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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by lorily on August 9, 2004, at 8:18:54
In reply to Re: Effexor and Alcoholism, posted by cirrus6000 on August 8, 2004, at 23:22:57
Strykker-- You've got to get to a different meeting. It sounds to be that you're losing faith in the fellowship, not the principles of AA (as you mentioned something like that) I have a group near me that sounds like what you described. Needless-to-say, I don't attend that meeting hall anymore because of it. It's a room full of -- well actually I hear they just sit outside and don't bother to go in, most of them -- miserable people with nothing else to do with their time than go to 3 (or more) meetings a day and gossip, meet their boyfriends/girlfriends (while their spouse is out there working their butts off) complain about the spouses, kids, life is sooooo hard blah blah blah. Yet, they choose to come on back day after day, week after week, and do nothing to change their "problems" Which is totally against the principles of AA.
Don't get me wrong, there was a time when I needed to be at that place every single day, over and over again. I fought to hear the message of AA, not the dry-drunks. I joined a big book study, worked my steps and actually experienced what I'd been hearing about for years of what happens when you honestly work your 4th and 5th steps. IT'S ALL TRUE!!!!!!!!!!!
Today I go to about 1-2 meetings a week (sometimes) I see people who have good sobriety, listen to what they have to share and go home and on with their lives. I have a network of strong people that I deal with. I listen to people who are where I was and try to help. AA isn't meant to be dry-drunk hangout, It's meant to teach us how to live our lifes, not make a room full of sick people our lifes.
For me, Effexor freed me from the depression that was holding me from being able to do these things, opened up that person inside me that had been hiding? I don't think I'd ever have gotten sober if I hadn't FINALLY agreed to try an AD. I always felt there was no hope and that what everyone else got I just couldn't. And effexor worked. I'm off it now for almost a month, I feel great, I live a life. I went to a meeting last night, I hadn't been to one in 2-1/2 weeks and I didn't fall apart.
Some people put AA before EVERYTHING ELSE IN THEIR LIVES some people need to do that. Most people need to do that in the beginning because we don't have a bleeping clue how to even tie our shoes!! Alot of people get stuck there though and that is pretty sad.
Posted by lorily on August 9, 2004, at 8:33:44
In reply to Re: Effexor and Alcoholism » Stryker88, posted by Atticus on August 8, 2004, at 21:51:36
I'll dance with you, Atticus.
You are exactly right about the other activities thing. Unfortunately providers aren't always able to organize these things due to insurance issues, staffing blah blah, but there's no law that I'm aware of that says you can't make a suggestion to the group to do just what you said. Get together to go for a movie even. A therapy group I was involved in long ago even kind of pushed that idea on us. Alot of people don't want to interact with those who know all about them in a different setting though--it makes life to livable ha-ha.
Posted by lorily on August 9, 2004, at 8:44:56
In reply to Today, posted by Louoicu81 on August 8, 2004, at 15:58:43
Linda,
Yes, I've definately had those days, they've gone away though it seems. I guess for me the off-balance thing had me a bit concerned and b----y. I did have my period and a horrible cold the first few days. (the cold lasted a lot longer) but all that has gone away. I feel good, great, happy, at peace. I have a big decision about going to school that's got me stressed out and nervous, but it's not affecting my mood. Maybe I'll run it by you. Hope you have a great day.
Lori
Posted by Dr. Bob on August 9, 2004, at 11:32:42
In reply to Re: Effexor and Alcoholism, posted by lorily on August 9, 2004, at 8:18:54
> Strykker-- You've got to get to a different meeting...
Sorry to interrupt, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding meetings to Psycho-Babble Substance Use. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/subs/20040722/msgs/375619.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on August 9, 2004, at 11:38:25
In reply to Re: Effexor and Alcoholism, posted by lorily on August 9, 2004, at 8:33:44
> You are exactly right about the other activities thing...
Sorry to interrupt again, but I'd also like to redirect follow-ups regarding therapy groups to Psycho-Babble Psychology. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040805/msgs/375622.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by corafree on August 9, 2004, at 18:27:29
In reply to feeling anhedonic on effexor?, posted by sageblue on August 8, 2004, at 17:55:12
It's early, but try make note of what time of day you start to feel anhedonistic. You may be needing that second dose of Eff-XR about an hour before that. I have posted about poor metabolizers. Drugs are used up very rapidly in these people. I just had a panic attack, a long one w/ lingering chest ache, but looked at clock and it was later than I usually take my second dose. I quickly took it. Are you being honest w/ yourself about liking these people you were socializing with, and/or whether what they/you say or do should elicit 'happy'? There is a book called "Telling Yourself The Truth" (can't underline!!!!) I'm always lying to myself. I don't even realize how much I enjoy being alone; someone will show up, and even tho' I may love this person, it bothers me a bit. I need an anxiety med that works. I love my children and want to spend time with them, but I feel anxiety when they sit down to chat. I hope maybe this wasn't off-the-wall for you. Just my 2cents worth? cf
Posted by Normal Again on August 9, 2004, at 21:33:24
In reply to feeling anhedonic on effexor?, posted by sageblue on August 8, 2004, at 17:55:12
very normal especially if you are starting at such a high dose. When i first atarted I had very little interest in anything at all, nothing could get under my skin, the bad things or the good. I was concerned at first but my doctor said to stick with it and once i found "my dosage" it went away after a couple of weeks.
Just give it some time, no worries.
N/A
> hey -- i'm just starting up effexor this week. (50 mgs twice a day.) i'm also tapering down depakote from 500 mgs to 0 this week (taking 250 once), and am on ineral la 80 mgs.
>
> this is to control migraines and to a lesser extent anxiety over illness.
>
> the migraine-controlling factor is working great, but i'm feeling like i'm not really 'there,' not really 'into' what's going on around me. i'm socializing with others, or doing my usual things, and i actually feel -less- interest and joy than before.
>
> does this effect go away? am i wrong to blame the effexor?
>
>
Posted by sageblue on August 10, 2004, at 0:26:16
In reply to Re: feeling anhedonic on effexor?, posted by Normal Again on August 9, 2004, at 21:33:24
blah. i meant to say, that i'm on 25 mgs, divided twice a day.
today i played around with timing and took depakote at a different time -- it seems to be the last depakote pills i'm taking this week, probably strengthening the depressive effects of the inderal.
i can definitely tell when the effexor is in me, though. like a buzz to the head.
Posted by wilsonme on August 10, 2004, at 13:43:22
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 a while now and I wanted to go off of it because of the sexual side effects,so my doctor said he would gradually take me off effexor and put me on wellbutrin. After a week of taking 37.5 effexor xr and 300 of wellbutrin, now I am on just 300 of wellbutrin and I am experiencing flu like symptoms. When are they gonna stop?
Posted by Louoicu81 on August 10, 2004, at 21:46:10
In reply to HELP, posted by wilsonme on August 10, 2004, at 13:43:22
If you are not weaned slow enough for long enough amounts of time, then you will feel sick for quite some time. Take it from me...I am still feeling flu-like, nasty sick feelings and I've been trying to get off of Effexor for about three months. It is horrible, but it does go away!---SLOWLY. Maybe you should talk to your doc about getting off slower. I wonder why your doctor doesn't just add Wellbutrin along with your Effexor? I know that when people are experiencing sexual difficulties while on an SSRI, the doc will put them on Wellbutrin, which works on dopamine and enhances sexual arousal too! Effexor is not an SSRI, but shares many of the properties(it works not only on seritonin, but also on norepinephrine). Maybe you could ask him if that is possible??? That's all I can offer.
Linda
Posted by meow71877 on August 11, 2004, at 13:29:13
In reply to Re: feeling anhedonic on effexor?, posted by Normal Again on August 9, 2004, at 21:33:24
I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on quitting effexor cold turkey. I was on effexor 150mg/day for 10 mo and my insurance ran out. So now I am effexor-free for 4 days now and I need some help. I am experiencing hot flashes, these woo-woo things in my head to my fingertips, nervousness, nausia plus more. I don't want to tell my employer what is going on but it is soooo hard trying to get through the day like this. Any advice would be really great!
Posted by crazychickuk on August 11, 2004, at 17:35:32
In reply to Quit Effexor cold turkey, posted by meow71877 on August 11, 2004, at 13:29:13
#Hi i quit cold turkey and experienced the same amount of withdrawl and symptoms as what others did when they went slowely.. as you aint been on it for 4 days then keep it up, it will all subside in a few weeks.. did you go onto something else? are you taking anything else?
Posted by cpallen79 on August 12, 2004, at 0:55:51
In reply to Quit Effexor cold turkey, posted by meow71877 on August 11, 2004, at 13:29:13
Hey there, I think you should get back on effexor and then taper off slowly, it can be difficult and quitting cold turkey is a bad idea... Get soem samples from your doc and take as much time as you need.
> I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on quitting effexor cold turkey. I was on effexor 150mg/day for 10 mo and my insurance ran out. So now I am effexor-free for 4 days now and I need some help. I am experiencing hot flashes, these woo-woo things in my head to my fingertips, nervousness, nausia plus more. I don't want to tell my employer what is going on but it is soooo hard trying to get through the day like this. Any advice would be really great!
Posted by meow71877 on August 12, 2004, at 8:17:34
In reply to Re: Quit Effexor cold turkey--meow71877, posted by crazychickuk on August 11, 2004, at 17:35:32
I am still taking 100mg of wellbutrin daily until that runs out but I used to be on 300mg of that so I know the side effects of that which aren't anything like this. I feel a little better today than yesterday so I hope that means it is getting out fast. There were actually 2 times yesterday where I felt "normal" I can't wait until I feel totally normal again!
Posted by lorily on August 12, 2004, at 8:33:35
In reply to Re: Quit Effexor cold turkey--meow71877, posted by meow71877 on August 12, 2004, at 8:17:34
Hang in there, all of a sudden one day you'll say "wow, I feel great again"
Posted by wilsonme on August 12, 2004, at 11:15:09
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi, does anyone have any OTC suggestions that will help with the withdrawal from Effexor? I am having terrible headaches and nausea!
Posted by lorily on August 12, 2004, at 17:53:56
In reply to Need help with effexor withdrawal, posted by wilsonme on August 12, 2004, at 11:15:09
I'm still having headaches. Extra strength tylenol. I also used benadryl and dramamine, seemed to help with the equilibrium-nausea
Posted by wilsonme on August 13, 2004, at 9:47:22
In reply to Re: Need help with effexor withdrawal » wilsonme, posted by lorily on August 12, 2004, at 17:53:56
Thanks, I have been taking benadryl and my doctor prescibed something for the nausea. But I am so
MEAN, I am grouchy and just want to cry all the time. I don't want to go back on effexor, but I hope the wellbutrin kicks in.
Posted by sanityplz on August 13, 2004, at 9:59:40
In reply to Need help with effexor withdrawal, posted by wilsonme on August 12, 2004, at 11:15:09
Hi! I've been trying to get off effexor now and I found the only thing that has helped the headaches is Excedrin or a store brand containing the same ingredients. As far as the tingly feeling goes I would love a suggestion on how to get rid of that! So far I have not experience nausea. SanityPlz
Posted by lorily on August 13, 2004, at 10:38:43
In reply to Re: Need help with effexor withdrawal, posted by wilsonme on August 13, 2004, at 9:47:22
The "meanness" goes away. I haven't been taking anything and it still went away. I, too, was scared I'd have to stay on them, that maybe I had made a mistake trying to get off them, and THAT caused some fear which made me meaner, I guess (LOL) but it all went away.
Here's the kicker.....I am planning on quitting those cigarettes!!!!!!!!!!!! I've had the nicoderm cq s sitting on my dresser all ready to go. (by the way, I purchased them through e-bay for half the price) SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO that meanness just may be coming back here and there, but at least I'll know it's only nicotine withdrawal and I can make it through.
I can make it through anything.
Posted by hb on August 13, 2004, at 10:39:02
In reply to Re: Need help with effexor withdrawal » wilsonme, posted by sanityplz on August 13, 2004, at 9:59:40
I recently went off venlazafene after being in a trial study. I had stroke like symptoms (two weeks of agitation, headaches - then slurred speech, difficulty walking, etc) and had to be hospitalized. Has anyone had similar reactions? I was discontinued from the medication cold turkey.
Posted by lorily on August 13, 2004, at 10:44:39
In reply to Re: Need help with effexor withdrawal, posted by hb on August 13, 2004, at 10:39:02
This is just recently?????????? With all they now know about this drug I can't believe they would do that to a human being. that's absolutely disgusting.
Posted by corafree on August 13, 2004, at 13:17:12
In reply to Re: Quit Effexor cold turkey--meow71877 » meow71877, posted by lorily on August 12, 2004, at 8:33:35
> Hang in there, all of a sudden one day you'll say "wow, I feel great again"
Hey Lorily. I was wondering why you went on Eff-XR in the first place, if that's not too personal?! And also, when you say 'normal', are you not on anything? I guess it's hard to understand why someone would start a serious drug like Eff-XR, then stop it. Is it because your brain has been taught how to manage it's serotonin by the Eff-XR, and you now no longer need that? best to you cf
Posted by corafree on August 13, 2004, at 13:20:35
In reply to Need help with effexor withdrawal, posted by wilsonme on August 12, 2004, at 11:15:09
> Hi, does anyone have any OTC suggestions that will help with the withdrawal from Effexor? I am having terrible headaches and nausea!
Tigan is a scrip that's good for nausea. Excedrin was always my best eliminator for HAs. There is OTC nausea medication. Maybe you should give a 'flu' OTC med a try. Just some suggestions. cf
Posted by lorily on August 13, 2004, at 14:17:48
In reply to Re: Quit Effexor cold turkey--meow71877 » lorily, posted by corafree on August 13, 2004, at 13:17:12
CF I finally agreed to take an AD after years of trying to fight depression on my own. I am also an alcoholic (in recovery) I also have hypothyroidism (which is a major factor in depression) and I was taking depo-provera injections. After my last near-death experience with alcohol I agreed to try an AD, I had heard others experience with how wonderful their experience with it was and took it. At the same time I got my thyroid levels leveled, stopped the depo shots and was finally able to work the program of Alcoholics Anonymous properly. With all of those things in my favor, the desire to be med-free, and not controlled by a substance or a doctor, and the knowledge that depakote has horrible side effects to a fetus and the effects of effexor is unknown, and I am not willing to have an abortion at this point in my life, and the willingness to use another, safer medication if I had to, I decided to give it a try. Maybe I never needed it==maybe the depression was due to my thyroid problems and the depo shots? Who knows?
But I do know that I did the right thing taking it, apparently, hopefully it didn't cause me any harm and I'm free.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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