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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Viva on April 16, 2004, at 17:50:07
In reply to Withdrawal Update..., posted by Sufferfromeffexor on October 12, 2003, at 7:05:54
I have read the boards ever since I started taking this drug about 8 months ago... I was really worried about going on them but couldn't handle how I was feeling before I started... Yes, first time on ADs. The drug worked wonders and have managed to get through all the crap that was going on with my life last fall but now I want off....
I am done with being constipated, the night sweats - which I never new was caused by the drug until I read the boards, I have put on 12 lbs and I could not eat for a week and still gain weight...I actually thought I was pregnant because I kept gaining wieght even with watching everything I eat and running 4-6 miles a day.My clothes dont fit -UGH and I dont know about anyone else but I have been getting a rash that looks like acne on my chest and back... ITS GROSS, IT HURTS and it itches.... and sex is whole other issue. The drug has served its purpose and its time to stop....Mentally, I am in a better place and dont see the need to stay on them if I dont need to... Especially now, with reading about all the bad long tern side effects.
I have read your postings on the withdrawls -- Is it really that bad... Does anyone have any good methods to step down on the drug? I am at 150...I see my DR next week but he told me I wouldnt gain weight and I have.... and feel that the people on the drug pretty much know better than the Doc. Also, I want to warn my boyfriend -- He has been wonderful throughout everything and I want him to understand what the withdrawl process is going to be like for me...
Oh boy - sorry so long winded but you all are the only ones I really think understand whats going on... the good and the bad.... I am a bit worried but I jsut cant handle the side effects any more... Any advice and wisdom would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by Spinxxie on April 16, 2004, at 20:56:18
In reply to About to go off..... Advice please!, posted by Viva on April 16, 2004, at 17:50:07
Ack... went up to 225mgs.. and started getting really bad side effects.. I don't know the term for it.. but.. i felt like i was getting little zaps going up and down my arms and legs. I couldn't sleep because it would get bad. My shrink may have to take me off this med, and I am back down 150mgs. I have been feeling much more mentally stable.. and I just went through a break up without a major depression that usually ensues. and hot flashes.. i feeling like a bipedal chili pepper! Does anyone have any suggestions about other meds to add to this one.. or another same acting med? I have already been on luvox(zombie drug) zoloft and wellbutrin. I am taking 150mgs of Effexor, 20mg Buspar and 7.5 of Immovane.
Thanks so much..
Spinxxie
Posted by margo on April 17, 2004, at 2:27:25
In reply to Re: How long for these withdrawals to end??, posted by msdepres on April 13, 2004, at 15:53:09
Thank God for this site!!
I decided to quit Effexor - I just felt too, too weird.
It has been about 5 days, with one "weening" pill in between. (I'm sorry I took it)
I have NEVER felt so "yucky" in my life. And I have dealt with depression for much of my life (severe childhood abuse/neglect and trauma).
People have mentioned experiencing on this drug bringing up "deep" buried psychological things, head spinning, nausea, inability to do exercising, walking, working out as one had done.... feeling wacko in general... I've said some inappropriate things to people, or at least I feel PARANOID that I may have...
crying jags, hot flashes, everything tastes "funny", my mouth feels numb. This is some very complex stuff, and it's truly sickening that there was insufficient warning as to the side effects (not nice) but MOST IMPORTANT, the utter nastiness of going off of it.
But, one way or the other I'm going to perservere. I do not want this crap in my body/mind/life. I have read that a little Prozac might make it easier. I'm going to try that.
So much for self medication - I have done a better job of that in my life than the physicians have.
I want to be clean from ALL of the psychoactive meds - for me, exercise, good food, good books, good friends, love, and, as someone said, the occasional cocktail.
Good luck to all of you! I know this is not the thing for me. Too bad I didn't know how POWERFUL it is and how awful the "sweating it out" (quote from the triage nurse at my dr office) would be.
Margo
PS I'll keep in touch if I don't lose my mind before this is over!
Posted by margo on April 17, 2004, at 2:39:30
In reply to Effexor free, posted by Emma Smith on April 15, 2004, at 20:22:13
>Congratulations!
Please read my post. You give me hope. This is very up and down for me.
Thank you.
Margo
Posted by msdepres on April 17, 2004, at 11:51:55
In reply to About to go off..... Advice please!, posted by Viva on April 16, 2004, at 17:50:07
I just remembered my password, so I could respnd to sufferfromeffexor -This is day 7 with no effexor for me. and finally I think the withdrawal is tolerable. The first 5 days without any was HELL I think, but this site has been a real life saver. At one time I was at 300 mg/day. It did work when I needed it and when other ADs did nothing but make me crazy. I dropped myself to 150 (actually DR did, but he could not remember and thought I was at 300 much longer. Anyway, during last month visit, I said I needed to get off effexor, primarily because I couldn't affort that and wellbrutin. He had me go to 75 mgs for2-3 weeks and 37.5 for 1 week. It wasn't too bad at 75, 37.5 was difficult but Ididn't think about it as other things were going on that I blamed for my downer and tiredness and difficulty sleeping. I did not experience the zaps at 37.5 and probably would have been better off stayiny at that level for another week or 2. but though I mentioned what I had read on this site regarding withdrawal, my DR had nothing to say. Boy - he will definitely get input from me in next visit.
Anyway, I am so glad I am on the healing side of living without effexor today and hope it keeps getting better.
THanks to you all for your support and sharing - it really did help. I also found that for the first time I was able to tell people I trusted what I was going through without embarrassment and got some more wonderful support.
So, for me - tapering down works, but I think I would have added a couple more weeks or another step to hopefuuly not have all (everyone I heard of I have had). I would definitely not going off cold turkey - I think I would definitely have gotten suicidal.
Good luck and love to each and every one of you who currently are going through this or who have gone through it previously. Keep up the postings and support. Also, I am going to do whatever I can to "educate" and maybe change information given to new effexor patients as to the whole story and cycle of this very potent drug.
Posted by Emma Smith on April 17, 2004, at 13:15:39
In reply to Re: How long for these withdrawals to end?? » msdepres, posted by margo on April 17, 2004, at 2:27:25
Best of luck to you, Margo. There is a lot of comfort in knowing you are not alone. I hope I can make it without any more ADs and I hope you can too.... Hang in there!!!
Posted by CaliGirl22 on April 17, 2004, at 13:34:30
In reply to Re: beginning to wean hopefully losing weight, posted by Putford on April 15, 2004, at 16:45:37
I am new to the board. I just recently found this and I can relate to almost every post. I have been on EffexorXR for about three years. I am up to 225mg a day. I have wanted to quit for about a year now. Before I started the medication I was a size 3 and could eat anything from a large pizza, to cake, to anything and not gain an ounce. Since I have been on this medication I have gained 50 pounds and up to a size 11. I am freaking out and can not stand the weight gain and self conscious ever since. I don't even eat like I used to. I eat salad, fruit, healthy food and I exercise. I still continue to gain weight. I am sick of taking three pills a day. If I am late even two hours I can feel side effects. I sweat more than I used to and have to switch deodorants.
I want off, and I do not know how to do it. I see everyones response and let me say if I had known... I would NEVER have agreed to take it. Ive taken Wellbutrin and Zoloft. I dont remember why I stopped those and switched to this. I will see my Dr. Soon, but I am a full time student and I work full time. I can NOT let it affect my schedule. What should I do? How long is the process to eventually having tolerable side effects? Weeks? Months? I have this quarter off from school, so I want to get the worse part over with before I go back. I don’t want to freak out from the side effects around co-workers or friends. I know I will say something I shouldn't. What should I do? Thanks.
Posted by Davez on April 17, 2004, at 13:44:44
In reply to Re: sexual side effect- effexor-xr, posted by Shyla on April 16, 2004, at 10:09:49
> Well, I'm a girl, and I am experiencing numbness down there. It is a real disconnect between my brain and my clitoris. Is it the Effexor?
Reply: As a guy I can say that I feel sort of the same thing. Numbness and a harder time climaxing. I find that I can only climax if I up the stimulation considerably.
Posted by AngelDoe on April 17, 2004, at 14:55:45
In reply to Re: Side effects when going to higher dose » headachegirl, posted by Spinxxie on April 14, 2004, at 16:11:17
I was just wondering is there anyone out there who has anything positive to say about the drugs? I was on PAxil and i know it was awful and lexapro didnt do anything for me but effexor seems to be helping me lots. Weight gain is terrible trust me i know since being on meds I have gained about 75lbs in 3 yrs. To me it just seems like id rather be chubby/fat and happy then be a monster and not able to think but wear a size that other people think is acceptable. So can anyone tell me anything positive??? thanks
Posted by Shyla on April 17, 2004, at 15:05:16
In reply to Re: sexual side effect- effexor-xr, posted by Davez on April 17, 2004, at 13:44:44
> > Well, I'm a girl, and I am experiencing numbness down there. It is a real disconnect between my brain and my clitoris. Is it the Effexor?
>
> Reply: As a guy I can say that I feel sort of the same thing. Numbness and a harder time climaxing. I find that I can only climax if I up the stimulation considerably.
>
> My partner is also on Effexor; switched from Remeron. He says that he feels much more sexual on Effexor, and is having a difficult time understanding why I am having side effects. wellbutrin coupled with effexor is supposed to help with this side effect. I haven't checked into it yet, but intend to. I will keep you posted. S
Posted by Zarry on April 17, 2004, at 17:49:38
In reply to Scared to Stop Effexor XR--HELP, posted by CaliGirl22 on April 17, 2004, at 13:34:30
CaliGirl, now during your off time would be the best time to be getting off Effexor. I don't know if the effects of going cold turkey vs weaning off are different. I was on 150mg for 6 mo., then the doc noticed my BP was high, I immediately quit the night doseage thinking it would help the withdrawls. After a few days, I told myself I wasn't going to take the time to wean because I don't think it would be any different. I've been free of Effexor (if you want to call it that) for almost 2 wks now. I may not be swallowing the med, but I think it still has a hold on me.
I made the mistake of visiting my family during this volatile time. I thought I would be able to handle my bi-polar sister - BIG MISTAKE.
Good luck to everyone who is in the same boat. We will conquer this venture and make it to the other side safely.
Posted by CaliGirl22 on April 17, 2004, at 18:50:44
In reply to THE GOOD THINGS?????, posted by AngelDoe on April 17, 2004, at 14:55:45
Yes there are good things. I cant yet tell you if its worth the withdrawls I will have to face getting off the drug... but it worked.
I have been on it for a few years and I found my moods, emotions, and overall well being up by 100%. I could handle many situations a lot more while I have been on it. There are very many side effects but the worst of them going onto the medicine subside after a while. I am about to face going off them. I dont know how that will be, but from what I hear it isnt fun.
Posted by Angela Young on April 17, 2004, at 20:38:22
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by lg on November 7, 1999, at 19:11:05
I was on effexor for 1 year. In the 1 year I was on 37.5mg to 75mg, then went back down to 37.5mg. I swear by this medication. I dreaded gettinjg up in the mornings and after I started it I was up and ready to go. Even after the very 1st dose. After I had my son my doctor told me if I was going to feed him I had to switch to Prozac. Ever since I've been on it I've been worse than I was before. I think it all depends on the chemical inbalance of the brain in each individual person.
Posted by sira on April 17, 2004, at 21:53:29
In reply to THE GOOD THINGS?????, posted by AngelDoe on April 17, 2004, at 14:55:45
I have been on Effexor for two months now and I think that the way the chemicals interact with the drugs deffeniatly makes a difference in how the side effects are. I had some twitching when I first started the meds but that went away with in a few weeks. I am feeling better now then I ever have especially since the depression has finally been diagnosed. My depression was masked ever since childhood by a serious illness. I have tried SSRI's and they did not work but the effexor has so I am happy to be on something that works and lets me live my life to my best instead of being tired all the time, and having no motivation at all. Because of the depression I had to quite a good job. Now I am working on getting my self to a point where I can work two jobs and get my self back on my feet.
Sira
Posted by Angela Young on April 17, 2004, at 22:10:22
In reply to Re: THE GOOD THINGS?????, posted by sira on April 17, 2004, at 21:53:29
I have had many bad things happen to me throughout my life and effexor was the only thing that made me feel like I was once again a human being. Not living in a wonderland wondering if I should drive off that bridge or put a gun to my head. It has made me happy to live and more of a strong person for my children. It has also helped me get back into college working towards my own degree in psychology so that I can try to help people just like us.
I have been on Effexor for two months now and I think that the way the chemicals interact with the drugs deffeniatly makes a difference in how the side effects are. I had some twitching when I first started the meds but that went away with in a few weeks. I am feeling better now then I ever have especially since the depression has finally been diagnosed. My depression was masked ever since childhood by a serious illness. I have tried SSRI's and they did not work but the effexor has so I am happy to be on something that works and lets me live my life to my best instead of being tired all the time, and having no motivation at all. Because of the depression I had to quite a good job. Now I am working on getting my self to a point where I can work two jobs and get my self back on my feet.
> Sira
Posted by Angela Young on April 17, 2004, at 22:17:43
In reply to Re: How long for these withdrawals to end??Margo, posted by Emma Smith on April 17, 2004, at 13:15:39
I just wanted to know if you are the Emma Smith I know. My name in High School was Angela Weaver.
Posted by invisiblemanpa on April 18, 2004, at 5:33:19
In reply to Re: sexual side effect- effexor-xr, posted by Shyla on April 16, 2004, at 10:09:49
Hmm Interesting, and I thought just my penis was going numb....this is a very clear connection with effexor and sexual side effects...I used to think about it all the time and get a rise every time an attractive lady walked by....now nothing...the addition of Wellbutrin has done little do help.......good luck....wish I had a suggestion....the TV ads are all BS!
Posted by MsJones1 on April 18, 2004, at 7:31:30
In reply to Re: effexor and drinking, posted by maggie on April 17, 2000, at 19:18:38
> I drink moderately while on 150mg of effexor xr
> and have no problems with it at all.
>
>
>
> I started taking effexor about 4 weeks ago (and still have the side effects of nausea, sleepiness, headaches and loss of appetite). I've tried aropax and zoloft (both which made me really sick) and doxepin for about a year (which didn't make me sick but didn't actually help_
> > Just wondering if anyone knows about the effects of drinking and taking certain drugs when on effexor. Is it too risky?
> > I drank the other weekend and just felt a bit worse than usual.
> > Thanks if anyone can help
>
>I've been on Effexor for about a year. I have heard it is 'not wise' to drink whilst taking effexor but being 22 and having been on effexor for a year I've had more than my far share of binge nights. I did find my tolerance of alcohol decreased greatly and I have personally found I am far less aware of my actions when drinking now than I used to be. I'm a regular social drinker, probably I have 1-4 drinks one or maybe two nights of the week and usually have one big night a week. I find that having more than that really reduces the benifits of effexor, and thats only if you remember to take it the next morning! In no way am I suggesting it is okay to drink while on Effexor, just sharing my personal experiances. I suggest consulting your psych, most of them are pretty cool and honest if you ask them directly what will happen if you do something. i.e. drinking (as well as getting really drunk etc), recreational drugs etc.
Posted by headachegirl on April 18, 2004, at 9:06:14
In reply to Re: THE GOOD THINGS?????-Sira, posted by Angela Young on April 17, 2004, at 22:10:22
I think trial and error is the process for finding the right AD. I experienced the best results from Prozac with the usual number of side effects. I was tired of the non-existent libido and tried the Effexor to see if I had better results. I really didn't, though I was on 75 mg and don't know if increasing the does would've helped.
I did notice, however, the awful consequences of missing a dose. I would be slammed by the brain zaps, headaches, and nausea. I work in the high tech industry and can often do 12-14 hours in front of the computer for days at a time. Things like rembering to refill your prescription would fall between the cracks and the resulting almost immediate withdrawal effects made work miserable.
Plus, I was experiencing the elevated BP and weight gain. So, I'm taking myself off. I think the key to this (as well as with any other AD) is to wean off, not go cold turkey. Reducing my dose over several weeks, while taking extra supplements has almost totally prevented withdrawal symptoms.
So, everyone is different. If Effexor works for you, stay with it. If you decide you need to get off; don't go cold turkey. My advice.
Posted by Emma Smith on April 18, 2004, at 20:39:07
In reply to Re: How long for these withdrawals to end??Emma, posted by Angela Young on April 17, 2004, at 22:17:43
"Smith" is my married name..... Sorry! :)
That really would have been something, huh?? :)
Posted by alanis on April 18, 2004, at 23:27:21
In reply to Re: How long for these withdrawals to end??Emma, posted by Emma Smith on April 18, 2004, at 20:39:07
I am now on a low calorie diet to try to get off the pounds of the weight gain effexor and I am glad to report I have lost 5 pounds. I also stopped taking straterra,. Has anyone gained weight from adhd meds. Is the weight gain from the meds or from the side effect of increased appetite? That is what I want to know.
Posted by Shyla on April 19, 2004, at 8:45:38
In reply to Re: sexual side effect- effexor-xr, posted by invisiblemanpa on April 18, 2004, at 5:33:19
> Hmm Interesting, and I thought just my penis was going numb....this is a very clear connection with effexor and sexual side effects...I used to think about it all the time and get a rise every time an attractive lady walked by....now nothing...the addition of Wellbutrin has done little do help.......good luck....wish I had a suggestion....the TV ads are all BS!
Not very heartening news, I'm afraid. But thanks for your input.
Posted by ku4ns on April 19, 2004, at 12:11:39
In reply to Re: About to go off..... Advice please! » Viva, posted by msdepres on April 17, 2004, at 11:51:55
I am three weeks out from my last dose effexor and this is my second attempt at stopping the drug. My first attempt stopping failed because of improper weaning, this time I used prozac to help. I have not had any of the problems that I experienced previously while trying to stop. I feel as normal as I ever have thanks to prozac. I hope this post will help others that are trying deal with the effects of effexor. I was on the drug for a little over a year. John
Posted by linda-may on April 19, 2004, at 14:41:01
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
have been taking effexor for 1 1/2 years. started on 37.5.. gradually increased to 225. had palpitations and sleeplessness at first.then all good. then positives would start to "wane" and got increased prescriptions. i totally love the dreams. they're amazing. my friends think it's hilarious.. when i say.. "effexor RULES". i've not had any problems with drinking while i take it-lately lack of libido and some mood swings. checking with dr in 2 days.am fully aware to WEAN off, should i choose to stop.
Posted by Zarry on April 19, 2004, at 15:51:07
In reply to STOPPING Effexor made easy, posted by ku4ns on April 19, 2004, at 12:11:39
All of this is fine to counteract the affects of Effexor by adding another AD to it - but what some ppl have a prob with is wanting to not go on anything else - it's like wanting to quit ciggies when you smoke Camels and switch to Marlboros.
I've finished my 2nd week w/o Effexor and I still have my mood swings and "rain stick" in my head. Knowing that it will eventually end is the only thing getting me thru it all.
I'm NOT going to go on anymore ADs and finally, my BP has gone down - not completely to where it should be, but it's progress.
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