![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 389 to 413 of 735. Go back in thread:
Posted by Jiggitykid on September 22, 2004, at 7:36:36
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! Lawsuit, posted by Dave001 on September 21, 2004, at 22:36:07
I can only make an informed decision about *my* treatment if I AM GIVEN THE FACTS UP FRONT. The drug company is KNOWINGLY hiding information about this drug and about how ADDICTIVE it is and the HORRIBLE WITHDRAWAL EFFECTS suffered regardless of tapering or quitting cold turkey. They are DELIBERATELY DECEIVING the public and the physicians, and a lawsuit brought against them would REQUIRE that the information from INDEPENDENT CLINICAL TRIALS as well as their own trials be REVEALED TO THE PUBLIC AND TO THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY UP FRONT. This "mentality" you are denegrading is one of protection, for YOU and for ME. A lawsuit would not require that this drug be removed from the market, but that the drug companies do something refreshing, TELL THE TRUTH. That's what this is about.
I ask you: HOW DO YOU PROPOSE THAT ONE MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION ABOUT MEDICAL TREATMENT WHEN ONE IS NOT GIVEN ALL OF THE FACTS, GOOD AND BAD, ABOUT THE DRUG?????? This forum is to share information about reactions, responses and experiences with prescription drugs. That is *my* right.
I also ask you, have you personally suffered the hellish withdrawal effects of this drug??????? I think your opinion would change.
> > I just found this post and thought I'd point everyone to it. PLEASE, do this:
> >
> > http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030407/msgs/216941.html
>
> It is precisely this kind of mentality that hampers medical progress in the U.S. As an adult, I feel it should be within my legal right to decide which medications I am allowed to put in my body, so long as my choice does not pose a threat to others, and does not interfere with *your* right to the same. However, that also carries with it the responsibility that if something bad happens to me as a result, I am also responsible for my consequences. Do you not also want that right? Because you can't have it both ways. The sort of legal action and regulatory measures you seem to be proposing would interfere with *my* freedom to exercise *my* judgment according to what I think is in the best interest of *my* health. The problem is that people want to be able to do whatever they want without taking any responsibility for their actions. Something bad happens and immediately the knee-jerk reaction is to find someone else to blame, to sue, or whatever.
>
> Dave
>
Posted by Jiggitykid on September 22, 2004, at 7:53:43
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by AIK on September 22, 2004, at 7:23:45
Your situation is heartbreaking. I'm so sorry you've had so many things fall like dominoes. I fully understand your frustration about exercise. I'm told to walk - "it's the best thing" - but my hips and knees just scream and the next day my energy tanks are empty. Our culture has made many wonderful medical advances, but when it comes to pain and physical disorders that limit activity, we are still in the dark ages.
I think the decision about what to do about the effexor is one that you need to make with your physician, counselor and husband together. The amount of stress that you are under isn't helping the situation, I know.
I imagine that you've tried just about everything, but have you tried a pain patch? It isn't a cure-all or a miracle, but it does help some because of the lack of gastrointestinal involvment. My mother has degenerative spinal disease, and is using the patch in combination with other therapies and is at least moving some. I've watched her deal with this disease, as well as arthritis, fibromyalgia and other debilitating diseases all of my life, and there are times that I don't see how she continues to function. It gets really, really hard sometimes.
I know there isn't much I can say that will really help you. I hear your frustration and anger, both of which are rightfully yours.
In answer to your question about the future, that is your decision alone. I can only tell you what my experience with this drug was, and that was increased stress, lethargy and utter fatigue. My doctor wanted to increase the dosage again, which is what seems to be the pattern with this drug. Maybe now isn't the time for you to quit - maybe it is. That's something that I, as a non-medical person, can't answer.
However, I will try to put your mind at ease by telling you this - your body is "addicted" to this drug, but you are not an "addict," in the street-drug sense of the word. You are not psychologically dependent on this drug. You are not at fault here. This isn't a moral failing of yours. This is a medical problem only, not a fault or "craving" or weakness of yours. You are in a difficult spot right now and sadly have been prescribed a drug that has given you a bad reaction. Many times, people who have pain disorders are given antidepressants to help with the stress and sadness of dealing with the disease. In many cases, it is the right thing to do. In others, it isn't. I think seeing a counselor, provided he/she is the *right* one, is a good thing and I wouldn't stop that right now. You need lots of support. Your husband also needs support. I wish that I could wave a magic wand and make everything okay for you. All I can tell you is to know that you are heard, you are respected, you are NOT at fault here for any of this, and that you are in my prayers. Please keep posting so I and others will know how you are doing.
> My husband and I have been seeing a counselor to help us with our stress problems and me dealing with my physical aches & pains which keeps limited to the fun, physical things I used to be able to do. My specialists I see for other conditions, tell me to exercise, exercise, exercise. If my back and neck won't let me walk, bend, turn my neck (whenever it decides to stop movement and the pain that comes along with it) how can I exercise? I went through the rehab gambit, water therapy, tried Vioxx then Celebrex which the gastroenterologist & rheumatologist took me off because of a slight ulceration in my esophagus (those meds didn't help either). So I guess what I saying is, does it really matter what's going to happen to me in the future with the quality of life I have. The brain zaps I asked you about; I'm usually in "obvious discomfort" from all of the above I mentioned. "Moody", at times. What I've noticed & need to get a grip on is I'm starting to have Manic states which last for about a minute-which are quite exhausting. Example: I asked my husband's friend if he wanted a piece of cake I made (which is a rarity) and I flipped out on him by speaking to him incesantly, almost without a breathe in between words, on how dare he not eat my cake. This is NOT acceptable behavior. Tomorrow
> (Thursday), I start 1/2 tab of 37.5 in the a.m. and the other half at night. I hope this flies without me getting sick again. If I can't function with my job, getting together my company Christmas Party, getting the invitations out for my 30th Class Reunion, and all my other responsibilities without the Effexor, will I remain an "addict"? Forgot to mention, I am a victim of an assault and the trial is the third week of October. My husband used to say referring to alcoholism, "it's another notch on the bottle". Is this what I'm doing?
>
> > Since I quit taking it cold-turkey and did not taper, I can only refer you to other posts here that people who tapered have written. If memory serves me correctly, the brain zaps and other symptoms did come with the tapering, because each time less effexor is being received into the body, the body goes through that withdrawal. As for an outside physical reaction, I was never informed of one, other that my obvious discomfort and mood, etc. I didn't get to completely go to bed, because I have a small child, and the combo of pain management and help from husband/family got me through this. Not to mention LOTS of prayer, from me and for me.
> >
> > The hardest part of this is probably the fear of what you may be facing. The only advantage to being in withdrawal before I knew what was wrong (I thought I was really, really sick at first) was that when I found out, it was a relief knowing that I wasn't crazy and that I wasn't critically ill. Since I was already on the withdrawal train, I just had to continue to ride. I didn't have to make a choice about when to quit and ready myself for withdrawal, which would, I can imagine, be more psychologically difficult. Do you have another doctor or psychiatrist/psychologist/counselor that you trust who could help you through this? Please take care of yourself, let us know how you are doing, and know that we've been there and are in your corner.
> >
> > > Did these "Brain Zaps" occur after you stopped the Effexor totally, or do they occur when tapering down? Also, along with this feeling is there an outside physical reaction that people will notice who are around me? Of course, when all this stuff starts up I'll probably be a bedriddin zombie like I was last week. Thanks for the info. Good luck with your procedure and hope for a speedy recovery.
> > >
> >
>
>
Posted by Bubblehead on September 22, 2004, at 9:45:04
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! Lawsuit, posted by Dave001 on September 21, 2004, at 22:36:07
> > I just found this post and thought I'd point everyone to it. PLEASE, do this:
> >
> > http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030407/msgs/216941.html
>
> It is precisely this kind of mentality that hampers medical progress in the U.S. As an adult, I feel it should be within my legal right to decide which medications I am allowed to put in my body, so long as my choice does not pose a threat to others, and does not interfere with *your* right to the same. However, that also carries with it the responsibility that if something bad happens to me as a result, I am also responsible for my consequences. Do you not also want that right? Because you can't have it both ways. The sort of legal action and regulatory measures you seem to be proposing would interfere with *my* freedom to exercise *my* judgment according to what I think is in the best interest of *my* health. The problem is that people want to be able to do whatever they want without taking any responsibility for their actions. Something bad happens and immediately the knee-jerk reaction is to find someone else to blame, to sue, or whatever.
>
> Dave
>
Hold on a minute here!! Where is the hostility
coming from?... >medical progress? responsible for my consequences? find someone else to blame, to sue, or whatever?What is your bug here? You definately have my feathers in a ruffle, Dave!
Do you seriously call all of these reactions MEDICAL PROGRESS!?! How is suffering, progress? You are just the type of person I do not want working for these pharmacy companies. All you see is the growth for the drugs and not the damage of the people being used as guinea pigs.
Here is where you truly burn me up. >responsible for my consequences? find someone else to blame, to sue, or whatever?<... That just plain hurts, Dave! I would have thought twice about ever putting those pills in my mouth, if I had known everything. You see, our doctors, pharmacists, whoever... failed to inform us or was not informed themselves about these drugs. They don't know how to solve the problem. They only know how to sign a paper with a 'script on it.
How dare you say we are not acting responsibly! That is presisly what we are doing! We are trying to warn others before thier lives are damaged possibly for life. I personally have never in my life said I wanted to sue anyone before. After nearlly killing myself the other night and realizing it was the withdrawl that drove me to that point...MAKES ME WANT TO BLAME SOMEONE for not informing me! Are you seeing where we are coming from now or are you too stubborn to see the suffering?
Dave, I also was on 450mg of Effexor. Let me tell you, on the Effexor I was completely emotionless. I was dead to feeling. Imagine what that does to your life and your family...relationships suffer greatly!!! Add all the side effects and you have yourself a cocktail for a lower depression than you realize; except you are so numb, you can't do a thing about it. You are so dead, you can't even kill yourself if you were to try. Now, remove the Effexor because of all the problems from it and you just opened yourself a gateway to Hell. Keep in mind, this all could have been avoided "IF" I was properly informed about this medicine. Would that not make you want to "blame" someone and possibly "help" others along the way?
I'm sorry for getting upset Dave. No, I take that back. I'm not sorry. What I am sorry of, is that you either did not know all of this OR you simply are really that harsh. I hope it is the first.
In ending I leave you with something another poster said...
"your body is "addicted" to this drug, but you are not an "addict," in the street-drug sense of the word. You are not psychologically dependent on this drug. You are not at fault here. This isn't a moral failing of yours. This is a medical problem only, not a fault or "craving" or weakness of yours."
Well put Jiggitykid! Thanks for the support!
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 22, 2004, at 16:35:20
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! Lawsuit » Dave001, posted by Bubblehead on September 22, 2004, at 9:45:04
> people want to be able to do whatever they want without taking any responsibility for their actions. Something bad happens and immediately the knee-jerk reaction is to find someone else to blame, to sue, or whatever.
>
> Dave001> You are just the type of person I do not want working for these pharmacy companies. All you see is the growth for the drugs and not the damage of the people being used as guinea pigs.
>
> BubbleheadPlease don't jump to conclusions about others or post anything that could lead them to feel accused or put down.
If you or others have questions about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
Follow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above post(s), should of course themselves be civil.
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Erica22 on September 22, 2004, at 20:53:18
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by AIK on September 22, 2004, at 7:23:45
I was pretty mean grumpy for awhile, around the end of my three weeks off Efexor but Im not like that anymore. It should pass if its part of the withdrawl.
Love,
Erica Ann
> My husband and I have been seeing a counselor to help us with our stress problems and me dealing with my physical aches & pains which keeps limited to the fun, physical things I used to be able to do. My specialists I see for other conditions, tell me to exercise, exercise, exercise. If my back and neck won't let me walk, bend, turn my neck (whenever it decides to stop movement and the pain that comes along with it) how can I exercise? I went through the rehab gambit, water therapy, tried Vioxx then Celebrex which the gastroenterologist & rheumatologist took me off because of a slight ulceration in my esophagus (those meds didn't help either). So I guess what I saying is, does it really matter what's going to happen to me in the future with the quality of life I have. The brain zaps I asked you about; I'm usually in "obvious discomfort" from all of the above I mentioned. "Moody", at times. What I've noticed & need to get a grip on is I'm starting to have Manic states which last for about a minute-which are quite exhausting. Example: I asked my husband's friend if he wanted a piece of cake I made (which is a rarity) and I flipped out on him by speaking to him incesantly, almost without a breathe in between words, on how dare he not eat my cake. This is NOT acceptable behavior. Tomorrow
> (Thursday), I start 1/2 tab of 37.5 in the a.m. and the other half at night. I hope this flies without me getting sick again. If I can't function with my job, getting together my company Christmas Party, getting the invitations out for my 30th Class Reunion, and all my other responsibilities without the Effexor, will I remain an "addict"? Forgot to mention, I am a victim of an assault and the trial is the third week of October. My husband used to say referring to alcoholism, "it's another notch on the bottle". Is this what I'm doing?
>
> > Since I quit taking it cold-turkey and did not taper, I can only refer you to other posts here that people who tapered have written. If memory serves me correctly, the brain zaps and other symptoms did come with the tapering, because each time less effexor is being received into the body, the body goes through that withdrawal. As for an outside physical reaction, I was never informed of one, other that my obvious discomfort and mood, etc. I didn't get to completely go to bed, because I have a small child, and the combo of pain management and help from husband/family got me through this. Not to mention LOTS of prayer, from me and for me.
> >
> > The hardest part of this is probably the fear of what you may be facing. The only advantage to being in withdrawal before I knew what was wrong (I thought I was really, really sick at first) was that when I found out, it was a relief knowing that I wasn't crazy and that I wasn't critically ill. Since I was already on the withdrawal train, I just had to continue to ride. I didn't have to make a choice about when to quit and ready myself for withdrawal, which would, I can imagine, be more psychologically difficult. Do you have another doctor or psychiatrist/psychologist/counselor that you trust who could help you through this? Please take care of yourself, let us know how you are doing, and know that we've been there and are in your corner.
> >
> > > Did these "Brain Zaps" occur after you stopped the Effexor totally, or do they occur when tapering down? Also, along with this feeling is there an outside physical reaction that people will notice who are around me? Of course, when all this stuff starts up I'll probably be a bedriddin zombie like I was last week. Thanks for the info. Good luck with your procedure and hope for a speedy recovery.
> > >
> >
>
>
Posted by Erica22 on September 22, 2004, at 20:53:52
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by AIK on September 22, 2004, at 7:23:45
I was pretty mean grumpy for awhile, around the end of my three weeks off Efexor but Im not like that anymore. It should pass if its part of the withdrawl.
Love,
Erica Ann
> My husband and I have been seeing a counselor to help us with our stress problems and me dealing with my physical aches & pains which keeps limited to the fun, physical things I used to be able to do. My specialists I see for other conditions, tell me to exercise, exercise, exercise. If my back and neck won't let me walk, bend, turn my neck (whenever it decides to stop movement and the pain that comes along with it) how can I exercise? I went through the rehab gambit, water therapy, tried Vioxx then Celebrex which the gastroenterologist & rheumatologist took me off because of a slight ulceration in my esophagus (those meds didn't help either). So I guess what I saying is, does it really matter what's going to happen to me in the future with the quality of life I have. The brain zaps I asked you about; I'm usually in "obvious discomfort" from all of the above I mentioned. "Moody", at times. What I've noticed & need to get a grip on is I'm starting to have Manic states which last for about a minute-which are quite exhausting. Example: I asked my husband's friend if he wanted a piece of cake I made (which is a rarity) and I flipped out on him by speaking to him incesantly, almost without a breathe in between words, on how dare he not eat my cake. This is NOT acceptable behavior. Tomorrow
> (Thursday), I start 1/2 tab of 37.5 in the a.m. and the other half at night. I hope this flies without me getting sick again. If I can't function with my job, getting together my company Christmas Party, getting the invitations out for my 30th Class Reunion, and all my other responsibilities without the Effexor, will I remain an "addict"? Forgot to mention, I am a victim of an assault and the trial is the third week of October. My husband used to say referring to alcoholism, "it's another notch on the bottle". Is this what I'm doing?
>
> > Since I quit taking it cold-turkey and did not taper, I can only refer you to other posts here that people who tapered have written. If memory serves me correctly, the brain zaps and other symptoms did come with the tapering, because each time less effexor is being received into the body, the body goes through that withdrawal. As for an outside physical reaction, I was never informed of one, other that my obvious discomfort and mood, etc. I didn't get to completely go to bed, because I have a small child, and the combo of pain management and help from husband/family got me through this. Not to mention LOTS of prayer, from me and for me.
> >
> > The hardest part of this is probably the fear of what you may be facing. The only advantage to being in withdrawal before I knew what was wrong (I thought I was really, really sick at first) was that when I found out, it was a relief knowing that I wasn't crazy and that I wasn't critically ill. Since I was already on the withdrawal train, I just had to continue to ride. I didn't have to make a choice about when to quit and ready myself for withdrawal, which would, I can imagine, be more psychologically difficult. Do you have another doctor or psychiatrist/psychologist/counselor that you trust who could help you through this? Please take care of yourself, let us know how you are doing, and know that we've been there and are in your corner.
> >
> > > Did these "Brain Zaps" occur after you stopped the Effexor totally, or do they occur when tapering down? Also, along with this feeling is there an outside physical reaction that people will notice who are around me? Of course, when all this stuff starts up I'll probably be a bedriddin zombie like I was last week. Thanks for the info. Good luck with your procedure and hope for a speedy recovery.
> > >
> >
>
>
Posted by Bubblehead on September 23, 2004, at 9:57:01
In reply to Re: please be civil » Dave001 » Bubblehead, posted by Dr. Bob on September 22, 2004, at 16:35:20
> > people want to be able to do whatever they want without taking any responsibility for their actions. Something bad happens and immediately the knee-jerk reaction is to find someone else to blame, to sue, or whatever.
> >
> > Dave001
>
> > You are just the type of person I do not want working for these pharmacy companies. All you see is the growth for the drugs and not the damage of the people being used as guinea pigs.
> >
> > Bubblehead
>
> Please don't jump to conclusions about others or post anything that could lead them to feel accused or put down.
>
> If you or others have questions about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
>
> Follow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above post(s), should of course themselves be civil.
>
> Thanks,
>
> BobI apologize Bob. I was speaking from the hurt I felt from his message and I probably did the same hurting in return. My emotions are truly out of control and I can't make excuses for them. I can just make sure I apologize for lossing control of them. So, once again, I want to say that I am sorry. Thank you for pointing out my ill actions.
Bubblehead (Kelly)
Posted by AIK on September 23, 2004, at 10:49:26
In reply to Re: please be civil, posted by Bubblehead on September 23, 2004, at 9:57:01
In response to Dave stating that looking for someone to sue is wrong and/or a knee jerk reaction, I would like you to consider the following analogy. A vehicle manufacturer such as GM or Ford produces thousands of vehicles a year. If they receive reports of a defect that may occur in less than 1% of a particular model that may cause personal injury they issue a recall and repair the defect on all potentially affected vehicles. If they didn't issue a recall they would be sued for neglegence for not notifying the consumer and be ordered to pay damages. Many people posting on this thread are experiencing similar severe withdrawal symptoms after taking Effexor. Unfortunately Wyeth does not acknowledge this in their product literature or inform physicans or pharmacists of these effects upon withdrawal of this drug so that they may properly counsel and inform their patients of these potential effects. The main premise of this lawsuit is to get Wyeth to educate health professionals of potential severe withdrawal and addiction to Effexor so they may pass this on to their patients so they themselves can make an informed decision to use Effexor. Withholding this information from health professionals and patients is NEGLEGENCE. It is sad that a car salesman is given more information about his product than a health professional.
> > > people want to be able to do whatever they want without taking any responsibility for their actions. Something bad happens and immediately the knee-jerk reaction is to find someone else to blame, to sue, or whatever.
> > >
> > > Dave001
> >
> > > You are just the type of person I do not want working for these pharmacy companies. All you see is the growth for the drugs and not the damage of the people being used as guinea pigs.
> > >
> > > Bubblehead
> >
> > Please don't jump to conclusions about others or post anything that could lead them to feel accused or put down.
> >
> > If you or others have questions about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
> >
> > http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
> >
> > Follow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above post(s), should of course themselves be civil.
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Bob
>
> I apologize Bob. I was speaking from the hurt I felt from his message and I probably did the same hurting in return. My emotions are truly out of control and I can't make excuses for them. I can just make sure I apologize for lossing control of them. So, once again, I want to say that I am sorry. Thank you for pointing out my ill actions.
> Bubblehead (Kelly)
Posted by Bubblehead on September 23, 2004, at 11:05:09
In reply to Re: please be civil, posted by Bubblehead on September 23, 2004, at 9:57:01
> > Follow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above post(s), should of course themselves be civil.
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Bob
>
Whoops! I did'nt see this the first time I read it. I'm sorry. I'm just screwing up all over the place. So, so, sorry!
Posted by ants on September 23, 2004, at 11:59:00
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Erica22 on September 22, 2004, at 20:53:52
Maybe I should quit reading these posts...they are freaking me out! I think i posted this elsewhere, but here it is again.
Anyone out there on a low dose (75mg) of effexor? I've been on 37.5 for 3 days, working up to 75 max. Right now I am jittery and can't concentrate, but I am quite happy, albeit in a "high" sort of way. I am tempted to just stay at 37.5 forever! Anyway, do you think that coming off of 75mg will be as much a problem as coming off of higher doses or does the amount not matter?
Should I get off now before it's too late????
Posted by AIK on September 23, 2004, at 12:44:30
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal inevitable, posted by ants on September 23, 2004, at 11:59:00
I quess it depends why the doctor has prescribed it for you (your condition). My opinion only is this drug is being prescribe as a "cure all" in lieu of other medications that could be used for treatment (without the abuse or withdrawal potential). Today I started another dosage decrease as I am attempting to taper down every 7 days by 1/2 of a 37.5 mg tablet (1/2 in the am & 1/2 in the pm). That didn't work 2 weeks ago, so I upped it to one 37.5 in the am and 1/2 tab pm. I've been on 37.5 mg. twice a day for a year and a half, and the sickness in my head and stomach when I tried to stop were worse than any hang-over I ever experienced. Hangovers go away a day later; I was sick for 4 days and nights straight until I took an Effexor-I chirped up pretty quick. Please tell your doctor if you are uncomfortable taking this medication and perhaps he can prescribe something else for your condition. Good luck.
Posted by jujube on September 23, 2004, at 12:55:37
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal inevitable, posted by AIK on September 23, 2004, at 12:44:30
I agree with you that, if a patient is uncomfortable with a particular medication, it should be raised with the prescribing doctor and a decision made as to whether or not continue treatment with the particular med or switch to another. As patients, I think we need to be a bit more assertive in this approach and in our treatment. We are the ones who need to take these meds and we are the ones suffering the side effects and the withdrawal symptoms. If I had been more assertive, I probably would not have been on Effexor XR for 6 months. I told my prescribing doc many times that I didn't think Effexor XR was helping me (I was growing increasingly apathetic, but not in a depressive state, anxiety was horrible (and that's really what I was on Effexor for) and, with each dose increase (up to 225 mg), I found myself growing more and more apprehensive about even my most routine activities. At the end of August, I finally asserted myself, and I am now off Effexor. The doc switched me to Celexa, although I had simply wanted to try something natural. It has been two weeks, and I feel like I have been slowing coming out of the fog I had been in for the past 6 months. Sorry to be so long-winded (and hope I don't sound to negative). I am starting to feel enthusiastic and motivated again, and it's almost scaring me (weird?).
Thanks for listening.
> I quess it depends why the doctor has prescribed it for you (your condition). My opinion only is this drug is being prescribe as a "cure all" in lieu of other medications that could be used for treatment (without the abuse or withdrawal potential). Today I started another dosage decrease as I am attempting to taper down every 7 days by 1/2 of a 37.5 mg tablet (1/2 in the am & 1/2 in the pm). That didn't work 2 weeks ago, so I upped it to one 37.5 in the am and 1/2 tab pm. I've been on 37.5 mg. twice a day for a year and a half, and the sickness in my head and stomach when I tried to stop were worse than any hang-over I ever experienced. Hangovers go away a day later; I was sick for 4 days and nights straight until I took an Effexor-I chirped up pretty quick. Please tell your doctor if you are uncomfortable taking this medication and perhaps he can prescribe something else for your condition. Good luck.
>
Posted by AIK on September 23, 2004, at 13:01:29
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal inevitable » AIK, posted by jujube on September 23, 2004, at 12:55:37
Join the club. And what's wrong with being weird? Actually, we are quite entertaining people when we are ourselves. Yeah for You!
Posted by jujube on September 23, 2004, at 13:19:36
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal inevitable, posted by AIK on September 23, 2004, at 13:01:29
Thanks for the response. I think I am scared (in a good way), that I am actually starting to feel like myself again and that I am actually starting to feel something again (I am even enjoying feeling pissed off and irritable. Man, am I warped). I am still a bit anxious and nervous, but it has only been 2 weeks since I stopped the Effexor and started the Celexa (1st week at 10 mg then up to 20 mg). I don't think I am experiencing europhia or hypomania, but I just have the urge to do a "happy" dance. After almost a year of suffering the physical and emotional effects of iron deficiency (actually had to take a number of months off work where I had been working long hours because I was not responding to treatment, and my iron levels would not budge. Luckily, I had tons and tons of accumlated leave since I rarely get sick), then a bad reaction in August to my first Depo Provera shot, I think I may be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I don't know if you have ever felt this way before, but there were times today that I actually felt like crying I was so happy to be feeling somewhat happy.
> Join the club. And what's wrong with being weird? Actually, we are quite entertaining people when we are ourselves. Yeah for You!
Posted by AIK on September 23, 2004, at 13:56:27
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal inevitable » AIK, posted by jujube on September 23, 2004, at 13:19:36
No, you are not warped. I have those old feelings back with my decrease in dosage. I noticed for a entire 1 1/2 years that I was the only one not reacting or responding to my husband's unacceptable behavior towards me or just agree with everyone around. Like I stated previously a few days ago, I was La, la, la, la. Wouldn't fight back (verbally), wouldn't get pissed off as a normal person would if they were hurt or degraded, etc. Yes, it does feel great to get the "pissed off" emotion back. If you were put on Effexor for mood swings, possibly due to a hormonal imbalance (not sure, just guessing), seeking a doc that has knowledge in Natural Hormone Replacement. They are hard to come by. I also gather that your iron loss was due to excessive bleeding (just reading between the lines). So, you have a great today and tomorrow and don't hang yourself for feeling the real you. Others may not like it because they have gotten comfortable with you being out of touch with what's going on around you. Do a dance for me while you're at it; I've still got a few weeks to go.
> Thanks for the response. I think I am scared (in a good way), that I am actually starting to feel like myself again and that I am actually starting to feel something again (I am even enjoying feeling pissed off and irritable. Man, am I warped). I am still a bit anxious and nervous, but it has only been 2 weeks since I stopped the Effexor and started the Celexa (1st week at 10 mg then up to 20 mg). I don't think I am experiencing europhia or hypomania, but I just have the urge to do a "happy" dance. After almost a year of suffering the physical and emotional effects of iron deficiency (actually had to take a number of months off work where I had been working long hours because I was not responding to treatment, and my iron levels would not budge. Luckily, I had tons and tons of accumlated leave since I rarely get sick), then a bad reaction in August to my first Depo Provera shot, I think I may be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I don't know if you have ever felt this way before, but there were times today that I actually felt like crying I was so happy to be feeling somewhat happy.
>
> > Join the club. And what's wrong with being weird? Actually, we are quite entertaining people when we are ourselves. Yeah for You!
>
>
Posted by jujube on September 23, 2004, at 15:55:08
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal inevitable, posted by AIK on September 23, 2004, at 13:56:27
I appreciate your response. As embarrassed as I am to admit it (at the age of 42, you'd think I would know better), my iron deficiency was actually likely caused by months and months of not eating right, although as a child I was very anemic. I was working long hours (at the office and having to bring work home), was short-staffed, and ended up just eating on the run (if I even took the time to eat) and consuming mass quantities of diet sodas (caffeine free) and smoking cigarettes. It was in the last about 8 months that my cycle became irregular (about every two - three weeks), and I had started having night sweats (I think the night sweats were Effexor-related though). Could be that I am in perimenopause. I was tested about 5 months ago, and was normal. When I saw the gyno in early August, he did not want to re-test (even though it had been five months since last test), and decided to put me on Depo Provera. What a nightmare! I have since learned that Depo comes with some pretty nasty side effects. Not only that, it is used in the prison system on sex offenders and pedeophiles. Anyways, I am sure this is more information than you ever wanted to know about me. So, I will stop here. Thanks for listening, and take good care.
> No, you are not warped. I have those old feelings back with my decrease in dosage. I noticed for a entire 1 1/2 years that I was the only one not reacting or responding to my husband's unacceptable behavior towards me or just agree with everyone around. Like I stated previously a few days ago, I was La, la, la, la. Wouldn't fight back (verbally), wouldn't get pissed off as a normal person would if they were hurt or degraded, etc. Yes, it does feel great to get the "pissed off" emotion back. If you were put on Effexor for mood swings, possibly due to a hormonal imbalance (not sure, just guessing), seeking a doc that has knowledge in Natural Hormone Replacement. They are hard to come by. I also gather that your iron loss was due to excessive bleeding (just reading between the lines). So, you have a great today and tomorrow and don't hang yourself for feeling the real you. Others may not like it because they have gotten comfortable with you being out of touch with what's going on around you. Do a dance for me while you're at it; I've still got a few weeks to go.
>
> > Thanks for the response. I think I am scared (in a good way), that I am actually starting to feel like myself again and that I am actually starting to feel something again (I am even enjoying feeling pissed off and irritable. Man, am I warped). I am still a bit anxious and nervous, but it has only been 2 weeks since I stopped the Effexor and started the Celexa (1st week at 10 mg then up to 20 mg). I don't think I am experiencing europhia or hypomania, but I just have the urge to do a "happy" dance. After almost a year of suffering the physical and emotional effects of iron deficiency (actually had to take a number of months off work where I had been working long hours because I was not responding to treatment, and my iron levels would not budge. Luckily, I had tons and tons of accumlated leave since I rarely get sick), then a bad reaction in August to my first Depo Provera shot, I think I may be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I don't know if you have ever felt this way before, but there were times today that I actually felt like crying I was so happy to be feeling somewhat happy.
> >
> > > Join the club. And what's wrong with being weird? Actually, we are quite entertaining people when we are ourselves. Yeah for You!
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by ants on September 23, 2004, at 16:18:15
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by AIK on September 21, 2004, at 5:58:34
I have read a lot of posts about tapering and "cutting the pills". My effexor is in caplets (I think...plastic containers with little particles inside them). Is there some way to open these up and separate the contents? I have a whole bunch of 75mg that I am supposed to start next week, but I would rather stick to 37.5 for a while (what I am on now). Is it ok to dissolve the effexor in water or mix it in food or something instead of just taking the whole capsule?
Posted by Jiggitykid on September 23, 2004, at 19:41:42
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal inevitable » AIK, posted by jujube on September 23, 2004, at 12:55:37
>>I am starting to feel enthusiastic and motivated again, and it's almost scaring me (weird?).<<
Not weird at all!! With all of the ups and downs of the medication and what the medication is treating, it is hard to trust what mental-emotion and physical-emotion (there is a difference) you are feeling at any given time. Enjoy the feelings, but take everything day-to-day.
Posted by Jiggitykid on September 23, 2004, at 19:43:11
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal inevitable » AIK, posted by jujube on September 23, 2004, at 13:19:36
Depo provera was tough on my sister. It really threw her body into a tailspin. Hormones are fickle little things that don't like to be bumped :-).
> Thanks for the response. I think I am scared (in a good way), that I am actually starting to feel like myself again and that I am actually starting to feel something again (I am even enjoying feeling pissed off and irritable. Man, am I warped). I am still a bit anxious and nervous, but it has only been 2 weeks since I stopped the Effexor and started the Celexa (1st week at 10 mg then up to 20 mg). I don't think I am experiencing europhia or hypomania, but I just have the urge to do a "happy" dance. After almost a year of suffering the physical and emotional effects of iron deficiency (actually had to take a number of months off work where I had been working long hours because I was not responding to treatment, and my iron levels would not budge. Luckily, I had tons and tons of accumlated leave since I rarely get sick), then a bad reaction in August to my first Depo Provera shot, I think I may be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I don't know if you have ever felt this way before, but there were times today that I actually felt like crying I was so happy to be feeling somewhat happy.
>
> > Join the club. And what's wrong with being weird? Actually, we are quite entertaining people when we are ourselves. Yeah for You!
>
>
Posted by Jiggitykid on September 23, 2004, at 19:44:53
In reply to Re: Effexor -tapering Q, posted by ants on September 23, 2004, at 16:18:15
Please go back and do a search of the archives for this - several folks have posted info about this in the past. I never tried this, so I personally have no idea if it works. It might be a good idea to discuss this with your pharmacist, too.
> I have read a lot of posts about tapering and "cutting the pills". My effexor is in caplets (I think...plastic containers with little particles inside them). Is there some way to open these up and separate the contents? I have a whole bunch of 75mg that I am supposed to start next week, but I would rather stick to 37.5 for a while (what I am on now). Is it ok to dissolve the effexor in water or mix it in food or something instead of just taking the whole capsule?
Posted by Jiggitykid on September 23, 2004, at 19:46:10
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal inevitable, posted by ants on September 23, 2004, at 11:59:00
I'm not totally sure I understand your question. Are you going BACK up to 75 from 37.5, or are you newly going up to 75 from 37.5?
> Maybe I should quit reading these posts...they are freaking me out! I think i posted this elsewhere, but here it is again.
>
> Anyone out there on a low dose (75mg) of effexor? I've been on 37.5 for 3 days, working up to 75 max. Right now I am jittery and can't concentrate, but I am quite happy, albeit in a "high" sort of way. I am tempted to just stay at 37.5 forever! Anyway, do you think that coming off of 75mg will be as much a problem as coming off of higher doses or does the amount not matter?
>
> Should I get off now before it's too late????
Posted by jujube on September 23, 2004, at 19:56:49
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal inevitable » jujube, posted by Jiggitykid on September 23, 2004, at 19:41:42
Thanks for the advice. I am just enjoying each good moment I have, and accepting the bad ones when they come. It is just such a relief to start feeling something again after almost 6 months in an Effexor-induced fog of apathy and lack of motivation.
> >>I am starting to feel enthusiastic and motivated again, and it's almost scaring me (weird?).<<
>
> Not weird at all!! With all of the ups and downs of the medication and what the medication is treating, it is hard to trust what mental-emotion and physical-emotion (there is a difference) you are feeling at any given time. Enjoy the feelings, but take everything day-to-day.
Posted by jujube on September 23, 2004, at 19:59:53
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal inevitable » jujube, posted by Jiggitykid on September 23, 2004, at 19:43:11
Thanks for the response. I actually thought I was going crazy about two weeks after getting the shot. Then I did some research on the net, and found out that thousands of women have suffered really bad side effects (much worse than my daily barfing, fatigue and low mood) on the stuff. Supposed to get my next shot on October 20. Needless to say, I won't be going.
> Depo provera was tough on my sister. It really threw her body into a tailspin. Hormones are fickle little things that don't like to be bumped :-).
>
> > Thanks for the response. I think I am scared (in a good way), that I am actually starting to feel like myself again and that I am actually starting to feel something again (I am even enjoying feeling pissed off and irritable. Man, am I warped). I am still a bit anxious and nervous, but it has only been 2 weeks since I stopped the Effexor and started the Celexa (1st week at 10 mg then up to 20 mg). I don't think I am experiencing europhia or hypomania, but I just have the urge to do a "happy" dance. After almost a year of suffering the physical and emotional effects of iron deficiency (actually had to take a number of months off work where I had been working long hours because I was not responding to treatment, and my iron levels would not budge. Luckily, I had tons and tons of accumlated leave since I rarely get sick), then a bad reaction in August to my first Depo Provera shot, I think I may be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I don't know if you have ever felt this way before, but there were times today that I actually felt like crying I was so happy to be feeling somewhat happy.
> >
> > > Join the club. And what's wrong with being weird? Actually, we are quite entertaining people when we are ourselves. Yeah for You!
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by dbh on September 23, 2004, at 20:03:55
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal inevitable » jujube, posted by Jiggitykid on September 23, 2004, at 19:41:42
I called my doctor today to make an appointment to discuss getting off the Effexor XR I have been taking for about three years. Then I did a search for "effexor withdrawal symptoms" and came across this thread. Pretty scary stuff!
I know that I feel "weird" when I miss a 75mg dose, but I never imagined getting off it would be such an ordeal. I assumed I would just stop taking it. Good thing I "asked" before going "cold turkey".
Posted by Dave001 on September 23, 2004, at 23:17:13
In reply to Re: please be civil, posted by AIK on September 23, 2004, at 10:49:26
> In response to Dave stating that looking for someone to sue is wrong and/or a knee jerk reaction, I would like you to consider the following analogy. A vehicle manufacturer such as GM or Ford produces thousands of vehicles a year. If they receive reports of a defect that may occur in less than 1% of a particular model that may cause personal injury they issue a recall and repair the defect on all potentially affected vehicles. If they didn't issue a recall they would be sued for neglegence for not notifying the consumer and be ordered to pay damages. Many people posting on this thread are experiencing similar severe withdrawal symptoms after taking Effexor. Unfortunately Wyeth does not acknowledge this in their product literature or inform physicans or pharmacists of these effects upon withdrawal of this drug so that they may properly counsel and inform their patients of these potential effects. The main premise of this lawsuit is to get Wyeth to educate health professionals of potential severe withdrawal and addiction to Effexor so they may pass this on to their patients so they themselves can make an informed decision to use Effexor. Withholding this information from health professionals and patients is NEGLEGENCE. It is sad that a car salesman is given more information about his product than a health professional.
>Of course, negligent behavior such as concealing information that could represent a potential health-hazard should be aggressively prosecuted. For example, if it were later discovered that a pharmaceutical company had deliberately suppressed results from preclinical studies that showed a significantly increased incidence of liver tumors compared to controls, that's negligence.
However, I don't see how that has any relation to Effexor. All drugs can have withdrawal effects, the extent of which can only be estimated after it has been used by enough people for enough time. Do you have any evidence that Wyeth has secretly withheld internal knowledge of an unusually dangerous withdrawal syndrome associated with Effexor that the rest of the world doesn't have access to?
Dave
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