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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by zinya on June 14, 2003, at 12:50:25
In reply to Re: My First Day on Effexor » bgbham, posted by NThompson on June 14, 2003, at 10:13:11
wow, NT. How brave of you to be confronting this now. I'm so moved to read of your step back from the brink, and what i hope feels like the relief of having your 'secret' out of the closet. For so so so many of us, in fact i would say almost a universal experience -- about whatever phenomenon, for us about depression (and probably other specific things too), it is the hiding which is the worst of all. Not feeling able to reveal to anyone your reality... surely from early deep-seated fears that it's not okay to be not okay. Even though we know intellectually that everybody is not okay about something. Yet *our* not-okay thing seems worse, seems more shameful or more something to feel guilty about... and also to tell ourselves somehow, magically, we'll conquer it from inside our 'closet', while still in secret and no one will ever need to know.
Ah, the irony. Cuz the closet we put ourselves in, the very hiding and secrecy not only worsens the problem, it *becomes* the problem.
Your story, even just sketched as you have shared with us here, evokes such powerful feelings of the false 'knowledge' we can so easily betray ourselves with, by not feeling able to communicate and thus turning in on ourselves.
I hope you hear what a tribute it is to you, that regardless of what you can conjure up to berate yourself with about bills unpaid or whatever, your husband and children are testimony to how much you *are* more than what you *do*. I don't know if you've ever heard of John Bradshaw, who writes and speaks (one of many of course) about family dysfunction and essentially communication skills that most of us don't have, partly cuz our parents didn't either, cuz their parents didn't either... and no one's to *blame* but one of the messages too often passed from generation to generation, esp. in a society like ours, is that we are, as Bradshaw says, "human doings" more than "human beings" -- that our self-worth is measured in terms of what we achieve -- daily or over the long haul -- instead of who we *are.*
It seems clear that you have those who love you for who you *are* ... And perhaps one of the messages that will start to penetrate, as effexor or whatever helps on the biochem side too, is that you're not merely -- as they say about Hollywood -- "only as good as your last film" -- your last deed ... Instead, all of us probably need to take away the internalized sense of shame that is focused on what we haven't *done* (or did *wrong*) ... and is surely the theme of every anxiety at some level...
I'm so glad, in an odd way, that you actually have the bitter reminder of charcoal which perhaps can sharpen for your memory the recall of a path you will only ever take that once.
Welcome here, NT... My posts tend to be long and i've already spoken so much of myself that i won't repeat here, but i'm fairly new too, and it's such a resource and strength that we have each other for support here... Blessings to you,
zinya
Posted by bgbham on June 14, 2003, at 13:58:04
In reply to Re: Role Call - » CherC68, posted by zinya on June 14, 2003, at 3:13:05
Zinya (and all) - I am glad you are feeling better. I too have been able to get in my daily walk, up to a mile almost, around the grounds here at my condo. Even took a moonlight stroll last night with the full moon and was impressed that I had the interest in noticing how beautiful the sky, clouds, and wind were. I too am finding it odd how my brain and body are reacting, both good and bad in terms of emotions and mood. Especially after feeling the physical pain that I had for days that was best described as I have said earlier as "a broken heart". As of late yesterday, my broken heart is gone, and the worst thing I can say about today is the anxiety I have that it may be fleeting. Probably that will subside with a few good days under my belt. Returning to work on Tues for a few hours is scary for me, but I know it will be just what I need to help even further.
Brian
Posted by Sabina on June 14, 2003, at 14:11:59
In reply to Re: I am scared of this medicine, HELP ME!, posted by notquitethereyet on June 14, 2003, at 10:35:46
My doctor gave me Lexapro (10mg)with Xanax (.05mg twice a day). The Xanax really helps with the SE's from the Lex, but it makes me kind of sluggish. I was also worried initally by the combination (then, I worry incessantly, part of my problem!), but it seems like lots of folks posting are doing the same sort of thing with no trouble. I hope this eases your mind a bit.
Posted by stjames on June 14, 2003, at 14:34:46
In reply to Re: monitoring what we say » Dr. Bob, posted by zinya on June 14, 2003, at 11:58:14
>
> Specifically, two different posters at different times had said thatDr Bob does not answer these kind of questions
for several reasons. Some were covered in the
"test" you took to post here.The issue of Effexor at higher doses is well reported, even in the monograph.
Posted by Rickey on June 14, 2003, at 19:21:45
In reply to Re: My Story Day 13 » Rickey, posted by zinya on June 14, 2003, at 12:29:01
Just thought of another example which might give someone some hope. For the past few years it is the little things that really got to me. Practically every day when leaving work and on my way to the bus stop I would see my bus pulling away. I get so angry. If only I had left a minute earlier...why does this always happen to me....etc etc. Yesterday the same thing happened and I thought to myself,,"don't worry another will be along soon". And instead of running and cursing, I just kept walking and caught the next bus. I doubt that this would have taken place 14 days ago(pre-effexor). I am beginning to notice all the little changes.
Posted by CaptainD500 on June 14, 2003, at 23:51:45
In reply to Re: My Story Day 13, posted by Rickey on June 14, 2003, at 19:21:45
I can definitly relate to your situation "it is the little things that really got to me". For years I have had a "hair trigger", getting angry at the least little thing. The Effexor XR has really helped stablize my mood (better than the Paxil I used to take), although the side effects are quite annoying, mostly fatigue and lethargy, but I'm hoping they will pass.
Posted by zinya on June 15, 2003, at 2:36:53
In reply to Re: My Story Day 13 » Rickey, posted by CaptainD500 on June 14, 2003, at 23:51:45
Greetings, Captain
I'm curious: What level are you on now (dosage i mean)?? I'm asking because of the lethargy you mentioned...
I relate too to what both you and Rickey have said about, to use your word, "hair trigger" situations... For me, one has become computer problems... I've always been a good troubleshooter/problem-solver, but in recent years, when i start getting mechanical or certain kinds of computer system problems, i rather readily enter a state of anxiety or something that just blocks my problem-solving and me have to walk away cuz it becomes "too much" ... in a way that always feels 'out of sync' with what i'm really thinking, but something sort of 'takes over' that is very counterproductive...
Posted by CaptainD500 on June 15, 2003, at 15:25:48
In reply to Re: My Story Day 13 » CaptainD500, posted by zinya on June 15, 2003, at 2:36:53
Hello Zinya. I am currently on 150 mg, for about a week now. I was on 75mg it was doing fair, so my pdoc said that 150mg would work better for me. I have been told by others that the side effects should wear off in a few weeks, seems like a long time.
I have also had my share of "computer problems" as you have. I admit that I am a typical "computer geek". I can spend hours working on and troubleshooting computers, although sometimes I too have to get up and walk away from it, yet I don't have much patience with people. However, the Effexor XR is helping me in that respect. It keeps my mood stable and under control. Some of my fatigue is my fault also because I tend to stay up too late, like going to bed at 12 midnight and getting up at 4:30am and going to work, not good. As far as the lethargy goes, if I stay busy and keep my mind active, I can work through it. But if I stop and sit too long, sometimes I crash and burn, know what I mean. Anyway, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. :)
Hang in there, Zinya.
Posted by zinya on June 15, 2003, at 17:44:57
In reply to Re: My Story Day 13 » zinya, posted by CaptainD500 on June 15, 2003, at 15:25:48
:)))
Hi Cap,
yes, indeed i do know whatcha mean...
Has your doc told you too that the 150 mg level will mean that the adrenalin system effects will kick in? That was exactly why i asked about the level, and given that you've only been at the dose alleged to begin the adrenalin effects for a week, it would be my hope for you (and vicariously for me too) that you might start seeing soon a better regulating of the energy mechanisms that adrenals impact...
Speaking of which, if you're reading this, Dr. Bob's assistant who mentioned a 'monograph' yesterday about the issue of higher dosage level effects, or if anyone else knows, where would i find that monograph?
I don't think i've seen it.Enjoying reading you, Cap. And i'm stickin' to that too
z
Posted by bgbham on June 15, 2003, at 22:21:09
In reply to Re: My Story Day 13 » CaptainD500, posted by zinya on June 15, 2003, at 17:44:57
> Cap and all, I may or may not be the one of us at the highest dose of eff. From what I have read and recall, I don't remember anyone saying they took 375mg per day. I can't speak to the adrenalin much,my 150 dose was a bit ago, and well, I have been depressed. My memory pre hospital and thus meds, is not real clear.
Not much ativity on the site today, hope everyone is ok.
Brian
:)))
>
> Hi Cap,
>
> yes, indeed i do know whatcha mean...
>
> Has your doc told you too that the 150 mg level will mean that the adrenalin system effects will kick in? That was exactly why i asked about the level, and given that you've only been at the dose alleged to begin the adrenalin effects for a week, it would be my hope for you (and vicariously for me too) that you might start seeing soon a better regulating of the energy mechanisms that adrenals impact...
>
> Speaking of which, if you're reading this, Dr. Bob's assistant who mentioned a 'monograph' yesterday about the issue of higher dosage level effects, or if anyone else knows, where would i find that monograph?
> I don't think i've seen it.
>
> Enjoying reading you, Cap. And i'm stickin' to that too
> z
Posted by CaptainD500 on June 15, 2003, at 22:27:59
In reply to Re: My Story Day 13 » CaptainD500, posted by zinya on June 15, 2003, at 17:44:57
Hi z
That's interesting what you said "that the 150 mg level will mean that the adrenalin system effects will kick in". I didn't know that. I need to make an appointment and ask him a few questions. I have actually had a pretty good day today, not feeling quite so tired, although I did have to take a little nap around 5 this afternoon, but after that, I went for a long walk and feel ok. I just hope now that I can get to sleep at a decent time.
As far as the monograph goes, I have not heard about it, but I would be interested in reading it.
Later.......
Cap
Posted by Napaba on June 16, 2003, at 8:34:00
In reply to Re: Does everyone on Effexor gain weight? » kalypsa, posted by Paco on June 13, 2003, at 20:30:49
I lost 34 pounds in 3 months on Effexor.
Depends on the person. My weight has not changed a bit.
>
> > I've just been reading all the posts about weight gain and am freaking out now. I've been on Effexor XR for almost 3 weeks and haven't gained any weight, but I'm worried that it's only because I haven't been on it very long.
> >
> > One poster said it slows down your metabolism - does it do this for everyone or does it depend on the person? Help!
>
>
Posted by Capri on June 16, 2003, at 17:52:26
In reply to Re: I am scared of this medicine, HELP ME!, posted by Susy on June 13, 2003, at 22:46:07
> Hi, I been taking Xanax for years also and lately I've been feeling like I don't have energy to do anything but still, I feel agitated inside.
> My pdoc gave me Paxil and recommend that I take it along with Xanax to overcome Paxil's side effects. I am scared...whenever I read the instructions it says not to take an AD with a Tranquilizer, have anyone of you do it before?
> By the way...I took Paxil alone and I experienced the strongest panic attack I ever had!
> Please help me with your experiences.
>
> Susy
Hi Susy,
I was on Paxil 4 years ago and took Klonopin for the first week or so to offset the side effects. Doc and pharmacist both recommended it. I never heard of not taking them today. They work quite well. By the way, I'm super sensitive to meds and I wasn't afraid to take AD's as long as I can take a "benzo" to offset the initial side effects. Go for it and feel good again!
Capri
Posted by zinya on June 16, 2003, at 18:08:18
In reply to Re: monitoring what we say, posted by stjames on June 14, 2003, at 14:34:46
Thanks. I'm sure i've forgotten things from when i first joined this site back in December.
Would that include access to knowing where this monograph is you mention?
Please direct me to it. Seems some others here would be interested too ... and forgive me if i'm not adequately brainstorming how to track it down on my own [my excuse for today will be a 36-hr-and-counting headache that's a bit of a killer :)]
Thanks!
Posted by zinya on June 16, 2003, at 18:17:37
In reply to Re: My Story Day 13 » zinya, posted by CaptainD500 on June 15, 2003, at 22:27:59
Hi all,
After four days or so last week of virtually no side effects at my new level (starting 9 days ago), since Sat. two things, one new, another too familiar have kicked in.
The new one is a degree and type of sweating that for me is totally unprecedented. I actually had thought i was going to make it out Sat. night to an event that had some anxieties going for it but was rallying to feel fairly calm about the whole thing, and got dressed up to go. But then before leaving the house, for whatever reason, i started sweating over my whole body - but my skin was clammy and cool ... It persisted to such an extent i had to get out of the clothes, give up the outing and eventually after some hours it eased somewhat. But then Sunday i went out in the afternoon for some errands, with no anxiety whatsoever to explain anything and not 'dressed up' but the cold-sweating and clammy skin happened again and remained for some hours back home too...
Is this familiar to any of you? and a plausible side effect of effexor? I hadn't had this one yet if so.
Meanwhile, i've had a horrid left-temple headache recur, something i've gotten before (pre-Effexor) and usually lasts 2-3 days, now already on the 2nd, and nothing helps, not vicodin or anything else i know to make it go away. aargh. But this is why i've disappeared for a bit.
zinya
Posted by stjames on June 16, 2003, at 18:23:47
In reply to Re: monitoring what we say » stjames, posted by zinya on June 16, 2003, at 18:08:18
> Would that include access to knowing where this monograph is you mention?
Use google, search for drug name and monograph
Posted by worrier on June 16, 2003, at 19:49:46
In reply to Re: I am scared of this medicine, HELP ME!, posted by Susy on June 13, 2003, at 22:46:07
> Hi, I been taking Xanax for years also and lately I've been feeling like I don't have energy to do anything but still, I feel agitated inside.
> My pdoc gave me Paxil and recommend that I take it along with Xanax to overcome Paxil's side effects. I am scared...whenever I read the instructions it says not to take an AD with a Tranquilizer, have anyone of you do it before?
> By the way...I took Paxil alone and I experienced the strongest panic attack I ever had!
> Please help me with your experiences.
>
> Susy>Susy, you are by no means alone. I also took paxil (after trying Prozac and Welbutrin which I thought had bad side effects) But the Paxil just about killed me...I had the most severe panic attack I have ever had...imagine your worst one and multiply it by a million. I went to the ER the next day, as the symptoms had only subsided a tiny bit...the ER doc gave me xanax and sent me back to my MD (who was the one who prescribed all the other meds including paxil) She said I was experiencing "breakthrough anxiety" and needed to increase my paxil dose. I did like an idiot and things went to hell fast...uncontrollable tremors,vomiting,sweating,agitation so severe I literally paced the floor all night or went for long walks outside (I live oon an 80 acre farm,so I had lots of room to pace). I finally realized I had to do something or die. Got in quickly to a pdoc who recognized my symptoms as a serotonin storm caused by the paxil. That was a year ago. Like you I'm still taking xanax, but the internal agitation/anxiety still remain.(By the way, before this I "only " had panic attacks, not this generalized agitation/anxiety. I just started taking xanax ER 2mg once a day...it's alot smoother than the regular xanax, no peaks and valleys and it has helped somewhat more, but still that internal feeling remains. My pdoc has suggested that I start on a tiny dose of zoloft with the xanax. Needless to say I am scared silly to try another SSRI, but he feels that in a very small dose (starting with 12.5mg) may help with the agitation. He does stress the need for a very small dose and caution if/when we increase the dose. He at least is very aware that people with panic/anxiety need to be extremely careful with these drugs. To make a short story even longer than I already have, you might want to give the combo a shot...knowing you've got the xanax in case the panic happens again should be of some comfort. Easy for me to say as I have not yet worked up the nerve to try the zoloft. Good luck to you and let me know how it goes. Worrier
Posted by sierra1 on June 16, 2003, at 20:48:28
In reply to new symptom: inordinate sweating!!, posted by zinya on June 16, 2003, at 18:17:37
hi zinya:
I have sweated terrible since day 1 of effexor. My hair looks as though i've just come out of the shower. It just drips off me. I have been on effexor for 4 and a half weeks and the sweating has not let up. this goes on during the day and night. I have to wear a towel around my neck at work to catch the drips.....
I hope it will end but who knows????????????? I try to avoid situations because of it too, no one else sweats that much. i hope it helps knowing someone else if feeling it too....lynn
Posted by Susy on June 16, 2003, at 23:10:28
In reply to Re: I am scared of this medicine, HELP ME!, posted by Capri on June 16, 2003, at 17:52:26
> Hi again; Capri, Worrier, you guys have no idea of how greatfull I am with your comments. It really makes me feel that I am not alone, It's just that my life had changed so completely bad, I am not even able to work anymore =( always feeling this lack of energy, this agitation and worryness about everything and the worst thing I am also super sensitive to meds, the first time happen with an antibiotic I took and I experienced a really bad panic attack or something else, I don't know an awfull reaction and then again with Paxil and by the way with Paxil I was also very stoned, like If I took and LSD or something like that, I wasn't even able to coordinate my own thoughts; since then, I've developed some kind of paranoia to medications or any kind of drugs; say alcohol, mariguana, etc...... because I still smoke tobaco.
Well, thanks a lot for your support, hopefully one day I can be the way I just to be at least 3 years ago.
>
> Hi Susy,
> I was on Paxil 4 years ago and took Klonopin for the first week or so to offset the side effects. Doc and pharmacist both recommended it. I never heard of not taking them today. They work quite well. By the way, I'm super sensitive to meds and I wasn't afraid to take AD's as long as I can take a "benzo" to offset the initial side effects. Go for it and feel good again!
> Capri
>
Posted by Rickey on June 17, 2003, at 4:11:30
In reply to new symptom: inordinate sweating!!, posted by zinya on June 16, 2003, at 18:17:37
Had the same problem for about the first week..has since stopped.
Posted by Shari H. on June 17, 2003, at 7:44:15
In reply to new symptom: inordinate sweating!!, posted by zinya on June 16, 2003, at 18:17:37
Yes, sweating was a side effect for me especially at the beginning. Mine cam mostly in the form of night sweats. I would wake up in the middle of the night needing to completely change evrything I was wearing. I have been on Effexor for 15 months now and it hasen't happened in awhile (about a year) so it should go away after a few months once your body adapts.
Posted by StefL on June 17, 2003, at 16:37:36
In reply to Re: I am scared of this medicine, HELP ME!, posted by Susy on June 13, 2003, at 22:46:07
Hi all, new to this group & new to the med game. I was on Lexapro for depression, got so agitated I was loosing it! New doc lead to bipolar diagnosis. She dropped me down to .5mg of the Lexapro & started me on Trileptal. After 2 weeks, not feeling any better & not sleeping well, she upped me to 900mg Trileptal. But she also added Ambien & Abilify at the same time. Having never heard of Abilify, started to search the web & found you guys! But most of what I read about it scared me! Last night was my first PM with the higher Trileptal dose & both the Ambian & Abilify. I thought that was a little much to start new all at one time, but that's what the doc said! Last night I felt light headed & shakey. And today I still do, but I feel more sick to my stomach than anything! It's so awful I could barely drive & actually got pulled over this morning! The doc says stick with it. Any advice? Anyone had similar med combos? I'd appreciate anything anyone can offer on this topic! Thanks for your time! StefL
Posted by zinya on June 17, 2003, at 17:30:28
In reply to Re: new symptom: inordinate sweating!!, posted by Shari H. on June 17, 2003, at 7:44:15
thanks to all of you for responding!
Indeed, Shari, just last night a new wrinkle got added to my symptoms, one that would seem to fall into your experience, except for one variation:
Last night i fell asleep at an hour i *never* fall asleep, which was in advance of taking my pill. I had still been dealing with sweats off and on yesterday and evening (plus a nonstop 2-day left-temple damnable headache), but when I awoke from this inadvertent "nap" it was 3:45 in the morning, completely damp, sheets, nightshirt, me... ugh! when i returned to bed, only by fluke, thinking about it being the first time sweating had awakened me, it dawned on me that i'd failed to take my Effexor, about 4-5 hours overdue. I know posters have said here that if they miss a dose by 3 hrs or more, they start to feel side effects. I immediately took my dose but wondered if the sweating-myself-awake had actually been a *withdrawal* effect rather than a regular side effect getting more pronounced with time (since it just started last Sat.)
But my guess now from reading your post is that you would wager it was not so much withdrawal (the 5-hour delay) as it was a part of the process of adapting to the drug. Is that right, Shari? Or anyone?
It's also most reassuring to here that it passes. I've already had more than enough of this side effect, even though there's no pain involved and should seem 'harmless' it sure makes even the prospect of socializing all the more remote.
At least, knock on wood, the 2-day headache seems gone today.
wishing you all okay,
zinya
Posted by brian green on June 17, 2003, at 17:49:05
In reply to New needing help!, posted by StefL on June 17, 2003, at 16:37:36
Hi stef, no experience with those except the Ambien. Interested to hear more about the rediagnose to bipolar.
Brian
Posted by NThompson on June 17, 2003, at 19:41:21
In reply to Re: My First Day on Effexor » NThompson, posted by zinya on June 14, 2003, at 12:50:25
Thank you for the words of incouragement. Today is day five and my effexor has been raised to 75mg along with the paxil 25mg. I think I am doing okay. Still don't quite like who and what I see in the mirror yet, but I'm getting there. I still feel guilty for what I have done and that means everything! But I want to be here. And my husband, well, he is awesome. For him to love me so much that he is still with me... he is helping me in every way, shape and form. From doing all of the bills with me, calling me from work to see if I'm alright, to asking me how my day was when he gets home, to helping with kids and house work. On top of that, he compliments me and tells me how much he loves and needs me in his life. We are communicating great now. I actually feel like I can talk to him! Before when I was hiding everything I would purposely get into arguements so he wouldn't talk to me. Just incase the topic came to the bank account or bills. Now, it is great. We have spent hours talking. I understand that he doesn't trust me with the account and bills anymore and he's still angry about me lying and hiding things from him, but he doesn't remind me of it. That's not something he is harping on. He just wants to help me feel and get better. We are even going away this weekend to Carson City, NV, just us, no kids! We have some friends going for the amature car races and they have a room at a hotel that we are staying in--really nice of them to share. All we have to worry about is gas and food. I can't wait.
I appreciate your words of incouragement. I like talking to someone who really knows what I feel like. You seem so sweet, thank you.
Write me again, anytime!
Nyia
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