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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 5658 to 5682 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by Mercedes on November 19, 2003, at 4:52:24
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares » Mercedes, posted by sasha71 on November 17, 2003, at 19:09:11
Sasha, glad I'm not alone. I felt bad after posting such a long detailed post but happy at the responses. I felt like the worst was over, withdrawal wise, electric shocks, porqpine needles, but the nightmares...! Funny how while taking effexor, couldn't sleep....now off effexor, I'm afraid to go to sleep...gotta laugh!
Thanks everyone for your comments!
Mercedes
> OMG! I have dreamt just like that! Dreaming but convinced
> I'm awake trying to do something (the something
> was to find the crying baby somewhere in the house)
> and would wake up totally disoriented because the
> last I knew I was supposed to be somewhere like the
> hallway, kitchen, laundry room -- looking for the
> baby and here I was in bed, obviously waking up....
> what the hell was going on? This went on for about 6 hours
> as best I can figure out. And I'm not trying to
> withdraw from the Effexor. I've done this to lesser
> degrees, and at least for me, I'm more likely to do
> this if I've missed a dose in the last week or so
> and over-tired.
>
> Of all the side effects of E. -- the dreams/nightmares
> are by far the worst for me. I can deal with the rest -
> overheating, night sweats, tremors, twitching....but
> the dreaming will just wring me out and hang me out to dry.
Posted by Mercedes on November 19, 2003, at 5:10:16
In reply to Sleep issue and a few more questions for the board, posted by Lacey2001 on November 19, 2003, at 0:32:09
I wish I would have known about the tylenol p.m. when I had/have the insomnia. Regular Tylenol is all I would ever take like for a fever or a cold. It's the only thing that I wasn't afraid would interact with the other drugs/meds I was taking. But I never thought to buy the P.M. for the insomnia..
Thanks Sasha, (I think it was Shasha) who suggested it, of course with the disclaimer.
Oh, first took Effexor in p.m., no sleep, then mid morning was better but never really had a full nights sleep. So for me, it didn't matter. Actually the only time I really got a good night's sleep was when i had a drink (alcohol) which i did very seldom cause you're not supposed to drink while taking effexor or other potent A.D.'s But that's the truth. I'm disclaiming this comment too. I do not condone alcoholic drinks while on meds (but I sure slept like a baby).
Thanks,
Mercedes
**************************************
> Okay thanks. I will try the ideas that everyone gave me. I am willing to do anything at this point. What is strange is I feel exhausted but when I go to lay down, I cannot sleep. Very strange!
>
> When does everyone take Effexor XR?
> Morning or at night? When I took them in the morning, I would feel so drowsy during the day and then couldn't sleep at night. So I figured that it would be wiser to take them at night
> so that I would fall asleep being drowsy.
> But it didn't work out that way! When I take them at nighttime, I do not sleep well and then I am drowsy the next morning. I have read a few posts saying to take them in the morning.
>
> I actually had problems with insomnia beforehand and needed sleeping aids before taking the Effexor. So it may have nothing to do with the actual prescription. I have used Gravol a lot and also Trazadone. I worry about side effects and/or conditions if I take Trazadone too long. Anyone know of any studies or medical reports?
>
> Thank you,
> Lacey
Posted by camel on November 19, 2003, at 7:09:15
In reply to Sleep issue and a few more questions for the board, posted by Lacey2001 on November 19, 2003, at 0:32:09
Lacey.....my GP recommended taking my dose in the AM as opposed to when I was on Paxil and took them at dinner time.
Posted by sasha71 on November 19, 2003, at 7:17:45
In reply to Re: I need more sleep!! Please help!, posted by pekostar on November 18, 2003, at 22:04:03
Not often but yes, I do have the occassional break
thru panic/anxiety attack. Yesterday afternoon I was trying to fight one off between class changes. (I absolutely dread teaching the last class of the day, it's self-contained behavior disordered teenage boys.)I managed to delay the attack basically until after school was out for the day. So far, that's the best I can do - not totally avoid them - just delay. But then, after the event is done, BAM! It lands all over me.
I feel that the occassional attack (once a month or less) is much better than off the meds (2-3x/week) so I really am not too concerned at this point about it.
Are you having lots of break thrus? You might not be at a theraputic level yet - talk with your dr.
Posted by moose100 on November 19, 2003, at 8:32:38
In reply to Sleep issue and a few more questions for the board, posted by Lacey2001 on November 19, 2003, at 0:32:09
Hi Lacey; I take my E first thing in the morning along with my blood pressure and lipitor. I have no adverse reaction during the day other than occasional cold sweats. I have no trouble sleeping aside from dealing with my 3 and a half year old son who frequently likes to chat with me at three in the morning. Some folks on the board have written that they are on the Atkins diet and that high protein/low carb seems to help. I, too, am on Atkins. Can't tell though if the lack of carbs/sugar makes me sleep better.
Posted by Mercedes on November 19, 2003, at 11:20:31
In reply to Re: I need more sleep!! Please help!, posted by pekostar on November 18, 2003, at 22:04:03
Pekostar, pls explain what do you mean by:
``````````````````````````
Pakostar writes: "PS does anyone else experience "break through panic attacks" while on this med?"....end
`````````````````````````````
I had these "attacks" that for 7 yrs no doctor, pdoc, neuro, was ever able to quite understand.
One Pdoc called my attacks "anxiety breakthoughs"
but they were never cured with any med. including seizure meds amoungst others I was on.I don't want to go into detail about my 'attacks' until I hear about your's. I actually posted in detail about my "attacks" back in July 03.
It appears Sasha knows what you mean, so either of you care to comment on what happens to you when have these "Break Through Panic Attacks" please?
Thanks,
Mercedes
Posted by zinya on November 19, 2003, at 12:10:10
In reply to Re: Break Through Panic Attacks? » pekostar, posted by Mercedes on November 19, 2003, at 11:20:31
Well, aargh. In the interest of 'full disclosure' (and that *is* our interest here, right? :))
JUST a few days ago - like maybe Saturday? - i responded to a poster (can't recall who - forgive me) that indeed the sweating does finally end after i'd gotten below 37.5 mg again on the Effexor onramp...
well, as if to prove me hasty and wrong, the VERY next day and for the past 3 days, alas, the very Effexor-specific kind of hot-body clammy-skinned sweating returned, enough to make getting dressed to go out become just heat/sweat-inducing enough that it was the final straw to add to some other problems (carpal tunnel and other pains) and decide "screw it - i'm not going" and undressed so i could stop sweating...
That added to my decision to quit even the 9 mg level of Effexor i was at for the last couple weeks and starting with yesterday, i've now quit completely unless i get some bad zaps that make me take another 9 mg to ease the transition to nada.
:)
good wishes to all,
zinya
Posted by sasha71 on November 19, 2003, at 12:17:25
In reply to Re: Break Through Panic Attacks? » pekostar, posted by Mercedes on November 19, 2003, at 11:20:31
I guess I'm interpreting "break through panic attacks"
as having an attack in spite of being on a level of
medication thought to be theraputic.My attacks are extremely, physically painful and once
got me a trip to the ER via an ambulance and I kept
thinking "I'm too young to be having a heart attack"....Extreme chest pains, numbness down both arms (usually
worse in left arm), sharp metallic-like clawing
rips of pain up through my neck and jaws, difficulty
breathing, and an extreme desire to not have anyone
else around - can't tell if it's an embarrassment to
have someone witness the attack or just not wanting people
around period.Typical attack lasts 20-30 minutes leaving me with
very bad headaches and feeling completely wiped out.I've had attacks last almost 2 hours. Those can
take a day or more to recover from.It is also very hard to come back mentally from
an attack. I'm left feeling very vulnerable,
weepy and sad for a long time.If Pakostar meant something else by Break Through
Panic Attacks, hopefully they'll post with an
explanation.
Posted by sasha71 on November 19, 2003, at 12:26:43
In reply to 'Fraid I spoke too soon (about sweating) :)), posted by zinya on November 19, 2003, at 12:10:10
Yup - been there....still there....although not
as badly as it used to be.When I was first getting accustomed to E. just
brushing my teeth was enough to have me sweating
buckets. I had to take a change of clothes wiht me
to school sometimes to be able to make it through
the day without grossing myself out!As for deciding to get off E. -- my thoughts right
now, the good I'm getting far outweigh any S.E.
that I'm having (nightmares included).I'm able to function fairly well so I no longer
feel that my children are having to tend to themselves
and my classroom is being ignored.I can talk to my husband when he calls without
immediately going into crying jags.And in general, the black hole inside of me hasn't
opened up too badly the last year or so (except for
about 2 weeks back in August - but extenuating
circumstances happened).So - unless published studies come out with
serious long-term problems of E., I'll stay on it
until my Dr. suggests otherwise. I have complete
faith in my Dr. - I love that he has medical
students come in. That shows me he has access to their
up to the minute, latest information and he cares
about passing on the traditions of being a dr.
Posted by zinya on November 19, 2003, at 12:26:49
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares » Mercedes, posted by dagon on November 17, 2003, at 19:18:17
Two suggestions, dagon.
First, as i've already urged others repeatedly, do NOT do this cold turkey. Even if you've gone several days without taking 150, take half a dose of it NOW and then stay on 75 for a while (a couple of weeks) and then reduce it again.
Remember, what Effexor has done -- as i have come to understand it from readings here and elsewhere -- is to restructure our brains ... We cannot just stop cold turkey without doing the equivalent of throwing your car into reverse while going 70 mph. Don't do it, please. It's not being "tough" or making the end result come any sooner to go cold turkey, i'm sure of it. The end result will come just as soon and with less pain in the interim if you taper off gradually - and it's not too late even now to do so by taking another dose - it's NOT going to "re-addict" you... i'm sure of it...
Secondly, i highly recommend leaving a TV or radio on all night while you sleep as a way of shortcircuiting the nightmares... If your brain has something else to "listen to" it won't conjure up those awful nightmares... At least it worked for me...
GOOD luck,
zinya
Posted by KimberlyDi on November 19, 2003, at 13:29:00
In reply to Re: Break Through Panic Attacks? » pekostar, posted by Mercedes on November 19, 2003, at 11:20:31
What is a "break through" panic attack?
During my crying jag (2nd one for yesterday), I was in my bedroom sitting on the floor in the corner. I've had my house for near 10 years now. I've lost loves, had friends die, pets die, opportunities die, and I sat there crying for everything that was lost. Helpless, couldn't stop. No panic though, except that I couldn't stop crying. Must be plain jane depression.
KDi in TX
Posted by Godzilla on November 19, 2003, at 13:43:18
In reply to starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by jp on October 25, 1999, at 12:01:53
> so I went to see my GP today (psychiatrist appointment
> is only in 2-3 weeks)... and got a prescription
> for effexor. the gp advised that I start on the
> normal version, at 37.5mg twice a day, and then,
> if I tolerate it, move to the XR version.
>
> Will such a low dose have any effect at all? what am
> I to expect. how soon does it produce a noticable
> and favourable effect? Anyone on such a low dose?
>
>I started it at that dose yesterday afternoon. About an hour after I started to feel floaty. Another hour past and my friend called. While talking to her I realized that nothing was going on in my head and I was really relaxed. That lasted the whole night and if i tried to think, my head would hurt. Something else that happened was when i was talking to people on the computer the back of my head started to tingle and my eyes teared up. When I turned off the light to go to sleep I started to see all these colors and patterns that kept changing and moving. My thoughts had then come back and i couldn't sleep, when i did get to sleep i woke up with a horrible stomach ache. When i woke up this morning i was swaeting, shaking, my eyes blurred things to a blue tint and I had headaches. I didn't have to go to school today because of this and I am the same as i was this morning without the shaking. I know this post hasn't helped you, but I was wondering if anyone knows whats going on with me, could they speak up? my parents called the doctor this morning, but he isn't returning calls till the afternoon.
this is the first time i've been put on anything and i am really scared. my mom says that the doctor probably didn't take into account that i am such a small person. i'm 14, five feet two inches and 94 lbs. i know that this group is not full of professionals, but has this happened to anyone else? my sister is on paxil and nothing like this happened to her when she started. but i guess that effexor xr is stronger?
Posted by Chellie on November 19, 2003, at 14:22:49
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by Godzilla on November 19, 2003, at 13:43:18
I think the doctor may have started you out at too high a dose. I started at 12.5 for 4 days then 25 mg for 4 days then 37.5. Right now i'm at 75 and will prob up on my next visit to 150. As far as the terrible stomach ache, i've had that for 2 days everytime my dose was uped. Nothing to look forward to. The other side effects are prob happening because you are taking too much too soon. Most of my sweating occurs only while I sleep not during the day......not yet anyway. Good luck, hope this helped a little.
Posted by zinya on November 19, 2003, at 15:00:14
In reply to Re: Break Through Panic Attacks? » Mercedes, posted by KimberlyDi on November 19, 2003, at 13:29:00
dear, dear Kim...
i'm sending you an enormous enveloping hug.
i'm sure there are no words, but just know how strongly i feel your sense of losses and how much i hear you and embrace you,
zinya
Posted by KimberlyDi on November 19, 2003, at 15:21:07
In reply to Re: Break Through Panic Attacks? » KimberlyDi, posted by zinya on November 19, 2003, at 15:00:14
Posted by Samadhi on November 19, 2003, at 20:55:36
In reply to Re: Break Through Panic Attacks? » pekostar, posted by Mercedes on November 19, 2003, at 11:20:31
Well, here I am folks, day two of NO Effexor XR. I reduced to 75mg for a bit over a week, then realised my Effexor had run out and I had no repeat precriptions. It seemed timely to just stop taking it, rather than go to the doctor and get more prescriptions. I had weaned off slowly and was coping with the withdrawals and thought I would be ok.
Well, I am ok (I am at work typing this, and have managed to conceal the fact I am not exactly feeling 100%), in that I am soldiering on...but the brain shivers...ohmigod. If I keep completely still I am ok, but the minute I move, talk, anything...my brain sort of wobbles and it's like every part of my body scrambles for a moment and goes haywire and it takes a moment for it all to align and get working again...and by the time it's all ok again the next brain shiver has started anyway...so basically it's constant. It's the WORST withdrawal SE so far. A little mild insomnia at first last night, and weird dreams, but nothing any worse than what I experienced the whole time I was on the drug anyway. A bit of an upset tummy, some nausea, some appetite disturbance, the usual twitches and stuff...it's all still there...the sweating...but it would all be not the slightest bother to me if I didn't have these damn brain shivers. "Brain Shiver" sounds so harmless, but it's awful. I'm having trouble sticking the day out today - I just want to get home and lie still and relax and not have to move, so I can ride out these awful SEs.
But it's not so bad that I regret stopping...I'm sure I'll be fine in a few days...right now I'm sure riding the bumpy offramp though!
Anyone else weaned down gradually from 225mg or similar, and experienced the brain shivers and full withdrawals? I'd welcome any advice or shared experiences. This board is such a support to me at the moment!
Stay well guys.
Samadhi xxx
Posted by phorgetful1 on November 19, 2003, at 22:53:14
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor for ADD? » Harmony, posted by azurebay on May 5, 2002, at 22:02:14
Effexor did not work for me, but I was trying it for OCD as an alternative to Prozac, which I have taken for years. For my ADD, I take Dexedrine, which definitely works.
Posted by Mercedes on November 19, 2003, at 23:51:04
In reply to Day 2 of No Effexor XR - Withdrawals, posted by Samadhi on November 19, 2003, at 20:55:36
Samadhi, based on my own withdrawals, you best get to your doctor and at least ask for sample packets of 37.5. They ususally have them. I'd call him/her first. But really, I think quiting at 75mgs was too much of a drop.
What you're describing, brain shiver's with every movement, I've been there. I call them zaps. Mine were not only in my head but my whole body, add to that dizzyness, and lack of coordination, nightmares, etc. But again, that was me.
I went through these withdrawals an ENTIRE month, and am now just getting over them. And I tapered down from 300mgs, reducing 37.5mgs each week to finally 37.5 my last week then quit. It's hell.
Again, see if your doc will just give you some "sample" 37.5's, even 15mgs if they make them.
It's not an overnight withdrawal. I've said before, the doc's should take Effexor, and go through the withdrawals, then prescribe it. They wouldn't I'm sure. But that's my opinion.
Hang in there ok?
Mercedes
Posted by karalyn on November 20, 2003, at 1:07:49
In reply to Re: Effexor to Lexapro? » KimberlyDi, posted by melley on July 21, 2003, at 13:59:11
Hey i saw this and i was just wondering how it went. I know this was a while ago. I quit effexor and i am now on lexapro. i too have anxietya and depression. im hoping that lexapro will have less side effects and also help my anxiety.
Karalyn.
> > I was going to switch to Lexapro until I started tapering off the Effexor. I immediately missed the relief from anxiety and decided to stick with Effexor, which apparently is working for me. I wasn't willing to leave a good thing for a month-long ordeal to wait for Lexapro to kick in, if it even would work for me.
> >
> > But that's my individual experience.
> >
>
> I have heard a few other things about lexapro. I am now completely off everything but will have to decide in a month what to go on. Lexapro sounds like it could be more side effect free.
>
> mel
> > Keep us posted on what you do. KDi in Texas
> >
> > > > Are you planning on staying with 37.5mg, is this what your doctor prescribed? I'm curious because my doctor prescribed me a low dose, 37.5mg for mild anxiety. I've been taking it for about 3 weeks now and the sleepy dizzy feeling went away for me in about 2 weeks. The reason I'm so curious is because 37.5mg is usually what you start with for 5 days and then go to 75mg. I would like to know what input you got from your doctor about taking just 37.5mg for anxiety.
> > >
> > > Theo,
> > >
> > > My dr. is planning to bump me up to 70 mgs after I get used to the 37.5 mgs. I'm tempted to quit it for Lexapro, though.
> > >
> > > books
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by mdb1224 on November 20, 2003, at 12:19:15
In reply to Re: Effexor is a Great Drug!Online Petition!, posted by LittleLeo on October 14, 2003, at 1:07:00
> >
> > I like effexor but I am having anxiety anybody else had this problem,Ive been on it two weeks today at 75 mg XR.When does it go away...Ive read that it is a common side-effect thanks please help
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > > hi. i started on effexor 10 days ago, and i feel like my old self, after so many years of depression and so many other medications. i take only 37.5 mg, don't want to go any higher, since this is great just right here. i take it in the a.m., maybe about 8 a.m., just before eating. i had sluggishness the first three or four days, but today, and the previous 5 or 6 days, i have had a lot of energy. maybe i'm a little high, right now, but it feels wonderful, and i am more functional than i have been in two years. sleep comes eventually, sometimes not till 2 or 3 a.m., but that's ok, because when i get up, after an hour or less, i'm feeling very good. i have lost weight, not much, but some, and i attribute this to my increased activity level. i took effexor 5 or 6 years ago, but the dosage was way too high, and i didn't want to go back on it. but i'm glad i did, and won't be increasing the dosage, long as this amount works.
> > > > > Effexor has worked very very good for me-I am on my 4'th week and after months of not working I am back to my old self.I am on 300mg a day-It is a miracle.I am going to write a letter to the manufacture to thank them.Thank God-Give it a try and take the bad stuff you read here with a huge grain of salt.No side effects after the first week.
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > What time of day do you take your Effexor?
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > I take at 11 a.m. everyday on the dot
> >
>
> I'm new at taking Effexor and was told to eat something when you take it. Do you eat something at 11am?
Posted by Lacey2001 on November 20, 2003, at 12:19:55
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Has anyone tried this Wellbutrin alone without anything else? Did it help with your sex drive? And did it help with any of the symptoms of depression? What was the cost compared to Effexor XR?
I am still having sleeping problems even with trying some of the ideas posted on here. I will ask my Dr if I should take Trazadone.
I appreciate any input about Wellbutrin.
Tanya
Posted by Lacey2001 on November 20, 2003, at 12:28:45
In reply to Wellbutrin?, posted by Lacey2001 on November 20, 2003, at 12:19:55
First of all you will notice I used my real name. I wanted to start using Tanya now.
Another question about the prices in various stores? Which store do you find to be the best bargain? Or online pharmacy? I am in Canada so prices will vary but I just wanted to get an idea.
Price is a big issue for my family. I am a stay at home mom and my husband income is our only one. Hubby has some health coverage but we have to fork out the money and they will reimburse us for "some" of it. I think we have to get to 100.00 before they start helping.Tanya
Posted by mdb1224 on November 20, 2003, at 12:29:58
In reply to Wellbutrin?, posted by Lacey2001 on November 20, 2003, at 12:19:55
> Has anyone tried this Wellbutrin alone without anything else? Did it help with your sex drive? And did it help with any of the symptoms of depression? What was the cost compared to Effexor XR?
>
> I am still having sleeping problems even with trying some of the ideas posted on here. I will ask my Dr if I should take Trazadone.
>
> I appreciate any input about Wellbutrin.
>
> Tanya
I just started Effexor as stated above and did take Wellbutrian a couple of years ago. I asked the Dr to go back on Wellbutrin and he said to try this.
I'm not sure about the sex issues with this stuff yet, but I will say that I was on Prozac for a little bit and asked the Dr. for a change, because of sexual dysfunction and Wellbutrin really helped. The only side effect for me was breaking out on my back and shoulders. This, effexor stuff is really weird and I'm not sure what to think of it yet.
Posted by camel on November 20, 2003, at 12:36:43
In reply to Compare Prices, posted by Lacey2001 on November 20, 2003, at 12:28:45
Tanya....in our area Price Club/Costco are the CHEAPEST. Sometimes as much as 150 percent! Not sure if they have them in Canada.
Posted by zinya on November 20, 2003, at 13:36:58
In reply to Day 2 of No Effexor XR - Withdrawals, posted by Samadhi on November 19, 2003, at 20:55:36
hi Samadhi,
i realized after writing yesterday (in "'Fraid i spoke too soon - about sweating") that it was you who i had written to earlier... Anyway, i did have to backtrack on my earlier assurance to you if you're interested in reading above...For now, is there ANY way you could get word to your md. as to what you're going through and implore him for a "starter pack" for you to use as an "ender pack" to help you keep weaning off ... even though you've gone off already, i'm afraid you haven't seen the worst yet ... It may not seem like it but from 75 mg is a HUGE drop -- like off a cliff really... From everyone's experience here so far, i think it's bad enough just dropping from 37.5 to zero, much less from 75.
As i wrote somewhere yesterday - but perhaps not on here - i spent yesterday as the high (!!) point in a few days of increasingly feeling like i was hooked up to an electric fence! Every part of my nerve system, esp. in my arms and hands completely 'sizzled' or fried... making my carpal tunnel no longer a 'focal point' but now merely the 'icing on the cake' of a whole body-wide network of absolutely crazed sensations...
And my dropoff has been from 9 -- NINE -- mg, which i tapered down to before quitting. It has been seeming to keep the brain shivers and dizziness from being intolerable but sheesh, this is close enough to going thru hell... I almost decided to take a 9 mg again last night in keeping with my own "theory" built on reading a year's worth of people's experiences here almost - i first found this site last week of November last year ... but then before i would have taken it, sensations started to ease up and i decided to forego - The last 9 mg i took was Monday night ... But if it gets as bad again today (kind of so-so for now) i will definitely take another 9 mg ... Taking another dose at same or lower level to combat these horrid SE's does NOT seem to re-addict a person or prolong the agony but truly helps the body adjust to the staggering restructuring of brain it is going through in absence of Effexor.
yuck, aargh, ugh, eek.
good luck, samadhi - boy do i empathize and sure wish you relief!
zinya
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