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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by S. Bartel on January 28, 2005, at 17:44:11
In reply to RE: NEW THREAD - POSITIVE EFFEXOR EXPERIENCE, posted by FaithT on January 24, 2005, at 4:19:29
I would like to hear from people with only negative experiences from EFFEXOR on this new thread. Please tell me what your side effects have been and if you have quit taking it what the withdrawls were like. How long have you been off it and do you feel better physically afterwards.
I have been off about 3 months now and I have so much energy. I was ready to just give up before I realized that effexor was what caused all my physical and mental problems. I still have Liver disease and always will and have anxiety that I never had before, but my mind is so clear and I can hold a train of thought, which I could never do on effexor. I hope everyone that has ever suffered from the effects of this evil, dangerous drug can get their lives back after the excruciating withdrawls finally stop. It had to be the effexor that kept me in this horrible physical state for so many years or why else would I continue to improve so so much after stopping it??
Let me hear from you. I guess I just need to have verification that it's not just me.
Bless you, Sammi
Posted by not2late4u on January 28, 2005, at 23:26:01
In reply to RE: NEW THREAD - NEGATIVE EFFEXOR EXPERIENCE!, posted by S. Bartel on January 28, 2005, at 17:44:11
Sammi, the postings ALL over this board have been negative ones.
Posted by winddancer on January 29, 2005, at 0:00:48
In reply to RE: NEW THREAD - NEGATIVE EFFEXOR EXPERIENCE!, posted by S. Bartel on January 28, 2005, at 17:44:11
I have to agree. Many of the comments have been negative but if a person were not having problems with taking it they are unlikely to be looking for a chat room about the drug. The doctors and the pharm companies do a great job of telling us what a miracle drug it is -
I think many of us who are just joining the discussion want to know specifics about what side effects others are having and what to expect if we wnat to try to get off them. I still haven't gotten an answer to my earlier question about the symptoms of the nerve thing that was alluded to. I mentioned that I have a tingling mouth and tongue and wondered if that is something others have had. I thought it was from the tranquilizers or neurontin but Ive been off those for several months and still have this horrid feeling and nothing tastes good. I have just started working with an acupuncturiest who also does Chinese herbs. Let me know if anyone is interested - I just started tonight. He feels that I should be able to get off effexor all together and find other things to control the anxiety and depression. (Like a good night's sleep - which I haven't had since being on effexor.)
Posted by not2late4u on January 29, 2005, at 0:25:59
In reply to RE: NEW THREAD - NEGATIVE EFFEXOR EXPERIENCE! » S. Bartel, posted by winddancer on January 29, 2005, at 0:00:48
sorry I read your post, but couldnt relate to the symptoms, so I didnt reply. I hope you find the help you need, it could be the other drug you are taking or maybe the combindation of the two together??? Renee
Posted by good2go on January 29, 2005, at 9:21:53
In reply to RE: NEW THREAD - POSITIVE EFFEXOR EXPERIENCE » eeyorena, posted by not2late4u on January 27, 2005, at 20:53:05
I began taking Effexor XR about 3 weeks ago. Over the past year few years I have suffered from migraines, tension headaches, increased anxitey, obessive thoughts and compulsions, severe PMS, and binge eating (luckily I have a fast metabolism).
My GP suggested I try Effexor, and so far I am relatively pleased. I was amazed at how quickly I felt the change in my brain. I initially felt hypomaic, jittery, tingly, slightly nervous and had difficutly staying asleep.
Now, I continue to have some difficulty with staying asleep, but I am usually able to fall right back to sleep once I am awakened. I do not feel groggy in the morning, in fact, I am now able to get out of bed without feeling like I want to stay there all day. I am less anxious, as in I do not worry over every little thing I say,do, or think. I occassionally have headaches, but not nearly as frequently. My mood has stabilized and I am feeling more even. I also do not feel the need to over eat. Previously I would snack through making a dinner, eat the entire meal, then snack until I went to bed. I actually know when I feel full now.
I am having some problems with orgasim, but I am okay with this, as it was never really easy for me.
All in all, I am very happy with my results. I am taking 75 mg 1x per day at night.
Just thought I would share my story.
Posted by S. Bartel on January 29, 2005, at 9:39:43
In reply to RE: NEW THREAD - NEGATIVE EFFEXOR EXPERIENCE!, posted by not2late4u on January 29, 2005, at 0:25:59
No that's the only drug that I was taking.
Posted by FaithT on January 29, 2005, at 10:30:54
In reply to RE: NEW THREAD - NEGATIVE EFFEXOR EXPERIENCE!, posted by S. Bartel on January 28, 2005, at 17:44:11
Dear Sammi~
I know that you asked for negative posts about Effexor, and I can't really give you that...But, I am really sorry about your experience on the drug. I hope that despite the liver disease, you only get better from here as far as your well being.I guess that I am definately one of the lucky ones, in that my liver functions have been monitered the whole 2 1/2 years, I've been on the drug (-) the time that I was off it, for like 5 months or so. My Psych. told me about this and the blood pressure checks from the beginning.
I would never call Effexor an evil drug, because for me it's had a great effect, despite the withdrawl that I did experience. It wasn't pleasant, but I got through it, and was fine until I made the decision to go back on Effexor.
As with many drugs, what works for one, doesn't work for another, and some people do have really bad reactions. I'm sorry you were one that Effexor wasn't right for.
Best wishes,
Faith~
Posted by jen2 on January 30, 2005, at 12:54:05
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Jen2, posted by tatarka on January 27, 2005, at 0:34:32
Hi Tatarka,
So after much consultation with my doc I have decided to stick with the Effexor 75mg for now. She doesn't think I've been on it enough to have experienced all the good effects, so we'll see what happens in the next 4-6 weeks. I know that I'm potentially courting disaster re: withdrawal effects and long-term effects, but what can I do? For now I will stick it out. We'll see.
Hope you're well.
Jen
> Hi Jen,
>
> please let me know what your doc will advise you on Friday, okay? I think I'll be not the only one here who is interested.
Posted by not2late4u on January 30, 2005, at 14:08:01
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Jen2 » tatarka, posted by jen2 on January 30, 2005, at 12:54:05
Jen~ hope you dont mind me stepping in. If and when you decide to withdraw from Effexor, may I give you some hope? please read my thread, "renee tapering off effexor." I have been giving a journal of how I have done it and how I felt.
God Bless, Renee
Posted by jen2 on January 30, 2005, at 14:33:27
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by not2late4u on January 30, 2005, at 14:08:01
Hi Renee,
Thanks - I have been reading your postings and those of others, and look forward to being able to use the wisdom derived from these experiences when my time comes to taper.
Jen
Posted by tatarka on January 30, 2005, at 14:55:45
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Jen2 » tatarka, posted by jen2 on January 30, 2005, at 12:54:05
Hi Jen,
Thank you. I decided to stick with the Effexor as well. My doc said after I asked if I can withdraw now: "try it, but if you'll feel not well, take it again". Of course, I'll feel bad, whom he is keeding? So, I'll think about it later - when I'll have more time and better doc, which will not happen during next several months.
Take care.
Tatarka
> Hi Tatarka,
>
> So after much consultation with my doc I have decided to stick with the Effexor 75mg for now. She doesn't think I've been on it enough to have experienced all the good effects, so we'll see what happens in the next 4-6 weeks. I know that I'm potentially courting disaster re: withdrawal effects and long-term effects, but what can I do? For now I will stick it out. We'll see.
>
> Hope you're well.
> Jen
>
>
> > Hi Jen,
> >
> > please let me know what your doc will advise you on Friday, okay? I think I'll be not the only one here who is interested.
>
Posted by Happy3 on January 30, 2005, at 16:56:41
In reply to Re: my Effexor experience, posted by dancingstar on December 24, 2004, at 15:36:27
I've been sitting here for a few hours reading these posts and now I am scared of taking the effexor. I've been on it now for almost three months and before this I tried lexapro,paxal,zoloft and whelbutrin all of which either didn't work or had side effects that were too great. Effexor has made me feel so much better. My anxiety is lower and my depression has lifted. One side effect that I am experiencing is being easily bruised but not the high blood presure and other problems from the other drugs. I am afraid that if I continue this drug I may never get off and that's not what I want either. This is so confusing!
Now Unhappy3
Posted by not2late4u on January 30, 2005, at 17:35:56
In reply to Re: my Effexor experience, posted by Happy3 on January 30, 2005, at 16:56:41
happy3, please go to my thread regarding withdraw, when.if you are ready to come off the med, it doesnt have to be hell. I can't say much for the long term affects, I was on it for about 2-2 1/2 years. My biggest side effects, which was the same as paxil, was no motivation, slept all the time and no sex drive. My thread about withdraw starts at" renee tapering off effexor". There is hope and everyone is different. Renee
Posted by not2late4u on January 30, 2005, at 19:15:29
In reply to RE: NEW THREAD - POSITIVE EFFEXOR EXPERIENCE, posted by good2go on January 29, 2005, at 9:21:53
ggod2go, thanks for sharing your story. let us know if you will, how it continues to work for you. Renee
Posted by Steven1975 on January 30, 2005, at 20:26:41
In reply to RE: NEW THREAD - POSITIVE EFFEXOR EXPERIENCE » good2go, posted by not2late4u on January 30, 2005, at 19:15:29
Hi,
Regarding Effexor withdrawal- I was on the drug for 5 months and it didn't help me. However, when I came off it (went from 150mg down to zero over about 7 days) it actually had a beneficial effect. Depression and anxiety gone- I felt like my old self for a good couple of weeks before I went downhill again. Unusual- Seems like withdrawal actually helped me instead of causing me problems. Has this ever happened to anyone else?
Posted by S. Bartel on January 30, 2005, at 22:36:50
In reply to RE: I'm really sorry Sammi~ » S. Bartel, posted by FaithT on January 29, 2005, at 10:30:54
Faith,
I also had my liver function tests regulary and then all of a sudden after being on the drug for 6 years they came back high. I believe it's from the "long term" effects of effexor. It's like an alcholic that quits dringing and their liver may still seem fine at the time, but the damage shows up later even though they never drink again. I just don't believe it's worth the risk for anyone to take this drug no matter how much they think it's helping them, when down the road their health and life can be at stake. I would not have felt this way for the first five years of taking it because I thought it was really helping me too. Little did I know how effexor blurred my thinking about everything. For the first year or two I was happy and smiling all the time because the drug made me not care or worry about anything. After that all I wanted to do was sleep. I could'nt stay awake, could'nt get up in the morning and when I did I would have to go back to bed after being up only a couple of hours. I did'nt know the medicine was causing all the physical problems I was having. Wyeth did'nt warn me. The doctors did'nt know, no one told them. Their new warnings did'nt come out until I was on it for 6 years and they still deny a lot of the side effects that it causes. It's no coincidense that so many people on effexor have the same symptoms. It's a dangerous drug and I only asked to hear from people with negative side effects.
Sammi
Posted by not2late4u on January 31, 2005, at 0:43:22
In reply to RE: NEW THREAD - NEGATIVE EFFEXOR EXPERIENCE! » not2late4u, posted by S. Bartel on January 29, 2005, at 9:39:43
Sammi, I think I meant to reply that to another poster, winddancer. Sorry about that. But thats good to know that there werent any other possible drug related reasons for your liver problems. I've heard the liver is one organ that can rejuvenate itself or heal itself in alot of cases, will this be possible for your case? Or is the damage permanent and getting worse as time goes on? Just curious, if you dont mind sharing. As I have posted previously, I am now off effexor for 6 days. I just had my blood work up done a few days ago, wonder if my liver count will be included in that. But anyways, glad your energy is back and I dont advocate the use of or discourage the use of Effexor, personally. I try empathsize with those who are doing well and with those who havent or aren't. My biggest action on the board has been to help those who want to or are ready to withdraw. But also to encourage those who are doing well and choose to stay on it but to keep themselves educated with both pros and cons. Is it common for most drugs to potentially cause problems with the liver and who do you blame most, the prescribing doctors or the maker of the drug? I found a book that had effexor listed in it in 1995, I've got to get to my moms to get the name of it and see if it listed anything about possible liver damage. Curious. Renee
Posted by not2late4u on January 31, 2005, at 0:49:44
In reply to RE: NEW THREAD - POSITIVE EFFEXOR EXPERIENCE, posted by Steven1975 on January 30, 2005, at 20:26:41
steven 1975, hmmmm. my first thought was you didnt need the drug, thats why you felt better off it than on it. I havent personally read this happening to anyone. I hope someone else will be able to answer your question, maybe sbartel who posts on NEW THREAD- NEGATIVE Effexor experience. Maybe get your liver checked?? I dont know, sorry! Renee
Posted by FaithT on January 31, 2005, at 3:17:17
In reply to RE:** NEGATIVE EFFEXOR EXPERIENCE** » FaithT, posted by S. Bartel on January 30, 2005, at 22:36:50
Sorry Sammi~
I didn't realize that you had been tested all along. I didn't mean to jump in on your post...Just wanted to say that I hope in time you get better.
Faith~
Posted by FaithT on January 31, 2005, at 3:23:55
In reply to Re: my Effexor experience, posted by Happy3 on January 30, 2005, at 16:56:41
Hi...Not all Exxexor experiences are bad ones,and the withdrawl doesn't have to be horrible,as Renee said. She's doing a great ob keeping a journal of her withdrawl.
If you want to, you can read my post "A Positive Effexor XR Experience", from a week or so ago. Hopefully, if will make you feel a little bit better. :-)
Hugs, Faith~
Posted by S. Bartel on January 31, 2005, at 10:46:50
In reply to RE: NEW THREAD - NEGATIVE EFFEXOR EXPERIENCE! » S. Bartel, posted by not2late4u on January 31, 2005, at 0:43:22
No, I'm sorry to say it will not reverse itself. It is permanent and will continue to get worse. It is liver disease and incurable. The only cure is a transplant. I have found others on other boards that have the same problem from effexor.
I thank you for your concern.
Bless you,
Sammi
Posted by S. Bartel on January 31, 2005, at 11:42:19
In reply to RE:** NEGATIVE EFFEXOR EXPERIENCE** » S. Bartel, posted by FaithT on January 31, 2005, at 3:17:17
"RE:Effexor Withdrawl-going through it."
Posted by not2late4u on February 1, 2005, at 0:48:43
In reply to RE: NEW THREAD - NEGATIVE EFFEXOR EXPERIENCE! » not2late4u, posted by S. Bartel on January 31, 2005, at 10:46:50
sammi, I am sorry to hear that. If you dont mind I will say a prayer for your healing and comfort. , oops, really hope you didnt mind because I just did. God bless you, Renee
Posted by S. Bartel on February 1, 2005, at 12:21:56
In reply to RE: NEW THREAD - NEGATIVE EFFEXOR EXPERIENCE! » S. Bartel, posted by not2late4u on February 1, 2005, at 0:48:43
Thank you Renee
Posted by Troubled1 on February 2, 2005, at 0:51:14
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi everyone. I just joined after stumbling on the site while seeking info on Effexor side effects. I have been on 225mg of Effexor (not XR)for almost 2 years now. I specifically requested it as I had heard good things about it and had taken Zoloft, Prozac, Welbutrin in past with only minimal success. At first, I was excited as my mood began to lift but wasn't sure if it was the meds or the fact I was off work, hence, away from major stressor in my life. I continued on it but about 1.5 years into it, I began to notice chronic fatique symptoms, increase in leg spasms, daily severe headaches (I have a history of migraines but not this frequently), brain fog, memory impairment, dizziness, vertigo, nausea, etc. I had the dry mouth, sweating, bizarre dreams and sleep talking from the beginning. I even had difficulty distinguishing between what had really happened and what had only happened in my dreams. My fatigue has continued to worsen over past few months. I sleep 10-12 hrs per night, awaken in a drugged-like condition, drag my butt around just to do the bare minimum like personal hygiene and a bit of housework, then feel exhausted, eyes get very heavy, and I must go rest in bed for several hours before I can think about doing something else. I have now decided to wean myself off of the Effexor in the hopes of feeling like myself again. It is important to note that, despite a diagnosis of major depression with anxiety, I did not feel this way prior to the Effexor or on any other anti-depressant in past. It is a Godsend to find that others are experiencing similar things. Will keep you posted during my weaning off Effexor and what happens thereafter. Hang in there everyone. I look forward to reading your postings.
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