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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 8026 to 8050 of 10407. Go back in thread:
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
Posted by S. Bartel on January 5, 2005, at 22:15:17
In reply to Re: I AM SORRY I EVER TOOK EFFEXOR » S. Bartel, posted by corafree on January 5, 2005, at 19:40:37
CF
I no longer take any drugs. Not even elavil. I only used it to help the withdrawls from effexor.
Posted by dancingstar on January 5, 2005, at 22:26:38
In reply to Re: please be civil » FaithT » dancingstar » Renee » corafree, posted by Dr. Bob on January 5, 2005, at 22:00:22
I'm sorry, Dr. Bob.
You are right. The whole thing got out of hand. I will try to be more thoughtful before I post and less passionate.
Thank you for your message board; it is a great service that you provide to I can't begin to imagine how many people that never post at all, but just read what is written here.
Posted by corafree on January 6, 2005, at 5:34:18
In reply to Re: please be civil » FaithT » dancingstar » Renee » corafree, posted by Dr. Bob on January 5, 2005, at 22:00:22
Again, in the proper place, I apologize. No excuses. What I said was wrong. Tks Bob
Posted by ckc on January 6, 2005, at 13:22:23
In reply to Re: I AM GRATEFUL for Effexor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! » ckc, posted by Phillipa on January 4, 2005, at 16:22:41
I want to thank all of you who replied to my post. This the first time I have been on any type of chat line and it has proven to be very helpful. As a result of reading many posts, My pdoc and I worked out a plan where I will stay on the 75mg for now and see how I feel before jumping right to the 150. He readily told me that there are some people who have a really hard time with withdrawal. Hearing that made me realize any reduction we make will be slow. Thanks again for the support. ckc
Posted by dancingstar on January 6, 2005, at 13:27:19
In reply to Re: I AM GRATEFUL for Effexor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! » Phillipa, posted by ckc on January 6, 2005, at 13:22:23
I'm glad you had a chance to read some information and then speak with your doctor about it. That way you can feel like you are taking good care of your health. Good luck to you!!
Bebe
Posted by jubilee on January 6, 2005, at 15:24:20
In reply to Re: I AM GRATEFUL for Effexor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! » Phillipa, posted by ckc on January 6, 2005, at 13:22:23
I can't resit responing to you another day as your subject of thankfulnes keeps coming upon my e mail.
Sometimes we take chances because we feel we have no other choices , and effexor really does kill people , destroy s your vision, as it has nine and my memory *ss when I found the side affect site for a petition on banning effexor I found I suffered four years all from the effexor and all I didnt get was the high blood presure in which you will have to go off cold turkey without choice if that happens to you.
Slow? My dr's idea of slow was 6 weeks and I was on 300 mgs for 4 years. I would have died if I hadnt started out with a large amout to withdraw from. I took 5 months and that felt too slow and actually quiting and dealing with the nausea was the pits not to mention there seems to be the problem with making you highly agitated (worse than comming off herion) and your blow up easy and crying uncontrolsbly easily.I so hope you will talk to your dr about an older anti depressant , anything but paxil and effexor , which is all about comming up with new things and money , unfortunatly, but there are many to choose from that have worked well for others for years . Dr's like to keep changing everybodys drugs because I believe they buy stock in these new drugs and the pill pushes always get in to see the dr's first. Ever notice that. And they start out real expensive for all the research to create these drugs. Effexor was a good anti depressant and its the only one that works on two different parts of the brain which is why they cant replace it with anything and you must withdraw. If your Dr really knew about effexor he never would have put you on it. I was an insomniac as long as I was on it and had hypermania. I can only share my experience with you and pray it gives you more to make a choice with. God Bless you in your decision and remember its your body , not the doc's that its going into. Jubilee
Posted by jubilee on January 6, 2005, at 15:32:31
In reply to Re: I AM GRATEFUL for Effexor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by jubilee on January 6, 2005, at 15:24:20
Ive been off it a week now and I just started the iching here and there. Drives ya nuts. Jubilee
Posted by S. Bartel on January 6, 2005, at 20:15:37
In reply to Re: I AM GRATEFUL for Effexor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by jubilee on January 6, 2005, at 15:32:31
> Ive been off it a week now and I just started the iching here and there. Drives ya nuts. Jubilee
It's strange that my itching and breaking out came after I was on effexor-xr about 3 or 4 years.
It went away about 4 weeks after I quit taking it.
Sammi
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 6, 2005, at 22:57:52
In reply to Re: please be civil » Dr. Bob, posted by dancingstar on January 5, 2005, at 22:26:38
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 6, 2005, at 22:58:39
In reply to Re: please be civil » Dr. Bob, posted by corafree on January 6, 2005, at 5:34:18
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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