![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 197 to 221 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by shar on August 9, 2000, at 13:13:52
In reply to Re: New to Effexor » DJR, posted by Cam W. on August 4, 2000, at 19:54:47
Cam,
I believe I've seen on PB situations where people have lowered their AD dose, and found it more effective. I take Effexor XR 300 mg and I don't want to up it, and I was thinking about lowering it.I think I'm beginning to experience a "poop out" with it.
I'm also on Wellbutrin SR so I guess that could be the one pooping out....maybe a trial where I lower one, see what happens, if no change go back to regular dose, then lower the other? Try to isolate what's what.
Any info will be appreciated.
Thanks,
Shar
Posted by kazoo on August 9, 2000, at 21:42:06
In reply to Re: First time, these post worry me. » Max, posted by Jennifer on August 9, 2000, at 4:19:42
> Xanax is really only to be taken on a "regular" basis for up to six weeks.
> You can develop a tolerance to it, and become addicted.
> Neither of these things are awful, depending on your personality...whether you are addictive or not.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Jennifer, my dear, do you think you could explain more precisely what you mean by the last sentence above?
I don't quite grasp it.
> Now, as far as Effexor is concerned, I don't care WHAT medication it is...if it helps, then you needed it.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Of course you don't mean to include illegal drugs, yes? Goofball = Heroin + Methamphetamine, this helps some.
There are those who drink (to excess) for medicinal reasons.
Does your reasoning include these kinds of situations?It's sort of a broad statement ... a generalization ... a fallacy, you know.
Ever yours, my dear, kazoo
Posted by elizabeth777 on August 9, 2000, at 22:17:57
In reply to Re: First time, these post worry me. » Max, posted by Jennifer on August 9, 2000, at 4:19:42
> Max,
> Xanax is really only to be taken on a "regular" basis for up to six weeks. You can develop a tolerance to it, and become addicted. Neither of these things are awful, depending on your personality...whether you are addictive or not. It was good to hear that your doctor was looking for something that would help you out through the entire transition period. Often when there are major stressors in life, the effects can hang around for up to a year. He was just looking out for your psychological well being.
> Now, as far as Effexor is concerned, I don't care WHAT medication it is...if it helps, then you needed it. Just because some people have a certain side effect on it, doesn't mean you will at all. I could be the best thing in the world for you! The other good news is, that since you don't feel that you are markedly depressed, if you should have significant side effects from the effexor, your doctor should easily try you out on something new.
> My last point of advice is to really try and pinpoint how you are feeling. If you are only stressed at work, and when you are at home, everything is great, perhaps you don't need the antidepressant. There are other long term anti-anxiety meds out there that he could prescribe. If this is what you really want to try, tell him that, with the stipulation that you will continue with followups to monitor your progress and determine if antideppresants are what you need. Jennifer> > Max ,I completly agree with Jennifer she made some very good points.
Posted by Max on August 9, 2000, at 22:38:46
In reply to Re: First time, these post worry me. - MAX, posted by shar on August 9, 2000, at 13:03:20
Hey, thanks for the responses. My problem is that I’m in a high stress situation and at times, I find it overwhelming to the point I must leave work (shortness breath, unclear thinking, emotional, not having good judgment during this) . This has happened only twice in the last 2 months, but its been building. Depression never entered my mind. Yes, I find the situation I’m in saddening, seeing a team that’s been together for 10+ years that will now be competing against one another. We were on the edge of some great things and its now going to hell and back. I’m depressed when I THINK about it, but can get by it, I mean, worse things have happened. I have a ton of things to do at work and people are looking to me for answers. This has caused me great stress. Yes, I bring some of the stress home, mostly in the form of thinking about a strategy and not talking to my wife or playing with my kids. Sometimes I just want to zone out and be quite. It is this stress I want to get away from. I tried a valium once and it was the ticket. Very relaxed, no side effects, outgoing, and productive. That is what I need to be now. I would figure 20 5mg valiums would last me 3 months.
I’m not against taking meds of this type (anti-depressants) at all if I thought I needed them. Maybe the doc thinks it can help longer term (6+ months) anxiety situation. There is some depression in my family, sister is bi-polor, Grandparents alcoholic, mother border alci, but I have never had a problem.
>I also recommend that you become aware of all of >the different ways depression can present itself. It's not always in the form of being really "down" -- there are other signs also.
These may be signs, I don’t know. 1) Lack of desire to do the routine things I need to be doing, 2) wanting to avoid some subjects or some people altogether.
Haven’t been to the doc in 4 years. I was having a down day the day I saw the doc. Down in the sense that we all have highs and lows. I may have mis-communicated.
Would you say that before one can determine if this drug is needed, that a psychological analysis would be the best way to find out? 5 minutes with a GP……and then get this med??? Seems extreme to me.
Anyway, first day. No noticeable side effects. I felt good in the AM, a little tired in the PM (after 5), but that could have been the Xanax I took a 1PM. Maybe I should take one for a while to tell which is doing what. But, overall, I don’t like the idea this. Maybe there are non-medical ways to approach this. And don’t get the idea I against it in general, just in my situation.
Posted by Cam W. on August 10, 2000, at 1:26:15
In reply to Effexor dose--lowering it? Cam-anyone?, posted by shar on August 9, 2000, at 13:13:52
Shar - Lowering the dose does help in a few cases. This is usually most effective when side effect are a problem (eg lethary, a blah feeling - any side effects that mimic the depressive symptoms). I have seen lowering the dose help in certain instances involving SSRIs, TCAs and MAOIs. I haven't seen it with Effexor, but it does make sense from a pharmacological point of view.
Don't give up too soon on the dose that you are currently taking. Up days (weeks) and down days (weeks) are normal while taking antidepressants. You may have to feel crappy for a week or two before rendering a verdict of poop-out.
If poop-out is happening, I would probably blame the Effexor. But remember, as you lower the Effexor dose below 225mg you may be changing the Effexor from a dual action antidepressant (serotonin- and norepinephrine-reuptake blocker) to a single action antidepressant (an serotonin-reuptake blocker like the SSRIs). If indeed these are the mechanisms of action of antidepressants (sometimes I wonder). Lowering the dose could help or maybe it won't.
This is a complicated decision really, because of all the variables involved. Talk it over with you doctor and close friends and family, so they can watch for signs of relapse, if you do decide to lower the dose.
Sorry for the wishy-washy answer, but I hope you can muddle through it with those involved in your life. "Don't try this at home (on your own)" if possible. It is always better if someone else knows you are changing doses so that changes in mood can be quickly assessed.
Hope this does help some - Cam
Posted by Jennifer on August 10, 2000, at 2:14:28
In reply to Re: First time, these post worry me JENNIFER,dear, posted by kazoo on August 9, 2000, at 21:42:35
> > Xanax is really only to be taken on a "regular" basis for up to six weeks.
> > You can develop a tolerance to it, and become addicted.
> > Neither of these things are awful, depending on your personality...whether you are addictive or not.
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Jennifer, my dear, do you think you could explain more precisely what you mean by the last sentence above?
> I don't quite grasp it.Sometimes what my brain is thinking is not conveyed in my writing. Especially when I try to hurry, so I apologize. What I THINK I meant was:
You can develop a tolerance to Xanax, but who cares. If it now takes 2mg to do what .5mg did a year ago, does it really matter as long as it works? As far as the addictive part...I would consider myself "addicted" to Xanax, meaning I would not be able to tolerate my panic attacks without it. However, there are those that an addictive personality that take it even when they don't need it...just to feel the "cool feeling" you get with it. They enjoy just feeling "unstressed". I don't think that's ok. It's a medication for an illness or symptom, and as long as you have that illness or symptom, it's fine to use it.
>
> > Now, as far as Effexor is concerned, I don't care WHAT medication it is...if it helps, then you needed it.
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> Of course you don't mean to include illegal drugs, yes? Goofball = Heroin + Methamphetamine, this helps some. > There are those who drink (to excess) for medicinal reasons. > Does your reasoning include these kinds of situations? > It's sort of a broad statement ... a generalization ... a fallacy, you know. > Ever yours, my dear, kazooWell, I would not be opposed to an illegal medication if it worked. I think anything ("in general") that relieves the symptoms, but does not impair you in other ways, or exascerbate other personality traits, or is really crappy for your body should be ok. This is really broad, but, we say marijuana is illegal, but it helps with cancer pain. The pluses are greater than the negatives. Who cares?
There are other medications in other countries that are not yet legal here...if they work, should we not use them? Hey, I'm pretty "by the book" and I sure would. So the answer is, yes, within reason. And don't ask me what's within reason...I'm not the judge.Your legal drug taking friend,
Jennifer
Posted by shar on August 10, 2000, at 14:10:26
In reply to Re: Effexor dose--lowering it? Cam-anyone? » shar, posted by Cam W. on August 10, 2000, at 1:26:15
Cam,
Thank you for your response; I appreciate the time you take with questions like mine (duh-type). The information does help, and your suggestions are so (damn) sensible! They simply do not go along with my "I want what I want when I want it" attitude!:-)
Thanks, again
Shar> Shar - Lowering the dose does help in a few cases. This is usually most effective when side effect are a problem (eg lethary, a blah feeling - any side effects that mimic the depressive symptoms). I have seen lowering the dose help in certain instances involving SSRIs, TCAs and MAOIs. I haven't seen it with Effexor, but it does make sense from a pharmacological point of view.
>
> Don't give up too soon on the dose that you are currently taking. Up days (weeks) and down days (weeks) are normal while taking antidepressants. You may have to feel crappy for a week or two before rendering a verdict of poop-out.
>
> If poop-out is happening, I would probably blame the Effexor. But remember, as you lower the Effexor dose below 225mg you may be changing the Effexor from a dual action antidepressant (serotonin- and norepinephrine-reuptake blocker) to a single action antidepressant (an serotonin-reuptake blocker like the SSRIs). If indeed these are the mechanisms of action of antidepressants (sometimes I wonder). Lowering the dose could help or maybe it won't.
>
> This is a complicated decision really, because of all the variables involved. Talk it over with you doctor and close friends and family, so they can watch for signs of relapse, if you do decide to lower the dose.
>
> Sorry for the wishy-washy answer, but I hope you can muddle through it with those involved in your life. "Don't try this at home (on your own)" if possible. It is always better if someone else knows you are changing doses so that changes in mood can be quickly assessed.
>
> Hope this does help some - Cam
Posted by gerri_mww on August 11, 2000, at 1:46:44
In reply to Re: First time, these post w.... MAX - THANKS, posted by Max on August 9, 2000, at 22:38:46
Max,
Seems to me that you have symptoms of high anxiety. I was put on Effexor XR mainly for ADD but the plus my psych wanted was that Effexor very effectively diminishes anxiety and panic attacks. This maybe the reason the doc suggested Effexor for you, Not just for depression.
Like Jennifer said what-ever the reason or med. if it helps you, then take it. I also thought since my mild depression was secondary to ADD (let's treat the disease not the symptoms), I didn't think I really needed it. But turns out to really "boost" the effects of my stim to make it work better FOR me (the key here is the meds working for you--not you "needing" the meds)
Many times it may seem like a 5-minute diagnosis, but if the psych is good he has seen many similar cases and knows the route to take (like if you have a sore throat, he doesn't need to take tests to determine if it's due to a bladder infection-sorry about the bad analogy--just passed some kidney stones the past two weeks..LOL)
Anyway I hope you get what I am trying to say (obviously most of my meds are wearing off..LOL)
Also with the not wanting to be social is symptom of depression or anxiety. Not feeling your best and don't want to have to put on a show etc. Even if the only thing the Effexor does is to help you gain some sense of control over your emotions and thoughts to where you feel calm again, might be worth it. I know I felt totally tired the first two weeks (needed after noon naps) but I no longer need them now.
No matter what, it seems like just talking to a psych or counselor over things going on would help. Are they offering counseling for your co-workers? Seems with such a big change they would be wise to offer it.
Good Luck and keep writing here.
Gerri
Posted by gerri_mww on August 11, 2000, at 2:00:58
In reply to Re: Effexor dose--lowering it? Cam--Thanks!, posted by shar on August 10, 2000, at 14:10:26
I know somewhere sweating was mentioned in a few posts but with my ADDeral I am no longer obcessed to find it so forgive me if you have to repeat what you already have posted.
The only side effects I find that bug me (especially now that it is reaching near 100 degree temps here. I hate that my mouth is dry like the mojave but my hair is so wet it could make even the most die-hard surfers say "Cow-a-bunga Dudes!"
I think I remember someone saying they raised their doseage and the sweating was less in degree??
Would love to hear if anyone once had these side-effects and were able to diminish them with dosage levels (either higher or lower-although I think I may need a higher dose now).
Thanks!!
Gerri
Posted by K929 on August 11, 2000, at 7:14:42
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Yesterday my Doc changed me to Effexor XR for major depression. After Paxil, Celexa, Remeron, Xanax, Buspar, Trazadone, and Zyprexa, etc., not to mention an extra "40" lbs in a year, I'm not feeling very enthusiastic. PLEASE share with me some of the pros and cons of this "miracle drug" that I'm told is going to help get me on my way to feeling like a real person again, as well as discourage my urge to literally "feed" my depression.
Posted by NikkiT2 on August 11, 2000, at 8:26:44
In reply to Feeling like: Here I go again......, posted by K929 on August 11, 2000, at 7:14:42
Well, my first experience of Effexor XR was pretty rough. It made me very very hyper, I couldn't sleep at all, and felt like I was going totally and utterly insane. I hated it in other words.
BUT, then a month ago, my pdoc suggested I try it again, but in conjunction with an anti-psychitic to keep the edge of the Effexor down, and now, I do swear it to be my miravle drug. I'm on 300mg (150mg am and pm) and 45mg Thiorizadine spread over the day, and feel better than I ahve done for years. I've also been on so many different drugs I ever thought I'd find one that worked, but I honestly have.
My only problem now is my pdoc says I can only stay on this level of it for 3 months... ho hum!!
Nikki
Posted by cakes on August 11, 2000, at 9:36:48
In reply to Feeling like: Here I go again......, posted by K929 on August 11, 2000, at 7:14:42
I'm on my fourth week of Effexor XR. Doing much better. The only side effects I've noticed are night sweats and some constipation and urinary retention (:p). In the time that I tapered Serzone, started Effexor XR to present (4weeks), I have lost 6 lbs. I'm feeling pretty good, not completely like my old self, but I may just need a dose adjustment. I take my pill in the morning so any wired effects will be felt during the day. Other than what's listed, I have no complaints. I've read a lot about terrible withdrawals, but I'll deal with that when I have to.
Hope this helps a little. Good luck. Let us know how you're doing.
Cakes.
Posted by mark on August 11, 2000, at 21:12:51
In reply to Feeling like: Here I go again......, posted by K929 on August 11, 2000, at 7:14:42
I'm on my fifth week of Effexor XR. My depression is pretty minor, but has been
constant for the last several years. I've tried Pamelor, Prozac, Celexa, and Wellbutrin
and none had helped. My doc had me try Effexor XR and I started feeling better after
a couple of days. I figured it was just the new med excitement that "this will be the one".
But, the feeling has basically stuck around. I haven't done a complete turnaround, but at
least I feel like Effexor is doing something. I didn't feel like the others made me feel
anything.Only side effects I've had are dry mouth and sweating. I'm sitting in a freezing cold
computer room and sweat is dripping from my pits. Can't say anything about the eating
habits or weight. My weight has stayed pretty much the same throughout.Just remember to get the meds a chance. Stay on it for a couple of months as different
strengths before you decide if it is/isn't working.> Yesterday my Doc changed me to Effexor XR for major depression. After Paxil, Celexa, Remeron, Xanax, Buspar, Trazadone, and Zyprexa, etc., not to mention an extra "40" lbs in a year, I'm not feeling very enthusiastic. PLEASE share with me some of the pros and cons of this "miracle drug" that I'm told is going to help get me on my way to feeling like a real person again, as well as discourage my urge to literally "feed" my depression.
Posted by Cindy W on August 11, 2000, at 21:22:21
In reply to Re: Feeling like: Here I go again...... » K929, posted by mark on August 11, 2000, at 21:12:51
> I'm on my fifth week of Effexor XR. My depression is pretty minor, but has been
> constant for the last several years. I've tried Pamelor, Prozac, Celexa, and Wellbutrin
> and none had helped. My doc had me try Effexor XR and I started feeling better after
> a couple of days. I figured it was just the new med excitement that "this will be the one".
> But, the feeling has basically stuck around. I haven't done a complete turnaround, but at
> least I feel like Effexor is doing something. I didn't feel like the others made me feel
> anything.
>
> Only side effects I've had are dry mouth and sweating. I'm sitting in a freezing cold
> computer room and sweat is dripping from my pits. Can't say anything about the eating
> habits or weight. My weight has stayed pretty much the same throughout.
>
> Just remember to get the meds a chance. Stay on it for a couple of months as different
> strengths before you decide if it is/isn't working.
>
> > Yesterday my Doc changed me to Effexor XR for major depression. After Paxil, Celexa, Remeron, Xanax, Buspar, Trazadone, and Zyprexa, etc., not to mention an extra "40" lbs in a year, I'm not feeling very enthusiastic. PLEASE share with me some of the pros and cons of this "miracle drug" that I'm told is going to help get me on my way to feeling like a real person again, as well as discourage my urge to literally "feed" my depression.K929, I've taken Effexor-XR for the past 8 months (worked up to 375 mg/day) which I take in the morning...the sweating has pretty much disappeared, but I have an itchy rash that may or may not be related to the med. Also, I take Serzone 50-75 mg/night to help me sleep (although lately, I had to add some Benadryl to keep from scratching all night). I feel the Effexor-XR has totally changed my life (I'm not depressed like I was, my mind is quiet with no OCD obsessions running through it). I still have a ways to go to be "normal" but I feel a lot better. Tried it after failing on Prozac, Luvox, and Zoloft...Serzone was great but didn't touch the OCD. Have some orgasmic dysfunction on Effexor-XR (is slowed down), but I think I can live with that; and if I get desperate, temporarily decreasing to 300 mg/day pretty eliminates the sexual dysfunction. Hope it helps you too!
Posted by CourtneyRose on August 12, 2000, at 14:22:43
In reply to Feeling like: Here I go again......, posted by K929 on August 11, 2000, at 7:14:42
I've been taking effexor for almost a year now, it has significantly changed my life. Everyone's
chemical make-up is different but I hope this one's the one for you. The only side effect I've experienced is fatigue. Bonus: 11% of people have a loss of appetite, and it is said to usually cause weight loss rather than weight gain.
Good Luck
CourtneyRose
Posted by Sis on August 12, 2000, at 16:57:20
In reply to Re: effexor xr and side effects, posted by Ann on April 23, 2000, at 12:20:02
I started Effexor XR just yesterday, and about 4:00 AM this morning I awoke feeling "strange", anxious, a little nauseaous, and then my whole body felt like it was on fire, from the neck down. Lasted for about 2-3 minutes. Is this a common side affect, perhaps some sort of reaction, or do you all think it was unrelated? I haven't taken any today 'cause it really scared me.
Thanks, :-)
Posted by RL on August 13, 2000, at 16:38:47
In reply to Re: im trying to quit, im losing my mind, posted by Gerri_mww on July 9, 2000, at 14:36:45
> > > how can i get off this med, without losing my mind?
> >
> > James here....
> >
> > Taper then take Prozac for a few days. The prozac will slowly leave your body and end the problems you are having. I'm glad you found this space because we mention this trick often. Sorry your doc does not know about it, many do.
> >
> > james
>
> It sounds like the Effexor was really helping with anxiety. If the Prozac plan doesn't appeal to you maybe have your doc put your on Wellbutrin or Buspar for the panic until you are totally off the Effexor or as a med instead of the effexor to control anxiety. I was first on buspar but even at half a dose I felt drugged out so I switched to Wellbutrin for the anxiety. You also might try cutting out all forms of caffiene, I find that even having a chocolate bar will increase my chances of having an attack that day (and I have gone to the emergency room several times for "heart attacks" LOL).
> GerriI stopped taking Effexor 16 days ago after using it for two and a half years. I had to take a week off work because I was too "drugged" to deal with people. The only remaining side effects are that I am stupid (I have a great deal of difficulty thinking), as well as those bizarre "head rush" feelings.
I recently read in another website about a drug called ONDANSETRON, which can transition you off of Effexor. The Website is http://www.effexorfx.freeuk.com/webdoc8.htmSome Background. I tried Prozac, Paxil, Luvox, Anafranil, Nortriptaline, and many others. All worked spetacularly in eliminating (not reducing, eliminating) depression, anger and aggitation. They all also had sexual side effects. Since they all had sexual side effects and all worked, it didn't seem to matter which one I took. I picked Effexor and used it with just the one side effect. However, recently it hasn't been working as well and I was feeling sleepy, even though I was getting plenty of sleep. Because of these factors, along with the desire to find an antidepressant without the sexual side effects (Serzone and Remeron did not work for me) I decided to go off of Effexor, Unfortunately, when I stopped taking the Effexor, the depression, irritability and anger returned. I started Wellbutrin 5 days ago.
> > I am goimg to call my doctor and request that he call in a prescription for Ondansetron. I will post my results.
Posted by Tash on August 13, 2000, at 19:31:28
In reply to Re: New to Effexor, posted by DJR on August 2, 2000, at 21:01:53
I have been on Effexor (150mg)for 3 1/2 weeks now for depression and the side affects that Ive had are: Sweating and really red cheeks, really cold and uncirculated feet and a dry mouth. I was wanting to know whether anyone else has had the feet side affects. I am a little happier after a major depression so I think they maybe working for me.
Posted by A on August 18, 2000, at 9:02:04
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Dr. Bob
I wrote on 8/10 that I have had great success with Effexor XR. Why haven't you posted that? Are you posting only those follow-ups that include problems with the medication? Are you trying to make it seem as if Effexor XR causes nothing but side effects? Are you working for a drug company that produces another anti-depressant?
Posted by MH on August 18, 2000, at 22:22:05
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Ann on November 7, 1999, at 12:28:40
> I feel like Effexor XR saved my life, but I've had two severe relapses while on it! The regular Effexor worked after over a year of trying other drugs for my first severe depression. I had no luck with Prozac (made me too hyper to function), Zoloft (no side effects but still depressed), Paxil (too sleepy to function), Serzone (nauseated and still depressed), Wellbutrin (helped me lose weight but still depressed), Luvox (nauseated me, which made me more depressed), Elavil or Pamelor. With the first relapse while on Effexor, we tried a lot of different drugs, first to augment, and then to substitute, and finally went back to Effexor, and it pulled me out of it for another three years, but the last three months have been pure hell. My doctor is waiting for a new AD to go on the market that works on Norepinephrine, I can't remember the name but he says the studies show it's more successful for severe depression than SSRI's. Then we will try to wean off Effexor and get on this new drug. I pray it works!
Ann
I know its a bit late - but, do you know what the new drug was that you mentioned and was it good for you ????
MH
Posted by heidamommy on August 19, 2000, at 1:20:58
In reply to Re: I've had success. Why won't you print that?, posted by Dr. Bob on August 19, 2000, at 0:29:18
Posted by CourtneyRose on August 19, 2000, at 10:32:49
In reply to Re: I've had success. Why won't you print that?, posted by heidamommy on August 19, 2000, at 1:20:58
>
> Hello I have just started on effexor and I wondered if anyone had a view on when is the best time to take the med am or pm I am having problems sleeping either way!! I also wondered if anyone has had any weight loss the last med I was on made me gain 15 lbs in 3 months help> I've been taking effexor XR for a year now and it has change my life. It can cause mild drowsiness so I always take it before bed. It also causes loss of appetite in I think 11% of the people, and is more likely to cause weight loss than weight gain. Good Luck
CourtneyRose
Posted by RL on August 19, 2000, at 23:34:36
In reply to Re: im trying to quit, im losing my mind, posted by RL on August 13, 2000, at 16:38:47
> > > > how can i get off this med, without losing my mind?
> > >
> > > James here....
> > >
> > > Taper then take Prozac for a few days. The prozac will slowly leave your body and end the problems you are having. I'm glad you found this space because we mention this trick often. Sorry your doc does not know about it, many do.
> > >
> > > james
> >
> > It sounds like the Effexor was really helping with anxiety. If the Prozac plan doesn't appeal to you maybe have your doc put your on Wellbutrin or Buspar for the panic until you are totally off the Effexor or as a med instead of the effexor to control anxiety. I was first on buspar but even at half a dose I felt drugged out so I switched to Wellbutrin for the anxiety. You also might try cutting out all forms of caffiene, I find that even having a chocolate bar will increase my chances of having an attack that day (and I have gone to the emergency room several times for "heart attacks" LOL).
> > Gerri
>
> I stopped taking Effexor 16 days ago after using it for two and a half years. I had to take a week off work because I was too "drugged" to deal with people. The only remaining side effects are that I am stupid (I have a great deal of difficulty thinking), as well as those bizarre "head rush" feelings.
> I recently read in another website about a drug called ONDANSETRON, which can transition you off of Effexor. The Website is http://www.effexorfx.freeuk.com/webdoc8.htm
>
> Some Background. I tried Prozac, Paxil, Luvox, Anafranil, Nortriptaline, and many others. All worked spetacularly in eliminating (not reducing, eliminating) depression, anger and aggitation. They all also had sexual side effects. Since they all had sexual side effects and all worked, it didn't seem to matter which one I took. I picked Effexor and used it with just the one side effect. However, recently it hasn't been working as well and I was feeling sleepy, even though I was getting plenty of sleep. Because of these factors, along with the desire to find an antidepressant without the sexual side effects (Serzone and Remeron did not work for me) I decided to go off of Effexor, Unfortunately, when I stopped taking the Effexor, the depression, irritability and anger returned. I started Wellbutrin 5 days ago.
> > > I am goimg to call my doctor and request that he call in a prescription for Ondansetron. I will post my results.
Follow UP
My doctor was out of town, and his cover told me that Effexor has no withdrawals. Needless to say, he did not inspire my confidence. So I called around trying to make an appointment with someone else for that day, and I spoke to one doctor who acknowledged the Effexor withdrawals. He said that a small amount of Effexor for a couple of days then none for a couple of days would help. He also said that he has seen the withdrawals last 3 to 4 weeks. Well, the smallest that the Effexor pills can be broken down is 37.5mg, or 1/2 of a 75mg tablet. So I smashed a half 37.5mg) tablet and mixed it up so that I could be sure that I was getting some of the active ingredients. I took about half of it that day then a little less the next day, then just some Effexor Dust. I'm not sure that I'm completely through the withdrawals, but I can think again, and I feel fine. Also, the Wellbutrin is working great, with no sexual side effects.
Regarding the Ondansetron. He said that Ondansetron is an anti convulsive medication, and he wouldn't recommend it, since it requires that the patient be closely monitored.
Posted by Cam W. on August 20, 2000, at 0:36:56
In reply to Re: im trying to quit, im losing my mind, posted by RL on August 19, 2000, at 23:34:36
Posted by RL on August 20, 2000, at 13:04:34
In reply to Re: im trying to quit, im losing my mind » RL, posted by Cam W. on August 20, 2000, at 0:36:56
>
> > Regarding the Ondansetron. He said that Ondansetron is an anti convulsive medication, and he wouldn't recommend it, since it requires that the patient be closely monitored.
>
> RL - That's funny I thought that ondansetron (Zofran™) was an antiemetic, usually used for the control of nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy. It is a selective antagonist of serotonin-3 (5HT-3) receptors. Theoretically, it should probably not be used with Serzone, which also block 5HT-3 receptors.
>
> My 2¢ - CamYou obviously know more about it than I do, and perhaps it is worth investigating further. I'll keep that in mind if the withdrawals continue.
Thanks!
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