![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 5577 to 5601 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by KimberlyDi on November 6, 2003, at 12:54:23
In reply to Re: Effex, then Paxil, Topamx now Nitroglycerin-HA » Sufferfromeffexor, posted by Mercedes on November 5, 2003, at 14:02:34
Mercedes:
oh heck, your post almost made me cry. I'm so sorry you went through all this, and I'm sorry I did too. I have to lower/taper/quit Effexor because of high blood pressure (my highest I tested was 151/96 before I threw in the towel). And I loved Effexor. I HATE these withdrawals, feeling sick and wondering if I can make it through work. Today I'm better. Tomorrow could be worse.
God bless and good luck.
KDi in TX
Posted by Mercedes on November 7, 2003, at 3:25:56
In reply to Re: For Music » music, posted by KimberlyDi on November 6, 2003, at 12:44:42
Just a note here guys, when I dropped from my 300, I felt the same SE's as when I was going on it, sweating, pounding heart, joint pain... all in reverse of when I titrated up. I too loved Effexor as the wonder drug for depression. But no more :(
KDi, and anyone suffering from high blood pressure. Monitor it closely. I think i have to go out and get one of those BP monitors, expecially now being on nitroglycerine. Monday my BP was 168/94, yesterday. Wed 120/60. I'm fluctuating to much. Also did ya'll know that high blood pressure causes migranes/headaches?
Lastly, regarding Elavil/Imiprimine. From WebMD, "you should tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure before taking this med.." Good thing is it doesn't interfere with OOOOOOO's and it appears the only warning on having a cocktail every now and then is that it may cause drowsiness. This may be a plus if you've suffered insomnia like I did with Effexor. At least we'd get a good night's sleep finally.
Mercedes
..........................
> Music,
>
> Anyway, I think I am going to maybe start taking that med I told you about yesterday (amitrip....)
>
> Imipramine?
>
> That's what I just started. It's either helping with the Effexor withdrawal, or I've adjusted to a lower dosage of 150mg, instead of 300mg.
>
> KDi in TX
>
Posted by Aphid 1 on November 8, 2003, at 16:40:28
In reply to Re: Effex, then Paxil, Topamx now Nitroglycerin-HA » Mercedes, posted by KimberlyDi on November 6, 2003, at 12:54:23
Just want to know of the persons who've expierenced mood swings with effexor xr what seemed to help , ( incereasing dosage, or taking another med, etc?). i have been on effexor for almost 4 months and the past 3 weeks my attitude has gone to hell. most of the time i generally feel better, but i seem to get mad easily over stupid things, and have ALOT of dark, scary thoughts i don't like. my doc perscribed that i take Alesse ( a birth control pill, with low levels of estrogen and progestern), but i am hesitant to start this as for one i don't need birth control as my tubes are tied, and two i do not want to bleed for no months then only to bleed continously for ??? ever when i stop the Alesse,(as i heard is a common side effect with birth control pills). i do want something to control my anger and mood swings and am also perscribed Lorazepam, but am not sure if this is going to make me go down to a low which in turn would create an opposite high of mood. i just want a stabilizing "normal" range of functioning, whatever that is...
any comments, suggestions, help, ??
Posted by Clayton on November 8, 2003, at 17:19:34
In reply to Effexor and mood swings, posted by Aphid 1 on November 8, 2003, at 16:40:28
What you describe sounds like a bipolar problem - manic-depression.
I may have some relevent experience.
I am on Remaron which enhances both Seratonin and Norepinephrine levels (except that it does so by increasing the quantity produced, not reuptake Inhibition like Effexor). I am also on Paxil that blocks seratonin reuptake.
Result: Suddenly, two months ago, I became seriously manic-depressive. Mood swings. Crying and wailing followed by incessant ranting (I could NOT keep myself quiet). Reckless spending on the internet that over drew my checking account by $1400.00. I knew I was doing it on some level but I was having too much fun to stop. This is a classic behavior of people in the manic phase of bipolar disorder.(Unfortunetely, this behavior cost me my wife of twenty years and my kids).
So, of course, I went to my pdoc. He said my seratonin levels had beed increased too much. One documented outcome of this is Bipolar Disorder.
We cut the dose a remaron to bring seratonin levels back within bounds. He prescribed Zyprexa -a modern anti-psychotic mood stabalizer (same think lithium is prescribed for but better) to control symptoms in the meantime. As Remaron works fast (and is eliminated quickly from the body), I shouldn't have to stay on the Zyprexa too long.
Maybe Effexor has over-elevated your Seratonin level. Why not ask you doc?
Kind Regards and Good Luck
Posted by zinya on November 8, 2003, at 17:43:38
In reply to Re: Effex, then Paxil, Topamx now Nitroglycerin-HA » Mercedes, posted by KimberlyDi on November 6, 2003, at 12:54:23
hi Kim,
long time no post... I've been sabotaged of late by things which at first i thought had no connection to the effexor offramp but now i realize even something as seemingly disconnected as a recurrence of carpal tunnel can be related.
I only had carpal tunnel once before and then too i was in a drug-flux state, that time it was a shift in HRT (due to a stupid health insurance company decision to stop paying for the brand i was taking so i tried the one they wnated me on and it wiped out my estrogen levels, causing me to have to write and my md. too to request dispensation to go back to original HRT -- but in the interim, amid hot flashes etc etc, also my first-ever bout with carpal tunnel, a real bummer... Talk about ZAPS...
Well, now it's back again and, as mercedes helped me verify with an article she found -- i'd already learned 3 yrs ago that studies have shown a relation between carpal tunnel and estrogen ... But also Effexor w/d has one symptom of paresthesias -- which is this realm of nerve-damage problems including carpal tunnel .... Even this week an old injury of a torn ligament from a sprained ankle in 1997 that was horrible, that pain area resurfaced and my chiropractor (who was sent from god, really!) said that that is paresthesias ... Although, much as he dislikes all these drugs like ADs, he was stunned to realize that paresthesias is an SE of Effexor too.
(side note: He helped me to understand something i never knew before. The very name "effexor" comes from the nerves which EXIT the brain to our other body parts. The nerves ENTERing the brain are called "affexor")
anyway, i'm lamed up with carpal tunnel "lock" brace on one wrist, ace bandage for the other, recovering from a week of the foot pain and bad S-I nerve flare-ups, and realizing that the Effexor w/d is probably at least a factor in all this ...
I'm down to 9 mg of Effexor. As those of you i've dialogued with before know, i'm probably the "queen" of gradualness here. Just as i crept up in dose REALLY slowly and started at only half the 37.5 per night for 2 wks before even going to the full 37.5 capsule... etc... I'd had too many bad reactions on other ADs and this my last-ever stab and one more AD ...now that it was wrong too, never again...
For me it was also my heart (rapid out-of-body heart beat just for gardening, as if it was aerobics) plus UNRELENTING sweating that i tolerated for 3 months before quitting. But i started diminishing back on Sept. 3 and i've gone sooo gradually (and maybe ? becuz of that i've had very few of the horrific reactions, minimal brain zaps etc) but i HAVE had this carpal thing ... aargh... Anyway, after 2 months i've gone from 150 gradually down to now 9 mg. But if i skip one night at all, which i sometimes do intentionally now to test quitting, the next day i start to get some zaps late in the day and realize i'm not ready yet for cold turkey although after another week at 9 mgs (a 37.5 capsule divided into 4ths) i AM going to go to 9 mg every other day, then every 3rd day....
What i think explains these zaps -- which someone here asked about -- is that, as i now understand it - rightly or not -- these ADs cause the changes to depression they are designed to do precisely because they literally 'restructure' the brain. They ain't chickenfeed. These aren't like other drugs treating symptoms. They are actually causing brain restructurings. Therefore, going off one means your brain is left to re-restructure or de-restructure or some other quite monumental thing and hence the absolute need for gradualness to the max.
In my own case, i DO think my depression is behind me. And it's possible (?) that the Effexor did do something beneficial and maybe some component of its restructuring served like a mechanic tightening up a loose valve or something and maybe it's sticking with me ... The problem now is just the SE's of withdrawal itself. But i'm frustrated as hell, cuz i'm NOT depressed any more -- BUT i'm so riddled with 'handicaps' - literally - both hands and one feet riddled with nerve pains -- that i can't DO anything... which is its own source of depression cuz i was just starting to be really productive again and now i'm high and dry. Yet there IS a difference. I'm not depressed in that glum, what's-it-worth kind of way. Whether that was a stage of grieving that would have passed with time anyway or Effexor played some role in shortcircuiting it, i don't know, but i'm willing to say maybe it did something of long-term good in a 'mechanical restructuring' kind of way which will stay "fixed" even after i re-restructure on the offramp...
but it's been hell and it ain't over yet...
hugs to kim and all,
zinya
Posted by zinya on November 8, 2003, at 18:02:34
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » clb149, posted by Salty_Dog on November 3, 2003, at 22:49:43
hi S.D.
about a week ago, while i was still on hiatus from checking in here for a while, mercedes relayed to me the following which i guess came from a post of yours, as noted here, concerning something you'd gotten from somewhere listing SEs from "abrupt withdrawal" (see below) ... If i understood correctly, do you recall where you got this info from? i'd be interested if you still have a website or something for it...Secondly, i've just described in some detail in a post replying to KimD my latest symptoms and situation so i won't repeat here but if you read that post you'll see where i'm at now, which seems to QUITE contradict the notion that these SE's (and particularly the paresthesias) only result from *abrupt* withdrawal. Nobody could POSSIBLY be doing more gradual w/d than i am, but i'm rather totally hamstrung by paresthesias responses which are hard to account for as being triggered without taking the Effexor w/d into the picture...
and thanks for having shared this originally in what appears to have been a post of yours from a month ago...
good luck to you and congrats on the job!
zinyaPosted by Salty_Dog on October 6, 2003, at 17:06:37
In reply to Re: Effexor side effects - heart palpitations <http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031004/msgs/265901.html>; , posted by darthwribar on October 6, 2003, at 8:16:40
I have found a statement concerning arrhythmia and angina pectoris (chest pain) in < 1% of the trial victims. I also found a direct statement concerning withdrawl:
Abrupt Discontinuation of EFEXOR-XR: Discontinuation symptoms have been assessed both in patients with depression and in those with anxiety. Abrupt discontinuation, dose reduction, or tapering of venlafaxine at various doses has been found to be associated with the appearance of new symptoms, the frequency of which increased with increased dose level and with longer duration of treatment. Symptoms reported included agitation, anxiety, confusion, dry mouth, fatigue,
paresthesias,
vertigo, hypomania, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, diarrhoea, sleep disturbance, insomnia, sweating and nervousness. Where such symptoms occurred, they were usually self-limiting, but in a few patients lasted for several weeks. Discontinuation effects are well known to occur with antidepressants. There is also a report of a withdrawal syndrome, confirmed by two challenges in a 32 year old woman who had received venlafaxine 300 mg daily for 8 months. It is therefore recommended that the dosage of EFEXOR-XR be tapered gradually and the patient monitored. The period required for discontinuation may depend on the dose, duration of therapy and the individual patient (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
Posted by Gina bobit on November 9, 2003, at 2:48:09
In reply to Re: electric shocks proper stopping of Effexor, posted by bsho on August 30, 2003, at 17:33:15
I am now going through the withdrawals from effexor. I am afraid to go to sleep, because the way I feel right now, I may not wake up...
I have been taking effexor for 4 years. At the time it was prescribed for me, I thought the diagnosis was correct due to several deaths in my family, but now I think it was all wrong!!
I believe that I should have been diagnosed with Hypo-Thyroidism.....Often missed diagnosed as depression..
I have all the systems of hypothroidism, dry skin,dry brittle hair,low sex drive,weight gain,and MULTI THYROID NODULES...
I have been to several doctors and I am going to a new one again this week. The withdrawals from effexor are very frightening!! I don't know how long they will last. I have been off for only 5 days now.. I am really scared!!!
Posted by zinya on November 9, 2003, at 3:30:38
In reply to Re: electric shocks proper stopping of Effexor, posted by Gina bobit on November 9, 2003, at 2:48:09
I hate to offer such strong advice but i would URGE you to take half of whatever your last dose was on Effexor (even if it means dividing up granules from a capsule) to take NOW as a way of easing your withdrawal symptoms.
I say this guardedly because you haven't said whether you quit cold turkey, or what dosage level you were at, either at your peak and at your last dose level before quitting.
I am a HUGE advocate -- based first on having read months of experiences on this website and then (now) going through my own withdrawal ... very very very gradually precisely because of the experiences of others i'd read here. And it is NOT a setback to your withdrawal to take another one or part of one now. So many fall prey to thinking that taking another dose now would somehow screw up your withdrawal, but from everything i've read it's really quite the opposite. Your brain needs the softest "landing" possible coming off Effexor (or any AD) coming off very gradually.
If you're interested in more of the hows and whys of my own experience, read the posts just above which i posted earlier today.
I wish you the very best of luck, but it sounds to me like you need relief and the best immediate relief (which won't re-habituate you or anything) would be to take either a normal dose of whatever your last dose level was or taking a reduced version of it like half of that last dose level -- to help your brain adjust to the withdrawal as it has to restructure itself again ... and to give you critical relief from the withdrawal symptoms..
good luck!
zinya
Posted by Clayton on November 9, 2003, at 8:58:21
In reply to Re: For Music » music, posted by KimberlyDi on November 6, 2003, at 12:44:42
Be careful with those two drugs you are using to help get off this demonic antidepressant, Effexor that I am reading so much about. They are both "Dumb Drugs". You know how there is this class of drugs called "smart drugs" - like piracetem - known as nootropics? Their efficacy is controversial. But there are also "dumb drugs" and those are two classics. I never tried Imipramine, but it is the most infamous of all. I've taken amitryptylan and I know it impairs my cognitive functioning, slows my thinking (a lot!)and kills my memory. As a tempoary expediant to withdraw from Effexor, it's probably worth it...as long as your job doesn't demand unrelenting analytical acuity like mine does. Just watch out. You have already discovered that every drug with beneficial effects - especially psychotropics - have a dark side. Beware of the dark side.
I've been on Paxil, Prozac and Remaron. No real bothersome side-effect (EXCEPT!!! - my libido vanishes - poof! It's like, "I can't quite recall but didn't I used to find women attractive and exciting in some way??"). Thank God no doc ever put me on Effexor. Just reading about peoples' personal experiences is a nightmare!
Kindest Regards & Peace Be With You
Posted by Mercedes on November 9, 2003, at 22:16:08
In reply to Re: electric shocks proper stopping of Effexor, posted by Gina bobit on November 9, 2003, at 2:48:09
Please don't worry too much....you will wake up.
You were on Effexor for 4 yrs. What was your highest dosage? Mine was 300mgs. Did you withdraw by decreasing the dosage amount? Did doc give you anything to help with the withdrawals? I was given paxil, but the SE's of paxil were not good for me ALTHOUGH it did help when I was titrating down to my lowest dose of Effexor 37.5 plus 25mgs of Paxil.However I had to quit paxil (only took for about 2 weeks) and still had the Effexor withdrawals.
I'm now off Effexor since Oct 14th, and off paxil since Oct 29th. Let's see, what's today..Ok, Nov 9th....still having the withdrawals but not as bad. When the zaps got real bad, I broke a tablet of paxil and took 1/4 of it, per Pdoc instructions. It really helped even though I didn't want anything to do with Effexor or Paxil again. I only took that 1/4 twice and live with the withdrawals, dizzyiness, uncorridinated and the porcupine needles going thoughout my body. And I'm still waking up.
So please don't worry. I suffered insomnia for over a year while on effexor, only sleeping 3 or 4 hrs a night. Now I'm sleeping 7-8 hrs.... finally. However, sometimes I just want to get out and drive like crazy, and also go through crying episodes, anger episodes... but I don't feel depressed. My General Practictioner says it's my sugar fluctuating(?) Don't know if there is a connection w/Effexor. Blood sugar/effexor???? I'm not diabetic.
What withdrawals are you feeling?
Hope you feel better soon. It will pass. Unfortunatly, in some people (like me) it takes longer.
Mercedes********************************************
> I am now going through the withdrawals from effexor. I am afraid to go to sleep, because the way I feel right now, I may not wake up...
> I have been taking effexor for 4 years. At the time it was prescribed for me, I thought the diagnosis was correct due to several deaths in my family, but now I think it was all wrong!!
> I believe that I should have been diagnosed with Hypo-Thyroidism.....Often missed diagnosed as depression..
> I have all the systems of hypothroidism, dry skin,dry brittle hair,low sex drive,weight gain,and MULTI THYROID NODULES...
> I have been to several doctors and I am going to a new one again this week. The withdrawals from effexor are very frightening!! I don't know how long they will last. I have been off for only 5 days now.. I am really scared!!!
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 9, 2003, at 23:28:51
In reply to Re: For Music, posted by Clayton on November 9, 2003, at 8:58:21
> this demonic antidepressant, Effexor
Please don't exaggerate or overgeneralize.
Bob
PS: Follow-ups regarding posting policies should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration, thanks.
Posted by Harlock on November 10, 2003, at 8:58:18
In reply to Effexor and mood swings, posted by Aphid 1 on November 8, 2003, at 16:40:28
This doesn't help you much, but I started the 37.5 mg dosage about 6 days ago. I gotta admit, I feel "pretty" good. I'm feeling MUCH better than I was before I started taking it, but this also conicides with some life events that recently improved. I find it hard to believe the meds had an effect this soon.
Did you have the dark thoughts before the meds or only now that you are on them? I've had those for years. It's actually a coping skill of mine.. most likely an unheathly one. I'd explain what I mean by that, but intentionally leave out the details. ;) All I'll say is they are "revenge fantasies". They seem to make me feel better. I've had them for well over 10 years. I do and do not want to get rid of them. Hard to explain...
I'm also on Lorazepam. I just took my first dose now. Just took 1 pill for now, to see how it affects me. I feel kinda mellow, which is the exact opposite of my severe type-a personality. So far so good. If it kicks in more, I really hope I can avoid abusing them. I'm sick of fighting everything all the time. I want to learn how to just "let it go" and no obsess over these things (work stuff, driving rage, etc). I want to be at peace.
Jeez, I've rambled horribly again. Good luck to you.
> Just want to know of the persons who've expierenced mood swings with effexor xr what seemed to help , ( incereasing dosage, or taking another med, etc?). i have been on effexor for almost 4 months and the past 3 weeks my attitude has gone to hell. most of the time i generally feel better, but i seem to get mad easily over stupid things, and have ALOT of dark, scary thoughts i don't like. my doc perscribed that i take Alesse ( a birth control pill, with low levels of estrogen and progestern), but i am hesitant to start this as for one i don't need birth control as my tubes are tied, and two i do not want to bleed for no months then only to bleed continously for ??? ever when i stop the Alesse,(as i heard is a common side effect with birth control pills). i do want something to control my anger and mood swings and am also perscribed Lorazepam, but am not sure if this is going to make me go down to a low which in turn would create an opposite high of mood. i just want a stabilizing "normal" range of functioning, whatever that is...
> any comments, suggestions, help, ??
Posted by Harlock on November 10, 2003, at 8:59:07
In reply to Effexor and mood swings, posted by Aphid 1 on November 8, 2003, at 16:40:28
This doesn't help you much, but I started the 37.5 mg dosage about 6 days ago. I gotta admit, I feel "pretty" good. I'm feeling MUCH better than I was before I started taking it, but this also conicides with some life events that recently improved. I find it hard to believe the meds had an effect this soon.
Did you have the dark thoughts before the meds or only now that you are on them? I've had those for years. It's actually a coping skill of mine.. most likely an unheathly one. I'd explain what I mean by that, but intentionally leave out the details. ;) All I'll say is they are "revenge fantasies". They seem to make me feel better. I've had them for well over 10 years. I do and do not want to get rid of them. Hard to explain...
I'm also on Lorazepam. I just took my first dose now. Just took 1 pill for now, to see how it affects me. I feel kinda mellow, which is the exact opposite of my severe type-a personality. So far so good. If it kicks in more, I really hope I can avoid abusing them. I'm sick of fighting everything all the time. I want to learn how to just "let it go" and no obsess over these things (work stuff, driving rage, etc). I want to be at peace.
Jeez, I've rambled horribly again. Good luck to you.
> Just want to know of the persons who've expierenced mood swings with effexor xr what seemed to help , ( incereasing dosage, or taking another med, etc?). i have been on effexor for almost 4 months and the past 3 weeks my attitude has gone to hell. most of the time i generally feel better, but i seem to get mad easily over stupid things, and have ALOT of dark, scary thoughts i don't like. my doc perscribed that i take Alesse ( a birth control pill, with low levels of estrogen and progestern), but i am hesitant to start this as for one i don't need birth control as my tubes are tied, and two i do not want to bleed for no months then only to bleed continously for ??? ever when i stop the Alesse,(as i heard is a common side effect with birth control pills). i do want something to control my anger and mood swings and am also perscribed Lorazepam, but am not sure if this is going to make me go down to a low which in turn would create an opposite high of mood. i just want a stabilizing "normal" range of functioning, whatever that is...
> any comments, suggestions, help, ??
Posted by Mercedes on November 10, 2003, at 13:13:58
In reply to Class-action Lawsuit / Lawfirm Name, posted by Francois on October 21, 2003, at 18:08:01
Francois, I'm going back to some posts and found your post quite interesting as I too am going through the Effexor withdrawals (for almost a month now). I can surely identify with the dizzyness.
It's unfortunate that you found "this most interesting community" and were critizized harshly by another poster. He/She obviously hasn't experienced the withdrawals and hopefully won't ever, and I totally agree that Effexor is good for some, and not for other's.
I emphathize with you and feel ashamed that I didn't write sooner, but my blurred vision (side effect of Effexor) prevents me from being on the computer very long. One good thing about getting OFF effexor is that the blurred vision doesn't last as long as it used to after using the computer. However I do need my 5th pair of glasses (in one year!), changed one more time, but will wait till the effexor get's completly out of my system. Oh, I have been to an opthalmalogist and there is nothing wrong with my eyes...so my vision problems are effexor related.
I agree that we need to make someone "aware ...... of distressed Effexor users". Thank you for your efforts to make this known and imo, it's not about filing a law suit for money. I beleive it's to make the manufactures aware of the SE's and to help future users of the "good things" regarding Effexor and/or of the severe side effects and withdrawal effects as evidenced here by many user's. I can't imagine losing a son or daughter to suicide due to Effexor. Again, winning a class action law suit will not bring their children back. It's the principle, and future prevention imo.
Personally, I liked Effexor for my depression until "I" had to stop due to the high blood pressure side effect. I also suffered confusion, comprehension, memory loss, word finding problems, attention deficit, suicidal ideation, amoung other things like anger/rage for no apparent reason other than the Effexor? My withdrawls have also included the above with more emphasis on anger/rage, suicidal ideation, wishing to drive at dangerous speeds, etc. I would never, ever hurt anyone though. I question how many of these side effects are permanent however and this is where "I"/we need help.
Also hope to hear from you and your progress or non progress, whichever. I haven't seen any other posts from you after the response you received from a 'someone who has had great success with Effexor' and I don't blame you.You also say you spend alot of time on the internet, did you perhaps find another "user freindly" site????
Distressed Effexor user.****************************************
Hello all,
I am going through the Effexor Withdrawal's absolutely insane dizziness (and related) and have found this most interesting community.
I happen to own an internet company and spend half of my life or more online ;-) ... and have also found in my web research a lawfirm in NY City that seems to be putting together a class-action lawsuit via their "Defective Medicine" Legal Division (on behalf of Effexor users).
Although they seem to be interested in younger adults (due to higher suicidal ideation caused by Effexor in younger adults and children), I believe it would be most important for ALL of us to contact this firm and make them aware of this community and its population of distressed Effexor users.
Posted by KimberlyDi on November 10, 2003, at 14:09:16
In reply to Re: electric shocks proper stopping of Effexor » Gina bobit, posted by zinya on November 9, 2003, at 3:30:38
Listen to Zinya, she knows! HI ZINYA!!! This isn't like heroin or alcohol and even if it were... in rehabs they switch you to a similar-type drug (methadone or librium) and decrease your dosage on that until withdrawal symptoms are gone. It's all about tapering. If the withdrawal is unbearable, you're quitting too quickly.
Be kind to yourself
KDi in TX
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 10, 2003, at 15:39:39
In reply to Re: blocked for week » Clayton, posted by Dr. Bob on November 9, 2003, at 23:28:51
> PS: Follow-ups regarding posting policies should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration, thanks.
Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20031008/msgs/278280.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Mercedes on November 10, 2003, at 17:10:18
In reply to Re: For Music, posted by Clayton on November 9, 2003, at 8:58:21
Clayton, when you get back, I'd like to hear more on your experiences with the AD's. Effexor made me "stupid" for lack of a better word. I should have been saying "impairs my cognitive functioning" (your words, thanks). I have to write them down, as I still have memory problems from the Effexor.
I withdrew from Effexor, Paxil and Topamax within a month, under Dr's guidance I must say. Well, Paxil imo, caused me to have heart pains, so I only took it for m/b 2 weeks? yea, I'm the one that has to carry nitro now, just in case. But that's neither here nor there.
I too, have had very demanding, analytical jobs....25 yrs worth, and suffered greatly with the meds affecting my intellect, among other things.
Anyway, w/b interested in what AD finally worked for you and how you are progressing. I apologize if you've written it before and I missed it or just "forgot" it. The withdrawals have at times put me in that dark side, but I won't go into details now.
See ya soon and Peace to you too,
Mercedes
***********************************************I've taken amitryptylan and I know it impairs my cognitive functioning, slows my thinking (a lot!)and kills my memory. As a tempoary expediant to withdraw from Effexor, it's probably worth it...as long as your job doesn't demand unrelenting analytical acuity like mine does. Just watch out. You have already discovered that every drug with beneficial effects - especially psychotropics - have a dark side. Beware of the dark side.
I've been on Paxil, Prozac and Remaron. No real bothersome side-effect (EXCEPT!!! - my libido vanishes - poof! It's like, "I can't quite recall but didn't I used to find women attractive and exciting in some way??"). Thank God no doc ever put me on Effexor. Just reading about peoples' personal experiences is a nightmare!
Kindest Regards & Peace Be With You
Posted by Mercedes on November 10, 2003, at 19:05:00
In reply to Effexor tapering isn't like falling off the wagon » zinya, posted by KimberlyDi on November 10, 2003, at 14:09:16
I agree KDi somewhat, however, my experience with the withdrawals have been like "falling off the wagon" in some ways. Even with Dr's advice, I've gone through what probably most drug addicts go through, whithout the help of the rehab place. I'm glad I never used "those" kinds of drugs, and even as I type, I'm getting the brain & body zaps, porqpine needles exiting my body.
What i'm trying to say is that going off Effexor or any other kind of potent AD should be closely monitored by a doctor, like rehab places do. My feeling is that the Pdocs are not paying attention to the patients complaints and/or are just giving another drug to offset that drug and then when we get like high blood pressure, they give you another drug and pretty soon you are on 5 to 10 efn medications!
Never mind...my brain is zapping and I don't know what I'm saying, except that I feel for all of you that are going through withdrawals. Hang in there and keep writing, cause it helps just to jot it down sometimes and hopefully we won't need the meds anymore.
"Mind over matter" is what a good freind told me. I have to find my "Mind" first and then the answer to "what's the Matter"? Sorry, bad joke.
LUV,
Mercedes
> Listen to Zinya, she knows! HI ZINYA!!! This isn't like heroin or alcohol and even if it were... in rehabs they switch you to a similar-type drug (methadone or librium) and decrease your dosage on that until withdrawal symptoms are gone. It's all about tapering. If the withdrawal is unbearable, you're quitting too quickly.
>
> Be kind to yourself
> KDi in TX
Posted by Nunaka on November 10, 2003, at 19:36:49
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hello, I have been taking Effexor xr for about 2 weeks for depression and anxiety. I took the 37.5 for a week and then started on the 75. I am feeling much better, energized, happier, than I was on Zoloff. I have a couple of concerns. My interest in sex has dropped off drastically. I am a 50 year old, just married 3 years and I hope this is just temporary. I have been having terrible problems with insomnia and I manage to keep up the pace of the day, but I am really tired. I hope these effects are temporary. Today all the sudden I noticed a lot of background noise. I thought it was in my office,
but then I realized it was in my head. It is kind of like high pitched ear ringing or the chirping of a thousand crickets and it has been going on for a couple of hours. It is bad enough in this work environment, but I can't imagine what it will be like when I try to go to sleep in my quiet bedroom. Has anyone experienced this? If it continues tomorrow, I guess I should call my doctor, because it could really drive me up a wall. I have lost a little weight and that is a good thing, but for the most part, until today, it has really put me in a much better frame of mind. Please give me your imput. Thanks
Posted by Marlena on November 10, 2003, at 22:58:08
In reply to Re: Effex. Withdrwl - How R U doing? Concerned.. » Francois, posted by Mercedes on November 10, 2003, at 13:13:58
I totally agree. And I am so glad I found this site. I "accidently" went cold turkey with Effexor when I ended up with a stomach virus and couldn't keep anything down -- including the Effexor. I was only off for 2 days, but I am stunned at the side effects I have had. I have been so dizzy. Also I had nightmares that were the worst I have every had. They were more like hallucinations and I couldn't wake up! NOt to mention the nervous shakes, crying spells and hot flashes. I talked to my doctor. I was hoping that I would not have to go back on it because the power that it has had on me frightens me. She said I have to get back on it now, but I am going to try to work my way back off and change meds. I have tried several others and have never had withdrawal like this. And for ME, the benefits have not been any better than other drugs. It's too "mind-altering" for me!
I wish I had know about the side effects BEFORE I started this drug.
Posted by Zellie on November 11, 2003, at 3:01:14
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Nunaka on November 10, 2003, at 19:36:49
I have been on Effexor XR since May. Titrated up slowly, and have been at 150 mg for about 3 months.
I read in the beginning that climax would cease but would resume after 6 weeks to 3 months, and it did. However, it is only about once a week or once every 2 weeks that I desire to climax. My husband of almost 20 years has been used to our making love 3-4 times a week, with both of us always having climaxed. At first he didn't like that I wasn't climaxing. I have been at peace with it, though. We are still making love as frequently, but most of the time I am very content just to give to him. When I do climax, it is nice, but I am happy that he does not pressure me to climax. I have had to reassure him that I am not missing out, since I feel no sexual tension (i.e. desire to climax) most of the time. Whenever I do feel it, I let him know, so both our needs are gettting met when I do and when I don't climax.
I am very grateful for the help the medication is giving me with the depression. I also have Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)and ADHD, and the Effexor XR has helped dramatically in all areas.
Lately, I've begun having the voracious appetite I've heard so many acquire while on the med, so I've decided to buy and prepare tons of fresh fruit and veggies and dip, so I can gorge my appetite on healthy stuff...whole grain foods, with the use of fructose (this is NOT fruit sugar) instead of regualar sugar whenever sweetening is needed, to keep the level of sugar in my blood low (helps prevent weight gain if glycemic index is kept low). I am considering stopping coffee, since I suspect it may be making me more hungry. I love coffee! :(
Anyway, the Effexor has taken away the ball-and-chain that I have had to drag around all my life, that weighed me down so miserably. I am enjoying life for the first time ever, at 42 years of age. I have an amazing pyshician, who is a psychiatrist specializing in these areas. I love my G.P., but I do not want to be under the care of someone who is not expert in the treatment of Major Depression, GAD, OCD, ADHD, etc. etc.
By the way, tried Concerta with the Effexor to help with the ADHD, but it raised my anxiety level again, so I came off it again. It was worth the try, but sure enough, is not for people with GAD.
P.S. When titrating up with the Effexor, I found that at certain dosage levels I actually felt more depressed, until I got to the optimum level. It worked on the anxiety first, so with that lowered, the depression really took over, which was why I felt worse. But once the dosage was increased a couple of more times up to my current dose, I began feeling much, much better.
Kindest regards,
Zellie
> Hello, I have been taking Effexor xr for about 2 weeks for depression and anxiety. I took the 37.5 for a week and then started on the 75. I am feeling much better, energized, happier, than I was on Zoloff. I have a couple of concerns. My interest in sex has dropped off drastically. I am a 50 year old, just married 3 years and I hope this is just temporary. I have been having terrible problems with insomnia and I manage to keep up the pace of the day, but I am really tired. I hope these effects are temporary. Today all the sudden I noticed a lot of background noise. I thought it was in my office,
> but then I realized it was in my head. It is kind of like high pitched ear ringing or the chirping of a thousand crickets and it has been going on for a couple of hours. It is bad enough in this work environment, but I can't imagine what it will be like when I try to go to sleep in my quiet bedroom. Has anyone experienced this? If it continues tomorrow, I guess I should call my doctor, because it could really drive me up a wall. I have lost a little weight and that is a good thing, but for the most part, until today, it has really put me in a much better frame of mind. Please give me your imput. Thanks
Posted by KimberlyDi on November 11, 2003, at 11:36:13
In reply to Sexual side-effects » Nunaka, posted by Zellie on November 11, 2003, at 3:01:14
Posted by on-the-wave on November 11, 2003, at 13:11:14
In reply to Thanks. The good needs to be heard also (nm) » Zellie, posted by KimberlyDi on November 11, 2003, at 11:36:13
I have been on effexor at 300mg for ±3 years and have just had a break through in therapy in which i have recovered from about 20 years of depression. I am very anxious to ween myself off the effexor asap. I am worried that my GP will not know how to do this effectively because:
i. During taking the medication when I missed taking it in the morning, by the evening i would have headaches, dizziness, mood swings, etc.
ii. I tried to discontinue on my own about 12 months ago by reducing to 150mg for 1 week and 75mg for 3 days (75mg by approximating half a 150mg capsule)and experienced severe mood swings, feelings of total invincibility, elation, depression, anger, etc. This continued for about 10 days before i relented and continued the medication with almost immediate recovery to my medicated normalcy.
My current side effects are reduced sexual interest, not being able to urinate for long periods, impotence plus very vivid dreams.
Is there a strategy for tapering the effexor which i can refer my GP to.
Posted by KimberlyDi on November 11, 2003, at 14:59:03
In reply to Withdrawal from venlafaxine, posted by on-the-wave on November 11, 2003, at 13:11:14
I would taper from 300mg to 225mg for at least a week or until you feel ok again. Then go to 150, or an in-between dose. I think you need to plan your own withdrawal schedule, and be able to adjust it as needed.
KDi in TX
Posted by Zellie on November 11, 2003, at 18:10:42
In reply to Withdrawal from venlafaxine, posted by on-the-wave on November 11, 2003, at 13:11:14
It is my understanding that the longer a person has had a history of depression, and the earlier the onset in life, the more likely they will benefit from continuing the medication therapy indefinitely.
Apparently there are people who have episodes of depression once or twice in their life, who can successfully go on and then off of anti-depressants, without recurring episodes. However, the greater the number of recurrences of episodes a person has had, the greater the likelihood that they will continue to occur.
I have suffered from major depression for as long as my memory goes back...4 years old perhaps. I have seen numerous physicians, including psychiatrists, psychologists, G.P.s, psychotherapists, etc, beginning back in the sixties. Back then, there were no answers. Even in the eighties there was little help in the way of medicine (valium, imiprimine).
Now that I have finally found a drug that gives me relief, hope, emotional stability, and peace, I have no desire to come off of it, so long as the benefits of it continue to outweigh the side effects.
My point is, most physicians seem very eager to wean their patients off anti-depressants as soon as possible, and the patients sometimes begin again to suffer depression. So I have to ask, why the urgency to go off the meds? If side-effects are unbearable, then I can easily see why. Otherwise, if there is a long history of continual or repeated depression, why stop the meds arbitrarily?
Moreover, I have also read in several places that if the patient returns to taking the anti-depressant later, the drug's efficacy may be substantially reduced, compared to the prior occassion of being on it.
Regarding sexual side-effects, if they do not ease up with time, then apparently viagara (for use by both men AND women)can be helpful. Also, apparently Wellbutrin has been used, taken a couple of hours prior to sex, with some success. Of course, this eliminates sponteneity, but, in my estimation, it is better than discontinuing the anti-depressant.
If you are resolved to go off the Effexor, then doing so extremely slowly is necessary. Others in this thread have posted methods they've discovered that can ease symptoms. Everyone is different, so you must find what works with your body chemistry, and you must weigh out the pros and cons.
Kindest regards,
Zellie> I have been on effexor at 300mg for ±3 years and have just had a break through in therapy in which i have recovered from about 20 years of depression. I am very anxious to ween myself off the effexor asap. I am worried that my GP will not know how to do this effectively because:
>
> i. During taking the medication when I missed taking it in the morning, by the evening i would have headaches, dizziness, mood swings, etc.
>
> ii. I tried to discontinue on my own about 12 months ago by reducing to 150mg for 1 week and 75mg for 3 days (75mg by approximating half a 150mg capsule)and experienced severe mood swings, feelings of total invincibility, elation, depression, anger, etc. This continued for about 10 days before i relented and continued the medication with almost immediate recovery to my medicated normalcy.
>
> My current side effects are reduced sexual interest, not being able to urinate for long periods, impotence plus very vivid dreams.
>
> Is there a strategy for tapering the effexor which i can refer my GP to.
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.