![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 5441 to 5465 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by LittleLeo on October 14, 2003, at 1:07:00
In reply to Re: Effexor is a Great Drug!Online Petition!, posted by LittleLeo on October 13, 2003, at 19:24:54
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> I like effexor but I am having anxiety anybody else had this problem,Ive been on it two weeks today at 75 mg XR.When does it go away...Ive read that it is a common side-effect thanks please help
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> > hi. i started on effexor 10 days ago, and i feel like my old self, after so many years of depression and so many other medications. i take only 37.5 mg, don't want to go any higher, since this is great just right here. i take it in the a.m., maybe about 8 a.m., just before eating. i had sluggishness the first three or four days, but today, and the previous 5 or 6 days, i have had a lot of energy. maybe i'm a little high, right now, but it feels wonderful, and i am more functional than i have been in two years. sleep comes eventually, sometimes not till 2 or 3 a.m., but that's ok, because when i get up, after an hour or less, i'm feeling very good. i have lost weight, not much, but some, and i attribute this to my increased activity level. i took effexor 5 or 6 years ago, but the dosage was way too high, and i didn't want to go back on it. but i'm glad i did, and won't be increasing the dosage, long as this amount works.
> > > > 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.
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> > > What time of day do you take your Effexor?
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> I take at 11 a.m. everyday on the dot
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Posted by Music on October 14, 2003, at 8:29:49
In reply to Re: For Salt_dog » Music, posted by Salty_dog on October 13, 2003, at 23:24:55
Most of the SE's have gone away. Except for the big "O" and dry mouth. But I think it comes from the Wellbutrin SR that I am taking in the morning. My psydoc is switching me to Wellbutrin SR from Effexor XR slowly, but surely. I am doing better, but I still have my bad days. Life is not perfect, but now livable. Well, have a wonderful day at your new job. Congrats!!! on your new job. What do you do? I am a pastor's wife and a loan officer. Well, post me when you can.
Music
Posted by emilyann20 on October 14, 2003, at 13:11:11
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Cam W. on April 12, 2000, at 19:27:33
I have never been to one of these chat rooms before today, but I am SO thankful that I discovered it. Two weeks ago I was at a dress rehearsal for a play that I was in and I was feeling increasingly odd. I was light-headed, I could not form clear thoughts, my whole brain activity seemed to have slowed down. The night before I had slept for 14 hours, a riduculous amount, but I had chalked it up to being really tired and worn out. My speech started to slur and it was so pronounced that a guy in my cast actually commented on it. Another person happened to ask what nationality I was..and I couldn't remember the word "Ukranian" and I got extremely flustered and confusted. In the middle of this dress rehearsal, we got to this part where I had a short monologue and I just burst into tears..I couldn't remember my lines! I told the director I was sick, I ran to the dressing room and put my head between my knees because I thought I was going to pass out. My palms got extremely cold and clammy and everything was blurry. My director got me some cheese and nuts, thinking I needed protein (I am a vegetarian). I continued to feel weak and strange for the rest of the day, and then the it sort of tapered off and went away by the next evening.
Then, this morning, two weeks later, it happened again. I slept for 11 hours and woke up really groggy and confused. I got to work and became increasingly dizzy and faint...my palms and feet got very clammy and I was shaky all over. I went to get some lunch, thinking again that I needed protein and food. That is when it hit me that both times this happened I had forgotten to take my Effexor the previous day. I came back to work and google-searched for Effexor withdrawl symptoms and came upon this sight. I feel so RELIEVED and grateful that I know EXACTLY what is going on! Who knew that skipping ONE DAY could have such severe side effects!!!??
Posted by TT40 on October 14, 2003, at 13:12:07
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have been on Effexor for about a month and my prescription is almost ready to re-fill. I spent time this morning reading through many posts on this conversation log -- very helpful.
I talked with my doc about low energy, lack of excitement about things in life that used to get me energized, feeling wiped out, anxiety, temperment, etc. He put me on 150 mg right away -- no build up to 150. It has helped -- it has mellowed me out, probably helped me with my recent goal of stopping smoking, and my wife and I have both noticed that I am happier, more relaxed, and getting back to the person I was.
What I don't like is that some of the very things I complained to my doctor about have been amplified since going on Effexor. I now take my pill midday because by early evening I would be so exhausted that I felt really strange and thought I could literally collapse at any moment fro sheer exhaustion. If I could somehow take cat naps, maybe this wouldn't be so bad but sometimes it is downright embarrassing.
Another side effect that a few people have mentioned in posts is acne -- I have had more sever acne since going on effexor that I've had in 20 years.
One positive side effect has related to pain -- not sure if it is coincidence or if Effexor actually had an impact. I have chronic low back pain. I've tried physical therapy, drugs, etc. and nothing has provided permanent relief. Over the past few weeks however, the pain has decreased significantly -- to the point I am forgeting about having the back problem -- does this sound familiar???? Is the Effexor helping me relax so much that a physical ailment (herniated disc) is actually fixing itself? Or is it masking the problem and I'll have bigger issues later?
Lastly, I too am having sexual problems like others have mentioned. I can get an erection and keep it up, but I don't ejaculate in the time I normally would. It is embarrassing although I have an understanding wife and we've actually talked about it. Last time we tried having sex, it took so long for me I only finally ejaculated after masturbating for a time. I've tried masturbating more in the shower as well just to see if I can cum, but again, it takes forever and a day it seems (if I cum at all, most often I just give up). Sorry to be so graphic, but this is how my life is currently. My sex drive is down a bit as well, but I think it is further muted because of my performance issue.
Any suggestions? If any of the guys out there have had this problem and been able to deal with it somehow, I open to all suggestions. I plan to also talk further with my doctor about this because I'm not ready to give up sex!
Posted by emilyann20 on October 14, 2003, at 13:48:04
In reply to Sexual, other side effects , posted by TT40 on October 14, 2003, at 13:12:07
Dear TT40, I just joined this group and I thought I'd give you my experience. I started Effexor almost 3 months ago. The Dr. orginally perscribed 75 mg/day and then an increase to 150 mg after 2 days and another increase to 225 if I wanted after 2 weeks....WELL...75 mg proved to be WAY TOO MUCH for me--I am very small--110 pounds, 5 feet 2--and 75 mg turned me into a complete zombie, completely out of it and major leg twitching and shaking. I called the DR. right away and told her about the side effects--she said it would be o.k. to decrease to 37.5 mg a day and then gradually increase to 150 as I felt more comfortable. Well, 37.5 proved to be plenty for the first 2 months. I began feeling better IMMEDIATELY. I've been happy and extremely energetic. I guess my appetite has decreased slightly and I've lost a little weight but nothing major. My sex drive has INCREASED, although now that you mention it, it does take me longer to reach orgasm. After 2 months, the effects seemed to be wearing off slightly so I increased to 55.5 mg/ day (one and a half pills). This is MORE than enough (sometimes I think this is TOO much because it makes me VERY hyper after I take it). I can't forsee increasing the dosage again. The other side effects that I have experienced are jaw-clenching and leg shaking, but these ususally only happen in the morning, on an empty stomach, and AMAZINGLY vivid dreams. My dreams have been EPIC, detailed...good and bad. I've had incredible nightmares, have woken up shaking, kicking, punching, angry--very intense. The only other side effect that I've experienced is the withdrawl syptoms when I've missed a day of pills--very weak, cloudy, dizzy, etc. I will be VERY careful not to miss a day ever again. In conclusion, I am very pleased with the effects..the depression is Gone and I'm planning on staying on 55.5 mg per day.
Posted by emilyann20 on October 14, 2003, at 16:08:37
In reply to Re: Odd bodily sensation, posted by BJL on October 13, 2003, at 12:43:23
I just thought about something that I never attributed to Effexor, but after reading all these comments, maybe its related. Lately my teeth have been really sensitive--more than that actually--they feel like they are tingling. It always happens in the late afternoon, esp. when I am walking..I had no idea what it was and thought I needed some of that toothpaste for sensitive teeth, but I see that some of you experience "tingling" in your bodies. Anyone familiar with a tingling sensation in their teeth/gums from Effexor???
Posted by KimberlyDi on October 14, 2003, at 16:13:26
In reply to Re: Sexual, other side effects , posted by emilyann20 on October 14, 2003, at 13:48:04
I've woken up kicking and punching too. LOL. Darn good thing I don't keep a gun in my nightstand for security!
KDi in Texas
Dear TT40, I just joined this group and I thought I'd give you my experience. I started Effexor almost 3 months ago. The Dr. orginally perscribed 75 mg/day and then an increase to 150 mg after 2 days and another increase to 225 if I wanted after 2 weeks....WELL...75 mg proved to be WAY TOO MUCH for me--I am very small--110 pounds, 5 feet 2--and 75 mg turned me into a complete zombie, completely out of it and major leg twitching and shaking. I called the DR. right away and told her about the side effects--she said it would be o.k. to decrease to 37.5 mg a day and then gradually increase to 150 as I felt more comfortable. Well, 37.5 proved to be plenty for the first 2 months. I began feeling better IMMEDIATELY. I've been happy and extremely energetic. I guess my appetite has decreased slightly and I've lost a little weight but nothing major. My sex drive has INCREASED, although now that you mention it, it does take me longer to reach orgasm. After 2 months, the effects seemed to be wearing off slightly so I increased to 55.5 mg/ day (one and a half pills). This is MORE than enough (sometimes I think this is TOO much because it makes me VERY hyper after I take it). I can't forsee increasing the dosage again. The other side effects that I have experienced are jaw-clenching and leg shaking, but these ususally only happen in the morning, on an empty stomach, and AMAZINGLY vivid dreams. My dreams have been EPIC, detailed...good and bad. I've had incredible nightmares, have woken up shaking, kicking, punching, angry--very intense. The only other side effect that I've experienced is the withdrawl syptoms when I've missed a day of pills--very weak, cloudy, dizzy, etc. I will be VERY careful not to miss a day ever again. In conclusion, I am very pleased with the effects..the depression is Gone and I'm planning on staying on 55.5 mg per day.
Posted by KimberlyDi on October 14, 2003, at 16:16:35
In reply to Sensitive Teeth??, posted by emilyann20 on October 14, 2003, at 16:08:37
My teeth are more sensitive from grinding my teeth at night and clenching my jaws during the day, an unfortunate Side Effect (SE) for me. I have noticed sensitivity on the left side that might be a cavity in the works.
KDi in Texas
> I just thought about something that I never attributed to Effexor, but after reading all these comments, maybe its related. Lately my teeth have been really sensitive--more than that actually--they feel like they are tingling. It always happens in the late afternoon, esp. when I am walking..I had no idea what it was and thought I needed some of that toothpaste for sensitive teeth, but I see that some of you experience "tingling" in your bodies. Anyone familiar with a tingling sensation in their teeth/gums from Effexor???
Posted by pasto on October 14, 2003, at 18:13:49
In reply to Re: Sensitive Teeth?? » emilyann20 , posted by KimberlyDi on October 14, 2003, at 16:16:35
xxx
Posted by zinya on October 14, 2003, at 18:39:29
In reply to Re: Effexor is a Great Drug!Online Petition!, posted by LittleLeo on October 13, 2003, at 19:24:54
Greetings, all
I've been offline a while lately - Partly it was a good sign as i've been relatively more productive lately in my "regular life" ... but now since yesterday a setback with one of my 3-day left-temple intolerable headaches plus now an all-new nerve-lightning pain flare-up in my right forearm that limits my typing and may be a recurrence of carpal tunnel i had in 2000.
I'm still tapering down, at 37.5 mg since Sept 28 and planning tonight to move to half dose (opening capsule - or maybe i'll go to 25 mg - a 75 mg divided in 3rds - for a while first. As i've long realized here and advocated in return, i'm going REALLY slowly, more slowly than my impatient side might want but geared to "Better slow than sorry"... So far S-Es from withdrawal seem to be fairly minimal (these two problems today are unrelated - they happened pre-Effexor) .. Sweating is much less (which has allowed me to do the productive physical tasks until it does eventually kick in enough to make me drip so much i have to quit) and my heart beat has remained normal once again, no longer going crazy. But i also know from reading here that the worst withdrawal risks are in these last stages i'm just now entering...
What i write today to relay is something my chiropractor became aware of and just sent me and it leads to a potentially interesting looking website for other reasons as well as Effexor... Thus read on ... and i sign off for now with hugs,
zinyaSubject: YourLawyer.com Information: Effexor
Date: Tue, Oct 14, 2003, 2:10 AMThe following was sent to you from YourLawyer.com
(http://www.yourlawyer.com)
---------------------------------------------------Click below to view the page:
http://www.yourlawyer.com/practice/overview.htm?topic=Effexor---------------------------------------------------
There are several related pages re Effexor on this website -- including a form anyone can fill out about their experience for a lawyer's evaluation of their "case" -- but i'll paste here one of the key pages of the website:
Overview: Effexor
Wyeth warned doctors that tests showed its antidepressant Effexor caused an increased risk of suicidal behavior in children.In what is known as a "Dear Doctor" letter, Madison-based Wyeth is telling health professionals that clinical studies of the long-acting version, Effexor XR, found a higher incidence in children of "hostility and suicide-related adverse events, such as suicidal ideation and self-harm." No children in the tests committed suicide.
"You should be alert to signs of suicidal ideation in children and adolescent patients prescribed Effexor or Effexor XR (and) reassess the benefit-risk balance" for each patient, the Wyeth letter states.
The caution comes after U.S. and British regulators in June said no one under 18 should take GlaxoSmithKline's popular antidepressant Paxil because it could increase a child's risk of suicide attempts. Pediatric patients already taking Paxil were told to stop use gradually, under a doctor's supervision.
Wyeth's Aug. 22 letter, written by Dr. Victoria Kusiak, North American medical director for Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, said that in a study of Effexor XR's use against major depression, 2 percent of the children reported thoughts about suicide, versus none in a comparison group getting a dummy pill.
Additionally, 2 percent displayed hostility, more than double the rate in those getting a placebo. In a study of patients under 18 with generalized anxiety disorder, 1 percent displayed abnormal or changed behavior; none did so in the comparison group.
The letter notes that the studies did not show Effexor relieves depression or anxiety in children.
Effexor was first approved in 1993; along with the once-a-day Effexor XR, it now generates $2.1 billion in annual sales for Wyeth, making it the company's biggest selling drug.
Visit http://www.yourlawyer.com to learn about current personal injury,
product liability and consumer fraud litigation. If you need immediate
assistance, please call our us at 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).
Posted by Soooz on October 14, 2003, at 19:05:42
In reply to Re: Odd bodily sensation, posted by BJL on October 13, 2003, at 12:43:23
> Soooz, how are you doing today? There are obviously many of us concerned about you. Please let us know!! -Bobbi-
>
>
> > I just found this thread (and I know its an old one) but I am sitting here sobbing as I realize that I was right. If I miss as much as one dose of my Effexor (I am taking 225 mg once a day), I get a tingling sensation through my whole body. It can be my face, my hands, even my lips and teeth which seems to be elevated when I am moving, walking, turning my head, etc. Thursday I called my pharmacy for a refill. It seems they can't get it until Monday? I took my last 3 pills on Friday night so I missed last night’s dose only. I am a wreck. I can’t concentrate. I feel all of the above along with the tingling and even here I feel that I am not coherent, or at least, not to the normal level. The depression from this is worse that any of the depression I experienced before going on the Effexor. I wont give it up. But how do I make it thru another 24 plus hours of this?
> >
> >
>
>Thanks for asking. I am doing worlds better! I called my mother to borrow some of her effexor to get thru the weekend. Within 2 hours I was feeling back to normal again. I made it through the weekend and have picked up my prescription. This board is so enlightening. The pharmacist knew that the half life was short, but didnt expect such problems. He said he would now know to call another store. I wasnt thinking clearly on Sunday or I would have called and asked. Thanks again everyone!
Posted by Larry B. Piercy on October 14, 2003, at 19:15:49
In reply to Re: Effexor is a Great Drug!Online Petition!, posted by pasto on October 13, 2003, at 18:20:49
I was happy with effexor and paxil too - for awhile.
Then I begain to gain weight(40lbs + over 2 years), sleep alot, lost my passion for work and hobbies(and got fired because of "my lack of passion for my work")after 12 years with the same company.
I felt overall happy, but had no motivation to do anything. I look back at the last few years and I wasted them in a drugged stupor. Having no stress or anxiety came at too high a price.But the real issue begins when you reduce your dose, forget you pills on a business trip or stop all together. Anytime of "no stress" is paid for with side effects that would bring an elephant to its knees. 45 days later and the swhoosing noises when I move my eyes have finally left my ears for the most part. But the confusion, lack of concentration, and the HUGE frustration(that leads to unrealistic anger) is still there and I dont know if or when its ever going to get better...
oh and as a male - say goodbye to your sex life.
Posted by Larry B. Piercy on October 14, 2003, at 19:36:08
In reply to Sexual, other side effects , posted by TT40 on October 14, 2003, at 13:12:07
The only good news is that the bad sexual effects last only slightly longer than the prescription. Wish the withdrawls were as tempoary.
Posted by Larry B. Piercy on October 14, 2003, at 19:59:24
In reply to Re: Lawsuit Anyone?, posted by Sufferfromeffexor on October 8, 2003, at 15:36:41
My youngest son had surgery 2 times his first years of life. The release I had to sign stated evrything that could/has/or might ever go wrong and made me question if he would be better off with a tumor over his eye or risk the surgery. The other surgery was an emergency one, but the same form had to be signed before his life could be saved.
Companies are so interested in covering all the possible issues to reduce lawsuits, that you can't tell the "Never happens but we dont want to get sued" from the "almost always happens and is a real concern".
Either way--- the product should "do no harm" as those in the medical field have promised. What other profession is in a prepetual state of "practice" and never warrenties thier work/products. The presciption can almost kill you and you can't even get a refund.
Sorry- still have the withdrawl rage.
Posted by Sufferfromeffexor on October 14, 2003, at 21:03:27
In reply to Re: Lawsuit Anyone?, posted by Larry B. Piercy on October 14, 2003, at 19:59:24
You are right on about the "never happens but don't want to be sued" vs. the "almost always happens". The warning they have finally been forced to put on their lables or insert in the package is a joke! All things have warnings on them because at one time or another a very fluke thing happened and most people don't pay much attention to them, yet we feel sorry for the people that do suffer; however, when the effects happen aren't a fluke but very much a rule, there should be a completely different warning for that!! I feel your anger...I am on my 16th day of being off this medicaton and I still feel very very ill! I have substitued Effexor with Benadryl, Dramamine and Mylanta...what kind of a life is that PLUS it doesn't make it that much better, it only helps me sleep.
majority> My youngest son had surgery 2 times his first years of life. The release I had to sign stated evrything that could/has/or might ever go wrong and made me question if he would be better off with a tumor over his eye or risk the surgery. The other surgery was an emergency one, but the same form had to be signed before his life could be saved.
>
> Companies are so interested in covering all the possible issues to reduce lawsuits, that you can't tell the "Never happens but we dont want to get sued" from the "almost always happens and is a real concern".
>
> Either way--- the product should "do no harm" as those in the medical field have promised. What other profession is in a prepetual state of "practice" and never warrenties thier work/products. The presciption can almost kill you and you can't even get a refund.
>
> Sorry- still have the withdrawl rage.
Posted by zeugma on October 14, 2003, at 23:34:24
In reply to Re: Lawsuit Anyone? » Larry B. Piercy, posted by Sufferfromeffexor on October 14, 2003, at 21:03:27
> You are right on about the "never happens but don't want to be sued" vs. the "almost always happens". The warning they have finally been forced to put on their lables or insert in the package is a joke! All things have warnings on them because at one time or another a very fluke thing happened and most people don't pay much attention to them, yet we feel sorry for the people that do suffer;
This is inaccurate. I take several psych meds, including nortriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant which has been used for almost forty years, and the warning list on the label mentions nothing about discontinuation syndrome. So it's not true that warnings should be ignored because all meds have them. I read the warning labels on all my medications carefully and keep track of what they're doing to me because no doctor is in a position to do that 24/7 even if you are in a hospital. It's a big mistake to take these drugs lightly.
however, when the effects happen aren't a fluke but very much a rule, there should be a completely different warning for that!! I feel your anger...I am on my 16th day of being off this medicaton and I still feel very very ill! I have substitued Effexor with Benadryl, Dramamine and Mylanta...what kind of a life is that PLUS it doesn't make it that much better, it only helps me sleep.
>
> majority> My youngest son had surgery 2 times his first years of life. The release I had to sign stated evrything that could/has/or might ever go wrong and made me question if he would be better off with a tumor over his eye or risk the surgery. The other surgery was an emergency one, but the same form had to be signed before his life could be saved.
> >
> > Companies are so interested in covering all the possible issues to reduce lawsuits, that you can't tell the "Never happens but we dont want to get sued" from the "almost always happens and is a real concern".
> >
> > Either way--- the product should "do no harm" as those in the medical field have promised. What other profession is in a prepetual state of "practice" and never warrenties thier work/products. The presciption can almost kill you and you can't even get a refund.
> >
> > Sorry- still have the withdrawl rage.
>
>
Posted by Dr. Bob on October 15, 2003, at 0:00:14
In reply to testing web site: can't enter post, posted by pasto on October 14, 2003, at 18:13:49
> xxx
See:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#reload
Bob
Posted by Sufferfromeffexor on October 15, 2003, at 2:54:25
In reply to Re: Lawsuit Anyone? » Sufferfromeffexor, posted by zeugma on October 14, 2003, at 23:34:24
<So it's not true that warnings should be ignored because all meds have them.>
I didn't say they SHOULD be ignored (I would never imply that)...what I said is that they are mostly ignored. I am glad you read all your labels, but I on the other hand am used to seeing warning labels on just about everything. I am really just applying this in the "general" not saying absolute! I think it is wrong that your psych meds don't have a warning label, I hope you never have to experience the withdrawals from it. And again, I just want to make this clear, I am not talking about side effects while on the medication (I really didn't have any disabling SE's besides becoming numb to my life)...I am only talking about when you STOP the medication and aren't switching to anything else...I am directly speaking of weaming off and than taking nothing period. I have switched between Effexor and Zoloft, or Paxil etc...and never had any troubles...only when I don't take anything at all have I experiened these debilitating withdrawals!!! I am just angry because I don't want to stay on Effexor simply because I can't come off of it...that is pointless and it shouldn't be required. I am angry because I couldn't find a doctor or get information from Wyeth to help bring me off this med, and so have stayed on it for almost 8 years for nothing!!!
> You are right on about the "never happens but don't want to be sued" vs. the "almost always happens". The warning they have finally been forced to put on their lables or insert in the package is a joke! All things have warnings on them because at one time or another a very fluke thing happened and most people don't pay much attention to them, yet we feel sorry for the people that do suffer;
>
>
>
> This is inaccurate. I take several psych meds, including nortriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant which has been used for almost forty years, and the warning list on the label mentions nothing about discontinuation syndrome. So it's not true that warnings should be ignored because all meds have them. I read the warning labels on all my medications carefully and keep track of what they're doing to me because no doctor is in a position to do that 24/7 even if you are in a hospital. It's a big mistake to take these drugs lightly.
>
> however, when the effects happen aren't a fluke but very much a rule, there should be a completely different warning for that!! I feel your anger...I am on my 16th day of being off this medicaton and I still feel very very ill! I have substitued Effexor with Benadryl, Dramamine and Mylanta...what kind of a life is that PLUS it doesn't make it that much better, it only helps me sleep.
> >
> > majority> My youngest son had surgery 2 times his first years of life. The release I had to sign stated evrything that could/has/or might ever go wrong and made me question if he would be better off with a tumor over his eye or risk the surgery. The other surgery was an emergency one, but the same form had to be signed before his life could be saved.
> > >
> > > Companies are so interested in covering all the possible issues to reduce lawsuits, that you can't tell the "Never happens but we dont want to get sued" from the "almost always happens and is a real concern".
> > >
> > > Either way--- the product should "do no harm" as those in the medical field have promised. What other profession is in a prepetual state of "practice" and never warrenties thier work/products. The presciption can almost kill you and you can't even get a refund.
> > >
> > > Sorry- still have the withdrawl rage.
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by MamaB on October 15, 2003, at 6:28:36
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by emilyann20 on October 14, 2003, at 13:11:11
Emily,
What dose are you on and have you been taking it regularly? Sounds horrendous! MamaB
Posted by loolot on October 15, 2003, at 14:04:20
In reply to Sexual, other side effects , posted by TT40 on October 14, 2003, at 13:12:07
>
> One positive side effect has related to pain -- not sure if it is coincidence or if Effexor actually had an impact. I have chronic low back pain. I've tried physical therapy, drugs, etc. and nothing has provided permanent relief. Over the past few weeks however, the pain has decreased significantly -- to the point I am forgeting about having the back problem -- does this sound familiar???? >>Effexor cured my asthma after nothing else worked. It was amazing. I think it may be because it acts as an anti inflammatory. Thats my guess.
Posted by TT40 on October 15, 2003, at 15:15:27
In reply to Re: Sexual, other side effects , posted by loolot on October 15, 2003, at 14:04:20
Thanks for the feedback -- this input is helpful as I decide how to discuss with my doctor. I think he overdid the initial dosage.
> >
> > One positive side effect has related to pain -- not sure if it is coincidence or if Effexor actually had an impact. I have chronic low back pain. I've tried physical therapy, drugs, etc. and nothing has provided permanent relief. Over the past few weeks however, the pain has decreased significantly -- to the point I am forgeting about having the back problem -- does this sound familiar???? >>
>
> Effexor cured my asthma after nothing else worked. It was amazing. I think it may be because it acts as an anti inflammatory. Thats my guess.
>
Posted by Sufferfromeffexor on October 15, 2003, at 19:31:08
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hello all...I have some sad news. This is my 18th day of being off Effexor XR and I finally caved. I opened that little capsule up and counted out 30 beads and poured those beads back in and took the capsule. I feel really lousy for caving in but heck...I am in complete misery here and no one is giving me answers. My moodiness is no fun for my husband, but than I get annoyed because he isn't being supportive. I hate this stuff!!! Anyway, I said I would keep anyone who wanted to follow my progress, updated and there you have it! I am once again taking Effexor.
Posted by zeugma on October 15, 2003, at 21:15:22
In reply to Re: Lawsuit Anyone? » zeugma, posted by Sufferfromeffexor on October 15, 2003, at 2:54:25
> <So it's not true that warnings should be ignored because all meds have them.>
>
> I didn't say they SHOULD be ignored (I would never imply that)...what I said is that they are mostly ignored. I am glad you read all your labels, but I on the other hand am used to seeing warning labels on just about everything. I am really just applying this in the "general" not saying absolute! I think it is wrong that your psych meds don't have a warning label, I hope you never have to experience the withdrawals from it.
Not all AD's have withdrawals. I withdrew from nortriptyline cold turkey in the early 90's with no adverse effects. The older antidepressants in general have fewer withdrawal problems than the newer ones. This is ironic considering how 'improved' the new drugs are said to be.
Did you have a GP or a psychiatrist prescribe your meds? I can't believe a competent psychiatrist could prescribe a drug like Effexor without giving you a complete rundown on adverse effects, including discontinuation syndromes. Psych meds are powerful drugs, and IMO it is an absolute necessity to communicate fully with your prescriber about adverse effects from your meds, plans to raise or decrease the dose, etc. I think too many people (doctors included) are lulled into thinking that the new AD's are so safe that they can be passed out like candy.
And again,
I just want to make this clear, I am not talking about side effects while on the medication (I really didn't have any disabling SE's besides becoming numb to my life)...I am only talking about when you STOP the medication and aren't switching to anything else...I am directly speaking of weaming off and than taking nothing period. I have switched between Effexor and Zoloft, or Paxil etc...and never had any troubles...only when I don't take anything at all have I experiened these debilitating withdrawals!!! I am just angry because I don't want to stay on Effexor simply because I can't come off of it...that is pointless and it shouldn't be required. I am angry because I couldn't find a doctor or get information from Wyeth to help bring me off this med, and so have stayed on it for almost 8 years for nothing!!!
>
> > You are right on about the "never happens but don't want to be sued" vs. the "almost always happens". The warning they have finally been forced to put on their lables or insert in the package is a joke! All things have warnings on them because at one time or another a very fluke thing happened and most people don't pay much attention to them, yet we feel sorry for the people that do suffer;
> >
> >
> >
> > This is inaccurate. I take several psych meds, including nortriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant which has been used for almost forty years, and the warning list on the label mentions nothing about discontinuation syndrome. So it's not true that warnings should be ignored because all meds have them. I read the warning labels on all my medications carefully and keep track of what they're doing to me because no doctor is in a position to do that 24/7 even if you are in a hospital. It's a big mistake to take these drugs lightly.
> >
> > however, when the effects happen aren't a fluke but very much a rule, there should be a completely different warning for that!! I feel your anger...I am on my 16th day of being off this medicaton and I still feel very very ill! I have substitued Effexor with Benadryl, Dramamine and Mylanta...what kind of a life is that PLUS it doesn't make it that much better, it only helps me sleep.
> > >
> > > majority> My youngest son had surgery 2 times his first years of life. The release I had to sign stated evrything that could/has/or might ever go wrong and made me question if he would be better off with a tumor over his eye or risk the surgery. The other surgery was an emergency one, but the same form had to be signed before his life could be saved.
> > > >
> > > > Companies are so interested in covering all the possible issues to reduce lawsuits, that you can't tell the "Never happens but we dont want to get sued" from the "almost always happens and is a real concern".
> > > >
> > > > Either way--- the product should "do no harm" as those in the medical field have promised. What other profession is in a prepetual state of "practice" and never warrenties thier work/products. The presciption can almost kill you and you can't even get a refund.
> > > >
> > > > Sorry- still have the withdrawl rage.
> > >
> > >
> >
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Posted by shawna on October 17, 2003, at 16:22:13
In reply to Re: Lawsuit Anyone? » Sufferfromeffexor, posted by zeugma on October 15, 2003, at 21:15:22
effexor seems to thrown me into the "change of life" scenerio
>with sweats and flashes and periods popping up any/all the time lightly
>is this normal?
>i have not read that this was a side effect?ALTHOUGH IN THE PAMPHLET IT DOES SLIGHTLY REFER TO ESCOLATING MEAPAUSE
Posted by Nurtureman on October 17, 2003, at 16:38:36
In reply to Re: RE EFFEXOR-DID ANYONE HAVE TINNITUS SYMPTOMS » petey, posted by JANNBEAU on November 14, 2001, at 14:44:37
Did not know until recently that the ringing in my ears was probably due to 225mg daily dose of Effexor-XR I've been taking for nearly a year. Prior to this, I was on a 150mg daily. The ringing in my ears has worsened since dosage was increased but my doctor never made the connection. After nearly five years on an anti-depressant, I'm coming off Effexor gradually starting today.
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