![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 7382 to 7406 of 10407. Go back in thread:
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.
Posted by Dr. Bob on October 15, 2004, at 0:25:40
In reply to Re: Brain Shivers - Hi Invisable, I'm back, posted by Jubilee on October 14, 2004, at 11:47:29
> I am reading again "the Courage to Heal" and its a good friend because its truth and sanity in a very lonely life...
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, movie, or music 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 October 15, 2004, at 0:31:53
In reply to Re: Help for withdrawal, posted by nsr on October 14, 2004, at 18:19:52
Posted by MAJZ on October 15, 2004, at 8:48:46
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I am new to this site. I have been on Effexor for 2 and half months, I will have to say it was a God send. I was in the mental hospital for 2 weeks, and I thought I was losing my mind. I have a chemical imbalance, and prozac wasn't helping me anymore. I am now up too 300mgs a day(150mgsx2) and I am feeling so much better. I have had alot of side effects but at least I know who I am and I am not crying 24/7.
I was having trouble sleeping so they put me on trazodone, (100mgs at nite) and I am taking inderal for the tremors. Plus I am taking Gabitril for a mood lifter. I have had a few days that I felt like I might be going back into depression, but they only last a day or 2. My doctor told me until I was on the meds for 6 months, that I might have this happen. Has anyone else experienced this? Also I have had tingling in my face and at times thur out my whole body, it comes and goes. Is this normal? Thanks for any feed back.
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 15, 2004, at 10:19:04
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by MAJZ on October 15, 2004, at 8:48:46
It seems that you are not the only one that has had some success with Effexor. Initially when I was started on Effexor about 1 1/2 ago, I went up to 300 mg and thought I felt some relief of the depression with few side effects except lack of sex drive. It's value diminished quickly for me over the past year and I was down to 75 mg, after some traumatic live events, my Psy doc upt it to 225mg. It brought on the worse depression symptons of my life. My cholesterol skyrocketed, plus who knows what other long lasting side effects. I am off now, 5 days, with no withdrawl symptons except insomnia. I started Cymbalta and have high hopes. If Effexor has helped you that's great! But I would be very aware of side effects, changes in your levels of depression and or anxiety, moods and cholesterol levels......then ???? We all are different. I do feel that Effexor XR did nothing but poison my mind and body. Good Luck! Hope I didn't scare you!
e
Posted by Jubilee on October 15, 2004, at 12:16:57
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by MAJZ on October 15, 2004, at 8:48:46
I am doing well except for insomnia which is improving now. Going slow and taking Niasin like suggested. Jubilee The book I am reading"The Courage to Heal" by Bass is for abuse and incest survivors. Its like having a therapist talk to you in person and very comforting and encouraging.
Posted by julia gulia on October 15, 2004, at 14:43:00
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and weight gain , posted by PAD702 on April 21, 2000, at 4:57:08
Two years ago a doctor put me on PAXIL for my first time around with any drugs for depression and anxiety...i was 21. He didn't mention in the beginning that alot of people have weight gain. I found out the hard way. I gained 20+ pounds in 4 months!! I was miserable..it helped the depression but being overweight and not having any of your clothes fit isn't great either. Went off of that and have since tried zoloft and celexa. I didn't notice any significant weight gaini with those but in the last two years I've had NO success in losing the 20+ pounds I gained and that in and of itself is enough to drive you into a depression. Just started Effexor XR today so we'll see. I'd love to lose some weight. I appreciated the boards...it was good to hear others opinions and stories...especially about the Paxil...I was about to think I just pigged out and became lazy overnight!!
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 15, 2004, at 15:53:38
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and weight gain, posted by julia gulia on October 15, 2004, at 14:43:00
Amen to the that. You sound exactly like me. I gained 20 pounds within months of being put on my first AD about 4 years ago. I think it was Serzone. I have had a number of med changes, most recently from Effexor XR to Cymbalta (Yipee!), I work out everyday, pilates, power walk, eat a lowfat, almost strictly vegetarian diet and my weight won't budge. I know if I were more sedintary and didn't watch what I eat it probably would be 50 lbs........I was always the skinny one...so the extra weight which is not noticable to most except me does not help my self image..I recently changed family doctors and he said not to worry about it, he thought I looked fit and trimmed and most of his patients are very overweight and look it...and this in PA, it was the same in in Wisconsin. Overweight people everywhere. I just don't like it! I would be happy to drop 10. Maybe on cymbalta I will. My cholesterol hit the roof and the ratio went bonkers, now I see there might be a link to Effexor, it sure was not my diet! It was always 160 / HDL, now it is 210 and the reverse for the good cholesterol. That did concern the doc, so I am anxious to see if he adds lipitor or something to my cocktail as heart attacks have been a plague to my ancestors. I added Omega 3 and Niacin to my Vitamin regimen, which it sounds like that may have helped me not have any withdrawl symptons from the effexor. I had to change my whole wardrobe! I was keeping my skinny wardrobe, 2" less on the waist, but finally gave it all to goodwill. 8 suits, 12 sport coats, 18 pairs of pants.......better on someone that needs them and could wear them, then in my closet. Now I
am babbling, yes the extra weight stinks!
e
Posted by dancingstar on October 16, 2004, at 2:53:37
In reply to Re: Help for withdrawal, posted by nsr on October 14, 2004, at 18:19:52
After being given some samples and then a prescription for Effexor by a family practitioner, I took it for three years, and on the basis of an overwhelming gut instinct I stopped taking it two weeks ago as of last Wednesday.
I am not now, nor have I ever been chemically depressed. The doctor that gave the drug to me was a family friend that I have known since I was three years old. I didn't have a regular doctor; so when I had bad back pain, I went to see him. Since I worked out a lot, I thought that I must have had a bad back injury of unknown etiology. It wasn't until over two years later that I found out through my current internist that what I really have is fibromyalgia. My internist never told me to stop taking the Effexor; so I continued to take it until I something came over me, and I knew that it had to be the cause of at least my weight gain if not some of the other problems I was having.
Stopping taking Effexor was possibly the most painful thing I have ever done, and I've done some painful things. Has anyone done Krav Maga? :-) Maybe they put something in it, like nicotine, to make it difficult to stop taking it, but without eqivocation, it is a vile drug when you stop taking it. Nothing emotional about this, guys. Purely physical, honest! The last couple of days I've been feeling better, not as nauseas, and I'm finally out of the bathroom. Until now, though, I was only good for about two or three hours a day before I was too sick to be able to do much of anything. My happiness factor that has increased enormously since I've been off that silly drug, which brings me to one of my main points. Family practice docs shouldn't be prescribing that stuff, and drug reps shouldn't be hawking their wares in the offices. My internist congratulated me on "getting that poison out of my system." I completely agree with him.
That's the second disaster that the family malpractice doctor got me into, though. The first mistake in judgment that he made was when he had the pharmceutical rep for Oxycontin literally talk me in to taking the drug in the waiting room while he was seeing patients. I resisted. I didn't think it was a good idea. I asked about my getting better, if I didn't want to stay on the drug, and she assured me that I would have no trouble getting off of it if I felt better, that only people that abused it had a problem when they stopped taking it. Then the two of them assured me that this was the best medication for me to be on for the rest of my life.
Now, I'm a woman that teaches kickboxing for fun. I run a very successful small business, and I'm now going to a university for a third career because it's one that I've always wanted to try my hand at....Oxycontin???? But they were two of them, and I trusted him; so I did it. I had to go and quit taking that all by myself, too. (The Effexor is definitely more painful.)
AND to make matters worse, he was so embarrassed about it -- either that or afraid the he would get in trouble? -- that when my private disability company showed up at this dude's office, he denied prescribing the drug to me and made me look like an idiot altogether. Why would I even go to a doctor that would either lie or not stand by me? No, I didn't do anything, just sacrificed the $3,000 plus a month in disability insurance because he is my best friend's brother, though in retrospect I don't think he should be practicing medicine for the sake of anyone's health.
Well, now that I'm done ranting here, to add to the list of "help for withdrawal" -- I've been through a lot with meds and didn't even want to deal with Dramamine at this point. I actually had to be talked into buying some Pepcid for my stomach pain which I am sure now has a giant hole burned into it -- The Omega-3's do work. I like the Nordic Naturals. It is kind of lemon-based. You might try 5-HTP. If you have fibromyalgia and the pain is so bad that even your eyelashes hurt and by some miracle you can get Theramine which I don't even think officially exists, you are very fortunate indeed. But it is wasted in my oinion, unless you take it on a completely empty stomach, something like two hours before and after eating, and no, it doesn't make your stomach hurt. And lastly, because I get the feeling that my adrenals are fried, I'm going to try the Enzymatic Therapy "From Fatigued to Fantastic" program because of its emphasis on vitamins A, B Complex, C strenghtening the adrenals, lots of water, and low sugar.
One last thing, a question: Did anyone else notice that as soon as they stopped taking Effexor they stopped craving either sugar or sugar substitutes?
I'm sure that it is possible that this is a good drug for someone that really needs it, but it is being marketed towards the general public. Anything that has such serious withdrawal cannot be harmless; so one better really need it if one is going to take it, and that is neither the way it is marketed nor prescribed. And if you are thinking of quitting, just do it. Don't drag it out. Mentally, I feel fantastic. Physically, at 2 1/2 weeks, I'm 90 percent. Don't let the mental part scare you, IF YOU ARE FEELING HEALTHY TO BEGIN WITH, and you're just going to have to live through the physical part. Nothing will make it better. You will just make the pain last longer if you drag the whole thing out, but it won't be any less painful.
May the Force be with you!!!
Posted by dancingstar on October 16, 2004, at 3:11:41
In reply to Effexor XR and it's Benefits, posted by Jessa on October 14, 2004, at 14:06:37
Hey Racer,
I'm glad that you are have such lovely side-effects. I think that most of us are having the reverse.Actually, we were complaining about going off, not on Effexor :-). It is interesting, though, that you go on and off every year.
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 16, 2004, at 4:30:36
In reply to Re: Help for withdrawal, posted by dancingstar on October 16, 2004, at 2:53:37
Hey good post. I agree one thing that I have learned thru all of this is that my doctor,Psy or family does not "talk me into anything", especially a pharm. rep.,, they are no more than a glorified used car salesman in a suit and tie getting rich very quick...Since I have moved back to Pennsylania, I have yet to visit the family practice or head doctor without seeing a pharm. rep. coming or going with their hands full of goodies...I did the Alzheimer's Walk last weekend and a rep was there whose company makes aricept (I wish it would of been around for my Dad)...if I every would get diagnosed with Alz...I am going Hemingway for sure....anyway..the rep of course did not have drug samples but tons on all those cool little freebies....I even picked up a few pens and stress balls shaped like brains.....anyway..we must stand up...become informed ...and take an active part in managing our health care.......they days of a doctor writing a script without my complete knowledge of what is for and what the possible side effects are, are long over...Yeah the extra weight sucks!...I think I have changed my mind from being a Psy Grand PooBa to a Pharm Rep. if I could go back 20 years....Well off to the Heart Walk today...maybe there will be some Reps. there with some goodies! Hey kickboxing is cool, staying active is should be part of all of our health plans......I was Tae Kwon Do up until about 2 years ago, I blew out my left ACL testing for my high red belt, then blew out my Right ACL withing two weeks of going back for my Black...so after two reconstructions I live with a lot of pain but keep on trucking, funny when my Psy nurse gave me Cymbalta samples to start this past week she asked if I had any cronic pain, because Cymbalta is also being prescribed for some types of pain, so she said I might have significant relief from my knee pain, plus I pray depression symptons and anxiety.....
e
e
Posted by bozo on October 16, 2004, at 16:05:53
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Kellie on May 28, 2000, at 10:45:53
anyone have success with buspar for adhd
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 16, 2004, at 16:30:39
In reply to adhd, posted by bozo on October 16, 2004, at 16:05:53
From my past experiance,from what I have read here and other websites, Buspar is an absolute waste. You may as well take a Tic Tac, at least they taste good!
e
Posted by dancingstar on October 16, 2004, at 17:23:12
In reply to Re: Help for withdrawal, posted by invisiblemanpa on October 16, 2004, at 4:30:36
Thanks for your post! Trashed ACL's, ouch!!! I don't know if you are familiar with Krav Maga, but it's almost impossible to not get injured while you are practicing. It's kind of like street fighting. At first most women don't really think it's very much fun at all...until we get the hang of it and then :-) well, it's a blast! I have to say that guys are so much different. They are much more used to a team mentality. We aren't trained that way almost from birth. We take fighting much more seriously, even if it isn't supposed to be. I can see why it is funny for people to watch. Women need to learn team skills, and Krav taught me about that, or maybe it was the wonderful Navy Seal that was instructing at the time.
About pain, which I have, too:I've been trying to get to the bottom of it for quite a while now; and one thing I am sure of: The answer isn't in any pharmceutical capsule. You are obviously a very smart woman, and I know that you know this is true. I also sense that anything that I add in of a chemical nature has the potential for making the problem worse, not better, by complicating an already weakened immune system.
I'm no scientist, probably more in the genre of an artist by nature; but here is how I perceive what happened to me. After having to deal with several "disasters" all in a row and all by myself, I could almost feel my adrenals give out on me. Many times I expressed the sentiment that I just didn't have the energy to "gripe" about things anymore, I was "too tired." It was after that that I just needed quiet time, peace, I was in physical pain, I needed lots of rest. Looking back, I didn't need Effexor or anything else. My adrenals needed to heal, and I was getting in my own way.
One of my closest friends has the same problem. We have handled it somewhat differently, though. Some would say that she is the more fortunate as she has a husband and family. The hard part for her, though, is that she has had to maintain the status quo of life no matter how badly she feels. I've been on my own, and I am fortunate to have built a business that supports me with my having to do -- well, not too terribly much work for me to keep things together in the last few years, and no one demands anything else so that now I can finally pursue the dreams that I couldn't at an earlier age. If I get enough rest, eat really healthily, drink lots of water and keep exercising, I know I'll make it to the other side of this withdrawal thing and hopefully rebuild my adrenal system so that the pain will ultimately dissipate.
You know, I have no right to come to this conclusion, I know that I don't, but except for in the most rare of circumstances, I don't think that depression is chemical.
For over 25 years I did a job that I didn't want to do for financial reasons that started when I was 15. Add in heartbreaks, miscarriages, etc.; things in life that make life the thing that it is with all of its beauty and all of its flaws, its pain and sorrows. Some people are very fortunate; some are not. Is it chemical? I'm so very blessed; I escaped -- on every level, from everything -- well, from the job, the AD, the relationship, the poverty -- I'm working on the pain; and I'm in school just because I want to be, studying something that brings me great joy. I think we can all get to wherever we want to be, but we have to listen to the voices inside, not try to shut them up with drugs unless, of course, we are plagued by problems so severe as to be physically or mentally debilitating to ourselves or to others -- and I admit to not knowing where that line is or when it is crossed.
The last thing I want to add is something that just now came to me. I was taking Effexor for three years, and I have had joint pain and fatigue for -- three years, along with the 20 pound weight gain that I pushed down to a 10-pounds weight gain by not eating any carbohydrates and keeping my calories down to from 400 to 1200 per day for almost three years no matter how much I exercise.
If my fatigue and joint pain go away as a result of being off Effexor, well -- harumph is all I can say at this time!
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 16, 2004, at 18:16:21
In reply to Re: Help for withdrawal » invisiblemanpa, posted by dancingstar on October 16, 2004, at 17:23:12
I believe that depression and anxiety disorders...are both chemical, inherited in nature and also situational. I really believe in my case the groundwork was there, drastic life crisis that all hit at once set them into action.
Must be kinda like what they say about that gay thing....some are born that way and some come from choice.....
e
Posted by corafree on October 16, 2004, at 20:13:29
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and it's Benefits, posted by dancingstar on October 16, 2004, at 3:11:41
Hi all. I was first tried on Eff-XR a couple years ago and thought I would lose my mind. I know I took it once a day, I believe morning. Can't recall all the in-betweeners since then.
In April 2004 I started it again.
Now, it is working so well that I have to say it is the best med out of the countless I've tried. I have been printing your posts about stopping/withdrawal if, in fact, that time should come for me, and appreciate so much.
I know I have mentioned this before; but, one more time, ...
A slow metabolizer is one who uses Eff-XR FAST and there is not enough left in your body to treat you throughout a whole day. A slow metabolizer is one who uses Eff-XR FAST and there is not enough left in your body to treat you until 3:00 in a day.
A fast or normal metabolizer is one who uses Eff-XR evenly throughout the day, bit by bit, working properly, effectively, as long as they are supposed to, which I guess I'll say again, a day.
I can't be the only slow metabolizer out there?!
In a slow metabolizer, med gets depleted early on in the liver area, and what is left is much less, not enough to last properly; opposite of that of a fast/normal metabolizer; so the med will not be productive throughout your day unless the follow-up dose is taken pre- the time of day you feel like you're going to mentally lose it!
So, if anyone is on a one-a-day dosage, or twice a day (but taking very late in day), and feels mentally well for only part of their day, consider poor metabolization of Eff-XR as the problem.
The answer to poor metabolization is FOLLOW-UP DOSE and WHEN taken.
Your docs prob' won't talk much about this. Had to read about this, and turn myself into a guinea pig to realize the great results.
Just thought I'd post this again, because no one has ever responded to my postings about this, and it has turned Eff-XR into the most effective med ever.
When I took Eff-XR am, and pm (dark outside-nearing bedtime-after dinner), I would have already begun to lose it mentally/anxiously somewhere that mid afternoon.
Again posting, just if by chance anyone recognizes this sort of thing having happened, or currently happening. best wishes cf
Posted by Tatarka on October 16, 2004, at 21:36:29
In reply to Effexor XR Metabolization, posted by corafree on October 16, 2004, at 20:13:29
Hi Corafree. I'm taking Effexor just the third week so far, feel okay, but still depressed and anxious a bit. Besides, I wake up at 5-6 am, and can't sleep after. After I said all this to my doc, he said to divide my dose into two portion and take twice a day. So, your recomendation really make sense! And also doc said that I can adjust the time of taking effexor according to my feelings as long as I'm taking it with food. I guess my doc is not so indifferent as many others, huh? He also said that we'll see how it goes for a month, and then will make a decision.
Posted by corafree on October 16, 2004, at 23:11:10
In reply to Re: adhd, posted by invisiblemanpa on October 16, 2004, at 16:30:39
Agree. Corafree
Posted by dancingstar on October 17, 2004, at 1:59:08
In reply to Effexor XR Metabolization, posted by corafree on October 16, 2004, at 20:13:29
Hi Corafree,
I wonder if no one has said anything to you because they are confused, as I am, by something that you said. Usually, if you metabolize something slowly, it takes longer to make it through your system and stays in the body longer. That's why people with a slow metabolism have a hard time losing weight.
People with a fast metabolism usually process things quickly, food, meds, etc. Logically, they would need the drug sooner; but anything is possible here. As I've said, I'm no scientist.
When I started taking Effexor, there were many things going on in my world that were difficult for me to deal with, but I still don't think that a drug could make this any easier for me, nor did it make it easier. It only put a mask over my senses and made me care less as my business went down the tubes and I mourned the loss of my Mom, my unborn child and the man that I loved. This was three years ago, and time tends to heal most wounds. I don't know how long you can take Effexor before its more troubling side effects kick in, but it was also some time ago that I read something about weight gain in people that take it for more than a year. (Shopping today made the weight loss obvious. It was very fun to shop at Bebe and have everything fit :-) )
As with all things, there is a risk/reward ratio; and if the rewards are on your side, then the drug is worth taking. Be sure to monitor yourself for symptoms of the same discomfort that caused you to take the drug in the first place. This is just a guess, but an educated one: Once you are stabilized and feel comfortable with the dosage that your doctor has you on, if you being feeling the need to increase the dosage sometime after that because, for example, you are beginning to feel anxious and depressed and you are starting to gain weight for no reason at all; you might look at that as a sign that it's time to move on.
Also, along with great healthcare, if it's at all possible, you will do yourself an enormous favor if you can eat organic fruits and veggies, try to avoid sugar, get as much exercise as you are able to, and drink lots of water. You will be helping both your body and your mind to stay healthy. And always remember that you deserve the very best!!
Best of luck to you on your journey!
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 17, 2004, at 2:39:58
In reply to Effexor XR Metabolization, posted by corafree on October 16, 2004, at 20:13:29
Great to hear it is working for you. I am glad that I metabolized it right out of my life for good!
e
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 17, 2004, at 3:00:01
In reply to Re: Effexor XR Metabolization, posted by dancingstar on October 17, 2004, at 1:59:08
Ms. Dancingstar,
Excellent post and to the point. I agree with everything that you have said. AD will not make life's issues or crisis go away. Hopefully they will help control true depression and anxiety issues. I have had family members put on for example, Zoloft because they were facing personal issues, but I don't think they were truly depressed. Unhappy with their life at the moment, Yes. I have also had familiy members that were classic manic depressants, real nut jobs, they most definately needed the lithium plus route and time in the rubber room. I totally agree with your exercise and diet suggestion. I follow both, after giving up alcohol, I don't feel as guilty having an after dinner bowl of lowfat, low carb ice cream! I have been through my share of major life crisis over the past 5 years, more than I wish, of course, but God choose for me to suffer thru these, I hope to make me stronger. I have learned that you have to find inner strength to stand up and deal with whatever the crisis maybe. You can't runaway, because they stay right behind you and there isn't an AD or Benzo on the market that will solve your life crisis. I think to many people are asking for an AD when talk therapy would be a much more viable solution. Now I am rambling again, see what insomnia does!
e
Posted by dancingstar on October 17, 2004, at 17:18:04
In reply to Re: Effexor XR Metabolization, posted by invisiblemanpa on October 17, 2004, at 3:00:01
Hey Invisiblemanpa,
I love that name, by the way, I recognized your brilliance as soon as I began to read through the posts.
As much as I want to, it's hard for me to slam a drug that might have the potential for doing good for someone out there if it is prescribed under the proper conditions and circumstances. I just can't help but wonder, though, if something is so terrible coming out of your body, how it can possibly be good for you while it is inside you.
Yes, I agree that there isn't anything wrong with any kind of ice cream as long as you don't eat a quart or a half gallon at a time or it doesn't make you physically ill because you don't tolerate dairy well.
Do you find that you don't crave sweets as much since being off of Effexor? I am able to taste things more, and even though I eat Splenda, not sugar, I don't need much because all of my senses are back to normal again, and I have lost my cravings. This is all so bizarre to me.
Hope you catch up on your sleep today :-)
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 17, 2004, at 18:51:10
In reply to Re: Effexor XR Metabolization » invisiblemanpa, posted by dancingstar on October 17, 2004, at 17:18:04
Ms. Dancing Star,
I totally agree...there is something very wrong on a simplistic level, that if we put something in our body and our body reacts telling us that it does not want it in it....yes Effexor is probably doing wonders for some people. I would certainly hope so, as I know there are millions still on it. Yeah, I do the Splenda thing to, in any icecream, homemade oatmeal cookies.....As I have high hopes for Cymbalta, I also have high hopes for loosing the weight I have gained though to most it is not noticable. But it is to me! I exercise everyday sometimes 2 plus hours when I have the time, eat the lowfat, almost veg diet and sorta low carb, I love pasta. But on the Effexor my weight would not budge and my cholesterol skyrocketed. My Psy doc added Remeron in July when I knew the Effexor was really not working. As the Cymbalta kicks in, I plan on ditching ther Remeron to (I hope), and maybe that will change my metabolism......my friends laugh and say it is just part of the aging process.....Well I am only in my mid forties and can't accept that. And yes thanks for the sleep wish. I fell asleep this afternoon as soon as I got back from church and my head hit the pillow....I love the mornings.....but 2:30 or 3:00 is just a little to early! Plus waking up every half hour or so. As I said before, being so exhausted, it's really hard to get a handle if the Cymbalta is having any positive impact yet. At least I am not having side effects. I hope when the Cymbalta kicks in I can get back to some normal dreams that make sense and maybe even starting dreaming about sex again!
e
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