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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Cee Jay on October 31, 2004, at 16:58:50
In reply to starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by jp on October 25, 1999, at 12:01:53
> so I went to see my GP today (psychiatrist appointment
> is only in 2-3 weeks)... and got a prescription
> for effexor. the gp advised that I start on the
> normal version, at 37.5mg twice a day, and then,
> if I tolerate it, move to the XR version.
>
> Will such a low dose have any effect at all? what am
> I to expect. how soon does it produce a noticable
> and favourable effect? Anyone on such a low dose?
>
>
Started Effexor XR two days ago, two doses of 37.5 XR. Effects/perceptions: light pressure sensation in head; only four hours sleep; dry mouth; exacerbates reflux. But provides even keeled affect. (Also prescribed .5 xanax for stonach spasm and sleep.) Given the withdrawal symptoms here described, I am doubtful about this Rx for me. Tried Paxil two years ago with severe nausea. Deal with gneralized anxiety and now recent death of elderly parent to whom I was closely bonded.
Posted by dancingstar on October 31, 2004, at 19:01:31
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dos, posted by Cee Jay on October 31, 2004, at 16:58:50
Unless you are planning on staying on effexor for the rest of your life, I suggest you read all of the posts regarding effexor before swallowing the pills.
Posted by jclint on October 31, 2004, at 19:09:02
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dos, posted by dancingstar on October 31, 2004, at 19:01:31
> Unless you are planning on staying on effexor for the rest of your life, I suggest you read all of the posts regarding effexor before swallowing the pills.
Hmm that's a bit silly.
After 2 years of moderate dosage I am on day 3 of withdrawal, and have to say, am feeling fine. I personally wouldn't discourage its usage at all.
Posted by dancingstar on October 31, 2004, at 20:01:46
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dos, posted by jclint on October 31, 2004, at 19:09:02
I don't know if it has something to do with a person's nationality or not. My background is European, and I was on 150mg for 3 years. I nearly died but felt no effects whatsoever until the third day of not taking the drug.
Because there are so many people that have such serious problems with Effexor/(XR) and because there are other alternatives to this drug for the people that truly need to take this sort of drug, I don't think that it is worth the risk.
If I knew how dangerous it was before I had taken it, there is no way that it would have crossed my lips, and I believe that every person that takes this drug has the right to know that it has the potential to kill them when they stop taking it, whether they stop slowly or they quit cold turkey and that it can also do serious harm to their health during the time that they are taking it. There are now documented incidences of liver damage, weight gain of between 10 and 35 pounds, elevated blood pressure problems, elevated cholesteral, adrenal problems. I don't know for sure about any others. (In a little over one month my weight dropped 10 pounds. I was completely confused as to why no matter what I ate or didn't eat, I couldn't lose any weight at all, and now it just keeps on dropping.)
After my withdrawal experience with EffexorXR, since I have come to understanding that I am not the only one that has had this experience, I will work to see that this drug is taken off the market mostly because I am not weak. I am strong, and I take very good care of my health. I don't drink alcohol or take drugs. I exercise and eat healthy foods. If I were allergic to it, I could understand that I was the exception rather than the rule, but if more people have trouble when they stop taking the drug or even when they are on it than are safe taking it and if doctors do not even have this information available to them, something needs to change before more and more people are harmed.
This was such a horrid experience that I don't think that I will let anything stop me from getting to the top of the food chain and solving at least a portion of this problem. Now that I'm finally feeling better, I will use whatever access I have to get the job done properly.
Posted by Cee Jay on October 31, 2004, at 22:22:33
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dos, posted by dancingstar on October 31, 2004, at 20:01:46
Thank you, dancing star. Effexor RX was suggested by my GP. He gave me sample packs with first week starters. Since my previous experience with AD's was only Paxil, I asked what I should do if nausea occured. Doc replied, "Throw them in the trash." I will not take my 37.5 tonight! Should anti-depressants, such a Effexor, be prescribed by psychiatrists only? This drug also caused what I sensed to be a faster heart rate. I can say that the fatigue diminished greatly. But I can see from all these posts that the drug seems inadvidable for many.
Posted by corafree on November 1, 2004, at 1:34:27
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dos, posted by Cee Jay on October 31, 2004, at 16:58:50
In my experience, regular Effexor has few side effects that are bad. It does keep you level, not low, not high, just awake level. Not knowing your age or your experience/label, recommend Eff-XR only for a seriously ill person who needs a lot of help to just keep on living. I am on Eff-XR, been through many, many yrs of devastating experiences that have changed me into a person unlike the 20-y/o homecoming queen I used to be. There is a lady posting here about Elavil. It is one of the oldest ADs in the book, but I think too might be effective while being the least trouble so far as withdrawal is concerned. I have only experienced Prozac (didn't last) and Effexor or Effexor-XR as helpful to me, and have been on all SSRIs. I did take Elavil for too short time a time in the past,...wish I'd given it a longer shot. Talk with your doc' about the help you will prob' need getting off of Eff-XR should that time come. It helps me with anxiety, but I have a dx/label of PTSD and borderline personality disorder, so need a strong drug,...otherwise would choose less powerful like Elavil, and counseling, of course, is a must! I hope you said your doc' is a psychiatrist! be well cf
Posted by Jubilee on November 1, 2004, at 2:34:21
In reply to Re: Going slow isnt good???? Help!!! » Jubilee, posted by dancingstar on October 31, 2004, at 1:52:20
> Hey Jubilee,
>
> Yesterday and today were my first truly good days. I think it's kind of over...except for a little bit of stomach stuff, nothing by comparison to what it was. I stopped 150mg. all at once after three years, and I would say that it has taken me a little over a month, but I'm pretty sure that it's gone for good. All of the head stuff is definitely over, that's for sure. I'm going to wait before I go to the optometrist because my vision has changed. (How strange, huh?) I'm completely calm...but I have been the whole time. In fact, my temperament has been better off of Effexor than on it. I was able to get up early today and go work out, and I had enough energy to get everything done all day long...a miracle since as early as last week I wasn't sure if I would live...and I meant it. The world is a much brighter place now.
>
> I'm not sure that I would have wanted to go through this more slowly and for a longer period of time as it was the most painful thing that I have ever done. If you have fibro, (or anyone that reads this has fibro) the SAMe-400 and the complete program of Enzymatic Therapy From Fatigued to Fantastic, took about a week and a half to feel results but really, really, really made a tremendous difference in the way I feel.
>
> I wanted to post this so that others would know that even if you feel as bad as is humanly possible today; by tomorrow or the day after, everything can change, and you can feel just about as good as new.
>
> I'm not a religious woman, but the way that God heals the human body is truly a miracle.... My prayers are with you guys!!!
Thanks so much for response hon, but I can't imagine being soo sick for a month! God brought you through. I am so happy for you! jubilee
>
Posted by Jubilee on November 1, 2004, at 2:39:03
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dos, posted by dancingstar on October 31, 2004, at 19:01:31
> Unless you are planning on staying on effexor for the rest of your life, I suggest you read all of the posts regarding effexor before swallowing the pills.
I would like to suggest the same. Do you mind herion withdrawals? Jubilee
Posted by Jubilee on November 1, 2004, at 2:41:16
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dos, posted by jclint on October 31, 2004, at 19:09:02
There are certain people that don't have severe withdrawals. How ya going to know?? Jubilee
Posted by dancingstar on November 1, 2004, at 3:16:03
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dos » dancingstar, posted by Cee Jay on October 31, 2004, at 22:22:33
I, too, was prescribed EffexorXR by a gp (family practice). I didn't know anything about it. I had back pain, and I was tired.
As it turned out, I am low thyroid and have fibromyalgia, which are both under control...except for most recently when I decided that I would stop taking Effexor. Something told me that it was beginning to cause my body harm, but I don't know exactly what it is that made me feel that way. I was sure, though, that at the very least it was causing me to gain weight and to not be able to lose weight no matter what I did. I had ruled out every other possibiity, and this alone was beginning to cause me anxiety. So one day I just stopped taking the drug as I knew that I wasn't depressed. It wasn't until three days later that I began to experience what hell was really like.
It is now four and a half weeks later, and I'm fine except for my stomach. In the last three days I have had so much more energy than I have had in years. I can think more clearly. I had begun to think that I was not able to concentrate for any length of time or had something like ADD, but it's gone, completely gone. Tonight I worked from 9:00 until now, 1:15, and I'm now going to go to sleep. I can't tell you how much better I feel without Effexor.
Please be sure that you really, really, really need to take this drug. The effects are slow and subtle. I didn't realize how debilitated I had become. It seems as though over time, it caused the very problems it set out to cure and once I got it out of my system, I've gotten my life back again.
If you don't need it, try to get on without it.
Wishing you the best of health and happiness!!!!
Posted by yoopergirl on November 1, 2004, at 8:24:06
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor, posted by Cybill on September 11, 2002, at 20:35:29
Having some problems....need some insight. I have been on Prozac off and on for about 8 years and the medicine hasn't been working all that great. About 6 weeks ago my doctor put me on 150 mg of Effexer and at first I got the sweats and my appetite decreased. I needed less sleep. These symptoms went away after a week or so. I started getting irritable after a few weeks (not really sure when that started)and alienated some people around me without realizing it. I finished up the 6 week trial (probably shouldn't have in retrospect) and stopped taking it three days ago. Since then I have been having the sweats again but even worse is the indescribable feeling of being floaty....dizzy....wanting to cry all the time....extreme anger....weird freaky dreams....definite shift of charactor....I am kinda scared. Any thoughts or words of encouragement? How long will this last. I can't stand it.
Posted by Tyroneous1 on November 1, 2004, at 9:15:08
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor, posted by yoopergirl on November 1, 2004, at 8:24:06
I've had the withdrawl symptoms for about 2 months now. It really sucks. The brain shivers and the night sweats are the worst of it for me. After the first week, symptoms dulled but still persisted.
All I can tell you is what worked for me. Drinking a lot of water, forcing myself to get out of bed and GO regardless if I had anywhere to go, and taking a Darvocet when a migraine comes on from the brain shivers.
Keep fighting it.
Posted by ed_uk on November 1, 2004, at 9:29:31
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor, posted by Tyroneous1 on November 1, 2004, at 9:15:08
Last thursday I ran out of Celexa. I won't get some more till later today. The night sweats have been ridiculous, I've literally drenched the bed with sweat. (too much detail!?!) Ed
Posted by dancingstar on November 1, 2004, at 12:51:28
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor, posted by yoopergirl on November 1, 2004, at 8:24:06
Fortunately you didn't take it any longer than the six weeks. Maybe you should get some children's Benadryl. I'm not a fan of taking medications, but the Benadryl was the first thing to truly make the physical symptoms "disappear."
Please discontinue taking this drug. I doubt that you will feel better the next time you try to stop taking it. For other stuff that you can try, see my posts, but the Benadryl may be all you need at this point. - Well, I suppose you should probably consider trying that SAMe-400, it is awfully effective after taking it for a week or so and some 5-HTP.
Posted by emmahoward on November 1, 2004, at 13:56:40
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
How many of you people are being prescribed effexor by a general practitioner, and how many of you are getting it by a spcialized psychaitrist? (oh sorry about spelling...) I am amazed at the levels some people are taking and how fast. Even my psychaitrist admits that in the begining of his career he was giving out large doses but has seen the results and knows that even 150mg is simply too much and isnt good for the body. As I mentioned before, the months I have been on it, ive gradually increased by doseage, and I feel fine. Im allowed to even miss my dose if I forget to take it on time (always at 7am) and I have felt no withdrawl at all. I think hes a firm believer on what time you take the medictions...again he believes that depression and anxiety have alot to do with your biological clock (what time your body is programmed to wake, and to sleep.)
Last year I was prescribed effexor by a GP and she didnt know what she was doing to me. She increased my dose almost immidiatly and I felt like I was going mad...so I would have to agree that prescribed effexor the wrong way can definitly cause some anger at the drug, but after having gone back on it, the right way, there is no problems at all- even when I miss a dose. I think the resentment should not be targeted at the drug, but maybe at the doctors who dont know what their doing.As well, are there people here who are seeking help with a psychologist as well to help their problems ? I have yet to do this, but apparently theres more luck getting better sooner, and easier if there is someone there to listen and work with along with the medications we are being given.
Posted by dancingstar on November 1, 2004, at 14:05:45
In reply to doctors and prescriptions, posted by emmahoward on November 1, 2004, at 13:56:40
Nope. My target is at both the drug company and the medical community.
Even you do not know what the drug is doing to your body. I certainly didn't know until I hadn't taken Effexor for three full days.
Now that I am off of the drug I can see what kind of damage it does. My target is rightly placed. People smoking don't want to blame cigarettes for cancer either.
Posted by emmahoward on November 1, 2004, at 15:04:14
In reply to Re: doctors and prescriptions, posted by dancingstar on November 1, 2004, at 14:05:45
tylonol and ibuprophen are bad for the liver but they dont tell you that, even taking too many vitamins (aside from vit C) can build up in ur system and be 'bad' for your body... there are many side effects and many problems with so many tablets and medications but the thing with effexor is that its helping people, and theres a tiny percentage of people (that all seem to be posting here), that are probably taking it wrong, or its just not the right drug for them and they are experiencing bad side effects. Ive been explained what effexor does to the brain, that it works on 2 neuro transmitters and I was informed of the possible side effects. Its been helping me, this time, because I have a good doctor who knows what hes doing. He admits to never prescribing over 75mgs because he knows it turns people into vegetables and has great sucess in prescribing the drug in the proper way, in smaller quantities. I think anyone concerned about the drug shouldnt listen to people in these threads who are dead set against it because the ones who have had a good experience on it are off living their lives and not thinking much about it. To them, its a good drug, and its done its job well. Notice there are no threads about arthritic drugs, or drugs prescribed for diabetes, or any other medical problems because the side effects are a given. With depression and anxiety, its too easy to attack the drug companies because its assumed we have a 'choice'. I dont believe that. When your depressed, the only good choice is to seek help and if the drug in question doesnt respond well (meaning it has a few side effects) then change and find a new one but dont try to scare away people who need the drug who will benifit from it. You in fact dont know what its doing in your body, you are not a scientist, and side effects are not going to kill you. I think people should direct their anger at the doctors who dont know how to prescribe drugs, and not the drugs themselves.
Posted by dancingstar on November 1, 2004, at 15:13:35
In reply to Re: doctors and prescriptions » dancingstar, posted by emmahoward on November 1, 2004, at 15:04:14
"He admits to never prescribing over 75mgs because he knows it turns people into vegetables."
This sentence says it all.
Some people were afraid that slavery should be abolished. People don't want you to speak against the cigarette companies. Yes, tylenol is very damaging to the liver. Your best defense for living a long, healthy life probably is to stay away from doctors, but that's another story. This particular drug needs to be taken off the market. It is unsafe for use. Nothing is going to stop me anyway. Besides, you guys that are taking it can't tell how damaging it is right now because you are in the middle of taking it. You need to find a better way. Bloodletting might be a better option. Have you considered leeches? It's right up there with the same level of barbarism.
Posted by yoopergirl on November 1, 2004, at 15:29:08
In reply to doctors and prescriptions, posted by emmahoward on November 1, 2004, at 13:56:40
I was on 150mg EffexorRX per day right from the start. I have chronic depression and prozac wasn't working for me very well any more and I had very little energy. I typed in Effexer Withdrawal and this website filled up at least the first page of my search. I was on Effexor for about 10 weeks now that I look at my calendar. My GP told me I could try it out and said nothing about going off slowly (I simply ran out of my samples before my follow up appt.) I have no health insurance so my doctor thought that the free samples would give me enough of an idea of whether this medicine would work for me or not. I guess I got scared because I feel so weepy and creepy...I don't mean to scare anybody about the drug but if you do try it do it slow and low dose.
Posted by jujube on November 1, 2004, at 15:39:02
In reply to Re: doctors and prescriptions, posted by dancingstar on November 1, 2004, at 15:13:35
This debate could go on forever, and likely will. I understand that you are vehemently opposed to Effexor, and that is your right. However, others have, and will continue, to benefit from the drug. I think it is irresponsible and dangerous for a layperson to advice, no order, another to stop taking medication prescribed by a doctor and flush the medication down the toilet. A more responsible person would share their own experience and advise the person to discuss their concerns about side effects, both in the short-term and after long-term use, with their doctor. The poster who is now scared of this medication could well be in a vulnerable position, particularly if being treated for depression and anxiety conditions. You don't know the mental state of the individual. You don't know if that particular person has suicidal tendancies or ideation. You don't know how scared and vulnerable and how much pain a person is when they seek treatment for a depressive disorder. I understand and appreciate your overwhelming distaste for this drug. And your posts are useful to add to the wealth of information a person can gather on particular medications. However, please be careful in being so adamant in telling another to stop their medication. With all due respect, you are not trained or qualified to do so.
As for cigarette companies, I may be mistaken, but I think their have been wrongful death lawsuits or something like in the past. In Canada, the government has actually gone after the tobacco companies, and now requires that all cigarette packages have warning labels (quite graphic actually) associated with smoking. Some sporting events can not be sponsored by cigarette companies, etc.
Tamara
> "He admits to never prescribing over 75mgs because he knows it turns people into vegetables."
>
> This sentence says it all.
>
> Some people were afraid that slavery should be abolished. People don't want you to speak against the cigarette companies. Yes, tylenol is very damaging to the liver. Your best defense for living a long, healthy life probably is to stay away from doctors, but that's another story. This particular drug needs to be taken off the market. It is unsafe for use. Nothing is going to stop me anyway. Besides, you guys that are taking it can't tell how damaging it is right now because you are in the middle of taking it. You need to find a better way. Bloodletting might be a better option. Have you considered leeches? It's right up there with the same level of barbarism.
Posted by Tyroneous1 on November 1, 2004, at 15:52:17
In reply to Re: doctors and prescriptions » dancingstar, posted by jujube on November 1, 2004, at 15:39:02
It's really relative to one's own experience with any drug. If one has a good experience, the drug must be good. Right? I've had a bad experience with Effexor @ 75 mgs per day so I'm not going to go out and lie to people. The brain shivers and night sweats are the worst of it. People wouldn't take the time out of their day to post things on here if there wasn't something seriously wrong. Regardless of what kind of experience anyone has had with any drug, one must respect the individual's voice that is concerned for their own health.
Posted by dancingstar on November 1, 2004, at 15:56:23
In reply to Re: doctors and prescriptions » dancingstar, posted by jujube on November 1, 2004, at 15:39:02
By all means, if someone has a doctor, great; seek their advice.
If you don't or if you are just now seeking treatment, stay away from Effexor. No one needs this kind of aggravation or physical pain. It is a truly dangerous drug.
I ADAMANTANTLY MAINTAIN THAT NO ONE IS TRULY "BENEFITING" FROM THIS DRUG IN THE LONG RUN.
You may receive temporary relief from the symptoms of depression or anxiety, but you have no proof that they do not become worse in the long run; do you?> This debate could go on forever, and likely will. I understand that you are vehemently opposed to Effexor, and that is your right. However, others have, and will continue, to benefit from the drug. I think it is irresponsible and dangerous for a layperson to advice, no order, another to stop taking medication prescribed by a doctor and flush the medication down the toilet. A more responsible person would share their own experience and advise the person to discuss their concerns about side effects, both in the short-term and after long-term use, with their doctor. The poster who is now scared of this medication could well be in a vulnerable position, particularly if being treated for depression and anxiety conditions. You don't know the mental state of the individual. You don't know if that particular person has suicidal tendancies or ideation. You don't know how scared and vulnerable and how much pain a person is when they seek treatment for a depressive disorder. I understand and appreciate your overwhelming distaste for this drug. And your posts are useful to add to the wealth of information a person can gather on particular medications. However, please be careful in being so adamant in telling another to stop their medication. With all due respect, you are not trained or qualified to do so.
>
> As for cigarette companies, I may be mistaken, but I think their have been wrongful death lawsuits or something like in the past. In Canada, the government has actually gone after the tobacco companies, and now requires that all cigarette packages have warning labels (quite graphic actually) associated with smoking. Some sporting events can not be sponsored by cigarette companies, etc.
>
> Tamara
>
>
> > "He admits to never prescribing over 75mgs because he knows it turns people into vegetables."
> >
> > This sentence says it all.
> >
> > Some people were afraid that slavery should be abolished. People don't want you to speak against the cigarette companies. Yes, tylenol is very damaging to the liver. Your best defense for living a long, healthy life probably is to stay away from doctors, but that's another story. This particular drug needs to be taken off the market. It is unsafe for use. Nothing is going to stop me anyway. Besides, you guys that are taking it can't tell how damaging it is right now because you are in the middle of taking it. You need to find a better way. Bloodletting might be a better option. Have you considered leeches? It's right up there with the same level of barbarism.
>
>
Posted by dancingstar on November 1, 2004, at 15:58:52
In reply to Re: doctors and prescriptions, posted by Tyroneous1 on November 1, 2004, at 15:52:17
The point is well taken.
I have nothing to gain by warning people; nothing except your thinking that I am foolish.
Posted by jujube on November 1, 2004, at 15:59:08
In reply to Re: doctors and prescriptions, posted by yoopergirl on November 1, 2004, at 15:29:08
Try not to be too scared. The withdrawal can be quite bad for some. Perhaps you should really consider getting to your doctor, explaining to the doctor what you have learned about withdrawing from Effexor from your own research, and see if the doctor can give you some more sample packs so that you can slowly wean yourself off. Others have said that a short round of Prozac can help reduce the withdrawal syndrome. So that's another option. It is true that doctors don't seem to be fully aware just how devasting the withdrawal can be, which is unfortunate.
I hope you start to feel better soon.
Tamara
> I was on 150mg EffexorRX per day right from the start. I have chronic depression and prozac wasn't working for me very well any more and I had very little energy. I typed in Effexer Withdrawal and this website filled up at least the first page of my search. I was on Effexor for about 10 weeks now that I look at my calendar. My GP told me I could try it out and said nothing about going off slowly (I simply ran out of my samples before my follow up appt.) I have no health insurance so my doctor thought that the free samples would give me enough of an idea of whether this medicine would work for me or not. I guess I got scared because I feel so weepy and creepy...I don't mean to scare anybody about the drug but if you do try it do it slow and low dose.
Posted by jujube on November 1, 2004, at 16:11:59
In reply to Re: doctors and prescriptions, posted by Tyroneous1 on November 1, 2004, at 15:52:17
I agree. I myself am no an advocate for Effexor. I had a bad experience while on it, and stopped taking it after discussing it with my doctor. However, I think it is inappropriate to outright advise someone to stop taking a medication. This is a decision that needs to be made in consultation with a qualified medical professional. This site is a wonderful source of knowlege, information and real-life experiences, and can be extremely useful in helping someone decide whether a drug is appropriate for them or not. However, there is a difference in providing useful information and fear-mongering and doctor bashing, and I think there have been some threads in this post that come close to fear-mongering. Sorry, just my opinion.
Tamara
> It's really relative to one's own experience with any drug. If one has a good experience, the drug must be good. Right? I've had a bad experience with Effexor @ 75 mgs per day so I'm not going to go out and lie to people. The brain shivers and night sweats are the worst of it. People wouldn't take the time out of their day to post things on here if there wasn't something seriously wrong. Regardless of what kind of experience anyone has had with any drug, one must respect the individual's voice that is concerned for their own health.
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