![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 8207 to 8231 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by Petra on January 26, 2005, at 9:13:48
In reply to Re: Anybody else have rage or anger attacks????, posted by not2late4u on January 26, 2005, at 0:32:20
When I was on Effexor XR I would get serious road rage. Other drivers would piss me off. I would cut them off or flip them off. Sometimes I'd race people going 120 mph down the highway. They would always stop when speeds got too high, but I kept going. I didn't care about my life or anyone elses I guess while on the drug. The main reason I got off it. I never felt and acted that way before Effexor or since I stopped. It's a miracle I didn't hurt someone. I'm glad I didn't. Bad Effexor, Bad. Peace, Petra
Posted by Jen2 on January 26, 2005, at 12:28:14
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Jen2, posted by tatarka on January 25, 2005, at 10:07:12
Hi Tatarka,
It's amazing how uprooting oneself from one's home can have such profound psychological effects, particularly in combination with other stressors.
I've got a couple of good friends now that I can rely on, which is good, and my relationship is at least more civil (since my episode) and not so intense as in the past. I'm able to keep my emotions a little more in check now so I do less yelling. I guess that's the Effexor.
I'm going to talk to my doc on Friday about Effexor side effects/withdrawal and the benefits of switching to something else, but it appears that there are upsides and downsides to just about any drug.
I hope that you're doing better. Thanks for your post.
Jen
> Hey Jen, couldn't stop myself to follow up your post. So many similarities in our situation! I moved to another country three and half years ago, and I knew NOONE beside my husband with whome I have very difficult relationship. Plus I couldn't speak English at all! The only thing that excited me was that I'm far away from that nightmare in my original country.
> I also had heart palpitations all the time and felt like i'm going to die. I was really-really depressed, and decided try to see psychiatrist as psychologist didnt help much and besides psychiatrist is for free - by referral from physichian.
> Just wanted to share these similarities with you and let you know that someone like me perfectly understand your feelings. I still dont have any friends here (just one buddy-girl at work), and my marriage life didnt improve much (although therapy sessions do help to solve some issues).
> I'm planning to get off Effexor as soon as possible, but I still need smth to switch to :( Good luck to you!!
>
Posted by corafree on January 26, 2005, at 14:09:51
In reply to Re: Has anyone had success on Effexor, posted by dancingstar on January 25, 2005, at 20:54:15
I'm way not doin' good. Thoughts of my father are coming into my mind w/o warning, as he was alive this day last year. He passed away (and I sort of did too) Feb. 2 last year. I'm a mess. Don't want to go anywhere - but therapy today. I know this belongs on Grief, but I feel a kindredness w/ you all. My dad was a wonderful, warm, free spirit and more supportive of me than any of my family. tks you guys cf
Posted by dancingstar on January 26, 2005, at 15:13:54
In reply to Re: Has anyone had success on Effexor » dancingstar, posted by corafree on January 26, 2005, at 14:09:51
Hi Corafree,
I'm moving tomorrow at 8:00, a bit traumatic as I've been in the same place for a decade now. Yesterday I was reading something about mediums in an email sent to me by beliefnet (www.beliefnet.com.) You're right that this isn't the place to go into this, but it did have a bit to do with Effexor as it has been on my mind so much lately.
You see, last night I prayed for help, just help with everything, something I do from time to time. I will acknowledge that I have more to do than time to get it all done and that the amount of stress I am under can be measured in the double digits, but in the middle of the night I woke up with this strange feeling of a shot, a bruise in my arm, something about my mom. I knew that my mom had always been very protective of me, and I wondered what it was that my subconscious was trying to tell me. Did this have something to do with Effexor? It felt like a tetanus shot. Pain. A shot in the arm. Was there some link that I am unaware of?
When I woke up this morning, I had a strong feeling that propelled me to call my best friend. She lives about 75 miles from where I live. We're both only children and grew up as sisters. I told her that I needed to ask her what this painful shot in my arm had to do with my mother and Effexor; that she must know what I was talking about.
You see, she has taken Effexor for over 10 years and hasn't been well for quite a long time. I've been on her butt to get off the crap. I just couldn't figure it out. I knew my friend would understand the message, wherever it came from.
We thought it through. I mentioned polio shots, tetanus shots. She said the only painful shot she ever had was a shot of vitamin C. I then told her that it felt to me as though my mom was laughing at her.
Without listening to what I had just said, she continued on with her story and said to me that when the doctor gave her the stupid shot of vitamin C it hurt so badly, that she nearly cried, and the doctor started to laugh at her.
We both stopped talking at the same time and realized what had happened, that without knowing anything about her past, I had mentioned laughing at her pain.
Then I started laughing...and laughing and laughing and crying, but this time my tears were tears of joy. My dear friend said to me. "You've been in a lot of pain and need a shot in the arm, you need to laugh." Only she could have interpreted the message properly; that I simply needed a "shot in the arm," words that only mom would have used, and I lost her over ten years ago.
After that I went on to take a shower and continue with my packing. I feel much better now. My subconscious? A message from my mom? I prefer to think the latter, but I'm sure that will make me crazy in the eyes of some.
The answers, CF, are out there, but sometimes it's sure hard figure out what they are. Sometimes our loved ones are closer than we think.
Blessings,
Bebe
Posted by corafree on January 26, 2005, at 15:51:29
In reply to Re: Has anyone had success on Effexor, posted by dancingstar on January 26, 2005, at 15:13:54
A lady upstairs that smokes, came down the other and I asked her in. She said she had something to talk to me about. "The can smell the smoke from your house coming into mine." she said. I asked her to leave, and then said, like a child would, "I don't want you to be my friend anymore." I'm still laughing at myself about that. I pray, like you, for aid in the challenges in my life. I'm a bit left wondering if this a bit 'off' lady (she smokes herself) was a sort of message. Thank you for reminding me how much of him is still in me, also may be even closer to me now, and also may be coming to me in 'little messages' from strangers in my environment. Bless you Bebe for reacting to my need of support. cf
Posted by jubilee on January 26, 2005, at 20:52:19
In reply to Re: Anybody else have rage or anger attacks???? » jubilee, posted by S. Bartel on January 25, 2005, at 18:34:42
BOY, am I ever not alone. I have never been so out of control so easily in my whole life yet I am a pretty up front honest open person. Imagine what I am going through with that combination. I have lost friends and relitives on this DD (dam drug). My husband promised he wouldn't leave and our marriage actually improved by talking through alot of stuff and me realizing he was never my problem. I am bumbed out that this may be going on another 3 months......but looking forward to having temperance again. What an evil drug.
I have been going through alot of serious life changes including dealing w/ the death of my son and people who know me say I need to take it easy and take care of myself. I finally get it . I am going to try really hard to do that ,like read and watch Tv. I was an avid reader before effexor withdrawing and now I stare at one page for an hour.. I have considered saying nothing to anybody for the next 3 months. THIS TOO SHALL PASS. LETS REMEMBER THAT. GOD BLESS, Jubilee
Posted by anastasia56 on January 26, 2005, at 21:23:23
In reply to Re: Anybody else have rage or anger attacks????, posted by jubilee on January 26, 2005, at 20:52:19
i am so sorry you are having to go thru a loss of a son.
anastasia
Posted by not2late4u on January 26, 2005, at 21:54:30
In reply to Re: Has anyone had success on Effexor » dancingstar, posted by corafree on January 26, 2005, at 14:09:51
CF, If you are a believer in our Lord Jesus and wish to correspond with me with that type of support, please feel free to babblemail me. Renee
Posted by not2late4u on January 26, 2005, at 21:58:59
In reply to Re: Anybody else have rage or anger attacks????, posted by jubilee on January 26, 2005, at 20:52:19
Jubilee, if you cant focus on reading, may I suggest that you get some christian learning tapes and or praise and worship tapes to play, even if you cant focus on them, it will reach and minister your soul. Renee
Posted by corafree on January 27, 2005, at 0:00:24
In reply to Re: Anybody else have rage or anger attacks????, posted by jubilee on January 26, 2005, at 20:52:19
I might hypothesize all the feelings suppressed with the Effexor-XR are now coming to the surface. I know you realize the closeness or being sad and being angry.
Oh dear me, losing a son, so unimaginable to me all the emotions in such a horrible loss. Have you suddenly begun to experience huge sadness also? I am so sorry.
I think I am going to be talking with Renee, as theological questions have run rampant in my mind this past year.
Do you have a second of free thought to recognize the anger and say to yourself, or outloud, "I'm feeling angry and cannot discuss (whatever) it right now" w/ whomever; or when doing something angrily, time to run for pillows or something to beat on?
I know w/ me, sometimes it's like a split second to reaction ... and when dealing with a lot of stress and anxiety, naturally I react angrily.
I think if you're mad at God or whomever/whatever you believe in, vocalizing it would be a good thing.
Thinking and wishing you much 'understanding' by all around you, cf
Posted by corafree on January 27, 2005, at 0:18:58
In reply to Re: Has anyone had success on Effexor » corafree, posted by not2late4u on January 26, 2005, at 21:54:30
Renee .. It's late, need sleep, escape.
Appreciate offer and will babble tomorrow.
p.s. Did post on Grief
Tk you so much. cf
Posted by not2late4u on January 27, 2005, at 0:34:30
In reply to Re: Anybody else have rage or anger attacks????, posted by Petra on January 26, 2005, at 9:13:48
Petra, ya,my extreme incidents happened to me when I was on Paxil, if I missed just 12 -24 hours of my med, I was out of control. I followed someone into a grocery store because of a parking lot incident and we argued in the store! That is not like me either! This happened while I was on my into the next store to fill my prescription! And this was paxil, not effexor. wheew, glad thats over!
Posted by tatarka on January 27, 2005, at 0:34:32
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Jen2 » tatarka, posted by Jen2 on January 26, 2005, at 12:28:14
Hi Jen,
please let me know what your doc will advise you on Friday, okay? I think I'll be not the only one here who is interested.
I'm thinking of ending my marriage, otherwise I will have to live with smbody who doesnt know how to love (or even just show enough of love). The problem is that he is not bad enough to make this easier. It's like we have this saying in my country "Don't exchange the good thing that you already have, for the better thing that you will maybe have." So, I think I'll need smth like Effexor for a while. And yes, I yell and cry much less since I'm on it too, which is very good for me. Thanks for keeping in touch! :)
> Hi Tatarka,
>
> It's amazing how uprooting oneself from one's home can have such profound psychological effects, particularly in combination with other stressors.
>
> I've got a couple of good friends now that I can rely on, which is good, and my relationship is at least more civil (since my episode) and not so intense as in the past. I'm able to keep my emotions a little more in check now so I do less yelling. I guess that's the Effexor.
>
> I'm going to talk to my doc on Friday about Effexor side effects/withdrawal and the benefits of switching to something else, but it appears that there are upsides and downsides to just about any drug.
>
> I hope that you're doing better. Thanks for your post.
>
> Jen
>
>
> > Hey Jen, couldn't stop myself to follow up your post. So many similarities in our situation! I moved to another country three and half years ago, and I knew NOONE beside my husband with whome I have very difficult relationship. Plus I couldn't speak English at all! The only thing that excited me was that I'm far away from that nightmare in my original country.
> > I also had heart palpitations all the time and felt like i'm going to die. I was really-really depressed, and decided try to see psychiatrist as psychologist didnt help much and besides psychiatrist is for free - by referral from physichian.
> > Just wanted to share these similarities with you and let you know that someone like me perfectly understand your feelings. I still dont have any friends here (just one buddy-girl at work), and my marriage life didnt improve much (although therapy sessions do help to solve some issues).
> > I'm planning to get off Effexor as soon as possible, but I still need smth to switch to :( Good luck to you!!
> >
>
Posted by not2late4u on January 27, 2005, at 0:44:08
In reply to Re: Anybody else have rage or anger attacks???? » jubilee, posted by corafree on January 27, 2005, at 0:00:24
cf, reading your response makes me cry. I hope that you and/or jubilee talk with me, I may not have all the answers , but my heart brakes hearing this level of emotional pain. And I know of another way to be comforted. Godly love, Renee
Posted by corafree on January 27, 2005, at 1:38:59
In reply to RE: NEW THREAD - POSITIVE EFFEXOR EXPERIENCE, posted by eeyorena on January 25, 2005, at 21:43:25
You and others have educated me quite a bit. Know now; I've been on every type AD, but MAOIs.
I brought it up in therapy group tonight. The people that reacted said something about it being difficult to manage your diet. Not allowed to go on w/ personal concerns during DBT. Appt Fri w/ P-doc; will ask about MAOIs.
I was a loving and outgoing happy child, girl becoming a woman, living in a loving, happy family,.....until hit with rejection and thought I was dying from the pain in my chest. Guess thought all would love me when I left the nest. Hence, first med was Librium.
I began crying for no reason in early 20s; husband didn't like, wouldn't have a wife who needed to see a psych, so left me.
Took yrs (duh) to realize I had 'PMS', today would be 'labeled' PMDD. Started on ineffective Prozac, but effective Xanax. I even had a TAH-BSO to try rid of mental meltdown.
Then I was 'labeled' depression with anxiety. I always felt I was depressed because of the anxiety (cart before the horse deal), but who listened to me?
Years and years of ineffective trial ADs, most exacerbating anxiety. Same time losing people I loved, jobs, self. Same time suicide attempts.
Do have three great children; one of whom is my support, along with this site.
Now, I've found an AD that hinders my anxiety!!! The great Effexor-XR! It may be damaging me even further than this test rat can be damaged!
First Soma, now trazodone for sleep disorder which began about 15yrs back after being backhanded in bed for talking.
I do have breakthrough anxiety if miss Eff-XR dose or something, so am allowed a bit of Klonopin 1mg x3 day, and 1mg Xanax a day.
Now, wrinkles and gray hairs creeping up on me, all alone, and the 'label' reads Borderline.
I am in DBT, but it is more of a learning experience, rather than a support system.
No one in fam' of origin has any mental probs', nor do my children.
Would you think I have atypical depression?
Does anything come to mind reading my life synopsis?
Tks for any insight! cf
cf
Posted by polarbear206 on January 27, 2005, at 8:09:19
In reply to RE: NEW THREAD - POSITIVE EFFEXOR EXPERIENCE » eeyorena, posted by corafree on January 27, 2005, at 1:38:59
Hi
It's a very strong possibility that you could have a an undiagnosed underlying bipolar disorder. There is a broad spectrum of bipolar disorders. You can have mood swings without mania that present with anxiety/ agitation. Many bipolar women also have severe ppmd like I do. Mood stabilizers are also prescribed for ppmd.
http://www.psycheducation.org/depression/02_diagnosis.html#Anchor-Can-27505
Posted by polarbear206 on January 27, 2005, at 8:18:58
In reply to RE: NEW THREAD - POSITIVE EFFEXOR EXPERIENCE, posted by polarbear206 on January 27, 2005, at 8:09:19
Posted by Jen2 on January 27, 2005, at 15:01:48
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Jen2, posted by tatarka on January 27, 2005, at 0:34:32
Hi Tatarka,
Sure, I'll let you know what the doc says.
My partner too isn't heinous enough to cut loose. But I've been saying that for 10 years. It's hard to know when enough is enough.
Jen
Posted by eeyorena on January 27, 2005, at 17:28:37
In reply to RE: NEW THREAD - POSITIVE EFFEXOR EXPERIENCE » eeyorena, posted by corafree on January 27, 2005, at 1:38:59
oh corafree....what horrible things that humans do to one another.
I'm not a doctor or a psychiatrist. Just a human being. And I would say that the things that you have mentioned in your post...the abandonment by your husband, being backhanded, etc...those things are NOT okay to have happened to you. No, never. And especially if you are a senstive and empathic person.
To also have the responsibility of raising three children, and they sound great, is still an enormous amount of emotional work. I respect that.
I would recommend that you try to protect yourself from some of these labels that health care professionals are trying to pin onto you. It may be just enough to know right now that you are sensitive (a good thing) and have been mistreated (not a good thing).
I have benefitted quite a bit from med treatments, yes. And I have benefited as much, if not more, from a sensitive, smart counselor. My mind, it works like a radio. The meds only clear away some of the static so I can hear clearly what is being played on old tapes and work on erasing them.
I wish that the insurance companies would write compassion into their scripts of what will be covered...we would all benefit so much, I think.
Sorry if this isn't entirely making sense...it's been an exhausting day. Maybe I can make more sense later.
Posted by not2late4u on January 27, 2005, at 20:53:05
In reply to RE: NEW THREAD - POSITIVE EFFEXOR EXPERIENCE, posted by eeyorena on January 27, 2005, at 17:28:37
eeroyena~ such great insight and I agree with your response to CF. Abuse, wether physical or emotional is damaging even when it appears that the abuser is gone or the bruises have disapated. I go see my psychologist to get help in counseling areana myself. I do believe they should go hand in hand. renee
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 28, 2005, at 0:18:29
In reply to Re: Has anyone had success on Effexor » corafree, posted by not2late4u on January 26, 2005, at 21:54:30
> CF, If you are a believer in our Lord Jesus and wish to correspond with me with that type of support, please feel free to babblemail me. Renee
Or to continue this at Psycho-Babble Faith? Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20050111/msgs/448988.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by S. Bartel on January 28, 2005, at 17:44:11
In reply to RE: NEW THREAD - POSITIVE EFFEXOR EXPERIENCE, posted by FaithT on January 24, 2005, at 4:19:29
I would like to hear from people with only negative experiences from EFFEXOR on this new thread. Please tell me what your side effects have been and if you have quit taking it what the withdrawls were like. How long have you been off it and do you feel better physically afterwards.
I have been off about 3 months now and I have so much energy. I was ready to just give up before I realized that effexor was what caused all my physical and mental problems. I still have Liver disease and always will and have anxiety that I never had before, but my mind is so clear and I can hold a train of thought, which I could never do on effexor. I hope everyone that has ever suffered from the effects of this evil, dangerous drug can get their lives back after the excruciating withdrawls finally stop. It had to be the effexor that kept me in this horrible physical state for so many years or why else would I continue to improve so so much after stopping it??
Let me hear from you. I guess I just need to have verification that it's not just me.
Bless you, Sammi
Posted by not2late4u on January 28, 2005, at 23:26:01
In reply to RE: NEW THREAD - NEGATIVE EFFEXOR EXPERIENCE!, posted by S. Bartel on January 28, 2005, at 17:44:11
Sammi, the postings ALL over this board have been negative ones.
Posted by winddancer on January 29, 2005, at 0:00:48
In reply to RE: NEW THREAD - NEGATIVE EFFEXOR EXPERIENCE!, posted by S. Bartel on January 28, 2005, at 17:44:11
I have to agree. Many of the comments have been negative but if a person were not having problems with taking it they are unlikely to be looking for a chat room about the drug. The doctors and the pharm companies do a great job of telling us what a miracle drug it is -
I think many of us who are just joining the discussion want to know specifics about what side effects others are having and what to expect if we wnat to try to get off them. I still haven't gotten an answer to my earlier question about the symptoms of the nerve thing that was alluded to. I mentioned that I have a tingling mouth and tongue and wondered if that is something others have had. I thought it was from the tranquilizers or neurontin but Ive been off those for several months and still have this horrid feeling and nothing tastes good. I have just started working with an acupuncturiest who also does Chinese herbs. Let me know if anyone is interested - I just started tonight. He feels that I should be able to get off effexor all together and find other things to control the anxiety and depression. (Like a good night's sleep - which I haven't had since being on effexor.)
Posted by not2late4u on January 29, 2005, at 0:25:59
In reply to RE: NEW THREAD - NEGATIVE EFFEXOR EXPERIENCE! » S. Bartel, posted by winddancer on January 29, 2005, at 0:00:48
sorry I read your post, but couldnt relate to the symptoms, so I didnt reply. I hope you find the help you need, it could be the other drug you are taking or maybe the combindation of the two together??? Renee
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.