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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Monica on July 13, 2001, at 10:33:33
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Rhonda on April 28, 2000, at 7:17:12
> >
Hi. My name is Monica. I have been on Effexor XR for about 5 months now and it really has helped with my depression alot! I'm very glad i decided to take it. One thing, though. I've read all these comments, and have identified with the symptoms some of you have reported in withdrawal. I haven't stopped taking it yet but twice i have missed a day taking it(right now being one of those times) and have experienced very withdrawal like symptoms: lightheadness, a feeling like i am moving in a dream-like state, inability to focus my eyes on things. I woke up like this today because i missed my dosage yesterday. It's scaring me! I'm glad to know that you guys have gone through this as well and i am not alone. My question is, how long should you stay on this before you decide to taper off of it. And will i feel this way when i am off of it for good? I don't want to live everyday like this! Thanks for your timeMonica
Posted by jotho on July 13, 2001, at 11:16:12
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Monica on July 13, 2001, at 10:33:33
Monica...Some people's lives have certainly been saved by anti-depressants, but, just like a specific pill works for one person and not another, so too, can one suffer severe effects while others feel none or just mild ones. I never had the "one-day" occurrences you talk about. If I missed a day and caught up next day, there was no interuption by side-effects. Some on this post site will tell you to get off this med. immediately , while others will tell you they have had good results and that you should stick with it. I can only say that if I were taking Effexor and had tolerable (or no, hopefully) side-effects, and it was successful in treating the depression...I would stay on it. But!!!...If, comes a time, you are overwhelmed by side-effects, or the drug is no longer effective, or you are afraid of what the drug might be doing to you physiologically and you want to quit...TAKE YOUR TIME, even if you are one of those who have limited withdrawal symptons. Discuss it with your doctor and make sure you reduce the dosage gradually!!! There are postings here, and on other sites, that talk of withdrawal side-effects lasting many, many months (I saw several that said 18). There is just no set answer for everyone........take care and good luck to you......john
Posted by ksc on July 13, 2001, at 11:46:34
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Monica on July 13, 2001, at 10:34:30
Monica,
It sounds as though you've already identified the cause of your symptoms on your own(missing your meds). So as the old doctor humor used to say... if it hurts when I do this... then do don't do it. In other words, just be really careful not to miss your medication, and see if you continue to have the side affects while taking them regularly. If you do, then you may want to consider changing to a different medication or going off them all together (very gradually of course and under a doctor's care).I certainly can't speak for everyone, but I took mine regularly and the symptoms got worse for me. But as you probably already know by reading this site... it's different for everyone. Now that you know what to look for, you can be more carful and expedient in your choices.
Best of luck to you
KSC
Posted by Deana on July 13, 2001, at 12:26:08
In reply to To Monica, posted by ksc on July 13, 2001, at 11:46:34
After being off for 13 days, my "brain swooshing" is gone! :) no nausea and no diziness! However since those terrible things went away, I have been experiencing nightmares, restless leg syndrome, and also a rash on my legs(previous to stopping). Have others experienced this rash? It is tremendously irritating, red and bumpy, raised patches ankle to thigh. I have tried everything. My PCP is not sure himself. I am almost sure all these symptoms are linked because they are at their worst together, particularly last night. Any advice or info would be most appreciated, Thankyou.
Posted by amp1 on July 13, 2001, at 12:26:50
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
i started out at 37.5 and noticed its effects within hours--side effects that is. my heart rate increased, i felt "wide awake", i was sweating, jittery, dizzy and nauseous. fortunately, i was determined and these side effects slowly went away and were replaced by the main effects, which were beginning to work, but not enough. So i went up to 75. The same side effects happened and again eventually went away, but the main effects weren't enough. I then went to a combination of 75 and 37.5 (which comes to 112.5) and again had the side effects for a couple of weeks, but when the main effects kicked in and replaced the side-effects, it was perfect.
It basically took the edge off the agony without bringing up my mood (picture a wavy line and knock out the bottoms but keep the highs and middles). And I'm still capable of crying on occasion (unlike other drugs, so I hear).
There's still some lingering side-effects that I can't get rid of: sexual dysfunction, elevated heart rate, and fluctuating insomnia vs. lethargy (but not as much as I used to have before starting effexor xr). But I don't mind them because the benefits far outweigh them.
I've been on it for almost two years now and will probably have to make a lifetime commitment to it.
Posted by Seraphim on July 13, 2001, at 21:37:18
In reply to withdrawal should be paid for by Wyeth-Ayerst, posted by Terry Comeau on July 10, 2001, at 22:30:07
> Considering the cost of the drug... and the largely unexpected length
> of withdrawal, as well of the horrible withdrawal effects , does
> agree that the manufacturer should be held responsible for the cost
> and damages that we incur as we struggle to get their drug out
> of our system?
> > Anybody agree with this? Someone should get a legal opinion regarding
> the validity of a class action lawsuit. Maybe this might be a good summer
> project to pursie.
>
> Needless to say I am PO'd to the extreme.Horrible doesn't begin to describe it! I agree wholeheartedly!
Seraphim
Posted by celest on July 16, 2001, at 3:52:18
In reply to Hate it! , posted by SCALLOPSHELL on April 13, 2001, at 7:42:19
>
I could not frinking agreee more!!!!I have been off of it and it gets works. jennifer if you reAD THIS i WAS WONDERING HOW GETTING OFF OF IT HAS WORKED FOR YOU. I THINK I SHOULD SO THE SAME. I HAVE BEEN OFF THIS FOR ABOUT TWOMONTHS AND STILL FEEL SIDE EFFECTS AND AM FREAKING OUT. CAN'T SLEEP,NO EMOTIONS ANYMORE, ALL THIS SHIT HELP CEL
I AM GOING OFF THIS AWFUL MEDICATION. IT HAS MADE ME EXTERMELY NAUSEOUS AND I HAVE BEEN VOMITING FOR 2 DAYS. I HAVEN'T WANTED TO GET OUT OF BED AND I FEEL VERY DEPRESSED. HATE IT! I'LL NEVER TAKE THIS AGAIN.
Posted by purple on July 18, 2001, at 13:18:00
In reply to withdrawal should be paid for by Wyeth-Ayerst, posted by Terry Comeau on July 10, 2001, at 22:30:07
It seems everyone is looking for someone to sue. Everyone makes their own decisions regarding prescription medication - and there is sufficient information out there on Effexor side effects and withdrawals. I know because I researched it BEFORE I started taking it, which sounds like what you should have done. There are a huge number of success stories out there for people on Effexor, can you put a price on that? Get over it, there are risks and side effects with almost any medication out there. You put it into your own body.
Posted by Jennzie on July 18, 2001, at 15:09:07
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hey y'all. I a mom of a 14 yo that is in a short term facility in Tulsa, OK. Without the benefit of a complete physical, the docs have prescribed xyprexa for her, discharged her and after having her take 40 coriciden and superficial cuts to her wrists they have readmitted her. Now they are wanting to prescribe Effexor with the xyprexa. Has anyone here had to deal with an adolescent and the effects of this or these drugs on them?
Any info you might have would be really appreciated.
Thanks
Jenn.
Posted by wren on July 18, 2001, at 18:00:21
In reply to Re: effexor xr and side effects - Ann and Judy, posted by Cam W. on April 23, 2000, at 23:08:36
>
i just started effexor xr (37.5) b/c i had too
much sleepiness & dizziness on prozac (20-40mg) -
anyone know which ADs are better for not causing
fatigue?
i tried to talk to my pdoc about Wellbutrin but
she seems to think it's only for smokers (??)
does anyone know if it's bad to combine
pseudoephedrine w/ ADs to combat the sleepiness?
Posted by Tiny1 on July 18, 2001, at 21:36:34
In reply to Re: effexor xr and side effects , posted by wren on July 18, 2001, at 18:00:21
I've been taking Effexor XR 75 mg. in the morning for some time. No side effects that really bother me. Doctor put me on Trazodone at night (25 mg.), which really helped me sleep better. I awake at 3:00 or 4:00 a.m., if I don't take it.
Warning: Do not take yourself off of Effexor. If you wish to wean off it, do so under the care of a doctor.
I forgot to take all my meds one day, and realized how much more energy I had. I decided that I would just quit taking the Effexor. The next day, I experienced some dizziness. The day after, I was on my way to the ER . . . severe and constant dizziness, staggering when I tried walking, crying about absolutely nothing (not like me at all), terrified about the way I felt. Took medication for motion sickness, and of course, began taking Effexor again, and in a couple of days, I was fine again.
I experience only slight depression, but there are times that I still become depressed, even being on Effexor. Of course, I am a relatively low dosage.
Tiny
Posted by ksc on July 19, 2001, at 9:20:46
In reply to Re: withdrawal should be paid for by Wyeth-Ayerst, posted by purple on July 18, 2001, at 13:18:00
PURPLE WROTE: I researched it BEFORE I started taking it, which sounds like what you should have done. There are a huge number of success stories out there for people on Effexor, can you put a price on that? Get over it, there are risks and side effects with almost any medication out there. You put it into your own body.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Not sure the attitude is necessary, but thanks for the advice. Unfortunately it's a little too late for most of us, you see, some of us actually trusted the doctors who put us on this medication (Gee what a concept). But we’ll have to try and remember your great wisdom in hindsight.The information pamphlet that came from the pharmacy made light of the side affects and made it sound as if they were very mild and would go away in time. Besides every medication has possible side affects right? But who knew that 10 months of vivid dreams would cause nausia, dizziness, chronic fatigue and exhaustion, severe muscle pain and stiffness, inability to concentrate or focus and a lack of memory.
Have you ever stood up after sitting for a few hours and almost fallen on your face because your leg muscles wouldn’t work, and you virtually had to drag your legs along one at a time just so you could walk? Have you ever had to sleep for two straight days, just so you could get up enough energy to go to work on Monday? Has your memory ever been so bad that your friends and family could play jokes on you by telling you that you didn't do something and you believe them because you don't remember otherwise? Your concentration level so poor that you were afraid to drive your car to the store, for fear of running into the guy in front of you?
Combined, these are symptoms of a very painful and permanent disease called Fibromyalgia (imagine multiple sclerosis without the permanent muscle damage). Now imagine what it does to the psyche when your doctor tells you that she believes you have this? There’s no cure, so all you can think is “how am I going to live with this pain for the rest of my life? It’s crippling and it’s only going to get worse.” The last thing you’re thinking is, “Gee maybe this is just a side affect from my Effexor”.
So you see my “purple attitude” friend, the answer may sound very simple to you, but for many of us, it was not. Ok yes, we’re guilty of trusting our physicians to do what’s best for us. But shouldn’t THEY be the ones doing the research? Shouldn’t THEY know what this drug does to people and monitor them carefully, rather than just handing over a prescription and a smile, while waving goodbye like some uncaring drug dealer off the street….?
Posted by jotho on July 19, 2001, at 10:23:34
In reply to To Purple » purple, posted by ksc on July 19, 2001, at 9:20:46
>
Absolutely, KSC, and i applaud your response to a posting that not only sounds somewhat elitist but is flawed in several ways. In addition to KSC's post, i would like to remind purple, just off the top of my head, of a drug years ago called thalidomide...hey great, also called a wonder drug, it did relieve the nausea from pregnancy, but using your logic, purple, the fact that not EVERY baby born to these poor women was missing one or more limbs, or had other horrific physical aberrations was a reason to applaud the drug? I don't think so. You seem to be of the mind that the people out there who are a.) in a bad way (often desperate) to begin with, b.) visit a doctor whom they trust is well versed and current in his/her field, c.) accept his diagnosis and prescription, and commence taking a drug that is presumed to be safe because our "heralded" FDA says so, and has supposedly gone through rigorous and thorough testing by drug companies d.)and ultimately suffer because of it, should just shut-up because if they were as smart as you, they wouldn't be having a problem. It sounds like you're being a little "hail big business-screw the little guy"-ish. Also, simply saying "There are risks and side-effects in almost every medication," is just as invalid as your other premise. You could apply that same logic this way: Even military tanks sometimes get damaged, or have accidents, therefore: it's ok for a company to build cars out of aluminum foil. A drug that is succesful for some and a horror for many others does not make it a miracle drug, and should not preclude it from being, at the very least, examined more thoroughly by the medical profession. I am happy though, that the drug did work for you and hope your little success story does not blind you to the plight of many others not quite as fortunate.
......john
Posted by AKC on July 19, 2001, at 10:56:05
In reply to Re: To Purple, posted by jotho on July 19, 2001, at 10:23:34
I have to add to this also.
I am now on topamax. My doctor is a saint, in my book. All the official lit told her to put my on it at 50 mg, and titrate me up at 50mg a week. But all my research -- all the anectdotal stuff I read on the net (and I read everything I could find), told me to do no more than 25mg a week. I am lucky enough to have a doctor who trusts me, and that's the route we took. But what if I had not had the energy, the resources, the brain power to do that. My doctor did her research. I have had some side effects - how bad would they have been? Probably so bad, I would have had to quit taking the med (some cognitive dulling - with the latest increase somewhat disturbing and it lasted three days, but it did go away) - and so far, this med has turned out to be a miracle med for me.
So many of these meds are put on the market with so little testing -- we demand it so often - we are desparate - and the companies are desparate for profits (because shareholders like myself are desparate for higher stock prices and dividends). I don't think that when new information begins to trickle in, that information is getting passed on very efficiently. Is a lawsuit the answer? Definitely in somecases (think phen-fen - I think the drug companies waited much too long before pulling the plug on that one). In other cases, we are much too litigous (for those on this board, you may not know, I am an attorney, but not a litigator, so take this comments with a grain of salt. :) !)
anyway, my thoughts.
Your resident hounddog.
Posted by jotho on July 19, 2001, at 11:37:05
In reply to Re: To Purple, posted by AKC on July 19, 2001, at 10:56:05
>
Hi, AKC...
I agree that all problems cannot, and should not, be solved through litigation. But, the point is, there is, or can be, no arbitrary line drawn in the sand as to which policy is right or wrong in whichever situation. Each individual , of course, is going to have different results with their medication...but I think it is when some people begin to feel that they are the unwitting,and i'm sure, unwilling, test subjects for drug companies too motivated by money rather than safe results, that litigation comes to bear. Certain drugs are a heaven-send to many people, but that should not mean that the claims of others should be dismissed because of it. And, like you stated, you were lucky in that you found anecdotal evidence on the web...that accounts for something also. Basically i think we agree in essence, and i'm happy that you found success in your medication. Continued luck and best wishes.
john
Posted by Dr. Bob on July 19, 2001, at 11:59:52
In reply to Re: withdrawal should be paid for by Wyeth-Ayerst, posted by purple on July 18, 2001, at 13:18:00
> Get over it, there are risks and side effects with almost any medication out there. You put it into your own body.
You may have a point. Still, please try to be supportive when expressing it.
> you see, some of us actually trusted the doctors who put us on this medication (Gee what a concept). But we’ll have to try and remember your great wisdom in hindsight.
Even if a poster isn't supportive, please try to avoid sarcasm. Two wrongs don't make a right. Thanks,
Bob
PS: Some guidelines for posting are in the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
Follow-ups regarding supportiveness or civility should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration; otherwise they may be deleted.
Posted by kathyy on July 19, 2001, at 17:22:39
In reply to To Purple » purple, posted by ksc on July 19, 2001, at 9:20:46
Oh my God, I agree wholeheartedly . I too trusted dr's. And am now being bombarded with people telling me things like well-, "you should've rsearched this stuff beforehand". Or, well, "you're gonna have to learn to live like this now." Or "hindsight is the best teacher" Or the dr's not having a clue what is going on now. My $30 Hmo mistake ( LONG STORY BY the way), has now cost upwards of $20,000+ .And I believe I am permannently damaged. I am experiencing everything you said too.My posts are previously on
July 14 "Have Life Altering Effect on Celexa/Ativan, " and july 15 " Has Anyone Lost Emotions On SSRI's?" It's only some of the story cause it'd take to long. I have a new theory on family physicians prescribing medicine too quickly without getting all the facts and not being "educated" as to what could Possibly happen on these pills- My new theory is "WATCH YOUR OWN BACK - cause No One will". It's a pretty bad commentary in the day of the Hmo, when medicine has really changed in the past 10 years to the point that drs are so quick and some are truly uneducated. I'm not talking about psych. who are completly educated on these drugs. I mean the local Dr primary who's cluless.The pharmaceutical companies- well let me tell you - I live near Smith kline/ Glaxo. -ANd I pass Wyeth on the way to my psych., and they are constant reminders that I trusted a primary physcian with my HEALTH. I regret not doing research first. It may kill me -this regret.
Posted by sketchy on July 19, 2001, at 19:38:24
In reply to Re: To Purple, posted by AKC on July 19, 2001, at 10:56:05
This site has been a god send for me. I stopped taking Effeor 75mg. after 6 months, 4 days ago. My symptoms have been electrical zapping in my whole body, tiredness, sinus, MOODY, trouble sleeping, very stange dreams, night sweating etc. My husband told me that I've been talking lots in my sleep. I am thankful I am not on that high of a dose and I'm not sure if the doseage relates to withdrawl severity, but I am going to continue to try to abstain. I have read previous posts about Kava-kava, which I plan to buy tonight, as well as Benadryl, TheraFlu and Nyquil. I would much rather try these first than go back to this drug. I began my medication as a referal from my MD for mild depression. I have subsequently found out that I am peri-menopausal, hence I am sure the reason for my mid life depression. Now that I know the root couse for my anxiety I can deal with it without this drug. For some I am sure it has been wonderful. For me it has been a nightmare for the last four days. I have also read posts about seratonin syndrome. Does anyone have experience with seratonin suplementation, will this help or not?
Thanks in advance!
Posted by ksc on July 20, 2001, at 8:50:42
In reply to Re: please be supportive » purple, ksc, posted by Dr. Bob on July 19, 2001, at 11:59:52
DR. BOB WROTE:
"Even if a poster isn't supportive, please try to avoid sarcasm. Two wrongs don't make a right."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You're right Dr. Bob, it wasn't necessary and I appologize for my sarcasm.This is just a very painful experience for so many of us here on this board. To simply say "get over it", is like telling a cancer patient to stop whining about their disease. Of course it's not as life threatening as that, but to many of us it feels that way. Like cancer, we can't help it, we didn't ask for it, we didn't want this, we feel sick and we don't know if and when it'll ever end, this has been life altering for all of us. All we can do, is hope that the people who do put us down or think we're whining, don't EVER have to go through what we're going through.
I appologize again for my sarcasm, I just can't appologize for my pain.
KSC
Posted by Heidi M on July 20, 2001, at 9:25:41
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
> Hi there,
>
> Anyone care to comment on the use of Effexor? Anyone
> "happy" with it? I have tried Prozac (too much anxiety),
> Serzone (too sedating). I am currently on Buspar for anxiety.
>
> Been reading many different reports... Effexor seems
> to have a lot of success...
>
> please share your thoughts on this.I sent you a lengthly email regarding our family experience with Xyprexa and mental illness with my son when he was 13.
Please feel free to email me. I am afraid that I responded to the wrong Thread and you won't see it. I am new at this. When I saw your posting, it struck every nerve in my body. I DO FEEL YOUR PAIN. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME.
Sincerely,
Heidi M.
S. W. Missouri
Posted by jotho on July 20, 2001, at 9:52:06
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Heidi M on July 20, 2001, at 9:25:41
Heide...
If you go to the page bottom and click on "psycho-babble" it will return you to Dr. Bob's home page. You can then scroll down a little bit to "search", then you can enter the keyword of the thread you wish to find. It will then list all the postings for that keyword. I think i've got that right...good luck.
Posted by Teri on July 20, 2001, at 13:24:57
In reply to CFS, Effexor - YES!!!! - Zo?, posted by Willow on June 16, 2001, at 21:22:44
Hi I have had strong symptoms of Chronic Fatigue for the last 6 months along with depression and anxiety that could be related or not. I've read that one of the treatments for CFS are SSRI type medications but that CFS sufferers can't tolerate the doses others can. My doctor started me on 37.5mg of Effexor XR and wanted me to go up each week until I got to 150mg. The side effects on top of the CFS was too much and I couldn't even handle the 75mg of Effexor XR. I had to back down to 37.5mg and also take 15mg of Remeron and Ambien at night to sleep. The depression and anxiety seem to be getting worse lately and the exhaustion from the fatigue is worsening. In the beginning of the Effexor XR treatment it seemed to help the symptoms of CFS. I have thought about trying to increase the dose again to 75mg and was wondering what doses other CFS people have been on and if they had trouble tolerating it. Thanks! Teri
Posted by Willow on July 20, 2001, at 15:39:18
In reply to Re: CFS, Effexor - YES!!!! - Zo?, posted by Teri on July 20, 2001, at 13:24:57
Teri
What other medications have you taken? Have you tried other types of treatments?
Yes there are side-effects with effexor, but they are more tolerable for me than the side-effects of other medications, and I have found that it helps with the cognitive problems that I was having.
I got best results at 150mg. Below that it made me too sleepy.
The remeron can make you tired I think.
Keep in touch!
Willow
Posted by Teri on July 20, 2001, at 16:05:28
In reply to Re: CFS, Effexor - YES!!!! » Teri, posted by Willow on July 20, 2001, at 15:39:18
Hi. I've had anxiety and depression problems for about 10 years and have been on a couple of TCA's, Zoloft which I had to stop because of Serotonin Syndrome caused by taking Zoloft and Trazodone at night for sleep. I went on Remeron after that 22.5mg but I've been burning the candle at both ends for a long time and started getting chronic fatigue symptoms about 6 or more months ago. It was probably building up before that. I have just been so run down. I used to exercise a lot and can't handle the level I used to be at. Yoga seems to help and I can still do some aerobic activity but too much of it and I pay dearly the next day. My doctor wanted to put me on Effexor XR because she thought it would help my chronic fatigue symptoms but it's really activating for me and that seemed to put more stress on my body. It did lift my mood, though, but I couldn't handle going up on it. It gave me insomnia which is tough to deal with when you're chronically fatigued. It seemed to help my anxiety after a while but that is getting worse. That's why I thought I would try to increase it. gotta sleep though! I've been on 37.5mg of Effexor XR for 2 months. I just stayed on a low dose of the Remeron to help me sleep but the Ambien is what seems to do the trick. Do you have CFS? Thanks Teri
Posted by jotho on July 20, 2001, at 16:54:30
In reply to Heide M, posted by jotho on July 20, 2001, at 9:52:06
Heide...please pardon my last answer. The site search engine (how i didn't see it i will never know) is on the same page as the Follow-up submittal box...about two inches underneath it.
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