date, Effexor still only gave me limited help. (I used to think that maybe I had 20% mood lift from it but now that I'm off of it I realize that the number is probably more like 40-50%.) I recently went off of it to search for a more comprehensive solution - one that would help provide some energy and motivation.
My experience going off of Effexor wasn't all that bad either thanks to the advice I received on this board. I decreased my dosage very slowly and then substituted a longer acting SSRI at the very end. Without that strategy it probably would have been a nightmare. I think it's criminal that most pdocs don't know enough to utilize this method of withdrawal with their patients. I don't know if this method would end the withdrawal problems completely but it sure can't hurt (and in my case it DID take care of the problem completely).
I would not hesitate to go back on Effexor and try to augment it with other medications in the future. I am not trying to discredit other people's experiences here. I'm just giving you my experience. YMMV.
Kara
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