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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Sondi on October 9, 2004, at 21:50:30
In reply to How long do the withdrawal symptoms usual last?, posted by Eric C on October 9, 2004, at 14:35:59
I too, am curious about how long the withdrawl symptoms last. I've been off effexor xr at a 75mg dose now for a little over a week, and also still feel very dizzy and out of it. Randomly today it felt like my mouth went numb! It's crazy.......
Posted by pmz on October 9, 2004, at 23:05:29
In reply to Re: does anyone grind their teeth like me???, posted by utopizen on October 9, 2004, at 10:31:11
I think it important for everyone to understand that each individual will react differently to any medication. So many factors into the effectiveness of a medication. Metabolism, other medications that you are taking, your general health, and your current psychological health all come in to play. I have not had the symptoms in the severity many of you have described. Some of you might instead of having "withdrawal symptoms", are experiencing the things that the medication was actually keeping at bay with it's theraputic effects. I was taking 150mg twice a day and the only severe effect I remember from the withdrawal was my mood swings being so severe with the uncontrolled crying. Now that I have been able to replenish my medication supply, I believe the benefit that the medication has given me outwiegh the possible negative outcome by a great deal and that is why I have chosen to stay with the medication. I am actually sleeping better now than when I had run out of the medication.
No matter what medication you are on, there will be side effects. Sometimes there are positive side effects and negative side effects. The big question is whether the benefits of the medication outweigh the negative side effects that it presents. Some people have severe side effects, some have mild. You dont' have to go through "withdrawal" from all medicaions, but we know that with psychotropic medications you can. That is one reason it is so important that you are weaned off the medication instead of stopping abruptly. Some medications will have a positive effect on one person and a negative effect on the next. Never do anything without the guidance of a physician so that you can hopefully minimize the negative effects.
Posted by danny g on October 9, 2004, at 23:37:45
In reply to Re: How long do the withdrawal symptoms usual last? » Eric C, posted by Sondi on October 9, 2004, at 21:50:30
ive been off 2 weeks cold turkey. a public clinic really did mew wrong by not giving an emergency refill, i am dizzy numb and week and my mind is upset. when i take effexor i think better and dont think too many things at once, i can concentrate. so i am looking for a doc who can prescribe again, my last one moved.
Posted by S.Bartel on October 10, 2004, at 4:03:35
In reply to Re: should i give up on effexor xr, posted by Jubilee on October 9, 2004, at 18:46:44
There are many dangerous and deadly side effects to Effexor. Not only does it cause weight gain but it can cause Liver disease, which is irreversible, extremely high cholesterol and triglycerides which will lead to stroke or heart attack. It can take years for the symtoms of liver disease to show up. I have been on effexor for 7 years and high liver enzymes only showed up last year. The doctor did a sonogram after that and found the liver disease. The only possible cure is a liver transplant.
I think effexor should be taken off the market. I strongly advise anyone still taking it to quit. It's a dangerous drug and hard to get off of.
God Bless us all, Sammi B.
Posted by S.Bartel on October 10, 2004, at 4:44:28
In reply to Re: does anyone grind their teeth like me???, posted by pmz on October 9, 2004, at 23:05:29
Good luck if you stay on effexor. Keep reading the postings and you might want to change your mind. I just don't think the benefits are worth anyones life and that's what it is costing me. You may be lucky and not have the same side effects but is it worth the chance?
Bless you, Sammi B.
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 10, 2004, at 8:42:23
In reply to Re: Anyone had success -To everyone, posted by Jubilee on October 9, 2004, at 18:39:45
> I will post ,like invisible said , it will be interesting when I get down to those tiny doses and then the "hit" will probably hit the fan, so I will post when I get there. My posting on babble I believe got me spyware and adware so I suggest protecting your PC. Jubilee
Jubilee, You go girl(as they say!)..bite the bullet..dig your heals in and pray for the strength to finish what you have started...God will keep his hand on your shoulder as your walk your walk!
E
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 10, 2004, at 8:50:00
In reply to Re: does anyone grind their teeth like me??? » pmz, posted by S.Bartel on October 10, 2004, at 4:44:28
Amen, side effects are terrible, cholesterol increase which suprised the heck out of me......I have taken the last of what I hope will be my sorted out microcapsules this morning.....I will post what side effects I get as next week progresses......thank goodness for strong coffee and Klonopin!
E
Posted by Eric C on October 10, 2004, at 9:59:48
In reply to Re: How long do the withdrawal symptoms usual last? » Sondi, posted by danny g on October 9, 2004, at 23:37:45
HEy Danny G. Have you been having withdrawal effects for the whole 2 weeks?? What dosage were you taking?
Posted by S.Bartel on October 10, 2004, at 12:12:56
In reply to Re: does anyone grind their teeth like me???, posted by invisiblemanpa on October 10, 2004, at 8:50:00
The high cholestorol is caused by the liver working overtime. You may want to have your Dr. do a sonogram of your liver. The high cholestrol shows up first in your blood. The high liver enzymes may not show up for several years after the damage is already done.
Posted by Jubilee on October 10, 2004, at 12:53:01
In reply to Re: How long do the withdrawal symptoms usual last?, posted by Eric C on October 10, 2004, at 9:59:48
I am in my 3rd month comming off 300mgs. Just dropped to 2 37.5's today and prepared with prozac, nausea med, inderal for panics, anti-hystimine spray for headaches, and I am also on wellbutrin. I am taking 5 months to come off as last time I almost died. Try to get highest dosage possible with 150's. Start cutting down right away, and save all you pour out in a bottle. That should give you enough to take 5 mths or 4 . Get some prozac if you can ask for it for to take for withdrawals. I got 60 as my doc wanted me to go off in 6 weeks!Ha. I would be dead for sure!. Try to gather all you need before telling a doc you are going off , in fact I wouldnt mention it and just keep getting it and go off yourself. Stop giving Doctors control of your life. Dr's have almost killed me many times and by the grace of God I am still here! I trust God and his wisdom , not doc's. I do feel bad for people who will again struggle with depression. I was on elivil for 13 years and no killer side affects, and it kept me alive and happy. God bless all of you. Signing out , Jubilee
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 10, 2004, at 14:57:12
In reply to Re: does anyone grind their teeth like me??? » invisiblemanpa, posted by S.Bartel on October 10, 2004, at 12:12:56
> The high cholestorol is caused by the liver working overtime. You may want to have your Dr. do a sonogram of your liver. The high cholestrol shows up first in your blood. The high liver enzymes may not show up for several years after the damage is already done.
Thanks! excellent suggestion. I will most certainly do that when I follow up visit in two weeks...I really had to laugh when the family practice doctor sent me a lowfat / low cholesterol diet sheet dated 1995.....and of course nothing was mentioned from him about effects of the poison Effexor...but it certainly will come up from it during my next visit...I always wondered why none of my Psy. dr's or family doctors ever asked for regular blood work etc...with all of these meds going in my body???
e
Posted by pmz on October 10, 2004, at 19:10:03
In reply to Re: How long do the withdrawal symptoms usual last?, posted by Jubilee on October 10, 2004, at 12:53:01
I would never suggest that anyone hand over control of their lives to someone else unless they are finding that they could be harmful to themselves or others. I do suggest that when you are going to change the dose of your medication, you do so under the guidance of a medical professional. I say this because the changes in medications and dosages can affect any other medication therapies effectiveness. Effexor xr is not the only medication that has the side effects that I have seen listed in these postings. All antidepressive medications can affect your mood swings, your liver or kidneys, your appetite, sex drive, feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, panic attacks, etc. It seems to me that people are so centered on believing that the medication is what is causing the negative health issues or behaviors, when it could be just that you are not getting the wanted effect from this medication and may need to try something else. This is why it is so important for you to let your doc. know everything that is going on with you when you are on antidepression therapies. I am so sorry that some have had severe adverse reactions to the medication, but that does not mean that every one who takes it will. I am afraid that there will be someone who is actually benefitting from the medication who will stop taking it because they might think that they will have the same adverse result, and then because of the stopping of the medication, do something harmful to themselves or others. I just want to caution everyone to be cautious, but also be informed about their drug therapies.
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 11, 2004, at 3:18:22
In reply to Re: How long do the withdrawal symptoms usual last?, posted by pmz on October 10, 2004, at 19:10:03
PMZ, You had some very valid points and some sage advice. Of course, none of this medication should be used without being a dr's care. But, any of us that have been the rat in the maze before with other medications, often times more than once and it my case and in many others, quite a few. The family practioners and psy. docs are throwing darts at a board with meds. on it instead of numbers. It is a best guess, at best, for coming up with the right cocktail for each individual. I must say though, after being thru the here let's try this about 10 times, I know the signs and symptons of what works and what when my body is telling me "this is not working get it out of me or else!". And most recently for me, it was Effexor XR, really hitting home in August, while on an increase dosage schedule, I hit an all time low. So I knew it was time for a change. I knew I had to start weaning myself off so I would be ready to hopefully start something better for me. I have gotten to the point of not calling my psy dr. with every issue or asking for another appointment, because unless it is a life threatening crisis, it is next to impossible to see them. So I have starting writing letters to them in advance of my next visit, which I did 3 weeks in advance of my visit this week, explaining what had happened and what I had planned to do. And my visit this time is with a nurse, not even the doc. (which is usually a waste of time, except to get refills...but in this case, I would hope she has read my memo before hand and will have a new game plan for me when I go into the nurse.) I think that in the case of mental health issues and any health issue people need to start taking the initiative to be informed and willing to take steps on their own, especially if their doctor is not doing so. I think this is especially true for someone being treated for mental health issues by their family doctor, many of them just don't know and are willing to hand out whatever starter pack that the lastest drug rep brought by along with all of those good freebies, cookies, subway sandwiches and probably a lot more that would surprise us all. The drug companies are playing a high stakes game. It is scary, very scary, look at Serzone...Off the market and that was the first AD that I was put on back in like 1999. Sorry for rambling.......it is early, the coffee is still perking and my pill box has no Effexor XR in it for the first time in almost two years.......
e
Posted by S.Bartel on October 11, 2004, at 4:31:13
In reply to Re: does anyone grind their teeth like me???, posted by invisiblemanpa on October 10, 2004, at 14:57:12
The problem with most Dr.'s is that they know what the drugs are supposed to do for us but they
don't read the possible side effects or warnings. My Dr. gave me a prescription last week that says not to take if you have liver disease. What are they thinking?? I am taking it upon myself to protect myself from their ignorance and investigating everything they try to give me. If you have any doubts about a medicine ask your pharmasit. They keep up on this stuff. Good luck, Sammi B.
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 11, 2004, at 5:12:26
In reply to Re: does anyone grind their teeth like me??? » invisiblemanpa, posted by S.Bartel on October 11, 2004, at 4:31:13
Right on Sammi! And most them just hate it when we question their almighty wisdom....or the Good Lord forbid ask about a natural or homepathic treatment.......I changed family docs recently because the practice of older dr's were so out of touch with today's medicines, side etc.....just like you said...I know that can't know everything nor do I expect them to..but sometimes..they just don't know or care to......thank goodness for Dr. Bob and other recources on the net like Web MD...
E
Posted by jujube on October 11, 2004, at 7:50:36
In reply to Re: does anyone grind their teeth like me???, posted by invisiblemanpa on October 11, 2004, at 5:12:26
I agree. I think that most doctors, gp or pdoc, refer to the Physicians' Desk Reference which lists the the percentage of people experiencing side effects based on the pharmaceutical company's trials. When a patient brings up what they consider a side effect, the doc will tell them it is unlikely it is caused by the med since only a minute percentage experienced that particular side effect (or the side effect is not even listed). While I was on Effexor, for the first couple of months, I experienced myoclonus (almost like body convulsions/spasms) that woke me up from sleep. The doctor told me, in a dismissive tone, that everybody "twitches" when they are falling asleep. That may be true, but I was actually being awakened and practically bouncing off the bed two or three times a night. Then I developed night sweats and irregular cycles. I was told that I must be in perimenopause (even though the tests I had to check this out came back negative). And, oddly enough, the night sweats are gone since I stopped the Effexor. I think doctors need to listen more carefully to patients' experiences on the meds, and use the information they gather from their patients as valuable information to help them in treating others.
Thanks for listening.
Tamara
> Right on Sammi! And most them just hate it when we question their almighty wisdom....or the Good Lord forbid ask about a natural or homepathic treatment.......I changed family docs recently because the practice of older dr's were so out of touch with today's medicines, side etc.....just like you said...I know that can't know everything nor do I expect them to..but sometimes..they just don't know or care to......thank goodness for Dr. Bob and other recources on the net like Web MD...
> E
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 11, 2004, at 11:13:29
In reply to Re: does anyone grind their teeth like me??? » invisiblemanpa, posted by jujube on October 11, 2004, at 7:50:36
You are absolutetly right! I don't know how many times I have been into a Psy doc of family practice doc. and they just stare at you while you try to explain to them what your symptons, side effects are. I think 90% of the time the just dish out their standard practice answer. It is so hard to find a Dr. that is up to date in their knowledge,are truly caring and will listen.
I am anxious to find out what is in store for me tomorrow when I visit the offic and see the nurse. I wrote the Psy. doc and told her I was taking myself off of Effexor as it was truely pushing me in the wrong direction and I asked for something new to try....Zoloft, Lexapro, Cymbalta?.. an Ad with low side effects, good success rate, and good cross over benefits for socail anxiety...(I must be dreaming!)...by the way this is my first day of no Effexor and I feel fine! Well not perfect...but so far no scary side effects.......knock on wood......
e
Posted by tatarka on October 11, 2004, at 11:55:54
In reply to Re: does anyone grind their teeth like me???, posted by invisiblemanpa on October 11, 2004, at 11:13:29
Good support for liver is Liv.52. It protects liver from toxins' affect. I remember they prescribed me Liv.52 when I was a kid back in Russia, when I had to take lots of antibiotics. And I just found an info about this med on-line while searching for high enzymes. I'm going to ask my doc for prescription.
Posted by pmz on October 11, 2004, at 19:13:46
In reply to Re: does anyone grind their teeth like me???, posted by invisiblemanpa on October 11, 2004, at 11:13:29
I am so glad that you are doing well with the weaning of the Effexor xr. I believe that everyone should be informed and knowledgable about their medications and treatments. I believe that everyone who feels that they are not getting the theraputic treatment from a medication should let their doc. know and ask for something else. I also believe that with the resources that are available today, we all should make the effort to learn all we can about our conditions or illnesses, and the treatments given for them. You are your own patient advocate. You are ultimatly the one who is in control of your health care.
Like I suggested in I believe the first posting I placed, If you are seeing a doc. that will not listen to you and really strive to understand what is going on with you, then find another doc. I have changed from doc to doc until I found one who will try to understand all my illnesses and really listen to me when I am telling about something that is wrong and needs to be addressed.
No, not all docs will do that. Unfortunately that is what the changes in the health care systems we have today has given us. Clinics who worry more about how many people they can run through the office today, than whether they are giving each patient the time with the doc. that is really needed for that patient. It isn't fair or right, but it is a fact. The insurance companies have made it almost impossible for the docs to do anything less. They have dictated how much any procedure should cost, how long a person should be in he hospital for anything, and what they will pay, and how much of that the doc actually gets which is a fraction of what it should be. Why do they run us through like cattle? Because while our costs of living has risen, so has theirs. Their cost for office space, utilities, wages they pay their office help and nurses, and the costs of their malpractice insurance has skyrocketed. Does that make it right? No, but that is the way it is.
You see, not only am I a fellow patient with a list of health issues as long as your arm, I was also one of those overworked frustrated people who was a health care giver both in the hospital and in the clinic. I am a nurse. I am not longer able to work due to my illnesses, but that doesnt' change who I am. I not only suffer from depression, but I am in a wheelchair a great deal of the time due to having guillain barre 4 years ago, I also have fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, GERD, pulmonary insufficiency due to interstitial pneumonia 3 years ago, and the list goes on. I speak from experience on both sides of the fence. I do understand what you are talking about.
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 12, 2004, at 5:04:35
In reply to Re: does anyone grind their teeth like me???, posted by pmz on October 11, 2004, at 19:13:46
Yes it is a struggle with the meds.......I pray that we all find a solution to control or stop all of these problems.......2nd Day no Effexor XR,
I feel fine...sleep is still screwy....keep waking up every 1/2 hour of so..then up for good by 4:00...guess the seratonin is adjusting itself...anxious to see what the Wizard Of Psy. has in store for me today.....God Bless all of you out there in Dr. Bob land...keep fighting the good fight....life is worth living and rebuilding...
e
Posted by utopizen on October 12, 2004, at 11:39:29
In reply to Re: does anyone grind their teeth like me???, posted by pmz on October 11, 2004, at 19:13:46
Anyone with bruxism at night (teeth griding) should make it a priority to see their dentist or orthodontist and get a mouth guard. They're around $400, so they're cheaper than $20,000 for capping your teeth down the road.
Also, Klonopin at bedtime can reduce drug-induced bruxism to some extent. But there remains no cure.
Posted by Juliejean on October 12, 2004, at 12:28:54
In reply to How long do the withdrawal symptoms usual last?, posted by Eric C on October 9, 2004, at 14:35:59
My withdrawels lasted only 3 days...Why? Well I did some research.But before you do this ask your doctor first! First,let me tell I took the effexor for Anxiety..went off because of weight gain! So anyway, try this (3) Niacin and (3) Omega3 (Both you can find in any Vitamin store) take in the morning for 3 days! Long term use of niacin may be bad for liver! The niacin will also make you flush (rash)for about 30 min its normal and safe! The reason this works,is because it opens up your blood flow and gets that stuff out of your system faster!I was at 75 mg when I quit!
Anyway hope this helps,good luck
Posted by utopizen on October 12, 2004, at 13:17:29
In reply to Re: How long do the withdrawal symptoms usual last?, posted by Juliejean on October 12, 2004, at 12:28:54
I was on 375 mg of Effexor for 6 months for social anxiety (before I got depression a year later) and I did get some withdrawl side effects, but they were so benign I forgot what they were, and they only lasted 3 days.
Don't minimize your dose to avoid withdrawl symptoms, since there's no evidence this helps in anyway anyway. Just take the stuff, and if it doesn't work after 6 months of a high dose like 450mg or whatever, switch to something else. If you do get severe withdrawl, you can always get like 10 days worth of some Klonopin or something to chill out with and you'll be fine. Some experience severe withdrawl, but there's no reason to avoid the medication or minimize your dose because some people get this way.
Life is full of risks, but untreated depression adds a lot more risks than withdrawl does!
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 12, 2004, at 13:54:45
In reply to Re: does anyone grind their teeth like me???, posted by utopizen on October 12, 2004, at 11:39:29
Don't pay that kind of ridiculous money.......a good pharmacy will have something similiar to a sports mouth guard....but not as bulky.....you heat them in in boiling water, let in cool, then bite into it and put your teeths impression in it...all for about ..maybe $7.50....believe me they work....I used a mouth guard for Tae Kwon Do for years and they most definately protected my teeth...though not my lips.....so I think they could helping with grinding.........I know they are sold because my dentist told me that I was wasting money having him make one.....I have done the same thing and really ground my bottom teeth down....most definatley will have to get them capped and enameled some day.....
e
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 12, 2004, at 13:59:01
In reply to Re: How long do the withdrawal symptoms usual last?, posted by Juliejean on October 12, 2004, at 12:28:54
Hey how about that, that must be why my withdrawl symptons were minimal. I added Omega 3 and Niacin to my vitamin regimen after finding out that the Effexor has sent my once low cholesterol sky rocketing! About two weeks ago...when I was going from about 75 mg of Effexor to 35... What a great crossover side effect of a natural med.........
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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