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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by corafree on November 5, 2004, at 11:41:08
In reply to Re: I'M FREE - SOMETHING MUST BE DONE ABOUT MARKETING, posted by BlueBleep on November 5, 2004, at 9:12:20
Hi all ... something I never mentioned about Eff-XR.
I had these same symptoms a couple years back when I took it. Had to d.c. before 2 mos.
When it was again recommended to me this past April, I thought, well, things are so bad, maybe give it second try. I did and didn't have any of the side effects like you describe, which I also had before.
I don't recall first try dosage. I believe it had to be all about the dosage and regimen, and, unfortunately, I think you need more, not less, to avoid the bad symptoms, but ... not too much more.
I am currently on 150am and 75mg late afternoon, and to best recollection, a lower dosage the first time tried. My side effect is only a bit of 'dullness of thought processes'. Helps anxiety, but still needed something for panic attacks; just got scrip for .5 Xanax x3 a day.
With all I've learned about Eff-XR withdrawal, I am adamant about no further increase in dose.
I may consider alternative to Eff-XR in future, when I am in a stable situation to face a probable/possible very difficult withdrawal. cf
>
> I really don't know how this drug was ever able to be on the market. I have been on it for less than a year and i have never felt so bad. I first started taking it and the side effects were awful, but i thought if i kept taking it they would subside. This is also what my dr. thought too, but they never did. I had nightsweats and panic attacks. My mind feels like it's in a permanent fog. I have terrible nightmares and vertigo to the point that i can't function. So for the past month i have been trying to ween myself off of this crap. I have had no success and I thought the side effects before were bad. Now i feel like my brain is too large for my head. My eyes stay swollen and i feel like they might just burst. My lips and tounge go numb. My skin feels supersensitive to everything. I feel like i'm my own source of electricity because everything i touch shocks me. To say nothing of the stomach problems and insomnia and panic attacks.
> This medicine has made me depressed beyond my imagination. I feel so terrible and i have no control over this. Sometimes i give in and take another pill just to get these side effects tolerable. My dr. told me the only thing i can do is pretty much just tough it out. Is that true?? It can't be. I think i need a second opinion.
>
> To anyone wanting or thinking about taking this medicine, PLEASE, if you have any alternative please take it. I know people are not the same and these side effects may not happen to you, but i would never have taken that chance if i would have known. To everyone, PLEASE BE WELL and do MUCH research before starting a new medicine. I would not wish this evil pill on my worst enemy.
>
>
>
>
Posted by MKB on November 5, 2004, at 22:41:24
In reply to Re: doctors and prescriptions Effexor XR » MKB, posted by corafree on November 3, 2004, at 22:42:54
No, I have not used estrogen patches and know nothing about them. The estrogen pills don't cause any particular problem, but I always prefer to take as little medication as I can get by with. I ran out about a week ago and have not had too much trouble. Maybe I don't really have to have it.
Posted by MKB on November 5, 2004, at 23:05:01
In reply to Re: doctors and prescriptions Effexor XR » MKB, posted by corafree on November 3, 2004, at 21:57:08
Thanks for your answer. I am going to a new psychiatrist on Monday so I'll see what happens. I don't even know for sure what my diagnosis will be, but I think it is going to be a lot more complicated than just anxiety and depression.
Posted by MKB on November 5, 2004, at 23:14:37
In reply to Re: doctors and prescriptions Effexor XR » MKB, posted by corafree on November 3, 2004, at 14:01:27
Sorry I can't alleviate some of your concerns you stated in your post. I'm just not knowledgeable enough. Keep us posted.
Posted by Tedar on November 7, 2004, at 12:35:27
In reply to Re: doctors and prescriptions Effexor XR, posted by juliette on November 4, 2004, at 14:18:33
I was put on effexor XR at 75 mgs a day. The first few days, I was sick to my stomach all day, and very weak. so I went down to the 37.5 mgs a day after about 8 days, and still pretty much felt the same way. do these initial side effects really ever disappear?
Posted by MKB on November 7, 2004, at 13:10:27
In reply to Re: doctors and prescriptions Effexor XR, posted by Tedar on November 7, 2004, at 12:35:27
I feel lucky that I was only on it for about 32 days. There are people who are taking Effexor and find that it works well for them. It did for me, too,in the beginning, except for extreme tiredness. However, those who have not experienced withdrawal from Effexor do not realize what's in store for them.
For an answer to your question, I suggest that you spend some time reading what has been written by signers of a petition at www.petitiononline.com/effexor/ . Don't do anything drastic until you are better informed. If you decide to discontinue the drug, make sure you have informed, supportive, loving people around you who will help you get through it.
Posted by dancingstar on November 7, 2004, at 15:33:28
In reply to Re: doctors and prescriptions Effexor XR, posted by Tedar on November 7, 2004, at 12:35:27
Juliette,
Yes, the effects do go away, and Effexor-XR does appear to work. It is only after time that you will find that it is harmful to your body. People experience liver damage, high blood pressure, gain weight, have higher cholesterol.In my case it was only the weight gain that provoked me to stop taking Effexor, and suddenly I find myself thinking more clearly, my vision has changed and changed again and is still changing. And yes, my weight has dropped and is dropping. I'm much more calm. The negative effects occur over time. Worse than anything, though, is the withdrawal. Rather than take a chance that you might experience this, why not listen to your body now. It is already trying to tell you something. When people take heroin, they get sick at the beginning, and then gradually get used to the drug. Isn't this the same thing? I know that the withdrawal experience is definitely the same.
Posted by corafree on November 8, 2004, at 1:05:13
In reply to Re: doctors and prescriptions Effexor XR, posted by Tedar on November 7, 2004, at 12:35:27
I vote 'no'. Either you need a dosage or regimen adjustment. If you have these side effects as you have been, something is already wrong. Just my opinion, a gut feeling, give it some thought. Read about metabolization. Do the symptoms get worse at a certain time of day or do you feel them constantly at the same amount? cf
Posted by Louoicu81 on November 9, 2004, at 12:42:21
In reply to Re: I'M FREE - SOMETHING MUST BE DONE ABOUT MARKETING » BlueBleep, posted by S.Bartel on November 5, 2004, at 10:36:50
I have been completely off of Effexor for about three months. I weened off of it for about three months also. About two weeks after completely being off of it, I had a huge overwhelming anxiety attack. I haven't been the same since. I feel nervous and crazy all of the time. I just want to be able to feel better. Do you guys think that I may need to go back on Effexor???? Please help.
Posted by dancingstar on November 9, 2004, at 12:49:17
In reply to Still in need of help, posted by Louoicu81 on November 9, 2004, at 12:42:21
Have you tried SAMe-400? It takes about a week to feel the effects, but I think it's pretty terrific. Also add in Omega 3 capsules for good measure. People swear by them. I'm starting to feel pretty great overall.
I hope that you feel better soon. If you do need to try something prescriptive, go for one of those that doesn't cause as many problems...but if you check out my posts, the combination of supplements that I'm on is very effective, honest! I do hope that they can be as effective for you, too :-).
Posted by jujube on November 9, 2004, at 12:57:14
In reply to Still in need of help, posted by Louoicu81 on November 9, 2004, at 12:42:21
If you have been off of the Effexor for three months, it may be a return of your anxiety symptons (I am assuming, and sorry if I am wrong, that you had in the past suffered from anxiety). Before you go back on Effexor, you might want to try 500 mg of niacimide, three times a day to see if it helps with the anxiety. However, if your anxiety is unbearable and interfering with your quality of life, you may want to see your doctor about another AD or a small prescription for a benzo that can help you bring the anxiety under control.
Take care, and I hope you find some relief soon.
Tamara
> I have been completely off of Effexor for about three months. I weened off of it for about three months also. About two weeks after completely being off of it, I had a huge overwhelming anxiety attack. I haven't been the same since. I feel nervous and crazy all of the time. I just want to be able to feel better. Do you guys think that I may need to go back on Effexor???? Please help.
Posted by MKB on November 9, 2004, at 13:13:29
In reply to Still in need of help, posted by Louoicu81 on November 9, 2004, at 12:42:21
Tryptophan has helped me a lot with crippling anxietym, just in the last two weeks. For the first time in years, I feel very peaceful. www.healthrecovery.com
Posted by Habitsowner on November 9, 2004, at 17:23:39
In reply to Re: Still in need of help » Louoicu81, posted by jujube on November 9, 2004, at 12:57:14
I'm a 64-year old widow whose MD prescribed Effexor last spring. I have not yet begun taking it because I have a "thing" about synthetic drugs. However, the bleakness I feel in the present, and definitely in looking ahead, the lack of interest in doing anything, the ennui, are things I need to get over.
I've never taken drugs of this sort before except for Wellbutrin which I tried to take to stop smoking. Each time I used it I broke out in burning, itching, lesions from my face to my legs - and all in between. This happened within one hour of ingestion.
Thus, I thought before taking Effexor I'd best check it out. I came upon your site and now I'm wondering if I should even start this stuff? Or should I request a different drug? Or, should I just say, "phooey" and muddle along, staring out at the world I used to enjoy?
If anyone knows of a drug that might help me begin to care about life again that does not have the severe side effects of Effexor, would you please let me know.
Thank you in advance for your time and advice. I really, really need it!
SLT
Posted by PoohBear on November 9, 2004, at 17:45:11
In reply to I need advice, please,, posted by Habitsowner on November 9, 2004, at 17:23:39
SLT:
Effexor might very well work for you. It is considered a drug of last resort for hard-to-treat cases. Have you tried any other antidepressants, like Paxil, Prozac, etc? Some of those might be a better choice, although nearly ALL have some sort of side effects and also discontinuation effects. The latter is mostly what you hear about around here.
I personally have done very well on it, though it is the only AD I have taken as an AD per se. I would suggest getting a referal to a good psychiatrist who really KNOWS psychopharmacology well.
Many here will tell you not to take it at all. I won't do that. I think you should listen to your doctor instead, but be certain that they know of the side effects.
Please be aware that like all medications, not everyone responds to Effexor the same way or has the same effects. Most of the initial side effects go away after a time. What I experienced was:
Very vivid dreams
Frequency of urination
Difficulty urinating
Dry mouth
Difficulty sleeping
Extreme tiredness during the day
Yawning all the time
Brain 'zaps'
Balance and verbal coordination problems
Inability to orgasmI'm a 47 year-old male and have been on varying doseages for over a year. We finally discovered that 150mg was perfect for me and many of the side effects stopped. The anorgasmia was helped with Wellbutrin at first, but became unnecessary. The sleep issues were tougher, but have been solved very nicely with Seroquel, 50mg every night. All other side effects went away with time.
Please be careful in realizing that the experiences posted here, including mine, relate to SPECIFIC INDIVIDUALS, and should NOT be construed as typical for the general population.
My experience with bulletin boards like this is that generally, those having PROBLEMS are the most frequent posters.
"Misery Loves Company"...
The support here is very helpful to most.
Best Wishes!
Tony
Posted by Habitsowner on November 9, 2004, at 18:10:58
In reply to Re: I need advice, please,, posted by PoohBear on November 9, 2004, at 17:45:11
Dear Tony,
Thank you very much for your reply.
No, I've not tried any other medications except for the Wellbutrin for smoking cessation that caused such terribly skin lesions each time.
I think, after reading the posts including your thought through reply, that I won't be trying Effexor. In fact, I don't think I'll try any of these types of medications. I'll just try to kick myself in the rear, think good thoughts, and so on. THANK HEAVENS I'm no longer a young person having to deal with feeling like this. (Although until last spring I felt 20 years younger than my age - and now I feel 20 years older.)
Again, thank you for your post.
SLT
Posted by corafree on November 9, 2004, at 18:28:25
In reply to I need advice, please,, posted by Habitsowner on November 9, 2004, at 17:23:39
Something in or around you has changed? So sorry for the bleakness you see around you. I'm familiar with that bleakness. Effexor-XR works well for me; levels my emotions out so I can get by day to day, until hopefully what is missing in my life, is found. Oddly, haven't suffered bad side effects with the proper dosage and regimen.....dosage and regimen; I keep saying that here, but feel it most important, whether or not you are normal or poor metabolizer, when taking a sustained release drug. There are loads of very nice and creative people here who can understand how you are feeling; share their experiences with different medications, etc; I being one. Mostly, I enjoy being able to talk re: 'the unspoken', yet important,,.. details of life, and not be looked upon strangely if misplaced my smile a while. be well cf
Posted by corafree on November 9, 2004, at 18:39:13
In reply to Still in need of help, posted by Louoicu81 on November 9, 2004, at 12:42:21
Niacinamide, Tryptophan, Sam-E, ... which foremost for anxiety???? I'm keeping these posts and when have the $ and maybe some assistance, d.c. Eff-XR. Until then, it is the only anti-depressant I've ever taken that controlled most all of my anxiety. As of late, death of father peaked anxiety and think, even too far a stretch for Eff-XR, so have a .5 mg x3 scrip for benzo. Overall stable at 150mg am and 75mg very early eve, and often go all day w/o taking a benzo. cf
Posted by Habitsowner on November 9, 2004, at 19:17:46
In reply to Re: I need advice, please, » Habitsowner, posted by corafree on November 9, 2004, at 18:28:25
Thank you, Cora, for the sound message.
Not too much has changed to cause this, I wouldn't think. Mom died in November (I spent the last 6 weeks with her), I spent most of December in bed on O2 with the flu since I refused to go to the hospital, and in January I had a rather bad disappointment. BUT, those things are part of life and I should be able to handle it all better than I'm doing. I'm not certain the mega-doses of cortisone I was on in December and January for the "bug" and then the Wellbutrin lesions haven't perhaps "changed" something.
Oh well, I'll continue to muddle and maybe...just maybe...all will be well.
Thank you for your caring reply.
SLT
Posted by MKB on November 9, 2004, at 21:10:16
In reply to I need advice, please,, posted by Habitsowner on November 9, 2004, at 17:23:39
Habitsowner,
It's risky to do nothing about your depression. I know I've said this so many times that people get sick of reading it, but I would suggest trying L-Tryptophan for at least two weeks instead of not taking anything. It is natural, not expensive, usually effective, and does not require a prescription. You can read about it and order it from www.healthrecovery.com. Hope you give it a try and feel better soon.
MKB
Posted by dancingstar on November 9, 2004, at 22:15:37
In reply to Re: I need advice, please, » PoohBear, posted by Habitsowner on November 9, 2004, at 18:10:58
Hi SLT,
I know that when I began to feel kind of funky, it happened to me very quickly. I went from feeling pretty great and being in the best shape of my life at 46 to being extremely tired and in a great deal of pain what seemed like suddenly to me. At first I thought it was a back injury and plain old tiredness or exhaustion, having spent a lot of time building and rebuilding my business more than once, my Mom becoming ill and passing, and having a miscarriage and losing the baby and the relationship.
The drugs prescribed to me by the family practice doctor at that time truly made the situation worse because in looking back, I can now see that my adrenal system was just plain worn out. I was exhausted and could barely make it up and down the stairs for the better part of two years.
The first and largest difference I saw to my system was the addition of thyroid medication. I can't tell you the difference it made in both how I felt and in my attitude. As it turned out, I am extremely low thyroid. I don't know if you are able to exercise or not, but that is also a wonderful way to feel better about just about everything...as long as you don't overdo it. People also rave about magnesium, which I've always gotten with my calcium, and Omega 3s; and most recently I've sure liked the results I've gotten from that SAMe. It is pretty amazing. I can't tell you how quickly I was able to memorize material that I needed to learn for my mid-term this afternoon :-). Lastly, I know it's hard to believe, but that Enzymatic Therapy from Fatigued to Fantastic has done such a wonderful job of energizing me. I guess it's hard to know which product is most effective, but the combination has really been helpful. Now I just need to go out and create a fabulous new life...but only a week ago, I was still so sick that I wasn't sure that I'd live long enough to be able to have one.
You might give some of these a try...or all of them if you can.I'm so glad you are not going to use the Effexor. My only interest in posting this is to protect people from the chance of having to experience the same nightmare that I went through. It would be unconscienable for me to not make people aware that this could happen to them, too, and to try to spare them for this pain even if it makes them look for an alternative to Effexor.
Best of luck to you, and I wish you much happiness. I'm sure that the sun will shine again. You will find out what is wrong, and it can be corrected. But I think you should find out if it is a biological problem before assuming that it is psychological, no? Like an imbalance of some sort?
-dancingstar
Posted by Louoicu81 on November 10, 2004, at 18:21:47
In reply to Re: Still in need of help, posted by dancingstar on November 9, 2004, at 12:49:17
Do you get Sam-e 40 at a pharmacy???? Please let me know. Is it a natural product?
Posted by dancingstar on November 10, 2004, at 18:42:36
In reply to Re: Still in need of help, posted by Louoicu81 on November 10, 2004, at 18:21:47
You can get it at a health food store. I get it at Whole Foods. It is SAMe-400. You can also get it in SAMe-200. I prefer the brand made by Jarrow. It takes a few days before you feel it. Be sure to take it on an empty stomach, but it tells you that on the box. Also, read the box to make sure that it's okay for you to take. There's some things that it's contraindicated for...but it's really good for you :-)
Posted by pafaye on November 13, 2004, at 10:56:39
In reply to I need advice, please,, posted by Habitsowner on November 9, 2004, at 17:23:39
> I'm a 64-year old widow whose MD prescribed Effexor last spring. I have not yet begun taking it because I have a "thing" about synthetic drugs. However, the bleakness I feel in the present, and definitely in looking ahead, the lack of interest in doing anything, the ennui, are things I need to get over.
>
> I've never taken drugs of this sort before except for Wellbutrin which I tried to take to stop smoking. Each time I used it I broke out in burning, itching, lesions from my face to my legs - and all in between. This happened within one hour of ingestion.
>
> Thus, I thought before taking Effexor I'd best check it out. I came upon your site and now I'm wondering if I should even start this stuff? Or should I request a different drug? Or, should I just say, "phooey" and muddle along, staring out at the world I used to enjoy?
>
> If anyone knows of a drug that might help me begin to care about life again that does not have the severe side effects of Effexor, would you please let me know.
>
> Thank you in advance for your time and advice. I really, really need it!
>
> SLTHi SLT,
As many have said in previous posts different people react differently to different medications, different doses, etc; but my experience may help to influence at least a test on your part with Effexor XR.
I am now titrated up to 150mg, 3 times a day (obviously, a high dosage). I am experiencing some dry mouth occassionally; but no other significant side effect.
A significant symptom of depression that I was experiencing was loss of appetite. 6'3" and had gone down to 142 #'s. Appetite is fine today. I enjoy food again and have gained back almost 20#'s in a relatively short period of time.
We are approximately the same age. I'm 61. Would have liked the drug to have made me feel like 21 again; but I suppose that's asking a bit much - lol.
Hope you find the courage to "at least try."
p
Posted by Jenniffer on November 13, 2004, at 15:38:53
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
For years, my doctors tried one thing after another to get me emotionally stable. After trying prozac, some other drug that started with a z, and welbutrin - all of which made me even more depressed and suicidal - my doctor put me on effexor xr. For the first time since I was about 14, I began to enjoy life again and to be able to smile. I went around for 14 years with a frown on my face constantly and my shoulders slumped, crying at the drop of a pin (and even over spilled milk, literally) and then found this. I am now a happy 30 year old with twins on the way and a wonderful husband who loves me. There is no doubt in my mind whatsoever that, if my doctor had not switched me to effexor xr, I probably would have tried once more to commit suicide and probably would have succeeded. I am able to deal with day to day problems without having serious anxiety attacks and crying for hours over them. In my opinion, this is a "wonder-drug" and I thank God and my doctor as well as the person who created effexor for every day that I am still here.
Posted by Jenniffer on November 13, 2004, at 15:39:45
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
For years, my doctors tried one thing after another to get me emotionally stable. After trying prozac, some other drug that started with a z, and welbutrin - all of which made me even more depressed and suicidal - my doctor put me on effexor xr. For the first time since I was about 14, I began to enjoy life again and to be able to smile. I went around for 14 years with a frown on my face constantly and my shoulders slumped, crying at the drop of a pin (and even over spilled milk, literally) and then found this. I am now a happy 30 year old with twins on the way and a wonderful husband who loves me. There is no doubt in my mind whatsoever that, if my doctor had not switched me to effexor xr, I probably would have tried once more to commit suicide and probably would have succeeded. I am able to deal with day to day problems without having serious anxiety attacks and crying for hours over them. In my opinion, this is a "wonder-drug" and I thank God and my doctor as well as the person who created effexor for every day that I am still here.
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