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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by EmmaL on August 26, 2003, at 21:35:29
In reply to Re: electric shocks proper stopping of Effexor, posted by Harlock on August 26, 2003, at 20:55:04
Sorry, Harlock, my previous message was for you. Please read it. What can we do?? Any ideas? I would very much like to pursue some sort of accountability. Especially since some of these drugs are so very expensive.
Posted by lucylucy on August 27, 2003, at 9:26:23
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I first visited this board the day I took my first dose of Effexor, and all the terrifying reports made me think, what in the world have I gotten myself into? But I reasoned that most of us would be more likely to post comments about concerns or problems than to take the time to write about great results.
So that's what I'm doing now. This medication has been fantastic for me. I woke up the morning after the first pill and felt better. Not exactly not depressed, but I could for the first time in a while imagine not being depressed.
My side effects were minimal and nothing I couldn't live with. Dry mouth for a few days, loss of appetite, some slight difficulty sleeping. I also dropped four pounds of weird water weight immediately and now have a very easy time staying at my right weight without any effort.
But most importantly, I feel like myself again. I am no longer paralyzed in my work and social life. I'm able to connect with people easily, I have the energy and the gumption to tackle new work challenges, I don't seem to overreact to things that would have made me over-anxious or highly angry before I found Effexor. My emotions feel solid and real and like reasonable reactions to the events of my life, rather than feeling like I was reacting out of some weird chemical or hormonal cesspool.
My gynocologist prescribed Effexor over the phone, very casually, based on some symptoms (including depression and anxiety) that she attributed to perimenopause. Her office has also been very cavalier about increasing my dosage or extending the prescription, which is why I was cruisng the Internet to find out more about the drug.
And that's where I discovered that Effexor often seems to lose its effect after about six months, and that's when people frequently increase their dosage. After five months, I felt like it wasn't working and after a few weeks of hemming and hawing and feeling low and anxious and awful, I increased my dosage to 150 mg. After only a few days, I felt much better.
Today, I turned 42. It's my best birthday yet. I feel happy and satisfied with my life, darn lucky, in fact. And although it's easy to say my life just got better recently, the circumstances of my life haven't really changed. I think the Effexor has helped me be able to appreciate and enjoy the wonderful life I already had.
I say all this only because I want people out there who are considering the drug to know there are plenty of success stories with it. Like anything else, it's right for some people and not for others.
Posted by kaza78 on August 27, 2003, at 10:29:54
In reply to A Success Story, posted by lucylucy on August 27, 2003, at 9:26:23
i do agree with lucy to an extent. i felt the same way in the beginning. i used to be on the edge at work and at home all the time and people were afraid to approach me about anything!! i was full of rage and didnt know why. i just knew that at the age of 24 i had had enough and so havent my loved ones. it was no way to live. the effexor is starting to wear off and i have been considering uping my dose. my doctor prescribed it to me and told me that it was still experimental. at that time i was willing to try just about anything. now as long as i dont miss a dose i feel ok. i am more relaxed, i can finally do the things that i couldnt for 2 years because of my anxiety. yes, i do have my moments still, but they are not half as frequent or half as bad as they were.
Posted by Music on August 27, 2003, at 10:30:55
In reply to A Success Story, posted by lucylucy on August 27, 2003, at 9:26:23
I have been taking the med for about two months and my Pdoc increased my dosage gradually to 225mg I wonder if I will have to be on this stuff forever because eventually my husband and I want to have children. This is the first med that I have been on. I don't know if it is really working or not. Sometimes I feel better and sometimes I feel so very low. Sometimes it is very dark. My therapist cancelled our appointment this week because of a family situation with her mom, and I really needed her this week. So I feel out in left field this week. Any suggestions?
Posted by Salty_dog on August 27, 2003, at 11:30:53
In reply to A Success Story, posted by lucylucy on August 27, 2003, at 9:26:23
I had Hep. 'C' with a low viral count. My Gastro DR started me on Peg-interferon with Ribavin at max. dosage. Two months into 'Chemo' I woke up in bed spins (I don't Drink), dizziness while trying to vomit. I was by all outside impressions, having an anxiety attack. The DR phoned an order of Xanax and a motion sickness med. I took Xanax for the next two years, even after the 'Chemo' had finished. BTW I was able to completely destroy the virus or what is know as Sustained Verilogic Response (SVR) or 'All gone'.
I had severe depression and was refered to a Phy DR. He immediately prescribed Effexor XR and I was handed a startup package which is supplied by the Manufacture. I followed the directions to the letter. After two months my dosage was increased to 300 mg which is where I remained for one year.
I was still taking Xanax and could not stop.Ibegan fresh with my family DR. who had me take a test (my Wife was also given the test to take with me in mind). The outcome was diag. as a bi-polar and I was started on Zyprexa 15 mg. After about a month I felt like the Effexor XR and Xanax was having no affect. I reduced my dosage and quit completely taking the Effexor XR and the Xanax.
My Dr. explained that a Bi-polar given an anti-depresant would end up with Mania eventually.
Which explained the burn out effect of the Effexor XR. Since I was full blown manic it was not a proublem to stop Effexor XR and Xanax.Later my depression returned and after using Wellburtin I had a seizur had to swith to Effexor XR all over again. Since I was no longer vomiting and all the other side-effects of 'Chemo', I have had some inital side-effects from the Effexor XR.
I have raised my dosage to 300mg and I can now say the Effexor XR is doing it's work. I am also taking Lamictal along with Zyprexa. So after about 8 weeks I will taper off the Effexor XR all the while watching out for the return of depression.
Effexor XR is trial tested for 6-8 weeks because it was designed as a short term anti-depressant.So I am a success story.
Posted by sufferfromeffexor on August 27, 2003, at 13:22:22
In reply to Re: electric shocks proper stopping of Effexor, posted by Harlock on August 26, 2003, at 20:55:04
I have just recently started to read these threads and am so very angry at the makers of Effexor. I have been taking the medicine for around 8 years and have just decided to take control of my life again and come off of this evil pill. I have missed doses before and know what the withdrawls feel like and I feel I have no choice but to withstand them this time to finally get this drug out of my system. I am curious why there has never been legal action taken against these makers. I am very interested in seeing what can be done legally if anyone else is interested as well, please feel free to email me:
[email protected]Good Luck to you all (having temporary success or trying to rid yourself of this drug)
Becky
> >
> > Why is all this being discussed on an obscure web site and not on 20/20 or Dateline? Why would a drug be made available to already depressed persons, that will ultimately make them more depressed and unbalanced? Why does asking these questions make me the insane one?
>
> ---
>
> Hell no. I agree with you 100%. I'm actually having pretty severe withdrawal effects from Lexapro. I had NO idea these were withdrawal effects.. well, I had a theory that might be what was causing me to feel so bad, but now that I read all these posts, I'm sure that is what was/is going on.
>
> Anyway, back to the point... It's shocking that there are so few doctors that are unaware of the withdrawal symptoms from these medications. I asked a few doctors and none of them knew what was happening to me! I LUCKILY found this web site, and now I know.
>
> I would love to see a 20/20 or similar type media broadcast discussing the *dangers* of these medications.
>
> I'm not a fan of the sue everyone for everything mentality, but I would love to see the makers of Effexor (and other meds) slapped with a major lawsuit. By law, these guys have to list the side effects of the medications they advertise. Well, on the Effexor commercial, I didn't hear anything about withdrawal symptoms.. nor did I read any in they documentation I got at the doctor's office.
>
> It sounds like some of you have had better experiences than I have as far as medical treatment has been concerned. I'm seen *many* doctors, and I got say, the average Kindergarten student is more informed.
Posted by michelle29 on August 27, 2003, at 22:44:23
In reply to Withdrawals from Effexor....., posted by choltz22 on August 26, 2003, at 0:58:35
I have also recently tried to withdraw from Effexor, feeling that after a year and a half things were better. I was taking 150mg daily, and then slowly decreased to 75mg and then to 37.5mg. I am currently cutting the 37.5mg in half and am wondering if these horrible withdrawal effects will ever go away. It is so nice to hear that others have experienced the same thing and that I am not alone. I have not been able to adequately describe these sensations in my brain, the "electric shock" and vertigo that I feel during my day. Paxil was another drug that I experienced to have similar withdrawal effects. I wonder how long it will take to go away and if I will be able to stop taking the "18.75mg" doses....
Posted by Lela on August 28, 2003, at 23:00:11
In reply to Re: I'm a newie to Effexor XR, posted by lianne on August 22, 2003, at 12:02:32
Where to find more info about Effexor
Hi,
my partner has generalized anxiety disorder and has been on Effexor for the last 3 months.
He keep saying that he is OK, but I have noticed that he sweats much more, gets hot very easily, gets tired a lot, needs more sleep then before and his blood pressure is 160/110 (not good!!!).
We are now debating should he stay or get off the drug. I am looking for more info about the drug:
1. Steve Whiting effexor link www.effexorfz.freeuk.com is broken
2.some stats regarding effexor: how many people are using drug in USA or Canada, success rate, failure rate. Did anybody ever got off it cured or is this "drug for life"
3. any other options for GAD that could work?Thanks a lot
Lela
Posted by Salty_dog on August 29, 2003, at 14:54:11
In reply to Re: electric shocks proper stopping of Effexor, posted by Harlock on August 26, 2003, at 20:55:04
Here is the Effexor web site where the side-effects are in print by the manufacture
:
http://www.effexor.com/b/b60.asp
Posted by rondi on August 29, 2003, at 16:38:35
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Ceeg on December 31, 2000, at 14:00:08
I have been using effexer xr now for 3 months. I had no problems using it it helps me cope with everyday life and to get back on track again. The only thing is i lost 30 pounds on this medication so far. You do have some sexual problems like not wanting to do really anything. This medication is the one on the market that works,but it doesn't work on everyone. I advice to u is go back and talk to your doctor, in the first week u feel anyworse.........
Posted by Johnlund on August 29, 2003, at 21:38:05
In reply to Where to find more info about Effexor, posted by Lela on August 28, 2003, at 23:00:11
I have been on Effexor for 4 years. I find I sweat more, and get hot flashes once in a while. I do not consider that a big deal. I also noticed that my blood pressure might be a little high. I am getting a physical this month, and will find out about my colesterol. I think most of these symptoms can be compensated for by excercise and diet. However, other medications may be needed to adjust blood pressure and colesterol levels. Effexor has been a gift from God to me. I won't go off of it unless medical science comes up with a drug that is just as good on depression with less side effects.
Posted by Johnlund on August 29, 2003, at 22:26:52
In reply to Re: electric shocks proper stopping of Effexor » Harlock, posted by sufferfromeffexor on August 27, 2003, at 13:22:22
> I have just recently started to read these threads and am so very angry at the makers of Effexor. I have been taking the medicine for around 8 years and have just decided to take control of my life again and come off of this evil pill. I have missed doses before and know what the withdrawls feel like and I feel I have no choice but to withstand them this time to finally get this drug out of my system. I am curious why there has never been legal action taken against these makers. I am very interested in seeing what can be done legally if anyone else is interested as well, please feel free to email me:
> [email protected]
>
> Good Luck to you all (having temporary success or trying to rid yourself of this drug)
> Becky
>
>
> > >
> > > Why is all this being discussed on an obscure web site and not on 20/20 or Dateline? Why would a drug be made available to already depressed persons, that will ultimately make them more depressed and unbalanced? Why does asking these questions make me the insane one?
> >
> > ---
> >
> > Hell no. I agree with you 100%. I'm actually having pretty severe withdrawal effects from Lexapro. I had NO idea these were withdrawal effects.. well, I had a theory that might be what was causing me to feel so bad, but now that I read all these posts, I'm sure that is what was/is going on.
> >
> > Anyway, back to the point... It's shocking that there are so few doctors that are unaware of the withdrawal symptoms from these medications. I asked a few doctors and none of them knew what was happening to me! I LUCKILY found this web site, and now I know.
> >
> > I would love to see a 20/20 or similar type media broadcast discussing the *dangers* of these medications.
> >
> > I'm not a fan of the sue everyone for everything mentality, but I would love to see the makers of Effexor (and other meds) slapped with a major lawsuit. By law, these guys have to list the side effects of the medications they advertise. Well, on the Effexor commercial, I didn't hear anything about withdrawal symptoms.. nor did I read any in they documentation I got at the doctor's office.
> >
> > It sounds like some of you have had better experiences than I have as far as medical treatment has been concerned. I'm seen *many* doctors, and I got say, the average Kindergarten student is more informed.
>
Excuse me, but if you don't like the drug, don't take it. It is your choice, if it doesn't work or makes you feel bad, then it is not the right drug for you. But don't take it out on the rest of us by trying to make the manufacturer of a perfectly good take the AD off the market. Every medicine known to mankind has side effects, sometimes we live with them, and other times the cure is worse than the desease. That is the way medical science works.
Posted by sufferfromeffexor on August 30, 2003, at 6:59:34
In reply to Re: electric shocks proper stopping of Effexor, posted by Johnlund on August 29, 2003, at 22:26:52
Well excuse me, but I am not talking about having side effects while ON the medication...I realize they all have some, what I am talking about is the lack of education on the withdrawls coming OFF the medicine. I have been trapped on this medicine for 8 years ONLY because the withdrawls are so severe when stopping this medicine. That is NOT fair. I wished I would have been told of these things before taking it so I could have made a better decision to take it. I don't mind experiencing a minor withdrawl or two when coming off the medication, but I do mind that it has totally STOPPED my life until they are over with. I don't have a job because of the symptoms, I wouldn't be able to function...I shouldn't have to put my life on hold or stay on something for 8 years because of the fear of stopping a medication. This is what I am angry about and I have that right! So what works for you is great and more power to ya, but wait until you stop this medication...Good luck to you!
Posted by bsho on August 30, 2003, at 17:33:15
In reply to Re: electric shocks proper stopping of Effexor, posted by Johnlund on August 29, 2003, at 22:26:52
I heard an ad on TV for a journal-type show talking about Paxil withdrawal symptoms. I didn't actually see the show, because I was on vacation. Did anyone see the show? If so, did they mention Effexor too, or just Paxil?
Posted by Kira1 on August 30, 2003, at 18:42:31
In reply to Re: Discontinuing Effexor Krystal » CrystalThacker, posted by Leo on February 16, 2001, at 18:10:44
We all had our reasons for starting on effexor, and mine were legitimate and situational in nature. As a short-term effexor consumer (one month) the symptoms included dry mouth, vertigo, depression, TMJ,lack of focus and indifference to life events and major decisions at hand. Quite honestly, it was like my brain slowed down and this previous articulate and competent person was marginally fuctional. No feelings. No nothing.When I quit "cold turkey" despite horror stories, I was more fortunate than many consumers. (headaches, fatigue)
Here is the problem...One month later I had two days that felt like my "old effexor state"--depressed, foggy state. Just not me. I was only on this med for a month! An R.N. said she heard of that experience before and it would go away. Did anyone else experience relapses into the foggy state on occasion? Anyone know why??? Thanks! Kira1
Posted by tacky1 on August 30, 2003, at 22:46:51
In reply to Re: Withdrawals from Effexor....., posted by michelle29 on August 27, 2003, at 22:44:23
I am so happy that I accidentally found this message board. Effexor XR worked great for me, but I felt it was time to go off the medications. I was unaware of any withdrawal symptoms! My dose was gradually decreased from 150mg to 75mg for 1 week, then 37.5mg for 1 week. I didn't even realize what I was experiencing were withdrawals. I actually joked about having a serious neurological disorder or something. My symptoms were as follows: Headaches, light-headedness, uncoordination(loss of balance occassionally), insomnia, mental fogginess(unable to make sense of things or vocalize thoughts properly), nausea, cough, fatigue, really bad PMS, irritability, tender breasts, emotionally sensitive. I actually thought I might be pregnant or something, I felt so crappy.
If there is anyone else out there with these symptoms let me know. Hopefully my problems can help someone else out there.
It is really comforting to know that other people have experienced similar reactions. I thought there was something really wrong with me! The only question I have now it how long until these horible symptoms subside?!
Posted by Helaine on August 31, 2003, at 10:46:54
In reply to Re: Withdrawals from Effexor..... » michelle29, posted by tacky1 on August 30, 2003, at 22:46:51
Dear Michelle29:
I had all those symptoms and more minus the sore breats while taking effexor!! My kids would say that their mom has 24-7 PMS..even I could not stand myself. SO I too stopped taking the effexor xr 37.5 mg weaning off little by little. I did feel jittery and my mind was a little foggy while I stopped. But, thats how I felt while i was on it .
Now 2 weeks after weaning off and no effexor I feel GREAT..No withdrawels left (I hope I'm out of the woods)
Like I have said before...when i started the effexor my dr mainly gave it to me for depression and MENopause. Having taken it..I now feel that what I was suffering before effexor was NOTHING, as compared to how awful it made me feel when I was on it. So, in a ironic kind of way effexor did make me better! It made me feel worse when taking it to realize I was better off before.
My pount is..hang in there..the withdrawels will become less in time. However, if they are bothersome maybe you should tell your MD.
Good luck I wish you well.
Helaine
Posted by sufferfromeffexor on August 31, 2003, at 10:50:25
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Last night while searching other areas on the effects and withdrawls of Effexor, I ran into an online petition that I signed. Supposedly it is being sent to the makers of Effexor to let them know about withdrawls etc...if anyone is interested, the website is
http://www.PetitionOnline.com/effexor/
Posted by zoobie on August 31, 2003, at 18:17:16
In reply to Re: Online Petition!, posted by sufferfromeffexor on August 31, 2003, at 10:50:25
Thank you so much for the link, I went to the site and "signed" immediately.
Posted by Angelina on August 31, 2003, at 18:21:27
In reply to Re: Withdrawals from Effexor....., posted by michelle29 on August 27, 2003, at 22:44:23
Does anyone know of ANYTHING that helps combat the WITHDRAWAL(not "discontinuation symptoms")? Any vitamins or supplements or ANYTHING to help this???
Posted by sufferfromeffexor on August 31, 2003, at 21:09:50
In reply to Re: Online Petition! » sufferfromeffexor, posted by zoobie on August 31, 2003, at 18:17:16
You are so very welcome! It's all about taking baby steps and this is a start to get awareness out there. =)
> Thank you so much for the link, I went to the site and "signed" immediately.
>
Posted by Johnlund on August 31, 2003, at 22:56:44
In reply to Re: electric shocks proper stopping of Effexor » Johnlund, posted by sufferfromeffexor on August 30, 2003, at 6:59:34
>
> Well excuse me, but I am not talking about having side effects while ON the medication...I realize they all have some, what I am talking about is the lack of education on the withdrawls coming OFF the medicine. I have been trapped on this medicine for 8 years ONLY because the withdrawls are so severe when stopping this medicine. That is NOT fair. I wished I would have been told of these things before taking it so I could have made a better decision to take it. I don't mind experiencing a minor withdrawl or two when coming off the medication, but I do mind that it has totally STOPPED my life until they are over with. I don't have a job because of the symptoms, I wouldn't be able to function...I shouldn't have to put my life on hold or stay on something for 8 years because of the fear of stopping a medication. This is what I am angry about and I have that right! So what works for you is great and more power to ya, but wait until you stop this medication...Good luck to you!Thanks for the feedback. I hope you find a way off the medication. There has got to be some way off of Effexor that can be tolerated while you find a better AD that works for you. Actually, I have stopped taking Effexor for a while and experience all the withdrawl symptoms. It is not fun, so I went back on Effexor. So I have pretty much consigned myself to the fact that I will be on Effexor, or a better AD when it comes along. My point is that it should not be taken off the market, and you are probably right that the termination side-effects should be laid out better. But I would still take it even if ending the drug meant I would die. A pretty drastic statement, but it has given me a pretty close to normal life, and for that I believe it is worth the price, Also, I hope you get better and find a job. Never give up.
Posted by Maeve on September 1, 2003, at 14:11:37
In reply to Re: electric shocks proper stopping of Effexor, posted by Johnlund on August 31, 2003, at 22:56:44
> >
> > Well excuse me, but I am not talking about having side effects while ON the medication...I realize they all have some, what I am talking about is the lack of education on the withdrawls coming OFF the medicine. I have been trapped on this medicine for 8 years ONLY because the withdrawls are so severe when stopping this medicine. That is NOT fair. I wished I would have been told of these things before taking it so I could have made a better decision to take it. I don't mind experiencing a minor withdrawl or two when coming off the medication, but I do mind that it has totally STOPPED my life until they are over with. I don't have a job because of the symptoms, I wouldn't be able to function...I shouldn't have to put my life on hold or stay on something for 8 years because of the fear of stopping a medication. This is what I am angry about and I have that right! So what works for you is great and more power to ya, but wait until you stop this medication...Good luck to you!
>
> Thanks for the feedback. I hope you find a way off the medication. There has got to be some way off of Effexor that can be tolerated while you find a better AD that works for you. Actually, I have stopped taking Effexor for a while and experience all the withdrawl symptoms. It is not fun, so I went back on Effexor. So I have pretty much consigned myself to the fact that I will be on Effexor, or a better AD when it comes along. My point is that it should not be taken off the market, and you are probably right that the termination side-effects should be laid out better. But I would still take it even if ending the drug meant I would die. A pretty drastic statement, but it has given me a pretty close to normal life, and for that I believe it is worth the price, Also, I hope you get better and find a job. Never give up.
>
>************************************************ I just wanted to add a side-bar here... I hope you don't mind....I had the same problem coming off of Paxil.
My doctor at the time (15 years ago) did not believe me... The electrocuting head buzz. So. I took time off of work, unplugged the phone, had my long suffering BF stop in from time to time to check on me, ate or drank nothing but water and chicken broth, shut the draps, and went cold turkey. It was pure hell.
It took about two and a half weeks. When it was over, I thanked every known god and my dad for handing down a very high tolerance for pain.
I've been on Effexor a while and I'm pretty sure it's gonna do the same damned thing.
They say women handle pain better than men. We have babies after all. Squirting out a watermellon is not painless, but I also think its a state of mind too.
Go to a chinese hypnotist, tell him what you are planning, then suck it up, and go cold turkey.
Unless you have a seizure disorder or something that can land you in the hospital, then you should check with your Doc first (who is not listening to you anyway...) cold turkey is the way to go.
I mean, does anyone stay on the same drug 8 years??!! Not in the psych world anyway... And I also think you nead a more compassionate head shrinker who will listen & work with you in feeling better.
It's all about you baby. Don't let 'em sell ya a bridge.
This is not some casual head buz - it's scary and can be a sign of TIA's..... ahhh hmm - so now that I've said all this stuff..... get thee to a new Doctor post-haste young man! Yeah - I'd feel better if you went that route first.
Take care - many thoughts, prayers and good wishes sent you! :)
Posted by harlie on September 1, 2003, at 18:48:19
In reply to Re: Online Petition! » sufferfromeffexor, posted by zoobie on August 31, 2003, at 18:17:16
Effexor has worked very very good for me-I am on my 4'th week and after months of not working I am back to my old self.I am on 300mg a day-It is a miracle.I am going to write a letter to the manufacture to thank them.Thank God-Give it a try and take the bad stuff you read here with a huge grain of salt.No side effects after the first week.
Posted by MOE1 on September 1, 2003, at 18:48:28
In reply to JUST STARTED TAKING EFFEXOR XR, posted by TANYA on January 14, 2000, at 10:48:44
> Hi, I have just started taking effexor xr and I have only been on it for 3 days. I had been suffering from mild depression and sleeplessness. My dr. has also given me tryodozone for sleeping at night. it really helps and I wake up feeling refreshed after sleep. I don't have much of an appetite which to me feels good because I need to loose some weight. The only concern that I have is that I get severely tired during the day when taking the effexor xr the dr. said he wants me to take it during the day so that it will give me energy, but i haven't experienced that yet. I know it's only been 3 days, but am worried that I don't want to feel this exhausted during the day while taking it. Did anyone else experience this and if so how long before it went away?
> thanks,
> tanyaHey Tanya - I read your resonse and i as well am taking effexor xr - my main trouble has always been sleep - i read you took a med called TRYODOZONE - i looked it up on the net and could not find any info on it - do u have any further info on this med -
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