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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 26. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by dorano on January 2, 2001, at 19:28:52
I have been taking Effexor For approx. 2 years.Because of an insurance problem, I can't afford to take Effexor anymore. I consulted my Dr. and he tells me to keep side effects to a minimum, to come off Effexor I should do a 24 day taper down. Has anyone heard of this? I am all for minimizing the side effects of coming off Effexor, because as I have noticed on the message board all or some of us have missed a dose or two. The side effects of that alone are enough to drive you crazy. If anyone has any info about the 24 day taper down, let us know. dorano
Posted by r.anne on January 2, 2001, at 20:05:36
In reply to 24 days to taper off effexor, posted by dorano on January 2, 2001, at 19:28:52
I don't have info. on the tapering down but maybe this can help:
Free Medication Programs
There are some pharmaceutical companies that offer free medications to low-income families. They require a doctor's consent and proof of your
financial status. Depending on what your insurance covers, you may be able to apply. A few companies even allow family incomes as high as $40,000 annually (offset by expenses, of course).
Here is a list of psychotropic medications with corresponding companies that feature patient-assistance programs and their contact numbers.
Note: Some of these companies may prefer to speak directly with your doctor.
Brand Name-- Pharmaceutical Company-- Program Phone #
Asendin... Lederle Laboratories 703/706-5933
BuSpar... Bristol-Myers Squibb Company 800/332-2056
Calan... Searle 800/542-2526
Clozaril... Novartis Pharmaceuticals 800/257-3273
Compazine... SmithKline Beecham Pharm. 800/546-0420
Depakote... Abbott Laboratories 800/441-4987
Desyrel... Bristol-Myers Squibb Company 800/332-2056
Effexor... Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories 800/568-9938
Elavil... Zeneca Pharmaceuticals 800/424-3727
Eskalith... Scios, Inc. 800/633-0711
Haldol, Haldol Decanoate... Ortho-McNeilPharmaceutical,Inc. 800/797-7737
Isoptin... Knoll Pharmaceutical Company 800/524-2474
Klonopin... Roche Laboratories, Inc. 800/285-4484
Lithobid... Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 800/788-9277
Loxitane... Lederle Laboratories 703/706-5933
Ludiomil... Ciba Pharmaceuticals 800/257-3273
Luvox... Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 800/788-9277
Navane... Pfizer Inc. 800/646-4455
Norpramin... Hoechst Marion Roussel, Inc. 800/221-4025
Parnate... Scios, Inc. 800/633-0711
Paxil... SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals 800/546-0420
Prolixin, Prolixin Decanoate... Bristol-Myers Squibb Company 800/332-2056
Prozac... Eli Lilly and Company 800/545-6962
Remeron... Organon 800/241-8812
Risperdal... Janssen Pharmaceutica 800/544-2987
Serentil... Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 800/556-8317
Serzone... Bristol-Myers Squibb Company 800/332-2056
Sinequan... Pfizer Inc. 800/646-4455
Stelazine... Scios, Inc. 800/633-0711
Surmontil... Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories 703/706-5933
Tegretol... Novartis Pharmaceuticals 800/257-3273
Thorazine... Scios, Inc. 800/633-0711
Trilafon... Schering Laboratories/Key Pharmaceuticals 800/656-9485
Valium... Roche Laboratories, Inc. 800/285-4484
Wellbutrin... Glaxo Wellcome Inc. 800/722-9294
Zoloft... Pfizer Inc. 800/646-4455
Zyprexa... Eli Lilly and Company 800/545-6962Hope this can help.
Posted by dorano on January 2, 2001, at 21:41:34
In reply to Re: 24 days to taper off effexor/FREE MED.PROGRAMS » dorano, posted by r.anne on January 2, 2001, at 20:05:36
This is good news about the free med. programs. I appreciate r.anne for letting me know about this. Believe me I will hav emy Dr. check into this for me. To keep on taking effexor is preferable to going through the taper down and all the side effects of it. If anyone else has more info. about this I would greatly appreciate it. dorano
Posted by medlib on January 3, 2001, at 0:02:34
In reply to Re: 24 days to taper off effexor/FREE MED.PROGRAMS » r.anne, posted by dorano on January 2, 2001, at 21:41:34
Dorano--
I am on Wyeth's med assist program for EffexorXR. Your pdoc should have the forms required to apply. He will have to sign and specify your daily dosage. When accepted, Wyeth will send your pdoc a 3 month supply for you. Some FYIs re this program:
1) It's a good idea to get to the max dose/day that's right for you before applying--they'll send 90-days-worth of what your pdoc asked for, capsules can't be split, and this company is *glacially* slow to respond.
2) It took me 3 months from time of first application to receipt of my first meds from Wyeth. Therefore, it's helpful to:
--ask your pdoc to complete his part of form while you're present and supply it to the correct front office person;
--after 2 weeks, ask that person to call Wyeth to see if they received your application, and ask her to phone you with their reply (don't settle for "They'll let us know."--"they" *won't* if they don't know about it because your pdoc or "they" or the post office lost it);
--ask your pdoc for sample starter packs or other office supplies to tide you over until your application goes through;
--have a back-up prescription filled to keep in reserve. Cold turkey withdrawal, for most, is just as bad and just as immediate as you imagine.24-day withdrawal sounds like a starter pack in reverse. It may work if your present dose is not too high. Personally, if I ever discontinue Effexor, I'll want more than 24 days to do it, and I'll make sure I have enough 10 mg. Prozac to cover the last part of the process and 2 weeks afterward.
The process described above is a hassle, no question; but,it's worth it to me because Effexor (with augmenters) helps. I wouldn't go through it just to avoid withdrawal effects, though. Many have come off Effexor successfully, some with relatively little trouble. Only consider this approach if Effexor works for you; as everyone here will testify, finding something that works is a rare event, and the quest is an expensive one in every way--emotionally, financially, timewise, etc.
IMHO, you shouldn't allow insurance companies or managed care (aka "as little care as we can manage") to dictate your health treatment or status--at least, not without a fight.
Good luck and well wishes---medlib
> This is good news about the free med. programs. I appreciate r.anne for letting me know about this. Believe me I will hav emy Dr. check into this for me. To keep on taking effexor is preferable to going through the taper down and all the side effects of it. If anyone else has more info. about this I would greatly appreciate it. dorano
Posted by stjames on January 3, 2001, at 13:44:37
In reply to Re: 24 days to taper off effexor/FREE MED.PROGRAMS » dorano, posted by medlib on January 3, 2001, at 0:02:34
> Dorano--
>
> I am on Wyeth's med assist program for EffexorXR.James here....
For all meds on free assistance programs, goto:
http://www.needymeds.com/MainPage.htmljames
Posted by dorano on January 3, 2001, at 15:51:37
In reply to Re: 24 days to taper off effexor/FREE MED.PROGRAMS, posted by stjames on January 3, 2001, at 13:44:37
I am in awe of the fact that so few people know about pharmaceutical companies offering this service of supplying meds to the public. I thank all who have informed me about this. This may just help keep me on EfexxorXR, instead of having to go off the drug and suffer the detox fun! I will appreciate more info of this kind.
dorano
Posted by stjames on January 3, 2001, at 19:40:21
In reply to Re: 24 days to taper off effexor/FREE MED.PROGRAMS, posted by dorano on January 3, 2001, at 15:51:37
> I am in awe of the fact that so few people know about pharmaceutical companies offering this service of supplying meds to the public.
James here....
Many doc's don't know this, too. I found out
by doing an internet search on "free meds".james
Posted by dorano on January 3, 2001, at 21:12:21
In reply to Re: 24 days to taper off effexor/FREE MED.PROGRAMS, posted by stjames on January 3, 2001, at 19:40:21
> > I am in awe of the fact that so few people know about pharmaceutical companies offering this service of supplying meds to the public.
>
> James here....
>
> Many doc's don't know this, too. I found out
> by doing an internet search on "free meds".
>
> jamesWell, James it's a good thing there are people like you who think about things like this. That way more of us benefit from this kind of info. Many thanks. dorano
Posted by r.anne on January 11, 2001, at 23:46:30
In reply to Re: 24 days to taper off effexor/FREE MED.PROGRAMS » dorano, posted by r.anne on January 2, 2001, at 20:05:36
> I don't have info. on the tapering down but maybe this can help:
>
> Free Medication Programs
> There are some pharmaceutical companies that offer free medications to low-income families. They require a doctor's consent and proof of your
> financial status. Depending on what your insurance covers, you may be able to apply. A few companies even allow family incomes as high as $40,000 annually (offset by expenses, of course).
> Here is a list of psychotropic medications with corresponding companies that feature patient-assistance programs and their contact numbers.
> Note: Some of these companies may prefer to speak directly with your doctor.
> Brand Name-- Pharmaceutical Company-- Program Phone #
> Asendin... Lederle Laboratories 703/706-5933
> BuSpar... Bristol-Myers Squibb Company 800/332-2056
> Calan... Searle 800/542-2526
> Clozaril... Novartis Pharmaceuticals 800/257-3273
> Compazine... SmithKline Beecham Pharm. 800/546-0420
> Depakote... Abbott Laboratories 800/441-4987
> Desyrel... Bristol-Myers Squibb Company 800/332-2056
> Effexor... Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories 800/568-9938
> Elavil... Zeneca Pharmaceuticals 800/424-3727
> Eskalith... Scios, Inc. 800/633-0711
> Haldol, Haldol Decanoate... Ortho-McNeilPharmaceutical,Inc. 800/797-7737
> Isoptin... Knoll Pharmaceutical Company 800/524-2474
> Klonopin... Roche Laboratories, Inc. 800/285-4484
> Lithobid... Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 800/788-9277
> Loxitane... Lederle Laboratories 703/706-5933
> Ludiomil... Ciba Pharmaceuticals 800/257-3273
> Luvox... Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 800/788-9277
> Navane... Pfizer Inc. 800/646-4455
> Norpramin... Hoechst Marion Roussel, Inc. 800/221-4025
> Parnate... Scios, Inc. 800/633-0711
> Paxil... SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals 800/546-0420
> Prolixin, Prolixin Decanoate... Bristol-Myers Squibb Company 800/332-2056
> Prozac... Eli Lilly and Company 800/545-6962
> Remeron... Organon 800/241-8812
> Risperdal... Janssen Pharmaceutica 800/544-2987
> Serentil... Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 800/556-8317
> Serzone... Bristol-Myers Squibb Company 800/332-2056
> Sinequan... Pfizer Inc. 800/646-4455
> Stelazine... Scios, Inc. 800/633-0711
> Surmontil... Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories 703/706-5933
> Tegretol... Novartis Pharmaceuticals 800/257-3273
> Thorazine... Scios, Inc. 800/633-0711
> Trilafon... Schering Laboratories/Key Pharmaceuticals 800/656-9485
> Valium... Roche Laboratories, Inc. 800/285-4484
> Wellbutrin... Glaxo Wellcome Inc. 800/722-9294
> Zoloft... Pfizer Inc. 800/646-4455
> Zyprexa... Eli Lilly and Company 800/545-6962
>
> Hope this can help.
Posted by tme on January 13, 2001, at 2:56:24
In reply to 24 days to taper off effexor, posted by dorano on January 2, 2001, at 19:28:52
> hi, i just got off effexor. well, it took me roughly 5 months. but im still having dizziness, headaches,weird dreams, im tired, nauseated and get kinda teary very easily.
i feel good besides all that(gee, looking at that i think i must be an optomist!! =) ) anybody have any ideas as to how long it might take to be completley free from all of these feelings and did i read somewhere that antihistamines would help? thanks to all in advance that reply to me.
Posted by Shell on January 13, 2001, at 13:31:26
In reply to please help EX effexor (effects-her) user!! , posted by tme on January 13, 2001, at 2:56:24
> > hi, i just got off effexor. well, it took me roughly 5 months. but im still having dizziness, headaches,weird dreams, im tired, nauseated and get kinda teary very easily.
> i feel good besides all that(gee, looking at that i think i must be an optomist!! =) ) anybody have any ideas as to how long it might take to be completley free from all of these feelings and did i read somewhere that antihistamines would help? thanks to all in advance that reply to me.WOW! I just realized while reading your post that quitting Effexor (300 mg/day) is probably why I feel crummy! Duh! I KNEW most people had some kind of Effexor withdrawal symptoms, yet I thought that I wasn't having a problem. I had attributed my symptoms (dizziness and nausea) to the flu which is going around my office. I had even considered taking a pregnancy test, since the feelings were similar to morning sickness. I can't believe I missed this!!
I wish I knew how long this lasts...since I am going through it myself, I have no clue. I have read that supplementing temporarily with a small dose of Prozac can help.
Shell
Posted by dorano on January 13, 2001, at 16:20:13
In reply to Re: 24 days to taper off effexor/FREE MED.PROGRAMS, posted by dorano on January 3, 2001, at 15:51:37
> I am in awe of the fact that so few people know about pharmaceutical companies offering this service of supplying meds to the public. I thank all who have informed me about this. This may just help keep me on EfexxorXR, instead of having to go off the drug and suffer the detox fun! I will appreciate more info of this kind.
> doranotme and shell, You both speak of the fears I have of going off the effexor. Being on it as long as I have, evne if I miss a dose I feel the effects of not having it in my system. Could one or both of you tellme why you did go off of effexor. I am very interested in the reasons. dorano
Posted by Shell on January 13, 2001, at 20:20:21
In reply to Re: 24 days to taper off effexor/FREE MED.PROGRAMS, posted by dorano on January 13, 2001, at 16:20:13
tme and shell, You both speak of the fears I have of going off the effexor. Being on it as long as I have, evne if I miss a dose I feel the effects of not having it in my system. Could one or both of you tellme why you did go off of effexor. I am very interested in the reasons. doranoI went off Effexor because my doctor told me I didn't really need it, not because of side effects. I really didn't notice any effects while I was taking it - neither side effects nor any benefits. I was taking 300 mg a day and it could have been sugar pills. My doctor added 300 mg Wellbutrin, which did seem to help. We decided to try just the Wellbutrin with the Concerta that I am taking for ADD, and it seems to be working as well as when I took all three.
I can't speak for everyone, but the withdrawal symptoms are not such a big deal. I really just feel a little dizzy and nauseous off and on throughout the day. If you are concerned that you might have more severe withdrawal effects, I would discuss this concern with your doctor. There are ways to decrease the severity, such as short-term Prozac use.
Hope this helps,
Shell
Posted by tme on January 18, 2001, at 1:43:24
In reply to Re: please help EX effexor (effects-her) user!! , posted by Shell on January 13, 2001, at 13:31:26
hi shell,
i just had to write and tell you. the effectsof getting off took me just around two weeks to get back to normal. so youre almost there. just wanted you to know there is an end to this!! hopeyoure doing good!!
Posted by Shell on January 18, 2001, at 23:46:19
In reply to Re: please help EX effexor (SHELL) , posted by tme on January 18, 2001, at 1:43:24
> hi shell,
> i just had to write and tell you. the effectsof getting off took me just around two weeks to get back to normal. so youre almost there. just wanted you to know there is an end to this!! hopeyoure doing good!!Thanks so much! My last dose of Effexor was a week ago last Tuesday (January 9). Yesterday (January 17) was the first day that I had no withdrawal symptoms. Yea!
You are right. It does end eventually! It may be hard to remember that while you are going through it, but it does end. Thanks for the encouragement.
Shell
Posted by PatJ. on January 19, 2001, at 0:55:20
In reply to Re: 24 days to taper off effexor/FREE MED.PROGRAMS, posted by r.anne on January 11, 2001, at 23:46:30
I just found another web site that has a compilation of lots of pharmaceutical companys that sponsor free drug programs and for all kinds of drug needs, not just psychiatric. There is a print out about 29 pages long for whoever is interested:
Posted by tme on January 20, 2001, at 15:27:52
In reply to Re: please help EX effexor (SHELL) , posted by Shell on January 18, 2001, at 23:46:19
shell,
wtg!!! i threw my effexor in the garbage yesterday! kept em around...just in case.
i am free!!! feels great!! glad you are too!!!
we should have a "no longer dizzy, bitchy, sleepy, hungry, crying my eyes out" party!! holy crap i just described the 7 dwarfs!! no wonder it was so damn hard, we were all the dwarfs wrapped up in one!! lol congrats on getting off!! =)
Posted by Shell on January 21, 2001, at 1:04:01
In reply to Re: please help EX effexor (SHELL) , posted by tme on January 20, 2001, at 15:27:52
> shell,
> wtg!!! i threw my effexor in the garbage yesterday! kept em around...just in case.
> i am free!!! feels great!! glad you are too!!!
> we should have a "no longer dizzy, bitchy, sleepy, hungry, crying my eyes out" party!! holy crap i just described the 7 dwarfs!! no wonder it was so damn hard, we were all the dwarfs wrapped up in one!! lol congrats on getting off!! =)I still have mine. I don't know why, I certainly don't plan to take it again! I don't know who is happier that I am off it; me or my husband. I have to admit for that week or so, everything he did (or didn't do) irritated me and I wasn't hesistant to let him know!
I think we all deserve a party!
Posted by dorano on January 21, 2001, at 20:52:33
In reply to Re: please help EX effexor (SHELL) , posted by Shell on January 21, 2001, at 1:04:01
> > shell,
> > wtg!!! i threw my effexor in the garbage yesterday! kept em around...just in case.
> > i am free!!! feels great!! glad you are too!!!
> > we should have a "no longer dizzy, bitchy, sleepy, hungry, crying my eyes out" party!! holy crap i just described the 7 dwarfs!! no wonder it was so damn hard, we were all the dwarfs wrapped up in one!! lol congrats on getting off!! =)
>
> I still have mine. I don't know why, I certainly don't plan to take it again! I don't know who is happier that I am off it; me or my husband. I have to admit for that week or so, everything he did (or didn't do) irritated me and I wasn't hesistant to let him know!
>
> I think we all deserve a party!you both deserve a big hand. I am off to see my shrink tomorrow to discuss what I shall be doing with my effexor. I hope we can make the best decision for me. I don't like the side effects, but I am also afraid of the person I will be without the meds. When I started taking them I was very depressed and suicidal. I have learned a lot about my life and how to cope when things get difficult. The meds are still a security blanket for me. Wish me luck. dorano
Posted by Shell on January 21, 2001, at 22:32:22
In reply to Re: please help EX effexor (SHELL) , posted by dorano on January 21, 2001, at 20:52:33
> > > shell,
> > > wtg!!! i threw my effexor in the garbage yesterday! kept em around...just in case.
> > > i am free!!! feels great!! glad you are too!!!
> > > we should have a "no longer dizzy, bitchy, sleepy, hungry, crying my eyes out" party!! holy crap i just described the 7 dwarfs!! no wonder it was so damn hard, we were all the dwarfs wrapped up in one!! lol congrats on getting off!! =)
> >
> > I still have mine. I don't know why, I certainly don't plan to take it again! I don't know who is happier that I am off it; me or my husband. I have to admit for that week or so, everything he did (or didn't do) irritated me and I wasn't hesistant to let him know!
> >
> > I think we all deserve a party!
>
> you both deserve a big hand. I am off to see my shrink tomorrow to discuss what I shall be doing with my effexor. I hope we can make the best decision for me. I don't like the side effects, but I am also afraid of the person I will be without the meds. When I started taking them I was very depressed and suicidal. I have learned a lot about my life and how to cope when things get difficult. The meds are still a security blanket for me. Wish me luck. doranoGood luck tomorrow. I hope you and your doctor find a solution that works for you. Keep us posted.
Shell
Posted by tme on January 23, 2001, at 0:14:42
In reply to Re: please help EX effexor (SHELL) , posted by Shell on January 21, 2001, at 22:32:22
dor,
i was thinking the other day....what would i do if i went on effexor for depression? i would just have to go to another anti depressent if effexor wasnt working. as you know all too well, depression can be such a huge force in your life. (i went on for anxiety) so,whatever you and your doc decide (research the crap out of it though!!) it will be better than not having anything. and dont feel bad about it!! dance or whatever, just be glad you wont be thinking suicide!! wooo hoooo!!! (im making light of this but i know it isnt) gl!! by the way, im a day late,so you went today. what did you guys decide to do???
take care!!!
Posted by PatJ. on January 23, 2001, at 17:39:40
In reply to Re: please help EX effexor (SHELL) , posted by dorano on January 21, 2001, at 20:52:33
Dorano,
Best wishes for you and the effexor issue. Good luck with it all. I think you have a good grip on your situation with weighing out the pros and cons of the drug.
Posted by dorano on January 24, 2001, at 10:15:50
In reply to Re: please help EX effexor » dorano, posted by PatJ. on January 23, 2001, at 17:39:40
> Dorano,
> Best wishes for you and the effexor issue. Good luck with it all. I think you have a good grip on your situation with weighing out the pros and cons of the drug.Thanks to all who have helped me with information about Effexor. According to my doc it would be better for me to stay on Effexor for a while longer, due to many years of depression that I have lived with. I am able to get my meds from the pharmaceutical companies for free since I am currently unemployed. I will continue to follow any new notices that may come up on this message board. Thanks for the great support from all. dorano
Posted by tme on January 24, 2001, at 11:00:33
In reply to Re: please help EX effexor (SHELL) , posted by tme on January 23, 2001, at 0:14:42
DORANO,
glad your appointment with the doc went good and you guys came up with a solution!! depression runs in my family and although i didnt get it, i have been affected by it my whole life. so whatever it takes, im glad you are going to be ok!!!!!
Posted by dorano on January 24, 2001, at 11:10:16
In reply to Re: please help EX effexor (DORANO), posted by tme on January 24, 2001, at 11:00:33
> DORANO,
> glad your appointment with the doc went good and you guys came up with a solution!! depression runs in my family and although i didnt get it, i have been affected by it my whole life. so whatever it takes, im glad you are going to be ok!!!!!Shell, it feels good to know that there are people like you who show a genuine interest in the welfare of other people. Sometimes that is all it takes to brighten up a day, just knowing someone else knows what another person could be going through and a few supportive words can make a difference. Thanks, dorano
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