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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by proud mary on January 15, 2003, at 14:04:53
In reply to Re: Monthly Positive Update, posted by 4girlsMoM on January 15, 2003, at 13:16:50
I have taken zoloft for about 5 years...started because of GAD and panic. I began taking klonopin for the "help" and discontinued, and later started it again (years later) after experiencing a exercise-induced panic attack. I understand what you are feeling very well...see if you are a candidate for klonopin. It's inexpensive, non-addictive and EFFECTIVE. I do really know what you mean about the overwhelmed feeling and the everyday stress. Please don't think its something you just have to deal with because there ARE things to help. I suggest klonopin because it seems to me that it doesn't mess too much with your head, but WORKS.
Let me know! Mary
> I have been on zoloft for 5 months for depression/anxiety. I feel like the depression has gone away, but my anxiety is terrible. I get the feeling of my head/jaw being in a vice. I also get short of breath at times. I think my anxiety is strictly GAD. The only reason for it is everyday stress. I have a constant feeling of being overwelmed. I go back to the doctors in two weeks, - does anyone have any suggestions for new meds? I was thinking of Effexor-XR but am open to suggestions. Does anyone have any comments on what is best for anxiety?
Posted by proud mary on January 15, 2003, at 14:05:37
In reply to Re: Monthly Positive Update, posted by 4girlsMoM on January 15, 2003, at 13:16:50
I have taken zoloft for about 5 years...started because of GAD and panic. I began taking klonopin for the "help" and discontinued, and later started it again (years later) after experiencing a exercise-induced panic attack. I understand what you are feeling very well...see if you are a candidate for klonopin. It's inexpensive, non-addictive and EFFECTIVE. I do really know what you mean about the overwhelmed feeling and the everyday stress. Please don't think its something you just have to deal with because there ARE things to help. I suggest klonopin because it seems to me that it doesn't mess too much with your head, but WORKS.
Let me know! Mary
> I have been on zoloft for 5 months for depression/anxiety. I feel like the depression has gone away, but my anxiety is terrible. I get the feeling of my head/jaw being in a vice. I also get short of breath at times. I think my anxiety is strictly GAD. The only reason for it is everyday stress. I have a constant feeling of being overwelmed. I go back to the doctors in two weeks, - does anyone have any suggestions for new meds? I was thinking of Effexor-XR but am open to suggestions. Does anyone have any comments on what is best for anxiety?
Posted by dde on January 15, 2003, at 15:59:41
In reply to Re: Monthly Positive Update, posted by 4girlsMoM on January 15, 2003, at 13:15:35
Paxil. My oldest daughter has had some problems with anxiety and with hypotension. She takes 10 mg a day and is doing wonderfully well....it seems to have addressed both the anxiety and the hypotension, to the joy of her physicians. I understand it can have some side effects in getting off of it as well. Just stay in tune with how you are feeling. Best regards, dde
Posted by Joel Maxuel on January 15, 2003, at 17:20:49
In reply to st john's wort and effexor, posted by catri on January 15, 2003, at 2:46:45
> Yep, I do take the meds in morning anyway, and going out a few times a week doesn't really make much difference, although I've not been doing much of that recently! Anwyay, as far as I know, you're not supposed to drink St John's Wort tea with any kind of prescribed med you're on, because it totally cancels out the effects of the prescribed drug!!! Which would explain the reason why the person a couple of posts ago didn't get any side effects either on the med or coming off....
I would just like to clarify something. I was on effexor for over six months (as well as paxil a year ago for about four), and I never got any positive effects on either of them when I was on them, however, a few of the negative effects (exessive sleeping, sweating, maybe a couple of other things) did come up. I have only been drinking SJW for the past three weeks, to a total of about 25 bags worth (Yogi Tea brand), so the effects of the tea couldn't have cancelled out the positive effects of the effexor XR, simply because i never had them in thye first place. That was probably a good thing, becase if I did get any positive effects from the effexor, I could have probably died from serotonin syndrome (because I was mixing the two with no idea what it has the potential for)
However, if it wasn't for the serotinin syndrome risk, I would reccomend SJW to minimize the withdrawal effects.
--
Joel Maxuel
ShamelessPlug(http://www.maxuel.ca)
Posted by syringachalet on January 15, 2003, at 20:05:36
In reply to Re: I am scared of this medicine, HELP ME!, posted by dde on January 15, 2003, at 15:59:41
Hello 4 girls MoM,
You said this was your oldest daughter but you did not indicate her age. You sound like a very savy Mother.
I hope your prescribing MD advised her or you that if she is on any SSRIs and is sexually active that some form of BC should be already be taken. These drugs are not kind to unborn children and even if they carry to term, these infants might have major developmental and physical maladies...Just food for thought....
syringachalet
Posted by jtc on January 15, 2003, at 21:29:47
In reply to Re: nerve zapping or OTHER SYMPTOMS?, posted by lam on January 13, 2003, at 13:57:12
> How about waking up several times during the night to find your hands asleep and not only tingling but also swollen and very painful (and you have not been laying on them). It usually takes a good ten minutes before they feel half way normal again and it's just close to normal. The first night it happened it scared me to death because I didn't know what was happening and I couldn't feel my hands. Now it happens every night( a few times a night) and my hands don't quite feel right during the day anymore. Have you ever experienced this or heard of anyone who has? My PD
> doesn't think its anything to worry about but also told me that perspiring also had nothing to do with the effexor.Hi, I have the very same thing with the hands going numb at night but I have been told I have carpal tunnel in both hands, right worse than left and I will need to have surgery to correct it. It is from years of typing on the computer. But I am glad you brought this up because my hands are worse since starting the Effexor XR about 8 months ago and my fingers are also swollen more than usual. As far as the sweating goes, I had that really bad in the beginning but it is gone now. Good luck and keep me posted about your hands.
Posted by KayC on January 16, 2003, at 15:00:31
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi out there,
I've been on Effoxor XR (75) for about a month. Before that, on and off Celexa - made me too drowsy. My doctor didn't give me any warnings about what I might experience on Effexor. I was weak/tired/disoriented for about two weeks. I lost 6 pounds in a week (5' 6'' and 112 lbs before, so not a good thing). I experienced anxiety, weird dreams and agitation. I also felt like I was in a trance. I called my doctor and said I wanted to stop and she said to try a little longer on it.
What was good: From the 1st pill (25mg)I experinced a sense of mental calm and my desrire for suicide disappeared. The bad thing is that unlike with Celexa, my depression hasn't lifted. I feel like I've plateaued. I'm not suicidal but I'm still depressed. My appetite is back but my weight is still low. I don't want to up my dosage now that I've read the withdrawal horror stories.
My doctor has started me on Trazodone (50mg)along with the Effexor. I don't know how I'll do. Anyone with experience with this let me know!! Also people who have gained weight on Effexor, did you lose weight first? Thanks for the support!!
Posted by KelKel on January 17, 2003, at 13:15:16
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by KayC on January 16, 2003, at 15:00:31
I have been on Effexor xr 75mg for about 2 months. It has really helped me. I do have the anorexia problem also (98 lbs). I have lost 10 lbs. probably due to stress also which it hasn't completely relieved. My Dr. wants to start me on lexapro also. Has anyone taken this combo? I do have some side effects like the shaky hands, sweats, insomnia and weight loss. It is nothing compared to the depression though.
Posted by catri on January 17, 2003, at 14:32:35
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by KayC on January 16, 2003, at 15:00:31
Hello there!
In reply to the weight loss issue - I found that I have actually gained weight when on it - but previously to to switching to effexor xr I was on prozac, and that was initially horrible; I spent about the first six weeks constantly feeling sick as in a motion sickness kinda way and my apetite went out the window, and so I lost loads of weight. However, I think that is was a little extreme, but usually when starting SSRIs or similar med you get a certain amount of qeasyiness. All I can say is that it improves, and its certainly better than the depression! So I think you should stick with it a while, the side effects do wear off....and I have found that the effexor has really helped with the depression and suicide and particulary the anxiety that I was experiencing. Its still quite tough, but the med has certainly helped!
Posted by ohwell on January 17, 2003, at 15:13:09
In reply to Re: i'm not sure how i feel, posted by M. Lee on January 9, 2003, at 13:54:46
I too am not sure how I feel. I've been on Effexor XR for 1 year and am considering increaseing my dose to 175. The effexor xr really helped my anxiety but I still dwell on the issue is "I'm really doing ok". I;m just so afraid to increase my dose. What's a "normal" dose???
Posted by gladgirl on January 17, 2003, at 17:33:55
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and weight gain , posted by PAD702 on April 21, 2000, at 4:57:08
was on prozac for 2 yrs. and had the prozac poop-out result. have been on effexor-xr for 4 yrs. the 1st 3 yrs. at a 75mg. dosage, the past yr. 150 mg. WOW!!!! my prayers have been answered! the side affects of the effexor were a bit to adjust to at first.[the 1st week had nausea,dizziness, lack of appetite .] after initial adjustment i just enjoyed the relief from the depression and renewed zest for life. last year while experiencing a lot of crisis in my life i asked my doc for help. my dose was increased to 150mg. suprisingly my interest in sex and ability to achieve orgasm returned! i have gained some weight but, i have not been as consistant as in years past w/ my exersise and diet. overall am happy that i didn't give up on life when depression had me in it's grip.
Posted by finallyfeelinggood on January 17, 2003, at 17:42:50
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by KayC on January 16, 2003, at 15:00:31
I was so concerned about getting off medication that I didn't listen to my doctor at first. He persisted that I take Effexor, and I didn't want to. Finally I relented, and I began taking it about a year ago. I am finally feeling much better and any side effects are minimal compared to what I was facing without it.
Hang in there. Don't worry about getting off a medication before you even start!
Posted by charlie mac on January 18, 2003, at 3:16:56
In reply to Re: i'm not sure how i feel, posted by ohwell on January 17, 2003, at 15:13:09
> I too am not sure how I feel. I've been on Effexor XR for 1 year and am considering increaseing my dose to 175. The effexor xr really helped my anxiety but I still dwell on the issue is "I'm really doing ok". I;m just so afraid to increase my dose. What's a "normal" dose???
my doc put me on an increasing dose from 37.5 to 150mg in away as to adjust to one then move on. this has worked great for me. once the 150 fully kicked i changed from night to day. its the dosage, and finding whats right for you and your chemistry. talk with your doc about an increase. you can always go back.
Posted by kataklysm on January 18, 2003, at 5:32:11
In reply to Re: st john's wort and effexor, posted by Joel Maxuel on January 15, 2003, at 17:20:49
My younger brother and I both have had anxiety problems throughout our lives. I tried Paxil when I was 19 and didn't like the way it made me feel/act, so I got off of it within 3 months.
Well, my brother told me about this Effexor XR that he's been on for two years (I'm 26 now) and says "it works awesome."
I decided that I would try it and the effects were almost instantaneous!!! My feeling of anxiety almost completely disappeared; it seemed like a miracle drug. This came at the cost of a few minor side effects, like most drugs. I get the weird dreams, sweating, drowsiness (sometimes), and tremors when I'm falling asleep, but the pros still outweighed the cons.
Well, my brother just decided that he was going to see what life was like now without the drug and he slowly tapered himself off (honestly, probably rushed a little) within a week. Well, that was 3 weeks ago and he's had migrane headaches ever since and has been iratable and not himself. This guy's normally a teddy bear! He went to the doctor again and they're going to try a different way to get him off.
Anyway, the end of my siloquy here (sorry), he did some research on the adverse effects that Effexor may have on people and he sent me a link on it. I've only been on it for about 6 months and I'm cutting my losses. Somebody posted before about the way this drug makes people react differently (side-effects etc.)... Makes you wonder what it really IS doing to your brain.
Please check out this link! I'm not trying to scare anybody; I just want people to be weary.
LINK-----------> http://www.effexorfx.freeuk.com/webdoc12.htm
Posted by Mr. Kelly on January 18, 2003, at 10:44:26
In reply to Re: Effexor XR? Successful but very ugly !-zinya, posted by jammin on December 4, 2002, at 12:21:04
Hi. I am new here. I wanted to know if I am the only person
feeling the way I do. I suffer from severe panic attacks where I believe
I am having a heart attack. They come and go frequently. Sometimes lasting hours
and sometimes 5-10 minutes. I have taken ambulance rides to the ER and have
seen many dr's. They tell me my heart is fine. Ok...you name the antidepressant and I've been on it.
Now I have started Effexor XR. Tapering up to a full dosage.
It's the morning after that just hurts so much.
My arms feel limp. My hands are shaky, sweaty...
My vision is blurry. Sometimes I find myself just staring at a wall. I tell myself to snap out of it.
Sometimes the atacks make my stomache very bloated. After these attacks my mouth feels like I swallowed a
10 pound bag of sand. I have had more energy at work though. But have found myself
falling asleep during my lunch break. I work nights...
And worse...I have absolutely no desire for sex and
can not get an erection. This is making me feel even worse.
I want to start dating but with these symptoms I feel I shouldn't.
The panic will not go away. I have been telling my doc abot this panic.
It's to the point where I just put my head down. Almost feeling like crying.
And continue to ask myself why this is happening to me
and what's wrong with me. I feel I am losing control.
Any positive feedback would be appreciated.
Thankyou...
Posted by jtc on January 18, 2003, at 12:16:12
In reply to I'm getting off Effexor (if I can) READ!!!, posted by kataklysm on January 18, 2003, at 5:32:11
> My younger brother and I both have had anxiety problems throughout our lives. I tried Paxil when I was 19 and didn't like the way it made me feel/act, so I got off of it within 3 months.
>
> Well, my brother told me about this Effexor XR that he's been on for two years (I'm 26 now) and says "it works awesome."
>
> I decided that I would try it and the effects were almost instantaneous!!! My feeling of anxiety almost completely disappeared; it seemed like a miracle drug. This came at the cost of a few minor side effects, like most drugs. I get the weird dreams, sweating, drowsiness (sometimes), and tremors when I'm falling asleep, but the pros still outweighed the cons.
>
> Well, my brother just decided that he was going to see what life was like now without the drug and he slowly tapered himself off (honestly, probably rushed a little) within a week. Well, that was 3 weeks ago and he's had migrane headaches ever since and has been iratable and not himself. This guy's normally a teddy bear! He went to the doctor again and they're going to try a different way to get him off.
>
> Anyway, the end of my siloquy here (sorry), he did some research on the adverse effects that Effexor may have on people and he sent me a link on it. I've only been on it for about 6 months and I'm cutting my losses. Somebody posted before about the way this drug makes people react differently (side-effects etc.)... Makes you wonder what it really IS doing to your brain.
>
> Please check out this link! I'm not trying to scare anybody; I just want people to be weary.
>
> LINK-----------> http://www.effexorfx.freeuk.com/webdoc12.htmHi,
Thanks for posting the above link. It has some helpful information on it. My 8 year old daughter has been taking Effexor XR, 37.5 mg for about seven weeks now because she has severe anxiety and worry. Her pediatrician referred to a child psychologist because of her anxiety. The psychologist tested her for ADD and he said she does not have ADD but that she has more anxiety than kids her age so we were referred to a psychiatrist and she put my child on the Effexor XR. I also take Effexor XR 75 mg for panic and generalized anxiety disorder. I am worred now about my child because I am going to take her off the Effexor XR when school is out in May. The medicine has helped her with school but I am still not convinced it is safe for children to take. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks, jtc
Posted by Dysfunk on January 18, 2003, at 12:32:46
In reply to I'm getting off Effexor (if I can) READ!!!, posted by kataklysm on January 18, 2003, at 5:32:11
Kataklysm:
Thanks for attaching the url. I found many of my symptoms on there, although my doctor said they weren't related to Effexor. I get the feeling unless the masses report certain symptoms, some are considered rare and go unreported. It pisses me off!
Thanks again.
Posted by Dysfunk on January 18, 2003, at 12:39:50
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by finallyfeelinggood on January 17, 2003, at 17:42:50
I now know that the Effexor made me feel horrible. I am down to 37.5 mg + 40 mg Prozac and today I added in Lexipro. I feel like my life has been returned to me. I have been in so much pain- neck, back, arms, head, plus stomach and aggitation from the withdrawal-forget about the anxiety and depression!Soon I will be off of Ef and onto Prozac and Lexipro. I am feeling so good physicially, that I almost want to leave well enough alone. I know, though,it is just the contrast of finally feeling side effect free. I hope everyone can experience the relief that I feel.
Posted by JESSsMom on January 18, 2003, at 15:11:29
In reply to I'm getting off Effexor (if I can) READ!!!, posted by kataklysm on January 18, 2003, at 5:32:11
> My younger brother and I both have had anxiety problems throughout our lives. I tried Paxil when I was 19 and didn't like the way it made me feel/act, so I got off of it within 3 months.
>
> Well, my brother told me about this Effexor XR that he's been on for two years (I'm 26 now) and says "it works awesome."
>
> I decided that I would try it and the effects were almost instantaneous!!! My feeling of anxiety almost completely disappeared; it seemed like a miracle drug. This came at the cost of a few minor side effects, like most drugs. I get the weird dreams, sweating, drowsiness (sometimes), and tremors when I'm falling asleep, but the pros still outweighed the cons.
>
> Well, my brother just decided that he was going to see what life was like now without the drug and he slowly tapered himself off (honestly, probably rushed a little) within a week. Well, that was 3 weeks ago and he's had migrane headaches ever since and has been iratable and not himself. This guy's normally a teddy bear! He went to the doctor again and they're going to try a different way to get him off.
>
> Anyway, the end of my siloquy here (sorry), he did some research on the adverse effects that Effexor may have on people and he sent me a link on it. I've only been on it for about 6 months and I'm cutting my losses. Somebody posted before about the way this drug makes people react differently (side-effects etc.)... Makes you wonder what it really IS doing to your brain.
>
> Please check out this link! I'm not trying to scare anybody; I just want people to be weary.
>
> LINK-----------> http://www.effexorfx.freeuk.com/webdoc12.htm
Hey, thanks for the informative link---I am really surprised the site doesn't mention excessive sweating as a side effect. I am REALLY battling that one myself and know some others are, too.
JM
Posted by ohwell on January 18, 2003, at 16:59:37
In reply to Re: Effexor XR? Successful but very ugly !-zinya » jammin, posted by Mr. Kelly on January 18, 2003, at 10:44:26
I had panic attacks where I took myself to the E.R. 2 times. I too was told that my heart was ok. I started the effexor xr and love it. I started at a low dose, then to 75 for 1 year and just recently moved up to 150. If it has been a few weeks I would talk to your physician about a new drug.
Posted by nay on January 18, 2003, at 22:17:07
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi, I just wanted to thank everyone that is on this site! Now at less I know that I am not alone. I have been taking Effexor XR 225mg a day for about 6 months now, and I don't think that this is the right Med. for me... :( I don't feel like myself.
I use to take Zoloft 100mg, and now I wish I was back on it...
I am planning on talking to my Dr. to see if I can go back.
I just don't smile anymore, Small things are starting to upset me, and I am just not myself these days.
Posted by dde on January 19, 2003, at 0:01:50
In reply to Re: I am scared of this medicine, HELP ME!, posted by syringachalet on January 15, 2003, at 20:05:36
Not to worry....daughter is 18, has been on BC for 2 years for painful menses....and the doctors have told her that when she decides to get pregnant to taper off....and that the hypotension problem she has will also disappear with the onset of pregnancy. I have done the homework and we have two terrific doctors who work together to find solutions. So many quacks out there who just push drugs without being "up" on the effects or side effects....one thing I have learned....if you ask a direct question, like "how is this medication supposed to help", and all the doctor does is show you a chart, run like hell. He doesn't have a clue and doesn't care to get one. Thanks for your concern and your input! Best regards, de
Posted by dde on January 19, 2003, at 0:09:39
In reply to Re: I am scared of this medicine, HELP ME!, posted by dde on January 19, 2003, at 0:01:50
Just as a follow up....concerning the doctor who prescribed effexor xr for my 10 yr old son after 10 minute consult....which resulted in his suicide (son, not doctor) you will all be happy to know that there is justice in this world. We filed suit. Recent developements show that his malpractice insurance has filed bankruptcy....so should we be fortunate enough to win this battle, the insurance company will not be paying, the doctor will! We are thrilled that he will not be insulated by his insurance for his immoral and dangerous practices. As of this date, I can find nothing that allows for children under 18 to be given the effexor xr. dde
Posted by M. Lee on January 19, 2003, at 13:39:22
In reply to I'm getting off Effexor (if I can) READ!!!, posted by kataklysm on January 18, 2003, at 5:32:11
I've been on Effexor for a number of years now. I tried other meds, but they did not work well or had side-effects for me.
Some time ago I had a bad experience going off it. Not as bad as what you described, though. Mostly I think the withdrawal hit me hard because I went off it cold, and was not under a dr's care while I did it. I would certainly do things differently if I had to go off it again.
But, I'm am now on a dose that has stabalized my depression. That benefit outweighs the potential risks for me. I am satisified with the Effexor, and will continue taking it as long as I need to.
Recently, I had seen the site that you linked to. I felt that the site was overly biased, and in my opinion, I have found the experiences posted here to be more balanced.
I'm sorry that others have had such bad side-effects. But, I think that many people who benefit from Effexor might not speak up as frequently as those who had negative experiences.
I just wanted to say - Effexor has made all the difference in the world to me.
>
> LINK-----------> http://www.effexorfx.freeuk.com/webdoc12.htm
Posted by BrittPark on January 19, 2003, at 19:16:22
In reply to I'm getting off Effexor (if I can) READ!!!, posted by kataklysm on January 18, 2003, at 5:32:11
Most of your post gave me the impression that you should not discontinue Effexor. You're brother had a bad reaction from discontinuing, possibly because the underlying illness was still there.
The link you provided is useful and seems to be in line with the official prescibing information, but take into account that the same information for almost all ADs is just as alarming.
You are right to be concerned and actively researching your meds. Also, Effexor hasn't been on the market as long as many other ADs and so long term use information is sparse.
At least consult with your psychiatrist before making a decision.
Wishing you well,
Britt
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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