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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by AnneL on April 13, 2001, at 14:59:56
In reply to Re: New user! » AnneL, posted by sabnyc on April 13, 2001, at 14:37:14
> I'm on my third day of effexor XR (37.5m), and am having, what I believe are normal, but unpleasant side effects. I'm very spacy, hard to concentrate, jittery and tired at the same time, and sleep is bad (MD gave me Ambien for that). I'm taking the med for a mild non-debilitating, depression (or fear of going into one). I'm turning 50, lost job, broke, scared about the future etc. I didn't want to spiral down, I need all my wits about me to confront these things. (I took zoloft 5yrs. ago for about 9mos. and it really helped). Is there anyone else in a similar situation? I most likely could handle this without the med, but I want to use everything I can...I write and am also concerned about the effect on that. I'd appreciate hearing from you.
Your start-up side effects sound very much like mine did. I even stopped taking it after only 3 days, but my depression which was compounded by situational stressors was so bad that I became very motivated to stick it out! I'am really glad that I did. I started at 37.5 mg. x 7 days, went to 75 mg. x 15 days and am now on 112.5 mg. I had absolutely no problem upping the dose to 75 mg. (well maybe jittery for a day or two) but then it was gone! I am now experiencing the same "ramping up" feeling on day 2 at 112.5 mg. but am confident this will pass in a day or two. Only you can decide whether or not you require medication at this time in your life. Perhaps asking for medication from your doctor is an indication that you feel the need is great enough.
Good Luck and keep us posted. AnneL
Posted by JAMMER on April 13, 2001, at 15:00:57
In reply to Hate it! , posted by SCALLOPSHELL on April 13, 2001, at 7:42:19
> I AM GOING OFF THIS AWFUL MEDICATION. IT HAS MADE ME EXTERMELY NAUSEOUS AND I HAVE BEEN VOMITING FOR 2 DAYS. I HAVEN'T WANTED TO GET OUT OF BED AND I FEEL VERY DEPRESSED. HATE IT! I'LL NEVER TAKE THIS AGAIN.
> It is VERY important to wean of this medication slowly. Tapering slowly to lowest dose over several weeks, then splitting the dose in half for 2 weeks, and half again is what I'm doing, taking it everyday. For XR, 37mg 2 weeks, 18mg 2weeks, then 9mg for weeks is my plan. I'm at the end of 1st week at 18mg.
Yes, getting off this med SUCKS........At the end of 2nd day with no use brain shivers set in with other negative withdrawal symptoms. (see my previous posts).
My experience has taught me to get back on it. and begin tapering by reducing the dose. and all the ugly withdrawals, will subside. Mild headaches and some anxiety are my only symptoms.
Best wishes
Jammer
Posted by Denny on April 13, 2001, at 15:38:04
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
> I"M back on 75 Mg. of Effexor and I feel great! The so called terrible withdrawl symptoms were nonexistant because I tappered off Slowly;however the anxiety I experienced felt awful-no other anti-depressent has ever helped me like Effexor does and the few longterm side-effects are very mild and quite managable! To all the newbies and longtime users of this wonderful med, dont be swayed by the postings of mentally ill people who go off their meds and blame their depressive symptoms on withdrawl or longterm side effects: also BEWARE THE BRAINWASHED SCIENTOLOGISTS who oppose all psychiatric medication based on the lunatic ravings of a dead science-fiction pulpwriter!!
Posted by violalloyd on April 13, 2001, at 16:35:48
In reply to New user!, posted by mstar on April 11, 2001, at 11:49:03
> I have been taking Effexor XR for about a week. I have had a very up and down week. I feel better during the day and noticed an increase in energy, but I start to fade at 7:30 with nausa, I yawn all the time, have dizzy spells and can barely walk I am so tired and weak. But I never sleep though the night. Has this happened to anyone else? I am on 3 days of 75mg, I take it in the morning.
I wish I had found these boards when I was first put on Effexor! I would have talked to my Dr. about alternatives, and would never have gotten up to 112.5 mg/day.
I took it for 2 years, and am going through horrible withdrawl, even though I am gradually decreasing my dosage.
Reading posts by others going through withdrawl has been a great help to me. The electrical shock sensations and the shakes and jitters are horrible.
Thanks to all who have posted.
Viola
Posted by Sarah M on April 13, 2001, at 17:39:56
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by maggie on April 13, 2000, at 14:32:34
Withdrawl for me has been terrible. I wish I'd investigated more before I signed on to taking this drug. Here are my symptoms:
-Persistent light-headedness, and a vertigo sensation of falling all of the time
-Auditory halucinations, to include sound of static every few seconds, (ZZZT!), that also seem to interrupt my vision
-Dierreah
-periods of profuse sweating, or hot flashes, seemingly unrelated to the temperature. I am in my 20's, so I'm pretty sure this is not menopause
-serious insomnia. One night I re-organized my bathroom cabinets at 2:00 am. Despite this restlessness, I find it hard to concentrate. At work, I frequently lose my train of thought in the middle of a sentense. I think this has to do with the feeling of electricity, and the ZZZT!!! sound every few seconds.
-Shaky and sweaty palms
-interrupted vision; that is, my eyes cut to one side without my consent.
I have been off of Effexor for about 8 days, and these symptoms persist.
> Nice to see everyone on these message boards....
> helps to know one is not alone.
>
> I have been on effexor xr for about 1 year - 150mg)
> and it has really helped me with my depression!!!
>
> BUT I have found - from missing doses - that the
> withdrawal effects are real. For me, they have
> included strange effects in my brain. A feeling
> of electricity or shocks, also vertigo when I move
> my head from side to side or up and down. Then it
> feels like my head has moved too fast and my eyes
> take a few seconds to catch up. This prohibits
> driving, makes me dizzy and feels very bizarre.
>
> Muscular tension and knots in my leg and hip -
> where I previously had bursitis - GREATLY
> increased when I decreased my dosage from 325 mg
> back to 150mg od.
>
> The side effects, that I can live with, are
> weird dreams plus a LOT of twitching and
> involuntary movements of arms and legs when in bed.
> These wake me up lots of times, but that is much
> preferrable to the weight of depression.
>
> This drug is wonderful for some,
> and disasterous for others.
> Worth a try if you really want to be rid of
> that dreaded pit of despair!!!
>
> Maggie
Posted by Sarah M on April 13, 2001, at 17:52:22
In reply to Re: effexor xr and side effects, posted by Judy on April 23, 2000, at 22:43:54
YES!!!! I am in my early 20's, so I'm pretty sure it's the drug. It's awful.
> Sweating - is anyone having problems with excessive sweating from taking Effexor, 75 mg, the time released version? I can't decide if it's the med or menopause......
Posted by Ryane01 on April 14, 2001, at 6:40:12
In reply to Re: effexor xr and side effects, posted by Sarah M on April 13, 2001, at 17:52:22
I Am 17 and i have been Taking Anti Depressents and Stimulants and Well alot of things in the past including Risperdal which is very bad anyway i was put on EffexorXR and i started slowly at 35.5 mg i belive and now i am on 300Mg a day is anyone else on such a high dose?
Posted by Quasibarbidoll on April 14, 2001, at 8:10:01
In reply to I Love Effexor, posted by Denny on April 13, 2001, at 15:38:04
To all the newbies and longtime users of this wonderful med, dont be swayed by the postings of mentally ill people who go off their meds and blame their depressive symptoms on withdrawl or longterm side effects: !!
Watch your over..generalizations,.......at 75mng for fibro, I was neither mentally ill or depressed.I have had EXCELLENT results w/ 5htp and Same and used a 4 MONTH step down strategy worked out between myself , my pharmacist and my Physician who was HOPELESSLY following the existing protocal.
I am strong willed and well read....certain AHP shills might like to paint us as lunatics... but
we were just uniformed consumers.
I have a friend on 150mg... NO TROUBLE. To each his own and Caveat emptor'
Posted by Marilyn on April 14, 2001, at 9:55:15
In reply to I Love Effexor, posted by Denny on April 13, 2001, at 15:38:04
> To all the newbies and longtime users of this wonderful med, dont be swayed by the postings of mentally ill people who go off their meds and blame their depressive symptoms on withdrawl or longterm side effects > >
I just can't believe that someone is allowed to say such a low minded thing like above.
You better educate yourself a bit more on this horrible drug.
http://www.washingtonian.com/health/hardtoswallow.htmlMarilyn
Posted by Marilyn on April 14, 2001, at 10:00:50
In reply to I Love Effexor, posted by Denny on April 13, 2001, at 15:38:04
More about effexor (venlafaxine):
http://www.priory.com/psych/venhall.htmMarilyn
Posted by Marilyn on April 14, 2001, at 10:04:50
In reply to I Love Effexor, posted by Denny on April 13, 2001, at 15:38:04
> > also BEWARE THE BRAINWASHED SCIENTOLOGISTS who oppose all psychiatric medication based on the lunatic ravings of a dead science-fiction pulpwriter!! > > >
Another low minded statement.
Read this link to educate yourself:
http://www.breggin.com/Joemccarthylives.htmlMarilyn
Posted by Denny on April 14, 2001, at 11:17:52
In reply to Re: I Love Effexor, posted by Marilyn on April 14, 2001, at 10:04:50
I stand by what I wrote: Effexor IS the best anti-depressant I've ever used and there's nothing low about pointing out to be aware of very subjective opinions of the mentally ill off their meds and Spinelesstologists!
Posted by Julie L on April 14, 2001, at 11:43:39
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Sarah M on April 13, 2001, at 17:39:56
I too had similar withdrawal symptoms- i was on Effexor (not XR) 70 mg a day for 5 years then down to 37.5 mg a day for a year after that... I decided to get off the meds a few weeks back (cut my dosage in half for a week).. I've been off of the drug for about a month now, and I feel great. The side effects went away after a few weeks. All i can say is hang in there, it'll get better!
-Julie
Posted by Quasibarbidoll on April 14, 2001, at 13:56:01
In reply to Re: I Love Effexor, posted by Denny on April 14, 2001, at 11:17:52
Posted by Sarah M on April 14, 2001, at 14:15:50
In reply to Re: I Love Effexor, posted by Marilyn on April 14, 2001, at 10:00:50
> More about effexor (venlafaxine):
> http://www.priory.com/psych/venhall.htm
>
> MarilynThank you so much for the helpful information you are posting. Thank you, too, for resisting the previous statement that one should not listen to "mentally ill people blaming the drug" etc. Many people like me who are on anti-depressants are already afraid of this kind of judgement, and it prevents them (me) from being honest about side effects and withdrawl.
Thank you, Marilyn, for your encouragement and support.
Sarah M
Posted by Dr. Bob on April 14, 2001, at 23:41:49
In reply to Re: I Love Effexor » Denny, posted by Quasibarbidoll on April 14, 2001, at 13:56:01
> I find it fascinating that you could be so egocentric...
> Your attacks are offensive and reek of someone with more than a cursory relationship w/ this drug. AHP sign your check doll??Please refrain from name-calling and accusation-making, thanks.
Bob
PS: Follow-ups regarding this should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. Otherwise, they may be deleted.
Posted by CindyG on April 15, 2001, at 14:15:28
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi there,
My doctor just prescribed me Effexor 37.5mg for 7 days and then increased to 75mg a day. I do have anxiety and maybe mild depression, or what the doctor says could be SAD (seasonal affective disorder) after reading some of the previous posts, I'm a bit leary of even starting this medication. Guess I could just use a bit of support and encouragement and maybe a few good reasons why I should start on this med.
Thanks for any help
Cindy
Posted by Robin on April 15, 2001, at 14:22:24
In reply to Re: effexor xr and side effects, posted by Ann on April 23, 2000, at 12:20:02
Just thought I'd let you know I've been taking 37.5 everyday for about one week now. The transition was fine. I plan on taking it for another week and then dropping to 18. I'll let you know how that goes.
Robin
Posted by rewg on April 15, 2001, at 22:36:31
In reply to Re: effexor xr and side effects, posted by Sarah M on April 13, 2001, at 17:52:22
> YES!!!! I am in my early 20's, so I'm pretty sure it's the drug. It's awful.
>
> > Sweating - is anyone having problems with excessive sweating from taking Effexor, 75 mg, the time released version? I can't decide if it's the med or menopause......I also couldn't decide if it was the Effexor XR or menopause. It's definitely the meds. I've been taking Effexor for over 3 years and I always dread summer because the sweating becomes unbearable. I've also put on over 40 lbs. I plan on weaning off so that I can stop sweating and get back to a decent weight.
Posted by DavidHIFI on April 16, 2001, at 8:58:34
In reply to New User, posted by CindyG on April 15, 2001, at 14:15:28
> Hi there,
>
> My doctor just prescribed me Effexor 37.5mg for 7 days and then increased to 75mg a day. I do have anxiety and maybe mild depression, or what the doctor says could be SAD (seasonal affective disorder) after reading some of the previous posts, I'm a bit leary of even starting this medication. Guess I could just use a bit of support and encouragement and maybe a few good reasons why I should start on this med.
>
> Thanks for any help
>
> CindyHi Cindy,
As in previous posts I'm going to suggest staying at the 37.5 for up to the 6 weeks that, it is said, this drug needs to do its' work. Ask your doctor if he feels that's okay. You can always increase to 75 (or more) but perhaps your system is sensitive and you can feel better at the low level. I, too, think some of the extra deepness of my funk is SAD, and I've decided to stay at 37.5 until I finish my initial 30 day supply which, along with the first 7 day sample, would work out to 5 weeks. I'll see how I feel than....
Good Luck and keep us posted.
David
Posted by mstar on April 16, 2001, at 13:00:06
In reply to I Love Effexor, posted by Denny on April 13, 2001, at 15:38:04
Thank you for your positive remarks about effexor xr. I stumbled upon this board just before I started effexor and because of all the negative remarks I almost didn't take my medicine. But the truth is that I need to be on it. I have been on effexor for a week and 1/2. Now I have Upped my dose today to 112.5. I notice a bit of energy difference and eating less (that's good) and less anxiety but I still have very depressed days. Waiting to get better is the hardest part.
Although I was very educated by reading all the responses, the negativity really scared me. So thanks for a positive remark. So far no major side effects for me and I am (hopefully) on the road to recovering myself with effexor. How long have you been on it?
Ms
Posted by Marilyn on April 16, 2001, at 15:00:20
In reply to Re: I Love Effexor, posted by Denny on April 14, 2001, at 11:17:52
You poor little thing. Just wait untill you wanna get off effexor....just wait.....
Marilyn
> I stand by what I wrote: Effexor IS the best anti-depressant I've ever used and there's nothing low about pointing out to be aware of very subjective opinions of the mentally ill off their meds and Spinelesstologists!
Posted by Finallyhappy? on April 16, 2001, at 20:55:03
In reply to Re: I Love Effexor, posted by mstar on April 16, 2001, at 13:00:06
> Hey Ms, I too have had good success on this medicine. I have been on it for 2 months and this is my first AD I have taken. I have been depressed for 25 years. I felt "goofy" for a couple of days and had trouble sleeping but all that is behind me. I am on 75mg and it seems to work well. You need to take what works for you and not let negativity sway your judgement. It definitely is important to be informed, but it is YOUR quality of life that you have to determine.
I may have the side effects everyone is talking about when I stop taking this medicine, but I hope not! Good luck and take care..Finally Happy!
Posted by willow on April 16, 2001, at 21:02:44
In reply to Re: I Love Effexor, posted by Finallyhappy? on April 16, 2001, at 20:55:03
"I may have the side effects everyone is talking about when I stop taking this medicine ..."
I wish I had kept the link I had found concerning effexor withdrawal. It had explained how quickly it left the body. When stopping the medication it should be done slowly and there are other medications which can help. You'll notice a lot of the people with problems didn't take enough time tapering down. It took me about six months to get up to 150mg so I'm not assuming that I can quit it so quickly.
I too think this drug is just a little short of a miracle!
Willow
Posted by Denny on April 16, 2001, at 22:17:36
In reply to Re: I Love Effexor, posted by Marilyn on April 16, 2001, at 15:00:20
Hey Marilyn,
The point is I have gone off Effexor numerous times and felt so awful when I relasped into depression that I have to start taking it again! When I've stopped taking it cold turkey or tapered off too quickly I experience those withdrawl symptoms also: although I find them to be a minor annoyance compared to the anxiety, depression and irritability of mental illness. And if I've offended anybody with my sarcastic comments about Scientologists I apology.
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