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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by BJL on August 16, 2003, at 14:18:43
In reply to effexor is ruining my life!, posted by snick on August 16, 2003, at 13:44:31
I have a friend who insisted she wasn't bipolar, and she ended up in the hospital. She decided that she didn't need to take the medications and didn't want to take the medications, so she quit. She got severely depressed, someone I didn't know, took an overdose to kill herself and almost succeeded. Get a second opinion from another psychiatrist before quitting treatment. Find another medical doctor. But, don't just quit treatments that you have been prescribed. It's not a good idea at all. There is hope, and there are doctors who will listen. Just find the right one! You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Posted by Helaine on August 16, 2003, at 14:36:35
In reply to Re: effexor is ruining my life!, posted by BJL on August 16, 2003, at 14:18:43
I am so very sorry you are feeling so bad. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Please let me know how you are doing.I wish you well. I agree PLEASE find a new dr. God Bless!
I stopped taking effexor xr 37.5 mg 1 week ago..or shall I say I am weening myself off of it slowly. One pill every other day pouring out some granules. So far I feel ok! little jittery..but I feel much better off of it then when i was on it!
Chin up! Things will start looking better once you find a dr that will find the right combination for you!Again, you are in my thoughts!
Helaine
Posted by gabbix2 on August 16, 2003, at 16:22:41
In reply to Re: effexor is ruining my life! » BJL, posted by Helaine on August 16, 2003, at 14:36:35
I feel for you, I really do. "Satans Pill"
Thats exactly how I felt. Though for some it really does work. I say now if the pills left had feelings I'd stab them just to hear them scream.
I've been on MANY drugs and never felt anything like I did on e ffexor, and I was pushed to keep increasing my dose, even though I was calling my PDoc almost every day Pleading for something else.I think the advice to find another dr is really good, though it may feel impossible right now.
I took prozac to ease the withdrawl from Effexor and it worked miracles for that.I wish I could offer you more tangible advice, but mostly wanted to say you are not alone in this. You will survive it. And I'll be thinking of you. The memory is still fresh in my mind.
Good luck
G.
Posted by gabbix2 on August 16, 2003, at 16:32:44
In reply to Re: effexor is ruining my life! » BJL, posted by Helaine on August 16, 2003, at 14:36:35
I don't want to add to any confusion but
I had the idea that Effexor was contraindicated for people with Bi-polar disorder anyway because it might induce mania. Does anyone have any information on this? Was I dreaming again?
Posted by butterpeacan79 on August 17, 2003, at 2:06:23
In reply to Re: effexor is ruining my life!, posted by BJL on August 16, 2003, at 14:18:43
I have been taking Effexor for 2 years. I first started taking 75 mg. twice a day. During this time period my personalty changed I started saying things without thinking. Many of my friends came up to me and said wow your personality has changed but it was a good thing cause i used to be shy.One weird thing was coffee and sugar would give me this crazy high like I was on so type of illegal drug. Now I am taking 150 mg. of Effexor twice a day my personality is still the same but I am still not as hyper. Yet I can really get upset with a person and loose my temper. I can almost become violent I was never like this before taking Effexor. Plus guess what ask me if my depression or anxieties have been helped? NO..........
Posted by EmmaL on August 17, 2003, at 2:13:02
In reply to Re: Withdrawl from HELL, posted by snick on August 16, 2003, at 14:06:07
Dear Simcha,
Thanks for the insite and wishes. I finally decided to stop seeing my "primary doctor" and will be seeking advice through another as soon as I can get in for a follow-up appointment with another which will not be until September. I believe that your physician is very wise to be employing a partner approach. I will be taking your experience into consideration. Thanks! Take care!
Sincerely,
EmmaL
Posted by Simcha on August 17, 2003, at 9:37:16
In reply to Re: Withdrawl from HELL, posted by EmmaL on August 17, 2003, at 2:13:02
Dear EmmaL,
I'm so sorry you are suffering so much. I thought that for me EffexorXR was a wonder drug. It worked wonders alleviating my depression. It helped me to realize that I've been depressed my entire life. I wish I had sought psychiatric help sooner in life.
My parents did not like psychiatrists because they seened to be able to do much for my Dad's brother who was bipolar with psychotic episodes. He started treatment back in the early sixties. Then things were not so good for him and the drugs back then did horrible things to him. He died only about three years ago. I think that had something to do with the not so good treatment he had received when he was first getting treatment. They did not have as much as they have now to help us.
My parents were always terrified that I'd end up like my Uncle. Well, I have Major Depressive Disorder with OCD tendancies. It's not the same illness my Uncle had. I finally sought psychiatric treatment when I was 30. I'm 33 now. I'm much better. I got a better deal because now they have better treatments.
Well, I really hope you find something that works well for you without nasty side-effects. As for me, when I was put on EffexorXR, even with being numb from the waist down, I felt I was better than before without treatment.
This is a tricky business finding the best treatment. I hope you don't have to suffer much longer. I hated being depressed. Then again, who doesn't? My psychiatrist has told me not even to think of getting off of my medication for at least five years. He says we can re-evaluate where I am then. Even then he hinted that since my family has such a long history of depression that I might have to be on medication for the rest of my life.
I'm now OK with that. I never want to go back to the hell that was my depression.
Really, I hope you find what works best for you soon. I have a life now thanks to a mix that works well for me for now.
AM Dose:
40mg Celexa
200mg WellbutrinSR
(Strong coffee LOL)PM Dose:
600mg of NeurontinIt's been explained to me that these medicines are not a cure and that it is vital that I follow a consistent regemin with my medication. I go to therapy once a week and I attend 12-step meetings. I really need all the support I can get to remain well balanced enough to function in everyday life. I also eat a balanced vegan diet and I try to do as much walking as I can.
I've finally come to an acceptance that my mental health is extremely important and that I must do something everyday to maintain mental health.
Medicine is the cornerstone of my treatment. I also believe that the other support I have in my life helps the medication to work better.
Blessings,
Simcha
> Dear Simcha,
> Thanks for the insite and wishes. I finally decided to stop seeing my "primary doctor" and will be seeking advice through another as soon as I can get in for a follow-up appointment with another which will not be until September. I believe that your physician is very wise to be employing a partner approach. I will be taking your experience into consideration. Thanks! Take care!
> Sincerely,
> EmmaL
>
Posted by zoobie on August 17, 2003, at 17:01:46
In reply to Re: Withdrawl from HELL, posted by snick on August 16, 2003, at 14:09:39
I'd like to say I'm thankful for this site, for its' helped me very much.
My question is, I've been coming off Effexor XR and I've halfed my dose from 75mg to 37.5mg. After 3 days I started feeling dizzy and really spaced out. I've had trouble working because I can't remember things and move at a much slower pace (I'm a waitress).
I've gone to the doctor to get a note to take the week off so I can deal with the side effects (and not provide poor service at my work).
My question is, since I've been on 37.5mg for the last 5 days and I'm getting side effects, should I just stop taking it and hopefully all my side effects should be gone in a week?
I don't mind dealing with the side effects if I'm at home, but are there any reasons I shouldn't stop taking it all together? (eg. reoccurance of depression, anxiety, brain chemical damage, etc.?)
Any advice would be very helpful, for my doctor was not. He said that I don't need to taper off EffexorXR because it has no side effects!! (Can you believe him???)
Thank you very much for your help.
Posted by Honda on August 17, 2003, at 18:23:55
In reply to Withdrawl Advice?, posted by zoobie on August 17, 2003, at 17:01:46
Hi Zoobie,
I'm just beginning to deal with some nasty side-effects of Effexor withdrawl...I was on it for about 8 months but experienced increasing apathy and weight-gain..I cut my dose down to just about 10 of the little time-release beads inside the capsule (!) to keep from having all of the yucky side-effects and STILL couldn't go to zero-dose without dizziness and "swooshing" in my head when I moved it. So, my prescriber put me on Prozac weekly (1 time-release capsule of 60 mg) which took away the side effects completely. I asked if I'd then have withdrawl effects when I quit the Prozac and was assured it would just "wash out of my system"...RIGHT. So now I have had 2 weeks of horrible vertigo, nausea, vomiting, tinitus and deafness in one ear which also feels like it's "plugged" but isn't. I'm seeing an ear specialist tomorrow and have been reading all about Meniere's disease since I have all of those symptoms now. If I had known ANY of this was possible I would have dealt with my initial depression some OTHER way but NOT with Effexor. Just be advised! And best of luck to you.
Posted by EmmaL on August 18, 2003, at 0:27:53
In reply to Re: Withdrawl from HELL ? EmmaL, posted by Simcha on August 17, 2003, at 9:37:16
Hi, Simcha!
I am not enduring much suffering. Really! In fact, I am fine. I have been on holidays for two months and will be returning to work soon. I am being treated for generalized anxiety and it seems that my case is a walk in the park compared to many others'. Since I have been on holidays, I have been taking my meds (Effexor XR) only once every two days (I think that is called "cheating"!) and I am fine, but will go back to my regular dosage once I am back at work since my problem is largely work-related. Effexor XR has really been good for me as far as treating my anxiety. Paxil just did not work for me. I am hoping to find something else as effective but with fewer side effects. Anyone else have any answers???? (mainly weight gain, ongoing fatigue). Thank you so much for your reassurance and concern.
Sincerely,
EmmaL
Posted by Jenneh on August 18, 2003, at 11:26:47
In reply to Withdrawl Advice?, posted by zoobie on August 17, 2003, at 17:01:46
Your doctor is an idiot. I have a doctor who told me that not only would one experience side effects from effexor (YES THERE ARE SIDE EFFECTS FROM QUITTING), but that it can actually be unsafe to just quit cold-turkey. I don't know if this is true, but this doctor said that quitting outright without tapering off could cause strokes. I am not trying to scare anyone, but I thought I would put the word out there. I am so glad I have found this site. I know effexor has helped a lot of people but I think doctors need to be much more educated about what this drug is really about. I mean, I got my first dose of this drug when i went into a walk-in clinic and said i was feeling anxious. The doctor just handed me some samples. I am tapering off extremely slowly - I don't care if it takes months because I can't stand the side effects. I am a lawyer and I can't afford to be spaced out. I have been on 112.5 mg from 150 for 4 weeks, and in two days i am going down to 75mg. I can't wait to be off this stuff because I would like to have my feelings back. Cognitive therapy is a very good idea by the way, apparantly. I haven't tried it yet but I heard that this is vital to the success of this treatment. Good luck, everyone and take care
Jenneh
Posted by floating_head on August 18, 2003, at 11:55:58
In reply to Re: effexor is ruining my life! » BJL, posted by Helaine on August 16, 2003, at 14:36:35
I have been taking Effexor for about 1.5 years now. I'm on 150mg once daily. I was on vacation last week and ran out on Thursday. I had no idea what was wrong with me. My head was Swimming. I couldn’t even drive right. I was yelling at other drivers. I really thought I was cracking up. I filled my prescription this morning and ask the pharmacist if my head floating off my body and the bright white lights in my head when i tightly closed my eyes were withdrawal symptoms. She said absolutely. I want to thank you folks for being honest in these posts. It really helps to hear others having the same problems as me. i really thought I was going to have to go to the emergency room!!! I now wonder if I will ever be able to get off this stuff. I feel so much better now. I was really starting to panic yesterday. Even beer didnt help!!
Posted by BJL on August 18, 2003, at 12:08:53
In reply to Re: Withdrawl Advice?, posted by Jenneh on August 18, 2003, at 11:26:47
Jenneh, it can also cause seizures, which aren't life threatening in themselves, but as an EMT, I have seen some nasty injuries as a result of the seizures (head injuries, car accidents, etc.) I was strongly urged by my psych NOT to go cold turkey and, in fact, he warned me to stay very "on schedule" with my medications and not to even miss a day. He said I'd figure out why he was saying that after 1-2 missed doses and would not make the mistake again.
> Your doctor is an idiot. I have a doctor who told me that not only would one experience side effects from effexor (YES THERE ARE SIDE EFFECTS FROM QUITTING), but that it can actually be unsafe to just quit cold-turkey. I don't know if this is true, but this doctor said that quitting outright without tapering off could cause strokes. I am not trying to scare anyone, but I thought I would put the word out there. I am so glad I have found this site. I know effexor has helped a lot of people but I think doctors need to be much more educated about what this drug is really about. I mean, I got my first dose of this drug when i went into a walk-in clinic and said i was feeling anxious. The doctor just handed me some samples. I am tapering off extremely slowly - I don't care if it takes months because I can't stand the side effects. I am a lawyer and I can't afford to be spaced out. I have been on 112.5 mg from 150 for 4 weeks, and in two days i am going down to 75mg. I can't wait to be off this stuff because I would like to have my feelings back. Cognitive therapy is a very good idea by the way, apparantly. I haven't tried it yet but I heard that this is vital to the success of this treatment. Good luck, everyone and take care
> Jenneh
Posted by zoobie on August 18, 2003, at 12:25:44
In reply to Re: Withdrawl Advice?, posted by Jenneh on August 18, 2003, at 11:26:47
Thanks for the info.
Right now I've been on 37.5mg for 5 days, I think if I just stop today then I'll be fine.
I have until Saturday off work, so I'm hoping I'll be normal again.
Cognitive therapy you mention? Is this for treatment for anxiety/depression or to help on come off the medication?
I'm a Psychology student and cognitive therapy is when a therapist tries to disassociate your negative words/feelings with yourself.
I found Humanistic therapy really helped for me. Humanistic therapy can include Extistential and Gestalt therapy. This was the best for me, in regarding anxiety.
Existentialists believe anxiety is created because we feel helpless, we let our lives unfold without consciously making a decision of what we want to do.
For example, you become a lawyer because your family associated being a lawyer with being successful, or you wanted to make a lot of money, or you just fell into the field in University. An extistentialist would say because you haven't choosen to become a lawyer you are not really doing what you want in your life, therefore living an unauthentic life.
Anyhow I could go on, but then this would get waaaayyyyy too long. If you have some more questions, feel free to ask.
Zoobie
Posted by Jenneh on August 18, 2003, at 12:29:58
In reply to Re: Withdrawl Advice? » Jenneh, posted by zoobie on August 18, 2003, at 12:25:44
Hmm. that is very interesting. My parents always pushed my sister and I to go far - there is no way they would have been satisfied if we didnt go to university. Maybe I let them push me too much. Maybe I would rather be doing something else. What you;re saying makes sense though. I have anxiety/depression and some OCD - the OCD is likely a result of the lack of control i feel in other aspects of my life. I was mentioning cognitive therapy with regard to dealing with anxiety.
Thanks for the info.
Posted by Salty_dog on August 18, 2003, at 19:06:48
In reply to Re: Withdrawl Advice?, posted by Jenneh on August 18, 2003, at 12:29:58
I have been on 300mg before for about one year. I decided to stop after I had started Zypexa for about a week. Both the Dr. and I didn't see any progress from Effexor XR at higher doses so He sugested stoping the Effexor. This Dr. is not the same Dr. that strung me out on Effexor and Xanax. I felt bad for a few days and used the sugested 75 mg per week widrawl. This can be found on the Effexor web site for Dr.s
I stopped, using that formula with little or no side effects.Now, because I had a seizure I had to stop taking the Wellbutrin XR and began Lamictal which has a dual action. One for seizures and the other for Bi-Polar.
I was getting depressed so my Dr. asked me to start Effexor XR at the same level I was using before (300 mg). I feel like hell, want to get sick and vomit, so I am seeing my Dr. again tomarrow. I am not sure which med is causing the side effects, Effexor XR or Lamictal.
Wish me luck.
Posted by floating_head on August 18, 2003, at 20:36:20
In reply to Re: effexor is ruining my life!, posted by butterpeacan79 on August 17, 2003, at 2:06:23
Dear Butterpeacan79,
I was perscribed the effexor because of my teenage daughter. I was having trouble controling my anger. I have had no out bursts of anger since the effexor. BUT I have found myself being very sensitive to good natured teasing and ribbing, I seem to pout and stick out my lowere lip like a child. This I really dont like, but I have to take the good with the bad. I'm only rambling on because I think that you might need to talk to the Dr. about the anger.
Thanks for listening, good luck... Another Junkie. God I want off this shit!!
Posted by agr1233 on August 18, 2003, at 21:05:45
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Has anyone been given Effexor for addictions?
I'm a 46 yr old male with 28 yr >+ hard-core alcoholic tendancies.
I talked to my Dr. about Topiramte and he gave me this instead.
Nothing bad so far....any comments or shared knowledge?
Posted by lovemywife on August 19, 2003, at 3:49:34
In reply to Re: effexor is ruining my life!, posted by floating_head on August 18, 2003, at 11:55:58
My wife started on effexor xr about a month ago. She takes 150 mg. once a day. It makes her a little tired, so she takes it late afternoon or early evening. It has worked wonders for her. She is back to her normal self again...with one big exception...it is now very difficult or practically impossible for her to achieve an orgasm. This has never been a problem in the past and I am concerned about this. Has anyone else had a similiar experience and if so, can it be overcome.
My wife is so much happier and at ease since she started this drug...but the no O thing is bothering her and I also.
Posted by sassy ward on August 19, 2003, at 3:58:34
In reply to Re: Effexor discontinuation, posted by SusanG on February 15, 2002, at 13:37:59
I just want to say that i was told to stop effexor 150mg suddenly by my doctor after being on them for 5mths, upon first stopping them i thought that i was ok and had read some of the stories on this site and thought i had got of lightly but with a bang i was hit with everything said it has now been six days and i still have nausea and dizziness but not as much i went to a herbal shop and got drop that i put in water they are crab apple and the 2nd one is walnut i find that when i start feelin ill if i take these it eases the symptoms, what i would advise that if you are strong enough to go through all these withdrawal symptoms then why put yourself back through it and go on anti-depressants again i have decided that i am returning to the herbal shop to get something safe for myself and will not be going on these again i just want to to thank Eamonn for everything he helped me through this weekend without you i would have been lost THANK-YOU. For anyone whos trying to come of them just be persistant and everything will work itself out........Goodluck!!!
Posted by willie on August 19, 2003, at 7:13:11
In reply to Why no O?, posted by lovemywife on August 19, 2003, at 3:49:34
I too had difficulty achieving Orgasm when I first began taking effexor. My dosage is much lower than your wife. Give it some time and a lot of patience. It took me over a month at 37.5 to begin to feel any sexual sensation so it may take your wife longer. When she does start to feel sensation, it may take a long time of touching for her to achieve orgasm. But is will get better in time...Willie
Posted by DSCH on August 19, 2003, at 7:22:21
In reply to Why no O?, posted by lovemywife on August 19, 2003, at 3:49:34
[disclaimer]My own non-degreed take[/disclaimer]
If she has not had a history of asthma, hayfever, or allergies to pollen, mold, pet dander, and the like, trying out a L-histadine amino acid supplement might be worth a shot. If she tries it, I would recommend starting with a low dose (taken soon after waking up) and gradually increasing until "O" is coming along. ;-) If rashes, hives, sneezing, or itchy skin happen first, discontinue.
Histamine (made from L-histadine) is an important neurotransmitter involved in sexual response and circadian rythyms as well as the immune system.
Hope that helps.
Posted by BSHO on August 19, 2003, at 9:33:33
In reply to Why no O?, posted by lovemywife on August 19, 2003, at 3:49:34
I'm a guy, and it effected my sexual experience too, but it got better over time.
Posted by Salty_dog on August 19, 2003, at 10:16:40
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by agr1233 on August 18, 2003, at 21:05:45
I have heard Effexor XR has been used to assist smokers in stopping.
I am a recovering alcoholic (14 year) and once upon a time I was prescribed Naltrexone HCL 50mg per day.
Studies sugest Naltrexone HCL was very useful in stopping alcoholic obsesion and complusion on a long term basis. Naltrexone is used to prevent Opiate users from getting high after and only after a long period of withdrawl from opiates (heroin, percocet, ...). If it is used while there is still traces of opiates in the User, if will cause immediate withdwawl which is very unconfortable.
A short term form of Naltrexone is used in overdose (herion) patients to bring the patient back to life. Boy, are they pissed when they wake up.
Posted by Dr. Bob on August 19, 2003, at 17:19:06
In reply to Re: effexor is ruining my life!, posted by floating_head on August 18, 2003, at 20:36:20
> God I want off this sh*t!!
I'm sorry it's been a problem, but please don't use language that could offend others -- which I'm currently taking to include words and phrases considered often or usually disparaging, obscene, offensive, or vulgar by Merriam-Webster OnLine:
Thanks,
Bob
PS: Follow-ups regarding posting policies, and complaints about posts, should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration; otherwise, they may be deleted.
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