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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Ron Hill on March 10, 2002, at 12:00:28
In reply to Bi-polar- Just finished First 7days on Effexor XR » Ron Hill, posted by Scott Hendrix on March 9, 2002, at 21:16:25
> I called my Primary Care doctor yesterday and left a message, he has yet to return my call. I told him I wanted to go back on the Prozac that he took me off of 7-8 days ago, because he said it would help me wake up and lower my anxiety so he could take me off xanax and prozac with one drug (Effexor).
My opinion: Your Primary Care doctor is in over his head. Find a good pdoc. If it cost extra money to see a pdoc, spend it!
>Any suggestions? By the way I am Mixed Bi-polar or Bi-polar II. I have tried lithium, and it doesn't work for me, metalic tastes, flat mood, no emotions, zoobie type attitude. I have heard about the other bi-polar meds, but my main problem is deppression not the mania as much just anxiety. I keep asking my doctor for Ambiem to help me with my sleeping patter, which really is my only problem when taking prozac and xanax. He for some reason doesn't want to prescribe Ambiem, He just wants to keep changing my meds that work for everything but sleeping too much. What are everyones thoughts.
My opinions: How do you know that you are bipolar? Did the primary care doctor give a bipolar dx? If indeed you are bipolar then you need to get on a mood stabilizer first and foremost. I personally have never heard of treating a bipolar patient successfully with an antidepressant without also using a mood stabilizer. If Li doesn't work for you then try the AEDs (Depakote, Lamictal, etc).
-- Ron
Posted by Pamela Lynn on March 10, 2002, at 12:29:51
In reply to Re: Bi-polar- Just finished First 7days on Effexor XR, posted by Allen F. on March 9, 2002, at 23:40:52
I was on Remeron for 7 months a couple of years back....It is usually given at bedtime, as it can tend to make one very sleepy. As for side effects while on it 'I' had none, and none when I went off of it either. I took the sol-tab for (the tablet melts into your mouth, so it works quicker).
> Did you go "cold turky" off of the Xanax? I was on Prozac and Xanax for years, the doc then took me off of them and put me on Effexor. I learned the hard way about withdrawals from Xanax ... wasn't fun.
>
> The things you have talked about during the first seven days on Effexor are simular to what I experienced. I have been on it for six months and have not tolerated it well. I am into week two of wiening off the Effexor and it is not fun. Next week is the last week I will be on it. The doc wants me to go onto Remeron and I am really hesitant. After Xanax and now Effexor withdrawals I am not sure I want to take anything else.
>
> I have asked the "post" if anyone has had any experience with Remeron but did not hear anything.
>
> Hope things go well for you.
Posted by Shanti on March 10, 2002, at 13:10:27
In reply to Motivation, posted by Angel Girl on March 9, 2002, at 21:36:12
Hi Angel Girl,
i am into my 2nd week of this new type of antidepressant, after switching from paxil and going straight to that i went through some very high manic behaviour as well, but strangely enough if i thought about it conciously and took notice of my behaviour i was able to bring myself back to balance and not freak out on any one around me. i find that i am speaking up more on this med and my family can see the changes but right now are not willing to give it a thumbs up or thumbs down. i have been reading about all these side effects, i experience a little of them but not severe i am only on 75 mg. i will see my doctor in 2 weeks and talk about this again, i am going to try and stay on it and see if it works (remember it takes 6 weeks or so to really get into your system) as for the depression, i also expereince it but what i do is i go outside or even look out the window and look for all the beautiful things life has to offer and then as hard as it is i will get outside and once i do i feel great (even cleaning the house for me helps because i know to some people that is an everyday thing but for me when things are down they are really down and along with me everything else around my stands still until i can get going again. do you read? when i am feeling really down i always go and look for a book and low and behold i find the book that fits my life right here and right now. also, remember that at this time of year just before spring it always feels like death so to speak because we are waiting for the rebirth of all plants, trees, etc. outside. last week i found myself getting depressed and realized it was partly do to the weather so instead of remaing down, i thought of all the beautiful sights that will arrive with the help of this cold, grey weather, then i looked for buds, saw them and felt better!
For me the weeks of March18-23 & March 25-29 will be the true test to see if this medicine really works, by then i will have been taking it for 4 weeks. You see, two weeks out of the month i am fine and the other two i can barely stay in tuned with life and those around me, so wish me luck and i will post after that.
ps angel girl, if interested i would like your email so i could compare with you somemore!
good luck,
shanti
ps as for tv - gotta love the judge shows and blind date, eliminadate, 5th wheel etc. these are my shows that i watch when i am going through my stuff!
Posted by sue doe on March 10, 2002, at 14:20:09
In reply to Re: Trying to get off Effexor, posted by RIgirl on March 7, 2002, at 23:52:56
> It's definitely better than the first few days when the nausea and dizziness was unbearable, but still have some weird things going on. I'm having a horrible time falling asleep and night sweats once I do. The frequency of panic attacks is much greater than before I went on it, but I'm not ready to consider that among the withdrawel symptoms yet.
> This sucks, huh?I am in my eighth day off of all meds (except for thyroxin, b vitamins, St. John's wort and Omega 3's) Are you still off of your meds, and if, or if not, what's happening?
Sue Doe (Nym)
Posted by Celeste on March 10, 2002, at 19:49:19
In reply to Re: Trying to get off Effexor, posted by RIgirl on March 7, 2002, at 23:52:56
Thought I'd pass along my withdrawal experience-- which was same as the rest of you, including the brain zaps (great name!) which I told my pdoc were head noises that went "Wonnnggga-wonngga" even if I just moved my eyeballs. Anyway, I was 2 weeks into my taper and it was awful. So I got a pill cutter and cut those suckers into halves, then quarters then eighths! I think it took 6 weeks, but it worked. The brain zaps lasted for months, and I had a problem with dairy products the whole time.
But just to show how much I loved being on Effexor-- I just returned to taking it after a year and a half off. Got depressed again. I had no bad side effects once established (had problems with Prozac & Wellbutrin) except for insomnia, and Trazodone 25 or 50mg helped beautifully. Hope this helps someone. I wish I'd seen this site when I was in withdrawal.
Posted by Reneeb on March 11, 2002, at 20:25:25
In reply to Re: Trying to get off Effexor, posted by RIgirl on March 7, 2002, at 23:52:56
> It's definitely better than the first few days when the nausea and dizziness was unbearable, but still have some weird things going on. I'm having a horrible time falling asleep and night sweats once I do. The frequency of panic attacks is much greater than before I went on it, but I'm not ready to consider that among the withdrawel symptoms yet.
> This sucks, huh?
Yes, it really does!!! I went to my pdoc on friday. He didn't want me to wean myself off the way I was doing it. He has me on a schedule for 2 months to get off this stuff. 2 weeks at 25mg 1/2 morning and 1/2 evening then 2 weeks 1/2 morning and 1/4 evening etc., till I finish. He told me that he doesn't like to give effexor out because of the withdrawal factor.So, I am going to try it his way and see whats happens. I wasn't doing well the way I was doing it. LOL
Renee
Posted by Reneeb on March 11, 2002, at 20:47:59
In reply to Motivation, posted by Angel Girl on March 9, 2002, at 21:36:12
> Since I've been depressed I have had absolutely NO motivation whatsoever. All I want to ever do is to be by myself and watch mindless hours of TV. Does anybody else have this problem? And what do you do about it????
>
> Angel Girl
Hi Angel Girl, Are you feeling any better today? Can I ask where you live? Do you have someone near by that could help you by getting you outside to get some fresh air - take a walk. Sometimes I just need to get out.Take care,
Renee
Posted by Allen F. on March 11, 2002, at 21:42:44
In reply to Re: Trying to get off Effexor » RIgirl, posted by Reneeb on March 11, 2002, at 20:25:25
It does suck! My PDoc told me to reduce it by one-third each week for three weeks, at which time I would be off of it. Its not been a fun two weeks. The mornings are the hardest. I am nauseaded, tired, and wake up very grogy. Its kinda like having the flu. I am also more testy and have to really watch it. I DO NOT want to say something that I will regreat.
I hope it goes beter for you.
A
Posted by ST on March 12, 2002, at 4:33:46
In reply to I'm soooooo depressed!!!, posted by Angel Girl on March 9, 2002, at 14:17:16
AG,
It sounds like you need a different drug altogether. I'm sorry to hear you're so miserable!!! I can't remember: have you tried Wellbutrin?
Sarah
Posted by Angel Girl on March 12, 2002, at 12:40:07
In reply to Re: I'm soooooo depressed!!! » Angel Girl, posted by ST on March 12, 2002, at 4:33:46
Is it possible to overdose enough to kill yourself on Effexor??? How many would it take? Also how about Alpralozam? How many would it take for that too?
Angel Girl
Posted by JANNBEAU on March 12, 2002, at 13:14:42
In reply to URGENT - OVERDOSE QUESTION!!!, posted by Angel Girl on March 12, 2002, at 12:40:07
Angel Girl:
Why are you asking these questions? If you think you have overdosed or if you think someone you know has OD'you MUST call 911! If you are considering ODing or if you know someone that you think is going to OD, you MUST contact a physician or a crisis hotline or go to an emergency room for help-NOW.
Obviously, by the time you read this, my advice will not be relevant to your most recent post, but maybe, just maybe, you or your friend are ok for the time being. I don't have your email so I can't contact you directly and I don't even know how to contact anyone at Psychobabble, so this puts me and anyone else who reads your post at a tremendous disadvantage. Can't really help under these circumstances. I hope you have made it through the night and that, with the coming of the day, you are better. You know, it seems we feel the worst in the middle of the night when nobody is around to listen or to help, but, believe me, "this, too, shall pass." I've been there, done that! and NOTHING is worth ODing for!
Please, Please get some crisis intervention help and then some long term help and know that things do usually get much better if you can just wait it out!
Also, please think about your responsibility to keep yourself safe and to use your medications only in the way they were prescribed. I am a mother and it would kill me if one of my children OD'd. Call your parents or your doctor. The doctor who gave you these medications TRUSTED you to use them to help yourself, not to destroy yourself! That's a sacred trust and a contract between you and your doctor. Don't let him/her and the rest of us out here who feel helpless to help down!
Jannbeau
Posted by Ashyton on March 12, 2002, at 19:58:53
In reply to I'm soooooo depressed!!!, posted by Angel Girl on March 9, 2002, at 14:17:16
> I've been taking Effexor since last November. I never felt any improvement in my moods and constant suicidal thoughts until my dosage was increased 2 weeks ago to 225mg. Unfortunately, with the good came the bad. :( I started having severe muscle twitches and jerks and it was hard to get to sleep. So when I went to my doctor last Thursday he decreased my dosage back to 150mg with hopes that the twitches/jerks would go away and then when I go back this Wednesday, he wants to start more slowly to increase it again.
>
> Unfortunately, even though I was severely depressed before, on the first day on the reduced dosage I was manic. I haven't had a manic episode since last summer. I thought they were a thing of the past. I actually like the manic episodes but what I don't like is the inevitable crashes that follow and that is where I have been ever since. I can't stop crying. I feel sooooo sad again. AND to make matters worse the twitches and jerks are still here. :( I HATE feeling so depressed. I had finally had some relief for 2 weeks and now I'm back into this once again. I'm so tired of dealing with this all the time. I need the higher dosage but yet I can't take these side effects. All I can do is cry, cry, cry!!!! And I've yet to find a dosage that has given me any slight bit of motivation to do anything. :( :( :(
>
> Sorry to be such a downer. I just felt like getting it out. :(
>
> Angel GirlSorry you are feeling sad,and sorry I couldn't respond sooner,to help you feel a little happier :) i just started on Paxil one week ago and felt sad and depressed so I been there too.just try to hang in there a lttile longer and know you have freinds "here".
Posted by Allen F. on March 12, 2002, at 23:31:47
In reply to URGENT - OVERDOSE QUESTION!!!, posted by Angel Girl on March 12, 2002, at 12:40:07
Anything is possible ... why do you ask? If you have taken more, or are conimplating taking more, than prescibed call your doctor, crises line,family member, someone NOW and let them know how your feeling.
If your afraid that you have been prescribed too much, that your dosage it to high, talk to your doctor immediately. Are you feeling like it is?
Either way, talk to someone.
Posted by maximillian on March 13, 2002, at 3:42:00
In reply to Re: URGENT - OVERDOSE QUESTION!!!, posted by Allen F. on March 12, 2002, at 23:31:47
if it is the answer is no. that isn't the solution and it won't help. after the od what have you accomplished? its a quick(hopefully) short time fix and it goes nowhere. you been defeated and you won't go anywhere. too many good things in this life worth living for. i've been where you are(a couple of times) but, i've always pulled back. i think about everything that is beautiful in this life; a newborn's cry, a kid's smile or laughter, the warmth of the sun and the coolness of the moon, the stars, leaves on a tree, roses on a bush, a baby's sweet smelling breath, little birds singing, a puppys' tiny bark, a kitten's meow and playfulness, rain, snow, spring, fall...to name a few. its not worth it; theres too much that with a little effort on my part makes me too happy, even in my darkest days. think real hard about making a decision such as this and just look at some of the things i just described and see the feelings i experience...they're there; just be willing to look st them and see what i mean. take care.
much love, max
Posted by ST on March 13, 2002, at 5:43:44
In reply to URGENT - OVERDOSE QUESTION!!!, posted by Angel Girl on March 12, 2002, at 12:40:07
Angel Girl,
You are NOT allowed to OD. We need you here; we're learning from your ups and downs and hopefully you can learn from ours!
You have my e mail - e mail me if you need to!
[xxx]
Sarah
> Is it possible to overdose enough to kill yourself on Effexor??? How many would it take? Also how about Alpralozam? How many would it take for that too?
>
> Angel Girl
Posted by nevergiveup1962 on March 13, 2002, at 10:16:53
In reply to Don't you dare!, posted by ST on March 13, 2002, at 5:44:22
IMMEDIATELY GO TO http://www.metanoia.org/suicide/
which is IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING SUICIDE...READ THIS FIRST
Also, I once asked my psychiatrist the same question as yours. She said (1) it doesn't work to overdose on these drugs - they don't work; and (2) you'd end up in worse shape than you are now- e.g. hospitalized, making your family miserable, etc [rational approach]
Posted by beardedlady on March 13, 2002, at 13:14:45
In reply to Re: Don't you dare! » ST, posted by nevergiveup1962 on March 13, 2002, at 10:16:53
Posted by Reneeb on March 13, 2002, at 22:06:16
In reply to Don't you dare!, posted by ST on March 13, 2002, at 5:43:44
Posted by sue doe on March 13, 2002, at 22:53:18
In reply to ANGEL GIRL, WHERE ARE YOU??? (nm), posted by Reneeb on March 13, 2002, at 22:06:16
We all fear your trials have overwhelmed you. Yet many of us, as shown by these notes would even invite you under our own roofs if your depression is so bad. We've been there. Let us try. We know the struggle!!!
Posted by maximillian on March 14, 2002, at 4:05:13
In reply to ANGEL GIRL, talk to us! » Reneeb, posted by sue doe on March 13, 2002, at 22:53:18
hey, kiddo...this isn't the way. don't leave us hanging. we're all trying to be there for you, just let us in. with all these people on your side that should give you several great reasons to stick around. we all care. talk to us, angel girl. we need to hear from you.
love, max
Posted by Shanti on March 14, 2002, at 9:06:45
In reply to angel girl, posted by maximillian on March 14, 2002, at 4:05:13
> hey, kiddo...this isn't the way. don't leave us hanging. we're all trying to be there for you, just let us in. with all these people on your side that should give you several great reasons to stick around. we all care. talk to us, angel girl. we need to hear from you.
>
> love, max
angel girl,i keep following the thread about you,
come on girl, lots of people are out there rooting you on, just think of it-- all these people as a collective group are thinking about you and wanting you to hang on if you believe in your self and us you will get through this, studies show that for every one person who thinks about peace, etc. that that one person can represent 10-100 people, soooo, look at all the people who care for you, believe and you will get through this!
peace,
shanti
Posted by Reneeb on March 14, 2002, at 13:38:54
In reply to angel girl, posted by maximillian on March 14, 2002, at 4:05:46
Posted by JANNBEAU on March 14, 2002, at 19:38:59
In reply to ANGEL GIRL, WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!!!! (nm), posted by Reneeb on March 14, 2002, at 13:38:54
ANGEL GIRL, WHERE ARE YOU? WE NEED TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE OK!
Posted by Sue Doe Nym on March 14, 2002, at 20:43:24
In reply to ANGEL GIRL, WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!!!! (nm), posted by Reneeb on March 14, 2002, at 13:38:54
Posted by Angel Girl on March 14, 2002, at 22:27:45
In reply to Re: ANGEL GIRL, WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!!!!, posted by JANNBEAU on March 14, 2002, at 19:38:59
Hi! I'm here and I'm ok, well sorta. I'm sorry I worried anybody. I've been through 3 med changes in the last 2 weeks. I was on Effexor XR 150mg 2 weeks ago and wasn't feeling any better about my depression at all. I was extremely suicidal then and just wanted to give up. Nothing was working for me. I told my dr to either try something else or drastically increase the dosage, no more increases of just 37.5mg at a time, that was not doing anything for me and I couldn't go on feeling that way anymore. So, he increased it from 150mg to 225mg. Immediately on the first day I FINALLY felt my mood drastically change for the better. It's not like I was happy, I'm not even sure I even know what that is anymore, I don't know that I have ever been happy my entire life but at least I was seeing there actually was a light at the end of the tunnel. But with the relief from my depression came severe muscle twitches/jerks so unbearable that I made another appt with my dr and he decreased me back to 150mg to try and get rid of the twitches. That worked but I went back into deep depression. After 3 days of that and fighting to stay alive I went back to the dr and he increased it by 37.5mg hoping that a slower increase would hinder the twitches from returning, which it did but still no relief from the depression. So, back to the dr again a few days ago and now I'm back up to 225mg as of today. No twitches yet but still no change in my depression either. :( I am having an extremely difficult time dealing with people. I come away from every conversation with feeling very hurt or full of anger. I've had major fights with friends, family and management at work. My job is hanging on by a thread and they are now only paying me for hours worked instead of full pay because I've missed so many days due to the depression. I can't pay my bills anymore, hench my desperation post. I saw no resolution to my problem. I had no interest in calling a crisis hotline. I didn't want anybody to talk me out of it, I just wanted to die. There was nothing anybody could say to me to fix my problem short of handing me over money to pay my bills. I am living alone so it's a single income and I have nobody to help me. But as you can see I didn't do it. Some of my friends got concerned and called the police who searched for me. They called every hospital in my city and searched my apartment but I wasn't at home. I'm just not coping with life at all anymore. I don't know what to do. I'm desperatly waiting for the Effexor to kick in again. I'm not in therapy yet, it starts next Friday. I've had major problems finding anybody to take me on because I have multiple traumas and too many problems. Nobody has felt qualified to deal with me. Makes me feel real good. NOT!!!! I've been told I'm untreatable. Can you imagine a psychatrist telling a suicidal person they are untreatable????? :( Anyway, like I said I'm still here at least physically, hanging on by a bare thread and very anxious for the Effexor to work again and to start my therapy next week. I'm just so tired of all of this. Sorry to leave y'all hanging so long. I've been struggling just to stay alive the last few days.
Angel Girl
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