![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 6281 to 6305 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by outofcontrol on February 3, 2004, at 18:41:42
In reply to Re: does this go away? Is this normal » outofcontrol, posted by PoohBear on February 3, 2004, at 18:19:26
I was on the medicine mainly to help me get over and deal with things after my mother passed away of cancer. I was 18 when she did and pretty much the head of the house hold. My doctor said that it was one of the less addicting medicines, after trying many others that gave me bad side effects. Now after having no insurance, it cost $100 a month and my boyfriend and I are going to get married soon and want to start a family and I can't be on the medicine and trying to get pregnant. So my doctor said that we can try other ways to control any anxiety or depression. I have never been depressed really bad or anything...it was more of trying to deal with feeling edgy from trying to take on too much and more then I am used to, and filling my moms shoes when I wasn't her and didn't knkow how to do her job. Part of me is glad im off the medicine and the other part doesn't know how I will deal.
Jennifer
Ohio
Posted by PoohBear on February 3, 2004, at 19:25:19
In reply to Re: does this go away? Is this normal, posted by outofcontrol on February 3, 2004, at 18:41:42
I hope all goes well for you. Your reasons are perfectly understandable; they just weren't stated in the earlier post.
Take care!
Tony
> I was on the medicine mainly to help me get over and deal with things after my mother passed away of cancer. I was 18 when she did and pretty much the head of the house hold. My doctor said that it was one of the less addicting medicines, after trying many others that gave me bad side effects. Now after having no insurance, it cost $100 a month and my boyfriend and I are going to get married soon and want to start a family and I can't be on the medicine and trying to get pregnant. So my doctor said that we can try other ways to control any anxiety or depression. I have never been depressed really bad or anything...it was more of trying to deal with feeling edgy from trying to take on too much and more then I am used to, and filling my moms shoes when I wasn't her and didn't knkow how to do her job. Part of me is glad im off the medicine and the other part doesn't know how I will deal.
>
> Jennifer
> Ohio
Posted by EFFEXED on February 3, 2004, at 20:17:33
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
The EFFEXOR is helping me great with all the anixty I was haveing prior to starting the EFFEXOR but I dont feel happy and its not like I am tired and depressed just kind of numb to things this is the first AD I have ever been on is this numb feeling common with moast ADs or should I talk to my DR about it when I go for my 1st month fallow up on the 5th well any input would be nice thanks.
cindy in TX
Posted by Lokisdream on February 3, 2004, at 20:30:23
In reply to Re: STAY OFF EFFEXOR IF YOU CAN » on-the-wave, posted by PoohBear on February 3, 2004, at 10:33:08
> > My advice to any-one about to start effexor, paxil, zooloft, luvox, wellbutrin or any SSRI, STOP AND THINK WHAT YOU ARE ABOUT TO DO.
> >
> > Read a book called Prozac Backlash by Joseph Glen mullen.
> >
> > There is so much about these drugs that your psychiatrist doesn't know about.
> >
> > DO NOT TAKE SSRI'S without consulting a psychologist first. On no account accept a prescription from a GP for an SSRI.
> >
> > YOU ARE PLAYING WITH YOUR LIFE.
>
> This is just one book. Your opinion is yours and as such is valid, but it is irresponsible to say that an entire class of drugs is bad because of one author.
>
> These drugs have helped many, myself included. What do you say to those like myself who have a family history of depression, bipolar and alcoholism? I am nearly 47 and have battled depression, ADHD and the after effects of child abuse all my life.
>
> I have done that through a very strong, personal walk with Christ. But that faith and no amount of prayer helped lift the darkness that was always lurking in the background. Effexor was able to do that. It also helped me for the first time in my life to be able to control my thoughts.
>
> Many come to these boards looking for encouragement and instead go away more discouraged and confused than before because they don't have the ability to weed out the trash from the truth. Are there doctors who dole out drugs like candy without really knowing their effects or if they're really indicated for their patient? As surely as there's another charlatan with some hair-brained idea about the evils of drugs and how we're slowly killing ourselves...
>
> I'd rather live with the drugs and their side effects than the darkness in my mind any day. I will live forever. If my life here is made more effective by the drugs I need to take to help me function normally, but my life is cut short by a few years, what's that in light of eternity?
>
> I refuse to listen to narrow-minded authors with a bone to pick and an ax to grind against something that has helped many and me personally. Perhaps if my mother and her sisters had had Effexor or some of the other SSRI's or meds we take for granted now, they'ed be alive today, instead of dead long before their time.
>
> TonyEverybody's got their own reactions to different meds, so who's to say what will do what for who. Don't blame it all on the GPs though. My younger bro is the GP who warned me about this 'stuff'. He told me you won't know what it's doing till you don't have it anymore, meanwhile my pusher, sorry, pdoc kept upping my dosage when I told him I felt no different. I wasn't any happier or sadder, just didn't care. I would find myself staring at a window or wall, thinking(and laughing) I can put my head or fist through that, no problem. Later, I find myself patching those holes.
Posted by mariarp on February 3, 2004, at 23:01:57
In reply to does this go away? Is this normal, posted by outofcontrol on February 3, 2004, at 17:14:38
Just from my own personal experiences from anti-depressants... (i have not been on effexor, but i have on one similar)
This happened to me... I got off my medication, and I had another episode (which sounds like what you might be having). My doc told me it was not time for me to get off meds... so I got back on and recovered.
She also told me that the more times you get off the meds and have episodes the longer it might take you to get off in the future. Talk to your doctor, but it sounds to me like you are not yet ready to handle the depression on your own yet.
Just from experience... someone with a more professional background might tell you otherwise.
Posted by flyingdreams on February 3, 2004, at 23:48:26
In reply to Re: STAY OFF EFFEXOR IF YOU CAN, posted by on-the-wave on February 3, 2004, at 13:16:53
I totally agree with you!
Posted by justjustine on February 4, 2004, at 10:29:21
In reply to does this go away? Is this normal, posted by outofcontrol on February 3, 2004, at 17:14:38
from my experience (1 year on 150mg effexor and a too-fast taper straight through withdrawal hell) it sounds like you are having withdrawal symptoms - rebounding depression.
i had only physical problems and mania/insomnia - no depression and very little anxiety rebound, in that way i was very lucky, and i'm sorry you are dealing with this.
i also went from 37 to 0, it's too fast. you need to break the 37's up and taper slower to avoid (lessen?) these problems.
my advice to anyone one this drug is pretty much the same right now - get off of it! tapering slowly is probably the smartest and least painful way, but by any means necessary get off this drug!
i've been on prozac, wellbutrin, and serzone, and never had the problems i've had with effexor. i can't wait to have sex with a real person again! at least practicing on myself is finally fun again in the meantime... ;p
> I was on Effexor for a while maybe a year or year and a half. I thought I would like to see how I can do not on the medication. Well I went from 75mg to 37.5mg over a few week periodand then I went off the 37.5mg and have not been on anything for about 6 days. My sickness side effects went away, but I feel uncontrolable....my minds racing and I am more emotional then ever. I can be watching something on tv and start crying. I feel so bad for my boyfriend and I hate that this won't go away. I feel like I want to curl up in bed forever and like there is a weight on my chest, kind of like how I used to feel when I got panic attacks....Does this get any better or is this normal to go through after getting off this medicine.
Posted by on-the-wave on February 4, 2004, at 11:41:50
In reply to Re: does this go away? Is this normal » outofcontrol, posted by PoohBear on February 3, 2004, at 18:19:26
> >...I thought I would like to see how I can do not on the medication....>
>
> WHY, OH Why, do people feel a need to do this to themselves?
>Your only arguement is that the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. Do you know what the disadvantages are?
SSRI's will not cure you and will eventually wear off. It may work continously for mild cases (who would probably be fine with a mild tranquiliser and a holiday). My view is that severe psycholigical damage takes more than this.
My issue was with an emotional childhood trauma agrivated by a patholigical father, which manisfested itself in various emotional and relationship issues. Effexor was wonderful for the first few months. Then as the effect slowly diminished (and the dose went up) I couldn't cope with situations again. I was pretty much back where i started, only know i had complications of SSRI induced rages, deep depressions, severe anxiety attacks, etc. (I too have punched holes in walls, cut myself, etc.).
It was therapy which showed me the way out. I had to overcome enormous tests of faith and learn to trust people and emotions again. I went through periods of such emotional pain that at times i felt like lying down on the ground and dying. It was jesus christ that gave me the courage to get through it. If you say that is not enough for you. Look at yourself and your faith, don't doubt Jesus Christ.
Good luck
Posted by KimRN73 on February 4, 2004, at 12:04:47
In reply to normal - yes, BUT..., posted by justjustine on February 4, 2004, at 10:29:21
I am wanting to do the SLOW tapering of Effexor...but I'm freakin out because of these posts on here. I am on the regular tabs, NOT XR, 150mg daily. I plan on breaking the tabs into 4 pieces and taking the same dosage morning and night for a week at a time until im down to none. My doctor did give me zoloft 50mg daily to replace my effexor, but i wanted to hear if anyone has tapered off Effexor successfully without goin thru HELL. I do okay on this med, the only side effects are dizziness 1/2 way into the day, and i get tired easily. And i think it has contributed to my 25lb wt. gain and high blood pressure. I have been on Effexor for 3-4 yrs...started low but now on 75mg twice daily.
Please fill me in without freaking me out HAHA
Kim :)
Posted by jpmjcem on February 4, 2004, at 12:29:13
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by EFFEXED on February 3, 2004, at 20:17:33
> The EFFEXOR is helping me great with all the anixty I was haveing prior to starting the EFFEXOR but I dont feel happy and its not like I am tired and depressed just kind of numb to things this is the first AD I have ever been on is this numb feeling common with moast ADs or should I talk to my DR about it when I go for my 1st month fallow up on the 5th well any input would be nice thanks.
>
> cindy in TXI've been on Effexor XR for little over two years and I do feel like it takes the "edge" off my anxiety but I still have severe anxiety attacks periodically and mild agorphobia. I am very frusturated right now because I feel like I have tried every drug and it just doesn't seem to give me relief. I even feel that way with Xanax, Klonopin and other stuff. I was wanting off of the Effexor XR since it isn't really helping me completely and was thinking about trying Buspar....
Posted by PoohBear on February 4, 2004, at 14:04:27
In reply to Re: does this go away? Is this normal, posted by on-the-wave on February 4, 2004, at 11:41:50
> Your only arguement is that the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. Do you know what the disadvantages are?
>You obviously took my comments out of context to make your own point. I know a lot. You quote one author from one book.
> SSRI's will not cure you and will eventually wear off. It may work continously for mild cases (who would probably be fine with a mild tranquiliser and a holiday). My view is that severe psycholigical damage takes more than this.
>That's your view... The jury is still out on the long term effects of AD's and Effexor is NOT an SSRI.
> My issue was with an emotional childhood trauma agrivated by a patholigical father, which manisfested itself in various emotional and relationship issues. Effexor was wonderful for the first few months. Then as the effect slowly diminished (and the dose went up) I couldn't cope with situations again. I was pretty much back where i started, only know i had complications of SSRI induced rages, deep depressions, severe anxiety attacks, etc. (I too have punched holes in walls, cut myself, etc.).
>You know nothing of my childhood. That I'm here, functioning as well as I am, married for 22 years is a miracle. I should be dead.
> It was therapy which showed me the way out. I had to overcome enormous tests of faith and learn to trust people and emotions again. I went through periods of such emotional pain that at times i felt like lying down on the ground and dying. It was jesus christ that gave me the courage to get through it. If you say that is not enough for you. Look at yourself and your faith, don't doubt Jesus Christ.
>
> Good luckThanks for the judgement. My faith is fine, as well as my courage. As far as I'm concerned, my doctor and the drugs she's using are a miracle. You can believe whatever you want. It's a free country. (The last time I checked...)
Have a great day!
Tony
Posted by on-the-wave on February 4, 2004, at 14:47:40
In reply to Re: does this go away? Is this normal » on-the-wave, posted by PoohBear on February 4, 2004, at 14:04:27
It is a free country, and every-one is entitled to their opinion.
SSRI SNRI, is that important. The general issue is seratonin, be it re-uptake inhibition or release. You are physically changing the functioning of the brain and the nervous system. Yes the long term effects are unknown. My point is that not all depression sufferers need to take these drugs. AND IF THEY DO BE AWARE OF THE CURRENT INFO. You are aware, and have taken a decision based on what you know. I was astounded to hear that GP's prescribed SSRI's. I have seen many gp's for follow-up prescriptions and every one, without fail, wanted a shot at "curing" me. I knew enough to ignore them all. Some wanted to change my dose over night, cutting it half. One summarily cut it because she wouldn't prescribe over a certain limit. I new more about the drug than them. Isn't it suprising how many people are self medicating on this forum, with drugs like effexor.
My second pdoc told me i could take 800mg of effexor and it wouldn't harm me. Is this true. As above no-one knows the answer, but where did this pdoc get this information?
I am not inferring that this one book is the last word, it is a different view and from my personal experience, accurate. In retrospect, it answered alot of unanswered questions I had from during my depression/anxiety. Things my pdoc couldn't answer.
If you read my initial post, all i am saying is be aware, and you have to do this yourself, because i believe a lot of dr's out there do not know what they are dealing with when it comes to these drugs.
Posted by polar1 on February 4, 2004, at 19:40:49
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder for a year now. I just started back on Effexor xr 1/9/04 at 150 mg a day. I have still been down and the doctor told me to go up to 225 mg. Is there anyone out there with bipolar that has taken a larger dose? I just want to feel better. I am also on Zyprexa and Depakote. Is there anything else I should try?
Posted by Dr. Bob on February 4, 2004, at 21:16:13
In reply to STAY OFF EFFEXOR IF YOU CAN, posted by on-the-wave on February 3, 2004, at 8:23:16
> Read a book called Prozac Backlash by Joseph Glen mullen.
I'd just like to plug the double double quotes feature at this site:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#amazon
The first time anyone refers to a book without using this option, I post this to try to make sure he or she at least knows about it. It's just an option, though, and doesn't *have* to be used. If people *choose* not to use it, I'd be interested why not, but I'd like that redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20020918/msgs/7717.html
Thanks!
Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on February 4, 2004, at 21:41:32
In reply to Re: does this go away? Is this normal » on-the-wave, posted by PoohBear on February 4, 2004, at 14:04:27
> THE SKY IS FALLING!!! THE SKY IS FALLING!!!
>
> KimberlyDi> SSRI's ... may work continously for mild cases (who would probably be fine with a mild tranquiliser and a holiday).
>
> on-the-wave> You obviously took my comments out of context to make your own point.
>
> PoohBearDifferent points of view are fine, and in fact encouraged, but please be sensitive to the feelings of others and don't jump to conclusions about them or post anything that could lead them to feel accused or put down.
If you have any questions about this or comments about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways to express yourself, please see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
or redirect a follow-up to Psycho-Babble Administration. Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Sad Panda on February 5, 2004, at 3:49:14
In reply to Re: does this go away? Is this normal, posted by on-the-wave on February 4, 2004, at 14:47:40
> My second pdoc told me i could take 800mg of effexor and it wouldn't harm me. Is this true. As above no-one knows the answer, but where did this pdoc get this information?
>I have heard of pdocs going up to 1000mg!
There is a great little read here http://www.psychotropical.com/notes/589.html about how Efexor barely qualifies as an SNRI.
Here is a snipet on NRI strength:
"Indeed, in vitro venlafaxine is a weaker noradrenalin reuptake inhibitor than is fluoxetine (and some other 'SSRIs'). Fluoxetine is of course marketed as an selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.
In summary we have the anachronism that some drugs marketed as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are more potent noradrenalin reuptake inhibitors than venlafaxine, which is marketed as a serotonin and noradrenalin reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). This anachronism is only partly explained away by 'selectivity' (ie NA vs 5-HT potency) and different dose ranges.
Noradrenalin reuptake inhibitor potency ***
Desipramine 0.83 most potent
Amitriptyline 35
Fluoxetine 240
Venlafaxine 1060 weakest"A snipet on toxicity:
"Venlafaxine seems to have greater toxicity and more severe withdrawal effects.
Recent data (12/00) from 456 admissions with antidepressant poisoning; numbers:--
venlafaxine (51), tricyclic antidepressants (excluding dothiepin*) (172), SSRI (233), dothiepin (81).
* because it is so much more toxic than all the othersOdds ratios (95% CIs, p) for:--
Seizures
Venlafaxine vs TCAs-- 4.4 (1.2 – 16.6, p = 0.02)Prolonged QRS (to &Mac179; 100 ms)
SSRIs vs TCAs 0.3, (0.2 – 0.6, p < 0.0001)
TCAs vs venlafaxine 0.6 (0.3 – 1.4, p = 0.31)Serotonin syndrome
venlafaxine vs TCAs 35.4 (7.6 – 325.3, p < 0.0001)
SSRIs vs TCAs 20.4 (5.2 – 174.9, p < 0.0001)Conclusions: Venlafaxine in overdose seems to be pro-convulsant, even more than TCAs (whereas SSRIs are much less so) and also cardiotoxic.
Venlafaxine is also a lot more likely to cause serotonin syndrome than either TCAs or SSRIs; this is unexpected since it is generally a weaker SRI. This would fit with it having another mechanism of action as mooted above."I am taking Efexor 225mg + Remeron 30mg. Efexor is making me a whole lot happy than I use to be, but it is strugling to give me any motivation. I will go up to 375mg & then I will try something else.
Cheers,
Panda.
Posted by lupern on February 5, 2004, at 4:09:19
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have been on Effexor for a little over a year...it saved my life...but recently, I have been having the symptoms usually associated with the withdrawl of the med...you know, that 'swishy head/dizzy" feeling. I am getting those symptoms occassionally throughtout the day....Am I building up a tolerance to my dose (150mg QD)?
Anyone else experience the same thing?
Thanks,
Lupe
Posted by semi-conscious on February 5, 2004, at 7:26:37
In reply to anyone needing up dose due to w/d like symptoms?, posted by lupern on February 5, 2004, at 4:09:19
When I first started taking Effexor it wasn't great, but it was okay, then it seemed to level off and we upped the dose. That happened twice. Now I'm going through major depression again with weakness and sadness, so I guess I have to go back and up the dose. I'm already on 175mg Effexor SR. Having a drug level off because you've gained a tolerance to it and having to take more then finding out that it has a terrible withdrawal and leaves your system within 12 hours, instead of having a half live like the other SSRI's, and then you go through hell for weeks, this sounds almost like a narcotic. How is it the DR.'s didn't inform the patients of this? This is a very addictive drug. It's my own fault for not asking enough questions. But my meds prescriber is a little intimidating. If I even mention that I learned something about a particular med on the internet, he says the internet is a bunch of bunk. I guess I'm going to have to up the dose. But what happens when I level off again? You can only go up to 300mg. I guess when you level off again, that's when you have to go off and go through the withdrawal. I'd rather do it now and get it over with. It's time to try a different anti-depressant. One not quite so addicting. I guess I've been a little long winded. It's just that I'm frustrated and want a competent Dr. who knows his stuff and actually cares about the patient, to him I'm just a series of records needed to be completed by the book for the HMO. They run us through that clinic like cattle. What are your symptoms? I'm experiencing depression, apathy, profound sadness, crying and don't get off the couch for a week at a time. I have blurred vision, weakness, shakiness and tremor like symptoms. This is all while taking the drug, along with 3 other nighttime anti-depressants for sleep. I'm afraid to go off. This meds situation makes me sad too. I had such high hopes and expectations in the beginning. Sorry for rambling on so long. Thank you for letting me vent. If there is anything I can do or if you need someone to talk to, just respond to this post. I hope I didn't scare you too bad. Not everyone reacts to the drug the same way. Goodluck Taylor
Posted by on-the-wave on February 5, 2004, at 8:57:40
In reply to THE SKY IS FALLING!!! THE SKY IS FALLING!!! (nm) » on-the-wave, posted by KimberlyDi on February 3, 2004, at 17:42:32
Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there lived a little red hen. One day the little red hen was on her way to market when a passing breeze dislodged an acorn from a large oak tree. Tugged by the eternal forces of nature, the acorn fell earthwards, interrupted momentarily in its journey by a collision with the head of the little red hen.
Now the little red was shocked and traumatised by this incidence, she neither stopped to look about her, nor to investigate the cause of the dull throbbing sensation in her head. She raised one wing over her eyes and ran blindly along the path to tell the king that the sky was falling and would destroy the entire kingdom. Passing all manner of other animals along the way, she spread the terrible news of the impending calamity. The other animals, not being well educated in the ways of the world and want to believe any story that would make them feel important and unique in the large forest, concurred with her story. They joined her on her journey to the king, and helped spread the word to other animals in the forest. Some of them believed that the king would reward them with treasure if they were the ones to impart the bad news.
Now a cunning and wyethly fox, spying this exodus from the forest, hatched a cunning and evil plan. If he could convince this gullible bunch to enter into his lair he could extract great benefit from their ignorance. So approaching the erstwhile caravan, he made them great promises, showing them a secret path, which would curtail their lengthy journey and ease their now suffering legs. The animals, who, were by now exhausted by their journey, questioned not the fox’s intentions and being of a naive disposition, followed him into the lair.
On entering the lair, some of the animals saw the foolishness of their ways, and turned to run, but the pathway was narrow and thorns blocked the passage. Some of the animals were brave and fearing the worst kept going, however, some were fearful of the dangers of the path, and took refuge in the safety of the fox’s lair, comforted by their ignorant friends.
A while later, some of the animals who had escaped, gathered in a clearing in the forest to pass time of day. They spoke in hushed tones of the fearful day, and whispered apprehensively if any had seen those that had not escaped the lair. They had heard cries and screams in the night, seen feathers scattered here and there, but none of the animals that stayed in the lair had ever been seen again. They comforted each other, and swore to warn other animals of the wickedness of the fox in the hopes that one day the forest would be free of his evil behaviour.
The end
“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.”
Matthew 7, ver. 6 (KJV)
Posted by on-the-wave on February 5, 2004, at 9:24:23
In reply to anyone needing up dose due to w/d like symptoms?, posted by lupern on February 5, 2004, at 4:09:19
It may be best to discuss this with your pdoc.
To answer your question re wd symptoms. Yes.
Posted by 2beornot2benuts on February 5, 2004, at 10:34:41
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hello, I haven't been here in a while, I'm currently taking 150mg of zoloft and I'm afraid that I might have to increase the dose. If anybody out there has had a similiar situation, please post!!
Posted by PoohBear on February 5, 2004, at 11:42:44
In reply to Re: anyone needing up dose due to w/d like symptoms? » lupern, posted by semi-conscious on February 5, 2004, at 7:26:37
You should speak with your doctor about this. Do NOT allow him or her to initimidate you: this is about YOUR health and happiness, not THEIR'S...
I presented the same symptoms you did at higher doses of Effexor, though we were titrating up to find the right doseage, not because the drug had leveled off.
My doctor recognized the symptoms right away as an overdose and we titrated gradually back down to where I am now at 75mg per day.
It sounds like two things are happening:
1. You're showing signs of over-dose on Effexor
2. You're not getting relief of your depression and need to find an alternate treatment.Explain to your doctor what your going through, exactly as you did in your post. Write it out if necessary so that if you're intimidated, you won't forget something important.
Good luck!
Tony
> When I first started taking Effexor it wasn't great, but it was okay, then it seemed to level off and we upped the dose. That happened twice. Now I'm going through major depression again with weakness and sadness, so I guess I have to go back and up the dose. I'm already on 175mg Effexor SR. Having a drug level off because you've gained a tolerance to it and having to take more then finding out that it has a terrible withdrawal and leaves your system within 12 hours, instead of having a half live like the other SSRI's, and then you go through hell for weeks, this sounds almost like a narcotic. How is it the DR.'s didn't inform the patients of this? This is a very addictive drug. It's my own fault for not asking enough questions. But my meds prescriber is a little intimidating. If I even mention that I learned something about a particular med on the internet, he says the internet is a bunch of bunk. I guess I'm going to have to up the dose. But what happens when I level off again? You can only go up to 300mg. I guess when you level off again, that's when you have to go off and go through the withdrawal. I'd rather do it now and get it over with. It's time to try a different anti-depressant. One not quite so addicting. I guess I've been a little long winded. It's just that I'm frustrated and want a competent Dr. who knows his stuff and actually cares about the patient, to him I'm just a series of records needed to be completed by the book for the HMO. They run us through that clinic like cattle. What are your symptoms? I'm experiencing depression, apathy, profound sadness, crying and don't get off the couch for a week at a time. I have blurred vision, weakness, shakiness and tremor like symptoms. This is all while taking the drug, along with 3 other nighttime anti-depressants for sleep. I'm afraid to go off. This meds situation makes me sad too. I had such high hopes and expectations in the beginning. Sorry for rambling on so long. Thank you for letting me vent. If there is anything I can do or if you need someone to talk to, just respond to this post. I hope I didn't scare you too bad. Not everyone reacts to the drug the same way. Goodluck Taylor
Posted by on-the-wave on February 5, 2004, at 13:22:27
In reply to Re: anyone needing up dose due to w/d like symptoms? » semi-conscious, posted by PoohBear on February 5, 2004, at 11:42:44
This is the first time i have heard of overdosing and at levels most docs assume acceptable.
This is new to me. Is there more info on this somewhere.
Posted by PoohBear on February 5, 2004, at 14:15:43
In reply to Re: anyone needing up dose due to w/d like symptoms? » PoohBear, posted by on-the-wave on February 5, 2004, at 13:22:27
I'm going off what my PDoc (whose specialty is pyscho pharmachology) told me of what I went through. Not everyone's bodies tolerate the larger doses. Mine for instance, is very sensitive to small doses.
Tony
Posted by KimRN73 on February 5, 2004, at 17:09:16
In reply to Re: anyone needing up dose due to w/d like symptoms? » on-the-wave, posted by PoohBear on February 5, 2004, at 14:15:43
Okay, I have also experienced the "swooshy/lightheadedness" from 150mg daily of Effexor, which i have been on maybe almost 2 yrs.
It has just started happening since last summer.
I noticed mainly starts about a week or week 1/2 before I'm supposed to start my period. How can someone be having symptoms of overdose all of a sudden when i used to tolerate that dosage just fine.?!?!?! Maybe its cuz i turned 30 and my body is changing !!!!!! AHHHHH :)
I wanna wean off this med but im too scared.
Kim :)
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