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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by S. Bartel on February 4, 2005, at 19:26:18
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Phillipa on February 4, 2005, at 16:47:46
I'm not taking anything for it. I never had it befor effexor and I'm hoping it will go away. I got liver disease from effexor and now I'm afraid to take anything 'cause most drugs affect your liver. I'm eating totally different and healthier which for some reason seems to help. I don't eat any junk food or sweets and no fat. Gave up red meat, pork and dairy products except for skim milk on my Wheaties. The only meat I eat is chicken or turkey, white meat only and fish. I take omega 3 and drink a lot of green, chamomille, ginseng, and mint tea. I'm going for the natural cures. So far I'm able to handle the anxiety. When it comes on I meditate to relax and anything else that relaxes me and takes my mind off it. That's about it. I also lost 25 lbs. in the first two months after I quit effexor. Another 10 lbs and I'll be where I was befor I started taking it. I wasn't trying to lose it. The effexor made me gain no matter how little I ate and just stopping it made it all come off. Now I can eat and not worry about gaining. I'm hoping to stay medicine free.
Sammi
Posted by Troubled1 on February 4, 2005, at 23:19:06
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hope I'm not boring everyone with my daily updates but it seems that a lot of members are concerned with withdrawal side effects. It is now after midnight following day 3 at 75 mg. I feel better today than yesterday i.e. less dizzy/nauseous. I find that as long as I get lots of sleep and keep filling food in my stomach (bread products),I feel pretty good. I think I'll do one more day on 75 mg (provided I still feel good tomorrow), then start going even lower. Knowing my own body, I have a feeling that if I'm going to get sicker than I was yesterday, it'll be after the Effexor is completely out of my system. I swear that I can feel a difference for the better already i.e. didn't feel as drowsy today. Managed to get some housework done. Will keep up my daily updates in the hope that someone finds them helpful.
Karen
Posted by not2late4u on February 4, 2005, at 23:19:40
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Phillipa, posted by S. Bartel on February 4, 2005, at 19:26:18
sammi, sorry to bust in on your post, but thought I'd say it sounds like you are doing well and have such a great natural path you are following. Im happy for you. Keep up the good healthy work, Im sure it'll keep paying off for you. Are you getting enough vit b, magnesium, potasium and gaba? These are things that I know of that are for relaxing. ( I know there are herbs, such as hops, kava, valerium) but I know their effects on the liver. God Bless, Renee
Posted by not2late4u on February 4, 2005, at 23:20:43
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by not2late4u on February 4, 2005, at 23:19:40
sammi, ooops I mean I dont know the effects on the liver for the herbs I mentioned....renee
Posted by not2late4u on February 4, 2005, at 23:30:49
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Doc on February 4, 2005, at 16:17:43
my doc started me out on 37.5 I dont know why you would be started out at 75mg. sounds like its too much to fast or just simply not the right med for you. I'd seek help.
Posted by S. Bartel on February 5, 2005, at 13:01:37
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by not2late4u on February 4, 2005, at 23:20:43
Yes I have learned to eat lots of potasium. When I don't I have terrible leg cramps.
Thanks, Sammi
Posted by rainy on February 5, 2005, at 15:43:22
In reply to My Success Story and Bad Decision...long (heh), posted by hez on December 20, 2004, at 14:33:52
Help--I'm a klutz in Effexorville! I want to know if anybody on the board who's taken Serzone or nefazodone Hcl has experienced any muscle pain or spasm that they connect with the medication. I've got a really bad spasm in my back and shoulder that's consistent with starting nefazodone Hcl about 6 weeks ago. It's also where I often hold tension, so there are all sorts of factors at work here. I don't want to stop taking the AD if the muscle "stiffness" seems like a really far out possible adverse effect. It's one of the few that hasn't made me gain about 25 immediate pounds. One the other side--I'm hurting bad.
rainy
Posted by winddancer on February 5, 2005, at 17:57:14
In reply to trying to start a new thread about nefazodone hcl, posted by rainy on February 5, 2005, at 15:43:22
Hey Rainy, (sorry this is so long)
I took Serzone successfully for about 8-9 years straight - I could not identify any side effects unless it was a little dry mouth. But did not notice the muscle ache until now that I'm on Effexor. Last spring my doctor insisted that I switch to a different Ad when Serzone was pulled from the market. (I had tried to quit Serzone cold turkey just before that and freaked out, so I got back on the drug, then some major life stressors happened and I was terribly depressed-suicidal, when my doctor was adding another AD to the serzone and discovering it was banned) So I had to deal with switching to something else (remeron)and then added other drugs(neurontin and Xanax). That clinic closed up and I had to find another doctor, who then added Effexor to the Remeron,Neurontin, and Xanax. What a zombie I was, but somehow began to feel better. I opened my self up to several alternative therapies that were supposed to cure depression: Reiki, NET, herbs Taurine and another. Finally things began to shift and I eventually gradually stopped everything but the Effexor. That's when I became more aware of all these side-effects that I had had, but figured were from so many drugs. Now I only take the Effexor (and Lisinopril for the HBP the Effexor caused) I don't sleep well at all, I feel a little jazzed all the time - can't settle down, get headaches, backaches, carple-tunnel, neck and back aches and sweats, food tastes bland,no energy, and weight gain. I finally started to explore whether the drug is causing all this and stumbled onto this chat room. I'm now working with an acupuncturist, a Heller-worker, chinese herbs and nutrition evaluation. I'm also beginning to decrease the Effexor from 150mg to 112.5 for 2 weeks. I'm 'trying' to stay away from sugar, white flour, and add salmon oil and flax oil capsules to my daily routine. I don't sleep well and I don't poop, even with Smooth move tea, prunes, fibercon, lots of fruit, lots of walking. I guess it's back to the pharmacy for something serious for constipation. At least I don't feel depressed. I just started a new awesome job. I hope I can get off all drugs too and use only natural therapies and remedies and more exercise, maybe Yoga or Tai-che. Thanks for your info. (you are not in the 'rainy' NW, are you??)
Winddancer
Posted by sabre on February 5, 2005, at 18:40:44
In reply to trying to start a new thread about nefazodone hcl, posted by rainy on February 5, 2005, at 15:43:22
Hello rainy
I took Serzone for six months and was taken off it when it was removed from the market.I didn't notice any muscle tension while taking it, in fact I think it improved it.
I didn't enjoy the amotivation and apathy it induced. It also made me forget words, people's names and made me struggle with reading comprehension (I was studying). It helped with depression but did little for social anxiety.
People seem to have such varied reactions to drugs, however, and I think the only way to find out is to give it a decent trial and see what you think.
I hope it does work for you!
Good luck.
sabre
Posted by corafree on February 5, 2005, at 18:42:42
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Phillipa, posted by S. Bartel on February 4, 2005, at 19:26:18
Most may know I'm on Eff-XR, just cannot afford and don't have enough on-hand support, to give it a try yet. But in your trials of reduction, you all have brought up a lot of good things to help your body through missing it's Effexor.
Has anyone seen R_______? that is to 'reduce cortisol'...about $35.00...bottle called R_______? Well, it's got a lot of brain/energy vites, B, mag, herbs, etc. This is ridiculous. I don't know the name of what I'm talking about. I saw at Wal-Mart. You look at it and think it's another weight loss deal, but in reading ingredients, there were a lot of those mentioned here by people titrating off Eff-XR. Anybody know what I'm talking about (duh)?
I feel better thanks to help rec'd on other board here w/ 1st anniversary of Dad's death. I posted last on Faith Board! I've missed being here. cf
Posted by Troubled1 on February 5, 2005, at 20:47:18
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Okay, here I am at 9:45 pm (EST)on day 4 at 75 mg. Still doing well. Frankly, I'm surprised to have so few negative effects after being on 225 mg for almost 2 years now. Will try reducing a bit more tomorrow. Will likely only post future updates if my condition changes after lowering but will still follow postings and be here for support of others. Take care all.
Karen
Posted by tatarka on February 5, 2005, at 23:33:44
In reply to Day 4 on reduced Effexor, posted by Troubled1 on February 5, 2005, at 20:47:18
Thank you for your postings, Karen!
> Okay, here I am at 9:45 pm (EST)on day 4 at 75 mg. Still doing well. Frankly, I'm surprised to have so few negative effects after being on 225 mg for almost 2 years now. Will try reducing a bit more tomorrow. Will likely only post future updates if my condition changes after lowering but will still follow postings and be here for support of others. Take care all.
>
> Karen
Posted by raster on February 7, 2005, at 15:40:17
In reply to Re: Day 4 on reduced Effexor » Troubled1, posted by tatarka on February 5, 2005, at 23:33:44
I just found this board, so I'm playing instant catch up.
My story:
I was on 2 x 75's of Effexor for 2 years of therapy and over the last 9 months I have reduced my dose to down 1 x 37.5 capsule until 2 weeks ago.
I must say that Effexor did work in the way it had been sold: it reduced stress and anxiety I suffered - from my job. But I began to suffer terrible side effects like nightmares (killing my daughter/others; escaping from other unknown killers for my own life; end of world; brutal, bloody, horrible, and grotesque violence of every kind on the human body; and other dreams not even worth mentioning). Needless to say, these side effects were mentioned to my doctor and my wife. My doctor was supportive and sympathetic. My wife was also supportive and sympathetic but also worried. There were times I was afraid to go to sleep because of the consecutive nights of absolutely terrifying dreams. Other side effects were nervous stomach, fluttery heartbeat and not caring about something important - when I should have had better judgement.
Generally speaking I was satisfied with the drug's control of my anxiety, but wanted to end this method of therapy because of the side effects. I remember saying to my wife many times how I couldn't go on taking the drug for the rest of my life because I didn't feel like I was in control but the drug was. I felt held hostage. Missing a couple of doses soon brought on the hair raising side effects.On January 27, 2005 I took the last pill. OH YEA!
But here come the side effects: Passing out while talking to clients on the phone (yet still talking..yikes!); passing out while driving (and waking up in your lane a few hundred feet later); NIGHTMARES!!!!!! (some so scary - I can understand why the kids didn't want to go to sleep in the Freddie Kruger movies); RINGING in the ears with STRONG cranial buzzing rushes; Fluttery heartbeat; Chest pains in my sleep strong enough to wake me up 3 times on one night and two on another - frightening the crap out of me - heart attack/angina?; WORRY - about what? nothing, but the feeling is strong and there is no reason; a rush of anxiety a few times a day;trembling and finally ANGER - call it what you want - but somedays it takes alot not to burst out and yell at anyone including the wife and kids -and they haven't done anything wrong at all!
It has been no picnic to say the least so far. In fact, I nodded off during another 10 minute strong sleepy side effect while typing this message - REALLY! I can only hope that in a few more weeks I'll feel better. There are a few more observations, but I've written enough for now.
Does any of this sound familiar?
Raster
Posted by nhwraith on February 7, 2005, at 20:06:12
In reply to I'm so glad I finally did this!, posted by Melinda on April 27, 2000, at 14:02:39
I have been on effexor xr 150 for about 3 mos and havnt really experienced any side effects other than my hands get tingly numb sometimes, but goes away and comes again. But this drug has helped me alot with my depression,i am not sure how long i will stay on it but for now it has worked great for me.
Posted by corafree on February 7, 2005, at 20:51:24
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » not2late4u, posted by S. Bartel on February 5, 2005, at 13:01:37
Still takin' 150am and 75pm, but I'm feeling breakthrough anxiety - could be situational - not sure. Anyone else w/ anxiety breakthrough? It's been crippling and I've been agoraphobic (scared of nothing, but everything). Looks like inositol w/ my coffee may help - shouldn't drink at all - but I love it so, and well guess I'm dependent upon it. cf
Posted by Doc on February 7, 2005, at 22:09:42
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » S. Bartel, posted by corafree on February 7, 2005, at 20:51:24
This is my second round with Effexor XR. The first round was a breeze compared to this one. The first round the doctor started me on 37.5. This round the doctor, different doctor, started me on 75 mg. This time after the second of only two doses at 75 mg. I started feeling as if I had a major case of the flu. Began trembling, having difficulty sleeping and prespiring nearly all the time, while at the same time I felt cold all over. I have not been productive at all around our place My wife has had to take care of me, work and feed our animals.We raise registered Mini-Donkeys.
If I ever get over this Effexor XR the next time I'm feeling depressed I think that I'll just get in my truck and drive across Texas until I strike sunshine. I certainly don't think this drug is worth the side effects. I owe it to my wife not to ever take this stuff again.
Sorry about this being so long, but I wanted to share my experience. This is Monday evening and the longest time I've not been in bed or layed back in a recliner since this past Thursday evening. As a former RN in the Psych field, I've never seen a drug with more unpleasent side effects, which effects so many body systems.
My latest quest is to find one of those Sun VU lamps that furnishes natural sunlight. I have a natural light 20W bulb in the lamp beside my chair, but I'm not sure that's enough. Anyone know where I can get one of those Sun VU lamps
Take care and be careful of this stuff.Doc :- 2/7/05
Posted by Phillipa on February 8, 2005, at 16:40:19
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Doc on February 7, 2005, at 22:09:42
Hi Doc! I too am a former RN in the psych field. You'd think I would be smart enough not to take all these meds, but I was "brainwashed" to believe they worked. I'm currently in the same shape you are, either from W/D from benzos, or the addition of zoloft, and remeron and ambien. I feel I have to take meds after 8yrs of continuous depression and anxiety that is all internalized so that I am frozen. I need to find a way out! Fondly, Phillipa Typing helps engages the muscles and my racing brain!
Posted by winddancer on February 8, 2005, at 17:11:42
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Doc, posted by Phillipa on February 8, 2005, at 16:40:19
It's interesting to read everyone's experiences. A few posts back, for the first time someone else mentioned the tingling hands and fingers, which I have, also the sweats, headaches, and the cold hands, feet. I'm starting to decrease my 150 mg/day habit. I asked dr if she could switch me to something else before I try to start lowering doses so that during the weening off I may not have these other sensations from the Effexor. She just wants me to gradually drop to lower and lower doses. I'm so sick of all these side effects and want to get off all these drugs, Even though they served me to bring me out of deep depression, they don't appear to serve me so well now.
Possible remedy: I've just begun to see an acupunctureist/Chinese herbal medicinalist, who is developing treatments that help with insomnia and some body aches. He was able to understand the pattern of my body aches and explain why they are all connected - first person who seems to "get-it" when I describe my ailments. He can tell that my gall bladder is being stressed and that some of the problems can be related to the constipation associated with the drug. winddancer
Posted by corafree on February 8, 2005, at 19:40:22
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by winddancer on February 8, 2005, at 17:11:42
Hi windancer.
I had a TAH-BSO and a prolapsed rectum, so constipation is awful. Drink lots water, every couple wks 2 Dulcolax w/ plenty water and attach yourself to your toilet for a day, but works. Will have surgery soon.
Thing is; what do you think is happening to all the medicine you just keep putting in and it doesn't come out????????????
I've always had good control of anxiety on Eff-XR, the only drug that has helped besides a benzo. Lately tho', having breakthrough anxiety. Phillipa couldn't have said it better than you - anxiety that is all internalized so that I am frozen.
I have really had no bad side effects w/ Eff-XR, except maybe some fatigue and memory probs.
Today saw P and ditched Klonopin, started Xanax .3 a day. Klonopin was like taking sugar pill.
Guilt of course accompanies my 3 Xanax a day; if I feel the need to raise; I won't, I'll do something different, because I've been down that road before.
Any opinion about skipping a dose here and there if you are not a regular 'going to the john type' person???????? cf
Posted by winddancer on February 8, 2005, at 20:21:12
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » winddancer, posted by corafree on February 8, 2005, at 19:40:22
Well, the other night I got some Milk of Magnesia. Boy, it did the trick. (After 3 doses, 6 hrs apart) I figured it was better than the stimulants and besides, a little extra Mg is probably good. For the body ache, I try to sneak in an Epsom salts bath. That does feel good. And it is a Magnesium salt, also good. For sleep, I find that soaking just my feet in hot water before bed helps more than a full bath. I also take Calms Forte by Hyland, a homeopathic relaxant that I think helps. And the acupuncture and Chinese Herbs seem to help also.
I haven't skipped any doses on purpose. I went to work forgeting to take my meds once and didn't feel so great that day, but I also didn't take the Blood Pressure meds either so what should I expect. I hate that the Effexor can elevate BP so we take somethng for that. We can't sleep so take something for that. (I have decided not to take the Xanax or Klonapin again for any reason - I'll just have to find something else. They are scary.)We are constipated, so we take somethng for that and on and on. I thought this is what happens when you get old, and I'm only 59. Brother...this is just not accetable. I may spend all my savings on acupuncture and other remedies, but I am so paralyzed with all these physical problems now that I'm determined to find the answer for me. I'm also looking into the Nikken sleep system. I will share the info if anyone would like it. It's not inexpensive. It has been known to give great relief for depression. So it may be worth everything you pay. I need to find a job to be able to afford all this and wonder if I'm more tired looking than I think I am and that's why I haven't landed the job of my dreams.
winddancer
Posted by corafree on February 8, 2005, at 21:25:04
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » corafree, posted by winddancer on February 8, 2005, at 20:21:12
Windancer - I'm happy you have found these forms of therapy, acupuncture, herbs, and everything you've mentioned. I am on such ltd income. Appreciate you're sharing and will keep cc of post for future reference. Are you not on a NSAID either, or a muscle relaxer? I also have chronic pain. cf
Posted by winddancer on February 9, 2005, at 0:22:00
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » winddancer, posted by corafree on February 8, 2005, at 21:25:04
I occasionally use aspirin, but try to avoid that since I have in the past had a problem with taking naprosin morning and night causing some stomach bleeding, so I know I shouldn't take NSAIDs round the clock. What muscle relaxer are you thinking of? I have taken Xanax and Klonapin and Ambien several months ago and they allow me to sleep, but are dangerously addictive and I don't think the sleep is the rejuvinating sleep that I need. I began to realize that they just cover up what's going on and can be used as a crutch allow me to avoid getting to the root of the problem. Finding a supportive job would help me in many ways. Thanks for your comments.
winddancer
Posted by californiagirl on February 9, 2005, at 0:32:54
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by winddancer on February 8, 2005, at 17:11:42
I have been interested to know if accupuncture works. I am on my 4th day with no Effexor and am almost over the sick feeling in my stomach. I am troubled by insomnia but hopefully that will pass also. I feel so depressed and mad at everyone! In the past ten years I have been on Zoloft, Lexapro, and Effexor for depression and OCD. I am seeing a new doctor next week and am afraid that she will want me on yet another drug. Effexor was so hard to get off of that I'm afraid to try something else. I watched that movie "As Good as it Gets" over the weekend and am wondering if this is as good as it gets! Thanks you guys for your help.
Susie
Posted by corafree on February 9, 2005, at 12:05:39
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » corafree, posted by winddancer on February 9, 2005, at 0:22:00
Winddancer: The muscle relaxant I have is Flexeril. I admire your determination. cf
Posted by winddancer on February 9, 2005, at 14:42:24
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by californiagirl on February 9, 2005, at 0:32:54
I will know more about the acupuncture for me after I've had a few more sessions. The acupuncturist is first treating me for insomnia with Acup and Chinese herbs. I am sleeping better, but still wake up several times/night. I've often wondered how to find a therapist who is knowledgeable and open to alternate therapies as well as understanding something about the drugs. Perhaps by first finding an acupuncturist they might know of therapists who are open to non-pharmacy treatments of depression. I have found a counselor who does hypnosis and believes in Chinese herbs as well as having familiarity with medications and is very good with talk therapy. It's unfortunate that western medicine and most mental health insurance plans do not pay for alternate treatments.
Why do you think that doctors are "pushing" for more use of Effexor over other meds, if there are so many ugly side effects for so many people? And my doctor discourages my use of gaining info from this or any chatroom.
winddancer
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