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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by bgbham on June 7, 2003, at 10:06:37
In reply to EffexorXR without prescription??, posted by Rickey on June 7, 2003, at 10:01:20
Probably, but a lot more expensive than with a prescription at any drug store. I pay $20 for 30.
Posted by zinya on June 7, 2003, at 14:02:14
In reply to Re: grogginess from effexor dose increase? » zinya, posted by CherC68 on June 6, 2003, at 18:59:26
Cher,
Just to say that I've been encouraged by my bereavement counselor (who's seen the ups and downs of people on Effexor and other a-d's a lot more than my md. has) to give at least two weeks to see if the grogginess effects don't subside. She says that she's seen these kinds of side effects resolve themselves in that amount of time. Of course, we each have to make our own decision, but i'm going to resume the 37.5 dose level again tonight (after 2 nights back on 19 mg) and do all i can to weather the grogs for that long before giving up.Your latest post makes it sound like you're thinking of quitting it? Whatever you choose, wishing you well, and appreciative of your posts as we each struggle through these Scylla and Charibdis kinds of rough navigations.
zinya
Posted by sierra1 on June 7, 2003, at 16:27:18
In reply to re:brian » sierra1, posted by bgbham on June 7, 2003, at 0:04:12
hi brian. wow that was an incredible story. it must have been some experience for you. i have never had a real urge to kill myself but i have wondered how it would be. I have a gut feeling someday i will die in a car accident though. whether or not this is just part of my depression or not, i don't know. I have been so tired, cranky and very irritable for so long, i just thought it was always "normal".
its really a good feeling i have when you replied to my post. Since I don't want to tell anyone close to me......
Another question I have is "sweating?" I have never sweated so much in my life. when i walk into work it is just pouring down my face and hair, its really unsightly. If the temp goes above 65 im really really hot. So between the lack of sleep now and sweating, im just such a pretty sight.............oh well
thanks again brian and I hope to talk to ya soon
lynn
Posted by CherC68 on June 7, 2003, at 16:49:13
In reply to Re: grogginess from effexor? » CherC68, posted by zinya on June 7, 2003, at 14:02:14
Dear Zinya,
I'm not sure what I'm doing. Today is day 7 the last 37.5 that I have and then i'm stuck going to the 75's. I do have some shooting pains in my head still. I don't feel too depressed (went swimming in my pool finally) because its been so cold and rainy here in the Chicago Suburbs. I've gained 9 pounds in 7 days though. That's a lot because of the last surgery I had the depression I gained so much weight as it is and I have to have hand surgery pretty soon. I started smoking again today so I'm actually feeling better and worse - worse that I started when I have to stop (stopped 4 days) and better that I don't have the withdrawals from that and the pain in my hands and the shooting pains in my head, I will just have to wait until after dinner to see if I head for the cabinet (like I did last night after swearing to quit taking Effexor). I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet, but go back outside and maybe swim some more and decide later. Thanks for listening to me ramble. The dreaded crazy thoughts. I guess its better to know your crazy than to think your not when you are.
Posted by Angelnmikey on June 7, 2003, at 19:08:08
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
My bf went to see a neurologist b/c of his back problems. He had been in 2 car accidents and have constant lower and upper back pains and occasional numbness of left side of body. The neurologist put him in Effexor. Hes been on it for 4 days. I dont understand why he did that. Hes suffering from side effects like dry mouth, sleeplessness, and feeling like he needs to get up and do something. He already has sexually performance problems before taking the drug(takes a long to to orgasm) and I know this drug wont help any. I still dont understand why he put him on it when he did not rule out other problems. He still has to get a brain MRI, some blood work and some nerve testing.
We have a long distance relationship and when we see each other hes gonna be suffering from side effects and thats killing me. We both want him to get off the drug, he will be calling the doctor on Monday. Anyone know if it'll be easy to get off after taking it for 5-6 days? I think hes on 37.5 mg (I cant recall) and hes supposed to increase to 75 mg next week. I am really worried about him and the withdrawal symptoms. Hes been so moody and when I see him I worry he'll be in such pain. Anyone know?
Thks so much....!
Posted by bgbham on June 7, 2003, at 21:04:48
In reply to re:brian, posted by sierra1 on June 7, 2003, at 16:27:18
lynn, no sweating here, thank goodness. As hot as it is in Bham, I could not handle that either. Talk to doc about it. I hope you are feeling even better today. You will be surprised soon how well you are going to be feeling.
Brian
Posted by zinya on June 7, 2003, at 21:35:53
In reply to Re: grogginess from effexor? » zinya, posted by CherC68 on June 7, 2003, at 16:49:13
oh gosh, you have a pool. I don't want this to come across the wrong way -- as if having a pool would be a panacea when obviously it's not -- but my gosh what i'd give for a pool i didn't have to drive to and deal with crowded lanes etc... To me, swimming is a kind of therapy unlike almost anything and it's a great chagrin that i keep "failing" to rally the energy to just drive myself to a pool. I lived most of the 90's in Illinois though (and it was the last place i was daily swimming) so i do understand the weather factors though too...
I have an unsolicited suggestion ... just to give you one more option instead of either moving to 75 mg or quitting. You could open up the 75 and divide the grains in half and keep at 37.5 for a while longer if you feel unready to "move on up." Ironically i too tonight have only my 75 mg capsules left but will be dividing them in that way just so i can move up to 37.5 from the 19 mg level which i divided my first week's worth of capsules into and made them last two weeks. (Am i making sense?)
anyway, it is another option which might give you time to consult your md on monday without moving up yet ... or to just yourself see if your body needs more days to adjust first before moving on.
I do think you're right to realize that your body is going through a lot at once with smoking etc. as well. Having quit smoking myself nearly 20 years ago, i do empathize with the struggle and also with what i hear is your inner knowledge that, hard as that withdrawal may seem to be too, the smoking can't be helping your brain except for the momentary illusion of relaxation ... I don't say that judgmentally, i hope you can tell... Quite empathetically actually...
I again appreciate your posting and will be thinking of you and wishing you well
with hugs,
z
Posted by zinya on June 7, 2003, at 21:44:15
In reply to Re: grogginess from effexor? » zinya, posted by CherC68 on June 7, 2003, at 16:49:13
If you do decide to split the 75-ers, i learned the hard way not to try to do the dividing of granules 'casually' as I managed to spill them the 2nd night i did so. I suggest using a clean little shallow bowl that isn't white on its interior so the granules show up easily - i use a little pyrex glass custard cup-size - and pour out all the granules, split them roughly in half and then scoop up one half bit by bit with one end of the capsule and dump them back into the other end of the capsule til you can re-seal it to use on the 2nd night. And then down the remaining half of the granules in the cup/bowl with a liquid chaser or whatever. This might seem obvious but it took me two or three nights to get it to a foolproof system, so i thought i'd share :)
and, whatever you decide, wishing you well !
Posted by sierra1 on June 7, 2003, at 22:07:01
In reply to re:brian » sierra1, posted by bgbham on June 7, 2003, at 21:04:48
well tomorrow i start on 150 mg. i see dr. on friday. my doctor is a family doc not a specialist. on some of the other posts people say that other chemicals kick in at this dose.
im not sure what they mean by it but i guess ill find out. i mean what could go wrong?
Posted by bgbham on June 7, 2003, at 22:17:08
In reply to re:brian, posted by sierra1 on June 7, 2003, at 22:07:01
good attitude, I like it. I do encourage seeing a psychiatrist if possible as soon as you can, it will only make the whole thing easier.
Luck!
B
Posted by Jedida on June 8, 2003, at 0:27:14
In reply to ps. to Cher » CherC68, posted by zinya on June 7, 2003, at 21:44:15
I just started 37.5 and today was the 6th day and I decided to quit--this stuff is potent s--t! It gets me way too wired up although it has helped my chronic pain tremendously after such a short time! The head stuff is just too uncomfortable--I feel like I'm on a hallucinogenic and I'm headed for a "bad trip"...
Don't know what else to do...maybe go back to natural stuff like 5HTP...
Posted by Angelnmikey on June 8, 2003, at 1:03:40
In reply to any good xperiences withdrawing from effexor?, posted by Jedida on June 8, 2003, at 0:27:14
Zinya...
You said you stopped after 6 days? You went cold turkey? How did it feel? Did you have any withdrawal symptoms? Pls let me know, cuz my bf is in the same situation right now. I need your help. Thks soooo much.....! I would love it if you would email me too if you wanna share anything, [email protected]
Angel
> I just started 37.5 and today was the 6th day and I decided to quit--this stuff is potent s--t! It gets me way too wired up although it has helped my chronic pain tremendously after such a short time! The head stuff is just too uncomfortable--I feel like I'm on a hallucinogenic and I'm headed for a "bad trip"...
> Don't know what else to do...maybe go back to natural stuff like 5HTP...
Posted by Jedida on June 8, 2003, at 1:09:17
In reply to Someone help - Bf just started Effexor XR, posted by Angelnmikey on June 7, 2003, at 19:08:08
So far I've had no withdrawal at all--we'll see in the next few days --I'm hoping that I wasn't on it long enough or on a high enough dose--I figured I better get out now before I get really trapped...
Posted by Angelnmikey on June 8, 2003, at 1:09:18
In reply to Re: any good xperiences withdrawing from effexor?, posted by Angelnmikey on June 8, 2003, at 1:03:40
I am sorry, I meant Jedida....
Jedida can you pls help me? Thank you! :)
> Zinya...
>
> You said you stopped after 6 days? You went cold turkey? How did it feel? Did you have any withdrawal symptoms? Pls let me know, cuz my bf is in the same situation right now. I need your help. Thks soooo much.....! I would love it if you would email me too if you wanna share anything, [email protected]
>
> Angel
>
>
> > I just started 37.5 and today was the 6th day and I decided to quit--this stuff is potent s--t! It gets me way too wired up although it has helped my chronic pain tremendously after such a short time! The head stuff is just too uncomfortable--I feel like I'm on a hallucinogenic and I'm headed for a "bad trip"...
> > Don't know what else to do...maybe go back to natural stuff like 5HTP...
>
>
Posted by Angelnmikey on June 8, 2003, at 1:17:20
In reply to any good xperiences withdrawing from effexor?, posted by Jedida on June 8, 2003, at 1:09:17
Thks Jedida...will you keep me posted? So you didnt gradually reduce dosage right? I hope you will be ok :) Thks again.
> So far I've had no withdrawal at all--we'll see in the next few days --I'm hoping that I wasn't on it long enough or on a high enough dose--I figured I better get out now before I get really trapped...
>
Posted by melley on June 8, 2003, at 11:08:17
In reply to re:brian, posted by sierra1 on June 7, 2003, at 22:07:01
Personally, I think your dr is doing you a huge disservice by starting with effexor. It sounds like you are suffering from depression and not depression and anxiety. Effexor hits both of those two things. Therefore, why start with it? As I said before, it hasn't been around that long in the scheme of things. Why not take another ssri that is more time-tested or wellbutrin which for many people (not all!) is virtually side-effect free. No sleep aids needed at night. I am switching having gotten up to 225mg of effexor. And having more and more side-effects one of which was horrid sweating. Another too much sleepiness at 150, and too much awakeness at 225. A numb feeling, constipation, weight gain. Yes, it took away the depression and anxiety but....To say nothing of the withdrawal which for most people (not all) is no joke. If I were you I would come off the effexor now and switch and try other stuff first. I think there is a lot of marketing going on for effexor now but....
Just some thoughts.
Posted by belle rose on June 8, 2003, at 14:24:18
In reply to re:brian » sierra1, posted by melley on June 8, 2003, at 11:08:17
I couldn't agree more. I would try any anti-depressant/anxiety medication before starting Effexor XR. I was on in for three years. After two months, my physician knew it wasn't working and it was indicated for my condition. During the time I was on it, I had terrible side effects if I even fell asleep and forget to take one 75 mg., dose. Numbness in my face, inability to think or function, extreme headaches, weepiness. I was advised to just stop and they prescribed something else. Each time, because I stopped abuptly, I would have these terrible symptoms, thinking it was the new med. Also, during the time of Effexor, I slept alot, felt isolated, had chronic constipation and weight gain. After three years, I wanted off and had tried the weaning process, breaking capsules, etc., with no success. I finally detoxed with phenobarbital and something for nausea at a hospital for five days. It took another 30-45 days for the numbness, brain swishing, joint pain, nausea, extreme sensitivity to noise and smells to completely subside. I am happy to report that I feel 100%. I am so much more social and enjoying life. I'm sure Effexor is indicated for some, but I could caution anyone considering this drug to exhaust other options before starting this one. I even contacted Global Affairs at Wyeth Phamaceuticals to report my side effects because I wanted it documented somewhere that I had this terrible experience. No follow-up to date. I think we will hear more about this drug in the future. It hasn't been out long enough to have enough data about the side effects and withdrawls.
Good Luch to all, find a good counselor and surround yourself with friends and/or family who will believe your symptoms. Find a physician who will listen when you tell him about the horrid side effects. It's the only way they will have the information they need before over prescribing it. You're right about the marketing. Everyone watching the commercial will think this drug is for them. PROCEED WITH CAUTION.
Belle Rose
Posted by belle rose on June 8, 2003, at 14:32:19
In reply to Switched to Lexapro no side effects, posted by Napaba on June 3, 2003, at 7:43:41
I too felt numb and isolated on Effexor XR. I have written previously about the terrible withdrawals I had when I even forgot to take a dose. I finally was hospitalized for 5 days to go off and spent another 30 miserable days. Happy to report, the symptoms are gone now: Brain swishing and electric shocks, numbness, constipation, nausea, sensitivity to smell and sound.
I encourage everyone to realize that we all have bad days and those bad days don't necessary mean that we are regressing or sinking back into depression. Since off the Effexor, I have been in counseling, am trying to find ways to "have fun again and enjoy life" and if I have a "down" day, I try to realize that everyone, depressed or not, has bad days. So far, I am going to stay off meds. I feel social again, more focused and that isolated feeling that I had for so long is lifted. I'm not saying that many of us do not need medication to function but we should think seriously about thinking a pill will change our world.
Belle Rose
Posted by CherC68 on June 8, 2003, at 14:36:32
In reply to Re: grogginess from effexor? » CherC68, posted by zinya on June 7, 2003, at 21:35:53
Dear Zinya, My life long dream is a pool and we got one this year for my 40th birthday which is in August. It does make me feel better than anything in the world. Everytime I swim, I feel better than ever. I didn't take my last 37.5 Effexor last night which would have been day 7 and tonight would have been 75. I slept. OMG I slept until 9:00 this morning. I did wake up during the night but I always have, especially because of the pain in my hands, but with the Effexor I've been getting up at 5:00. I still have the brain fogginess and a slight nausea problem but so far, I feel better than I feel with the Effexor. I am not sure how many days to get out of my system completely, but was put straight away on Zoloft for 4 days and then Effexor. I'm sure there are other things out there that are better for me, or just - getting off my ass and doing things that are fun and make the depression and anxiety go away. Idle hands is an idle mind, and If I keep busy, maybe it won't be so bad. I'll keep all posted about my experience. I was only on it 6 days, so it probably won't be bad at all. Take Care. Cher
Posted by Angelnmikey on June 8, 2003, at 15:38:23
In reply to Day 7 - I'm off Effexor/ Day 1 - Effexor Free, posted by CherC68 on June 8, 2003, at 14:36:32
Hey Cher,
I am glad to hear that you are getting off Effexor, and I pray that you wont have bad withdrawal effects. My bf is in the same situation, I am telling him to get off today after being on it for 4 days and he's feeling figidy, his brain is racing, and unable to focus.
I told him he will make it though, cuz hes only been on it for few days. I am trying to be extremely supportive. Can you keep me updated on your progress? You can email me at [email protected] if you want. I wish you luck.
Angel
> Dear Zinya, My life long dream is a pool and we got one this year for my 40th birthday which is in August. It does make me feel better than anything in the world. Everytime I swim, I feel better than ever. I didn't take my last 37.5 Effexor last night which would have been day 7 and tonight would have been 75. I slept. OMG I slept until 9:00 this morning. I did wake up during the night but I always have, especially because of the pain in my hands, but with the Effexor I've been getting up at 5:00. I still have the brain fogginess and a slight nausea problem but so far, I feel better than I feel with the Effexor. I am not sure how many days to get out of my system completely, but was put straight away on Zoloft for 4 days and then Effexor. I'm sure there are other things out there that are better for me, or just - getting off my ass and doing things that are fun and make the depression and anxiety go away. Idle hands is an idle mind, and If I keep busy, maybe it won't be so bad. I'll keep all posted about my experience. I was only on it 6 days, so it probably won't be bad at all. Take Care. Cher
Posted by zinya on June 8, 2003, at 16:15:16
In reply to Day 7 - I'm off Effexor/ Day 1 - Effexor Free, posted by CherC68 on June 8, 2003, at 14:36:32
Wishing you well, Cher. Do keep in touch for a bit at least if you can ... Hoping things go well.
My sense is that if getting involved in activities can make it go away, it probably wasn't "clinical depression" to begin with. I think there's a distinct difference, but it's hard to tell -- least it has been for me -- when it's no longer the lay sense of 'depression' and/or a natural reaction to circumstances that time or activity can heal vs. something biochemically 'off' which no amount of time or activity really heals.
Posted by CherC68 on June 8, 2003, at 18:38:52
In reply to Re: Day 7 - I'm off Effexor/ Day 1 - » CherC68, posted by zinya on June 8, 2003, at 16:15:16
Dear Zinya,
I will keep you posted. Right now, I'm feeling okay so far. I still have a tingly heavy head feeling. I am sure I don't have clinical depression. I believe I have a stress load (I got a loan May 9th and just got a new roof on house & garage, 3 big trees out, got a new fence, getting new windows and got a pool). I have a 13 year old, a 1 year old crazy beautiful dog who digs and eats cat poop. Each thing I had done (roof, fence, etc.) my husband has been out of town on work assignments. It put a lot of stress on me. On top of that I was told I had borderline personality and sometimes I'm obsessive compulsive. Tell me though, have you ever met anyone - and I mean anyone who has never been depressed or a little off sometimes. I think everyone has problems and right now, I think keeping positive and keeping busy is what I need. I'm sure I'll go through depression again (I have since I was 4 years old along with panic attacks) but I've made it 40 years without the meds, might as well try to make it 40 more without it. If things get bad, I'll let my doctor know, but right now, I know Effexor is NOT for me. But, I know its helped many people. I hope people reading this don't get scared. Effexor XR is the right thing for many people and I'm sure its helped 'save' people from the horrible pits of hell of depression. There have been times in my life, when I should have been on Effexor and the Effexor would have far outweighed the side effects. Right now, is not the time for me. I will keep reading and posting as when I have something to say. Please feel free to keep in touch with me via email ([email protected]) or if anyone has questions. Take Care. Love, Cher
Posted by lovemybabies on June 8, 2003, at 19:14:51
In reply to Re: any good xperiences withdrawing from effexor?, posted by bgbham on June 5, 2003, at 2:01:22
I agree, Brian. I'm going on five months and I feel like I've been given a new life. At least a new perspective on life. I have no reason to go off as of yet. I'm sure there are others out there who have positive results...perhaps they're not so inclined to search the Internet.
Posted by bgbham on June 8, 2003, at 19:29:27
In reply to Re: any good xperiences withdrawing from effexor?, posted by lovemybabies on June 8, 2003, at 19:14:51
That reason had not occurred to me. I certainly see that a lot of folks are having a hard time. I have had good luck, and glad to hear you have. I have had the misfortune of having stopped taking any, and within a couple of months I had hit bottom as far as depression goes, but none of these ungodly (herion like) withdrawals. Back on track, with an increased dose of 300 currently and having mostly good days as far as mood. Anxious to be at 6 weeks or so at that level to see how great I am going to feel!
Brian
Posted by sierra1 on June 8, 2003, at 22:36:38
In reply to Re: any good xperiences withdrawing from effexor? » lovemybabies, posted by bgbham on June 8, 2003, at 19:29:27
well it's good to hear at least 2 people are having good experiences with effexor. I think i can deal with the few side effects i have (not sleeping) and (sweating). It feels good to be able to get off my couch. i actually picked up and book to read too. I have been taking it for 4 weeks now and i can see a vast improvement.
My daughter no longer thinks i'm nuts.
take care all
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