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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by eeyorena on January 2, 2005, at 14:16:50
In reply to Re: I AM GRATEFUL for Effexor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by FaithT on January 2, 2005, at 13:23:02
Faith--
I'm very glad that Effexor works for you. And I'm also very glad that you are getting what you need to survive cancer.
My sister had cancer and depression. I have severe clinical depression and have been hospitalized for it.
I think a lot of the anger around Effexor has to do with the complete lack of information around its risks as well as its rewards. Until Wyeth VERY recently was goaded into publishing the information that they had about withdrawal and so forth, there was nothing. In fact, there was worse than nothing. There was denial.
And for people who have fought very hard to get treated for a condition that others may not be able to "see" in blood test results or on an Xray, this is a very devestating experience. You are sick AND have to convince medical providers that you aren't "imagining things." It's a nightmare. It was for me. Luckily, there is a little part of me that is cantankerous and stubborn even when I am very sick. And, also lucky, I have had the same very good medical providers for a decade. They know me very well. Many others don't have that luxury.
So I believe that the anger you are reading about is directed at Wyeth and how, since they held back important information about this drug, they took something very important away from patients. They took away "choice." We couldn't choose to take a risk. We were told that there were no risks. Even after we raised concerns.
Take care--
Eeyorena
http://happynothappy.blogspot.com
Posted by dancingstar on January 2, 2005, at 14:31:45
In reply to Re: I AM GRATEFUL for Effexor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by eeyorena on January 2, 2005, at 14:16:50
...just want to add that I loved the blog. You made me laugh. It's always been my experience that guys appear from out of nowhere when I'm at my most unattractive and never when I am put together and think I look half decent. Must be some unwritten law of nature.
Posted by KaraS on January 2, 2005, at 15:15:11
In reply to I agree and... » eeyorena, posted by dancingstar on January 2, 2005, at 14:31:45
I also should have added something about Wyeth's not providing the information that they should have regarding Effexor in my previous post. I agree completely that people should have the all of the facts and be able to make an informed decision. Though my experience was mostly positive with Effexor, I understand why other people are angry - and I would be too had I had their experiences. I too want the drug companies to be held more responsible but I don't want to see Effexor removed from the market. It's an option I want to keep.
k
Posted by dancingstar on January 2, 2005, at 15:34:23
In reply to Re: I agree and..., posted by KaraS on January 2, 2005, at 15:15:11
Even I am not saying that it should be completely removed from the market...now that I am thinking more clearly after three months of withdrawal hell.
I just want it severely limited and not offered as a panacea for the symptoms of mild depression, menopause, a broken heart, bad weather, lost job, bad grades, even the death of a loved one. You better be physically depressed and know what you are getting yourself into, know each and every possible side effect and maybe even have to sign something acknowledgeing that you know what the side effects are before taking Effexor.
Posted by corafree on January 2, 2005, at 17:13:03
In reply to Re: I AM GRATEFUL for Effexor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by FaithT on January 2, 2005, at 13:23:02
I am on Eff-XR and doing 'fine'; it suppresses my emotions a bit much sometimes, but then if my emotions right now were not suppressed, I'd prob' be dead. Some day I would like to change to a lesser AD, maybe Elavil, ya' know 'maybe the old things were the best things', but that is only because I think Eff-XR may be effecting my brain chemistry. I am not emotionally or financially stable enough to change to diff' AD or stop taking one currently. You are not alone in being grateful for it ... it is really the only one that has worked for me; tried pretty much them all. Way back, tried Elavil, but didn't give it a chance. Just a thought. The withdrawal info is here for those to 'prepare' whether or not their withdrawal is bad or not; others are able to use alternative therapy; there is prob' quite a bit of concern over changing brain chemistry too, but individual depth of depression is a factor. love your name, cf
Posted by not2late4u on January 3, 2005, at 0:06:06
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR...yes.(long), posted by dancingstar on December 30, 2004, at 22:39:38
Bebe, not everyone gets all the symptoms and if they do get some, they usually go away after your body adjusts. BUT with some people they dont, which means its not the right medication for that person. Renee
Posted by not2late4u on January 3, 2005, at 0:10:52
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR...yes.(long), posted by FaithT on December 31, 2004, at 0:54:37
Hi Faith~ My insurance wont allow my gp treat depression/anxiety or any "mental health" disorder either. So thats one reason why I went a psychiatrist and my older sister made a good point anyways, they are the ones who are the most knowledgable in "mental health" and those types of medications. I have been on effexor for about 2- 2 1/2 years, prior to that paxil for about 1 1/2 years. I liked effexor better than paxil. Renee
Posted by not2late4u on January 3, 2005, at 0:21:04
In reply to Doctors are not all negligent..., posted by eeyorena on January 1, 2005, at 22:05:08
Bebe and others who have had a hard time with Effexor......I hope you dont think that I dont believe your experiences, just because I havent had the same. I feel for all of you who have suffered and I am glad for others who havent suffered from the same medication. Renee
Posted by not2late4u on January 3, 2005, at 0:23:00
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by sickcheck on January 1, 2005, at 23:08:37
sickcheck, well said. Renee
Posted by not2late4u on January 3, 2005, at 0:38:48
In reply to Re: I agree and..., posted by dancingstar on January 2, 2005, at 15:34:23
Bebe, if the drug company provides information that they have, then the doctors should be the ones to decide what it should be prescribe for and to who. I do agree that ALL drug companies should be held responsible for the meds they put out on the market and the docs who prescirbe it should be familiar enough with it to prescibe it. I wouldnt sign a petition to limit a drug to certain problems, I would sign a petition to hold drug companies responsible for ALL information and better/longer research. But as previously posted, alot of the medical industry (the world) is driven by money. So that inevitabley puts alot of responsibility on the patient and/or consumer. IF I had your experience of not having the choice, no listing of side effects and was misadvised, I too would make it known. Just my 2 cents! Renee
Posted by not2late4u on January 3, 2005, at 0:48:15
In reply to Re: I AM GRATEFUL for Effexor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! » FaithT, posted by corafree on January 2, 2005, at 17:13:03
Faith, I too had the impression is was a site for those who "hated effexor". But I chose to keep posting my experience because I sure want anyone who falls upon this site to get boths views.
UPDATE for past few days of tapering off:
Day 6 = 112.50 thurs
Day 7 = 112.50 fri
Day 8 = 112.50 sat
Day 9 = 75mg Sunday - TodayStill same slight withdraw symptoms as mentioned previously, nothing that brings me down or causes me to not function or live my life, so far. I will tell you that I havent had 1 MIGRANE since tapering off and that was a HUGE side effect for me. I dont regret taking effexor, it did what I needed it to do for the time I needed it.
As for not having orgasm, for me the higher the dose, the harder it was. May I suggest "vigel" for any girl who needs help acheiving one. Renee
Posted by FaithT on January 3, 2005, at 7:15:18
In reply to Re: I AM GRATEFUL for Effexor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by not2late4u on January 3, 2005, at 0:48:15
Dear Renee~
I'm glad that you had a good experience while on Effexor, and I wish you good results while tapering down.
I was able to taper off the drug, after being on it for a year and a half. I did go back on it, but it wasn't becuase of the withdrawl symptoms...it was because I found out that I need to stay on it, after my depression returned with a vengence.
It works for me, and without it, I'm a blubbering idiot that sits and cries all day. Prior to my Melanoma diagnosis, I had no history what so ever of depression, but at 33, with a one year old baby, my world was turned upside down...Effexor allows me to function, despite my fears, and that's a miracle.
As far as the withdrawl, the one time that I did it...It is hard once you take the very last pill. I was fine tapering down, but I had the brain zaps and insomnia that everybody gets. It passed after about 3 weeks or so. Then,I was fine, until the depression came back..
Just go very slowly, and do it along with your psychiatrist to help. I wish you only the best.
Faith~
> Faith, I too had the impression is was a site for those who "hated effexor". But I chose to keep posting my experience because I sure want anyone who falls upon this site to get boths views.
>
> UPDATE for past few days of tapering off:
> Day 6 = 112.50 thurs
> Day 7 = 112.50 fri
> Day 8 = 112.50 sat
> Day 9 = 75mg Sunday - Today
>
> Still same slight withdraw symptoms as mentioned previously, nothing that brings me down or causes me to not function or live my life, so far. I will tell you that I havent had 1 MIGRANE since tapering off and that was a HUGE side effect for me. I dont regret taking effexor, it did what I needed it to do for the time I needed it.
>
> As for not having orgasm, for me the higher the dose, the harder it was. May I suggest "vigel" for any girl who needs help acheiving one. Renee
>
Posted by FaithT on January 3, 2005, at 7:29:36
In reply to Re: I AM GRATEFUL for Effexor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! » FaithT, posted by KaraS on January 2, 2005, at 14:04:32
Dear Kara~
I totally agree about what you said. I did experience the Effexor withdrawl myself. I had been on the drug for over a year, and because I felt so great, I thought I could function through my fears. So, with my psych.,I weaned off very slowly. I know that the withdrawl is difficult..more difficult for some. I don't know, maybe the key thing here, is having a good Dr. to support you?
My Dr.is the best, but even he didn't tell me about any of the bad stuff, before I went on Effexor. I don't blame him though, and to be honest when you're in such a deep, dark place...you'll do anything to feel better. Still, people do have a right to know, so it's good that Wyeth now has it in the literature.
I had to go back on Effexor after about 2 months, because I slipped right back down into major clinical depression. I'll be on it for as long as I am on this earth..and I hope that's for a long time.
Faith~
Posted by FaithT on January 3, 2005, at 7:38:23
In reply to Re: I AM GRATEFUL for Effexor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by eeyorena on January 2, 2005, at 14:16:50
Dear Eeyeoena~
I'm so sorry about your sister's cancer and depression, and also about your experience. I can relate to being hospitalized...I was very close, and if I didn't have one year old little boy, I would have gone myself.
As I said to Kara, I do agree with what you guys are saying. I'm glad that there is info. in the literature now about the withdrawl syndrome etc. As with any drug, you certainly should be made aware of all side effects.
Best wishes to you.
Faith~
Posted by FaithT on January 3, 2005, at 7:47:55
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR...yes.(long) » FaithT, posted by dancingstar on December 30, 2004, at 13:33:46
Dear Bebe~
Thank you for what you said and for your prayers.
I hope that you begin to feel better, and I can understand your frustration.
I think that anyone who is prescribed any type of psychiatic meds., should be seen by a psychiatrist...and a good one. Maybe that's part of the problem with alot of the frustration regarding this drug? I truly beleive that patients need to be seeing a Dr. who is going to moniter them very closly, and a g.p. isn't the one to do that.
My best wishes to you,
Faith~
Posted by dancingstar on January 3, 2005, at 8:23:01
In reply to Re: I AM GRATEFUL for Effexor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! » KaraS, posted by FaithT on January 3, 2005, at 7:29:36
Of course, my contention is that the reason that it allows you to get through that deep dark place is because the drug is doing neurological damage, perhaps irreparable, a risk other people may not be willing to take, and data that Wyeth may not be willing to release, certainly something the drug reps aren't willing to talk about.
That's why I was willing to smile while I slept through my business going down the tubes. Gee, isn't life grand? I'm so happy!!!!!! Not!
Posted by dancingstar on January 3, 2005, at 8:33:07
In reply to Re: I agree and..., posted by not2late4u on January 3, 2005, at 0:38:48
Renee,
The information wasn't available to any of us as we've said many time. While it is currenlty available to some degree, many of the side effects are still not mentioned, more likely some of the most serious and obvious and common, like the neurological damage. I cannot tell you how many people have written to me having lost their jobs because their fatigue was so bad that they couldn't stay awake. I am willing to bet that Wyeth has to this day significantly under-reported all figures regarding the side effects, as I believe they still record withdrawal problems at something like 2 percent...and anyone here is likely to disagree with that number.
I don't think that their business practices as Wyeth is any more ethical now than it was as American Home Products when they were manufacturing Phen-Phen and trying to pass that off as safe.
Posted by FaithT on January 3, 2005, at 9:22:03
In reply to Re: I AM GRATEFUL for Effexor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! » FaithT, posted by dancingstar on January 3, 2005, at 8:23:01
Woah...The original question from this link is "Did anyone have success on Effexor XR?" I found it accidentally, while searching for "Patients with Cancer on Effexor". I decided to reply, based on the fact that I have had success with the drug, twice.
Do you have scientific proof of that accusation ,that specifically "Effexor" does neurological damage? Don't you think that an accusation like that, is a bit unfair to people who are deperate and in clinical depression, and prescribed Effexor? Suppose I read your post 2 1/2 years ago, and stayed in that black hole, because you scared me so badly, by your post?
If you research pub-med or sights like that one, you can find articles stating that studies have been done on long term usage of "many" anti-depressants and psychiatric meds. You'll find studies showing every thing from brain shrinkage to liver damage, if you want to read through them.
That doesn't mean that every person taking these drugs is going to have those effects. You mentioned the figure 2% of the population having problems from Effexor as being inaccurate, in your other post. It may be slightly higher than 2%, that have side effects, but you don't factually know that anymore than I do. Out of all the millions of people currently taking Effexor, and who have happily taken it for years, they are obviously not going to be making the statements that you are. You have a right to your opinion, however I feel that your reply to the original question is very extreme, based on your unfortunate experience on this drug. I do see that there are many here who have had bad withdrawl from it, and others who share your symptoms. I am very sorry about that,and as I stated before I did withdrawl from it myself, that one time. I know what the withdrawl is like. However, it's unfair to sway someone not to try the drug, when they are asking a completely different question and possibly in severe need of it.
Best wishes to you in your recovery,
Faith~
Posted by dancingstar on January 3, 2005, at 10:22:09
In reply to Re: I AM GRATEFUL for Effexor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! » dancingstar, posted by FaithT on January 3, 2005, at 9:22:03
What I said has nothing to do with withdrawal; it is based on the fact that I zoned out three years of my life on Effexor.
My entire life is a mess, and now that I am awake and conscious enough to care about it I have got tons of clean-up work to do, and I don't even know where to start. It does such a great job of letting people forget about the horrors of their lives that one can literally sleep their lives away.
Many have said that Effexor causes symptoms similar to MS, I just say fibromyalgia. Whatever you want to call it, it is neurological damage. Even my internist agrees. If that scares people away from taking it, then they should be scared. So be it.
Posted by dancingstar on January 3, 2005, at 10:57:05
In reply to Re: I AM GRATEFUL for Effexor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! » dancingstar, posted by FaithT on January 3, 2005, at 9:22:03
Because Wyeth considers the data "proprietary," they don't tell us what the real figures are. A random sampling of this site would lead me to believe that with regard to withdrawal symptoms alone, leaving at all other side effects, people that have no withdrawal symptoms number closer to the 2 percent figure that is published by Wyeth as being the reported number of people that do have withdrawal symptoms.
I don't believe that they address weight gain nor neurological problems as issues at this time, though I might be wrong about that.
Interestingly, I found EffexorXR to cause me to have depression for the first time and when I stopped taking it, I began to have my first panic attacks. I would think that I was alone in these reactions if I had not received about 20 emails from others that also either take it or have taken it and recently stopped who confirm to me that Effexor is a drug that newcomers might do best to stay away from.
I feel strongly that anyone that is looking for advice as to whether or not to take Effexor might do best to seek a safer solution for what I understand is a terrible problem so they don't accidentally make their problems even worse than they are now.
You see, Faith, I understand that you have been through a lot, and Effexor is working for you, but I am not taking any other drugs and nothing else is masking my feelings nor clouding my mind, finally. I can think clearly for the first time in years and didn't even know that my thinking was all mucked up nor that I was in pain and asleep all day long because of some stupid drug. The Effexor took its toll slowly and silently, and I don't want to see even one more person harmed in the way that I was.
Bebe
Bebe0217@aol.com
Posted by mikerush on January 3, 2005, at 11:42:37
In reply to Re: I AM GRATEFUL for Effexor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by dancingstar on January 3, 2005, at 10:22:09
I was hesitant to start effexor because of all the bad withdrawals that a lot of people were experiencing on this forum. I eventually tried it and it worked wonders for my GAD, I was on 225/mg per day for over 3 years and didn't have any side effects. I now have switched over to Cymbalta to see if this works better than Effexor. When I weaned off the Effexor I did not experience any withdrawal symptoms which I thought was odd since so many people do. Anyways I would advise anyone to at least try Effexor, I had tried many of the SSRI's to no avail. If the Cymbalta does not work I will not hesitate to go back on Effexor.
Posted by dancingstar on January 3, 2005, at 12:17:20
In reply to Re: I AM GRATEFUL for Effexor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by mikerush on January 3, 2005, at 11:42:37
...that people can switch over to from Effexor with no withdrawal effects. But I have a feeling that you can't stop taking Cymbalta without the withdrawal either.
Posted by Phillipa on January 3, 2005, at 16:13:45
In reply to Cymbalta seems to be the only drug... » mikerush, posted by dancingstar on January 3, 2005, at 12:17:20
I have been following all the Effexor Posts with interest because I have been taking Cymbalta. It did nothing for me. I did not feel any better. I have had pdocs who have tried me on all the SSRI's and Effexor. The only time one worked was the first time I took one 7 years ago and that was l0mg of Paxil. After I weaned off that one, I had a brief period on Luvox, at theraputic doses that worked. My dumb pdoc, through drug company incentives insisted I try Celexa, and that was the beginning of the end. Nothing, and I mean nothing has worked since. I always had to take Xanax with them, and when the Paxil was working I was also drinking beer at night. I was feeling great, functioning well, working as an RN and happy. I have been on disability ever since the changes. I am miserable. When I tried the other AD's the side effects were so bad that I always had to stop them within a week, my anxiety would skyrocket! I would be put back on low doses of Paxil. I am now agoraphobic, numb, don't care about anything. I decided to try and go off all AD's to try and see who I am. Yes, I am having W/D from the Cymbalta, brain zaps, no motivation, I'm just not the same fun loving, hardworking person I was before AD. I have to add that my thyroid became low and that escalated my anxiety and caused depression, and the need for AD. I really feel that Effexor is no different than the others, and Cymbalta has the side-effects too which is why I'm going off it after 4 months. I'm mad at the drug companies and pdocs in general because they don't know what they really do. I once asked one if he had ever taken and he quickly said no! When you complain of a side-effect they make you feel like you are a failure and it's your fault. I've even had one "fire" me because I don't respond like he wanted me to. Sorry I've written so much, but it's therapy to tell it like it is. I would take one if it would give me back my life. Phillipa
Posted by dancingstar on January 3, 2005, at 16:32:09
In reply to Re: Cymbalta seems to be the only drug... » dancingstar, posted by Phillipa on January 3, 2005, at 16:13:45
It is kind of strange that many of us that have taken AD's have low thyroid. I have had to take greater and greater doseages over the last few years.
Now that I know better, I really would stay away from the entire group of drugs no matter what the pdocs say, and I wouldn't let anyone in my family go near them, but that is just my opinion after putting to gether the facts about the kinds of things that they do to us.
Posted by crazykidd on January 3, 2005, at 16:36:18
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR...yes.(long), posted by not2late4u on December 30, 2004, at 21:44:36
I've been on Effexor XR for the past 6 years. Prior to Effexor XR, I was taking Paxil for panic attacks, depression, and an eating disorder. To this day I wish I could go back in time and refuse the medications. I remain on my medication because the side effects associated with Effexor XR scare the living daylights out of me. (Believe me, I've experienced it first hand)
Another reason why I wish I would've stayed clear of anti-depressants is a financial reason. I cannot afford the monthly prescription and my school health insurance barely makes a dent in the cost. I have been receiving "samples" through a psychiatrist and the "Patient Assistance" program through Wyeth. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, my meds are late and as of today I am without my medication. Yes, I've contacted my psychiatrist and I tried contacting Wyeth (their closed due to the holiday) with no luck.
I guess I'm just tired of the whole cycle...crazykidd
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