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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 4613 to 4637 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by bookgurl99 on July 19, 2003, at 16:30:54
In reply to PLEASE GIVE ADVICE, posted by tmgirl on July 19, 2003, at 0:17:48
TM,
What are your symptoms? Are they more physical than mental? If you're feeling physically tired, etc., then maybe you have a health condition underlying these feelings of low motivation.
I used to feel like that -- old before my time -- and got diagnosed with a thyroid disorder. Being treated for that helped my quality of life a lot.
I would get these things tested, just to be sure. If you ask about it, your dr. may behave as though you're a hypochondriac -- but go ahead, be a hypochondriac. That's how I got diagnosed.
books
Posted by theo on July 19, 2003, at 19:16:21
In reply to Effexor XR -- sleepy, dizzy, posted by bookgurl99 on July 19, 2003, at 16:02:53
Are you planning on staying with 37.5mg, is this what your doctor prescribed? I'm curious because my doctor prescribed me a low dose, 37.5mg for mild anxiety. I've been taking it for about 3 weeks now and the sleepy dizzy feeling went away for me in about 2 weeks. The reason I'm so curious is because 37.5mg is usually what you start with for 5 days and then go to 75mg. I would like to know what input you got from your doctor about taking just 37.5mg for anxiety.
Posted by bookgurl99 on July 19, 2003, at 19:19:33
In reply to Re: Effexor XR -- sleepy, dizzy » bookgurl99, posted by theo on July 19, 2003, at 19:16:21
> Are you planning on staying with 37.5mg, is this what your doctor prescribed? I'm curious because my doctor prescribed me a low dose, 37.5mg for mild anxiety. I've been taking it for about 3 weeks now and the sleepy dizzy feeling went away for me in about 2 weeks. The reason I'm so curious is because 37.5mg is usually what you start with for 5 days and then go to 75mg. I would like to know what input you got from your doctor about taking just 37.5mg for anxiety.
Theo,
My dr. is planning to bump me up to 70 mgs after I get used to the 37.5 mgs. I'm tempted to quit it for Lexapro, though.
books
Posted by Scooter1 on July 19, 2003, at 19:51:43
In reply to Re: Effexor XR -- sleepy, dizzy » bookgurl99, posted by theo on July 19, 2003, at 19:16:21
Hello everyone, I have been monitoring this site for a few days now. I was recently put on effexor xr for anxiety. Right now I am on 37.5mg been on it almost 7 days now. Side effects are there but o'kay. My doc also wants me to continue taken ST. Johns Wort for a little while til I get on board with the Effexor. I am taking 300mg of SJW. Has anyone done this before? All I read about is how its dangerous to mix seratonin drugs? I have talked to pharmacists and they seem to think its o'kay for a short while. Please advise? I have currently cut back to 150mg of SJW to possibly lower the SE affects of the Effexor. I need some encouragment, Please?
Posted by theo on July 19, 2003, at 20:08:54
In reply to Re: Effexor XR -- sleepy, dizzy, posted by bookgurl99 on July 19, 2003, at 19:19:33
I just quit 10mg Lexapro after 11 weeks do to sleepiness and it ramped up my anxiety to where I could hardly introduce myself in public without feeling panic and I'm in sales and marketing. I kept thinking the side effects would go away but I think 11 weeks was a fair trial. If you look at the Lexapro threads you'll see a large percent complain about tiredness and nausea, even after a month. I think Lexapro (Forest) did a great marketing job, "Well Tolerated," suurrre! That was just my experience.
Posted by mercedes on July 19, 2003, at 23:32:19
In reply to Re: Is there anyone else who is only taking 37.5? , posted by willie on July 17, 2003, at 18:26:13
Hi Willie, I am the one that drove to see my grandbaby be born. I wanted to respond to you back when you wrote but got sidetracked. I know how you feel about writing. I only started about a month and half ago and took me sometime to get the courage also.
I wrote sometime ago that I was on 37.5 mgs of Effexor for about a year (I also take xanex for anxiety, just a note). Anyway, I didn't seem to be getting better anxiety wise or depression wise. It took me moving, to be forced to find another pdoc. This new pdoc. thought my 37.5 dose was too low and was surprized that my previous pdoc had left me at that dose for that long. My new pdoc gradually increased my dose, 37.5 to 75 to 112.5 to 150 to 225 and now I am on 300mgs. Although I have some SE's, for the most part my depression lifted somewhere around the 225 level and I finally felt like laughing, I found myself smiling more and felt like there IS life after PTSD, Anx., Dep, Agoraph.
I have burst of energy and get alot done but don't chastise myself if I don't. AND it finally let me drive long distance which I hadn't done in 7 years. Remember, I also take xanex so the combination may have something to do with it. I also lost my appetite, and have lost about 11 lbs. I need to lose alot more but I'm not trying. I prefer to eat a salad w/tuna or hard boiled egg in am, just cuz I have to eat, instead of a big fat burrito or something heavy. My taste buds are not craving the pizza, pasta, mex. food or fast foods (except chinese food, I luv it!). I used to eat ice cream everynight. Now, about 2 times a month. I chew on ice which makes my dry mouth (1-SE) feel good.
I still have some down days, but I think the plus's of effexor, outway the minus's.
Welcome! & keep writing.
Mercedes
****************************> 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 mercedes on July 20, 2003, at 0:15:54
In reply to Re: Is there anyone else who is only taking 37.5? » willie, posted by zinya on July 18, 2003, at 16:20:00
Zinya, regarding your comments on dividing capsules, I know you mentioned one time that you told you pdoc or doc? about this and he/she said it was okay. I've questioned this for some time now and according to the instructions on my Rx, it says:
"Each Effexor XR capsule should be swallowed whole with fluid and not divided, crushed, chewed, or placed in water."
I beleive taking the capsule whole, gives that extended release (XR) reaction to the body and/or brain so that it keeps on working thoughout the day.
If it works for you that's good, just wanted to put my 1 1/2 cents worth in here.
Mercedes
p.s. thanks for helping Suzy with referral. I knew we could count on you. (((HUGS))))
Posted by mercedes on July 20, 2003, at 0:53:47
In reply to Effexor XR -- sleepy, dizzy, posted by bookgurl99 on July 19, 2003, at 16:02:53
Books, I'm glad you are feeling more relaxed, less stressed on the 37.5 effexor. Just wanted to comment on your feeling tired and dizzy and that out-of balance feeling. When I first started effexor, I was so dep/anx. that the 37.5 really did nothing to improve my symtoms of anx/dep.
The only time I feel the way you mention, is after I've had one of my attacks (for those who read this, my attacks have nothing to do with effexor, so not to worry), which may be realted to that BAM (Basilar Artery Migraine). Since I had that terrible (BAM?)attack back on 07/09, I have felt very out-of-bal, and at times very tired, but not dizzy. Oh, I have had a headache most every day since then also. So it may be that you are still having the migranes but don't feel them? I mentioned to my brother that I walk around like I'm drunk. As of yesterday however, the out-of-balance has decreased and my headache seems to be decreasing as of this evening. I too, stay away from driving when this feeling comes on. Will keep you posted.
Oh, by the way, I called my neurologist annonymously, and asked if he new how to treat BAM, his receptionist asked him and he said no, and gave me another name. Unfortunatly, the new name doesn't take my insurance, my point being... that my neuro has performed all kinds of tests with neg results and he don't even know about BAM! Anyway, I did find another one that does know about it and am working on getting a referal from my primary. I may not be seen till Sept but I've lived with these attacks for 7 yrs so hopefully two months won't be too long. Another thing, I have this ringing in my right ear that won't go away. Have had it for about 1 month. At first I was approx. 90% deaf in that ear, now it's just an extreemly annoying sound, like the ocean sound in my ear. Have you expierenced this with your migranes? Gosh, didn't mean to make this so long.....
Mercedes
****************************************> I've been on 37.5 mgs Effexor XR for migraine prevention (and lowering anxiety a bit) since Tue. I am feeling more relaxed, less stressed already.
>
> But, I am also feeling tired and dizzy, slightly physically out-of-balance much of the time. Because the type of migraines I get can also cause these symptoms, it's important to me to not have a drug cause them so I can know whether I'm having a migraine or not.
> (My 'migraines' can be painless, but I shouldn't drive while they're happening -- I can be more confused than I think at these times!)
>
> Are these a normal side effect of Effexor; can they go away with time? Or am I having a migraine and don't know it?
>
> experiences?
Posted by geralyn on July 20, 2003, at 1:30:47
In reply to effexor, then wellbutrin, now nothing, posted by melley on July 18, 2003, at 18:24:37
I had the same thing on Prozac - itching and joint pain - allergic reaction. I was worried that I would have the same effect with any antidepressant but now I'm on Effexor and have not had the same thing. My doctor says that each one is different and you won't necessarily have an allergic reaction.
Good luck!
Posted by zinya on July 20, 2003, at 1:56:25
In reply to Re: re: dividing granules,Rx note » zinya, posted by mercedes on July 20, 2003, at 0:15:54
hi Mercedes,
thanks so much for thinking of me in this regard. I really appreciate it!
Coincidentally, just today i had to go to the pharmacy and asked for the PDI for Effexor XR cuz i didn't have one previously and wanted to try to process all this fine print medicalese :) and see if i could learn more.
And indeed it has the same sentence that you quoted. Except that on mine the sentence is followed by another one which says, "or it may be administered by carefully opening the capsule and sprinkling the entire contents on a spoonful of applesauce. This should be swallowed immediately without chewing and followed with a glass of water to ensure complete swallowing of the pellets."
It was the pharmacist who i had previously asked about splitting the capsules and he had said yes because it's the coating on each pellet which produces the time-release effect, not the gelatin capsule.
I guess the applesauce option is given for those people who have a hard time swallowing capsules, but it seems to confirm that taking them inside the capsule is not necessary. But i very much appreciate your thinking of me and giving me added reason to scrutinize all this fine print on my own PDI until i found this to reassure me again.
Most nights i am taking them in a capsule anyway. After I divide them up, like now i divide 2 capsules of 150 into 3 sections of 100 each (well, eyeballing it into thirds close enough), i put 2 of the 100 portions back into the capsules they came out of for the next 2 nights and just swallow the extra 100 that same night. And i haven't noticed any differences after nights i take the pellets loose vs. nights in capsules.
Anyway, that's my 2 cents worth for anyone interested who, like me, feels they need to take the buildup slower than the capsules themselves allow.
and again muchas gracias e suenos dourados, mercedes e todos :))
zinya
Posted by mercedes on July 20, 2003, at 1:57:58
In reply to Re: to Suzy, personal, re local referral, posted by Susy on July 19, 2003, at 0:44:40
Suzy, I looked up something on Mobbing as I too have not hear the term before. It is very closely related to Post Traumatic Sress Disorder or PTSD, which is one of the things I suffer from. It has to do with re-living the initial trauma over and over again. I have never heard of it referred to as PTAnxiotyD.
Anyway, here goes:
===========================
"Mobbing - its Course Over Time
...these individuals find themselves in a prolonged stress- and in a prolonged trauma-creating situation. Instead of a short, acute (and normal!) PTSD reaction that can subside after several days or weeks, theirs is constantly renewed: new traumata and new sources of anxiety arise in a constant stream during which time the individual experiences rights violations that further undermine his or her self-confidence and psychological health. The unwieldy social situation for these individuals consists not only of severe psychological trauma but of an extremely prolonged stress condition that seriously threatens the individual's socio-economic existence. Psychological terror or mobbing in life involves hostile and unethical communication which is directed in a systematic manner by one or more individuals, mainly toward one individual, who, due to mobbing, is pushed into a helpless and defenseless position and held there by means of continuing mobbing activities. These actions occur on a very frequent basis (statistical definition: at least once a week) and over a long period of time (statistical definition: at least six months´ duration). Because of the high frequency and long duration of hostile behavior, this maltreatment results in considerable mental, psychosomatic and social misery.This most often results in serious violations of the individual´s civil rights. In this phase, the mobbed person ultimately becomes marked/stigmatized. As long as the mobbed individual does not receive effective support, he or she can be torn to pieces again at any time.
Thus, the definition does not focus too much on the activities themselves, but rather on the heavy mental strain."
===============================
Susy, I feel for you cause I had a boss that was just like this. Demoralized & be-littled her employees, me not so much but it bothered me just as well. It just killed me to see her every day.Like Cher said, don't take any crap from your neighbor/apt manager. Try throwing out the word "harrasment" to her, don't answer her questions, nor explain or apoligize.... maybe try, "I feel that you are harrasing me" or something similar like "mobbing!" Saying you "feel" doesnt' really accuse the person so she can't come back and say you accused her of anything. Just my own thoughts here.
As far as support, talking to the psycologist was a great move for you and of course, we are also here to support. Did you run out of xanex? How are you coping?
Buena Suerte (good luck),
Mercedes*****************************************
.......
> She told me two things new for me, first she told me that what I have is Post Traumatic Panic Disorder, (?) and then she told me that what this neighbor has been doing to me has a name, and it is Mobbing (?) I never knew about this thing before. But you seem to know about everything Zinya, she said something about moral harrasment and that is why I am suffering this Post Traumatic thing, among the other things, of course.
> Well, if you know something about Mobbing, (because this word is new for me) please let me know.
>
> Hugs, Susy
Posted by bookgurl99 on July 20, 2003, at 2:27:35
In reply to Re: Effexor XR -- sleepy, dizzy » bookgurl99, posted by mercedes on July 20, 2003, at 0:53:47
>So it may be that you are still having the migranes but don't feel them?
Yes; this is actually a problem with me. For whatever reason, I am not sensitive to pain with these -- I can have one and not realize it until later.
For example, here it's 2 am. I woke up; slow head feeling, dizzy. Pretty sure it's a mild attack, but won't know until later. Plus, I took a xanax to help sleep -- so it could be the xanax.
I'm torn as to whether to continue taking the Effexor, as I have had problems with BAMs and psych meds in the past. They seem to either help or encourage the attacks. I may just go to lexapro.
>I mentioned to my brother that I walk around like I'm drunk. As of yesterday however, the out-of-balance has decreased and my headache seems to be decreasing as of this evening. I too, stay away from driving when this feeling comes on. Will keep you posted.
You know, sometimes I think it does take a couple of weeks to feel normal again.
>
>I may not be seen till Sept but I've lived with these attacks for 7 yrs so hopefully two months won't be too long. Another thing, I have this ringing in my right ear that won't go away. Have had it for about 1 month. At first I was approx. 90% deaf in that ear, now it's just an extreemly annoying sound, like the ocean sound in my ear. Have you expierenced this with your migranes? Gosh, didn't mean to make this so long.....I don't have a ringing sound in my ear, but people have all kinds of symptoms. The one thing I noticed -- before knowing what was going on -- is that I lost my ability briefly to place sound source, and that the sound level was somewhat 'turned down' in one year.
. . . I'm glad you are going to see a good neurologist in town. Last time I waited 3 months to see the guy who dx'd me; I was barking up the wrong tree -- he was a specialist in neuro-immunological disorders -- but still helped me a _lot_.
Maybe it's the xanax kicking in, but I have a feeling I'll be ok in the long run as well. I may have to sit out some symptoms and slow brain days for a while, but now that I know what's going on, I can treat it and just -- heal. :D
Posted by zinya on July 20, 2003, at 2:56:46
In reply to Re: Is there anyone else who is only taking 37.5? » willie, posted by mercedes on July 19, 2003, at 23:32:19
Mercedes,
I hesitate to mention this cuz it sounds like you've worked out a good routine, but you mentioned having tuna on what might be a regular basis and by coincidence i just last night saw what seems to be an important report about just how much mercury there is in canned tuna and that from eating tuna and other fish high mercury rates are showing up in people in quantities like 15 times the acceptable limits ... people who are suffering neurological problems which they have found no explanation for until discovering these mercury levels. (One woman they interviewed had had chronic flu symptoms, achiness, fatigue, and hair loss.) I saw this reported on Bill Moyers' NOW on PBS and I looked up the medical study on it as well. It's a serious study and something of a scandal because the US Gov't has been bought off by the tuna industry to keep from warning the public of this danger in canned tuna.
They suggest that at most a person should eat one can of tuna per week. Swordfish and shark are two other fish to avoid but tuna is the one of greatest concern because it is so widely eaten and no one has been alerted to this risk. (Did you know that tuna is the 3rd biggest selling item in supermarkets after coffee and sugar??)
well, there's my two cents' worth ... and believe me i don't like being the bearer of bad tidings.
sending back many {{{{{{{{{hugs :}}}}}}}}}}
zinya> >I have burst of energy and get alot done but don't chastise myself if I don't. AND it finally let me drive long distance which I hadn't done in 7 years. Remember, I also take xanex so the combination may have something to do with it. I also lost my appetite, and have lost about 11 lbs. I need to lose alot more but I'm not trying. I prefer to eat a salad w/tuna or hard boiled egg in am, just cuz I have to eat, instead of a big fat burrito or something heavy. My taste buds are not craving the pizza, pasta, mex. food or fast foods (except chinese food, I luv it!). I used to eat ice cream everynight. Now, about 2 times a month. I chew on ice which makes my dry mouth (1-SE) feel good.
>
Posted by melley on July 20, 2003, at 9:35:17
In reply to Re: effexor, then wellbutrin, now nothing, posted by geralyn on July 20, 2003, at 1:30:47
Thank you so much for sending this note! My drs are trying to send me to a rheumatologist but I am sure it is the wellbutrin. And thank you also for letting me know it most likely won't happen again on another antidepressant. Although I am upset I can't continue on the wellbutrin...it was so nice not to feel medicated yet feel better. Well, except for the joint pain and itching but when I didn't know it could be an allergic reaction I thought I could put up with that for the benefits.Good luck on effexor.
mel
> I had the same thing on Prozac - itching and joint pain - allergic reaction. I was worried that I would have the same effect with any antidepressant but now I'm on Effexor and have not had the same thing. My doctor says that each one is different and you won't necessarily have an allergic reaction.
>
> Good luck!
Posted by noa on July 20, 2003, at 9:50:52
In reply to Re: re: dividing granules,Rx note » mercedes, posted by zinya on July 20, 2003, at 1:56:25
Yes, it isn't the outside gelcap that determines the time release, but....
If you look carefully, the granules are of different sizes. I once broke one open and saw the varying sizes of the granules. I believe that the reason for this is that it is the coating on each granule that determines the time release--ie, the thicker the coating, the longer it takes for the active medication to be released.
So, that would mean that you should be evenly distributing granules of different sizes into each of the portions you are making, which makes it a very involved task.
So--this is quite different than the applesauce thing. If you break open the capsule and take all of the granules at once (eg, in applesauce), it is not a problem. But if you divide them up, unless you carefully divide the different size granules (I am not sure how many different sizes there are), you are not getting the proper time release action, and you might be getting very uneven levels from day to day. I think this is the reason for the warning.
Posted by Susy on July 20, 2003, at 10:36:35
In reply to Re: to Suzy, personal, re local referral » Susy, posted by mercedes on July 20, 2003, at 1:57:58
Hola Mercedes =); nice to hear from you again; although I have to run now, because my kids want me to take them to the Park; I'll be checking the posts tonight.Thanks for the article attached, I am going to take a look of it, and thanks also for the good advise.
No, I haven't run out of Xanax, I still have the ones I bought thru internet, but, It sounds weird I know, but sometimes when I take those I feel even more anxious =(. Lately I have noticed that I have started even shaking my hands or my legs (when I sit down).
Anyways, the good news it is that I went to see the only Dr. I know and he gave me a note referring me to the Olive View I think is the County Hospital in Sylmar, Ca. So, now I just need to find the time and the nerve and go ahead with the procedures, hopefully this time they will help me. Plus,I've got this Phone # Zinya gave me and I'm going to call tomorrow monday.
How have you been Mercedes? Feeling Better?
Let me know,
Hugs, Susy
Posted by NThompson on July 20, 2003, at 10:59:35
In reply to Re: Hey there Cher, it's me Nyia » NThompson, posted by zinya on July 19, 2003, at 3:42:04
Hey there,
It's good to hear from you to! I am doing alot better. I still have my bad days, but there is more good than bad. As far as my babysitting problem, I talked it over with my husband, as you suggested, and we decided not to mention it to her. My husband trusts me fully with our children, I would never hurt them, and I would never hurt any other children. So, we decided to keep it just to us. I have been really busy though. I guess it's a good way to keep your mind off of being depressed. I am still working with my meds, trying to get those right. But, so far so good.
Well, I am so glad to hear from you. What is happening in your life? Are you doing good? Let me know. I'd love to hear from you again.
Love ya,
Nyia
Posted by NThompson on July 20, 2003, at 11:24:24
In reply to Re: Hi everyone! » NThompson, posted by CherC68 on July 19, 2003, at 14:56:00
Cher,
I am so glad that you and your family is doing okay. I don't know how people can live through tornados. They are sooo deadly and devastating. I live in California so all we get is a little shake, rattle and roll every once in a while. And I really mean every ONCE IN A WHILE. The most damage I ever got from an earthquake was a crack in the wall. Now my Uncle lives in Napa and the last earthquake that hit Napa-Sonoma area was pretty bad. A couple of the bricks from my Uncle's fireplace fell off and one of them hit my Uncle. He was okay though. Upset he had to get back up there and replace them. But everyone was okay. But all in all, I would rather have a little shake, rattle and roll than a tornado anytime!
I really hope you get some relief from the doctors with your hands. I have a mild case of carpal tunnel in my right hand and I know that when it starts to hurt, it's a pain. Grabbing things can be a b*tch! And like I said, I only have a mild case. So I will pray for you to receive some relief in your hands.
As for being alone for the next 5 days. Is there anything you like to do for a hobby? Or is there something in your house you have been wanting to go through and clean up or organize it? These things are helpful. But if you need me you can get to me by nyiachad@aol.com.
Email if you need me. We can talk if you need me.
Smile, your family is safe!
Love ya,
Nyia
Posted by zinya on July 20, 2003, at 12:13:26
In reply to Re: re: dividing granules,Rx note, posted by noa on July 20, 2003, at 9:50:52
Wow, thank you for this observation!.. Are you one of the monitors of this site? I had asked over a month ago in a post to Dr. Bob for one of the monitors here to confirm this for me or not soon after I started doing it and one wrote back saying he couldn't answer questions like that on the board.
I also had a second question at the time about the specifics of the claim at least one poster made on the board here that it's only at 150 mg that the second-system effects begin, on the norepinephrine / adrenal system. He told me I'd have to get the answers in "the monograph" allegedly somewhere on the site but I couldn't find a monograph. I wrote back asking for a site address and never got an answer. Do you know where this monograph is? Or could you say more about when and how the adrenal system effects "kick in"?
If I understand from the PDI which I finally got yesterday from the pharmacy, 92% of each dosage goes toward serotonin and only 8% toward norepinephrine. So would that mean that it takes getting up to 150 mg before that 8% becomes a sizeable enough amount to start showing a major effect? And, from what it also says, it's sounds like there's some metabolizing catalyst factor (called CYP2D6) (!?!?) that varies in each of us which could impact somewhat (?) how much each of us might need to take in order to reach that same degree of effectiveness for the norepinephrine 8% ?? Would that be an accurate conclusion to draw?
As to dividing the capsules, thank you. The minute I read your post here, I opened one again to look for myself and, sure enough, you're right. I think i'd half-consciously noticed it (I'm always doing this dividing up only at night before taking dose and probably not at my sharpest :) but i didn't register to think about what that implied. Your explanation helps me understand: so it's the degree of coating that even in those millimeters of difference of thickness which makes them "time release"? How interesting. Even the pharmacist didn't realize that, when I'd asked him.
I appreciate your info and had already been weighing whether I would make the leap next from 100 to 150 or try for 125 next. But given your info, i guess I'll go straight to 150 next for the added reason you point out, although I confess, given how sensitive my body has been, I am a bit apprehensive at such a leap since I've reacted each time I've just gone up even 20-25 mg at a time.
thanks again - and for any of these further questions you are able to answer!
zinya
> Yes, it isn't the outside gelcap that determines the time release, but....
>
> If you look carefully, the granules are of different sizes. I once broke one open and saw the varying sizes of the granules. I believe that the reason for this is that it is the coating on each granule that determines the time release--ie, the thicker the coating, the longer it takes for the active medication to be released.
>
> So, that would mean that you should be evenly distributing granules of different sizes into each of the portions you are making, which makes it a very involved task.
>
> So--this is quite different than the applesauce thing. If you break open the capsule and take all of the granules at once (eg, in applesauce), it is not a problem. But if you divide them up, unless you carefully divide the different size granules (I am not sure how many different sizes there are), you are not getting the proper time release action, and you might be getting very uneven levels from day to day. I think this is the reason for the warning.
Posted by zinya on July 20, 2003, at 12:51:50
In reply to Re: hey Zinya » zinya, posted by NThompson on July 20, 2003, at 10:59:35
Hi Nyia,
Recalling where things were at for you in terms of sense of putting so much on yourself when you first wrote us, I can't tell you how happy for you I am with each news of your seeming to be more sharing your inner struggles with your husband and letting him be there for you. I think for all of us it's easier said than done as we probably all internalize more or less a sense of having to figure things out in some level of isolation and anxiety about sharing with our loved ones what's going on inside our heads or bodies or whatever...
I'm guessing your husband's tremendous trust in you means all the more now that you no longer harbor a sense that we all are capable of, of thinking "Oh, but if he/she only knew......, then would they still trust me?" Which is why hiding what's going on in us is so damaging to our own sense of confidence or optimism to see a way forward, etc...
Well, i know i tend to propose gross generalizations sometimes that may or may not apply but those are my thoughts and you seem to be inspiring example of taking a major and courageous step toward, Nyia...
Which doesn't mean things are suddenly "easy" or 'fixed'... And i wish you well with the process... What drug dosage level at you at now? Are you having either side effects or positive effects that you refer to about "getting them right"?
For me, i've just had a week of a bit of frustration with a sense of plateauing or something. I did injure my back recently and my downturns in energy have for years been linked with this chronic reinjury point in my hip so it could be that that is why. But I'm so almost-desperate to reach a level of energy which i've been hoping Effexor would provide. I don't think I feel a psychological depression anymore exactly but i continue to feel a physiological depression, if that makes sense, that just makes any energy such an unreliable commodity.
It's also now that just a year ago these days were entering the last and roughest days of my mom's cancer, and it's almost impossible not to have daily memories of where things were a year ago, a time when i was on constant red alert and being nurse, doctor, and with a kind of energizer-bunny adrenalin flow that was in the face of impending grief of such huge proportion, and never imagining either just how totally ALL of that energy could utterly evaporate... It kind of ebbed away, not suddenly, so that the grieving turned gradually into this energyless state of being unable to do anything that hasn't been absolutely mandatory. No driving anywhere i don't absolutely have to go to. There was a very dark number of months late last fall and winter that i just felt like it would be okay if it ended, feeling so purposeless and so remote from any sense of recovering the energy to have and find a new purpose, to "put the gear back into drive again"... I never did anything about those feelings but they did haunt me, for a while almost every night and I had to start sleeping with the TV on so when i would wake middle of the night as i was doing my brain would have something else to think about instead of those dark thoughts. That kind of phase has passed and that's what i meant earlier about the psychological depression seeming to have lifted, somewhat even before i started Effexor but i think pretty solidly since being on Effexor. But this physical inertia persists even when i now manage once again to have goals, things i want to accomplish but just can't seem to get sustainable energy except for a few hours a week. And that makes me feel lame a lot of the time.
It is almost embarrassing to say that it's now a pretty big deal that I went to see friends and my godson last evening (and had a great time) and will go out to dinner tonight at a fancy restaurant with other friends (knock on wood that i wont' cop out). This for me -- a woman who has had times in my life of traveling galore, partying galore, and also working like a conscientious nonstop almost workaholic, and now one big NADA for almost a year -- is a source of real frustration, but i try to just be okay with these most minimal of goals.
It's curious that working in my long-neglected garden (which i ignored all winter) enough hours each week to fill a refuse collection bin full is my one and only consistent weekly task. It's a start. But there's so much else i'm still neglecting if it's even remotely "optional" or non-urgent.
Well, i'm babbling, and i think i'm answering your question with more than anybody would want to know :)) so i'll shut up here.
Again, it has been good to hear from you again and i look forward when it suits you to write again...
love and hugs,
zinya> Hey there,
>
> It's good to hear from you to! I am doing alot better. I still have my bad days, but there is more good than bad. As far as my babysitting problem, I talked it over with my husband, as you suggested, and we decided not to mention it to her. My husband trusts me fully with our children, I would never hurt them, and I would never hurt any other children. So, we decided to keep it just to us. I have been really busy though. I guess it's a good way to keep your mind off of being depressed. I am still working with my meds, trying to get those right. But, so far so good.
>
> Well, I am so glad to hear from you. What is happening in your life? Are you doing good? Let me know. I'd love to hear from you again.
>
> Love ya,
> Nyia
Posted by theo on July 20, 2003, at 13:20:14
In reply to Re: Is there anyone else who is only taking 37.5? » willie, posted by mercedes on July 19, 2003, at 23:32:19
After being on 37.5mg for a period of time how was it when you were on 75mg for a while, any positive noticable difference? I've been on 37.5mg for about three weeks which is the dose my doctor prescribed. Did you feel any positive effects from just the 37.5mg dose and how long until you felt like you needed to go up to 75mg?
Posted by bookgurl99 on July 20, 2003, at 14:23:58
In reply to Re: Effexor XR -- sleepy, dizzy » bookgurl99, posted by mercedes on July 20, 2003, at 0:53:47
Hi Mercedes,
Thanks for cluing me in. I stopped taking the Effexor today. I am feeling a little better. It's fascinating; it stopped my daily optical migraines cold but seemed to have allowed or provoked BAMS -- or maybe the stress I'm having over it would have overridden anything. But, I'm better off the Effexor.
Oh, well.
I'm going to try Lexapro. My dr. wants me to try Depakote, but I am freaked out about Depakote and feeling drugged. I will give Lex a good two weeks before throwing in the towel.
I'm also going to ask if I can try an oxygen condenser to prevent damage during the attacks. (The dr. said he would not call it 'damage,' but it feels like damage, no?)
The good thing is, I'm seeing a sleep clinic dr. for possible sleep apnea in August. So, if I get dx'd with that, I may be able to get insurance to pay for an oxygen condenser for apnea, and then use it during the migraine attacks.
Right now I feel like my big challenge is not getting so stressed out that I make myself sick. I'm trying to change my life, but my anxiety level is so high I'm almost paralyzed to act.
Posted by fayeroe on July 20, 2003, at 15:51:27
In reply to Re: thinking about effexor - need advice, posted by willie on July 18, 2003, at 7:10:19
Bori> the side effects that i had with Effexor XR
were a tremendous loss of weight, head felt like it had rocks in it and inability to sleep through the night. i then went to a PA and got prescription for Bellamine for menopausal symptoms. it works. no more hot flashes and helped me sleep. then i slowly took myself off of the Effexor and went back to the old tried and true, Prozac. i am a totally different person now. i can't speak for the OCD but that's my story on Effexor. i will never, ever take it again. and the cost factor is huge. generic Prozac costs me $5 a month. Effexor was $80.
Posted by willie on July 20, 2003, at 15:54:06
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hey Zinya...thanks for your posting. The only other side effect was the lack of sexual sensation. That eventually went away. Has anyone every experienced bruising? Are you happy with Effexor? Is this a long term drug for you?
Posted by willie on July 20, 2003, at 16:18:11
In reply to Re: Is there anyone else who is only taking 37.5? » willie, posted by mercedes on July 19, 2003, at 23:32:19
Hi Mercedes...thanks for getting back to me. I wanted to know more from you as I also suffer(ed) from PTSD and depression on top of the anxiety.
I'm concerned that my dosage may need to be increased. I had my first bout of axiety a few days ago..the first that I've had since I began this drug. It wasn't a full blown attack but it certainly took me by surprise.
When I first began taking Effexor I found my mind to be sharp and focused. The last few days I find myself doing really stupid things like accidently taking mascara off with nail polish remover and stopping the car to pick up the mail and forgetting to put the car in park. I had to run after my car and jump back in it to stop it... getting a nice bruise on my forehead as a keepsake. At least this is one of my bruises I can explain. Did you ever get bruises while taking effexor?
My husband would like to see me get off effexor. He feels that now that I've experienced life without the anxiety, I can learn not to be dependent on the drug for it. Don't get me wrong he's been incredibly supportive throughout this whole process but I don't think he understands that it's also the result of seretonin levels in the brain.
I've been through the counselling and when my Doctor saw that my aniety was not improving he suggested the Effexor.
You mentioned you take Xanex for your anxiety? How does it work for you? How bad were your anxiety attacks? Have you had any lately? How was it going from 37.5 to 75 mg of effexor?
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