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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Scorch on May 2, 2003, at 16:32:15
In reply to Re: Effexor and Anxiety » Scorch, posted by Ritch on May 1, 2003, at 23:10:20
I have never forgotten to take my meds. I'm really fastidious about it. I took Librium (chlordiazepoxide?)for emergencies before, but it stopped working becuase I'd been using it for 6 years. Then I was given Diazepam, but that was appalling. I got really severe depressive episodes as the drug wore off, which ended up with a visit to the ER and 10 stitches. Apparently this abreaction is common. I'm now on Lorazepam. It works OK in an emergency but, as with the other benzos, I can't take it as a daily thing because it makes my head fuzzy. I was given an antipsychotic called Perfenazine (Fentazin) but the side effects were bad. I've just had another day of misery and I don't know what to do. My doctor is unavailable for the 3 day weekend, and when I go to the ER they lecture me for wasting their time: "There are REAL sick people out there you know..."
Posted by magic potion on May 2, 2003, at 19:25:08
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by soulfly on April 29, 2003, at 9:24:27
I tried Effexor a few years back. Fortunately, it made me puke. I'm glad I didn't stick with it considering all this withdrawal talk.
Prozac was a nightmare; Zoloft is for zombies; Paxil...well, I can't remember why I stopped taking that one.
Psychologically challenged people should really hold the drug companies to the fire. You can get better drugs on the street.
They change an existing drug a bit, give it a new name, repackage it, announce it to the world, watch their stock rise...all the while wining and dining the docs so they'll pump it down our throats. Free samples!
The relationship between doctors and these sleazy drug reps presents a complete conflict of interest.
Meanwhile we're all just guinea pigs (sic?).
I have a prescription for Lexapro in my pocket. I don't think I'll use it. I wanted Well-Butrin but apparently my head injury precludes me from taking it. (Note to self, don't tell the next psych about the car accident until AFTER you have the prescription in hand.)
I think I'm going to try cocaine...at least then I'll have a reason to get up in the morning.
Posted by aleks on May 2, 2003, at 19:41:17
In reply to Re: Effexor and Anxiety » Scorch, posted by Ritch on May 1, 2003, at 23:10:20
I started taking Effexor XR for anxiety in November of 2001.I started at 37.5, then 75, then 150, but 150 was too much... I felt sleepy all the time. The anxiety was greatly reduced in a very short time after the very first dose(I felt positive effects within hours, even though the shrink I work with tells me this doesn't happen.)Besides considerable relief from the anxiety, I also experienced delayed orgasm and intense and realistic dreams that stayed with me after waking (I rarely remembered my dreams on awakening before Effexor.) None of these effects were unpleasant. For the first several months I would be somewhat sleepy for an hour or two after taking it in the AM, but this was well worth it. A friend of mine had some unpleasant side effects coming off of Effexor and warned me to come off slowly. I started coming off in February and took 37.5 for 4 weeks. 48 hours after my last dose I became very dizzy and disconnected... also strange electrical sensations in my head and face. I then took 37.5 approximateley every 2 to 3 days when the effects became almost unbearably severe. My last dose was 5 days ago and I can tell you that the last 72 hours have been hell (my wife would agree.) I have been extremely irritable, moderately depressed with near suicidal dips at times. I have experienced more road rage today than I have in the last several years. But little to no anxiety... perhaps Effexor has converted my anxiety over to anger:) I am determined to get through this to see what life is like on the other side. My hope is that this is all just withdrawal effects and I will pull out of it soon. I really don't want to be dependent on medication, but I don't want to live like this either.
Posted by Paco on May 2, 2003, at 20:11:10
In reply to Re: Effexor and Anxiety, posted by aleks on May 2, 2003, at 19:41:17
Let us know how it goes in a couple of weeks, Ritch. I posted here a while back asking people about life AFTER withdrawl, but all of the responses I got were from people talking about what they had experienced or are experiencing DURING withdrawl. I just want to hear from a few people about what happened to them after the withdrawl was over for them, but apparently no such person posts on this site.
Thanks,
Paco===========================================================
> I started taking Effexor XR for anxiety in November of 2001.I started at 37.5, then 75, then 150, but 150 was too much... I felt sleepy all the time. The anxiety was greatly reduced in a very short time after the very first dose(I felt positive effects within hours, even though the shrink I work with tells me this doesn't happen.)Besides considerable relief from the anxiety, I also experienced delayed orgasm and intense and realistic dreams that stayed with me after waking (I rarely remembered my dreams on awakening before Effexor.) None of these effects were unpleasant. For the first several months I would be somewhat sleepy for an hour or two after taking it in the AM, but this was well worth it. A friend of mine had some unpleasant side effects coming off of Effexor and warned me to come off slowly. I started coming off in February and took 37.5 for 4 weeks. 48 hours after my last dose I became very dizzy and disconnected... also strange electrical sensations in my head and face. I then took 37.5 approximateley every 2 to 3 days when the effects became almost unbearably severe. My last dose was 5 days ago and I can tell you that the last 72 hours have been hell (my wife would agree.) I have been extremely irritable, moderately depressed with near suicidal dips at times. I have experienced more road rage today than I have in the last several years. But little to no anxiety... perhaps Effexor has converted my anxiety over to anger:) I am determined to get through this to see what life is like on the other side. My hope is that this is all just withdrawal effects and I will pull out of it soon. I really don't want to be dependent on medication, but I don't want to live like this either.
Posted by cruzandfamily on May 2, 2003, at 20:12:28
In reply to Re: Effexor and Anxiety, posted by aleks on May 2, 2003, at 19:41:17
Are there that many people really on effexor? If there are so many side effects, why are the docs giving it out? Why aren't you guys bringing copies of these threads to them?
I love effexor,...except when I miss it. I know I have to stay on it until I learn to control my panic attacks. I know I am not ready to do this alone. I know I need support groups, therapy, knowledge, and a combo of good-working drugs,.....for now. You have to use trial and error until you figure what works for you. When you are in a decent state of mind, jot down feelings in a journal. Have your spouse do the same thing. They see differences in you that you won't recognize.
See, it's 9pm, and I am in a decent state of mind. Three hours ago, forget it. I had to pop a Xanax. Now, I will go home and take my topamax.
Does anyone have messenger? It would be wonderful to have someone to chat with when going through a rough time. My email is cruzandfamily@hotmail.com. Thanks.
Posted by Paco on May 2, 2003, at 20:14:31
In reply to Re: Effexor and Anxiety, posted by aleks on May 2, 2003, at 19:41:17
...Oops...I meant Aleks, not Ritch.Anyway, any posts about life after withdrawl would certainly be welcome.
Paco
Posted by Paco on May 2, 2003, at 20:37:20
In reply to Re: Effexor and Anxiety, posted by cruzandfamily on May 2, 2003, at 20:12:28
I think that there are potential side effects to any antidepressant. Not everyone experiences all of them. Some of us experince few or none of them. I had terrible side effects with Prozac, and pretty much no side effects with EXR. I think that this board makes it seem like everyone that takes EXR has nightmarish side effects, but I believe that it is partially because when people are having difficulties with a med, they are more prone to seek out more information about it. If they are doing fine, why bother with the research? I came to this site when I was having some side effects during my first couple of days on EXR. Now I no longer have the side effects, and I come to this site less often because I have less use for it - in fact it kind of brings me down reading all of the complaints and horror stories. I also find that when I respond to other people's posts, I'm repeating myself, so my posts are starting to all sound the same..."no side effects", "talk to your doctor", "I actually like EXR", "delayed ejaculation went away after 5 weeks", "Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil were horrible for me, but they may work for you - so might EXR", "wait a couple of weeks and give it a chance", "keep trying and find the right drug for you - don't give up". Pick any 2 or 3 of the above and you'll have all of my posts. This redundancy in my posts makes me think I've made my point and it's about time to move on. I've trolled for positive comments and asked about experiences after withdrawl, but it appears that noone here has any information or desire to provide such information.
Oh, well. I have learned some things here.
I'll be back.
Paco
==========================================================
> Are there that many people really on effexor? If there are so many side effects, why are the docs giving it out? Why aren't you guys bringing copies of these threads to them?
>
> I love effexor,...except when I miss it. I know I have to stay on it until I learn to control my panic attacks. I know I am not ready to do this alone. I know I need support groups, therapy, knowledge, and a combo of good-working drugs,.....for now. You have to use trial and error until you figure what works for you. When you are in a decent state of mind, jot down feelings in a journal. Have your spouse do the same thing. They see differences in you that you won't recognize.
>
> See, it's 9pm, and I am in a decent state of mind. Three hours ago, forget it. I had to pop a Xanax. Now, I will go home and take my topamax.
>
> Does anyone have messenger? It would be wonderful to have someone to chat with when going through a rough time. My email is cruzandfamily@hotmail.com. Thanks.
Posted by magic potion on May 2, 2003, at 21:27:01
In reply to Re: Effexor and Anxiety » cruzandfamily, posted by Paco on May 2, 2003, at 20:37:20
Paco,
The thing is, you probably won't find tons of positive comments in a board like this, simply because people come here looking for help. Commiserating.
People who are doing well probably don't have the desire (or the time) to look back.
People are here for help. Sometimes you have a side effect and when you tell the doc, he or she insists that it isn't related. It's good to actually talk to people who have taken the drug.
Newsflash to doctors: just because you didn't read it in a textbook, doesn't mean it doesn't exist.
Well, hope you find info about the "after withdrawal" phase!
Magic Potion
Posted by Maureen17 on May 2, 2003, at 23:17:24
In reply to Re: Effexor and Anxiety, posted by aleks on May 2, 2003, at 19:41:17
Bravo to you!!!
I'm now taking 1/2 of the 37.5ml dose every day for maybe two weeks then I'll try every other day and so on 'til my last dose is done. So far it seems to be working with the only side effect being pain in my hips and neck. Memory seems to be working better than when I was taking normal dose everyday.
Good luck on withdrawl...
Keep us all posted on progress, please.
Mo.
Posted by Maureen17 on May 2, 2003, at 23:22:25
In reply to Re: Effexor and Anxiety » aleks, posted by Paco on May 2, 2003, at 20:14:31
Hey Paco,
Give me a couple of weeks and I'll let you know.
Have a good one!
Mo
Posted by pamina on May 3, 2003, at 7:09:11
In reply to Re: Effexor and Anxiety, posted by aleks on May 2, 2003, at 19:41:17
Aleks -- There is info on this site (not the message board) about the use of Prozac and/or Benadryl to treat the symptoms of Effexor withdrawal. I know how you feel! and hope its over soon.
Posted by pamina on May 3, 2003, at 7:18:21
In reply to Re: Effexor and Anxiety, posted by magic potion on May 2, 2003, at 21:27:01
Effexor withdrawal was nightmarish, but I don't think it should be taken off the market or anything. It has helped me enormously. I only wish I had known the hazards of skipping a few days. A warning would have been nice -- "If you miss a dose, your brain will disconnect from its moorings and start sliding around inside your head. You will wish you were never born." I am also interested in the long term effects of withdrawal, in case I ever have to go off it. I wish I didn't have depression, just like I wish I didn't have asthma, but I do, so I'm glad there are meds to control them.
Posted by cruzandfamily on May 3, 2003, at 8:18:27
In reply to Re: Effexor and Anxiety » cruzandfamily, posted by Paco on May 2, 2003, at 20:37:20
Ok-but I am new to this site,and I don't know your whole story. I know what you mean about it being depressing reading all this sometimes, but it is also helping. It can also hurt. For those that worry all the time, they may start to worry that they will get some of the side effects posted here. Yesterday my eyes were burning, and all I could think was, "how will I know if I have glaucoma?" (a side effect of topamax)
This is the first site that I have found though, that gives so much info, and first hand experience. I have been looking for a year. I didn't want textbook crap, I have read it. I wanted real life experiences. But, how come no one uses messenger? Thanks!
> I think that there are potential side effects to any antidepressant. Not everyone experiences all of them. Some of us experince few or none of them. I had terrible side effects with Prozac, and pretty much no side effects with EXR. I think that this board makes it seem like everyone that takes EXR has nightmarish side effects, but I believe that it is partially because when people are having difficulties with a med, they are more prone to seek out more information about it. If they are doing fine, why bother with the research? I came to this site when I was having some side effects during my first couple of days on EXR. Now I no longer have the side effects, and I come to this site less often because I have less use for it - in fact it kind of brings me down reading all of the complaints and horror stories. I also find that when I respond to other people's posts, I'm repeating myself, so my posts are starting to all sound the same..."no side effects", "talk to your doctor", "I actually like EXR", "delayed ejaculation went away after 5 weeks", "Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil were horrible for me, but they may work for you - so might EXR", "wait a couple of weeks and give it a chance", "keep trying and find the right drug for you - don't give up". Pick any 2 or 3 of the above and you'll have all of my posts. This redundancy in my posts makes me think I've made my point and it's about time to move on. I've trolled for positive comments and asked about experiences after withdrawl, but it appears that noone here has any information or desire to provide such information.
>
> Oh, well. I have learned some things here.
>
> I'll be back.
>
> Paco
>
> ==========================================================
>
> > Are there that many people really on effexor? If there are so many side effects, why are the docs giving it out? Why aren't you guys bringing copies of these threads to them?
> >
> > I love effexor,...except when I miss it. I know I have to stay on it until I learn to control my panic attacks. I know I am not ready to do this alone. I know I need support groups, therapy, knowledge, and a combo of good-working drugs,.....for now. You have to use trial and error until you figure what works for you. When you are in a decent state of mind, jot down feelings in a journal. Have your spouse do the same thing. They see differences in you that you won't recognize.
> >
> > See, it's 9pm, and I am in a decent state of mind. Three hours ago, forget it. I had to pop a Xanax. Now, I will go home and take my topamax.
> >
> > Does anyone have messenger? It would be wonderful to have someone to chat with when going through a rough time. My email is cruzandfamily@hotmail.com. Thanks.
>
>
Posted by melley on May 3, 2003, at 13:42:38
In reply to Re: Effexor and Anxiety » aleks, posted by Paco on May 2, 2003, at 20:11:10
I was on effexor about 5 years ago for a year, then went off. I went through about a week of withdrawal, flu-like symptoms and very shaky and paranoid. Then they went away. No lasting effects. Then last year I started getting major panic attacks and since I already had depression, the dr put me back on effexor (which apparently is one of two meds that tackles both). So, there is life after withdrawal. There:)
> Let us know how it goes in a couple of weeks, Ritch. I posted here a while back asking people about life AFTER withdrawl, but all of the responses I got were from people talking about what they had experienced or are experiencing DURING withdrawl. I just want to hear from a few people about what happened to them after the withdrawl was over for them, but apparently no such person posts on this site.
>
> Thanks,
> Paco
>
> ===========================================================
>
> > I started taking Effexor XR for anxiety in November of 2001.I started at 37.5, then 75, then 150, but 150 was too much... I felt sleepy all the time. The anxiety was greatly reduced in a very short time after the very first dose(I felt positive effects within hours, even though the shrink I work with tells me this doesn't happen.)Besides considerable relief from the anxiety, I also experienced delayed orgasm and intense and realistic dreams that stayed with me after waking (I rarely remembered my dreams on awakening before Effexor.) None of these effects were unpleasant. For the first several months I would be somewhat sleepy for an hour or two after taking it in the AM, but this was well worth it. A friend of mine had some unpleasant side effects coming off of Effexor and warned me to come off slowly. I started coming off in February and took 37.5 for 4 weeks. 48 hours after my last dose I became very dizzy and disconnected... also strange electrical sensations in my head and face. I then took 37.5 approximateley every 2 to 3 days when the effects became almost unbearably severe. My last dose was 5 days ago and I can tell you that the last 72 hours have been hell (my wife would agree.) I have been extremely irritable, moderately depressed with near suicidal dips at times. I have experienced more road rage today than I have in the last several years. But little to no anxiety... perhaps Effexor has converted my anxiety over to anger:) I am determined to get through this to see what life is like on the other side. My hope is that this is all just withdrawal effects and I will pull out of it soon. I really don't want to be dependent on medication, but I don't want to live like this either.
>
>
Posted by melley on May 3, 2003, at 13:48:16
In reply to Re: Effexor Positives, posted by pamina on May 3, 2003, at 7:18:21
I was in Borders today and picked up the People magazine (50 most beautiful people or something like that on the cover). Anyway, there is an article on a lawsuit about Paxil and insufficient warnings about withdrawal symptoms. I didn't finish it as my son came back just then, and we had to go. But I thought someone on here might find it of interest.
Posted by aleks on May 3, 2003, at 19:43:11
In reply to Re: Effexor and Anxiety » cruzandfamily, posted by Paco on May 2, 2003, at 20:37:20
I searched out this site yesterday after having the worst day yet of withdrawal from EffexorXR. It wouldn't have occurred to me to even look for this site except I was wondering if anyone else has been through anything like what I'm going through. It was very helpful to read other posts describing similar experiences. It's hard for me to imagine why anyone would search out this site if everything was going well... but I guess there may be such people. Now that I know someone is interested in life after withdrawal, I will pop in from time to time to let you know how things are going. I can say that today was much better than yesterday and I hope I'm through the worst of it.
Of course you are right to say that these drugs act differently in everyone. I wonder if anyone withdrew from EXR w/o any unpleasant effects, but then why would they be here at all? If there is anyone reading this that had no unpleasantness with their withdrawal, I would be curious to hear from you.
I also liked EXR when I was on it and had virtually no unpleasant side effects while taking the drug.
I think that there are potential side effects to any antidepressant. Not everyone experiences all of them. Some of us experince few or none of them. I had terrible side effects with Prozac, and pretty much no side effects with EXR. I think that this board makes it seem like everyone that takes EXR has nightmarish side effects, but I believe that it is partially because when people are having difficulties with a med, they are more prone to seek out more information about it. If they are doing fine, why bother with the research? I came to this site when I was having some side effects during my first couple of days on EXR. Now I no longer have the side effects, and I come to this site less often because I have less use for it - in fact it kind of brings me down reading all of the complaints and horror stories. I also find that when I respond to other people's posts, I'm repeating myself, so my posts are starting to all sound the same..."no side effects", "talk to your doctor", "I actually like EXR", "delayed ejaculation went away after 5 weeks", "Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil were horrible for me, but they may work for you - so might EXR", "wait a couple of weeks and give it a chance", "keep trying and find the right drug for you - don't give up". Pick any 2 or 3 of the above and you'll have all of my posts. This redundancy in my posts makes me think I've made my point and it's about time to move on. I've trolled for positive comments and asked about experiences after withdrawl, but it appears that noone here has any information or desire to provide such information.
>
> Oh, well. I have learned some things here.
>
> I'll be back.
>
> Paco
>
> ==========================================================
>
> > Are there that many people really on effexor? If there are so many side effects, why are the docs giving it out? Why aren't you guys bringing copies of these threads to them?
> >
> > I love effexor,...except when I miss it. I know I have to stay on it until I learn to control my panic attacks. I know I am not ready to do this alone. I know I need support groups, therapy, knowledge, and a combo of good-working drugs,.....for now. You have to use trial and error until you figure what works for you. When you are in a decent state of mind, jot down feelings in a journal. Have your spouse do the same thing. They see differences in you that you won't recognize.
> >
> > See, it's 9pm, and I am in a decent state of mind. Three hours ago, forget it. I had to pop a Xanax. Now, I will go home and take my topamax.
> >
> > Does anyone have messenger? It would be wonderful to have someone to chat with when going through a rough time. My email is cruzandfamily@hotmail.com. Thanks.
>
>
Posted by Napaba on May 5, 2003, at 9:39:21
In reply to Re: Effexor and Anxiety, posted by aleks on May 3, 2003, at 19:43:11
This is rather embarrassing, but does anyone else have a severe constipation problem with Effexor? I'm taking a stool softner, 4-6 a day and I'm still having a problem. I drink plenty of water, only 2 cups of coffee a day, and eat very little cheese. I try to eat foods rich in fiber, like broccoli. I also take flax seed and flax oil daily.
Also I have a long list of other side effects. I'm wondering if there are others who get relief with EXR, but have/had so many side effects that they switched to something else which gave them relief without as many side effects.
Here are my side effects. I had none of these before starting Effexor (4 months a go)
1. Sever constipation
2. Horrible neck pain
3. Horrible hip pain
4. Blurred vision
5. Vivid Dreams (I can handle this one)
6. Unrestful sleep
7. Sweats (this one I can't stand) Last night my son had a performance at school and I had a sweat attack. It is so gross my face is wet, under my hair, I look as if I just ran a marathon.
8. Headaches
9. Brain shivvers (when I'm late for even one dose)
10. Horrible flu-like symptoms if I miss a dose.
11. My periods are totally screwed up.(before EXR they were every 28 days now it could 30, 35, 40 Inever know)I'm sure there's more. I take 150mg. I take 8-12 motrin a day and benedryl every night to help me sleep. I can't wait to eat breakfast in the morning so I can take my first 3 motrin.
One more thing. I heard an avertisement for Effoxer XR on the radio on my way to work this morning. I couldn't believe it, the add made it sound like a harmless drug that would cure almost anyone of depression and anxiety with little or no side effects. "and like with all other (what ever they called antidepressents) talk to your doctor before discontinueing use." (yah, you don't want to feel like &*#@)
Thanks for listening. Any comments would be appriciated.
Dr. Bob, Please add spell check.
Posted by Maureen17 on May 5, 2003, at 11:01:21
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR SIDE EFFECTS!!!!!, posted by Napaba on May 5, 2003, at 9:39:21
Hey There!
You aren't the only one with the constipation problem. I also was experiencing muscle twitches in my eyes, arms, legs, etc. One day I was in a Health Food Store (to get their advertising) and my eye was twitching uncontrollably. She told me I was lacking magnesium, so I bought some (125ml). I started taking it twice a day, morning & evening, and the twitches went away in about 2 days. I also noticed my constipation problem gone. One thing though, if you take a calcium supplement, take it at a different time of the day. Otherwise the magnesium works with the calcium to help distribute the calcium better and the magnesium's lost its potency for what it does alone. Hope this works for you.
Posted by Dysfunk on May 5, 2003, at 12:15:59
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR SIDE EFFECTS!!!!!, posted by Napaba on May 5, 2003, at 9:39:21
I had all those side-effects/symptoms, and in addition the drug didn't work for me, so I got off of it. I gained about 8 lbs. from constipation. If it works for you, I guess you will find remedies for the symptoms, but keep in mind, when you wean yourself off DO IT SLOWLY. The withdrawals are really bad!!! Good luck!
Posted by Napaba on May 5, 2003, at 13:15:23
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR SIDE EFFECTS!!!!! » Napaba, posted by Maureen17 on May 5, 2003, at 11:01:21
Thank you I will try magnesium.
Hey There!
> You aren't the only one with the constipation problem. I also was experiencing muscle twitches in my eyes, arms, legs, etc. One day I was in a Health Food Store (to get their advertising) and my eye was twitching uncontrollably. She told me I was lacking magnesium, so I bought some (125ml). I started taking it twice a day, morning & evening, and the twitches went away in about 2 days. I also noticed my constipation problem gone. One thing though, if you take a calcium supplement, take it at a different time of the day. Otherwise the magnesium works with the calcium to help distribute the calcium better and the magnesium's lost its potency for what it does alone. Hope this works for you.
Posted by Napaba on May 5, 2003, at 13:22:41
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR SIDE EFFECTS!!!!! » Napaba, posted by Dysfunk on May 5, 2003, at 12:15:59
Dysfunk,
Did you start taking something else? If so what is it and is it working? I know everyone is different, but I'm willing to try (almost) anything. So far today I've had 6 motrin and two Aleve. In an hour I'm going to take another 800 tablet Motrin. My neck and hip hurt so bad I can't concentrate on my work.
I had all those side-effects/symptoms, and in addition the drug didn't work for me, so I got off of it. I gained about 8 lbs. from constipation. If it works for you, I guess you will find remedies for the symptoms, but keep in mind, when you wean yourself off DO IT SLOWLY. The withdrawals are really bad!!! Good luck!
Posted by Katia on May 5, 2003, at 17:44:48
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR SIDE EFFECTS!!!!!, posted by Napaba on May 5, 2003, at 9:39:21
Hi,
I had most of the side effects your mention. The constipation was really bad for me when I went up to 300mg. But at150 it was ok. figs, enemas, flax seeds, fiber, and water are my suggestions. perhaps massage your intestine in the motion of digestion- left is your descending andright is your ascending colon. Is it working for your depression?
Iwas only on it for fourmonths because of the side effects. I had those electrical shock things all thetime as a side effect and was quite lethargic. It seemed to work atouch onthe depression but the s/e were too bad for me tocontinue. If you getoff,do it very slowly.
good luck
Katia
Posted by Cheri on May 5, 2003, at 18:37:19
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by jeanette on April 14, 2000, at 6:58:11
I realize this is a couple of years since this thread was going, but I was wondering how the withdrawal went for you. The reason I ask is because I'm now having the very same issues: headaches (especially behind my eyes), brain pauses, turning my head and waiting for my eyes to catch up, etc. It's such a disorienting feeling. My dr suggested weaning off by dropping from the 75 mg I was on to the 37 mg for a month, then 37 mg every other day for another month, and then I should be ok. Well, the withdrawal symptoms are pretty disconcerting, to say the least! I'm just wondering how much longer this will go on before it stops? If it stops?
I have been taking effexor xr for the last 7 months for S.A.D. (seasonal affective disorder). The thought was to be on it for the winter months, then discontinue during spring and summer. But, if this is how it feels to get off the drugs, I know I'm never going back on!
If anyone has any information about length of time, I'd really, really appreciate it. Driving concerns me, and doing my job is difficult at times. Being a zombie doesn't help, either.
Thanks!
Posted by Bcookie on May 5, 2003, at 21:17:37
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR SIDE EFFECTS!!!!!, posted by Napaba on May 5, 2003, at 9:39:21
I am new so I don't know if this has been discussed yet. I have been taking Effexor XR for about two months now. After trying Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Serezone,(sp)and Paxil, I thought I had FINALLY found the right medication to treat my depression/anxiety combo. However, the last week and a half I have wanted to drink constantly, had absolutly no appetite, and been depressed and weepy. I don't know if the Effexor is causing this or not. I am also taking Provigil 200mg a day for energy. I am ALWAYS tired and have the worst time trying to get out of the bed in the morning. I am a freshman college student and this lack of energy has really taken a toll on my grades this semester. My doc says that lack of appetite and energy can be side effects of the Effexor. He doesn't know what to make of the increased craving for alcohol. Has anyone else experienced this or have any advice for me about what to do. I feel like both the Provigil and the Effexor have just abrubtly quit working after initial promising effects just like the Wellbutrin. I am getting so sick of starting a new medication, having failure on it, and then quiting and starting something new. Please help
Posted by Maureen17 on May 5, 2003, at 21:39:11
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR SIDE EFFECTS!!!!!, posted by Bcookie on May 5, 2003, at 21:20:20
Hey Hon!
You're not alone about the increased drinking. I knew my drinking was getting heavier and everynight instead of just a few on weekends with my pizza, but just until recently when I read the "Alcohol?" posting on this site, it clicked that my increase could be the Effexor. I'm trying to ween myself off now (down to 1/2 of the 37.5ml per day) and I no longer want to drink everynight PLUS I've lost 5 lbs already! Not as tired all the time either. My brother-in-law takes Celexia and he seems to be doing okay on it with no weight gain but he still drinks alot.
Good Luck with school.
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