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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by notquitethereyet on June 8, 2003, at 23:26:06
In reply to Re: grogginess from effexor dose increase? » zinya, posted by CherC68 on June 6, 2003, at 18:59:26
folks,
this is day 5 on 75mg for me, after 7 days at
37.5.. side effects are a real problem for me.
its tough getting going in the a.m. I alternate
between some task and my bed, maybe 5 times a
day. the antidepressent has not kicked in yet. my doc said I would get worse before getting better, his was right.
Posted by CherC68 on June 9, 2003, at 9:02:50
In reply to Re: grogginess from effexor dose increase?, posted by notquitethereyet on June 8, 2003, at 23:26:06
Okay, so day 1 was not so bad, day 2 - ummm not too good. I was fine all day long and right before bed, i was unable to move, my head started hurting, both my hands were throbbing (from the carpal tunnel)and I had the worst panic attack in a long time. I felt like I was unable to walk, stand, and function. It lasted almost an hour. My entire body hurt so unbelievably bad. I could barely climb the stares, and as I did I was literally was trying to scream my husband's name, but he couldn't seem to hear me. Once he seen that I was ghost white and shaking so bad (I'm normally very tanned) he knew something was wrong. My husband sat with me upstairs and basically leaned onto me and rubbed my head and my heart and calmed me down. I was shaking really bad. It went away though after an hourand I slept until 8:35 (very very late for me) I've normally been waking for good on the Effexor at 5:00 a.m. Please make sure you have someone to be there for you when you go off the Effexor if you end up going off of it. For me, going off is the best thing, for others, staying on it is the best thing. Everyone is different, talk to you doctor but I wanted to share my experience. Take Care. Cher
Posted by Shasta Husband on June 9, 2003, at 10:25:32
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
My husband has just been put on Effexor XR, along with the adderall for his ADHD. I decided that after he startes getting more depressed, not sleeping, sick to his stomach and spacey that I would look more into this drug. I have read more bad then good so decided to call the doctor to see how to work him off, with his concent of course. I am hoping since he has only been on it for 6 days that he will not have bad withdrawls. I am so thankful I came across this page and read everybodys posts. These posts were what help me make up my mind to talk to him about getting off. Turns out he was thinking of getting off too because of the side effects he has had. He has missed 2 days of work because of this med.
I fear for his aunt though who has been on this med for over a year. I noticed when she ran out and missed a day of her dose she got very sick. I tried telling her it was the med, but she didn't belive me tell I told her what I have read. She regrets now not finding out more info before starting. I hope she isn't stuck on this med for ever.
Thanks
Shauna
Posted by Angelnmikey on June 9, 2003, at 11:56:05
In reply to Off Effexor - Day 2, posted by CherC68 on June 9, 2003, at 9:02:50
Cher,
I am sorry to hear that day 2 was harder and I am sorry that the withdrawal effects were horrible. Thank goodness your husband was there for you. I know you can make it, just hold it together. It can only get better so have faith.
My bf has been off it since yesterday, today would be his 2nd day. I wish I can be there for him but I cant hold him until I see him. I will stay strong for him and pray that he will remain strong for me too.
Good luck...
Angel
> Okay, so day 1 was not so bad, day 2 - ummm not too good. I was fine all day long and right before bed, i was unable to move, my head started hurting, both my hands were throbbing (from the carpal tunnel)and I had the worst panic attack in a long time. I felt like I was unable to walk, stand, and function. It lasted almost an hour. My entire body hurt so unbelievably bad. I could barely climb the stares, and as I did I was literally was trying to scream my husband's name, but he couldn't seem to hear me. Once he seen that I was ghost white and shaking so bad (I'm normally very tanned) he knew something was wrong. My husband sat with me upstairs and basically leaned onto me and rubbed my head and my heart and calmed me down. I was shaking really bad. It went away though after an hourand I slept until 8:35 (very very late for me) I've normally been waking for good on the Effexor at 5:00 a.m. Please make sure you have someone to be there for you when you go off the Effexor if you end up going off of it. For me, going off is the best thing, for others, staying on it is the best thing. Everyone is different, talk to you doctor but I wanted to share my experience. Take Care. Cher
Posted by mark UK on June 9, 2003, at 14:49:22
In reply to Re: Off Effexor - Day 2 » CherC68, posted by Angelnmikey on June 9, 2003, at 11:56:05
Hi i am on day 2 off effexor I dont feel as bad as i did yesterday but the brain freez electric pulses are as bad as ever,although they dont feel as bad after finding this suport group.
Quite releved that the dizzines is to be expected.
Just how long will i get the electric pulses and brain freez? I was not advised by my gp to lower the dose ,just take them till ther finished.
Thanks for the reasuring advice i have found.
MARK UK
Posted by Mercedes on June 9, 2003, at 14:56:26
In reply to Re: new to effexor, and I have questions » Mercedes, posted by zinya on June 1, 2003, at 23:08:42
Z, to answer your questions, I believe I started feeling the good effects at 225 mgs. However,I was taking it in the evening and soon found out that was not good. I would stay up till 2 or 3 a.m. but would wake up at 6 or 6:30 a.m., without an alarm clock. This made me very sleepy early afternoon. I didn't even realize that I would go to sleep. Next thing I knew was that I was waking up three hours later. I'm now taking it around noon.
I too experience the increased adrenalin about an hour after taking it. That's when I feel my best, laughing at comercials on TV or at my dogs playing, etc. I really laugh, not pretend. I remember when my life or lack of life, was a big pretend act. All day long, I would be like a robot with no feelings. I would put on my pretend smile in front of people but alone, I didn't feel a thing. Anyway, I get my real burst of energy at approx. 5 p.m., which is probably why I still stay up till midnight or later. I think I'll try taking it mid morning. Just a FYI, I gradually moved my time from late evening by one hour each day until I reached the noonish time.
I have to admit I had a relaps this weekend and went into that "black hole", no energy, had my own "pity party", and didn't know why. I called a freind that I went to group therapy with, some years ago, who had the PTSD, depression, anxiety same as me (since 1996). Anyway, after talking, I felt alot better and even folded the laundry I did last week!
Oh, I'm on effexor XR, (extended release).
mercedes
Posted by kalyb on June 9, 2003, at 15:18:47
In reply to Re: Off Effexor - Day 2, posted by mark UK on June 9, 2003, at 14:49:22
Hi Mark,
are you taking Effexor XR/XL (extended release capsules) or just the normal Effexor (tablets)? and what dosage has your GP started you on?
I started at 75mg normal Effexor about 4 weeks ago and for me, the side effects disappeared in only a few days. It seems to really suit me and I am very happy with it!
But if there's one thing you can say with certainty about this med, it really effects different people differently. No two peoples' experiences seem to be the same. All I can say is if you feel you can ride with the side effects for a little longer, then stick it out and see what happens. If they're not going away after a reasonable amount of time then talk to your GP again, but take heed from past posts on this board and if possible, do not let him make you stop cold turkey. Good luck.
Kalyb xx
(also in UK)> Hi i am on day 2 off effexor I dont feel as bad as i did yesterday but the brain freez electric pulses are as bad as ever,although they dont feel as bad after finding this suport group.
> Quite releved that the dizzines is to be expected.
> Just how long will i get the electric pulses and brain freez? I was not advised by my gp to lower the dose ,just take them till ther finished.
> Thanks for the reasuring advice i have found.
> MARK UK
Posted by Shari H. on June 9, 2003, at 15:19:24
In reply to Re: Off Effexor - Day 2 » CherC68, posted by Angelnmikey on June 9, 2003, at 11:56:05
I have tried many many times to go off my Effexor. I have many times attempted to get off it and was very unsuccessful because of the very quick onset of the severe withdrawl symptoms. I got from 75mg to 37.5 with no problem but as soon as I neglected a day of the 37.5 I became a wreck. The worst for me was the brain shivers and anxiety. This forced me to take a pill. I finally decided it would be a good idea to see my doctor. She said it takes months to properly get off them. She said you can really jolt your system in a bad way by doing this. So I started cutting my pills in half and I have been on 19mg a day for about 10 days now and I feel ok (no brain shivers). My plan is to cut my pills in quarters (approx 9mg) and take that for a couple of weeks. Only at that point will I attempt to stop the Effexor completely. I work 60 hours a week and there is no other way I can do this without my job being sacrificed. My only advice to anyone is that we have no idea how badly our bodies have become reliant on this drug. Just like any other kind of drug that has such a grave impact on your entire system, tapering off has to be done correctly. Your body has to get used to the lower doses or else the shock will be too dramatic. Sudden withdrawl is an experience I never want to go through again. Almost as much as I want off these pills!!
Posted by Mercedes on June 9, 2003, at 15:26:56
In reply to mental processes repaired, posted by hhp on May 31, 2003, at 23:33:01
I too, have experience with the inablilty to comprehend things and memory problems which affect learning. After many year's in the acctg. field (unemployed at the moment due to a merger), I read my resume' and wonder if I can still do those things. However, I've had many panic attacks that would debilitate me, dble vision, almost like a mini stroke but doctor's have never pinpointed my illness other than panic or anxioty disorder. The Effexor will help with the depression. i recently started to feel happy again and I think the concentration and memory problems will decrease once we get our spirits up. Let me know how you progress.
mercedes
> Hi,
> Just this week I was prescribed Effexor XR. I am hoping that this treatment will give me back the ability to learn, to remember and to comprehend things.
> My doctor says that when the depression is under control/cured that my brain will start to work again.
> Does anyone have any experience with this?
Posted by waterlily on June 9, 2003, at 16:02:24
In reply to Thanks to this site I know more about this drug, posted by Shasta Husband on June 9, 2003, at 10:25:32
I missed one day of work when I first started Effexor. I'm so glad that I toughed out the side effects, as most of them went away after a week or two. I had a difficult time getting on Serzone a year ago too, but I was able to survive the side effects until they went away completely. I think you're doing your a husband a disservice by encouraging him to stop this potentially therapeutic med without giving enough time for the good effects to kick in.
I would be thrilled to be on Effexor for the rest of my life if it continued to work as well as it has in the past two months.
> My husband has just been put on Effexor XR, along with the adderall for his ADHD. I decided that after he startes getting more depressed, not sleeping, sick to his stomach and spacey that I would look more into this drug. I have read more bad then good so decided to call the doctor to see how to work him off, with his concent of course. I am hoping since he has only been on it for 6 days that he will not have bad withdrawls. I am so thankful I came across this page and read everybodys posts. These posts were what help me make up my mind to talk to him about getting off. Turns out he was thinking of getting off too because of the side effects he has had. He has missed 2 days of work because of this med.
>
> I fear for his aunt though who has been on this med for over a year. I noticed when she ran out and missed a day of her dose she got very sick. I tried telling her it was the med, but she didn't belive me tell I told her what I have read. She regrets now not finding out more info before starting. I hope she isn't stuck on this med for ever.
>
> Thanks
> Shauna
Posted by Shasta Husband on June 9, 2003, at 16:26:11
In reply to Re: Thanks to this site I know more about this drug » Shasta Husband, posted by waterlily on June 9, 2003, at 16:02:24
My husband's ADHD isn't bad at all. He just has a hard time handeling stress. I think with some stress managment classes will help him out with out drugs. We as a couple made the choice to take him off. We have 3 children the oldest 6 and the youngest 4 months. I have read a lot of bad things about this drug and since starting he hasn't played with the kids or even so much as colored with them like he did. It is great this drug works for some, but the effects he has already had are not a good sign to us. The children and I deserve a dad/husband that can function instead of sitting there like he is in a coma. The only reason he got on the drugs was for his mother. She thought he would be better on them. I finally asked her to step back and let he and myself work through this and decide what was going to work for all parties involved. He has won very many awards from work and been very successful with out any meds. I think he can make it with just support and counsiling and no drugs.
Posted by melley on June 9, 2003, at 17:03:58
In reply to Off Effexor - Day 2, posted by CherC68 on June 9, 2003, at 9:02:50
> Okay, so day 1 was not so bad, day 2 - ummm not too good. I was fine all day long and right before bed, i was unable to move, my head started hurting, both my hands were throbbing (from the carpal tunnel)and I had the worst panic attack in a long time. I felt like I was unable to walk, stand, and function. It lasted almost an hour. My entire body hurt so unbelievably bad. I could barely climb the stares, and as I did I was literally was trying to scream my husband's name, but he couldn't seem to hear me. Once he seen that I was ghost white and shaking so bad (I'm normally very tanned) he knew something was wrong. My husband sat with me upstairs and basically leaned onto me and rubbed my head and my heart and calmed me down. I was shaking really bad. It went away though after an hourand I slept until 8:35 (very very late for me) I've normally been waking for good on the Effexor at 5:00 a.m. Please make sure you have someone to be there for you when you go off the Effexor if you end up going off of it. For me, going off is the best thing, for others, staying on it is the best thing. Everyone is different, talk to you doctor but I wanted to share my experience. Take Care. Cher
Hi, I was wondering about your hands. I have been having trouble with my hands since about a week after I started reducing the effexor. I didn't equate it with that. I had carpel tunnel when I was pregant 12 years ago. And now my hands are bothering me. Interesting.
Posted by Betty Gene on June 9, 2003, at 18:46:10
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by Shel on July 18, 2000, at 1:35:45
Hi. I recently went to my doctor in hopes of being put on medication to help with my anxiety. I have dealt with anxiety issues/mild panic attacks for years now. Lately it seems the attacks and avoidance of situations are becoming worse. I dropped out of school because of the fear of loosing control in front of others because of an attack. Anyway, my doctor, whom I trust completely, wrote me a presription for Effexor XR. I admit, some of the posts I have been reading has made me a bit uneasy, but ultimately I realized something has to be done. I am prepared for whatever side affects are in store for me. My question is about Anti-depressants in general. How do they work? Will I just wake up one morning with a new confident outlook? Will I forget about the anxiety? I know this may sound silly to some, but this is the first time I have taken any medication.
Thank you,
Betty Gene
Posted by Mercedes on June 9, 2003, at 19:24:03
In reply to How does it work?, posted by Betty Gene on June 9, 2003, at 18:46:10
I have been on different medications for almost 7 years. Panic attacks, anxioty, depression, etc. You ask, how does it work. I'm not an expert but what I know is that there is a chemical imbalance in the brain. I've also been told that the serotonin (happy juices)levels are low in the brain. Laughing & being happy raises the serotonin levels. When we are depressed, we don't laugh and are unhappy. Anyway, the medication helps to balance the chemicals in the brain.
I too have a fear of being to far from home. I don't drive far without someone being with me. Yes, Effexor has helped my depression alot, but this fear of leaving the house or being in a place where I might have an anxiety attack is called Agoraphobia. That's what the psyc doc told me. I still suffer from it. I got better from it for awile then regressed due to panic attacks/stress over loosing my job, moving.
I hope this helps. mercedes
Posted by tina on June 9, 2003, at 19:55:02
In reply to any good xperiences withdrawing from effexor?, posted by Jedida on June 8, 2003, at 0:27:14
I was taking 150mgs of XR and then I reduced it to 75 in one day and took that for a couple of weeks and then I reduced to 37.5 in one day and I'm not experiencing any withdrawal so far. I'm stopping it altogether starting tomorrow and I expect not to have any trouble at all. i guess I'm a lucky one. I think my body is happier without the effexor in it so it's not revolting against my stopping it.
good luck
Txx
Posted by CherC68 on June 9, 2003, at 20:13:50
In reply to Re: Off Effexor - Day 2 » CherC68, posted by melley on June 9, 2003, at 17:03:58
Melley, I have had carpal tunnel for a long time now, but since I started taking effexor xr(a week ago today) the pain has doubled. I had an emg test last tuesday and I will get the results (for sure carpal tunnel) on Thursday and we will schedule the surgery soon. I will also let my doctor know that I stopped the effexor xr. After last nights worst ever panic attack, I'm very leary about bedtime. I have had the brain zaps all day long, and a very painful pressure epecially at my frontal lobe (my forehead). I'm in fear of having another panic attack. But, I haven't paced in 2 days. I walked from my kitchen, to my dining room into my living room and back into my kitchen friday night in circles like a complete freak, for no reason and my husband was standing in the kitchen and I didn't even notice him. He had to make me stop. That's nutzo. Well, I accidently took another dose of the Effexor XR and finally Saturday I said forget it. PLEASE REMEMBER - just because this happened to me, doesn't mean its going to happen to anyone else. I may not have given the Effexor enough time to work, true, but...I can't take the chance that its going to make me crazy or (lol) CRAZIER! I'm going to get exercise, and I'm going to keep moving (but not in freakin' circles like a zombie), and I'm going to laugh as much as I can, whether it be funny movies or whatever...I'm going to beat depression my way...Good luck to all. Cher
Posted by zinya on June 9, 2003, at 20:46:01
In reply to Re: Off Effexor - Day 2 » melley, posted by CherC68 on June 9, 2003, at 20:13:50
gosh, Cher, you have all my empathy in this process. None of us ever know how this or any of these drugs are going to hit us, either on the way going up or on the way coming down. In retrospect, it probably would have been a help to wean off with 19mg and then, as someone here today said they plan to do, even to half of that before quitting entirely. But then who knows in advance if they're going to be the one who must wean off? Some people here go off the way you did, especially after such a short time, and they are okay. I'm just so sorry to hear of these aggravations for you.
Regarding carpal tunnel: I dealt with this a couple of years ago, although it sounds like my case wasn't as bad as yours, but i had to wear wrist braces/bandages for some time and my chiropractor was very helpful as well. What I learned from reading about it at the time was that there is evidence to suggest a linkage between estrogen levels and carpal tunnel. I mention this because you might want to have your md. check your estrogen levels, FSH levels, etc. It really hit home with me because i had just had a change in HRT levels before this had happened and it was rather amazing to read that, of all things, that estrogen change might have had an impact on vulnerability to carpal tunnel. I've learned to appreciate (more than most doctors) just how much hormones impact virtually everything.
It's reported that carpal tunnel is more common than average in women who are pregnant or have just started using birth control pills, who suffer from premenstrual syndrome, or are menopausal -- i.e., estrogen levels in flux.
Anyway, it's a 2 cents' worth I thought might interest you.
Posted by zinya on June 9, 2003, at 21:04:42
In reply to How does it work?, posted by Betty Gene on June 9, 2003, at 18:46:10
Hi Betty Gene,
I think the single best comment in your favor in your post regards your trust in your md. That is a very good starting point and hopefully will serve you well if you start questioning whether this drug works for you.If there's one single "truth" that this website is a testimony to, it's that every single one of us has a unique biochemistry and cannot know in advance how one of these drugs will affect us. As your reading here may have already shown you, some go through insomnia while others deal with grogginess and 'over'sleep; some gain weight, other lose weight; etc etc. It's kind of amazing, but i guess cuz it is dealing with a system which is so pervasive that is also so idiosyncratic--each of us with a unique nervous system calibration, etc. etc.
Actually, your md might have told you that Effexor deals with two systems -- serotonin (SSRI) and also adrenal. Some here have said that the adrenal-system effects only 'kick in' once dosage levels reach 150 mg, but i'm guessing that that too is probably something that varies by individual.
I'm not much ahead of you in terms of time spent on Effexor, but i have tried other a-ds (anti-deps) in the past and i've read a lot of posters here going back to November when i was first prescribed Effexor but then i decided to postpone taking it and only started 2 weeks ago. And, given my past history of bad side effects on other such drugs, i decided to take only half the level my md. had prescribed, so I've been dividing the granules of each capsule in half and taking it twice as slow.
So i'm just now moving up to 37.5 -- as of Sat. night. Too soon for me to offer much personal experience except that i've had side effects but they've been manageable so far.
I'm writing to wish you well and, given the limits of my experience, to say i'd be happy to offer any more comments if you have more q's. I do my share of questioning here still too.
Posted by CherC68 on June 9, 2003, at 21:51:40
In reply to Re: Off Effexor - Day 2 and carpal tunnel » CherC68, posted by zinya on June 9, 2003, at 20:46:01
Dear Zinya,
You have been my source of strength through this. You listen and you are actually very wise, and I seriously appreciate your help through this. Carpal Tunnel and hormones. Well, I had a tumor 4 years ago and a complete hysterectomy (ovaries also) and I do not take hormones. I had endometriosis also and even though I have no uterous I still have it on my external/internal organs. That and being a legal secretary and I think the Zoloft really made it kick in worse. Thanks again for listening - its past bedtime, and I am not feeling too swift. Take Care. Cher
Posted by sierra1 on June 9, 2003, at 22:04:37
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
hey "B" just checking in on you. How are you doing ? How are you feeling?
Since i've been on the 150 mg dose I feel as if i'm on uppers. I am excited and talking constantly just babbling on and on.... I have to be careful because i take blood pressure meds too.. its a weird feeling but again i don't really mind it.
ok gotta go try to go to sleep now, take care
Posted by jtc on June 9, 2003, at 22:58:39
In reply to Re: Off Effexor - Day 2, posted by mark UK on June 9, 2003, at 14:49:22
> Hi i am on day 2 off effexor I dont feel as bad as i did yesterday but the brain freez electric pulses are as bad as ever,although they dont feel as bad after finding this suport group.
> Quite releved that the dizzines is to be expected.
> Just how long will i get the electric pulses and brain freez? I was not advised by my gp to lower the dose ,just take them till ther finished.
> Thanks for the reasuring advice i have found.
> MARK UKHi Mark UK,
I was told by my psychiatrist to just stop "cold turkey" taking the Effexor XR. I was on 75 mg. When I tried to stop cold turkey I had a very hard time. So I just tapered down to 37.5 mg for about 2 weeks then went to every other day for 2 weeks then stopped. That seemed to lessen the dizziness and the electric brain shocks. I think you should gradually lower the dose before stopping, but if it is working for you to just stop without tapering then that is good. Good luck and take care, jtc
Posted by zinya on June 10, 2003, at 9:26:28
In reply to Re: Off Effexor - Day 2 and carpal tunnel » zinya, posted by CherC68 on June 9, 2003, at 21:51:40
Gosh, Cher, i can't tell you how out-of-the-blue comforting it is to think i'm being helpful. Part of my own depression is a kind of catch-22 of isolation or hiatus from the person i knew as 'me' who always thrived on such an image of myself, as teacher, friend, whatever. Plus i've felt connected to you too, in a way that i frankly, selfishly, felt a personal bit of letdown that you weren't going to be going through this "with me" over time. But i also hear that it doesn't sound right for you (and may prove not to be for me either for all i know).
In fact, with your new info shared, my first reaction is to wonder even more about whether it's hormone-withdrawal which has led you to the depression symptoms. Is there a reason related to the endometriosis why hormones are not advised? Otherwise, it would seem that with the uterus removed, you wouldn't need progesterone (which has had the most problematic research findings) and that you could try taking something like estratest, for a balance of estrogen and testosterone (I assume you know women have --and need -- low levels (compared to men) of testosterone too, which i think plays a role in energy levels too. If this isn't something you've already looked into and ruled out for other reasons, i'd think that once you get through this new withdrawal, from effexor, that you might raise it with your md. and consider it.
By the way, there's a great book by Christiane Northrup called _Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom_, that i learned a lot from which you might like too. She's an md. who specializes particularly in post-menopausal but treats the entirety of hormonal factors and she's also a big believer in the underlooked role of the adrenal system which also starts to show signs of age and peter out in many folks beginning in the 40's which, for some women, it can compound the effects of menopause, surgical or natural, because the adrenal glands are our bodies one other site for hormone production. She also highly promotes natural routes of hormone replacement.
It also seems to me that, based on what others say here about tapering off, that if you continue to have bad withdrawal symptoms today, you might open a capsule and take even just a few grains of it, 1/4 of the 75 mg total or less, as it might even at this point help your body to taper off -- even though you didn't go beyond 37.5. It seems even at that level, there can be a need to taper off gradually.
But maybe you''ll be 'over the hump' today and won't need to consider that -- I hope so.
wishing you well, and sending hugs,
zinya
Posted by CherC68 on June 10, 2003, at 10:38:40
In reply to Re: Off Effexor - Day 2 and carpal tunnel » CherC68, posted by zinya on June 10, 2003, at 9:26:28
Dear Zinya,
Thank you again, but I will always keep up with this website and I'll try to be there for you the best that I can.My best friend is on Paxil and she gets these weird head tugs, etc. and she's been on it a year and she doesn't care, she throws up quite a bit and she doesn't care, its like she's running high 1/2 the time and she doesn't care. To her, the side effects are like a tiny little nuisance, that can be endured, even the fact that she's very underweight now and forgets to eat sometimes or sometimes eats too much (which of course, she doesn't care about). She is so happy with the drug because she isn't in the pits of hell with her depression (Manic-Depressive/bi-polar). She said she'd stay on it the rest of her life if she could.
She's been on medicine on/off (mostly on since the age of 15) and she just turned 30). Medicine does work for many, just I think its not working for me. I am going to do the over-the-counter herbal hormone replacement. I might also try the st. john wart, and laughing.
I know I have a high abundance of adrenalin (I had tests when I was little and supposedly have too much adrenalin) but I don't quite remember that particular test for some reason, its something my parents talk about though because of my physical strength.
Right now for some reason, I have no adrenalin. I'm so dang tired, which is very odd. But no big bad panic attack, so I think the side effects are slowly diminishing. I'm going to be A-O-Kay and I am sure everyone on here is going to be. If you are on this website, you at least are trying and the 'Sun will come out tomorrow' or at least that's what I keep saying to myself! Take Care, Love, Cher
Posted by Napaba on June 10, 2003, at 10:51:12
In reply to Re: grogginess from effexor dose increase? » zinya, posted by CherC68 on June 6, 2003, at 18:59:26
I've experienced this with every anti-depresent I've been on. If there's one out there that doesn't cause this lack of connection in conversation I'd be willing to try it.
Dear Zinya,
> I know what you mean. I'm at 37.5 and on day 6. After the 7th day I go to 75 mg. I feel like I'm in a stupor sometimes. I can do my work (at work) but in communicating with people I talk like I'm a zombie. I've never had a problem speaking to people. I can get on a stage and sing - I can talk to a room of 500 strangers for hours about anything and everything, but I can't seem to keep my mind on the subject at hand. If asked a simple question, I have to think about what the person said and I can't seem to form a thought. I take my medicine after dinner or about 8:00 p.m. I'm really having a tough time too. I see my doctor on Thursday and will discuss this with him, you really should talk to your doctor too, because if my doctor can't understand that these side effects are making me way more depressed, then he's not the doctor for me.
> Take Care Zinya and Thanks everyone for posting and helping so much
Posted by Napaba on June 10, 2003, at 10:54:29
In reply to re:brian, posted by sierra1 on June 6, 2003, at 22:46:30
Go back to your doctor and have her prescribe soemthing other than Effexor. It shouldn't be used unless other meds didn't work. Effexor has A LOT OF SIDE EFFECTS.
> thanks for your reply. i am pretty new at this depression thing. I have not told my family, they think something is wrong but i just tell them i'm tired and don't feel good. I know i should but i don't want anyone to know. When my Dr. tested me for thyroid, iron, b-12, and other tests, they all came back normal. after an hour and a half visit just talking and answering a few questionaires she thought I was in a depression. She told me to go home and think about our conversation and I did. I went back to see Dr. and it was suggested to try effexor xr. I guess since I feel pretty good the dr. was correct. I will be up to 150 mg dose tomorrow. I am realy nervous about how long I must take this, and the withdrawal effects I have been reading here. How long have you been on it? lynn
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