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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Dr. Bob on February 14, 2003, at 14:07:57
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by glenn on February 14, 2003, at 11:44:53
Posted by Tina P on February 14, 2003, at 21:31:39
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by glenn on February 14, 2003, at 11:44:53
seems to me like you should all be on medication or something.....
Posted by tlang on February 15, 2003, at 9:15:30
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by glenn on February 14, 2003, at 11:44:53
well folks...I decided not to go on the Effexor. I am very fortunate only have to treat the ADD and no depression. Thank you all for taking the time to post your comments. They were truly helpful in my decision. I plan to seek additional help with the ADD and see if I can get something prescribed that is not quite as harsh with the side effects and withdrawals. I wish you all the best of luck!
Thanks again.
Posted by Dr. Bob on February 15, 2003, at 15:43:34
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by Tina P on February 14, 2003, at 21:31:39
> seems to me like you should all be on medication or something.....
Please be sensitive to the feelings of others and don't post anything that could lead them to feel accused or put down, thanks.
Bob
PS: Follow-ups regarding posting policies, and complaints about posts, should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration.
Posted by Tina P on February 15, 2003, at 19:19:42
In reply to Re: please be civil » Tina P, posted by Dr. Bob on February 15, 2003, at 15:43:34
So sorry everyone! I was attempting to add a little humor to our posts. I too am on medication, which is why I'm here with all of you, so please, no offense meant by the comment.
Posted by Daffy on February 15, 2003, at 21:23:16
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by geoff on February 12, 2003, at 12:13:37
> I recently switched from Effexor to Welbutrin. Had no problems with withdrawal. The Dr. Had me ramp down. I switched due to sexual side effects. That was the only side effect I had, otherwise the Effexor was working great. Wish I could say the same for the Welbutrin.
I tried Wellbutrin with no luck. I had lost my Pharmacare without notice and ended up quiting the Wellbutrin abruptly - talk about withdrawal...I got these "cluster headaches", which felt like a sledgehammer was being used to bash it's way out of my head. I would be woken up in the middle of the night with these headaches...talk of pain - OUCH !!
Posted by keroppi on February 15, 2003, at 23:30:29
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Geoff , Keroppi » japonica, posted by gabbix2 on February 15, 2003, at 20:14:03
ok, we forgive you, gabbix.....I should speak for myself. I bet Geoff doesn't even care. But thanks for clarifying. Well, as far as my tapering, today was the first day I didn't take a pill (I took a 75 mg yesterday), and nothing still, except easier pooping!!! :) which is very welcomed! Hopefully this will last.
Posted by gabbix2 on February 16, 2003, at 9:20:40
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Geoff , Keroppi, posted by keroppi on February 15, 2003, at 23:30:29
Posted by Tina P on February 16, 2003, at 9:26:06
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Geoff , Keroppi, posted by keroppi on February 15, 2003, at 23:30:29
People tell me please...
I am a sufferer of clinical depression, and I have found that anti-depressant drugs relieve my misery miraculously. I would never, EVER want to stop taking my Effexor and go back to the sadness I was living with. So, why are so many of you doing this, and struggling with these awful side affects? I guess I have no concept of why anyone would want to stop taking this drug when it is so helpful to me and has improved my quality of life so much. Would some of you please share your scenarios with me so I have a better understanding, and perhaps I can be better prepared for the possibilty of having to give up this drug in my future? So far, the only withdawl I've had to deal with was switching from Paxil to Effexor XL, and that was because the Paxil was causing weight gain. (I would have avoided the Paxil altogether, but it's the only drug my doc could offer me during my pregnancy). After the baby was born, I made the switch, and it wasn't too difficult. But to give up my medication completely and go through withdrawls like those I'm reading about in your posts, I would never attempt it!!!!! I hated the way I felt before taking my meds anyway! Any input for me?
Posted by daizy on February 16, 2003, at 11:43:58
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Geoff , Keroppi, posted by Tina P on February 16, 2003, at 9:26:06
> People tell me please...
> I am a sufferer of clinical depression, and I have found that anti-depressant drugs relieve my misery miraculously. I would never, EVER want to stop taking my Effexor and go back to the sadness I was living with. So, why are so many of you doing this, and struggling with these awful side affects? I guess I have no concept of why anyone would want to stop taking this drug when it is so helpful to me and has improved my quality of life so much. Would some of you please share your scenarios with me so I have a better understanding, and perhaps I can be better prepared for the possibilty of having to give up this drug in my future? So far, the only withdawl I've had to deal with was switching from Paxil to Effexor XL, and that was because the Paxil was causing weight gain. (I would have avoided the Paxil altogether, but it's the only drug my doc could offer me during my pregnancy). After the baby was born, I made the switch, and it wasn't too difficult. But to give up my medication completely and go through withdrawls like those I'm reading about in your posts, I would never attempt it!!!!! I hated the way I felt before taking my meds anyway! Any input for me?Hi Tina P
I had to come off Effexor because it was causing Heart Palputations, which if you've had them will know they are really scary. Im glad because it wasnt working for me anyway, although like you, I know people with clinical depression who it has worked for. The withdrawal in my experience, was really bad, I had constant headache and shocks, it made me feel sick and dizzy, horrible really for about two weeks.When my doctor started me on AD's he said that when I feel better, and have been for a constant of six months/year it would be ok for me to come off them. However I havnt yet found a med that works for me, and I havnt been properly diagnosed yet. Has your doctor told you that you will need them permanently? Its great that you have found a med that works for you, hope that it stays that way and you dont need to stop. In the future if you do have to come off them for whatever reason, you might not experience withdrawal symptoms, it varies from person to person(as you can see!)
Posted by keroppi on February 16, 2003, at 14:34:04
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Geoff , Keroppi, posted by daizy on February 16, 2003, at 11:43:58
> > People tell me please...
> > I am a sufferer of clinical depression, and I have found that anti-depressant drugs relieve my misery miraculously. I would never, EVER want to stop taking my Effexor and go back to the sadness I was living with. So, why are so many of you doing this, and struggling with these awful side affects? I guess I have no concept of why anyone would want to stop taking this drug when it is so helpful to me and has improved my quality of life so much. Would some of you please share your scenarios with me so I have a better understanding, and perhaps I can be better prepared for the possibilty of having to give up this drug in my future? So far, the only withdawl I've had to deal with was switching from Paxil to Effexor XL, and that was because the Paxil was causing weight gain. (I would have avoided the Paxil altogether, but it's the only drug my doc could offer me during my pregnancy). After the baby was born, I made the switch, and it wasn't too difficult. But to give up my medication completely and go through withdrawls like those I'm reading about in your posts, I would never attempt it!!!!! I hated the way I felt before taking my meds anyway! Any input for me?
>
> Hi Tina P
> I had to come off Effexor because it was causing Heart Palputations, which if you've had them will know they are really scary. Im glad because it wasnt working for me anyway, although like you, I know people with clinical depression who it has worked for. The withdrawal in my experience, was really bad, I had constant headache and shocks, it made me feel sick and dizzy, horrible really for about two weeks.
>
> When my doctor started me on AD's he said that when I feel better, and have been for a constant of six months/year it would be ok for me to come off them. However I havnt yet found a med that works for me, and I havnt been properly diagnosed yet. Has your doctor told you that you will need them permanently? Its great that you have found a med that works for you, hope that it stays that way and you dont need to stop. In the future if you do have to come off them for whatever reason, you might not experience withdrawal symptoms, it varies from person to person(as you can see!)
Hi Tina,Like Daizy, I was having very strong, irregular, scary heart palpitations. I suspected that it might have been from Effexor, but now that Daizy's confirmed it (and I've seen 2 other posts on a different message board that confirms it), I KNOW it was definitely caused by Effexor. However, the main side effect that caused me to want to go off was REALLY bad constipation....I don't know if you read my first post, but I said that from the very first day (3 months ago) I took Effexor, I was constipated. Would only be able to poop every 3-4 days, and I felt SOOOO bloated all the time. When I did poop, it was 3-4 days worth in one hard, thick, long poop, so it was like giving birth. Which caused the toilet to get clogged. And I live w/ my sister......she got so sick of having a clogged toilet all the time. So after 3 months of that, I decided it wasn't worth it. The E did help with my anxiety, though, but I just never felt right on it. So I made the decision to taper off and go back on Prozac. I started tapering last week from 225, to 150 for 4 days, then 75 for 4 days, then 75 every other day. Up until the 75 every other day, I had no withdrawal, except easier pooping. However, now that I'm doing one day on and one day off, I'm having those electrical brain shocks that everyone's been talking about. And diarrhea. But....I'd already experienced the brain shocks WHILE I was on Paxil a couple years ago. That was a side effect of Paxil. Didn't bother me too much though. And I'd much rather have diarrhea than constipation.
I'm glad that Effexor is relieving you of your depression.....it's been a godsend for friends of mine, too. So just because it didn't work for us, you should continue on it, because it works for you. Hope you continue to do well!
Posted by Tina P on February 17, 2003, at 9:49:45
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Geoff , Keroppi, posted by daizy on February 16, 2003, at 11:43:58
Thanks for your input. I actually experienced some heart palputations during my pregnancy, and I can certainly agree with you on the fact that they're scary! I've been fortunate with these drugs I guess, since the only side effects I've had were mild dizziness, and even that seems to be subsiding as time goes on. My doc never told me I had to stay on AD's forever, but I made it clear to her that I was in no hurry to give them up, and she was supportive of that.
Posted by Tina P on February 17, 2003, at 9:56:04
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal --- tina p, daizy, posted by keroppi on February 16, 2003, at 14:34:04
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with me! I've been lucky with the bowel movements! And I usually have a really sensitive stomach, too, so I guess this drug was just meant for me. Do you find that you do better on Prozac?
Posted by millie on February 18, 2003, at 10:09:28
In reply to Re: Going off, have some questions........ Please Help » jennygump, posted by Lynnads on February 10, 2003, at 15:02:54
Can I first just say how happy I was to find this site! I gained 35 pounds in a couple of months (yes, that quickly!) when I went on this medicine and the doctors told me it wasn't possible. Funny how it actually decreased my appetite and this still happened. How long does it take to get the weight back off??? I'm going on a cruise in 3 weeks and NONE of my clothes fit! Also, how long does this dizziness last? I'm having a lot of trouble driving and working. I've been off the medicine for close to a week now. Help!
Posted by daizy on February 18, 2003, at 10:19:05
In reply to Weight gain! Dizziness! Help!, posted by millie on February 18, 2003, at 10:09:28
> Can I first just say how happy I was to find this site! I gained 35 pounds in a couple of months (yes, that quickly!) when I went on this medicine and the doctors told me it wasn't possible. Funny how it actually decreased my appetite and this still happened. How long does it take to get the weight back off??? I'm going on a cruise in 3 weeks and NONE of my clothes fit! Also, how long does this dizziness last? I'm having a lot of trouble driving and working. I've been off the medicine for close to a week now. Help!
AS for the weight, mine still has not come off! (might just be because of my lazyness!) It took two or more weeks for the dizziness and shocks to go away for me, but they lessened day by day. One tip, which worked for me was to get plenty of sleep, as in make sure you dont tire yourself out, and go to bed at a reasonable hr!
Posted by Tina P on February 18, 2003, at 13:20:09
In reply to Weight gain! Dizziness! Help!, posted by millie on February 18, 2003, at 10:09:28
Just wanted to let you know, I'm in the same boat! Althought my appetite is curbed on this drug, I'm still having trouble with the weight. I think it just does something to the metabolism that's beyond our control. I can really sympathize with you about having nothing to fit you for the cruise! I can say the dizziness has gotten a lot better for me over the course of a few weeks of using it, though. The first week was the worst, and slowly the symptoms seemed to become less and less over time. Now it's been about a month on the drug and I rarely feel dizzy. Once in a great while I'll experience a mild dizzy spell, put it seems to pass momentarily. I tend to get very seasick, and I get vertigo whenever I fly, so I'd be interested to see if this problem is worse now that I'm using the Effexor. If you're able to follow up after your cruise I'd like to hear how you handled it. In the meantime, hang in there, and try to get some larger sizes to wear. I know it's a hard thing to accept, but it's not as hard as squeezing into clothes that don't fit during your cruise when you're supposed to be relaxed and comfortable!
Posted by rickj on February 18, 2003, at 13:41:50
In reply to Re: My Effexor experience, posted by daizy on December 20, 2002, at 10:06:01
Daizy/ Kris21,
Not sure if you two are still monitoring the site...
Your postings really rang a chord. I'm just about to terminate a five-day experiment with Effexor, precisely in response to fairly serious, ecstasy-induced depression and anxiety. Like Kris, I was taking e infrequently, but heavy doses. The last "down" lasted a good year. It's still not completely gone. At its worst, I couldn't concentrate, or understand what people were saying; the words just floated past. A lousy mood, and severe agitation during public speaking. I even had some difficulties speaking, due to a tightness in the chest and problems forcing the words out. No libido. Also headaches. Although I wasn't particularly happy before (one reason for taking the ecstasy) the ecstasy definitely made things much worse.
Anyway, after 15 months of being clean of non-prescription drugs, I feel much improved, but not completely back to normal. Still feeling fragile, and I find myself shying away from social situations. Not fully restored. So I thought I'd try Effexor. My doctor recommended it as effective, with little risk of side effects, non-addictive, and a "good" drug as opposed to the "bad" ecstasy.
After five days, I wonder if the doctor wasn't getting a kickback from the drug company. This is heavy sh*t. It reminded me in some ways of e. The initial effect was like the transition when e first kicks in -- disorientation, sweats, hot flashes. That night (I'd taken it with dinner) I woke up at 5 am with powerful, trippy sensations: bizarre, disconnected thoughts, electric pulses through odd parts of my body, and sweating.
The following day there was a subtle but noticeable improvement of mood. I've now just finished day #5 of the 37.5 dose. However, after plowing through this site (thanks to everyone who posted), I'm through. I think I do feel improved, but the side-effects of the Effexor are noticeable and troubling. Quite sharp headaches. A tightness in the chest. Hot flashes. Sweating. Weird sleep patterns. Diminished appetite. Electric pulses and tingling. Occasional dizziness. Backaches. And, in general, the unpleasant sensation of something not quite right being done to my head.
From earlier drug experiences, I'd say this stuff is pretty powerful. And having read almost three years of postings on this site, I'm amazed that doctors are still prescribing the stuff -- especially with no warning as to the likely consequences, including withdrawal. At least e's not physiologically addictive... Anyway, I didn't quit e just to mess up my head again with Effexor. Just wish I'd waited a little before dropping $100 on a three-months' supply...
I haven't tried 5htp; I'll give it a shot. I think time is probably the best healer. After 15 months of sober living, healthy food, and plenty of exercise, I feel much improved. Yoga, for instance, can be quite therapeutic. Maybe in another year or so things will be back to normal.
Good luck.
rickj
> >
> > I know the feeling of just wanting to say screw it all and pop another pill. BUT DON"T DO IT! Ecstacy seriously fucks your brain up and you will just get worse and worse. I did it for about a year, but only once every couple months. My problem was that i did several in one night when i did it. The key is to stay clean and sober and try to find the right AD for you. I also take 5-htp which is a supplement that helps replace serotonin. exercise, diet, and a positive outlook also help. i know it's hard, but to me i have no other choice. what other meds have you taken? i'm thinking of switching to lexapro, the newest one out.
> > hang in there...
> >
> > Kris
> >
>
> Yeah I ve decided that im definitely NOT going to take any drugs again, it would just make things worse, and I cant cope with that. I took Amitriptylene (I think thats how You spell it!) For about two months before I started effexor, and that had no efeect at all other than to give me nightmares so I would wake up in the middle of the night and not be able to get back to sleep, So that had to stop. Ive heard about this 5htp, because a friend used to take it before and after doing drugs, not just ecstacy though all sorts!, and she has not had any problems with anxiety or depression. I was just wondering whether its okay to just take it, does it interact with other meds, or do you need doctors advise? For me its the anxiety thats the worst so, im on Valium now, and its good, but soon I wont be able to get any more. I dont know what its like wherever you are but here in England it takes ages for appointments with doctors and to get the right meds. I want to see a phsyc so I can find out the extent of my problems, and they obviously know more about AD's and stuff than doc's do. I dont know, Klonopin sounds like its good for anxiety?.........................
>
Posted by keroppi on February 18, 2003, at 14:50:20
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal --- tina p, daizy, posted by Tina P on February 17, 2003, at 9:56:04
> Thank you so much for sharing your experience with me! I've been lucky with the bowel movements! And I usually have a really sensitive stomach, too, so I guess this drug was just meant for me. Do you find that you do better on Prozac?
Yes, when I first went on Prozac (April '98), it worked miraculously, with no side effects except sleepiness. I was on it for about 9 months and went off because I was doing MUCH better. But then my panic/anxiety came back, and tried it again, but it didn't work as well the 2nd time. But I've decided to give it another try, because I've been reading some Prozac message boards, and I see mostly great things about it, and that if it doesn't work well by itself after a couple months, adding Buspar usually solves the problem. By the way, right now, I'm taking Effexor every other day to wean off of it, and it's really bad.....I feel like I'm VERY stoned, and I get those electric shock things constantly. I never had any kind of withdrawal with Prozac....I think because it has such a long half life. Sorry this was so long....
Posted by keroppi on February 18, 2003, at 14:53:37
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal --- tina p , posted by keroppi on February 18, 2003, at 14:50:20
one more thing I forgot......my vision is very strange...sort of blurry....it feels like there's things in my eyes
Posted by daizy on February 18, 2003, at 16:17:38
In reply to Re: My Effexor experience -- another nasty drug » daizy, posted by rickj on February 18, 2003, at 13:41:50
Hey. Thanx for your post,
"Although I wasn't particularly happy before (one reason for taking the ecstasy) the ecstasy definitely made things much worse."
Have you tried therapy? Its just an idea, might help you work through why you wernt happy in the first place. Its helped me so far.
>" It reminded me in some ways of e. The initial effect was like the transition when e first kicks in -- disorientation, sweats, hot flashes. That night (I'd taken it with dinner) I woke up at 5 am with powerful, trippy sensations: bizarre, disconnected thoughts, electric pulses through odd parts of my body, and sweating. "Ok, its weird, I said the exact same thing to my sister when I woke her up at five in the morning a few nights into taking it(spooky!) I said it felt like being on E, but without being happy, Same physical reaction though.
"the unpleasant sensation of something not quite right being done to my head."
LOL, but its true!
> "From earlier drug experiences, I'd say this stuff is pretty powerful."This is true aswell. It didnt work for me, I dont know what your exact symptoms are, so I cant say if it will work for you, but you wont know after just five days of trying. Dont let what you read on here scare you. But these effects should wear off soon, It took me two weeks to get used to it properly.
> "I haven't tried 5htp; I'll give it a shot. I think time is probably the best healer. After 15 months of sober living, healthy food, and plenty of exercise, I feel much improved. Yoga, for instance, can be quite therapeutic. Maybe in another year or so things will be back to normal."If you still dont feel right you should go back to your doctor. I think you might be feeling like you dont want to put anymore chemicals into your body to mess your head up, I felt Like that, but if you are Ill you should get some help because it might not just get better by itsellf, although a healthy lifestyle is great! thats something I need to try harder at!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by jtc on February 18, 2003, at 21:54:18
In reply to Re: Weight gain! Dizziness! Help!, posted by Tina P on February 18, 2003, at 13:20:09
Hi, I have been on Effexor XR, 75 mg for about 10 months. Before the Effexor I took Luvox for about 2 years. I have generalized anxiety and panic disorder and also depression. I find that the Effexor is no longer making me feel better. I am very irritable and short with my kids and I just don't feel well. I talked to my psychiatrist and told him I didn't think effexor was helping me anymore but he told me to increase to 150 mg a day for two weeks until my appointment with him. I am scared to increase it because I would really like to go off Effexor. My 8 year old daughter has also been taking Effexor XR 37.5 mg for about four months. It seems to be helping her with her anxiety. She is doing better in school but she is more aggressive and talks mean to me and her 4 year old sister. Her doctor says to let her take the Effexor until school is out for the summer. AFter reading the posts on this message board I am getting really worried for my daughter to be taking this medication. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much, jc
Posted by dde on February 18, 2003, at 23:18:27
In reply to Re: Weight gain! Dizziness! Help!, posted by Tina P on February 18, 2003, at 13:20:09
You need to be aware that Effexor has NOT been approved by FDA for use by anyone under the age of 18 for any reason, as of today's date. See http://www.fda.gov/cder/approval/index.htm under Effexor XR (venlafaxine hydrochloride) Extended Release Capsules, Rx Wyeth-Ayerst NDA 20-699/S-022 letter dated 2/12/03. It specifically states that the use of this medication for pediatric patients has not been approved and moreover, is now the subject of suits. If you take her off the medication, do it in a hospital setting as children are not able to articulate exactly how they are feeling and thinking. Also, if she isn't feeling better and acting better it probably isn't the right medication. Go with your gut instincts....it may save her/your life. My attorney has informed me that uninformed doctors are pushing the drug because pharma companies are paying them for every prescription they write. Ask pointed questions and demand answers. Its your body that stuff is going into. Do your homework on getting off the stuff and do it with the help of a doctor. Best regards to you and your little one. dde
Posted by eloise on February 19, 2003, at 10:09:04
In reply to Weight gain! Dizziness! Help!, posted by millie on February 18, 2003, at 10:09:28
I prefer being overweight to underhappy!
Posted by Tina P on February 19, 2003, at 12:47:52
In reply to Re: Weight gain! Dizziness! Help!, posted by eloise on February 19, 2003, at 10:09:04
Well, unfortunately in my case overweight and underhappy seem to go hand-in-hand. I do believe, however, that my weight issue lies deeper than my depression problem, and the medication has made life so much more bearable! Just out of curiosity, was this coming from someone who is thin???? Millie?????
Posted by rickj on February 19, 2003, at 14:06:22
In reply to Re: My Effexor experience -- another nasty drug » rickj, posted by daizy on February 18, 2003, at 16:17:38
Thanx Daizy for your thoughts. I'd never posted to a bulletin board before... So are you off effexor and now doing therapy? And you find it helps?
You're right, my body (and head) just didn't want more chemicals. I also felt like the effexor was trying to take over -- all those weird sensations everywhere. Maybe I did too many drugs before... And you're right on the money: it's physically like E, only without the euphoria and energy. Funny that you made the same connection. I wonder if the effexor "reminds" the body of E (if you've taken E already), or whether they somehow work in a similar way. Anybody else done both E and Effexor?
A healthy lifestyle seems to get easier with age (I'm now 33). There's only so much self-abuse you can take... I do recommend yoga, especially with a good instructor. I like Ashtanga -- you sweat like crazy, but feel sooo relaxed at the end, calm, and feeling better about things.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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