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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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.
Posted by Katia on February 19, 2003, at 15:43:34
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Geoff , Keroppi, posted by Tina P on February 16, 2003, at 9:26:06
I was on Effexor (Eff.) for about four months. It helped with my depression, but I too was constipated for awhile, then I slept for hours, couldn't wake up before noon (luckily I work in the evening). After about two months, I started experiencing those heart palpitations, electrical shocks, brain not connecting as fast as my movements, spaciness, etc. The thing about all those symptons is, I didn't realize it for awhile. I didn't realize that I was spacey because I was so spacey!! It's a confusing feeling. I''m also in grad school, which makes it hard.
Today has been a week totally off Eff. and it hasn't been easy. I did the tapering and I still have headahces, MOODINESS, electrical shocks, my body just feels wrecked.
Glad to hear it works for you. I'm transitioning onto Zoloft. Anyone with experiences/doses?
Thanks.
Katia> 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 Chris314 on February 20, 2003, at 10:26:44
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal --- tina p , posted by keroppi on February 18, 2003, at 14:50:20
HELP,
I've tried to go off of Effexor, and on to Wellbutrin, but cannot seem to kick the Effexor totally. HOW do you get through the dizziness, electrical stuff, brain jelly feeling, and NIGHTMARES? I'm all the way down to 37.5mgs, but cannot quit all together.
I already started on the Wellbutrin, 100 mgs. VERY irritable. Chris
Posted by daizy on February 20, 2003, at 11:26:04
In reply to Re: My Effexor experience -- another nasty drug » daizy, posted by rickj on February 19, 2003, at 14:06:22
> 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.
>
>
>Yeah Im having therapy(although I havnt been for a while!)
Its helped me to clarify and make sense of things that have happened to me. think you should try.
I think your right about the effexor, have you stopped it totally? and you feel better for it? If so then you made the right decision!
Posted by daizy on February 20, 2003, at 11:28:10
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal, posted by Chris314 on February 20, 2003, at 10:26:44
>Try halving a 37.5 for two or three days, then quartering for a few days.
Posted by napaba on February 20, 2003, at 12:07:00
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal --- tina p , posted by keroppi on February 18, 2003, at 14:50:20
Is enyone having a problem with blurred vission?
I've been taking Effexor for 3 weeks. I started with 37.5mg's for a week and for the past two weeks I've been taking 75mg's. I'm no longer feeling depressed and feel the anxiety has lessoned. But I feel tired all the time, I don't seem to be concentrating as well, I yawn a lot, break it in sweats, but what I'm must worried about is the blurred vision. Do these side effects go away. I need some energy, I work full time, go to school and have 3 children.
I tried prozac, paxil, and welbutrin, but I had major weight gain.
Posted by Asyan Delight on February 20, 2003, at 13:17:48
In reply to blurred vission » keroppi, posted by napaba on February 20, 2003, at 12:07:00
I've experienced the blurred vision with my other medication (xoloft and prozac) but less with efferox. One side effect recently came to light. I'm a frequent blood donor. However, I can never donate blood again. Efferox has raised my liver enzymes to a level that is unacceptable by the FDA for donors. Has anyone else experienced this? When I was first put on the medication, my PCP thought I had heptitatus. What an ass! He scared the living daylights out of me. So, I get a handle on my depression but then my liver it shot? I've been suffering from depression for 9 years and only in the last 3 years have I sought help. Now, maybe it's easier for me not to have sought help. At least I'd know when I die, my organs will be clean to donate.
Posted by jtc on February 20, 2003, at 13:53:19
In reply to Efferox side effects, posted by Asyan Delight on February 20, 2003, at 13:17:48
> I've experienced the blurred vision with my other medication (xoloft and prozac) but less with efferox. One side effect recently came to light. I'm a frequent blood donor. However, I can never donate blood again. Efferox has raised my liver enzymes to a level that is unacceptable by the FDA for donors. Has anyone else experienced this? When I was first put on the medication, my PCP thought I had heptitatus. What an ass! He scared the living daylights out of me. So, I get a handle on my depression but then my liver it shot? I've been suffering from depression for 9 years and only in the last 3 years have I sought help. Now, maybe it's easier for me not to have sought help. At least I'd know when I die, my organs will be clean to donate.
That is really scary about the liver enzymes. I wonder if I should get a liver enzymes test also. I think I am going to try to go off of Effexor XR. I am on 75 mg and it is no longer helping me and I don't want to increase to 150 mg because I used to take 150 and didn't like that either. What do you think? By the way I also have vision problems on effexor and concentration problems and memory problems.
Posted by Asyan Delight on February 20, 2003, at 13:56:38
In reply to Re: Efferox side effects, posted by jtc on February 20, 2003, at 13:53:19
I've experienced the "senior moments" and it's really taking a toll on me because I've always had good memory. You should talk to your PCP about getting a blood test done and also talk to your doctor who's prescribing your meds. I have an appointment to see my doctor in a few weeks. I don't really want to stop taking efferox because it's the only med that's really helped me and I've been feeling really good since I've been on it. I don't want to revert back to the way I was before.
Posted by napaba on February 20, 2003, at 14:19:59
In reply to Re: Efferox side effects, posted by Asyan Delight on February 20, 2003, at 13:56:38
I've read that there's the possibility of liver damage with Effexor. But you don't know how much of what you read on the internet is true. I know what you mean about not wanting to take meds. I've tried several times to go without, but find within a year I need something again. I have an appointment with my doctor next week I'm going to ask him about my side effects. Have you tried to go off Effexor? I hope it's not as auful as it sounds.
Posted by Asyan Delight on February 20, 2003, at 14:24:29
In reply to Re: Efferox side effects, posted by napaba on February 20, 2003, at 14:19:59
I haven't tried to go off of Efferox because I'm really scared of what might happen. Besides being depressed I also have suicidal tendencies and I'm what they call a "cutter." But I haven't done any of those things since I've been on the meds. There are days that I don't take my meds and I'll be fine. But if I go too long with it, I can tell something is wrong. The most I've gone without my meds is 2 days. I'm at 150 mg which is working good for me. My doctor orginially wanted me to go up to 225mg (that's three pills).
Posted by keroppi on February 20, 2003, at 15:04:43
In reply to Efferox side effects, posted by Asyan Delight on February 20, 2003, at 13:17:48
I was worried about my liver too, because I've been on so many antidepressants, which are all metabolized in the liver. Plus, I used to drink ALOT, even when I was on the meds. So I went in for a physical and had my liver tested. Luckily, it came back normal. I would encourage anybody who is concerned about this to get their liver tested.
Posted by jtc on February 20, 2003, at 19:42:58
In reply to Re: Efferox side effects, posted by napaba on February 20, 2003, at 14:19:59
> I've read that there's the possibility of liver damage with Effexor. But you don't know how much of what you read on the internet is true. I know what you mean about not wanting to take meds. I've tried several times to go without, but find within a year I need something again. I have an appointment with my doctor next week I'm going to ask him about my side effects. Have you tried to go off Effexor? I hope it's not as auful as it sounds.
>
> I haven't tried to go off Effexor yet. I don't know how I will handle it though. I sort of dread it. I have panic disorder and anxiety and depression so I am certain I will need some medication again after going off Effexor (if I can go off it). I have tried Luvox (it helped me), also have tried Prozac, Celexa, Zoloft, and Paxil. So I don't know what else to try if I can get off Effexor. Any suggestions? Thanks...
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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