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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by hf on May 5, 2001, at 22:43:37
In reply to Re: Wean slowly..very, very, slowly....... » Seraphim, posted by Leo on May 4, 2001, at 19:09:56
> > Leo,
> >
> > Can you share with us what the doctor who specializes in withdrawal is recommending or prescribing to your friend? I don't know how much longer I can stick with this on my own and am hesitant to add in new drugs, but if I don't find some kind of relief soon I'm going to throw myself at the feet of my doctor and beg for help.
> >
> > Seraphim
> >
> >
> >
> Seraphim,
>
> I don't know what the protocol being used is. I do know that she was weaned from the drug way to fast. She had been on effexor for almost two years and had know idea about the side effects or the withdrawal. Obviously, her doctor didn't either. She is still hospitalized and I know that she was put back on the effexor until the doctors figure out what to do. My understanding is that she will remain there until she is off the drug completely with no side effects or symptoms of withdrawal. I don't have all the details but evidently it was much worse than I had been told. That's all I know up to this point. I stopped by to see her and she was in a really bad mood so I didn't stay long. I could relate to how she was feeling. I know that she is outraged over the condition she has been placed in by this drug. I think she's got a long way to go before she is back to where she wants to be physically and emotionally. FYI, this woman is 28 years old and works out 1-2 hours every day at the gym. She really takes care of herself physically. She had noticed that, as time progressed, she was becoming more and more tired after each work out and was taking longer to recover. She wanted to get off the effexor because she felt like her life was improving after a bad marriage and divorce. Her doctor agreed. She was totally broad sided by the weaning of the drug and now has to deal with what will most likely be a long, long recovery period.
>
> Sorry I couldn't be of more help but I'll keep you posted as I get news. In the meantime, try to continue your weaning process. I know that it's hard but trust me, it is worth every minute. You will feel a thousand percent better after you've gotten this terrible drug out of your body.
>
> Regards,
> LeoBoy, I wish I'd NEVER been put on Effexor. I was on Prozac for 2 years and then put on Effexor XR 375 mg about 3 years. Now that I look back and compare to the side effects, I think that most of the problems where caused by the "cure". I had to back off of it when I got severe food poisoning and couldn't keep anything down. ANYthing in my stomach just wouldn't stay there. Well....that started the LONG trip of withdrawal. I mentioned to my Dr. that I had felt really terrible when I couldn't take my EXR due to the food poisoning adventure. I had come upon some of the horror stories of Effexor withdrawal on the internet and mentioned what I had read to him. That was the first time in 3 years that he EVER acknowledged the truth about the drug. That was the day that I made the conscious decision to get off of the stuff. He had me on Wellbutrin, too. I think that the side effects were what were being treated. Since I started coming off of this stuff I have had excruciating body/muscle pain; extremely exacerbated GERD; a very tuned out feeling in my head; visual disturbances; very low blood pressure; and who knows what else is connected to the withdrawal??!! I haven't done this fast. Went down slowly but last week came completely off of it and this has been a very STRANGE experience and very, very, disconcerting and uncomfortable. The depression hasn't been a problem at all except a few on the edge crying episodes which I believe were from the withdrawal. I am not taking the Wellbutrin, either, as I haven't heard anything about it as far as what it does to you. Do these experiences sound like anyone else's? Any experience with the Wellbutrin? How about Buspar or Zoloft as those are something my Dr. mentioned, too. Needless to say, I am VERY, VERY wary!!
Posted by Seraphim on May 6, 2001, at 10:14:13
In reply to Re: Wean slowly..very, very, slowly......., posted by hf on May 5, 2001, at 22:43:37
>
> Boy, I wish I'd NEVER been put on Effexor. I was on Prozac for 2 years and then put on Effexor XR 375 mg about 3 years. Now that I look back and compare to the side effects, I think that most of the problems where caused by the "cure". I had to back off of it when I got severe food poisoning and couldn't keep anything down. ANYthing in my stomach just wouldn't stay there. Well....that started the LONG trip of withdrawal. I mentioned to my Dr. that I had felt really terrible when I couldn't take my EXR due to the food poisoning adventure. I had come upon some of the horror stories of Effexor withdrawal on the internet and mentioned what I had read to him. That was the first time in 3 years that he EVER acknowledged the truth about the drug. That was the day that I made the conscious decision to get off of the stuff. He had me on Wellbutrin, too. I think that the side effects were what were being treated. Since I started coming off of this stuff I have had excruciating body/muscle pain; extremely exacerbated GERD; a very tuned out feeling in my head; visual disturbances; very low blood pressure; and who knows what else is connected to the withdrawal??!! I haven't done this fast. Went down slowly but last week came completely off of it and this has been a very STRANGE experience and very, very, disconcerting and uncomfortable. The depression hasn't been a problem at all except a few on the edge crying episodes which I believe were from the withdrawal. I am not taking the Wellbutrin, either, as I haven't heard anything about it as far as what it does to you. Do these experiences sound like anyone else's? Any experience with the Wellbutrin? How about Buspar or Zoloft as those are something my Dr. mentioned, too. Needless to say, I am VERY, VERY wary!!I have experienced all of the same. I am still sick and in pain. I'm stuck at 37.5mg after two months. Started at 300mg. How long did it take you? As far as the other drugs you mentioned, the only one I am familiar with is Buspar. A friend has taken it for a few years now and says it works great for her social anxiety. I would definitely research each drug and talk to others who have taken it before trying them. I know I will always do the same before even considering a medication, regardless of what it is for.
Seraphim
Posted by hf on May 6, 2001, at 11:29:26
In reply to Re: Wean slowly..very, very, slowly....... » hf, posted by Seraphim on May 6, 2001, at 10:14:13
- Boy, I wish I'd NEVER been put on Effexor...
- I have experienced all of the same. I am still sick and in pain. I'm stuck at 37.5mg after two months. Started at 300mg. How long did it take you? As far as the other drugs you mentioned, the only one I am familiar with is Buspar. A friend has taken it for a few years now and says it works great for her social anxiety. I would definitely research each drug and talk to others who have taken it before trying them. I know I will always do the same before even considering a medication, regardless of what it is for.
>
> SeraphimBelieve me, I am in NO rush to take another med.!! My Synthroid is the only one I feel comfortable with (for low thyroid). I've never felt any side effects other than feeling normal, again...at least along that line. :D
I got the food poisoning about two months ago which started the beginning of the end and then went off the EXR completely two weeks ago, a little over. From what I've read some are still having the withdrawal symptoms at 6 weeks. UGH!! I told my husband that I felt I was going through the joneses for something that I was duped on. That's supposed to be reserved for being not so bright and taking one of the street drugs when it is your choice. My psych was naive enough to give me his e-mail addy...I do believe I will use it as I have a few things to say about his negligence and/or ignorance in his use of these drugs on people who trust him. ;) I will do it "politely", of course.
I am SO GLAD that there is this type of reference and peer support concerning these drugs as I would have thought I was going more CRAZY!! I have enough med probs without added ones caused by my doctor! I just changed insurance companys (they cover meds!! with only a $7 copay!!) so I am going to drop the psych..
Did you read Cam's post about opening the XR caps and taking some of the little balls out so you can reduce the strength of the 37.5 mg caps even more? Sounds like a good idea. I should have done that - I have with XR allergy med so I wouldn't fall asleep working (which is dangerous since I train horses for a living :0 ) Also, according to the doctors' discussions under the tips section on the homepage, several seem to have found it helpful to give their patients a few doses of Prozac to help counter the joneses since it has a long half-life. It was interesting reading their take on this!
hf
Posted by kid47 on May 6, 2001, at 11:47:20
In reply to Re: Wean slowly..very, very, slowly......., posted by hf on May 6, 2001, at 11:29:26
I believe the 20mg/day of Prozac I began taking was the main reason I did not experience severe discontinuation fx after weaning down from 300mg FXR xr. Check with your doc about this.
> - Boy, I wish I'd NEVER been put on Effexor...
>
> - I have experienced all of the same. I am still sick and in pain. I'm stuck at 37.5mg after two months. Started at 300mg. How long did it take you? As far as the other drugs you mentioned, the only one I am familiar with is Buspar. A friend has taken it for a few years now and says it works great for her social anxiety. I would definitely research each drug and talk to others who have taken it before trying them. I know I will always do the same before even considering a medication, regardless of what it is for.
> >
> > Seraphim
>
> Believe me, I am in NO rush to take another med.!! My Synthroid is the only one I feel comfortable with (for low thyroid). I've never felt any side effects other than feeling normal, again...at least along that line. :D
>
> I got the food poisoning about two months ago which started the beginning of the end and then went off the EXR completely two weeks ago, a little over. From what I've read some are still having the withdrawal symptoms at 6 weeks. UGH!! I told my husband that I felt I was going through the joneses for something that I was duped on. That's supposed to be reserved for being not so bright and taking one of the street drugs when it is your choice. My psych was naive enough to give me his e-mail addy...I do believe I will use it as I have a few things to say about his negligence and/or ignorance in his use of these drugs on people who trust him. ;) I will do it "politely", of course.
>
> I am SO GLAD that there is this type of reference and peer support concerning these drugs as I would have thought I was going more CRAZY!! I have enough med probs without added ones caused by my doctor! I just changed insurance companys (they cover meds!! with only a $7 copay!!) so I am going to drop the psych..
>
> Did you read Cam's post about opening the XR caps and taking some of the little balls out so you can reduce the strength of the 37.5 mg caps even more? Sounds like a good idea. I should have done that - I have with XR allergy med so I wouldn't fall asleep working (which is dangerous since I train horses for a living :0 ) Also, according to the doctors' discussions under the tips section on the homepage, several seem to have found it helpful to give their patients a few doses of Prozac to help counter the joneses since it has a long half-life. It was interesting reading their take on this!
>
> hf
Posted by Michele on May 6, 2001, at 13:44:25
In reply to Re: Wean slowly..very, very, slowly......., posted by kid47 on May 6, 2001, at 11:47:20
>Prozac is definately a key here! I have seen soooooooo many people go through this, and just a couple days worth of prozac really makes a difference, at least to most!
I am still BEYOND baffled that people take this drug. That it's even prescribed still. I see it on here.... all the new people on here asking about it and want to take it... and other people actually recommending it! There are a few defenders on here that it's worked for.... but I don't think it's even worth the risk, when there are so many other options out there... I even read about these young kids on it. It's really scary to me.
I wrote this once in another post.... but my brother in law is a pharmasist... and he said he gets a pit in his stomache when he has to fill this prescription. He doesn't believe it's going to be around forever!
My pdoc won't even prescribe it anymore. He told me if someone asks.... he will refer them to another doctor. He doesn't believe in adding more pain to patients already intense pain. I'm so sorry for you going through all this!! My heart goes out to you......
Posted by mstar on May 6, 2001, at 14:48:44
In reply to Re: Wean slowly..very, very, slowly......., posted by hf on May 6, 2001, at 11:29:26
I just changed insurance companys (they cover meds!! with only a $7 copay!!)
>hf,
can I ask what insurance company? I am going to be changing jobs soon and will have to change from a 100% coverage of everything and 10$ co-pay for meds. Any help would be appreciated!
Ms
Posted by kid47 on May 6, 2001, at 20:07:19
In reply to Prozac may very well be the key, posted by Michele on May 6, 2001, at 13:44:25
Hello. I tried 7 different AD's & countless
"cocktails" but FXR xr was the only one that actually "cured" my depression. I think this is not a drug that should be given as a first line AD. I think a discontinuation strategy should be discussed before being rx'd fxr. I think there should be comprehensive studies on discontinuation
& a protocol established for it. But I do believe this drug is the closest thing to a miracle cure we have for very treatment resistant depression, especially with comorbid conditions. I know I will catch some shit for this statement. Just (as Dr Bob would say) Please be civil.12 days med free & loving it!!!
PS As always your mileage may vary.
> >Prozac is definately a key here! I have seen soooooooo many people go through this, and just a couple days worth of prozac really makes a difference, at least to most!
>
> I am still BEYOND baffled that people take this drug. That it's even prescribed still. I see it on here.... all the new people on here asking about it and want to take it... and other people actually recommending it! There are a few defenders on here that it's worked for.... but I don't think it's even worth the risk, when there are so many other options out there... I even read about these young kids on it. It's really scary to me.
>
> I wrote this once in another post.... but my brother in law is a pharmasist... and he said he gets a pit in his stomache when he has to fill this prescription. He doesn't believe it's going to be around forever!
>
> My pdoc won't even prescribe it anymore. He told me if someone asks.... he will refer them to another doctor. He doesn't believe in adding more pain to patients already intense pain. I'm so sorry for you going through all this!! My heart goes out to you......
Posted by Diane J. on May 6, 2001, at 22:01:10
In reply to Effexor. My conclusions, posted by kid47 on May 6, 2001, at 20:07:19
Hi, I'm glad Effexor XR helped you. I have taken it for about three years, but when I tried to stop taking it I failed miserably due to the very difficult withdrawal effects. I am down to 150mg from a peak of 300mg, and I am doing okay. I still would like to quit, but I don't want to feel that sick again. The reason I want to stop is because I don't think I need the medication anymore, not because I think it's a bad drug.
There is a site, http://www.priory.com/sideven.htm which discusses Effexor and withdrawal. Dr. Bob is on the advisory board for this site, Psychiatry Online. It is the opinion of this group that Effexor should be used as a second-line medication.
I saw my psychiatrist recently and I mentioned what I have read on this forum about using Prozac to help people withdraw from Effexor. He said he thought that was a good idea and he was going to use it!
People do take the medication because it is likely that they trust their doctors. Also, if someone is feeling bad and believes a medication will help, then of course a person will seek relief. During my tenure with Effexor I experienced a dry mouth, and that was it. I felt no other side effects. The only time I ran into trouble was when I tried to quit.
I don't think it is bad to take it. I do think a person should be given a great deal of support and information if the person would like to go off the drug. What was difficult for me was I got scared when I began to feel so ill, and my doctor couldn't give me an explanation. I found out everything from this forum, and I am grateful.
Sincerely,
Diane J.
> Hello. I tried 7 different AD's & countless
> "cocktails" but FXR xr was the only one that actually "cured" my depression. I think this is not a drug that should be given as a first line AD. I think a discontinuation strategy should be discussed before being rx'd fxr. I think there should be comprehensive studies on discontinuation
> & a protocol established for it. But I do believe this drug is the closest thing to a miracle cure we have for very treatment resistant depression, especially with comorbid conditions. I know I will catch some shit for this statement. Just (as Dr Bob would say) Please be civil.
>
> 12 days med free & loving it!!!
>
> PS As always your mileage may vary.
>
>
> > >Prozac is definately a key here! I have seen soooooooo many people go through this, and just a couple days worth of prozac really makes a difference, at least to most!
> >
> > I am still BEYOND baffled that people take this drug. That it's even prescribed still. I see it on here.... all the new people on here asking about it and want to take it... and other people actually recommending it! There are a few defenders on here that it's worked for.... but I don't think it's even worth the risk, when there are so many other options out there... I even read about these young kids on it. It's really scary to me.
> >
> > I wrote this once in another post.... but my brother in law is a pharmasist... and he said he gets a pit in his stomache when he has to fill this prescription. He doesn't believe it's going to be around forever!
> >
> > My pdoc won't even prescribe it anymore. He told me if someone asks.... he will refer them to another doctor. He doesn't believe in adding more pain to patients already intense pain. I'm so sorry for you going through all this!! My heart goes out to you......
Posted by hf on May 7, 2001, at 0:23:05
In reply to Re: Wean slowly..very, very, slowly......., posted by mstar on May 6, 2001, at 14:48:44
> I just changed insurance companys (they cover meds!! with only a $7 copay!!)
> >
>
> hf,
>
> can I ask what insurance company? I am going to be changing jobs soon and will have to change from a 100% coverage of everything and 10$ co-pay for meds. Any help would be appreciated!
> MsMy husband started working for Intel and they have their insurance with Cigna. :)
Posted by Iris on May 7, 2001, at 10:33:44
In reply to Re: effexor xr and side effects - Ann and Judy, posted by Cam W. on April 23, 2000, at 23:08:36
Hi,I am new to this and I was wondering if anyone could tell me how long it takes for the side effects to go away - will they at all? I started taking Effexor a week ago and I am taking 75mg a day. So far I'm having the following side effects:Trouble sleeping (I sleep for about three to four hours wake up and I'm wide awake,can't go back to sleep) plus I can't remember my dreams anymore.My jaw feels very tight with pain going into my ears.I am very! constipated :-( My arms and legs are falling asleep and I get this tingly feeling in my whole body.I constantly have sweaty palms. I did fell a little nausea for the first couple of days but that went away. I don't have much appetite. If there is someone out there who knows how long it takes for it to go away, please let me know.I am very scared taking this drug, like I said I am new to this. Thank's a lot to anyone who will answer me
Posted by mtm on May 7, 2001, at 13:34:11
In reply to New to Effexor, posted by Iris on May 7, 2001, at 10:33:44
> Hi,I am new to this and I was wondering if anyone could tell me how long it takes for the side effects to go away - will they at all? I started taking Effexor a week ago and I am taking 75mg a day. So far I'm having the following side effects:Trouble sleeping (I sleep for about three to four hours wake up and I'm wide awake,can't go back to sleep) plus I can't remember my dreams anymore.My jaw feels very tight with pain going into my ears.I am very! constipated :-( My arms and legs are falling asleep and I get this tingly feeling in my whole body.I constantly have sweaty palms. I did fell a little nausea for the first couple of days but that went away. I don't have much appetite. If there is someone out there who knows how long it takes for it to go away, please let me know.I am very scared taking this drug, like I said I am new to this. Thank's a lot to anyone who will answer me
> Hi Iris,
I had some of the same symptoms: trouble sleeping, not remembering my dreams, constipation. Felt energetic and
and more alert though so it was worth it. After a few weeks the trouble sleeping changed to trouble
staying awake and the 'good' feelings dissipated. Plan to get off it soon and hope the horror stories
that I'm reading on this site don't happen. Personally speaking, if the side-effects to a drug make me
worried and anxious, what's the point in taking it? So it goes....
MTM
Posted by mstar on May 7, 2001, at 13:39:08
In reply to New to Effexor, posted by Iris on May 7, 2001, at 10:33:44
Did your doctor start you out with 75mg? It sounds like you are probably taking too much too soon. I had mild side effects, but I increased very slowly. You need to start out at 37.5 and take that until you feel the side-affects have gone away. That's what my doctor told me, to be comfortable before you take a larger dose.Are you taking it for major depression?
ms
Posted by kid47 on May 7, 2001, at 14:43:15
In reply to New to Effexor, posted by Iris on May 7, 2001, at 10:33:44
Hello.I have just successfully weaned off of 13 mos. @ 300mg/day of FXR xr. I tried 7 different AD's & countless "cocktails" but FXR xr was the only one that actually "cured" my depression. I don't think this is a drug that should be given as a first line AD. I think a discontinuation strategy should be discussed with your doc before being rx'd FXR. I think there should be comprehensive studies on discontinuation & a protocol established for it. But I do believe this drug for some, is the closest thing to a miracle cure we have for very treatment resistant depression, especially with comorbid conditions (IMHO). I know I will catch some shit for this statement. Just (as Dr Bob would say) Please be civil.
13 days med free & loving it!!!
PS As always your mileage may vary.
Posted by Iris on May 7, 2001, at 15:15:22
In reply to Re: New to Effexor, posted by mstar on May 7, 2001, at 13:39:08
>
> Dear mstar & mtm,
thank's for answering me.Yes, he my Doctor started me on the 75mg dose. I am taking it for my Anxiety attacks.I am also starting therapy in a couple of days. My Doctor told me I should take Effexor at least for 6 months before getting off it. I guess that's when the therapy kicks in? Since reading the messages on this bord I am really concerned taking this.My question is what happens after the drug, after the withdral symptoms? Will I have to take another drug instead and so on for the rest of my life or will I be medication free at last? I guess I have to talk to my Doctor about all this but my next appointment isn't for a while and this board is the next best thing - if not even better with all the experience. Thank's again
Posted by Light on May 7, 2001, at 15:47:08
In reply to Re: beginning effexor xr » Light, posted by Michele on May 3, 2001, at 0:38:55
> Hi.....
> I'm glad to hear you decided and feel good about your decision. So you took your last one huh? How many days have you been on it? You should be fine... if not.... don't hesitate to use the tips on here.
> You sound completely like me. I felt just like you do.... and coincidentaly... that's what I take.... valium when it gets tough(about 2 a week)... Ive been finding other ways of dealing with my depression, and am thankful that I'm able to do it without meds. I'm one of the lucky ones. Hope it works for you... Thinking of you,
> Michele
< < <
<
>
>
hi---
ok, the saga continues...
i had decided to NOT take the effexor. i took only the first 4 doses of 37.5 mg and then stopped. no problems at all with stopping, which was great, because i did feel some side effects when starting. anyway, it's been about a week, and i am having huge personal problems that are leaving me feeling so drained every day, and i have been just crying uncontrollably every day, and unable to move on after "resolving" things. truthfully, it is all about my relationship with my boyfriend. there are extenuating circumstances that will never change, so i either deal with those things, or not. but there are other issues that have to do with the way we relate to each other, and fundamental human decency, and respect--as far as i'm concerned. basically, we are just too different, i'm afraid. i used to think that our relationship could thrive because of our differences--particularly in the way we grew up, and thus, how we treat others--but this is just so much work. so i don't even now how i feel, really, about taking medication if i look at the real reasons why--but at the same time, i feel like the way things are now, i may actually need something. here's another thing--i finally talked to my doctor today, and told him what was going on. he could not believe what i had heard about side effects and how hard it supposedly is to get off of effexor. he said it is totally different from ssri's (?) like paxil, and that it should be very easy to get off of...(again, i know this stuff is always different for everybody)but he happens to go around and give talks on effexor--says he knows the medication inside and out, and has never been more pleased with a drug. of course this is what happens when i have finally made my decision after flip-flopping a million times. so now, i feel like maybe i should just try it. i've been feeling so terrible lately, and really unable to function the way i need to. it's just this dilemma about the real reason for my problems pretty much being my boyfriend--so i should just quit HIM! for whatever reason(s) i'm not ready to do that (yet) and the issue really is my mental/emotional health, which is awful right now. so i think i'm going to call my doctor back and try this shit out. i feel insane....
Light
Posted by mtm on May 7, 2001, at 15:47:45
In reply to Re: New to Effexor, posted by Iris on May 7, 2001, at 15:15:22
> >
> > Dear mstar & mtm,
> thank's for answering me.Yes, he my Doctor started me on the 75mg dose. I am taking it for my Anxiety attacks.I am also starting therapy in a couple of days. My Doctor told me I should take Effexor at least for 6 months before getting off it. I guess that's when the therapy kicks in? Since reading the messages on this bord I am really concerned taking this.My question is what happens after the drug, after the withdral symptoms? Will I have to take another drug instead and so on for the rest of my life or will I be medication free at last? I guess I have to talk to my Doctor about all this but my next appointment isn't for a while and this board is the next best thing - if not even better with all the experience. Thank's againIris,
I started out on 37.5mg. 75 might be too much. Interesting that he/she prescribed it for anxiety. It has never helped my anxiety but the occasional xanex gets me over the rough spots. My pdoc hasn't said anything about needing to take it for 6 months
either. A second opinion might be a good idea.
MTM
Posted by Iris on May 7, 2001, at 16:08:39
In reply to Re: New to Effexor, posted by mtm on May 7, 2001, at 15:47:45
Mtm,
I just got diagnosed with Anxiety a while ago.He started me out on Paxil.I felt really bad taking it.I went back and he put me on Effexor.I would love to get a second opinion but my husband is in the army and I have to see certain doctors -none of my choice- and frankly I don't think to highly of them.I am not an American and not very up to date when it comes to the medication over here.I really don't know what to do.I did ask him if I could just do the Therapy but he told me it was the combination of both that will bring results.I've been taking Effexor for a week now, maybe that's not long enough for any withdrwal symptoms if I stop right now??? Iris
Posted by RJC on May 7, 2001, at 18:13:19
In reply to Re: New to Effexor, posted by Iris on May 7, 2001, at 16:08:39
G'day Iris,
I was put on EFXR for anxiety and for major depression (both of which I had never ever dreamed could happen to me) and told that I would have to be on it for at least 6 months and maybe even a year. It's now been 13 months.
But I am well over due to seeing my Dr, and when I see him, I hope to start cutting back.
Those side-effects are very familiar, especially the tingly feeling, and lasted about 2-3 weeks for me.The only ones I have now are that I sweat a lot, occasionly get dizzy and wake up with a huge headache after drinking.(Self inflicted)
I'm not an American either and it does seem that most people here are, so it's sort of comforting knowing thats it's a worldwide problem.
Hope you get over the initial side-effects soon.
RC
> Mtm,
> I just got diagnosed with Anxiety a while ago.He started me out on Paxil.I felt really bad taking it.I went back and he put me on Effexor.I would love to get a second opinion but my husband is in the army and I have to see certain doctors -none of my choice- and frankly I don't think to highly of them.I am not an American and not very up to date when it comes to the medication over here.I really don't know what to do.I did ask him if I could just do the Therapy but he told me it was the combination of both that will bring results.I've been taking Effexor for a week now, maybe that's not long enough for any withdrwal symptoms if I stop right now??? Iris
Posted by Michele on May 7, 2001, at 20:29:17
In reply to Re: New to Effexor, posted by Iris on May 7, 2001, at 16:08:39
Iris,
You really shouldn't have any problems if you decide to stop after one week. If that is your definate decision ... I would stop as soon as possible.... the longer it's in your system, obviously the more withdrawal. Most people I know that took it less than 2 weeks had very little or no withdrawal symtoms. Good luck!!!!
Posted by Michele on May 7, 2001, at 20:36:28
In reply to Re: beginning effexor xr » Michele, posted by Light on May 7, 2001, at 15:47:08
'm sorry kiddo for what your going thru. I completely understand... I've been there too.... and I still have a lot of emotional scars for very similar reasons.
I felt the exact same way you do... that I need some help... even if just temporary. I went back and forth... drugs? Yes. no. yes. no. Maybe you can talk to him about Prozac or celexa? I realize how easy it is to trust and believe your doctor....but that's the thing with this drug.. as soooooo many on this board can testify too. The doctor's don't seem to understand the withdrawal and blow it off.... check out some of the archives and see what they say. I'm not at all trying to persuade you from taking effexor.. by all means, if you trust in it.... go for it. I was just pointing out that there were so many other drugs on the market and you seemed afraid of it,with good reason. Are you also seeing a therapist? I find that helps me GREATLY in dealing with situational issues. Where do you live?
Again.... I'm sorry your going thru all this... man, life is painful isn't it? But I'll tell you... About 2 months ago.... due to various problems, mostly medical(a doctor commited major malpractice on me that has caused some permanent deformaties)and my fiance was killed in a motorcycle accident.. I tried to kill myself. I spent every day... 24/7 crying. I woke up crying.. fell asleep crying... paced my house, barely knew my name, etc. I couldn't do anything, I felt utterly hopeless. That's when I tried effexor for 8 weeks and it just made everything worse. Since I've been off it I feel great. I do see a therapist twice a week... but I can actually smile, laugh and have a good time. I had hit bottom..... I was so afraid of taking that drug that that become a challenge....to help myself without drugs... and I didn't think it was possible. But I'm back now.... after about 6 months of some serious depression. If you ever want to talk more personally, let me know and I'll give you my e-mail address. Take care and hang in there. P.s. Talk to your doctor about some possible other options.... or what a lot of people on this post are doing is printing out some posts on the withdrawal. Believe me... they are very real. Michele--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Posted by Iris on May 7, 2001, at 21:00:21
In reply to Re: New to Effexor, posted by RJC on May 7, 2001, at 18:13:19
> Thank's to all of you for answering me!!!
I am still very scared and I don't know if I should keep taking the pills or stop them right now.RC, are you in Therapy also or just on medication?
Does anyone know if Therapy alone helps? Iris
Posted by Michele on May 7, 2001, at 21:03:18
In reply to Re: New to Effexor, posted by Iris on May 7, 2001, at 21:00:21
Iris,
I've had some few posts previous if you want to hear my detailed story.
If your uncomfortable with it.... scared, whatnot.... try another AD. There are so many out there... one's that have been around a long time that are more "trustworthy" to newcomers.I am in therapy alone and it's helped me greatly. Good luck....
Posted by Seraphim on May 7, 2001, at 22:22:16
In reply to New to Effexor, posted by Iris on May 7, 2001, at 10:33:44
> Hi,I am new to this and I was wondering if anyone could tell me how long it takes for the side effects to go away - will they at all? I started taking Effexor a week ago and I am taking 75mg a day. So far I'm having the following side effects:Trouble sleeping (I sleep for about three to four hours wake up and I'm wide awake,can't go back to sleep) plus I can't remember my dreams anymore.My jaw feels very tight with pain going into my ears.I am very! constipated :-( My arms and legs are falling asleep and I get this tingly feeling in my whole body.I constantly have sweaty palms. I did fell a little nausea for the first couple of days but that went away. I don't have much appetite. If there is someone out there who knows how long it takes for it to go away, please let me know.I am very scared taking this drug, like I said I am new to this. Thank's a lot to anyone who will answer me
For me, it took a few weeks for the side effects to start to subside. They will go away for the most part. I've read the other posts and I agree that you should really talk to your doctor about other alternatives. I don't know your whole situation, but either buspar or xanax work well for a lot of people in dealing with anxiety, and there are many others. After what I have been going through with side effects and now withdrawal (it is as bad as everyone says it is, even with help) I suggest seeking another alternative first and Effexor as a last resort. By the way, therapy has helped tremendously, but I am a true believer in that you get from therapy what you put into it. It is not always easy, but can be enlightening and powerful. I wish you well.
Seraphim
Posted by light on May 7, 2001, at 22:29:45
In reply to Re: beginning effexor xr--LIGHT, posted by Michele on May 7, 2001, at 20:36:28
hi, michele
gosh, hearing what you went through makes my problems seem like peanuts. i'm sorry that efexor worked out so badly for you. ya know, it's not a bad idea to print out some of these posts to show my doctor--especially since he literally goes and gives talks on how wonderful it is. i also clicked on a link earlier today that showed some FDA descriptions of efexor that supposedly had been recently revised to include severe withdrawal symptoms. as of right now, i am still flip-flopping. i spoke to a guy tonight who is on efexor now and hates it. he is one of those people who has taken drug after drug, and feels it's bset to just get off of everything--that the government is trying to control us, etc. etc. he doesn't seem to be thinking too straight, but that's scary, too...one thing he did suggest, though, which i plan to heed, is to start meditating and doing yoga again. those kinds of things can only help, and maybe if i try alternate avenues intensively, i won't even feel the need for "medication". we'll see. i think i'm going to go the natural way for now, but who knows what tomorrow will bring...
thanks--
light
p.s. yes, i'm in therapy, and my therapist is wonderful. two weeks ago when i saw her, and mentioned that i might want to get back on an AD, she said she was going to recommend it...(!!!!!)
Posted by RJC on May 7, 2001, at 22:32:40
In reply to Re: New to Effexor, posted by Iris on May 7, 2001, at 21:00:21
Hi Iris,
I'm not in therapy.I've been seeing a psychologist every few months, but at the beginning I actually checked myself into a clinic and I was there for about a week.
I remember pacing the house all anxious and panicky knowing that something was wrong but not knowing what.
Thats when I went to the clinic for a week.I was embarressed at first but then thought bugger everyone if they think anything, and in hindsight nobody really cared anyway.They were just worried.I remember doctors saying that I'd get better and I didn't beleive them, but you do get better.
All I did was sleep and then I had 3 months off before returning to work.The tablets definately helped me but now that I'm stronger I have to get of them.
> > Thank's to all of you for answering me!!!
> I am still very scared and I don't know if I should keep taking the pills or stop them right now.
>
> RC, are you in Therapy also or just on medication?
>
> Does anyone know if Therapy alone helps? Iris
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