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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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
Posted by azurebay on May 5, 2002, at 21:46:47
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor for ADD?, posted by Harmony on May 3, 2002, at 0:36:39
> 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.
Definitely we should talk about this one :)
And HI EVERYONE; guess I'm the silent-non-poster here, typically lol.
Personally I've had ADD all my life, but diagnosed at (if u can freakin' believe this...) age 38! I find that Effexor XR does tend to assist with some symptoms, particularly in the motivation and organization areas. However, I've gone months with and without it, just experimenting with my doc. Bottom-line: The most recent research I've read suggests it's only ADD effective at higher dosages (and for some, simply doesn't work). For me (call me Mr. Co-morbid lmao), it seems great a low dosage along with a neuro-stimulant. Hell, now that's covering all the bases - ADD, GAD, Depression <smiles>
Anyway, just an intro that I hope helps you in some small way.
Smiles inonemoment always :P
Von
Posted by azurebay on May 5, 2002, at 22:02:14
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor for ADD?, posted by Harmony on May 3, 2002, at 0:36:39
Woops, sorry about the double posts (call me Mr. ADD-off-meds-for-the-weekend lol). Sorry about that.
To the original post, I gotta say that I think your doc (unless he/she is experienced with both ADD/ADHD and co-existing depression) is going the typical conservative route with JUST Effexor alone. As of yet, there's not conclusive evidence as to its effectiveness, despite what my personal experience has been.
Of course it's worth a shot, just Effexor alone, but if you definitely have ADD/ADHD symptoms, tell the doc he's psycho babbling in his own fear of prescribing Schedule II drugs, such as Ritalin, Adderall, etc. No reasonable psychiatrist who has confirmed an ADD diagnosis would hesitate for a MOMENT to use neuro-stimulants! In fact, for most ADD/ADHD folks they have an almost eerie (sp) calming effect, enhanced focus, and little if any risk for addiction.
Anyways, bottom line: Listen to your own body and what you feel. If Effexor works, cool; if not... demand to be heard regarding the additional ADD/ADHD symptoms.
<smiles always>
Von
Posted by petters on May 6, 2002, at 0:21:32
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor for ADD?, posted by azurebay on May 5, 2002, at 21:46:47
Hi...
I have had success with Effexor for ADD. But you have to raise the dosage above 225 mg. This because the noradrenergic effect kick in on this dosage. Also the dopamin effect will start usually whith 300 mg or more. Those two transmittor substans, NE + DA is importend for ADD and the attention + focus.
Another possibility is Wellbutrin. Ask your doc about this options. If you have anxiety or OCD Effexor will help, not Wellbutrin.
Good Luck
/Petters
Posted by supergirl on May 6, 2002, at 2:05:07
In reply to Re: Effexor is a bad drug!! i need help!!!, posted by supergirl on May 3, 2002, at 14:55:45
OK, for anyone who read my first post, I just had one of the toughest days. I think I am being forced by work to take a leave of absence and straighten up my shit (pardon my french, but its the best way to describe it).
I have had a rough week and it all boiled up to tonight. I scratched up my wrist while sitting outside at work for 4 hours at least, couldn't move or speak, crying uncontrollably, and to top it all off: a rage induced run on a highway because I didn't want to go back inside to get my car keys so I was going to walk home (my only house key is with my car keys) after knocking over the lawn furniture I was sitting on.
Oh, and today my boyfriend broke up with me to give us both some space for the shit we both have to go through (him, a custody battle), but that wasn't what caused the whole downbreaking, that was just icing on the collapsing cake. We did have a good, nice, long talk after work (oh yeah, I work with him, big mistake on my part, but I couldn't help lovin' the guy), only because I chased him down after I had calmed down so I could say all the things I couln't say for the last few days. So we are at peace, hopefully.
In the morning I go to the doc (happy birthday to me) where I will discuss my 150 mg dose of effexor and whether or not for me to try weaning myself down. Hell, if I'm gonna have a leave from work, might as well see who I really am after 2 1/2 years on the stuff. I am afraid to go any higher on dosage because of my unattached behavior, yet I am scared to death to lower the dosage. The last time I tried I almost was in a hospital (insane or sick, it would have depended on whoever got to me first).
I am not looking forward to any of it, yet it must be done now before its too late. I wish today had never happened, but it did and now I must go on. I will do this living alone and being alone most of my time. Don't ask me what to expect.
Wish me luck, I am on a quest to fix my brain :)And anything anyone might know to help my doc and me (I work for the state, hence no insurance for psydocs) I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks for listening,
supergirl
Posted by wonderfoo on May 6, 2002, at 10:40:36
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Liz Wolf on May 3, 2002, at 5:01:30
Just found this board this morning. I have generalized anxiety in conjunction with a pretty severe phobia of thunderstoms/tornadoes. Here's a little bit of my history: I was on Prozac a few years ago, which worked great for the depression and general anxiety but did nothing for the phobia. Then tried Zoloft, which I had no luck with. I have been "drug-free" for probably a year now, and have tried cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps a little. A few months ago I was given a three month sample of Effexor by my prmiary care physician, which I was resisting taking because I wanted to see if the therapy would do the trick. But now I truly believe that I need the one-two punch of meds and therapy. I was wondering if anyone knew or had experienced how effectively effexor treats phobias? Anyone in a similar situation?
Looking forward to future posts. Any advice or thought would be greatly appreciated!
Posted by ST on May 6, 2002, at 16:41:52
In reply to Re: My story of Effexor, posted by Shanti on May 5, 2002, at 8:33:17
Shanti-
Thanks for the great message! I agree about doing the mental work as well. I have been in talk therapy on and off for about 8 years and the changes that have arisen from it are tremendous. I deal with people and situations soooo differently now. But I'm bipolar II, so I know that I need a mood stabilizer as well as ADs.
I don't know if I mentioned any of this in my last post, but I am also on Wellbutrin (as well as the mood stabilizer, Depakote). I think it's a great AD. And yes, I think it would be a good compliment to an SSRI if you are not getting the results you want. I was on just Wellbutrin and Depakote for a few years and just wasn't rising above a certain level of depression. Once I was put on an SSRI (at the time it was Serzone), things really changed. I was able to really start functioning again. So, a lot of people need "combination therapy", where they take something for dopamine and then also something that stimulates seratonin. After Serzone (got off it because I was still suicidal occasionally), I went on to Celexa, gained thirty pounds and then went on to Effexor (lost 20 pounds so far!).
So, this is my third day without any Effexor at all and I don't know how I'm doing it. (I don't know what I'd do if I had a family like you!!) I took Saturday and Sunday off and was in the throes of feverish flu-like symptoms and crying and irrational thoughts all weekend. My boyfriend is so patient. Today I feel a bit better and am back at work tonight. I'm giving a really good friend a massage, so at least if I feel really pukey, she'd understand if I had to stop.
I'm so glad Effexor is working for you. How long have you been on it? I do think it's a good drug, albeit quite powerful. If you ever decide to go off it, please do it s l o w l y. It's then very hard to give up the last few milligrams because you just feel so awful, but I figured I had to do it at some point.
Yes, I do think there is a connection between PMS and depression. In some women it really affects them. It varies for me.
Find a good pdoc! If you think you are bipolar, a mood stabilizer will really help.
Take care,
Sarah
Posted by Janice1191 on May 6, 2002, at 21:38:50
In reply to Effexor and treatment of Phobias?, posted by wonderfoo on May 6, 2002, at 10:40:36
I have GAD and Panic Attacks. I took a class in California called 'Phobease - Curing Phobias and OCD'. It was the best thing I could have done for my panic attacks.
Do a search for "Dr. Fear" or "Phobease" you can buy the book online. Once you get the book, do the lessons with your therapist.
Meds won't cure your phobias, but CBT will.
Hope this helps.
> Just found this board this morning. I have generalized anxiety in conjunction with a pretty severe phobia of thunderstoms/tornadoes. Here's a little bit of my history: I was on Prozac a few years ago, which worked great for the depression and general anxiety but did nothing for the phobia. Then tried Zoloft, which I had no luck with. I have been "drug-free" for probably a year now, and have tried cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps a little. A few months ago I was given a three month sample of Effexor by my prmiary care physician, which I was resisting taking because I wanted to see if the therapy would do the trick. But now I truly believe that I need the one-two punch of meds and therapy. I was wondering if anyone knew or had experienced how effectively effexor treats phobias? Anyone in a similar situation?
>
> Looking forward to future posts. Any advice or thought would be greatly appreciated!
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