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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by DeeDee46 on April 5, 2003, at 11:42:25
In reply to Re: blocked for week » luckyspec, posted by Dr. Bob on April 5, 2003, at 9:57:15
I appreciate you blocking that for a week so we can all support one another.
I wanted to just relate my experience with anxiety and effexor in hopes to help. Before I started taking effexor, I had been taking xanax for years. It was the only thing that could control my anxiety. I tried everything on the market I think.
But, when I switched to the Efffexor XR, I was able to SLOWLY wean myself off of it. My doctor does keep me with a prescription for Clonazepam 0.5 mg and if I have trouble I take a half of that. It has worked for me really well and it is not as addicting as xanax and long term affects etc. And it is longer lasting. So, I hope that helps some.
I think the hardest part for people is to finally find a drug that works just for them. Be patient and try not to focus on all the side effects. I know I did that and almost became a hypocondriac. (another on and off again of depression). Well, not almost.. I DID... ha.
I am better now though.Take care.
DeeDee46
Posted by toohighstrung on April 5, 2003, at 13:10:37
In reply to new user, posted by meds on April 5, 2003, at 0:56:52
I had a lot of side effects the first 3 weeks (including extreem fatigue, some mood swings, etc...) All of the side affects were completely gone by the end of the first month. I am now nearing the end of my second month at 75 mg and I feel great. (I have GAD) Anyway, hang in there.
P.S. A funny thing: Before I was on this medication I used to have heart palpitations all the time (probably from anxiety). Now if I do I don't even notice. :-)
Posted by meds on April 5, 2003, at 14:34:50
In reply to Re: blocked for week, posted by DeeDee46 on April 5, 2003, at 11:42:25
To be honest I have read all the things posted on this site about bad effects of effexor and it has scared me. But, I believe in God so I have been praying alot. I just want to feel "normal" and enjoy life. Seems like so much to ask. I am going to give this medication about a month and if it doesnt help then I will see what else is there for me.
Posted by meds on April 5, 2003, at 14:40:22
In reply to Re: new user, posted by toohighstrung on April 5, 2003, at 13:10:37
I too had taken xanex and stopped taking it because i felt it no longer worked, even though i kept upping my dose. So on the advide of my physician i slowly weaned myself off of it over a period of a few months. That was very difficlut and I had side effects. The Lorazipam seems to work weel for me. i just takes the edge off. And I dont use it that often. Today is my 3rd day of the effexor and I feel kinda tired but I assume that will pass, hopefully. Thank you for your support, I appreciate it.
Posted by DeeDee46 on April 5, 2003, at 17:21:24
In reply to Re: new user, posted by meds on April 5, 2003, at 14:40:22
I can remember being so bad, that I just prayed out to God. Since I am a believer, I know that he heard me and sent me to the right doctor and gave me the medicine. I do believe that. It is a long story but its true.
I personally think you should give it more than a month, but you do what you feel is best for you. It took me longer but everyone is different.
And to the xanx? Your body gets used or addicted to the drug so you have to up it. It is good that you got off of that. If you can do that, you can do the effexor, It may just give you the quality of life that you so deserve. If you can get out and walk, try that, a thirty minute walk also ups those endorphins and over time it will make a difference.. but you may have to push yourself to do it for awhile.
Stay positive and when those negative thoughts come, replace them with something positive. Since I do not know you, I will tell you I replace with a verse from the Bible or turn the music on.. Not the sad stuff... Happy dancing moving kind of stuff.
It really helps..
Hang in there!!!
Posted by meds on April 5, 2003, at 18:24:17
In reply to Re: new user, posted by DeeDee46 on April 5, 2003, at 17:21:24
I appreciate the advice....
As far as the xanex, I kept upping the dose and it was making me worse. That is when I realized I had to get off it. My physician told me to just stop taking it, well, I knew that wasn't right. So I consulted another physician and he told me how to do it right. I have had depression all my life and have actively been doing something about the past several years. alot of trial and error with the meds. I have been thru several, they all work for a while then I have to switch. I am coming to the conclusion this is a rest of my life type of thing so I better get more informed and hook up with people who have been through it too. I feel depression attacks people in different forms, in different ways and severity. It often sneaks up on me and sometimes takes me awhile to realize that I am going through it. I have had many many good days, so I know it is possible. I am going to keep praying every chance I get and trudge on.
Posted by Rosemary on April 6, 2003, at 5:04:14
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Had breast cancer and now taking Tamaxifen for treatment after chemotherapy. Besides now being menopausal from chemotherapy, the Tamoxifen was creating intolerable hot flashes for me. Effexor was recommended and have been taking for the last 8 months. It has been wonderful not to be blasted by those hot flashes, although it did not eliminate completely. Just made them easier to live with. Accidently forgot my daily dose of 75mg ( 37.5 mg twice a day) the last few days and have been expierencing wierd withdrawl symptoms, they are the brain shivers and lightheadedness that others talk about. Effexor has been a big help for the hot flashes especially now that I realize that without it my hot flashes have come back with a vengence. Is anyone else taking Effexor for hot flashes? Would love to hear from you?
Posted by Jack Smith on April 6, 2003, at 14:01:21
In reply to anyone taking effexor for hot flashes?, posted by Rosemary on April 6, 2003, at 5:04:14
I have been on it for two weeks--just went up to 150 and have been experincing a lot of tiredness, does this go away???
Posted by meds on April 6, 2003, at 15:26:36
In reply to anyone taking effexor for hot flashes?, posted by Rosemary on April 6, 2003, at 5:04:14
I am taking it for depression because Serzone stopped working for me. I had read anything about using for hotflashes...sorry I soundlnt help.
Posted by meds on April 6, 2003, at 15:27:22
In reply to anyone taking effexor for hot flashes?, posted by Rosemary on April 6, 2003, at 5:04:14
i am just taking for depression as Serzone stopped working. Sorry I couldnt help.
Posted by bluestar on April 7, 2003, at 0:52:09
In reply to Does tiredness go away?, posted by Jack Smith on April 6, 2003, at 14:01:21
I started at 75mg and then went up to 150mg after a month. The 75mg dosage made me so sped up that I felt as though I was going to jump out of my skin for about the first week along with terrible insomnia. After that I just felt like I actually had energy for the day ahead of me even though I couldn't sleep for more than about 5 1/2 hours a night. That was actually a good side effect for me since I have a history of over sleeping due to depression. (sorry this is so lengthy)Anyway, I decided to take a chance on better control of my anxiety even though depression had been obliterated at 75mg,and try 150 mg. I was expecting to be jumping out of my skin again but I was SOOOOOO tired for the first week!! Yes, that has worn away alot and Im averaging about 7 hours of sleep a night. I still wake up alot but its not so bad. The anxiety is gone. I also experienced feeling euphoric and alittle distant from reality. Hope things go well for you too. You'll adjust to it most likely.
Posted by DeeDee46 on April 7, 2003, at 5:29:20
In reply to Re: anyone taking effexor for hot flashes?, posted by meds on April 6, 2003, at 15:27:22
I have two friends that are taking effexor for hot flashes.Prozac helped but effexor helped more. They are doing well and swear by it.
Its a hard time for some so hang in there.In reference to feeling so tired,, as the post before. It will probably go away but if it does not, you may need to find a dose right between. Your doctor can prescrible different milligrams or tell you how to do it.. Hang in there.
Dee Dee 46
Posted by Napaba on April 7, 2003, at 7:53:11
In reply to Does tiredness go away?, posted by Jack Smith on April 6, 2003, at 14:01:21
My tiredness went away after a couple of weeks. I also had the tiredness each time my dose was increased. I take 150mg. I will not increase it any higher.
I have been on it for two weeks--just went up to 150 and have been experincing a lot of tiredness, does this go away???
Posted by Napaba on April 7, 2003, at 7:56:16
In reply to anyone taking effexor for hot flashes?, posted by Rosemary on April 6, 2003, at 5:04:14
I get hot flashes on Effexor. Where, when I lift my hair is wet and so is my skin. I can't stand it. It has gotten better but I still have the hot flashes about once a day.
Had breast cancer and now taking Tamaxifen for treatment after chemotherapy. Besides now being menopausal from chemotherapy, the Tamoxifen was creating intolerable hot flashes for me. Effexor was recommended and have been taking for the last 8 months. It has been wonderful not to be blasted by those hot flashes, although it did not eliminate completely. Just made them easier to live with. Accidently forgot my daily dose of 75mg ( 37.5 mg twice a day) the last few days and have been expierencing wierd withdrawl symptoms, they are the brain shivers and lightheadedness that others talk about. Effexor has been a big help for the hot flashes especially now that I realize that without it my hot flashes have come back with a vengence. Is anyone else taking Effexor for hot flashes? Would love to hear from you?
Posted by Napaba on April 7, 2003, at 8:14:13
In reply to motivation on effexor/ADD » hageshe, posted by PuraVida on April 4, 2003, at 18:36:07
Does anyone have a problem with neck pain? I can't sleep enless I take my Zannax or Tylonal PM, because I wake up constently with severe neck and upper back pain. This drug sleep only last about 4 to 5 hours. I dread going to bed. Yesterday I didn't take my Effexor, took Tylonal Pm and slept with a heating pad on my neck. It was the best sleep I've had in the 3 weeks sence my dose of Effexor was increased to 150 mg's. I've never had this and it didn't start until I started taking 150 mgs of Effexor. My neck and upper back ache during the day as well, but not as bad. It feels like some sickness or something has settled in this area. Any suggestions or anyone else have a simular problem?????
Posted by Napaba on April 7, 2003, at 8:17:29
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated » japonica, posted by luckyspec on April 4, 2003, at 19:29:28
I don't know where you get your information, but my aunt had radiation 23 years a go for cancer. And it is still gone. Maybe your only collecting information that supports what you want to hear instead of what is the truth.
Well...actually, about cancer,
> I hear there are therapies...
> But what do I know.
>
> I hear there are ways of treating Cancer that do not destroy the immune system...Yes actually did you know that radiation destroys your immune systems ability to fight disease? It destroys you, radiation does.
>
> Interestingly enough all of the cancer patients I have read about and heard about, after their so called radiation therapy gets rid of their tumor, the tumor would reapear. But ofcourse it is prescribed by a doctor, the radiation is. I am not saying I have all the answers. I just know of a couple. I do not know this personally; as in first hand. But I read that cancer can be treated.
> But I am learning. I can not talk. I dare not talk until I see it for myself first hand. I can only point into the direction.
>
> So do the research for yourself-
>
> American Odessey- Book edited by Mary Higgins Boyd. If you are interested about an 'uncurable' disease...
> Ofcourse, it is not my knowledge so do not place me in the middle of it. I am only a messenger, even though I've been shot, I am.
>
> Also-
> http://www4.dr-rath-foundation.org/
>
> has some interesting information...seems promising-who knows- I am only doing research
>
> Thank you
>
Posted by Napaba on April 7, 2003, at 8:22:08
In reply to new user, posted by meds on April 5, 2003, at 0:56:52
My heart felt as if it was racing in the beginning. It's better now, but I had my blood pressure tested and it is higher then what is normal for me. Maybe you should have your blood pressure taken.
I have just started this medication...is it normal for the heart to race? I recently quit Serzone, it wasn't working anymore. I kept getting the brain shocks, like my brain was really being shocked or something. plus i still felt depressed. anyone have any input for me?
Posted by Napaba on April 7, 2003, at 8:23:42
In reply to Re: new user, posted by meds on April 5, 2003, at 14:40:22
Posted by Sean9 on April 7, 2003, at 9:19:51
In reply to What is Lorazipam? (nm), posted by Napaba on April 7, 2003, at 8:23:42
I saw a recent posting from a person who is interested in suing Wyeth Labs for the withdrawal they are experiencing from quitting Effexor. I’ve done some research and haven’t seen an active lawsuit against Wyeth yet for this reason, even though many people report debilitating symptoms like brain shocks and vertigo that follow for weeks after quitting.
However, I think anyone interested in taking action on this subject should file a report with the FDA. They will open an investigation for every consumer complaint they receive, look into the practices of Wyeth and compare them to what is required by law, and if they get enough complaints may make Wyeth start providing more information on the number of cases of ‘discontinuation symptoms’ and how serious they are.File a report with the FDA. They regulate Effexor (which is made by Wyeth Laboratories Inc. in Philadelphia.).
You can submit a complaint to the FDA online at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/
You can also sign the petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/effexor/petition.htmlGood luck quitting
Posted by Sean9 on April 7, 2003, at 9:41:12
In reply to What is Lorazipam? (nm), posted by Napaba on April 7, 2003, at 8:23:42
Dr. Bob,
I’m not sure what this site’s policy is on medical advice, but I was wondering if any of the common treatments used for Effexor withdrawal symptoms (e.g. brain shocks, dizziness, headaches, etc.) have been confirmed to work by the medical community?
For instance, Benadryl and other antihistamines are reported to help with the dizziness and brain shocks. A prescribed low dosage of Prozac is reported to help lower the intensity of Effexor withdrawal symptoms. And other drugs such as anti-vertigo medication and a drug called ondansetron have been reportedly prescribed by some doctors to help alleviate many of the Effexor withdrawal symptoms.
Possibly without offering individual advice, can you explain why any of these treatments may help alleviate some of the withdrawal symptoms experienced when quitting Effexor? Also, has there been any medical research done that supports the use of these treatments of Effexor withdrawal?
It seems like a lot of people are searching for information on this subject, only to find that is not much information out there. For instance, the maker of Effexor, Wyeth Laboratories, acknowledges ‘discontinuation effects’ but does not offer advice on treating these effects.
Posted by XiaoMafan on April 7, 2003, at 9:46:00
In reply to Effexor Brain Shivers etc, posted by RealTim on March 11, 2003, at 20:29:43
> Below is a site that discusses the unusual side effect referred to as brain shivers.
>
> http://depression.about.com/library/weekly/aa052598.htm
>
> Here is a quote from it: "One of the most disturbing things I was told by ASDers was that the "brain shivers" often continued long after the medication was stopped. Some expressed the fear that the brain was being permanently altered by their medication. It does indeed seem that the side-effect profile of Effexor is not fully understood. After collecting data on reported side-effects, Priory Lodge Education Limited has expressed the opinion that because side-effects are more severe than previously thought, Effexor should be used only in cases of depression resistant to other medications."
>
> I have personally not encountered this effect.
>
> I do agree with the recommendation that the 13 year old boy get a second opinion, especially in light of that quote above. I have a 10 year old boy and he is the whole world to me. You are trying your best to help your baby and it does you tremendous credit that you are even doing the research unlike so many others who are willing to give their kids pills without a second thought.
>
> Good for you, keep hunting to help. The internet is also a powerful tool if you spend the time and read everything with a degree of skepticism. No one will help you like you can help yourself. Conclusions can only be reached after developing patterns in the things you read. No one knows your little guy like you do.
>
> These issues and others are why I am weaning off of Effexor. My Dr had me on Wellbutrin for 6 months with zero side effects for me. I went a year with no meds no problem, and then a semi-traumatic event caused relapse but my Dr jumped to the conclusion that I needed something more "long term". Thus Effexor.
>
> It did the trick, like a miracle. In fairness, he did recommend therapy too but I just can't bring myself to spend the time and money on it (even with insurance at co-pays of $40USD for 2X per week it ain't cheap)
>
> Now that I am much better I am tapering off from 150 to 75. Cold turkey was so harsh with the "sea sick" feeling and weird/vivid dreams that I could not take it. No problem at 75. I will probably consult with my Dr before reducing to 37.5. I want to see if I can get some samplers of Prozac or something because there appears to be a consensus out there that Prozac 10 mg can help ease effexor withdrawl.
>
> And to answer one posters question: I have read of withdrawl ranging from 0 days to 180 days, but the average appears to be 10 days or less...
>
> Good luck all.
>
> This is such a nighmare to me. My doctor gave me Effexor XR 37.5 and then upped to 75mg after a 'crying episode'. I gained weight with Effexor XR and that is a real issue for me. I am only 8lbs overweight..go to the gym 3x week and really watch my diet. So for those of you that think it is NOT the drug you are WRONG. It also was not good for my sex life. So he switched me to Wellbutrin and told me to just get off Effexor XR and switch to Wellbutrin. What a nightmare...I feel like I am on a rollercoaster and cannot function. I finally took 37.5mg of Effexor and within 4hrs the 'head rushes' stopped. But now...how do I GET OFF THIS DRUG? I HATE IT. I wouldn't recommend this drug to anyone !!
>
>
Posted by XiaoMafan on April 7, 2003, at 9:50:52
In reply to Effexor Brain Shivers etc, posted by RealTim on March 11, 2003, at 20:29:43
This has been such a nightmare for me. I gained weight on Effexor XR...I had horrible problems with sexual dysfunction, and on 75mg I was sweating at night so bad. Now the doctor swtiched me to Wellbutrin and went off Effexor cold turkey...NOT GOOD. Within 24hrs I was experiencing the worst head rushes I have ever felt. I had to stay home from work the next day. I finally gave in and took 37.5mg of Effexor and within 4hrs they went away...but within the next two days they were back...how do I get OFF this horrible drug?
Posted by Lou Pilder on April 7, 2003, at 12:26:48
In reply to Re: Brain Shivers Trying to Get off Effexor! HELP!, posted by XiaoMafan on April 7, 2003, at 9:50:52
XiaoMafan,
You wrote,[...how do I get off this horrible drug?...].
There is a Way to [...get off this horrible drug...].
I look at withdrawal from psychotropic drugs as being in the middle of an ocean in a great storm, on a boat at night, with no Way to naviGate a way back to the safety of the shore. But there is a Star to follow to lead you to safety.
Lou
Posted by fairnymph on April 7, 2003, at 12:27:16
In reply to What is Lorazipam? (nm), posted by Napaba on April 7, 2003, at 8:23:42
lorazepam is a benzodiazepine (same class of drugs as klonopin, xanax, valium etc)...also goes by the brand name ATIVAN.
Posted by mynok5 on April 7, 2003, at 12:36:58
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Tina P on February 4, 2003, at 22:52:53
I've been stuc kon Effexor for about 2 or 3 years. I try to get off by decreasing the intake and then eventually gettin off but i slip back into my old evil ways. So I'm stuck on it now, also I just started drinking about 4 months ago. I felt good at first yet now I'm feeling sort of empty inside. You think this has anything to do with the alcohol or the normality of college life?
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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