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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by zinya on July 16, 2003, at 14:39:02
In reply to whats everyone paying for Effexor XR, posted by redman on July 15, 2003, at 20:08:56
That sounds about right without insurance (which i don't have now either) but it might be a little high. I go to Costco (which of course means $40 a year to join but their prescription prices are enough better that it's worth it in long run) and i just paid $80 for 30 Effexor 150 mg (just to let you know, the mg. levels don't effect the price much - you pay almost as much for 30 at 37.5 mg as you do for 30 at 75 mg or 150 mg.
What's odd to me is that your prescription was for 60 capsules at the 37.5 mg level. Didn't your md. give you a starter pac for the first month's capsules? And does he/she think you only need that 37.5 level as a long-term level? Most people only stay at 37.5 for a week or two and then go to 75.
This may depend on your diagnosis as to what you're taking them for and what level is then appropriate.
hope this helps,
z.> Whats everyonr paying for effexor XR . I'm paying $174.00 for 60 37.5 ..Is that to much?
Posted by zinya on July 16, 2003, at 15:13:26
In reply to seizure-like jolt on effexor?, posted by bookgurl99 on July 16, 2003, at 8:28:27
Are you taking it on a pretty full stomach?
I find that when I am at a new level, it's usually actually days 2-4 that i notice the most side effects but then they pass so you might want to give it a week at the same level before starting to draw conclusions, unless of course you have some SE that is too frightening or intolerable.
It also could be that, while nightime is best for me, some people here have to take their Effexor in the a.m. If the jolts bother your sleep too much (but it sounds like you slept well after they passed?), then that is an option too, to shift time of day.
(By the way, you may have read my post to mercedes about migraines - i was the first one who responded to her symptoms by saying it reminded me of my own migraines in my 20's, and the 2nd one was a hemiplegic with temporary loss of verbal skills and motor too... In those days (the 70's), the only prescrips were cafergot for onset and periactin on daily basis... I used to get a clue one was coming cuz i'd start getting what we now call dyslexic (like adding numbers in my checkbook and instead of writing 19, i'd write 91, etc)... For me, in retrospect, it seems like it was hugely a factor of stress. I was in a horrible marriage (worse than I was admitting to myself as i struggled to try to make it work, and when i left after 6 years (having migraines chronically for the last 4 of the 6 yrs), i had the last migraine about a week later, after having to recount the history of my marriage to a friend of his trying to get me to return and i felt i had to make him understand (what he wound up instead was to say my story had made him realize how much he needed to change his own ways in his marriage) .. After that 5-hour talk, i had a 3-day migraine but it was the last one i ever had. I think unverbalized stress is a real 'killer" and must have been at least a factor in my own ... But of course there are genetic and other predispositions and i'm not suggesting it's all just stress or for some people may not be related to stress at all (although for each of us stress does its own damage).
One other thing: In '93, I was on Depakote and had a reaction much like Mercedes'. I only stayed on it for 5 months even cuz they swtiched pdocs on me in the middle and the new one insisted i give it longer to see his own observations, but finally after 5 months i just quit. It was making me feel logey until noon every day no matter how early in the evening i took it before bed, and it was not relieving anything i took it for. But it did not have what i would call "horrible" side effects. Like every one of these ad's, i'm sure it's totally variable by person. IF it turns out that Effexor doesn't work for you and your pdoc has some good reason to think Depakote suits your diagnosis, I wouldn't assume that its side effects would necessarily be any worse than any other. It's just so individual, that much is clear from the months of reading others on this website.
good luck!
zinya
Posted by Bridget on July 16, 2003, at 15:19:47
In reply to Re: whats everyone paying for Effexor XR » redman, posted by zinya on July 16, 2003, at 14:39:02
I have Pacific Care insurance and I have a 20.00 co-pay?.Does your insurance not cover it?
Posted by KimberlyDi on July 16, 2003, at 15:29:47
In reply to Re: Hi everyone Zinya, Susy, Kimberly, Mercedes, posted by CherC68 on July 16, 2003, at 9:10:58
Oh Cher, it's great to hear from you. If your hands hurt too much, use the eraser end of a pencil to peck out one letter at a time! My husband types slower than that with all 10 fingers!
Let me bore your ears with my ordeal today. The DENTIST. da da da dummmm. I have a phobia of dentists that I *thought* I had overcome... getting to the point of needing only laughing gas. There I was in the waiting room (they were behind schedule as usual), getting more agitated by the minute. When they gave me the laughing gas, it wasn't helping. By the time he gave me the shots of novacain, I was shaking, my heart was racing, and I could hardly breathe. I thought I was going to have a heart attack. It was awful because I couldn't control my body's panicked reaction. I couldn't even take deep slow breathes because I couldn't exhale correctly. It was ragged and that alone scared me. I need to talk to my pdoc about alternatives. She won't prescribe benzo's because I'm a non-practicing alcoholic. I survived the ordeal but it has taken me all day to calm down.
Chin-up. There will always be trials and tribulations. Everyday presents new hurdles. We're here for ya! {{{{{hugs}}}}}}}
KDi in Texas
Posted by Susy on July 16, 2003, at 16:01:31
In reply to Re: Hi everyone Zinya, Susy, Kimberly, Mercedes » CherC68, posted by KimberlyDi on July 16, 2003, at 15:29:47
> Oh Cher, it's great to hear from you. If your hands hurt too much, use the eraser end of a pencil to peck out one letter at a time! My husband types slower than that with all 10 fingers!
>
> Let me bore your ears with my ordeal today. The DENTIST. da da da dummmm. I have a phobia of dentists that I *thought* I had overcome... getting to the point of needing only laughing gas. There I was in the waiting room (they were behind schedule as usual), getting more agitated by the minute. When they gave me the laughing gas, it wasn't helping. By the time he gave me the shots of novacain, I was shaking, my heart was racing, and I could hardly breathe. I thought I was going to have a heart attack. It was awful because I couldn't control my body's panicked reaction. I couldn't even take deep slow breathes because I couldn't exhale correctly. It was ragged and that alone scared me. I need to talk to my pdoc about alternatives. She won't prescribe benzo's because I'm a non-practicing alcoholic. I survived the ordeal but it has taken me all day to calm down.
>
> Chin-up. There will always be trials and tribulations. Everyday presents new hurdles. We're here for ya! {{{{{hugs}}}}}}}
> KDi in Texas
Hi to everybody, I have short time now, I have to live in 5 mins. But I will come back in the night to answer Zinya, Mercedes and dear Cher, Cher I do envy you!!!!!!
KDI it happened exactly the same to me when I went to the Dentist I am still dealing everyday with this teeth bothering me and I can't find the courage to go ahead and take it out =(
Another thing, I have been taking Xanax for about 4 or 5 years now, it is the only med that help me with my panic attacks since Paxil is too much for me to stand. Just want to let you know, that I am also a non-practicing alcoholic. I haven't drink alcohol for 10 years now. But if you suffer anxiety and panic attacks you do have to take something, believe me it is not ease to have an overdose with benzo's about the addictive factor,well a lot of people with not alcoholic past have been taking it for more than 10 years!!!Hopefully you understand me and my terrible English didn't bother you.
Got to go now,
Susy
Posted by mercedes on July 16, 2003, at 16:58:55
In reply to Re: Hi everyone Zinya, Susy, Kimberly, Mercedes, posted by CherC68 on July 16, 2003, at 9:10:58
Cher, I was so worried about you. I was concerned that I had caused you to not write cuz I mentioned you probably did not "submit" on those two blank postings. I said to myself, "Self, she probably killed herself and I'm to blame cause I'm the last one that wrote to her". I really did! It's a horrible thought. I've blamed myself for so many things in my life. Good thing that therapy helped. Well I was so glad to see your name. CHER! I love you, you're back! I'm so happy. Like everyone says, you just keep on writing and keep us informed of how you are doing. I congrat you on still working while feeling the way you do. I'm not working now but did for a long time when i had so many symtoms.
Back to business, I had that eye twitch up until a year ago. However, it goes away with the xanex. When my eyes were tired from working on the computer or I just felt nervous about a deadline or something, my eye started twitching and it actually was a reminder that it was time to take my xanex cause sometimes when working I would get so involved in a project that I would forget to take my dose. It was like an alarm clock to me. It's time....twitch, twitch. It's so irritating. I know what you mean. It is sometimes caused by eye strain. Try to rest your eyes and put a cool compress on them. This might help. Ever try the cucumber thing? Me neither.
Anyway, I missed you and now can rest assured that I didn't kill you. :)
Huggggggs, mercedes
Posted by mercedes on July 16, 2003, at 17:08:41
In reply to seizure-like jolt on effexor?, posted by bookgurl99 on July 16, 2003, at 8:28:27
I had those jolts but in my awake hours. If I'm not mistaken, they are a side effect. I only remember having them in the begining or when I started on 75 mgs. Think I only had them on one or two occasions. They go away. not to worry.
Mercedes
********************
> > Starting effexor xr 37.5 mgs today for migraine prevention. Watching this thread.
> >
> >
>
> Started effexor last night. Had 3 seizure-like jolts in bed. One just my head twitching back and forth, one my spine jumping, very electrical feeling, and one my shoulders and arms, which was very frightening. it's almost like the normal falling-asleep jolts, except electrified.
>
> I woke up today feeling like my body really likes this med -- i can feel the back of my neck not wanting to go into migraine; i'm having slightly less optical migraine than usual. so i don't want to give it up if i don't have to.
>
> i'm calling my dr.
>
> has anyone else experienced this, and if so, did it go away with time?
>
>
Posted by mercedes on July 16, 2003, at 17:39:48
In reply to Re: Hi everyone Zinya, Susy, Kimberly, Mercedes » CherC68, posted by KimberlyDi on July 16, 2003, at 15:29:47
Kim, I had a similar reaction last year at the dentist. No laughing gas though, I was going straight for the needle. Anyway, I've always enjoyed the dentist, at times falling asleep while they so thier thing. Anyway, this one time I went, I was on Depakote at the time and with Depakote, you have to tell the dentist you are taking this med. Anyway, he shot me and in 2 seconds, the left side of my body was shaking uncontrolably (gosh, wish they had spell check on here). Anyway, I think my eyes got as big as golf balls. The dentist asked if I was ok. Yea right! I just kept shaking, my hand, arm, leg, not trembling, I was shaking about 10 inches up, down & sideways..I thought I was going to die for sure.
This shaking lasted what seemed to be about 5 min. He kept telling me to breath, easy for him to say. He told me it was a reaction to the novocain and the nerve he hit with the needle. My next visit, I was so scared, but nothing happened. I took my nap as usual.Pls keep sharing your stories. They are not boring at all. Luv to hear them.
Mercedes in CA
**********************
Let me bore your ears with my ordeal today. The DENTIST. da da da dummmm. I have a phobia of dentists that I *thought* I had overcome... getting to the point of needing only laughing gas. There I was in the waiting room (they were behind schedule as usual), getting more agitated by the minute. When they gave me the laughing gas, it wasn't helping. By the time he gave me the shots of novacain, I was shaking, my heart was racing, and I could hardly breathe. I thought I was going to have a heart attack. It was awful because I couldn't control my body's panicked reaction. I couldn't even take deep slow breathes because I couldn't exhale correctly. It was ragged and that alone scared me. I need to talk to my pdoc about alternatives. She won't prescribe benzo's because I'm a non-practicing alcoholic. I survived the ordeal but it has taken me all day to calm down.Chin-up. There will always be trials and tribulations. Everyday presents new hurdles. We're here for ya! {{{{{hugs}}}}}}}
KDi in Texas
Posted by bookgurl99 on July 16, 2003, at 23:45:32
In reply to Re: seizure-like jolt on effexor? » bookgurl99, posted by zinya on July 16, 2003, at 15:13:26
>>For me, in retrospect, it seems like it was hugely a factor of stress. . . .i had the last migraine about a week later.. After that 5-hour talk, i had a 3-day migraine but it was the last one i ever had.
This is so fascinating. And it suggests that things may change for me in the future.
I think part of the problem here, on top of genetic predisposition, may be my job. I look at a computer for 10-1/2 hours at my position at a relay operator, and the work environment is quite negative.
But, when I just took Zoloft earlier this year (quit for side effects of out-of-it-ifness, poor short term memory, and eating like an elephant), I did well for long periods of time with no serious attacks. So we'll see; part of it is medical.
I also had a major headache/migraine on effexor today. First day on, you know? Not sure if it's worth risking again -- the last few migraines left quite a bit of residual 'damage' I'd like to see repaired.
Posted by CherC68 on July 16, 2003, at 23:49:51
In reply to Re: Dentist the shakes » KimberlyDi, posted by mercedes on July 16, 2003, at 17:39:48
HI everyone - thank you for the wonderful thoughts everyone!
Well, its 12:00 a.m. and at 9:00 a.m. I go back to the Dentist for scaling on my left side (deep cleaning - hurts though) and I have another old cavity from when I was 11 years old that needs to be redone - more drilling. Monday I had my right side done and its still sore. So, I'm very afraid. I will take a xanax like I did Monday (.25 mg). I will get gas like last time and then the jell and then the novacain (ouch) - the shot hurts worse than anything to me - even with all the meds.
My niece is very sweet, etc. but sometimes she's a bit pushy (14 yrs) and wants me to take her to Old Navy & Bath & whatever its called after the Dentist.
At 2:00 p.m. I meet the hand surgeon, and will find out when or if I'm having surgery on my hands and which hand is first.
Great News my mother and I share the same Internist (the one that won't give out Xanax also the one who put me on Zoloft and Effexor XR) - well, he's leaving the friggin clinic. He's the one that wants me to see a PDoc - but the clinic only has a therapists - so no xanax - thank god my friend gave me an entire prescription of 30.
Well, of course, the hands are hurting and I'm so happy to have met all of you. Mercedes, the bright new future, Kimberly, strong and always there, Sweetest Susy and of course, Zinya, the one who cares so much for everyone and is there for all and yet is also hurting.
Very happy thoughts are coming out to all of you, good night and will write more when I can.
I hope you all get peace and happiness.
Hugs & Love,
Cher
Posted by bookgurl99 on July 16, 2003, at 23:52:17
In reply to Re: migraines//stress, posted by bookgurl99 on July 16, 2003, at 23:45:32
First day on effexor xr 37.5 mgs.
Major HEADACHE. This is a stressor for me as I was just dx'd with Familial hemiplegic migraine, and want to avoid all headaches -- they rob IQ points for me!
Does this headache go away, or is it an indicator of problems ahead?
books
Posted by Susy on July 17, 2003, at 10:16:58
In reply to Re: Dentist the shakes - tomorrow » mercedes, posted by CherC68 on July 16, 2003, at 23:50:37
Just here to say hi to everyone. Cher you scare me your post looked like if you were saying good bye and I said nooooo you can not go now that I finally found someone like you, hopefuly you will be able to keep typing a little everyday? It makes us all feel better when you are here.
Mercedes, Kim, Zinya, sorry I was reading the posts whenever I had a chance and I don't know if I missed something, yesterday was not one of my best days with a headache all day and my heart pounding like crazy even though I took my Xanex every 5 hours. I don't even know how I did all the things I did. I think I will make an appointment with the only Dr. I know, the one that last time didn't want to give me more Xanex, but I just have like 2 more pills left. =(
I will see if he can referral (sorry my speling)
to a Psiquiatry or to a County Hospital,because they don't give me attention there unless I am referred or in emergencies. I will tell you later.
Hugs, Susy
Posted by KimberlyDi on July 17, 2003, at 11:27:20
In reply to seizure-like jolt on effexor?, posted by bookgurl99 on July 16, 2003, at 8:28:27
I experienced seizure-like jolts when I first began Effexor. They occurred at nighttime and seemed to affect my arms & legs. The would wake me up immediately when my leg or foot kicked out. I hope I never hit my husband! LOL. I jolted awake for several nights but they faded away for me. I hope you have the same luck!
KDi in Texas
>
> Started effexor last night. Had 3 seizure-like jolts in bed. One just my head twitching back and forth, one my spine jumping, very electrical feeling, and one my shoulders and arms, which was very frightening. it's almost like the normal falling-asleep jolts, except electrified.
>
> I woke up today feeling like my body really likes this med -- i can feel the back of my neck not wanting to go into migraine; i'm having slightly less optical migraine than usual. so i don't want to give it up if i don't have to.
>
> i'm calling my dr.
>
> has anyone else experienced this, and if so, did it go away with time?
>
>
Posted by CherC68 on July 17, 2003, at 13:12:18
In reply to Re: seizure-like jolt on effexor? » bookgurl99, posted by KimberlyDi on July 17, 2003, at 11:27:20
Dear bookgurl99,
I was only on Effexor XR for 6 days but I had the jolts in my legs and arms and my hands were more numb than they usually are with the carpal tunnel, especially when I slept. I also had a lot of electric shock feelings in my head - I heard they go away, but I quit taking it so I'm not sure.
Susy, I think going to a county hospital will help in finding you a doctor for your limited budget, etc. (like most people have) but without insurance I'm sure County will help more.
I'm not going anywhere, I will post whenever I can - but I do read daily the posts.
I am back from the dentist and I got numbed up so much that its been four hours and my mouth is still numb.
My hand surgeon appointment is at 2:00 and its almost 1:15 so I need to get a move on, but wanted to check in really quick.
Take Care everyone,
Hugs, Cher
Posted by KimberlyDi on July 17, 2003, at 14:14:33
In reply to Re: Hi everyone Zinya, Susy, Kimberly, Mercedes, posted by Susy on July 16, 2003, at 16:01:31
Sweet Susy! Your English doesn't bother me at all. I can easily figure your typing out, even if you make a slight mistake, i enjoy puzzling out what you are trying to say. By the way, you spell words better than lots of American-Born, American-Schooled people that I work with!
Thanks for sharing about your success in 10 years of being a non-practicing alcoholic and also being able to use benzo's safely. I may talk to my p-doc about it.
I won't be online tonite so I'll see your posts in the morning. Have a wonderful day.
KDi in Texas
>
> Hi to everybody, I have short time now, I have to live in 5 mins. But I will come back in the night to answer Zinya, Mercedes and dear Cher, Cher I do envy you!!!!!!
> KDI it happened exactly the same to me when I went to the Dentist I am still dealing everyday with this teeth bothering me and I can't find the courage to go ahead and take it out =(
> Another thing, I have been taking Xanax for about 4 or 5 years now, it is the only med that help me with my panic attacks since Paxil is too much for me to stand. Just want to let you know, that I am also a non-practicing alcoholic. I haven't drink alcohol for 10 years now. But if you suffer anxiety and panic attacks you do have to take something, believe me it is not ease to have an overdose with benzo's about the addictive factor,well a lot of people with not alcoholic past have been taking it for more than 10 years!!!
>
> Hopefully you understand me and my terrible English didn't bother you.
> Got to go now,
> Susy
>
Posted by CherC68 on July 17, 2003, at 17:49:26
In reply to effexor headache, posted by bookgurl99 on July 16, 2003, at 23:52:17
Has anyone seen Nyia online lately? I'm hoping that maybe things are getting much better for her - but if anyone out there has heard from her, please let me know and let her know I'm thinking about her.
Susy, I think your English is just fine and I totally understand you and I know everyone here also does.
I'm from South Side Chicago and my mother-in-law told me I needed to get some help with my grammar, she said it is quite horrible.
I'm almost Forty and lived in the US all my life. For those of you that know the Chicago Accent - I'm one of d'os type of people - Da Bears, Da Cubs Da Sox Da everything - LOL (sorry a little South Side Chicago humor there.)
book, I'm sorry about your migraines - have you ever tried a dark room and a cold compress on your head and eyes to help? I get Migraines a lot and that's what helps, dark, quiet and actually someone rubbing my head really hard but not jarring helps. I was also told recently that taking a tagament 75 before bed helps prevent headaches - (acid in the stomach i know that much) but I been taking tagament before bed. Because of the frequency of my headaches I've had lots of helpful hints from people - Like Gatoraid is suppose to help - minute you get a headache - drink gatoraid - it replenishes your liquids that helps fight off a migraine.
Just my five cents worth.
Hugs,
Cher
Posted by noa on July 17, 2003, at 17:52:55
In reply to seizure-like jolt on effexor?, posted by bookgurl99 on July 16, 2003, at 8:28:27
Yes, it is called myoclonus. I get that with Effexor, as I did with Paxil. I believe it is due to serotonin stimulating the 5ht2 receptors in the muscles.
To counter it, I take Serzone with the Effexor. Serzone blocks postsynaptic 5ht2 receptors, as I understand it (my neuro understanding is pretty limited). I also take a benzo (ativan) to counter similar SEs--ie, akithisia/restless legs, though this is a bit different than the myoclonus. Some people take Klonopin or Mirapex for leg movements.
Posted by willie on July 17, 2003, at 18:26:13
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Well, I've been observing this website for quite some time now and finally got up the nerve to take part. I've been on Effexor for aprox. 8 months now. I started off at the 37.5 and my doctor has kept me at that dosage. I'm being treated for anxiety primarily although I do have a history of depression.
Since I've been on this drug I've gained 12 pounds. This weight gain is actually what lead me to discover this site. Although not mentioned as one of the side effects of this drug I could not understand why I put this weight on so quickly and could not take it off. I had been to Weight Watchers 3 years ago and have successfully been able to remain at my target weight until I starting taking Effexor. I've also been getting bruises, some as large as a tennis ball which I can't explain. They look painful but aren't. Has anyone else experienced this??
I have approached my doctor with these concerns but he atributes the weight gain to my "relaxed behaviour" from this drug. As for the bruises, he said he didn't feel there was any connection but if I develop any more that he'll run bloodwork.
To be honest with you all, I'm terrified of the withdrawal symptoms people are having on this drug. Has anyone had serious withdrawal from the 37.5 dosage?
I'm not even sure if I'll ever come off this drug to be honest. My life was a prison prior to Effexor. I was basically scared of everything and I believe I was on the path to becoming agoraphobic.
I sympathize with the woman who drove to see her grandchild. Until recently I could only drive myself to and from work. Anywhere else would put me into an anxiety attack.
Anyway, I just wanted to let you all that it was nice to discover people who are going through similar experiences and that there is information and support available.
Willie
Posted by zinya on July 17, 2003, at 18:26:45
In reply to Re: Dentist the shakes - tomorrow, posted by Susy on July 17, 2003, at 10:16:58
Hola Suzy,
I just now heard back from the bereavement counselor I mentioned to you. I'd left her a message yesterday, then we missed each other twice, but she got me now, and she is very happy to have you call her to talk about your situation and the possibility of either your joining one of her own groups or if there might be one even closer to where you live. You recall I was suggesting that this service (which is funded by a grant, you do not have to pay for it at all) is for those grieving a family member, and there are groups particularly dealing with loss of a parent such as you are going through as well as I am.
This counselor's name is Paula, and she's a wonderful, very supportive, very helpful woman who I believe will make you feel very comfortable and at ease immediately. She's very calm, an excellent listener. And she makes a point of returning messages when she knows she has time to give full consideration, not rushed. She told me to have you call her -- her work number is 310-423-9534. You can call her anytime and leave a message if she doesn't answer, with your number and when she could reach you.
Then she'll want to get to know you and your situation somewhat over the phone and then be able to offer some ideas for the best plan.(Her own office -- as part of Cedars Sinai Hospice service -- is on Robertson Blvd. in Beverly Hills, south of 3rd -- and the groups meet in a different building on La Cienega, also south of 3rd. Just to give you an idea already of what part of town she is in herself. She may know of a place closer to you, but I also know I can vouch for her as a wonderful counselor. But you need something that is convenient enough that you don't have extra problems just because of distance. I realize if you come over the mountain, like on Laurel Canyon, it's probably not too far for you, but still, that would be your decision to make.)
I hope this sounds good to you. I truly think it would be better, as I'm sure there is a strong element of your loss of su madre that is intensifying your stress.
sending you abrazos y besos,
zinya> Just here to say hi to everyone. Cher you scare me your post looked like if you were saying good bye and I said nooooo you can not go now that I finally found someone like you, hopefuly you will be able to keep typing a little everyday? It makes us all feel better when you are here.
> Mercedes, Kim, Zinya, sorry I was reading the posts whenever I had a chance and I don't know if I missed something, yesterday was not one of my best days with a headache all day and my heart pounding like crazy even though I took my Xanex every 5 hours. I don't even know how I did all the things I did. I think I will make an appointment with the only Dr. I know, the one that last time didn't want to give me more Xanex, but I just have like 2 more pills left. =(
> I will see if he can referral (sorry my speling)
> to a Psiquiatry or to a County Hospital,because they don't give me attention there unless I am referred or in emergencies. I will tell you later.
> Hugs, Susy
Posted by rdeoldy2 on July 17, 2003, at 19:14:24
In reply to whats everyone paying for Effexor XR, posted by redman on July 15, 2003, at 20:08:56
This is my 4th day on Effexor, 75mg. I am not depressed, but had a hysterectomy when I was 24 and have really bad hot flashes from it. I was on Celexa for the hot flashes, but it stopped working so I was switched to Effexor. I was wondering if anyone else is taking it for his reason?
Christie
Posted by zinya on July 17, 2003, at 20:11:06
In reply to Re: Nyia , Susy, book et. al., posted by CherC68 on July 17, 2003, at 17:49:26
Gosh, what interesting remedies!
but you missed the news we're waiting for: What did the doctor say about your hands? What's your news, kiddo?
In any event, you've gotten through a big day, and i hope you're feeling good about that.
(I on the other hand had my car fail to work and wound up sweating so bad just trying to get it to start -- this sweating business on Effexor is really a pain sometimes -- that when success wasn't coming, i just went back in, got out of clothes asap and canceled both of the day's errands, collapsed in zero energy and some considerable sense of frustration. not a day to feel very productive about, i dare say)
hugs,
zinya
Posted by bori on July 17, 2003, at 21:02:21
In reply to seizure-like jolt on effexor?, posted by bookgurl99 on July 16, 2003, at 8:28:27
Hi,
I am new to this site. I have been having increasing symptoms of anxiety and some OCD like (though not clinical level) symptoms. I also have a history of eating and body image issues. A few years ago I was on prozac and did well on it. My therapist suggested maybe trying it again. However, I also have a vulvar pain issue and some people are taking Effexor XR for that (I guess the part that works on the neuroepinephrine helps with chronic pain). So, I was thinking that if I tried Effexor it might possibly hit two birds with one stone. However, I have heard a lot on this site and my other one about strong side effects on effexor. I didn't have any when on prozac and so am wary to try effexor where prozac worked without all these side effects. Yet, as I said, Effexor could help with pain, and Prozac wouldn't. So, if my anxiety is not severe and it won't necessarily help with the pain, is it worth the risk of all the side effects? Any and all advice is really appreciated.
Thanks!
Bori
Posted by mercedes on July 18, 2003, at 2:42:26
In reply to Effexor XR for menopause?, posted by rdeoldy2 on July 17, 2003, at 19:14:24
Hi Christie
Never heard of effexor being prescribed for hot flashes but it may be. Anyway, I was curious because I too had a hysterectomy about 6 years ago and took premarin for about 4 yrs then stopped it altogether when the hot flashes stopped and when the news came out that premarin may be linked to cancer, etc. etc.So I pulled out the information that comes with my effexor xr. I order my meds from Medcohealth (mail order) and this is what it says about the use of effexor xr caps, first of all it says the standard drug name is venlafaxine but the prescription name is Effexor XR. (The last paragraph may apply to you, I don't know.) Here goes:
"What is Venlafaxine?
Venlafaxine is an antidepressant medication. It affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression.Venlafaxine is used to releive symptoms of depression such as feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or guilt; loss of interest in daily activities; changes in appetite; tiredness; sleeping too much; insomnia; and thoughts of death or suicide. Venlafaxine is also used to releive symtoms of generalized anxiety disorder.
Venlafaxine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide."
It might be a good idea to do more research on it. If I have time, I'll look it up. OH, the one thing I wanted to mention is that one of the side effects of effexor is 'sweating'. I think alot of us have the sweating SE. Hot flashes and sweating...Yiks! Whatever you do, don't stop taking it until you consult your Dr. Good Luck and let's see of anyone else comments.
Mercedes
*******************************
> This is my 4th day on Effexor, 75mg. I am not depressed, but had a hysterectomy when I was 24 and have really bad hot flashes from it. I was on Celexa for the hot flashes, but it stopped working so I was switched to Effexor. I was wondering if anyone else is taking it for his reason?
>
> Christie
Posted by willie on July 18, 2003, at 7:10:19
In reply to thinking about effexor - need advice, posted by bori on July 17, 2003, at 21:02:21
>Hi Bori. Although there are side effects to Effexor, I would suggest trying it. I also suffer from OCD. Like you, not to the point where I'd need clinical treatment. The only real side effect I can remember when I began taking it is the lack of sexual sensation. I wanted sex but my body seemed "numb" to touch so it very frustrating for a while. Even through that period I felt so good emotionally that I was prepared to live with that side effect. Fortunately, it went away after being on the drug for aprox. 5 weeks.
I must admit that I still find myself doing some OCD like checking and re-checking my credit cards but I don't get out of bed to re-check that I've locked the door anymore. I was to the point where I would basically body-check my door to ensure it was locked.
I've never been on any other Anti-depressants so unfortunately I have nothing to compare Effexor to. I just know that it has enhanced my life.
WillieHi,
>
> I am new to this site. I have been having increasing symptoms of anxiety and some OCD like (though not clinical level) symptoms. I also have a history of eating and body image issues. A few years ago I was on prozac and did well on it. My therapist suggested maybe trying it again. However, I also have a vulvar pain issue and some people are taking Effexor XR for that (I guess the part that works on the neuroepinephrine helps with chronic pain). So, I was thinking that if I tried Effexor it might possibly hit two birds with one stone. However, I have heard a lot on this site and my other one about strong side effects on effexor. I didn't have any when on prozac and so am wary to try effexor where prozac worked without all these side effects. Yet, as I said, Effexor could help with pain, and Prozac wouldn't. So, if my anxiety is not severe and it won't necessarily help with the pain, is it worth the risk of all the side effects? Any and all advice is really appreciated.
>
> Thanks!
> Bori
Posted by KimberlyDi on July 18, 2003, at 8:39:12
In reply to thinking about effexor - need advice, posted by bori on July 17, 2003, at 21:02:21
Welcome to Psycho-Babble!
Effexor was a lifesaver for me. Bottom line, if it works for you, the side effects (SE's) are more than worth it. If Effexor doesn't work, then the SE's aren't worth it. Sure, I'm worried about withdrawal when I finally stop taking it. But at this moment, I have no plan to stop. I'm finally living life free of constant anxiety and overwhelming stress. That's a blessing. The chronic pain issue, I can't help you on that. But others can.
Good luck!
KDi in Texas> Hi,
>
> I am new to this site. I have been having increasing symptoms of anxiety and some OCD like (though not clinical level) symptoms. I also have a history of eating and body image issues. A few years ago I was on prozac and did well on it. My therapist suggested maybe trying it again. However, I also have a vulvar pain issue and some people are taking Effexor XR for that (I guess the part that works on the neuroepinephrine helps with chronic pain). So, I was thinking that if I tried Effexor it might possibly hit two birds with one stone. However, I have heard a lot on this site and my other one about strong side effects on effexor. I didn't have any when on prozac and so am wary to try effexor where prozac worked without all these side effects. Yet, as I said, Effexor could help with pain, and Prozac wouldn't. So, if my anxiety is not severe and it won't necessarily help with the pain, is it worth the risk of all the side effects? Any and all advice is really appreciated.
>
> Thanks!
> Bori
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