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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 2814 to 2838 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by legallybrunette on October 31, 2002, at 11:40:50
In reply to Afraid to try it again » Racer, posted by dd3 on October 29, 2002, at 21:34:17
hey there! -
wow, i came on here to post yet another question
about effxr, saw your mssg and was astounded.
i took xr for 4 days, had zero side-effects til day
4, when the exact same thing happened to me! my
hearing became freakily 'wolf-like' (not only were
the normal drips & creaks within my house
staggeringly loud, when i went to my window i could
hear, very clearly - among other things - peoples'
conversations from nearly 2 blocks away; i kid you
not), my muscles became very rigid, and i had an
overwhelming sense of panic and mind-body
disassociation.
& later on, when i felt more 'sane', i walked up
the street to the house of the woman i'd heard
talking from 2blocks away; just out of curiosity, i
wanted to know if i hadn't just been having audio
'hallucinations'.
i asked her if she and her friend had been
discussing marital problems (yes, personal stuff,
but hey) a recently-bought SUV and their kids'
school parties.
she looked stunned and asked how i knew. i tried to
explain, but still she looked at me like i was
kooky.
anyway, that's my story. my doctor said that it
was probably 'serotonin-syndrome' (i, too, had only
been taking 37.5mg), but that she'd never heard of
those reactions.
well, i would also like to try taking it again - i
believe that i need something! - but am deathly
afraid of, not so much the acute hearing (hey, it
could come in handy!), as i am of the panic and
frightening disassociative feelings.does anyone out there know if the 'regular' non-xr
effexor has fewer side-effects, or if trying one of
the older ADs - prozac, etc - may be a safer
choice, in that they don't stimulate the serotonin
so exclusively, and head-on?> I tried Effexor XR last year because I was going thru severe depression. I was started on the lowest dose of 37.5mg twice a day. I took my first pill and within half an hour I felt like all noises were being amplified. My children were talking softly near me but to me they sounded as if they were screaming. That sensation lasted for about 3 hours. That night I fell asleep better than usual but woke up around 3 in the morning and felt like my mind was racing and I felt as if I wanted to get up and run around the house or something. I felt almost manic. I eventually fell back asleep but it took a while. The next day I took the Effexor as I was prescribed. The same thing happened again but this time I got that panicky feeling during the day and the night. I have heard that it is supposed to be good for panic attacks also, which I have suffered from for the past 18 years. I stopped taking it after the second day because of those strange feelings. My question is....have any of you had these side effects and how long do they last. I want to try it again because my panic attacks are getting worse and my depression is coming back. I have tried many AD's in the past and never had those reactions. I have told my doctor about the side effects and have asked him to switch me to another AD but he insists on the Effexor and WON'T give me another one.
>
> Any ideas...comments...
>
> Thanks,
>
> dd3
Posted by Sioux on October 31, 2002, at 12:38:01
In reply to Re: Afraid to try it again - amazing!, posted by legallybrunette on October 31, 2002, at 11:40:50
>>>>>> I di took xr for 4 days, had zero side-effects til day 4, when the exact same thing happened to me! my hearing became freakily 'wolf-like' (not only were> the normal drips & creaks within my house staggeringly loud, when i went to my window i could hear, very clearly <<<<<<
I didn't get acute hearing but I did get acute smell. It was pretty dreadful: Every exhaust of every passing vehicle (I live in the city!) - Each smells different, BTW, in case you've ever wondered. The worst was when someone walked into my office after having used the bathroom; he had a ten foot diameter cloud of sh-- stink around him. It's left me with a profound respect for pet dogs and their ability to sort it all out without going nuts.
However - I'm of a generation that experimented with LSD, the first of the SRI's in public use. I didn't use it but many of my friends did. Reactions to it were as varied as the people who took it but the sensory disturbances, "bad trip" experiencing, etc calmed down as the brain adjusts to the change in seratonin levels.
>>>>does anyone out there know if the 'regular' non-xr effexor has fewer side-effects, <<<<<
My best guess would be that the "XR" part is inactive and functions merely to release the drug more slowly over a longer period of time.
>>>>>>>one of the older ADs - prozac, etc - may be a safer choice, in that they don't stimulate the serotonin so exclusively, and head-on? <<<<<
Or a mixture? Alternating day dosage of various?
S
> hey there! -
>
> wow, i came on here to post yet another question
> about effxr, saw your mssg and was astounded.
> i took xr for 4 days, had zero side-effects til day
> 4, when the exact same thing happened to me! my
> hearing became freakily 'wolf-like' (not only were
> the normal drips & creaks within my house
> staggeringly loud, when i went to my window i could
> hear, very clearly - among other things - peoples'
> conversations from nearly 2 blocks away; i kid you
> not), my muscles became very rigid, and i had an
> overwhelming sense of panic and mind-body
> disassociation.
> & later on, when i felt more 'sane', i walked up
> the street to the house of the woman i'd heard
> talking from 2blocks away; just out of curiosity, i
> wanted to know if i hadn't just been having audio
> 'hallucinations'.
> i asked her if she and her friend had been
> discussing marital problems (yes, personal stuff,
> but hey) a recently-bought SUV and their kids'
> school parties.
> she looked stunned and asked how i knew. i tried to
> explain, but still she looked at me like i was
> kooky.
> anyway, that's my story. my doctor said that it
> was probably 'serotonin-syndrome' (i, too, had only
> been taking 37.5mg), but that she'd never heard of
> those reactions.
> well, i would also like to try taking it again - i
> believe that i need something! - but am deathly
> afraid of, not so much the acute hearing (hey, it
> could come in handy!), as i am of the panic and
> frightening disassociative feelings.
>
> does anyone out there know if the 'regular' non-xr
> effexor has fewer side-effects, or if trying one of
> the older ADs - prozac, etc - may be a safer
> choice, in that they don't stimulate the serotonin
> so exclusively, and head-on?
>
>
>
Posted by FrustratedMale on October 31, 2002, at 13:47:54
In reply to Sex life and Effexor...Help!!, posted by Hoss on September 6, 2002, at 1:21:22
I have been on Effexor XR for the past 2 months and experiencing frustration with the lack of having an orgasm. 1 time since starting the drug. The dr. suggested taking buspar twice a day - no noticeable difference.
Anybody get any relief?
Posted by Reverend Joe Robak on October 31, 2002, at 14:47:37
In reply to Re: Sex life and Effexor...Help!!, posted by FrustratedMale on October 31, 2002, at 13:47:54
I too had some sexual side effects in the first month of taking Effexor XR. I was really great for my girlfriend, but no so much for myself. I have been on Paxil, Prozac, Seroquel, Remeron and other medications for anxiety, depression and panic attacks, but none have been as successful as Effexor XR. I have worked in the mental health field for 4 years as a QMA, and have seen all the side effects of medication and the effects of not being medicated. I can say that everyone reacts differently to medications. Some bad, some not so bad, and some don't experience any help from certain medications. I experience few side effects from Effexor XR 150mg.
Posted by Jannbeau on October 31, 2002, at 18:30:41
In reply to Re: Afraid to try it again, posted by Sioux on October 30, 2002, at 22:29:16
> Hi, Sioux
How insightful are your words! Thanks for responding with such thoughtful comments! Sounds as if you understand interpersonal dynamics rather well.
I also think your comment about drugging a patient into compliance is inspired: most of us -again I'll use this word in quotes-"feel" bad because we do not or cannot conform to society's "norms" or because we haven't learned to rely upon ourselves, to trust our instincts, or because we don't have the coping skills necessary to be "happy"--and who ever promised us a rose garden, anyway?
What I think I am saying is "happiness" should NOT be an expectation. Happiness should be an unexpected gift of the effort expended in striving for self realization. Some psychologist/philosopher--was it Maslow??--theorized that "self-realization"- of which "happiness" may be a fundamental component--or a surrogate concept--is a "process" not an "end," a striving, not an accomplishment; and that, as a "process" it is never finished and thus, our times on the top of the mountain, so to speak, are fleeting, that we can only briefly glimpse Nirvana in this life. Psychoactive medications then become a substitute for the process of seeking the mountaintop, a substitute that physicians are all too willing--and not always because they are "quacks"--to provide. In fact, I think that most physicians prescribe because psychiatrists have no idea how to reach the mountaintop!
Now, do I sound like an old hippie? or an earth mother?? How's that for philosophizing?
Jannbeau
I overheard a language tutor telling another tutor "You know, Americans will pay anything to feel good about themselves; you can't teach them because they feel bad if you correct them."
>
> That did get me thinking about how many different things we are willing to buy in order to feel better. I know for my part I *very* often make poor decisions because I forget that the other person is *not* my best friend. This includes my doctor, the salesperson, the cop on the beat, and a whole host of other innocents.
>
> I try to get pretty clear about what I want out of a transaction and why I want it. When I succeed is when I actually do feel good about myself.
>
> This, however, is not to confuse personality function with pain (one application of effexor) or clinical depression (the usual use of SRI).
>
> I believe, however, that there's a megaproblem with anyone that believes that depression is a discrete condition or that a particular psychoactive drug is/is not going to have a particular effect on a particular person. I do believe the diagnosis "depression" can be the first recourse of a true quack as it is so easy to drug a patient into compliance and leave 'em there until the insurance runs out...
>
> fwiw
Posted by Jannbeau on October 31, 2002, at 18:47:26
In reply to Re: Afraid to try it again, posted by Janee on October 31, 2002, at 8:44:58
>Janee, thank you for explaining your thoughts about medications. Take take care , keep believing and get well.
God Bless,
JannbeauInderstand that medication is not always the answer but for some people it helps them cope.It is not however good for uses to numb them for life. But o think that using medication that works for maybe as little as a year would be helpful to cope with whatever symptoms you may have. I myself have Agoraphobia, OCD, and Panic and Anxiety disorders. I am slowly taking myself off of the meds that I have been precribed to take mulitable times a day. I'm not telling people to go get the same medications that I have been using. I am merely suggesting to them what worked for me might work for them. I also know that I am healed through Christ Jesus and these disorders are only symptoms and will subside to never return. The meds only help me to cope with the pain. But not forever.
> Janee
Posted by spencer on November 1, 2002, at 7:22:55
In reply to Re: Sex life and Effexor...Help!!, posted by FrustratedMale on October 31, 2002, at 13:47:54
I also experienced great difficulty in having an orgasm for the first two to three months. Then it got better but I have to be honest and say that although it took longer to have an orgasm, they were very intense and I didn't hear the wife complaining. I just hope things get better for you. Despite a lot of early side effects, the difficulty in reaching orgasm was the only one that persisted. I tapered off completely about four months ago and the orgasm issue went away immediately.
Posted by chefdog35 on November 1, 2002, at 21:27:11
In reply to Re: Electric sensations on the top of the head, posted by jannbeau on October 29, 2002, at 10:16:57
> > I am sorry to hear that your parents passed away. How old were they and what happened to them? How old are you, if I may ask.
>
> Yes, the electric sensations, or "brain zaps" as many of us know them, do stop after you stop taking the medication. At least, for me, this was the case. The tapering is not bad. Don't let this board scare you. You will very likely do fine with the tapering. The secret seems to be not to take it too fast and, if you find that you are feeling too ill with a ster-down, back off, either to the previous dose for a couple of days, or to an intermediate dose.
>
> Good Luck,
> Jannbeau
>
> Both my parents died in 1998 and I went on Prozac, only to gain weight. After a year, I switched to Effexor, which seemed to be effective for a while. Now, after one year on Effexor, I feel the electric sensations in my head and I am sweating like crazy! I didn't know how to describe the head sensations before until I read postings here. I always described it as a feeling of falling a few inches. I want to get off and am worried about the dreaded tapering off, etc. Do the electric sensations go away after you stop?
>
>I have the same thing but mine also feel like extreme burst of panic help
Posted by clementine on November 3, 2002, at 14:41:12
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by maggie on April 13, 2000, at 14:32:34
Well, I've read most of the posts and have appreciated the input. I am going to talk to my doc about effexor but when I tried prozac many moons ago, I truly hated the zombie feeling, especially sexually (sorry to speak in mixed company). Does effexor have that same sort of reaction?
Thanks. K
Posted by Ed O`Flaherty on November 3, 2002, at 14:55:22
In reply to Re: Sex life and Effexor...Help!!, posted by spencer on November 1, 2002, at 7:22:55
> I also experienced great difficulty in having an orgasm for the first two to three months. Then it got better but I have to be honest and say that although it took longer to have an orgasm, they were very intense and I didn't hear the wife complaining. I just hope things get better for you. Despite a lot of early side effects, the difficulty in reaching orgasm was the only one that persisted. I tapered off completely about four months ago and the orgasm issue went away immediately.
Effexor is well-known for sexual side effects.It is I understand the worst of all the ADs for it.
Posted by cherry on November 4, 2002, at 0:02:33
In reply to Embarrassing question, posted by clementine on November 3, 2002, at 14:41:12
>I am going to talk to my doc about effexor but when I tried prozac, I hated the zombie feeling, especially sexually. Does effexor have that same sort of reaction? Thanks. K
Interesting question. The day my doctor prescribed Eff. to me, he said it was because it was better sexually than the other meds (eg Serzone). BUT it seems from more than half the people on this list that it does affect a lot of people.
Also in case you're interested, after 4 days of feeling disgusting (8 side effects), I went off Effexor, called my doctor and asked why he'd put me on it in the first place. The day I got it, he said it was a recent med, more mild than others (plus better for sex). BUT actually it turns out that he only prescribes THREE types of meds because in a practice his size, he doesn't have enough patients with depression etc, to try every new thing etc.
In other words, the drug WASN'T chosen because it suited me, but because it was one of only three he prescribes. (And judging by his surprise at all my side effects, either his other patients are not telling him about their effects or I'm just super-sensitive! I suspect the former - which means he doesn't know a whole lot about it anyway. And let's face it, most of these doctors haven't tried this stuff themselves and so can't really comprehend how bad the side effects can be)
Food for thought eh. And dangerous as hell in my opinion. I felt as sick as a dog, and wasn't at all convinced it would all go away. Plus this drug seems to have bad withdrawal problems.
Cherry
Posted by siuFrank on November 4, 2002, at 0:56:15
In reply to Embarrassing question, posted by clementine on November 3, 2002, at 14:41:12
Hi all,
I have been on effexor for more than 2 weeks and it is starting to affect me. My thinking is foggy and I react slower to stimulants. When I was dining with my friends, I was like I can't not digest and react to the conversations I used to be able to. Does anyone experience these?
and what is "withdrawal" exactly?
Thanks, Frank
Posted by jannbeau on November 4, 2002, at 11:19:04
In reply to Embarrassing question, posted by clementine on November 3, 2002, at 14:41:12
> Unfortunately, many people seem to experience both of these side effects.
Jannbeau
Well, I've read most of the posts and have appreciated the input. I am going to talk to my doc about effexor but when I tried prozac many moons ago, I truly hated the zombie feeling, especially sexually (sorry to speak in mixed company). Does effexor have that same sort of reaction?
> Thanks. K
Posted by Sioux on November 4, 2002, at 19:44:23
In reply to A Slow down, posted by siuFrank on November 4, 2002, at 0:56:15
That's my most grievous complaint, too. It's quite frightening for me.
Withdrawal is the chemical imbalance that occurs when you stop taking the drug. It is important to slowly decrease the amount that you're taking, when going off of it, to allow the brain's chemistry to balance itself without any cataclismic seesawing.
S
> Hi all,
>
> I have been on effexor for more than 2 weeks and it is starting to affect me. My thinking is foggy and I react slower to stimulants. When I was dining with my friends, I was like I can't not digest and react to the conversations I used to be able to. Does anyone experience these?
>
> and what is "withdrawal" exactly?
>
> Thanks, Frank
Posted by siuFrank on November 4, 2002, at 20:32:27
In reply to Re: A Slow down, posted by Sioux on November 4, 2002, at 19:44:23
Hi Sioux,
Thanks for your response. So did the slow-down get better over time? What did you do? Yes it is frightening to me too Sioux.
: O Frank
> That's my most grievous complaint, too. It's quite frightening for me.
>
> Withdrawal is the chemical imbalance that occurs when you stop taking the drug. It is important to slowly decrease the amount that you're taking, when going off of it, to allow the brain's chemistry to balance itself without any cataclismic seesawing.
>
> S
>
> > Hi all,
> >
> > I have been on effexor for more than 2 weeks and it is starting to affect me. My thinking is foggy and I react slower to stimulants. When I was dining with my friends, I was like I can't not digest and react to the conversations I used to be able to. Does anyone experience these?
> >
> > and what is "withdrawal" exactly?
> >
> > Thanks, Frank
>
>
Posted by Sioux on November 4, 2002, at 21:30:35
In reply to Re: A Slow down, posted by siuFrank on November 4, 2002, at 20:32:27
Well, I'm on 37.5 mg for pain. The slow down did seem to get somewhat better, plus I got used to it some. But, still, I'm definitely not back to my old self.
I'm due to get my electric wheelchair soon and then I hope to be able to leave many of my pain meds behind, including the effexor.
>>>> Thanks for your response. So did the slow-down get better over time? What did you do? Yes it is frightening to me too Sioux.<<<<<
Posted by sleepy lizard on November 4, 2002, at 21:39:16
In reply to Embarrassing question, posted by clementine on November 3, 2002, at 14:41:12
Effexor definately has sexual side effects. I had anorgasmia on it. I tried Wellbutrin to counter the side effect but it did not work, in fact it made me anxious. The following antidepressants, from my research, have low or rare sexual side effects:
Remeron, Serzone, Parnate, Ludiomil, Wellbutrin, Dyserel (for sleep disorders).
But then I read that many people have problems even with Wellbutrin. What to believe? Some have tried viagra as a remedy (both sexes) but it is very expensive. Buspar is also used as a remedy and some use Wellbutrin.
Posted by LynnPerley on November 4, 2002, at 21:47:30
In reply to A Slow down, posted by siuFrank on November 4, 2002, at 0:56:15
What dosage are you taking, and are you on a schedule to increase gradually? What time of day do you take it? This effect went away gradually for me, about the time I got up to 150 mg, and especially after I started taking it at night. Be sure you are getting enough sleep. The first few months I had to get 8 hours sleep - if I did not I was worthless. Now I am more back to normal - I can go with less than 8 for a few days and then get essentially "caught up" with one good night sleep.
Posted by Stamper on November 5, 2002, at 21:39:38
In reply to Re: A Slow down, posted by Sioux on November 4, 2002, at 19:44:23
Have any of you fallen in love with your therapist or have the therapist fall in love with you? Apparently there is a lot of this going on but never heard of it before until I read about it on another post. I'm on effexor-300 mg and wellbutrin-400 mg. Have been lurking here for some time.
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 6, 2002, at 7:54:34
In reply to Love with therapist, posted by Stamper on November 5, 2002, at 21:39:38
> Have any of you fallen in love with your therapist or have the therapist fall in love with you?
This is a good question, but it has more to do with psychology than medication, so I'd like follow-ups to it to be redirected to Psycho-Psycho-Babble:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20020829/msgs/1466.html
Thanks,
Bob
PS: And follow-ups regarding posting policies to be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration.
Posted by Elle on November 6, 2002, at 21:31:30
In reply to Re: FXR XR Discontinuation Steps » SLS, posted by kid47 on September 26, 2001, at 14:09:03
I recently attempted discontinuing Effexor XR 150 mg after two years and it was definitely a mistake. I felt terrible within approx. 36 hours of the missed dose. I went to my doctor and am now tapering; 75 mg for 2 wks. then 37.5 mg for 2 wks. I asked for an rx for prozac as well because I read this can help with the withdrawal. He had no idea about this and, unbelieveably, he said he had never heard of someone having such a tough time stopping Effexor. Anyway, any info regarding the prozac addition would be great. Thanks!
Posted by Geezer on November 7, 2002, at 9:12:45
In reply to Re: FXR XR Discontinuation Steps, posted by Elle on November 6, 2002, at 21:31:30
Hi Elle,
Your experience RE: the Prozac for FXR withdrawal is very typical. I have not been able to tell if pdocs won't admit the truth about using Prozac for this purpose or if they are just ignorant. In any case you are correct, substituting Prozac (10mg. every other day for about 5 days - then stop the Prozac) will help a great deal due to the long half life of the Prozac. The fact that he is "surprized" about the withdrawal is a farce (if they told us about the withdrawal we would never take the stuff). As a psyc. patient we are in a consumer's market, sadly, we have to determine what is right for us based on our own education.
Wish you the very best,
Geezer
Posted by japonica on November 7, 2002, at 14:00:21
In reply to Re: FXR XR Discontinuation Steps » Elle, posted by Geezer on November 7, 2002, at 9:12:45
Hello group,
I have been taking Effexor XR for 1 month now. I read many of these postings prior to beginning the medication. Although there is much negativity here, I saw some hopeful posts. As someone who has tried various medications since the age of 19 (I am now 42) I am pleased to say I am VERY encouraged by my early experience with Effexor.
I was off medication more than on throughout the duration of my struggle with dpression. Many years ago before SSRIs and the newer generations of drugs I was placed on some harsh chemicals at a time when I felt literally "out of my mind." Drugs like Lithium. These only served to convince me there was no hope and furthered my steady decline into depression. After the birth of my first child I was able to redirect my energies for quite some time and lead a relatively normal life. Then I had my second child and continued to maintain.
Around the time my younger child turned 2 I began, again, a steady downward spiral and immediately went for help. I was presribed Prozac which saved my life. The only problem was I went from 110 to 87 pounds (I'm very small). That coupled with the fact that my spouse could not handle the stigma of my need for medication in order to be "normal" made me decide to quit --I had no side effects.
In February of 2001 I had another major depressive episode and again sought help. Prozac again. Except this time it didn't help. I "bucked-up" (bad idea) and decided to go it alone again.
In Jan. of 2002 I separated from my husband and felt not only depression but anxiety. I went on Zoloft in June of 2002 and was close to losing my professional job of 16 years because I could no longer concentrate. After 4 weeks on Zoloft gained 25 and felt, in general, like cr*p.
Am now on Effexor XR, have lost all of the weight and have been given some high prioity tasks at work, the kind I'm used to being assigned to.
My only side-effect was a yeast infection (immediately)for which I took Ascidophilus (spelling?). These are the "active cultures" found in yogurt. It cleared up immediately and I feel very well.
Sorry for the long post. I wanted to introduce myself and say thank you to all who give their time here. You have been most helpful.
japonica
Posted by jannbeau on November 7, 2002, at 14:32:57
In reply to Effexor Newbie, posted by japonica on November 7, 2002, at 14:00:21
> You're very welcome, both to the board and for your "thanks".
Good luck to you. I hope you continue to do well on Effexor.
Cheers,
JannbeauHello group,
>
> I have been taking Effexor XR for 1 month now. I read many of these postings prior to beginning the medication. Although there is much negativity here, I saw some hopeful posts. As someone who has tried various medications since the age of 19 (I am now 42) I am pleased to say I am VERY encouraged by my early experience with Effexor.
>
> I was off medication more than on throughout the duration of my struggle with dpression. Many years ago before SSRIs and the newer generations of drugs I was placed on some harsh chemicals at a time when I felt literally "out of my mind." Drugs like Lithium. These only served to convince me there was no hope and furthered my steady decline into depression. After the birth of my first child I was able to redirect my energies for quite some time and lead a relatively normal life. Then I had my second child and continued to maintain.
>
> Around the time my younger child turned 2 I began, again, a steady downward spiral and immediately went for help. I was presribed Prozac which saved my life. The only problem was I went from 110 to 87 pounds (I'm very small). That coupled with the fact that my spouse could not handle the stigma of my need for medication in order to be "normal" made me decide to quit --I had no side effects.
>
> In February of 2001 I had another major depressive episode and again sought help. Prozac again. Except this time it didn't help. I "bucked-up" (bad idea) and decided to go it alone again.
>
> In Jan. of 2002 I separated from my husband and felt not only depression but anxiety. I went on Zoloft in June of 2002 and was close to losing my professional job of 16 years because I could no longer concentrate. After 4 weeks on Zoloft gained 25 and felt, in general, like cr*p.
>
> Am now on Effexor XR, have lost all of the weight and have been given some high prioity tasks at work, the kind I'm used to being assigned to.
>
> My only side-effect was a yeast infection (immediately)for which I took Ascidophilus (spelling?). These are the "active cultures" found in yogurt. It cleared up immediately and I feel very well.
>
> Sorry for the long post. I wanted to introduce myself and say thank you to all who give their time here. You have been most helpful.
>
> japonica
Posted by Sioux on November 7, 2002, at 17:03:52
In reply to Effexor Newbie, posted by japonica on November 7, 2002, at 14:00:21
Hello to you, too, Japonica!
I'm delighted to read of your success with Effexor. It sounds exactly like the situation for which the drug was designed and I'm glad you found it. I wish you every good thing.
Speaking only for myself, my negative relationship is not with the drug per se. I believe it does well what it was designed to do. My concern has been with what I experience as irresponsible prescribing. This is to say, prescribing without a proper diagnosis, prescribing inappropriate levels of the drug, prescribing without the patient's truly *informed* consent (i.e. not telling folks about the side effects), and inappropriate attention to the patient's report of the experience with the drug. The irresponsible prescribing of this drug is on a par with irresponsible surgery. The surgery itself may be good, but its inappropriate application can have seriously deleterious effects on the patient.
(Actually, I can talk like that too if I remember to put my teeth in first... <G>)
Love and very best wishes. Thanks for your post.
S
> Hello group,
>
> I have been taking Effexor XR for 1 month now. I read many of these postings prior to beginning the medication. Although there is much negativity here, I saw some hopeful posts. As someone who has tried various medications since the age of 19 (I am now 42) I am pleased to say I am VERY encouraged by my early experience with Effexor.
>
> I was off medication more than on throughout the duration of my struggle with dpression. Many years ago before SSRIs and the newer generations of drugs I was placed on some harsh chemicals at a time when I felt literally "out of my mind." Drugs like Lithium. These only served to convince me there was no hope and furthered my steady decline into depression. After the birth of my first child I was able to redirect my energies for quite some time and lead a relatively normal life. Then I had my second child and continued to maintain.
>
> Around the time my younger child turned 2 I began, again, a steady downward spiral and immediately went for help. I was presribed Prozac which saved my life. The only problem was I went from 110 to 87 pounds (I'm very small). That coupled with the fact that my spouse could not handle the stigma of my need for medication in order to be "normal" made me decide to quit --I had no side effects.
>
> In February of 2001 I had another major depressive episode and again sought help. Prozac again. Except this time it didn't help. I "bucked-up" (bad idea) and decided to go it alone again.
>
> In Jan. of 2002 I separated from my husband and felt not only depression but anxiety. I went on Zoloft in June of 2002 and was close to losing my professional job of 16 years because I could no longer concentrate. After 4 weeks on Zoloft gained 25 and felt, in general, like cr*p.
>
> Am now on Effexor XR, have lost all of the weight and have been given some high prioity tasks at work, the kind I'm used to being assigned to.
>
> My only side-effect was a yeast infection (immediately)for which I took Ascidophilus (spelling?). These are the "active cultures" found in yogurt. It cleared up immediately and I feel very well.
>
> Sorry for the long post. I wanted to introduce myself and say thank you to all who give their time here. You have been most helpful.
>
> japonica
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