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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by CherC68 on July 21, 2003, at 19:42:47
In reply to Re: Hey Cher, posted by willie on July 21, 2003, at 19:31:24
Willie, I just talked to my husband and I'm doing a bit better. He knows that I do everything and its getting harder by the day.
I'm close to rock bottom - hey - i may not take crap from anyone anymore and I'm strong that way - but....inside man - i don't know.
I took a xanax earlier - that's the only meds I'm on - the wellbutrin made my hands and feet hurt more than they already did so I stopped.
My biggest problem is I'm not seeing a therapist - they have them at the clinic - but the clinic suggested I needed a pdoc first - so - Zinya and everyone on here has been my sounding board.
For me it seems to be easier to type this out than sitting and talking with someone about the crap in my head. That's why I keep thinking a blog would be better for me, but like I said - I read the posts and if I feel I have something helpful to say I say it - but lately I been taking more from babble than giving and I'm sorry.
I will make it through this night and tomorrow night and tomorrow I will do double duty to find a pdoc & therapist.
Thanks Willie I'm feeling more self-control right now. I wish the crazy thoughts like - "ram your head into the wall - I bet you won't feel it" - that's sick - but that's what I feel in my head.
The song by The Wallflowers "I started a Joke" - from the movie Zoolander is playing in my head NON-STOP - since Saturday afternoon. That's sort of how I feel now.
Well, time to now start bleaching my basement. I will work only 1/2 hour and I think I'm going to take dog for a walk and go to bed.
Again, Willie thank you so much for caring - and I hope you and everyone has a peaceful, happy, anxiety free night!
Love, Cher
Posted by willie on July 21, 2003, at 19:49:55
In reply to Re: Thanks again » willie, posted by CherC68 on July 21, 2003, at 19:42:47
I'll sleep easier knowing you're feeling a bit better. I'll talk to you tomorrow...Willie
Posted by chris3 on July 21, 2003, at 20:34:06
In reply to PLEASE GIVE ADVICE, posted by tmgirl on July 19, 2003, at 0:17:48
I too just started Effexor (37.5 started today, go to 75 next week). I am now worried after reading these posts and browsing a lot of sites about Effexor. I was on Prozac last year and I felt it helped a lot but then I lost my job and all this other stuff and started getting depressed again so I went back to the doctor and she prescribed Effexor. At the same time, I also was going in about impotence and I notice that is one of the side effects for Effexor. Am I making a mistake taking this stuff or what?
I am trying to gauge the seriousness of the side effects. How bad is the impotence and antiorgasm (or whatever)? I'm thinking about going back to the doctor and changing my prescription. The headaches and addiction and sexual problems I think will only make my depression that much worse.
Posted by zinya on July 21, 2003, at 22:27:11
In reply to Re: monitors and monograph, posted by Dr. Bob on July 21, 2003, at 17:45:19
hi Dr. Bob,
First, i want to say that i, like others, am endlessly grateful for this website. It is a wonderful contribution.
Second, I am appreciative that you responded here to this post.
That said, the FAQ you directed me to does not even remotely address the question I asked.
Couldn't you or someone in your staff answer my question about whether the 150 mg level indeed is some "magic" level where the norepinephrine effects "kick in"?
I feel like this site is GREAT for us to sort of commiserate and collaborate with each other. But given that we occasionally DO raise things that could benefit from a medical or pharmacological answer (not on aregular basis - I realize from the initial "test" which I vaguely recall from last November that that isn't the function but isn't this an example of the kind of question that is reasonable to ask and our doctors don't know these things?), and then get mostly brushed off, forgive me but I'm frustrated.
While I'm at it, regarding the FAQ you directed me to, although a couple of the questions in the FAQ provided some interesting answers on some topics, I also get the sense the FAQ you directed me to is rather out-of-date. It only refers to dosages, etc., with reference to regular Effexor, not Effexor XR so that the question about what dosage levels are normal is rather meaningless to any of us taking XR because the dosage amounts are all different.
I would suggest that someone redo your FAQ with this in mind, and it would be VERY helpful if they addressed this issue of when norepinephrine effects kick in. Otherwise we are subject to rumor, and I have still no idea whether it was rumor or fact what a poster said on here once about the 150 mg level being a sort of "magic level" when it kicks in.
In the meantime, is there anyone who could answer my norepinephrine/adrenal system question? That is *the* main reason my dr. put me on this drug and I can never find any information on how and when it will kick in, or whether it should have already, which would mean it simply isn't working for me.
sincerely,
zinya
> > hi noa,
> >
> > i wasn't sure if maybe you were a monitor...
>
> She isn't, for those who are, see:
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#deputies
>
> > I wrote a post once to Dr. Bob for confirmation but a monitor answered saying I'd have to get the answers in "the monograph" allegedly somewhere on the site but I couldn't find a monograph. I wrote back asking for a site address and never got an answer.
>
> Sorry about that, I'm not sure what they meant, but maybe it was the Venlafaxine FAQ by Ivan Goldberg?
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/tips/venlafaxine.html
>
> Bob
Posted by tmgirl on July 22, 2003, at 0:55:29
In reply to Re: PLEASE GIVE ADVICE, posted by Susy on July 21, 2003, at 9:58:55
Hi, thanks for posting. As far as wanting to go out and doing things ....what I mean is that I wish I had the energy to do these things with my family. I feel left behind and like you said, just going to the beach turns into a big thing. I too am most comfortable with just being at home while everyone else is out doing whatever. My life, I gave to my kids & hubby years ago. I have no ME anymore. I guess its hard to explain. I realize everyday more & more that I am depressed and have been for years. I was put on Zolaft about 9 years ago after the death of my brother. I took myself off after about 6 months. The last 2 years or so I feel like alot of things have suffered...mainly my marriage. The funny thing is, my hubby does not even know it. I try to tell him how I feel but to him all is well with the world and he doesnt understand how I am feeling or why. Sometimes I think Im going crazy. The best part of all this is that I love him so much, I dont want to live without him but yet sometimes hate living with him. Sometimes I think that I am changing but then I think he is the one who changed. I never would get on any meds because I have always felt that TRUE happiness and peace of mind comes from above. My hubby believes that too and doesnt support me on the effexor but it has helped so far I think. Who knows maybe nothing works for a broken spirit.
I just wish I could get my old self back.
Posted by tmgirl on July 22, 2003, at 1:08:00
In reply to Are we all Pleasers w/men who are Controllers?, posted by Yankeegirl on July 21, 2003, at 11:05:37
I know how you are feeling. That is one thing I am afraid of is one day waking up and wondering where all my life went to when my kids are gone and I am then old and been put through the ringer with thwe hubby. My children & hubby have been my life, my world and my every breath for what seems like forever.....I too cant think of what my hobbies were or the things I enjoyed. Even if I could I just wonder if I could get into them now. The one thing that have always been a hearts passion for me is horses. I used to own 6 of them. I miss them now and it was so peaceful riding them especially at night under the stars. I just really like to share them with my husband and he just hated everything about them.
Posted by mercedes on July 22, 2003, at 3:11:03
In reply to BAM treatment protocol » mercedes, posted by bookgurl99 on July 21, 2003, at 18:08:02
Books, thanks for the information. I've printed it so's i can member it. Alka Seltzer, what a concept. I'm buying some tomorrow just to have around. For me, since I already take xanex 3xday, it doesn't help after I've had an attack as I usually just want to sleep.
Glad to hear you GP said that the damage isn't permanent. My GP won't even give me the time of day or let me discuss it with her. I had a physical on the 16th (last Wed.) and took my findings on BAM, she said something like, you can read as much as you want but I can't treat you, you have to discuss it with your neurologist. The day I had the attack, I cld her and she wouldn't see me, sd I needed to contact my pdoc. Go figure!
I was getting concerned about the permanent damage. I saw my pdoc today and took my posting regarding my attack and had printed some pages on Basilar Artery Migranes. He said he had heard of BAM and was amazed as I read some information on it. He said he'll look up a good neurologist that knows about this subject. Meanwhile I'm staying on xanex and Effexor (I also take blood pressure med and celebrex for arthritis.) No lexapro for me right now.
Again thanks and keep me posted.
mercedes
Posted by bookgurl99 on July 22, 2003, at 7:21:08
In reply to Re: BAM treatment protocol » bookgurl99, posted by mercedes on July 22, 2003, at 3:11:03
Mercedes,
I'm going to put my reply to your last msg in a dfferent thread so people trying to read about Effexor are not getting messages about BAM instead. I will use the same subject "Bam Treatement Protocol" and go post it now.
books
Posted by willie on July 22, 2003, at 7:21:12
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Good morning Cher. I sure hope the sun is shining in your town today...no more rain for a while. I'm going to be away from my computer for most of the day because of work but I wanted to touch base about you finding a counsellor today.
Please find one that will challenge you to open up and dig down deep. I first went to a phychiatrist but his method of therapy did not work for me. I didn't know how to open up. I was very fortunate to have someone recommend another counsellor to me who knew how to challenge me to dig down deep and uncover things I buried long ago.
Believe me..at first I didn't understand why he was focussing on my childhood when I went for help with my PTSD, I was actually upset that he was not addressing my current problem. He explained he first had to get to where the problem first began.
He used some funky methods (like getting me to write a letter to my father who I hadn't spoken to in 20 years). When I first started writing I didn't know what to say but once I began I ended up with 10 pages of anger and hurt. He then used that letter in our sessions as a basis he could use to help me open up even further. It can be very scary trying to uncover things that you've buried so deep within yourself but once you do it's like you've been released from it.
Mercedes said something in one of her postings, "You may never get over it but you will get through it." I think that is a true statement.
As for the not feeling aspect you are experiencing, I learnt during my sessions that people experience range of emotion (highs and lows). People who are depressed and in the "numb" state don't experience either. They shut off the bad feelings to avoid the pain...the only problem with this is that in order to experience the good emotions, you must also let yourself experience the bad ones. You can't have one without the other. Am I making sense?
Anyway, my thoughts will be with you today and I hope to hear from you. Promise me that if you don't like the Pdoc they give you, find another one who works well for you.
Talk to you later on...Willie
Posted by Scooter1 on July 22, 2003, at 8:14:53
In reply to Re: more on BAM » bookgurl99, posted by mercedes on July 21, 2003, at 14:05:04
I am supposed to take the leap from 37.5mg to 75mg today. I am kind of nervous of the SE's. Can anyone else who has gone from one dose to the other tell me what side effects they experienced? Does it get worse or better than the previous dose? I know everyone is different, I would just like to know what to expect? Willie, I to have anxiety, and think maybe I should try the 37.5 for a while before making the leap. What do you think?
Posted by theo on July 22, 2003, at 9:19:46
In reply to Going from 37.5 to 75mg, posted by Scooter1 on July 22, 2003, at 8:14:58
I'm supposed to switch today also, 37.5mg to 75mg and have a little anxiety about what to expect. I guess if 75mg is to much I can always drop back to 37.5mg.
Posted by catwomen on July 22, 2003, at 10:04:40
In reply to Going from 37.5 to 75mg, posted by Scooter1 on July 22, 2003, at 8:14:53
I had no trouble going from 37.5 to 75 or even going from 75 up to 150. Now when I went from 150 to 187.5 I was in the twilight zone. I just dropped back down and was great again. I wouldn't worry you can always drop back down and it will work out. You will be able to tell within a few days if the dose is too high for you.
Posted by Scooter1 on July 22, 2003, at 10:46:37
In reply to Re: Going from 37.5 to 75mg » Scooter1, posted by theo on July 22, 2003, at 9:19:46
I called my docter to tell him that I have been feeling a little fidgity. I seem to want to move my toes all the time. I don't know.... He said that I should stay on 37.5 for a few more days and then move up so that not to aggrevate the fidgity anymore if its from the Effexor Xr. I am trying to come off of St. Johns Wort so it could be an effect from that..... Thanks for the input guys. Your the Best.....
Posted by willie on July 22, 2003, at 11:44:24
In reply to Re: Going from 37.5 to 75mg, posted by Scooter1 on July 22, 2003, at 10:46:41
Hi Scooter..sorry I haven't been at my computer. How long have you been on the 37.5? How bad do your anxiety attacks get?
I've been on 37.5 for 8 months now. I've only recently noticed a few things that made me start thinking about moving up in dosage but I want to be sure that is the correct thing to do.
I'm glad you spoke to your doctor. I would at least try that dosage for a few weeks as long as your anxiety is in line. Good luck...Willie
Posted by CherC68 on July 22, 2003, at 12:26:17
In reply to Re: Cher...it's Willie, posted by willie on July 22, 2003, at 7:21:12
Morning Willie & Everyone,
Today is a better day, its cloudy and hopefully will not rain and the basement is almost dry.
I am going to finish reading my mail and work on looking for a PDoc & Therapist. I need to get better - my birthday is coming and I don't want to be depressed beyond control for it.
I had some happy news, my cousin's band might be opening up for Lynard Skynard and I'm actually excited about something. My cousin's band "Eat A Peach" (an old Allman Brothers Tribute Band - has opened up for Santana, The Wallflowers, Roger Waters, etc. and now they do their own originals (very Southern Rock/Boogie type) and I want to be okay enough to go see them. My cousin Kurt played during Daytona Bike Run and the one in Tomahawk Wisconsin too. (I'm not a biker though).
I have actually been trying to listen to music more - but the songs I'm interested in listening to are: Stupified by Disturbed; I started a Joke by The Wallflowers(Zoolander); Sadness, The Child in Us and Why by Enigma; Stabbing Westward and Alice in Chains. My husband said my choice in music is very very depressing and I should be listening to happier music.
Southern Rock is pretty peppy music (I'm more alternative but..) so I'm trying to not listen to my depressing music - but I figure its at least music instead of the sound of my own breathing.
My niece wants me to take her to the movies...and I so do not want to leave the house, but I'm considering it, so I must not have totally had a nervous breakdown yesterday.
Well, I'm going to try to take her to the movies - but don't know if I can deal with it yet.
Will talk with you later.
Hugs,Cher
Posted by Scooter1 on July 22, 2003, at 13:20:11
In reply to Re: Hey Scooter1, posted by willie on July 22, 2003, at 11:44:24
I have been on 37.5 for about 8 days now. I am having dizziness and some anxiety, but it is much better. Today I even took my kids to the park, however, now I feel like my head is about to explode, its all fuzzy and all. Did you experience this? How long? That is one of the reasons I am so nervous about going to the next dosage, Lord knows I don't want to make this feeling any worse. It could be the lack of sleep. I think tonight I will take a sleeping pill. I definately need to get some rest.
Scooter1
Posted by Susy on July 22, 2003, at 14:00:26
In reply to Willie, posted by Scooter1 on July 22, 2003, at 13:20:11
Hello everybody; since I haven't try effexor I don't want to mix up the thread, that is why I put Xanax because that is the med I have been taking to control my anxiety and panic attacks.
Mercedes, thanks a lot for your help translating my meanings. Please give me a hand whenever you see I am having mistakes again. =)
Cher, I know it had been very hard what you have had to go through that is why I keep saying that you still do a lot of good things after all.(like going to the dentist)...sometimes I try to focus more in the present because it hurts to think about the past and also because if I think about the future and I see that I have a lot of limitations to fullfil my goals then I start feeling frustrated; life is not that nice when I see it that way just thinking that soon I will have my menopause, and everyday I will get older and maybe sicker, and I can't take medicines, and maybe not even strength to work and have the money to pay for everything. I suffer more If I think about it, that is why I always have fate. And I am sure, God will help me.
Zinya, I was in Rio de Janeiro in 1988, and then I had my second son in Argentina in 1989. Please, don't ever stop dancing and singing, that is the best food you can give to your spirit.
To all of you; I rented a movie yesterday called
The Femme Fatale, with Antonio Banderas, I love it! It is a very original love story. I strongly recommend it to all of you my dear friends.Hugs, Susy
Posted by Scooter1 on July 22, 2003, at 14:26:35
In reply to Re: Going from 37.5 to 75mg » Scooter1, posted by theo on July 22, 2003, at 9:19:46
Let me know what kind of effect you had going from 37.5 to 75. You know I went to the library today to get some books on anxiety. I picked up this book on St. Johns wort as my docter seems to think I can take it with the Effexor Xr for a while till I get on board. It has some really good information about how vitamin deficiencies can lead to anxiety, depression and fatigue. What are your thoughts? Scooter1
Posted by theo on July 22, 2003, at 16:01:39
In reply to Theo, posted by Scooter1 on July 22, 2003, at 14:26:35
I take FOLTX which is a prescription B6, B12 and folic acid. I also take 500mg Ester C, 2000mg Fish Oil. I don't necessarily "feel" any better but last week had cholesterol check along with red and white blood cell count, liver enzymes and they were perfect. When are you thinking about making they Effexor XR jump to 75mg?
Posted by Scooter1 on July 22, 2003, at 16:08:43
In reply to Re: Theo » Scooter1, posted by theo on July 22, 2003, at 16:01:39
I am not sure, today when I took my 37.5 for about 3 hours after I took it I felt really foggy headed. I feel a little better now. I just don't want to feel any worse, ya know. How are you feeling? My doc called me in a prescription of the 37.5, so I can take for a little while longer. I have to work this Saturday or I thought I would try on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Just to see how I do, that way I don't have to worry about going to work if I have bad SE's. My doc says the effects shouldn't be any worse than what I have already experienced, but we will see. Its good to have someone who understands and knows what you are going through to talk to. My husband doesn't really understand sometimes, although he is very supportive. Keep in touch. I just took a multivitamin/multimineral. If this helps it will be worth it. I don't know. Scooter1
Posted by KimberlyDi on July 22, 2003, at 16:59:56
In reply to Re: Feel so sorry » Susy, posted by CherC68 on July 21, 2003, at 18:51:41
Oh Cher, all this hitting you when you are all alone. Wish I knew how to help. My prayers are with you, fingers crossed, dropping coins in wishing wells for you. People care.
KDi in texas
Posted by willie on July 22, 2003, at 17:05:36
In reply to Re: Morning Willie, posted by CherC68 on July 22, 2003, at 12:26:17
Glad to hear you're doing better today. I have to agree with your husband on this one..you need to start listening to some other music (at least for a while). I think music can really impact your emotions. I know when you are depressed you tend to lean towards depressing music...you're not exactly in the mood to hear something peppie. Maybe try something in between.
That's fantastic news about your cousin's band. They're opening for some awesome bands. Do you get to see them often? They must be very good. I'll have to keep an ear out for their music. I just looked them up on the internet and saw a picture of your cousin. I like his quote on the website bio "It's a rough road without inspiration and total dedication."
Any luck today locating a Pdoc or counsellor?
I hope you do make it to the movies with your neice. Hope it's a comedy.
Well I doubt I'll be on the thread for much longer. Didn't sleep well last night because my husband is out of town on business. I'm pretty tired so I'm going to try to get to sleep early. I'll check the thread tomorrow....sleep tight everyone..Willie
Posted by KimberlyDi on July 22, 2003, at 17:07:45
In reply to Re: PLEASE GIVE ADVICE, posted by chris3 on July 21, 2003, at 20:34:06
6-7 weeks on Effexor and the no-orgasm problem is going away. Wasn't a major concern of mine, but I'm certainly not complaining! Almost all AD's require several weeks to be effective. Because it's been such a life-saver to me, I would recommend giving it a honest chance. If it doesn't work, then switch to another.
KDi in Texas> I too just started Effexor (37.5 started today, go to 75 next week). I am now worried after reading these posts and browsing a lot of sites about Effexor. I was on Prozac last year and I felt it helped a lot but then I lost my job and all this other stuff and started getting depressed again so I went back to the doctor and she prescribed Effexor. At the same time, I also was going in about impotence and I notice that is one of the side effects for Effexor. Am I making a mistake taking this stuff or what?
>
> I am trying to gauge the seriousness of the side effects. How bad is the impotence and antiorgasm (or whatever)? I'm thinking about going back to the doctor and changing my prescription. The headaches and addiction and sexual problems I think will only make my depression that much worse.
Posted by willie on July 22, 2003, at 17:14:36
In reply to Willie, posted by Scooter1 on July 22, 2003, at 13:20:11
Hi Scooter. I do remember getting a headache, bad enough to miss work but I can't remember how long I was on the effexor when it happened. I don't recall the dizziness but have read many postings on this site from people who have had them. Personally, I think I would let your body adjust to this dosage prior to advancing to the next. I don't know your history and I'm definetly not a doctor so I don't want to cross any lines. I think you need to speak to your doctor and let him/her know what's going on.
Let us know how you're doing. A lot of people have gone through these side effects so they tend to have a "friendly ear".Try to get some sleep. Maybe take a hot bath and read to unwind.
I'll watch for your updates....Willie
Posted by CherC68 on July 22, 2003, at 19:22:37
In reply to Re: Hey Cher..., posted by willie on July 22, 2003, at 17:05:36
Thanks Willie, Susy & Kimberly & everyone for listening to my breakdown yesterday.
I didn't go to the movies today, I'm a bit tired since I got up every 1-1/2 hours last night to drain the water in the basement. I'm conducting a test now to see how long it takes the hole to fill up. At least I can manually plug the pump in to drain - but I need to know the exact hours it takes to fill up. It's finally sunny here and no rain this evening predicted so hopefully the ground will dry up a bit.
Yes, Eat A Peach has gotten to open up for some awesome bands, but The Wallflowers was the most fun by far, I got to sit on stage and hang out in the green room.
Today I listened to some Poi Dog Pondering another favorite band and its more uplifting.
I have a list of PDocs & Therapists, but no energy to actually call one of them. I see the hand specialists on Saturday and don't know how much out of pocket I will have to pay for the surgery, and don't want to start getting into debt with doctors since I just seen the dentist and that cost so far 200 out of pocket.
I am hoping I don't have another breakdown like I did yesterday and since my husband and son will be home tomorrow - I should be fine. My son will always be home with me for now on when my husband is out of town, because I realize I'm much stronger when my son is around. (I have to be for him.)
Thanks for getting me through a rough day yesterday everyone and thanks for listening.
Hugs,
Cher
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]
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