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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by KristiVegas on December 1, 2006, at 22:09:39
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by shocker147 on December 1, 2006, at 9:46:32
> Hello! I've had great success on Effexor XR but before you should take it you should know it has a reputation for being the HARDEST drug to stop taking. The withdrawal symptoms are extremely painful.
>
> If you're having problems paying for Effexor XR then you should ask your doctor about the Patient Assistance Program offered by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. I read on the web yesterday that Wyeth is already fighting a bid by Teva Pharmaceuticals to begin manufacturing the drug when the patent expires in June of 2008. Wyeth and Teva reached a compromise which says the generic will be launched in 2010. So there is a long time to go yet. Although I'll be chided for this I would suggest going to www.inhousepharmacy.com and ordering the generic Effexor XR made in India (called Venlor XR). Just as good.I'm a tad scared about what you said about the withdrawal. Can you be specific about the "painful"? I'm on 225mg a day & I'm just as irritable and angry the day I started taking it. I'm going to continue until my ins changes Jan2007 then go see a new Doc for something different. I want to have a smooth transition to the new med but if it's really that bad, I'm not sure I want to go down that road.
KristiV
Posted by dsm3r on December 2, 2006, at 16:01:11
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by KristiVegas on December 1, 2006, at 22:09:39
Hi Kristi -
Just read your post about coming off of Effexor. You can read the medication contra-indications sheet that is provided with your medications. It should tell you what to expect.
As for personal experience, what ever you do - DO NOT STOP COLD TURKEY!!!!!!! What the doctor should do is "titrate" meaning slowly lower your doseage so that you come off the medication without or minimal side effects.
When you stop suddenly, it throws your system into complete chaos. Your body cannot regulate your body temperature, you get hypothermic, then your temperature raises. Your body feels like it's been hit by a semi - it is very painful. You can get excessively tired, irritable, majorily depressed. You can have seizures, loss of motor control (difficulty walking, talking), loss of consciousness and death.
When I was refused my medications by an inept mental health agency, I went through about 90% of the above symptoms. The effect was immediate. Absolutely horrenduous. I am now on 300mg of Effexor. The lower the doseage, the PROBABILITY
of severe side effects are lessened, but there are still side effects.Also note, medications are adjusted higher or lower in an effort to find the maximum theraputic benefit to the patient, while minimizing adverse affects. That is why it's so frustrating. However, only you will know what is working and what is not. Listen to what your body is telling you and relate that to your doctor. If the doctor is not listening or is condescending, kick him/her to the curb and get another. You will be your best adovcate.
Sorry for the long post - I hope this helps. If you have any ?'s let me know.
Blessed journeys -
Posted by KristiVegas on December 9, 2006, at 22:06:35
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » KristiVegas, posted by dsm3r on December 2, 2006, at 16:01:11
Thank U so much for all the info. I'm on 225mg and feeling no improvement at all. I have an appt w/my Doc on 12/18 and I'm going to tell him it's not working. I've been on this dosage for 2 months. I can't even imagine what it must have been like for U coming off the med. It sounds horrendous!!! I've read enough to know that you can NEVER come off a med cold turkey. I've found that I have side effects that no one else has had. I had a very bad reaction to Paxil(Tinnitis) and my OBGYN said she'd never heard of that side effect with Paxil. My psychologist is going to test me Monday for Bi-Polar-maybe I'm just not taking the right med. I'd really like to get this straightened out-I really don't like myself right now.
KRISTI
Posted by dsm3r on December 10, 2006, at 21:03:11
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by KristiVegas on December 9, 2006, at 22:06:35
Hi Kristi -
You're welcome. I would think after 2 months you should be feeling better. I'm glad that you are going to your doctor. From what I know, it takes a while to get a bi-polar dx. Usually it's diagnosis of depression treated with anti-depressants. After a while, the anti-depressants bring out the mania. Yee-hah!!!! I started with Prozac and life was retro-hippy beautiful. Then the mania hit. To this day, I still can't figure out how I spent $1,000 in half a day. LOL. I wish the best for you and will keep you in my prayers. Best of the Holidays to you.
Blessed journeys> Thank U so much for all the info. I'm on 225mg and feeling no improvement at all. I have an appt w/my Doc on 12/18 and I'm going to tell him it's not working. I've been on this dosage for 2 months. I can't even imagine what it must have been like for U coming off the med. It sounds horrendous!!! I've read enough to know that you can NEVER come off a med cold turkey. I've found that I have side effects that no one else has had. I had a very bad reaction to Paxil(Tinnitis) and my OBGYN said she'd never heard of that side effect with Paxil. My psychologist is going to test me Monday for Bi-Polar-maybe I'm just not taking the right med. I'd really like to get this straightened out-I really don't like myself right now.
> KRISTI
Posted by gabbie on December 11, 2006, at 17:59:37
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Okay it's been almost 3 months... I can tell I don't worry as much, but I have my bad moments. Never called the doctor back, he didn't call me and I don't feel like wasting money to hear "well you can up the dose or change"... i'm confused. I might up it because I can tell I changed, but I am still feeling crappy crappy and irritable.
Posted by dsm3r on December 11, 2006, at 21:41:03
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by gabbie on December 11, 2006, at 17:59:37
Hi Gabbie -
I just read your post - I hope I'm not intruding here. But what is the doseage that you are on? What is the doseage the doctor plans to up you to?
It seems that by 3months, you should be feeling better than what you are now. What else has the doctor said? Is he a psychiatrist, psychologist or medical doctor? If you feel like talking, let me know. I hope that you will be feeling better soon
Blessed journeys
Posted by gabbie on December 13, 2006, at 12:58:50
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » gabbie, posted by dsm3r on December 11, 2006, at 21:41:03
> Hi Gabbie -
> I just read your post - I hope I'm not intruding here. But what is the doseage that you are on? What is the doseage the doctor plans to up you to?
> It seems that by 3months, you should be feeling better than what you are now. What else has the doctor said? Is he a psychiatrist, psychologist or medical doctor? If you feel like talking, let me know. I hope that you will be feeling better soon
> Blessed journeys- I am on 150. I havn't talked to the doctor because he never called me back. It is a regular medical doctor. I would think that by 3 months I should feel better too. I know I'm better, but I don't feel exactly how I thought I would. I still get nervous and shaky and my head spins occasionally when I think about certain things that shouldn't even bother me.
Posted by dsm3r on December 14, 2006, at 0:08:57
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by gabbie on December 13, 2006, at 12:58:50
Hi Gabbie -
150mg of effexor is really low. If you are feeling a little different, I would think the doctor should up your meds some. (I am not a doctor by any means, but I've been in this business for 20+ years as well as being treated. It's just my opinion.) I have a hard time with medical doctors who prescribe psychotropic medications. They just aren't qualified to understand mental illness' and medications used.
Is there anyway you can see a psychiatrist or get into a mental health program where you are living?
If the doctor hasn't called you back, get on the phone and keep calling until you do get a response.Also let the doctor know that you are experiencing other symptoms. It sounds to me like anxiety. You will need a med to help you with that. The only thing that comes to mind is Paxil. (I am so brain-dead right now I can't think of any medications.)
If there is anyone else that might now of any anxiety meds that have worked for them, ask them on this board.
I know you feel like crap, and I feel for you. But the "bright" side, is, that it's ok. We've all been there and have made it. You will too.
Keeping you in my prayers.
Blessed journeys
> > Hi Gabbie -
> > I just read your post - I hope I'm not intruding here. But what is the doseage that you are on? What is the doseage the doctor plans to up you to?
> > It seems that by 3months, you should be feeling better than what you are now. What else has the doctor said? Is he a psychiatrist, psychologist or medical doctor? If you feel like talking, let me know. I hope that you will be feeling better soon
> > Blessed journeys
>
>
>
>
>
> - I am on 150. I havn't talked to the doctor because he never called me back. It is a regular medical doctor. I would think that by 3 months I should feel better too. I know I'm better, but I don't feel exactly how I thought I would. I still get nervous and shaky and my head spins occasionally when I think about certain things that shouldn't even bother me.
>
Posted by gabbie on December 19, 2006, at 5:44:28
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by dsm3r on December 14, 2006, at 0:08:57
Well that's why I went on something in the first place, to get rid of the anxiety... so that being a side effect is ridiculous.
Posted by MaggieinATL on December 19, 2006, at 17:33:53
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by gabbie on December 19, 2006, at 5:44:28
I was on 300 mg of Effexor. I could NOT stop sleeping. I finally told my doc this wasn't "it". We decided to try a Wellbutrin/Effexor combo. I'm now on 75mg of Effexor and 300 mg of Wellbutrin. I feel 100% better. I'll probably go off Effexor totally in the next month to six weeks. It got me through a very bad time in my life and I am thankful. I am also glad I've moved to something that doesn't make me as sluggish and feel so dizzy.
Good luck to all of you!!
Posted by Phillipa on December 19, 2006, at 19:17:03
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by gabbie on December 19, 2006, at 5:44:28
I had to quit it due to the high anxiety it created for me even while on xanax. YMMV. Love Phillipa
Posted by KristiVegas on December 19, 2006, at 22:43:16
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by dsm3r on December 14, 2006, at 0:08:57
Gabbie,
My Pdoc put me on Xanax as an anti-anxiety. I've also been on Klonopin too and both worked well for me.
KristiVegas
Posted by KristiVegas on December 19, 2006, at 22:54:44
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by MaggieinATL on December 19, 2006, at 17:33:53
DSM3R
Your comments were interesting. I'm on 300mg now after begging my PMD to do SOMETHING because I'm not getting any better after having been 225mg for 2 months. I had additional testing last week and found to be Bipolar w/Depressive Personality Disorder/Paranoid Personality Disorder w/Avoidant Personality Traits/Dysthymic Disorder. I don't feel Effexor is what I should be on but my PMD doesn't want to put me on a mood stabilizer YET.
He also prescribed 5mg Xanax 2xday & 5mg Ritalin 1xday. Based on your yrs of experience, what do say? I'm pretty frustrated right now.........
KristiVegas
Posted by Phillipa on December 19, 2006, at 23:02:48
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by KristiVegas on December 19, 2006, at 22:54:44
Kristi did you mean 5mg of xanax or .5? As 5mg of xanax is a large dose. l0 is above the daily limit think that's 8? But that is high very high. 2 is about normal. And to me only I would seek a second opinion on the mood stabalizer or call your doc again. It's a pdoc right? You should have one. Love Phillipa
Posted by chickey on December 20, 2006, at 8:32:30
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by KristiVegas on December 19, 2006, at 22:54:44
Does anyone have any information about pregnancy while on Effexor? My husband and I would like to have a child but I am scared. My doctor is saying it would be fine but there would be a slightly higher chance of complications. Does anyone know anything further? I am also wondering about after if post partum would be worse?
Posted by KristiVegas on December 20, 2006, at 21:42:30
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » KristiVegas, posted by Phillipa on December 19, 2006, at 23:02:48
Phillipa,
Sorry, its .5 on the Xanax. I have 2 docs- an MD (psychiatrist) and a Therapist.
KristiVegas
Posted by Phillipa on December 20, 2006, at 21:59:53
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by KristiVegas on December 20, 2006, at 21:42:30
Phew I was concerned. Love Phillipa
Posted by dsm3r on December 21, 2006, at 23:19:36
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?- pregnancy, posted by chickey on December 20, 2006, at 8:32:30
>Hi cristie -
I don't know about Effexor and pregnancy. I was on Prozac and Nuerontin when I was pregnant. My psychiatrist took me off my medications and monitored me. She said that I should be fine because the pregnancy would produce enough hormones for me to maintain my illness. I was fine throughout my pregnancy - aside from my own medical condition. I have a hard time carrying a baby to full term - lots of miscarriages. My son was born 1 month premature and was in perfect health. He even scored a 10 out of 10 on the APGAR SCORE.
I went back on my meds about 1 week after he was born and was not allowed to breast feed. No post partum depression.
Talk to your doctor some more, research some more about drug interactions and pregnancy, and talk to some other women who have been where you are. A few of my women friends with bi-polar have children and they were fine throughout the pregnancy. The kids are all healthy.
I hope this helps.
Blessed journeysDoes anyone have any information about pregnancy while on Effexor? My husband and I would like to have a child but I am scared. My doctor is saying it would be fine but there would be a slightly higher chance of complications. Does anyone know anything further? I am also wondering about after if post partum would be worse?
Posted by KristiVegas on December 22, 2006, at 0:42:10
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » KristiVegas, posted by Phillipa on December 20, 2006, at 21:59:53
P,
Yeah, talk about being over-medicated............
Kristi
Posted by barry79 on December 22, 2006, at 18:05:19
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by MaggieinATL on December 19, 2006, at 17:33:53
hi there........i have just been prescribed effexor xr by my doctor due to having feelings of dissasociation. i have no past history of anxiety or depression. i have had increased anxiety and insomnia from effexor but i have only been taking it for 2 days now at 75mg a day. im not to sure if this is the drug for me but my doctor seems to think so. the dissacotiation has been going on for about 7 months now sometimes worse and sometimes better. any ideas??? thanks
Posted by bjoj on January 15, 2007, at 12:34:55
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Just started on the 37.5 mg of this medication, to be stepping up pretty rapidly I think. However, just like with the Celexa I was on last year, when I first started I had some sexual side effects, specifically that I could not achieve orgasm.
However, with this med, although it took a loooong time getting there and a bunch of concentration, I was able to get there...and it was mindblowingly good. Anyone else get this?
Posted by Hagbard on January 17, 2007, at 17:39:33
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by barry79 on December 22, 2006, at 18:05:19
Hi. I take 225mg/day. The general sleep disturbances have typically discontinued after a couple of weeks at the same dosage, though one persists for me. I awaken 3 to 4 hours after falling asleep and feel alert and rested for about an hour before becoming quite tired again. If i go back to sleep, it takes significantly longer to become alert once I awaken.
More disturbing for me were the 3-4 weeks of lucid dreaming I experienced for the first hour or so after getting up. These experiences also lessened in frequency, duration and intensity after I had reached my optimal dosage, though it took nearly 2 months.
I would also suggest to anyone here that they peruse "The Chemistry of Joy" and explore the nutritional and spiritual paths to coping with depression.
Good Luck
> hi there........i have just been prescribed effexor xr by my doctor due to having feelings of dissasociation. i have no past history of anxiety or depression. i have had increased anxiety and insomnia from effexor but i have only been taking it for 2 days now at 75mg a day. im not to sure if this is the drug for me but my doctor seems to think so. the dissacotiation has been going on for about 7 months now sometimes worse and sometimes better. any ideas??? thanks
Posted by KristiVegas on January 17, 2007, at 22:44:08
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » barry79, posted by Hagbard on January 17, 2007, at 17:39:33
You just described the same symptoms I continue to experience & I've been on Effexor since July 2006. I'm on 300 mg now and have been for a month working up from 37.5. The additional item for me is the tremors and jerking I experience when I'm falling asleep. I actually fell asleep at a conference last week and upon waking up starting jerking and twitching as well as talking in my sleep. Thankfully there were only 6 other people in the room and I was sitting at the end of the table. But it's things like that that make we wonder whether it's worth all the additional issues.
KristiVegas
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 18, 2007, at 19:44:29
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » barry79, posted by Hagbard on January 17, 2007, at 17:39:33
> I would also suggest to anyone here that they peruse "The Chemistry of Joy" and explore the nutritional and spiritual paths to coping with depression.
Welcome! And sorry to make things complicated, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding nutritional and spiritual paths to Psycho-Babble Alternative and Psycho-Babble Faith. Here's a link to the former:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20070114/msgs/723786.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by markymark on February 17, 2007, at 19:44:24
In reply to Re: Quitting Effexor, posted by Cam W. on April 24, 2000, at 7:31:48
hey...i was on effexor xr 75mg for 5 years. In the past 4 months I felt like it wasnt working. I got down to 37.5mg and surprisingly felt no side effects. Now I am trying to come off of it. I skipped one dose the other night and the next day I was exhausted and really felt "out of it". Obviously it's going to be difficult but a friend suggested to buy some empty capsules at the health food store and put granules from the 37.5 in those, that way I can cut down real slowly. Anyone have experience with this method? Knowing that it will all pass is very comforting. YOGA really helps!
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