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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by gabmeister on July 2, 2006, at 13:05:16
Several years ago when I was first diagnosed with depression, my doc was also concerned about the fact that I was no longer leaving the house except to go to work (and that was extremely traumatic every day). Went on the Effexor and was seeing not only family-doc but psycho-doc.
My problem is not that I am afraid to leave the house, I just don't wanna go outside. Come home from work Friday nite and don't leave the house til Monday morning. Just sit in (and am quite content to do so). Poor hubby has to do everything alone. A week holiday? Stay in the house each and every day. Seem to have noooo motivation. I'm just flat.
Anyone else? Any suggestions? I don't want to simply sit in front of the t.v. for the rest of my life. The ONLY thing that gets me out is work and that's only 'cause it's an evil necessity.
Supposed to go our our eldest daughter's tomorrow for Father's Day. I'm already trying to figure out how to get out of going. Thinking of faking a really bad headache. Kinda wanna go BUT it's just so much effort. Just don't feel like putting that much energy into anything (even though I love my hub dearly).
Help.
Posted by SLS on July 2, 2006, at 13:05:16
In reply to I'm not afraid, I just don't wanna...., posted by gabmeister on June 17, 2006, at 12:23:22
> Several years ago when I was first diagnosed with depression, my doc was also concerned about the fact that I was no longer leaving the house except to go to work (and that was extremely traumatic every day). Went on the Effexor and was seeing not only family-doc but psycho-doc.
>
> My problem is not that I am afraid to leave the house, I just don't wanna go outside. Come home from work Friday nite and don't leave the house til Monday morning. Just sit in (and am quite content to do so). Poor hubby has to do everything alone. A week holiday? Stay in the house each and every day. Seem to have noooo motivation. I'm just flat.
>
> Anyone else? Any suggestions? I don't want to simply sit in front of the t.v. for the rest of my life. The ONLY thing that gets me out is work and that's only 'cause it's an evil necessity.
>
> Supposed to go our our eldest daughter's tomorrow for Father's Day. I'm already trying to figure out how to get out of going. Thinking of faking a really bad headache. Kinda wanna go BUT it's just so much effort. Just don't feel like putting that much energy into anything (even though I love my hub dearly).
>
> Help.
Are you more flat now than before you started taking Effexor?Drugs like Effexor (serotonin reuptake inhibitors) can produce or worsen apathy and amotivation. It sounds like you are still depressed and might profit from a change in medication.
Do you experience anxiety all of the time or only in certain situations? Sometimes, anxiety can be the result of depression when one is forced to do things that are outside their comfort zone. Unfortunately, the comfort zone left by depression is very small. For me, sometimes it is limited to the couch in front of the TV.
Why don't you post these questions on the main Psycho-Babble board.
- Scott
Posted by over 55 on July 2, 2006, at 13:05:16
In reply to Re: I'm not afraid, I just don't wanna...., posted by SLS on June 17, 2006, at 13:00:53
HI,
Gabmeister, you were one who responded to me when I first joined this site about a week ago. I understand the "no motivation" part. My energy will only go so far so I have become very picky about choices I make to extend myself. I am the one with the "want to" busted!! I really think it has to do with the Effexor. Even things that bring me pleasure are just too much effort. So at times I just have to make myself. I say that as I have already canceled tonights plans to play in my "card night" with the girls. I just didn't want to do it. I justifiy it by telling myself I don't have to if I don't want to. Like you say, the job is a have to; but the rest is "fluff" I can choose from. Since I am weaning off Effexor I hope my energy and "want to" will return. I hope you get some answers too!!
Posted by Phillipa on July 2, 2006, at 13:20:54
In reply to Re: I'm not afraid, I just don't wanna...., posted by SLS on June 17, 2006, at 13:00:53
Scott it is the main board. Love Phillipa
Posted by Jost on July 2, 2006, at 14:48:14
In reply to Re: I'm not afraid, I just don't wanna.... » SLS, posted by Phillipa on July 2, 2006, at 13:20:54
I also mostly think that it's not wanting to--- but when I think more deeply, the reason is the effort it involves--which stems from how emotionally taxing being with people is. Dealing with the anxiety, and emotional disregulation on many spectrums, is what's too much work.
Maybe another AD would be worth trying, since the Effexor hasn't gotten you where you want to be. Sometimes therapy with an AD helps to chip away at the wall.
Jost
Posted by mike lynch on July 2, 2006, at 20:51:46
In reply to Re: I'm not afraid, I just don't wanna...., posted by Jost on July 2, 2006, at 14:48:14
I know exactly what you mean, when I was on prozac, if it werent' for my friends pressuring me to go out, or school, I probably would have stayed in every day. It's a horrible apathetic, flat, strange feeling that makes you loathe, even the idea of going out.
Posted by willyee on July 3, 2006, at 0:09:35
In reply to I'm not afraid, I just don't wanna...., posted by gabmeister on June 17, 2006, at 12:23:22
I am totaly feeling you,i shoot up in the morning,do situps or etc,breakfast yada,shave shower iron and get dressed........prapring to go out.
Then usualy when im dressed,BANG something happens and i end up on the net or in my room all day,i cant get past this sticking point.
On rare days,ill call em the nightmare days,i wont even make it to getting dressed,my clothes stay hung over my chair netaly ironed.
i NEVER make it to getting dressed,however usualy i have that morning energy and do.
Why am i hitting this sticking point???
Posted by elsie_girl on July 4, 2006, at 4:36:30
In reply to Re: I'm not afraid, I just don't wanna...., posted by willyee on July 3, 2006, at 0:09:35
Hi all! I recently went off Efexor and found my motivation levels have gone up. Have been sick also so it hasn't helped me to continue this motivation. What is interesting though, was that I have been recently told that Efexor was a drug mostly designed for people that were institutionalised to keep them in check - drugged out. Don't know the truth in this, but I was on Zoloft for 7 years before the Efexor (4 yrs on that) and didn't quite have as many problems with the motivation, energy etc.
I do know that did have times before the meds (pre AD's) where I had trouble with motivation etc. but not as much as with the Efexor - and I did not realise it until I went off it. I was sleeping for 10-12 hrs/day and sometimes it wasn't enough (this was at a dose of 375mg/day). My energy levels were so low that cooking tea etc. was too much of a strain and my housekeeping went out the window. Have been so much better the last few weeks after going off Efexor, even though I have been sick. I feel more energetic, motivated and clear-headed.
I guess everyone's reaction to a particular drug will be different. It's hard to know what is the drug sometimes and what is depression. But, I can certainly identify with not even getting dressed etc. because I did the same thing as well. I also think it has to do with the amount of effort involved to do it.
Good luck to you - you are not alone!
Posted by gabmeister on July 29, 2006, at 20:51:17
In reply to Re: I'm not afraid, I just don't wanna.... » willyee, posted by elsie_girl on July 4, 2006, at 4:36:30
Hi to everyone. Haven't been on the site for almost a month. thank yo so much for your kind thoughts.
Gotta say, I've been feeling better since I've started weaning off this drug. In case anyone didn't know my past, also been on Prozac (not good... envisioned myself killing my most beloved hubby - scared the hell outta me - got off that drug real quick!) Been on Paxil (turned into a walking zombie - gained 40 pounds - no life - even worse than Effexor).
The Effexor helped me when I needed it but then seemed to turn against me. I'm now down to 37.5 a day from 225. It's taken me a few months to get this far. My energy level is going up. Do you know I actually do a few things now? Stripped wallpaper last week...had been "thinking" about if for months and only now can make myself do it. I'm not flogging any products, p l e a s e believe me! But someone at work got me onto this product "Isogenex". Within 4 days my energy levels went up and people at work actually told me that I had done a complete 360. My husband has noticed as have the kids. Right now I don't know if it's this heavy duty vitamin / mineral suff or getting off the Effex that's doing it. I don't care. All I know is I'm starting to feel human again. I'm now at the point where I'm trying to get the Effexor level even lower and the only way I know to do that is to get rid of the little round "things" in each capsule. Was on Effexor many years ago but it was the pills and they were much easier to get off of because at least the pills you could cut into little pieces. These d**n capsules are so hard to deal with. anyone have any suggestions? Even when I wasn't coming to the site I still thought about you all. Bless you all. I say a prayer each night. May god get us through this. My thoughts are with you.
Posted by over 55 on July 31, 2006, at 14:49:57
In reply to Re: I'm not afraid, I just don't wanna...., posted by gabmeister on July 29, 2006, at 20:51:17
> Hi to everyone. Haven't been on the site for almost a month. thank yo so much for your kind thoughts.
> Gotta say, I've been feeling better since I've started weaning off this drug. In case anyone didn't know my past, also been on Prozac (not good... envisioned myself killing my most beloved hubby - scared the hell outta me - got off that drug real quick!) Been on Paxil (turned into a walking zombie - gained 40 pounds - no life - even worse than Effexor).
> The Effexor helped me when I needed it but then seemed to turn against me. I'm now down to 37.5 a day from 225. It's taken me a few months to get this far. My energy level is going up. Do you know I actually do a few things now? Stripped wallpaper last week...had been "thinking" about if for months and only now can make myself do it. I'm not flogging any products, p l e a s e believe me! But someone at work got me onto this product "Isogenex". Within 4 days my energy levels went up and people at work actually told me that I had done a complete 360. My husband has noticed as have the kids. Right now I don't know if it's this heavy duty vitamin / mineral suff or getting off the Effex that's doing it. I don't care. All I know is I'm starting to feel human again. I'm now at the point where I'm trying to get the Effexor level even lower and the only way I know to do that is to get rid of the little round "things" in each capsule. Was on Effexor many years ago but it was the pills and they were much easier to get off of because at least the pills you could cut into little pieces. These d**n capsules are so hard to deal with. anyone have any suggestions? Even when I wasn't coming to the site I still thought about you all. Bless you all. I say a prayer each night. May god get us through this. My thoughts are with you.
So good to hear from you again and know that things are getting better. I have read from other post about taking the capsules apart and doing just what you seem to be doing....take parts at a time. I used Omega 3 to wean off and it seemed to help. I was the one who had Prozac prescribed to wean off to and used it and then decided to get off it all so have been off everything about 3 weeks now. It took a month to get off 225mg of Effexor though and many others have done it much more slowly than that. You just have to listen to your body and follow the lead. I know I was on AD's for many years and just thankful I am not "too bad off" without them. I have had to do alot of "control work" with my temper etc; as I seem to be more irritated than usual and still fighting the fatique. May go get some of the stuff you mentioned. There are still a few residual withdrawal symtoms besides fatique. I have random shooting pains in my legs and feet that "shoot the leg out involuntarily" and have some "shakes" in my hands. My blood sugar seems whacky at times.but all in all I am doing quite well. So take heart that there is life after Effexor!!! It feels so wierd to wake up and ready to get out of bed when I used to want to lay there all day, but had to drag my butt to work. I will keep you in my prayers and hope it goes well for you!! Keep posting.
Posted by gabmeister on July 31, 2006, at 18:21:27
In reply to Re: I'm not afraid, I just don't wanna...., posted by over 55 on July 31, 2006, at 14:49:57
> So good to hear from you again and know that things are getting better. I have read from other post about taking the capsules apart and doing just what you seem to be doing....take parts at a time.
I've gone off Effex befor and it took quite some time. Those were the pills (which aren't "extended release" and it was easier 'cause you can actually cut the pills into little piece. The capsules are brutal.
I used Omega 3 to wean off and it seemed to help. I was the one who had Prozac prescribed to wean off to and used it and then decided to get off it all so have been off everything about 3 weeks now. It took a month to get off 225mg of Effexor though and many others have done it much more slowly than that. You just have to listen to your body and follow the lead. I know I was on AD's for many years and just thankful I am not "too bad off" without them. I have had to do alot of "control work" with my temper etc; as I seem to be more irritated than usual and still fighting the fatique. May go get some of the stuff you mentioned. There are still a few residual withdrawal symtoms besides fatique. I have random shooting pains in my legs and feet that "shoot the leg out involuntarily" and have some "shakes" in my hands. My blood sugar seems whacky at times.but all in all I am doing quite well. So take heart that there is life after Effexor!!! It feels so wierd to wake up and ready to get out of bed when I used to want to lay there all day, but had to drag my butt to work. I will keep you in my prayers and hope it goes well for you!! Keep posting.
>
Honestly! I kid you not ... the Isogenix stuff is a bit pricey but I can't begin to describe how great it makes me feel.I have also started getting muscle cramps every morning. And the "shakes"? Embarassing. I swear I must look like I'm an alcoholic with delerium tremours ("the D.T.'s). But I'll get through this.
Ditto for the "moods", "flipping out". About a month ago, someone posted, trying to put a positive slant on things, but the way I read it... holly Nelly! I flipped and gave them a blast! I was reminded through the site to "be civil". I apologized because everyone deserved the apology, especially the person who posted the msg I reacted to. It is sooooo not like me.
but this too shall pass.
Things are going pretty well. Take my stuff every morning and not only do I split the capsules I also remove a few little "roung things" each day.
I know I'll get there. I know we all will. It just take times. God help us all and my prayers are with everyone.
I thank this site. It's really helping. Suggestions, sharing symptoms.
Anyone who has never been her will just never understand.
God bless. Take care. Tomorrow is anorther day. We will ge through it.
me
Posted by over 55 on August 1, 2006, at 9:24:08
In reply to Re: I'm not afraid, I just don't wanna...., posted by gabmeister on July 31, 2006, at 18:21:27
> > So good to hear from you again and know that things are getting better. I have read from other post about taking the capsules apart and doing just what you seem to be doing....take parts at a time.
>
> I've gone off Effex befor and it took quite some time. Those were the pills (which aren't "extended release" and it was easier 'cause you can actually cut the pills into little piece. The capsules are brutal.
>
> I used Omega 3 to wean off and it seemed to help. I was the one who had Prozac prescribed to wean off to and used it and then decided to get off it all so have been off everything about 3 weeks now. It took a month to get off 225mg of Effexor though and many others have done it much more slowly than that. You just have to listen to your body and follow the lead. I know I was on AD's for many years and just thankful I am not "too bad off" without them. I have had to do alot of "control work" with my temper etc; as I seem to be more irritated than usual and still fighting the fatique. May go get some of the stuff you mentioned. There are still a few residual withdrawal symtoms besides fatique. I have random shooting pains in my legs and feet that "shoot the leg out involuntarily" and have some "shakes" in my hands. My blood sugar seems whacky at times.but all in all I am doing quite well. So take heart that there is life after Effexor!!! It feels so wierd to wake up and ready to get out of bed when I used to want to lay there all day, but had to drag my butt to work. I will keep you in my prayers and hope it goes well for you!! Keep posting.
> >
> Honestly! I kid you not ... the Isogenix stuff is a bit pricey but I can't begin to describe how great it makes me feel.
>
> I have also started getting muscle cramps every morning. And the "shakes"? Embarassing. I swear I must look like I'm an alcoholic with delerium tremours ("the D.T.'s). But I'll get through this.
>
> Ditto for the "moods", "flipping out". About a month ago, someone posted, trying to put a positive slant on things, but the way I read it... holly Nelly! I flipped and gave them a blast! I was reminded through the site to "be civil". I apologized because everyone deserved the apology, especially the person who posted the msg I reacted to. It is sooooo not like me.
>
> but this too shall pass.
>
> Things are going pretty well. Take my stuff every morning and not only do I split the capsules I also remove a few little "roung things" each day.
>
> I know I'll get there. I know we all will. It just take times. God help us all and my prayers are with everyone.
>
> I thank this site. It's really helping. Suggestions, sharing symptoms.
>
> Anyone who has never been her will just never understand.
>
> God bless. Take care. Tomorrow is anorther day. We will ge through it.
>
> me
>
>I am going to look up Isogenix right now and see where to get some as I was real.l.l.ly not wanting to get out of bed today. I have over 700 hours of sick leave earned, but keep saving them in case I need them, but was really tempted to use some today. Finally got out of bed and in the shower....but was late (1 hour). Not really a big deal as I will just work late today; but really unlike me. It is sweltering here too so that doesn't help. It was already 85 at 8 this morning and going o 100+ (YUK)!!
About the irritability. I wonder if the Effexor made my skin thinner?? ( : I think I will just blame it on that!!
Posted by elsie_girl on August 5, 2006, at 0:19:44
In reply to Re: I'm not afraid, I just don't wanna...., posted by over 55 on July 31, 2006, at 14:49:57
Hi to everyone! I have been watching the posts and can identify with a lot of the symptoms of "life just after Efexor". I am now on Lovan (Prozac?) which really helped with the irritability even though my energy levels have gone down a bit again. I wanted to try being drug free but have resigned myself to the fact that I may not be able to. I have learnt a lot about AD's and the way they affect your body - especially in the last few months.
After seeing the posts here and all the symptoms of withdrawals I don't feel quite so crazy. I had so many weird symptoms, but think I am now normalising - finally. I have lost 3kgs since coming off Efexor (without trying), stopped dripping with sweat (even in the winter - which it is here now), stopped 3 thousand trips to the toilet of a nighttime, my head (thinking) is much clearer and my hair is now starting to thicken up and grow back. Any of this sound familiar???
Anyway, I have just been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) after the 11 years I think I may have beeen suffering from it. Unfortunately, I also had RSI so it was difficult to know it wasn't just RSI. AND depression can also accompany FMS so maybe some of my symptoms can also be attributed to the FMS. I know the AD's help me cope. I have had chronic muscular pain for so long that it becomes a part of you (unwelcome though it is). I bet there are many more on this site who have depression and suffer from FMS or CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) as well.
Anyway, sounds like everyone here is able to find ways of coping. If it hadn't been for the support and posts from this group I could well have booked myself into the 'nut house' because I DID think I was losing it.
I am in Australia so I don't think the Isogenix (??? is that what it is called???) is available here and anyway my budget is very stretched as it is. Would one of you who have tried it perhaps post a list of ingredients - there may be a similar product available in Australia under a different supplier. Would appreciate it!
Good luck to you all. I love to read the posts when I am notified of them. Keep posting and let us know how you are all travelling.
Elsie girl
Posted by gabmeister on August 5, 2006, at 10:33:35
In reply to Re: I'm not afraid, I just don't wanna.... » over 55, posted by elsie_girl on August 5, 2006, at 0:19:44
HI, I'm the one who brought up the Isogenix. They have products galore, but there are 4 that I swear by.
"Cleanse for Life" four onces daily, mixed with eight ounces spring water - Aloe Vera (inner heart filet); IsaLyte (trademarked as a proprietary blend which means we don't know what's in that); Suma Tea (pfuffia paniculata); Pau D'Arco tea; Fennel Seed Tea; Burdock Tea; Siberian Ginseng Tea; Peppermint Tea; Licorice Tea; Choline Bitartrate; Inositol; Betaine HCI; L-methionine.
"Ionix Supreme" - 1 ounce, two times a day - Wolberry extract; Sorrel Flower extract; Velvet Bean;MSM; Siberian Golden Root; Rhidodendron Causcasium; Ashwaghanda Extract: Schizandra Extract;Tribula Terrestris Extract; Maca Extract; Nepali Shilajit Extract; Bamboo Extract; Isalyte (there's that tradmark protected proprietary blend again) trace minerals; Bacopa Extract; Harada; Siberian Ginseng; Alpha-Lipoic Acid; Blueberry Extract; Ginger Extract; Hibiscus Flower Extract; Kiwi Juice concentrate; Watermelon Juice.Natural Accelerator - 1 capsule, 2 times a day - Niacin; Chromium; apple cider vinegarGreen tea extract; Pau D'Arco; Alpha Lipoic Acid; Cinnamon; White Willow; Ginseng;Yucca; Royal Jelly.
The last product is called "Want More Energy". (Can't give the ingredients right now, left the container at work. But it's great. It's an electrolyte "sports" type drink - lemon-lime flavour - but unlike other sports drunks (like Gatorade - ugh!) it's not like drink a container of sugar. It's tart and really quenches thirts.
Anyhow, that's Isogenix. (They also have other products likes soups, etc, the the above 4 are the ones I've fit into my life.) I personally know 8 other people at work who take this stuff. One thing we all comment on is the energy. I've eaven had a few people (who don't know what I'm taking) say I've done a "complete 360". The other (and ever so wonderful) thing we all agree on is that we sleep much better and the quality of the sleep is good. Sleep weel, but don't feel comatose in the morning; or wake up a hundred times a night. I used to wake up all the time in the night and each time my mind would start working overtime. Now? If I do wake up, I go right back to sleep.
Anyhow. I'll shut up now. I wish you all the best through another day. Take care. This too shall pass. We will overcome this hell.
me
Posted by Dr. Bob on August 7, 2006, at 18:47:15
In reply to Re: I'm not afraid, I just don't wanna...., posted by gabmeister on August 5, 2006, at 10:33:35
> HI, I'm the one who brought up the Isogenix.
Sorry to interrupt, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding Isogenix to Psycho-Babble Alternative. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20060704/msgs/674634.html
Thanks,
Bob
This is the end of the thread.
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