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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by fletcher on January 29, 2009, at 12:18:28
In reply to Re: Long term effects of Effexor/permanent, posted by llong on January 29, 2009, at 8:21:48
> That is right, but furthermore, i was informed to continue taking the low dose of effexor since its hard for me to wean off so iam, but i really do wish there was an easier way to get off without the horrible side effects, is there????
YES! At least it worked for me-- I posted this before (a long time ago).I was out of work for more than two weeks (maybe three) with the vague set of symptoms of coming off Effexor. I didn't know the cause at the time.
I was weaning myself off of Effexor XR by opening the capsule and taking a small number of the granules inside-- down to one or two granules to stave off the symptoms until I ran out.
A friend (randomly) suggested that I get back on the medication, but I didn't have any-- however I DID have doses of Celexa available. I took one dose of Celexa and within 15-20 minutes, all my symptoms were gone and did not return. Really, that fast.
I have no experience of other medications, but I suspect any SSRI could work.
Good luck!
Posted by Jim45 on February 3, 2009, at 16:03:14
In reply to Re: Long term effects of Effexor/permanent, posted by llong on January 27, 2009, at 18:25:49
OMG YES!!! I've just written two posts about Effexor so I don't want to write it all again.
However, you're on such a low dose and for only two years, so while I know you'll suffer weird withdrawals, given time I think you'll be fine. I tried to stop 75-150 mg of EffexorXR after a couple of years because it stopped working, but I couldn't handle the withdrawal and it had helped for awhile. It had just stopped working. Instead the Doc increased my dose to 150-300 mg and that worked for another couple of years but then that dose stopped helping too. REALLY couldn't stop then though. AWFUL withdrawals.
I wish I'd stopped the first time it stopped working. My Doc lost his license and I ran out of EffexorXR in several days. Went through incredibly awful things for months, terrible things for over a year, and still wasn't back to normal after two years off the stuff.
Good luck. I've heard that 5HTP, St. Johns Wort, and REAL actifed - gotta get it from a pharmacist - can help ease the withdrawal symptoms. Slowly weaning yourself off of it was advised by the Nurse at my Docs office.
You can do it! Good luck!
Jim
Posted by betrayed on March 10, 2009, at 19:50:40
In reply to Re: Effexor Newbie » renecoston, posted by BiPolar Mama on June 30, 2006, at 2:10:49
Hello,
I found your post very interesting some sounded like me except for the klonopin. It made me feel not like a zombie but the opposite. I was flying high, giggling annd thought of it as a wonder drug only lasted for 3 days and I started to see changes I didn't like. Such as chest pains, vision was no longer the same, migraine headaches, forgetting things and then the drug stopped working after 5 days and then I vomited for 2 days and nights. I imediately stopped it and 2 days later was talked into trying an anti-depressant called Celexa. I had taken just 1) 10mg pill and 40 minutes later I was have bad heart palpitations. I called the pharmacy and was advised to stop taking it. 24 hours later I woke up in the middle of the night holding my throat I ran to the bathroom and saw this huge rash starting from the bottom of my chin right down my back. A had a very serious rare allergic reaction and almost died. All week people were treating me like a freak telling me I had a nervous breakdown trying to admit me to a mental Institute and I have been trying to tell everyone it's the medications noone has been listening. It was the most horrifying experience of my life so I truly advise you because I learned to late be very careful and review al medications before you do. I found Klonopin is rated 4 by IGUARD.com meaning the drug is an elevated risk. Good Luck!
Posted by Phillipa on March 10, 2009, at 20:12:20
In reply to Re: Effexor Newbie, posted by betrayed on March 10, 2009, at 19:50:40
OH how horrible are any meds okay? Seriously. Love Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on March 10, 2009, at 21:22:15
In reply to Re: Effexor Newbie, posted by betrayed on March 10, 2009, at 19:50:40
It doesn't work have done it four times. Phillipa
Posted by Budzoid on March 13, 2009, at 21:33:34
In reply to Re: Effexor Newbie » betrayed, posted by Phillipa on March 10, 2009, at 21:22:15
My wonderful journey continues. After all my attempts to get tested and then treated for possible Lymes, my Psyc. wants to start me on Effexor XR (37.5mg. a day for a week, then doubled every week for 3 weeks).
After over a year spent tapering off Xanax (5mg. a day for 6-7 yrs.), I really don't want to go down that road again. I hate having to withdraw from a drug that I may not even need.
It seems like the VA only wants to treat my symptoms, and not the possible cause.
Anyway, I'm holding off until I have more info.
Posted by Phillipa on March 14, 2009, at 19:45:17
In reply to Re: Effexor Newbie, posted by Budzoid on March 13, 2009, at 21:33:34
Good for you. Which type of info on lymes's or effexor? Phillipa
Posted by Budzoid on March 14, 2009, at 21:27:29
In reply to Re: Effexor Newbie » Budzoid, posted by Phillipa on March 14, 2009, at 19:45:17
Phillipa, I am still looking at all my options on Lymes.I have a doc. I see outside of the VA, and I think he will maybe test me, or if not, put me on antibiotics for a trial (saying it is for an upper resp. infection to cover his skin).He's that cool.
As for Effexor, I am holding off for now.I don't need anymore problems such as nausia. I get all the nausia I can handle from all the opiates I take. And as I said before, I don't want to be put on something that is hard to come off of, especially if it doesn't help.Although I see people that say it is good for depression,the side affects are not good.Almost everyone has some sort of side affect.
Posted by Phillipa on March 14, 2009, at 21:38:56
In reply to Re: Effexor Newbie, posted by Budzoid on March 14, 2009, at 21:27:29
I wouldn't go on that one either. Why would the doc have a problem doing Western Blot? It's just a lab test. All he needs to do to justify it is say you got bitten by a tic. I'd do that before antibiotics. Love Phillipa ps health dept will probably do one for free as lymes is world wide just different strains of bacteria in different places. I'm assuming you've google lymes as that should explain.
Posted by Budzoid on March 14, 2009, at 21:49:30
In reply to Re: Effexor Newbie » Budzoid, posted by Phillipa on March 14, 2009, at 21:38:56
Phillipa, I have thought about going to the county health dept. and ask for the test.That may be the best "next step".I'm a little concerned that they work with the CDC and I would still get the same runaround.
Posted by betrayed on March 15, 2009, at 5:38:43
In reply to Re: Effexor Newbie » betrayed, posted by Phillipa on March 10, 2009, at 20:12:20
Hi Philipa,
I have had so many problems with most medications. I usually become very ill when I take something new. I have now taken Klonopin and celexa and suffered two allergic drug reactions. Do you know of any testing that could be done so I would'nt have to go through this every time a new med is prescibed to me?
Posted by Phillipa on March 15, 2009, at 18:31:35
In reply to Re: Effexor Newbie, posted by Budzoid on March 14, 2009, at 21:49:30
I'd think since the health dept called me when they received the results of my test and said positive that is when I was first treated. Then when a doc up here in NC did one and said no worries health dept still called and asked if I was being treated. Called that doc and he said tell the health dept to call him so no antibiotics from the doc. Love Phillipa ps say you were bitten and felt like the flu. What state you live in as more states have lymes than others. See I'm originally from CT.
Posted by Phillipa on March 15, 2009, at 18:33:32
In reply to Re: Effexor Newbie, posted by betrayed on March 15, 2009, at 5:38:43
Betrayed when you say allergic reaction what does that mean? What happens? Rashes? Love Phillipa
Posted by betrayed on March 15, 2009, at 18:59:54
In reply to Re: Effexor Newbie » betrayed, posted by Phillipa on March 15, 2009, at 18:33:32
I had taken a Celexa 10mg pill and within an hour I was having bad heart palpitations then had awoken at 4 am throat was really hurting felt like someone was coking me and ran to bathroom saw a rash from chin down neck. I immediately went to ER and had been given a shot of steroids and shot of benadryl 3 days later I had another reaction which was diagnosed from the same doctor and drew blood work for Shingles. I kept saying it was probably another reaction to either the steroid shot or benadryl. I still hadn't been sleeping well so I was advised to take 2 tylenol PM and 2 melanotin. I waited 9 days to be told I did not have shingles. The doctor had assumed I was having a nervous breakdown and was told to go directly to Butler Hospital which is for the mentally ill. I feel betrayed by my primary care physician because I had simply asked him for a sleeping aid and I was not able to speak to him once thru-out the whole terrible ordeal with Klonopin and celexa. I was told repeatedly from the nurses in his clinic that he was busy on everyday I called. I have been furious and I feel justified in my anger. I probably have a long battle ahead of me.
Posted by Phillipa on March 15, 2009, at 19:54:53
In reply to Re: Effexor Newbie, posted by betrayed on March 15, 2009, at 18:59:54
That's horrible sounds like an allergic reaction to me. Gee I know of no testing either. I wonder if any google serches would turn up something? Love Phillipa
Posted by zip_code on May 9, 2009, at 21:04:58
In reply to Re: Anybody else have rage or anger attacks????, posted by eeyorena on January 25, 2005, at 21:47:16
I am so glad to find this blog. I thought I was the only one. I usually have rage if I miss a dose. I talked to my dr. about it. His solution was to be sure to take my meds everyday. I "took on" a "biker" (tatoos, leather pants, headband, and motorcycle)the other day. I asked him " what are you about 2 years old? ". My daughter told me to shut up that he was going to cut my throat. I had no fear. I also have road rage issues. It's usually only when I miss a dose. Anyone have an opinion on whether or not it could be dangerous to stay on this med? I'm really afraid NOT to take it.
Posted by Jeroen on May 10, 2009, at 3:20:40
In reply to Re: Anybody else have rage or anger attacks????, posted by zip_code on May 9, 2009, at 21:04:58
hi, agitation and anger are a bad sign, not a good idea to stick with this medicine i think
Posted by sowhysosad on May 10, 2009, at 8:47:46
In reply to Re: Anybody else have rage or anger attacks????, posted by zip_code on May 9, 2009, at 21:04:58
The fact that you're having anger attacks when you skip a dose implies to me you're not ready to discontinue it yet, and withdrawal would just magnify your problem many times.
> I am so glad to find this blog. I thought I was the only one. I usually have rage if I miss a dose. I talked to my dr. about it. His solution was to be sure to take my meds everyday. I "took on" a "biker" (tatoos, leather pants, headband, and motorcycle)the other day. I asked him " what are you about 2 years old? ". My daughter told me to shut up that he was going to cut my throat. I had no fear. I also have road rage issues. It's usually only when I miss a dose. Anyone have an opinion on whether or not it could be dangerous to stay on this med? I'm really afraid NOT to take it.
Posted by sowhysosad on May 10, 2009, at 8:52:31
In reply to Stay on it! » zip_code, posted by sowhysosad on May 10, 2009, at 8:47:46
Forgot to say: it's not unreasonable for your doc to suggest you take it at the same time every day either. After all, these are drugs with pretty short half lives, so you're inviting trouble if you skip doses willy-nilly.
Posted by zip_code on May 10, 2009, at 16:15:03
In reply to Re: Stay on it!, posted by sowhysosad on May 10, 2009, at 8:52:31
Thank you for the feedback. I started taking Effexor xr about 5 years ago after the death of a freind. I think the whole world should be on it. It has really helped. I suffer from pmdd (like pms but worse). It has almost eliminated that all together. It has been in the past 2 years the rage has started. I'm not talking about being mad. I am talking about somewhat uncontrolled rage and anger. Maybe linked to pmdd. I'm afraid to get off of it, after I read about the withdrawls. I'm just scared to. I forget to take it sometimes. The rage is how I know I haven't taken it. I wonder sometimes if the meds mask the real world. When I don't take it, it all comes crashing in and I get overwhelmed. Maybe that's where the rage comes from.
Posted by Jeroen on May 10, 2009, at 16:20:24
In reply to Re: Stay on it!, posted by zip_code on May 10, 2009, at 16:15:03
stay on it, if you need it but dont stay on it if you will start to behave psychotic
i want to warn people on what happened to me and almost, will take my life someday
Posted by zip_code on May 10, 2009, at 16:33:32
In reply to Re: Stay on it!, posted by Jeroen on May 10, 2009, at 16:20:24
I do have thoughts of suicide. I think it is a side effect too. I have great faith. I hope that will substain me when those feelings come. My husband and daughter both have bipolar disorder. Life gets really "crazy" around here sometimes. My husband attempted suicide 3 years ago. My daughter just got home from the mental hospital about 3 weeks ago. Mental hospital sounds so ... Mental ... I guess. My family refers to it as the county club. Just to make it seem like a better place to be. haha
Posted by Jeroen on May 10, 2009, at 16:55:12
In reply to Re: Stay on it!, posted by zip_code on May 10, 2009, at 16:33:32
i hope you get well and your family too : )
Posted by zip_code on May 10, 2009, at 17:06:15
In reply to to zip code, posted by Jeroen on May 10, 2009, at 16:55:12
Thank you!! My daughter came home with this tid bit from the country club... If you can't handle life day by day... handle it minute by minute... that's how we're doing it minute by minute. Blessings :)
Posted by Budzoid on May 10, 2009, at 19:08:29
In reply to Re: Effexor Newbie » Budzoid, posted by Phillipa on March 15, 2009, at 18:31:35
Phillipa,
I haven't kept up with this post in a couple of months. A lot has happened. First, I have given up on the Lymes quest for now. I have also NOT started taking the Effexor crap.Too many bad side effects reported.
I am currently under a pain contract with my PC doc. for chronic pain in my neck. Currently on 30mg. MS-Contin (time release Morphine) for a base and a couple of 5mg. Percocets a day for breakthrough pain.
I hate the constipation caused by the Morphine and am going to request to switch to Oxycodone (Oxy-contin).
I know a lot of people in pain would love to be in my shoes, but I am not happy. Without Valium for my muscle stiffness, the pain meds. are only a bandaid. The Valium would help the muscle spasms in my neck, therefore requiring less Opiates.
Since my mental health doc. is BENZO-PHOBIC, I can not get the combo. that I need.
I am considering ending my pain contract and seeing a doctor outside of the VA who is not Benzo-phobic. One med. is no good without the other.
It's funny how my Phsyc. can say that Benzo's are too addictive to be prescribed. I guess a schedule 4 narcotic (Valium) is more dangerous than a schedule 2 narcotic (Morphine & Oxycodone).
Am I crazy, or does this logic not compute?
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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