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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by corafree on October 28, 2004, at 21:14:39
In reply to Re: I know I keep plugging at this but... » Carlos C, posted by dancingstar on October 28, 2004, at 2:42:08
Dancingstar -
Hi. Are you on babblemail? Tried click on your name, didn't work, so guess not.
I've printed out a list of alternative meds. I am looking for something to take daily or during a panic attack. I'm trying very hard to keep distance from Xanax.
Can I pick your brain for any knowledge re: the following alternatives PAs. I've rearranged the way they were listed, so as not to prejudice you, but I can put them in order if want.
01) TheraStress
02) Becalm
03) Euphorx
04) Anxietol 7
05) HerbVal Supra
06) Prosera
07) Clarocet NRI
08) Amoryn
09) Relora
10) PinadolI am suffering terribly w/ attacks at the drop of a hat and even upon awakening. Still on E-XR150 morning, E-XR75 afternoon; Klonopin 2 mg x3 a day; and trazodone h.s. I an not allergic to anything, but milk, and have never taken a supplement w/ a prob' as long as eat. Iron difficult to metabolize. Sometimes do add one supplement, to allow me to take another. tks cf
Posted by dancingstar on October 29, 2004, at 2:08:18
In reply to Re: I know I keep plugging at this but... » dancingstar, posted by corafree on October 28, 2004, at 21:14:39
Hi Corafree,
I wish that I could help you, but I'm honestly not familiar with any of the things that you have mentioned in the list.
There are only two kinds of panic attacks that I have ever had, and one of them was last Saturday. I knew it was part of the withdrawal process, but it still surprised me when it happened. I had to go to a formal event in the evening, and feeling incredibly pale and looking kind of chalky after everything I'd been going through lately, I decided to go to the Mystic Tan place and get a fake suntan (the kind that is like a shower or a car wash.) It's just aloe vera that is sprayed all over your body for about ten seconds, but I couldn't breathe and started gulping and gasping for air.
Now, if I had never done this fake-tan thing before, that would be one thing, but I've done it a good 15 - 20 times with no problem at all. This time I really freaked myself out.
The other is merely stage fright...and I've managed to work through that by teaching cardio kickbox classes at local gyms.Also in the last few weeks I have awakened in the morning with very profound, often sad dreams with vivid memories of some of the more unpleasant times in my life.
I guess all this rambling is by way of an attempt to grapple for an answer and as I write this, two of them come to mind: The first one is that you are possibly really afraid of something that is happening in your life or that something will happen or that you will lose control of something or your ability to handle something. If this rings true for you, please know that you only think that you can't handle it, but that you really can. You will find all the answers that you need to help you because most of them are inside of you, waiting for you to tap into them. If you know that you can do anything, you can handle anything that comes your way, it gives you a tremendous amount of confidence and in many ways gives you the strength to just "let it be."
The other is that you are experiencing a physiological reaction to some metabolic change. If that's even remotely possible, I would have a complete blood panel done by a trustworthy internist or maybe even an endocrinologist, to make sure that your hormone levels are in sync.
Boy, I'll bet you're sorry that you asked, huh?
I'm sorry that I don't know more about the meds that mentioned, but you know I'm not a medical person. I hope you have a good night and wake up with a peaceful morning :-)....
I'll look into the mail thing tomorrow, k?p.s.
The reason that I don't go for the fix of taking something for the anxiety is because I see that as covering the problem rather than solving it and in the process, possibly creating either a bigger problem or more problems.
Posted by emmahoward on October 29, 2004, at 2:57:09
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi. I was given effexor xr a little over 2 months ago. I was started at 37.5, then told to take 37.5, and half a capsule (was odd to have to split all those little balls)a month later, then finally now after 2 months im up to 75. My doctor has assured me that he wont raise it any higher because he doesnt believe anything higher is necessary, and that he doesnt prescribe such a dose to anyone. I take it in the morning, with half a capsule of clonazepam, then clonazepam halves throughout the day as needed. At night for sleeping, im given a whole imovane, everynight, and if that doesnt work, I am now allowed to take somthing called Starnoc. This new psychaitrist seems to know what hes talking about and has told me that to get rid of the depression and insomnia and anxiety, all I need to do is regulate my biological clock. Has anyone else had this same discussion with their psychaitrists?
In response to the ppl who have been writing about the terrible side effects of the drug and how it shudnt be taken, my words for them is it works different for everyone. After 2 months on Effexor, things are starting to feel better (finally) and I think if you have a good doctor monitoring you, the uncomfort of coming off the drug will be lessened. My old doctor told me to take 37.5 of effexor one week then the next take it up to 75. (which I was later told by a specialist that doing that would induce horrible side effects) I think GPs should just not be allowed to prescribe any of these drugs because they dont know enough about them. Working with a specialist who has helped me rise slowly on the drug and wont let me take anything more then needed has left my mind at ease. I hope all of you have found a doctor as well informed and helpful as I have.
Posted by Tyroneous1 on October 29, 2004, at 16:47:07
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by emmahoward on October 29, 2004, at 2:57:09
I'm in the boat with the rest of you. Effexor withdrawl is for shit. I took it for 2 years and I've been off of it for almost 2 months. The side effects have dulled but they can still be horrific. Pentazocine, Propoxyphene, and Buprenorphine have helped with the brain shivers and the sleep seizures.
In 20 to 30 years, the health community will look back at our current affairs with SSRI's and SNRI's like we look at the medieval ages when Barbers and Doctors were one in the same and blood letting cured everything.
Keep fighting it.
Posted by GRACE_MONGAN on October 30, 2004, at 0:23:16
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by emmahoward on October 29, 2004, at 2:57:09
Hi,
I am in effexor-hell...please add your comments to my website
www.effexorhell.mongan.com.au
Grace
Posted by dancingstar on October 30, 2004, at 0:34:41
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by GRACE_MONGAN on October 30, 2004, at 0:23:16
Hey Grace,
Having a good day today and trying to get a lot of things done. (Heck it's only been four weeks, she said.) I'll check out your website when I get a bit caught up.
I agree with the other post, that Effexor withdrawal is as barbaric as bloodletting and as severe as -- well, I don't know if this is true, but I could imagine that it's possibly as bad as electroshock therapy.
Nothing will convince me that people should be allowed to take it with the potential risk that they could have to go through this...now that I know that I am not the only one. I know that some people think that they are being helped by this drug, but they aren't. It's just that simple. They may think that they are, but people think that they are being helped by heroin, too. I know it doesn't seem as though there is a similarity, but since the same bad doctor that prescribed Effexor also prescribed Oxycontin for my back pain and I had to stop taking that, I know that it is more difficult to stop the Effexor, though Oxy is the opiate and traditionally the more "physically addictive."
As far as physical pain and disabling effects go, there isn't any comparison. ...and I thought at the time that the Oxycontin was bad.
Posted by GRACE_MONGAN on October 30, 2004, at 0:54:02
In reply to Re: Brain Shivers Trying to Get off Effexor! HELP!, posted by nsr on October 22, 2004, at 12:23:58
Hi,
I am in effexor-hell...please add your comments to my website
www.effexorhell.mongan.com.au
Grace
Posted by Dr. Bob on October 30, 2004, at 1:39:59
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by GRACE_MONGAN on October 30, 2004, at 0:23:16
> please add your comments to my website
Please don't post the same information in more than one place at the same time.
If you or others have questions about this or about posting policies in general, 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, should of course themselves be civil.
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Jubilee on October 30, 2004, at 13:18:56
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by S.Bartel on October 20, 2004, at 15:03:37
Hi Sammi and others. My stomach has been messed up since I went down faster than I was going . I'll be so glad when this is over. I have been over reacting to my roomate and on other boards and I hate being this way. I need to get ahold of my patience and think of how great I will feel when this nightmare is over. Jubilee
Posted by Jubilee on October 30, 2004, at 13:51:03
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by emmahoward on October 29, 2004, at 2:57:09
I am just about off Effexor and when I went on it 4 years ago I had already lived in the private hell of depression for 17 years. Where doom and gloom filled my life without a med. I was on elivil as I got help so many years ago. I would just like to share with you younger folks , that if you are really depressed like I was that elivil worked really well for me , thou it does cause weight gain and some people , dry mouth. Compared the the dangerous new ones they came out with starting with prozac etc, it's pretty safe. It was originally a med for TB patience discovered in 52. My son is on it and I am glad compared to this new stuff. It kicked my dep. in even a couple days and didn't take two weeks like alot of these new ones. Doc's will grip and talk about side affects and how old it is , but this new stuff is all about money and all the patient pleasing samples they can give out, that makes them look good. Being a bit chubby sure beat wishing I was dead. Hope this helps somebody who has lost hope in all meds for cronic depression. I have at least 7 weeks to go and I am on 2 37's a day right now. I started Aug.6th. from 300mgs . Again I suggest, try to keep the effexor coming in until you have weaned off as I have yet to hear a dr. get it right. I hear of so many suffering and I keep you all in my prayers. Someone succesful said to take 4 months and gave me hope. It's working. Jubilee.
Posted by Jubilee on October 30, 2004, at 14:07:16
In reply to Re: Anyone had success? » corafree, posted by S.Bartel on October 22, 2004, at 3:38:52
Hi Sammi, I read a few of your posts and I am still remembering you in prayer, and I called a national prayer line for you.
You mentioned not telling your family about the state of your health, and in thinking alot about it , I pray that you will reconsider so they can enjoy you to the fullest if you are facing death. I would sure want to know if I was your family. Hope you are not feeling too sick.Jubilee
Posted by Jubilee on October 30, 2004, at 14:13:51
In reply to Re: Brain Shivers Trying to Get off Effexor! HELP!, posted by dancingstar on October 22, 2004, at 10:58:04
> Um, nope. No psy docs here in the loop whatsoever.
>
> That's why I say that if these drugs are supposed to be so harmless and given to people with fibro or people that need nrg or people with no one to talk to and are going to be "pushed" by drug reps, I truly think their makers ought to be required to take them for a year or so first and then stop taking them so that they have an opportunity to see first hand how safe they really are before they are passed out like candy samples all over the nation.
>
> I really don't know what to eat that can be processed through my stomach, and it's now been over three weeks. I can't finish my work or my homework, and I am on the verge of giving my class. Last night I had such a bad headache, and the University is 30 miles away. I'm only good for about three hours at a time before I collapse from either pain or nausea or find myself back in the bathroom again. I suppose this can make me crazy. Do you think I have the European gene since my famiy is European?
Hi Dancing...
I hope you start feeling better. Is there anyway you could go back on it and go off slower? or would that help. I keep getting lost in these posts , but I read somewhere that even if you go off slow you still take a long time to recover. I sure hope I havent been giving people false hope. Jubilee
Posted by Jubilee on October 30, 2004, at 14:24:23
In reply to Re: I'M FREE - SOMETHING MUST BE DONE ABOUT MARKET » dancingstar, posted by jujube on October 28, 2004, at 8:55:42
I read from jujube to Tamera something about how sick people get even that go slow. Is this true?? What should I expect after going from 300 mgs to none in 6 months??? Is there something I should know.? Am not not telling people the right thing??? Help. Jubilee
Posted by Jubilee on October 30, 2004, at 22:45:24
In reply to Re: dehydration from Efexxor XR, posted by melissa on February 26, 2000, at 17:23:44
Effexor causes dehydrating night sweats and you stink I might add. I went up in my dose and couldnt figure out what was wrong with me. Jubilee. also look up effexor petition on line , it's on one of my posts Jubi
Posted by dancingstar on October 31, 2004, at 1:52:20
In reply to Going slow isnt good???? Help!!!, posted by Jubilee on October 30, 2004, at 14:24:23
Hey Jubilee,
Yesterday and today were my first truly good days. I think it's kind of over...except for a little bit of stomach stuff, nothing by comparison to what it was. I stopped 150mg. all at once after three years, and I would say that it has taken me a little over a month, but I'm pretty sure that it's gone for good. All of the head stuff is definitely over, that's for sure. I'm going to wait before I go to the optometrist because my vision has changed. (How strange, huh?) I'm completely calm...but I have been the whole time. In fact, my temperament has been better off of Effexor than on it. I was able to get up early today and go work out, and I had enough energy to get everything done all day long...a miracle since as early as last week I wasn't sure if I would live...and I meant it. The world is a much brighter place now.
I'm not sure that I would have wanted to go through this more slowly and for a longer period of time as it was the most painful thing that I have ever done. If you have fibro, (or anyone that reads this has fibro) the SAMe-400 and the complete program of Enzymatic Therapy From Fatigued to Fantastic, took about a week and a half to feel results but really, really, really made a tremendous difference in the way I feel.
I wanted to post this so that others would know that even if you feel as bad as is humanly possible today; by tomorrow or the day after, everything can change, and you can feel just about as good as new.
I'm not a religious woman, but the way that God heals the human body is truly a miracle.... My prayers are with you guys!!!
Posted by Cee Jay on October 31, 2004, at 16:58:50
In reply to starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by jp on October 25, 1999, at 12:01:53
> so I went to see my GP today (psychiatrist appointment
> is only in 2-3 weeks)... and got a prescription
> for effexor. the gp advised that I start on the
> normal version, at 37.5mg twice a day, and then,
> if I tolerate it, move to the XR version.
>
> Will such a low dose have any effect at all? what am
> I to expect. how soon does it produce a noticable
> and favourable effect? Anyone on such a low dose?
>
>
Started Effexor XR two days ago, two doses of 37.5 XR. Effects/perceptions: light pressure sensation in head; only four hours sleep; dry mouth; exacerbates reflux. But provides even keeled affect. (Also prescribed .5 xanax for stonach spasm and sleep.) Given the withdrawal symptoms here described, I am doubtful about this Rx for me. Tried Paxil two years ago with severe nausea. Deal with gneralized anxiety and now recent death of elderly parent to whom I was closely bonded.
Posted by dancingstar on October 31, 2004, at 19:01:31
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dos, posted by Cee Jay on October 31, 2004, at 16:58:50
Unless you are planning on staying on effexor for the rest of your life, I suggest you read all of the posts regarding effexor before swallowing the pills.
Posted by jclint on October 31, 2004, at 19:09:02
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dos, posted by dancingstar on October 31, 2004, at 19:01:31
> Unless you are planning on staying on effexor for the rest of your life, I suggest you read all of the posts regarding effexor before swallowing the pills.
Hmm that's a bit silly.
After 2 years of moderate dosage I am on day 3 of withdrawal, and have to say, am feeling fine. I personally wouldn't discourage its usage at all.
Posted by dancingstar on October 31, 2004, at 20:01:46
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dos, posted by jclint on October 31, 2004, at 19:09:02
I don't know if it has something to do with a person's nationality or not. My background is European, and I was on 150mg for 3 years. I nearly died but felt no effects whatsoever until the third day of not taking the drug.
Because there are so many people that have such serious problems with Effexor/(XR) and because there are other alternatives to this drug for the people that truly need to take this sort of drug, I don't think that it is worth the risk.
If I knew how dangerous it was before I had taken it, there is no way that it would have crossed my lips, and I believe that every person that takes this drug has the right to know that it has the potential to kill them when they stop taking it, whether they stop slowly or they quit cold turkey and that it can also do serious harm to their health during the time that they are taking it. There are now documented incidences of liver damage, weight gain of between 10 and 35 pounds, elevated blood pressure problems, elevated cholesteral, adrenal problems. I don't know for sure about any others. (In a little over one month my weight dropped 10 pounds. I was completely confused as to why no matter what I ate or didn't eat, I couldn't lose any weight at all, and now it just keeps on dropping.)
After my withdrawal experience with EffexorXR, since I have come to understanding that I am not the only one that has had this experience, I will work to see that this drug is taken off the market mostly because I am not weak. I am strong, and I take very good care of my health. I don't drink alcohol or take drugs. I exercise and eat healthy foods. If I were allergic to it, I could understand that I was the exception rather than the rule, but if more people have trouble when they stop taking the drug or even when they are on it than are safe taking it and if doctors do not even have this information available to them, something needs to change before more and more people are harmed.
This was such a horrid experience that I don't think that I will let anything stop me from getting to the top of the food chain and solving at least a portion of this problem. Now that I'm finally feeling better, I will use whatever access I have to get the job done properly.
Posted by Cee Jay on October 31, 2004, at 22:22:33
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dos, posted by dancingstar on October 31, 2004, at 20:01:46
Thank you, dancing star. Effexor RX was suggested by my GP. He gave me sample packs with first week starters. Since my previous experience with AD's was only Paxil, I asked what I should do if nausea occured. Doc replied, "Throw them in the trash." I will not take my 37.5 tonight! Should anti-depressants, such a Effexor, be prescribed by psychiatrists only? This drug also caused what I sensed to be a faster heart rate. I can say that the fatigue diminished greatly. But I can see from all these posts that the drug seems inadvidable for many.
Posted by corafree on November 1, 2004, at 1:34:27
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dos, posted by Cee Jay on October 31, 2004, at 16:58:50
In my experience, regular Effexor has few side effects that are bad. It does keep you level, not low, not high, just awake level. Not knowing your age or your experience/label, recommend Eff-XR only for a seriously ill person who needs a lot of help to just keep on living. I am on Eff-XR, been through many, many yrs of devastating experiences that have changed me into a person unlike the 20-y/o homecoming queen I used to be. There is a lady posting here about Elavil. It is one of the oldest ADs in the book, but I think too might be effective while being the least trouble so far as withdrawal is concerned. I have only experienced Prozac (didn't last) and Effexor or Effexor-XR as helpful to me, and have been on all SSRIs. I did take Elavil for too short time a time in the past,...wish I'd given it a longer shot. Talk with your doc' about the help you will prob' need getting off of Eff-XR should that time come. It helps me with anxiety, but I have a dx/label of PTSD and borderline personality disorder, so need a strong drug,...otherwise would choose less powerful like Elavil, and counseling, of course, is a must! I hope you said your doc' is a psychiatrist! be well cf
Posted by Jubilee on November 1, 2004, at 2:34:21
In reply to Re: Going slow isnt good???? Help!!! » Jubilee, posted by dancingstar on October 31, 2004, at 1:52:20
> Hey Jubilee,
>
> Yesterday and today were my first truly good days. I think it's kind of over...except for a little bit of stomach stuff, nothing by comparison to what it was. I stopped 150mg. all at once after three years, and I would say that it has taken me a little over a month, but I'm pretty sure that it's gone for good. All of the head stuff is definitely over, that's for sure. I'm going to wait before I go to the optometrist because my vision has changed. (How strange, huh?) I'm completely calm...but I have been the whole time. In fact, my temperament has been better off of Effexor than on it. I was able to get up early today and go work out, and I had enough energy to get everything done all day long...a miracle since as early as last week I wasn't sure if I would live...and I meant it. The world is a much brighter place now.
>
> I'm not sure that I would have wanted to go through this more slowly and for a longer period of time as it was the most painful thing that I have ever done. If you have fibro, (or anyone that reads this has fibro) the SAMe-400 and the complete program of Enzymatic Therapy From Fatigued to Fantastic, took about a week and a half to feel results but really, really, really made a tremendous difference in the way I feel.
>
> I wanted to post this so that others would know that even if you feel as bad as is humanly possible today; by tomorrow or the day after, everything can change, and you can feel just about as good as new.
>
> I'm not a religious woman, but the way that God heals the human body is truly a miracle.... My prayers are with you guys!!!
Thanks so much for response hon, but I can't imagine being soo sick for a month! God brought you through. I am so happy for you! jubilee
>
Posted by Jubilee on November 1, 2004, at 2:39:03
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dos, posted by dancingstar on October 31, 2004, at 19:01:31
> Unless you are planning on staying on effexor for the rest of your life, I suggest you read all of the posts regarding effexor before swallowing the pills.
I would like to suggest the same. Do you mind herion withdrawals? Jubilee
Posted by Jubilee on November 1, 2004, at 2:41:16
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dos, posted by jclint on October 31, 2004, at 19:09:02
There are certain people that don't have severe withdrawals. How ya going to know?? Jubilee
Posted by dancingstar on November 1, 2004, at 3:16:03
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dos » dancingstar, posted by Cee Jay on October 31, 2004, at 22:22:33
I, too, was prescribed EffexorXR by a gp (family practice). I didn't know anything about it. I had back pain, and I was tired.
As it turned out, I am low thyroid and have fibromyalgia, which are both under control...except for most recently when I decided that I would stop taking Effexor. Something told me that it was beginning to cause my body harm, but I don't know exactly what it is that made me feel that way. I was sure, though, that at the very least it was causing me to gain weight and to not be able to lose weight no matter what I did. I had ruled out every other possibiity, and this alone was beginning to cause me anxiety. So one day I just stopped taking the drug as I knew that I wasn't depressed. It wasn't until three days later that I began to experience what hell was really like.
It is now four and a half weeks later, and I'm fine except for my stomach. In the last three days I have had so much more energy than I have had in years. I can think more clearly. I had begun to think that I was not able to concentrate for any length of time or had something like ADD, but it's gone, completely gone. Tonight I worked from 9:00 until now, 1:15, and I'm now going to go to sleep. I can't tell you how much better I feel without Effexor.
Please be sure that you really, really, really need to take this drug. The effects are slow and subtle. I didn't realize how debilitated I had become. It seems as though over time, it caused the very problems it set out to cure and once I got it out of my system, I've gotten my life back again.
If you don't need it, try to get on without it.
Wishing you the best of health and happiness!!!!
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Script revised: February 4, 2008
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