![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 14 of 14. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by PaulW on April 5, 2001, at 15:42:00
Not only am I somewhat unnerved at the searing postings aimed at this drug, but after starting at 75mg for 4 weeks and 150mg for the last week, I notice no change and am still a depressed anxious mess.
Paxil (seroxat UK) has worked for me wonderfully before, but this time round it failed very miserably (after 6 weeks) as did Lofepramine (UK TCA) that followed for another 6 weeks of blubbering.
Do I hang on in there or surrender?
I have some paxil available. Shall I add that?Any thoughts would be most welcomed.
Sorry bout the somewhat cold nature of this posting, but I'm desperate and everyday is a war, trying to hold it together at work and at home!
Best wishes to you all
Posted by stjames on April 5, 2001, at 16:03:26
In reply to Effexor XR:5 weeks:no effect:HELP!!!, posted by PaulW on April 5, 2001, at 15:42:00
It takes 6-8 weeks to get ANY antidepressant effect, so you should not expect to feel anything at week 5.
james
Posted by PaulW on April 5, 2001, at 16:35:07
In reply to Re: Effexor XR:5 weeks:no effect:HELP!!!, posted by stjames on April 5, 2001, at 16:03:26
> It takes 6-8 weeks to get ANY antidepressant effect, so you should not expect to feel anything at week 5.
>
> jamesJames
thanks for your swift reply.
I guess I should have checked the previous recent thread?
In your experience, does the 6-8 week period begin again from the point of dose increase?Can the fogginess in my head be down to my adapting to the XR, or is this cognitive muddle/ IQ 54 feeling, be down to silly old me not being the bright button I once believed i was?
Or is it just the dulling cherry on the icing gift from my old mate D and his sidekick Angst?What a mess
Thanks again
Posted by Michele on April 5, 2001, at 18:52:33
In reply to Effexor XR:5 weeks:no effect:HELP!!!, posted by PaulW on April 5, 2001, at 15:42:00
Hi Paul,
I posted earlier.. but My post got lost somewhere in "babble heavan"... so if it does show up, sorry about the duplicate. Anyway.... I was in the exact same boat your in. Started 150 mg at the 4 week point. I didn't do anything for me... and because of peoples intense stories of this drug, I almost went off it. Due to some people's advice to me(above) I decided to fight it and keep going. Every single day I thought about stopping. Now I'm on my second day of the 7th week and BOOM, yesterday it kicked in and I just felt wonderful. Today too.... so hang in there.... if might just be the drug for you! Michele
Posted by stjames on April 5, 2001, at 21:03:09
In reply to Re: Effexor XR:5 weeks:no effect:HELP!!! » stjames, posted by PaulW on April 5, 2001, at 16:35:07
> James
> thanks for your swift reply.
> I guess I should have checked the previous recent thread?
> In your experience, does the 6-8 week period begin again from the point of dose increase?
>james here....
I would start counting from the day you started on the lowest effective dose, ~ 75 mgs for Effexor. Once you get past 6 weeks any upward adjustments will render much quicker changes, on the order of a week. For me, if by week 7-8 things
are not happening, I push to dose to the max (or above) and give it another 2 weeks before I call it quits. Once things do start to work it takes 2-3 months to stabilize as mood improves and you work out the correct dose for you.> Can the fogginess in my head be down to my adapting to the XR,
James here....
Yes. Also this and the low IQ feeling is a sign of depression. This should improve once you find
the dose and AD that is right for you.The most imprant thing is to do complete trials
of any AD, at least 8 weeks and at significant dose, before you move to another. (Unless side effects are really bad)James
Posted by JohnL on April 6, 2001, at 6:14:51
In reply to Effexor XR:5 weeks:no effect:HELP!!!, posted by PaulW on April 5, 2001, at 15:42:00
Hi Paul,
Though my views are sometimes controversial, I no longer trust or believe in the long torturous six week wait. To me that is just a sign of an inferior drug match. I prefer superior ones, which are characterized by fairly rapid response, complete response, and few side effects.I suffered for years and years trying one antidepressant after another in long trials. It wasn't until I started a new program of rapid fire sampling that I began to get better. No more long trials. I tried each of three antipsychotics for a week each, three stimulants for a few days each, and mood stabilizers for a couple weeks each. I was able to sample more drugs in a few months than would have otherwise taken years. I'm glad I did.
Most of those drugs were duds. That is, they did nothing in a week or two, or they had bad side effects, or they made me worse. However, a few drugs stood out as being superior matches. I felt better with them almost immediately. Side effects were nill. Why was that? In my layman thinking it was evidence of a good match between my chemistry and the drug. The drugs that stood out as being obviously, without a doubt, superior for me were Prozac, Zyprexa, Amisulpride, and Adrafinil. Each came with fairly rapid response. If not for quick sample trials, I would still be suffering way back in the SSRI category, and could likely have lost my job, wife, or life. In just a couple months I was able to identify which drugs to consider for longer trials. I see no sense in committing to a long trial until a medication has proved in a short time that it is worth the committment. It has to prove itself for me to commit.
Anyway, there is always more than one way to solve a problem. I prefer the quickest way.
There is evidence in every clinical trial of patients who responded quickly in one day to two weeks. There is ample real life evidence right here at this board and in the archives. In my own therapy I wanted to be one of those quick responders. It was simply a matter of trying enough medicines to see which would do it. Most were frustrating disappointments. They probably would have been ok if given more time, but they would have also been acting indirectly through chain reactions. I didn't want that. I wanted something that would work directly. When it works directly on the real problem, it works fast. It's quite simple logic really, and supported completely by the facts, and yet is not embraced by many people. But it is a view to consider if you really want to get well as fast as possible.
Weed out the losers. Identify the winners. Quick trials will do that. Then end result is you can get completely well in a fraction of the time.
John
Posted by PaulW on April 6, 2001, at 14:36:55
In reply to Re: Effexor XR:5 weeks:no effect:HELP!!!, posted by JohnL on April 6, 2001, at 6:14:51
> Hi Paul,
> Though my views are sometimes controversial, I no longer trust or believe in the long torturous six week wait. To me that is just a sign of an inferior drug match. I prefer superior ones, which are characterized by fairly rapid response, complete response, and few side effects.
>
> I suffered for years and years trying one antidepressant after another in long trials. It wasn't until I started a new program of rapid fire sampling that I began to get better. No more long trials. I tried each of three antipsychotics for a week each, three stimulants for a few days each, and mood stabilizers for a couple weeks each. I was able to sample more drugs in a few months than would have otherwise taken years. I'm glad I did.
>
> Most of those drugs were duds. That is, they did nothing in a week or two, or they had bad side effects, or they made me worse. However, a few drugs stood out as being superior matches. I felt better with them almost immediately. Side effects were nill. Why was that? In my layman thinking it was evidence of a good match between my chemistry and the drug. The drugs that stood out as being obviously, without a doubt, superior for me were Prozac, Zyprexa, Amisulpride, and Adrafinil. Each came with fairly rapid response. If not for quick sample trials, I would still be suffering way back in the SSRI category, and could likely have lost my job, wife, or life. In just a couple months I was able to identify which drugs to consider for longer trials. I see no sense in committing to a long trial until a medication has proved in a short time that it is worth the committment. It has to prove itself for me to commit.
>
> Anyway, there is always more than one way to solve a problem. I prefer the quickest way.
>
> There is evidence in every clinical trial of patients who responded quickly in one day to two weeks. There is ample real life evidence right here at this board and in the archives. In my own therapy I wanted to be one of those quick responders. It was simply a matter of trying enough medicines to see which would do it. Most were frustrating disappointments. They probably would have been ok if given more time, but they would have also been acting indirectly through chain reactions. I didn't want that. I wanted something that would work directly. When it works directly on the real problem, it works fast. It's quite simple logic really, and supported completely by the facts, and yet is not embraced by many people. But it is a view to consider if you really want to get well as fast as possible.
>
> Weed out the losers. Identify the winners. Quick trials will do that. Then end result is you can get completely well in a fraction of the time.
> JohnJohn
thanks for your reply, but, given the postings from the good people above, you can probably apppreciate the dilemna I'm facing.
Given that effexor xr has been sloshing around me for 5/6 weeks now, a decision to quit would no doubt require the tapering regime repeatedly advised elsewhere.And then what? I am too far gone for a quick fix, although, what I'd give for that right now. I admire your courage , effort and discipline you've approached finding the right med. I, meanwhile, dumbly retain faith in my doc's musings, who sees me for 5 minutes max every fortnight. My fault, but my confidence is so shattered at present,I don't have the wherewithal to make decisions for myself at the moment. I do feel that the various ADs I've dabbled with have jellied my brain somewhat.Michele ,thanks, I've been following your postings since you appeared to be mirroring my regime here. I too have had the odd day when I feel 'normal' again and could barely sleep with excitement that I'd cracked it, only to gingerly awake the next morning for the grey weight to start descending again. Please keep posting and I hope it remains positive for you. Do you mind saying whether you experience depression and/or anxiety. For the record, I enjoy both conditions, although I feel that the depression is anxiety lead.
The reason I ask is to try and assist me in deciding whether XR is the ticket for me.
James, just how far can I bump this one up?Hey Ho, Happy Days. Thanks to all for replying.
Tis Friday night and I must get on with my self obsessing, rather than drag my light hearted thoughts down the pub with my girlfriend and others. They just don't know what they're missing
Cheers
Paul
Posted by Michele on April 6, 2001, at 15:23:02
In reply to Re: Effexor XR:5 weeks:no effect:HELP!!!, posted by PaulW on April 6, 2001, at 14:36:55
Hi Paul,
Wow..... you were so right. I had my "exiting" day on wed.... then yesterday and today I feel like crap. Could have something to do with the fact that I had 2 root canals yesterday and 2 doctors appt's today. The mornings are the worst for me. So I usually sit around and obsess about my depression. But on the days I am forced to do something... once I'm out an about I start to feel really well. Lately I've been starting to walk on my treadmill again..... and that helps to get me started in the morning.. and usually leads to a pretty good day. I feel this is working for me.... just SLOWLY. To answer your question, I am also being treated for depression and anxiety. I was in a MAJOR car accident last year... and that has made everything worse. I had some seriously awful doctors,... just as ONE example.... I was hemmoraging in my abdoman.. was fixed..... and I had major pain for months after that but the doctor kept telling me they were phantom pains. Found another doctor..turns out this doctor had left a towel inside me. Go figure. Ok I'm rambling. You are still giving it a try right? How do you sleep? If you ever want to talk.. or compare notes... feel free to e-mail me on the nights your home thinking while everyone else is at the pub. Good luck, Michele
Posted by Cindylou on April 9, 2001, at 13:37:23
In reply to Re: Effexor XR:5 weeks:no effect:HELP!!!, posted by PaulW on April 6, 2001, at 14:36:55
To Paul --
Hang in there -- from your postings, your IQ doesn't seem to have suffered -- you are a thoughtful and creative writer, and express your thoughts very clearly (keeping a sense of humor, too) despite the "brain fog" that I too have experienced all too often on our friend Effexor.I totally understand how you don't want to start over and try again, now that you've reached the 6 week mark ... I had a similar experience ... VERY bad reaction in the beginning but I was such a wreck I just trusted my doctor and hung in there. That was 8 months ago, and the Effexor did start helping my depression and anxiety, but I never got over the brain fog and exhaustion, so now I am tapering off.
However, if your "brain fog" persists even after the Effexor starts working, talk to your doctor about adding Wellbutrin or Aderall -- I know that's helped for some people. I added Wellbutrin, and it helped for me somewhat; just not enough.
Now that I am on the other side of things, I did learn a lesson, and will take JohnL's route -- trying meds quickly, and if they have bad reactions in the beginning, trying something else. But for now, hang in with the Effexor -- it did help me manage a major depression/anxiety episode (postpartum -- a whole new ballgame from the "regular clinical depression" I'm used to.)
In your corner,
Cindy> > Hi Paul,
> > Though my views are sometimes controversial, I no longer trust or believe in the long torturous six week wait. To me that is just a sign of an inferior drug match. I prefer superior ones, which are characterized by fairly rapid response, complete response, and few side effects.
> >
> > I suffered for years and years trying one antidepressant after another in long trials. It wasn't until I started a new program of rapid fire sampling that I began to get better. No more long trials. I tried each of three antipsychotics for a week each, three stimulants for a few days each, and mood stabilizers for a couple weeks each. I was able to sample more drugs in a few months than would have otherwise taken years. I'm glad I did.
> >
> > Most of those drugs were duds. That is, they did nothing in a week or two, or they had bad side effects, or they made me worse. However, a few drugs stood out as being superior matches. I felt better with them almost immediately. Side effects were nill. Why was that? In my layman thinking it was evidence of a good match between my chemistry and the drug. The drugs that stood out as being obviously, without a doubt, superior for me were Prozac, Zyprexa, Amisulpride, and Adrafinil. Each came with fairly rapid response. If not for quick sample trials, I would still be suffering way back in the SSRI category, and could likely have lost my job, wife, or life. In just a couple months I was able to identify which drugs to consider for longer trials. I see no sense in committing to a long trial until a medication has proved in a short time that it is worth the committment. It has to prove itself for me to commit.
> >
> > Anyway, there is always more than one way to solve a problem. I prefer the quickest way.
> >
> > There is evidence in every clinical trial of patients who responded quickly in one day to two weeks. There is ample real life evidence right here at this board and in the archives. In my own therapy I wanted to be one of those quick responders. It was simply a matter of trying enough medicines to see which would do it. Most were frustrating disappointments. They probably would have been ok if given more time, but they would have also been acting indirectly through chain reactions. I didn't want that. I wanted something that would work directly. When it works directly on the real problem, it works fast. It's quite simple logic really, and supported completely by the facts, and yet is not embraced by many people. But it is a view to consider if you really want to get well as fast as possible.
> >
> > Weed out the losers. Identify the winners. Quick trials will do that. Then end result is you can get completely well in a fraction of the time.
> > John
>
> John
> thanks for your reply, but, given the postings from the good people above, you can probably apppreciate the dilemna I'm facing.
> Given that effexor xr has been sloshing around me for 5/6 weeks now, a decision to quit would no doubt require the tapering regime repeatedly advised elsewhere.And then what? I am too far gone for a quick fix, although, what I'd give for that right now. I admire your courage , effort and discipline you've approached finding the right med. I, meanwhile, dumbly retain faith in my doc's musings, who sees me for 5 minutes max every fortnight. My fault, but my confidence is so shattered at present,I don't have the wherewithal to make decisions for myself at the moment. I do feel that the various ADs I've dabbled with have jellied my brain somewhat.
>
> Michele ,thanks, I've been following your postings since you appeared to be mirroring my regime here. I too have had the odd day when I feel 'normal' again and could barely sleep with excitement that I'd cracked it, only to gingerly awake the next morning for the grey weight to start descending again. Please keep posting and I hope it remains positive for you. Do you mind saying whether you experience depression and/or anxiety. For the record, I enjoy both conditions, although I feel that the depression is anxiety lead.
> The reason I ask is to try and assist me in deciding whether XR is the ticket for me.
> James, just how far can I bump this one up?
>
> Hey Ho, Happy Days. Thanks to all for replying.
>
> Tis Friday night and I must get on with my self obsessing, rather than drag my light hearted thoughts down the pub with my girlfriend and others. They just don't know what they're missing
>
> Cheers
>
> Paul
Posted by PaulW on April 12, 2001, at 11:03:06
In reply to Re: Effexor XR:5 weeks:no effect:HELP!!! » PaulW, posted by Cindylou on April 9, 2001, at 13:37:23
> To Paul --
> Hang in there -- from your postings, your IQ doesn't seem to have suffered -- you are a thoughtful and creative writer, and express your thoughts very clearly (keeping a sense of humor, too) despite the "brain fog" that I too have experienced all too often on our friend Effexor.
>
> I totally understand how you don't want to start over and try again, now that you've reached the 6 week mark ... I had a similar experience ... VERY bad reaction in the beginning but I was such a wreck I just trusted my doctor and hung in there. That was 8 months ago, and the Effexor did start helping my depression and anxiety, but I never got over the brain fog and exhaustion, so now I am tapering off.
>
> However, if your "brain fog" persists even after the Effexor starts working, talk to your doctor about adding Wellbutrin or Aderall -- I know that's helped for some people. I added Wellbutrin, and it helped for me somewhat; just not enough.
>
> Now that I am on the other side of things, I did learn a lesson, and will take JohnL's route -- trying meds quickly, and if they have bad reactions in the beginning, trying something else. But for now, hang in with the Effexor -- it did help me manage a major depression/anxiety episode (postpartum -- a whole new ballgame from the "regular clinical depression" I'm used to.)
>
> In your corner,
> Cindy
>
> > > Hi Paul,
> > > Though my views are sometimes controversial, I no longer trust or believe in the long torturous six week wait. To me that is just a sign of an inferior drug match. I prefer superior ones, which are characterized by fairly rapid response, complete response, and few side effects.
> > >
> > > I suffered for years and years trying one antidepressant after another in long trials. It wasn't until I started a new program of rapid fire sampling that I began to get better. No more long trials. I tried each of three antipsychotics for a week each, three stimulants for a few days each, and mood stabilizers for a couple weeks each. I was able to sample more drugs in a few months than would have otherwise taken years. I'm glad I did.
> > >
> > > Most of those drugs were duds. That is, they did nothing in a week or two, or they had bad side effects, or they made me worse. However, a few drugs stood out as being superior matches. I felt better with them almost immediately. Side effects were nill. Why was that? In my layman thinking it was evidence of a good match between my chemistry and the drug. The drugs that stood out as being obviously, without a doubt, superior for me were Prozac, Zyprexa, Amisulpride, and Adrafinil. Each came with fairly rapid response. If not for quick sample trials, I would still be suffering way back in the SSRI category, and could likely have lost my job, wife, or life. In just a couple months I was able to identify which drugs to consider for longer trials. I see no sense in committing to a long trial until a medication has proved in a short time that it is worth the committment. It has to prove itself for me to commit.
> > >
> > > Anyway, there is always more than one way to solve a problem. I prefer the quickest way.
> > >
> > > There is evidence in every clinical trial of patients who responded quickly in one day to two weeks. There is ample real life evidence right here at this board and in the archives. In my own therapy I wanted to be one of those quick responders. It was simply a matter of trying enough medicines to see which would do it. Most were frustrating disappointments. They probably would have been ok if given more time, but they would have also been acting indirectly through chain reactions. I didn't want that. I wanted something that would work directly. When it works directly on the real problem, it works fast. It's quite simple logic really, and supported completely by the facts, and yet is not embraced by many people. But it is a view to consider if you really want to get well as fast as possible.
> > >
> > > Weed out the losers. Identify the winners. Quick trials will do that. Then end result is you can get completely well in a fraction of the time.
> > > John
> >
> > John
> > thanks for your reply, but, given the postings from the good people above, you can probably apppreciate the dilemna I'm facing.
> > Given that effexor xr has been sloshing around me for 5/6 weeks now, a decision to quit would no doubt require the tapering regime repeatedly advised elsewhere.And then what? I am too far gone for a quick fix, although, what I'd give for that right now. I admire your courage , effort and discipline you've approached finding the right med. I, meanwhile, dumbly retain faith in my doc's musings, who sees me for 5 minutes max every fortnight. My fault, but my confidence is so shattered at present,I don't have the wherewithal to make decisions for myself at the moment. I do feel that the various ADs I've dabbled with have jellied my brain somewhat.
> >
> > Michele ,thanks, I've been following your postings since you appeared to be mirroring my regime here. I too have had the odd day when I feel 'normal' again and could barely sleep with excitement that I'd cracked it, only to gingerly awake the next morning for the grey weight to start descending again. Please keep posting and I hope it remains positive for you. Do you mind saying whether you experience depression and/or anxiety. For the record, I enjoy both conditions, although I feel that the depression is anxiety lead.
> > The reason I ask is to try and assist me in deciding whether XR is the ticket for me.
> > James, just how far can I bump this one up?
> >
> > Hey Ho, Happy Days. Thanks to all for replying.
> >
> > Tis Friday night and I must get on with my self obsessing, rather than drag my light hearted thoughts down the pub with my girlfriend and others. They just don't know what they're missing
> >
> > Cheers
> >
> > PaulCindylou,Michele, James and John
Thanks for all your replies and hope all is well.I went to my docs yesterday and came out concluding that he's even more of a bumbling idiot than I am.
I've now had 4 weeks 75mg FXR, followed by 2 weeks three days at 150mg.
Despite my reporting that I am still courting the tiredness, yawning, occasional nausea and general all round malaise, he wants me to continue on 150mg for a further two weeks.He also gave me a sick note for two weeks off work, which I am taking advantage of, because I cannot face the prospect of administrating another days incompetence on the organisation. I called my boss and made the big announcement and he was OK. Ten minutes later I began to receive supporting e mails from my colleagues, saying 'don't think about work',' we're all rooting for you' and the best one' don't be paranoid and think that everyone's talking about you'!!!. This is from the poor folk I'm employed to 'manage'!
So today, i've felt OK and the depression has lifted slightly, although I've had days like this before. Is it because I'm not at work or is FXR doing it's job?
But, I'm wondering about your post and John L's. You said that the tiredness remained for 8 months and given that my side effects haven't dissipated after 6/7 weeks, will they ever?
I had great success on Paxil (only 20mg) previously in that it made me feel 'normal' which is all I would ever wish from an AD. However, this time round, the Paxil induced my first ever major panic attack and record breaking anxiety and I got the hell off. Since then Wonder Doc has tried me on Gaminal (TCA) and now FXR.
Given that the depression has lifted a touch, maybe Paxil will work for me again?
However, this episode has been the worst ever in my merry 34 years and I've been suicidal. Maybe the Paxil does not kick enough?
My doc has probably never heard of Wellbutrin even and he cringed when I suggested augmenting.
He also queried the need to monitor my BP when on FXR.I live In the UK btw. Maybe I shouldn't?I do not expect him to wave a magic wand and the whole world will be an orgy of singing and dancing, but I don't particularly want him to send me on a one way to Blunted Boulevard, with only the pains of withdrawal to relish.
Shall I give it another week?
Michele, I hope that you've made some progress. have you had any more 'wow' days?
Please let me know
Thankyou
Paul
Posted by Cindylou on April 12, 2001, at 18:25:19
In reply to Re: Effexor XR:5 weeks:no effect:HELP!!!, posted by PaulW on April 12, 2001, at 11:03:06
Hi Paul,
You are in a tough spot right now, and I feel for you. Is there any way you could find another doctor? He sounds pretty lame when it comes to meds. Is he a psychiatrist?My first instinct is to suggest getting off the Effexor and trying something else ... maybe Zoloft or Prozac, or a higher dose of Paxil than you were on before. Since the Paxil worked well for you before, I don't think you'd have trouble adjusting to the Prozac or Zoloft. And since the Effexor has built up in your system, my guess is that the new med wouldn't take as long to take effect.
I know you can start another SSRI while you're weaning off the Effexor (my doc and I tried that, but I have a bad reaction to all SSRIs, so it didn't work for me.) I think being on another SSRI while going off the Effexor can help with the withdrawal symptoms, too.
Also, it's too bad that your doctor didn't want to augment -- was that because he wanted to wait until you've been on the Effexor longer? Or is he against augmenting all together? There has been a lot of success for a lot of people who are on combinations of meds.
The best news is you've got two weeks off of work to work this out, and to rest and take care of yourself. Also, it sounds like your colleagues are really supportive.
Keep us posted on how you're doing --
Thinking of you,
Cindy>
> Cindylou,Michele, James and John
> Thanks for all your replies and hope all is well.
>
> I went to my docs yesterday and came out concluding that he's even more of a bumbling idiot than I am.
>
> I've now had 4 weeks 75mg FXR, followed by 2 weeks three days at 150mg.
> Despite my reporting that I am still courting the tiredness, yawning, occasional nausea and general all round malaise, he wants me to continue on 150mg for a further two weeks.
>
> He also gave me a sick note for two weeks off work, which I am taking advantage of, because I cannot face the prospect of administrating another days incompetence on the organisation. I called my boss and made the big announcement and he was OK. Ten minutes later I began to receive supporting e mails from my colleagues, saying 'don't think about work',' we're all rooting for you' and the best one' don't be paranoid and think that everyone's talking about you'!!!. This is from the poor folk I'm employed to 'manage'!
>
> So today, i've felt OK and the depression has lifted slightly, although I've had days like this before. Is it because I'm not at work or is FXR doing it's job?
>
> But, I'm wondering about your post and John L's. You said that the tiredness remained for 8 months and given that my side effects haven't dissipated after 6/7 weeks, will they ever?
>
> I had great success on Paxil (only 20mg) previously in that it made me feel 'normal' which is all I would ever wish from an AD. However, this time round, the Paxil induced my first ever major panic attack and record breaking anxiety and I got the hell off. Since then Wonder Doc has tried me on Gaminal (TCA) and now FXR.
>
> Given that the depression has lifted a touch, maybe Paxil will work for me again?
>
> However, this episode has been the worst ever in my merry 34 years and I've been suicidal. Maybe the Paxil does not kick enough?
>
> My doc has probably never heard of Wellbutrin even and he cringed when I suggested augmenting.
> He also queried the need to monitor my BP when on FXR.I live In the UK btw. Maybe I shouldn't?
>
> I do not expect him to wave a magic wand and the whole world will be an orgy of singing and dancing, but I don't particularly want him to send me on a one way to Blunted Boulevard, with only the pains of withdrawal to relish.
>
> Shall I give it another week?
>
> Michele, I hope that you've made some progress. have you had any more 'wow' days?
>
> Please let me know
>
> Thankyou
>
> Paul
Posted by PaulW on April 13, 2001, at 3:42:25
In reply to Re: Effexor XR:5 weeks:no effect:HELP!!! » PaulW, posted by Cindylou on April 12, 2001, at 18:25:19
> Hi Paul,
> You are in a tough spot right now, and I feel for you. Is there any way you could find another doctor? He sounds pretty lame when it comes to meds. Is he a psychiatrist?
>
> My first instinct is to suggest getting off the Effexor and trying something else ... maybe Zoloft or Prozac, or a higher dose of Paxil than you were on before. Since the Paxil worked well for you before, I don't think you'd have trouble adjusting to the Prozac or Zoloft. And since the Effexor has built up in your system, my guess is that the new med wouldn't take as long to take effect.
>
> I know you can start another SSRI while you're weaning off the Effexor (my doc and I tried that, but I have a bad reaction to all SSRIs, so it didn't work for me.) I think being on another SSRI while going off the Effexor can help with the withdrawal symptoms, too.
>
> Also, it's too bad that your doctor didn't want to augment -- was that because he wanted to wait until you've been on the Effexor longer? Or is he against augmenting all together? There has been a lot of success for a lot of people who are on combinations of meds.
>
> The best news is you've got two weeks off of work to work this out, and to rest and take care of yourself. Also, it sounds like your colleagues are really supportive.
>
> Keep us posted on how you're doing --
> Thinking of you,
> Cindy
>
>
>
>
>
> >
> > Cindylou,Michele, James and John
> > Thanks for all your replies and hope all is well.
> >
> > I went to my docs yesterday and came out concluding that he's even more of a bumbling idiot than I am.
> >
> > I've now had 4 weeks 75mg FXR, followed by 2 weeks three days at 150mg.
> > Despite my reporting that I am still courting the tiredness, yawning, occasional nausea and general all round malaise, he wants me to continue on 150mg for a further two weeks.
> >
> > He also gave me a sick note for two weeks off work, which I am taking advantage of, because I cannot face the prospect of administrating another days incompetence on the organisation. I called my boss and made the big announcement and he was OK. Ten minutes later I began to receive supporting e mails from my colleagues, saying 'don't think about work',' we're all rooting for you' and the best one' don't be paranoid and think that everyone's talking about you'!!!. This is from the poor folk I'm employed to 'manage'!
> >
> > So today, i've felt OK and the depression has lifted slightly, although I've had days like this before. Is it because I'm not at work or is FXR doing it's job?
> >
> > But, I'm wondering about your post and John L's. You said that the tiredness remained for 8 months and given that my side effects haven't dissipated after 6/7 weeks, will they ever?
> >
> > I had great success on Paxil (only 20mg) previously in that it made me feel 'normal' which is all I would ever wish from an AD. However, this time round, the Paxil induced my first ever major panic attack and record breaking anxiety and I got the hell off. Since then Wonder Doc has tried me on Gaminal (TCA) and now FXR.
> >
> > Given that the depression has lifted a touch, maybe Paxil will work for me again?
> >
> > However, this episode has been the worst ever in my merry 34 years and I've been suicidal. Maybe the Paxil does not kick enough?
> >
> > My doc has probably never heard of Wellbutrin even and he cringed when I suggested augmenting.
> > He also queried the need to monitor my BP when on FXR.I live In the UK btw. Maybe I shouldn't?
> >
> > I do not expect him to wave a magic wand and the whole world will be an orgy of singing and dancing, but I don't particularly want him to send me on a one way to Blunted Boulevard, with only the pains of withdrawal to relish.
> >
> > Shall I give it another week?
> >
> > Michele, I hope that you've made some progress. have you had any more 'wow' days?
> >
> > Please let me know
> >
> > Thankyou
> >
> > PaulCindy,
thanks again for the support. My doc is not a psychiatrist, just a poor overworked GP, so he has my sympathies. His belief is that I should give the FXR a 'proper trial'(about 7 years, the way it's going)
And in the thread below, I refer to 'the more insightful ones on this board'...you are one of those,you...! I was referring directly to myself as being a dunderhead, who has little knowledge on this subject.Keep posting CL, I appreciate it and may happiness be with you!
My , what a creepy closer! I can never think of anything original to sign off with. I suppose I should not get too concerned. We're not running literature classes here are we?I have some Paxil to hand. Shall I be devil and quoff that? Straight in at 30mg? Trouble is I only have FXR 150mg. Is it time for me to break open the cap and count out the balls?
I don't expect you to answer that one. It's down to me, but does FXR and paxil mix? I guess,it's down to the individual again?An even worse closer. Sorry. Time for me to get my coat I think!
Paul
Posted by Cindylou on April 13, 2001, at 13:26:13
In reply to Re: Effexor XR:5 weeks:no effect:HELP!!! » Cindylou, posted by PaulW on April 13, 2001, at 3:42:25
Hi Paul -
I wish I had more medical background so I could give you more solid advice! But I'm just going off my experience (which, unfortunatley, is pretty broad since I've been dealing with these medications for over 12 years now.)I'm not sure if Effexor and Paxil can mix long-term or not ... I do know that some doctors will combine Effexor with another SSRI while you're weaning off of it.
Anyone out there have any information on this??
Also, when i was at 150 mg of effexor, I actually DID open up the pill and dump out half! (Didn't count the balls, but played around with them until I had about half left in the capsule :) I was feeling so horrible, I just couldn't stomach the 150 anymore. Shortly after that was when my doc had me take 112.5 mg -- one 75 mg tablet and one 37.5. That's where I stayed most of the time until recently. (I'm almost all the way off of it now, down to a mere 18 mg. And I'm feeling SO MUCH better -- more focused, less clouded, etc.) I am still on Wellbutrin.
I am very interested in how things work out for you! Keep on posting. I hope others will let you know if Effexor and Paxil can mix okay.
And by the way, you are a fine "closer!"
Take care,
Cindy
> Cindy,
>
> thanks again for the support. My doc is not a psychiatrist, just a poor overworked GP, so he has my sympathies. His belief is that I should give the FXR a 'proper trial'(about 7 years, the way it's going)
> And in the thread below, I refer to 'the more insightful ones on this board'...you are one of those,you...! I was referring directly to myself as being a dunderhead, who has little knowledge on this subject.
>
> Keep posting CL, I appreciate it and may happiness be with you!
> My , what a creepy closer! I can never think of anything original to sign off with. I suppose I should not get too concerned. We're not running literature classes here are we?
>
> I have some Paxil to hand. Shall I be devil and quoff that? Straight in at 30mg? Trouble is I only have FXR 150mg. Is it time for me to break open the cap and count out the balls?
> I don't expect you to answer that one. It's down to me, but does FXR and paxil mix? I guess,it's down to the individual again?
>
> An even worse closer. Sorry. Time for me to get my coat I think!
>
> Paul
Posted by PaulW on April 14, 2001, at 5:12:19
In reply to Re: Effexor XR:5 weeks:no effect:HELP!!! » PaulW, posted by Cindylou on April 13, 2001, at 13:26:13
> Hi Paul -
> I wish I had more medical background so I could give you more solid advice! But I'm just going off my experience (which, unfortunatley, is pretty broad since I've been dealing with these medications for over 12 years now.)
>
> I'm not sure if Effexor and Paxil can mix long-term or not ... I do know that some doctors will combine Effexor with another SSRI while you're weaning off of it.
>
> Anyone out there have any information on this??
>
> Also, when i was at 150 mg of effexor, I actually DID open up the pill and dump out half! (Didn't count the balls, but played around with them until I had about half left in the capsule :) I was feeling so horrible, I just couldn't stomach the 150 anymore. Shortly after that was when my doc had me take 112.5 mg -- one 75 mg tablet and one 37.5. That's where I stayed most of the time until recently. (I'm almost all the way off of it now, down to a mere 18 mg. And I'm feeling SO MUCH better -- more focused, less clouded, etc.) I am still on Wellbutrin.
>
> I am very interested in how things work out for you! Keep on posting. I hope others will let you know if Effexor and Paxil can mix okay.
>
> And by the way, you are a fine "closer!"
> Take care,
> Cindy
>
>
>
>
> > Cindy,
> >
> > thanks again for the support. My doc is not a psychiatrist, just a poor overworked GP, so he has my sympathies. His belief is that I should give the FXR a 'proper trial'(about 7 years, the way it's going)
> > And in the thread below, I refer to 'the more insightful ones on this board'...you are one of those,you...! I was referring directly to myself as being a dunderhead, who has little knowledge on this subject.
> >
> > Keep posting CL, I appreciate it and may happiness be with you!
> > My , what a creepy closer! I can never think of anything original to sign off with. I suppose I should not get too concerned. We're not running literature classes here are we?
> >
> > I have some Paxil to hand. Shall I be devil and quoff that? Straight in at 30mg? Trouble is I only have FXR 150mg. Is it time for me to break open the cap and count out the balls?
> > I don't expect you to answer that one. It's down to me, but does FXR and paxil mix? I guess,it's down to the individual again?
> >
> > An even worse closer. Sorry. Time for me to get my coat I think!
> >
> > PaulCindy
Thanks again
I've started a new thread. Maybe somebody else has experience of this? I realise it's one for myself and doc to work out but would welcome any thoughts in advanceAll the best
Paul
This is the end of the thread.
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