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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by SandyWeb on February 6, 2011, at 15:51:01
Hi guys. I used to post here years ago, but only come back rarely now. It's nice to see some familiar names still around (or maybe that's not nice). I'm taking my chances by posting on SuperBowl Sunday as my message will probably get lost (lol), but here goes.
The patent ran out on Effexor XR in 2010, so now you are given the generic form. But since the company still wants to bring in the bucks from that med, they took out a few additives and added some salts. It changed the structure, but it's still supposed to be the same as Effexor XR (although it's being toted as a new NSRI antidepressant).
I can't tolerate SSRIs, so I have very few options. Remeron was great, but I couldn't stop eating. Effexor XR was great, but my eyes went blurry and sometimes the water pressure within my eyeballs would become so GREAT that I thought they were going to rip open and explode. The pain was BEYOND! So I had to stop that.
I'm using samples of Pristiq now, and either by removing the additives or adding the salts, I don't have the eye problem anymore and the med works very well and extremely FAST. After this incredibly long introduction (hee hee...I was holding you prisoner, I guess), here's my questions:
1. Has anyone used Pristiq for any length of time?
2. Have you had any problems with the medication?
3. Do you find that it continues to work?
4. Does it make a difference to up the dose from 50mg to 100mg (the max...and they only come in 50mg time-release tabs).
5. This med is NOT covered because they say it has no benefits that the generic Effexor XR can achieve. I can NOT afford Pristiq, and my eyes can't tolerate Effexor XR. What can my doctor do to ensure that I receive this med? Contact the pharm company? I have no idea, and need HELP here.
6. I have tried almost every med out there (other than the old-timers and MAOIs, which I am staying away from). The only other option I can think of is a stimulant. Maybe Ritalin. Something to give me energy, focus, and confidence.I should mention that I am being treated for anxiety...big-time agoraphobia right now. I take 12mg Klonopin and 100mg of a beta blocker each day. It helps with the anxiety, but does nothing for the depression (which I feel coming on as some major stressors are upcoming). If I went on a stimulant, the anti-anxieties would help me not freak out and I could actually be productive! But for now, my last straw is Pristiq.
Sorry for the length. When you don't see many people, I guess you can tend to gab a lot on the computer. Lol. Thanks for reading this far, and for any suggestions you can offer. Good luck to you all.
Sandy
Posted by SandyWeb on February 6, 2011, at 15:54:38
In reply to Pristiq (the new Effexor XR), posted by SandyWeb on February 6, 2011, at 15:51:01
> Hi guys. I used to post here years ago, but only come back rarely now. It's nice to see some familiar names still around (or maybe that's not nice). I'm taking my chances by posting on SuperBowl Sunday as my message will probably get lost (lol), but here goes.
>
> The patent ran out on Effexor XR in 2010, so now you are given the generic form. But since the company still wants to bring in the bucks from that med, they took out a few additives and added some salts. It changed the structure, but it's still supposed to be the same as Effexor XR (although it's being toted as a new NSRI antidepressant).
>
> I can't tolerate SSRIs, so I have very few options. Remeron was great, but I couldn't stop eating. Effexor XR was great, but my eyes went blurry and sometimes the water pressure within my eyeballs would become so GREAT that I thought they were going to rip open and explode. The pain was BEYOND! So I had to stop that.
>
> I'm using samples of Pristiq now, and either by removing the additives or adding the salts, I don't have the eye problem anymore and the med works very well and extremely FAST. After this incredibly long introduction (hee hee...I was holding you prisoner, I guess), here's my questions:
>
> 1. Has anyone used Pristiq for any length of time?
> 2. Have you had any problems with the medication?
> 3. Do you find that it continues to work?
> 4. Does it make a difference to up the dose from 50mg to 100mg (the max...and they only come in 50mg time-release tabs).
> 5. This med is NOT covered because they say it has no benefits that the generic Effexor XR can achieve. I can NOT afford Pristiq, and my eyes can't tolerate Effexor XR. What can my doctor do to ensure that I receive this med? Contact the pharm company? I have no idea, and need HELP here.
> 6. I have tried almost every med out there (other than the old-timers and MAOIs, which I am staying away from). The only other option I can think of is a stimulant. Maybe Ritalin. Something to give me energy, focus, and confidence.
>
> I should mention that I am being treated for anxiety...big-time agoraphobia right now. I take 12mg Klonopin and 100mg of a beta blocker each day. It helps with the anxiety, but does nothing for the depression (which I feel coming on as some major stressors are upcoming). If I went on a stimulant, the anti-anxieties would help me not freak out and I could actually be productive! But for now, my last straw is Pristiq.
>
> Sorry for the length. When you don't see many people, I guess you can tend to gab a lot on the computer. Lol. Thanks for reading this far, and for any suggestions you can offer. Good luck to you all.
>
PS: I'm in Canada, so I don't have as many options in meds as the US.> Sandy
Posted by Phillipa on February 6, 2011, at 17:45:38
In reply to Re: Pristiq (the new Effexor XR), posted by SandyWeb on February 6, 2011, at 15:54:38
Hi Sandy remember you. As for posting definitely down today. I do know some babblers that have taken pristiq. Some had good results and some not. Typical of any med I guess. Hoping you definitely get some responses. Phillipa
Posted by SandyWeb on February 6, 2011, at 18:15:45
In reply to Re: Pristiq (the new Effexor XR) » SandyWeb, posted by Phillipa on February 6, 2011, at 17:45:38
Hi Phillipa. I remember you, too! Gosh, you were always so helpful to everyone. I can't believe to still see some old-timers (by no means am I referring to you as "old". Hee hee!). Thanks for the response. Yeah, football is the star today. Time for me to watch some old Andy Griffith reruns. LOL! Have a great day, hon.
Sandy
Posted by B2Chica on February 7, 2011, at 10:07:18
In reply to Pristiq (the new Effexor XR), posted by SandyWeb on February 6, 2011, at 15:51:01
1. ive used it. for about 1 year worked well for me (went off cuz got pregnant/nursing) recently went back on it.
2.no problems except lost some excess hair. (but blessed with really thick hair) so no problem.
3.bad part is it took 8-10 weeks to really kick in. then worked Great.
4. no, i at one point went up to 100, and i didnt notice anything (this was during upstart)
5. i think someone told me once that you can contact pharm co. and get some help with their meds.
6.i tend to use ritalin/adderall for mood enhancers as well. (pdoc big on that)
7. caution as ritalin and like meds can increase anxiety, which can also make depression worse. bad cycle. so keep track if you mood/anxiety decreases/increases after you start ritalin or such.
8. and i didnt know that about pristiq. i have pretty good insurance but i had to buy my pristiq for this month and bill came to $88!! and i think that was even cheaper than no ins. purchase! yikes. i hope that was only cuz new to meet deductable! otherwise i'll be forced to change.
no prob. and you needed the legnth to get all info across. no worries.
take care
HTH
Posted by SandyWeb on February 8, 2011, at 17:20:51
In reply to Re: Pristiq (the new Effexor XR) » SandyWeb, posted by B2Chica on February 7, 2011, at 10:07:18
Thank you, B2Chica. You are so organized! And I appreciate that you took the time to read my thesis (lol) and responded.
I love the fact that you had some hair loss. LOL. I have thick hair, too, and it's a pain always having to get it thinned out. I'll never go BALD, so Pristiq might be my new hair-care friend! *smile*
I actually found that Pristiq (or any med that deals with norepinephrine rather than serotonin) works from Day 1. I feel the difference the very next day. It's like my brain is so happy to have the right amount of that neurotransmitter sticking around. BUT....I've found that by the next morning, I can't notice the med and I feel that depression right on the edge. I tried 100mg, thinking that might help, but there was absolutely no difference. The norepinephrine just doesn't seem to last strong enough for 24-hours. Does anyone know what Pristiq's half-life is?
As for using stimulants, I don't think that will be a problem for me. I used crystal meth for 4 years when I was in my 20's (double that age now and add a couple more..lol). We bought rocks, not the cut powder). I was SO productive and socialable and when I put my mind to a project, it got done...OVER-done! I would really focus on it. All this was before my anxiety issues, though. I've only had "mental health issues" for the past 6-7 years. Lots of past traumas. But I know stimulants help me, and the anti-anxieties plus beta blocker will keep me from freaking. I'm just not sure what my doc will think of the idea.
I definately go through mood swings, and it drives me crazy. It only happens when I'm PMS'ing, so there are many times that I'm not even aware that is the cause because I'm not keeping an eye on the calendar. I can get so depressed...but once my period starts, the depression goes away. Every month...UGH!!! I can't imagine what menopause is going to do to me!! LOL. But I also have clinical depression when stressors are just too much for me. I attempt suicide, and I don't want to be in situations like that any more. If Pristiq isn't available to me, I'm really hoping my doc will go with stimulants WITH the anti-anxieties.
By the way, I'm in Canada and so many of the meds you have available aren't ready for us yet. Cymbalta was just approved here, but only for diabetics. I don't understand that. There is not an Exception Status for it to be used in cases of depressed patients in need of norepinephrine antidepressants. Such is life.
Thanks again for all the information you posted. It was very helpful!
Hugs,
Sandy
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