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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by dancingstar on January 5, 2005, at 1:02:00
In reply to Re: p.s. Dancing star-Noticed your previous posts, posted by FaithT on January 5, 2005, at 0:44:13
Thank you for your help and for your kindness, for noticing while you were looking at my previous posts that I, like you, found this site through this exact same link on Google, when I was in more pain than I had ever been in my entire life.
Since that time over 25 people have written to me with similar problems. But again, Faith, I commend you for noticing that I was on a mission and missing the pain and sufferring that I would surely have thought was a part of those posts.
www.wyeth.com is where all of the data regarding side effects are listed. If I have saved even one person from going through what I've been through, every word has been worth it. Thank you again for your kindness, your thoughtfulness, your insight. You are, indeed, a very special woman.
Posted by not2late4u on January 5, 2005, at 1:29:04
In reply to Re: I AM GRATEFUL for Effexor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! » FaithT, posted by ckc on January 4, 2005, at 12:42:25
ckc,
Please know that you need to talk to a very good doctor preferably a psychologist who can help you make a decision. Tell him/her your concerns. Listen to your body, you know yourself best. I took up to 225 mg, was on 150mg for about 2 years. My side effects werent hell, neither has my tapering down thus far to 75 mg. BUT please listen to your own body and doctor, we're all different. Its good to have knowledge, good and bad so you can make an informed decision. God Bless, Renee.
Posted by not2late4u on January 5, 2005, at 1:39:44
In reply to Re: You might want to give that a second thought...., posted by dancingstar on January 4, 2005, at 22:48:37
Bebe, no, you missed the last sentence, which is my whole point, you seem to overlook every time. You are GENERALIZING, you cant GENERALIZE!
Posted by dancingstar on January 5, 2005, at 1:46:23
In reply to Re: I AM GRATEFUL for Effexor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by emtbman on January 4, 2005, at 16:57:15
emtbman,
It's hard to say whether or not you will gain weight. I think all of the side effects affect each of us differently. I am a university-trained fitness instructor in addition to other stuff that I do, and I used to work out and teach classes at the gym up to a couple of times a day. On 75 mg of Effexor my 5'6" frame ballooned up from 125 lbs to 151. I didn't know that it was from Effexor and totally freaked out, went to a new internist, changed my diet to something like 400 to 600 calories a day, no carbs :-), got my weight down to about 138.
Originally Effexor was prescribed to me for minor fatigue when I had a low back injury by a family practice doctor, but suddenly I was depressed and asked my internist for a higher dose, still not having any idea that it causes weight gain. In fact, I always heard that Effexor was the happy, horny, skinny pill. I figured I'd finally lose a little weight. I still never ate and my weight would not drop below 140-141...just couldn't lose weight. It hovered around 143-144. Talk about depression.
One day in September I decided to stop taking Effexor to see if it would help me to lose weight. I was sick as a dog for a good three months. I still have some symptoms that I won't go into here...but my weight has dropped to 130 all on its own, no help from me. I eat cookies, pasta, you name it. Wow, I had no idea.
Will it do the same thing to you? Who knows? When I stopped taking Effexor, my depression went away, too. The increase from 75 to 150 only increased my depression, it didn't decrease it. I just wish that I had known some of this stuff; so I figure you might want to know. That way you can decide for yourself. There isn't any way to know for sure whether or not you will have the same reactions. Whatever you decide, best of luck to you.
Bebe
Posted by dancingstar on January 5, 2005, at 2:34:43
In reply to Re: You might want to give that a second thought.... » dancingstar, posted by not2late4u on January 5, 2005, at 1:39:44
Renee, it seems from reading posts here and from this link, for example, that the longer people take Effexor and the higher the dose, the more likely they are to encounter problems with it.
http://www.socialaudit.org.uk/_disc//messages/23/83.html?SundayDecember2620040253am
It seems as though this is true with most drugs. That isn't such an unusual phenonenon. From what I understand, that is why most doctors like to start people on lower doses of drugs and increase the dosage slowly, to see how people react to them. People that only take Effexor for a short time don't seem to have much trouble when they stop taking Effexor.
I notice, Renee, that you are still taking Effexor. People don't have much trouble cutting back to 75mg, from what I understand, though I have noticed that you may not be feeling quite right. You are usually much more light-hearted. Are you still feeling all right? From what people on this board say, it isn't until you get to zero that you are in pain.
Posted by Cindy S. G. on January 5, 2005, at 7:58:08
In reply to Re: I AM GRATEFUL for Effexor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by emtbman on January 4, 2005, at 16:57:15
I have been on Effexor XR for about six months now. I have had my dosage increased to 150mg per day two months ago. I have not had any weight gain at all. It suppresses my appetite and I have actually lost weight. As far as my sex drive is concerned...I have not noticed any diminish in that area either. I am a w/f/age 35. I still have the dry patches on my nose and cheeks and have just recently started having periods twice a month. I have never had this happen before. I have always been like clockwork. It may not be due to the effexor though. My mom started menopause at the early age of 37, so I may be experiencing that. As far as other side effects, I have been very fatigued. I was this way before I even went on the meds and now after a month or two on the meds it came back. On a positive note, the effexor does control my emotions and I have not cried since being on it. I hope you find a solution to your problems though. Take care...Cindy
Original Post:
> Here is my babble regarding Effexor. My family physician started me on Effexor back in 1995. I started out taking 37.5mg per day and am now on
> 75mg XR per day. My doctor prescribed Effexor because of my severe mood swings. I would say that overall Effexor has been positive except for the negative sexual side effects. I can't count the number of times I have attempted to quit effexor but have failed. Each time I have tried to quit the withdrawal symptoms were so bad I just gave up. My doctor even tried a combination of Wellbutrin with the Effexor to ease the withdrawal symptoms. I don't want to increase my current dosage of 75mg per day because of the weight gain side effects I have read about. My doctor thinks I should take 150mg per day. I have friends who have gained as much as 150lbs on effexor but they are at the higher doses of 300-450mg. I know I need to increase my dose but I hate to get more dependent on this drug. I am curious if any other Effexor users have experienced the weight gain with the higher doses. I'm a healthy 39 yo m that exercises regularly. Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated. I understand that Prozac and Benadryl can sometimes help in the withdrawal process. I think the reason I have tried to quit Effexor is because of the negative research I have read but I also have to understand that there are others out there that Effexor has helped.
Posted by corafree on January 5, 2005, at 13:05:12
In reply to Re: I AM GRATEFUL for Effexor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! » emtbman, posted by Cindy S. G. on January 5, 2005, at 7:58:08
Cindy C. G.:
Am I the only one who has experienced weight loss? I only wish I could gain a few pounds. I don't even like the thought of eating. I sort of feel like crying if pulling a pan from the cupboard to the stove. I actually feel sad when I eat? Sorry if this doesn't answer your question exactly. I am 150, recently down from 225, for four months, THIS TIME. Took on and off in the past, I think like you, but nothing else worked. Guess I'm asking for help too, but more so for my non-eating problem. Beginning to look like a skeleton, 5'4" and 104 lbs!!!! cf
Posted by not2late4u on January 5, 2005, at 13:12:16
In reply to Re: You might want to give that a second thought...., posted by dancingstar on January 5, 2005, at 2:34:43
Bebe,
Thank you for your concern. I took effexor for about 2- 2 1/2 yrs, mostly at 150 mg, for a few months at 225mg. Yes, I have been tapering and Today I took 37.5mg. I have said all along, SO FAR I am doing fine. I have also said that my moods have been up and down, but not at extremes. Bebe, I am not the only person who has been frustrated with your posts. Please go back and re-read my posts, you'll see that I had some side effects while taking effexor, I also dont regret taking it, I also have empathized and sympathized and agreed to some degrees with you. My frustration is that it seems that your mission is blinded by your pain and anger, and you are only seeing things as 1 possible end for all who take Effexor, PAIN and SUFFERING. And that is not true for all who take Effexor. This is all those of us who are doing ok on it and withdrawing from it ok are trying to get you to see and to stop using the scare tactics and grouping us all into the same category, your category. Bebe, I really dont want to debate anymore. I dont think I can say anything more than I already have. I hope you will understand you can accomplish a mission without being extreme. There are usually two sides to everything. I have no hard feelings towards you only compassion for what you have/are enduring. God Bless, Renee.
Posted by Cindy S. G. on January 5, 2005, at 13:13:28
In reply to Re: I AM GRATEFUL for Effexor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! » Cindy S. G., posted by corafree on January 5, 2005, at 13:05:12
original message:
Cindy C. G.:
>
> Am I the only one who has experienced weight loss? I only wish I could gain a few pounds. I don't even like the thought of eating. I sort of feel like crying if pulling a pan from the cupboard to the stove. I actually feel sad when I eat? Sorry if this doesn't answer your question exactly. I am 150, recently down from 225, for four months, THIS TIME. Took on and off in the past, I think like you, but nothing else worked. Guess I'm asking for help too, but more so for my non-eating problem. Beginning to look like a skeleton, 5'4" and 104 lbs!!!! cfresponse:
Hello cf...I was just responding to your previous post and letting you know how the effexor is affecting me. I have only lost about 10 lbs since being on the meds. I need to lose a lot more. I was just letting people know that it does affect different people, different ways. Most people say it makes you gain weight. I feel the same as you though, I don't even want to eat. I will go all day without eating a thing and someone mentions dinner and I am like... Oh yeah.. I haven't eaten today. I guess I better eat something. My metabolism is very slow and it doesn't help any when I am not feeding my body the energy it needs. I am overweight, so it doesn't hurt me to lose weight. I need to. Take care... Cindy
Posted by corafree on January 5, 2005, at 13:23:25
In reply to Re: You might want to give that a second thought...., posted by dancingstar on January 5, 2005, at 2:34:43
Bebe: I know this wasn't directed my way. But....that is surely the reason I have been on it, off it, on it, off it, on it. Yeah, why would have I gone back on it, had I not been in physical/emotional pain. cf
Posted by dancingstar on January 5, 2005, at 13:31:54
In reply to Re: You might want to give that a second thought...., posted by not2late4u on January 5, 2005, at 13:12:16
> Bebe,
> Thank you for your concern. I took effexor for about 2- 2 1/2 yrs, mostly at 150 mg, for a few months at 225mg. Yes, I have been tapering and Today I took 37.5mg. I have said all along, SO FAR I am doing fine. I have also said that my moods have been up and down, but not at extremes. Bebe, I am not the only person who has been frustrated with your posts. Please go back and re-read my posts, you'll see that I had some side effects while taking effexor, I also dont regret taking it, I also have empathized and sympathized and agreed to some degrees with you. My frustration is that it seems that your mission is blinded by your pain and anger, and you are only seeing things as 1 possible end for all who take Effexor, PAIN and SUFFERING. And that is not true for all who take Effexor. This is all those of us who are doing ok on it and withdrawing from it ok are trying to get you to see and to stop using the scare tactics and grouping us all into the same category, your category. Bebe, I really dont want to debate anymore. I dont think I can say anything more than I already have. I hope you will understand you can accomplish a mission without being extreme. There are usually two sides to everything. I have no hard feelings towards you only compassion for what you have/are enduring. God Bless, Renee.
Renee,I'm glad to hear that you are feeling all right, I was truly concerned. I do perhaps react too strongly to those that try to suppress the right of others to find out that there are people that have been harmed by something that they are about to take themselves, especially since so many of us haven't been told this by our doctors, though some of you have. Most of our poor doctors didn't even have any idea what we were getting into. That is why I feel so passionately about this subject. Certainly these people had no idea what they were getting into:
http://www.socialaudit.org.uk/_disc//messages/23/83.html?SundayDecember2620040253am
Posted by dancingstar on January 5, 2005, at 13:38:27
In reply to Re: You might want to give that a second thought.... » dancingstar, posted by corafree on January 5, 2005, at 13:23:25
Hey Corafree,
I didn't want to interfere, but I'm sorry you are in so much pain. Though I am reluctant to say anything, you may be losing weight cause of the drop in Effexor if what you said is accurate. I have eaten anything and everything and am still losing weight. But it also sounds like you are physically depressed and do need to be seeing a good doctor, CF. I'm a whole, different kind of problem. It's not at all the same thing. Don't forget that I was never physically depressed and given an antidepressant.
Blessings,
Bebe
Posted by corafree on January 5, 2005, at 16:54:57
In reply to Re: You might want to give that a second thought.... » corafree, posted by dancingstar on January 5, 2005, at 13:38:27
Yeah, pretty depressed about breakthrough pain C2-3, 3-4 & 4-5 (10 years after being beaten), and coming upon one year of my father/my best friend's passing.
I'm sorry, aren't a lot of the other people hear that you are conversing with depressed? How can you do that if you've not experienced depression?
You took an AD and weren't depressed??
I guess we all make mistakes. Doctors aren't gods.Are you here to babble or to teach? Do you have a degree? How can you relate, I mean, share all this information about Eff-XR when your body didn't even require it; that may be why your withdrawal was so bad!
I hope you answer me; otherwise will surmise you feel superior to me. cf
Posted by dancingstar on January 5, 2005, at 17:01:25
In reply to Re: You might want to give that a second thought...., posted by dancingstar on January 5, 2005, at 2:34:43
This is information presented by Wyeth. You will notice that it refers to "short-term" studies and doesn't indicate the length of those studies nor any other details about these studies; so basically this is simply data that they were required by law to report. This should help anyone that reads it come to their own conclusions about their healthcare. It is my opinion that the that the withdrawal symptoms are higher than is indicated here:
It is an excerpt from the following link:
http://www.wyeth.com/news/Pressed_and_Released/pr12_05_2004_16_03_36.asp"About Venlafaxine in the United States
"In the United States, venlafaxine is marketed as EFFEXOR® (venlafaxine HCl) and EFFEXOR XR® (venlafaxine HCl sustained release). EFFEXOR XR is indicated for the treatment of patients with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety, and social anxiety disorder. EFFEXOR/EFFEXOR XR is contraindicated in patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Both adult and pediatric patients taking antidepressants can experience worsening of their depression and/or the emergence of suicidality. Patients should be observed closely for clinical worsening and suicidality, especially at the beginning of drug therapy, or at the time of increases or decreases in dose."Anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, impulsivity, akathisia, hypomania, and mania have been reported in patients taking antidepressants. Discontinuation or modification of therapy should be considered when symptoms are severe, abrupt in onset, or not part of presenting symptoms.
"Treatment with venlafaxine is associated with sustained increases in blood pressure (BP) in some patients. Regular BP monitoring is recommended. Abrupt discontinuation or dose reduction has been associated with discontinuation symptoms. Patients should be counseled on possible discontinuation symptoms and monitored while discontinuing the drug; the dose should be tapered gradually.
"The most common adverse events reported in EFFEXOR XR short-term placebo-controlled depression trials and EFFEXOR XR short-term placebo-controlled depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and/or social anxiety disorder trials (incidence >10% and >2x that of placebo) were anorexia, asthenia, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, ejaculation problems, impotence, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, somnolence, and sweating...."
Posted by dancingstar on January 5, 2005, at 17:08:47
In reply to Re: You might want to give that a second thought.... » dancingstar, posted by corafree on January 5, 2005, at 16:54:57
It was prescribed for fatigue, cf, and it helped for a few months. Then my fatigue got worse, and I slept for most of the day and got fibromyalgia.
I couldn't work for three years, wasn't able to work out anymore. Didn't eat. Got depressed.When I stopped taking E, the pain and fatigue went away, not depressed anymore. Lots of doctors are prescribing it for all kinds of stuff these days, menopause, fatigue, all kinds of things. I'm in the middle of moving, just found a new place; so I have to keep packing. I lost so much time for so long. My business is behind, and we are filing a class action suit lawsuit against Wyeth, for failure to disclose. After three years of not doing anything, I have tons to get done and not enough time.
I hope you feel better, Corafree.
Blessings,
Bebe
Posted by corafree on January 5, 2005, at 17:10:27
In reply to I found another link worth reading...., posted by dancingstar on January 5, 2005, at 17:01:25
Was that, "I'm a whole, different kind of problem. It's not at all the same thing. Don't forget that I was never physically depressed and given an antidepressant", that you said above?
What did you mean by physically depressed or did you just assume something about me? Did a doctor force Eff-XR down your throat? I think most people here get the message. Do you have nothing else to do but watch for people having trouble on an AD? I've babblemailed you often and you ignore me. Yes, you've made me feel inferior, whether you are willing to admit it on psycho-babble or not. It is not considerate and is very invalidating. Thank You cf
Posted by dancingstar on January 5, 2005, at 17:23:42
In reply to Re: I found another link worth reading.... » dancingstar, posted by corafree on January 5, 2005, at 17:10:27
I don't use babblemail.
What I mean is that I have taken a lot of heat for telling people what to do. I don't want to suggest that if you are seeing a psychologist or a psychiatrist, that you shouln't listen to them. Some of us were prescribed Effexor-XR by doctors for either mild depression or not for depression at all without being told that there were any side effects. Our doctors also didn't know that there were any problems associated with taking the drug.
You sounded sad in your post is all that I meant. I just didn't want you to be sad. I'm sorry, Corafree, that I don't have time to answer really personal stuff. It is true that I am concerned with the health and safety of people taking Effexor. I don't have enough time and energy to handle that and my own life and take on more than this, too. I sincerely apologize to you if I did anything to hurt your feelings, I didn't mean to in any way. I'm wiped and so out of time. Some have even asked why I'm not concerned about other drugs. Gee, well, I am not involved with other drugs or the whole world. I only know about limited experience. This company misrepresented the harm done by its product. That's all I know. I am really sorry if I did anything wrong or to hurt you or anyone else. It's just information. Do with it whatever you want. It is all there for everyone to read and come to your own conclusions.
Posted by dancingstar on January 5, 2005, at 17:29:02
In reply to Re: I found another link worth reading.... » dancingstar, posted by corafree on January 5, 2005, at 17:10:27
one last thing. I agree with you about one thing, CF, I'm sick to death of posting. God willing, any second now I won't have to do this even one more time, not here or anywhere else. It will be front-page news and plastered all over the television.
Posted by S. Bartel on January 5, 2005, at 17:32:39
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Jeff Guider on December 31, 2004, at 13:51:45
> ive been on it for 5 days at 37.5.....supposed to go up to 75mg tomorrow.......not sure what to do
I took it for 7 years.
Posted by corafree on January 5, 2005, at 19:05:27
In reply to Re: I found another link worth reading...., posted by dancingstar on January 5, 2005, at 17:29:02
Dancingstar - You are signed up to receive babblemail; Dr. Bob may should have let you know, if you were not reeiving it. You might watch to change that. Thank you for explaining. It feel it's important you mention your illness in relation to the treatment you rec'd (Eff-XR.) I agree with one thing, I was wrong to imply that you would take a pill w/o question. It is good to be a self-advocate, and I've learned that here. best wishes back at 'ya, cf
one last thing. I agree with you about one thing, CF, I'm sick to death of posting. God willing, any second now I won't have to do this even one more time, not here or anywhere else. It will be front-page news and plastered all over the television.
Posted by S. Bartel on January 5, 2005, at 19:21:28
In reply to I AM SORRY I EVER TOOK EFFEXOR » FaithT, posted by dancingstar on January 3, 2005, at 10:57:05
I agree with everything Dancingstar says and more.
All I can say is to have regular blood tests that show any changes in liver function. I believe the longer you take it the more damage it does. I thought it was a wonder drug too. I took it for 7 years and was in too much of a fog to realize that all the things going wrong with my body was caused by effexor-xr. Actually I did'nt even care. Nothing bothered me, I accomplished nothing except sleep and lots of it. I have been off it now for about 10 or 11 weeks. Still have side effects that will never go away, but my thinking is clear and I have energy that I have not had in years. The worst of the side effects is irreversible liver disease that will kill me.
I do want effexor taken off the market so others don't have to go through what I have gone through. I am very angry at Wyeth and the FDA for putting such a dangerous drug on the market. That's the way I feel.
Posted by corafree on January 5, 2005, at 19:40:37
In reply to Re: I AM SORRY I EVER TOOK EFFEXOR » dancingstar, posted by S. Bartel on January 5, 2005, at 19:21:28
Sammi - There is no 'wonder drug' ... only drugs that will make you wonder! I pray there is some cell reparation w/ good care; unfortunately many substances are detrimental to the liver. You are not destined to die from liver failure. People with hepatitis pass away from heart or lung probs, for example. Pls share how currently doing on Elavil; would very much appreciate. cf
Posted by corafree on January 5, 2005, at 20:07:35
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? -t, posted by jubilee on January 2, 2005, at 12:03:35
I've had a hard time w/ forgiveness, and your idea has given me a new frontier to start from. I guess I never really did get 'mad' enough at the 'offenders'. I really, really appreciate this info. tks cf
Posted by dancingstar on January 5, 2005, at 20:35:00
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR...yes.(long), posted by not2late4u on January 3, 2005, at 0:10:52
> 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
Some of you will be happy to know that I can't do this much longer cause I am just plain too tired, but since I am providing information, I thought that you all might like to have this also:http://www.crazymeds.org/effexor.html
Happy reading...or I should say, read in good health.
Blessings,
Bebe
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 5, 2005, at 22:00:22
In reply to Re: I found another link worth reading.... » dancingstar, posted by corafree on January 5, 2005, at 17:10:27
> you are truly unfair in the things that you are posting to these people on this board, in answering every question with scare tactics. That is just not right, and unfair to the poster.
>
> FaithT> I sincerely disagree with the facts as you present them, but I respect your right to post them. It seems as though you don't feel that I have the same right simply because you disagree with me.
>
> dancingstar> your mission is blinded by your pain and anger
>
> not2late4u> those that try to suppress the right of others to find out
>
> dancingstar> Do you have nothing else to do but watch for people having trouble on an AD?
>
> corafreePlease don't post anything that could lead others to feel accused or put down.
If you or others have questions about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
Follow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above posts, should of course themselves be civil.
Thanks,
Bob
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