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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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?
Posted by noa on July 20, 2003, at 17:22:39
In reply to Re: re: dividing granules,Rx to Dr. Bob and/or » noa, posted by zinya on July 20, 2003, at 12:13:26
Z-
No, I'm not a monitor here. And, actually, I have not had my observation confirmed by anyone "in the know". It is simply an observation I made. I probably should have qualified my comments to that effect.
I don't know about what dose kicks in the norepinephrine action. But there are lots of folks here who know about the chemical actions of the medications. Try starting a new thread asking that specific question. Maybe address it to SLS or Larry Hoover or St. James, to name a few of the people who seem to have a lot of knowledge.
What dose are you on now? Does increasing by increments of 37.5 affect you too strongly?
Posted by rdeoldy2 on July 20, 2003, at 19:56:01
In reply to Re: Effexor XR for menopause? » mercedes, posted by zinya on July 18, 2003, at 15:58:13
Hi Mercedes and Zinya,
Ironically, I havn't had the sweating thing since the first or second day on Effexor. After the first day, my hot flashes dissapeared. I have a history of breast cancer in my family, so I refuse to take anything estrogen related, since I am at so high a risk for it. I had noticed that I dont sleep as much at night, and I don't have much of an appetite, already lost a couple pounds, but I want to lose some anyway so that's ok lol.
The doc said that most, if not all, AD's have a side effect of getting rid of hot flashes, and since I had my hysterectomy at 24, I sometimes get small bouts of depression, so help too things out at once. I noticed, when I started taking the Celexa, I started doing better in school. It just took the edge off, and by not getting a sudden rush of heat from the hot flashes, I was able to hear more. When they hit, i can feel the heat get to my ears and then I can't hear that well. And as I am going to school to be a court reporter, I need to hear very well, which is why the hot flashes were so bothersome.
All in all, I have been handling the med pretty well. THe doc said the reason I was starting higher than usual, was so that I can get straight into the side effects, which (thank god) was only one bad night of dizziness, and no hot flashes. Its been pretty mild so far, so I'm thrilled.
Christie
> hi Mercedes,
>
> i just responded to Christie in much the same vein you did...
>
> but your post to her raised a question: You mention you get your Effexor via Medcohealth by mail order?
>
> Where are they located? how much do you pay ?
>
> Also, as a side note, i meant to add to Christie, just a curiosity of sorts, since she mentioned Celexa -- which I tried once about 3 yrs ago but i had too much nausea and headaches to last more than about 10 days on it and had to quit -- but I just saw a report the other night that somebody is now prescribing Celexa for those obsessed with shopping and who rack up bills they can't afford (which is a classic sign of manic behavior) and allegedly it has helped a number of such obsessed shoppers to stop feeling such urges almost on a dime (though it didn't work for all of them).
>
> Which, assuming this is really true which it seemed to be, just confounds knowledge of these a-d drugs even more. A drug for depression, you'd think, wouldn't help someone with an essentially manic symptom, but if it does, then that's even MORE dramatic evidence that a drug like this is totally individual in its effect. Unless the notion is simply that it regulates -- so that a person whose system is off in one direction gets help but also someone who's off in the other direction.
>
> But then that starts to sound like what a bipolar med should do. So basically i find this rather confusing. Oh my. :)) [sigh]
>
> I've had a rough week of zero energy, much sweating, car problems and thus failed appts. so maybe it's just this week that makes this seem like too much confusing 'data'! :)
>
> hugs to you and all,
> zinya
Posted by Chris O on July 20, 2003, at 20:43:27
In reply to Effexor XR -- sleepy, dizzy, posted by bookgurl99 on July 19, 2003, at 16:02:53
I had similar experiences on 37.5mg of Effexor XR, in addition to getting the worst headache I've ever had in my life. The pain in my head was so intense I almost vomitted and couldn't stand up for hours. I also got numbness in my hands and feet while sleeping and a general feeling of malaise (kinda like I had a virus). Despite the fact that my psychiatrist told me the dosage was too low to cuase such effects, I stopped taking it after two weeks. Effexor was way too activitaing/stimulating for my GAD.
Posted by mercedes on July 20, 2003, at 22:06:53
In reply to speaking of tuna » mercedes, posted by zinya on July 20, 2003, at 2:56:46
Z, thanks for the info on tuna. Right now, I think I've only added it to my salad about once a week. Sometimes I have a salad which only includes the veggie's. It's funny cause I was just thinking of having a salad w/tuna when I read your note. Long time ago, when I was on Weight Watchers, they suggested we should have fish at least 3 times a week. For those that didn't like fish, they said tuna was ok. Supposedly they said, fish/tuna helps the skin tighten as you lose weight. I've always felt that tuna was good for me, even tuna on cracker's or a tuna sandwich from what I had learned at WW. Well, that was a gazillion years ago and I know WW has improved or refined their program.
Anyway, thanks again for the info. I'll make sure I only do that once a week.
((((Abrazos))))
Mercedes
Posted by Susy on July 20, 2003, at 23:10:42
In reply to Re: speaking of tuna » zinya, posted by mercedes on July 20, 2003, at 22:06:53
Hi,Mercedes, Zinya, Kim, Cher, just to say hi, today I was feeling ok, thanks God, went to the Park with my kids, feel a litle bit of nostalgie
"missing" my ex, almost bringing tears to my eyes, I think I still love him, but, you know, last time I saw him I even have to call the Police because he didn't want to let me go and didn't want to get out of my Van, I was waiting outside like for 2 hours, he hasn't call me in a week, etc....; yesterday I went to a Rock concert, some friends that play in a band invited me I was in the stage with them and I even danced!!!
Well, tomorrow I am going to call Paula, and let you know. Today I just took the Xanex in case of any withdrawal symptons, but in general I felt so good like I didn;t feel in two or more months,that's why I am so glad =)
Big Hugs for you Cher, after all the things you tell us and all the things you are doing, I still don't know for sure why are you here in the Babble.....=)
Hugs, Susy
Posted by mercedes on July 21, 2003, at 0:19:35
In reply to Re: Hey Mercedes...I'd like to know more....Willie, posted by willie on July 20, 2003, at 16:18:11
Hi Willie, I've only had one unexplained bruise and that was about 6 weeks ago. It was on the inside of my leg above the knee and was about the size of an orange. It went away and I never thought any more about it till you mentioned it.
Before I forget, I want to know about your "full blown attacks". Please describe them for me. I wrote about one of my attacks sometime ago, and now it appears that my attack could be something else besides my normal anxiety.
However, my PTSD/anxioty symtoms were...(and this is while I was working, caring for my teen son and caring for my ailing mom)... always being afraid. If I would get startled, my body reacted with such fear, heart pounding, body trembling and I actually would start to cry. You know how kids sneak up behind you and say..Boo! Well this would make my body react like if I had needles coming out my skin, expecially in my back and neck. I had to teach my son and/or freinds not to do that to me.
One of my PTSD symtoms was seeing a person yet it may have been a tree or other object. I had thoughts of ending it, but I had my mom to take care of. I once wrote a letter to my brother asking him to take care of my son until he turned 18 in case anything happened to me. He cld me very concerned and I brushed it off, saying that "we never know, right?", but i was considering suicide. To this day, none of my 3 brother's know that I was raped. I didn't kill myself cause it would have killed my mom. AND, I wouldn't be on this babble board too, huh, right? Just some humor here in the midst of such drama.
I avoided places like underground parking areas cause I was afraid of being startled by someone. Was afraid of taking elevators especially if only one man got in. My fear would be so elevated that I would literally stop breathing and I could hear my heart pound. I had to take an elevator at work to the 17th fl. every day. If I got in with freind/co-workers, I was fine. One time the elevator got stuck. I started feeling like I was suffocating, body shaking, heart pounding and severe feelings of being trapped.
This eventually affected my driving abilities, especially on the freeway. God forbid if heard a car backfire, I would lose it. At times I felt like I was detached from the car, like the car was going by itself and I had no control. There were times I had to pull over and my body, especially my legs would shake uncontrolably or I just couln't make my legs move. After becoming so afraid of driving freeways, I learned how to take side streets to work AND this was a 33 mile commute one-way through LA county into Orange county in CA. It was strange that I could drive city streets okay, but not the freeways, then I learned from my therapist that my fear was of leaving my safe place...HOME. So I was diagnosed with agoraphobia also.
To this day, fireworks...Yiks! Especially the loud ones. This makes me jump out of my skin. Oh, I also cannot open a can of biscuits, you know, the kind that pop. And champaine bottles opening at a wedding, well, I'm under the table. Can't blow up a balloon cause it may pop.
Well continuing on, when I was at work, sometimes I would feel the floor move up and down when I was standing. Again, my therapist said these were anxiety related....to deep breath and just accept them by saying to myself, it's just anxiety, I'll live through it. Another thing, while walking, i would feel like the rug was being pulled out from under my feet, yet the room was wall to wall carpet. If I got very angry or upset, I hyperventalated.
I was afraid of being in a mall, street or going for a walk alone cuz i felt that I was going to feel the ground shaking or wobbly legs or the needles shooting though my body. I was afraid of having an anxiety attack. What it boiled down to was...I WAS AFRAID OF BEING AFRAID.
There were times at the begining that I couldn't sit in my front yard. I actually would get a big kitchen knife and hold it in my lap so that I could sit in my FENCED front yard, imagine that. Whew! Memories! This was 7 years ago and some of the symptoms lasted for about 4 yrs, some I still have and some have gone away. Like I don't hold a knife in my front yard anymore. Really!I had no -zero- seratonine. I couldn't laugh, smile, socialize, my eyes always looked sad, I couldn't feel any feelings.
Effexor, finally made me exist. I'd rather have the side effects than not smile again or laugh. I laughed about you chasing your car. That was funny but i'm glad you didn't get hurt. I couln't laugh year's before and now I do.
I was prescribed xanex then and still take it. Yes, I felt better, like I wouldn't jump 10 feet if I got startled, and my body wouldn't shake as much, but some symtoms still remained, I think cause of the added stress at work. My boss was a b*tch, very degrading and belittled employees. It would eat me up. The employee's would come to me with their questions/problems cuz they didn't want to go to de boss. Results, more anxiety, stress.
As far as going from 37.5 to 75, I think I just felt more sleepy during the day. Not much of a change.
Well, I hope I answered all your questions. It's painful to remember all the symtoms I had, but if anyone else has these, I got through the toughest times and it does get better. Effexor may not be the answer for everyone. I think it has worked for me cause I gave up the drinking. I was not giving other AD's a chance. I have to be honest here, I drank to not feel my pain. But drinkin is also a depressant so I was just killing myself slowly. Whatever drug works for you, try it. Things WILL get better.
Sleep tight,Mercedes
Posted by willie on July 21, 2003, at 7:45:18
In reply to Re: Hey Mercedes...I'd like to know more....Willie » willie, posted by mercedes on July 21, 2003, at 0:19:35
Hi Mercedes...you're probably still sleeping as I write this. I'm in Ontario, Canada so I'm 3 hours ahead of you. I can't thank you enough for sharing your experience with me (us). It's nice to speak with people who can understand what you're experiencing.
First thing first...I've had a bruise on the back of my leg the size of an orange and it was an ugly looking thing. It looked like I had been hit in the leg with a baseball. The month prior to that I had one on my buttock. They looked sore but I could poke at them with not feeling any pain so I knew that I hadn't injured myself. I've had other ones but smaller in size.
As for my anxiety attacks...I always knew when they were coming on because I felt like I had 10 cups of coffee. My body felt like it had an electric current running through it. I became figity and couldn't relax no matter what I did. When they got real bad, I'd have to curl up in the fetal position and rock myself while I cried. I always had feelings of dread, death etc.
Back in 1991 I saw a women get crushed to death. A garbage truck accidently backed up over her. I saw the whole thing happen and it's weird but it was like my brain wouldn't accept what I was seeing. I thought "What is a mannequin doing on the street?" And then the horror of it all set in. I don't think I'll ever forget the sound of the driver screaming. I ran up to the women to cover her with my coat but when I saw her I froze. I'm not going to give you gorry details but I couldn't cover her and that I can't forgive myself for not doing. I always had this fear of dying alone and here I was able to give this woman a little dignity by covering her and I couldn't do it. It was obvious she was dead.
Well, the effects of that on me was that I couldn't eat (couldn't even look at meat). I lived on Slim fast bars and milk. I ate only because I was light-headed. I drank almost every day. I couldn't stop replaying that whole scene in my mind.
I was a newly wed at the time and the PTSD was playing havic with my marriage. My husband was frustrated because he didn't know how to help me and like you..I couldn't feel anything. Did you ever see the movie "Fearless" with Jeff Daniels? It's about a guy who survives a plane crash and how he didnt' feel anything. He wasn't afraid of anything. I was like that. I would walk in front of cars crossing the street because I just didn't care. I also found out during therapy that I had "survivor's guilt". Well, in an effort to save my marriage I burried my problems. Tried to go about with normal life. I couldn't drive...didn't want the responsibility of hurting anyone. Everytime I saw a little animal dead on the side of the road, I'd lose it. I'd flash back to the accident and cry.
About 4 months later my husband and I were involved in an accident on the way up to my grandmother's funeral. A tanker truck hit us and destroyed our car. We were unhurt, which is hard to believe if you saw the pictures. Well..needless to say my PTSD had new fuel for the fire. I was a mess for a very long time. My marriage took a turn for the worse because of my depression. For a year I thought of that women every day. Every anniversary of her death was a write off for me. I took pain killers whenever my husband and I fought so I couldn't feel the emotional pain. Sometimes my body/mind would litterly shut down...I couldn't feel anymore. That is when he suggested it was time to get some help.
After a year of counselling a lot of issues came out. Both my parents are alcoholics and they divorced when I was 8 years old. It seems that I had been bottling up a lot since my childhood and those 2 accidents put me over the edge. The counselling help me understand my fears but did not allevate them. I had OCD, depression and axiety.The fear of driving anywhere would put me into an attack or I'd find any excuse not to drive. Like you, I wanted my safe place...home. Friends would invite me out after work and I'd find an excuse not to go. Even when I was out with my husband somewhere (at a friends house) I was uncomfortable and axious to get home. I was always afraid of something happening to my pet rats. Yes, I have pet rats - 3 boys. They are wonderful pets. I'd always feel guilty about leaving them when we went away on vacation even though I had someone taking care of them. This I learnt was "the fear of abandonment" another prize I obtained from my childhood experiences.
Effexor gave me life. For the first time this year I went away on vacation and did not feel the guilt or anxiety. I can drive without attacks although I don't go on the highways (yet). This year was the first where I didn't remember the anniversary of that women's death until today. Like you said, It's painfull to remember.
I did have anxiety a few days ago but only to the point where I felt the electric current in my body and I was only on the verge of tears.
My husband and I are off to Las Vegas this weekend. I'm so looking forward to it. That's another feeling that I haven't experienced in a while. It's so good to feel again. I never knew how enjoyable life could be before effexor.
Thanks again for sharing with me Mercedes
Willie
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