![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1214 to 1238 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by Sophia B on July 24, 2001, at 16:13:08
In reply to Re: Buspar - is it really helpful for anxiety?, posted by jotho on July 24, 2001, at 11:14:56
Thanks for the reply. I was on 75 MG (once a day) of Effexor since April. I quit "cold turkey" 12 days ago. I'm now realizing that probably wasn't the best thing for me to do. I hate to start back on the Effexor at this point, though. I will see what I can find on all of the search engines. I just wish my doctor would do the same. Somehow, I doubt that he ever would. I am grateful to know that there are others out there who are going through, or have gone through the same things I am now. I was starting to think that maybe I had a brain tumor or something. Thanks again for the reply.....
Sophia> To Sophia B....Of course it's all in your head but not because you are 'creating' these side-effects. It would appear (this is certainly a guess on my part) that either traces of Effexor are still in your system...you did not mention when you stopped taking it...or, as many of us are concerned of, the Effexor has altered the physiology (hopefully temporarily) of certain receptors and their peripheral systems. It is about 7 weeks since i stopped Effexor entirely (after reducing the dosages over the course of a month) and i still have some of the brain "swooshing". I would put Buspar on this site's search engine and read all the postings regarding it. I would then get on a web search engine (google is good) and read everything you can. And, personally, if my doctor told me the side-effects i was feeling from Effexor withdrawal were figments of my imagination, i would tell him to get on the search engine also, instead of listening exclusively to drug reps. for his information.
Posted by Howiecook on July 25, 2001, at 0:13:47
In reply to Re: 7 WEEKS--EFFEXOR FREE » Leo, posted by Pattyk on April 5, 2001, at 18:29:55
I went to the emergency room a few weeks ago when I had stopped taking effexor for 2 days. I had driven my 2 children and a friend to kung fu lessons several miles from home when what I now know were "brain shivers" started. I went to the emergency room thinking that I was having a stroke or a nervous breakdown. I can't thank the people who have shared similar effects enough. After reading what has been posted on the internet, I realized that I was not alone in what I was feeling, which alleviated a lot of the horrible anxiety that the withdrawal symptoms gave me. A nurse posted a way to gradually reduce the amount taken, which is what I am doing now. This has been a lifesaver. At the emergency room they told me to stop taking both the effexor and the wellbutrin that I had switched to. I can't imagine how awful that would have been. I'm down to 17.5 mg/day now and "only" having dizziness, numbness and shock feelings a couple of times a day. I could have seriously injured my children and their friend driving around in that condition. It seems inexcusible that doctors don't warn their patients that such symptoms are possible or even probable.
Thank you again to everyone who wrote about their similar experiences. It kept me from feeling that I was going "over the edge" or dying. Knowing that these horrible symptoms are "normal" under the circumstances made all of the difference
Posted by girlie on July 25, 2001, at 8:21:14
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jotho on July 12, 2001, at 15:32:02
> Girlie...Two things, three actually, first, congatulations on your success with Effexor. Second, I, and I would bet many, on this posting site were never told by our doctor of the possible extent and severity that might accompany the taking, and stopping, of Effexor. Third, before I did stop I read about many instances of problems and decided to withdraw slowly. I was on the lower dosage of 75 mg. I reduced it by 1/4 and stayed on it for over a week at which time I reduced it by another 1/4 (of the original dosage). I followed this procedure (taking over a month) till finally I stopped totally. It is between 3-4 weeks now since I stopped and the notorious "brain swooshing" is still there (not as bad, though). I also still have problems sleeping, and I still have the involuntary jerkiness in my legs as I try to fall asleep. My wife says this occurs even after I have taken a sleep aid and am in a deep sleep................john
John, I just saw my doctor yesterday because I've been freaking out with just reducing my daily doseage from 300mg to 225mg. The worst thing to me is that I can't tell if it's the medication withdrawl that's making me feel this way or if it's just ME and my anxiety....which gives me more anxiety about going off! We decided that I would stay at this level until after my wedding (Oct 12) and honeymoon, then we would reduce again. She confirmed that getting off Effexor would not be a pleasant experience....ugh! BUT, I want to get pregnant so, I will go through what I have to!
BTW, it's nice to find a place and people who understand "brain swooshing"! It's so hard to explain to people what that feels like! : )
Girlie
Posted by jotho on July 25, 2001, at 9:10:53
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » jotho, posted by girlie on July 25, 2001, at 8:21:14
Hey Girlie...
Congratulations on the wedding thing! Just to update you, it's been 7-8 weeks that i'm off effexor. I have slept without taking either ambien, benedry, alcohol (a beer or two seemed to relax me enough) for four nights in a row now, and, most happily, the "brain swooshing" thing has all but totally resolved itself. I still have the leg twitching at night but not with the severity or frequency i once had. So, two things...first is that you might not have a bad problem coming off effexor...some don't (regardless, make sure you wean off SLOWLY) and secondly, it may take time but the side effects will go away...stay confident that that will happen.
Anxiety was not really relieved by my taking effexor, and i think what you should do is type in a phrase like "effexor and anxiety" and post it on this site. There are quite a few really knowledgable people with many personal experiences who can give you more on the 'anxiety' thing and possibly suggest alternate or additional meds. to help you with that...........stay positive about finding the right combination and good luck.....john
Posted by helmi on July 25, 2001, at 10:09:39
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
hi,
i´ve been on effexor for 2 years, since december i´m lowering my dose. and sunday i took my last dose. i dont feel very well and expeience all that was written before. especially my head is behaving weird. fortunately i dont have to work for another 4 days. i hope this shit will soon be over.sice 5 years i have anorexia. two years ago my physician told that when i would take effexor i would be better and gain weight. stupid enough i thought that it would heal me from anorexia, so i would eat and gain weight and be normal.
but this was not what he meant. my family knew this but said nothing.
i gained weight, but the anorexia didn´t disappear. i hardly ate anything but i still gained weight. i was afraid that i was boulimic (my worst mightmare) and i got more depressed. so my physician increased my dose.
i didn´t tell anybody why i was depressed.
i gained more weight but hardly ate anything. then i suspected that it might have to do with effexor.
i asked my physician and parents who easily confirmed it.i can´t say how guilty i feel, for having used effexor
but i´m also angry, i can´t understand that somebody gives effexor to someone who is anorexic.
are there people who recognise my situation?
who have been given effexor for the same reason?sorry for my bad english but i cant think clearly át this moment
how long will the withdrawel symptoms last?
thanx helmi
Posted by Jocor on July 25, 2001, at 10:29:45
In reply to anorexia, posted by helmi on July 25, 2001, at 10:09:39
Hi Helmi,
I read your post about anorexia...Effexor sure is not the drug to take for that. I'm sorry your doctor tricked you!
Have you heard about Zyprexa (Olanzapine)? It is used by some psychiatrist on a trial basis to treat anorexia - they think that anorexia could be some kind of psychosis where you see your body as "fat" when you really are not. Zyprexa does cause some weight gain on its own but it is also used to treat the weird thinking about anorexia.
Maybe talk to your doctor about that.
Good luck.
Jocor
Posted by Stef on July 25, 2001, at 12:01:38
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hello,
I am taking 112.5 mg of Effexor a day and the only complaint I have is that the sweating is out of control! I sweat all the time,and it is a lot,enough to make me really uncomfortable,especially here where I live where it is about 100 degrees already.
Anyone else have this side-effect? And if so,how long before it passes?
I have been at this dose for about a week,so I am hoping this will pass with time. Also,I seem to be very nervous,like I am on a small amount of speed. Does this pass as well?
Otherwise,effexor seems to be working really well for me.
Cheers,Stef
Posted by italnprnss on July 25, 2001, at 14:17:30
In reply to Re: withdrawal should be paid for by Wyeth-Ayerst, posted by purple on July 18, 2001, at 13:18:00
> It seems everyone is looking for someone to sue. Everyone makes their own decisions regarding prescription medication - and there is sufficient information out there on Effexor side effects and withdrawals. I know because I researched it BEFORE I started taking it, which sounds like what you should have done. There are a huge number of success stories out there for people on Effexor, can you put a price on that? Get over it, there are risks and side effects with almost any medication out there. You put it into your own body.
My question is this why are you so angry? you sound like a person on a mission, relax be supportive everyone needs to vend out their frustration and these are suppose to be the outlets for it, but let's to it respectively.
Posted by ksc on July 25, 2001, at 14:47:04
In reply to anorexia, posted by helmi on July 25, 2001, at 10:09:39
Oh Helmi I'm soooo sorry!!!
Effexor is the last drug you should have been prescribed for Anorexia. I remember reading that Anorexia is sometimes a SIDE AFFECT of the Effexor. Although it does tend to put weight onto some of us less fortunate souls(40 lbs for me), it apparently has the opposite affect on others. I hate to say it, but your doc really should have known that.
My first suggestion would be to change doctors.
Helmi, my own success story with eating disorders and Effexor, is that I was able to conquer my own battle with bullimia with the combination of Effexor and counseling. The Effexor (although full of nasty side affects) gave me a "who cares" type of attitude, long enough to stop worrying so much about my appearance. But it was the counseling that really did it. It helped me to realize that the damage I was doing to my body, was far worse than not being perfect. Most importantly it helped me get to the root of WHY I felt that incescant need to be perfect. The bottom line was that I had to choose between imperfection and life.... or perfection and death.
Posted by girlie on July 25, 2001, at 14:56:18
In reply to Girlie...anxiety and Effexor., posted by jotho on July 25, 2001, at 9:10:53
> Thanks for the update, John! Glad to hear that things are going better for you. It's so nice to have the support of other people who totally understand what I'm going thru! : )
girlie
Posted by Kes on July 25, 2001, at 15:32:08
In reply to Re: 7 WEEKS--EFFEXOR FREE, posted by Justineb on March 24, 2001, at 19:57:42
Hello All,
I'm new here and this is my first week lowering effexor in an attempt to get off it. It's really really terrible, I'm so dizzy and have terrible headaches, and throwing up and feeling so very strange I can't really explain it. I can't go out or live normally. Leo have you or anyone else gotten over the withdrawel totally. Any reasurance will help. How long might this take to go away? I was on 150 mg a day and now am on 75. I can't believe this is happening. Is there anywhere here on Dr.Bob's site that those of us who are going through this can chat?
OK best regards to all and thanks
Kes
Posted by Kes on July 25, 2001, at 15:57:06
In reply to Re: withdrawal should be paid for by Wyeth-Ayerst, posted by italnprnss on July 25, 2001, at 14:17:30
I respect your comments, and have not thought of suing anyone. However, I and many people have taken various antidepressents and simply put this sort of severe withdrawel from an "antidepressent" is not supposed to happen. You may notice that there are not sites and message boards dedicated to "severe" withdrawel from other similar medications. I have always been told about the possible side effects of any medicine givin to me and possible withdrawel. However I was never told to expect what I am going through at the moment, nor does the literature concerning effexor express the severity associated with coming off it. FDA has suggested and also logic suggests that the company did not expect this to happen, yet that does not take away any responsibility from the company. This is a very serious matter. In my particular case, so you may understand perhaps a bit better, the reason I became concerned about effexor in the first place is the following:
I was to take effexor twice a day, and over the past two years while on it, I noticed (besides the side effects of the drug itself - which I had read about) that I often felt dizzy, sharp shooting pains into the head, throwing up etc. etc. This would happen from time to time and I could not figure it out. Finally I figured it out.
It is stated in using effexor that if you forget to take a dose you should waite to take the the next dose. I of course followed what the doctor and literature said regarding effexor. From time to time I would forget to take a dose and wait till my next dose. This is when I would experience these very frightening and severe symptoms. Of course it never ever occured to me that it was because of the missed dose. I eventually discovered that this is what was causing the problem. I'm not sure if you are aware of this or not but often people have to change medications from time to time. This has been my experience, about every two years. I have taken Nortriptyline and Serzone and Zoloft. All of which have helped for long periods of time. I never ever once experienced this awful physical suffering because of missing one dose on any of those three medications. And most certainly I did not experience anything like the hell I am going through at the moment when I went off those medications. When I went off those medications it was a standard procedure of going off them over an extended period of time. Doing it over an extended period of time as suggested by the doctor, prevented any sort of withdrawel. This my friend is not normal, I mean what is happening with effexor. I would certainly be relieved (so as not to see any single person in the future go through such torture) to see effexor of the market.With all due respect,
Kes
> > It seems everyone is looking for someone to sue. Everyone makes their own decisions regarding prescription medication - and there is sufficient information out there on Effexor side effects and withdrawals. I know because I researched it BEFORE I started taking it, which sounds like what you should have done. There are a huge number of success stories out there for people on Effexor, can you put a price on that? Get over it, there are risks and side effects with almost any medication out there. You put it into your own body.
>
> My question is this why are you so angry? you sound like a person on a mission, relax be supportive everyone needs to vend out their frustration and these are suppose to be the outlets for it, but let's to it respectively.
Posted by Kes on July 25, 2001, at 16:24:46
In reply to You CAN get off of Effexor, posted by Cristy on July 10, 2001, at 8:14:54
Hi Christy,
Thanks for this very encouraging message! I wish you the best of luck with pregnancy! Could you please tell me how long it took you to get from 300mg to the 17 every three days you are on now. This is my first week, it was cut first from 150 to 75 I should do this for two weeks then go to 35.7 for two weeks and so on. I'm feeling so so terrible I'm wondering if this is too fast. How many miligrams at a time did you reduce for every decrease. It sound like you are doing fairly well with it and I would like to hear how you have decreased. Thanks and agian congratulations on deciding to have a baby!
Regards
Kes> I have been taking 300mg of Effexor for 3 years. Since my husband and I want to start our family, and I am in a MUCH better mind set (thanks to Effexor) it is time for me to get off.
>
> I will be honest -- the withdrawl symptoms are HELL. After reading some of these postings, I realize my withdrawl was mild compared to some. I had terrible headaches, felt sick to my stomache, cried for no reason, was dizzy, and had those "electric shocks" people have talked about. That, I think was the worst part -- feeling that every time you moved or blinked your whole body would feel it.
>
> Scary stuff -- I know. But, please keep in mind that not everyone has the same reaction to the withdrawl. That is why some doctors don't discuss these symptoms. However, they should tell you to taper off VERY slowly. The other thing to keep in mind -- it is possible to get through the withdrawl.
>
> 1 1/2 months ago, I found this tread because I thought I was losing my mind. I am now down to 1/2 of a 37.5mg pill every three days. I still have mild symptoms, but I am keeping my eye on the goal -- to get off of these pills.
>
> So. . .
>
> If you are thinking about starting Effexor, this is not a horrible drug. There are some side effects when you start that do go away. The sexual dysfunction is not as bad as some other drugs. If you have side effects that don't go away, talk to your doctor. This is the drug that finally got me into a good place -- a place I felt I could handle things again.
>
> The withdrawl systems are bad. But, taper slowly! And, if the symptoms are too bad, increase until you are able to come down again. You are also not on a set decrease schedule. you should stay on a dose for at least two weeks. But at the end of those two weeks, if your symptoms are still bad, stay on that dose until YOU are ready to decrease again. I was on my second decrease for a month and have just started my third decrease. That gives you some control, and besides, who know better that your own body when you are ready to decrease again?!
>
> As my doctor kept telling me -- be patient. You will get off the meds and you will feel better.
>
> Good luck to all of you!
Posted by jojo on July 25, 2001, at 17:17:43
In reply to anorexia, posted by helmi on July 25, 2001, at 10:09:39
> hi,
> i´ve been on effexor for 2 years, since december i´m lowering my dose. and sunday i took my last dose. i dont feel very well and expeience all that was written before. especially my head is behaving weird. fortunately i dont have to work for another 4 days. i hope this shit will soon be over.
>
> sice 5 years i have anorexia. two years ago my physician told that when i would take effexor i would be better and gain weight. stupid enough i thought that it would heal me from anorexia, so i would eat and gain weight and be normal.
>
> but this was not what he meant. my family knew this but said nothing.
>
> i gained weight, but the anorexia didn´t disappear. i hardly ate anything but i still gained weight. i was afraid that i was boulimic (my worst mightmare) and i got more depressed. so my physician increased my dose.
> i didn´t tell anybody why i was depressed.
> i gained more weight but hardly ate anything. then i suspected that it might have to do with effexor.
> i asked my physician and parents who easily confirmed it.
>
> i can´t say how guilty i feel, for having used effexor
>
> but i´m also angry, i can´t understand that somebody gives effexor to someone who is anorexic.
>
> are there people who recognise my situation?
> who have been given effexor for the same reason?
>
> sorry for my bad english but i cant think clearly át this moment
>
> how long will the withdrawel symptoms last?
>
> thanx helmihelmi-I know very little about the anorectic effects of Effexor SR. How did you feel, (what was your "mood")
while you were taking Effexor? I don't understand why you feel guilty for having used Effexor.You say that you ate very little, yet gained weight. Do you think that Effexor might help people facing starvation, such as the many reported to have starved in North Korea?
You say "i gained weight, but the anorexia didn´t disappear." I guess I don't understand the real meaning of "Anorexia". Could you explain it to me? Thanks, jojo
Posted by Nora Wolski on July 25, 2001, at 18:48:51
In reply to Sweating, posted by Stef on July 25, 2001, at 12:01:38
> Hello,
> I am taking 112.5 mg of Effexor a day and the only complaint I have is that the sweating is out of control! I sweat all the time,and it is a lot,enough to make me really uncomfortable,especially here where I live where it is about 100 degrees already.
> Anyone else have this side-effect? And if so,how long before it passes?
> I have been at this dose for about a week,so I am hoping this will pass with time. Also,I seem to be very nervous,like I am on a small amount of speed. Does this pass as well?
> Otherwise,effexor seems to be working really well for me.
> Cheers,StefStef: I used to take 300mg of Effexor a day for 1 1/2 years. From the time I started taking this medication I had the sweats. It never seemed to get better, it only got worse as they increased the dozage. There were times when I really thought my body was going to catch on fire and burn up. My whole body would be hot, hot and ringing wet all the time and I would go around with this flush face; sometimes even sick to my stomach because of it. I complained to my doctor and he said this is one of the major side effects of this drug. I can't tell how many clothes I ruined due to the sweats..count on it staying with you as long as your on Effexor..it never gets any better, believe me!!! Good Luck.Nora
Posted by Nora Wolski on July 25, 2001, at 19:33:14
In reply to Re: You CAN get off of Effexor, posted by Kes on July 25, 2001, at 16:24:46
> Hi Christy,
>
> Thanks for this very encouraging message! I wish you the best of luck with pregnancy! Could you please tell me how long it took you to get from 300mg to the 17 every three days you are on now. This is my first week, it was cut first from 150 to 75 I should do this for two weeks then go to 35.7 for two weeks and so on. I'm feeling so so terrible I'm wondering if this is too fast. How many miligrams at a time did you reduce for every decrease. It sound like you are doing fairly well with it and I would like to hear how you have decreased. Thanks and agian congratulations on deciding to have a baby!
>
> Regards
> Kes
>
> > I have been taking 300mg of Effexor for 3 years. Since my husband and I want to start our family, and I am in a MUCH better mind set (thanks to Effexor) it is time for me to get off.
> >
> > I will be honest -- the withdrawl symptoms are HELL. After reading some of these postings, I realize my withdrawl was mild compared to some. I had terrible headaches, felt sick to my stomache, cried for no reason, was dizzy, and had those "electric shocks" people have talked about. That, I think was the worst part -- feeling that every time you moved or blinked your whole body would feel it.
> >
> > Scary stuff -- I know. But, please keep in mind that not everyone has the same reaction to the withdrawl. That is why some doctors don't discuss these symptoms. However, they should tell you to taper off VERY slowly. The other thing to keep in mind -- it is possible to get through the withdrawl.
> >
> > 1 1/2 months ago, I found this tread because I thought I was losing my mind. I am now down to 1/2 of a 37.5mg pill every three days. I still have mild symptoms, but I am keeping my eye on the goal -- to get off of these pills.
> >
> > So. . .
> >
> > If you are thinking about starting Effexor, this is not a horrible drug. There are some side effects when you start that do go away. The sexual dysfunction is not as bad as some other drugs. If you have side effects that don't go away, talk to your doctor. This is the drug that finally got me into a good place -- a place I felt I could handle things again.
> >
> > The withdrawl systems are bad. But, taper slowly! And, if the symptoms are too bad, increase until you are able to come down again. You are also not on a set decrease schedule. you should stay on a dose for at least two weeks. But at the end of those two weeks, if your symptoms are still bad, stay on that dose until YOU are ready to decrease again. I was on my second decrease for a month and have just started my third decrease. That gives you some control, and besides, who know better that your own body when you are ready to decrease again?!
> >
> > As my doctor kept telling me -- be patient. You will get off the meds and you will feel better.
> >
> > Good luck to all of you!Kres: I would like to encourage you to continue tapering off the Effexor very, very slowly. In January of this year I had to stop taking the Effexor immediately. I was on 300mg a day for 1 1/2 years. Within three weeks I was totally off this medication and I thought I was going to die or maybe I wished I could have. Under normal circumstances you would never do this but because my blood pressure was at a high risk level my medical doctor had no choice but to insist that my other doctor take me off immediately. Every symptom that has been discussed here I had, but magnify it by 3 times..I was so sick I couldn't stand, see, talk or walk at times, it was really bad. It was so bad even my doctor couldn't believe it and he felt really bad. He had me take Meclazine and Neurontin to help alleviate some of the symptoms but not much really worked..just time, 3 months. Well, as you can see Kres, I made it and so can you. I feel good and even after this "nightmare" I'm still very thankful for this drug, Effexor..it saved my life. Just take your time and be patient, if it takes a little longer to get through it, so be it.
Posted by RJC on July 25, 2001, at 23:42:10
In reply to Sweating, posted by Stef on July 25, 2001, at 12:01:38
Hello Stef,
I've been on 150 a day for 16 months now and haven't stopped sweating. It's even winter here now and I still sweat while everybody else is freezing. But I can handle it as it seems to be the only side effect.
See You,
RJC
Hello,
> I am taking 112.5 mg of Effexor a day and the only complaint I have is that the sweating is out of control! I sweat all the time,and it is a lot,enough to make me really uncomfortable,especially here where I live where it is about 100 degrees already.
> Anyone else have this side-effect? And if so,how long before it passes?
> I have been at this dose for about a week,so I am hoping this will pass with time. Also,I seem to be very nervous,like I am on a small amount of speed. Does this pass as well?
> Otherwise,effexor seems to be working really well for me.
> Cheers,Stef
Posted by Stef on July 26, 2001, at 16:46:24
In reply to Re: Sweating, posted by RJC on July 25, 2001, at 23:42:10
> Hello Stef,
>
> I've been on 150 a day for 16 months now and haven't stopped sweating. It's even winter here now and I still sweat while everybody else is freezing. But I can handle it as it seems to be the only side effect.
>
> See You,
>
> RJC
>Jeez,is there anyone who the sweating has gone away for? I don't think I can stay on this if I keep going like this. It's embarrassing and really uncomfortable. I am a hot natured person to begin with,so I was sweating enough before this. Now I can't even put on my makeup.
It sucks because otherwise this medication works really well for my depression and anger.
I'll probably have to start something else. Any suggestions?
Cheers,Stef
Posted by Iris on July 26, 2001, at 21:38:06
In reply to Re: Sweating, posted by Stef on July 26, 2001, at 16:46:24
Hi Stef,
I have been on Effexor 75mg a day since April. I had all kinds of side effects when I started taking it including real bad sweating. All in all it took about six weeks for my body to get used to it and for all the side effects to go away. The "all over" sweating went away too, I only get sweaty palms ever once in a while. Good luck, Iris
Posted by Gracie2 on July 27, 2001, at 0:16:30
In reply to anorexia, posted by helmi on July 25, 2001, at 10:09:39
Helmi-
Sorry about the first post...I'm having trouble with my computer.
I suspect that when you say your "physician" prescribed Effexor for your anorexia, you are referring to a GP and not a psychiatrist.
I was at first upset with my own doctor for referring me to a psychiatrist instead of just giving me the prescription for Paxil that I asked for. Now, a year (and several antidepressants) later, and after learning as much as I can about the medication I've taken, I realize that my doctor was correct in referring me to a pyschiatrist, just as he would refer me to an orthopedic surgeon for a compound fracture. Your own doctor was mistaken for prescribing Effexor
instead of referring you to a specialist, particularly for something as serious as anorexia.
You did nothing but follow your doctor's advice,
and should not feel guilty for that.
I hope you seek treatment from a psychiatrist. Like alcoholism, you have an illness that greatly reduces your quality of life, can ruin your health and eventually escalate to a life-threatning disease. You deserve better.
Good luck-
Gracie
Posted by KB on July 27, 2001, at 1:53:59
In reply to Re: Sweating, posted by Stef on July 26, 2001, at 16:46:24
> Jeez,is there anyone who the sweating has gone away for? I don't think I can stay on this if I keep going like this. It's embarrassing and really uncomfortable. I am a hot natured person to begin with,so I was sweating enough before this. Now I can't even put on my makeup.
> It sucks because otherwise this medication works really well for my depression and anger.
> I'll probably have to start something else. Any suggestions?
> Cheers,StefDon't switch to Celexa - it's been making me sweat like crazy!
Posted by Heidi M. on July 27, 2001, at 6:44:31
In reply to Heide M, posted by jotho on July 20, 2001, at 9:52:06
> Thanks jotho!
I will keep trying.Heide...
> If you go to the page bottom and click on "psycho-babble" it will return you to Dr. Bob's home page. You can then scroll down a little bit to "search", then you can enter the keyword of the thread you wish to find. It will then list all the postings for that keyword. I think i've got that right...good luck.
Posted by ksc on July 27, 2001, at 8:25:53
In reply to Re: anorexia » helmi, posted by jojo on July 25, 2001, at 17:17:43
JOJO WROTE: You say "i gained weight, but the anorexia didn´t disappear." I guess I don't understand the real meaning of "Anorexia". Could you explain it to me?~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
JoJo, I might be able to explain this a little bit, Anorexia is when someone regardless of their size, looks in the mirror and sees only fat. They could be stick figure thin and it wouldn't matter. So in order to fix that image, an anorexic virtually starves themselves to lose weight. I think what Helmi meant by her comment, was that the medication caused her body to put on weight, but she still had the disease, because she still looked at herself as imperfect and still starved herself (or ate very little) to be thin. Anorexia isn't about your actual size, it's more about your eating habits and how your brain reacts to your views of yourself. In otherwords... an anorexic no matter what their size can look in the mirror and see themselves as grossly fat. My heart goes out to her, it's a true struggle.KSC
Posted by ksc on July 27, 2001, at 9:11:03
In reply to Sweating, posted by Stef on July 25, 2001, at 12:01:38
STEF WROTE: I have been at this dose for about a week,so I am hoping this will pass with time. Also,I seem to be very nervous,like I am on a small amount of speed. Does this pass as well?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Stef, I got the sweats at some point during the first few months of being on the effexor, but it turned out that my thyroid was also out of wack, so who knows which thing actually caused it. I do know that now that I'm on the thyroid meds, and my levels are back to normal, the sweating's gone.Probably couldn't hurt to get that checked out just in case. They say depression can be a sign of an underactive thyroid.
Good luck to you.
KSC
Posted by wendi on July 28, 2001, at 15:23:02
In reply to Re: Another satisfied customer! » Pamela, posted by kid47 on March 27, 2001, at 12:05:46
> > > I just started taking effexor 4 weeks ago, now I'm afraid to up my dosage as my doctor recomends. Are the withdrawls less if the dosage doesn't go above 75 mg? I tried the effexor XR and had terrible side effects. I stoped sleeping, became irritable, gained weight, my hands shook, my head hurt, cried all the time, and then became suicidal. I didn't have any of that with effexor. Can anyone help with advice or comments? Thanks, Wendi
> > >
> > > Just a quick note to say that I have had great results with Effexor XR. I did have a few side effects in the first three days. I had nausea for the first few hours after taking the drug. I also had a hard time sleeping for the first few nights, but I was having a hard time sleeping before the med anyway. And then there was the constant yawning that I could not control. (That could be guite comical depending on where I was.) But I am happy to say that all of that has ended now and I am feeling great. I am feeling more and more like my old self every day. I don't pretend to think that this drug will have the same effect on everyone, but it has done wonders for me. I do wonder, however; if the reason that there are far more unhappy people than happy ones posting on this web sight is because the happy ones aren't looking for a forum to sing Effexor XR's praises. If you are taking the medication and are having good results, why would you bother looking for a sight on the internet? I only found this sight purely by chance one night when I first started taking the med. Let me say, had I read many of the postings before I started taking the drug, I would not have taken it. This would have done me a great disservice. I have always just checked in on this sight and read the postings, but today I feel compelled to share my "good" Effexor XR story. Thank you for your time.
> > >
> > > Canuck
> >
> > Canuck,
> > Once again, you are talking about FXR while you are "on" it, please don't be fooled it is the scariest thing I have experienced "GOING OFF" it. I loved it while on it, it did wonders for me. Information is good and you are right about this site with no one reporting good stuff. I would love to read just "ONE" positive about the withdrawals's.... JUST ONE! It might give me hope, but in the meantime, keep reading so you become aware. Our society likes the quick fix (as did I) so we tend to hide our head in the sand if it does the job, quickly. My life will never be the same (knowledge and appreciation for my previous good health)) as for my health, I pray everyday for a full recovery from this drug. I have other detailed info if yo haven't already read. Please don't dismiss what you read, these are real people, with real suffering going on. This site helped me tremedouly knowing that I wasn't the only one and wasn't going crazy.
> > God Bless and I will pray for your success,
> > Pamela
>
> Hi Pamela. I am truly sorry for the very rough time you have had w/your FXR withdrawal. I was not going to respond to anymore of these posts as it seemed to be upsetting to you & some others. I do know how painfull, emotionally & physically mental illness can be & causing additional aggrevation is certainly not my intent.
>
> At 46 yrs old I too was unable to get out of bed, go to work or care for my family. My condition was not a reaction to any drug but from a lifetime of untreated mental ilness. After a stay in a mental hospital. I was stabilized enough to be allowed to go home (plus the insurance ran out) Like many of us, I tried what seemed like every conceivable drug available to treat my Bipolar disorder. At a time when I was busy planning how to make my death look like an accident so my family could collect my life insurance, FXR was added to my drug cocktail. Within two weeks time my life turned around. I am not particularly religous but this was truly a miracle. So for me FXR was a life saver.
>
> Like a person with cancer, aids,or heart disease, there are some of us with mental illness that are in a life or death struggle. When we make a decision to try a medication it may be out of desparation- a last ditch effort. Sometimes in those situations we need support of our decision & not negative histrionics based on anecdotal evidence. I know your intentions are to warn others of the terrible experience you have had with FXR. But when posting to especially this type of format we might be disuading a person from trying something that could very well save there life. Unfortunately people who have good luck with a drug don't post as often as those who have problems(IMO) There has also been good info posted her to minimize the withdrawal fxs.
> And there are some posts in the archives of folks who have gotten off of FXR with little or no problem. I personally know of people who have gotten of this drug with no problem also. So not everyone has had the bad experience you have had.
>
> I think there is common ground here. I believe we all feel that the maker of FXR is well aware of the potential for withdrawl problems with this drug & there should be a major campaign to educate docs & consumers. I think I read where this is already taking place.
>
> I am not posting this to put anyone down. This is only the 4th time I've ever posted & I've been "lurking" here over 2 years. As an FXR user I know how these alarmist type post make me feel. I deal with severe anxiety & some of the sensationlism surrounding this topic effects me to the point where I may stop reading these posts. I think you can be honest & accurate about a situation & still present a balanced view. I would like to see "hard" data as far as the toal # of FXR rx's written etc. At this point there is very little scientific study about these withdrawals that I have seen. Pamela, don't get me wrong. I believe you are having a terrible time & it is because of withdrawal from FXR. It would be interesting to see some studies on this. Leo mentioned he was an investigative reporter. Maybe he could look into it? Sorry about the lenght of this.
>
> Please post as to how you are feeling. Hope things are improving. Take care.
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