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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by SaraNicole on March 17, 2006, at 4:04:41
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by Shel on July 18, 2000, at 1:35:45
I have been taking effexor XR for 6 months and most of the time I beleive that it has helped me emensly. Ive gained self esteem and become an independent person, I left my husband and I now have a great job all because of my new demeanor. Most of the time I feel numb. The problem is if I miss a dose even by an hour the side effects are SCARY! Extreme anxiety, sometimes very strong suicidal feelings! I left my husband of 8 years and while my meds are in my sytem I feel it was the right choice but when they arnt it was the worst decision I could have ever made!!!
Has anyone else experienced feelings like this?
Am i going to be dependent on something so scary for the rest of my life?
Are my feeling really my own when the drugs are in my system?
Has anyone else had these questions while on Effexor XR?
Posted by crxsi on March 17, 2006, at 10:10:53
In reply to Re: Side effects and withdrawal, posted by hopkins on March 16, 2006, at 16:09:34
Hi the insomnia is normal considering it is a stimulant. Everytime my Dr increased my dose I would experience insomnia for about three to four weeks until my body ajusted to it. I did have to take a mild sedative during these times for sleep but now am off them.
I can totally relate to your eyes being shut and the time passing but feeling like you have not slept. I functioned like that for weeks until I could not move I was so lethargic. Anyways as soon as I went to the Dr. and starting taking Ativan 0.5mg at hs when needed It I was fine. Good Luck and it will go away!!
Posted by crxsi on March 17, 2006, at 10:20:12
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by SaraNicole on March 17, 2006, at 4:04:41
Hi I have been on effexor for about four months it has changed my life in a positive way. However I know what you mean about having different feelings on the medication. I have been married for nine years and we never wanted kids. Now that I am feeling great that is all I can think about. We have decided to try this summer.
However when anything goes wrong and I become extrememly anxious I think how could I be so silly to think I could have a child with this illness. Anyways this is where counsilling is very important to help you think through these issues. Did you see a cousillor before you made the desicion? I also find on effexor that it has taken away alot of my inhibitions. Something that makes me nervous at times. However I do feel more myself on the medication.
I guess my big challange will be trying to wean off it in a couple months to become pregnant. Take care!
Posted by demon_child_cin-666 on March 17, 2006, at 11:51:58
In reply to Re: Side effects and withdrawal, posted by hopkins on March 16, 2006, at 16:09:34
I felt that reaction from the Effexor as well, except that I started taking it in the morning and by lunch I couldn't eat, and eating is one of my favourite things to do. I also experienced the dry mouth and weakness, sometimes I had to hold on to the wall to keep from collapsing. For me the insomnia didn't start right away but once it did staying up for 2 or 3 days in a row was no problem. Just remember there is no need to panic, these are all side effects of the medication. You and your doctor will have to figure out a way to let you have a restful nights sleep even if it takes some time. For me the answer was trazadone to help me stay asleep (about 5-6 hrs.) and valium to help me fall asleep. That's just what worked for me.
Posted by demon_child_cin-666 on March 17, 2006, at 12:12:56
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by SaraNicole on March 17, 2006, at 4:04:41
Did you ever have thoughts of leaving your husband before you started on the Effexor, even when you were feeling a little bit well?
The side effects of Effexor can be very scary. Sometimes they get worse, sometimes they get better. If the side effects of taking your dose late are that scary, do you really want to take it?
Maybe you should take a mental health day and go somewhere quiet, like a library or a park, depending on where you live, and think about these things. Make a pros and cons list. eg. my husband - pro - he's stuck by me for 8 years. - con - ?
Just slow down aand think! I know the Effexor made everything about me speed up.
Take a few slow deep breathes, in through your nose and out through your mouth. Try to clear your mind and then when your ready, tackle the important issues one at a time.
Take care.
Posted by demon_child_cin-666 on March 17, 2006, at 12:29:23
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by crxsi on March 17, 2006, at 10:20:12
Losing your inhibitions is also a sign of mania.
I was on Effexor for 8 months and I was up around 600mg a day. It caused me to go into rapid-cycling mood swings, with the worst manic episodes that I have EVER experienced
Posted by SaraNicole on March 17, 2006, at 12:36:31
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! » SaraNicole, posted by demon_child_cin-666 on March 17, 2006, at 12:12:56
No, I never had thoughts of leaving my husband before EffeorXR. Its almost like I now have 2 personalitys one, with no feelings when I have the drugs in my system and another, that has panick attacks when theres no drugs in my system. Originaly I started taking the pills for anxiety. I never had any panic attacks before effexor!! How I feel about things are so polar opposite at times that im not sure who the true me is! Ive decided (unless I change my mind when i take my next pill) that im going to stop taking effexor but im scared because of the side effects. =(
Posted by demon_child_cin-666 on March 17, 2006, at 12:41:36
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by SaraNicole on March 17, 2006, at 12:36:31
It's a scary thing to think about.
When you feel up to it maybe you should phone your husband and tell him what has been going on. This will probably be the hardest part. Ask him to bare with you. And if you know that you still love him start by saying, "I love you, and I'm sorry."
Good luck
Posted by dotty1 on March 17, 2006, at 17:53:25
In reply to Re: anyone been on effexor xr for more than 1 year, posted by crylt73 on March 10, 2001, at 12:51:59
hi, yes i have been on effexor for 4 years now, i am starting to feel very anxious and depressed again and im having simular symptoms as when i have missed one. I also get strange head rushes when i get anxious,or irritated, i dont really want to go back to the doctors as i am already on 150mg and i don't want to be put on a higher dose.
Posted by TinMan on March 17, 2006, at 18:11:37
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! » crxsi, posted by demon_child_cin-666 on March 17, 2006, at 12:29:23
> Losing your inhibitions is also a sign of mania.
>
> I was on Effexor for 8 months and I was up around 600mg a day. It caused me to go into rapid-cycling mood swings, with the worst manic episodes that I have EVER experienced
>Whoa! Cin-666,
You were on 600 mg of Effexor a day? That is almost 2x the recommended daily dose. I am wondering whose care you were under...a MD or a Psychiatrist?
I had an MD prescribe a too high dose of Paxil for me for several months. I am still cleaning up the mess.
Now Effexor takes away my Generalized Anxiety but certainly not my inhibitions. I do things now without the usual anxiety and second thoughts. I like that!
~TinMan
Posted by demon_child_cin-666 on March 17, 2006, at 22:40:25
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by TinMan on March 17, 2006, at 18:11:37
Sadly it was my psychiatrist. I told him that the Effexor wasn't helping me with my symptoms and he increased the dose. Even when it sent my Lithium levels into the toxic range, he told me to stop taking the Lithium and then raised the dose of the Effexor again.
I would like to describe what happened, but my thoughts are very scattered today, and I'd probably start repeating myself a lot, and then make no sense at all.
Posted by demon_child_cin-666 on March 17, 2006, at 22:41:58
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by TinMan on March 17, 2006, at 18:11:37
Sadly it was my psychiatrist. I told him that the Effexor wasn't helping me with my symptoms and he increased the dose. Even when it sent my Lithium levels into the toxic range, he told me to stop taking the Lithium and then raised the dose of the Effexor again.
I would like to describe what happened, but my thoughts are very scattered today, and I'd probably start repeating myself a lot, and then make no sense at all.
Posted by LynneDa on March 18, 2006, at 21:47:25
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by SaraNicole on March 17, 2006, at 4:04:41
Hi Sara Nicole -
You sound confused about why you left your husband. Are you happier? Can you identify problems in your marriage that were irreconcilable? You say you feel it was a bad decision when you are off meds. Why? Are you able to see a counselor who could help you sort through this and answer these sorts of questions?I understand about the weird feelings when you miss a dose or are late taking it. My anxiety and just weird feelings increase in the same way. I am also a little scared of this med! But, I honestly don't think the meds make me think thoughts that are not my own. They may make me braver or stronger than I would be without them and sometimes I say things out loud that normally I would only think - nothing terrible, but definitely more assertive than I normally would! I feel a little numb to the consequences.
Remember these things: 1.) DO NOT just go off this med cold turkey. 2.) There are lots of other meds out there that might work for you, ask your pdoc. 3.) You aren't alone, there are lots of people here who care about you :-)
~ Lynne
******************************************I have been taking effexor XR for 6 months and most of the time I beleive that it has helped me emensly. Ive gained self esteem and become an independent person, I left my husband and I now have a great job all because of my new demeanor. Most of the time I feel numb. The problem is if I miss a dose even by an hour the side effects are SCARY! Extreme anxiety, sometimes very strong suicidal feelings! I left my husband of 8 years and while my meds are in my sytem I feel it was the right choice but when they arnt it was the worst decision I could have ever made!!!
>
> Has anyone else experienced feelings like this?
>
> Am i going to be dependent on something so scary for the rest of my life?
>
> Are my feeling really my own when the drugs are in my system?
>
> Has anyone else had these questions while on Effexor XR?
Posted by Majik on March 19, 2006, at 12:28:29
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by TinMan on March 6, 2006, at 9:17:44
I been on Effexor XR for about 5 days, Starting on 37.5mg, then to 75mg next week, and I believe (not to sure) I go up to 150mg. I take them for Panic Attacks (about one everyday) and Social Phobia. I was taking Ativan since January, which at 1st, was a good quick fix. When I first started (effexor), I was tierd all day, when I yawned, I felt that electric shock thru my body, werid huh? So I guess I should expect that when I go up to 75mg-150mg. I do have a few questions.
1. How long is usually the treatment process? (I read here people been on it for years)
2. Does Effexor have any reactions with Oxycocet? (what I have read is that it only cause more drowsieness)
Posted by detroitpistons on March 20, 2006, at 9:24:58
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by Shel on July 18, 2000, at 1:35:45
The first time I took Effexor, it was a wonder drug for me too. It was a complete 180 degree change. My depression was gone, I had feelings of well being, my anxiety was completely eliminated, and I had confidence for the first time in my life. I felt transformed. Then Effexor pooped out after about a year and a half and I was back to my old depressed self again. If you've ever read the book Flowers for Algernon, that's exactly how I felt. I went from feeling transformed to deteriorating back to my original condition.
After that, the next two SSRI's (Paxil and Lexapro) didn't really work. Last August I started getting depressed again and then finally crashed hard. That's when I got back on Effexor. However, this time it was different. My depression lifted, but I felt "weird." I was extremely agitated, nervous, anxious, irritable, quick tempered, more aggressive, had high energy (but nervous energy, not the good kind), required less sleep, and was somewhat impulsive.
My doctor said I was hypomanic and diagnosed me Bipolar II and put me on Lamictal which is a mood stabilizer. I've responded pretty well to the Lamictal. It's calmed me down a lot and and improved my mood. But I'm not convinced of the bipolar II diagnosis. I'm thinking that maybe this was an isolated event, just a bad reaction to Effexor. Effexor is very strong and acts on Norepinephrine. I think a norepinephrine overload may have caused these symptoms.
take care
> I too have had problems with depression for the last 7 years. Crying for no reason, could not sleep, couldn't eat, feeling out of control of my life, turning mole hills into mountains.
>
> I first on Zoloft for about a year was just fine, then quit (thought I could handle life without "having to take drugs" and slowly went down hill over the next 6 months.
>
> Went back on and was on it for a couple more years, felt great and decided I was all better and went off of it and crashed again- this time in 3 months. Tried Zoloft again, this time-no relief. Then tried Wellbutrin for a month, felt a little better, but not like before. Then tried Efferox XR.
>
> Started slow and built up to 150mg per day. Wonder drug! I love it! Have been on it over a year. No side effects to speak of. During the last 9 months I have managed to survive a move from Indiana to Austria (no kanagroos here) for a 3 years ISP assignment with my husband's company. We had to sell our house, cars, leave family, friends, my job and our horse behind with less than a 2 month notice. Stranger in a strange land and they don't speak much English in these parts. Yes I have had to learn German. Sprechen sie Deutsch?
>
> I have survived! Have had some down days over the last 9 months that I attributed to more of loneliness and boredom and winter blahs than from depression. Summer's here and I am great!
>
> Work with your doctor for the right level- give it time to build up in your system- a month prehaps and you should see positive results as I have.
Posted by Alexander1 on March 20, 2006, at 15:14:48
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! » Shel, posted by detroitpistons on March 20, 2006, at 9:24:58
Hi all! Yes, I believe Effexor works for the lightest forms and deepest forms of depression. I think there is no doubt about it's effectiveness. I have taken it for a year or so and for me, I am not liking it. I take two 37.5 mg pills. I started on Prozac for some anxiety, stress relief and mild depression. Cannot remember why my doc and I changed over to Effexor - probably thinking there was supposed to be few side effects. I am now trying to get down to one a day, then zero. If I need something again, it will not be Effexor, probably the Prozac, as it is easy to go through the discontinuation syndrome with it.
I have stopped Effexor on some occasions - like not renewing the prescription at the right time and being on a trip and so forth. This is not a good thing to have happen. The drug is really, really tough on the system when stopped suddenly. I have tried to just drop off slowly -to one pill a day, a 50% reduction, and that is also a mistake. It will help to go down 10% a week on this drug to get it out of your system. Which means something like what I am trying - two pills one day, one the next, back to two, and so forth for a week or so; then, work down to one a day, then miss a day, then miss two days, etc. In other words, use time as your way of cutting down - as, of course, they do not make smaller doses.
I have had dizzy feelings, chest pains (thought it was a heart issue), sick feelings, headaches, and muscle pain with the withdrawl epidodes.
I have read, and now believe, that Effexor is the absolute worse discontinuation syndrome antidpressant made. I wish that I had never taken it at all. Some people will change doctors after getting off the drug they are so angry (not really your doc's fault).
For my self, I think it is highly addictive and, perhaps, the makers designed it that way. Once on, they say it can be for life. Not a good thing for some. I do not mean here for those happy with it to be put off with what I am writing, I just wanted to give my experience and thoughts on the drug. I hope I do not need to go through life on this kind of drug but, if I do have to, I can live with that. However, I will not go another round with Effexor. There is good info and sites out on the Net to help with the withdrawl. If any one is interested and this site allows it, I could post links.
Dealing with depression is a tough way to live each day and it is really hard to talk with those that have never experienced the darkness that takes over, so I am glad I can connect here.
Posted by Dr. Pritt on March 20, 2006, at 15:16:55
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
IFYOU HAVE BEEN HARMED BY THE DRUG EFFEXOR or EFFEXOR XR, PLEASE CONTACT ME IMMEDIATELY at
WITH A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR ADVERSE EXPERIENCES WITH THIS DRUG. I WILL CONTACT YOU ASAP BY EMAIL. THANK YOU.
Doctor Pritt
Posted by jacobs on March 20, 2006, at 16:27:57
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by Alexander1 on March 20, 2006, at 15:14:48
hi yes im trying without sucess to get off effexor, i dropped from 75 to 37.5 and it was horrible, scared me to death! i need to find out how to get off this the right way. thanks tonya
Posted by detroitpistons on March 20, 2006, at 16:34:12
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by jacobs on March 20, 2006, at 16:27:57
Tonya,
You should suggest to your doctor using Prozac (much longer half life) to help get you off of Effexor. A lot of people have done this successfully. Usually, once they get to about 37.5 mg, they take a small dose of Prozac for a week or two and then they're done. I heard it works pretty well.
> hi yes im trying without sucess to get off effexor, i dropped from 75 to 37.5 and it was horrible, scared me to death! i need to find out how to get off this the right way. thanks tonya
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 21, 2006, at 17:06:36
In reply to FINALLY, AN END TO EFFEXOR!!! PLUS NEW HELP!!!, posted by Dr. Pritt on March 20, 2006, at 15:16:55
> Doctor Pritt
Welcome! But could you let me know, either here or by email, what kind of doctor you are?
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#pick
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 21, 2006, at 17:13:14
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by jacobs on March 20, 2006, at 16:27:57
> hi yes im trying without sucess to get off effexor...
Sorry to interrupt, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding getting off effexor to Psycho-Babble Withdrawal. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20060228/msgs/623008.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by strungout on March 24, 2006, at 10:42:16
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by Racer on October 25, 1999, at 19:54:13
Hi there,
My doc just prescribed me Effexor XR 75mg and I've never been on any sort of anti-depressant before. Occassionally i'll take one of my dad's anxiety pills if I REALLY need it but other than that nothing. Should I be worried? What am I to expect on average?
Posted by jacobs on March 24, 2006, at 21:43:14
In reply to This is my first time taking anything, posted by strungout on March 24, 2006, at 10:42:16
i would strongly sugest that you research this drug before you decide. be informed! the insert with this does not tell you how hard this is to get off of. i myself think if you are going to be taking this for anxiety there are better options. but that is just my though. see that is why i was put on it. well got over the panic through therapy but hooked on effexor. and it is a bitch to come off of. i know im trying right now. it sucks. now for some people this drug is great for them. im just telling you how i feel about it.
Posted by tizza on March 25, 2006, at 4:17:34
In reply to Re: This is my first time taking anything, posted by jacobs on March 24, 2006, at 21:43:14
> i would strongly sugest that you research this drug before you decide. be informed! the insert with this does not tell you how hard this is to get off of. i myself think if you are going to be taking this for anxiety there are better options. but that is just my though. see that is why i was put on it. well got over the panic through therapy but hooked on effexor. and it is a bitch to come off of. i know im trying right now. it sucks. now for some people this drug is great for them. im just telling you how i feel about it.
I could not agree with Jacob more. I can not BELIEVE that any doctor would put you on anything that STRONG if you have never been prescribed anything like this for yourself before. Effexor is horrendous to come off for some people and I was one of them, it was pure hell on earth and I wouldn't wish it upon my worst enemy. I personally think it should be banned but on the other hand it has helped my sister greatly. I personally would go for something that isn't so addictive and so strong. Maybe try a SSRI first (prozac, luvox, zoloft, celexa etc......instead of a SNRI like effexor. Good luck and I hope you find something that works for you but taking effexor first isn't a good idea in my opinion. Paul
Posted by detroitpistons on March 25, 2006, at 10:28:58
In reply to Re: This is my first time taking anythingstrungo, posted by tizza on March 25, 2006, at 4:17:34
>>Effexor is horrendous to come off for some people and I was one of them, it was pure hell on earth and I wouldn't wish it upon my worst enemy. I personally think it should be banned but on the other hand it has helped my sister greatly.
It's a good drug for people who don't respond to SSRI's. I knew fully about the drawbacks of Effexor when I started taking it, but I was so depressed that I felt it was the lesser of two evils....Also, if you withdraw with your doctor's assistence, I think it's possible to have a relatively good withdrawal. I think taking Prozac for a few weeks to come off Effexor is a underutilized strategy. Effexor has a very short half life and Prozac has a very long half life, so it makes for a smooth transition and withdrawal.
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