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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by zeldas on September 21, 2003, at 18:40:37
In reply to Effexor XR , posted by kcg33 on September 21, 2003, at 10:21:20
I am one of the people on this board who have found effexor to be a "shock to the system" if not tapered off slowly. THE KEY--taper slowly! However, I have NO complaints about the med itself. Effexor has been one of the best antidepressants I have ever used. So let us not throw out the baby with the bathwater.
I do think, however, people should be told before they go on it that even if you have never had a hard time going off another antidepressant relatively quickly, this one could truly not be such a piece of cake.
BTW--I don't think these drugs are truly addictive-as there is no psychologically addictive component. Even with blood pressure medication -- one must be very careful to lower the dose gradually. And I don't think a blood pressure med. would be called addictive. At least I wouldn't call it that.
To talk about taking it off the market? I really don't follow that. They key--one more time---taper off slowly. I don't get the impression that you were told to do it properly. Every 3 days?--That can be way to fast for some people.
Posted by kellie323 on September 22, 2003, at 2:40:55
In reply to Re: Effexor XR , posted by zeldas on September 21, 2003, at 18:40:37
I took Effexor XR for a year without noticable problems. I was on 150mg once a day for the last six months. Unlike some of the complaints about weight gain and nightmares I had the opposite happen to me. I lost 20 pounds and can't remember ANY dreams or nightmares. My doctor started me on Wellbutrin in addition to the Effexor a month ago. I'm not exactly sure why though since I thought I was having alot of success with just the Effexor.
I decided to take my self off both medications. Everyone I talked to said to taper off slowly but I just went cold turkey. On the fourth day without any meds I flipped out. I became violent and irrational and seriously wanted to die. I'm not sure if this had to do with new problems I was having or was a withdrawl symptom. Needless to say, at the time I really didn't care.
It's been twelve days now without any medication at all and I feel great. I am looking into more natural ways to deal with my depression and am hopeful for the future now. I do take Benadryl everyday because of sinus congestion(a withdrawl side effect?). It makes me a little tired but nothing I can't deal with. I hope people who are prescribed any medication will learn how to research the drug before deciding to take it. I trust doctors to a point but they are only human and don't always know whats best for everyone.
Posted by willie on September 22, 2003, at 7:27:23
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi Zinya...no worries about getting back to me so quickly, I only check the board every other day too. We are heading off to Lakeland, FLA on the 9th of October. We go every year during our Canadian Thanksgiving (Oct. 13th).
I'm anxious to go...work has been pretty stressful. I don't think I'd be able to handle all this work without effexor. I think back to when I was not on the drug and the pressure I was under was not as much as I am today. Tons of work and deadlines.
I wonder if there is anything out there to counteract the weight gain of effexor? I've got to get all new fall clothes because I don't have anything to fit me anymore. I'm close to 20lbs heavier than I was this time last year. I'm starting a couple of classes during the evening (cardioboxing and palates) which I hope to help in that area.
Take care...Willie
Posted by BJL on September 22, 2003, at 9:52:05
In reply to Re: Effexor XR , posted by kellie323 on September 22, 2003, at 2:40:55
I just thought that I'd mention if you are taking Benadryl for sinus congestion, it's not meant for that. It's an antihistamine....itchy, sneezy feelings, rashes, that type of stuff is what it works for...allergies. It's not a decongestant. Sudafed is a decongestant. Of course, they say Benadryl works for withdrawals...I am tapered down to 37.5 mg of Effexor and starting to get the withdrawals, but not seriously yet, mostly in the afternoons. And, I definitely am feeling a mood change. When my husband came to bed last night, I was wanting him to just GO AWAY. I mean I actually was disgusted that I had to sleep next to him and wanted the bed to myself. This is wierd because I adore my husband and always love to snuggle up to him. I hope this feeling goes away. It scares me.
Posted by Brad_HNL on September 22, 2003, at 18:49:03
In reply to can't sleep lying down..., posted by Alabama on September 15, 2003, at 22:23:14
Yeah -- I've had the same experience, except instead of my jaw it has been my feet. Very glad to hear you say this, thought I was going a bit (more) nutty. For me, it's nearly every night, and it's nearly all the time I am off more than 3 hours on a given dose. I can be dead ragged tired, lie down, and my feet start jumping and twitching. I sit up and I can doze off, though never for very long. These symptoms usually last 4-6 hours after I take it. I am on 225 mgs a day but have dropped myself to 150, and they seem to be less severe at this level. Given my schedule and the fact that we are supposed to take it with food, I can't always follow a 6:30/18:30 schedule. I have never missed more than a dose since I started on it in March.
hope this helps!
Brad
Posted by Salty_Dog on September 22, 2003, at 18:55:53
In reply to Re: Effexor XR , posted by zeldas on September 21, 2003, at 18:40:37
I agree with Zeldas, we should not forget the positive effects.
Almost every serious medication I have taken indicates not to stop takening the med until you have consulted with your Dr.
The Manufacturing leflet found in the bottle at the Pharmacy will indicate withdrawl problems and indications. I know, I have about 20 of them and they all indicate withdrawl problems.I am currently have adverse effects from a med called Lamictal. I followed the instructions to the letter and sure enough, I got the rash all over my face and some of my chest in the last three days. I see my Nuerologist tomorrow. I saw my regular Dr. today and he reinforced my feelings.
I am still taking 600 mg of Effexor XR daily with predictable sweating behind my knee's and on my back. I stops the minute I get near a Dr. :)
I am completely free of depression. I also take Neurontin to eleviate the jitters from that high of a dose of Effexor. I will be stopping the Neurontin as suggested (tapper off) by my Dr.Effexor XR is working where all else fails.
Posted by skp on September 23, 2003, at 8:28:55
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by Shel on July 18, 2000, at 1:35:45
I'm having terrible 'white noise' and ringing in my head on Effexor 75xr..and have been on it for 2 weeks now..is this normal??
Posted by skp on September 23, 2003, at 8:32:38
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by Shel on July 18, 2000, at 1:35:45
I have been on Effexor 75xr for 2 weeks now, it doesn't seemed to have helped the depression yet...should I wait, and how long does it usually take to work?
Also been having many side effects, worse one being sinus problems...I have looked at all listed side eefects, but cannot find this one...has this effected anyone else in this way?
Posted by KimberlyDi on September 23, 2003, at 8:37:57
In reply to Re: Effexor XR , posted by kellie323 on September 22, 2003, at 2:40:55
I agree that more people should have information on the difficulty of withdrawal on some of these SSRI's. I also believe that doctors should all be informed of a withdrawal procedure that WORKS. I have my plan written down.
1. 1 months supply of 100mg X 2 daily of the Immediate Release (IR) Effexor.
2. 1 months supply of 75mg X 2 daily of the IR Effexor.
NOTE: both of these have the capability of being broken down into smaller pieces, meaning you could stretch the withdrawal process out for several months if needed, and not use the remaining.
3. 1-2 months Anti-Vertigo/Anti-Naseau med.
4. Low dosage of another SSRI-type AD (maybe Prozac) to fool the brain, OR the next AD I might decide to try.About sinus problems, I've noticed that when I'm not emotionally centered/stable and not feeling well, my allergies are worse. If I don't take care of myself, my allergies are worse. If I drink, the same. And BTW, everyone is having allergy problems right now at work. It's something in the air. So, just take care of yourself and wait for the allergy season to pass.
KDi in Texas
Posted by BJL on September 23, 2003, at 9:40:38
In reply to sinus headaches form Effexor?, posted by skp on September 23, 2003, at 8:32:38
YES!! I am down to 37.5 mg (today is my last day on that and I'm off....scared). Anyway, I have been noticing my sinuses are getting more congested and that my forehead at my eyebrows is aching more and more....like sinus pressure. I'd say it must be more than coincidence.
Posted by JaneB on September 23, 2003, at 9:56:18
In reply to sinus headaches form Effexor?, posted by skp on September 23, 2003, at 8:32:22
> I have been on Effexor 75xr for 2 weeks now, it doesn't seemed to have helped the depression yet...should I wait, and how long does it usually take to work?
> Also been having many side effects, worse one being sinus problems...I have looked at all listed side eefects, but cannot find this one...has this effected anyone else in this way?Yes, I had sinus problems on Effexor. But try convincing a doctor!
Posted by skp on September 23, 2003, at 10:32:42
In reply to Re: sinus headaches form Effexor?, posted by JaneB on September 23, 2003, at 9:56:18
> > I have been on Effexor 75xr for 2 weeks now, it doesn't seemed to have helped the depression yet...should I wait, and how long does it usually take to work?
> > Also been having many side effects, worse one being sinus problems...I have looked at all listed side eefects, but cannot find this one...has this effected anyone else in this way?
>
> Yes, I had sinus problems on Effexor. But try convincing a doctor!Did the symptoms go away..and what were they like for you...do u think they were related to Effexor? I have trouble with sinus congestion and this causes headaches...also extreme 'white noise' in my head all the time! Psy say it's not linked!
Posted by Music on September 23, 2003, at 10:36:08
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I get head aches often. Right above the eyebrow usually as well. I am on 150 mg Effexor XR twice daily. Any suggestions for relief?
Music
Posted by zeldas on September 23, 2003, at 10:45:59
In reply to sinus headaches form Effexor?, posted by skp on September 23, 2003, at 8:32:22
> I have been on Effexor 75xr for 2 weeks now, it doesn't seemed to have helped the depression yet...should I wait, and how long does it usually take to work?
> Also been having many side effects, worse one being sinus problems...I have looked at all listed side eefects, but cannot find this one...has this effected anyone else in this way?Also--I am not sure if 75mgs. is even a therapeutic dose (high enough). It took 3 weeks for effexor to kick in for me at 150 mgs.
Posted by zeldas on September 23, 2003, at 10:56:27
In reply to Re: sinus headaches and noise from Effexor?, posted by skp on September 23, 2003, at 10:32:42
Most side effects diminish within a few weeks. And you have not been on this medication very long or at a very high dosage. Maybe you should visit your doc. I wouldn't give up on it yet.
Posted by skp on September 23, 2003, at 11:14:19
In reply to Re: sinus headaches and noise from Effexor?, posted by zeldas on September 23, 2003, at 10:56:27
thanks for advice...It's a relief to find this site!
I am on the 75mg Effexor extended release...and have been for 2 weeks...no change to my mood yet, still feel low, but also vey tired and distant!
The worse bit is the sinus headaches...has anyone else had sinus related problems on Effexor, and did it eventually go away?
Also the noise in my head ...it's like Iv'e been to a 'Trash Metal' gig...what's all that about?!
Posted by slinky on September 23, 2003, at 15:27:33
In reply to sinus headaches form Effexor?, posted by skp on September 23, 2003, at 8:32:22
> Also been having many side effects, worse one being sinus problems...I have looked at all listed side eefects, but cannot find this one...has this effected anyone else in this way?Hi..
Yes..this is one reason why I am now stopping efexor- sinus and eye pain.
Posted by kellie323 on September 23, 2003, at 16:43:01
In reply to Re: sinus headaches form Effexor? » skp, posted by slinky on September 23, 2003, at 15:27:33
I appreciate the feedback from everyone on this site. I have been off Effexor for almost two weeks and still have sinus pain and headaches every day. Benadryl and Sudafed seem to help. I also take Motrin when it gets too bad. I have researched vitamins and minerals and have decided to try that approach instead of the less natural ways that apparently haven't worked. My mood is better now and I'm able to deal with the problem that caused the depression in the first place. Trust your insticnts.
Posted by Salty_Dog on September 23, 2003, at 20:33:29
In reply to Re: sinus headaches and noise from Effexor?, posted by zeldas on September 23, 2003, at 10:55:28
I will re-afirm what Zeldas has posted. Talk to your Dr.. I used to blame every thing on whatever current medication I was on, until I remembered what I teach every Jr. Systems Engineer, assume there are more than one problems occuring at the same time. In other words, look outside the box. I have had a ringing in my left ear ever since I was in the Navy.
I blamed the Navy for destroying my hearing when indeed I had perfect hearing in both ears when I left the Navy. My ringing has a name - Tinnitus which occurs frequently in the general population( along with bad spelling) with or without meds to blame it on. My sinus headaches come and go entirely without permission from the noise in my left ear.
You may have the misfortune to have this as a side effect, in which case it will pass with time.
I have invented every side effect you can think of, but the one thing I have counted my blessing for is the absence of depression. I am at 600 mg so you can imagine the depression my Dr. saw me going through. I had not responded to 300 mg for an entire year but I didn't have alternatives. I had already had a gran mal seizure on Wellbutrin SR. The only side effect I now have is occutional sweating behind the knees and in the small of my back. I am sure by this time next week, the sweating will be history. I had to stop taking Lamctal due to rashes and hives which could led to more complications (even death).
Good luck, keep busy and 'all things will come to pass'.
Posted by Jasmine Neroli on September 23, 2003, at 22:59:25
In reply to Re: sinus headaches and noise from Effexor? » zeldas, posted by Salty_Dog on September 23, 2003, at 20:33:29
OMG! I was on Effexor for a week at 75mg per day, before my current meds......and I had TERRIBLE sinus pain right between the eyes and above and around them. Didn't think for a minute it could be the Effexor! Didn't go away until about 2 weeks after I stopped it. That has solved a mystery for me.
Hope you are doing better now!
Posted by skp on September 24, 2003, at 5:35:32
In reply to Re: sinus headaches and noise from Effexor?, posted by Jasmine Neroli on September 23, 2003, at 22:59:25
> OMG! I was on Effexor for a week at 75mg per day, before my current meds......and I had TERRIBLE sinus pain right between the eyes and above and around them. Didn't think for a minute it could be the Effexor! Didn't go away until about 2 weeks after I stopped it. That has solved a mystery for me.
> Hope you are doing better now!
Have been on Effexor 75xr for over 2weeks now, and the sinus pain, is def not my imagination..also the buzzing in my head is extreme....I really hope this goes away, also I thought the Effexor would have started working now for bad depression...but it hasn't...how long should I give it?
Posted by skp on September 24, 2003, at 5:38:11
In reply to Re: sinus headaches and noise from Effexor?, posted by Jasmine Neroli on September 23, 2003, at 22:59:25
Thought Effexor was for Anxiety and depression...ummm feeling anxious and depressed on it!!!
Posted by zeldas on September 24, 2003, at 6:02:39
In reply to Re: sinus headaches and noise from Effexor?, posted by skp on September 24, 2003, at 5:35:32
> > OMG! I was on Effexor for a week at 75mg per day, before my current meds......and I had TERRIBLE sinus pain right between the eyes and above and around them. Didn't think for a minute it could be the Effexor! Didn't go away until about 2 weeks after I stopped it. That has solved a mystery for me.
> > Hope you are doing better now!
> Have been on Effexor 75xr for over 2weeks now, and the sinus pain, is def not my imagination..also the buzzing in my head is extreme....I really hope this goes away, also I thought the Effexor would have started working now for bad depression...but it hasn't...how long should I give it?
>
>As has been said several times before here: I found that effexor kicked in after 3 weeks. 75 mgs. may not be a therapeutic dose. Ask your doc about raising it. Side effects like headache generally diminish.
Posted by zeldas on September 24, 2003, at 6:04:03
In reply to How long should I give Effexor?, posted by skp on September 24, 2003, at 5:38:11
> Thought Effexor was for Anxiety and depression...ummm feeling anxious and depressed on it!!!
See your docs about being sure you are on therapeutic doses AND give it some time!
Posted by skp on September 24, 2003, at 6:25:34
In reply to Re: sinus headaches and noise from Effexor?, posted by zeldas on September 24, 2003, at 6:02:39
thank you Zeldas
Not going to raise it as yet, as not so keen taking it anyway, so I'll give 75 extended realease a little more time..just hope the head pain diminish, as didin't feel physically so strange on Prozac or Seroxat!
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