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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Angel Girl on May 12, 2003, at 17:55:28
In reply to Re: Brain shivers?, posted by kalyb on May 12, 2003, at 9:34:50
> Thanks napaba - I know what you mean now. I had this the first day I took it.
>
> I'm not going great with it so far. My first day on it I felt very very weird, although I did manage to have a driving lesson (warning the instructor to watch out for my driving, and if he felt I was driving badly to stop and take over). But I did well on it driving. Unfortunately after two days on it I've missed two days - not a good start but I was out with friends on saturday night and was reluctant to take it, not really wanting to have to explain to them why I might suddenly want to go home (or started acting weird). I'll start again tonight but to be truthful, I'm subconsciously far too scared.
>
> Finding it hard to describe/relate what it's doing to me, to others around me. I share a house with friends, and while one means well, she really has NO idea. She asked the other day if it had affected my sleep - I said well, I did sleep, but can't remember if I slept well or not. (The feeling that you might not have slept at all, plus the dreams?). Her reply: well if you can't remember, then you must have slept well! I'm sure everyone reading this will understand that's not the case when you're taking drugs like this. How can I help people like her to understand what this is like? I feel if I have people around me who can't understand (or can't take on board) what I'm feeling like, it's not going to make me feel any better. I already feel isolated, sick and useless.... and constantly being pushed to do things I feel unable or unwilling to do. Anyone else got any ideas here? Particularly for those days when you feel very much at odds with "normal" people and unable to relate to them?
kalybI too have times, many in fact, where I can't recall how well I've slept and have had family tell me that if you can't remember then you must have slept when I in actuality I don't think I have. The problem with me is MEMORY or lack thereof. All these drugs have taken that away from me.
I also completely understand how you feel when you mention that you are at odds with 'normal' people. I used to feel that there was nowhere for me to fit into this world, I didn't belong anywhere. I feel the same isolation as you do. I'm a lot farther along maybe than you in my recovery and I no longer feel that way. That's not to say that I feel 'normal' because I wonder if that will EVER happen. Just know that things will get better for you. Hang in there and take care.
Angel Girl
Posted by Angel Girl on May 12, 2003, at 18:08:44
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR - what's next » Angel Girl, posted by Snoozy on May 12, 2003, at 14:32:52
> Hi Angel Girl -
>
> What other meds have you tried? I take meds for depression, so I don't know what's good for BP-II. What about seeing a neurologist for the tremors? They work with meds like Depakote a lot, maybe they could help you find something to control the tremors or suggest other medications.
>
> I think the sleep mechanism is very sensitive, so hopefully in time your sleep will get better. Up until the past year, I had noticed these sleep cycles I had for quite a while. I would go for a couple of months of sleeping very little, and then for a time I would sleep excessively. It might have balanced out to some degree, but I've been waiting way too long for the insomnia to come back!
>
> I know how frustrating it can be to treat one condition at the expense of another, and to choose which one. The struggle continues......
>
SnoozyWhat's next? That is the operative question that I haven't come up with an answer to yet. The tremors are very tolerable now so I'm not worried about them. As I said, the two problems I need to deal with is losing weight and increasing depression.
I'm considering Topomax and Effexor but I KNOW that it is not wise for me to introduce 2 more drugs into my system at the same time. My body does not do drug changes well. It usually means one step back before 2 steps up. The Topomax has side effects that kind of scare me but I'm considering it with hopes that it will help me lose weight. It would augument my Depakote, which helps with my mania. As you know, I've been on the Effexor before, so I know what to expect with that. I'm just really hesitant to go back on any AD after going without any for several months. But after spending the entire last week crying, it is becoming more and more evident that I need to do something. I certainly don't want this to get out of hand again and become suicidal as I was before. That's one hell I don't want to revisit any time soon if I can avoid it. Unfortunately my pdoc JUST started vacation for 2 weeks, so I'm trying to hang in there until he gets back.
As far as the lack of sleep issue is concerned, somehow I have to resolve this one quickly so that I can get back to work.
Angel Girl
Posted by dde on May 12, 2003, at 20:28:26
In reply to Re: Brain shivers? » kalyb, posted by Napaba on May 12, 2003, at 9:09:46
I have spoken extensively with a psychiatrist about the "brain shivers". What I am being told is that it is a negative and undesirable response to the medication. Psychotropics are supposed to make you feel NORMAL, not worse. My son had brain shivers, but his doctor "pooh poohed" the sensations. He is now dead. Talk to a PHARMACIST about the side effects. The doctors are being PAID to push these drugs. They get kick backs for every script written. A Psychiatrist clued me in on this. Most doctors are writing the scripts on a "by guess and by golly" basis. Hope this helps. dde
Posted by Snoozy on May 13, 2003, at 0:16:51
In reply to Re: Benadryl » Snoozy, posted by melley on May 12, 2003, at 16:13:11
I've been on Wellbutrin for several years, at 400 mg for probably 2 years. I think I started at 150 or 200 mg at the very beginning. Irritability is pretty common when you start taking it. Knowing that a drug is causing irritability makes it easier for me to deal with it. Like if listening to someone chew is making me hate them, I can talk myself through that the meds are making me on edge, and try to let go of that feeling. I hope that makes a bit of sense. Good luck to you!
> I found this interesting as I am taking ambien.10mg. every night. I really needed it when I bumped up to 225 mg of effexor, for sleeping. Before I was taking it to keep the vivid dreams at bay. However, I am now in the process of switching to wellbutrin. So far just feeling a bit seasick but not enough that I can't function. I am a bit testy, too. My husband said he thought for sure he must have a business trip to somewhere that he had to go to.
>
>
> > I've been using Benadryl (generic is just fine) for help sleeping for many years (not lately though ;) I don't take it regularly, as my body gets used to it and I don't get as drowsy.
> >
> > It doesn't wear off in the middle of the night like Ambien or Sonata. If you haven't tried it before, you may want to start with one tablet (25 mg) to see how it works for you. For me, it takes longer for the drowsiness to kick in (about 1 hour) after taking it, than with other sleeping aids (usually about 15-30 min.)
> >
> > But please stay away from the bulldozer and other heavy machinery when you take it ;)
Posted by leeran on May 13, 2003, at 1:25:24
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin » melley, posted by Snoozy on May 13, 2003, at 0:16:51
"Like if listening to someone chew is making me hate them"
LOL! Snoozy, this (above) made my night! It sure makes sense to me (sorry to b*tt in on your thread).
Adderall and Wellbutrin (without a full-fledged SSRI) had a similar effect on me as well (i.e. irritated beyond belief).
I call it my "scooped out melon head" feeling (weird, but the irritable sensation, for me, is like someone has taken a sharp spoon and scraped out my brains to the point that the skin is almost showing through).
What a disgusting analogy! I've tried explaining it to my husband many times and it sounds a lot better verbally.
Have you found that Wellbutrin curtails appetite and/or doesn't produce weight gain? The first psychiatrist I visited suggested 300 mg. SR in the a.m. and 300 mg. SR about 2:00 in the afternoon (I currently take 150 mg. SR first thing in the a.m. with 20 mg. of Adderall). I didn't ever try that dosage and can only imagine how tense I might have been.
Thanks again for the chuckle.
Posted by Snoozy on May 13, 2003, at 2:01:27
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin » Snoozy, posted by leeran on May 13, 2003, at 1:25:24
I take it you can identify with this feeling :)
> "Like if listening to someone chew is making me hate them"
>I haven't had any weight gain on Wellbutrin, possibly a very small loss. There may be some appetite suppression, but what I liked was the activating effect. I actually felt like moving around. Am I understanding correctly that the first pdoc wanted you to take a total of 600 mg of Wellbutrin a day? I would have been really blown away by that a few weeks ago, but there was an interesting thread about this just the other week. I'll try and copy the link here:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030429/msgs/223750.html
Maybe it wouldn't be too bad if you could harness that tenseness to, say, power the house. But I don't think the technology is quite there for that!
I have been thinking of increasing my Wellbutrin dose (currently 400). If I do, I'll let you know how it goes. How are you doing with Adderall? Did you try any other stimulants?
> LOL! Snoozy, this (above) made my night! It sure makes sense to me (sorry to b*tt in on your thread).
>
> Adderall and Wellbutrin (without a full-fledged SSRI) had a similar effect on me as well (i.e. irritated beyond belief).
>
> I call it my "scooped out melon head" feeling (weird, but the irritable sensation, for me, is like someone has taken a sharp spoon and scraped out my brains to the point that the skin is almost showing through).
>
> What a disgusting analogy! I've tried explaining it to my husband many times and it sounds a lot better verbally.
>
> Have you found that Wellbutrin curtails appetite and/or doesn't produce weight gain? The first psychiatrist I visited suggested 300 mg. SR in the a.m. and 300 mg. SR about 2:00 in the afternoon (I currently take 150 mg. SR first thing in the a.m. with 20 mg. of Adderall). I didn't ever try that dosage and can only imagine how tense I might have been.
>
> Thanks again for the chuckle.
>
>
Posted by Belle Rose on May 13, 2003, at 2:09:27
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by gretchen on May 12, 2003, at 14:46:26
After three years of trying to wean myself off of Effexor, I want to an additive medicine doctor who put me in a detox center for five days using Phenobarbital for the side effects. I thought, "What I miracle, I feel great". However, the fun started when I got home and the drug from hell was completley out of my system.
Brain shocks, shaking, nausea, couldn't stand the smell of my house, my dogs, my skin, numbness, headaches. I went from the couch to the bed for a week. My physician would not prescribe me anything for the withdrawl symptoms and I hated him. He said that day by day, the symptoms would subside and they did. I don't hate him anymore. It is one month now. I don't feel totally great, as I tire easily and have headaches and muscle aches but compared to "hell week", they are tolerable. The good news is, the quality of my life is so much improved. I am more social and am enjoying life for the first time in many many years. This drug may work for some, but it wasn't the drug for me and I don't think it is humane to have to go through horrid symptoms to get off of a drug. I think one day, they will probably take it off the market. I can only pray that do.
Posted by leeran on May 13, 2003, at 3:05:12
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin » leeran, posted by Snoozy on May 13, 2003, at 2:01:27
Oh yes, I can identify with the sound of chewing, snoring, fifteen year old fingers running imaginary skateboards along the edge of the kitchen counter, etc. (and I have some hearing loss in one ear - but sounds can still get to me).
At the time I saw this psychiatrist I was taking 150 mg. of Wellbutrin in the morning and 150 in the afternoon. He felt that doubling that would get me kick started.
The sound of his voice irritated me so I didn't go back!
Actually, he was my second choice but his was the first appointment available - so I ended up going with the psychiatrist who had been recommended (on another message board) and I feel quite comfortable with this one.
Thanks for the link to the other post re: high doses of Wellbutrin. I may have kept the prescription from the first psychiatrist (I didn't have it filled because my prescription from the general practitioner had several refills remaining). Now I'm curious to take a look . . . maybe it was a different dosage (?) because if 450 sounded high, 600 sounds astronomical. But I do remember him using the words "doubling the dose."
Re: Adderall - I think I'm okay with it.
My son takes 30 mg. and I take 40 mg. (20 a.m. - 20 at noon). Our town has a noon whistle which is a good reminder for me to take the second dose. Or maybe it's the Adderall that helps me remember? Who knows . . .
After a year on Wellbutrin I was able to keep a lot of the weight off that I had gained over several years (I'm still on 150 mg.). As might be expected, I have lost weight on Adderall. Not a miracle loss, but following an era when it seemed I gained a pound or two per month it's a nice change.
Quite frankly, I'm a lot more respectful of Adderall after taking it myself. I was never thrilled with the idea of stimulants for my son, but over the years (since third grade) they have become a part of his life and have made a big difference in his self-esteem and ability to plow through school without getting behind.
After taking 40 mg. per day since February I realize that Adderall is an even more powerful medication than I realized (thus the heightened "respect"), which leaves me questioning the long-term impact stimulants have had on my son.
We have tried the non-stimulant route with him (biofeedback training) and although it helped him considerably, it has worked best in concert with Adderall.
In answer to your question - no, I haven't tried other stimulants for A.D.D. (I was just diagnosed in late January).
My son took Ritalin starting midway through third grade and eventually graduated to Adderall. I'll never forget him telling me (about a week after first taking Ritalin in third grade) that he would like to write a letter and thank "whoever invented Ritalin" because of how much better it made him feel in school. On the one hand, I felt so happy to hear that he felt better - yet so sad to know that he had felt "out of it" during the previous school years. Of course, I also felt the sorrow of knowing that I was administering a stimulant to a third grade child when, like so many other people, I had seen the many drawbacks of Ritalin on shows like 20/20, Dateline, etc.
Wow, this was a long response. Sorry about that. In the process I spilled half a bottle of water on myself and the dog has started snoring.
Thanks again for your input on Wellbutrin, Snoozy!
Posted by Misha on May 13, 2003, at 14:06:04
In reply to How I got off of Effexor, posted by Belle Rose on May 13, 2003, at 2:09:27
> After three years of trying to wean myself off of Effexor, I want to an additive medicine doctor who put me in a detox center for five days using Phenobarbital for the side effects. I thought, "What I miracle, I feel great". However, the fun started when I got home and the drug from hell was completley out of my system.
> Brain shocks, shaking, nausea, couldn't stand the smell of my house, my dogs, my skin, numbness, headaches. I went from the couch to the bed for a week. My physician would not prescribe me anything for the withdrawl symptoms and I hated him. He said that day by day, the symptoms would subside and they did. I don't hate him anymore. It is one month now. I don't feel totally great, as I tire easily and have headaches and muscle aches but compared to "hell week", they are tolerable. The good news is, the quality of my life is so much improved. I am more social and am enjoying life for the first time in many many years. This drug may work for some, but it wasn't the drug for me and I don't think it is humane to have to go through horrid symptoms to get off of a drug. I think one day, they will probably take it off the market. I can only pray that do.
Hello, all. Unfortunately for me the withdrawal experience from Effexor XR has been a mild hell. This was yesterday's entry into my medical journal:I have been going through terrible withdrawals from the Effexor XR ever since it got completely out of my system. This is nearly six months. The vertigo has been the worst. Doctors have tried to treat it as a middle ear infection twice and that was definitely not the cause. Chronic mild headaches have been the other main problem along with body aches. I just feel sick all of the time. I have started taking Wellbutrin SR again today at 150 mg per day for one week and then 300 mg per day. My appetite has also changed and I have put a little weight on just like the Paxil withdrawals. It's not too bad since I had lost weight on the Effexor XR. Wellbutrin SR should help me get through the withdrawal symptoms. I am also taking it due to a mild depression that I've been experiencing.
The end of November, 2002 was when I stopped taking it completely. As you can see, my symptoms have been similar to those of Belle Rose. I am hoping the Wellbutrin SR will help. I just wish it didn't take so long to start working. Just for a brief history on meds I've taken I'll list them here: Luvox, Paxil, Prozac, Wellbutrin SR, and Effexor XR last. I had bad experiences with all of them. I did only take the Wellbutrin SR for about a week, though before my doctor put me on Effexor XR.
My doctor has been no help, either. I am glad, though, that Belle Rose' withdrawal didn't last as long as mine has. If anyone has anything to offer as far as information goes that may help, please do. I've researched as much as I can.
Thanks,
Misha
Posted by Jjess on May 13, 2003, at 15:32:48
In reply to Re: How I got off of Effexor, posted by Misha on May 13, 2003, at 14:06:04
For as long as I can remember, I've been depressed, anxious, and moody. I have never seen a psychiatrist. I've attempted suicide, I've broken a wonderful relationship with sporatic bouts of rage. I was beside myself, and without any insurance. No idea what to do. I'm friends with someone who has extensive knowledge on anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, etc. and Effexor was a drug she'd been on. With many remaining refills, she gave me a bottle. The last time I tried to treat myself without consulting a doctor, (Wellbutrin), I wound up hallucinating and going out of my mind within four days. Wary but deperate (I figured if I went crazier someone would help me check in), I began taking the Effexor. So far, so good. No anxiety. None. I wake up ready to work and have a good day ahead of me. My mouth is dry, I shake and my palms sweat a little. Otherwise, I feel great. It's been a long time since I've been able to function in a social setting, and last night, I went to a party and ACTUALLY had a great time. I've never felt better.
Posted by Napaba on May 13, 2003, at 15:42:23
In reply to Effexor is good, posted by Jjess on May 13, 2003, at 15:32:48
How are you going to continue taking Effexor if a friend gave it to you? It's a drug that you can't just stop cold turkey. You need to get in to a doctor and get a script. It's an expensive drug, so try a DR's office that has samples and will help you out.
For as long as I can remember, I've been depressed, anxious, and moody. I have never seen a psychiatrist. I've attempted suicide, I've broken a wonderful relationship with sporatic bouts of rage. I was beside myself, and without any insurance. No idea what to do. I'm friends with someone who has extensive knowledge on anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, etc. and Effexor was a drug she'd been on. With many remaining refills, she gave me a bottle. The last time I tried to treat myself without consulting a doctor, (Wellbutrin), I wound up hallucinating and going out of my mind within four days. Wary but deperate (I figured if I went crazier someone would help me check in), I began taking the Effexor. So far, so good. No anxiety. None. I wake up ready to work and have a good day ahead of me. My mouth is dry, I shake and my palms sweat a little. Otherwise, I feel great. It's been a long time since I've been able to function in a social setting, and last night, I went to a party and ACTUALLY had a great time. I've never felt better.
Posted by Misha on May 13, 2003, at 15:55:51
In reply to Re: Effexor is good » Jjess, posted by Napaba on May 13, 2003, at 15:42:23
It is not a good idea to take another's prescription when you haven't been evaluated by a physician, Jjess. There could be reasons why Effexor is not a good med for you individually, health factors. A good doctor will give you samples to try, and even to keep taking if you cannot afford the meds yourself.
Please note: This thread is based on Effexor withdrawal, not how people are doing while taking it.
Thanks,
Misha
Posted by Jack Smith on May 13, 2003, at 16:26:21
In reply to Re: Effexor is good, posted by Misha on May 13, 2003, at 15:55:51
> Please note: This thread is based on Effexor withdrawal, not how people are doing while taking it.
>
> Thanks,
> MishaMisha,
This thread is NOT about effexor withdrawl. I don't know where you got that idea. See the first post in this thread, the subject line is "how are you doing on effexor?" so it IS a thread about how people are doing on effexor. Jjess answered that. Second, threads often change subjects anyway, I don't think you have a right to tell people what they can talk about. (Dr Bob correct me if I am wrong).
Jjess, congratulations on feeling better. Effexor is a great drug and if it is used properly, you can get off it without severe withdrawls, don't believe all the horror stories you read. Go to effexor.com and there is a program for people who can't afford meds, you could maybe qualify. Also, do not stop taking it cold turkey. By the way, what dose are you on? and how long have you been on it?
JACK
Posted by Misha on May 13, 2003, at 16:46:28
In reply to Re: Effexor is good, posted by Jack Smith on May 13, 2003, at 16:26:21
> > Please note: This thread is based on Effexor withdrawal, not how people are doing while taking it.
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Misha
>
> Misha,
>
> This thread is NOT about effexor withdrawl. I don't know where you got that idea. See the first post in this thread, the subject line is "how are you doing on effexor?" so it IS a thread about how people are doing on effexor. Jjess answered that. Second, threads often change subjects anyway, I don't think you have a right to tell people what they can talk about. (Dr Bob correct me if I am wrong).
>
> Jjess, congratulations on feeling better. Effexor is a great drug and if it is used properly, you can get off it without severe withdrawls, don't believe all the horror stories you read. Go to effexor.com and there is a program for people who can't afford meds, you could maybe qualify. Also, do not stop taking it cold turkey. By the way, what dose are you on? and how long have you been on it?
>
> JACK
>
>This is a total overreaction, Jack. The post that I had replied to was "How I got off of Effexor". Jjess had then replied to my post. I may have been mistaken about the original post, but did not deserve to be shredded by you. I also was not telling people what they could talk about. These forums are to help people, and my withdrawals are a fact that I've been dealing with for months now. I would appreciate some "consideration" regarding my situation. If you read the official Effexor XR prescibing information of the official website they describe the very same possible withdrawal symptoms for discontinuing the medication. I may not have put it in my post, but I was glad to read that Jjess has gotten help in some way. Please do not misconstrue my posts. There is no emotion to go along with a forum post to help people communicate exactly what they mean by what they type.
Misha
Posted by Jack Smith on May 13, 2003, at 16:58:02
In reply to Re: Effexor is good, posted by Misha on May 13, 2003, at 16:46:28
> This is a total overreaction, Jack. The post that I had replied to was "How I got off of Effexor". Jjess had then replied to my post. I may have been mistaken about the original post, but did not deserve to be shredded by you.
You seem to have misunderstood me, I was not "shredding you."
> I would appreciate some "consideration" regarding my situation.
I do have "consideration" for your situation. I feel horrible that people have to go through withdrawl because of negligent doctors who have no idea about withdrawl symptoms and do not learn the techniques to get a patient off Effexor. My comments to Jjess not to listen to the horror stories was meant to balance out all the negatives that people hear on this board about effexor which may make people benefitting from the med want to get off it--which is a bad idea.
> Please do not misconstrue my posts. There is no emotion to go along with a forum post to help people communicate exactly what they mean by what they type.
Same here. You misconstrued my post. I hope you get better soon. Good luck.
JACK
Posted by belle rose on May 13, 2003, at 22:56:49
In reply to Re: How I got off of Effexor, posted by Misha on May 13, 2003, at 14:06:04
Misha,
Hang in there. I do need to add that although the symptoms aren't what they were in the beginning, I do have symptoms that I worry won't subside. My vision has changed. I can't read a page without all the lines blurring together. This has caused me to have to take a medical leave from from college courses. I am the administrator for a medical practice and this is interferring with my ability to perform my job. I have had a headache for a month, worse in the mornings. I wake up feeling like I have a hang over. I too have the body aches and sometimes feel like I've been beaten up and I tire very easily. Because it's only been a month, I am trying to be optimistic that these will subside over time.
I'm sure there are people that go off this drug without side effects but for some, these symptoms are REAL and should not be dismissed. In addition, I do not belive everything I read, but when person after person describes the same side effects, it should be taken seriously. I talked to my doctors for years about brain shivers, brain swishing, and the numbness before I ever found this site. I was made to feel weak and/or crazy like it was in my head. It was in my head!
I do not recommend anyone to go of Effexor without medical supervision and alot of support. I only hope the medical profession will be more sympathetic and not dismiss those of us who have or are having difficulty with withdrawal symptoms as over reaction or making it up because we read in on the internet. Our symptoms are real.
Thank you for listening. Good luck.
Posted by belle rose on May 13, 2003, at 23:03:44
In reply to Re: Effexor is good, posted by Jack Smith on May 13, 2003, at 16:26:21
My mistake,
I don't know what a thread is. I thought I was responding to the many posts I read about "help, how do I get off of effexor" and "effexor withdrawals. I was trying to offer some help and encouragement and wanted to share my experience.
Belle Rose
Posted by belle rose on May 14, 2003, at 1:43:16
In reply to Re: Brain shivers? » kalyb, posted by Napaba on May 12, 2003, at 9:09:46
You don't want the brain shivers. They are not fun. Kinda of like holding on to an electric fence. Mine felt like my braining was working its way down my face. Brain pulsing and synchronized. Just when you think they have stopped, then come back. It is not a comfortable feeling.
Posted by Misha on May 14, 2003, at 16:57:52
In reply to Re: Brain shivers?, posted by belle rose on May 14, 2003, at 1:43:16
> You don't want the brain shivers. They are not fun. Kinda of like holding on to an electric fence. Mine felt like my braining was working its way down my face. Brain pulsing and synchronized. Just when you think they have stopped, then come back. It is not a comfortable feeling.
That is absolutely true. They have gone away for a few days at a time, and just when I thought with great relief that they were finally gone, they returned. Thank goodness everyone who discontinues Effexor XR doesn't go through them.Misha
Posted by Paco on May 14, 2003, at 21:55:33
In reply to Re: How I got off of Effexor, posted by belle rose on May 13, 2003, at 22:56:49
I'm just curious how long you took EXR, how much, and if you had any side effects while you were on it. I've been taking 150/day for just over two months now, I feel fine, and have no side effects at all. I really like the stuff. I keep reading all of these horror stories about withdrawl, and I'm tempted to go without it for a day just to see what happens. I did miss a dose by about 8 hours once, but noticed no difference. Oh well, we're all different.
=========================================================
> Misha,
>
> Hang in there. I do need to add that although the symptoms aren't what they were in the beginning, I do have symptoms that I worry won't subside. My vision has changed. I can't read a page without all the lines blurring together. This has caused me to have to take a medical leave from from college courses. I am the administrator for a medical practice and this is interferring with my ability to perform my job. I have had a headache for a month, worse in the mornings. I wake up feeling like I have a hang over. I too have the body aches and sometimes feel like I've been beaten up and I tire very easily. Because it's only been a month, I am trying to be optimistic that these will subside over time.
>
> I'm sure there are people that go off this drug without side effects but for some, these symptoms are REAL and should not be dismissed. In addition, I do not belive everything I read, but when person after person describes the same side effects, it should be taken seriously. I talked to my doctors for years about brain shivers, brain swishing, and the numbness before I ever found this site. I was made to feel weak and/or crazy like it was in my head. It was in my head!
>
> I do not recommend anyone to go of Effexor without medical supervision and alot of support. I only hope the medical profession will be more sympathetic and not dismiss those of us who have or are having difficulty with withdrawal symptoms as over reaction or making it up because we read in on the internet. Our symptoms are real.
>
> Thank you for listening. Good luck.
Posted by Belle Rose on May 14, 2003, at 22:49:30
In reply to Re: How I got off of Effexor » belle rose, posted by Paco on May 14, 2003, at 21:55:33
I was on Effexor for three years. I had chronic constipation and stomach pain which has totally subsided since I've been off. After six months on Effexor, the docto r decided it wasn't indicated for me and switched me to another medication. Everytime I tried to go off, I would have the terrible side effects and assumed it was the new medication as I was told to stop the Effexor and start the new medication. I went through this for two years before being advised to WEAN off which I tried unsuccessful and finally resolved myelf to the fact that I would be on it forever.
It may just be the drug for you. Just watch for side effects and report them immediatley to your physician.
Belle Rose
Posted by melley on May 15, 2003, at 6:13:55
In reply to Re: How I got off of Effexor, posted by Belle Rose on May 14, 2003, at 22:49:30
I am in the process of weaning off effexor and on to wellbutrin. I decided to try benadryl at bedtime instead of ambien. I took 25mg. and feel awake this morning instead of dopey like with the ambien. My question is: is it okay to take benadryl every night? Or should I only take it once in awhile?I can't remember who put up the post about taking benadryl to sleep and don't have the time to weed through them. Hope that person reads this.
Melissa
Posted by Napaba on May 15, 2003, at 8:02:58
In reply to benadryl question, posted by melley on May 15, 2003, at 6:13:55
I took benadryl every night for about two months. I didn't have any problems. I still take it once in awhile. It's much more effective then tylonal pm, like you mentioned you don't feel dopey in the morning.
How are you weaning off Effexor? I was taking 150 mg and have reduced my dose to 75. Some of my side effects have gone away, I no longer have the horrible neck pain or hip pain, I don't feel sick unless I'm more then 4 hours late taking it.I have noticed my depression is returning. I need to get to the doctor and get something else. How is the Wellbutrin working for you?
> I am in the process of weaning off effexor and on to wellbutrin. I decided to try benadryl at bedtime instead of ambien. I took 25mg. and feel awake this morning instead of dopey like with the ambien. My question is: is it okay to take benadryl every night? Or should I only take it once in awhile?
>
> I can't remember who put up the post about taking benadryl to sleep and don't have the time to weed through them. Hope that person reads this.
>
> Melissa
Posted by Ritch on May 15, 2003, at 9:32:07
In reply to benadryl question, posted by melley on May 15, 2003, at 6:13:55
>
> I am in the process of weaning off effexor and on to wellbutrin. I decided to try benadryl at bedtime instead of ambien. I took 25mg. and feel awake this morning instead of dopey like with the ambien. My question is: is it okay to take benadryl every night? Or should I only take it once in awhile?
>
> I can't remember who put up the post about taking benadryl to sleep and don't have the time to weed through them. Hope that person reads this.
>
> MelissaI've found Benadryl to be as effective for sleep as many other meds that I've tried. The only trouble I have with Benadryl is the dry mouth it causes. In the wintertime it can be very annoying waking up and your throat is all dry and irritated.
Posted by kalyb on May 15, 2003, at 10:53:18
In reply to Re: How I got off of Effexor » belle rose, posted by Paco on May 14, 2003, at 21:55:33
Paco wrote: "I'm just curious how long you took EXR, how much, and if you had any side effects while you were on it. I've been taking 150/day for just over two months now, I feel fine, and have no side effects at all. I really like the stuff. I keep reading all of these horror stories about withdrawal...."
I wish there was a different thread on this board, for people seeking information about the positive side of Effexor, or wishing to discuss it while they're on it, not going through withdrawal.
No disrespect intended to those who are going through withdrawal (after all, I'm taking the stuff and therefore will one day have to deal with that horror myself!!) but I stumbled on this board only a day after starting it and now I am scared stiff. I even stopped for a couple of days after just two doses, partly because I was so worried, and it did seem overwhelming for the first few days, like I'd started to lose myself.
But I resumed, and after 3 days I am starting to feel better. Is it too soon? Today I have no nausea or real side effects and I feel less disconnected and apathetic. I also feel a bit more positive; and the constant unbreakable cycling of anxious thoughts (which were both depressing me and tying me up in knots) seems to have subsided to a background murmur. In this respect, I feel almost normal!
I know I must seem impatient to see some results - I am - I'm under a lot of pressure from those around me to get well, and the last few weeks before starting the meds have been like hell.
So the way I am feeling today, is that just a blip, or a promise of better days ahead?
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