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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by katekite on July 22, 2002, at 13:39:04
In reply to New to effexor, posted by xena on July 21, 2002, at 10:27:16
First of all, of course a pill can make you feel better. You've probably woken up in the past (just in normal life, not when depressed) and felt like a couch potato, and then you have some caffeine and presto, you are up and going. Caffeine is a drug and it could just as easily come in a pill. What you are looking for with Effexor is that one day in 2-6 weeks you will notice that everything is a little simpler, a little easier, that you aren't just going through the motions but actually enjoying things again. You'll notice, it's not something you could miss, because its a wonderful feeling to be ok again.
There are several things to keep in mind with effexor:
1. That the people on this website come here mostly because something isn't working, not because they are so happy they want to share. Which means if you read about people's experiences here it may scare you, but there are many many more people out there who had good experiences, no side effects, etc.
2. That when you do go off of it for whatever reason you need to taper slowly or you will have side effects. When you get ready to go off of it read up on how to taper at the right pace. This is more important for Effexor than for lots of other medications.
3. That if it doesn't work -- studies show people who weren't helped the first anti-depressant they tried or had bad side effects, were usually helped by the second one they tried. So if this one doesn't work it doesn't mean you should give up on pills altogether. Try to give it 6 weeks if you can, but if side effects like nausea etc are troubling you after the end of the first two weeks its probably time to try a different one.
Hope it works for you. Hang in there.
Kate
Posted by katekite on July 22, 2002, at 13:47:19
In reply to Anyone taken Effexor XR for Separation Anxiety?, posted by hellokitty on July 20, 2002, at 15:40:27
Doctors usually say to stay on an antidepressant or anti-anxiety med for at least 6 months.
I would let the drug do its thing by itself for maybe another month and just enjoy life. Then I would, with the aid of the drug, actively work on the fears with the aid of a therapist. Cognitive behavioral therapy is especially good for this, although therapy in general always helps some. If you can really change your thinking you will be in good shape to try going off of it.
The truth with these drugs is that if its a lifetime problem and nothing in our environment changes, then when we go off of them the anxieties would be expected to return. The times when short term (less than a year) medication works and then its never needed again are if the problem was initially set off by a life circumstance or if the person makes a lot of progress in therapy.
I'm glad it seems to be helping!
Kate
Posted by Gabbi on July 22, 2002, at 13:48:32
In reply to Re: New to effexor » xena, posted by katekite on July 22, 2002, at 13:39:04
You have a gift, concise, yet possibilities covered and obvious concern, its appreciated.
Posted by Gabbi on July 22, 2002, at 14:17:19
In reply to Re: New to effexor » xena, posted by katekite on July 22, 2002, at 13:39:04
Kates' point about people writing when things go wrong is really important I think.
When I first saw a Pdoc I was scared silly, having previously taken nothing more than cough syrup.The medication worked but as soon as I started feeling better I'd research the side-effects and stop taking it. For me it was a bad move, depression can reappear so slowly, that you don't see it as "depression" you see it as reality, and twice I've become suicidal because of that.
You probably know this, most people aren't fortunate enough to have their first medication work. And the struggle to keep trying new ones when you are depressed is overwhelming. As well as the fear of "what are these meds doing to me"
I suffered from excruciating anxiety, as well as depression, and several well meaning G.P's put me on ("calming" A.D's) which would make sense. But I only got worse. I was fortunate enough to find a psychiatrist who is an artist with medication, and he gave me dexedrine, which I thought would put me through the roof, it didn't. It augmented my medication enough so that the depression lifted, and when that was gone so was the anxiety.
However I didn't get to see him much (out of town)
and my Gp's were very anti-pill as was I, they would refuse to refill my prescription, or prescribe a benzo for my anxiety, and inevitably I became hopeless and mired in depression againI'm now resigned to my pill cocktail, because for me the side effect of not taking it S.I is worse than all the physical side effects I was warned of.
I'm not saying there aren't significant potential side-effects, but if you can't find a reason to live, you need help. and If you search the web hard enough you could find a site devoted to people who's lives were ruined by Asprin I'm sure. Or how about people who die from eating peanuts?
I personally think keeping it in perspective is crucial. I wish I could have.
Posted by xena on July 23, 2002, at 3:48:57
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Can anyone tell me the difference between the two drugs? Is one more potent than the other? The side effects seem to be the same. Any information would be much appreciated.
Many thanks.
Posted by sly on July 23, 2002, at 7:28:41
In reply to Apo-fluvoxamine vs. Effexor XR, posted by xena on July 23, 2002, at 3:48:57
Are you Canadian?
Effexor XR is the trade name. APO refers to the Canadian drug company "Apotex" which makes generic versions of the original. Drug companies like Wyeth-Ayerst which first invent a drug get to patent it for 7 years to recoup the R & D costs, after that, it's open to the market and everyone starts spinning out generic versions (much like you call all pain relievers "aspirin", but only Bayer makes Aspirin, all other generic versions are just acetaminophen). This is a good thing, it means the drug should become cheaper. The only difference is usually the fillers, sometimes these can cause slight variations in side effects, but overall should have the same effects as the original drug.
Posted by jannbeau on July 23, 2002, at 11:14:06
In reply to Re: Apo-fluvoxamine vs. Effexor XR, posted by sly on July 23, 2002, at 7:28:41
> Sorry, Guys, but there is a lot of incorrect information in the post below!
Fluvoxamine is the generic name for LUVOX, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Although the manufacturer says fluvoxamine is "chemically unrelated" to other SSRI's, fluvoxamine apparently is thought to have effects similar to those of other SSRI's--Prozac, for instance. Effexor (trade name for venlafaxine, on the other hand, is not an SSRI, but also inhibits reuptake of norepinephrine. These may be technical differences, but, still, if one is going to proffer information, one may as well get it right.
Which leads to the second set of inaccurate information: "Aspirin" is not acetaminophen, but acetylsalicylic acid. Acetylsalicylic acid, or ASA, is the chemical name for aspirin, a generic name coined by Felix Hoffman in 1897. ASA is a derivative of salicin, a compound extracted from the bark of the willow tree as early as the 5th century BC. Although Bayer patented "aspirin" or ASA, that patent has long since expired. Generic aspirin has been available for many, many years. By the way, patents in the US usually run for seventeen years, but may be extended under certain circumstances.
Acetaminophen, on the other hand, is 4 -hydroxyacetanilide, is a nonopiate, non-salicylate
analgesic and antipyretic, the generic name for Tylenol. Acetaminophen is NOT the same drug as aspirin, having different properties, including a much reduced if not absent antiinflammatory effect. Many companies now market acetaminophen, too, just as they do aspirin.In the US, the generic drug act states that any drug marketed as a generic must have the same efficacy as those of the original patented drug. By the way, "fillers" are considered to be "inert" and to have no effects and, therefore, cannot have "side effects." The term "side effects" is generally used to refer to nontherapeutic effects of the active ingredient or ingredients in a formulation.
Cheers,
JannbeauAre you Canadian?
>
> Effexor XR is the trade name. APO refers to the Canadian drug company "Apotex" which makes generic versions of the original. Drug companies like Wyeth-Ayerst which first invent a drug get to patent it for 7 years to recoup the R & D costs, after that, it's open to the market and everyone starts spinning out generic versions (much like you call all pain relievers "aspirin", but only Bayer makes Aspirin, all other generic versions are just acetaminophen). This is a good thing, it means the drug should become cheaper. The only difference is usually the fillers, sometimes these can cause slight variations in side effects, but overall should have the same effects as the original drug.
Posted by xena on July 23, 2002, at 11:21:09
In reply to Re: Apo-fluvoxamine vs. Effexor XR, posted by jannbeau on July 23, 2002, at 11:14:06
Yes I am Canadian. And at the risk of sounding like a total moron, I am more confused than ever. Is one drug more potent than the other, if so, which one? Thanks for your patience.
Posted by jannbeau on July 23, 2002, at 13:01:39
In reply to Re: Apo-fluvoxamine vs. Effexor XR, posted by xena on July 23, 2002, at 11:21:09
> Hi, Zena--no question is moronic. Some are more complex than others, that's all!
Effexor and Luvox are not directly comparable with respect to "potency." Potency is a pharmacological term defined as the amount of any substance it takes to produce the same effect to the same degree. For instance, if it takes 10 milligrams of Paxil to increase the amount of time that one molecule of serotonin stays in the synaptic cleft by 1 second and it takes 100 mg of Prozac to do the same, then Paxil is 10 times as potent as Prozac. Effexor and Luvox are different drugs that may have different spectra of effects.
I suspect that the question you are trying to ask is "which of these drugs is more effecacious in treating depression/anxiety?" Efficacy is the ability of a drug to treat the problem for which it is prescribed. Efficacy is not synonymous with potency, and the answer to the question is probably more complex than the "potency" question and will depend, to some degree, upon your problem. Most of the time, with the CNS drugs, finding the right drug may be more trial and error than when prescribing an antibiotic, for instance. You may have to try more than one medication or a combination of meds to get the result you need.
Hope this info has helped.
jannbeau
Yes I am Canadian. And at the risk of sounding like a total moron, I am more confused than ever. Is one drug more potent than the other, if so, which one? Thanks for your patience.
Posted by sly on July 23, 2002, at 15:26:01
In reply to Re: Apo-fluvoxamine vs. Effexor XR, posted by jannbeau on July 23, 2002, at 11:14:06
calm down Jannbeau!
It's not like you invented the stuff.
And I think you're missing the point.
Apo refers to a Canadian drug company that produces generic versions of the original. Any medication in Canada that starts with apo- is generic, just take that off and you've got the chemical name. All she needs to do is look up Fluvoxamine.
The difference is SSRI vs. SNRI. Effexor also inhibits norepinephrine reuptake. It claims to be more efficacious, but we're all different. Since none of us are medical Doctor's none of us are in a position to offer recommendations on medication - and I hope Xena would consult her Dr. if she's concerned.
fyi - I also took chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, neurology, and psychopharmacology, but I guess I forgot to read up on them before responding to the email, I didn't realize I'd be tested on my answers. And quite frankly, I have better things to do. I was only trying to help.
ASA or acetaminophen, seven or seventeen years, whatever, how does that help Xena, you get the point don't you? If not, get a life.
When I was very depressed I used to waste hours at work researching and responding to every critical statement in an email defending my opinion and point of view, kind of like you here - again, you didn't invent the stuff - but proving someone wrong was a hollow victory, when I got better I finally realised, NOBODY CARES! only I did, and in the process I alienated my co-workers/friends.
Think about it. The tone of your email was highly defensive and took cheap shots at me. Why?
Posted by jannbeau on July 23, 2002, at 18:07:20
In reply to Re: Apo-fluvoxamine vs. Effexor XR, posted by sly on July 23, 2002, at 15:26:01
>Sorry, Sly. I didn't intend to offend you or anyone else. Why ARE you offended, anyway? I'm not offended by your response and I didn't take any more cheap shots at you than you fired off at me! "Me thinketh the fellow protesteth too much!"--
Cheers,
Jannbeaucalm down Jannbeau!
>
> It's not like you invented the stuff.
>
> And I think you're missing the point.
>
> Apo refers to a Canadian drug company that produces generic versions of the original. Any medication in Canada that starts with apo- is generic, just take that off and you've got the chemical name. All she needs to do is look up Fluvoxamine.
>
> The difference is SSRI vs. SNRI. Effexor also inhibits norepinephrine reuptake. It claims to be more efficacious, but we're all different. Since none of us are medical Doctor's none of us are in a position to offer recommendations on medication - and I hope Xena would consult her Dr. if she's concerned.
>
> fyi - I also took chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, neurology, and psychopharmacology, but I guess I forgot to read up on them before responding to the email, I didn't realize I'd be tested on my answers. And quite frankly, I have better things to do. I was only trying to help.
>
> ASA or acetaminophen, seven or seventeen years, whatever, how does that help Xena, you get the point don't you? If not, get a life.
>
> When I was very depressed I used to waste hours at work researching and responding to every critical statement in an email defending my opinion and point of view, kind of like you here - again, you didn't invent the stuff - but proving someone wrong was a hollow victory, when I got better I finally realised, NOBODY CARES! only I did, and in the process I alienated my co-workers/friends.
>
> Think about it. The tone of your email was highly defensive and took cheap shots at me. Why?
Posted by xena on July 23, 2002, at 23:01:43
In reply to Re: Apo-fluvoxamine vs. Effexor XR » xena, posted by jannbeau on July 23, 2002, at 13:01:39
Many thanks for all of the information. I think I understand more clearly the difference between the two drugs.
I did not mean to cause friction on this page! I hope all is well now.
X.
Posted by sly on July 24, 2002, at 8:03:04
In reply to Many thanks, posted by xena on July 23, 2002, at 23:01:43
No worries, I think we all enjoy a good discussion.
For most of us, this page is an outlet. As you can see, the writings go far and above just Effexor. Depression may be biochemical, a medical illness, but it affects more than our bodies, it takes over your mind and spirit. The damage is just as real as a broken limb, only no one can see your pain because we carry it inside.
Pages like this let us blow off a little steam and share feelings with people who understand what we're going through. No matter how loving and supportive my family and friends, I don't get the same comfort as hearing from someone else who is going through the same thing.
Take care and good luck, let us know how things are going.
shannon
Posted by jannbeau on July 24, 2002, at 10:23:14
In reply to Many thanks, posted by xena on July 23, 2002, at 23:01:43
> Xena, You caused no friction at all. Don't worry about it. I WOULD like to add one comment: I am NOT a physician, so any statements I may have made were for your information only and were not meant to be medical advice. You should (and, in the US, must, always consult your physician re any prescription medication questions that you have and/or changes to those medications. I thought that went without saying!
Cheers,
JannbeauMany thanks for all of the information. I think I understand more clearly the difference between the two drugs.
>
> I did not mean to cause friction on this page! I hope all is well now.
>
> X.
Posted by xena on July 25, 2002, at 7:39:16
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Last night I met a friend for dinner, and I had a couple of drinks. When I got home I had never been more sick in all my life. I didn't throw up, but I thought I might. I don't drink very often, maybe once every couple of months, and never to the point of intoxication. A couple of drinks has never made me feel like that. Obviously it is the Effexor. Has anyone else had the same experience? Why wouldn't my doctor tell me explicitly not to drink while on this medication? Also, if this is a long term medication (in my case, I am guessing it will be), does that mean I can never have an alcoholic drink with a friend until I am off?
Posted by sly on July 25, 2002, at 7:56:11
In reply to Feeling terrible., posted by xena on July 25, 2002, at 7:39:16
Actually Effexor has not been shown to have additive effects when mixed with Alcohol. The sickness you felt may not have been the medication, it could have been anything you ate, or what you drank.
You said you don't drink regularly, if you were sitting all night and consumed 2 or more alcoholic drinks, with little or no food, that could make you ill.
My neighbour is a counsellor who also took Effexor. One night she went to a bar with her Doctor, he ordered a drink and she ordered pop. When he asked her why she wasn't drinking she said, "are you kidding, I"m on medication, you know I can't drink", to which her medical Doctor replied, "if everyone on anti-depressants didn't drink the bars would be empty"!
I'm not saying go ahead and drink. I started out slow, one drink at a time to see how I felt. For me, I actually get less of a high from the alcohol than before, with no ill side effects.
Posted by xena on July 25, 2002, at 8:28:25
In reply to Re: Feeling terrible., posted by sly on July 25, 2002, at 7:56:11
I did eat a full meal before I consumed any alcohol, and the 2 drinks I had were over a period of 5 1/2 hours. Not to mention I had about 4 glasses of water. I wanted to pace myself as I was unsure of the effects myself. I not only felt sick to my stomach, I started to have hot and cold spells. ie. Sweating profusely, and then shaking like a leaf. Normally, I do not sweat at all, though I have noticed from previous posts that some do experience this as a side effect.
> Actually Effexor has not been shown to have additive effects when mixed with Alcohol. The sickness you felt may not have been the medication, it could have been anything you ate, or what you drank.
>
> You said you don't drink regularly, if you were sitting all night and consumed 2 or more alcoholic drinks, with little or no food, that could make you ill.
>
> My neighbour is a counsellor who also took Effexor. One night she went to a bar with her Doctor, he ordered a drink and she ordered pop. When he asked her why she wasn't drinking she said, "are you kidding, I"m on medication, you know I can't drink", to which her medical Doctor replied, "if everyone on anti-depressants didn't drink the bars would be empty"!
>
> I'm not saying go ahead and drink. I started out slow, one drink at a time to see how I felt. For me, I actually get less of a high from the alcohol than before, with no ill side effects.
Posted by sly on July 25, 2002, at 12:00:36
In reply to Re: Feeling terrible., posted by xena on July 25, 2002, at 8:28:25
I've had the hot and cold spells, but not consecutively. For the first month I was always cold but it went away. All of a sudden about 3 weeks ago I've been sweating more than usual, mostly at night in my sleep, I wake up soaked. But I rarely drink so I know it's nothing to do with mixing Effexor with alcohol.
What time of day do you take the meds? My doctor suggests taking them before bed so some of the side effects occur while you're sleeping. For me, taking them at night makes me sleepy during the day, I want to maximize the energizing effects so now I take them early afternoon.
Posted by xena on July 25, 2002, at 14:48:53
In reply to Re: Feeling terrible., posted by sly on July 25, 2002, at 12:00:36
I take my pill around 1pm everyday. I don't usually get the hot and cold spells until night time, around 10pm or so. It has happened everyday since my first dose. I also get a terrible headache around 6 or 7pm, which has also happened everyday since my first dose. However, I was aware of that side effect, I just take an advil, and I am fine.
I appreciate your insight, and patience with my questions. :)
Posted by jannbeau on July 25, 2002, at 14:56:05
In reply to Re: Feeling terrible., posted by xena on July 25, 2002, at 14:48:53
>Xena, do you take ANY other medications? If so, which ones?
Cheers,
jannbeauI take my pill around 1pm everyday. I don't usually get the hot and cold spells until night time, around 10pm or so. It has happened everyday since my first dose. I also get a terrible headache around 6 or 7pm, which has also happened everyday since my first dose. However, I was aware of that side effect, I just take an advil, and I am fine.
>
> I appreciate your insight, and patience with my questions. :)
Posted by sly on July 25, 2002, at 16:14:21
In reply to Re: Feeling terrible., posted by xena on July 25, 2002, at 14:48:53
I've had a lot of side effects since I started, but none of them seemed to last too long. In fact, recently (with the exception of the sweating) all of them have disappeared, even my appetite is back and my sex drive is returning. Halleleujah for that, I can have an orgasm again! I think that was one of the major side effects holding me back and keeping me from feeling "normal".
Unless it really bothers you, don't give up easily. Most of the side effects do diminish or disappear with time.
Posted by Gabbi on July 25, 2002, at 19:58:46
In reply to Feeling terrible., posted by xena on July 25, 2002, at 7:39:16
Many of my medications have given me that horrible "I drank a gallon of cheap wine feeling" by themselves especially while starting, or reducing them.
This isn't a mystical aromatherapy cure all. But its helped me sleep on many a sick, toss and turn headachy sweaty night.
Pure Peppermint oil, not extract or flavoring.
Put it on the back of your neck or you can mix a few drops in any light lotion and apply it like any cream. And if you are feeling queasy as well put a couple of drops in a teaspoon of honey and swallow. Just don't get it from your fingers into your eyes, or you will curse me forever. Oh its cheap too.
Posted by LynnPerley on July 25, 2002, at 22:34:47
In reply to Feeling terrible., posted by xena on July 25, 2002, at 7:39:16
Xena, this is probably due to the short time you have taken the meds. I noticed when I first started AD meds (generic prozac) my tolerance for alcohol was MUCH less. I didn't even want to drink alcohol because it made me feel so weird. This feeling gradually went away. I can drink as much as I could before I started meds and the only difference is a one in attitude.
Remember that alcohol is itself a depressant, so logically it seems that one should not drink alcohol while on AD meds. However the social situation you described seems perfectly accaptable.
If you got any prescription info from your pharmacist when you filled your scrip or if any came with your sample pack you will see that the manufacturer officially recommends avoiding alcohol while taking Effexor, but there is not an explicit warning as there will be for other meds such as narcotic type painkillers, sedatives, etc.
I hope this helps. If I were you I would wait a few weeks and try again, making sure that you drink at least one glass of water for every alcoholic drink. If you are still having sweating events you may be dehydrated, and the alcohol will only increase your dehydration unless you drink plenty of water.
Posted by xena on July 26, 2002, at 0:18:08
In reply to Re: Feeling terrible. » xena, posted by LynnPerley on July 25, 2002, at 22:34:47
I am not taking any other meds, except for the advil, as I mentioned above to get rid of my headaches. I do have seasonal allergies, but have not taken any antihistamines since I have started on Effexor. Would there be a problem if I did? Once in a while my allergies hit me pretty bad.
I don't plan on giving up on Effexor yet, because I do notice a change in myself, even though I have only been taking it since Monday. The side effects are not serious enough to deter me. I used to wonder if life was really worth all of this hassle, I kind of felt dead inside. Now, even though I don't sleep very well, I find it easier to get up in the morning, and I enjoy going outside. I don't lock myself up in front of the tv or in my room and wallow away. I don't sit around and beat up on myself, and tell myself how insignificant, stupid, and how much I hate myself anymore. (I don't know how silly this sounds) And it feels really good.
I will definitely try the Peppermint Oil for my queasy stomach, and sleepness nights! I really appreciate that tip, and I will let you know how it works out for me.
Was it not difficult for any of you to explain to friends why you were unable to have a drink or two while out for dinner, or any other social events, without telling them you are on AD's? At this point, I really don't feel comfortable having to explain that I can not drink because of the medication I am on, as that would lead up to more questions about why I am taking them etc. etc.
Posted by LynnPerley on July 26, 2002, at 5:16:55
In reply to Re: Feeling terrible. » jannbeau, sly, Gabbi Lynn, posted by xena on July 26, 2002, at 0:18:08
xena, unless you are at a restaurant one-on-one with someone to the point they notice the server bringing them drink after drink while you sip on one, most likely nobody will notice. This was one of my concerns beforehand but it turned out to be a non-issue. Why not sip on one and if someone asks, say something innocent like "It just doesn't taste good tonight"? That ought to do the trick. Only other advice I can offer is suggest activities where alcohol is not available, or avoid these kind of friends in situations where alcohol is expected to be consumed for the next week or so. If you do not feel comfortable telling your friends you are on meds, don't tell them.
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