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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by corafree on November 19, 2004, at 12:25:02
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by hannah3 on November 19, 2004, at 11:21:05
Hi. I, and others, do very well w/ Eff-XR. I have PTSD and nothing else worked.
I worry some re: withdrawal. Will cross that bridge if needed.
Oddly enough, I never gained a pound on it. I've lost a bit, but father just passed away this year.
I also take trazodone for sleep, and have a very small (like miniature!) amount of benzodiazepine for panic attacks. I am on 225mg Eff-XR.
see ya' round cf
Posted by hilltx on November 19, 2004, at 13:27:34
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » hannah3, posted by corafree on November 19, 2004, at 12:25:02
I've been on Effexor XR for a few weeks. My experience has been that at the beginning it gave me a almost euphoric calm and then began to subside after a couple of weeks. When I upped to 150 mg a day I noticed the same thing. Everything was ok with the world etc... But now I'm sliding back. I will say that the depression is not nearly as intense as it was without the drug but I wished I could feel the way I felt in the first week. Anyone know what the typical dosage is supposed to be?
Posted by crazychickuk on November 19, 2004, at 14:33:12
In reply to Re: A Slow down » siuFrank, posted by LynnPerley on November 4, 2002, at 21:47:30
Any0ne else ever started with half of 37.5 mg just onece a day to see how things goes?
I took it this morning and i had amajor panick attack to it because i am very nervous about medications..
But with me being so anxious and depressed i had to start it cus no other med has ever agreed with me.So had anyone else ever started out on half of a 37.5 mg ? my doc reckons it wont do nothing for me but i feeling it just after the first day i had major panick attack after taking it tryed making myself sick .. lol ive had a dodgy stomach and cant concentrate proply and feel kind of up and down ...
I had this med 5 yrs ago for postnatel depression and it caused me severe anxiety at higher dose of 400mg so i stopped it went through brain zaps etc....
i suppose thats why i am so nervous about taking it now, but i am so depressed... ALSO my leg has been all twitchy and i DO feel like i am spacey i suppose the same symptoms as i had before trying it ..... apart from the twitchyness...
ANy imput?
thanks
Posted by dancingstar on November 19, 2004, at 15:11:19
In reply to Re: AIve just started half of a 37.5mg tablet, posted by crazychickuk on November 19, 2004, at 14:33:12
Can you try SAMe from the health food store? I know that your hormones are all whacky, and Effexor won't help you get them in order. As much pain as you are in, if you have had trouble with E before, please think carefully before taking it again. Have you asked your doctor to run a hormonal blood panel? This could help....
I hope you find something else :-)
Posted by corafree on November 20, 2004, at 1:50:15
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by hilltx on November 19, 2004, at 13:27:34
Feel may be sliding back also. Reminds me of 'Awakenings' (movie). I'm at 225mg a day in divided doses. Dare I go higher? cf
Posted by scruff on November 20, 2004, at 16:36:29
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » hilltx, posted by corafree on November 20, 2004, at 1:50:15
Someone would take a drug and not question it's side-effects?
Its irresposnible to suggest such a thing. Especailly in light of the recent Vioxx debacle.
Everyone needs to know about any side effects you might have. From doctors to pharmacists to drug companies. They can't protect us unless we speak up.
As for Effexor. Even when carefully ramped down, I suffered sever withrdrawl from this medication.Some people don't get withdrawl or even side-effects from Effexor.But I know many who have slowly reduced effexor and still had withdrawl.
Decide for yourself how much side effects are tolerable to YOU. That's what matters - and, please, allways report even minor side-effects to your doctor.
Posted by depressedkitten87 on November 22, 2004, at 23:45:26
In reply to Everyone's different, but..., posted by Racer on October 24, 1999, at 22:14:55
I'm on Prozac currently, and it doesn't seem to do me much good, as well as some unpleasant side effects. I have been on Wellbutrin and Depakote as well. Does Effexor have many side effects, and what are they. I've been wanting to try Effexor but I'd like to know more about it first.
Posted by coldcasefile on November 23, 2004, at 10:10:27
In reply to Re: Everyone's different, but..., posted by depressedkitten87 on November 22, 2004, at 23:45:26
i've been on effexor-xr for just 8 days now...began with 37.5mg dosage for four days, then upped to 75mg. i'm supposed to jump to 112.5mg in four more days but i'm a little reluctant at this point. i know that it hasn't been long enough to realize many benefits, but the one thing i have noticed so far is a mild, general increase in energy. the downside has been dry mouth and a drastic decline in sexual interest and ability. i'm also growing concerned about the weight gain that i keep hearing about and am already ready wanting to try something else. i tried wellbutrin 4 years ago...took it for about 3 weeks and quit. i haven't taken anything until now because i thought the anxiety and depression was something i should be able to get over on my own. i wish i would have stuck with the wellbutrin in the first place, as the last 4 years have really been a struggle.
i've heard that the dry mouth from the effexor will go away within a few weeks but i'm really becoming concerned with the sexual side effects and possible weight gain...i'm not sure if it would be worth it. should i continue to give it a chance or switch to something else before i get too far into the medication?
Posted by jubilee on November 23, 2004, at 11:02:52
In reply to Re: Everyone's different, but..., posted by coldcasefile on November 23, 2004, at 10:10:27
I pray you have read alot of older posts before continuing on with effexor , literally, as an x herion addict, the drug from hell. that you will consider its dangers unless you arre older and plan to die on it , unless of course it ruins your blood preasure or vision as myself , or destroys your liver, and you have to quit it. Anything this dangerous cannot be good for your body. Keep reading. Yes, its an exelent anti depp. but let me suggest as one who fought agitated chronic dep, for 19 years, that ELIVIL is your safest and best bet. Gaining a few pounds wont kill you by any means and I got so bad I would go back on prefering some extra weight over the hell of my depression. It is an old drug , but insist upon it.Yes , ,gum works good for dry mouth. Non sugarless , unless you want to destroy your life w/ that too HA . Actually ELAVIL is a drug for TB (1952 dis. )but found people comming out of severe depressions and it saved my life and my son takes it too. Helps you sleep and it a chronic pain killer also. Kept me off pain meds many many years.
I hope you will prayerfully consider what I have written. I am taking 6 months to go off effexor and my mate still struggles w/ my emotional outbursts as do I. I have a month to go. Naushia, insomnia, headaches , but nothing like whats beyond the Hong Kong Flu for others it sounds, that lasts over a month. !!! Fast quiters. Please dont do this to your body. Read the stories in past posts. God Bless you. Jubilee.
Posted by jubilee on November 23, 2004, at 11:13:18
In reply to Re: Everyone's different, but..., posted by jubilee on November 23, 2004, at 11:02:52
Please read above post.
I am almost off now , a month to go , and I will deal with headaches and some nausia and emotions but so looking forward to being free and already have found new freedom and joy. God bless you all. Hang in there and remember most dr's arent going to understand , so go off on your own and take 5 months if ins or otherwise, it will be worth it. A month before you quit tell em you want to try something different , of course not paxil which can be worsr than effexor. Ha God Bless you all . I will chech in again. Jubilee
Posted by jubilee on November 23, 2004, at 11:21:51
In reply to Re: King and Queen » corafree, posted by S.Bartel on November 15, 2004, at 20:36:26
Wow, When I last went down on effexor I had to up Methadone as I was in insane pain, After getting through it , my severe pain stopped and I've been scratching my head. I think you really have something here though I dont know why its not the same for you Sammi. Just had to see what you were up to Sam and how you are doing. Never heard of those shots but I take methadone and Ms Contin and muscel relaxers for pain of disks, and wouldn't survive w/o it. No high with Methadone . What are shots . I know I what to expect with next drop now I believe they are assoiciated!. God Bless you. Jubilee
Posted by jubilee on November 23, 2004, at 11:25:17
In reply to Re: King and Queen( Wow I'm Blessed!) » S.Bartel, posted by jubilee on November 23, 2004, at 11:21:51
I do believe these two are connected and when I went off the good anti dep called elivil, is when I started having to be treated for severe pain in back and my fibro from 83 flared up real bad. I have so much hope now and may go back on elivil just for the cronic pain killer in it. Jubilee
Posted by jubilee on November 23, 2004, at 12:33:22
In reply to Re: King and Queen, posted by dancingstar on November 15, 2004, at 11:17:33
Hi to all , KIng and Queen and dancingstar. This is some news about the Fibromialgia-effexor-paxil connection ???? I am copying these things to show my Dr. as you know how dr"s love knowledge. I am banking on it . Going to send in mail for when he has time to read. also about the side affects.
I just discovered ,.finally how to get to older posts...
You simply click on the very top post and then scroll down . You can go to all kind of posts this way and you can also get very lost!!!!! so click back on PC, if tht hapens to you. Thanks Dr. Bob for your love and care for people you must have . Expect to meet you in heaven someday. God Bless you all.( also , doc says dont switch pages . That was just for info , or we'll probably drive him nuts trying to keep up with all of us !!!HA Jubilee.
Posted by pianomama on November 23, 2004, at 12:34:10
In reply to Re: King and Queen( Wow I'm Blessed!) » S.Bartel, posted by jubilee on November 23, 2004, at 11:21:51
Wow, you folks are scaring me. I've been on Effexor for 8 months, and I seem to be doing fine. I'm more relaxed, and more able to cope with the stresses I couldn't handle before effexor. But yeh, my BP has gone up some and I'm puzzled about a 10 pound weight gain. Thinking about going off, but don't know how without hurting myself. Suggestions?
Posted by jubilee on November 23, 2004, at 12:38:45
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » hannah3, posted by corafree on November 19, 2004, at 12:25:02
Yes ," inderal" is an old heart med but they give it to the stars on Awards Nights so they don't have a panic attack if they get nominated. My doc told me that after haveing a full blown at an AA meeting. Never again!! Bet its chear too. Take 10or 20 mgs, and no more attacks. Take before arriving at local for possible Panic attack. Jubilee
Posted by jubilee on November 23, 2004, at 12:42:04
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overratedshyla, posted by scruff on November 20, 2004, at 16:36:29
I agree. Some ( non addictive types) might not have side affects , but most and many do . Its about lacking that enzime in liver like alkies suffer from. Jubilee
Posted by dancingstar on November 23, 2004, at 14:04:53
In reply to Re: King and Queen( Wow I'm Blessed!), posted by pianomama on November 23, 2004, at 12:34:10
I had no trouble when I was on effexor; so I didn't think I would have any trouble when I went off. I had no idea. It's been over two months, and all yesterday I had a migraine for no reason. Throwing up, etc. I am giving up my classes at UCLA cause I can't keep food down. I don't know why my body is having such a tough time. I thought it was almost over, but I guess it's not. Maybe I need to go buy more Benadryl.
Some people don't have any trouble stopping, you know. You could be one of the lucky ones. At this point I'm getting scared.
Posted by dancingstar on November 23, 2004, at 14:09:15
In reply to Re: King and Queen( Wow I'm Blessed!) » S.Bartel, posted by jubilee on November 23, 2004, at 11:21:51
Thanks, Jubilee. That is one pain I don't have, the fibro pain :-)...It's just my stomach that has given out. I cannot keep any food in it all, and I am getting migraines.
Posted by dancingstar on November 23, 2004, at 14:11:58
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overratedshyla, posted by jubilee on November 23, 2004, at 12:42:04
what enzyme in the liver? I'm not an alcoholic.
Posted by pablo1 on November 23, 2004, at 17:55:18
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overratedshyla, posted by jubilee on November 23, 2004, at 12:42:04
jubilee, could you clarify your statement. I had pretty minor withdrawal from effexor and I do drink to much, though not all day or anything like that.
> I agree. Some ( non addictive types) might not have side affects , but most and many do . Its about lacking that enzime in liver like alkies suffer from. Jubilee
Posted by S.Bartel on November 23, 2004, at 19:48:48
In reply to Fibromialgia Anyone???Elivil for chronic pain » jubilee, posted by jubilee on November 23, 2004, at 11:25:17
Jubilee,
With the Depo-Medrol shots I don't even need the Elavil. You can only get the shots three or four times a year but that works for me. Ask your Rheumatoligist about them if you don't have one get one. They are very familiar with treating Fibromyalgia.
Sammi
Posted by corafree on November 25, 2004, at 17:16:52
In reply to Re: Fibromialgia Anyone???Elivil for chronic pain » jubilee, posted by S.Bartel on November 23, 2004, at 19:48:48
Is Depo-Medrol a steroid? At what site does your doc inject? cf
Posted by S.Bartel on November 26, 2004, at 9:36:56
In reply to Re: Fibromialgia Anyone???Elivil for chronic pain » S.Bartel, posted by corafree on November 25, 2004, at 17:16:52
It is a combination of drugs. Pain killers, steroids, etc. It is much safer than prednisone and is given in the hip. I could'nt function without it. Compared to going without it I am virtually pain free with it. Ask your Dr. about it.
Posted by Gia on November 26, 2004, at 14:20:06
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by medlib on April 22, 2000, at 4:21:02
I have been taking Effexor for about two months now. I find it has really helped me and I feel a lot better about myself lately and have been getting excellent sleep minus the weird dreams. I once had a eating disorder besides depression and this also has seemed to disapear. I would recommend to anyone with depression to read Elizabeth Wurtzel's books, she is amazing!!
Posted by dancingstar on November 26, 2004, at 17:57:10
In reply to Re: King and Queen( Wow I'm Blessed!), posted by pianomama on November 23, 2004, at 12:34:10
If your bp is up and your weight is up for no other reason, then it is likely that it is because of the Effexor. The sooner you quit taking it, the easier it will be for you to stop is about all I can say. I just wish that they told us that there were side effects.
Over dinner yesterday one of the things that came up is how silly I felt but how common it was that we actually managed to take this drug -- and others -- without being fully aware of the possible side effects. Suggestions? Well, first speak with your doctor; but don't expect him or her to know tons about this as I don't think that our experience has made its way into their literature...and I don't know why. I would like to find that out.
I want to write to the press, maybe Oprah. Why didn't we know what we were in for before we took this drug? Why was it prescribed for fatigue or hot flashes or various other things having nothing to do with depression? Why were we so vulnerable? How many other drugs are treated in a similar fashion?
Treating the paying public like lab rats is unconscienable. All I can say to you is that I don't believe that anyone besides you will take good care of your health; so you might as well try to find a way out of this as quickly as possible. Some like to do it slowly, and that kind of makes sense because of the way that brain chemicals work. They say that Prozac (sp?) helps to make withdrawal from Effexor easier; so you might want to try that. Others say it doesn't help at all. It seems like it's kind of dependent on your body's own chemistry, but I would give it a try because anything you can do to make this easier is worth trying. Some people do not have any trouble at all when they stop taking Effexor; they just stop and that's it. If you are lucky enough to be one of those people, don't look back. Don't do it a second time because you may not be that lucky twice...know what I mean? I'm afraid something in the brain chemistry changes.
Anyway, be glad you became aware of any changes in your body now and not later.
Blessings!!
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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