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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by sly on January 30, 2003, at 12:54:01
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I've been at 75 mg's for about 10 months now, a low dose I know, I guess I'm fortunate that's all I needed. This drug has worked wonders for me, I've gone from the brink of suicide to fully functional, productive, and happy!
I've decided it's time to get off this drug so I'm doing it slowly and it's still painful.
I've tried spacing out the 75 mg's from 24 to 36 hours, that was fine, when I stretched it to 48 hours that's when the migraines started. I've tried 37.5 every day and now every second day and the headaches just won't stop.
I've had to take 2 days off work because of nausea, I feel like I've got a bad hangover, I'm fine as long as I'm sitting but once I start moving I feel like I'm going to throw up. I'm making an extra effort to eat healthy and stay hydrated but I can't exercise, any movement is too much.
I'm tempted to just forget it and start taking my full dose again, but I'm committed to getting off this drug and on with my life.
I congratulate all of you who have successfully managed this withdrawal.
Posted by sly on January 30, 2003, at 13:12:15
In reply to EFFEXOR - The good, the bad and the ugly, posted by bballcoach43837 on January 26, 2003, at 21:55:18
I read your message and felt I had to respond - you yourself say you had years of no success on other meds and then Effexor was wonderful - so why would you ever criticize yourself or anyone else for "taking it in the first"?
I understand it makes you numb, what do you expect? When you're depressed you can't handle getting out of bed never mind the barage of things that bombard you during the day making life unbearable. You need to be numbed a little to keep you from being overwhelmed by life and help you focus back on yourself.
A year ago I was miserable and couldn't think about anything except that today might be the day I feel good enough to kill myself - that was all I looked forward to.
Thank goodness for this medication - I had the benefit of a good therapist as well, but I know the miraculous results I achieved wouldn't have been possible without some medicinal aid. Before going on Effexor I wondered why anyone would allow themselves to be drugged up instead of fighting it naturally, and why would anyone stay on it seemingly forever. But one day a friend said to me, "if you were diabetic would you try to do it on your own, and would you criticize someone for taking insulin". The answer of course is NO! So why would I think that this disease is any less debilitating and less worthy of medication. There is no answer except that depression is still not as fully recoginized as many other well-known diseases and there's "shame" associated with accepting help (i.e. medication).
If this drug is keeping you alive than it's worth it, and it's worth the painful withdrawal I'm experiencing now. You might not be enjoying life to the extent you are now had you not had anything to compare it to, and you might not be here to compare it to without Effexor.
Just a thought.
Posted by JESSsMom on January 30, 2003, at 18:10:14
In reply to Re: Effexor...need info.... » Merrill Weathermay, posted by japonica on January 28, 2003, at 11:36:36
> >>My efforts to solve my anxiety/depression problem do not include taking hard-core drugs that have withdrawl symptoms. This isn't dealing with the problem, it is simply sedating the patient.
>
> To equate an AD with a sedative does a great disservice to those who have tried for many years to get a handle on dibilitating depression. Any informed individual realizes that an AD is not a "magical" or "happy" pill. For those who think it is, you need only consider the lack of street dealing in Zoloft, Effexor, and such. These medications simply DO NOT offer the instant relief sought by those who end up abusing drugs for a quick fix. Most of us realize there is work to be done in the form of assisting ourselves in the healing process.
>
> I'm not sure I understand the definition of a "hard-core" drug. If this is a drug that causes withdrawl symptoms, than we can put caffeine in that categroy along with some over-the-counter medications.
>
> I have been on 75mg's of Effexor for just over 3 months and for the first time in my life I can consistently handle the pressures of my full time job, raising my 2 children as a single parent, while not succumbing to the pain inflicted on me by my emotionally abusive, alcoholic estranged husband.
>
> I have had no unmanageable side effects and no longer spend inordinate amounts of energy trying to "keep my chin up".
>
> After suffering several severe depressive episodes, and having had unpleasant experiences with incompetent therapists, and a list of medications, I don't think it's an overstatemnet to say Effexor has given me my life back. I, too, have quit meds after they began to help me regain my footing. I felt I "should be able to do this on my own. After all, I'm educated, competent, and WANT to be content. But each time, the black wave of depression washed over me, and each time I ended up more deeply depressed than than last.
>
> I have made a personal decision to no longer allow the stigma of medication usage to keep me from making a good life for myself and my children.
>
> We don't tell diabetics to just produce their own insulin and we don't tell high blood pressure sufferers to just relax.
>
> Sedated- I don't think so. This is the most alive I've ever felt. I refuse to feel lesser because I am on medication.
>
> Best of luck to all. Thanks to all who take the time to post here.
> japonicaThis has got to be the best post I've ever read regarding mental illness and what happens when med therapy is included in the course of treatment.
Excellent, well thought out post and advocation!Thank you, japonica!
JM
Posted by MsX on January 30, 2003, at 21:35:50
In reply to Effexor XR , posted by nay on January 18, 2003, at 22:17:07
I too am "not myself these days" after being on Effexor for several months. I just feel rotten, both physically and emotionally. Don't want to get out of bed in the mornings, irritable, etc. I've tried so many different drugs but this is not the one. Guess I'm at square one again. Going to see my doc to go off and maybe try something else. DREAD going thru the withdrawal symptoms though. I've missed a dose or two and got a taste of what the withdrawal is going to be like. They should warn you about that BEFORE you go on a drug.
> Hi, I just wanted to thank everyone that is on this site! Now at less I know that I am not alone. I have been taking Effexor XR 225mg a day for about 6 months now, and I don't think that this is the right Med. for me... :( I don't feel like myself.
>
> I use to take Zoloft 100mg, and now I wish I was back on it...
>
> I am planning on talking to my Dr. to see if I can go back.
>
> I just don't smile anymore, Small things are starting to upset me, and I am just not myself these days.
>
Posted by MsX on January 30, 2003, at 21:51:08
In reply to Going off, have some questions........ Please Help, posted by CJo on January 11, 2003, at 12:36:00
Same dosage for me, and I've had the same problems. I've missed work too and am at wits end as to what to do now. This is not the med for me, going off is going to be HELL, but what's left to try? Is sleeping all the time a common side-effect, or are we 2 just lucky? I was beginning to think I've just grown lazy and useless in my old age (I'm only 36, but I feel like I'm 86)!
> I have been on Effexor XR 150mg for about 3 months. I have such a hard time waking up in the morning that I've even missed several days of work and now my job may be in jeopardy. I have to at least lower my dosage, or try to get off of it. Since I have the capsules, can i just take one pellet out each day... and do it like that... like 1 today... 2 tomorrow... 3 next, etc. I am really scared to go off... I felt what the brain shivers were like when I had missed a few doses before.... I don't want to go thru that, I could BARELY function... walking into walls... Please, I really need someone to see me thru this, and I really need some advice on going off... talking to my doc (fam doc btw) isnt an option... I dont think he knows anything about this DRUG. Thank all of u again who had to go thru this already and have posted... you are all my heros :-)
>
> P.S. Gosh I'm gunna miss the dreams!!
Posted by MsX on January 30, 2003, at 22:12:17
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
My journey started around 1997 when I first started taking antidepressants, the first one being Prozac. It stopped working and I have tried many different ones until this latest one, Effexor. They all seem to work at first, then after a few months my symptoms actually get worse. More depressed, more irritable, etc. I really just need something for anxiety more than for depression. I'm so irritable and impatient and intolerant when I'm not on anything that my family can't stand to be around me! Does anyone have any suggestions what I can try after I wean myself off of Effexor? I will go back to my doc and get his input, but they really have no idea about these drugs. When I went on the Effexor I told him my 2 biggest concerns as far as side effects were sexual dysfunction and sleeping too much. Well Hello! Sleeping too much seems to be a major problem with lots of people on this drug. Anyway, any help you can give me would be appreciated. I have learned alot from these postings and I appreciate the time everyone has taken in this venture. Thanks and peace/happiness to all!
Posted by ricardo on January 31, 2003, at 6:19:21
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR - The good, the bad and the ugly, posted by sly on January 30, 2003, at 13:12:15
Hi Sly!
Reading your positive posts made me hopeful that I can achieve the same. What you said about getting the same results withouth the aid of drugs is what I hear people telling me everyday. There's just one thing that still gets me: I do have real problems, or at least I think they're real. It's kind of hard to sort out whether it's the "real" problems that have been causing my depression or if the depressed state I'm in is what makes those *facts* into problems. Any comments will be most welcome!
Posted by johnj on January 31, 2003, at 8:38:32
In reply to After 10 months I'm getting off, posted by sly on January 30, 2003, at 12:54:01
If it has done wonder for you why get off? Is this your first depressive episode?
Posted by sly on January 31, 2003, at 10:47:06
In reply to Re: After 10 months I'm getting off » sly, posted by johnj on January 31, 2003, at 8:38:32
yes, this is my first depressive episode.
My therapist and I agreed it was situational, a life transition and my mind's way of saying "this isn't working, we're not happy". Because of that my Doctor and therapist felt I did not need to stay on the drug in maintenance mode, once I had several positive months I should come off of it. My doctor originally told me the typical course for someone in my situation would be 6-12 months.
Now that I'm feeling better and I've made the changes I needed to make my life more fulfilling emotionally/physically/intellectually etc. it's time to get off the drugs.
Posted by supersleepy on January 31, 2003, at 15:23:53
In reply to After 10 months I'm getting off, posted by sly on January 30, 2003, at 12:54:01
Finding this site has been amazing--both validating and a little frightening. I take a low dose (75 mg/day) and have not felt the need to increase. I had been taking St. John's Wort for several years, and I thought it managed my mild-to-moderate depression pretty well. But, after my mother died in June, I started having full-blown panic attacks for the first time ever. My dr put me on Effexor (37.5/day for one wk, then up to 75/day). She'd always been opposed to the Wort, and had been lobbying for some time to put me on "something real." At the time I came into her office, short of breath and weeping uncontrollably, I was in no condition to argue, object, or do research! The drug has been extremely helpful. After about five of days drymouth and sudden on-set sleepiness (like someone slipped me a mickey), everything felt pretty good. After about four months, I started noticing those far-out dreams that others have mentioned, and for the last month or so I have been amazingly sleepy and lethargic. I ALWAYS fall asleep if I find myself with any "free" time in the afternoon or evening. Not so bad for someone who has had some history of insomnia, but it certainly is impairing my productivity--and I really don't want it to get any worse. I started this drug in response to a specific life crisis, so now I'm thinking I should get more assertive about getting off. My dr will resist, since she won't want me to back to Wort. Any experience to share or suggestions? Thanks.
Posted by Eddie Sylvano on January 31, 2003, at 15:47:18
In reply to After 10 months I'm getting off, posted by sly on January 30, 2003, at 12:54:01
> I congratulate all of you who have successfully managed this withdrawal.
----------------------------It's weird how individual such reactions are. I was on 150mg of Effexor for about a year, and went off it within a couple of weeks without any major problems. For me, the worst part was getting started with it.
Posted by jb07 on February 1, 2003, at 18:48:08
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Since being on eff. Xr, I have been drinking alcohol alot more. The buzz from the booze happens so much faster, and it makes me become numb. I have @ least 2-3 drinks after work everyday.
I feel I need these drinks to make me feel....normal!!!
Anyone else had this problem,or anything remotely close,and if so what have you done to cope???
I seem to become dependent on the drinks after work!!
has there been and correlation with this drug and increased use of alcohol??
I am concerned...help!!
Posted by John Doe on February 1, 2003, at 20:50:25
In reply to After 10 months I'm getting off, posted by sly on January 30, 2003, at 12:54:01
It's been very helpful reading the experiences that people have had trying to get off Effexor XR. I've been on 75mg for about 10 months and the lethargy has gotten to be too much for me, though my doctor had considered upping my dosage when I told her about it. I have cut down to 37.5 mg for five days and today is the first day that I have skipped a dosage. I have been experiencing vertigo all day long and can only hope that it will stop. These posts have been extremely helpful.
Posted by banom on February 2, 2003, at 5:09:54
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by JulieK on July 3, 2000, at 22:52:21
I too have experienced similar withdrawl symptoms: eyes catching up with my head as it scans the room, brain freezes (like when smoking marijuana), and a general feeling of tiredness. Intercostal tension (muscle pains in my chest muscles) returned within 2 days of being off Effexor. This is the only site where I was able to find someone that reported similar side affects. I am surprised these side affects haven't been public knowledge or at least explained to patients prior to administering treatment. I wonder how long these withdrawl symptoms would last before one would return to a normal state. Have you heard any information on this?
Posted by Maisy on February 3, 2003, at 5:04:37
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by banom on February 2, 2003, at 5:09:54
You can reduce withdrawal symptoms by weaning off
VERY slowly. I was on 75mg XR, so I opened up the
capsule and removed about a quarter of the balls for
a week. Then I went down to my 37.5mg capsules for a week,
then I started opening up the capsules and removed two balls, the next day four, the
next 6 etc. (There are roughly 100 balls in the 37.5mg)
When I got down to 50 balls, I started removing them
just one at a time. I am now down to 13 balls. I have
experienced only occasional very mild withdrawal
symtoms that only lasted about a day at a time.
Posted by Leor on February 3, 2003, at 11:35:19
In reply to Re: Buspar for anxiety » Lynnae, posted by Elizabeth on June 27, 2001, at 6:57:34
Hello Elizabeth.
Just read the old post (copied below) on psychobabble and decided that I would be most grateful for any info you might have about
natural approaches to the treatment of general anxiety disorder. Many thanks for your help. Hope
that 2003 finds you in good health and good spirits.Blessings,
Leor
> Hi there.
>
> Can you describe your anxiety symptoms in more detail, like what type of thoughts you have when you are feeling anxious, and are there any triggers? Do you feel anxious all the time, or does it come in spells or attacks?
>
> Ihe reason I'm asking these questions is that there are a few different types of anxiety and the treatments are not the same for all of thems (although there is some overlap). What you described sounds more like panic disorder than any other anxiety disorder, but obviously that's not certain. I'll go ahead and tell you about treatments for panic disorder, but just be aware that this info doesn't necessarily apply to other anxiety states like generalised anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress, social phobia, etc.
>
> > I have taken Paxil, Zoloft, and Celexa along with Ativan and another nerve pill (I can't remember it's name).
>
> Klonopin, Xanax, Valium, Librium, Serax, Tranxene, ... ?
>
> Do you remember what dose of Ativan you were taking, by any chance? Also, were you taking it on an ad-lib (or "as needed") basis, or on a regular around-the-clock schedule (e.g., thrice daily or every 6-8 hours).
>
> > Does anyone have any experience with Buspar for anxiety?
>
> I tried BuSpar (buspirone) in the typical low dose range used for mild to moderate anxiety and antidepressant augmentation: up to 45 mg/day, I think. In this dose range, it is *not* effective for panic disorder (which might be what you have), nor (by itself) for depression. In higher doses (more like 60-90 mg/day) it is effective for depression; I'm not sure about panic disorder. (60 mg or more
>
> Unlike the benzodiazepines (what you call "nerve pills," also known as "minor tranquilisers"), BuSpar takes several weeks to work. It sometimes causes increased anxiety in the beginning. It's basically an antidepressant, like most of the other ones you mentioned (Paxil, Zoloft, Celexa). The way it works is a little different, though: instead of increasing the amount of serotonin available, buspirone imitates one of the actions of serotonin. (It's thought to be what's called a "partial agonist" at type 1a serotonin receptors.)
>
> > Also, what about Effexor XR?
>
> Like the other antidepressants, it takes several weeks to work and may make you more anxious during those first weeks. Also, if you had weight problems from the SSRIs (Paxil, etc.), then Effexor may cause weight gain for you too.
>
> SSRIs and Effexor do usually work for panic disorder, but a lot of people have a very hard time tolerating them long enough (they take several weeks to work, as I mentioned). The best appproach if increased anxiety is a problem starting out is to start out at a very low dose and increase it gradually, as tolerated. It can also help to take a benzodiazepine during the time when you are waiting for the antidepressant to work. Klonopin and Xanax are probably the most effective benzodiazepines for anxiety (especially panic anxiety).
>
> Besides benzodiazepines, some other options for panic disorder are the older antidepressants -- "tricyclics" (imipramine, nortriptyline, desipramine, clomipramine) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Nardil, Parnate). People who have anxiety often find these more tolerable, although the newer ADs are marketed as having fewer side effects (really, they have *different* side effects). There are also two newer, non-SSRI antidepressants -- Serzone and Remeron -- that may work for panic disorder. Non-cardioselective beta blockers (such as propranolol) can also alleviate some of the symptoms, like tremor, difficulty breathing, and palpitations.
>
> Sometimes, if a person has an abnormal EEG or if more conventional treatments (like antidepressants and benzodiazepines) don't work, anticonvulsants may be used. Depakote and Neurontin seem to work for true panic disorder as well as for some types epilepsy; Tegretol may be preferable for people who have temporal lobe epilepsy that manifests as panic-like attacks. Panic-like epilepsy is unusual, but not unheard of, and it should be considered if the usual treatments don't work. There are a few other conditions that can mimic panic disorder, such as asthma and cardiac arrhythmias, and these should be ruled out, especially if you are considering a tricyclic antidepressant or a beta blocker.
>
> I hope this helps. Don't get discouraged: there are lots of different approaches to anxiety, as you can see; you just have to keep trying stuff until you find what works for you. (If you're interested, I can also tell you about a few different non-medical approaches. These tend to be less reliable, in my opinion, but they are often very helpful, especially if used with medication.)
>
> -elizabeth
Posted by Tina P on February 3, 2003, at 12:30:07
In reply to Re: any sexual side effects?, posted by Elaine on January 15, 2001, at 12:32:11
Hey, Elaine, I'm in the same boat as you are with the lack of desire. I just switched from Paxil to Effexor XL and I'm waiting to feel some changes. Did you find yourself a bit emotional during that transition period? Any weight issues?
Posted by Dysfunk on February 3, 2003, at 16:42:48
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by banom on February 2, 2003, at 5:09:54
I guess they don't want to scare us or make us psychosomatics by telling us the potential withdrawal effects. Only side-effect I heard about from my Dr. on this was possible high blood pressure. That was the least of my worries!
Posted by khead on February 4, 2003, at 9:21:16
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Dysfunk on February 3, 2003, at 16:42:48
Well in my case my BP spiked from my "high-normal"
of ~130/90 to 180/105. Felt better, but was getting ready for a stoke. Had to get off the stuff.> I guess they don't want to scare us or make us psychosomatics by telling us the potential withdrawal effects. Only side-effect I heard about from my Dr. on this was possible high blood pressure. That was the least of my worries!
Posted by Lynnads on February 4, 2003, at 10:17:23
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Maisy on February 3, 2003, at 5:04:37
GOING ON THREE WEEKS, WITHDRAWAL EFFECTS STILL GOING STRONG!!!!! THIS IS DRIVING ME NUTS!! I don't think I would ever go back on this drug unless I planned to stay on it life-long.
I am experiencing three weeks straight of constant vertigo/dizziness, brain freezes, and an utter feeling of an unpleasant high. When I move my eyes, I hear a WHOOSH sound in my head. If I move my body, it sounds like someone is throwing magazines at the floor. I don't feel safe driving and I keep waiting for this to go away but it just seems to continue to progress. I did taper my medication, which only seemed to prolong the effects withdrawal. If anyone does have to get off Effexor, follow the explanation Maisy gave. I think I would have followed a more gradual approach to tapering if I knew it was going to be anything like this. This is just miserable.
Posted by KayC on February 4, 2003, at 11:07:56
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I've been on it for about 2 months (75mg). I'm getting off too because I too can't deal with the fatigue and the inconsistent feelings. No one day is the same (tiredness one day, headache the next, feeling blue the third, energetic in the morning, lethargic in the evening or vice versa etc...)
I posted a few weeks ago about how much better I felt and I do feel better. However I still need to be on an AD. I don't go to see my psychaitrist until 2/27 but I've had all I can take. On 1/29 I began taking a capsule every other day.
On the second day the withdrawal always hits. By 7:00 a.m. I am lightheaded and lethargic. I get really bad muscle pains in my back (upper and lower). I feel weird and disoriented. Every night is a crazy dream. Always being chased and running away.
Good luck to everyone on Effexor. I don't believe it's for me. I just can't deal. I just want to get off it. I worry about what it's doing to my nervous system and my brain. Since I've been on Effexor I only pee about twice a day. My skin is so dry and itchy, it's flaking off. I use Vaseline after I shower and by morning my skin is dry. But the thing that bothers me the most is my inability to focus. Mentally, I'm just not there on this drug (eye sight getting worse too). Just too many things. I wrote a list of all the adverse reactions I've had and a list of all the good things the drug has done for me. The adverse reaction list was 3x as long as the good. I'll keep posting. Good luck to those who persevere.
Posted by carsan01 on February 4, 2003, at 11:15:07
In reply to Re: withdrawal » Maisy, posted by Lynnads on February 4, 2003, at 10:17:23
Hi Everyone,
I am on Effexor XR(it at least..i am coming off)to control Hotflashes from a shot called Lupron Depot....today is day 2 trying to get off Effexor XR.....i feel like i need some sleep. As i sit here at work, all i can think about is my comfy bed at home! I did not have any side effects at all yesterday which was my first full day....woke up without any headaches, life seemed great. But today that's not the case...my body hurts, concentration is very hard to keep, my head and eyes just can't seem to focus properly. I hope that it doesn't last long, but my heart tells me that's it's gonna last longer. I have to say though some of the emails that have been posted in the past are scary.....if i had known what i know now....i would never have started Effexor Xr....your mood definitely improves but the side effects can be terrible. I wish my doctor had gone over this medication thoroughly..i am mad at myself that i didn't ask the questions. Education can be a huge part of the problem!! Well hopefully i will feel better soon, i have too.
Have a wonderful day all :) Carsan
Posted by Tina P on February 4, 2003, at 22:52:53
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Anyone want to coment on the dry, itchy skin condition? Anyone experience acne from this drug? How about a comparison to Paxil? I'm in the transition period now from Paxil to Effexor, and The dry itchy skin has me losing sleep!
Posted by DSA on February 4, 2003, at 22:58:27
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by maggie on April 13, 2000, at 14:32:34
Your observations, feelings of electricity or shocks during withdrawal, are very interesting. I'd noticed the same symptoms during withdrawal from a long-term and ultimately self-destructive attempt to self-medicate using dextromethorphan (dissociative, not recommended). I found that sudden lateral eye movements would accentuate the feelings; sudden head movements not as much.
At any rate, I'm brand new to Effexor, having survived the gauntlet of (primarily) SSRIs since 1994. Prozac @ 20MG was the first, and it worked incredibly well for about two years. I frankly couldn't believe that something so right could actually lose efficacy, but have found myself trying to fill the void left by its failure more desperately over the ensuing six years. Celexa, Buspar, Zoloft, Depakote, higher doses, self-medication -- nothing has worked.
Effexor is another attempt to find my way back to that pinnacle of my life, the first time since puberty I'd seen blue sky.
Thanks for contributing your experiences.
Posted by Scot_lass2003 on February 5, 2003, at 0:18:24
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Tina P on February 4, 2003, at 22:52:53
> Anyone want to coment on the dry, itchy skin condition? Anyone experience acne from this drug? How about a comparison to Paxil? I'm in the transition period now from Paxil to Effexor, and The dry itchy skin has me losing sleep!
I also switched from Paxil to effexor, mostly because I couldn't sleep on Paxil. I have some acne and dryness so I just use lots of moisturiser. I also live in a very cold dry climate which doesn't help. However not great skin is better than no sleep!!!! Good luck.
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