![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 731 to 755 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by Canuck on April 1, 2001, at 3:40:36
In reply to Started Effexor XR Today, posted by Cam W. on March 29, 2001, at 21:04:08
> Today I start Effexor XR (37.5mg daily and increasing to at least 300mg or more - depending on response - over the next 3 months).
>
> Thank goodness I know the difference between case studies, case series, post marketing surveillance, restospective studies, naturalistic studies, randomized placebo controlled trials, and other types of articles written about medications and disease states. I also know the merits and limitations of each.
>
> Thank goodness I have extensively studied all aspects of all antidepressants available in Canada (and most of those available in other parts of the world).
>
> Thank goodness I understand physiology (physical and chemical processes in the body), pharmacology (preparation, properties, uses, and actions of drugs), pharmacodynamics (how an antidepressant acts in the body , including duration of response relative to plasma concentration), pharmacokinetics (including absorption, onset of action, distribution, biotransformation, metabolite action, and excretion route), and pharmacogenetics (including the effects and differences of antidepressant action in different people). Otherwise partial explanations of these factors involving a small subset of people who did not withdraw from the drug in a proper manner, might scare me into not taking this drug.
>
> Even if I do happen to get withdrawl symptoms while being weaned from this drug, I know of several strategies to minimize these withdrawl effects. Most of which have been posted several times on this site. In the past, this drug has not been understood as well as it is today, although I and my colleagues knew of the withdrawl syndrome and it's extent in a minority of people, for at least the past 3 years and we have dealt with it appropriately. Withdrawl syndrome still occurs in some of our patients, but this is almost always due to nonadherence to the treatment regimen.
>
> Since I know how to wean myself from this drug if and when need be, I am very confident the this drug has the ability resolve my depressive symptoms and PTSD so that I may be able to lead a more productive and "normal" life, again. I see this drug as a useful tool, not an evil demon.
>
> Sincerely - CamCam,
A positive attitude! I love it!
Canuck
Posted by Michele on April 1, 2001, at 3:59:42
In reply to Re: Can't decide. PLEASE help! » Michele, posted by Canuck on April 1, 2001, at 3:13:08
Canuck.. Hi...
Thanks for the advice.... I posted that last week, and I did continue to take it. I notice some small things.. but not a lot yet... but at least the side effects are gone. How long have you been on it?
>
> Hello Michele,
> I started to see results at about the three week mark. My physician says it can take up to six weeks to see an improvement though. I am like you, I had never taken an AD before this med (or any med, for that matter). It is frightening to finally decide that you are at the point where you need outside help. I think if you are comfortable continuing the med, then do so, at least until you have reached the six week mark to see if it is really working for you. You should also consult your doctor and share you concerns with him/her. If you are truly not comfortable with taking the med, don't quit cold turkey. As you know from this sight, there can be severe consequences. Speak to you doctor, and he/she can help you taper off the med. Good like in your struggle. Thank you for your time.
> Canuck
Posted by Quasibarbidoll on April 1, 2001, at 4:38:02
In reply to Re: The Tip of the Iceberg.............., posted by Quasibarbidoll on March 29, 2001, at 14:25:03
I may have missed some of the exchanges that Pam was involved in, but I KNOW She's frustrated and suffering. It's exasperating for someone to question the validity of a nightmare.
Withdrawel from effexor has been like an out of body experience. I went from strong/cogent to a foggy, crying, irritated, ANGRY mess for Months, with no idea what or how to get out of it. My Dr. could only helplessly, follow the existing protocol. I finally got out of it with Same' and a small dose of Prozac. (The Same worked better than the prozac) good luck to all!
Posted by Jacklyn on April 1, 2001, at 14:20:21
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hello,
I have been on Effexor XR 150 mg. for about 3 years. Seven years ago I was diagnosed with severe Fibromyalgia...there were many days that I could not get out of bed because the pain and fatigue were so severe. I was and am a divorced, single parent who was unable to work. Getting my son to and from school was a challenge on many days. If it weren't for my son, I would have committed suicide, because my life seemed impossible to live. I was treated by a team that included an Internist, Psychiatrist, and Rheumatologist, and tried many combinations of medications unsuccessfully over a 4 year period. (I had negotiated medical insurance to be paid by my ex during the divorce proceedings because he could afford it, and I thank god for the medical and prescription coverage that I have.) I finally arrived at a combination of meds that has made my life manageable/bearable...Effexor XR 150mg each day, and 1 mg of Clonapin plus 100 mg of Trazadone every night. Yes, this is a lot of medication, and yes, there are side-effects, and yes, I hate being so dependent on meds. My life is much smaller than it was 7 years ago, and I am much bigger (a lot of weight gain). But I no longer have debilitating pain, or fatigue, and therefore have the emotional and mental resources to cope with life's ups and downs. I teach full-time, plus tutor, to make ends meet. I never go out at night, because I am worn out and in bed by 8 p.m. I used to be an athlete, and now I take walks when I can. I have brain fog, memory loss,
and vision problems, but as I am 45, I think that this is due to both age and the meds. I was very angry for the first few years that I was sick..I went from being a Type A personality to an invalid, and neither friends or family understood, or quite believed, what was happening to me. I have tried getting off the meds a couple of times, and I went through terrible withdrawal and got very sick, very fast. So a couple of years ago, I just surrendered. I am here for my son, I like my work, and I have a pain-free little life. If this it the best that I will ever have, I can live with it. Hope my experience helps someone.Jacklyn
Posted by Marilyn on April 1, 2001, at 15:50:26
In reply to To Pamela, posted by Fish on March 30, 2001, at 10:44:32
Hi Pamela,
Please contact me ! You have every right to be angry as many of us are. Please e-mail me at
idontwantthisanymore@usa.netMarilyn
Posted by Marilyn on April 1, 2001, at 15:55:36
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Jacklyn on April 1, 2001, at 14:20:21
http://www.jeffersonhospital.org/news/show.asp?durki=7423
Marilyn
Posted by DavidHIFI on April 1, 2001, at 22:13:53
In reply to Re: Can't decide. PLEASE help! » Michele, posted by Canuck on April 1, 2001, at 3:13:08
Michele,
I just started, too. It's been a couple of weeks and I've decided to stay at 37.5 to see how it goes and so far, so good. Talk to your doctor, it sounds like you increased dosages pretty quickly for a drug widely seen to take as much as 6 weeks to kick in. Maybe you can taper back to 37.5 until your body gets used to it. Good Luck
Posted by Ryan on April 2, 2001, at 2:06:51
In reply to Are WE the real guinea-pigs?, posted by Marilyn on April 1, 2001, at 15:55:36
Hi
Just thought everyone should be aware that the SSRI"s have been shown to change the shape of serotonin receptors in rat brains after only 14 DAYS of extremely high doses. This was the result of a recent study. No one knows the consequences of this, if it even occurs in humans, or if the mutations are permanent. Common sense tells me these drugs could be dangerous. They elevate serotonin to ABNORMALLY high levels in the brain. It makes me extremely angry that these studies haven't been performed until now...decades after release. I have been on and off high doses of them for years. I just completely stopped Effexor XR 300mg per day when I saw this study. Some may say I'm overreacting, but that information should have been available BEFORE I began treatment. The drugs in the study were Prozac, Zoloft, Meridia, and Pondimin. I am now looking for other, more conservative ways of treating my depression,OCD, and social phobia. If anyone has any information that couuld help me find treatment please post.
Thanks
Posted by Seraphim on April 2, 2001, at 10:42:08
In reply to Are WE the real guinea-pigs?, posted by Marilyn on April 1, 2001, at 15:55:36
Thanks Marilyn. Scary stuff. If you come across more, please share it.
Also, I agree with you in your message to Pamela. I too am angry and feel betrayed by the doctors and drug companies I trusted with my life. The withdrawal I am going through is so awful. I can't wait to get this "poison" out of me completely. It's just so hard. I wish you the best. Take care.
Seraphim
http://www.jeffersonhospital.org/news/show.asp?durki=7423
>
> Marilyn
Posted by Canuck on April 2, 2001, at 14:59:16
In reply to Re: Can't decide. PLEASE help!, posted by Michele on April 1, 2001, at 3:59:42
Canuck.. Hi...
> Thanks for the advice.... I posted that last week, and I did continue to take it. I notice some small things.. but not a lot yet... but at least the side effects are gone. How long have you been on it?
> >
> > Hello Michele,
> > I started to see results at about the three week mark. My physician says it can take up to six weeks to see an improvement though. I am like you, I had never taken an AD before this med (or any med, for that matter). It is frightening to finally decide that you are at the point where you need outside help. I think if you are comfortable continuing the med, then do so, at least until you have reached the six week mark to see if it is really working for you. You should also consult your doctor and share you concerns with him/her. If you are truly not comfortable with taking the med, don't quit cold turkey. As you know from this sight, there can be severe consequences. Speak to you doctor, and he/she can help you taper off the med. Good like in your struggle. Thank you for your time.
> > CanuckHi Michele,
I have been on the med for about 4 months. I am hoping to only stay on it for about eight months in total. I had kind of set that goal in my mind when I started. I don't have long term depression, just a bout of short term depression...or so I hope. Take care.
Canuck
Posted by DavidHIFI on April 2, 2001, at 18:27:37
In reply to Re: Are WE the real guinea-pigs?, posted by Ryan on April 2, 2001, at 2:06:51
I thought EffexorXR wasn't a SSRI.
Posted by McGuyver on April 3, 2001, at 12:37:19
In reply to Re: Are WE the real guinea-pigs?, posted by Seraphim on April 2, 2001, at 10:42:08
Effexor for Hypocondria? I think not!
> Thanks Marilyn. Scary stuff. If you come across more, please share it.
>
> Also, I agree with you in your message to Pamela. I too am angry and feel betrayed by the doctors and drug companies I trusted with my life. The withdrawal I am going through is so awful. I can't wait to get this "poison" out of me completely. It's just so hard. I wish you the best. Take care.
>
> Seraphim
>
>
> http://www.jeffersonhospital.org/news/show.asp?durki=7423
> >
> > Marilyn
Posted by Quasibarbidoll on April 3, 2001, at 13:39:59
In reply to Re: Effexor for Hypocondria?, posted by McGuyver on April 3, 2001, at 12:37:19
Very nice sarcasm Mcguyver......walk a mile in someones shoes before you judge.
Effexor for Hypocondria? I think not!
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > Thanks Marilyn. Scary stuff. If you come across more, please share it.
> >
> > Also, I agree with you in your message to Pamela. I too am angry and feel betrayed by the doctors and drug companies I trusted with my life. The withdrawal I am going through is so awful. I can't wait to get this "poison" out of me completely. It's just so hard. I wish you the best. Take care.
> >
> > Seraphim
> >
> >
> > http://www.jeffersonhospital.org/news/show.asp?durki=7423
> > >
> > > Marilyn
Posted by JoniJ on April 3, 2001, at 15:18:27
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Rhonda on April 28, 2000, at 7:17:12
I was lucky enough to have a friend on Paxil at the same time I was so all the funky side effects I was having he was having as well. My husband finally got to the point he couldn't handle my sexual dysfunction and disinterest. At this point I swapped the paxil for Effexor. I went cold turkey off Paxil and was immobilized due to possitional vertigo. I literally could not move my head. Effexor is not nearly as good for panic disorder as Paxil so I decided to just give the whole drug thing a rest. I tapered the dose, and although I did it slowly I still had what I called brain explosions, at one point so bad I had one every time my eyes went from one side to the other, buzzing in my ears, and the worst, which are persistant after 6 weeks off the drug, hot flashes and flop sweats. Discontinuing this drug should only be done when closely monitored by a doc. but it most certainly can be done. And dont expect the average MD to know ANY of this stuff.
Joni, free at last
Posted by Seraphim on April 3, 2001, at 15:28:32
In reply to Re: Effexor for Hypocondria?, posted by McGuyver on April 3, 2001, at 12:37:19
>I don't think I quite understand your implications. Why don't you spell it out for me? It seems to be your forte.
Effexor for Hypocondria? I think not!
>
>
>
>
> > Thanks Marilyn. Scary stuff. If you come across more, please share it.
> >
> > Also, I agree with you in your message to Pamela. I too am angry and feel betrayed by the doctors and drug companies I trusted with my life. The withdrawal I am going through is so awful. I can't wait to get this "poison" out of me completely. It's just so hard. I wish you the best. Take care.
> >
> > Seraphim
> >
> >
> > http://www.jeffersonhospital.org/news/show.asp?durki=7423
> > >
> > > Marilyn
Posted by Kym on April 3, 2001, at 21:32:43
In reply to Long term effects of Effexor/permanent , posted by Leo on February 13, 2001, at 11:55:34
> I have been taking Effexor since 1997. At first, I thought this was a wonder drug. I started feeling much better. Now, after all these years, I think I've been wrong. I just recently began to ween myself off of this drug. I have experienced all the withdrawl side effects but even more so, have experienced additonal effects of Effexor that have recently come to light and that may be permanent. I would like to caution all of you on this drug. I strongly reccemend that you look into this drug before you commit yourself to another perscription. Of the posts that I have read, many of you seem to be on very high doses of this drug. I'm not so sure that the dosage taken plays into what happens when you try to get away from this med. I have been taking only 37.5mg and the withdrawl effects are as severe as those of you taking those massive doses. My fear is for those of you that are are taking these large daily doses. I can't imagine what you will experience or what permenant damage has been done when you try to get off of this stuff. I have also determined, through my own personal experience, that Effexor isn't what you may think it is in the beginning. It masks things. It effects your thought process. It adversly effects
> your memory. As I fight my way out of the withdrawl and during the periods when the side effects don't have me flat on my back, I feel fantastic. I'm ambitious and motivated. I suggest that you go to some of the sights that appear to be uncovering the truth about this drug. I visited the effexorfx.com that someone else posted on this sight and found it to be right on the money with everything that is says. Don't waste your time with the others. I sincerely hope, for all of us that have been taking this drug that we haven't been some drug company's money making lab rats. I am going to launch an investigation into the drug and the company that developed and manufactured this drug. My reasons for doing this are not financial. I am a surviving cancer patient. I went through one year of pure hell being treated for that 15 years ago. I'll be damned if I'm going to let some drug company that has been hiding the truth about Effexor get away with possibly degrading the quality of my life any further than it already has been. Take some advice from someone who's been where you are. Get off this drug. Get you doctor to prescribe something else. Ask questions and get answers and then get well. I don't think Effexor is going to get you where you want to go.
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I agree with you totally, I tried to quit cold turkey 3 times until finally, I took only one pill every 3 days and let me tell you by then I was ready to just stop the "terrible" way I felt. But I stuck with it and after 2 months of that I went to 5 days for a month and then I just stopped altogether, I have been off now for 2 months but I still feel lightheaded and sick sometimes and I have gained 20 pounds, I have never had any kind of problem with weight and all of a sudden I can't seem to get rid of this weight, I am constantly bloated, which started when I started to quit, Does anyone have any idea, how long these "after effects" last?
Posted by Amy 5452 on April 3, 2001, at 22:19:08
In reply to Re: Effexor for Hypocondria? » McGuyver, posted by Seraphim on April 3, 2001, at 15:28:32
I started taking Effexor XR only a week ago at 37.5mg. Tomarrow I move up to 75mg. I have been battling depression for about 2 years and finally decided to give meds a try to help. At first I heard such great things about this drug and now to be honest, you all are scaring me with what could happen (which I understand in some cases is your intent) Is anyone happy with their results??? I am sorry for what some of you are going through and I wish you the best of luck, I just don't understand if the bad happens to everyone or only a small percent of the people who take this drug? Should I give Effexor a try and see how it works or try to switch to something else? Thanks for your help
Posted by Nailhead on April 4, 2001, at 2:46:14
In reply to Re: Case Studies......More FACTS to come...... » McGuyver, posted by Leo on March 29, 2001, at 12:21:43
I just started taking this two days ago. Im supposed to be taking 75mg a day, but i seem to taking it every 12-16 hours instead. The first day, i really didn't have the urge to smoke. I liked this, as I'm trying to quit anyway. However, yesterday and today, my habit was back to normal. I think it might have been the nausea... smoking made it worse. Can anyone give me any information or personal feelings on this? Thank you very much.
Posted by Quasibarbidoll on April 4, 2001, at 6:39:52
In reply to Curious, posted by Amy 5452 on April 3, 2001, at 22:19:08
I beleive everyone is different and react to drugs and withdrawel in their own way. I had no real "issues"(Felt fine) on the drug besides weight gain in a really ugly way. (Thick around the middle.)
I was given Effexor for Fibromyalgia. 37.5 mg then 75mg. When they tried to up the dosage, I was in another universe. eventually the drug seemed to sear off. I got off the drug at the behest of my Dr. who has a "better" drug for fibro, soma.
It's now been 6 weeks and I still struggling to regain my former cognitive thought processes and resiliance. I have had Raiki, massage, chiro etc to try and expedite this AWFUL process.My challenge is that I truly beleive I have lost memeory and cognitive skills. If I had it to do over: I would have declined my rheumatologists kind offer of effexor and gone straight to the body work. good luck!
Should I give Effexor a try and see how it works or try to switch to something else? Thanks for your help
Posted by Cam W. on April 4, 2001, at 7:20:35
In reply to Curious, posted by Amy 5452 on April 3, 2001, at 22:19:08
Amy - Effexor XR is a very effective drug for many types of depression. It does have a shorter half-life than many other antidepressants and therefore cause the withdrawl effects seen in mostly in people who were not weaned from the drug in a proper manner when they had decided to stop. (either they quit the drug cold turkey or did not take advantage of other weaning methods that are available). Many people decided to stop the drug on their own, without their doctor's knowledge. This should never be done. Others, their doctor was not aware of the extent to which the withdrawl syndrome can occur in some people. Ask your doc if he/she knows how to handle Effexor withdrawl symptoms, if they should occur.
The withdrawl symptoms aren't pleasant if the drug is stopped suddenly, but with weaning off of the drug I have seldom seen problems. Many people are even able to stop high doses suddenly without adverse effects. Body chemistry, psychological make-up, drug regimen compliance, and a doctor's knowledge and handling of withdrawl effects "if" they occur (when stopping the drug) are all factors in determining whether one will see withdrawl symptoms.
Only a minority of people do have problems with the withdrawl symptoms. Media hype has also played into the fears of people on this issue, not unlike the 1990-91 Prozac/suicide scare. Also, most of the horror stories of Effexor withdrawl occurred in people using the shorter-acting, regular Effexor. Withdrawl symptoms are seen much less with the longer-acting Effexor XR version.
I am on my second week of taking Effexor XR (2nd day of 75mg) and, although I am not depression-free I can say that at least my appetite has come back and I am beginning to fall asleep easier at bedtime. I will need to give the drug another 4 to 6 weeks to determine whether it is the correct antidepressant for my condition (so far, so good, though).
I hope that this is of some help - Cam
Posted by Quasibarbidoll on April 4, 2001, at 7:30:03
In reply to Re: Curious » Amy 5452, posted by Cam W. on April 4, 2001, at 7:20:35
Amy,
Yes, Use your judgement. I got Very good feedback from my pharamcist who knew much more about the drug that the 3 doctors involved in the process. he explained the "best " weaning method, time tables and the very latest on the drug.I think effexor is a "committment" to quote my physican and should be taken with very good due dilligence. Caveat Emptor!
QuasiAmy - Effexor XR is a very effective drug for many types of depression. It does have a shorter half-life than many other antidepressants and therefore cause the withdrawl effects seen in mostly in people who were not weaned from the drug in a proper manner when they had decided to stop. (either they quit the drug cold turkey or did not take advantage of other weaning methods that are available). Many people decided to stop the drug on their own, without their doctor's knowledge. This should never be done. Others, their doctor was not aware of the extent to which the withdrawl syndrome can occur in some people. Ask your doc if he/she knows how to handle Effexor withdrawl symptoms, if they should occur.
>
> The withdrawl symptoms aren't pleasant if the drug is stopped suddenly, but with weaning off of the drug I have seldom seen problems. Many people are even able to stop high doses suddenly without adverse effects. Body chemistry, psychological make-up, drug regimen compliance, and a doctor's knowledge and handling of withdrawl effects "if" they occur (when stopping the drug) are all factors in determining whether one will see withdrawl symptoms.
>
> Only a minority of people do have problems with the withdrawl symptoms. Media hype has also played into the fears of people on this issue, not unlike the 1990-91 Prozac/suicide scare. Also, most of the horror stories of Effexor withdrawl occurred in people using the shorter-acting, regular Effexor. Withdrawl symptoms are seen much less with the longer-acting Effexor XR version.
>
> I am on my second week of taking Effexor XR (2nd day of 75mg) and, although I am not depression-free I can say that at least my appetite has come back and I am beginning to fall asleep easier at bedtime. I will need to give the drug another 4 to 6 weeks to determine whether it is the correct antidepressant for my condition (so far, so good, though).
>
> I hope that this is of some help - Cam
Posted by Quasibarbidoll on April 4, 2001, at 7:37:26
In reply to Re: Curious, posted by Quasibarbidoll on April 4, 2001, at 7:30:03
Posted by Seraphim on April 4, 2001, at 8:00:19
In reply to Re: Curious » Amy 5452, posted by Cam W. on April 4, 2001, at 7:20:35
Amy,
I have been weaning off of Effexor XR, with a doctor's supervision, for over a month now. I have gone from 300mg down to 112.5mg. I decided to get off of Effexor after severe withdrawal symptoms having occured over a two day period when I was without the drug. I also experienced many side effects while on the drug. The withdrawal continues to be difficult and painful. I'll spare you all of the details. I started taking Effexor about 2 1/2 years ago. After the initial side effects, and upping the dosage several times, Effexor was very effective for my depression. It didn't seem to be working as well after a while, so my Dr. increased the dosage again and again until I was up to the 300mg. Looking back, I wish I had made different choices. I would never try to tell someone else what do in regards to their depression, but if you do decide to stick with Effexor, please get all of the facts, never miss a dose or take one late, and have your doctor monitor your condition carefully. I chose to give my doctor most of the information from this site and also what has been released in resent studies. Most of it he had not been aware of. I wish you well and hope you find something that helps.
Seraphim
> Amy - Effexor XR is a very effective drug for many types of depression. It does have a shorter half-life than many other antidepressants and therefore cause the withdrawl effects seen in mostly in people who were not weaned from the drug in a proper manner when they had decided to stop. (either they quit the drug cold turkey or did not take advantage of other weaning methods that are available). Many people decided to stop the drug on their own, without their doctor's knowledge. This should never be done. Others, their doctor was not aware of the extent to which the withdrawl syndrome can occur in some people. Ask your doc if he/she knows how to handle Effexor withdrawl symptoms, if they should occur.
>
> The withdrawl symptoms aren't pleasant if the drug is stopped suddenly, but with weaning off of the drug I have seldom seen problems. Many people are even able to stop high doses suddenly without adverse effects. Body chemistry, psychological make-up, drug regimen compliance, and a doctor's knowledge and handling of withdrawl effects "if" they occur (when stopping the drug) are all factors in determining whether one will see withdrawl symptoms.
>
> Only a minority of people do have problems with the withdrawl symptoms. Media hype has also played into the fears of people on this issue, not unlike the 1990-91 Prozac/suicide scare. Also, most of the horror stories of Effexor withdrawl occurred in people using the shorter-acting, regular Effexor. Withdrawl symptoms are seen much less with the longer-acting Effexor XR version.
>
> I am on my second week of taking Effexor XR (2nd day of 75mg) and, although I am not depression-free I can say that at least my appetite has come back and I am beginning to fall asleep easier at bedtime. I will need to give the drug another 4 to 6 weeks to determine whether it is the correct antidepressant for my condition (so far, so good, though).
>
> I hope that this is of some help - Cam
Posted by Voski on April 4, 2001, at 8:12:43
In reply to Curious, posted by Amy 5452 on April 3, 2001, at 22:19:08
I have been on Efferox XR now for a while. It is working for me. It's a nice feeling when you walk into a room at home and no one runs out of it. My family, friends, and doctor's are very supportive because of my depression. Efferox XR has been a great relief of my depression, along with counseling. I see my doctor every month or every other month for check ups. I am currently on 150mg a day. Once in the morning and at 2PM. It is very important you take it at the same time each day. I realize that many people have problems with this medication and withdrawal, but without a chance with it, who knows where I would be right now.
Posted by Kathi on April 4, 2001, at 9:53:32
In reply to Long term effects of Effexor/permanent , posted by Leo on February 13, 2001, at 11:55:34
> I have been taking Effexor since 1997. At first, I thought this was a wonder drug. I started feeling much better. Now, after all these years, I think I've been wrong. I just recently began to ween myself off of this drug. I have experienced all the withdrawl side effects but even more so, have experienced additonal effects of Effexor that have recently come to light and that may be permanent. I would like to caution all of you on this drug. I strongly reccemend that you look into this drug before you commit yourself to another perscription. Of the posts that I have read, many of you seem to be on very high doses of this drug. I'm not so sure that the dosage taken plays into what happens when you try to get away from this med. I have been taking only 37.5mg and the withdrawl effects are as severe as those of you taking those massive doses. My fear is for those of you that are are taking these large daily doses. I can't imagine what you will experience or what permenant damage has been done when you try to get off of this stuff. I have also determined, through my own personal experience, that Effexor isn't what you may think it is in the beginning. It masks things. It effects your thought process. It adversly effects
> your memory. As I fight my way out of the withdrawl and during the periods when the side effects don't have me flat on my back, I feel fantastic. I'm ambitious and motivated. I suggest that you go to some of the sights that appear to be uncovering the truth about this drug. I visited the effexorfx.com that someone else posted on this sight and found it to be right on the money with everything that is says. Don't waste your time with the others. I sincerely hope, for all of us that have been taking this drug that we haven't been some drug company's money making lab rats. I am going to launch an investigation into the drug and the company that developed and manufactured this drug. My reasons for doing this are not financial. I am a surviving cancer patient. I went through one year of pure hell being treated for that 15 years ago. I'll be damned if I'm going to let some drug company that has been hiding the truth about Effexor get away with possibly degrading the quality of my life any further than it already has been. Take some advice from someone who's been where you are. Get off this drug. Get you doctor to prescribe something else. Ask questions and get answers and then get well. I don't think Effexor is going to get you where you want to go.
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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