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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by drac on February 20, 2006, at 9:49:09
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » damian, posted by Patricia Risi on February 19, 2006, at 22:16:08
Hi, I am glad I stumbled accross this website. Since I have been taking Effexor I had noticed some weird things. I tried hard to ignor them as they happened because my depression seemed to be waning.
Without going in to whole diatribe of why I ended up on Effexor suffice it to say I am taking in in lieu of Luvox for the treatment of Panic Disorder and Seasonal Affect Depression.
Since I have been taking Effexor I have also been waning from some other prescriptions to see if I can reduce the amount of drugs. Over a period of 6 months I have successfully reduced the amount of Clonazapam I take four-fold, and Wellbutrin in half. Having done this in the past with Luvox, I know what withdrawal normally feels like and let me tell you this ain't it.
I read through many of your posts and finally find that I am not alone in these feelings. Here is a list of things I am going through:
- no energy (I normally have reduced energy, but I have trouble getting up off the couch without losing my breath and heart racing - feeling like I'm gonna die)
- elevated BP. My Bp was slightly elevated before taking Effexor, but now it has been climbing despite my GP's efforts to reduce it with a angiotension inhibitor. Don't see any interaction warnings but I have to wonder.
- Nightmares,
- body spasms in my sleep,
- yelling/screaming, moaning in my sleep
- poor sleep
- restlessness
- memory problems - whoa can I talk about this
- feeling like I'm out of body
- inability to concentrate
- extinguished (not diminished) sex drive
- difficulty distinguishing dreams from reality
- suicidal thoughts (although not accompanied by depression)
- shaking
- sweating
- the list goes onLately the effect that is taking hold of me is the difficulty distinguishing reality from my dreams. I don't know what to do about this one. My memory seems to be toast. Although I have noticed this for some months, I thought it would go away. This morning (in a meeting) I couldn't even piece together thoughts from my co-workers. It was like every word out of their mouths was random. Reading has become the same for me. I don't retain anything. But more significant to me seems to be that when I try to recall things, I don't know for sure if I am recalling dream information or actual information. Several times I was caught talking about things in dreams with my partner as though they were reality. I was irritated with my partner because he did not follow-through with somethings I had asked him to do. Turns out I had never asked it, but dreamed it. yeah I know - spouses can be forgetful, but this has also happened with coworkers. It is geting kind of debilitating. I have to write down everything. This really is not like me at all - my peers have been jokingly saying that it's my turning 40 that is the cause. The fact that they have noticed gives me pause.
Ramble ramble - I'm really surprised that I managed to say as much as I did in this message. I guess the point I was really trying to get across is "thanks for posting" to everyone, I now know that I'm not alone. Where in the side-effects on the product does it describe the side-effects that we are feeling. Some of them are there. What about the others?
Maybe a "quality of life" study is needed.
Posted by kmm on February 20, 2006, at 10:16:49
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by TinMan on February 20, 2006, at 9:33:40
Hi Damian,
I can really sympathize with your need to keep your problem under wraps however, by attempting to hide your depression you are certainly adding more stress to your system at a time when it absolutely does not need another problem. In addition, I can almost guarantee that your spouse, and possibly your chidren, depending on their ages, can sense that something isn't right with you already. Honesty is always the best policy. As someone who has walked in your shoes, I was surprised at the support that I got from most family members when I shared my situation - including stories of similar struggles. Also, I will be proud to tell my children, when they are older, that I struggled with depression and sought treatment. No one goes through life without battles and wouldn't you like to show your kids that you are an excellent problem solver?
Another thing to consider is that when you are depressed, your decision making skills are usually very diminished. I had to trust my spouse on this one, many times, when I was very unwell.
Posted by TinMan on February 20, 2006, at 10:30:24
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by drac on February 20, 2006, at 9:49:09
Drac,
I have had the problems you have listed as well. However, not quite as bad. Is your dose too high?
Here is a list of things that have helped me:
For lethargy: Try splitting your dose. I take one 150 mg pill along with 7.5 mg of Remeron (mitrazapine) at night.
I take two 150 mg pills in the morning.For sex drive: I have added DHEA and Ginko Biloba
For memory: Ginko Biloba
For sleep: 7.5 mg of Remeron
I am due for a physical with my MD and will find out what my BP is. I, like you, get off of the couch and am winded sometimes.
It does help me. However, I am also on Hormone Replacement Therapy (birth control pills) for my periomenopause. If I miss taking a bc pill, I get really down and depressed. I am wondering after reading another post, if the Effexor is messing with my hormones.
~TinMan
Posted by drac on February 20, 2006, at 12:40:07
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » drac, posted by TinMan on February 20, 2006, at 10:30:24
> Drac,
>
> I have had the problems you have listed as well. However, not quite as bad. Is your dose too high?
>My psychiatrist's approach to switching meds is to stop one and start another (only if the patient is in agreement with it). I don't usually have problems changing meds, so that is how I went from Luvox to Effexor. Although I went from 100mg (day 1), 200mg (days 3-6), and 300mg (day 7 onward).
I'm currently maintaining 300mg first thing in the morning.
> Here is a list of things that have helped me:
>
> For lethargy: Try splitting your dose. I take one 150 mg pill along with 7.5 mg of Remeron (mitrazapine) at night.
> I take two 150 mg pills in the morning.Because of the potential for sleep disturbance my psych advised me to take it in the am. My panic is often brought on at the point of falling asleep so I do as much as possible not to mess with my sleep cycle.
But I like the idea, and will speak to him regarding this possibility.
>
> For sex drive: I have added DHEA and Ginko Biloba
>
> For memory: Ginko BilobaGood idea. I will have to check and see if there are any known interation problems with the BP meds I'm taking. I'm still trying to figure out the physiological implications of taking a selective noreinephrine reuptake inhibitor in conjunction with an angiotensin inhibitor.
>
> For sleep: 7.5 mg of Remeron
>I was on a regimin of taking Clonazapam .05mg of clonazapam before bed, but have weaned off it unless I get twitchy legs, feel agitated, or anything that would otherwise allow me to fall asleep normally. I don't take it that often anymore.
> I am due for a physical with my MD and will find out what my BP is. I, like you, get off of the couch and am winded sometimes.
>It's crazy. I am out of shape, and trying to start an exercise program. Yeah I know - for anyone thinking that being out of shape can cause the shortness of breath. But although I'm out of shape, I'm no more out of shape than before I started with Effexor and my energy level was higher (all things considered) than it is now.
> It does help me. However, I am also on Hormone Replacement Therapy (birth control pills) for my periomenopause. If I miss taking a bc pill, I get really down and depressed. I am wondering after reading another post, if the Effexor is messing with my hormones.
>I wouldn't rule it out (although I'm no expert). It appears that there is a great number of unknowns with this drug. I would like to come off of it, and had planned to after reading the many similarities in this BB. But then I thought, am I being overly impulsive - yet another side effect of Effexor. : )
Actually I have always been overly impulsive. It appears that this is one side-effect that alludes me. I seem to be able to keep this in check while taking Effexor.
Posted by Patricia Risi on February 20, 2006, at 14:19:30
In reply to Re: My non-success on Effexor XR, posted by CEK on February 20, 2006, at 5:33:48
I > I too took Effexor for five years and had to stop because of side effects.( weight gain, loss of emotion, and still depressed.) I tried several times to taper off but the side effects of tapering off were unbearable, I felt like i was loosing my mind. My doctor got me off of Effexor by putting me on Cymbalta at the same time. I took both for ten days, until the Cymbalta was fully in my system, then began to taper the Effexor until I was off of it. Took about three weeks. I got off of the Effexor without withdrawl, but the Cymbalta is worse. Now I suffer from anxiety, aggitation, major depression and manic episodes, decreased urine output, swelling, excessive night sweats, touble swallowing, and suicidal thoughts that sent me into the hospital. Some web sites that might help, www.bipolarworld (they get to the bottom of what all of these meds are really doing to us),www.neurofeedback.com( this is very promising.) I'm starting my first session next week. Neurofeedback also called biofeedback with lifecoaching is supose to cure the problems in our brains causing us to take these meds.All these antidepressants do is enable us to deal with our lives, not live them to our full extent. Do any of you on antidepressants feel like your brain works anymore? I live in a fog and until the Cymbalta, when i was on the Effexor, I lived with the "oh well, whatever" attitude. Whatever people did to me, it more or less rolled off my back. Good? Maybe sometimes. But in the end we all end up being dumped on a treated unfairly and don't even have the ability to stand up for our selves because of our drugged state. This situation going on and on,keeps getting pushed down inside ourselves until eventually meds of no meds we snap. That's what happened to me. It's not a bad thing to get angry sometimes. It's not a bad thing to stand up for ourselves. And even depression sometimes is a normal response to issues in our lives. But without being able to feel these things (because of being highly medicated) we are not able to change the contributing factors that may be causing us to feel this way. When these changes don't take place, the depression goes on and on and we feel like we are flawed for good. Imagine waking up one day and finding out that you lived your life with a lot of excess b.s. thinking good was good enough, and just then realizing that it wasn't and that if you wouldv'e changed some contributing factors in your life, your life would have indead been happier. I do believe that the meds at times are useful, but at others, restrictive. Keep researching. Find out all you can. Don't just depend on what your doctor tells you. It helps to be well informed. Also, I have found that a true psychologist is much more helpful than a councilor or psychiatrist. Psychologist try to get to the root of the problem and enable you to learn to to forward. They spend more time with you and don't just write out prescriptions like pyschatrists do. Fifteen minutes with a patient, and they think they know how to fix you. Councilors don't have the education that a psychologist has, seems like they just listen,don't offer any solutions. Also, go to the lifecoach health group on Yahoo. There are so many inspirational stories and quotes that would give even the person in the deepest despair hope. There is hope. There are other alternatives to medicine. Make sure you check them out. As for those on their last rope, ALWAYS talk to someone. Your husband, mother, father, sister, brother, your preacher, your primary care doctor. So many people love you and when at your darkest moment, the sun is still there, maybe behind a cloud, but still there. We can all get through this! It just takes one day at a time, but we will. Love and caring from one sufferer to the next, CEK
I agree with you 100%....it is absolutely true....we are basically being drugged to be kept quiet and to make people money! My psychologist also told me that psychiatrists arnt trained in therapy(I see both a psychiatrist and a psychologist) but psychiatrists definately can answer questions about medications and maybe give you a direction to head in medication-wise...you dont necessarily have to go that way but you can certainly research it. Psychologist really get you to learn to open up and help yourself by being good listeners...eventually you can teach yourself to solve alot of things on your own with the skills you learn from them. Every time I went for a psych evaluation I found every psychiatrist arrogant *ssholes who think they are god. If you think about it they control peoples minds so it would be easy to get that complex. They do know their medications but they are also very cold and clinical at times...psychologist are alot warmer and compassionate. Sometimes we need that.
Posted by Patricia Risi on February 20, 2006, at 14:34:31
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by TinMan on February 20, 2006, at 9:33:40
> >>>>i really dont want to bore anyone. damian<<<<
>
> Hi Damian,
>
> Yeah, I know what you mean. But, really, what you are posting is not boring. I certainly can relate to the suicidal thinking and the deep, dark depression. I think most that post on this Board can to some extent.
>
> You know, I spent some time (72 hour hold) in a psychiatric hospital. And honestly, it was a rich experience for me. I wouldn't trade it. I am glad that I went even though at the time, I didn't want to. It was such a learning experience for me.
>
> Yes, there is the social stigma. It is difficult at times, but for me, not unbearable. Many of my siblings are not understanding. One sis thinks that if she criticizes, confronts, yells and threatens to tell others that I will somehow just "snap out of it". It doesn't work that way. Hence the Effexor for me.
>
> So, Damian, hang in there. You are not alone. I am hoping that you find a therapist, psychiatrist or doctor that you can trust. Because, you are worth it!
>
> ~TinManTinMan
Thank you for so being so honest about your painful experiences. It really does help us understand that we are not the only ones.....I am sorry that you are surrounded by uneducated people. It really comes down to people being afraid of what they dont understand I think. I have found that if you relate it to something that people DO understand then it makes it alot easier..maybe if you tell your sister that if she had anorexia you wouldnt tell her to "just eat"...just like, you having depression means she can't tell you to "just snap out of it". Once its put in terms that people can relate to it seems to help alot. I also have a brain tumor as well as my depression so I have twice as much to try to explain to people. You are correct....every experience has something to learn from. I actually have become such a different person with my illness that I prefer who I am now to who I was before....We are much more complete people I think! I wish you the best and stay positive! Thanks again for your input....numb.
Posted by jacobs on February 20, 2006, at 18:24:06
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by drac on February 20, 2006, at 12:40:07
wow sounds like some of you have had horrible side effects with effexor. for me i have been on it for 2 months now and it has been i lifesaver for me. i feel again and have hope. i do have a couple side effects such as headaches sometimes but as long as i dont go back to that black hole i was in i can deal with it. take care all. tonya
Posted by CEK on February 21, 2006, at 8:09:38
In reply to Re: My non-success on Effexor XR » CEK, posted by Patricia Risi on February 20, 2006, at 14:19:30
Patricia, I'm glad that I've found someone that agrees. I have felt the same way about psychiatrists. The ones that I saw while I was in the behavioral health center were just that way, cold with the personality of belly button lint. My psychologist on the other hand seems very caring and willing to take all the time in the world to listen. He was even able to tell me exactly how I was feeling and why. I at that point had felt like no one understood or was even listening. The councilor that I saw previously just sat there and said,"yeah, uh hu, hmm." That was VERY helpful. A psychiatrist can prescribe you what you need (hopefully if it's the correct guess)to get you calm enough to be able to go to a psychologist and be able to talk, listen, and learn. Thanks for your responce, CEK
Posted by TinMan on February 21, 2006, at 8:11:22
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » drac, posted by TinMan on February 20, 2006, at 10:30:24
>>>>>>For lethargy: Try splitting your dose. I take one 150 mg pill along with 7.5 mg of Remeron (mitrazapine) at night.
I take two 150 mg pills in the morning.<<<<<<<<OOOooooppps! I mistyped! I take one (1)75 mg. pill of Effexor at night and 2 (two) 75 mg. pills in the a.m. (Not 150 mg. each pill as I previously posted. The total mg. that I take is 225.)
Posted by TinMan on February 21, 2006, at 8:30:14
In reply to Re: My non-success on Effexor XR » Patricia Risi, posted by CEK on February 21, 2006, at 8:09:38
I have found the same combo - a psychiatrist who prescribes the meds and a therapist to "talk" to. He gives me insight as well as different tools on how to cope. Fortunately, they are both in the same office building.
I had a therapist before who would just listen, too. I quit seeing him. And now I am going to the one I have now. I want to get some different ways to do things because what I was doing before in some things just wasn't working for me. (And unfortunately, those around me, too.)
This has been a journey for me, but I am learning as I go along. I am hoping that my experience might help someone else. In the process, my sister may get educated as well. If she doesn't, it is her loss.
It takes a lot of courage to admit that one has a problem and even that much more to take the meds and do the work to overcome it.
~TinMan
Posted by Patricia Risi on February 21, 2006, at 23:23:59
In reply to Re: My non-success on Effexor XR » Patricia Risi, posted by CEK on February 21, 2006, at 8:09:38
> Patricia, I'm glad that I've found someone that agrees. I have felt the same way about psychiatrists. The ones that I saw while I was in the behavioral health center were just that way, cold with the personality of belly button lint. My psychologist on the other hand seems very caring and willing to take all the time in the world to listen. He was even able to tell me exactly how I was feeling and why. I at that point had felt like no one understood or was even listening. The councilor that I saw previously just sat there and said,"yeah, uh hu, hmm." That was VERY helpful. A psychiatrist can prescribe you what you need (hopefully if it's the correct guess)to get you calm enough to be able to go to a psychologist and be able to talk, listen, and learn. Thanks for your responce, CEK
CEK Hi its Patricia again....Half my life I have been dealing with health/medical/depression problems and have seen therapists. I feel compelled to share what i've learnt with others....there is just so much unneeded suffering in this world. People just dont take the time to help others enough. I make sure I take that time...even though I now have a new baby...I write emails at night! Finding the right therapist is an important match to make. Even though I hated my psychiatrist at first...I even said to his face " I find you a very cold person" He did not like that comment. Its like he almost took it too personally (I was commenting on how he did his job, not on his personality) He asked me why I kept coming to see him and I said "because there is nobody else I can see right now" I noticed that he changed slowly. I understand Psychiatrist deal with alot of sick people that are dangerous. Think about the type of people that pass through their offices - they lie, they could be stalkers, they could have all sorts of disturbing problems like beating their spouses or childring in various degrees...I know my dr. has double doors to keep his office soundproof. Even though we might be completely normal people that are affected by this awful disease, it just wouldnt be safe for a doctor to let their guard down in their profession (this is what i've come to understand after all the time ive spent in their offices) So after seeing my doctor today i've realized that what ive always perceived as being cold is just a protective wall they put up to get themselves and their lives safe from potentially harmful patients. Their are cold doctors out there though. Doctors at places like the cancer clinic are very clinical and cold (of course for different reasons...they cant get emotionally involved with such a deadly disease). Okay back to the psychiatrist....I find that if you look at it as someone who will listen to whatever you have to say with absolutely no judging,criticizing or betraying of trust. Plus they have no emotional ties to you so their advice is strictly based on whats best for you.Unlike family members who sometimes give you advice with their hearts too involved (which dosnt always end up being the best for you) Anyways..you cant look to your psychiatrist for certain responses that friends or family would give you because while you are talking to them they are processing your information...also some types of therapy are best done without giving you any feedback. Alot of times you will get going on a topic and you will actually solve your own problems. After you've been in therapy for a long time...you will learn ALOT about yourself and you will actually problem solve as you go through life and tough times. Therapy is just a really good place to blow off steam and lighten the weight on your shoulders. It helps to unload it all every once in a while.
Patricia
Posted by qleo on February 22, 2006, at 9:45:45
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I've been on 75 mg dose of Effexor for about the past 2 months. I would like to do ecstacy, but have heard bad things about combining anti depressants with this drug.
1) Has anyone used these two drugs in combination? What did you think of it?
2) how many days before should I quit taking Effexor before using the ecstacy, so that they don't interact with each other?
3) how soon after the ecstacy high wears off is it ok to take my dose of effexor?
Posted by TinMan on February 22, 2006, at 10:48:46
In reply to effexor and mdma (ecstacy), posted by qleo on February 22, 2006, at 9:45:45
> I've been on 75 mg dose of Effexor for about the past 2 months. I would like to do ecstacy, but have heard bad things about combining anti depressants with this drug.
>
> 1) Has anyone used these two drugs in combination? What did you think of it?
>
> 2) how many days before should I quit taking Effexor before using the ecstacy, so that they don't interact with each other?
>
> 3) how soon after the ecstacy high wears off is it ok to take my dose of effexor?Personally, I wouldn't stop taking Effexor to take an illegal, street drug, especially one as potentially dangerous as ecstacy.
JMO~
TinMan
Posted by tizza on February 22, 2006, at 15:25:33
In reply to effexor and mdma (ecstacy), posted by qleo on February 22, 2006, at 9:45:45
qleo just don't go there, trust me on that one. If you stop the effexor you will get withdrawals and if you take the E you could increase your chances of seretonin syndrome, it just not worth it. Also anti depressants stop mdma from working so why bother
Posted by qleo on February 22, 2006, at 15:46:15
In reply to Re: effexor and mdma (ecstacy) » qleo, posted by tizza on February 22, 2006, at 15:25:33
Hi Tizza
Well I don't want to take effexor anyway, and i'm sure i'll enjoy the x more, so i figure why not kill two birds in one stone. the x will be a nice reward for getting off this crap.
maybe its not the greatest idea, but im at a point where i don't care much about things in my life and am more open to taking risks. nevertheless i want to take some precautions...
if i stop taking effexor two weeks before i take x, is there a chance of this seratonin syndrome? please reply asap, there's a date me and my friend have planned in advance to take the x, and the sooner i know the better
thanks.
Posted by tizza on February 22, 2006, at 17:46:57
In reply to Re: effexor and mdma (ecstacy) - tizza, posted by qleo on February 22, 2006, at 15:46:15
if you're taking effexor for depression then chances are that E will mess you up more, once it wears off and you'll be back to square one, just think for a minute, do you really want to go backwards. I can't stop you from taking E but going off effexor is really hard work and I don't think that you'll feel like taking anything because the effexor withdrawal was hell on earth for me and so was the after effects of E. Just remember, what goes up must come down and I don't know what is a safe time frame for serotonin syndrome to occur but it's a very serious and dangerous condition. Please don't do it and if you decide to come off effexor, taper your dose very slowly over a few weeks with your doctors advice. I feel like I can hear how you are thinking, like you don't care about anything...blah..blah...blah. It's called apathy and it was a side effect I suffered from while on effexor so please, speak to your doctor
Posted by Aim on February 22, 2006, at 20:22:16
In reply to Re: effexor and mdma (ecstacy) - tizza » qleo, posted by tizza on February 22, 2006, at 17:46:57
I think that my continued Ecstasy use in college played a part of my depression that I have been struggling with for some time.
The low you feel after you come off of the Ecstasy is quite strong.
As good a feeling I received from taking the E I wish someone would have told me that something like this could happen. I am doubtful that I would have listened to them, just as I am doubtful you will listen to these posts...
But, it appears to me that you are nervous about taking it (E), which you should be. And possibly a friend has noticed your recent mood change and said that the E will help...maybe lift your spirits
You mentioned that the E would be a reward...what if the end result of that reward is Death?
Go out and buy yourself something for $20-$25 instead of wasting that money on a pill.
By the way, E is cut nowadays with so many other things than just mdma...heroin, cocaine, speed, ketamine, and so much more. You never really know what you are getting.
Think about your options. Make the right choice for you.
Posted by Aim on February 22, 2006, at 20:36:07
In reply to Re: effexor and mdma (ecstacy) - tizza, posted by Aim on February 22, 2006, at 20:22:16
OK, so I just started my 37.5 dose 3 days ago. I must say reading these posts concerns me a bit. But, taking any medication at all concerns me due to side effects as well as long term problems, etc.
Anyway, for the past 3 days ago I have been experiencing the following:
dry mouth
headaches
yawningBut the one that is the most bothersome is
jaw clenching. NO ONE reported that as a side effect. Is it a possible side effect?I have also felt myself being more talkative and chatty than normal. The psych said I wouldn't see mood changes for a few weeks. At times I feel a little speedy. Is this normal to anyone else? I also feel more alert and like "myself." I could just be having a good two days, but...
I know with side effects it is good to "wait it out" to see if the subside. I figure I will take it for a few more days and see.
I am concerned about increasing the dose to 75 mg. Could 37.5 be enough for me? I am scheduled to start the 75 mg on my 8th day, the 27th.
Posted by bangersgirl on February 22, 2006, at 20:49:36
In reply to NEW USER- weird possible side effects?, posted by Aim on February 22, 2006, at 20:36:07
I had "jaw-clenching".Actually, I've been on Effexor for about 10 months and I still find myself doing it, maybe not "during" clenching but I will find that my teeth kind of hurt and my jaw definitely does. It doesn't happen as often as it did in the beginning tho.I also find I am more talkative and I've never been known to be shy.I just talk more and faster. But then I completely lose my train of thought and end up talking about something else. Short term memory loss is extreme for me. I find that while I don't have much energy for doing physical things, there is always a part of my body moving, like my foot, or knee bouncing, etc. I think that there alot of common side effects but I am sure there are some that few people know about or realize are actual side effects. That's another bonus to this post board. The more people tell about their experiences, the more knowledge is learned.My thanks to all who post to this. You have all helped me alot
Posted by Patricia Risi on February 22, 2006, at 23:26:40
In reply to Re: effexor and mdma (ecstacy) » qleo, posted by tizza on February 22, 2006, at 15:25:33
> qleo just don't go there, trust me on that one. If you stop the effexor you will get withdrawals and if you take the E you could increase your chances of seretonin syndrome, it just not worth it. Also anti depressants stop mdma from working so why bother
qleo...I'm not sure about this seratonin syndrome but I would worry about the effects after you come off the E (depending whats in it) you might feel sh*tty- then you'll also have to deal witth the withdrawls of effexor. You should decide if its worth the risk....otherwise why not wait until you are totally free of effexor. I'm not sure what you're situation is (if its safe for you to take or not) but it might be a nice way to celebrate coming off Effexor. You might appreciate it more after the nightmare of going off of Effexor. Its been a long time since ive done it but the last time I did it...it just wasnt the same as it used to be....you gotta watch yourself now(which sucks bigtime!)Hold off if you can. Something to look forward to!Let me know how it goes though...Patti
Posted by Patricia Risi on February 22, 2006, at 23:39:20
In reply to NEW USER- weird possible side effects?, posted by Aim on February 22, 2006, at 20:36:07
> OK, so I just started my 37.5 dose 3 days ago. I must say reading these posts concerns me a bit. But, taking any medication at all concerns me due to side effects as well as long term problems, etc.
>
> Anyway, for the past 3 days ago I have been experiencing the following:
> dry mouth
> headaches
> yawning
>
> But the one that is the most bothersome is
> jaw clenching. NO ONE reported that as a side effect. Is it a possible side effect?
>
> I have also felt myself being more talkative and chatty than normal. The psych said I wouldn't see mood changes for a few weeks. At times I feel a little speedy. Is this normal to anyone else? I also feel more alert and like "myself." I could just be having a good two days, but...
>
> I know with side effects it is good to "wait it out" to see if the subside. I figure I will take it for a few more days and see.
>
> I am concerned about increasing the dose to 75 mg. Could 37.5 be enough for me? I am scheduled to start the 75 mg on my 8th day, the 27th.
>
>
>From my experience, with different medications certain side effects stick around and certain side effects do go away after time...for example with Effexor I was told that the nausea does go away but the sweating dosnt go away. I also have experienced yawning, jaw clenching, and chattiness (sometimes I wonder if the chattiness is because alot of medications make you lose your appetite and when that happens I usually feel a bit speedy) I think that if you plan to stay on this medication you should increase as planned. You can always wean yourself off at a later time if you need to. It would be a shame to stop and miss an opportunity to find the right dose...its better to try it and if it dosnt work...stop it. Than to stop it and never find out.
Patricia
There are ALOT of weird side effects from eczema to itchy scalp to twiching before you fall asleep, tremors, dry mouth, ringing in ears,and on and on. I have a compendium of pharmaceuticals that lists all the drugs and their side effects (its the blue book the doctors have in their office that they refer to - I worked at a University and got a 2003 copy so it dosnt have all the new drugs but it has the alot of the ones i'm taking)
Posted by tizza on February 23, 2006, at 6:12:07
In reply to Re: effexor and mdma (ecstacy), posted by Patricia Risi on February 22, 2006, at 23:26:40
*qleo...I'm not sure about this seratonin syndrome*
well it's real and it happens to people, I've had it twice but only a mild case both times thankfully and that was because I was totally stupid, you feel extremly cold and have the shivers, shakes and sweats, similar to the flu and you sleep on and off for a couple of days. I didn't know what was happening to me at the time but I now know it kills people in very extreme cases. By the way I don't think it's a great idea to tell people who are on AD's to run out and take street drugs as a reward or a good way to celebrate coming off them
*I'm not sure what you're situation is (if its safe for you to take or not) but it might be a nice way to celebrate coming off Effexor.*
What's that about, don't you think that's an irresponsable suggestion for somebody who is already taking medication for a mental illness. We all learn from our mistakes and if I can post my mistakes for people to read I'd like to think that they might think twice before they drop (pop) or snort something. I know people take drugs, it's become part of our lives. At the end of the day, street drugs and AD's don't mix. Please be careful.
Posted by qleo on February 23, 2006, at 11:20:10
In reply to Re: effexor and mdma (ecstacy) » Patricia Risi, posted by tizza on February 23, 2006, at 6:12:07
Hey guys, thanks for all your thoughtful responses. its very much appreciated.
After reading through everything you want to say, I've changed my perspective a little bit. Admittedly I still want to do it... but I'm no longer as sure. Before I thought there was a 95% chance I'd decide I'd take it, now its more like 50-50. I guess things are more complicated than I thought - I didn't know about serotonin syndrome before. For the time being though its inspired me to do more reading and research, before I decide to do it. Unfortunately, so far I've found very little information about the interactions of Effexor and esctacy. If there's a high risk of me getting serotonin syndrome even a week after quitting Effexor, I've decided I'm not going to do it. If though, the risks are only those that come for the standard ecstacy user, then I'll take it. There's the small possibility of death I know, but I guess I'm willing to risk that. I'm sure I'd feel differently if I was actually in the hospital on the verge of dying, but for now... many of you will probably relate to that "who cares anymore" feeling that comes when you feel your life has crumbled apart.
Anyway, I'll have kicked the Effexor if I decide take ecstacy - I hope a week or two is enough to rid myself of the most significant withdrawal effects. I'm only on 75 mg, so that'll probably make things easier. The main thing I'm worried about is, will my serotonin is still messed up even after 2 weeks of being free of Effexor. Tizza, when you had serotonin syndrome, was it because you had taken an effexor & ecstacy mix, or was it because of a mix of other drugs?
See where I'm coming from... I was feeling pretty horrible yeah, even on this medication. My friend suggested doing some ecstacy, and at that suggestion alone I actually already started feeling better. You don't need to feel the effects of extreme depression, desperation, and misery. Those feelings come easily enough on their own. But that really high feeling of happiness... it doesn't come nearly as easily naturally, especially for a depressed person such as myself. The last time I felt that natural "high" of happiness was.... 4 years ago. Just the idea though that temporary happiness can come in a pill is an extremely tempting one. I've heard about the ecstacy crash, and I'm willing to experience it if it means a few hours of bliss. I'm sure it feels sh*tty beyond belief but... I've been there, even without drugs. Probably all of us who are taking this medication (Effexor) have.
Posted by qleo on February 23, 2006, at 11:30:48
In reply to NEW USER- weird possible side effects?, posted by Aim on February 22, 2006, at 20:36:07
Hello Aim
I've been on Effexor for two months. For the first month, there were all kinds of crazy side effects - so many I lost count. Some of them common, some of them rare. Everytime something weird would happen to me I'd think "hmmm maybe its the effexor," then id do a little bit of research on the net, and slowly but surely I'd find my symptom listed somewhere. This drug is so crazy that just about anything you can imagine is a possible side effect. Yes, the jaw clenching is one of them.
As for feeling effects immidately - so did I. The first two days on the medication were the best I had on them. My own doctor told me that this one is one of the meds that kicks in the fastest. I don't know how common it is, but I can say that you're not alone.
as for increasing your dose - everyone is different, but i think you some people definitley can continue on the 37.5 mg. personally i started taking 37.5 mg for a few days after about a month of taking 75 mg, and i felt no difference whatsoever.
Good luck
Posted by Patricia Risi on February 23, 2006, at 12:00:42
In reply to Re: effexor and mdma (ecstacy) » Patricia Risi, posted by tizza on February 23, 2006, at 6:12:07
> *qleo...I'm not sure about this seratonin syndrome*
>
> well it's real and it happens to people, I've had it twice but only a mild case both times thankfully and that was because I was totally stupid, you feel extremly cold and have the shivers, shakes and sweats, similar to the flu and you sleep on and off for a couple of days. I didn't know what was happening to me at the time but I now know it kills people in very extreme cases. By the way I don't think it's a great idea to tell people who are on AD's to run out and take street drugs as a reward or a good way to celebrate coming off them
>
> *I'm not sure what you're situation is (if its safe for you to take or not) but it might be a nice way to celebrate coming off Effexor.*
>
> What's that about, don't you think that's an irresponsable suggestion for somebody who is already taking medication for a mental illness. We all learn from our mistakes and if I can post my mistakes for people to read I'd like to think that they might think twice before they drop (pop) or snort something. I know people take drugs, it's become part of our lives. At the end of the day, street drugs and AD's don't mix. Please be careful.I dont know if you have ever been in therapy but treatment is done without the patient knowing what the problem is sometimes.....Not knowing this persons situation...I thought maybe if they held off a little longer, their feelings might change...relating to how they feel usually helps. What if at this moment they were about to do it and it would kill them but if they read that email and decided to hold off a bit longer and saved their life. I dont control whether people do drugs or not...I do know that I at one point was the exact same as this person. So forgive me if I am relating to them on the same level. I have experience in both doing E and taking AD's....oh and by the way....I have a brain tumor and have had two brain surgery's and suffered my share of life experiences with depression and chemical substances(half my life)I am not proud of this and do not wish it on anyone else at all but when I reach out to try to help someone in my own way I feel extremely hurt and attacked...once again it comes down to people reacting based on ignorance(lack of information...just like people do with depression)so I think maybe you should think twice about what you post here...you have to consider the state of mind of ALL people. This is a very sensitive website and I dont want to cause any sort of stress here for people...so lets just let this be. I hope you understand my position. I do understand yours....its easy for my email to read that way...i didnt look at that before i sent it. I do however want the best for people and if my misfortunes can save someone else I will gladly open up old wounds to help them. I apologize to anyone who might have read my message and thought that I meant E was a good drug. It is not..none of them are....it is, like Effexor, just another drug...but it is highly addictive. Who needs to be addicted to drugs on top of having depression....not a good idea. Okay...I need a breather.
Patti
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