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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Phillipa on December 5, 2004, at 18:40:24
In reply to Re: Effexor vs. Cymbalta??, posted by dancingstar on December 5, 2004, at 18:24:02
According to all I've read and heard, even on this site, it's supposed to be the exact same type drug as Effexoe. It targets Serotonin and Norepinefrine {spelled wrong}. It's supposed to have less side effects. I didn't know it was used for fibromyalgia. What doses are they taking? The manufacturer states that results are same for over 60mgs, so that is the highest they recommend, but there is someone on this board who is taking l20mgs and having good results. Thanks for responding.
Posted by dancingstar on December 5, 2004, at 18:47:20
In reply to Re: Effexor vs. Cymbalta??, posted by Phillipa on December 5, 2004, at 18:40:24
> According to all I've read and heard, even on this site, it's supposed to be the exact same type drug as Effexoe. It targets Serotonin and Norepinefrine {spelled wrong}. It's supposed to have less side effects. I didn't know it was used for fibromyalgia. What doses are they taking? The manufacturer states that results are same for over 60mgs, so that is the highest they recommend, but there is someone on this board who is taking l20mgs and having good results. Thanks for responding.
I'm sorry, I don't know that much about this, but you might find out more at immunesupport.com, which is where I read about it in the first place.Hope this helps!
Bebe
Posted by Sinnielou on December 5, 2004, at 19:19:24
In reply to Re: Anyone had success..?S.Barteldancingstar » dancingstar, posted by MKB on December 5, 2004, at 17:38:59
My question is why are people coming off in the first place??? All of a sudden because you feel better for a day or 2 that means you just jump the gun and quit meds cold turkey??? It isn't like you walk into a corner variety store and buy effexor with your bag of chips. Obviously everyones doctor prescribed the meds for very good reason and hey guess what sometimes those good reasons keep people on there meds for as long as they are. I have been on effexor for over a year and I'm proud to say I will never come off what for did my depression magically disappear I wish it did. If I had a headache is someone going to slag me because I take tylenol?? If I was a diabetic and you going to take away my insulin?? I don't think so, people have a hard time remembering what they said to there doctor just before the prescrption was written. I just don't understand the logic in people really I don't yes some have had negative effects from effexor but hey alot of people haven't that's why the drug is prescribed. Giddy up to people who don't need meds and don't take them, but always remember you did need them at one time.
Shannon
Posted by MKB on December 5, 2004, at 19:49:17
In reply to Re: Anyone had success..?, posted by Sinnielou on December 5, 2004, at 19:19:24
>>Obviously everyones doctor prescribed the meds for very good reason >>
I completely disagree with that statement, based on my own experience and that of others. I wish I could take longer to respond, but I'm doing some work right now on a tight deadline, so I can't. Maybe tomorrow.
Posted by dancingstar on December 5, 2004, at 19:52:22
In reply to Re: Anyone had success..?, posted by Sinnielou on December 5, 2004, at 19:19:24
> My question is why are people coming off in the first place??? All of a sudden because you feel better for a day or 2 that means you just jump the gun and quit meds cold turkey??? It isn't like you walk into a corner variety store and buy effexor with your bag of chips. Obviously everyones doctor prescribed the meds for very good reason and hey guess what sometimes those good reasons keep people on there meds for as long as they are. I have been on effexor for over a year and I'm proud to say I will never come off what for did my depression magically disappear I wish it did. If I had a headache is someone going to slag me because I take tylenol?? If I was a diabetic and you going to take away my insulin?? I don't think so, people have a hard time remembering what they said to there doctor just before the prescrption was written. I just don't understand the logic in people really I don't yes some have had negative effects from effexor but hey alot of people haven't that's why the drug is prescribed. Giddy up to people who don't need meds and don't take them, but always remember you did need them at one time.
> ShannonDid you read all of the prior posts before you wrote yours? I was prescribed Effexor for fatigue, and though I went to the doctor cause I couldn't figure out what was causing severe fatigue and weight gain (which was causing some depression and anxiety) it wasn't until I switched doctors from the family practice quack that prescribed Effexor for these problems that my low thyroid was diagnosed.
Did you know that low thyroid can cause depression? Anyway, my new, wonderful internist didn't know why I was taking Effexor in the first place, as it could have been for a psychological problem, and so he didn't force me to stop taking it, but I finally figured out on my own that this had to be the cause of my weight gain cause I ate very little food. I was existing on around 400 to 600 calories a day, and having severe fibromyalgia and still trying to exercise...but I could barely keep my weight down to 140 or 142 at 5'6". So I quit taking the drug, and now I weigh around 127ish, and I have no fatigue at all, and every single joint pain that I had is gone...really it is, it hasn't returned, and it's raining. I do have some neck and back pain, more in the nerves from the leftover withdrawal, but I do think it's starting to ease up, and my stomach just isn't right, but I have faith that I'm healing.
Nope, Effexor is being prescribed for all kinds of things that it shouldn't be prescribed for, and that's what we are trying to have stopped. It has been misrepresented as a wonder drug. Gee, you know, I lost an entire three years of my life to that darn drug. Even another day or two would have been too many. The sooner this is all over, the better. I should add that I was so sick and so tired that between everything I did, I needed to rest for at least two hours and there have been days that I could sleep from one until the next without ever leaving the room. I couldn't even get up to answer the telephone. I had no idea it was from Effexor until I began to read that Effexor could cause fatigue, a problem that I was already struggling with before I began to take Effexor.
Some people think that all doctors are perfect and infallible. I'm afraid that I am not one of them. Many are great, but I ended up in the hands of one that cared more about kickbacks than his patients. By the way, this same doctor lied in my medical records and denied prescribing some of the medicines he was having me take. He told my private disability company that there was nothing wrong with me and essentially ruined my reputation and said that I was a liar when in truth I looked up his name online and found out that he had been suspended by the medical board more than one time. I lost $3,000 a month and was too weak and tired to fight about it; so I went back to sleep for about a year and a half, which sounds like an exaggeration, but that was pretty much my life. I simply could not stay awake, I had no idea what was wrong with me, and didn't really think I would live, just kind of hung in there.
Stopping taking Effexor was one of the smarter things that I have ever done, though cold turkey may not be the best way I could have gone. I just didn't have any idea that it was going to be a problem as I wasn't warned that there were any side effects or that there were any problems whatsoever if you decided to stop taking it. The joke was on me.
Next time I was more careful in my choice of doctors.
Bebe
Posted by S.Bartel on December 5, 2004, at 19:56:10
In reply to Re: Anyone had success..?, posted by Sinnielou on December 5, 2004, at 19:19:24
We did'nt quit because we felt better a couple of days. We quit because we felt bad for a lot of days. I don't believe this is a drug that should be taken for the long term. A year is not a long time. I was on it for 7yrs. After about 3yrs. I was so tired all the time that I could't get out of bed and it took me another 4yrs. to realize it was Effexor that caused it. At first it gave me lots of energy and I felt great except I could'nt sleep. Then I got to where I could and finally I had to sleep all the time and could'nt work without falling asleep. I hope it never affects you like that, but what I hear from most people that is what happens. Then if you have to quit taking it you have severe withdrawls on top of everything else.
I have been off for over 2 months now and finally feel somewhat normal except for the liver damage that it caused. At least I have a clear mind now and can feel things instead of just covering them up and never dealing with them. Good Luck, Sammi
Posted by Dr. Bob on December 6, 2004, at 7:52:04
In reply to Re: Anyone had success..?S.Barteldancingstar » MKB, posted by dancingstar on December 5, 2004, at 18:18:40
> Maybe we can even arrange a phone chat or something...
Sorry to interrupt, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding phone chats to Psycho-Babble Social. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20041202/msgs/425158.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Auntiemogs on December 6, 2004, at 8:24:18
In reply to side effects from withdrawing/fatigue, posted by mrs1104 on October 1, 2004, at 13:29:27
> I took Effexor 37.5 for about 3 months (after trying 2 others) back in 2001. Like other people have said, everyone is different but...
>
> I was definitely in withdrawal. Even though I "weaned" myself off as directed by my GP and psychologist, I felt like my brain was bouncing around in my skull. If I turned my head quickly, I felt like I was drunk. I had the shakes, felt dizzy, had upset appetite...you get the idea.
>
> I guess the point is, regardless of the dose I think some people experience withdrawal symptoms while others may not. I certainly did. It sucked and all I wanted to do was start taking pills again. But everything subsided within a week or so.
>
> I took Effexor for depression on-set from an event and experienced full recovery (or maybe remission??) I am now taking Effexor XR again (for past 5 months) because of chemical imbalance and have no plans of discontinuing anti-depressants. Depression (although I am the only one to admit it) is very prevalent through multiple generations in my family, so I figure why "be a hero." It's no different than taking drugs for high cholesterol.
>
> I was taking 75 mg, but with continued fatigue was bumped up to 150 mg. Emotionally I feel fine. Physically, I am still tired all of the time. I don't know if it's the drug, or just me. Anyone else have continued problems with intense fatigue while taking Effexor?
>
> P.S. Sorry the post was so long, but it's my first time here.
I started taking Effexor for a bout of depression 6 months ago.
Initially, I was on 75mg twice a day.
When I went back to work (6 weeks off), I found it very difficult to cope physically and was told to 'phase myself in gradually'.
That was months ago!
I went back to my doctor and he said that if I was still tired I couldn't be better (feeling fine emotionally) and the tablets should give me energy, not make me tired.
He has now increased my evening dose to 150mg but I'm feeling no better.
I can work a full day but by late afternoon my legs and neck are starting to ache (like flu) and the next day I just 'crash' and sleep for most of the day.
Sorry for going on like this but I seem to have swapped one problem for another. I worry now about losing my job. When people see me at work I look (and feel) normal and I don't think they understand why I'm still taking time off.
I've started to wonder if I'm just very lazy...
Posted by Gia on December 6, 2004, at 8:30:15
In reply to Re: side effects from withdrawing/fatigue » mrs1104, posted by Auntiemogs on December 6, 2004, at 8:24:18
Hi there,
I am in the same boat as you, I take Effexor 75 mgs and find it great. I am feeling better than ever. I am tired a lot though more than usual and have some nasea but otherwise my depression is pretty much gone so that is all that matter to me right now. I never went off it yet so I don't know what that will be like for withdrawl, my doctor said I should only be on it for about 6 months or so.> > I took Effexor 37.5 for about 3 months (after trying 2 others) back in 2001. Like other people have said, everyone is different but...
> >
> > I was definitely in withdrawal. Even though I "weaned" myself off as directed by my GP and psychologist, I felt like my brain was bouncing around in my skull. If I turned my head quickly, I felt like I was drunk. I had the shakes, felt dizzy, had upset appetite...you get the idea.
> >
> > I guess the point is, regardless of the dose I think some people experience withdrawal symptoms while others may not. I certainly did. It sucked and all I wanted to do was start taking pills again. But everything subsided within a week or so.
> >
> > I took Effexor for depression on-set from an event and experienced full recovery (or maybe remission??) I am now taking Effexor XR again (for past 5 months) because of chemical imbalance and have no plans of discontinuing anti-depressants. Depression (although I am the only one to admit it) is very prevalent through multiple generations in my family, so I figure why "be a hero." It's no different than taking drugs for high cholesterol.
> >
> > I was taking 75 mg, but with continued fatigue was bumped up to 150 mg. Emotionally I feel fine. Physically, I am still tired all of the time. I don't know if it's the drug, or just me. Anyone else have continued problems with intense fatigue while taking Effexor?
> >
> > P.S. Sorry the post was so long, but it's my first time here.
>
>
> I started taking Effexor for a bout of depression 6 months ago.
> Initially, I was on 75mg twice a day.
> When I went back to work (6 weeks off), I found it very difficult to cope physically and was told to 'phase myself in gradually'.
> That was months ago!
> I went back to my doctor and he said that if I was still tired I couldn't be better (feeling fine emotionally) and the tablets should give me energy, not make me tired.
> He has now increased my evening dose to 150mg but I'm feeling no better.
> I can work a full day but by late afternoon my legs and neck are starting to ache (like flu) and the next day I just 'crash' and sleep for most of the day.
> Sorry for going on like this but I seem to have swapped one problem for another. I worry now about losing my job. When people see me at work I look (and feel) normal and I don't think they understand why I'm still taking time off.
> I've started to wonder if I'm just very lazy...
>
Posted by MKB on December 6, 2004, at 8:43:03
In reply to Re: side effects from withdrawing/fatigue » mrs1104, posted by Auntiemogs on December 6, 2004, at 8:24:18
You're not lazy. I have no doubt it is the Effexor that is making you so tired. If you want to read how Effexor has affected about 7000 other people, read what the signers of this petition have said:
www.petitiononline.com/effexor/Can Effexor ruin your life? Many people say it can.
Posted by jclint on December 6, 2004, at 8:47:01
In reply to Re: side effects from withdrawing/fatigue » mrs1104, posted by Auntiemogs on December 6, 2004, at 8:24:18
Hey guys, in the UK there has been some significant movement in AD prescription guidelines. It looks like doctors are being asked to take a more cautious stance. I don't know if its in the best interests of a lot of people, but I'm sure you will be interested in the results.
Look at my threat further down, or have a look here http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4071145.stm
Posted by MKB on December 6, 2004, at 10:49:13
In reply to New UK guidelines for ADs, may interest some, posted by jclint on December 6, 2004, at 8:47:01
I say, "Hooray for the UK!" It does appear to me that patients are being valued more than pharmaceutical profits in this case. Now, I wish the UK would do even more by promoting the wider use of L-Tryptophan. Let's hope the U.S. will follow suit.
Here is a generalization that I believe to be truth: Antidepressants are way over-prescribed in this country (U.S.) and are causing tremendous harm to the health of millions of Americans.
Posted by ed_uk on December 6, 2004, at 10:52:48
In reply to Re: New UK guidelines for ADs, may interest some » jclint, posted by MKB on December 6, 2004, at 10:49:13
Hi,
I certainly think that the guidelines are sensible in general but there is a problem.... we don't have enough NHS psychologists so how can SSRIs be used as a second-line treatment for anxiety when the first-line treatment is not available?
Regards,
Ed.
Posted by dancingstar on December 6, 2004, at 11:58:42
In reply to Re: side effects from withdrawing/fatigue Gia » Auntiemogs, posted by MKB on December 6, 2004, at 8:43:03
Some of us are taking action against the manufacturer for false claims. mrs, please write me at [email protected] if you want to join us. If I am not allowed to post this, anyone can give out my email or info if I am unable to.
Posted by Waaq on December 6, 2004, at 19:01:55
In reply to New UK guidelines for ADs, may interest some, posted by jclint on December 6, 2004, at 8:47:01
> Hey guys, in the UK there has been some significant movement in AD prescription guidelines. It looks like doctors are being asked to take a more cautious stance. I don't know if its in the best interests of a lot of people, but I'm sure you will be interested in the results.
>
> Look at my threat further down, or have a look here http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4071145.stmI went to my GP a few months ago asking for some anti depressents to "pick me up". he refused on the grounds that I'm Schizophrenic and I'd need to see a pshychiatrist to get them. You know so I could get the Ap's that go with them. He even went as far as to refuse to refer me to a pshychiatrist. Told me instead to take vitamins everyday for a month or two and see if I still needed "picking up" Oddest thing of all is it actually worked. He potentialy saved me from some rather nasty side effects. and the NHS a sizeable bill.
Posted by dancingstar on December 6, 2004, at 23:17:33
In reply to New UK guidelines for ADs, may interest some, posted by jclint on December 6, 2004, at 8:47:01
> Hey guys, in the UK there has been some significant movement in AD prescription guidelines. It looks like doctors are being asked to take a more cautious stance. I don't know if its in the best interests of a lot of people, but I'm sure you will be interested in the results.
>
> Look at my threat further down, or have a look here http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4071145.stmThanks for the link. It's a good article :-) Maybe they are beginning to get it.
Posted by Dan Perkins on December 7, 2004, at 19:56:22
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » MKB, posted by corafree on December 5, 2004, at 1:01:45
Link to article in Forbes about Effexor:
http://www.forbes.com/technology/ebusiness/feeds/ap/2004/12/06/ap1694586.html
Posted by dancingstar on December 7, 2004, at 20:14:59
In reply to ***********Must Read Effexor Article**************, posted by Dan Perkins on December 7, 2004, at 19:56:22
> Link to article in Forbes about Effexor:
>
> http://www.forbes.com/technology/ebusiness/feeds/ap/2004/12/06/ap1694586.htmlThank you ever so much!!!!
About darn time!
Posted by Phillipa on December 7, 2004, at 20:40:30
In reply to Re: ***********Must Read Effexor Article************** » Dan Perkins, posted by dancingstar on December 7, 2004, at 20:14:59
I already possted on another thread that had this article what happened to me. I had an appointment with the head of Infection Control at a prestigious Hospital in NC. He is an MD and I see him due to chronic Lyme's Disease. He had a pamphlet in his office on Effexor. told him what everyone on the computer was saying about
Effexor and he said that most of their pts that took Effexor had to go off of it because of high blood pressure, and he was glad that he had never had to take any of tnese drugs. Needless to say this made me more motivated to contilnue my own withdrawal from Cymbalta. But,it's the first time I've heard an MD against a med!
Posted by corafree on December 7, 2004, at 21:41:13
In reply to Re: ***********Must Read Effexor Article************** » Dan Perkins, posted by dancingstar on December 7, 2004, at 20:14:59
Thanks Dan. I've printed it and will keep for reference. Anyone else who runs across any such articles, bring 'em on. merry stressmas cf
Posted by Smeegle on December 8, 2004, at 16:00:45
In reply to Re: side effects from withdrawing/fatigue Gia » Auntiemogs, posted by MKB on December 6, 2004, at 8:43:03
I am about half-way thru getting off Effexor XR and it's going better than I expected. After being on 300mg for well over 3 years, Although it really helped for a while, I was once again having break-thru depression and was needing dosage increases more and more frequently. I was at the max dosage he would prescribe and I was ready to get off it anyhow. It was to the point that the withdrawal crap started if I was even late taking my daily dose (forget missing a whole day). I was also having major problems with fatigue and motivation. I felt like a major slug dragging myself thru the day so I could collapse on the couch. My energy has improved (getting there, but still tired), the brain fog is getting better and I actually manage to get at least one chore done at night before hitting the couch. In three weeks I have made it down to 75mg (from 300), which is much faster than I anticipated. I started ramping up on Lamictal the same week I started ramping down the Effexor. So far no probs with the Lamictal (and perhaps it's keeping the brain zaps at bay). I expect the last step to be the worse (when I stop completely after a week at 37.5 mg).
It was a great med at first, but long-term wasn't such a good idea. I felt like such a crack addict needing my Effexor fix every day, panicking when the bottle got low.
Smeegs
Posted by corafree on December 8, 2004, at 16:21:05
In reply to Re: side effects from withdrawing/fatigue, posted by Smeegle on December 8, 2004, at 16:00:45
What is the Lamictal doing to help you, if ya' don't mind my asking? Are you taking anything else, scrips or alternative? Hang in there cf
Posted by S.Bartel on December 8, 2004, at 22:14:27
In reply to Re: side effects from withdrawing/fatigue, posted by Smeegle on December 8, 2004, at 16:00:45
Yes, I know what mean. I think a better name for it would be Effixer. LOL
Posted by S.Bartel on December 8, 2004, at 22:25:07
In reply to Re: side effects from withdrawing/fatigue » Smeegle, posted by S.Bartel on December 8, 2004, at 22:14:27
> Yes, I know what mean. I think a better name for it would be Effixer. LOL>>>
When you finish with the 37 !/2mg, you might need to open the capsules and pour half of it out and take that for a week and save what you pour out and cut that in half and take it for a week and so on until you get down to just a few grains and then stop. I still had withdrawls when I tried to stop at 37 1/2. You may not have a problem but just in case, and you don't have to have them in a capsule to take them. It just makes it a little easier to swallow. Good luck. Sammi
Posted by awatts on December 9, 2004, at 6:27:44
In reply to Re: side effects from withdrawing/fatigue, posted by S.Bartel on December 8, 2004, at 22:25:07
> > Yes, I know what mean. I think a better name for it would be Effixer. LOL>>>
>
>
> When you finish with the 37 !/2mg, you might need to open the capsules and pour half of it out and take that for a week and save what you pour out and cut that in half and take it for a week and so on until you get down to just a few grains and then stop. I still had withdrawls when I tried to stop at 37 1/2. You may not have a problem but just in case, and you don't have to have them in a capsule to take them. It just makes it a little easier to swallow. Good luck. Sammi
>
My withdrawal was not that bad until I tried to go from 37 1/2 to zero. I had to go back up to 37 1/2 mgs, and taper to zero over several months. 225 to 37.5 mgs was MUCH easier than 37.5 to zero mgs.
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