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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by camel on November 20, 2003, at 12:36:43
In reply to Compare Prices, posted by Lacey2001 on November 20, 2003, at 12:28:45
Tanya....in our area Price Club/Costco are the CHEAPEST. Sometimes as much as 150 percent! Not sure if they have them in Canada.
Posted by zinya on November 20, 2003, at 13:36:58
In reply to Day 2 of No Effexor XR - Withdrawals, posted by Samadhi on November 19, 2003, at 20:55:36
hi Samadhi,
i realized after writing yesterday (in "'Fraid i spoke too soon - about sweating") that it was you who i had written to earlier... Anyway, i did have to backtrack on my earlier assurance to you if you're interested in reading above...For now, is there ANY way you could get word to your md. as to what you're going through and implore him for a "starter pack" for you to use as an "ender pack" to help you keep weaning off ... even though you've gone off already, i'm afraid you haven't seen the worst yet ... It may not seem like it but from 75 mg is a HUGE drop -- like off a cliff really... From everyone's experience here so far, i think it's bad enough just dropping from 37.5 to zero, much less from 75.
As i wrote somewhere yesterday - but perhaps not on here - i spent yesterday as the high (!!) point in a few days of increasingly feeling like i was hooked up to an electric fence! Every part of my nerve system, esp. in my arms and hands completely 'sizzled' or fried... making my carpal tunnel no longer a 'focal point' but now merely the 'icing on the cake' of a whole body-wide network of absolutely crazed sensations...
And my dropoff has been from 9 -- NINE -- mg, which i tapered down to before quitting. It has been seeming to keep the brain shivers and dizziness from being intolerable but sheesh, this is close enough to going thru hell... I almost decided to take a 9 mg again last night in keeping with my own "theory" built on reading a year's worth of people's experiences here almost - i first found this site last week of November last year ... but then before i would have taken it, sensations started to ease up and i decided to forego - The last 9 mg i took was Monday night ... But if it gets as bad again today (kind of so-so for now) i will definitely take another 9 mg ... Taking another dose at same or lower level to combat these horrid SE's does NOT seem to re-addict a person or prolong the agony but truly helps the body adjust to the staggering restructuring of brain it is going through in absence of Effexor.
yuck, aargh, ugh, eek.
good luck, samadhi - boy do i empathize and sure wish you relief!
zinya
Posted by zinya on November 20, 2003, at 13:48:12
In reply to Re: Day 2 of No Effexor XR - Withdrawals » Samadhi, posted by Mercedes on November 19, 2003, at 23:51:04
hola mercedes :)) My, how we think alike yet again...
Just seeing that you had alerady responded to Samadhi exactly as i just did...
No, they don't make 15 mg - nothing below 37.5 ... But, Samadhi, i urge you to consider opening the capsules and dividing the grains up - I did it all the way down -- If you can get a sample pack, take the 37.5s until they're gone and then what i did was to divide 75s into thirds and take 25 mgs for a while (2 of the 75s could give you 6 days) and then divide them in 4ths or 5ths... Or whatever. But you REALLY need to taper off more before trying cold turkey -- and even then don't go cold turkey on your last pill but keep a spare or two so you can go off 2 days and then have a bit to take to ease the SE's on an every other day or every 3rd day basis...
really..
I would discourage you from thinking that this withdrawal is about "being tough" and "sticking it out" -- Seems that doesn't reap any benefits compared to tapering and easing SE's with another mini-dose...
z.
Posted by mercedes on November 20, 2003, at 14:59:58
In reply to Re: Break Through Panic Attacks? » Mercedes, posted by sasha71 on November 19, 2003, at 12:17:25
Sasha, was waiting for Pakostar to respond also but haven't seen anything yet.
I mentioned before that I'd had these "attacks" for 7 yrs. My attacks were very similar to yours except mine were more dibilitating at the 'beginging' of the attack. It felt like my brain short circuit'd, my vision would "stick", double vision, like one eye saw things higher than the other. This would last anywhere from 1-5 minutes. After, I'd have slurred speach, slowed movements, and just wanted to sit or lay down. The rest was just as you explain except that I didn't have the chest pains, I had the brain attack....then the rest exactly like you say, even the embarrasement of having people see me have them. After...I was also spent, had short term memory loss, and a hard time coming back mentally. I had so many tests done, -0- negative results and many many medications.I think the anxiety meds have helped, depression meds, cause I used to have these up to 6 per week, then 4 times a month, and now, uuuuuh....almost none...there I said it & knock on wood. 7 yrs worth: at work, grocery stores, at home, even once at the dr's office and he said I looked/acted intoxicated..... yea, I wish!
Well, I feel for you, cause I know these are very similar to what I had for so long.
Mercedes.....
*******************************
> I guess I'm interpreting "break through panic attacks"
> as having an attack in spite of being on a level of
> medication thought to be theraputic.
>
> My attacks are extremely, physically painful and once
> got me a trip to the ER via an ambulance and I kept
> thinking "I'm too young to be having a heart attack"....
>
> Extreme chest pains, numbness down both arms (usually
> worse in left arm), sharp metallic-like clawing
> rips of pain up through my neck and jaws, difficulty
> breathing, and an extreme desire to not have anyone
> else around - can't tell if it's an embarrassment to
> have someone witness the attack or just not wanting people
> around period.
>
> Typical attack lasts 20-30 minutes leaving me with
> very bad headaches and feeling completely wiped out.
>
> I've had attacks last almost 2 hours. Those can
> take a day or more to recover from.
>
> It is also very hard to come back mentally from
> an attack. I'm left feeling very vulnerable,
> weepy and sad for a long time.
>
> If Pakostar meant something else by Break Through
> Panic Attacks, hopefully they'll post with an
> explanation.
Posted by Lacey2001 on November 20, 2003, at 17:03:55
In reply to Re: Compare Prices, posted by camel on November 20, 2003, at 12:36:43
That is funny you mentioned Costco. I am going there as soon as my husband gets off of work to buy another month's supply of Effexor XR. So far it is the cheapest in Canada too. Thanks for your input.
Tanya
Posted by camel on November 20, 2003, at 17:05:21
In reply to Re: Compare Prices..Camel, posted by Lacey2001 on November 20, 2003, at 17:03:55
Your welcome and good luck!
Posted by Chellie on November 20, 2003, at 17:13:08
In reply to Re: Day 2 of No Effexor XR - to Samadhi and » Mercedes, posted by zinya on November 20, 2003, at 13:48:12
They do have lower than 37.5, i started out at 12.5 and then took 2 12.5 for 4 days and uped from there........
Posted by zinya on November 20, 2003, at 17:49:47
In reply to Re: Day 2 of No Effexor XR - to Samadhi and, posted by Chellie on November 20, 2003, at 17:13:08
thanks for the correction. Is that of XR or the original non-time-release version?? i'm surprised -- well, actually why should i be -- my md. had never heard of it (when i begged for a downramp ender-supply of small doses to avoid having to do my own ad-hoc titrating) and it's not included in sample starter packs...
Posted by Chellie on November 20, 2003, at 20:43:45
In reply to Re: Day 2 of No Effexor XR - to Samadhi and » Chellie, posted by zinya on November 20, 2003, at 17:49:47
Its Effexor XR......thats how my doc started me out. I had been on Lexapro for a month with no results at all so he started me on a sample pack of 12.5 for 4 days and then told me to take 2 of them for 4 days equalling 25mg then bumped up to 37.5 and now at 75. I dont know how they prescribe the smaller doses but I do know that I started out that way so they must have them.
Posted by jeanette on November 20, 2003, at 21:36:25
In reply to Wellbutrin?, posted by Lacey2001 on November 20, 2003, at 12:19:55
i tried wellbutrin alone and it worked well for my depression, didnt sleep much but felt great. my aunt just started taking it a month ago and it's not helping her at all. i guess it just depends on whether you have issues with dopamine or seratonin. im taking prozac now and it's doing nothing so i'm going to go back to wellbutrin.
Posted by Flipsactown on November 21, 2003, at 8:32:18
In reply to Wellbutrin?, posted by Lacey2001 on November 20, 2003, at 12:19:55
Hello Tanya,
I have taken wellbutrin on and off for over 5 years by itself and or with other anti-depressants. Wellbutrin by itself did not help in relieve my unipolar depression. Two good things about wellbutrin, at least in my experience are that it did not cause me to gain weight and secondly, did not effect my sex drive (libido). However, wellbutrin was ineffective in relieving my depression which was the whole point in taking it. I took it with prozac and desipramine but later discontinued wellbutrin since it did not seem to help my depression.
As far as the insomnia is concerned, I currently am taking remeron at bed time and that seems to give me a good night sleep. Remeron is an A/D. I am currently on prozac,remeron and lamictal. Like you, I just wanted to be on one med. However, the 3 meds I am taking now, by themselves would not help relieve my depression because of the poop out factor. Poop out factor is when the A/D has lost its effectiveness because of long term use, in my case 2 to 3 years. I had taken prozac so long that by itself it was ineffective. The same for remeron. Lamictal which is primarily used as an anti-seizure med was added about 2 months ago. Medical studies have shown it to be effective for the treatment resistant depression both bipolar and unipolar. These three meds combo has given me excellent relief of my depression.
I am with Kaiser so I don't know the price difference of wellbutrin and effexor. I took effexor and it made me sick so I had to discontinue taking it. That is my experience. Hope it helps you.
Flipsactown
> Has anyone tried this Wellbutrin alone without anything else? Did it help with your sex drive? And did it help with any of the symptoms of depression? What was the cost compared to Effexor XR?
>
> I am still having sleeping problems even with trying some of the ideas posted on here. I will ask my Dr if I should take Trazadone.
>
> I appreciate any input about Wellbutrin.
>
> Tanya
Posted by MamaCindy2000 on November 21, 2003, at 15:39:33
In reply to Wellbutrin?, posted by Lacey2001 on November 20, 2003, at 12:19:55
> Has anyone tried this Wellbutrin alone without anything else? Did it help with your sex drive? And did it help with any of the symptoms of depression? What was the cost compared to Effexor XR?
>
-------------------------------------------------->
> I am taking 400mg Wellbutrin I’ve been taking it for about 1 month. As I have said, WELLBUTRIN SAVED MY LIFE AND RESTORED MY SANITY. Effexor pretty much destroyed me and my life. I stuck with it (Effexor xr 225mg) for 3 months hoping it would eventually "start working". Everyone’s brain chemistry is different. To answer your question: Wellbutrin alone has helped me tremendously. Occasionally, actually rarely, I take Xanex .5mg.
The Xanex helped with withdrawing from Effexor.Effexor killed my sex drive. Which is very unusual for me. I have a great sex drive now, Wellbutrin helped from day 1.
I still have crying spells everyday, but my fiancé' recently left me because he didn’t understand my mood swings and depression. So im attributing my crying to life.
Today my pdoc added a very low dose of Trileptal
as a mood stabilizer (bi-polar). I don’t really know if I need it. But I trust her very much for getting me on proper meds .
BY THE WAY... The effexor xr was prescribed by my GPdoc NOT my Pdoc
Best wishes,
Cindy
Posted by MamaCindy2000 on November 21, 2003, at 15:40:20
In reply to Wellbutrin?, posted by Lacey2001 on November 20, 2003, at 12:19:55
> Has anyone tried this Wellbutrin alone without anything else? Did it help with your sex drive? And did it help with any of the symptoms of depression? What was the cost compared to Effexor XR?
>
-------------------------------------------------->
> I am taking 400mg Wellbutrin I’ve been taking it for about 1 month. As I have said, WELLBUTRIN SAVED MY LIFE AND RESTORED MY SANITY. Effexor pretty much destroyed me and my life. I stuck with it (Effexor xr 225mg) for 3 months hoping it would eventually "start working". Everyone’s brain chemistry is different. To answer your question: Wellbutrin alone has helped me tremendously. Occasionally, actually rarely, I take Xanex .5mg.
The Xanex helped with withdrawing from Effexor.Effexor killed my sex drive. Which is very unusual for me. I have a great sex drive now, Wellbutrin helped from day 1.
I still have crying spells everyday, but my fiancé' recently left me because he didn’t understand my mood swings and depression. So im attributing my crying to life.
Today my pdoc added a very low dose of Trileptal
as a mood stabilizer (bi-polar). I don’t really know if I need it. But I trust her very much for getting me on proper meds .
BY THE WAY... The effexor xr was prescribed by my GPdoc NOT my Pdoc
Best wishes,
Cindy
Posted by pekostar on November 21, 2003, at 21:38:04
In reply to Re: Break Through Panic Attacks? » pekostar, posted by Mercedes on November 19, 2003, at 11:20:31
Sorry guys! I have been busy with work and child transport.(basketball)
I was referring to panic attacks: heart rate of 140. Sweating, chest pain. I had these for several years and was finally perscribed zoloft. This did help the panic attacks but did not help my depression and outbursts much. I started seeing another physican that decided I wasn't being treated for the correct diagnosis. So they changed my meds to effexor. This helps my depression but recently I have been having the panic attacks agian. The bad thing is, While i think this doctor is on the right track....she seems unsure of prescribing my .5 mg of xanax, of which I have had for the past 15 years. I only take it under these instances of heart rate increase.(this seems to be my clue a attack is on its way) I guess I was wondering if effexor really helps the anxiety, or is it just me?
Posted by pekostar on November 21, 2003, at 21:45:26
In reply to Re: Break Through Panic Attacks?, posted by pekostar on November 21, 2003, at 21:38:04
I don't know if this makes a difference but I take 225mg a day of effexor.
TRUST ME everyone, skipping a day makes you dizzy. But I am greatful for the relief from the depression
Posted by pekostar on November 21, 2003, at 21:50:41
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have been on a lot of different meds. Lexapro, prozac and zoloft. Plus xanax. I am on a high dose, but it does help me cope. I have been on it for about 4 months now (I think) I seem to have some minor sleep issues with it....and the night sweats suck. not taking my dose on time makes me have some strange feelings but I take it and they are relieved within an hour. Personally I think its the most effective drug I have been on.
I will try to keep up with the board a little better.
Posted by pekostar on November 21, 2003, at 21:59:27
In reply to Sleep issue and a few more questions for the board, posted by Lacey2001 on November 19, 2003, at 0:32:09
I also take trazadone to help me sleep. I alternate between ambian, trazadone and xanax. I have always had sleep issues though. I haven't had any side effects from the trazadone. The night sweats for me are the worst on effexor. But its a small trade off considering what I was dealing with before I started taking it.
Posted by micro on November 21, 2003, at 22:50:51
In reply to Re: 'Fraid I spoke too soon (about sweating) :)) » zinya, posted by sasha71 on November 19, 2003, at 12:26:43
> Yup - been there....still there....although not
> as badly as it used to be.
>
> When I was first getting accustomed to E. just
> brushing my teeth was enough to have me sweating
> buckets. I had to take a change of clothes wiht me
> to school sometimes to be able to make it through
> the day without grossing myself out!
>
> As for deciding to get off E. -- my thoughts right
> now, the good I'm getting far outweigh any S.E.
> that I'm having (nightmares included).
>
> I'm able to function fairly well so I no longer
> feel that my children are having to tend to themselves
> and my classroom is being ignored.
>
> I can talk to my husband when he calls without
> immediately going into crying jags.
>
> And in general, the black hole inside of me hasn't
> opened up too badly the last year or so (except for
> about 2 weeks back in August - but extenuating
> circumstances happened).
>
> So - unless published studies come out with
> serious long-term problems of E., I'll stay on it
> until my Dr. suggests otherwise. I have complete
> faith in my Dr. - I love that he has medical
> students come in. That shows me he has access to their
> up to the minute, latest information and he cares
> about passing on the traditions of being a dr.
>
> i am glad you have a great doc. i haven't found one yet and i am one with a good practice, pdocs seem to have their own difficulties to deal with.
Posted by micro on November 21, 2003, at 23:12:09
In reply to Re: Effexor is a Great Drug!Online Petition! » LittleLeo, posted by mdb1224 on November 20, 2003, at 12:19:15
The intake of food does not apparently alter the way in which the drug is bound to proteins therefore, you can take it without food if it does not bother you, but ck your doc if you have any doubts or ck the pdr under method of action or phamacokinetics, metabolism , drig binding etc. Some meds have fewer se with food/ some without ,it depends on the drug!
Posted by lacey2001 on November 22, 2003, at 12:47:17
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I noticed that books posted that they experienced sleepiness and dizziness in an earlier post. I am having that all the time too but the only difference is I haven't suffered from my migraines. I started Effexor at 37.5 mg two weeks ago. First few days I was feeling "drunk" with my sleepiness then it was tolerable. I moved to 75 mg after the first week and now the feeling just doesn't go away ever since I started at that dose.
I have talked about not being able to sleep well so I took 1/4 of Gravol to help with this until I see a doctor. I often wonder if it is because of that. I think it is the Effexor because it has been going on even before I took a Gravol to help me sleep. How long has this feeling lasted for you? I refuse to drive like this because I am not fully alert. The feeling is making the days hard to get through. I seem to be able to sleep for naps during the day easily but since I always have troubles at night, I force myself to stay awake.
I think it will help to know that I am not alone with feeling like this. I wonder if 75 mg is too much for me. I am a tiny person so prescriptions don't always do well for me. I will give it a few weeks because I have heard it could take up to 8 weeks until you really notice an improvement. I hope it isn't that long mind you.Tanya
Posted by Sooty on November 22, 2003, at 17:58:42
In reply to Feeling not like myself, posted by lacey2001 on November 22, 2003, at 12:47:17
I've got to report that I've been getting great results from Effexor XR (started at 37.5 and went to 75 the 2nd week) - and I felt better right from the very start of the meds. The only thing I noticed was I would have the chills every once in awhile during the first few days. No headache or weird feelings at all, 'tho. My doc said the chills may have been caused by the increased blood flow to the extremeties. Feeling sorta guilty to report this because so many seem to be having worrisome results...I'm wondering if my having ADD might be making my experience a little different as most drugs have an opposite effect upon me. I've cut down to about four cups of caffeinated coffee/day instead of 20 (caffeine helps me calm down). I've got fibromyalgia, too, so this drug is really helping to lessen the miserable pain I've had for like 32 years now. Effexor XR has calmed me right down, made me able to concentrate better, dulled the constant pain, and is helping me to sleep like a rock at night! Reading about all the problems others are having with Effexor XR has been worrying me, 'tho. Anyone else out there having good results from Effexor XR? ----Sooty
Posted by camel on November 22, 2003, at 18:58:01
In reply to Re: Anone having good results from Effexor XR?, posted by Sooty on November 22, 2003, at 17:58:42
Absolutely!!! I have not had any probs at all that I can tell. Sleep ok.....bp is up and so is weight but I attribute that to the Paxil I was on for 3 years as I've only been on the Effoxor for 2 months! I'm happy with it so far!
Posted by Sooty on November 22, 2003, at 19:52:25
In reply to Re: Anone having good results from Effexor XR?, posted by camel on November 22, 2003, at 18:58:01
> Absolutely!!! I have not had any probs at all that I can tell. Sleep ok.....bp is up and so is weight but I attribute that to the Paxil I was on for 3 years as I've only been on the Effoxor for 2 months! I'm happy with it so far!
Hey, Camel: Good to hear. TX for typing---Hey---my weight is up, too, but that was from 4 years on Zoloft. Zoloft helped me enough to put up with the extra weight gain; however, this Effexor seems even better. I'm kinda hoping to drop some weight becuz I'm not as hungry, at all. Even if I go up to 5,000 it's worth it for the pain relief I get---FINALLY.
Posted by camel on November 22, 2003, at 19:55:45
In reply to Re: Anone having good results from Effexor XR?, posted by Sooty on November 22, 2003, at 19:52:25
I'm hoping to drop some of the weight too as my GP is "threatening" to put me on BP meds if I don't and the last thing I want is another med!!!! Just gotta get thru the HOLIDAYS!!!lololol
Posted by Sooty on November 23, 2003, at 10:08:17
In reply to Re: Anone having good results from Effexor XR?, posted by camel on November 22, 2003, at 19:55:45
> I'm hoping to drop some of the weight too as my GP is "threatening" to put me on BP meds if I don't and the last thing I want is another med!!!! Just gotta get thru the HOLIDAYS!!!lololol
Good Luck to us BOTH with all the good cooks in this world and how they all come out during the holidays with all their neat stuff, huh? (Fortunately, I'm not one of 'em!) --- So far, my BP is OK, but my doc is wanting a liver function check done on me next month. I've only been on Effexor about one month, is all. I think I'm a little bit thinner, but the old scale is telling me that's maybe wishfull 'thinkin.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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