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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by isella on July 2, 2005, at 11:33:20
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by TinMan on June 29, 2005, at 11:11:22
SandiDee,
I hope you have not begun effexor yet. TinMan has eyes wide open and is digging past the surface here. Hormone fluctuation has a tremendous impact on us, men and women alike. Have you had your hormone levels tested? Not once, not twice, but more?
Let us examine one of the latest Hollywood episodes, that of Brooke Shields' response to Tom Cruise's statements about her post-partum depression. She was immediately offensive and defensive, but most importantly, she unknowingly gave us the incredible insight to the real insanity... her doctor's response to her post-partum depression.
" Shields said she considered swallowing a bottle of pills or jumping out the window at the lowest point of her depression following the birth of her daughter, Rowan Francis, in 2003. A doctor later attributed her feelings to a plunge in her estrogen and progesterone levels and prescribed the antidepressant Paxil." --- (Shields Rips Cruise's 'Ridiculous Rant'
By Associated Press).
Now why in the world would a doctor prescribe antidepressants (something to treat the psyche) when he/she attributed her feelings to a plunge in her estrogen and progesterone levels???!!!! Doctors can (and do) treat hormone imbalances through such things as HRT. If I have a broken leg, should a cast be placed on my arm? Maybe, if I go to the same quack Brooke entrusted.Best Wishes,
Isella> Yes, it could be perimenopausal and/or menopausal. Like all "female problems", this one is so UNDER researched, misunderstood and swept under the rug. WHY? This is such a hard, difficult time in a woman's life! Hormones are changing, going haywire and off the charts.
>
> Post-partum depression is another area that is ignored. WHY?
>
> Because females are viewed as "hysterical" and "emotional". It is all "controllable" by the female. Right?!?!?
>
> I think a LOT of women who are in their mid to late 30's and 40's struggle with depression, anxiety, stress and the like. And I think a lot of it can be attributed to hormones fluctuating. What if men went through a "phase" in their lives where they lost their "potency"? Do you think that would be researched? Can you say VIAGRA?!?
>
> OK, I will get off my soapbox now. So now, instead of giving "hysterical" women laudlum, they are given Effexor. The side effects: the jury is still out for me on whether taking Effexor is worth it. Paxil sure as hell didn't help me!!
>
> > Hi everyone, I am new to this, so please bear with me. I have gone through alot of turmoil in my life over the last 3 years, and the past 4 months have been incredibly bad. I have always suffered with anxiety, but always "dealt with it", as expected. Today I finally broke at the dr's office. She decided to try me on effexor, starting at 37.5 mg for a week, then 75 mg. I am very worried about starting this med, I don't want to lose all emotion, I have stuff going on that I need to be emotional about, (recent death of a parent), I am 42 years old, so I guess I could be menopausal, but the dr. has not discussed this and there have been no symptoms of it. Any thoughts on what I should do? My plan is to start the effexor tomorrow.
>
>
Posted by larisa on July 3, 2005, at 11:42:50
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by isella on July 2, 2005, at 11:33:20
i recently started effexor xr again after being off for 2 months. it has been 4 days and i am feeling very anxious, especially in the a.m. last time on this drug i felt good almost immediately. anyone else have any similar experiences or suggestions.
Posted by carolina on July 4, 2005, at 12:41:12
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by larisa on July 3, 2005, at 11:42:50
ive been on effexor for 8 months now and have had 2 aggravating side effects. #1 is sexual and #2 is the awful migraines every day. i hav tried all the well known meds for depression and anxiety and effexor is the only one that has worked and i havnt had weight gain w/ it. i havnt felt anxious at all but the klonopin im on prob counteracts that. im not sure if the migraines r related though so i hav to see a neuro in 2 weeks that ive been putting off for some time now. any feedback?
Posted by compguy on July 4, 2005, at 13:04:45
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by carolina on July 4, 2005, at 12:41:12
I have both side effects that yoy have as well, i am know tapering my dose down it is not the klonopin or at least not for me i used klonopin before effexor and did not have that problem.My neur, had nothing to get rid of the migranes or at least nothing worked.
Posted by carolina on July 4, 2005, at 14:15:05
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by compguy on July 4, 2005, at 13:04:45
> I have both side effects that yoy have as well, i am know tapering my dose down it is not the klonopin or at least not for me i used klonopin before effexor and did not have that problem.My neur, had nothing to get rid of the migranes or at least nothing worked.
yeah i realized that it wasnt the klonopin back when i was on wellbutrin and the sex was better than ever. i really hope this neuro can help me b/c the mig. r awful as u know. my doc wants me on 225mg of effex and 3mg of the klon but i stayed at 150effex and really only take the klon to leave the house or if i get really stressed(which is pretty much every day :))
Posted by java874 on July 4, 2005, at 17:59:22
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by compguy on July 4, 2005, at 13:04:45
Hello,
I am on day #5 of Effexor XR. I suffer from double depression and finally decided it was time to take control of my life. Unlike a lot of people that have posted responses, I noticed the effects IMMEDIATELY. I am still on the 37.5mg dose and am supposed to take 75mg in two days. I am having so much success with the lower dose, I am contemplating staying on it...why take a higher dose if it is unnecessary? The two side effects I've had are fatigue and headache; I also felt "spacey" the first two days. I got smart and began to take 2 motrin along with my dose...this prevents the headache. If it makes a difference to anyone, I take my dose in the morning WHILE I'm at work and can function just fine. The fatigue only seems to hit once I get home. Officially as of day five, I have absolutely NO side effects, I feel GREAT! I am not emotionless, but can bypass the anxious thoughts that once riddled me. What a joy it is to be able to concentrate on myself and the things AT HAND vs. other anxieties.
Posted by TinMan on July 4, 2005, at 20:51:33
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by jaamey76 on June 30, 2005, at 14:25:43
Chewing gum helps a little with the clenching. Clonazepam helps quite a bit but it is in the diazapine family and can be addictive.
I have been on Effexor 225 mg for about a month now. Wow! Depression, anxiety are pretty much a thing of the past. I can concentrate on a task and think without other thoughts crowding my train of thought out. If my problems stem from hormone fluctuations and peri-menopause, I think this is a quick fix and not a long term solution. Effexor may work for me, while not for others.
There needs to be a lot more study done on hormone fluctuations and what they can do to a woman's mind, emotions and body. I think that by studying the source is the best way to find a solution. I have heard that depression causes much more difficult peri-menopause for women. Personally, I think difficult peri-menopause IS the cause of depression.
Perhaps the Wizard can help us?!?
TinMan
Posted by carolina on July 5, 2005, at 0:34:42
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by java874 on July 4, 2005, at 17:59:22
> Hello,
> I am on day #5 of Effexor XR. I suffer from double depression and finally decided it was time to take control of my life. Unlike a lot of people that have posted responses, I noticed the effects IMMEDIATELY. I am still on the 37.5mg dose and am supposed to take 75mg in two days. I am having so much success with the lower dose, I am contemplating staying on it...why take a higher dose if it is unnecessary? The two side effects I've had are fatigue and headache; I also felt "spacey" the first two days. I got smart and began to take 2 motrin along with my dose...this prevents the headache. If it makes a difference to anyone, I take my dose in the morning WHILE I'm at work and can function just fine. The fatigue only seems to hit once I get home. Officially as of day five, I have absolutely NO side effects, I feel GREAT! I am not emotionless, but can bypass the anxious thoughts that once riddled me. What a joy it is to be able to concentrate on myself and the things AT HAND vs. other anxieties.i agree about why up the dose when ur doing well b/c in some people ur body adjusts to 1 level after time and the med doesnt work as well and then u may hav 2 go up im glad ur doing better i know how it is to feel so depressed its hard to function i have severe depressive disorder along w/ PTSD and 150 has been working 4 me so i said why up the dose i completely know how u feel
Posted by jesica on July 5, 2005, at 10:44:12
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi there,
I've been on Effexor for 4 weeks now. The first 3 were terrible but then I started to feel allot better. This weekend all of a sudden I started to feel really bad again, like if I was a different person. I gave up... on Sunday I stopped taking my pill and now I feel terrible. I know you are supposed to gradually get off it but I thought I would just try. Now I am a mess. I can't seem to focus on anything, I've been sleeping like no tomorrow and I can't seem to remember much. What should I do? Should I keep taking it? But I'm afraid I'll feel worst or will this go away in a few days?
Posted by carolina on July 5, 2005, at 11:27:54
In reply to what should I do? HELP, posted by jesica on July 5, 2005, at 10:44:12
> Hi there,
> I've been on Effexor for 4 weeks now. The first 3 were terrible but then I started to feel allot better. This weekend all of a sudden I started to feel really bad again, like if I was a different person. I gave up... on Sunday I stopped taking my pill and now I feel terrible. I know you are supposed to gradually get off it but I thought I would just try. Now I am a mess. I can't seem to focus on anything, I've been sleeping like no tomorrow and I can't seem to remember much. What should I do? Should I keep taking it? But I'm afraid I'll feel worst or will this go away in a few days?
>
hey im def. not a dr. but i know that stopping any meds cold turkey can cause serious reactions and cause awful side effects. within 2 weeks, the effexor is usually in ur body at a stable level and by stopping ur body is adjusting to the difference. i would get in touch w/ my doc IMMEDIATELY about this. maybe effexor wasnt right for u but stopping any anti depressant can cause u to hit bottom and feel worse than u did b4. i have stopped different meds several x's and each x i fell back into that dark hole and felt so bad i didnt even want to get out of bed much less call my doc but u have 2 for ur safety and well being. please let me know how things go. there are many other meds out that may be better 4 u depending on what ur dr says. please dont wait it may just get worse-abb
Posted by julish on July 5, 2005, at 12:04:12
In reply to Re: what should I do? HELP, posted by carolina on July 5, 2005, at 11:27:54
DEFINITELY...call your Doc.!
There's a solution for you...just keep trying! The effects of suddenly stopping a med are difficult, at best... I certainly wouldn't want you to experience the worst.
Call your doc and get advice.
Julie
Posted by baby girl on July 5, 2005, at 12:04:21
In reply to Re: what should I do? HELP, posted by carolina on July 5, 2005, at 11:27:54
> > Hi there,
> > I've been on Effexor for 4 weeks now. The first 3 were terrible but then I started to feel allot better. This weekend all of a sudden I started to feel really bad again, like if I was a different person. I gave up... on Sunday I stopped taking my pill and now I feel terrible. I know you are supposed to gradually get off it but I thought I would just try. Now I am a mess. I can't seem to focus on anything, I've been sleeping like no tomorrow and I can't seem to remember much. What should I do? Should I keep taking it? But I'm afraid I'll feel worst or will this go away in a few days?
> >
> hey im def. not a dr. but i know that stopping any meds cold turkey can cause serious reactions and cause awful side effects. within 2 weeks, the effexor is usually in ur body at a stable level and by stopping ur body is adjusting to the difference. i would get in touch w/ my doc IMMEDIATELY about this. maybe effexor wasnt right for u but stopping any anti depressant can cause u to hit bottom and feel worse than u did b4. i have stopped different meds several x's and each x i fell back into that dark hole and felt so bad i didnt even want to get out of bed much less call my doc but u have 2 for ur safety and well being. please let me know how things go. there are many other meds out that may be better 4 u depending on what ur dr says. please dont wait it may just get worse-abb
>
I tried to get my self off of effexor... GO TO YOUR DOC NOW!!!!!!!!!! I almost found mtself in a mental hospital. My husband did not know what I was doing. I was having some rare side effects, extream pelvic pain, bone pain, and arthritic symptoms. The best orthapedic doc in WNC. could not find any thing wrong with me. Had MRIs, Bone Scans, and CT scans. The pain was making the dep.worse so med doc uped the dose to 225mg a day which made the pain worse. I did some digging in the American Journal of Med. and found the rare side effects. Be careful on this drug!! I'm not saying that it is a bad drug but it cacused more problems for me than cures. I am now on wellbutrin, happy as a lark, pain free, and dropping the weight I gained while on effoxor. I learned the hard way to read all the fine print!!!
Posted by jaamey76 on July 5, 2005, at 12:38:55
In reply to what should I do? HELP, posted by jesica on July 5, 2005, at 10:44:12
Hey jesica...like you, I have been on Effexor for just under 4 weeks, and seeing your post makes me feel a bit better. It was awful when I started, then I woke up one day, and was feeling much better. That lasted for a couple of days, and then all of a sudden, it was like starting over again. My anxiety is back, I am shakey again, and afraid to leave the house. I don't know if that is an indication that the dosage needs to be increased, or that we just need a little more time. I am going to hang in there for another week, and see what happens. I will be visiting my doc soon, for a refill. Keep taking it, and see what happens.
Posted by carolina on July 5, 2005, at 13:13:07
In reply to Re: what should I do? HELP » carolina, posted by baby girl on July 5, 2005, at 12:04:21
> > > Hi there,
> > > I've been on Effexor for 4 weeks now. The first 3 were terrible but then I started to feel allot better. This weekend all of a sudden I started to feel really bad again, like if I was a different person. I gave up... on Sunday I stopped taking my pill and now I feel terrible. I know you are supposed to gradually get off it but I thought I would just try. Now I am a mess. I can't seem to focus on anything, I've been sleeping like no tomorrow and I can't seem to remember much. What should I do? Should I keep taking it? But I'm afraid I'll feel worst or will this go away in a few days?
> > >
> > hey im def. not a dr. but i know that stopping any meds cold turkey can cause serious reactions and cause awful side effects. within 2 weeks, the effexor is usually in ur body at a stable level and by stopping ur body is adjusting to the difference. i would get in touch w/ my doc IMMEDIATELY about this. maybe effexor wasnt right for u but stopping any anti depressant can cause u to hit bottom and feel worse than u did b4. i have stopped different meds several x's and each x i fell back into that dark hole and felt so bad i didnt even want to get out of bed much less call my doc but u have 2 for ur safety and well being. please let me know how things go. there are many other meds out that may be better 4 u depending on what ur dr says. please dont wait it may just get worse-abb
> >
> I tried to get my self off of effexor... GO TO YOUR DOC NOW!!!!!!!!!! I almost found mtself in a mental hospital. My husband did not know what I was doing. I was having some rare side effects, extream pelvic pain, bone pain, and arthritic symptoms. The best orthapedic doc in WNC. could not find any thing wrong with me. Had MRIs, Bone Scans, and CT scans. The pain was making the dep.worse so med doc uped the dose to 225mg a day which made the pain worse. I did some digging in the American Journal of Med. and found the rare side effects. Be careful on this drug!! I'm not saying that it is a bad drug but it cacused more problems for me than cures. I am now on wellbutrin, happy as a lark, pain free, and dropping the weight I gained while on effoxor. I learned the hard way to read all the fine print!!!
>
just wondered if u noticed any side effects from the wellbutrin? i was on it and had no bad sexual side effects but i did feel more anxious and my temperment changed very much????
Posted by compguy on July 5, 2005, at 13:26:32
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by carolina on July 4, 2005, at 14:15:05
Hey can you let me know if you get releif from those migranes, I have noticed now that i have cut back the effexor there not as bad, I have had some small withdraws but not that bad i am now down to 18 mg 1 or 2 times a day i hope to be off in the next week or two. I have a friend that uses topomax for migranes and another who uses inderal la They both swear by the medication. Good luck hope you get better, ps my sex drive since cutting back the effexor has already started to improve!!!!!
Posted by jesica on July 5, 2005, at 13:31:35
In reply to Re: what should I do? HELP, posted by carolina on July 5, 2005, at 13:13:07
I have a doctor’s appointment today. I'll just have to wait and see. I feel so out of it, It's like I am in a different world. I feel like everyone is watching me. I hate feeling like this. But on the other hand I am also afraid of taking it. What if I get the same side effects I had at the beginning. I guess my Doctor will be able to answer these questions. Do you guys think that maybe alcohol had something to do with the way I was feeling?? The last day I took my medication was on Saturday. Friday night I had allot to drink and Sunday I woke up feeling like a different person and that is when I decided to stop with this nonsense. I am so confused, even if I do go back on it what will happen in one year when my doctor says It's time to stop???? is this how I will feel?
Posted by carolina on July 5, 2005, at 14:02:15
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by compguy on July 5, 2005, at 13:26:32
i def. will let u know about the migraines and i see my doc soon so i may try to drop down 2 75 effexor from the 150 even though he wants me on 225 but i dont feel i need that much b/c im ok where im at and plan on slowly dropping back to 75. i sure hope i get the WOW in the sex back!!! any more info u have on ur friends meds for migraines ex side effects,etc would be greatly appreciated. take care
Posted by carolina on July 5, 2005, at 14:06:41
In reply to Re: what should I do? HELP, posted by jesica on July 5, 2005, at 13:31:35
the alcohol prob. definately affected u some but u seem to have either GAD or SAD and effexor helps that but there are other meds too. I have SAD social anxiety disorder and im on klonopin w/ effexor. klonopin is VERY addicting so many drs are leniant on prescribing it but it def. helps w/ anxiety. keep me informed so i know ur ok
Posted by compguy on July 5, 2005, at 15:44:30
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by carolina on July 5, 2005, at 14:02:15
Just remember when you cut back do it slow I messed up the first time and cut off fast wont do that again.The inderal side effects is a slower heart beat and lower blood preasure it is a beta blocker my friend said they could not tell except the first couple days was a little tired but after that was fine and it is non addictive you can stop when ever or that is how i understand it ask your doc
Posted by TinMan on July 5, 2005, at 16:06:49
In reply to Re: what should I do? HELP, posted by jesica on July 5, 2005, at 13:31:35
> I have a doctor’s appointment today. I'll just have to wait and see. I feel so out of it, It's like I am in a different world. I feel like everyone is watching me. I hate feeling like this. But on the other hand I am also afraid of taking it. What if I get the same side effects I had at the beginning. I guess my Doctor will be able to answer these questions. Do you guys think that maybe alcohol had something to do with the way I was feeling?? The last day I took my medication was on Saturday. Friday night I had allot to drink and Sunday I woke up feeling like a different person and that is when I decided to stop with this nonsense. I am so confused, even if I do go back on it what will happen in one year when my doctor says It's time to stop???? is this how I will feel?
I, personally, think that alcohol DEFINITELY had an effect on you while taking Effexor. Alcohol is a depressant. While taking SSRI's, it is best to keep your alcohol consumption to a minimum or not drink at all.
If you find yourself craving alcohol, drinking a lot more than usual, please see your Dr. right away. Some SSRI's can cause alcohol cravings, a propensity to drink a lot and violent behaviors when mixing alcohol and SSRI's. Not all SSRI's are the same and what may work for some may not work for you. Keep communication and working with your Dr. until you find something that works for you. SO VERY IMPORTANT TO KEEP IN CONTACT WITH YOUR DR. If he/she does not listen, FIND A NEW ONE, PRONTO!
Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain...
TinMan
Posted by carolina on July 5, 2005, at 18:04:38
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by compguy on July 5, 2005, at 15:44:30
thanx i appreciate it and i'll def. ask
Posted by Phillipa on July 5, 2005, at 18:05:36
In reply to Re: what should I do? HELP, posted by TinMan on July 5, 2005, at 16:06:49
Don't recognize any of your names so you must be new to PBabble. Welcome! The effexor Thread goes back for years. Search the Archives and you'll see what I mean. There's a point where a lawsuit against Effexor was started. But still a lot of people have great success on it. Just google in effexor. Look at the withdrawal board too. Those are the people who are now trying to stop. It's important to make informed decisions about what you put into your body. I thinks you all need to read more about other's experiences. Then when you do see your pdoc you will have educated questions to ask. just trying to help. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by carolina on July 5, 2005, at 18:06:53
In reply to Re: what should I do? HELP, posted by TinMan on July 5, 2005, at 16:06:49
that is 100% accurate so be careful
Posted by Phillipa on July 5, 2005, at 18:07:42
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by carolina on July 5, 2005, at 0:34:42
Meant to add. I too tried effexor. But i never got beyond 37.5mg. Only took it for a week. Don't know what would have been the results if I'd stuck with it. Good or bad. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by java874 on July 5, 2005, at 18:58:00
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by Phillipa on July 5, 2005, at 18:07:42
> Meant to add. I too tried effexor. But i never got beyond 37.5mg. Only took it for a week. Don't know what would have been the results if I'd stuck with it. Good or bad. Fondly, Phillipa
Can you tell me why you stopped after one week? I'm curious...I'm supposed to take one more 37.5mg before I go to 75mg, but am having success with my small dosage. I'm trying to get a prescription to stay at this low dose...no need to increase if I feel good now...
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