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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by winddancer on April 28, 2005, at 16:15:31
In reply to Re: Permanently damaged!!!!!!!!!, posted by Lynn V on February 11, 2001, at 0:19:23
Hi,
I have many of the symptoms of fibromyalgia since I've taken Effexor, but it's not been diagnosed. I've never hurt so much all over my body as I do now. And I've stopped taking Effexor for about 3 weeks. The tendonitis in my hands is excrutiating and its extremely painful to write with a pen and very uncomfortable using the computer keyboard and mouse. I even got a mouse glidepoint pad and I haven't seen any improvement. I have had SI (low back) pain and sciatica off and on for about 5 years, but now it is so bad that I finally went in and had cortisone injections along my spine. This is after an MRI shows disc degeneration. I am going in for another MRI on my neck this afternoon, to see if they can find anything causing the hand pain and tingly fingers.
My doctor who administered the spinal cortisone said that low back pain can certainly lead to depression. And my MD and others sometimes dismiss back pain as a symptom of depression and I've heard that often they will treat back pain by prescribing an anti-depressant. Interesting, isn't it.
Winddancer
Posted by Phillipa on April 28, 2005, at 18:18:55
In reply to Re: Permanently damaged!!!!!!!!! » Lynn V, posted by winddancer on April 28, 2005, at 16:15:31
Be careful of those cortisone injections. I had a friend who got them and one day they missed. I can't remember all the details but she was bedbound. I had a herniated disc and I refused them. It healed on it's own. The only time my back and muscle aches went away was on cymbalta. I didn't realize they were gone until I stopped the med. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Corafree on April 28, 2005, at 18:28:36
In reply to Re: HOW LONG SHOULD I TAKE EFFEXER XR, posted by AQUARIAS on April 28, 2005, at 15:39:52
If you don't feel a lot better by this weekend, I, personally, would ask doc about decrease dosage or d.c. In fact, call today, tomorrow, the next day, every day until the 'darn' weekends. Sorry and hope someone will help you. cf
Posted by Corafree on April 28, 2005, at 18:34:38
In reply to Re: HOW LONG SHOULD I TAKE EFFEXER XR » AQUARIAS, posted by Corafree on April 28, 2005, at 18:28:36
Oh wait, today is Thur. You only have today and tomorrow to get through to your doc?? I would call now, in the morning, at noon tomorrow, and get immediate attn. Self advocate. You shouldn't feel so horrible ... I don't think that is okay. If they say it is ... ask them how you are supposed to tolerate it? bestwishes, cf
Posted by winddancer on April 28, 2005, at 21:06:36
In reply to Re: Permanently damaged!!!!!!!!! » winddancer, posted by Phillipa on April 28, 2005, at 18:18:55
I agree that caution is definitely merited with cortisone shots. I assured myself that I had the best doctor in the vacinity and am feeling complete relief since the shot. The dr found on the MRI a cyst that had a lot of fluid in it and was able to aspirate some of it out and said it had been pinching a nerve going down my leg. Apparently the cortisone has not had time to work yet, so my immediate relief is from the fluid removal. He does not recommend getting any more cortisone shots if this doesn't provide continuous relief, since repeated cortisone can damage tissues and shouldn't be used more than once or twice. If the pain returns, we'll need to talk about other solutions.
It's interesting that if I had not elected to go in for the shots, the fluid on the cyst would not have been addressed.
Thanks for the heads up to the list about cortisone injections around the spine being potentially dangerous. I did not enter into this procedure lightly.
Winddancer
Posted by Phillipa on April 28, 2005, at 21:44:18
In reply to Re: Permanently damaged!!!!!!!!! » Phillipa, posted by winddancer on April 28, 2005, at 21:06:36
I knew you wouldn't. But I just wanted to be sure. He sounds like a good doc to me. The one she saw kept giving her shots monthly until she had the bad reaction. Cyst? that's a new one. I'm glad you're feeling relief and hope the shot helps even more. Oh and my husband just remembered what happened it went to her brain. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Al_p on April 29, 2005, at 5:47:18
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have had excellent results with this med Side effects are low Was previously on Zoloft And was mistakenly Diagnosed was also on stelazine For 10
years
Posted by Corafree on April 30, 2005, at 0:53:44
In reply to Re: Permanently damaged!!!!!!!!! » Phillipa, posted by winddancer on April 28, 2005, at 21:06:36
Winddancer - I thought you were have epidural injections? I assume you had trigger point injections, as I don't believe cortisone is ever used in epidurals. I had TPIs that afforded 5 wks of relief. They were great. I would rather have been able to continue those than to be on a narcotic all the time. You don't feel the same way? My injury is in the 2-3, 3-4, 4-5, so the 2-3 is at the very base of my head and causes intolerable headaches. I put off my MRI; have to get abdominal surgery first. I am wondering what they will find in my head, as I was beaten pretty badly. best wishes, cf
Posted by tiredguy on May 2, 2005, at 10:05:38
In reply to starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by jp on October 25, 1999, at 12:01:53
I'm on 75 mg of XR. I also take 300 mg of Wellbutrin. I suffered from very high anxiety. It's now gone! I've been in a few very stressfull situations and have handled them well. The key for me is to see how long it will work for me. I tried a number of AD medications. Most worked for a few days and then stopped. I've been taking Effexor for about a month. The Jury is still out.
For side effects, I am tired all the time. I take Provigil which helps wake me up. If the tradeoff is tired vs anxious, I choose tired.
Posted by nancyb on May 2, 2005, at 15:40:34
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by tiredguy on May 2, 2005, at 10:05:38
I've been on Effexor for 5 days. So far, I can tell an amazing difference! I am starting with the 37.5 mg. and moving to 75 in the next day or so. I have more energy than I have in years. I don't dwell on bad things. I was wrapping up in a blanket and sleeping from the time I got home from work until the next morning. Now, I'm not sleepy at all. That is one of the side effects for me -- restlessness when I'm supposed to be sleeping. My heart does beat funny sometimes, like it's beating through my shirt. I'd rather be up and energized than sleeping all the time.
Posted by Wendigo on May 2, 2005, at 16:21:59
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dos, posted by nancyb on May 2, 2005, at 15:40:34
Hello all. I've taken Effexor XR for about a year (150 mg) and wondered if any of you noticed certain [for lack of better word] alcoholic tendencies while taking it; I mean, before taking antidepressants I was an occasional drinker, at most a weekend drinker (3-4 drinks [wine/beer]). Although I enjoyed drinking, and had a fairly high tolerance for alcohol, I never considered myself an alcoholic or someone with a "drinking habit" or problem. I am, however, a recovering anorexic/bulimic (no episodes in 8 years); I wonder if I have traded one disorder for another, or if taking Effexor (for depression, social anxiety) has anything at all to do with my recent excessive alcohol consumption. I know it could be coincidental, but I also know that my tolerance (without medication fairly high) is even greater while on Effexor (which I assumed was due to the antidepressant counteracting the depressant effects of alcohol). I find myself drinking more to achieve any effect (I'm aware that this could also indicate addiction). I've never been truly suicidal, but my recent lack of control with alcohol has caused great stress in my marriage--my lying and deceit (about purchase/consumption of alcohol) and my husband's accusations, spying/snooping (can't really blame him, although he is a rather controlling/paternal person) have left me with little sense of self...I feel irresponsible for having had kids, etc. Any insights? I only wonder whether my increased desire to drink has anything to do with the Effexor because while postpartum several years ago I took Prozac, and experienced a similar urge to drink, and to drink greater quantities, than when taking no medication.
I've read the warnings about drinking alcohol while taking antidepressants, which state that the alcohol increases drowsiness, dizziness, and that the antidepressant will intensify the effects of alcohol, but this doesn't seem to be the case for me.
I don't want to become an alcoholic, and have begun gradually to decrease my dosage of Effexor to see the effect on my urge to drink.Sorry if this is repetitive; I posted a similar message elsewhere in psycho-babble (I'm new to this).
Posted by nancyb on May 2, 2005, at 16:40:50
In reply to Effexor XR: Can ALCOHOLISM be a side effect?, posted by Wendigo on May 2, 2005, at 16:21:59
I know that I have a tendency to want to drink too. However, I wanted to do that before I was taking Effexor. I live by myself, so I was drinking to find some way to feel better about myself. That is to say, that if I didn't feel anything, I couldn't feel bad about myself or anything else. It was a lie. I felt really bad the next day! Depression makes me feel bad; I drink to feel good; I then feel bad again. Doesn't help. I was raised with a mother who didn't drink, but took drugs. We were given drugs, either OTC, or prescription, for practically everything. So, my mind set is -- feel bad, ingest something and you will feel better. I absolutely love taking drugs -- uppers, downers, alcohol, you name it. But, I have a low tolerance and feel really awful the next day. I'm trying to stay away from that, and I'm having some success. I'm not addicted because I can say no. I only do it when I'm bored. Effexor has given me the energy to get my butt up and do stuff. And, I'm actually smiling. So, as long as I'm feeling this way, I don't want to drink.
Posted by Corafree on May 2, 2005, at 18:08:49
In reply to Effexor XR: Can ALCOHOLISM be a side effect?, posted by Wendigo on May 2, 2005, at 16:22:43
When I was taking Effexer-XR (not plain Effexor), I noticed definitely noticed something. I felt it was 'a gift of sorts'. My tendencies to drink completely vanished. Opposite reactions, I believe, are out there. Best wishes, cf
Posted by Corafree on May 2, 2005, at 18:23:56
In reply to Re: Effexor XR: Can ALCOHOLISM be a side effect? » Wendigo, posted by Corafree on May 2, 2005, at 18:08:49
Sorry. Let me say this correctly.
I used to be on Effexor and drank beer every evening.
I used to be on Effexor-XR (discontinued in late March or early April this year) and had no desire to drank at all. The good ole favorite beer tasted awful!
After seeing your post, I guess that which I felt was 'a gift', may have been the Effexor-XR.
I believe we see 'opposite reactions' occur in all of us with different medications.
I noticed while many people who took Effexor-XR spoke of gaining weight, I either lost weight or my weight did not fluctuate at all
Now I can say best wishes, cf
Posted by redjr on May 2, 2005, at 21:49:05
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by tiredguy on May 2, 2005, at 10:05:38
> I'm on 75 mg of XR. I also take 300 mg of Wellbutrin. I suffered from very high anxiety. It's now gone! I've been in a few very stressfull situations and have handled them well. The key for me is to see how long it will work for me. I tried a number of AD medications. Most worked for a few days and then stopped. I've been taking Effexor for about a month. The Jury is still out.
>
> For side effects, I am tired all the time. I take Provigil which helps wake me up. If the tradeoff is tired vs anxious, I choose tired.Are you taking the Wellbutrin for anxiety or depression? I asked my doc about switching to Wellbutrin, but she said it had no anti-anxiety component. I've been on Effexor for about a month now. Taking 150mg daily. I've been experiencing urination problems since starting. Anyone else having this side effect? Also mild, negative sexual side effects(not good!). I've had very positive effects with the effexor and my mild depression. It's worked wonders - but at what expense? Seems there's always a trade off.
redjr...
Posted by redjr on May 3, 2005, at 8:11:25
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by StayceeIB on April 26, 2005, at 22:03:05
StayceeIB,
Find a way to take the Effexor - if you can get beyond the anxiety related to taking it. It will help you tremendously! Remember that it will more than lkely probably help you and not hurt you. There's no harm in trying it, and any negative side effects will be minimal and probably not noticeable.
Good luck,
redjr..
Posted by alexanderbb on May 3, 2005, at 10:39:19
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have had good/moderate succes with effexor. Recently I increased my dosage from 75mg to 112.5mg and had extreme dizziness and some nausea due to increased dosage. I could barely function for an entire day.
Has anyone else experienced this with effexor?
In the past I was on effexor and then later stopped, only to take it again now two years later. I have not had any side effects other than this recent incident, either starting, stopping, or during taking the medicine.
Posted by Phillipa on May 3, 2005, at 16:53:16
In reply to new post to effexor.........., posted by alexanderbb on May 3, 2005, at 10:39:19
Interesting how the effexor posts don't mention bad side effects like they did in the past. Evidently there are a lot of people who have great success on effexor. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Corafree on May 3, 2005, at 18:06:50
In reply to Re: new post to effexor.........., posted by Phillipa on May 3, 2005, at 16:53:16
You noticed that too, huh Phillipa? cf
Posted by alexanderbb on May 3, 2005, at 18:14:10
In reply to Re: new post to effexor.......... » Phillipa, posted by Corafree on May 3, 2005, at 18:06:50
Why do you think that is? Do you think Wyeth(the company that makes effexor) has changed it in any way?
I just found this site today after I had this terrible incident and wanted to do some investigating of this medicine that I am taking. I have been reading a lot of the posts and some of the older posts really had me concerned about the side effects/long term effects of this drug.
Posted by Phillipa on May 3, 2005, at 19:30:24
In reply to Re: new post to effexor.........., posted by alexanderbb on May 3, 2005, at 18:14:10
I hate to say this but it's one of two things. l. the side effects and withdrawal on the Withdrawal Board, or 2. a very anti Effexor poster was blocked for quite a while it seems a long time ago. Maybe she didn't return. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on May 3, 2005, at 19:32:53
In reply to Re: new post to effexor.......... » Phillipa, posted by Corafree on May 3, 2005, at 18:06:50
Corafree, do you think it has anything to do with what I just posted? I know you know who I mean. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Corafree on May 3, 2005, at 19:55:28
In reply to Re: new post to effexor.........., posted by alexanderbb on May 3, 2005, at 18:14:10
I may be wrong, but I think there was some drug bashing getting out of hand here. Some may have been on target. There was concern about long term effects after discontinuing it. I had to keep increasing Effexor-XR for it to be effective and also had to have it adjusted according to my metabolism, being that it is 'supposed' to be a one-a-day pills; it wasn't for me. I did have breakthrough anxiety and high panic attack at a high dose of Effexor-XR, combined with a rotation of Klonopin and Xanax. I had to be hospitalized. It was there that I chose to discontinue Effexor-XR. I am now on mood stabilizers and a benzodiazepine for anxiety. My emotions are more clear ... have to deal with more sadness and, hopefully, more happiness. I was beginning to feel a 'zombieness' on the AD. Who knows if this regimen is right on?! Lately I have lost control of emotions a couple times and that has some of my closest confidantes upset with me. I have wondered now if this is the right path. Most important - relationship with psychiatrist - I don't have one, a relationship that is. Just taking it day at a time. Have some physical issues I've been trying to attend to, so have not pursued change of psychiatrists. Think I need to drop off this post since I no longer take Effexor-XR. cf
Posted by absolute on May 3, 2005, at 23:43:38
In reply to Effexor XR: Can ALCOHOLISM be a side effect?, posted by Wendigo on May 2, 2005, at 16:21:59
Hi, yes I've noticed the same thing. I've been drinking more since taking Effexor XR. This was never a problem when I was on Wellbutrin or when not taking anything at all.
The Effexor seems to counteract the negative effects of alcohol- this is not really a good thing. Good to hear someone else has experienced this also. I've tapered down to the lowest dose, 37.5mg/day, and it seems to have gotten better.
Good luck
> Hello all. I've taken Effexor XR for about a year (150 mg) and wondered if any of you noticed certain [for lack of better word] alcoholic tendencies while taking it; I mean, before taking antidepressants I was an occasional drinker, at most a weekend drinker (3-4 drinks [wine/beer]). Although I enjoyed drinking, and had a fairly high tolerance for alcohol, I never considered myself an alcoholic or someone with a "drinking habit" or problem. I am, however, a recovering anorexic/bulimic (no episodes in 8 years); I wonder if I have traded one disorder for another, or if taking Effexor (for depression, social anxiety) has anything at all to do with my recent excessive alcohol consumption. I know it could be coincidental, but I also know that my tolerance (without medication fairly high) is even greater while on Effexor (which I assumed was due to the antidepressant counteracting the depressant effects of alcohol). I find myself drinking more to achieve any effect (I'm aware that this could also indicate addiction). I've never been truly suicidal, but my recent lack of control with alcohol has caused great stress in my marriage--my lying and deceit (about purchase/consumption of alcohol) and my husband's accusations, spying/snooping (can't really blame him, although he is a rather controlling/paternal person) have left me with little sense of self...I feel irresponsible for having had kids, etc. Any insights? I only wonder whether my increased desire to drink has anything to do with the Effexor because while postpartum several years ago I took Prozac, and experienced a similar urge to drink, and to drink greater quantities, than when taking no medication.
> I've read the warnings about drinking alcohol while taking antidepressants, which state that the alcohol increases drowsiness, dizziness, and that the antidepressant will intensify the effects of alcohol, but this doesn't seem to be the case for me.
> I don't want to become an alcoholic, and have begun gradually to decrease my dosage of Effexor to see the effect on my urge to drink.
>
> Sorry if this is repetitive; I posted a similar message elsewhere in psycho-babble (I'm new to this).
Posted by fuji on May 4, 2005, at 7:44:54
In reply to Alcoholism - side effect??, posted by absolute on May 3, 2005, at 23:43:38
Curious about this. Are you saying you have an increased urge to drink, or when you drink you have the compulstion to continue drinking or a combination of both. I was on effexor 300 mg for couple of years and I am sober from alcohol for over 20 years. i work in the drug & alcohol treatment field so this is interesting to me. I recently switched to Cymbalta and find that I have increased not necessarily my appetite, but my urge to eat and feel completely out of control with it (kind of like when you can't stop drinking or when you need to drink.)
fuji
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