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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Paco on April 12, 2003, at 20:32:57
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I keep seeing all of these horror stories about Effexor withdrawl, and I got to thinking "what about after withdrawl?".
Even if it is a difficult experience, don't things eventually get better? I've had bad experiences with other medications that have lasted two to three weeks each, and life has gone on. They were medications that didn't work out for me in the first place, so my attitude toward them was "good riddance". But Effexor is working quite well for me. I really don't know what to expect if and when I taper off, and I really don't care if it's hard to do because I am SO much better off now than I was before. As far as effectiveness goes, I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. This is the fifth medication that I've tried, and I'm very glad I kept trying and didn't give up.
Good luck everyone.
Posted by SpaceKace on April 12, 2003, at 23:43:44
In reply to What about life AFTER withdrawl?, posted by Paco on April 12, 2003, at 20:32:57
> I keep seeing all of these horror stories about Effexor withdrawl, and I got to thinking "what about after withdrawl?".
>
> Even if it is a difficult experience, don't things eventually get better? I've had bad experiences with other medications that have lasted two to three weeks each, and life has gone on. They were medications that didn't work out for me in the first place, so my attitude toward them was "good riddance". But Effexor is working quite well for me. I really don't know what to expect if and when I taper off, and I really don't care if it's hard to do because I am SO much better off now than I was before. As far as effectiveness goes, I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. This is the fifth medication that I've tried, and I'm very glad I kept trying and didn't give up.
>
> Good luck everyone.I have been on Effexor for about 6 months now after getting off of Paxil. I thought I liked it too but try missing one dose and see how that makes you feel. I missed a dose last night and have had these brain shivers all day. It's not the first time that this has happened either. I fear getting off of this drug now just because of what I'm experiencing today. I have also been having nightmares lately about dead people, in particular babies with black alien like eyes. I'll be calling my doctor this week to discuss the option of getting off of this brain poison. Good luck to you and be careful - I don't think this drug should be on the market.
Posted by worryir on April 13, 2003, at 6:54:44
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have been on Effexor for 6 months and while I don't feel bad anymore I don't feel good either - in fact I feel nothing!! Sex Drive totally gone as well - I just want to shut everyone out and be on my own. I am afraid of coming off of the drug as the side effects of withdrawl seem to be frightening. I would welcome any help anyone can offer.
Posted by fanni on April 13, 2003, at 14:25:58
In reply to Re: Alcohol?? » jb07, posted by Paco on April 11, 2003, at 7:27:42
i found out the hard way drinking alcahol with anti depressants is a bad idea,it just couteracts all the good the medikation is doing and brings you right back down its vile!its mad when i was talking to my shrink he actually said taking e isnt as harmful as drinking when you suffer vrom depression.
Posted by Kevin123 on April 13, 2003, at 15:02:25
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Cindy W on April 11, 2000, at 21:36:26
I've been on Effexor XL for a few weeks and feel pretty bad, not sure if its the drugs or my depression has got worse as i've had GAD for the last 3 years it makes me more nervous and on edge but i'm not sleeping properly so maybe I need some sleeping pills and this will improve my mood. I need help anyone got any ideas?
Kev
Posted by melley on April 13, 2003, at 15:49:29
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Cindy W, posted by Kevin123 on April 13, 2003, at 15:02:25
I take a sleeping pill, 10mg of ambien, that helps counteract the "awakeness" I feel from the effexor....
> I've been on Effexor XL for a few weeks and feel pretty bad, not sure if its the drugs or my depression has got worse as i've had GAD for the last 3 years it makes me more nervous and on edge but i'm not sleeping properly so maybe I need some sleeping pills and this will improve my mood. I need help anyone got any ideas?
>
> Kev
Posted by Cosmic on April 13, 2003, at 17:56:38
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Kevin123, posted by melley on April 13, 2003, at 15:49:29
Just started EXR a couple of weeks ago and am supposed to increase one more 37.5 starting tomorrow but afraid to. Have been sick as a dog for two weeks. Stomach cramps, headaches, insomnia (even /w xanax), tremors. Have lost 18 lbs and I'm a light weight to begin with. Wife says I look like I came out of a German concentration camp. Anyone else with these problems. Really thinking of just quiting these damn things. And the memory sucks!! Walk into a room and forget why. They're messing me up big time. Be careful ppl. Any help??
Posted by lovemybabies on April 13, 2003, at 20:19:41
In reply to What about life AFTER withdrawl?, posted by Paco on April 12, 2003, at 20:32:57
I'm with you, Paco. It's my first antidepressant/antianxiety and it's changed my life. I'm going on three months and have no plans to quit anytime soon. Most of the side effects are gone and I feel great. My marraige is better, the kids are happier...I have a whole new perspective on life. Don't let the naysayers sway you. I'm not worried about withdrawal. It's temporary. :)
Jen
Posted by lovemybabies on April 13, 2003, at 20:21:54
In reply to Re: What about life AFTER withdrawl? » Paco, posted by SpaceKace on April 12, 2003, at 23:43:44
It's weird. Twice, I've missed a dose. No ill effects at all. I actually started to panic when I realized it was 9pm and I forgot to take it. But nothing happened. How long did you go before taking another dose? Did the brain shivers start immediately? What exactly do those feel like? I've read many postings regarding this. Thanks.
Jen
Posted by lovemybabies on April 13, 2003, at 20:24:57
In reply to Having horrible side effects!!, posted by Cosmic on April 13, 2003, at 17:56:38
Yes, yes. The first two weeks are crazy. It's like walking around in somebody else's body. They do go away, though. SOmetimes it takes a month or two to start really feeling good. I think, though, if it's completely intolerable, talk to your doctor. Maybe there's another one that's better for you. I also lost weight--about seven pounds the first week! No vomiting or pain, just anorexia. It all came back, though. Good luck and keep us posted.
Posted by lovemybabies on April 13, 2003, at 20:28:40
In reply to Re: What about life AFTER withdrawl?, posted by lovemybabies on April 13, 2003, at 20:21:54
I've read several posts from people who say Effexor just stopped working. Have many people experienced this? Did you have to keep upping the dose? I'm wondering if this is very common. What's the longest that anyone's been on it? Does it help long-term? Just wondering. Thanks.
Posted by SpaceKace on April 13, 2003, at 22:24:04
In reply to Re: What about life AFTER withdrawl?, posted by lovemybabies on April 13, 2003, at 20:21:54
The first time I missed a dose, I didn't realize it was because I missed it that I was getting a strange dizzy sensation when I turned my head. I had drank the night before (which is why I forgot to take the medication) and thought maybe it was just a hangover. The second time was Friday night, and I had to work Saturday so couldn't take another one til I got home because I didn't have them with me. I took it around 8:30 p.m. and was better within an hour or so. It is a strange sensation that most people, including me, describe as turning your head and then your brain takes a second or two to catch up with you. My whole body would also feel numb for a second. It is very different from being dizzy. I'm on 75 mg so if you're on a lower dose, you probably won't have the effects yet. I think I skipped one on 37.5 and didn't notice any problems. I've been taking it for 6 months now after being on Paxil for almost 2 years. When I got home last night, I got on the internet and learned that I was not the only one experiencing this symptom. Just do a search on Brain Shivers and you will find various sites that associate Brain Shivers with Effexor.
Posted by SpaceKace on April 13, 2003, at 22:28:08
In reply to Does Effexor lose effectiveness?, posted by lovemybabies on April 13, 2003, at 20:28:40
I went from 37.5 to 75 in just six months because I had an anxiety attack probably a month or two after starting the drug. I was on 10mg of Paxil for a long time and then when I went to 20mg, I started have strange muscle cramps in my left arm and chest and would panic because I would think it was a heart attack - and I'm only 31. That's why I went on Effexor but I hope to God I don't have to increase my dose, I just want off of this ride. And from what I've read, that is not going to be pleasant - God help us.
Posted by jturner795 on April 14, 2003, at 13:16:10
In reply to Having horrible side effects!!, posted by Cosmic on April 13, 2003, at 17:56:38
I know exactly how you feel. I was having horrific stomach cramps, low energy ect. (even though I am also on Adderall for ADD) Then a couple of days ago I started feeling better. Im now at 150mg per day and divide the doses up. 75mg in the morning and 75mg at noon. Seems to have helped. Still having some headache and cramping late in the afternoon. (Been on the med for 4 wks now) I am pissed that my Doc didnt discuss these side-effects with me when she perscribed them! Hang in there it will get better. Keep us posted. ,Jared
Posted by Katia on April 14, 2003, at 14:23:10
In reply to Re: Alcohol??, posted by fanni on April 13, 2003, at 14:25:58
It's so hard though. I mean for me all these years i've been self-medicating with alcohol and other (yet healthy) things. I've been on this "finding the right AD" ride since July 02 and have not gotten any closer. I've been on Zoloft for three months and the first five weeks I quit drinking (talking about 2-3 glasses of wine 2-3x per week). And I actually felt more depressed. (maybe b/c the zoloft was doing nothing for me except making me a zombie). I know that I have to learn to re-structure how I work in this world without the alcohol and it's a process. But in the past three weeks, I've started having a few glasses of wine again simply b/c the AD is doing nothing for me and I can now see why I've subconsciously medicated with alcohol over the years. I feel better. And that's sad, but right now it really feels like my life boat carrying me over until the right AD. The combo of inertia, apathy, but overwhelming sadness and pain is making me not be able to function at all. And I have huge bills to pay each month and am single with no help financially and live in a very expensive part of the USA. And i live in USA which basically provides no support financially/disability in this illness.
I know it's ridiculous to drink on ADs and unhealthy and it cancels it out somewhat, but what can one do anymore to function??????
any similar input would be appreciated.
thanks for letting me ramble.
Katia
Posted by justyourlaugh on April 14, 2003, at 14:36:36
In reply to Re: Alcohol??, posted by Katia on April 14, 2003, at 14:23:10
hi ,
i take zoloft aswell(and wellbutrin)
i find i am getting drunk 3 times a week now..
real drunk..
when i am not drinking i am sad and pathedic..
what now?
peace
jyl
Posted by Katia on April 14, 2003, at 14:54:13
In reply to Re: Alcohol??and zoloft » Katia, posted by justyourlaugh on April 14, 2003, at 14:36:36
> hi ,
> i take zoloft aswell(and wellbutrin)
> i find i am getting drunk 3 times a week now..
> real drunk..
> when i am not drinking i am sad and pathedic..
> what now?
> peace
> jylHi-
How long have you been on the Zoloft and Wellbutrin? I am actually transitioning onto the WB now. I'm a little apprehension b/c of the stimulating effect. I already am a neurotic hopeless insomniac.
I think from experience, that the few days after you drink, you are more depressed b/c it screws up the "balance" whatever that is. I've gone off alcohol before for a month or two stints and normally feel better. For some reason this five week stint of sobriety on the three month Zoloft trial was horrible. It may be the Zoloft? Tell me about your history of it. It is soooo hard to be well! when we have good intentions, but need to cope as well!
katia
Posted by justyourlaugh on April 14, 2003, at 15:44:56
In reply to Re: Alcohol??and zoloft, posted by Katia on April 14, 2003, at 14:54:13
hi,
thanks for the response,
i have been on wellbutrin for 4 month and just started addng zoloft 2 weeks ago..
i tried to add celexa..nothing.
topamax made me crazy..
i have no side effects from wellbutrin other than the phase of restlesness,but it didnt last...
oh my yes i stopped smoking 3 months ago..didnt even notice it..smoked for 15 years..
keep me posted
peace
jyl
Posted by lovemybabies on April 14, 2003, at 19:35:58
In reply to Re: Alcohol??, posted by Katia on April 14, 2003, at 14:23:10
I can totally relate. I used(and still use, sometimes) alcohol to 'numb' my anxiousness. The most wine I'd drink at one time was just 2 glasses but it worked. Except for feeling REALLY crappy/depressed the next day. Catch-22, right?
I admit I do have an occasional glass now that I'm on Effexor. One glass is all I can handle--I guess Eff. effects your tolerance? I have 2 kids, a husband who travels frequently, we recently moved, I'm trying to make friends. It's hard right now but I'm trying to find alternate 'coping' methods.
Good luck you you!
Posted by Napaba on April 15, 2003, at 10:00:32
In reply to Re: Alcohol??, posted by lovemybabies on April 14, 2003, at 19:35:58
Wow
This is just an FYI.
Today is the second day I missed my Effexor. I feel like sh^&. I've also been experiencing the brain shivers. What a strange feeling. Thank goodnes there's another woman here who takes Effexor, she gave one of hers. I hope it helps. I take 150 and hers are only 75. Anyone know how long before these weird feelings subside?
Posted by melley on April 15, 2003, at 12:03:21
In reply to Those nasty brain shivers, posted by Napaba on April 15, 2003, at 10:00:32
Hi there,I put all my pills in a pill thingie for each day (feel like a little old lady at 47) and put it where I brush my teeth. Hard to forget that way. Also, before I did that, sometimes I would forget whether or not I had taken it and now I can just check.
Just a thought.
mel
Wow
>
> This is just an FYI.
>
> Today is the second day I missed my Effexor. I feel like sh^&. I've also been experiencing the brain shivers. What a strange feeling. Thank goodnes there's another woman here who takes Effexor, she gave one of hers. I hope it helps. I take 150 and hers are only 75. Anyone know how long before these weird feelings subside?
>
>
Posted by sly on April 15, 2003, at 12:37:55
In reply to What about life AFTER withdrawl?, posted by Paco on April 12, 2003, at 20:32:57
I've been off Effexor for about 2 months now and I have no lingering withdrawal or side effects. I feel great in fact, I think I was depressed and then medicated for so long I forgot what it feels like to just be me.
Posted by baracuda on April 16, 2003, at 0:41:46
In reply to Re: Alcohol??, posted by Katia on April 14, 2003, at 14:23:10
i self medicated too with alcohol, and i cant help but think that drinking was sooo much more effective than any medication ive been on. unfortunately, drinking hurts my stomach now, and that is the only reason why i stopped and turned to AD for depression relief.
i miss it so much - it worked way better than any pill my doc gives me
:(
Posted by melley on April 16, 2003, at 7:22:33
In reply to Re: 8 Week Update » humbly72, posted by jack smith on April 10, 2003, at 15:04:12
Hello,
Was wondering how you were doing in the tiredness department? Have you upped your amount?
Melissa
Posted by XiaoMafan on April 16, 2003, at 10:58:12
In reply to Re: What about life AFTER withdrawl? » Paco, posted by SpaceKace on April 12, 2003, at 23:43:44
I have been off Effexor XR for 13 days and on Wellbutrin and I am still experiencing brain shivers. I have to take 37.5mg every three days or I just can't function with the feeling of 'dizzy' and feel like I am going to pass out...it has been HORRIBLE.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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