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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by awatts on December 3, 2004, at 8:04:16
In reply to Withdrawl symptom?, posted by kmp68 on December 2, 2004, at 14:00:54
> I am trying to get off of Effexor, I was taking 150mg a day, plus Wellbutrin. My doctor started me on Prozac last week, this week, I went down to 75mg a day, Wellbutrin and Prozac. I haven't felt normal all week, very, very tired, anxiety attacks, irritable, ears ringing, and now I am also late for my period, is this also another normal withdrawl symptom that anyone else has experienced? If I cut down like the doctor told me to next week to 37.5mg are things only going to get worse?
I withdrew from 225 mg of Effexor XR. I had only moderate withdrawal until I went below 37.5 mg. Then it got difficult, and I had to take several months to get from 37.5 to zero mgs.
I'd cut down to 37.5 mg like your doctor suggests and then hold at 37.5 for a while. After that, go very, very slowly to zero.
Posted by corafree on December 3, 2004, at 13:39:01
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? dancingstar, posted by jclint on December 2, 2004, at 13:38:17
I was in a detox unit w/ heroin addicts. Withdrew from 8mg Xanax, everything I was on (no street drug); but can't recall what was on, darn. I was told by the staff that my withdrawal is just as bad, if not worse, and my care was the same, same patches etc.
We can be thankful here tho', as we are not tempted by our drug when we walk out the door. That knowledge is so difficult. Used to be in that sort of position. No desire to go down that way.
Just recalled, prior to being on so much Xanax, I had been on Effexor tablets (not XR) long before that, and MAYBE at that time. I haven't a copy of records from stay.
There was no place for me, for aftercare, ya' know, no anti-depressants-anonymous, well, at least I wasn't taken seriously enough to be directed to follow-up care, as were street drug users.
Came home alone, things went bad fast. Long story. Anyway, now, when I take .5mg Xanax, I think it gives me anxiety? My mind still knows how much it really wants, think?
Seein' P today. He needs to see a P. But, have to wait, month or so, as transfer completed.
Oh, yes I filed charges re: head bashing. I think I rec'd $150; she hadn't $, but was charged. Should have gone to the ER - why couldn't I think for myself? cf
Posted by corafree on December 3, 2004, at 13:43:59
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?ask » ask, posted by MKB on December 1, 2004, at 20:21:48
Tks MKB for post 12/1. Keeping for future ref'. cf
Posted by dsbk on December 3, 2004, at 15:31:27
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? dancingstar » jclint, posted by corafree on December 3, 2004, at 13:39:01
I can't beleive that Xanax was causing you anxiety. It's the only thing I have found that I know will take care of my anxiety. Of course I am not taking as high a dose as you. I just went off Effexor 2-3 days ago. I took 1 Lexapro today and had a horrible reaction (nervous, shaking, dizzy, nausea, BAD!) My Mom had to come to take care of my child while I slept it off. I'm really worried about the withdrawl I might have from the Effexor, from what I've been hearing from evrybody, it might be bad. Does anyone have any suggestion for what might help? And when might I be expecting them?
Posted by corafree on December 3, 2004, at 21:00:32
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? corafree, posted by dsbk on December 3, 2004, at 15:31:27
DSBK
Nope, yrs ago I was on that high dosage Xanas. Now 1mg sundowning and Klonopin 1mg 3x day.
Did you taper, taper, taper, taper, taper, taper, taper?
Do you have Dancingstar's list?
Thought you were using some alternatives??? No?
Post (copy it) and paste it to psycho-psycho(?), medications, and alternatives.
Tigan good scrip (capsule) for nausea, someone mentioned Benadryl(?).
You and I, and others pray to the archangels...we are with you, whether you like it our not.
Call in troops to keep yourself alive now; apologize, if you must, later. ER? Hospital? love cf
> I can't beleive that Xanax was causing you anxiety. It's the only thing I have found that I know will take care of my anxiety. Of course I am not taking as high a dose as you. I just went off Effexor 2-3 days ago. I took 1 Lexapro today and had a horrible reaction (nervous, shaking, dizzy, nausea, BAD!) My Mom had to come to take care of my child while I slept it off. I'm really worried about the withdrawl I might have from the Effexor, from what I've been hearing from evrybody, it might be bad. Does anyone have any suggestion for what might help? And when might I be expecting them?
Posted by dsbk on December 3, 2004, at 21:59:17
In reply to Effexor Withdrawal S.O.S. » dsbk, posted by corafree on December 3, 2004, at 21:00:32
corafree
I was only taking 37.5 mg of Effexor so that is about a tapered as you get. Now it's just the Xanax (and thank God for Xanax). I'm about ready to give up on all of these drugs. I going to try this new stuff called Mannatech-this company claims that there are 8 essential sugers that our bodies need for our cells to work together correctly,(which is part of all these mental problems I have) and that we don't get it in our every day diet. Mannatech provides these-it's all natural so no crazy side effects. My parents have been on it for about 3 months and they have seen great improvements in the way they feel! Suppose it's worth a try!!! Just ready to feel better! I'll keep all posted, it's something you all may want to try! God bless you and take care of yourself!
dsbk
Posted by dancingstar on December 3, 2004, at 23:54:07
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? corafree, posted by dsbk on December 3, 2004, at 15:31:27
I don't think your reaction was to the Lexapro, it could have been from the lack of Effexor. I didn't react until the third day, but you reacted the way I did. If it went away, you are fine, and maybe the Lexapro sub'bed in its place.
Posted by Sinnielou on December 4, 2004, at 7:21:49
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?ask » MKB, posted by corafree on December 3, 2004, at 13:43:59
I don't know about anyone else, but I have had great success from Effexor. I have been to rehab for a cocaine addiction, then I spent 8 years of my life with a man who like to rape me in the middle of the night, so with that I ended up having a speed addiction which I quit cold turkey and haven't touched it for 2 years. So does effexor work??? Sure it does im out of bed aren't I.
Shannon
Posted by railgirl on December 4, 2004, at 12:46:42
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I just wanted to say hello and that it's nice to know there are other people out there having similar issues. I have been taking Eff for almost 4 weeks now. I am taking it for Anxiety/stress with a husband deployed overseas. I have never taken any meds before and tend to be sensitive to them. I did notice some issues with being dizzy and feeling like my head wasn't all there but they have gone away now. The MAJOR problem I had from day one was sleep. I would sleep about 3-4 hours a night and then be up (and feeling like I should be doing normal daily activities) I have since been put on Ambien and would still get up but only about half the time. I have tried different times of the day (from the beginning) to take the meds~only on 75mg~ but it didn't seem to matter what time of the day I took it. I now take it at about 8pm and that seems to make the side effects not so noticeable. The one thing that I have tried (and has worked so far~!) is going to a couple biofeedback sessions. I have "homework" which is basically working with a session on a cd at night and I am able to sleep through the night (never have had or have a problem with falling asleep, just staying asleep) I felt my face being tight and clenching of my jaw without even knowing I was doing this (have done this in the past as well so I really don't think it's the meds) but the biofeedback seems to be helping in that area by basically me teaching my body how to react to outside stressors (and it's non-invasive and doesn't require additional meds)
So....now that I have ranted on, my two cents is this. This site did scare me a bit in the beginning but I understand that many people react differently to meds and that thankfully we are all different. I have noticed that the Eff helped more than it seems to be now and am wondering if I need to increase but will see my Dr. next Tuesday about this. Thanks to everyone for their insight into this medication. It's always nice to see how it "effexs" other people be it positive or negative:)
Posted by MKB on December 4, 2004, at 14:52:12
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by railgirl on December 4, 2004, at 12:46:42
That's great if it's working well for you. But please make sure you know that if you skip a couple of days, you will probably experience some severe withdrawal effects. Recognize it for what it is and don't assume you have the flu or have a worsening of your problem. The really bad thing about Effexor is the withdrawal which catches most people by surprise.
Posted by dsbk on December 4, 2004, at 15:47:55
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » railgirl, posted by MKB on December 4, 2004, at 14:52:12
To all that are doing good on Effexor-That's GREAT, but I had enough! I'm doing without meds (besides a Xanax once in a while.) I'm sure it was the Lexapro making me so nervous, because it did that to me when I tried it before. Anyway I see my Dr. next Thursday, I'm asking for Paxil (Maybe) Not sure what I want to do yet. At least today I'm hanging in there (or at least this very moment.)
dsbk
Posted by dancingstar on December 4, 2004, at 16:37:40
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by dsbk on December 4, 2004, at 15:47:55
Careful with that Paxil. Did you say that you've used it before? It's supposed to be worse than Effexor for withdrawal symptoms.
I'm sorry that you are having such a tough time. I don't need to add that I know how you're feeling, huh??? It sucks! Is that too impolite?
Posted by dancingstar on December 4, 2004, at 16:41:48
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by dsbk on December 4, 2004, at 15:47:55
> To all that are doing good on Effexor-That's GREAT, but I had enough! I'm doing without meds (besides a Xanax once in a while.) I'm sure it was the Lexapro making me so nervous, because it did that to me when I tried it before. Anyway I see my Dr. next Thursday, I'm asking for Paxil (Maybe) Not sure what I want to do yet. At least today I'm hanging in there (or at least this very moment.)
> I JUST THOUGHT OF SOMETHING!!Just in case your feeling badly has anything to do with the Effexor withdrawal, why don't you
> get some Benadryl and see if it helps you feel a bit better? Honestly, it could really help!Bebe
Posted by corafree on December 4, 2004, at 16:43:41
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by railgirl on December 4, 2004, at 12:46:42
I've taken Trazodone for years, before that Soma, to sleep.
You are on small dosage Eff-XR; my opinion, as metabolization of an XR drug is really touchy.
I am on double that as I metabolize drugs very quickly.
Increasing Eff-XR, don't think would help w/ sleep. cf
Posted by MKB on December 4, 2004, at 17:09:18
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by railgirl on December 4, 2004, at 12:46:42
I've said it before, but I'll say it again, as far as sleep goes and alleviation of mild depression and anxiety, I've found 500 mg L-Tryptophan works best for me. It's natural and effective... www.healthrecovery.com. I am not taking any antidepressants at the moment. With the tryptophan, omega 3 fish oil and vitamins, I don't need the ADs anymore.
Posted by dancingstar on December 4, 2004, at 17:40:34
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by MKB on December 4, 2004, at 17:09:18
feel like you're beating your head against a wall????
:-)
some folks think that only drugs will fix 'em.
Posted by railgirl on December 4, 2004, at 20:10:54
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » MKB, posted by dancingstar on December 4, 2004, at 17:40:34
“feel like you're beating your head against a wall????
:-)
some folks think that only drugs will fix 'em.”Thanks for some of the insight and response. I have no plans of going off the medication (being that I have only been on it for about a month) because I am feeling better than I was even with the side effects. I also realize that some people have a chemical imbalance and it's ok to want to fix it either with medication or naturally and that it is up to that individual to make the decision. I am sorry that some of you have had such bad response to this medication but I want people to know that it does not have the same negative reaction in every person. I have tried natural alternatives to get well and none have worked to date except the enhancement of the biofeedback with meds. If I have to live my life on medication I am ok with that because it's the quality of life I strive for more than anything. Negativity can be like an addictive drug as well.
And to end on a positive note visit
http://positivepause.com for a wonderful break in the day.
Posted by PoohBear on December 4, 2004, at 20:55:09
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » MKB, posted by dancingstar on December 4, 2004, at 17:40:34
> feel like you're beating your head against a wall????
>
> :-)
>
> some folks think that only drugs will fix 'em.Honestly, this is very unfair.
Tony
Posted by dsbk on December 4, 2004, at 21:54:21
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by dancingstar on December 4, 2004, at 16:37:40
dancingstar
Yes, I've used Paxil before, a few times. I felt great and don't remember any withdrawls. The only thing that sucked was the sexual side effects. So now I have to decide which is more important. Actually my Dr. told me that if I can't find any other med with the same results as Paxil that he'll give me the Paxil and something for the sexual side effects, but that freaks me out a bit. As we all know, we have to take it day-by-day with these sort of disorders and today I've had a good one! Thank God!!
dsbk
Posted by corafree on December 4, 2004, at 23:05:47
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by dancingstar on December 4, 2004, at 16:37:40
I've heard the same bad news about Paxil ... sorry to add. cf
Posted by MKB on December 4, 2004, at 23:40:51
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » MKB, posted by dancingstar on December 4, 2004, at 17:40:34
I sure don't want to discourage anyone from taking a medicine they truly need, but for the last 10 years I've been on one antidepressant after another. It was during this period that I was going through menopause. I suppose it's possible that all my craziness had to do with that. All I know is now I am fine without the antidepressants, thanks to L-Tryptophan. And there were many times in the past that I had a very bad rebound reaction when I tried to go off ADs. The Effexor was definitely the worst. I guess you and I can lie low for awhile... The truth about Effexor cannot be hidden forever. I just worry about people actually dying from the withdrawal effects, as some have written at www.petitiononline.com/effexor/. I don't think it is an exaggeration to say some become extremely suicidal during the withdrawal, because I felt that way myself. Others have had accidents. I just hope people going off it can recognize that it is the med that is making them feel so bad.
Posted by corafree on December 5, 2004, at 1:01:45
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by MKB on December 4, 2004, at 17:09:18
MKB - Do you think L-Trytophan would help my night anxiety ... it is so awful. Can I order it and take it while on Eff-XR. I have some Omega, and calcium chewables help my anxiety. If you even THINK I can take it while on Eff-XR, pls let me know, and I'm going to order some. Copied below to print out (don't worry no names on it). Glad you had a good day ... I usually do, until the sun goes down. cf
It will have to be a Christmas present to myelf!!! > I've said it before, but I'll say it again, as far as sleep goes and alleviation of mild depression and anxiety, I've found 500 mg L-Tryptophan works best for me. It's natural and effective... www.healthrecovery.com. I am not taking any antidepressants at the moment. With the tryptophan, omega 3 fish oil and vitamins, I don't need the ADs anymore.
Posted by dancingstar on December 5, 2004, at 2:32:41
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » dancingstar, posted by MKB on December 4, 2004, at 23:40:51
Maybe we have that "European" gene that they speak of :-) Who knows?
All I know is that it is the most horrifying experience that I have been through in my conscious life, and I suppose it will take something truly tragic, like suicide, murder or the like to garner the attention that this matter deserves.
I'll keep on pestering folks till I get through to the right people as I know that if I meet them personally, they will help me and just hope that I get this done quicker than the time it takes for someone to be in real danger and to not be heard or acknowledged for the pain that they are in when trying to get off this junk.
Have a great weekend!
Bebe
Posted by dancingstar on December 5, 2004, at 2:46:11
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » dancingstar, posted by PoohBear on December 4, 2004, at 20:55:09
It feels like no one will even give it a try when in some -- albeit not all -- but in some cases Tryptophan is truly enough, especially with the Omega 3's added in, which is wonderful for mood improvement.
These others drugs, Tony, are so strong; and the general practitioners and internists that are prescribing them for things like symptoms of menopause are not informed of all of the possible side effects, as you know. For example, in my case the family practice quack who prescribed many bad drugs for me also prescribed Effexor, but for fatigue -- as I have heard many other doctors do -- when Effexor actually causes pretty serious fatigue, though not in the intial stages of taking it. Most people say that they are more tired after taking Effexor for a few months, or so it seems from everything that I have read.
The mind-altering AD's are so powerful that I guess we wish that unless someone is under psychiatric care, folks would consider something less strong or with, perhaps, more predicatable results, like exercise or small amounts of herbs for milder forms of anxiety or depression, and it does seem as though most are not willing to consider this as an option; in part, maybe, because the results take longer to achieve and so they may think that they don't work at all.
Posted by S.Bartel on December 5, 2004, at 4:22:36
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » dancingstar, posted by PoohBear on December 4, 2004, at 20:55:09
Maybe, but people that have been on effexor a short time need to realize what they are in for in the long run. I was on it for 7 years and I consider anything under 3 or 4 a short time, cause it took me 7 to find out what it does to you physically and it took going through the withdrawals and finally getting my head straight to know what it had done to me mentally. All the time I was on it I was numbified enough to think it was really helping me. What a surprise!!! Sammi
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