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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by trella77 on September 16, 2002, at 19:15:58
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Ceeg on December 31, 2000, at 14:00:08
Hi, the Dr just gave me Effexor today and I was doing some research. I found this website posting and I am scared to death now. the withdrawls seem to be horrible. If anyone has any advice as to start this med or get on a different one please help me!!! I am getting on Effexor to help with Depression and Anxiety and to help wean myself off Xanax (which I have been on for 5 years) THANKS ... I am also scared of weight gain and sexual side affects
Posted by Starwatcher on September 16, 2002, at 19:50:33
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by trella77 on September 16, 2002, at 19:15:58
> Hi, the Dr just gave me Effexor today and I was doing some research. I found this website posting and I am scared to death now. the withdrawls seem to be horrible. If anyone has any advice as to start this med or get on a different one please help me!!! I am getting on Effexor to help with Depression and Anxiety and to help wean myself off Xanax (which I have been on for 5 years) THANKS ... I am also scared of weight gain and sexual side affects
I would talk to your doctor about it as soon as possible. How many mgs. has he put you on per day? Do you work? It may be possible to split the dosage to minimize side effects. I waited and started my dose at 75 mg. on the weekend, and I surewas glad I did. It made me VERY sleepy! But - that's the amount my doctor SUGGESTED I start at - and my treatment is for fobromyalgia, not depression and anxiety.
Posted by butterbay on September 17, 2002, at 0:26:37
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor, posted by pregnant on September 14, 2002, at 4:47:35
i have been taking effexor for 3 years and like you said it is wonderful for depression and anxiety, it is the only thing that ever helped me. if i were you, i would feel the same way about the effexor and my pregnancy. i'm sure there are very safe anti-depressants for pregnancy. maybe you could look that up on the internet and then relay the info to your doctor or psychiatrist. i have came off of effexor twice, once cold turkey, which didn't work at all, i had the most awful backset with my depression and then another time was slowly with the help of prozac. i did fine that time. my doctor advised that when coming off effexor, come off with an ssri, such as paxil, zoloft or prozac. i would maybe call an emergency doctor and ask these questions to be on the safe side, tell them you no longer want to take the effexor, but want to know how to alleiviate the side effects.
Posted by butterbay on September 17, 2002, at 0:40:36
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Starwatcher on September 16, 2002, at 19:50:33
i have been on effexor for 3 years and to me, it is the miracle drug. my depression, well, is gone. i almost never even get down anymore. it helps with the anxiety too. yes, i do know that the withdrawl symptoms when trying to come off of it are horrible, but it isn't if you do it the right way.. i came off of effexor twice, once cold turkey, which didn't work at all, i hit rock bottom with my depression. the other time was with prozac.. i started decreasing my dosage of effexor while taking prozac and never had a bit of problem. i was off of effexor for 3 months and then started back after a panic attack and depressed episode. it is wonderful if you truly need help for depression and anxiety. different medicnes work different for different people, but i would personally recommend effexor to anyone. as far as the sexual side effects, it is kind of funny because at first, it was like i kept feeling like i was going to orgasm and almost never did, it was very frustrating, but after a couple of months, that didn't happen anymore and now my orgasms are more powerful and wonderful than they ever were, i don't know if that is effexor related, but anyways, the sexual thing will subside, if you even have that side effect, a lot of people i've talked with don't have a sexual side effect. i really never had drowsiness that bad, maybe a little at first and then it subsided also. i get constipation from time to time ever since taking the effexor, but to me, it is worth it, if you aren't depressed.
Posted by sly on September 17, 2002, at 8:09:03
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I'm currently on 75 mg/day, and have been for about 5 months now, things are great except I find myself extremely irritable. I'm so anxious and angry, I have day dreams about yelling at people, I'm giving my boss at work major attitude and I want to rip off everyone's head for any minor annoyance. Anyone else have this problem?
Maybe it's just me, I am stressed out, but I'm sleeping well. I just feel so... ANGRY and I don't know why!?
Any suggestions?
Posted by mamawriter on September 17, 2002, at 9:15:02
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by trella77 on September 16, 2002, at 19:15:58
> Hi, the Dr just gave me Effexor today and I was doing some research. I found this website posting and I am scared to death now. the withdrawls seem to be horrible. If anyone has any advice as to start this med or get on a different one please help me!!! I am getting on Effexor to help with Depression and Anxiety and to help wean myself off Xanax (which I have been on for 5 years) THANKS ... I am also scared of weight gain and sexual side affects
Hi there. As my spouse pointed out, every single drug used to treat depression has message boards just like this one, with people complaining about side effects and/or the ineffectiveness of the drug. Unfortunately, every drug affects every person differently. Prozac made me so nuts, I would have rather just stayed crazy than take it. Other people wouldn't live without Prozac. Effexor worked very well for me. The mood swings went away, and got even better when I reached a therapeutic level of the medication (225 mg). No problems with sexual function and I LOST weight. I felt my feelings and could talk about them. It helped me be the best I could be.
The only reason I want off of Effexor now is, I've used it for nearly 3 years, I feel pretty good and would like to try life drug-free for a while. But the withdrawal is very hard.
Using Xanax as long as you have sounds very serious. Good luck with Effexor. It truly worked wonders for me. It doesn't mean it will be great for you, but you won't know until you give it a try. 150 mg is supposedly the lowest therapeutic level, so when you get up to there, you may have an idea how it works for you.
Posted by mamawriter on September 17, 2002, at 9:25:44
In reply to Anger Management, posted by sly on September 17, 2002, at 8:09:03
> I'm currently on 75 mg/day, and have been for about 5 months now, things are great except I find myself extremely irritable. I'm so anxious and angry, I have day dreams about yelling at people, I'm giving my boss at work major attitude and I want to rip off everyone's head for any minor annoyance. Anyone else have this problem?
>
> Maybe it's just me, I am stressed out, but I'm sleeping well. I just feel so... ANGRY and I don't know why!?
>
> Any suggestions?Hello. Yes, I've had freaky mood swings before and lots of angry stuff happening. It could be a form of depression. I know when you're depressed, you think you're supposed to be sad and quiet, but you can be very, very angry, too -- for "no reason."
Drugs are one way of coping. Is it time for an appointment with your pdoc?
Talk therapy with a highly qualified therapist is even better. Good luck.
Posted by jannbeau on September 17, 2002, at 12:38:40
In reply to Re: sexual side effect- effexor-xr, posted by Starwatcher on September 16, 2002, at 16:35:43
Hi, Starwatcher,
Sounds as if you have Effexor under YOUR control, whereas I felt as if the medication controlled ME! Maybe that's the difference in our "take" on this medicine. I hope Effexor continues to serve you well and, as I said before, I would not worry about discontinuing as long as it DOES serve your needs.
Cheers,
jann
Posted by Ritch on September 17, 2002, at 13:19:19
In reply to Anger Management, posted by sly on September 17, 2002, at 8:09:03
> I'm currently on 75 mg/day, and have been for about 5 months now, things are great except I find myself extremely irritable. I'm so anxious and angry, I have day dreams about yelling at people, I'm giving my boss at work major attitude and I want to rip off everyone's head for any minor annoyance. Anyone else have this problem?
>
> Maybe it's just me, I am stressed out, but I'm sleeping well. I just feel so... ANGRY and I don't know why!?
>
> Any suggestions?Hi,
It could be med-induced dysphoric hypomania. Have you had these experiences on other antidepressants? If it doesn't resolve over a reasonable amount of time you may need to switch AD's. The one that really gets me in the anger department is Wellbutrin .
Mitch
Posted by butterbay on September 17, 2002, at 21:08:19
In reply to Anger Management, posted by sly on September 17, 2002, at 8:09:03
i am also on effexor and have been for almost 3 years. i also have times when i'm very angry at everyone for no reason. i'm not sure if it is the effexor or female hormones. maybe you need an increase in your dosage. effexor is supposed to help anxiety as well as depression. if you continue to be angry, there are medications to help control anger. good luck.
Posted by LynnPerley on September 17, 2002, at 23:10:27
In reply to Re: Anger Management, posted by butterbay on September 17, 2002, at 21:08:19
Maybe you need to increase your dose? Talk to your therapist/doc? I found these kind of feelings have really stabilized now that I'm settled in at 225 mg.
Posted by nmk on September 18, 2002, at 9:06:35
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor, posted by pregnant on September 14, 2002, at 4:47:35
Dear Pregnant,
I read your post and felt compelled to write since I was in a very similar situation over a year ago. I was taking zoloft and klonopin for anxiety/panic and my husband and I decided we wanted to try for another baby. Before getting pregnant, I consulted a genetic specialist and my current pdoc who also happens to be an ob/gyn. We looked at the risks of remaining on the medication while pregnant as opposed to going off and decided to stay on the zoloft for the duration of the pregnancy. My pdoc switched the klonopin to ativan since it is "safer" to take while pregnant. At my 19 week ultrasound, my pdoc ordered a detailed sonogram, checking particularly for cleft lip/palette and everything checked out ok. I delivered a healthy baby boy last dec. and was able to nurse him while on the zoloft. I would take the ativan at night for sleep and then "pump and dump" in the middle of the night so the baby didn't receive any of the ativan. I feel for you because I am too familiar with all of the feelings running through your mind...especially the guilt factor. Please ask your doc about zoloft or something similar. I sympathize because I am currently weaning from effexor (pure hell) and I can't even imagine going through it with morning sickness added. I am currently down to 75 mg and have started Lexarpro 5 days ago. The mood and anxiety have improved but I feel like I just got off a roller coaster (dizzy, nauseous). If you want to talk further, please leave me your email address. You will get through this pregnant, hang in there and keep us posted.
Nicole
Posted by nmk on September 18, 2002, at 9:08:14
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor, posted by pregnant on September 14, 2002, at 4:47:35
Dear Pregnant,
I read your post and felt compelled to write since I was in a very similar situation over a year ago. I was taking zoloft and klonopin for anxiety/panic and my husband and I decided we wanted to try for another baby. Before getting pregnant, I consulted a genetic specialist and my current pdoc who also happens to be an ob/gyn. We looked at the risks of remaining on the medication while pregnant as opposed to going off and decided to stay on the zoloft for the duration of the pregnancy. My pdoc switched the klonopin to ativan since it is "safer" to take while pregnant. At my 19 week ultrasound, my pdoc ordered a detailed sonogram, checking particularly for cleft lip/palette and everything checked out ok. I delivered a healthy baby boy last dec. and was able to nurse him while on the zoloft. I would take the ativan at night for sleep and then "pump and dump" in the middle of the night so the baby didn't receive any of the ativan. I feel for you because I am too familiar with all of the feelings running through your mind...especially the guilt factor. Please ask your doc about zoloft or something similar. I sympathize because I am currently weaning from effexor (pure hell) and I can't even imagine going through it with morning sickness added. I am currently down to 75 mg and have started Lexarpro 5 days ago. The mood and anxiety have improved but I feel like I just got off a roller coaster (dizzy, nauseous). If you want to talk further, please leave me your email address. You will get through this pregnant, hang in there and keep us posted.
Nicole
Posted by lucky on September 18, 2002, at 9:46:48
In reply to Re: Alternative Ways of dealing with Depression, posted by Kellie on May 28, 2000, at 9:41:20
> Depression is a chemical imbalance of the brain. I haven't found any natural substances, such as St John's Wort that are strong enough or have the correct type of chemicals to replace seratonin, and non medical methods absolutely do not work. Telling a depressive to "learn how to calm down" or "snap out of it", or "you can change if you want to" is insensative at best and ignorant and callous at worst. My mother is a diabetic and I'd never dream of telling her she could meditate and get over it. So why would you want to tell me to try an alternative method to cure myself of depression. Believe me, before I finally admitted to myself that I had a serous illness, I tried!! Prayer,meditation,sense deprivation,staring at candles,humming,exercise,--nothing worked. This is not an emotional problem, it's a biological problem. Increase your knowledge and you might learn something.
Kellie,
Thanks for the feedback as I just started on Effexor XR and I was going to ask about St. John's wort as an alternative. Are you still using Effexor? Thanks,
Posted by jannbeau on September 18, 2002, at 10:26:30
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor, posted by nmk on September 18, 2002, at 9:08:14
>Nicole, what a sweet and reassuring note to "pregnant"! This is the type of response that should really mean something to her, from one who has had the experience.
Jannbeau
Dear Pregnant,
>
> I read your post and felt compelled to write since I was in a very similar situation over a year ago. I was taking zoloft and klonopin for anxiety/panic and my husband and I decided we wanted to try for another baby. Before getting pregnant, I consulted a genetic specialist and my current pdoc who also happens to be an ob/gyn. We looked at the risks of remaining on the medication while pregnant as opposed to going off and decided to stay on the zoloft for the duration of the pregnancy. My pdoc switched the klonopin to ativan since it is "safer" to take while pregnant. At my 19 week ultrasound, my pdoc ordered a detailed sonogram, checking particularly for cleft lip/palette and everything checked out ok. I delivered a healthy baby boy last dec. and was able to nurse him while on the zoloft. I would take the ativan at night for sleep and then "pump and dump" in the middle of the night so the baby didn't receive any of the ativan. I feel for you because I am too familiar with all of the feelings running through your mind...especially the guilt factor. Please ask your doc about zoloft or something similar. I sympathize because I am currently weaning from effexor (pure hell) and I can't even imagine going through it with morning sickness added. I am currently down to 75 mg and have started Lexarpro 5 days ago. The mood and anxiety have improved but I feel like I just got off a roller coaster (dizzy, nauseous). If you want to talk further, please leave me your email address. You will get through this pregnant, hang in there and keep us posted.
>
> Nicole
Posted by Alara on September 18, 2002, at 23:50:15
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor, posted by DebraA. on September 13, 2002, at 15:28:25
Debra, it's good to hear that you're doing so much better. Keep us posted!
Alara
Posted by pregnant on September 19, 2002, at 0:59:37
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor, posted by nmk on September 18, 2002, at 9:08:14
Hi Nicole,
Thanks so much for your response. It was nice to hear someone had a similar situation. I couldn't handle the withdrawals over the weekend and my doctor felt that I had lowered my dose to fast and had me take 37.5 mg of effexor. I felt better within an hour. Today is the first day that I lowered the dose to half of a 37.5 capsule. I am starting to get the dizziness and nausea again. I don't hear or feel the wierd zipping racing sound through my head, and I hope that means the withdrawals will not get as bad. I would really like to be off my next week. I usually also get gestational diabetes, and I am schedule for a 3- hour glucose test on Friday. I just hope to get through that without getting sick. I will try to call tomorrow to suggest the zoloft or something because I am scared of feeling the withdrawals again. How long will it take for me to feel better. I am hoping to eventually enjoy this pregnancy which will be my last. Pregnant and frustrated.> Dear Pregnant,
>
> I read your post and felt compelled to write since I was in a very similar situation over a year ago. I was taking zoloft and klonopin for anxiety/panic and my husband and I decided we wanted to try for another baby. Before getting pregnant, I consulted a genetic specialist and my current pdoc who also happens to be an ob/gyn. We looked at the risks of remaining on the medication while pregnant as opposed to going off and decided to stay on the zoloft for the duration of the pregnancy. My pdoc switched the klonopin to ativan since it is "safer" to take while pregnant. At my 19 week ultrasound, my pdoc ordered a detailed sonogram, checking particularly for cleft lip/palette and everything checked out ok. I delivered a healthy baby boy last dec. and was able to nurse him while on the zoloft. I would take the ativan at night for sleep and then "pump and dump" in the middle of the night so the baby didn't receive any of the ativan. I feel for you because I am too familiar with all of the feelings running through your mind...especially the guilt factor. Please ask your doc about zoloft or something similar. I sympathize because I am currently weaning from effexor (pure hell) and I can't even imagine going through it with morning sickness added. I am currently down to 75 mg and have started Lexarpro 5 days ago. The mood and anxiety have improved but I feel like I just got off a roller coaster (dizzy, nauseous). If you want to talk further, please leave me your email address. You will get through this pregnant, hang in there and keep us posted.
>
> Nicole
Posted by pregnant on September 19, 2002, at 1:03:22
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor, posted by jannbeau on September 18, 2002, at 10:26:30
Hello Jannbeau,
Nicole's note was for sure reassuring. What kind of experience have you had? Pregnant.> >Nicole, what a sweet and reassuring note to "pregnant"! This is the type of response that should really mean something to her, from one who has had the experience.
>
> Jannbeau
>
> Dear Pregnant,
> >
> > I read your post and felt compelled to write since I was in a very similar situation over a year ago. I was taking zoloft and klonopin for anxiety/panic and my husband and I decided we wanted to try for another baby. Before getting pregnant, I consulted a genetic specialist and my current pdoc who also happens to be an ob/gyn. We looked at the risks of remaining on the medication while pregnant as opposed to going off and decided to stay on the zoloft for the duration of the pregnancy. My pdoc switched the klonopin to ativan since it is "safer" to take while pregnant. At my 19 week ultrasound, my pdoc ordered a detailed sonogram, checking particularly for cleft lip/palette and everything checked out ok. I delivered a healthy baby boy last dec. and was able to nurse him while on the zoloft. I would take the ativan at night for sleep and then "pump and dump" in the middle of the night so the baby didn't receive any of the ativan. I feel for you because I am too familiar with all of the feelings running through your mind...especially the guilt factor. Please ask your doc about zoloft or something similar. I sympathize because I am currently weaning from effexor (pure hell) and I can't even imagine going through it with morning sickness added. I am currently down to 75 mg and have started Lexarpro 5 days ago. The mood and anxiety have improved but I feel like I just got off a roller coaster (dizzy, nauseous). If you want to talk further, please leave me your email address. You will get through this pregnant, hang in there and keep us posted.
> >
> > Nicole
>
>
Posted by Alara on September 19, 2002, at 1:29:38
In reply to Anger Management, posted by sly on September 17, 2002, at 8:09:03
sly,
I had a similar experience which lasted for a few months after starting Effexor and returned after withdrawal. I have been off the drug for almost one month now and am still experiencing occasional episodes of feeling angry at anything and everything for little or no reason.
How do I cope? Singing and exercise! At the end of a bad day I turn on the dance music and dance myself into a frenzy or take a brisk walk. I also sing dramatic art songs and opera arias, usually with themes about being wronged or getting revenge! On a really bad day, I hit pillows. Believe me, there's nothing like a good catharsis. This way nobody gets hurt. :-)
I have also noticed that making the effort to get three balanced meals each day helps to stablise those mood swings. (If I overdo the carbs and miss out on protein, I will usually get crabby towards the end of the day due to low blood sugar levels.) Diet is so important!
I hope that some of this helps.
Alara
Posted by nmk on September 19, 2002, at 13:26:05
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor, posted by pregnant on September 19, 2002, at 0:59:37
Hi Pregnant,
It sounds as though we have similar reactions to the reduction in effexor and our bodies sensitive to the slightest change. Since I cut down from 150 mg to 75mg, I also experienced nausea, dizziness, and vomittng so my pdoc suggested I do a more gradual reduction by taking out a few granules each day out of the 75 mg capsule before dropping to the 37 mg capsules. Also, I don't know if you are having any breakthrough anxiety related to the withdrawal but he suggested I continue with 1 mg ativan to alleviate anxiety. He stated that the withdrawal effects of the effexor could last up to two weeks after the last dose. I have started Lexapro a week ago, which is helping, but I hope I will feel the full benefits by the time I am off the effexor. If your nausea is really bad, I read in an earlier post that there is a medication used to treat hyperemesis in pregnant women that may be effective. The name escapes me but you doc should know.
Keep me posted and continue to hang in there, you will get through this first trimester and the effexor withdrawals...I'll be right there with you.
Nicole
Posted by jannbeau on September 19, 2002, at 14:54:32
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor, posted by pregnant on September 14, 2002, at 4:47:35
> Hello, Pregnant,
How are you doing today? Have your discontinuation symptoms started to abate? Have you gotten some answers to your concerns from your doctors? Hope some of the posts have been helpful, too. If you need reassurance re potential effects on your fetus, don't give it too much weight. 66% of ALL medications listed in the PDR are given Category C for "use-in-pregnancy" which simply means that safety use during pregnancy has not been established. Usually, these assignments are used by physicians and patients to determine whether the benefits of STARTING a medication during early pregnancy are worth the potential risks. It is interesting to note that one of the most used OTC medications on the market, Benedryl, is given a Category C rating! That must mean that hundreds of thousands of pregnant women have utilized this medication during pregnancy without untoward effects. Also, it is one of the meds used to treat hyperemesis of pregnancy!I also hope that you have received some reassurance from your physicians by now AND that your discontinuation symptoms are better. Several meds, including Benadryl (mentioned above) are used for hyperemesis of pregnancy. These include: Benadryl, Phenergan, Compazine (all Category C meds) and Antivert or Dramamine and Reglan, which are Category B meds (Category B is generally safe, but weigh the benefits with the risks).
Keep us posted and let us know when the baby arrives!
God Bless,
Jannbeau
>
> Help,Help, Help. I have just read many of these posting and I am in so much fear right now. I have been taking effexor xr since 3/02. My doctor had me start slow until I was up to 300 mg. a day. I am pregnant and he told me to stay on the effexor, but my nurse prac. and high risk pregnancy new doctor told me to gradually get off. My reg. doc. told me it was o.k. and o.k. to breast feed once I delivered. My prenatal office said effexor has not been tested enough to prove it would be safe. I immediately cut the dose in half to 150 mg. the day I walked out of the prenatal office. I took 150 mg for 5 days and started then reduced the dose to taking 75 mg. I noticed the withdrawal symptoms started, but at first didn't relate it to the effexor because I have been feeling a little sick with the pregnancy. So I took the 75mg for 3 days and took 37.5 for 2, and today is the first day taking nothing. I am scared for my unborn child, and don't want to take anymore, but I am going crazy tonight. I went to bed at 7 p.m. and left my 3 year old and 8 year old boys up with their dad. I woke up at 11 p.m. and it is now 2 a.m. I am dying to take the effexor. I went to make toast to help my stomach, but I usually get gestational diabetes in my pregnancies, and all this carb eating is going to really put my sugar levels soaring. It is the only thing that keeps my stomach feeling o.k. The nausea with effoxor is worst than any nausea feeling I have had in any pregnancy. I thought maybe since this was the weekend I could get off this stuff and be good to go on Monday. I had a great day this morning. The withdrawal symptoms keep hitting me at night. If I stay in the bed the next 2 days can I recover from this? Should I run downstairs and grap a pill? I'm buzzing in my head every now and then, feeling sick, tired then unable to sleep. I don't want my husband and children and child to be to have to suffer from this. I am about 11 weeks pregnant and want to be able to function at my best for the safety of my unborn. I also take night classes, although I have a BA. The effexor was working so well for me, I made a decision of a career change, enrolled in school and received an A in my class. My marriage and relationship with my children have been great since taking the effexor, but this withdrawal stuff is not worth all the happiness I have had the last 6 months. Do I need to find a withdrawal specialist? Does such a person exist? This is my only source right now. I am trying to not call the er line at my prenatal doc's office, because I would like to see myself make it through the weekend. My classes start on 9/23, should I consider dropping them because it is no way I will be totally off this stuff. I thought maybe since I have not been on it a year, it would not be this bad. Help someone please. Pregnancy symptoms plus withdrawal is a tough battle and I am in great need of support.
Posted by jannbeau on September 19, 2002, at 15:04:39
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor, posted by pregnant on September 19, 2002, at 1:03:22
> Hi, Pregnant! You sound better today, thank goodness. I just posted some information for you a little while ago before reading this note.
I was given amphetamines BY MY OB/GYN doctor 34 years ago, while pregnant with my first child. In those days, no system of labeling drugs for use in pregnancy existed and doctors knew little or nothing about some of the problems we might experience from taking meds during pregnancy (sometimes, I think, "ignorance is bliss!"). Thankfully, I delivered a healthy baby girl who is, today, a doctor herself! (Can you tell how proud I am?).
Cheers,
JannbeauHello Jannbeau,
> Nicole's note was for sure reassuring. What kind of experience have you had? Pregnant.
>
> > >Nicole, what a sweet and reassuring note to "pregnant"! This is the type of response that should really mean something to her, from one who has had the experience.
> >
> > Jannbeau
> >
> > Dear Pregnant,
> > >
> > > I read your post and felt compelled to write since I was in a very similar situation over a year ago. I was taking zoloft and klonopin for anxiety/panic and my husband and I decided we wanted to try for another baby. Before getting pregnant, I consulted a genetic specialist and my current pdoc who also happens to be an ob/gyn. We looked at the risks of remaining on the medication while pregnant as opposed to going off and decided to stay on the zoloft for the duration of the pregnancy. My pdoc switched the klonopin to ativan since it is "safer" to take while pregnant. At my 19 week ultrasound, my pdoc ordered a detailed sonogram, checking particularly for cleft lip/palette and everything checked out ok. I delivered a healthy baby boy last dec. and was able to nurse him while on the zoloft. I would take the ativan at night for sleep and then "pump and dump" in the middle of the night so the baby didn't receive any of the ativan. I feel for you because I am too familiar with all of the feelings running through your mind...especially the guilt factor. Please ask your doc about zoloft or something similar. I sympathize because I am currently weaning from effexor (pure hell) and I can't even imagine going through it with morning sickness added. I am currently down to 75 mg and have started Lexarpro 5 days ago. The mood and anxiety have improved but I feel like I just got off a roller coaster (dizzy, nauseous). If you want to talk further, please leave me your email address. You will get through this pregnant, hang in there and keep us posted.
> > >
> > > Nicole
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by jannbeau on September 19, 2002, at 15:10:14
In reply to Anger Management, posted by sly on September 17, 2002, at 8:09:03
>Hi, Alara (and Sly),
I, too, felt angry and had difficulty controlling my temper for a few weeks to a couple of months after coming off Effexor. I'm about three months out now and am just now getting better and feeling "normal" without the anger! Don't think I will ever want this medication in my body again, although I fight every day NOT to take it because Effexor helped my chronic pain SOOOO much.
Cheers,
jannbeauI'm currently on 75 mg/day, and have been for about 5 months now, things are great except I find myself extremely irritable. I'm so anxious and angry, I have day dreams about yelling at people, I'm giving my boss at work major attitude and I want to rip off everyone's head for any minor annoyance. Anyone else have this problem?
>
> Maybe it's just me, I am stressed out, but I'm sleeping well. I just feel so... ANGRY and I don't know why!?
>
> Any suggestions?
Posted by beth b on September 19, 2002, at 15:34:22
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor » pregnant, posted by jannbeau on September 19, 2002, at 15:04:39
Hi Guys--
Well, I had been weaning for about 6 weeks (150, 112.5, 75, 37.5, draining half of capsule, etc) and this past weekend I took the last step to 0 mg. During the weaning I had headaches and nausea pretty consistently every afternoon. By about 8pm I felt ok again.Friday was my first day without taking the medicine. I would have to say that Friday-Monday I felt as if I were being punished. I had a continuous headache, nausea, blurred vision, and that strange zooming sound going through my head. I was crying about everything. I was *pissed.* I suddenly felt like I hated everybody. I told God that I didn't like Him. I was miserable (and worried because I'm a teacher and I had to be at work by Tuesday).
Thank God it didn't last past Monday night. So it was like three days below the earth and then I was ok. So far I feel pretty good. I can CRY which is actually a relief because it has been over a year since I have been able to feel...anything. We'll see how it goes, I don't want to get my hopes up too high.
Thank-you guys for your honesty and support. It's so wonderful to have a group to discuss these things with.
Hugs-
Beth B
Posted by Alara on September 19, 2002, at 22:12:27
In reply to First Drug Holiday--Update, posted by beth b on September 19, 2002, at 15:34:22
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> "Thank God it didn't last past Monday night. So it was like three days below the earth and then I was ok. So far I feel pretty good. I can CRY which is actually a relief because it has been over a year since I have been able to feel...anything. We'll see how it goes, I don't want to get my hopes up too high."
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Beth, doesn't it feel great? I mean, so many people believe that crying is something AWFUL or UNBEARABLE but, at least for me, crying has always provided tremendous relief.My experience on Effexor was similar to yours: I lost a part of my ability to feel - although I probably needed a holiday from my feelings at the time! I have now been off the drug for one month and I feel as though I've rediscovered my soul. I cried buckets on the anniversary of September 11th, which is something I needed to do. (Would you believe that I was so numb on the Effexor that the reality of that terrible event didn't hit me until one year later, when I was drug free?)
Anyway, I'm so glad to hear about your speedy recovery. Maybe there IS a reason for you to get your hopes up. :-)
Alara
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