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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by begtag on December 2, 2002, at 8:17:44
In reply to Re: Long-term effects, posted by stjames on July 8, 2000, at 23:15:07
Hello,
I am new to this message board. I suffer from anxiety attacks, panic attacks, and depression. I have been on Effexor for almost three years. I started to have health problems for the last year or so. Sorry to be graphic, but rectal bleeding, vomiting blood, chest pains, pelvic pains, breathing problems (like asthma attacks), liver problems, and several other problems. Because I have a history of uterine cancer, my doctor was very concerned. They sent me to specialist after specialist, with every invasive test imaginable. No one could find any cause for my bleeding. I asked my doctor several times, if it could be the medication. Effexor was the only medication I was taking. I then developed ovarian cysts.
Long story condensed here, I was roaming the web and came across this site about Effexor XR Side Effects. Imagine my shock and fear. I printed out all the information, which is also found in the free sample packs that your doctor supplies, and took it to my doctor. He was shocked. I am now, under his supervision, cutting down on my dosages, and hope to be effexor free in two weeks.
I know medications work different for everyone, and my intention is not to scare anyone away from taking the Effexor. It really did help me manage my depression and attacks. The nasty side effects I mentioned that happened to me were very rare. Just my luck. <g>
But after this disaster, I have requested that I try going drug free to see if I can deal with my depression. I am really scared to try another medication after this. Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas?
Thanks for listening,
Bonnie
Posted by zinya on December 2, 2002, at 15:15:23
In reply to Re: Effexor XR? Successful but very ugly!, posted by Dan L on November 28, 2002, at 1:51:51
Dan L (or anyone):
When you missed doses, how long was it before these symptoms would show up? What if you were a few hours late on a given day? Would it be like an 'alarm clock' of these electric sensations reminding you to take dose? And then how soon would they subside after resuming dose??
It sounds like Effexor -- which I was prescribed but haven't yet started (i've written a few queries some days ago) -- might be wrong for someone (like me) who's easily distracted as to time of day or remembering to take a pill at a fairly rigid time every day - ??
Posted by Sioux on December 2, 2002, at 15:31:19
In reply to Re: Effexor XR? Successful but very ugly! » Dan L, posted by zinya on December 2, 2002, at 15:15:23
> What if you were a few hours late on a given day?Zinya, I haven't experienced any such ties to the clock. The medicine's levels in the blood change very slowly (hence the slow build up and the slow taper off) and so the hour is not that critical. I just take mine (37.5 mg for pain) routinely at bedtime because it makes me sleepy.
When I tapered off before, I made slight changes in dose only every 2 weeks.
If I forget a dose, it is about 36 hours before I notice anything (in me, irritability) and then that stops about 45 minutes after taking it.
Hope this helps.
- Sioux
Posted by Kenneth Copeland on December 2, 2002, at 15:50:59
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I Have Been On Effexor Xr now for About 4 months now and I would have never have taken this terrible drug had I known the withdrawls would be like this..What everyone has said is true..There is no desire for sex, I have just been laid off of my job of 7 years and I find that I sleep till 11:00 and the insomnia is terrible..I have only been on it for a short time and I feel like I am in a cloud sometimes..I am currently tapering off from 75mg to 37.5mg and tomorrow is my last pill..I tried to quit cold turkey or try taking one every other day but the vertigo was so bad I had to call in another prescription just to avert the withdrawls.. so hopefully I can kick this thing. I will post back in a few days and hopefully I wont have any withdrawl symptoms LORD WILLING..
Posted by jannbeau on December 2, 2002, at 16:54:47
In reply to Re:Withdrawl » jp, posted by Kenneth Copeland on December 2, 2002, at 15:50:59
> Kenneth, you can divide the 37.5 mg caps into two portions, also for a little longer period to discontinue. You can take the little spheres right out of your hand; they don't have to be in a capsule. They are tasteless, odourless and don't burn or sting. Just DON'T chew them and DON'T let them dissolve in your mouth. I've done this and it worked fine for me. There are probably about 100 to 150 of them in a 75 mg cap; there may be fewer in a 37.5 cap; just eyeball them; the exact dosage doesn't seem as important as the slow discontinuation.
Also, it seems that he severity and duration of discontinuation syndrome, as it's called, may depend upon the speed of the dose-reductions and upon the individual, both his/her brain chemistry and his/her psychological profile and/or circumstances, but you CAN make it through! I was ok within a few days and all signs that I could connect to effexor were pretty well gone within three or four weeks.
I wish you luck in this endeavor. You WILL overcome!
Jannbeau
I Have Been On Effexor Xr now for About 4 months now and I would have never have taken this terrible drug had I known the withdrawls would be like this..What everyone has said is true..There is no desire for sex, I have just been laid off of my job of 7 years and I find that I sleep till 11:00 and the insomnia is terrible..I have only been on it for a short time and I feel like I am in a cloud sometimes..I am currently tapering off from 75mg to 37.5mg and tomorrow is my last pill..I tried to quit cold turkey or try taking one every other day but the vertigo was so bad I had to call in another prescription just to avert the withdrawls.. so hopefully I can kick this thing. I will post back in a few days and hopefully I wont have any withdrawl symptoms LORD WILLING..
Posted by emerald may on December 2, 2002, at 17:16:45
In reply to Re: Effexor XR? Successful but very ugly! » Dan L, posted by zinya on December 2, 2002, at 15:15:23
I try to take mine at bedtime, and if I miss one, I start to notice about 12-15 hrs after the missed dose. I get a weird head change, that I have not been able to describe, but have seen it described well here. Its like my vission laggs when I turn my head. It goes away about an hour after i take it. Good luck!
Posted by zinya on December 2, 2002, at 17:39:17
In reply to Re:Withdrawl » jp, posted by Kenneth Copeland on December 2, 2002, at 15:50:59
I'm curious, if you don't mind, Kenneth: In retrospect, did you have symptoms in the first week or so of taking the Effexor, or did the downsides of it only emerge for you after being on it for x amount of time?
Meanwhile, thanks to those responding to my earlier query as to timing of pill-taking and how sensitive the body is to being punctual. Any more of you who have relevant comments on your experience will be much appreciated.
Posted by Kenneth Copeland on December 3, 2002, at 11:24:48
In reply to Re:Withdrawl » Kenneth Copeland, posted by zinya on December 2, 2002, at 17:39:17
When I first started taking the medicine, I noticed the typical side effects which were feeling tired and maybe the occasional nausea but that lasted about a week. Then I went from the starting dose 37.5 to 75mg. I feel ok when I am on this stuff except for the occasional cloudy feeling, increased heart rate and absolutely no sex drive at all..Man I wonder what the people taking 150,250 mg feel like..I wish the withdrawls wre like the side effects I experienced when I first started because at least it would have been easier stopping..
Posted by japonica on December 3, 2002, at 11:58:50
In reply to Re: Effexor XR? Successful but very ugly! » Dan L, posted by zinya on December 2, 2002, at 15:15:23
I continue to be somewhat the odd man out in the Effexor arena. I've been on it for 2 months (currently @75mg.). My experience has been positive from the start and continues to be so.
I do occasionally forget a dose. I typically take it mid-morning. When I have taken the forgotten dose at bedtime this does tend to slightly disrupt my sleep. Effexor energizes me; I don't suffer any sleepiness at all.
I have also gone as long as 36 hours without a dose and experience absolutely no symptoms at all.
I continue to lose weight (not a bad thing); I am very focused at work ( I am a technical writer); my depression is virtually non-existent; and my anxiety is well under control.
As I've stated in previous posts, I have tried other anti-depressants with varying degrees of success for many years. Effexor has been the best.
In the interest of fairness, beginning the medication somewhat coincided with the separation from my emotionally unavailable alcoholic husband of 20 years (my decision). That in itself has had a positive impact on my outlook.
My point is I, thus far, have *nothing* negative to say about this medication.
As always, thanks to all who take the time here to be supportive. I find the information here to be invaluable.
Best to all -japonica
Posted by TLove on December 4, 2002, at 9:50:15
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Will I lose any weight, will I lose my appetite? I don't feel sick and I took my first pill about 4 hours ago.
Posted by TLove on December 4, 2002, at 11:09:34
In reply to Re: Permanently damaged!!!!!!!!!, posted by emerald may on December 2, 2002, at 3:22:24
about the weight, I don't mean to sound like that's the only thing good that would come of this medicine, but it would just help things out a little :)
Posted by jammin on December 4, 2002, at 12:21:04
In reply to Re: Effexor XR? Successful but very ugly !-zinya, posted by japonica on December 3, 2002, at 11:58:50
Japonica,
Thanks for positive feedback. I just got off of Paxil about a month ago, but I was experiencing very high hostility towards everyone especially when alcohol was involved.I told my doctor I would like to try something else, and Effexor XR was suggested.
> I continue to be somewhat the odd man out in the Effexor arena. I've been on it for 2 months (currently @75mg.). My experience has been positive from the start and continues to be so.
>
> I do occasionally forget a dose. I typically take it mid-morning. When I have taken the forgotten dose at bedtime this does tend to slightly disrupt my sleep. Effexor energizes me; I don't suffer any sleepiness at all.
>
> I have also gone as long as 36 hours without a dose and experience absolutely no symptoms at all.
>
> I continue to lose weight (not a bad thing); I am very focused at work ( I am a technical writer); my depression is virtually non-existent; and my anxiety is well under control.
>
> As I've stated in previous posts, I have tried other anti-depressants with varying degrees of success for many years. Effexor has been the best.
>
> In the interest of fairness, beginning the medication somewhat coincided with the separation from my emotionally unavailable alcoholic husband of 20 years (my decision). That in itself has had a positive impact on my outlook.
>
> My point is I, thus far, have *nothing* negative to say about this medication.
>
> As always, thanks to all who take the time here to be supportive. I find the information here to be invaluable.
>
> Best to all -japonica
Posted by Kenneth Copeland on December 6, 2002, at 10:13:56
In reply to Re: Effexor XR? Successful but very ugly !-zinya, posted by jammin on December 4, 2002, at 12:21:04
I tried to come off of Effexor By Decreaseing my dose as I had written in other posts..Well that did not work because the withdrawl effects came back.I called my doctor and now he wants to put me Wellbutrin for 30 days at 2 doses a day..Does this work? Can I quit this stuff after the 30 Days?..Now what? I need some feedback please..
Posted by japonica on December 6, 2002, at 10:44:04
In reply to Re:Anyone Heard Of Wellbutrin?, posted by Kenneth Copeland on December 6, 2002, at 10:13:56
Hi Kenneth. If you go to this page on Dr. Bob's site http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/ you'll find a link for bupropion (Wellbutrin). These threads discuss all aspects of Wellbutrin just like ours discuss Effexor.
Good luck - japonica
Posted by freudiangarterbelt on December 7, 2002, at 9:19:18
In reply to Re:Anyone Heard Of Wellbutrin?, posted by Kenneth Copeland on December 6, 2002, at 10:13:56
Welbutrin will help you stop smoking. Tell you Dr. that recent studies have shown the use of ssri's will greatly reduce the excitation of your mental funny bone--bzzzzzzzzzt.
Posted by Geezer on December 7, 2002, at 9:44:51
In reply to Re:Anyone Heard Of Wellbutrin?, posted by freudiangarterbelt on December 7, 2002, at 9:19:18
> Welbutrin will help you stop smoking. Tell you Dr. that recent studies have shown the use of ssri's will greatly reduce the excitation of your mental funny bone--bzzzzzzzzzt.
The best two sentence summary of the subject I have ever read! How did you come up with a board name like "freudiangarterbelt"......wish I had thought of it?
Posted by viridis on December 7, 2002, at 12:04:53
In reply to Re:Anyone Heard Of Wellbutrin?, posted by Kenneth Copeland on December 6, 2002, at 10:13:56
I've never used Wellbutrin to withdraw from another med, but I did take it for a couple of months. It works well for some people, but be cautious if you're prone to anxiety -- it can be very anxiogenic (it was for me, and I know others who have reacted in a similar way). It also made me extremely dizzy and had various other odd side effects.
I had no trouble discontinuing it after two months though, and the side effects went away almost immediately.
Posted by JenniferB on December 9, 2002, at 18:41:39
In reply to Re: Adults with ADHD, posted by Billy on October 28, 2002, at 7:23:43
I have no way of knowing, of course, but...
She may not actually be suicidal. Her impulsivity may just be leading her to threaten suicide when she feels anxious, frustrated and out of control. I'm female, 25 years old, have inattentive ADD and secondary/attendant anxiety (more so) and depression (less so), and have threatened suicide lots of times (sometimes even to professors, supervisors, etc.) but never actually felt suicidal, per se--just panicked in the moment (failing and class, etc.) and seeking whatever form of respite I could find.
> > > > Hello, My name is Bill and I am in a very serious relationship with a beautiful woman(living together in our 30's. She has ADHD. I am sure there is another forum out there for me to speak on however, I have not found it. We are haveing major problems which I feel are ending this relationship. She has enxiety, depression and the ADHD. She is taking Effexor, I think 150 mg per day. There is so much besuty and talent in her if she could just believe in herself. Unfortunately it appears as though she is relying on me to make it all better. I cannot handle it!! I am a very good care taker and while living with her, I have almost gotten to be able to tolerate the mess etc.
> > > Of late there have been some major fights (VIOLENT) I dont know what to do. I am a very rational person but, I fear for her safety as well as myself If this continues down this road. She has tried to hurt herself and me. She is taking meds and seeking therpy once a week....i dont know where to turn. It almost seems Bi-polar (not that i know enough to say) but, her doctor and she tell me thats not the case. If anyone has advice or knows of an organization that can help PLEASE respond. Thank you.
> >
> > Just curious, but what does she and her doctor say when you question the diagnosis? How has she tried to hurt you or herself? Suicidality isn't a common feature of ADHD. I have bipolar and ADHD, and ordinary doses of many meds can cause more problems than they solve. I would seek a 2nd opinion from another psychiatrist. Your girlfriend doesn't sound like her treatment is working out regardless of whether the diagnosis is accurate or not. She may need alternative treatments.
> >
> Thank you for your thoughts Rich. I am actually going today to see the psychologist with her(first time I have been allowed to be involved.) If I am expected to be a part of her life I must be able to know what the real deal is if I am to help. This has gone on for over a year and each "incident" gets worse, more violent. I know fact that ADHD is a strong part of the challeneges with holding a job, school, etc. his has caused her to feel failure to parents, past relationships, etc. So the depression sets in. It is the impulsivity that scares the heck out of me. She takes Adivan or Klonopin as well as Effexor. In her past she shared with me she has tried Welbutrin, Zoloft, Ritalin,and many other drugs for differing symptoms. She was never diagnosed as a kid, only since age 25. I am just really trying to get understanding of all this. I went to the ADHD ADD conference in Chicago this year and have read a few books. The ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, and now Violence is so overwhelming. Despite the efforts......I do not understand.
>
Posted by h20surfer1 on December 10, 2002, at 0:13:15
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have been posting monthly.
I take 225mg/day of Effexor and was started on 15mg/day of Remeron 30 days ago (for Libido problems from Effexor). I have been on effexor for almost 6 months now.
I am still having positive results from Effexor. No depression, no loss in energy, very little anxiety (too much of a reduction and you lose motivation) great sleep (Remeron really helped this), and my libido is slowly starting to return.
I am overall very happy with the results of the meds and will continue to take them until I am directed by the Doc to stop. I have to honestly say that I feel better now than I have since childhood.
Hope this helps for some of you coming to this sight just starting out. The side effects go away and the results have been worth it for me.
Posted by anais on December 10, 2002, at 7:33:47
In reply to Re: Effexor Side Effects » sarah w, posted by jannbeau on November 26, 2002, at 17:25:20
Can anyone tell me if effexor xr and percocet are in the same drug family? I'm allergic to percocet and have concern I'm also allergic to effexor. I don't want to ask my dr. cuz he's a real creep, and I'm inbetween insurances right now. Basically I was sleeping and groggy all the time on only 75mg/day (37mg/morning + 37mg/night). Cut back to 37mg/morning so I'd be awake; yesterday I forgot to take any at all, and felt better without the stuff- no horrific side effects as described in posts, just awake and functioning. Can anyone help? Thanks, anais
Posted by Jannbeau on December 10, 2002, at 9:45:35
In reply to DrBob, anyone- percocet effexor same family? , posted by anais on December 10, 2002, at 7:33:47
>>>Hi, Anais,
Percocet is a pain medication, used for moderate to severe pain. Percocet contains oxycodone, an opiod analgesic and acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Jannbeau
Can anyone tell me if effexor xr and percocet are in the same drug family? I'm allergic to percocet and have concern I'm also allergic to effexor. I don't want to ask my dr. cuz he's a real creep, and I'm inbetween insurances right now. Basically I was sleeping and groggy all the time on only 75mg/day (37mg/morning + 37mg/night). Cut back to 37mg/morning so I'd be awake; yesterday I forgot to take any at all, and felt better without the stuff- no horrific side effects as described in posts, just awake and functioning. Can anyone help? Thanks, anais
Posted by Kenneth Copeland on December 10, 2002, at 11:07:23
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Well, It Has been 4 days now since the last Effexor Pill and I can honestly say that I am feeling normal..I was going to start taking Wellbutrin for the withdrawls that the Doc prescribed to me but when I found out that it could cause seizures that was enough to just say NO..I was on 75mg of Effexor for 4 months than for 2 weeks I was decreased to 37.5mg..That did seem to work instead of stopping cold turkey from the 75mg pill.. What I found to work really well is Theraflu at night really helps the withdrawls..No Kiddig it works,Try It...Now today I can tell you that I feel OK and I am another day closer to finally getting off this stuff..
Posted by Jannbeau on December 10, 2002, at 11:26:51
In reply to Re: Over The Withdrawl, posted by Kenneth Copeland on December 10, 2002, at 11:07:23
> Kenneth, Good for you! Glad things are progressing well. Again, tapering has been suggested for AD's all the way back to before time (at least to the tricyclics, as I remember). Also, I've seen the Theraflu suggested before. Glad to know it works.
Cheers and Happy Holidays!
JannbeauWell, It Has been 4 days now since the last Effexor Pill and I can honestly say that I am feeling normal..I was going to start taking Wellbutrin for the withdrawls that the Doc prescribed to me but when I found out that it could cause seizures that was enough to just say NO..I was on 75mg of Effexor for 4 months than for 2 weeks I was decreased to 37.5mg..That did seem to work instead of stopping cold turkey from the 75mg pill.. What I found to work really well is Theraflu at night really helps the withdrawls..No Kiddig it works,Try It...Now today I can tell you that I feel OK and I am another day closer to finally getting off this stuff..
Posted by sly on December 10, 2002, at 14:09:38
In reply to About the weight gain, posted by TLove on December 4, 2002, at 11:09:34
If you look back through messages on this site you'll find most people gained weight, although a select few of us did lose weight. I found I lost my appetite and felt disphoric, had no desire to eat or do anything, but it passed with time.
Posted by Nvr2mch on December 10, 2002, at 21:59:20
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have had great success with Effexor XR. I had the usual side effects upon start of medication but after almost a year now...I am doing great. The only things that bother me a little is that I am in that 1% population that the Effexor caused Pre-menopause and I am only 29 years old. I also have trouble remembering things like my address or phone number and I have trouble urinating. But other than that I would much rather be happy and deal with these things than be depressed and deal with these things. If it wasn't for Effexor I may not be here now.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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