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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by sharonews on April 21, 2002, at 19:43:55
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Shanti on April 21, 2002, at 15:50:38
I'm down to 37.5 mg. (splitting 75 mg. tablet) a day now. Experiencing tingling (zaps), headaches, stomach pains today, and some dizziness. My max of effexor was 300 mg/day and have been tapering dramatically for the past week. (Have been taking the stuff for three years now, and 'think' I'm ready to face the world now chemical-free.)
Can anyone out there tell me if they've succesfully tapered off the effexor tablets after being on them for three years or so, and how long it took them, and when/or if they started to feel 'withdrawal-symptom-free'.
Thanks for any input.
sharonews
Posted by RENEB on April 21, 2002, at 20:56:08
In reply to How long off effexor before you feel ...normal ?, posted by sharonews on April 21, 2002, at 19:43:55
> I'm down to 37.5 mg. (splitting 75 mg. tablet) a day now. Experiencing tingling (zaps), headaches, stomach pains today, and some dizziness. My max of effexor was 300 mg/day and have been tapering dramatically for the past week. (Have been taking the stuff for three years now, and 'think' I'm ready to face the world now chemical-free.)
>
> Can anyone out there tell me if they've succesfully tapered off the effexor tablets after being on them for three years or so, and how long it took them, and when/or if they started to feel 'withdrawal-symptom-free'.
>
> Thanks for any input.
>
> sharonewsHi Sharonews, I am about effexor free but it took a very long time. My pdoc had me wean down to 25mg for two weeks then I split that in half and took 1/2 for two weeks and then I split the 1/2 boy that isnt easy... Now I am down to taking 1/4 every other day..today I have gone three days without it. I tried doing it where you go from 37.5 and then nothing. That didnt work for me I felt like you do. This way is longer but has worked so much better. I don't feel much of anything just a real little bit of dizziness, but I can deal with it.
I hope this helps,
Renee
Posted by Shanti on April 21, 2002, at 21:31:45
In reply to shanti: please go to social babble! (nm) » Shanti, posted by beardedlady on April 21, 2002, at 15:57:36
beardedlady
i cannot get into chat ever! however, you do have my curisoity as to why you wanted me to go there? would you be kind to reply back here?
shanti
Posted by sharonews on April 21, 2002, at 21:59:30
In reply to Re: How long off effexor before you feel ...normal ? » sharonews, posted by RENEB on April 21, 2002, at 20:56:08
Thanks for your reply, Renee. It was encouraging and helpful. Will see if I can get some 25 mg. tabs from my doc and taper off them slowly like you did. Sounds like a smart idea. The 75 mg. tabs I have now are being sectioned into four and that's about as small as I can dice them :)
You've given me encouragement. Thanks again.
Sharonews
> > I'm down to 37.5 mg. (splitting 75 mg. tablet) a day now. Experiencing tingling (zaps), headaches, stomach pains today, and some dizziness. My max of effexor was 300 mg/day and have been tapering dramatically for the past week. (Have been taking the stuff for three years now, and 'think' I'm ready to face the world now chemical-free.)
> >
> > Can anyone out there tell me if they've succesfully tapered off the effexor tablets after being on them for three years or so, and how long it took them, and when/or if they started to feel 'withdrawal-symptom-free'.
> >
> > Thanks for any input.
> >
> > sharonews
>
> Hi Sharonews, I am about effexor free but it took a very long time. My pdoc had me wean down to 25mg for two weeks then I split that in half and took 1/2 for two weeks and then I split the 1/2 boy that isnt easy... Now I am down to taking 1/4 every other day..today I have gone three days without it. I tried doing it where you go from 37.5 and then nothing. That didnt work for me I felt like you do. This way is longer but has worked so much better. I don't feel much of anything just a real little bit of dizziness, but I can deal with it.
>
> I hope this helps,
>
> Renee
Posted by beardedlady on April 22, 2002, at 6:12:45
In reply to Re: shanti: please go to social babble!, posted by Shanti on April 21, 2002, at 21:31:45
Social Babble's not chat! It's the non-med board. You get to it from the top or bottom of the pb page you're on when you see all the posts. But I was looking for/worried about Angel Girl. Anyway, she's back, so no worry no mo'.
beardy : )>
Posted by Gare on April 22, 2002, at 10:17:19
In reply to Can taking Effexor at a different time...?, posted by Gare on April 19, 2002, at 10:30:40
Hi:
I have remained at the 2pm time of taking Effexor XR from my initial time of 6 pm since last Wednesday and I am happy to report that I have resumed sleeping well at night and over the weekend the heavy sedated effect lifted.
So today I was able to wake up at 530 am and take the kitty cat out for a walk with me.
No bizarre dreams as of late and I am glad that I have stopped having "straight" dreams.
Hugs,
Gare
Posted by Gare on April 22, 2002, at 10:21:54
In reply to Can taking Effexor at a different time...?, posted by Gare on April 19, 2002, at 10:30:40
here's one that i haven't come across on this posting site or in much of any other search engines.
as i am hiv+, for 13 years, i am starting my anti-retroviral therapy today. one of the drugs that i am initially taking is called sustiva, which has a nervous system effect. mainly becoming disoriented, insomniac (just when i resolved my effexor issue...), and nightmares. everyone that i have known has experienced the nightmares for the first month or so.
as i do have vivid dreams - although not nightmares - with effexor XR, i was wondering if i am going to start having horrific vivid nightmares.
i doubt that anyone on this site may have any insight to taking effexor and sustiva together, but i am hopeful.
if not, i'll keep y'all posted about the dreams.
i am excited as i want to write a novel about this.
hugs,
gare
Posted by Nuthatch on April 30, 2002, at 23:52:09
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Parks on January 4, 2000, at 16:10:07
This is so great - finding this resource. My doctor has diagnosed me as depressed but I'm not entirely convinced that I should take meds. I think sometimes the sideeffects outweigh the benefits. I was on Celexa last year during a similar period (my first episode with depression - after I dropped out of a Masters program), and I've just separated from my fiancee & boyfriend of 5 yrs and am again depressed & my Dr recommended effexor XR. I just remember from the Celexa being confused and not able to concentrate, and thinking way slower. It's just hard to know if that's the depression or the med. Sorry this posting is so long - anyone have any advice?
I'd rather exercise or try to get over it some other way but my life is swinging a little out of control - I'm starting to socially isolate myself b/c I don't trust how I interact with people anymore. I find it really hard to get out of bed in the morning, and I seem to be crying more frequently. I think the sleep is not so much disturbed as much as that I just don't want to face the work/decisions that I have to make. Anyuway, do you think that effexor can help this, or is this just my personality?
Posted by Allen F. on May 1, 2002, at 3:25:32
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Parks, posted by Nuthatch on April 30, 2002, at 23:52:09
It sounds to me that your depression is more situational than anything and my guess is that it will lesson with time. I think that the Doctors are often to fast to prescribe than to look at alternatives to drugs. After all, how can they really access things in a fifteen minuite meeting. If you think that you can make it without an antidepressant, that is the way I would go. I am not sure the side effects out weight the benefits of meds either.
Although I am on Effexor I am weining off of it. I am finding that the emotions are not easy and that I do have to learn new ways to deal with things. But the side effects were (are) not easy either and I didn't like feeling slowed down mentally. Meds have their place, but I think they are often prescibed to quickely and once you are on them its hard to get off.
Just my two bits. Good luck!
Posted by Allen F. on May 1, 2002, at 3:31:38
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I know several have sucessfully weined off Effexor and my quesiton is, how has it been? I could really use some success stories about now. I am down to about 20MG a day and have been struggling. I keep telling myself that things will get beter. I have been on antidepresants for so long (about 11 years) that I am not sure what is normal and what isn't ... makes it hard to judge what I am going through. It also makes it hard to not want to take a pill that might fix everything (not talking suicide, so don't go there).
Anyway, any ideas on how to get out of a rut and move forward would be appreciated.
Posted by Liz Wolf on May 1, 2002, at 6:13:15
In reply to Re: Sleeping long hours/Orgasmic Sensation? » JANNBEAU, posted by Gare on April 17, 2002, at 15:23:11
On day 2 on Effexor XR I am sitting here wondering where this unusal interest in all matters sexual is coming from.
Before I came to this post, I thought maybe it is the simple lack of pronounced anxiety and dread and feeling a bit more connected than before that had me react this way...
You're not alone, that's for sure.
However, I must say, I did not sleep anymore than usual (6 hours being long for me), so I cannot comment on any sleeping habits yet.
Posted by sharonews on May 1, 2002, at 8:54:00
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Allen F. on May 1, 2002, at 3:31:38
Hi, I'm "just" off effexor. It's been about three days without "any" effexor. And although I've had 'quite' a few nights where I couldn't sleep too much (4:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., another one last night), generally haven't feel too bad. However, I've also been taking a 1/2 (or less) tab of Celexa for about the past week, my doctor wanted to change me over to that pill instead of effexor. "But I want to get off all the A.D.'s" The Celexa has helped my transition. I gradually took less and less of each in the past week, and then less and less of the Celexa. And, yesterday I had neither. I'm laughing more, and feeling more enlightened. The odd 'zingy' feeling. Also, go to Deepak Chopra's message board and read some of their messages... post your own. You'll get some great positive input there.
> I know several have sucessfully weined off Effexor and my quesiton is, how has it been? I could really use some success stories about now. I am down to about 20MG a day and have been struggling. I keep telling myself that things will get beter. I have been on antidepresants for so long (about 11 years) that I am not sure what is normal and what isn't ... makes it hard to judge what I am going through. It also makes it hard to not want to take a pill that might fix everything (not talking suicide, so don't go there).
>
> Anyway, any ideas on how to get out of a rut and move forward would be appreciated.
Posted by jannbeau on May 1, 2002, at 11:34:08
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Allen F. on May 1, 2002, at 3:25:32
> I very much AGREE with Allen--no meds if you can help it and NO EFFEXOR, for sure!!. I would suggest that, first, you try short-term intervention--psychotherapy--for many people with situational depression, short-term therapy provides new tools for dealing with feelings and resultant behaviors that come with life changes.
The two things you describe (ending MA pgm and ending relationship) are BOTH losses and you MUST allow yourself to grieve for those losses-even if they were good for you, they are still losses!
Short-term therapy, especially one based on cognitive therapy (all feelings are preceded by a thought; if you can control the thought, you can control the feeling!) might be very helpful to you and may help you avoid medications. On the other hand, if your depression doesn't lift, then meds may be appropriate. Check out the websites on cognative therapy. Just search "cognitive therapy."
To get you started with getting through the grief process, here's a rundown on Kubler-Ross's theory:
Grieving has approximately five recognized stages, which may occur in any sequence, may come and go, in different sequences. An excellent book Elizabeth Kubler-Ross: "On Death and Dying" -a bit technical and somewhat old written in the '60's, but the definitive work--since Kubler-Ross elaborated the concept of stages of grief, which may be applied to any major life event as well as to death.
If I remember correctly (and I may not because I'm taking this from 25 years ago when I did a paper on the subject), the stages of grief or something like this: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and, finally, Acceptance. First you deny the reality of the situation, then you are really angry at the one who left you--even if you left him or it; then you bargain with God to fix it, promising that you will do whatever is necessary if He will just make everything right; then you experience depression because it becomes obvious that the situation is permanent, and finally, you reach the stage of Acceptance. These stages may take varying amounts of time and may return many times, especially those of anger and depression, but eventually you are ready to Accept the permanence of the situation and go on living. If you can go through these stages without medication, you will probably be more able to FEEL, which is necessary for going through the stages of grief. I think that most drugs diminish your ability to feel and to work through situational depression and should be reserved for those who are chronically depressed or who are contemplating suicide or other non-productive responses to the situation.
Another thought: Gardner Murphey stated that "the known, no matter how horrible it is, is more tolerable than the unknown." or something to that effect. Any time we are faced with a step into the unknown, we are apt to become anxious, resistant, and even depressed. Again, situations can lead to this feeling; again, short-term therapy could help you to deal with it.
There seems to be a pattern of depression that arises whenever you have a life change--learn to stop this process before it becomes a habit--since it is the habit of depression that results in chronic depression!! Learn (with cognitive therapy) to welcome change with an attitude of adventure rather than fear and, I'll bet, your depressive response to change will disappear!!!
Cheers,
JannbeauIt sounds to me that your depression is more situational than anything and my guess is that it will lesson with time. I think that the Doctors are often to fast to prescribe than to look at alternatives to drugs. After all, how can they really access things in a fifteen minuite meeting. If you think that you can make it without an antidepressant, that is the way I would go. I am not sure the side effects out weight the benefits of meds either.
>
> Although I am on Effexor I am weining off of it. I am finding that the emotions are not easy and that I do have to learn new ways to deal with things. But the side effects were (are) not easy either and I didn't like feeling slowed down mentally. Meds have their place, but I think they are often prescibed to quickely and once you are on them its hard to get off.
>
> Just my two bits. Good luck!
Posted by jannbeau on May 1, 2002, at 11:40:42
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Allen F. on May 1, 2002, at 3:31:38
> Allen, try Cognitive Therapy!!
I know several have sucessfully weined off Effexor and my quesiton is, how has it been? I could really use some success stories about now. I am down to about 20MG a day and have been struggling. I keep telling myself that things will get beter. I have been on antidepresants for so long (about 11 years) that I am not sure what is normal and what isn't ... makes it hard to judge what I am going through. It also makes it hard to not want to take a pill that might fix everything (not talking suicide, so don't go there).
>
> Anyway, any ideas on how to get out of a rut and move forward would be appreciated.
Posted by Reneb on May 1, 2002, at 21:13:51
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by sharonews on May 1, 2002, at 8:54:00
Hi, I was just checking in to see how you are doing with your withdrawal from effexor?
I feel great know that I am off it.
Renee
Posted by Spencer on May 2, 2002, at 2:10:35
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Parks, posted by Nuthatch on April 30, 2002, at 23:52:09
What Jannbeau says is so true and her advice is worth taking note of.
I got into state of severe depression last year....My GP sent me to a psychiatrist who put me on Efexor XR 150mg a day. There are numerous side effects but when they are mixed with the symptoms of depression, it is hard to tell which are side effects and which are symptoms. Anyway eventually all the side effects and all the symptoms went away and I have been living a contented and fulfilling life for quite a few months now.
However, I think what turned me around was the cognitive therapy. The depression, I think, was in large part due to years of irrational negative thinking which eventually totally undermined my self confidence and deprived me of self esteem. The therapy (once a week for about 2-3 months) opened up a new world of more rational thinking, where I don't go into a state of anxiety reading all sorts of negative things into what is happening around me and about everything I say and do.
You must be feeling the effects of your loss, which I know from personal experience can cause major depression for many months. You may have depression for other reasons. But if you are not feeling too bad, try the therapy and see if you can cope without the medication. BUT if you find you really can't cope, and your work and life in general is suffering badly, then medication may be needed to get you out of the depression to a sufficient level that you can get the most out of the therapy. You won't achieve the best results from therapy if you are in a state of severe depression.
The only thing is that once you start taking anti-depressants, you will probably have to take them for at least 9 to 12 months. I have had excellent results from Efexor XR but this site proves that it does not work for everyone.
Good luck and keep us informed.
Posted by troys on May 2, 2002, at 19:04:29
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Nuthatch, posted by Spencer on May 2, 2002, at 2:10:35
I have been in therapy for many years. I had been through the whole drill before, including being hospitalized (in mental wards) for three suicide attempts. My last stay in the hospital was from Jan 5th to Feb 1st, and I really did not expect much different. I have been on a number on meds (Prozac, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Xanax, Klonopin, Buspar, Depekote, Ritalin, Sonata, Ambien, Carisoprodol, Norco and Juradisic Patch for back pain ad infanitum...),and I have been in "therapy since 1974.
I have been getting worse and worse. It looked liked nothing was going to work. Finally one the psychiatrists decided to experiment on me with EffexorXR! I had also been asking for my Ritalin back (they had taken it away, saying that there was no reason for me to take it). They started me on 75mg for three days and then increased it to 150mg. I had been in the hospital with NO change in my depression, suicidal riations, or self esteem... and PRESTO! Fours days later I was home.
I no that it suppose to take two to as much as six weeks to determine whether or not psychotropic drugs are helping and I also know that we're all different. However, I am absolutely certain that after being a "psyche patient-lab rat" for years, I've finally found something that works FOR ME (I now am on 250mg of EffexorXR)!
I believe that the best thing you can hope to get out of a forum like this, is some idea of how a drug works for others, or how people have dealt with their illnesses. There is no way to determine how a hand full of individuals experiences with any given treatment (drugs &/or therapy) will have any bearing what so ever on you! The best that you can hope for is that you come away with a little more general knowledge and understanding of how other people are dealing with their, very unique, mental illnesses.
Note: Hopefully some day the our medical schools, research programs,elected officials, and the vast majority of our "friends and neighbors", will take mental illness seriously. Until then we'll still be just lab rats for the mental health hospitals, and weirdoes to the rest of the world. GoodLuck and Good Mental Health
Tim R
Posted by Allen F. on May 2, 2002, at 20:00:06
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » sharonews, posted by Reneb on May 1, 2002, at 21:13:51
Renee ... glad to hear things are going well, especially since I am weining off too. It seams that the last bit is proving to be the hardest on me and unfortunatly on my wife. She is very supportive of me and its hard that I am struggling and it affects her. Its also hard that my spelling is so bad today :).
Has anyone tried 5 HTP? If so, what has been your experience?
Posted by JANNBEAU (homenym) on May 2, 2002, at 23:42:16
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by troys on May 2, 2002, at 19:04:29
>Tim, yours is just the kind of case I was talking about earlier when I suggested that one of our members NOT take Effexor right now as a first line of treatment, but try to get therapy, only for a few weeks. Yours is a different case, with years of mental pain and depression, going on and on, the kind of case that meds may have been meant for. On the other hand, where might you have been if your docs had NEVER put you on these things?
I take Effexor XR for pain relief rather than depression, although I was depressed when I was in constant painand felt 100 years old all the time! I also take Fastin, a drug with similar CNS stimulative properties to Ritalin. Both Fastin and Ritalin have antidepressant effects and some physicians have said all of the SSRI's, at least, as well as Welbutrin are antidepressants only because they are stimulants! I don't pretend to know, but I know I feel better and so did you right after starting the Ritalin. I took my first diet pill at 19, when a well-meaning doctor gave me some powerful stuff for weight loss. It worked! but I believe that the dl-amphetamine in the medication changed my brain permanently (there is research to support this contention, although I came to it on my own). It changed my personality--and not for the better in some ways--I was shier and quieter, altogether more introverted, but I wasn't unhappy being that way, I was just too fat! The other thing it did to me was to me was make my brain exquisitely sensitive to whatever in other drugs make you sleepy, such as antihistamines and some antidepressants, so that, even on just 75 mg a day of Effexor, I cannot function. I had to beg my doctor to give me back my Fastin, too!
The amazing thing is that this drug inhibits pain, also (again, documented). With the low dose of effexor and a low dose of Fastin (about 15 to 20 mg per day--I've never had an urge to increase this dose- I have since been able to cut my Vicodin to 1 tablet a day. I also no longer take ibuprofen or Celebrex, which were responsible for my worsening asthma--a nightmare. These drugs have powerful effects on the CNS and sometimes they are not those that are expected! Very few psychiatrists or pain management specialist know of the pain relieving effect stimulants. Finally, I notice that hydrocodone and codeine also wake me up, with codeine making me "nervous-- Elizabeth, if you're reading this -HI! CNS drugs are funny things. Perhaps we're even seeing an interaction between the cns stims and Effexor that actually increases the efficaciousness of Effexor. Doses may need to be adjusted. Be very careful, however, not to mix certain drugs with Effexor. I seem to have suffered a terrible case of Serotonin Syndrome whe one doctor put me on Effexor and Ultram at the same time. All this is the reason I caution against beginning CNS active meds if one can possibly wait it out! All these drugs make me feel as if my life is run by medications. I'm not depressed and I don't hurt, however, so I guess I'm getting what I asked for!! Oh, yeah have to take Ambien and Xanax at night (insomnia predating any drugs, not a result of stimulants)! A cautionary tale, is it not?
Jannbeau
I have been in therapy for many years. I had been through the whole drill before, including being hospitalized (in mental wards) for three suicide attempts. My last stay in the hospital was from Jan 5th to Feb 1st, and I really did not expect much different. I have been on a number on meds (Prozac, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Xanax, Klonopin, Buspar, Depekote, Ritalin, Sonata, Ambien, Carisoprodol, Norco and Juradisic Patch for back pain ad infanitum...),and I have been in "therapy since 1974.
>
> I have been getting worse and worse. It looked liked nothing was going to work. Finally one the psychiatrists decided to experiment on me with EffexorXR! I had also been asking for my Ritalin back (they had taken it away, saying that there was no reason for me to take it). They started me on 75mg for three days and then increased it to 150mg. I had been in the hospital with NO change in my depression, suicidal riations, or self esteem... and PRESTO! Fours days later I was home.
>
> I no that it suppose to take two to as much as six weeks to determine whether or not psychotropic drugs are helping and I also know that we're all different. However, I am absolutely certain that after being a "psyche patient-lab rat" for years, I've finally found something that works FOR ME (I now am on 250mg of EffexorXR)!
>
> I believe that the best thing you can hope to get out of a forum like this, is some idea of how a drug works for others, or how people have dealt with their illnesses. There is no way to determine how a hand full of individuals experiences with any given treatment (drugs &/or therapy) will have any bearing what so ever on you! The best that you can hope for is that you come away with a little more general knowledge and understanding of how other people are dealing with their, very unique, mental illnesses.
>
> Note: Hopefully some day the our medical schools, research programs,elected officials, and the vast majority of our "friends and neighbors", will take mental illness seriously. Until then we'll still be just lab rats for the mental health hospitals, and weirdoes to the rest of the world. GoodLuck and Good Mental Health
>
> Tim R
Posted by Harmony on May 3, 2002, at 0:36:39
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Nuthatch, posted by Spencer on May 2, 2002, at 2:10:35
I have recently started therapy and love it. I really think I have found the answer to my problems - depression linked to ADD. After talking things over w/ my therapist we decide that ritalin may be very helpful. I had already done the celexa(nothing) and remeron(sleeping pill) things and hadn't had any luck. So I saw the Doc and he insists I am only suffering from depression (whole other story) and so he prescribed effexor. I just wanted to know if anyone with ADD has had positive results with the effexor??? Thanks.
Posted by Liz Wolf on May 3, 2002, at 5:01:30
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by troys on May 2, 2002, at 19:04:29
Tim,
I also have been on a variety of medications off and on for about 3 years, Paxil, Xanax (which I liked since I only took it as needed and it worked fantastically), and a couple of others I don't remember.
I am on Day 4 of 37.5 mg Effexor XR, and have noticed a total turnaround. There are even times when I feel almost elated with life. Yesterday I was 'accused' of being cheerful! LOL My sense of humor is returning, and as I said before in other posts, my sex drive is back to when I was 19.
The only thing that sort of scared me, was that this morning I was looking forward to taking my meds, and am looking even more forward to day 8 when I get to up the dose....
I am very happy to see that you have had such great results also. Obviously each drug works differently depending on people's conditions, and you and I just fit the 'deficiencies' required for Effexor XR perfectly.
Happy thoughts
Liz
>Finally one the psychiatrists decided to experiment on me with EffexorXR! <snip>... and PRESTO! Fours days later I was home.
>
> I no that it suppose to take two to as much as six weeks to determine whether or not psychotropic drugs are helping and I also know that we're all different. However, I am absolutely certain that after being a "psyche patient-lab rat" for years, I've finally found something that works FOR ME (I now am on 250mg of EffexorXR)!
Posted by supergirl on May 3, 2002, at 14:55:45
In reply to Re: Effexor is a bad drug!! i need help!!!, posted by SusanG on February 18, 2002, at 20:34:37
I've been on Effexor XR 150 mg for 2 1/2 years after going through a big bout of depression. After getting over the transition period, my good moods steadily increased. The effects have seemed to level off over time, and i have tried higher doses but they seem to make things worse. I have been wanting to get winged from the drug for over a year now, but withdrawl effects are extremely bad for me. Does anyone know the long term side effects? I've had chronic back pain for 2 years and i seem to remember seeing an article about possible back/pelvic problems linked with long-term use of effexor. My ambition has also gone down, even though my moods are mostly regulated. Within six months of starting effexor, I started smoking and dropped out of college: two of the things I had always told myself I wouldn't do. Only since being on Effexor have I felt genuinely stuck and my body seems to be slowly going downhill. I can no longer write or paint, and working is getting harder and harder to handle. I miss my old self. I've been doing reasearch on the drug and I have noticed that there is very little information about the long-term effects of Effexor. If anyone knows any information that might be useful for me, I would greatly appreciate it. I'm stuck!
Posted by Marie416 on May 3, 2002, at 16:09:18
In reply to Re: My story of Effexor » JAG, posted by JANNBEAU on January 30, 2002, at 11:52:18
Hi Jannbeau, its funny you said that because I too started craving sweets and carbs a lot when I started effexor. I was 120lb and now I've gained like 25. Are you on anything now? I am now strictly on Wellbutrin and I can't tell if its doing anything because of the withdrawal from effexor. I've never in my life bought weight loss pills but today I did. Some natural amino acids/herbs, no caffeine, no ephedra. It's so frustrating some mornings when I go to get in my work clothes and I don't know if they are shrinking in the dryer or if I am just getting bigger still. I am just sitting here crying now thinking about it. I worked for years eating healthy and doing my kickboxing and toning exercises. I feel heavy and tired all the time that I can barely muster up the energy to do an intense workout. I thought the wellbutrin would help with this. I just felt like I had to get off the effexor even though it helped with the initial depression I found myself getting depressed over the weight gain and no libido. I have never in my entire life felt disgusted or uninterested at the thought of having sex until I started effexor. Any suggestions?
> >Hi, JAG. I can't tell you how your body will react to Effexor with respect to weight gain or loss, but IN GENERAL - (please understand that, by "in general" I mean the statistical probability that any given therapeutic or side effect will occur with a given medication) - those who gain weight on one psychotrophic med will respond similarly to most of them, while those who lose weight (often people who are lightweight to start with, have difficulty keeping their weight up, and who react to stress, depression, etc., by further DECREASING their caloric intake will also be the ones who lose weight on a medication. It is my personal opinion that this is some type of "hard wiring" in the brain). Of course this is not invariable. If it were, it wouldn't be a probability, but an absolute and doctors would be able to say "you will lose weight with this medication" or "you will gain". At this point, I don't think any doctor can say absolutely that your body will react in a certain way to any medication. He/she can only say "you MAY do or feel or react in such and such a way" based on what is known about the specific medication from others and from research--
>
> The problem for me seems to be one of medication-induced loss of control over what I eat and how much. I crave carbohydrates and sweets on Effexor and don't seem able to fight this.
>
> On the other hand, if your weight is already up, perhaps you will have hit a plateau and won't gain any more. Then, also, if the medication works for your other problems, you might be able to concentrate better on your physical health and lose weight by cutting calories and increasing exercise. Or, you just might be one of the lucky ones who lose weight.
>
> Good Luck and Hang In There!!
>
> Jannbeau
>
> Hello, I just happened to stumble upon this sight while researching information about the new medication that my doctor prescribed for me. I have a variety of conditions that all mesh into one depressed & anxious person. I have been diagnosed to experience PTSD, OCD, Panic attacks, depression, and Bi-polarism. I have tried to take Paxil, Wellbutrin, and Zoloft. I am now on Effexor. I found that the other meds lowered my libido and increased my pants size, which in turn was not good for my depression. Since you mentioned weight gain on Effexor, I am concerned. I know that not everyone reacts the same to medications, but I am still worried. My doctor told me that it was least likely that I would gain added weight. In fact, she told me that I would lose the extra weight that I had gained with the other medications. Even if it is not truely the reason that I may lose weight, I was still hoping for a placebo effect. Should I be worried about my weight as I did on Zoloft? On another note, my doctor also wanted to mix Wellbutrin & Effexor for the added response of the libido. I am leary to go on the two meds at the same time, plus I experienced ringing in the ears with the Wellbutrin and am afraid to try it again. If anyone has any insight to these concerns please let me know. I am fairly new to antidepressants and panic disorder meds (9 trial months). It is nice to know that there are individuals that have had similar experiences. Hope all is well, JAG
Posted by ST on May 5, 2002, at 4:37:12
In reply to My story of Effexor, posted by SusanG on January 19, 2002, at 21:46:32
I'm responding to a post from a few months ago, but thought this would be a good place to tell MY story of Effexor.
I've been on Wellbutrin and Depakote for years. Various SSRIs have been added to this over the past 5 or so years to varying degrees of success.
In late December, I started out on 75 mg of Effexor XR. I worked my way up to 225 mg. (Sid and MaKi and I had started around the same time) My appetite decreased again after being completely ravenous for a year on Celexa. My mood seemed fine...felt nauseous with each increase in dose, but it eventually wore off. Again, my mood was fine, although my mood had also been pretty stable with the Celexa.
So, after being on Effexor for almost four months, I evaluated things and came to the conclusion that my mood was no better or worse, but my sex drive had completely stopped. Also, now that I was used to my 225 dose and the initial high-ness of the Effexor had worn off, I needed about 12 hours of sleep a night! I was exhausted constantly. In reading the posts, I was finding that this was quite common.
I reported my side effects to my pdoc and he thought I should get off of it. So did I. My doc warned me that discontinuing would be extremely difficult and to do it slowly and steadily. This was almost four weeks ago.
It was pretty easy to drop from 225 to 175 and then to 150. I experienced very little flu-like symtoms and nausea. 150 mg to 75 mg was OK. 75 mg to 37.5 was tough, but manageable. At the end of this past week, I went down to a quarter of a 37.5 mg tablet a day. That's about 9.37 mg a day. For the past few days at 9.37 mg, I have been sobbing continuously. I'm overwhelmed with obsessive and dark thoughts that remind me of when I was unmedicated. Each day that I try to go without the 9.37 mg, I end up light headed and dizzy and give in and take the little piece of pill.
This drug - or the absence thereof - seems to produce a hideous withdrawal beyond the expected physical side effects. Emotionally, I feel like a walking pin cushion. I'm jumpy, sobbing, thoughts keep repeating that are dark and destructive, I'm depressed, my life seems like complete shit. For the first time in a few years, I cancelled work (massage therapist) due to emotional reasons. That day, I was beside myself and hysterical over a relatively benign setback having to do with my career (acting). The emotional withdrawal side effects have been the most surprising. I had no idea.
Today, I did not take my 9.37 mg of Effexor. I didn't have to work, thank god. I feel like I have the flu. But worse, I cried for about three hours. Huge, jerking, gurgling, wailing sobs. Are these the daily emotions "normal" people have, only I've been numbed with medication for the past few years and now simply can't cope? I'm a little confused...Or is it a side effect of going off of Effexor?
I don't have to work tomorow either, so we'll see how sick I get...physically and emotionally.
I must say, it's been kind of a nice purge to have cried so much. I don't remember really crying much while on any of the SSRIs. Anyone experience this? Do the SSRIs numb us? Or do things just SEEM that much more dismal without the drugs due to our chemical imbalance?
Thanks for listening,
Sarah
Posted by Shanti on May 5, 2002, at 8:33:17
In reply to Re: My story of Effexor, posted by ST on May 5, 2002, at 4:37:12
sarah thanks for sharing!!
i am now on 150mg of effexor (started at 75 then 101.5 now 150mg) because i still have my feelings of sadness, desperation too (i only get this way prior and during my period?? - i emailed dr. bob and asked about studies regarding periods and depression but to no avail yet (i think there is a connection somehow and not just PMS!!) when i went off paxil i felt "surreal" for about 2 weeks which was hard to do and work and raise a family. that is when i wnet on to effexor - again same results - i do not have a pdoc yet (takes along time here in windsor, canada) but i will be patient!! i am going to ask my family doc about wellbutrin "the happy pill" because i wonder if i need some of the drugs in that med to compliment my effexor? it is hard for my doc because he is a family dr but we try together and he writes out my expereiences, etc.
as for crying - i am 34.5years old up until i was 33 i only "laughed" when nervous, upset, now i cry wells and love it!! you should see me at church on sundays (but it feels so good!!)
i think you should stay at the min. dosage you are on and search for another med. that may compliment this (what does your pdoc say? has he given you a diagnosis yet? i beleive i am bi-polar - i "fit" all the "symptoms" !!!
your job, my daughter's godmother is a massage therapist - i call her my angel!! i go once a month for my massage and thank god that there are people like yourself out there who offer this service!!
there is a group of us that met here on the "pboard" we have since moved to emailing each other to help "lift one antoher when feeling low" if you would like to join us, i welcome you on behalf of the ladies - just post back and i will give you my email address!
as for your feelings, if i may offer some advice that i use and i have since shared with the others - DO YOUR MENTAL WORK - the pills only help the part of the brain that needs help but it doesn't take away feelings, etc, those are the things you need to work on to become better - it is a long road, very rewarding, sometimes it sucks (when feeling low - but that is why we have our group now!) and it is something you will need to do for the better part of your life, but that is ok, becasue it means you are always "in touch" with the most important thing of all, YOU!!
hope to hear from you!
peace
shanti
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