![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 7360 to 7384 of 10407. Go back in thread:
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.........
Posted by Shyla on October 12, 2004, at 15:43:53
In reply to Re: does anyone grind their teeth like me???, posted by invisiblemanpa on October 12, 2004, at 13:54:45
Wow! Who's your dentist? I appreciate his honesty, not trying to make an easy buck.
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 12, 2004, at 16:37:24
In reply to Re: does anyone grind their teeth like me???, posted by Shyla on October 12, 2004, at 15:43:53
Shyla,
Other than his honesty I was not impressed with skill level in this day of no pain, nice teeth denistry...but I guarantee yah, 1 klonpin, that you can find a night brace for grinding...check the net.........maybe a used one on EBAY?
e
Posted by partlycloudy on October 12, 2004, at 19:27:11
In reply to Re: does anyone grind their teeth like me??? » invisiblemanpa, posted by jujube on October 11, 2004, at 7:50:36
>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 started sweating before I started Effexor, and now I can't tell WHAT causes it. Are you on any birth control or hormone treatment?
Dripping,
pc
Posted by jujube on October 12, 2004, at 19:49:04
In reply to Re: does anyone grind their teeth like me???, posted by partlycloudy on October 12, 2004, at 19:27:11
> >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 started sweating before I started Effexor, and now I can't tell WHAT causes it. Are you on any birth control or hormone treatment?
>
> Dripping,
> pcI wasn't on birth control when I started getting the night sweats - only Effexor. I am not on hormone replacement. The night sweats stopped when I went off Effexor. However, I do experience morning hot flashes. I'm 42, so it is possible that I am in perimenopause. Or it could be a side effect from the Depo Provera that I started in early August. Who knows. I'm just happy I'm not waking up three times a night soaking wet anymore.
Tamara
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 13, 2004, at 4:37:52
In reply to Re: does anyone grind their teeth like me???, posted by partlycloudy on October 12, 2004, at 19:27:11
I never had the sweats, but I hated the irregular cycles...just kidding.........Effexor is poison and should be taken off the market......thank goodness I made it off and have made a positive switch to cymbalta (Ihope!)
e
Posted by nsr on October 13, 2004, at 18:27:03
In reply to Re: Brain Shivers Trying to Get off Effexor! HELP!, posted by Sean9 on April 7, 2003, at 13:35:34
> Xiao,
>
> Talk to your doctor about the withdrawal symptoms you are experiencing. Best plan for quitting Effexor should include (talk to your doctor about this stuff): 1. Wean off slowly, something like lowering your doseage 37 mg each week until your last week you're taking one 37 mg every other day. 2. Expect the withdrawal symptoms to continue another few days to two weeks after your last dosage 3. Try Benadryl as needed to help alliveate brain shivers and diziness (or another antihistimine like Claritin or Allegra-D). You can also try Dramamine as needed, which is reported to help. 4. Get a low dosage of Prozac prescribed and start taking as you begin to taper down your Effexor. 5. Think about going on Prozac or another med for a few months afterward you quit Effexor. Welbutrin is supposed to be good too. 6. Don't worry. You won't die of withdrawal, many people experience it, it is supposedely the second worst withdrawal next to Paxil. Do lots of searches on Effexor Withdrawal and read up.Hello everyone,
I found this site after trying to wean off Effexor due to very bad restless legs at night. Finding out that others have experienced weird S/E's from tapering down helped a lot to tolerate the twitching, buzzing, dizzyness, aches, and other bizarre sensations. After three months, I am down to a stable dose of 37.5 mg. a day, feeling mostly ok. Benedryl does help a little. Today I started on Wellbutrin SR 150 mg. and will take this once a day while taking Effexor 37.5 every other day for awhile, and eventually stop the Effexor entirely. If I get depressed again, I'll increase the Wellbutrin to 300 mg. If not, I want to try weaning off all anti-depressants, challenging because I've been on them for the most part of nine years. I would like to hear from others who have tried to wean off using Wellbutrin and Benadryl. Thanks.
Posted by jujube on October 13, 2004, at 18:38:37
In reply to Re: Brain Shivers Trying to Get off Effexor! HELP! » Sean9, posted by nsr on October 13, 2004, at 18:27:03
> > Xiao,
> >
> > Talk to your doctor about the withdrawal symptoms you are experiencing. Best plan for quitting Effexor should include (talk to your doctor about this stuff): 1. Wean off slowly, something like lowering your doseage 37 mg each week until your last week you're taking one 37 mg every other day. 2. Expect the withdrawal symptoms to continue another few days to two weeks after your last dosage 3. Try Benadryl as needed to help alliveate brain shivers and diziness (or another antihistimine like Claritin or Allegra-D). You can also try Dramamine as needed, which is reported to help. 4. Get a low dosage of Prozac prescribed and start taking as you begin to taper down your Effexor. 5. Think about going on Prozac or another med for a few months afterward you quit Effexor. Welbutrin is supposed to be good too. 6. Don't worry. You won't die of withdrawal, many people experience it, it is supposedely the second worst withdrawal next to Paxil. Do lots of searches on Effexor Withdrawal and read up.
>
> Hello everyone,
>
> I found this site after trying to wean off Effexor due to very bad restless legs at night. Finding out that others have experienced weird S/E's from tapering down helped a lot to tolerate the twitching, buzzing, dizzyness, aches, and other bizarre sensations. After three months, I am down to a stable dose of 37.5 mg. a day, feeling mostly ok. Benedryl does help a little. Today I started on Wellbutrin SR 150 mg. and will take this once a day while taking Effexor 37.5 every other day for awhile, and eventually stop the Effexor entirely. If I get depressed again, I'll increase the Wellbutrin to 300 mg. If not, I want to try weaning off all anti-depressants, challenging because I've been on them for the most part of nine years. I would like to hear from others who have tried to wean off using Wellbutrin and Benadryl. Thanks.There were postings in this thread by a couple of people who began supplementing with Omega 3's and niacinimide prior to and during withdrawal from Effexor and they reported a much easier time during withdrawal. It might be worth a try.
Posted by pmz on October 13, 2004, at 21:33:14
In reply to Re: Brain Shivers Trying to Get off Effexor! HELP! » nsr, posted by jujube on October 13, 2004, at 18:38:37
There are some disorders that Effexor is used for the theraputic level it gives that is not just depression. If you are bipolar or manic depressive, then you should really discuss with your physician any plans to wean yourself off the drug.
I have been reading as well about the positive effect that taking the omega 3 fatty acids and the niacin is having on the side effects of withdrawal from the Effexor.Good sources of the omega 3 fatty acids is either Flax oil, or in fish oils. It may be because of this that I had such a mild occurance of negatie side effects when I had run out of medications. I take those supplements for the control or high colesterol. I had high colesterol before I started on the effexor and it has gone up since I have been taking it. My Tryglicerides were off the chart! I have not had labs run since I have been taking these supplements, but know that they are supposed to help. I take several supplements daily to assist with my general health, and can definately tell a difference when I do. If you do start taking niacin, there is a "flush-free" form so you don't have that effect from the supplement. It would certainly be worth a try, and cannot hurt you to do so.
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 14, 2004, at 2:11:39
In reply to Re: Brain Shivers Trying to Get off Effexor! HELP! » Sean9, posted by nsr on October 13, 2004, at 18:27:03
I am off, 4th day, no brain shivers, I guess the Omega 3, Niacin, Klonopin and Still being on Remeron has helped, but my sleep patterns have got down the tubes.....I fall dead asleep and then start waking up around 10 or 11 every half hour then wake up for good at 2 or 3....my seratonin levels must be all screwy getting the effexor out of my system...Psy nurse said that when the Cymbalta kicks in that should stop...insomnia...I feel stuck between REM sleep and jumping into my exercise stuff to workout.....she also said to take an extra Klonopin when I wake the first time...which I did last night and it helped a bit...but I don;t want to start that every night as I am taking Temazepam for sleep when I go to bed............and I don;t want to run short of Klonopin and play that game with the Psy docs office.......they make you feel like a crack addict.....insomnia does suck.....I had it for years....I think I was sinking into my bout of depression without realizing it or wanting to acknowledge it......that it is I think one of the hardest parts especially for men........well I might as well go find something hot and black!
e
Posted by pmz on October 14, 2004, at 5:50:54
In reply to Re: Brain Shivers Trying to Get off Effexor! HELP!, posted by invisiblemanpa on October 14, 2004, at 2:11:39
Good for you! I hope it continues to go well for you. I am just taking the 75mg twice a day where I was taking the 150mg twice a day and seem to be getting on fine with it. I do take the temazapam for sleep along with Xanax, and Elavil. I have taken Baclofen for leg spasms since I had Guillain Barre since that is a residual neuropathy from that. That was started before I started on the Effexor xr. I do have problems with insomnia periodically, but it is finding a sleep rhythm that matches my own biological clock. I worked graveyard shift as a nurse for so long that I am most normally a night crawler anyway. Maybe it is the peacefulness of the nights. Who knows. It is good that you are keeping a journal about your days and symptoms as you do this so you can see if any patterns result in your psych. or physical reactions to the withdrawal. We are rootin' for you! If you have any questions that I might be able to help with with my medical and nursing background, let me know. I have a great amount of resources at my disposal as well.
I honestly find this message board system a good support format for those with similar issues. I am grown keenly interrested in how others with similar problems get on. Thanks for sharing all.
You'all have a good day, and I will check in later.
Posted by Jubilee on October 14, 2004, at 11:47:29
In reply to Re: Brain Shivers Trying to Get off Effexor! HELP!, posted by invisiblemanpa on October 14, 2004, at 2:11:39
I was just thinking about your name invisable, and I was inspired to come back here and talk from my comfort chair in the living room.. I just walked out of a 21 year fog of MPD, and realized I have no friends but a numb angry roomate ,who says nothing, works or is sleeping, and one half sister left who talks on the net about the weather real good but doesnt want to get real about anything. I found the internet a few weeks back and descided I was too fragile to try to be communicating with others yet.. Started with this board. So you are off for 4 days now? Too bad you don't have some prozac for 7 days. I hope you weaned down to pebbles before quiting. I'm Takeing 4 months and it was suggested drop 25 mg a week, then lower to pebbles. I am taking about a 50 and a 37 per day and going real slow. Heard someone died on another board and I believe this drug is that dangerous.
So back to my plight and how I have been invisable for so long. I need healthy friends because I am about mental health and recovery and I am reading again "the Courage to Heal" and its a good friend because its truth and sanity in a very lonely life. Mine..
As for sleep, thats crazy. I dont fall asleep , I black out. Effexor gave me insomnia and hypermania starting 4 years ago when I got on it. I was feeling like I was a real bad person the other day and I was going to write about it, because I wake up so often in my recliner and ask myself "why didn't I just go to bed?" You are crazy and bad ,girl! But I don't want to sleep because I have hypermania and sleeping is a waste of good living time, and I've been fighting sleep for 4 years ,and I like being awake especially since God restored my mind from MPD.( thats a set of symptoms all in itself ,but can't find a board) I thought , you know , God doesnt say all this bad crap about me so why am I talking to myself this way. I need to show myself some compassion as my life has been a living hell and I am just starting to get my life back. Just think. When I am off effexor I will have more of my mind back!
My biggest problem these days is wondering where on the internet I fit in, besides here. Recovering Multiple Personality issues, recently delivered co dependent issues, incest issues, my son just died so I have grief issues, I just found out Ive been suffering with Fibromialgia since 83 last week so I am on that board too. I wonder if there is a board for multiple Issues? I hope it was ok to talk about whats really going on with me , because I sure don't have the time or the mind to search out ten different boards. So ,I'm back. Left you folks for awhile. Is being invisable a lifestyle with you too. Invisablemanpa? I'm in too much pain to sit here any longer so Ill say goodby and thanks anyone who takes the time to read this. At least It is a joy to be heard and responded too, and for that I feel much less invisable. God Bless. Jubilee PS. I do have one best friend named "Stanley John" He is my 7 year old 6 lb poodle who is an excelent service dog for me , and for that I am very blessed and thank my Lord Jesus. again, Jubilee.
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 14, 2004, at 12:27:56
In reply to Re: Brain Shivers - Hi Invisable, I'm back, posted by Jubilee on October 14, 2004, at 11:47:29
Keeping on praying and fighting the good fight and you will win. Get off the Effexor and try again. I have had zero withdrawls and on day 3 of Cymbalta and I feel fine, just tired from my sleep being all out of whack. I finally got up and at 3:00 and did my devotions and was anxious to hear the review of last nights debate. There are numerous support groups out there. Every major website, yahooo etc. has them.....One on one counseling has helped me tons. I talk to a therapist about twice a month and power walk with my Pastor every thursday. It has helped so much.
No I don't want to be invisible. That goes back to when I first got a computer, it was Halloween, I grew up watching the old black and white monster movies and still love to see them, my daughters were over and we went through the whole list of film monster and the only one that I could think of that was not taken on Yahoo was the Invisibleman........so I have used it off and on.........Yeah sometimes when the depression has been at it's deepest I have wanted to be invisible...but not very often.......tough out the withdrawl symptons and get the effexor out of your system!
e
Posted by Jessa on October 14, 2004, at 14:06:37
In reply to Everyone's different, but..., posted by Racer on October 24, 1999, at 22:14:55
After being diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, I have used Effexor XR roughly 7 months out of each year for the last four years. At the time I saw my Dr. regarding my symptoms he put me on damn near every medication in the book. I tried Celexa, Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil.... nothing seemed to work.
When I first started using Effexor XR there were mild side effects- nausea, drowsiness, tremors, inability to concentrate, and increased panic attacks. These side effects DO go away! At least, they did for me. Each time I have gone back on the medication the first week has always been the hardest. After that, however, life is pretty breezy. I can concentrate, I have more energy, I'm not as emotionally sensitive, the irritability disappears, and I generally become more creative.
While the medication does decrease your appetite and can cause significant weight loss, I would hardly say these are "unwelcome side effects" for the avaerage unhappy person.
Everyones response to any drug will differ from any others. My personal opinion- as long as you maintain close contact with your physician and/or therapist, medication can only help.
Posted by Ruthie on October 14, 2004, at 16:24:41
In reply to Re: Possible withdrawal agony scares me, posted by riverrock on July 9, 2000, at 19:43:03
I just read elsewhere on this site where a couple of people used Benadryl for withdrawal symptoms. I thought it might be helpful. Here's the link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/tips/split/Antidepressant-discontinua.html
Posted by Tracy U on October 14, 2004, at 16:32:03
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hey, I am new to the boards, and have read through a lot of the posts, but haven't seen this one.
I have been taking Effexor XR for two years, just recently went up from 225 mg. to 300, after having a hysterectomy, and the depression getting worse. My question is, does anyone take Ambien with their Effexor? I have terrible insomnia, always have, but it is worse since starting the effexor. I got a script for the Ambien, but saw that it says it interacts with Effexor. I am willing to try anything, since I take half the night to fall asleep, wake up every half hour, and am never rested...
Any feedback on the Ambien use with Effexor???
I will NOT stop my effexor, I think it saved my life, but I also need sleep, I am a walking zombie...HELP!!
Tracy
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 14, 2004, at 17:33:45
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Tracy U on October 14, 2004, at 16:32:03
I have used Ambien with EffexorXR and I slept like a baby. My current issurance would not pay for it when I started having insomnia again as I weaned myself off of Effexor to switch to Cymbalta. My dr. has me trying Temezapam...a mild benzo..it helps me to fall asleep, but not stay asleep, my sleep routine is all messed up. Fall asleep immediately, then wake up in about two hours then about every 1/2 til 3:00 or 4:00, then I just give it up and get up. My seratonin must be all screwed with the switch from effexor. Dr. office says that it should improve as the Cymbalta gets in my system and depression improves.
I have used Ambien a number of times over the years, never had any side effects and slept like a baby and woke refreshed. Over the counter sleep aids made me feel like a zombie. Ambien is safe and works great, at least for me...not meant for long term use though....
e
Posted by nsr on October 14, 2004, at 18:19:52
In reply to Help for withdrawal, posted by Ruthie on October 14, 2004, at 16:24:41
Thank you, ruthie, for the link--it was very helpful! I wish to thank those who responded to my first posting yesterday. I have been following this site for some time but missed the info about Omega-3 and niacinamide supplements, and plan to try them.
I began taking Paxil, 20 mg. nine years ago, after two years of therapy for PTSD helped me overcome panic attacks but failed to alleviate depression. It worked great, and I stayed stable for six years, except for once a year when I would try to wean off. I was accustomed to tolerating the discontinuation effects--dizziness, restlessness, mild mood swings-- but always had to go back on Paxil after two or three months because I would gradually grind to a halt due to depression. I also have chronic low back pain, which the SSRI helps quite a bit. During the sixth year, I found that it took more Paxil to keep stable, and with the increase to 30 mg. developed muscle spasms and sexual disfunction. Briefly switched to Celexa--same S/E's--then Effexor 150 mg., which was effective. I have been free of depression and anxiety for over three years, but several months ago I developed such severe twitching in my legs it would wake me out of a sound sleep. Reducing to 75 mg. did not effect my mood but didn't reduce the S/E either. I told my doc I wanted to taper off the Effexor and see how I did, and he gave me some 37.5 mg. caps. That's when the weird S/E's kicked in--odd dizzy sensations when I moved my eyes, migraines, body aches and spasms, beeping and clicking sounds in my ears--I was relieved when I read postings here about Effexor withdrawl, but surprised. I am a mental health professional and hadn't heard of discontinuation syndrome, nor had most of the colleagues I asked. I have been blessed with good doc's who have been frank and receptive throughout my treatment, but nobody prepared me for this. When I told my current doc about the information posted here, he looked skeptical and said he had heard about "flu-like" symptoms, but had not been aware of the apparent neuro effects or how long they last, even when Effexor is taped very gradually. He had suggested Wellbutrin as the next alternative to Effexor anyway so agreed that I may start the Wellbutrin while continuing to taper off the Effexor.
I agree with those who conclude that Effexor is effective for depression as well as chronic pain, but coming off of it is a bitch, and it does seem the pharmaceutical and psychiatric communities need to do a better job getting the word out. Thanks, Dr. Bob, for the forum.
PS--I am interested in Cymbalta, which the manufacturer is advertising as a specific for depressed individuals who tend to have a lot of physical symptoms. I was wondering if those on this site who are taking Cymbalta would comment. Thanks.
Posted by pmz on October 14, 2004, at 22:14:44
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by invisiblemanpa on October 14, 2004, at 17:33:45
I too use Ambien at bedtime to fall to sleep. I have trouble getting the wheels of thought inside my head to stop long enough for me to fall asleep. The trouble with Ambien, is that it has a short half life. That means that the effect peaks quickly, and then tapers off quickly. That is why you are wide awake after just a few hours and then do not rest well the rest of the night. Ask your doc about using something that has a longer effect so you will sleep longer. The OTC sleep aids are Benedryl. Ther exact same mediation as in Benadryl which is dyphenhidromine. Benadryl is frequently used in the hospital for a sleep aid for patinets. I use the Ambien, but also take Elavil at bedtime and Xanax. The Xanax is an antianxiety medication. A natural sleep aid is melatonin. It is OTC and you don't have the hang over effect that you do with the Benadryl or the other OTC sleep aids. I have used it before and it did help as a mild sleep aid.
I too have found that the Effexor xr has been quite a life saver. I am able to function on a semi-normal level since I have been on it and not had near as many of the manic episodes with uncontrolled crying as I did before I started it. With my disabilities and and loss of lifestyle and income that caused our family to lose our home and everything we had, it was necessary for me to start on an antidepressant to be able to function at all. I can deal with the minor side effects that I have had in order to be a contributing member of my family. At lease now I can smile and do the laundry and fix the meals unless I am having a physically bad day from the fibromyalgia and the arthritis and residual effects from the crippling illness I had. I have gained 50 lbs. which gives me a poor self image since I was always a woman before who stayed within my normal weight limits, and now weigh more than my husband.
Like I have said before, all medications have side effects. The big question is, are the benefits greater or less than the side effects? When you decide that, then you will know if you should be taking the medication.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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