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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Miriamne on June 15, 2006, at 10:09:17
In reply to Great...I take Premarin too, posted by over 55 on June 15, 2006, at 8:41:44
Dear Over55 and all other 50ish ladies here:
My depression history sounds very much like the ones you've all recounted here recently.
Let me just echo Over's sentiments about finding a group of women with such similar experiences with depression. It's like having a support group available all the time-- one you can use as needed, and are less likely to "overuse" (I was greatly helped by a group years ago, but probably stayed too long. The people were like family and were a great, great help to me; the only drawback was that it was hard to leave once I was doing better; ironically that probably delayed my dealing with some issues that would have been better addressed.)
And even though we're all dealing with medication problems, I still believe that medication is the Godsend of our time for those of us with a true, chronic, chemical-imbalanced depression. My life changed dramatically when I was able to control the cripplying depression I had suffered since I was in the 5th grade. No one deserves the Effexor experience (!), but I try to keep in mind the overall benefits of meds, esp. when I hit difficulties like the ones we've been talking about.
Nice to meet you all, ladies! Be seeing you around...
Miriamne.
Posted by over 55 on June 15, 2006, at 14:30:09
In reply to Great...I take Premarin too » over 55, posted by Miriamne on June 15, 2006, at 10:09:17
Hi all,
It is like a light bulb is going off in my head today. I have had some wierd physical symptoms within the last 6 months. Even after thorough medical testing nothing shows up as abnormal and now I am wondering how much is the Effexor. I had unexplainable chest pains while goiing up stairs or exertion of any kind. Had the MRI heart imaging and treadmill test along with numerous EKG's all coming back within the normal range. I just don't "do stairs" now ( : or go very slowly. Also I sweat (only from my head) upon any exertion. I feel like a fool all drippy and wet headed. It is like a furnace starts in my head. It is different than a hot flash. Been there. Done that. The Dr said, when I told him I wanted to go on something besides Effexor, "Well there is no reason not to if you are willing to not feel so good for a couple of months this summer". I should have asked exactly what he meant then. What was I thinking??? I do feel like my whole system is out of whack. I feel weak and shakey right now. I need to find somone who knows about suppliments etc. I take some, but just what other's have said worked for them, so I try them. Everyone is so different. There used to be a Health Center where you give them a strand of hair and they tell you what you need. I need to check this out. Thanks everyone. You are a great encouragement.
Posted by dancingstar on June 15, 2006, at 17:11:32
In reply to Re: Great...I take Premarin too, posted by over 55 on June 15, 2006, at 14:30:09
Hi Over,
Just so you know, I sweat like a -- well, let's just say it wasn't pretty -- when I exercised during the time that I was taking Effexor...and miraculously, it stopped when I quit taking it.
Also, in case anyone is having annoying stomach issues, those also went away when I stopped taking Effexor, though they were replaced with colitis that lasted a good year and a half after I stopped taking it.
After what I went through, I'd like to see the drug removed from the shelves entirely so that no one else is harmed by it. It does so many things that if you don't know better, you can easily attribute to getting older, but it's not that, really, it's not. In my case, at least, in every single situation, it was a side effect of Effexor or of having taken it and stopped taking any SSRI/SNRI to replace it. I wouldn't go near those drugs if my life depended on it...and believe me, for at least 1 1/2 years, it nearly did. It's not easy to leave those drugs behind. They are harder to stop taking entirely than just about anything on earth.
Posted by Violetskyye on June 15, 2006, at 17:42:14
In reply to Re: Great...I take Premarin too, posted by over 55 on June 15, 2006, at 14:30:09
I've been completely dizzy and exhausted the last few days. Actually got out of bed at 3pm, and am still tired. I drove to a local fast food restaurant last night, and was dizzy and panicky the whole time, and took 5 minutes to compose myself in the parking lot before I could go in and order. When I got home, I almost passed out from what is normally just a routine thing.
I have been having a lot of anxiety lately, but after 3 days on Effexor and then stopping two days ago, I have had exhaustion, derealization, dizziness and agoraphobia like crazy. Can't really get anything done, and everyone around me just thinks I'm lazy or nuts. Help! Anyone else had this experience?
Posted by Overwhelmed on June 15, 2006, at 18:39:19
In reply to Dizzy, tired, after going off Effexor after 3 days, posted by Violetskyye on June 15, 2006, at 17:42:14
Thank you for this site.
I have been taking Ativan for one month and it has helped my sleep issues satisfactorily and reduced my anxiety. Yesterday I took 37.5 mg of Effexor XR and had a terrible night's sleep. I would think, from the posts here, that Effexor would not undo the sleep med. Today, I am exhausted. It's either because I didn't sleep well last night and/or the Effexor. I didn't take the Effexor today since I have to work tomorrow and NEED to sleep tonight. I figure I will restart on the weekend.
I too have a graduate level education, run at a fairly high level and can't stand the sense getting bogged down with anxiety and depression issues. Yes, marriage is not supportive, kids complicate the situation and selling the business is scary. Yet, my cognitive therapist says I absolutely MUST change my situation. I figure the pills are a must to keep the screaming-meamies away. It is hell being 55. I thought now was the time to kick back and feel good about the last 20 years. Instead, I am contemplating changing EVERYTHING but can I trust my instincts and my heart to do the things that MIGHT make me happy?
Posted by over 55 on June 16, 2006, at 8:34:43
In reply to Re: Dizzy, tired, after going off Effexor after 3 » Violetskyye, posted by Overwhelmed on June 15, 2006, at 18:39:19
I have gotten so excited over finding a "site" that fits me so well I am challenged to try everything. BUT that is impossible so last night I swallowed a couple fish oil Omega 3 capsules figuring that couldn't hurt. I was tempted to take my morning dose of Effexor (75mg) but have went 2 days without it so did not. I feel a little more clear headed today and slept really well last night. I will say though I have never had problems with sleeping. I listen to paralyminal tapes at night and fall asleep almost immediately. I am so glad I found you all to "chat" with about these issues. If you are over 55 or overweight that is an easy "blame" for anything that ails you. I am excited about maybe the extreme fatique and aches and pains diminsihing if I am off the Effexor. I haven't heard much about Prozac which is what I am weaning off Effexor with and plan to keep on as small a dose as possible to manage the depression. Any thoughts or experiences about this??
Posted by dancingstar on June 16, 2006, at 10:19:29
In reply to Re: Dizzy, tired, after going off Effexor after 3, posted by over 55 on June 16, 2006, at 8:34:43
Hi Over,
You might want to check out the Fibro and Fatigue Centers. You can Google it as I'm not sure of the web address. It sounds a lot to me like you could have fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue syndrome.
Posted by Violetskyye on June 16, 2006, at 21:03:25
In reply to Re: Dizzy, tired, after going off Effexor after 3, posted by dancingstar on June 16, 2006, at 10:19:29
> Hi Over,
>
> You might want to check out the Fibro and Fatigue Centers. You can Google it as I'm not sure of the web address. It sounds a lot to me like you could have fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue syndrome.I definitely feel like there is more going on than just Effexor withdrawal. I had to go to court today, and it was rough because my client is dying from the cancer the defendant's product gave her, so of course I have to perform at peak level. Well, I got up and argued just fine, even though the room was spinning around, and won the motion, which is a miracle, since I couldn't get out of bed yesterday.
The dizziness is just not passing. Wondering what to do next.
Posted by Overwhelmed on June 16, 2006, at 22:12:29
In reply to Re: Dizzy, tired, after going off Effexor after 3, posted by Violetskyye on June 16, 2006, at 21:03:25
Thank you for your responses.
I discovered last fall just how effective Flexeril was at giving me a decent night's sleep. Flexeril is frequently used by Fibro patients. Worked like a charm. My PDr refused to prescribe it since technically it is not for sleep issues. I can get it from friends.
I re-started the 37.5 mg Effexor XR today and was yawning every minute after three hours. Amazing how the drug is not supposed to provide a benefit for weeks and yet this minor side-effect is immediate.
The Fibro thing is interesting. I don't really understand it but certainly stress at night defeats getting decent sleep so relaxing the muscles makes sense to me. The Ativan helps but Flexeril is generic and carries few side effects so, in that way, it has advantages.
I realize depression is an issue for me but I really don't want to get into higher and higher doses of EXR because of the withdrawal thing.
Posted by dancingstar on June 17, 2006, at 1:50:26
In reply to Re: Dizzy, tired, after going off Effexor after 3, posted by Violetskyye on June 16, 2006, at 21:03:25
Violetskyye,
I know how difficult it is to believe that what you're feeling now is actually withdrawal, but I had those exact symptoms for more than a year after I stopped taking Effexor, though they got gradually better.
I know that I am not typical, but there are at least thousands like me that have had a very difficult time getting off Effexor. Somewhere around the third week of quitting, I quite seriously thought I was going to die.
Now, I have to look back and see if it was you that only took E for three days. If it was you, then I am positive that your withdrawal symptoms will end pretty soon. There seems to be strong correlation between how much we took and how long we have taken Effexor and how bad our withdrawal symptoms are and how long those symptoms last. All I can say is it felt like the worst flu I could imagine. Every now and then it seemed to be getting better and I thought I was out of the woods only to be disappointed when the symptoms returned the next day.
I so pray that no one here goes through the same thing that I did, but if you do, just know that it's pretty normal.
If you want to stay drug free, another thing that you might be able to get a doctor to give you is natural seratonin. It doesn't cause any problems that I'm aware of, though it may make one a little tired. You must have your blood seratonin levels checked before you take it to be sure that you actually need it, but it's highly likely that those of us coming off of Effexor have low levels of seratonin.
Posted by SLS on June 17, 2006, at 8:17:38
In reply to Re: Dizzy, tired, after going off Effexor after 3 » Violetskyye, posted by dancingstar on June 17, 2006, at 1:50:26
> If you want to stay drug free, another thing that you might be able to get a doctor to give you is natural seratonin
You probably mean 5-HTP.Serotonin does not cross the blood-brain barrier and does not enter the brain. However, the immediate precursor, 5-HTP, does. You should be able to find 5-HTP at any vitamin shop.
- Scott
Posted by dancingstar on June 17, 2006, at 8:35:55
In reply to Re: Dizzy, tired, after going off Effexor after 3, posted by SLS on June 17, 2006, at 8:17:38
My medical doctor uses seratonin in both capsules and by injection. It works very well to raise blood levels of seratonin.
I do not mean 5-HTP, which did nothing for me when I was sick.
Posted by SLS on June 17, 2006, at 10:17:15
In reply to Re: Dizzy, tired, after going off Effexor after 3, posted by dancingstar on June 17, 2006, at 8:35:55
> My medical doctor uses seratonin in both capsules and by injection. It works very well to raise blood levels of seratonin.
>
> I do not mean 5-HTP, which did nothing for me when I was sick.
I wouldn't presume to account for your experience. However, serotonin does not cross the blood-brain barrier, and cannot enter the brain when it is administered peripherally.
- Scott
Posted by dancingstar on June 17, 2006, at 10:23:22
In reply to Re: Dizzy, tired, after going off Effexor after 3 » dancingstar, posted by SLS on June 17, 2006, at 10:17:15
I know that you are not a doctor, Scott, and mine is a proctor on Harvard's board of antiaging medicine. He is one of the most respected doctors in the country.
I would suggest that you do further research on the subject if it interests you rather than insult me by implying that I don't know what I'm talking about or that my doctor is a quack.
Posted by gabmeister on June 17, 2006, at 10:51:01
In reply to Re: Dizzy, tired, after going off Effexor after 3, posted by dancingstar on June 17, 2006, at 10:23:22
Hey guys... please...
I don't think Scott meant to insult anyone, just passing on what he thinks. By the same token, Scott, your suggestion was a bit out of line in that it does sound like you are second guessing the professional.
BUT, that being said, let's not use this forum to get into a slugging match.
Let's face it, we all have our own thoughts on this whole Effexor thing and we're all simply trying to learn and share experiences.
And each experience is very personal.
Bless you all. May we all get through this hell of depression. We need to do what we need to do.
Posted by SLS on June 17, 2006, at 10:58:34
In reply to Re: Dizzy, tired, after going off Effexor after 3, posted by dancingstar on June 17, 2006, at 10:23:22
> I know that you are not a doctor, Scott, and mine is a proctor on Harvard's board of antiaging medicine. He is one of the most respected doctors in the country.
>
> I would suggest that you do further research on the subject if it interests you rather than insult me by implying that I don't know what I'm talking about or that my doctor is a quack.
I have not implied anything. I was simply stating a fact. I appreciate your suggestion for me to do some research. Performing a search using Google should demonstrate that I already have.If administering serotonin peripherally mitigates withdrawal symptoms, I would be fascinated to learn the mechanism by which this happens. Sometimes, empirical observation challenges existing paradigms. Your doctor is not necessarily a quack.
- Scott
Posted by dancingstar on June 17, 2006, at 11:04:13
In reply to Re: Dizzy, tired, after going off Effexor after 3 » dancingstar, posted by SLS on June 17, 2006, at 10:58:34
> > I know that you are not a doctor, Scott, and mine is a proctor on Harvard's board of antiaging medicine. He is one of the most respected doctors in the country.
> >
> > I would suggest that you do further research on the subject if it interests you rather than insult me by implying that I don't know what I'm talking about or that my doctor is a quack.
>
>
> I have not implied anything. I was simply stating a fact. I appreciate your suggestion for me to do some research. Performing a search using Google should demonstrate that I already have.
>
> If administering serotonin peripherally mitigates withdrawal symptoms, I would be fascinated to learn the mechanism by which this happens. Sometimes, empirical observation challenges existing paradigms. Your doctor is not necessarily a quack.
>
>
> - Scott
>
Scott,I don't appreciate your baiting me by saying things like my doctor isn't necessarily a quack.
You've done this to me many times before on this board, I have to assume, because you disagree with my position and want me to be blocked from speaking here. I will simply point out that your words are unkind and uncalled for.
Posted by SLS on June 17, 2006, at 11:58:07
In reply to Re: Dizzy, tired, after going off Effexor after 3, posted by dancingstar on June 17, 2006, at 11:04:13
> You've done this to me many times before on this board, I have to assume, because you disagree with my position and want me to be blocked from speaking here.
First of all, I don't know what your position is. I wasn't even aware that you had one. Secondly, all I said is that serotonin does not cross the blood brain barrier. That is a fact as far as modern science is concerned. I try to be accurate, but this is not always the case. Although I am not a doctor, that does not preclude me from being able to read.
As far as your assuming that you know my motives, I assure you that I am not trying to attack you personally and that I have no desire to get you blocked.
> I will simply point out that your words are unkind and uncalled for.
I am sorry that you feel that way. I didn't think they were.
Whether or not administering serotonin peripherally mitigates withdrawal symptoms is beyond my capacity to know with certainty, and I never claimed that I did.
- Scott
Posted by dancingstar on June 17, 2006, at 12:10:33
In reply to Re: Dizzy, tired, after going off Effexor after 3 » dancingstar, posted by SLS on June 17, 2006, at 11:58:07
In my experience 5 to 15 mg. of natural serotonin can be very calming, and I know many people for whom it has been prescribed that feel it is useful for all sorts of things.
In my case, it also helped to put an end to withdrawal-related headaches, withdrawal-induced anxiety and a withdrawal-induced fear of leaving home or even speaking on the telephone. I also found that a side benefit of taking natural serotonin is that it is great at mitigating PMS headaches.
Posted by SLS on June 17, 2006, at 12:48:23
In reply to Re: Dizzy, tired, after going off Effexor after 3, posted by dancingstar on June 17, 2006, at 12:10:33
> In my experience 5 to 15 mg. of natural serotonin can be very calming, and I know many people for whom it has been prescribed that feel it is useful for all sorts of things.
>
> In my case, it also helped to put an end to withdrawal-related headaches, withdrawal-induced anxiety and a withdrawal-induced fear of leaving home or even speaking on the telephone. I also found that a side benefit of taking natural serotonin is that it is great at mitigating PMS headaches.You know, that's very interesting. I don't doubt that these things are possible. They might be the result of the serotonin acting in the intestines to modulate the vagus nerve. That's just a guess, though.
I would love to hear that serotonin works for others as well. Where do you get it, and how much does it cost?
- Scott
Posted by dancingstar on June 17, 2006, at 13:37:45
In reply to Re: Dizzy, tired, after going off Effexor after 3, posted by SLS on June 17, 2006, at 12:48:23
My doctor keeps it in stock. I imagine that you could get it from any of the nationwide Fibro and Fatigue Centers, though I'm not positive, if your bloodwork calls for supplementation. I haven't purchased any in quite some time, and I don't remember the cost. It is on the pricey side, though.
The first time I was given two shots of seratonin; one, and then he waited 15 minutes to make sure that I didn't have any sort of negative reaction. It definitely helped me to feel better, virtually instantly.
I took the capsules for a few months and stopped taking them as often because they are a bit pricey, though I would like to take them more often. I think it's a good idea, though, for me to keep them on hand as they definitely help with the headaches and neck pain that I only began to get after I went through Effexor withdrawal. They can be taken on an as-needed basis.
Posted by Overwhelmed on June 18, 2006, at 22:41:31
In reply to Re: Dizzy, tired, after going off Effexor after 3, posted by dancingstar on June 17, 2006, at 12:10:33
I'm done, too. I re-tried the Effexor this weekend and today, besides feeling more anxious and depressed, I felt like a zombie. I had to do some serious work and couldn't focus. I took a 27 mg tablet of Concerta and this seemed to help (otherwise I feel too speedy on it). Think I'll stick with the Ativan for now.
I know my PDr says it will take a few weeks to gain the benefit but frankly, I was feeling so much worse, I really could not face the idea of waiting several weeks for the perceived benefit. I could see feeling a little tired, a little run down, but to have the symptoms I am trying to treat be exacerbated by the drug at the start is too much for my present mental state.
Am I expecting too much? Does it make sense to allow myself to get more depressed and anxious waiting for the benefit?
Posted by da on June 19, 2006, at 8:39:11
In reply to Re: Dizzy, tired, after going off Effexor after 3, posted by Overwhelmed on June 18, 2006, at 22:41:31
5 days without Effexor. I went to Prozac to help with the withdrawls. The prozac made me extremely sleepy. Like I was in a fog. Only did that for 3 days. Now nothing. I still have the vertigo feeling. Like I could fall on my face at any moment. But it is definetly worse when I missed a dose of Effexor without anything. I am hopeing that I am done with the worst of it. Anyone have any thoughts on this or expierence. I was going to switch to wellbuterin but now I am scared to take anything new. I just want this feeling to go away.
Posted by Miriamne on June 19, 2006, at 9:16:10
In reply to Re: Dizzy, tired, after going off Effexor after 3, posted by da on June 19, 2006, at 8:39:11
As you can tell if you read through this thread of posts, many of us have suffered through what you're going through. I know reading it might be scary, but try to take comfort from the fact that you're not imagining the symptoms-- they are real-- and they WILL go away.
But I know from personal experience how difficult it is to wait for that; who wants to be dizzy and feel terrible?
I can personally relate to the "falling on my face" feeling.When I was going through my withdrawal from Effexor, I would wake up every morning and just cry to my husband, "When? When is this ever going to go away?!" What a saint the man was to listen to that day after day and still be so supportive.
I hope you have someone to be supportive, too-- you certainly can find empathy from all of us here, so keep posting if it helps you.
Posted by over 55 on June 19, 2006, at 9:28:50
In reply to Re: Dizzy, tired, after going off Effexor after 3, posted by da on June 19, 2006, at 8:39:11
To DA and Overwhelmed:
We are all so different it is just hard to compare exactly with each other's experience. Just take the general ideas and see if they apply to you. I don't think it is unusual to feel "different" before getting really better on these meds. I think in fairness you have to give it 30 days. Who knows what is causing what when we switch around everything at once. I am almost at the 3 week mark of weaning off Effexor XR (225mg a day) to Prozac (20). Yes, I am mixing the two during the process. I wish I could go off everything, but am not willing to try that just now. I have been on meds for 15 years so don't trust the natural me at this point. I don't want to ever go that low again. My withdrawal symptems have really been minimal. I am taking two Omega-3 capsules a day and they have helped a lot I think. I had a half-hour of nausea and leg muscle weakness over the weekend, but it passed and the rest of the time I was OK. I still feel foggy headed at times, but I did on the meds too so hopefully it is just leaving my system. Have been drinking extra water and going to bed on time etc to try and take good care of myself. I have a massage scheduled for Wed. and know that will help move the toxins on out too. I thank everyone who has posted as it helps to read other's experieces and know you are not alone, even though each journey is unique. May we all get to a healthier place where meds aren't the focus of our exhistance!!! Take care.
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