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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by PuraVida on March 14, 2003, at 12:15:21
In reply to Re: Efferox side effects, posted by megamufn on March 14, 2003, at 6:12:47
Hi MM (love your name!)
I know just how you feel about the motivation. I just started Effexor, so we'll see. I had the same problem w/ Paxil - I slept so much!
On thing I have noticed with myself is a cycle with the anxiety and motivation. When I get really motivated, sometimes it gets too much and gets me anxious - which is uncomfortable so I back off, and take it easy. If I go through this for awhile I think I just give up, and it becomes more of a truer depression. Anyhow, I've been taking a mood stabilizer too, and that HAS seemed to help me find the balance.
Hope this helps -PV
Posted by jtc on March 14, 2003, at 13:38:25
In reply to CHILDREN EFFEXOR, posted by dde on March 12, 2003, at 9:42:09
> I have noticed several references of children under the age of 18 being put on this medication. I would say "Parents Beware." PLEASE NOTE: IN OCTOBER 2002 WYETH APPLIED TO THE FDA TO ADD PEDIATRIC ADHD AND DEPRESSION TO ITS LIST OF INDICATIONS. ON FEBRUARY 12, 2003 THE FDA DENIED THE REQUEST, STATING THAT INSUFFICIENT RESEARCH HAD BEEN DONE AND THAT LAWSUITS WERE PENDING. You can read this for yourself by going to the FDA website.
>
> Children do not know how to express all the symptoms, and we, as parents and not experiencing them, cannot relate or pick up on them.
>
> Have your child tested for bi-polar, it cycles fast in children and is often misdiagnosed as ADHD or ADD. If your child is crying a lot and is very sad, with ADHD, PLEASE do some research before you put him or her on Effexor.
>
> I didn't and lost my child to this medication. Needless to say, I am doing the homework now and encouraging people to get second or third opinions before allowing Wyeth to use their child as a guinea pig.
>
> Best regards, deDear de,
Oh my gosh, I am so sorry to hear about your child. I am responding to your post because my 8 1/2 year daughter is taking Effexor XR 37.5 mg for anxiety. I am very worried especially since you said you lost your child to this medication. What happened to your child? Please share any information that you have on this medication with me. My child has taken it since November 2002. I am going to take her off of it in May when school is out and I will not put her on it again. If she still needs medication for her anxiety we will try a different one. She is having more outbursts at home such as she gets mad when she doesn't get her way. Her psychiatrist says she should take the Effexor until school is out. She was having difficulty in school with staying focused so we had her tested for ADD with a psychologist. He said she does not have ADD but she does have a lot of anxiety for a child her age, so he referred us to a child psychiatrist who thought the Effexor could help her. I was very afraid to put her on effexor because I take it and I am trying to go off it right now and having problems with that. Even my psychiatrist told me that there is no research on the effects of this medication on children and that you wonder what effect it will have on the developing mind of a child. I do have to say that it has helped her with the anxiety but I don't know if it is worth it because of the risks to her. Please advise.
Thanks, jc
Posted by dde on March 14, 2003, at 15:01:16
In reply to Re: CHILDREN EFFEXOR, posted by jtc on March 14, 2003, at 13:38:25
Hi JC
I cannot really tell you what was "wrong" with my son. He was 10, had been diagnosed as ADHD when he was 6. He lived with his father for four years after the diagnosis, and was sporadically given his medication, first Adderall, then Concerta XR. He did really well with the Adderall, but was not being fed adequately or before administering the medication, so he was losing weight....when he was with me, he gained weight and had his meds every day. When the doctor put him on Concerta XR she cautioned us to make sure he got it every day at the same time, and after food.
I think that by sporadically giving him the medication, and by sporadically I am saying that he missed 60+ days of meds over a 5 month period. I know this because I obtained the pharmacy records and it wasn't purchased anywhere near the right times of the month, and because my son and I talked on a daily basis and he told me when he had taken it or not.
Needless to say, he was becoming more and more depressed, tried to hang himself at his father's home, but forturnately failed and went to my oldest daughter for help. He came to me in June of 2002, very sad, angry and confused. I would find him curled up in a ball in his closet, chasing his siblings with a butcher knife then melting down to sobbing. He begged me to help him stop feeling what he was feeling. He TOLD me he wanted to kill himself, would hang himself. I took him seriously. I took him to a regular doctor who prescribed the Adderall and said get him as quickly as possible. I took him to a child psychiatrist who saw him for 10 minutes, did not tests or vitals, and walked out with a prescription for Effexor XR. I did ask exactly what to look for in the way of improvement or side effects and basically was directed to a chart on the back of his door and left to figure it out on my own.
I will tell you the things I have since learned were signs of his trauma....he said it felt like his brain was turning over in his head; dizziness; nausea; severe headaches that came and went; sleep pattern changes; euphoria (at the last)....he went from a very angry, sad little boy off of Effexor to a little boy who said "yes ma'am" and "no ma'am" in the course of 3 weeks. But all that time, he was telling me about the other things going on in his body. On the morning before he died he said to me "momma, if I die today, I want you to cremate me and spread my ashes over that lake where you will be spread." Not picking up on the "today" I said "Bugga, now how am I supposed to do that? I am going to die long before you do." To which he replied, "No, momma, if I die today, thats what I want you to do." I poo poo'd his comments and told him it wasn't a good day to die, and he should be thinking about other things, like running through the sprinkler with his friends and going to the pool in the afternoon.
His friend later told me that Bugga had told him about weird dreams about dead people and about meeting God. So I have to add weird dreams to the list.
I really do not want to scare anyone. I just want you to be aware that kids don't always know what to say to get across that they are REALLY NOT WELL, and we can't relate.
Just please make sure you take your daughter off the medication in a hospital setting. PLEASE.
Now you know a lot of the gruesome details. Beware of this medication.
Best wishes,
de
Posted by jtc on March 14, 2003, at 21:58:33
In reply to CHILDREN EFFEXOR, posted by dde on March 14, 2003, at 15:01:16
> Hi JC
>
> I cannot really tell you what was "wrong" with my son. He was 10, had been diagnosed as ADHD when he was 6. He lived with his father for four years after the diagnosis, and was sporadically given his medication, first Adderall, then Concerta XR. He did really well with the Adderall, but was not being fed adequately or before administering the medication, so he was losing weight....when he was with me, he gained weight and had his meds every day. When the doctor put him on Concerta XR she cautioned us to make sure he got it every day at the same time, and after food.
>
> I think that by sporadically giving him the medication, and by sporadically I am saying that he missed 60+ days of meds over a 5 month period. I know this because I obtained the pharmacy records and it wasn't purchased anywhere near the right times of the month, and because my son and I talked on a daily basis and he told me when he had taken it or not.
>
> Needless to say, he was becoming more and more depressed, tried to hang himself at his father's home, but forturnately failed and went to my oldest daughter for help. He came to me in June of 2002, very sad, angry and confused. I would find him curled up in a ball in his closet, chasing his siblings with a butcher knife then melting down to sobbing. He begged me to help him stop feeling what he was feeling. He TOLD me he wanted to kill himself, would hang himself. I took him seriously. I took him to a regular doctor who prescribed the Adderall and said get him as quickly as possible. I took him to a child psychiatrist who saw him for 10 minutes, did not tests or vitals, and walked out with a prescription for Effexor XR. I did ask exactly what to look for in the way of improvement or side effects and basically was directed to a chart on the back of his door and left to figure it out on my own.
>
> I will tell you the things I have since learned were signs of his trauma....he said it felt like his brain was turning over in his head; dizziness; nausea; severe headaches that came and went; sleep pattern changes; euphoria (at the last)....he went from a very angry, sad little boy off of Effexor to a little boy who said "yes ma'am" and "no ma'am" in the course of 3 weeks. But all that time, he was telling me about the other things going on in his body. On the morning before he died he said to me "momma, if I die today, I want you to cremate me and spread my ashes over that lake where you will be spread." Not picking up on the "today" I said "Bugga, now how am I supposed to do that? I am going to die long before you do." To which he replied, "No, momma, if I die today, thats what I want you to do." I poo poo'd his comments and told him it wasn't a good day to die, and he should be thinking about other things, like running through the sprinkler with his friends and going to the pool in the afternoon.
>
> His friend later told me that Bugga had told him about weird dreams about dead people and about meeting God. So I have to add weird dreams to the list.
>
> I really do not want to scare anyone. I just want you to be aware that kids don't always know what to say to get across that they are REALLY NOT WELL, and we can't relate.
>
> Just please make sure you take your daughter off the medication in a hospital setting. PLEASE.
>
> Now you know a lot of the gruesome details. Beware of this medication.
>
> Best wishes,
> deHi de,
I am so sorry about your little boy. Thank you for sharing this with me. It has made me really aware of what this medication can do, especially to children. I only know how I am feeling while trying to go off of it so I am really going to have to be in tune with my daughter when I take her off of it, the sooner the better. My husband does not know much about this medication and he just says "It will be alright and she will be alright" when I express my concern about our daughter and what I have read on the internet and this website. It is really going to be up to me to see that she is okay. May God bless you and comfort you in the loss of your little boy. Take care, JC
Posted by Jewels on March 14, 2003, at 23:20:20
In reply to Re: Increase in anxiety Effexor side effects, posted by napaba on March 12, 2003, at 9:29:13
Okay donnap....our stories are almost identical! I, too, was taking Effexor for a physical problem and dr's thought it would help. I quit cold turkey after I ran out last weekend. My dr told me that I shouldn't quit cold turkey and at this point and in reading all the past posts, I am glad I did! I am now at the close of day 5 and the vomitting and most nausea have gone. I was only on 75mgs for 8 weeks and have had a terrible run of it. My dreams aren't as wacked and freaky but still very vivid and real. I still have a hard time sleeping but find Tylenol PM helps. I am still quite dizzy in the day. I am not quite sure what the "brain shivers" are that are mentioned so much....but assume it is the "head rush" I am feeling. One other thing I have noticed is racing of my heart and a hard time breathing. I also have been extremely achy but don't know if this is due to my physical condition or the withdrawl.
I am so glad this works for some people. In regards to a prior post....if it IS working for you it ISN'T worth the withdrawl to go off. However, I am of the old book of "if it ain't working, don't take it" and anything that is that addictive to my body and that hard to break isn't what I would like to have in my body!
Best of luck to you all.........hoping I'm almost there....
Jewels
Posted by KarenIam on March 14, 2003, at 23:26:02
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I've been taking effexor for about 6 months or so. I take 150 miligrams and wanted to increase the dosage just to see if I'd feel even better. My doctor prescribed 225 mil. When I went to the drug store to pick it up they wanted me to pay 2 co pays of $25.00! It seems the insurance companys, or at least mine, will only cover up to 150 mil. per day. They only come in increments of 75ml or 150ml. I was told it was because I needed one of each ml. and that if I got the same mil capsule it would probably be covered. Guess what, not true! It's the only med. I've tried with this problem, usually you can just get a higher ml. Like paxil for example. Anyway, guess I'm not crazy enough yet to pay double for this stuff...maybe someday soon! Seriously though...anyone else's insurance covering say 300 ml with just one copay?
Posted by Krissy P on March 14, 2003, at 23:27:55
In reply to Re: Increase in anxiety Effexor side effects, posted by Jewels on March 14, 2003, at 23:20:20
Hi, real quick here: I think the "brain shivers" people are talking about are like chills but in your head. You feel a chill in your head. Do you know what I mean? I wonder if that's it?
> Okay donnap....our stories are almost identical! I, too, was taking Effexor for a physical problem and dr's thought it would help. I quit cold turkey after I ran out last weekend. My dr told me that I shouldn't quit cold turkey and at this point and in reading all the past posts, I am glad I did! I am now at the close of day 5 and the vomitting and most nausea have gone. I was only on 75mgs for 8 weeks and have had a terrible run of it. My dreams aren't as wacked and freaky but still very vivid and real. I still have a hard time sleeping but find Tylenol PM helps. I am still quite dizzy in the day. I am not quite sure what the "brain shivers" are that are mentioned so much....but assume it is the "head rush" I am feeling. One other thing I have noticed is racing of my heart and a hard time breathing. I also have been extremely achy but don't know if this is due to my physical condition or the withdrawl.
>
> I am so glad this works for some people. In regards to a prior post....if it IS working for you it ISN'T worth the withdrawl to go off. However, I am of the old book of "if it ain't working, don't take it" and anything that is that addictive to my body and that hard to break isn't what I would like to have in my body!
>
> Best of luck to you all.........hoping I'm almost there....
>
> Jewels
Posted by Troubled_Boy on March 15, 2003, at 4:14:23
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I am on Effexor for around 4 weeks and my dosage now is 225mg. I notice improvement in the first three weeks. But, i do not feel any this week after the increase in dosage from 150mg to 225mg. Anyone can tell me what is wrong.There are also other questions that i will like to ask.
How long will Effexor totally treat me?
How do i know that the drug is actually working?
How does it feel like when i am totally free from depression?
Can Effexor used to trest chronic tension headache?
Posted by Jewels on March 15, 2003, at 11:07:43
In reply to Re: Increase in anxiety Effexor side effects » Jewels, posted by Krissy P on March 14, 2003, at 23:27:55
Mine is more like a head rush where my ears seem to be full and pounding and I get dizzy and almost disoriented. I feel something like a chill....but those aren't too bad.....
Thanks!
J
Posted by Krissy P on March 15, 2003, at 11:40:15
In reply to Questions.....Pls help, posted by Troubled_Boy on March 15, 2003, at 4:14:23
Hi, I only take 75mg Effexor-XR.
I got tension headaches a lot-the Effexor helps them. I know that Topomax has been approved for migraines, probably because it is an anti-seizure med. I also don't get them as bad on Lamictal. If I can help a little more-please let me know:-)
Hope this helped a little?
Kristen
==================================================================================================> I am on Effexor for around 4 weeks and my dosage now is 225mg. I notice improvement in the first three weeks. But, i do not feel any this week after the increase in dosage from 150mg to 225mg. Anyone can tell me what is wrong.There are also other questions that i will like to ask.
>
> How long will Effexor totally treat me?
> How do i know that the drug is actually working?
> How does it feel like when i am totally free from depression?
> Can Effexor used to trest chronic tension headache?
Posted by John2222 on March 15, 2003, at 22:37:07
In reply to Questions.....Pls help, posted by Troubled_Boy on March 15, 2003, at 4:14:23
I can unequivicably say that YES Effexor XR is VERY helpful to treat chronic tension headache.
I have been having tension (work related I think plus self imposed tension) headaches for years..10 or 20.
I have been taking Effexor 75 mg (was at 112.5 mg) XR for about a year and my headaches have reduced dramatically!
The constant anxiety is also much diminished.
Good luck!
> I am on Effexor for around 4 weeks and my dosage now is 225mg.
> Can Effexor used to treat chronic tension headache?
Posted by Krissy P on March 15, 2003, at 23:06:16
In reply to Re: Questions.....Pls help... tension headache, posted by John2222 on March 15, 2003, at 22:37:07
Posted by megamufn on March 15, 2003, at 23:18:00
In reply to Questions.....Pls help, posted by Troubled_Boy on March 15, 2003, at 4:14:23
> How long will Effexor totally treat me?
I have been on Effexor for over a year and it hasn't stopped working, but I need to go on a higher dose temporarily when I'm going through a really stressful time. Maybe you just need to give it time to kick in. Don't give up!> How do i know that the drug is actually working?
You wake up one day and start your day, and then you realize, Hey! I haven't been feeling so crappy lately. I actually feel okay!> How does it feel like when i am totally free from depression?
I don't know if you'll be TOTALLY free (everyone gets depressed sometimes) but the symptoms will be fewer and less often. I don't know your symptoms (everyone's different) but I hardly ever think of suicide anymore, and my mind doesn't race as much or seem to get stuck on certain thoughts anymore. I certainly sleep better! Before I went on meds I was worried that it would change my personality. If you find the right medication (you may have to try a few) you will just feel more "normal," more like yourself. I'm cetainly not cured, but there is hope!
Posted by Krissy P on March 15, 2003, at 23:22:27
In reply to Re: Questions.....Pls help » Troubled_Boy, posted by megamufn on March 15, 2003, at 23:18:00
megamufn, hi. Can I ask what your Dx is? Are you on Effexor-XR? What other meds do you take?
Sorry for so many questions, hope to hear back:-)
Thanks, Kristen
**************************************************************************************************
I don't know if you'll be TOTALLY free (everyone gets depressed sometimes) but the symptoms will be fewer and less often. I don't know your symptoms (everyone's different) but I hardly ever think of suicide anymore, and my mind doesn't race as much or seem to get stuck on certain thoughts anymore. I certainly sleep better! Before I went on meds I was worried that it would change my personality. If you find the right medication (you may have to try a few) you will just feel more "normal," more like yourself. I'm cetainly not cured, but there is hope!
Posted by megamufn on March 15, 2003, at 23:57:20
In reply to Re: Questions.....Pls help » megamufn, posted by Krissy P on March 15, 2003, at 23:22:27
Hi Kristen!
I'm on Effexor XR 150mg, and go up to 225mg (I think the maximum dose) when things get really stressful. I don't like to stay on the high dose if I don't need to because it makes me sleep even more. I'm not on anything else (except vitamins :) ). I have dysthymia (chronic minor depression) and anxiety (not panic or manic). I feel better, especially the depression, but I'm not all better.
Posted by Krissy P on March 16, 2003, at 0:09:22
In reply to Re: Questions.....Pls help » Krissy P, posted by megamufn on March 15, 2003, at 23:57:20
Hi, thanks for the reply. Have any of these meds caused a weight gain for you?
Posted by Krissy P on March 16, 2003, at 0:10:54
In reply to Re: Questions.....Pls help » Krissy P, posted by megamufn on March 15, 2003, at 23:57:20
Also, what vitamins do you take? Do they help? and for what?
sorry-just trying to get some feedback-thanks for your cooperation:-)
Kristen
================================================================================================== Hi Kristen!
>
> I'm on Effexor XR 150mg, and go up to 225mg (I think the maximum dose) when things get really stressful. I don't like to stay on the high dose if I don't need to because it makes me sleep even more. I'm not on anything else (except vitamins :) ). I have dysthymia (chronic minor depression) and anxiety (not panic or manic). I feel better, especially the depression, but I'm not all better.
>
>
Posted by lovemybabies on March 16, 2003, at 6:53:31
In reply to Re: Questions.....Pls help... tension headache, posted by John2222 on March 15, 2003, at 22:37:07
Yes, absolutely! I had the most awful tension neck/headache 24/7 and after about six weeks, it is completely gone. Massages help, too but I attribute it mainly to the Effexor; my anxiety/stress-level is greatly reduced and I think that's why.
Also--I'm happy to report the little twitches are almost gone. I kind of miss 'em. :) No weight-gain..if anything, I'm having trouble gaining BACK the 5 or 6 pounds I lost in the first two weeks. I'm not bouncing around in happy la-la land, or anything but my mood is definitely better. I feel like a big veil of anxiety has been lifted and I can see things with a more normal perspective.
Posted by Jewels on March 16, 2003, at 8:53:30
In reply to Re: Questions.....Pls help... tension headache, posted by lovemybabies on March 16, 2003, at 6:53:31
In response to weight gain.....(even though not directed to me...) I have only been on 75mgs for 8 weeks and I have gained 20 pounds since going on Effexor....has anyone else experienced this? I have always heard they lose weight.....auckckck! Why me?!?! as if this wasn't enough? LOL Let me know if it's just temporary or what!
Jewels
Posted by megamufn on March 16, 2003, at 11:16:52
In reply to Re: Questions.....Pls help » megamufn, posted by Krissy P on March 16, 2003, at 0:10:54
I've gained weight, but I don't know if it's from the meds. I've gained a little weight every year since I was in high school, and I wasn't on anything then. I just take a multivitamin because I don't eat my vegetables.
I think 75mg is the starting dose. I don't know if it's high enough to have an effect.
Posted by megamufn on March 16, 2003, at 11:20:03
In reply to Re: Efferox side effects » megamufn, posted by PuraVida on March 14, 2003, at 12:15:21
Thanks PuraVida!
I don't know much about mood stabilizers. I'm not bipolar. Could you tell me a little about them?
Posted by Krissy P on March 16, 2003, at 12:02:04
In reply to Re: Questions.....Pls help... tension headache, posted by Jewels on March 16, 2003, at 8:53:30
Hi Jewels (BTW-love that user name) Anyway, I started Effexor 2 weeks ago after stopping it in December. I never noticed much of a weight gain with that, but the Seroquel, I took last night, and about a half hour later, I was gorging-in a totally zombie state-it has always done that to me. I do it, then feel sick in the morning. I ate a whole box of Girl Scout Cookies yesterday-god they are good. But, man, I'm payin for it this morning LOL.
take care, kristen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------> In response to weight gain.....(even though not directed to me...) I have only been on 75mgs for 8 weeks and I have gained 20 pounds since going on Effexor....has anyone else experienced this? I have always heard they lose weight.....auckckck! Why me?!?! as if this wasn't enough? LOL Let me know if it's just temporary or what!
>
> Jewels
Posted by Krissy P on March 16, 2003, at 12:24:40
In reply to Re: Questions.....Pls help » Krissy P, posted by megamufn on March 16, 2003, at 11:16:52
Thnaks, May I ask what brand of multivitamin you take?? I go on and off the vitamins, I just want to be consistent with everything-I'm working on it.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I've gained weight, but I don't know if it's from the meds. I've gained a little weight every year since I was in high school, and I wasn't on anything then. I just take a multivitamin because I don't eat my vegetables.
I think 75mg is the starting dose. I don't know if it's high enough to have an effect.
Posted by PuraVida on March 16, 2003, at 15:21:12
In reply to Re: Efferox side effects » PuraVida, posted by megamufn on March 16, 2003, at 11:20:03
I took Nuerontin, and now Topamax to smooth the cycles of anxiety I was having. They are supposed to help with anxiety, as well as classic bipolar -
PV
> Thanks PuraVida!
>
> I don't know much about mood stabilizers. I'm not bipolar. Could you tell me a little about them?
Posted by Ev on March 16, 2003, at 21:58:56
In reply to effexor and drinking, posted by Jane on April 15, 2000, at 4:01:54
> I started taking effexor about 4 weeks ago (and still have the side effects of nausea, sleepiness, headaches and loss of appetite). I've tried aropax and zoloft (both which made me really sick) and doxepin for about a year (which didn't make me sick but didn't actually help_
> Just wondering if anyone knows about the effects of drinking and taking certain drugs when on effexor. Is it too risky?
> I drank the other weekend and just felt a bit worse than usual.
> Thanks if anyone can helpTo start off, I am a young guy in college, and I have a hard time with refraining from alcohol while taking antidepressants. I drink about once a week, and admittedly, it is usually 10 or more drinks.
I once took paxil, 20 mg for about a year. It worked great with my depression and anxiety. No side effects other than sleepiness and sexual dysfunction. When I drank alcohol with paxil, I think it did seem to increase my inebriation (manic?). But as far as the benefits of the drug, I noticed no changes after drinking. So Paxil worked great for me. However, I stopped taking it for about a year and then decided I needed to go back on it. This time Paxil did not work anymore, even at a higher dosage.
Then I switched to wellbutrin. It did not work.
So, I asked my doctor for something that will help with anxiety like Paxil once had, and she recommended Effexor. I started taking effexor xr a month and a half ago. First week being 37.5 mg, then increased to 75 mg. I noticed no negative side effects at all. And the benefits I noticed within the week. I was feeling great! So far it seemed to be a miracle drug for me. However, I had my first night at the bars, and the next day I was not feeling too great, which continued for several days after. I then slowly began to feel better again. For me, the alcohol seems to counteract the Effexor, and it takes a couple days to recooperate... every time I drink, a few days will go by, and then I will start to feel better again. However, it has only been a month and a half, and so it is too early to really say if this is the case, or something else is going on. I will let you know after more time has passed.
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