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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by askBob on December 27, 2002, at 22:53:13
In reply to Re: Effexor coming off of 5 years use. Help! » mxgirl13, posted by jimmygold70 on December 26, 2002, at 13:03:44
Jimmy has a good point. you should gradually replace one med with another in the same family. I think they call this "titration". You should also know that it can take 4 - 6 weeks for any of the SSRI family of antidepressants (Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa) to take full effect. And you really ought to check it out with a good psychiatrist or at least an experienced pharmacist, such as at a mental health teaching hospital or university.
Bob
> You should move to a long-acting, cheap AD (i.e. Generic Prozac - $10-15/month) switch in that schedule:
> 1) Week 1 - 150mg Effexor XR + 20mg Prozac
> 2) Week 2 - 75mg Effexor XR + 40 mg Prozac
> 3) Week 3 - 75mg Effexor XR + 40 mg Prozac
> 4) Week 4 - No Effexor
>
> Risperdal might help you as well but it is pricey. In this case, you can add Klonopin (0.5 mg three time a day) for a couple of weeks, taking the dose down slowly over 2 weeks (1.5mg->1mg->0.5mg->Nothing).
>
> I had luck with the above, and talking to some psychopharmacologists - they liked it.
>
> Jimmy
>
Posted by bookgurl99 on December 27, 2002, at 23:39:59
In reply to Re: Effexor coming off of 5 years use. Help!, posted by mxgirl13 on December 23, 2002, at 9:58:48
If no one else has suggested it, could you ask your doctor for a starter pack or two -- they can give them out for free -- to cover you until you get insurance or until you can taper off?
I've quit ssri s and an sari nearly cold turkey before, was very hard. I sympathize!
I advise, give into your carb cravings -- your body is using it to make more serotonin. And take something to help u sleep. :D
good luck,
bookgurl99
Posted by bookgurl99 on December 27, 2002, at 23:51:20
In reply to Re: Effexor coming off of 5 years use. Help! » mxgirl13, posted by jimmygold70 on December 26, 2002, at 13:03:44
I wanted to point out that Effexor is not an SSRI, as Prozac is. Effexor is an SNRI (serotonin noripenephrine reuptake inhibitor). As such , the effects of each may be multiplied if they are taken together.
Posted by charlie mac on December 28, 2002, at 20:46:02
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
i have been on effexor for 2 months now and on 150mg for roughly 3 weeks. recently i have had what i call "heart shudders" which i explain as; a heart beat that feels a lot stronger than a normal beat, and stronger than a rapid beat as well, with a shift in vision as well as a shudder throughout my body. i have been having these heart shudders(heart palpitations?) for as long as i can remember, but as of recently they have increased in frequency with a factor of about 100. i went from having a few in one month to roughly 50-75 in a day. this change has occured in a short span of only 2 days, possibly 3(i wasnt keeping count before). is this a reaction to the effexor? should i possibly switch meds? should i be worried? any answers or insight would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by Sioux on December 28, 2002, at 22:16:18
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by charlie mac on December 28, 2002, at 20:46:02
>> "heart shudders" which i explain as; a heart beat that feels a lot stronger than a normal beat, and stronger than a rapid beat as well,
<<This could be anxiety but must be evaluated by a cardiologist, Effexor or no. Hmmm? Do it and keep us posted.
-- S
Posted by daisyduke on December 29, 2002, at 21:32:11
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdraw COLD TURKEY, posted by mxgirl13 on December 26, 2002, at 11:38:19
> Thanks Sioux and EGR. I didn't know those were options for me. I really appreciate your assistance and information. I'll check it out right away.
>
>
> > > >>>> Is it harmful to me or just really difficult symptom wise to go cold turkey? As lack of insurance is what put me in this situation, I can't get other meds to assist and I only have a few capsules left. What's your recommendation?
> > > <<<<<
> > >
> > > Take the manufacturer's information which I just posted or get it from their website (www.effexor.com \ healthcare professionals) to an emergency room and tell them you need help in doing this and why; also go the hospital's caseworker section and they will identify funding sources for you; the pharmacy may be able to help, too, because manufacturers get tax-breaks for 'mercy' programs; pursue the chaplain's office, if need be, and/or any of the church-supported help lines.
> > >
> > > I don't know which of the states you live in; the hoops are different for each one. Be informed, be polite, be persistent. You really should be taking 6 wks - 3 mos to get off the drug.
> > >
> > > Take care of yourself! Suffering *is* harmful to you.
> >
> > I'd have to second that! Most hospitals have access to funding for situations like yours. In fact, hospitals, by law, can't turn you away because you can't pay.
> >
>
>I'm trying to go off cold turkey aswell.. Will it affect me long term do you know? Also what does the doctor to do get you off of this drug?? I am so dizzy that i can't have my eyes open for too long. I've gone with missing effexor before..and its deadly..i mean i feel like death. Can't move. Can't stand up. Throwing up constantly. If i split the capsules..Can i take the drugs without capsule? how would i do that? Any help would be great. THanks
Posted by bookgurl99 on December 29, 2002, at 22:08:57
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdraw COLD TURKEY, posted by daisyduke on December 29, 2002, at 21:32:11
I'm not an md, but you could always measure out half the capsules and mix them into yogurt or orange juice; I've heard of people titrating off meds that way.
Posted by bookgurl99 on December 29, 2002, at 22:09:21
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdraw COLD TURKEY, posted by daisyduke on December 29, 2002, at 21:32:11
I'm not an md, but you could always measure out half the capsules and mix them into yogurt or orange juice; I've heard of people titrating off meds that way.
Posted by daisyduke on December 29, 2002, at 22:14:11
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdraw COLD TURKEY, posted by bookgurl99 on December 29, 2002, at 22:08:57
> I'm not an md, but you could always measure out half the capsules and mix them into yogurt or orange juice; I've heard of people titrating off meds that way.
Thanks..I'll give it a try...Seems smart!!haha
Posted by daisyduke on December 29, 2002, at 22:17:30
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdraw COLD TURKEY, posted by daisyduke on December 29, 2002, at 22:14:11
> > I'm not an md, but you could always measure out half the capsules and mix them into yogurt or orange juice; I've heard of people titrating off meds that way.
>
> Thanks..I'll give it a try...Seems smart!!hahaDoes anyone know the lowest dose that is prescribed? i'm taking 75..so if i go down to half for a few days..would this be good enough to get off and feel ok? I just want the dizziness to go away..
THanks
Posted by askBob on December 29, 2002, at 22:45:07
In reply to Re: Effexor coming off of 5 years use. Help!, posted by bookgurl99 on December 27, 2002, at 23:51:20
> I wanted to point out that Effexor is not an SSRI, as Prozac is. Effexor is an SNRI (serotonin noripenephrine reuptake inhibitor). As such , the effects of each may be multiplied if they are taken together.
Wow -- thanks for waking me up, bookgirl! I think Sioux's advice is the safest, although lots of people (especially teens) quit cold turkey. If you don't have to work for a living, you can do it. I switched from Prozac (an SSRI) to St. John's Wort (herbal MOAI) and felt great for a year -- until I got overwhelmed with stress from my job and a family tragedy. Ended up in the hospital. That's why you are best off to get advice from a psychiatrist.
If you are broke, go to a hospital that has a psychiatric crisis center -- like someone said, they cannot turn you away for lack of funds. They may insist you stay there for observation while changing your meds, though, and you must ask about expenses and who pays BEFORE you sign any papers!!! And don't go alone. Bring a trusted (and level-headed) friend along who can verify you are not at risk, i.e., suicidal or homicidal.Titrating off meds by mixing half a capsule into OJ might work, but be sure to wash it down with lots of liquids -- otherwise you can burn the lining of your esophagus. If you look up the ingredients of these meds, most are acids, which are apparently safe once in your tummy.
Good luck, and God bless!
Posted by EGR on December 29, 2002, at 22:58:46
In reply to Re: mixing meds to switch to cheaper generic, posted by askBob on December 29, 2002, at 22:45:07
Effexor comes in 37.5 mgs... technically you could probably take 1/2 of those. When I was titrating down off Effexor, I had to take 2 weeks to go from 150 to none, simutaneously starting Wellbutrin. A pharmacist friend told me that going cold turkey could do nasty things to you. Like a) make you extremely dry-mouthed or drool excessively and b) give you diarrhea or the worst case of constipation imaginable. Then there's also the sweats and shakes. I would not go cold turkey. Check with your local hospital's social workers or your DHS office. There are funds available to help with prescription, especially in cases like this. Or follow the advice further up and check into a psyche ward... we don't need any of us nutting out and harming ourselves!
Posted by bookgurl99 on December 30, 2002, at 6:44:29
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdraw COLD TURKEY, posted by daisyduke on December 29, 2002, at 22:17:30
I don't recall if you had insurance problems or not. If you do have good insurance, it might be possible to ask your doctor for a liquid version of your antidepressant. (Sometimes they make them for kids.) That would make it easier to take smaller doses.
Posted by Lynnads on December 30, 2002, at 9:04:40
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by charlie mac on December 28, 2002, at 20:46:02
To your question, yes it is the Effexor that is causing your heart palpitations. Go see your doctor as soon as possible and perhaps they can put you on an alternative anti-depressant.
I too have been on Effexor for a short while and suddenly started getting heart palpitations. I have had past problems with my heart and found that once on Effexor it became more aggrivated. I do have an appt. with my doctor and plan to get off Effexor imediately. Although extremely happy with the outcome of Effexor, I believe heart palpitations are nothing to mess with.
Posted by blueheron on December 30, 2002, at 11:10:06
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdraw COLD TURKEY, posted by daisyduke on December 29, 2002, at 22:17:30
Back in August I was fed up with the sexual side of effexor xr (was on 150/day) and wanted to see what these much feared withdrawl symptoms were all about, so I went cold turkey... 150 -> 0 in one day... Lucky I had LOTS of experience with recreational psycoactives in my past, 'cause going cold turkey is a trip. Lots of brain zaps, visual distortions, muscle twitches... you name it, I felt it... The first two weeks were very interesting, incredible manic high accompanied by wild withdrawl, then the high subsided, but the withdrawl lasted about 7 weeks until there were no more symptoms. It wasn't THAT bad, if you have a 60's/70's drug culture background, but I can see how it would freak you out if you thought the withdrawl would never end.
By the way, the sex thing?, No More Frustration!, YAAAYYYYY!!!! I can attest that when you go off effexor, orgasms are fun again (and plentiful too!!!).
A footnote... I went back on effexor, to 150/day, once I knew I could kick it, I wanted and got the positive side back. But the orgasms became harder to achieve so my doc suggested wellbutrin. I am in the process of weaning off effexor, 150 -> 112.5 -> 75 -> 37.5 -> 0 and I have to say this is way better than cold turkeybottom line... cold turkey is like working for a relative, not recommended, but an experience
Posted by Dimbulb on December 31, 2002, at 14:01:03
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
grrrr.........I spent a half hour typing a post then had to register, then my post wasnt available anymore. My first post was a literary jewel and now I am so ^#%$& this one is going to suck...
my comment or question started with my doctor prescribing Effexor which I havent started yet but this is my fifth or sixth anti depressant and my question relates to:
Will any antidepressant help me if my depression is caused by real world things and not by the infamous inbalance in my brain as I am told? I wont bore you with my problems but let me just say my problems would depress just about anyone and they are not things that will go away. They stem from medical problems and not something imaginary. Does any of the above make any sense at all?
Also my worry about the going off my anti depressant for ten days before I start on Effexor revolves around the possibility that the current anti depressant is actually helping me without me realizing it. If this is true I am going to be a basket case when I am on nothing for a short period.
I have a call in to my pharmacist and my doctor to further discuss this but I will not go off of my current medication until I hear something from somebody. I would very much like to hear from someone here who may have had similar thoughts to mine. And if there is anyone out there who is having similar thoughts to mine......sorry....
Brad
Posted by Lynnads on December 31, 2002, at 14:48:50
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Dimbulb on December 31, 2002, at 14:01:03
> grrrr.........I spent a half hour typing a post then had to register, then my post wasnt available anymore. My first post was a literary jewel and now I am so ^#%$& this one is going to suck...
>
> my comment or question started with my doctor prescribing Effexor which I havent started yet but this is my fifth or sixth anti depressant and my question relates to:
>
> Will any antidepressant help me if my depression is caused by real world things and not by the infamous inbalance in my brain as I am told? I wont bore you with my problems but let me just say my problems would depress just about anyone and they are not things that will go away. They stem from medical problems and not something imaginary. Does any of the above make any sense at all?
>
> Also my worry about the going off my anti depressant for ten days before I start on Effexor revolves around the possibility that the current anti depressant is actually helping me without me realizing it. If this is true I am going to be a basket case when I am on nothing for a short period.
>
> I have a call in to my pharmacist and my doctor to further discuss this but I will not go off of my current medication until I hear something from somebody. I would very much like to hear from someone here who may have had similar thoughts to mine. And if there is anyone out there who is having similar thoughts to mine......sorry....
>
> BradBrad,
If I were you, I wouldn't go off whatever meds you are on cold turkey. It could very possibly make you a basket case, not to mention other worse side effects. I am now on my fourth anti-depressant, and admitting that makes me feel like I shouldn't be throwing out any advice.When I started I had similar concerns to yours. I didn't understand how a pill could change my thought process. Since childhood, I hadn't known what it was like to be "happy". I too have had difficulties in my life ranging from family issues, medical problems, to worldly incidents.
Now on Effexor XR, life seems to be a bit more bearable. I still have what I'd like to explain as numbed thoughts lying on the back burner of my brain, but at least it isn't constantly prodding me.
But asside from all that rambling, I guess what I am trying to say is give the new meds (hopefully Effexor) a chance, but have your doctor taper off whatever it is you are currently taking.
Good Luck
Posted by Sioux on December 31, 2002, at 23:14:54
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Dimbulb on December 31, 2002, at 14:01:03
>>> grrrr.........I spent a half hour typing a post then had to register, then my post wasnt available anymore. My first post was a literary jewel and now I am so ^#%$& this one is going to suck...
<<<This is a literay jewel. ; ) Unfortunately, I know exactly that frustration.
On to your other question. I, too, have a compicated and nasty medical situation (a cluster of autoimmune disease) which causes nasty and complicated financial situations. The neuromuscular consequences come and go - so I have to adjust/readjust - and also affect my speech and facial expression which, of course, affect my social transactions not to mention my sex life. In real life I was a biological scientist.
So. Just like fearful situations cause adrenaline to rush, so chronic stressors (depressing situations) can cause "depression" rushes - releases of chemicals which, over a period of time, seem to alter the brain chemistry. Depressing situations also require a lot more eneregy to deal with them. Sometimes antidepressants work in this situation.
Myself I found, however, that getting a handle on it all was the best antidepressant. By that I mean I recruited a whole *lot* of help from other people. One tracks my meds so they are ordered and arrive on time, another tracks the insurance billing, another examines every hospitalization and argues the billing, another lets folks know how I am, another writes 'thank you' notes, another raises funds for and tracks my various assistive devices.
All of this leaves me with enough energy to put up with it all: fall over, drop things, break bones, need need need need one damned thing after another.
Now. I'll bet you don't have that much help. So my list above should help you understand exactly how much energy you no longer have for yourself. It takes half a dozen people just to deal with some of the more obvious external consequences of some kinds of medical conditions.
That's depressing. So you get depressed.
In sum - use absolutely everything and everyone that you can to make yourself comfortable. Your first step is to identify what it takes - daydreaming's a good place to start, but the miraculous cure doesn't count. (sorry) Then do the same thing with what would positively pump you. The third step is to see how much of that you can actually do with what you have or can acquire.
Hope you find this helpful.
In the end I had to not use antidepressants because they all dulled my mind (which is about the only thing left that works). I worked even harder to find out how I could actually a have bunch of *fun* and, in the end, that's what worked for me. (believe it or not, it turned out to be going to movies in the afternoon; I didn't even know I liked movies!)
Posted by askBob on December 31, 2002, at 23:43:48
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » charlie mac, posted by Lynnads on December 30, 2002, at 9:04:40
Heart palpitations are nothing to mess with, but many people get them from stress or anxiety. I hear that many antidepressants have early "side-effects" which are actually caused by anxiety -- anxiety about taking the medication. If you are having trouble sleeping as well, try a mild anti-anxiety med at bedtime. After a week or so the palpitations should go away. Xanax is too addictive -- Klonapin worked for me (Clonazepam 0.5 mg). I can't take it during the day (as my doc prescribed) but I get edgy if I don't take it every night. It may lower your blood pressure, so discuss it with a good doctor.
> To your question, yes it is the Effexor that is causing your heart palpitations. Go see your doctor as soon as possible and perhaps they can put you on an alternative anti-depressant.
> I too have been on Effexor for a short while and suddenly started getting heart palpitations. I have had past problems with my heart and found that once on Effexor it became more aggrivated. I do have an appt. with my doctor and plan to get off Effexor imediately. Although extremely happy with the outcome of Effexor, I believe heart palpitations are nothing to mess with.
Posted by Dysfunk on January 1, 2003, at 12:23:02
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Dimbulb on December 31, 2002, at 14:01:03
Brad:
I think I know what you are talking about. Definitely cognitive therapy is needed to change your perspective and adjust your reactions to things in the outside world- or at least understand them.Medication may help ease the symptoms you are experiencing. I say this only from my own experience with years of therapy and diff. medications.
As far as being off medication before you start a new one, I also have those fears. Some medications stay in your system after you have stopped taking them, so you could be "protected". I would do whatever I could, if I were you, to try and avoid the situations that cause your depression during that time. Maybe some xanax will help take your edge off and calm the fears you have.
Either way, good luck. Just try and wait it out with the hopes that the next medication will work better for you and the 10 days is the means to an end.
Been there,
Dysfunk
Posted by Katia on January 1, 2003, at 19:17:24
In reply to Re: weird symptom » Allen F., posted by LisaDiann on February 23, 2002, at 10:19:19
> I'm wondering if maybe the Prozac or effexor has harmed my body also. I don't see others with posts about tingling in the arms, fingers, legs.
> When I have the "brain zap" my heart and leg feels tingly at the same time...then it immediately goes away. I'm trying to stay off all medications now except my estrogen...hopefully these are all withdrawal symptoms !?Hi, I have that exact side effect from the Effexor. I've been on it since Sept. (three months) and it's now showing up. It's very frightening when it happens and I've asked the pharamacist and pDr., but no one knows of this. Are you still experiencing this?
Or ANYONE else for that matter. Is it dangerous? It feels at times like I might have a heart attack. The "shocks" happen if I move too quickly or turn my head too fast.
Thanks.
Katia
Posted by bookgurl99 on January 1, 2003, at 22:35:12
In reply to nerve zapping, posted by Katia on January 1, 2003, at 19:17:24
I had these zaps after withdrawing from Serzone. They went away after a few months, but they were really frightening at the time.
Posted by IsoM on January 1, 2003, at 23:16:04
In reply to nerve zapping, posted by Katia on January 1, 2003, at 19:17:24
Too bad more doctors & pharmacists aren't familiar with these symptoms. The good ones who keep up to date & continue to read new developments are aware. I had these symptoms, like bookgurl, when I discontinued two SSRIs, Paxil & Luvox - even with tapering off slowly over a period of months. Even for a year afterwards, I had the sensations but much less. One very reputable pharmacist who I talked with said that there had even been mild EEG changes noted with these 'zaps'.
So I guess some people experience it with starting SSRIs & some with discontinuing them. It's not that rare. But yes, eventually they do fade away, hopefully quicker than some.
Posted by daizy on January 2, 2003, at 8:59:41
In reply to nerve zapping, posted by Katia on January 1, 2003, at 19:17:24
Also experiencing these, every time I move my eyes from side to side I get zaps/shocks down my arms and chest, been off effexor for 2 weeks now, wondering when it will stop. Its rather worrying, and painfull too!!!!!!!
Posted by Kam on January 2, 2003, at 23:27:01
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by charlie mac on December 28, 2002, at 20:46:02
Unfortunatly effexor XR did nothing for me, Paxil was the most effective but as most of them had sexual side effects. I still have the desire but "the ending effect" was not there. But what I am experiencing is that, that is typical of that type of med. Best of luck to you to find that miracle drug, the one that makes you feel "NORMAL", I am still working on it!!
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