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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by chewy on August 20, 2003, at 15:36:49
In reply to Re: Effexor down the hatch, posted by lucylucy on August 20, 2003, at 15:28:41
Thanks for the info, Lucy.
I have been surfing around the past couple of days gathering general Effexor info. The six month thing seems to pop up quite often. Most people appear to get their dosage increased about then. Of course we all respond differently and I'm taking this ride one day at a time.
I am happy to hear about your success with this med. I will keep checking in here as the days pass.
Posted by Jenneh on August 20, 2003, at 15:49:05
In reply to Re: Withdrawl Advice? for Jenneh, posted by Emmy333 on August 20, 2003, at 13:56:08
I was like that too! I would get so worked up about having to do an interview that I was ABSOLUTELY dreading them! Then I went on effexor AND I always made sure to have zanex in my purse JUST IN CASE (I often went on interviews with a zanex in me). After a couple of interviews I was fine and now i wouldn't need zanex at all. I didn't get to the point of being afraid to go in public altogether but I came close to that, and I think I avoided it because I went right away to the doctor AND I got some zanex. Word to the wise: zanex can be HEAVILY addictive so if you do decide to keep it around just in case, only take it when absolutely necessary. It works miraccles though in curing anxiety attacks almost instantly. Keep me posted on your progress.
Posted by zinya on August 20, 2003, at 15:50:11
In reply to When they say take at the same time every day..., posted by lucylucy on August 20, 2003, at 13:45:24
hi
I've been on Effex since end of May and VERY slowly rising up to 150 mg now.
I take mine at night after dinner.
I'm TERRIBLE about pill taking and therefore for me it never even dawned on me to be exact down to the minute. It's a miracle that i remember it in +/- an hour, and that has not given me any problem I'm aware of. Twice in recent weeks at 150mg i fell asleep before taking my pill and awoke after about 5 hours in a pool of sweat -- which was the red alarm that kept me from going any longer.
I'd read here a couple of months ago that someone else's experience was even +/- 3 hrs, although i'm sure that's not ideal.
If you find that you have problems with even a half-hour of variation, I think you should mention that to your md. It could be a sign of inappropriateness, although i'm just speculating. It doesn't seem from what i've read that we should be <i>that</i> rigidly compelled by the clock and that "within the hour" should be okay.
It could also be your initial adaptation process that will "loosen up" after a couple of weeks.
Just my 2c's. Good luck.
zinya
Posted by Emmy333 on August 20, 2003, at 16:15:05
In reply to Re: Withdrawl Advice? for Jenneh, posted by Jenneh on August 20, 2003, at 15:49:05
i love hearing that others can relate to my own story--i have felt sooo alone for so long. my dr. gave me some zanex, but i have been too afraid to try one of them--do they really help you to feel relaxed?? i was first given the generic form of them and they did NOTHING for me!! i'm just afraid of trying one of them b/c i already am battling an addiction w/ alcohol!! but i know i would not drink if i took one. either way--let me know how they help, please.
Posted by KimberlyDi on August 20, 2003, at 16:53:03
In reply to Effexor down the hatch, posted by chewy on August 20, 2003, at 15:10:19
Hello there!
I don't know about the 6 months thing. I've heard lots of people talking about being on it for years before loosing the "umph". So many Effexor-newbies stop immediately because they are afraid of the negative posts about withdrawal.I've been on Effexor now for several months. It's carried me through marital problems, the recent death of my mother-in-law, and her funeral where my husband's ex-wife was given preferential treatment by all his family.
Most side effects have faded away. Some folks say that they feel emotionally numb on Effexor. I feel emotionally cushioned. Shuts up the anxious negative thoughts in my head. And I'm feeling real emotions again. True, some I don't like. After 5 days of stress due to death and funeral, I broke down that evening when it was all finished, and just couldn't stop crying. All the fears, insecurities, hurt feelings, and anger poured out of me the way it's supposed to. Thru the healing release of tears. I'm one who stopped crying years ago.
Give it a chance, never miss a dosage, and when you decided to stop, taper off gently.
Good Luck!
KDi in Texas> I swallowed my first Effexor XR this morning following the advice of my primary care md. to help relieve employment and relationship anxiety and hopelessnes. I seem to want something beyond talk therapy which continues.
>
> Now I am wondering whats the difference between Effexor and Effexor XR if any?
>
> From reading many posts, it sounds like this drug has about 6 months of legs before it looses it's "umph" Is that about right?
>
> I enjoy this little chat space. I feel less alone!
Posted by chewy on August 20, 2003, at 17:06:54
In reply to Re: Effexor down the hatch, posted by KimberlyDi on August 20, 2003, at 16:53:03
Thanks KD, for responding to my message! You are generous to share, and a fine writer!
I will stick with this. Day one is nearly over.
I think I'll take a look at Mars tonight. and be happy about my choice!
from chicago
Posted by chewy on August 20, 2003, at 17:12:07
In reply to thanks KD in texas, posted by chewy on August 20, 2003, at 17:06:54
OOPS! I need to be proof reading a little closer!
thanks for the nute...knot...NOTE!
Posted by Music on August 20, 2003, at 17:16:09
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I am new, but I have been reading the posts on here for almost two months. I started on 37.5, then to 75, and now 150 mg of Effexor XR. I was just diagnosed with depression and aniexty. I just need someone I can talk to. My husband tries to understand but he does not suffer from this. He tries to be supportive, reminding me to take my meds and all. I am pastor's wife and I have to put on the "happy face" on Sunday mornings and sometimes it is so hard that I don't even want to get out of bed. It sometimes feels so dark and lonely. During the week I am a career women in a corporate setting and have a lot of pressures and demand on me. I am feeling overwhelmed with life. I just started seeing a therapist, I have seen her 4 times already. She is nice and listens well. Tomorrow for the first time I am seeing a Psy Doc to start getting my meds from her instead of the PCP. Anyway, that is the start of my story. Only the start.
Posted by lucylucy on August 20, 2003, at 17:19:17
In reply to Re: Effexor down the hatch/ooomph, posted by chewy on August 20, 2003, at 15:36:49
Interesting. Because my doctor recommended going up to 150 mg from my current 75, but I haven't done it yet.
So, from what you've seen in your surfing, when people mention the Effexor losing its oomph around 6 months and then increasing their dosage, does that seem to do the trick indefinitely? Or do they end up increasing their dosage yet again every six months?
Posted by Jenneh on August 20, 2003, at 17:35:29
In reply to Re: Withdrawl Advice? for Jenneh, posted by Emmy333 on August 20, 2003, at 16:15:05
They help by just calming you down and making you feel really relaxed. How many mg are they? I found I sometimes had to take 100mg (or 2 tablets) to really feel great! As for battling an addiction to alcohol, I hear you on that too! WOW! I can't believe the similrities! My addiction to alcohol began, like, 8 years ago and I still battle with it. I really enjoy my drinks an dI can't see it getting any better. It doesnt help that most of my freinds are alchies too.
Posted by Jenneh on August 20, 2003, at 17:37:18
In reply to Re: Withdrawl Advice? for Jenneh, posted by Emmy333 on August 20, 2003, at 16:15:05
Oh yeah and just so you know, I have for years felt like no one could POSSIBLY understand what I was going through. I wouldn't want anyone to go through it, but it feels better to know I wasen't alone.
Posted by zinya on August 20, 2003, at 18:06:53
In reply to Re: Effexor down the hatch, posted by KimberlyDi on August 20, 2003, at 16:53:03
gosh, Kim, that sounds rough but also, as you say, surely very 'satisfying' in a way too that the appropriate tears flowed... I hope it is leading to whatever you seek in regular communication too...
that was very good advice re Efffex you just gave. I'm still frustrated at lack of energy even at 150, with something of a setback this past week.
I forget: did you or do you have the sweating problem? I thought it was tapering off and then 2 nights ago woke to such a puddle of sweat i had to change nightshirt and everything ...
with hugs,
zinya
Posted by Salty_dog on August 20, 2003, at 18:43:38
In reply to Re: Effexor down the hatch » KimberlyDi, posted by zinya on August 20, 2003, at 18:06:53
I suffer from Bi-Polar (I) which as far as I can tell is almost completely due to brain chemistry. I have ordered some books on the subject, which should arrive in the next few days.
My Dr. found out I was taking Prozac 80mg and sugested a plan to switch over to Effexor XR. I had already cut down to 150mg from 300mg but I didn't realise the Prozac whould amplify side-effects. I seem to recall my Dr. telling me to continue the Prozac, but I was wrong. I had taken Effexor XR 300mg with Xanax .50mg to stop the side-effects previous to meeting the current Dr.
Effexor XR had stopped working at about 6 months and I didn't see the need to continue at one year.
I meet the current Dr.(PCP) because he was on the insurance plan I had. He gave me a test to take and a copy to give to my spouse for evualtion of me. Both tests came back matching. Soo hear I am.
He sugested Bi-polar and prescribed Zyprexa. After a few months I found what it feels like to have peace in my life.
My Wife devourced me, I lost my job and I had to move out (not in that order). luckly, I had to Children on a regular basis. That too became a proublem when my now Ex-wife moved to NC. Which brings me to depression. Zyprexa dosn't word as a anti-depresent soo my Dr. had to do something.
Posted by chewy on August 20, 2003, at 21:05:58
In reply to Re: Effexor down the hatch/ooomph/chewy, posted by lucylucy on August 20, 2003, at 17:19:17
Lucy, read what Kimberly di wrote a couple of entries back.
Everyone seems to respond differently to this stuff. I am confident that this Effexor is a good choice for me. Good luck to you!
Posted by Salty_dog on August 20, 2003, at 21:45:50
In reply to to lucylucy, posted by chewy on August 20, 2003, at 21:05:58
I surfed the internet and came up with an interesting statement:
"Indications
For the symptomatic relief of depressive illness.The effectiveness of venlafaxine in long-term use (i.e., for more than 4 to 6 weeks) has not been systematically evaluated in controlled trials. Therefore, the physician who elects to use venlafaxine for extended periods should periodically reevaluate the long-term usefulness of the drug for the individual patient."
Which is what I thought, it wasn't created for long term use (i.e., for more than 4 to 6 weeks)
If my PCP wants long term anti-depession effect (s)he should consider other options.
This would negate the withdrawl proublems completely since dependacy would not have long enough to realy take hold of our body and mind.
That also explains the 6 month burn out effect, it wasn't designed for long term use.So, all things considered, the proublems we are having and the lack of a warning in the product info. sheet is because we are treading on new ground. I might add, thin ice comes to mind.
Posted by Emmy333 on August 21, 2003, at 8:26:37
In reply to Re: Withdrawl Advice? for Jenneh, posted by Jenneh on August 20, 2003, at 17:37:18
wow!! it's so great to feel that someone else does understand... i agree--i would never want anyone to go through this nightmare. it's an everyday battle for me. and just to let you know--i live in the u.s.--in indiana:) what about you? great hearing from you!
Posted by Music on August 21, 2003, at 11:27:12
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I went to my PDoc this morning, and she is very nice. She increased my Effexor XR to 225 mg per day from 150 mg. She says I suffer from Major Depression. I feel so alone most of the time. I feel so sad as well. If anyone is on the thread and lives in MO please let me know. I need a new friend that really understands the sadness that I am going through. Has anyone ever increased their Effexor Xr to 225 mg from 150 mg? If so, any major side effects from doing so?
Posted by Lou Pilder on August 21, 2003, at 11:34:58
In reply to New update, posted by Music on August 21, 2003, at 11:27:12
music,
you wrote,[...I need a new friend that understands the sadness that I am going through...].
Well, I have overcome major depression and I am not in your state, but in Ohio which is not too far away , but I could email with you at your request for I do understand the sadness that you are going through.
Lou
[email protected]
Posted by Jenneh on August 21, 2003, at 12:08:00
In reply to Re: Withdrawl Advice? for Jenneh, posted by Emmy333 on August 21, 2003, at 8:26:37
Hey there
I live in British Columbia, Canada. Yah, I agree - it IS an everyday battle. Have you had any more advice with regard to the zanex?
Posted by Music on August 21, 2003, at 12:21:49
In reply to Re: Withdrawl Advice? for Jenneh, posted by Jenneh on August 21, 2003, at 12:08:00
Thank you for responding. I need support to get through the stress and sadness. Sometimes I don't even want to get out of bed I just want to sleep off the pain that I have inside. But the thing is I don't sleep a lot. I constantly worry about everything. I am loan officer and I have a lot of pressures with this job, but I am thankful for the given opportunity of this job. It pays the bills. I have to pretend to be happy when that is the last thing that I feel at work and at church ( I am a pastor's wife). Respond if you have any suggestions because my self talk right is pretty low.
Posted by Lou Pilder on August 21, 2003, at 12:35:57
In reply to For Lou, posted by Music on August 21, 2003, at 12:21:49
music,
It sounds from your 2 posts that you have a very typical condition that can be overcome, for He is close to the broken-hearted and saves those that are crushed in spirit.
Lou
Posted by chewy on August 21, 2003, at 12:50:54
In reply to New to taking Meds period, posted by Music on August 20, 2003, at 17:16:09
Hi there,
It sounds like you are headed in the right direction by asking for help. It is no fun to be around a group of people and still feel alone.
This is my second day on Effexor and i am using this group as part of my support system. I had a yawning spell late yesterday that lasted a couple of hours, and i wasn't tired! Perhaps effexor makes me yawn?
good luck to you!
Posted by Music on August 21, 2003, at 13:10:40
In reply to music, first time , posted by chewy on August 21, 2003, at 12:50:54
I know that God will get me through this. And as my therapist says it won't be overnight. I am not a very patient person, so waiting is hard for me. Lou, what do you for a living? And when were you diagnosed with depression? And what dose of Effexor XR are you on? If I am being too nosy please just tell me.
Posted by Lou Pilder on August 21, 2003, at 13:49:04
In reply to Lou, posted by Music on August 21, 2003, at 13:10:40
music,
I am a retierd teacher. Diagnosis BPD, around 15 years ago.
I represent an alternative here to taking mind/mood altering drugs . I do not want people to stop their drug(s) without their Drs supervision and the alternative is for those that have not overcome their depression via the psychpharmicological system of psychiatry and would be willing to go a different rout as a last-resort.
Lou
Posted by Emmy333 on August 21, 2003, at 14:13:11
In reply to Re: Withdrawl Advice? for Jenneh, posted by Jenneh on August 21, 2003, at 12:08:00
no, i haven't had any more advice regarding the zanex. i really want to try it soon--especially w/ the holidays around the corner (yeah, i am ALREADY wiggin' out about them...) i don't know if you read my other posting, but i am suffering w/ getting red, blotchy hives all over my chest, arms, and face on a near daily basis--it happens if i get nervous or worry--so now i worry about that all day long too.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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