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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 797 to 821 of 10407. Go back in thread:
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.
Posted by Dr. Bob on April 16, 2001, at 22:45:08
In reply to Re: I Love Effexor, posted by Marilyn on April 16, 2001, at 15:00:20
> You poor little thing. Just wait untill you wanna get off effexor....just wait.....
Please be civil, thanks.
Bob
PS: Follow-ups regarding this may be deleted if not redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration.
Posted by jerz on April 16, 2001, at 22:51:10
In reply to Re: Hate it! , posted by JAMMER on April 13, 2001, at 15:00:57
> > 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
> JammerJammer, to get to 9 mg, are you simply dividing your 37.5 contents into fourths? I'm at that point now. My doc thinks I'm 'crazy' for dividing the little balls, but then he's never tried to wean from it... Thanks for the info. Continued luck with the weaning. Jerz
Posted by jerz on April 16, 2001, at 23:11:28
In reply to Re: Goofy or Anyone how do you know the mg in EFXR, posted by goofy on March 30, 2001, at 12:02:36
> > Goofy, thank you for getting back to me. It sounds like this is the best solution from what I have read in these emails. Were you able to function on the job, etc.? How bad were your side effects? Can you share some of your experience of withdrawl with me and include severity of them? I think it will help me stay focused if I know what to expect. I appreciate your input.
> > If I am prepared and know there is an end to the withdrawl symptoms I know I can do it! Fish
> >
> > I don't reccomend opening the capsules because the granules are of varying sizes and so you won't know how much you are really taking at one time.
> > >
> > > some of the granuales are fused together and some are a little smaller it is very easy to eye ball this and divide the granuales equally by size. As far as the dose it may differ a slight bit but I don't think it matters that much. It was time consuming but it was worth it!
> > >
> > > goofy
>
>
> Hi Fish,
> I expected not to be able to function coming off effexor. The side effects I encountered while going off effexor were very mild and I was able to still function. I was a little fuzzy, tired, emotional and I had some achiness and electrical jolts to my body. None of these symptoms were consistant. I would notice them at different times while I was coming off the effexor. I also noticed a positive difference in the way I felt even with these symptoms. Everybody reacts different, but I was able to still function and be productive. Iam now 20 days free and I feel 100% better. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Good luck.
> goofy
>Goofy or anyone else weaning... has anyone experienced weight LOSS while on Effexor XR, but then weight GAIN during the weaning process? I lost about 15 lbs when i went on Effexor, I'm assuming from the affect on my appetite, but since I've begun the weaning process, I've gained about 15 lbs. Anyone else have this problem? Thanks, Jerz
Posted by Pamela on April 17, 2001, at 10:00:51
In reply to Re: Goofy or Anyone how do you know the mg in EFXR, posted by jerz on April 16, 2001, at 23:11:28
> > > Goofy, thank you for getting back to me. It sounds like this is the best solution from what I have read in these emails. Were you able to function on the job, etc.? How bad were your side effects? Can you share some of your experience of withdrawl with me and include severity of them? I think it will help me stay focused if I know what to expect. I appreciate your input.
> > > If I am prepared and know there is an end to the withdrawl symptoms I know I can do it! Fish
> > >
> > > I don't reccomend opening the capsules because the granules are of varying sizes and so you won't know how much you are really taking at one time.
> > > >
> > > > some of the granuales are fused together and some are a little smaller it is very easy to eye ball this and divide the granuales equally by size. As far as the dose it may differ a slight bit but I don't think it matters that much. It was time consuming but it was worth it!
> > > >
> > > > goofy
> >
> >
> > Hi Fish,
> > I expected not to be able to function coming off effexor. The side effects I encountered while going off effexor were very mild and I was able to still function. I was a little fuzzy, tired, emotional and I had some achiness and electrical jolts to my body. None of these symptoms were consistant. I would notice them at different times while I was coming off the effexor. I also noticed a positive difference in the way I felt even with these symptoms. Everybody reacts different, but I was able to still function and be productive. Iam now 20 days free and I feel 100% better. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Good luck.
> > goofy
> >
>
> Goofy or anyone else weaning... has anyone experienced weight LOSS while on Effexor XR, but then weight GAIN during the weaning process? I lost about 15 lbs when i went on Effexor, I'm assuming from the affect on my appetite, but since I've begun the weaning process, I've gained about 15 lbs. Anyone else have this problem? Thanks, JerzYes, Jerz, in fact I gained 8 lbs in 5 days. It reminded me of the Nutty Professor when he had the bad dream about getting so big only I was awake. My doctor said this is normal. Read my next thread for more details.
Pamela
Posted by Pamela on April 17, 2001, at 10:59:36
In reply to Re: Hate it! , posted by jerz on April 16, 2001, at 22:51:10
> > > 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
>
> Jammer, to get to 9 mg, are you simply dividing your 37.5 contents into fourths? I'm at that point now. My doc thinks I'm 'crazy' for dividing the little balls, but then he's never tried to wean from it... Thanks for the info. Continued luck with the weaning. JerzCrazy well,,,,that is what everyone esle is saying. Oh well....HA A little effexor humor!
I too am dividing the little balls and am down to 15 of them, potent drug You bet it is. I have been weaning for 3 months and still not there, but soon. I wrote a long thread but it hasn't posted yet.. If it comes out you might want to read it.
Hang in there it does get better.
Pamela
Posted by jerz on April 17, 2001, at 23:01:33
In reply to Re: Hate it! , posted by Pamela on April 17, 2001, at 10:59:36
> > > > 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
> >
> > Jammer, to get to 9 mg, are you simply dividing your 37.5 contents into fourths? I'm at that point now. My doc thinks I'm 'crazy' for dividing the little balls, but then he's never tried to wean from it... Thanks for the info. Continued luck with the weaning. Jerz
>
> Crazy well,,,,that is what everyone esle is saying. Oh well....HA A little effexor humor!
> I too am dividing the little balls and am down to 15 of them, potent drug You bet it is. I have been weaning for 3 months and still not there, but soon. I wrote a long thread but it hasn't posted yet.. If it comes out you might want to read it.
> Hang in there it does get better.
> PamelaThanks Pamela. I did get to read your other thread. Glad you've been able to rejoin the board. I've been following, though I haven't posted anything until recently.
I'm currently at the approx. 9 mg, which I guess is about 20-25 of the granules. I've been on that for 2 days and so far, I've just had a headache later in the evening, both days. On the second day, I experienced some of the dizziness, but it wasn't too bad. We'll see what day 3 brings.
My 14 year old daughter is also weaning and she's had a bit more trouble. I think this is because she was on a higher dose and for a longer time. She went from 9 mg back up to 18.75 (`50 granules)because of severe nausea and dizziness. I think she's going to have to wean at a much slower rate. Ironically, her appetite has decreased since we began weaning, while mine has increased dramatically. I've gained 15 lbs in the past month. That's probably the worst part so far. Hopefully it's temporary.
Good luck with your weaning. Jerz
Posted by JAMMER on April 18, 2001, at 8:30:36
In reply to Re: Hate it! , posted by jerz on April 17, 2001, at 23:01:33
All, I don't worry too much about what people say or think concerning weaning from Effexor. I know the results I've had. Several more days at 18mg and I'll drop it to 9mg. Still only side effect is headache, anxiety dropped off.
Good luck to all, those who like and benifet from it, and those who don't and are working at comming off it.
-Jammer
Posted by JAMMER on April 18, 2001, at 8:40:42
In reply to Re: Hate it! , posted by JAMMER on April 18, 2001, at 8:30:36
> All, I don't worry too much about what people say or think concerning weaning from Effexor. I know the results I've had. Several more days at 18mg and I'll drop it to 9mg. Still only side effect is headache, anxiety dropped off.
>
> Good luck to all, those who like and benifet from it, and those who don't and are working at comming off it.
>
> -JammerI SHOULD HAVE STATED: I'm not concerned with negative statements, although I accept people have them...
Jammer
Posted by Pamela on April 18, 2001, at 9:56:50
In reply to Re: Hate it! , posted by jerz on April 17, 2001, at 23:01:33
> > > > > 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
> > >
> > > Jammer, to get to 9 mg, are you simply dividing your 37.5 contents into fourths? I'm at that point now. My doc thinks I'm 'crazy' for dividing the little balls, but then he's never tried to wean from it... Thanks for the info. Continued luck with the weaning. Jerz
> >
> > Crazy well,,,,that is what everyone esle is saying. Oh well....HA A little effexor humor!
> > I too am dividing the little balls and am down to 15 of them, potent drug You bet it is. I have been weaning for 3 months and still not there, but soon. I wrote a long thread but it hasn't posted yet.. If it comes out you might want to read it.
> > Hang in there it does get better.
> > Pamela
>
> Thanks Pamela. I did get to read your other thread. Glad you've been able to rejoin the board. I've been following, though I haven't posted anything until recently.
>
> I'm currently at the approx. 9 mg, which I guess is about 20-25 of the granules. I've been on that for 2 days and so far, I've just had a headache later in the evening, both days. On the second day, I experienced some of the dizziness, but it wasn't too bad. We'll see what day 3 brings.
>
> My 14 year old daughter is also weaning and she's had a bit more trouble. I think this is because she was on a higher dose and for a longer time. She went from 9 mg back up to 18.75 (`50 granules)because of severe nausea and dizziness. I think she's going to have to wean at a much slower rate. Ironically, her appetite has decreased since we began weaning, while mine has increased dramatically. I've gained 15 lbs in the past month. That's probably the worst part so far. Hopefully it's temporary.
>
> Good luck with your weaning. Jerz
Jerz,
My heart goes out to both you and your daughter, what a sad situation for both of you having to expeience this at the same time.
Especially at 14, she probably doesn't understand alot of it, huh?
I'll tell ya the dizziness is the scary part to me, I feel as though I am falling when it comes on. I actually did fall, almost went down my stairs but luckily my husband was right behind me.
I can just see the "papers" now woman dies from fall.... weaning off of Effexor. Do you think that would get their attention? Probably not!I saw on the news last night how the FDA is again harrasing the "Supplement" world saying how none of their products are FDA tested, etc etc. I had to laugh, thinking abut how many and how long I have been taking numerous supplements and the worst thing that ever happened to me was when I took Dandelion Root, it affected me like sniffing alot of pollen would if you were allergic, it made me tired and stuffy (for 1 day) then it was gone. Wish we could say the same about our Effexor!Anyway... I too wish you all of the best, please tell your daughter.... life won't always be like this. There are many good things out there too!
Pamela
Posted by Fish on April 18, 2001, at 10:07:52
In reply to Re: effexor xr and side effects, posted by Judy on April 23, 2000, at 22:43:54
Ann, I have had excessive sweating for the year and a half I have been on the XR version. My doctor tested me for menopause (I am 39) and he said I am not going through it. I am currently weaning myself off the medication, am down to 18 mg and the sweating and hot flashes have dramatically decreased. I was actually cold this morning and had to turn up the heat. Never thought that would be a treat, but it was! Your doctor can do a simple blood test to determine if menopause is your problem. Good Luck. Fish
Posted by Fish on April 18, 2001, at 10:30:23
In reply to Re: Goofy or Anyone how do you know the mg in EFXR, posted by jerz on April 16, 2001, at 23:11:28
Jerz, my weight has gone up and down while on Effexor XR, but I have a definite increase in appetite while weaning. I personally crave chocolate and other feel good foods. I think I am comforting myself through the side effects of withdrawl from the drug. I am experiencing dizziness, vertido, and flu like symptoms at the end of everyday. It starts right around the time the next dose is due. I am weaning slowly so I don't know how else to do this without side effect. Increased appetite may be a reaction to the change in your body. Are you eating more? You may be, but haven't really been paying attention? Hope this helps. Fish
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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