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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by mxgirl13 on January 3, 2003, at 12:45:20
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Kam on January 2, 2003, at 23:27:01
I'm happy, and sad, to say that I did stick to cold turkey off of Effexor XR. Happy because only day 2 and 3 were complete hell, and sad because I know it's NOT the way to go for a million reasons.
Memory issues are significant, but getting better, so I don't remember how many days it's been since my last med. I think it was around the 21st or so of December.
The worst symptoms were: dizzy/shocks, sweats day and night, fatigue, my head hurt to touch it or to wear anything on it (these equate to the intense "blender headaches" that I'd read about), and I "nutted out" a couple times when I got really stressed out (my sister who also has depression and anxiety, was there to talk me down from this).
Mild symptoms were: nausia, shakes, tingling in my arms and hands, intestinal upset and auditory hallucinations.
I was a basket case for most of December. The last few days I've been very pleased that my brain is making a comeback! I can remember things, and even can do things I want to and I don't screw them up! So I know I'm on the upside.
I'm jobless for the time being, and my son was on vacation with other family, so I had a nice quiet home to sit in while this worked out. I could NEVER have done it otherwise!
Effexor XR was the only med that helped me and didn't make me intensly sick. A couple years into it, and after enough behavioral modification do deal with stuff, I came to have a great relationship with Effexor XR because I knew I wouldn't have a life without it. So I moved on with life and continued to educate myself and modify my behavior utilizing Effexor XR, until I had to make this untimely stop. I know I can make it without Effexor because of all the behavior modifications I learned and what I learned to do during ups and downs naturally without meds. It just became a matter of how to get off it. I thought, no time like the present.
If I need it, I will take Effexor again. Not even this cold turkey withdraw was enough to scare me away from the benefits it gave me all these years.
I really enjoyed the post by Daisyduke comparing drugs of the 60's and 70's to withdraw. That was really funny. I'm only 31, and I didn't do drugs, so I can't relate on that level, but I totally understand the point. The statement made "Cold turkey is like working for a relative, not recommended, but an experience." is SO fitting I laughed out loud.
I watched my sister switch meds like candy for a couple years while my Effexor was doing just fine. She got so mixed up that she couldn't tell one from the other. I'm sorry to say she quit trying meds, and she doesn't believe therapy will help her (that she can do it all alone just fine). It took me at least 2 years to find Effexor XR. Yeah, it sucked. But I just kept reminding myself that I knew it would be an extremely lengthy process to find the one that worked best for me, and that it would be worth it. It was. Fortunately, those 2 years are but a blur in my memory. Knowing what I do now, if I were to start a search over, I would definitely taper off the one until it is GUARANTEED gone from my system and then ever so slowly start a new one. I would keep a journal of every symptom every day no matter what. Switching meds gets the symptoms all mixed up and soon that's so complicating you won't be able to know if anything's working because you're too pissed off at the symptoms.
I did find one place on line that had tingling sensations included in the list of sypmtoms. I don't think (although I am NOT a doctor) that they are harmful (like permanently physically change your body unless they are extreme in your case). I think they're just another lovely side effect that should go away with dosage changes or time. I think the dizzyness, brain zaps and shooting through the body sensations are all related and based on who you are, you feel a different percentage of each part of that chain.
I HAVEN'T READ THIS ANYWHERE YET, SO I'LL SAY IT NOW: FOR HEAVEN SAKE STAY OFF THE ROAD! Don't get out there and try to drive while experiencing any head related symptoms. I want you to live.
If you guys can locate what I think was my last post, I wrote it I think on day 3. I'm sure you could see how I was feeling from what I wrote. Obviously today my brain is reattached from that. Thank you, God.
Posted by mxgirl13 on January 3, 2003, at 12:58:46
In reply to Re: Effexor coming off of 5 years use. Help! » mxgirl13, posted by bookgurl99 on December 27, 2002, at 23:39:59
These are two awesome bits of information that I have not come across!
Even though I ended up cold turkey and didn't need to split the capsule, I had ulcers before and have a sensitive tummy. The nausia was bad sometimes right before bed and I bet that tossing acidic meds down to it would have been a disaster!
I forgot to add to my last post Success and Symptoms, that I had a few days (around days 2-5 of cold turkey) of INTENSE carb cravings. I tried to eat a cucumber once instead and about hurled. I didn't know that carbs help make seratonin. I did eat, and eat...and eat. I put on about 6 pounds. But now the dizzyness is getting better so I can go back to yoga and lose it again pretty quickly.
THANK YOU for this information you two that wrote in!!!
Posted by mxgirl13 on January 3, 2003, at 13:06:55
In reply to Splitting Effexor XR capsules and Carb Cravings, posted by mxgirl13 on January 3, 2003, at 12:58:46
Oops, sorry, I forgot to check to notify me of follow-ups.
> These are two awesome bits of information that I have not come across!
>
> Even though I ended up cold turkey and didn't need to split the capsule, I had ulcers before and have a sensitive tummy. The nausia was bad sometimes right before bed and I bet that tossing acidic meds down to it would have been a disaster!
>
> I forgot to add to my last post Success and Symptoms, that I had a few days (around days 2-5 of cold turkey) of INTENSE carb cravings. I tried to eat a cucumber once instead and about hurled. I didn't know that carbs help make seratonin. I did eat, and eat...and eat. I put on about 6 pounds. But now the dizzyness is getting better so I can go back to yoga and lose it again pretty quickly.
>
> THANK YOU for this information you two that wrote in!!!
Posted by Dysfunk on January 3, 2003, at 14:26:29
In reply to nerve zapping, posted by Katia on January 1, 2003, at 19:17:24
-Has anyone experienced an achey back on Effexor?
-What about pains in stomach, but not a stomach ache per se, more like soreness?
-Shakes in the hands?
I am trying to see if what I am experiencing is from the meds or somethng else.
Posted by Stamper on January 3, 2003, at 18:03:39
In reply to Re: nerve zapping or OTHER SYMPTOMS?, posted by Dysfunk on January 3, 2003, at 14:26:29
I had shakey hands from essential tremor before taking Effexor XR, however, since I have been on this med the shaking is definitely a lot worse. Also, I have muscle twitches and jerks that started when I was first on AD beginning with Celexa. My pdoc said that it is rare that this occurs. The twitching is somewhat better. But still have it, though much milder. It doesn't throw me out of bed like it did at first.
> -Has anyone experienced an achey back on Effexor?
>
> -What about pains in stomach, but not a stomach ache per se, more like soreness?
>
> -Shakes in the hands?
>
> I am trying to see if what I am experiencing is from the meds or somethng else.
Posted by M .Lee on January 3, 2003, at 21:53:36
In reply to DON'T go Cold Turkey!!, posted by EGR on December 29, 2002, at 22:58:46
This is my first time posting here. I wish that I had seen this advice back when I needed it.
I was in a similar situation about a year ago - I lost my insurance while taking Effexor and it seemed like there was no alternative except to go off it cold. I had been taking it for several years.
The first few weeks were severe. My head was spinning so bad that I had trouble standing at times. Then, just as I was starting to get through that, my depression turned much worse than it had ever been before. It "rebounded" with a vengeance. I was a wreck for months.
A family member intervened and brought me to the hospital ER. Within a couple of days they got me into a free clinic and back on medication (even though I was unemployed and had no insurance.) If only I had known then... that there were alternatives.
I agree with EGR, and can't stress this enough: "DON'T go cold turkey!!"
I found out (the hard way) that it is possible to stay on medication, even if you can't afford the prescription.
To anyone who is considering cold turkey, please explore all options first. Just walk into the ER and explain the situation that you are in. They should be able to refer you to someplace where you can get treatment without having to go through what I went through.
> 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 Caleb462 on January 5, 2003, at 1:36:35
In reply to any sexual side effects?, posted by Elaine on January 11, 2001, at 15:27:35
> This is kind of embarrassing....... But has anyone had any POSITIVE sexual side effects with Effexor XR????
>Yes actually. It delays ejaculation, but not drastically. For me, this is a benefit.
Also, orgasms seem to last longer/be more intense.
This is also something I experienced on low dose Zoloft. My assumption is that it has to do with the delay - the orgasm "builds". Just a guess.Sex drive seems to be about the same.
I must note that I'm also taking 0.25 mg Risperdal at night, and since 5-HT2a antagonists can block the sexual side effects of serotonergic anti-depressants, that may be why I'm not experiencing any strong side effects sexually.
Posted by lynnads on January 5, 2003, at 1:48:58
In reply to Re: any sexual side effects?, posted by Caleb462 on January 5, 2003, at 1:36:35
I believe it depends on the person.
I went on Effexor because a friend raved to me about how Effexor didn't affect her sex life like other anti-depressants. In my experience with it, it is comparable to the side effects of other anti-depressants (Prozac, Celexa, etc), VERY FRUSTRATING. If you are concerned about sexual dysfunction, look into Wellbutrin. There are supposed to be 0 sexual side effects with that.
Posted by mxgirl13 on January 5, 2003, at 16:08:40
In reply to Re: DON'T go Cold Turkey!! » EGR, posted by M .Lee on January 3, 2003, at 21:53:36
Thank you so much M. Lee. If nothing else, I got information from two of you on professional alternatives to cold turkey out on the internet to help others. I haven't found a bit of this kind of advice anywhere else.
I have a headache and am touchy today. I have to restrain myself from taking snap shots at whichever family member is in front of me, and I have that feeling that I have to move around because I can't sit still (a depression symptom). The dizzyness and all that other junk is almost over. I know that behavioral modification can get me down off this last bit and keep me sane.
I'm so sorry that you had to go through all that, and I am glad that you had someone to help you. I'm glad you took the time to write. I'm staying on the up side, but my husband and I both now know that if something very not good happens, we know where to go for professional help.
Posted by soblue1 on January 7, 2003, at 5:28:55
In reply to Re: DON'T go Cold Turkey!! » M .Lee, posted by mxgirl13 on January 5, 2003, at 16:08:40
I've been taking a form of anti-depression/anxiaty for 10 years now. My doctor upped Effexor to 300mg a day. Husband just retired and no money coming in for a couple of months. He is complaining about the expense with the Effexor. I was seriously considering quiting taking it until he feels better about it or ??? Now after hearing the withdrawal posts I'm getting scared and am wondering about finding a source of getting my next refill.
Posted by M. Lee on January 7, 2003, at 7:33:43
In reply to Re: DON'T go Cold Turkey!!, posted by soblue1 on January 7, 2003, at 5:28:55
> I've been taking a form of anti-depression/anxiaty for 10 years now. My doctor upped Effexor to 300mg a day. Husband just retired and no money coming in for a couple of months. He is complaining about the expense with the Effexor. I was seriously considering quiting taking it until he feels better about it or ??? Now after hearing the withdrawal posts I'm getting scared and am wondering about finding a source of getting my next refill.
I had been taking anti-depressants for about 10 years, too.
I was on 300mg of Effexor XR and (I think) about 45mg Remeron.
If you really need to go off the meds, talk to your
dr. about it. I would suggest something like going down
about 75mg per week over the course of a month.But, if the cost is the only reason that you are considering
this, explore your other options. You might be surprised (as I was)
Posted by M. Lee on January 7, 2003, at 7:55:57
In reply to Re: DON'T go Cold Turkey!! » M .Lee, posted by mxgirl13 on January 5, 2003, at 16:08:40
I'm glad to hear that you are starting to get through it,
and I hope you feel better soon.I forgot to mention that I was on a rather high dose (300mg)
so I had a long way to "come down"After the initial difficult time, I actually started to feel
much better for a while. Then after a few months the depression
returned much worse. Everyone is different, but it is something
to keep an eye on. It creeped back on me really slowly.
Posted by mxgirl13 on January 8, 2003, at 11:35:55
In reply to Re: DON'T go Cold Turkey!! » soblue1, posted by M. Lee on January 7, 2003, at 7:33:43
Go back and read posts starting from around Christmas. I had a few replies giving advice on where to go like emergency rooms and in patient clinics for FREE!!!!!
Remember, don't change your meds because your husband doesn't like them, or their cost. It's not their medicine and they can't understand why we need it. From what you described about your situation, I would not recommend stopping or reducing your dose without help. My sister's husband is one of those "disagreers" and when she stopped meds and nutted out, he nutted out even more than she did because he was already upset about the meds in the first place. I don't want that to happen to you. Home life isn't very plesant.
Good luck!
> > I've been taking a form of anti-depression/anxiaty for 10 years now. My doctor upped Effexor to 300mg a day. Husband just retired and no money coming in for a couple of months. He is complaining about the expense with the Effexor. I was seriously considering quiting taking it until he feels better about it or ??? Now after hearing the withdrawal posts I'm getting scared and am wondering about finding a source of getting my next refill.
>
> I had been taking anti-depressants for about 10 years, too.
> I was on 300mg of Effexor XR and (I think) about 45mg Remeron.
> If you really need to go off the meds, talk to your
> dr. about it. I would suggest something like going down
> about 75mg per week over the course of a month.
>
> But, if the cost is the only reason that you are considering
> this, explore your other options. You might be surprised (as I was)
Posted by jes on January 8, 2003, at 14:52:59
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
i started on Effexor XR about a month ago and have worked up to 225mg/day. I have noticed that i am never hungry and i have lost quite a bit of weight (not a bad thing!). i want to know if this will keep up or will i start to gain the weight back. I am not that overweight but have wanted to loose some for a while. Can someone please let me know if this is just a temporary side effect or will it continue, thanks, jes
Posted by charlie mac on January 8, 2003, at 17:20:55
In reply to Effexor and appeitite/weight loss, posted by jes on January 8, 2003, at 14:52:59
i have lost 10 pounds since being on effexor, and it does suppress my appetite. since i noticed the weight loss i have started to eat smaller meals more frequently. it seems to be working for me.
Posted by soblue1 on January 8, 2003, at 18:32:53
In reply to Effexor and appeitite/weight loss, posted by jes on January 8, 2003, at 14:52:59
I have been on Effexor for about 5 months now. I, too wanted to loose weight and did while on it. For me the lack of appetite seemed to let up as time went by but the medicine seemed to help just a little bit with my cravings, also when I have a real bad bout of depression (caused by my family and environment), I don't run to food as I would have done before the Effexor. I still had a hard time over the holidays but hope now that they are over I can get back on a healthy eating routine and also hope the Effexor will continue to help me in that regard.
Good luck to you.
Posted by h.e. on January 9, 2003, at 10:19:34
In reply to Re: DON'T go Cold Turkey!! » M. Lee, posted by mxgirl13 on January 8, 2003, at 11:35:55
Definitely do not quit cold turkey! I did once just off of the 75mg dose (I'm not on the 150mg dose) and my depression rushed back terribly one morning. I felt out of my mind! After a couple of hours of uncontrollable sobbing and vomitting I calmed down but was HORRIBLY nausious and exhasted for several days even though I began taking my medication again. So be careful! It's worth taking the time to phase off of it.
Posted by h.e. on January 9, 2003, at 10:44:53
In reply to Splitting Effexor XR capsules and Carb Cravings, posted by mxgirl13 on January 3, 2003, at 12:58:46
I've been taking Effexor for about 6 months and haven't known anyone else on it, or who had even heard of it. Of course, I'm the only person I know w/ diagnosed depression, too, so I have not had the support of people who understand what I'm going through! Just wanted to thank all the posters for sharing their experiences!
My experience all in all has been good. The drug has definitely made a MAJOR dent in my depression and anxiety, helped w/ a food addiction and these changes have led to much less chaos in my life! I do have some complaints, sweaty hands, eye twitches, trouble having orgasms, and it sounds weird maybe, but feeling disconnected from my old depressed self sort of contributes to my feeling of lonliness that has never ceased. Over all I am thankful for it, but I'm not "cured."
H
Posted by TLove on January 9, 2003, at 11:54:34
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I'be been on effexor 75mg for about 3 months, it never made me sick or anything else for that matter. I'm not sure if it has done me any good or not. I guess I feel ok, but I still get depressed. I'm not sure what to think about it.
Posted by EGR on January 9, 2003, at 12:03:24
In reply to i'm not sure how i feel, posted by TLove on January 9, 2003, at 11:54:34
Sounds like you need the dosage increased. Talk to your doc.
Posted by h.e. on January 9, 2003, at 12:14:16
In reply to Re: i'm not sure how i feel » TLove, posted by EGR on January 9, 2003, at 12:03:24
I still get depressed sometimes, too, but if you aren't noticing any changes at all, definitely talk to you doctor about increasing your dosage. The first changes I noticed were that I had an easier time doing simple things like saying hi to someone in the hall, or taking a shower. It took me a while to pick up on the subtle ways in which the depression was affecting every little thing about my life and how it was slowly changing. I hope that helps!
H
Posted by sly on January 9, 2003, at 12:35:20
In reply to i'm not sure how i feel, posted by TLove on January 9, 2003, at 11:54:34
I've been on Effexor for 11 months now, still 75mg. In my experience the first few months I didn't really notice any difference, I still got depressed, but it wasn't as severe. It's the small things that made me feel I was getting better. And actually, it was the people around me who started noticing the most difference in my mood. Things really turned around for me at 5-6 months.
Since you're not having any problems stick with it for a while longer, it couldn't hurt.
Posted by M. Lee on January 9, 2003, at 13:54:46
In reply to i'm not sure how i feel, posted by TLove on January 9, 2003, at 11:54:34
> I'be been on effexor 75mg for about 3 months, it never made me sick or anything else for that matter. I'm not sure if it has done me any good or not. I guess I feel ok, but I still get depressed. I'm not sure what to think about it.
Is this the first time that you have ever taken antidepresants? It took quite a while when I first started meds before I noticed anything. My friends and family noticed a major difference after about three months, but it took longer for me to notice those same things, and to really feel that it was making a difference.
After taking medication for a few years now, it takes less time for me notice the positive effect that a change in dosage can cause, and I find it easier to decide if the change in meds is working or not.
I would ask close friends if they have noticed a change, and then discuss it with your doctor.
It's hard to say. It might just take a little more time for the benefits to be as obvious to you, or it might take a increase to get there.
Posted by h20surfer1 on January 9, 2003, at 20:17:50
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Again, a monthly update to help those who are starting AD's.
This is the seventh month I have been on Effexor and three months on Remeron combined. 225mg/day Effexor, 15mg/day Remeron.
My depression is gone and has been gone for some time. My GAD is also completely under control. Side effects are gone including lack of libido.
The drugs have worked well for me.
I hope this helps those of you starting out and going through the nightmare of the initial side effects, they go away with time, I had them all.
Posted by disney4 on January 11, 2003, at 11:30:03
In reply to Monthly Positive Update, posted by h20surfer1 on January 9, 2003, at 20:17:50
I am new to the effexor XR and it is soothing to see your positive update. I also take Neurontin. I was wondering how long it takes for libido to return with effexor. Also the stories about people trying to discontinue it are scaring me. What is your take on it?
Thanks,
Elsie
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