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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by lynnads on January 26, 2003, at 12:44:26
In reply to I'm getting off Effexor (if I can) READ!!!, posted by kataklysm on January 18, 2003, at 5:32:11
To anyone who ever plans to go off of Effexor, do talk to your doctor. Don't go cold turkey!!! I decided to go off Effexor because I wanted to try out a different AD to see if there was something better. I was on 150mgs and in order to go off, my doctor told me to go down to 75mgs for a week and then 37.5 the next week. I was concerned, after reading all the posts on here, that 150 to 75 was a big jump, but she assured me that since I hadn't been on it very long, I wouldn't have any problem.
She was wrong.
I commend anyone who has gone off this drug cold turkey! I honestly don't know how you did it. Just a couple days after I started lowering my dose I noticed excessive differences. I was very moody, dizzy, and nauseated. A few days later I got violent headaches, which i still have, vertigo, lightheadedness and a feeling of lost equilibrium.
I guess my point being is that if any of you decide to go off Effexor, have a talk with your doctor and see to it that they taper you more gradually!!!!!! Cuz this sucks!
Posted by Scot_lass2003 on January 26, 2003, at 14:31:44
In reply to timing??, posted by jb07 on January 25, 2003, at 20:27:08
I take effexor first thing in the morning. At first I had pretty awful side effects but I am ok now. I too am sure sure what difference timing of the dosage would make. Any ideas would be helpful.> when is the best time to take effexor??
> I have been struggling with this question?? I work @ 8am till 7pm....usually most active during the morning and more sedated mid to late afternoon.
>
> i have been taking effoxor prior to bedtime. Is this condusive with my current lifestyle, or should I be taking it in the morning or mid afternoon??
>
> Help please!!!
Posted by bballcoach43837 on January 26, 2003, at 21:55:18
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I was given Effexor after many years of depression and no success with other drugs. The results were wonderful. I was finally numb and loving it. I wanted to take more and more so I could feel more and more numb. I was up to 75 MG twice a day. Keep reading because this gets good. I lost my job in November, then my insurance benefits. I started taking less and less Effexor because I was running out and knew that the $268 to refill my prescription would not be possible. Less dosage didn't cause any withdrawal symptoms. 10 days ago I took my last pill. At first I didn't know what was wrong with me, I thought I had the flu. I was dizzy, disoriented, freezing then burning up. I had this strange noise in my head when I moved my eyes. I had moments of uncontrollable rage, then immediately after....sadness. My emotions were on a roller coaster ride. These symptoms lasted for 6 days and I thought I might go crazy. Then the strangest thing of all happened. I looked around and noticed how beautiful colors were. Food tasted SOOOOOOOOOO good. Everything felt nice. Touching, looking, smelling. Every sense was heightened to catastrohpic degrees. I COULD FEEL AGAIN. And I liked it. I forgot who I was when I went on the stupid things because I felt completely different. I tried to flush my system with herbs and water an detoxifiers, all of which I'm certain helped. I exercised a lot and today, finally there are no more of those horrible brain shivers that I've read about time and again on the internet.
The moral of this story is this. If you are looking for a quick fix from years of unhappiness and depression then Effexor is your drug. Not until I got off of it did I realize the damage it had done to every cell in my body. Someday however, you will have to go off it and let me tell you that cold turkey was no picnic but there are plenty of people out there who have been reducing their pills via bb's (opening the capsule and remove little bb's) for YEARS!! Is that what you really want? If you have mild to moderate depression then you should really consider something other than drugs because this roller coaster ride nearly pushed me off the edge. I was not myself when I was on it and I would not be off it right now if I had not lost my job because I was in this blissful indifference. It's like a viscious cycle really, when you are on it you never want to get off of it, but when you are off it you wonder what the HELL you were thinking of when you got on it in the first place!
Posted by dreamerz on January 26, 2003, at 23:06:43
In reply to EFFEXOR - The good, the bad and the ugly, posted by bballcoach43837 on January 26, 2003, at 21:55:18
>It's like a viscious cycle really, when you are on it you never want to get off of it, but when you are off it you wonder what the HELL you were thinking of when you got on it in the first place!
Hmm..I wonder will my life be more richer with it or without it...I have reduced many times and motivation , concern for career returns but the aggression sneaks back..
Maybe I should continue this way..but underlying is the question - am I missing out on a better life.
Posted by patlea on January 26, 2003, at 23:35:00
In reply to Re: Effexor - Anyone experience eye problems? » Luann, posted by spencer on June 25, 2002, at 7:18:30
I've been on effexor for 3 months and have had eye irritation each time I had a menstrual period, which was also when I stopped taking birth control (yasmin) for a few days. the rest of the time my eyes are fine. anybody experience anything like this? I am going to ask to ask my doctor about it. The irritation is severe- my eyes are bloodshot and itchy.
Posted by dde on January 27, 2003, at 2:00:41
In reply to Re: Effexor - Anyone experience eye problems?, posted by patlea on January 26, 2003, at 23:35:00
This sounds like an allergic reaction....make the doctor take you seriously. de
Posted by chrisoula on January 27, 2003, at 8:29:32
In reply to EFFEXOR - The good, the bad and the ugly, posted by bballcoach43837 on January 26, 2003, at 21:55:18
I can't agree more with this post. Effexor is a massive relief after full blown depression. The numbness feels wonderful. But nowhere near as wonderful as being able to FEEL again, really see colours and hear music and taste food and feel the sensation fill up your whole body
Unfortunately I am stuck with these horrible brain shivers and I am petrified that they will last months and months and they are so horrible, I just want them to go away.
Can people possibly give me some idea of their experience of duration of this side effect? Or even some medical research on this? I haven't found any statistics anywhere on it
Posted by Scot_lass2003 on January 27, 2003, at 13:20:30
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR - The good, the bad and the ugly, posted by chrisoula on January 27, 2003, at 8:29:32
Okay, sorry. I have to write after reading this site for a few weeks now. What are you all talking about "brain shivers"-what do you mean???
Posted by carsan01 on January 27, 2003, at 13:31:03
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR - The good, the bad and the ugly, posted by Scot_lass2003 on January 27, 2003, at 13:20:30
Very curious........
I am currently on Effexor XR, 75mg per day.
I have endometrosis...which i take lupron depot..it has really helped me a lot. One of the side effects that lupron depot causes are hot flashes...because of this, my doctor has prescibed Effexor XR...i started off taking 3.75mg for about a week and then taking 75mg. I have been on it now about a month...i did notice a difference right away as the prior medication that i was taking for the lupron depot side effects was norethin...a.k.a. Aygestin. It definitely adds to my mood for the better. But when i first started taking it in the morning...it would wake me up at night....like 4:30am...and i would not be able to go back to sleep......so then my doctor said to take at night, right before i go to bed, well that worked for a few days....now i take it around 3pm in the afternoon...it seems to be working..well...it does really wake me and if it does it's around 2:30 am...only for like a minute or too. Oh..when i took at morning times...it got me very gittery...like my metabolism was going a mile a minute. But....i get alot of headaches, i am starting to get more hot-flashes now. Needless to say i am very frustrated...i know that i need to get some answers.....i am 29...obviously the hotflashes are brought on by lupron and not normal, the headaches were like when i took aygestin...but worse...does anyone out there have any ideas.....or if Effexor xr...mixes bad with other medications..appreciate the advise!!! :0)
Posted by tlang on January 27, 2003, at 17:35:29
In reply to Effexor...need info...., posted by carsan01 on January 27, 2003, at 13:31:03
My doc prescribed Effexor XR today, starting at 75 for ADULT ADHD. I am extremely worried as to how this will effect my job. I am a police officer and cannot be suffering from nausea, vomiting, or being sleepy while working. My doc neglected to inform me of the side effects (and I didn't ask). I have never taken a medication for ADHD since I was a child and was on Ridilin. I have learned so much from reading your posts!
The withdrawals scare the wits out of me.
Thanks
Posted by Merrill Weathermay on January 28, 2003, at 8:56:03
In reply to Re: Effexor...need info.... » carsan01, posted by tlang on January 27, 2003, at 17:35:29
I was on Effexor (75mg/day) for about 3 months. I decided to go off the drug after the side-effects started to become unmanageable. Fatigue, especially at night, constipation, dehydration, etc. I was also feeling better and going to psycho-therapy.
The withdrawl is nasty! Other people here have indicated a feeling of lightheadedness, vertigo, and dizziness. I certainly felt this, along with a general feeling of being "sedated." The dizziness has been problematic for about 3 days now, after quitting the drug. While the dug helped with anxiety, I find the side-effects to be pretty severe.
My efforts to solve my anxiety/depression problem do not include taking hard-core drugs that have withdrawl symptoms. This isn't dealing with the problem, it is simply sedating the patient.
Posted by lostsailor on January 28, 2003, at 10:08:02
In reply to Re: Effexor...need info...., posted by Merrill Weathermay on January 28, 2003, at 8:56:03
I don't really see all of the commotion about Effexors "withdrawal."
AT 75 mgs the pill hardly had a chance to work and a good doc would have tapered you off in a better fashion. I am quite amazed at the small number of docs that initiate or end treatment by using the 32.5 dose and than even altering that to every 1.5 day. If done right you should be able to taper 'slowly" without withdrawal symptoms.Good luck to all...peace, ~Tony
Posted by khead on January 28, 2003, at 10:50:03
In reply to Re: I'm going off Effexor, posted by lynnads on January 26, 2003, at 12:44:26
FWIW, I too have gone off Effexor XR.
So far with absolutely NO problems.
Here's my history:
1) Started mid-November '02 with the
usual ramp-up from 37.5 to 150/Day.
2) Stuff worked. Much less anxiety.
Much less depression. Took max effect
in around 3 weeks. Felt better, but
noticed I was "jittery". Heart rate
was "thumpin" even while just laying
back on the couch.
3) Bad news. I'm in the approx. 2% that
has the downside of elevated blood pressure.
Went from my usual "high/normal" of ~135/90
to ~170/105. Yikes! So I'm feeling better
in the headbone, but now looking at a stroke.
4) Doc was mystified. "Never saw this before".
5) After a lot of hemming/hawing he sez the
safest bet is good 'ole Wellbutrin.
6) Ramped myself down from Effexor in a week, while ramping up the WB. No zaps. No weirdness
of any kind. So far.
If anything changes I'll follow-up.
If not...best to you all.
Posted by Lynnads on January 28, 2003, at 11:16:01
In reply to Re: I'm going off Effexor, posted by khead on January 28, 2003, at 10:50:03
> FWIW, I too have gone off Effexor XR.
> So far with absolutely NO problems.I am absolutely happy that you had no ill effects from going off the Effexor. Strangely enough, the other part of you story is exactly like mine, with the thumping heart and such. So my doctor put me on Wellbutrin as well, but she wouldn't let me take it until I was completely tapered off the Effexor. So now I am on the 37.5 dose still with a little bit of nausea and disorientation, but asside from that I feel better than I have in a looooooooong time! I don't know if I even want to bother going on the Wellbutrin right now. I think I am going to wait and see what happens. So far I feel alive, something I havent experienced in a couple years, I feel refreshed and motivated, almost like waking from a really long sleep. Any side effect I had of going off the Effexor is well worth what I am experiencing now! I hope this sticks around for awhile.
Posted by lostsailor on January 28, 2003, at 11:25:40
In reply to Re: Effexor...need info...., posted by lostsailor on January 28, 2003, at 10:08:02
Posted by japonica on January 28, 2003, at 11:36:36
In reply to Re: Effexor...need info...., posted by Merrill Weathermay on January 28, 2003, at 8:56:03
>>My efforts to solve my anxiety/depression problem do not include taking hard-core drugs that have withdrawl symptoms. This isn't dealing with the problem, it is simply sedating the patient.
To equate an AD with a sedative does a great disservice to those who have tried for many years to get a handle on dibilitating depression. Any informed individual realizes that an AD is not a "magical" or "happy" pill. For those who think it is, you need only consider the lack of street dealing in Zoloft, Effexor, and such. These medications simply DO NOT offer the instant relief sought by those who end up abusing drugs for a quick fix. Most of us realize there is work to be done in the form of assisting ourselves in the healing process.
I'm not sure I understand the definition of a "hard-core" drug. If this is a drug that causes withdrawl symptoms, than we can put caffeine in that categroy along with some over-the-counter medications.
I have been on 75mg's of Effexor for just over 3 months and for the first time in my life I can consistently handle the pressures of my full time job, raising my 2 children as a single parent, while not succumbing to the pain inflicted on me by my emotionally abusive, alcoholic estranged husband.I have had no unmanageable side effects and no longer spend inordinate amounts of energy trying to "keep my chin up".
After suffering several severe depressive episodes, and having had unpleasant experiences with incompetent therapists, and a list of medications, I don't think it's an overstatemnet to say Effexor has given me my life back. I, too, have quit meds after they began to help me regain my footing. I felt I "should be able to do this on my own. After all, I'm educated, competent, and WANT to be content. But each time, the black wave of depression washed over me, and each time I ended up more deeply depressed than than last.
I have made a personal decision to no longer allow the stigma of medication usage to keep me from making a good life for myself and my children.
We don't tell diabetics to just produce their own insulin and we don't tell high blood pressure sufferers to just relax.
Sedated- I don't think so. This is the most alive I've ever felt. I refuse to feel lesser because I am on medication.
Best of luck to all. Thanks to all who take the time to post here.
japonica
Posted by Dysfunk on January 28, 2003, at 12:07:32
In reply to Re: Effexor - Anyone experience eye problems?, posted by patlea on January 26, 2003, at 23:35:00
I was on Effexor about 6 months and my eyesight seemed to worsen. I have perfect eyesight, just have a magnifying pair of glasses for the computer and eye strain. I noticed, though, that my eyes were blurry and watery. I couldn't focus.I was going to get a new perscription for glasses, then I read how Effex can effect eyesight. Now, off the medicine, my eyesight has resumed to normal.
Posted by KayC on January 28, 2003, at 16:13:07
In reply to Re: Your posts help!, posted by beebo on January 24, 2003, at 20:04:44
Just read your post. Unfortunately (or fortunately for me), I didn't get any nausea. The food thing (no appetite) took about 2 weeks to subside.
I feel more "there" than before, however it took about 6 weeks to get here. Also, memory is not too sharp either. Had a hard time doing simple math in my head today.
No experience with Effexor being used to treat PMDD. Hope there's someone out there who can post helpful info for you on that.
Good Luck! Kay C
Posted by khead on January 28, 2003, at 16:47:30
In reply to Re: Effexor...need info.... » Merrill Weathermay, posted by japonica on January 28, 2003, at 11:36:36
Right friggin' on...bravo! Fresh air!
I think you need to do more postings
on this board. Please do.>My efforts to solve my anxiety/depression problem do not include taking hard-core drugs that have withdrawl symptoms. This isn't dealing with the problem, it is simply sedating the patient.
Posted by chrisoula on January 28, 2003, at 20:30:36
In reply to Re: Effexor...need info.... » Merrill Weathermay, posted by japonica on January 28, 2003, at 11:36:36
Wise words jabonica. Obviously that effexor's helping!I agree that effexor can 'give you your life back'. I like the way that Effexor, even just a little bit like 75mg, makes you able to function. Not even overly happy or optimist, just OK and ABLE TO FUNCTION like the rest of the world seems to be able to do.
I know the fear of being 'sedated' though. It hits me in the gut all the time, a sort of panic (well, as much as effexor allows you to panic) that this is the only life I'm getting and I wonder what I would be doing if I wasn't on these meds
I don't have a long history that allows me to say "well, obviously I would just be depressed if I wasn't on these things, it's been proven".
so I wonder. And I come off them sometimes and I get this incredible energy, all the colours are brighter and food tastes really really great and I feel more alive, but then there are times I feel utterly utterly bad, can't get out of bed, don't want to see anyone, drive my car around at crazy speeds not caring what or who i run into...bad stuff. So I go back on them.
I think the problem is that depressed people see it as a choice, whether or not they should take ADs. Whereas if you were diabetic, there's no choice -- you have to take your meds, society accepts this, in fact you're a fool if you DON'T take them. It's like dying of starvation when there's a bowl of food in front of you.
I don't know what the answer is. Try to educate people? I just don't have the energy frankly, although when I'm feeling well i do my best...
Posted by PANNETTE on January 29, 2003, at 10:20:56
In reply to Re: I'm going off Effexor, posted by lynnads on January 26, 2003, at 12:44:26
Oh my goodness, I hate this drug. I went to my dr. about 6 months ago with mild depression. He says I have just the thing and puts me on effexor xr. I have 3 children, a full time job, and college part time. I did not have the time or energy to put up with the side effects. Now I finally decided to get off this stuff and try something else with less side effects. I did the tapering off, just like the dr. told me and as I sit and type this I am so dizzy and fatigued I can hardly function. My dr. prescribed me Antivert for the dizziness, well that just made me so doped up that I really couldn't function. I can't believe someone would give a person this kind of drug with these side effects. I don't know how long this dizziness and the sort of tingling sensation I feel will last, but lord I hope it ends soon. I also have been extremely agitated and depressed in just 6 days since I took my last pill. God please help my family, they think I'm a terrible person who is on drugs.
Posted by Lynnads on January 29, 2003, at 11:03:23
In reply to Re: I'm going off Effexor, posted by PANNETTE on January 29, 2003, at 10:20:56
Hang in there! I can relate all too well with the dizziness and side effects of going off the drug, but it will all be gone soon enough. I am sure your family does not think you are an awful person. Don't be so hard on yourself.
Posted by Dysfunk on January 29, 2003, at 15:35:07
In reply to Re: I'm going off Effexor, posted by khead on January 28, 2003, at 10:50:03
The first thing my doctor said was that he had to monitor my blood pressure while on Effexor. For the doctor who "never saw this before", there is a first time for everything and you may be that rare percentage that has a symptom!!! I heard the same story when I had severe neck and back pain and body aches. Turns out it was Effex withdrawal. Good luck with the new meds.
Posted by tlang on January 29, 2003, at 22:58:53
In reply to Re: I'm going off Effexor, posted by PANNETTE on January 29, 2003, at 10:20:56
I truly hope the messages posted here only a small percentage of the people on Effexor. I start my first dose tomorrow and am almost terrified before I even take it.
Posted by Michael KS on January 30, 2003, at 6:36:14
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I am writing this at 6:50 am after a horrendous night sleep. Tossing, turning, Nightmares, Vivid dreams, Shuddering on waking up. Self Diagnosis: I am also ADHD and though the Effexor helps I still forget to take a single morning dose of Effexor occasionally especially when work and life gets hectic. Well I just missed my last two doses. I have been through several weeks of tech trouble and then on Monday started night training class till 10:30 PM. Prime time for me to miss. I have missed before and could contribute light headedness and a dizzy when I moved my head to the effect of Effexor. But never put anxiety together with it.
Yesterday went to a new Indian restaurant for lunch buffet style. Have had Indian before but still ate what was unfamiliar. I thought that it could of been something I ate causing me trouble. I also have been TOTALLY caffeine free since 88' I went into overdrive on it. Now accidental ingestion like wrong coffee or tee or a no other beverage choice so I take A SIP, really puts me out there. But I did some checking on the web and can't link caffeine to Indian food or their use of coffee or chocolate as a main dish spice.I am convinced it was withdrawal symptoms from Effexor. I have been on Effexor for about a year now to help depression and ADHD focus. I started with 75mg and then moved about 4 months ago to 150mg.
Effexor has been great for me. Before that I tried Wellbutrin SR and results were sketchy. The only thing now is what is my long term effect? and do I have an addiction level? Though the statement in the literature on Effexor reads to me as "Effexor is not a narcotic therefore your body can't depend on it so it is not addictive. But there are withdrawal symptoms " I would call the symptoms I had last night disturbing. Guidelines on the website also states that it can be dosed for 5 years under BAP guidelines.
In conclusion I like Effexor it has been the best for me. Depression gone-nill, and the side benefit of better focus and dealing with my ADHD. The question is dealing with the withdrawal symptoms and the fact that it is helping my ADHD. How long should I stay on this and for what reasons and is there any risk. Also given my body's low tolerance to caffeine I am not sure about the stimulant route like ridilin for the ADHD once I go off Effexor. I don't see my psychiatrist for several months now so I have some time to think about this.
Michael
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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