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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by dancingstar on January 3, 2005, at 8:33:07
In reply to Re: I agree and..., posted by not2late4u on January 3, 2005, at 0:38:48
Renee,
The information wasn't available to any of us as we've said many time. While it is currenlty available to some degree, many of the side effects are still not mentioned, more likely some of the most serious and obvious and common, like the neurological damage. I cannot tell you how many people have written to me having lost their jobs because their fatigue was so bad that they couldn't stay awake. I am willing to bet that Wyeth has to this day significantly under-reported all figures regarding the side effects, as I believe they still record withdrawal problems at something like 2 percent...and anyone here is likely to disagree with that number.
I don't think that their business practices as Wyeth is any more ethical now than it was as American Home Products when they were manufacturing Phen-Phen and trying to pass that off as safe.
Posted by FaithT on January 3, 2005, at 9:22:03
In reply to Re: I AM GRATEFUL for Effexor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! » FaithT, posted by dancingstar on January 3, 2005, at 8:23:01
Woah...The original question from this link is "Did anyone have success on Effexor XR?" I found it accidentally, while searching for "Patients with Cancer on Effexor". I decided to reply, based on the fact that I have had success with the drug, twice.
Do you have scientific proof of that accusation ,that specifically "Effexor" does neurological damage? Don't you think that an accusation like that, is a bit unfair to people who are deperate and in clinical depression, and prescribed Effexor? Suppose I read your post 2 1/2 years ago, and stayed in that black hole, because you scared me so badly, by your post?
If you research pub-med or sights like that one, you can find articles stating that studies have been done on long term usage of "many" anti-depressants and psychiatric meds. You'll find studies showing every thing from brain shrinkage to liver damage, if you want to read through them.
That doesn't mean that every person taking these drugs is going to have those effects. You mentioned the figure 2% of the population having problems from Effexor as being inaccurate, in your other post. It may be slightly higher than 2%, that have side effects, but you don't factually know that anymore than I do. Out of all the millions of people currently taking Effexor, and who have happily taken it for years, they are obviously not going to be making the statements that you are. You have a right to your opinion, however I feel that your reply to the original question is very extreme, based on your unfortunate experience on this drug. I do see that there are many here who have had bad withdrawl from it, and others who share your symptoms. I am very sorry about that,and as I stated before I did withdrawl from it myself, that one time. I know what the withdrawl is like. However, it's unfair to sway someone not to try the drug, when they are asking a completely different question and possibly in severe need of it.
Best wishes to you in your recovery,
Faith~
Posted by dancingstar on January 3, 2005, at 10:22:09
In reply to Re: I AM GRATEFUL for Effexor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! » dancingstar, posted by FaithT on January 3, 2005, at 9:22:03
What I said has nothing to do with withdrawal; it is based on the fact that I zoned out three years of my life on Effexor.
My entire life is a mess, and now that I am awake and conscious enough to care about it I have got tons of clean-up work to do, and I don't even know where to start. It does such a great job of letting people forget about the horrors of their lives that one can literally sleep their lives away.
Many have said that Effexor causes symptoms similar to MS, I just say fibromyalgia. Whatever you want to call it, it is neurological damage. Even my internist agrees. If that scares people away from taking it, then they should be scared. So be it.
Posted by dancingstar on January 3, 2005, at 10:57:05
In reply to Re: I AM GRATEFUL for Effexor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! » dancingstar, posted by FaithT on January 3, 2005, at 9:22:03
Because Wyeth considers the data "proprietary," they don't tell us what the real figures are. A random sampling of this site would lead me to believe that with regard to withdrawal symptoms alone, leaving at all other side effects, people that have no withdrawal symptoms number closer to the 2 percent figure that is published by Wyeth as being the reported number of people that do have withdrawal symptoms.
I don't believe that they address weight gain nor neurological problems as issues at this time, though I might be wrong about that.
Interestingly, I found EffexorXR to cause me to have depression for the first time and when I stopped taking it, I began to have my first panic attacks. I would think that I was alone in these reactions if I had not received about 20 emails from others that also either take it or have taken it and recently stopped who confirm to me that Effexor is a drug that newcomers might do best to stay away from.
I feel strongly that anyone that is looking for advice as to whether or not to take Effexor might do best to seek a safer solution for what I understand is a terrible problem so they don't accidentally make their problems even worse than they are now.
You see, Faith, I understand that you have been through a lot, and Effexor is working for you, but I am not taking any other drugs and nothing else is masking my feelings nor clouding my mind, finally. I can think clearly for the first time in years and didn't even know that my thinking was all mucked up nor that I was in pain and asleep all day long because of some stupid drug. The Effexor took its toll slowly and silently, and I don't want to see even one more person harmed in the way that I was.
Posted by mikerush on January 3, 2005, at 11:42:37
In reply to Re: I AM GRATEFUL for Effexor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by dancingstar on January 3, 2005, at 10:22:09
I was hesitant to start effexor because of all the bad withdrawals that a lot of people were experiencing on this forum. I eventually tried it and it worked wonders for my GAD, I was on 225/mg per day for over 3 years and didn't have any side effects. I now have switched over to Cymbalta to see if this works better than Effexor. When I weaned off the Effexor I did not experience any withdrawal symptoms which I thought was odd since so many people do. Anyways I would advise anyone to at least try Effexor, I had tried many of the SSRI's to no avail. If the Cymbalta does not work I will not hesitate to go back on Effexor.
Posted by dancingstar on January 3, 2005, at 12:17:20
In reply to Re: I AM GRATEFUL for Effexor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by mikerush on January 3, 2005, at 11:42:37
...that people can switch over to from Effexor with no withdrawal effects. But I have a feeling that you can't stop taking Cymbalta without the withdrawal either.
Posted by Phillipa on January 3, 2005, at 16:13:45
In reply to Cymbalta seems to be the only drug... » mikerush, posted by dancingstar on January 3, 2005, at 12:17:20
I have been following all the Effexor Posts with interest because I have been taking Cymbalta. It did nothing for me. I did not feel any better. I have had pdocs who have tried me on all the SSRI's and Effexor. The only time one worked was the first time I took one 7 years ago and that was l0mg of Paxil. After I weaned off that one, I had a brief period on Luvox, at theraputic doses that worked. My dumb pdoc, through drug company incentives insisted I try Celexa, and that was the beginning of the end. Nothing, and I mean nothing has worked since. I always had to take Xanax with them, and when the Paxil was working I was also drinking beer at night. I was feeling great, functioning well, working as an RN and happy. I have been on disability ever since the changes. I am miserable. When I tried the other AD's the side effects were so bad that I always had to stop them within a week, my anxiety would skyrocket! I would be put back on low doses of Paxil. I am now agoraphobic, numb, don't care about anything. I decided to try and go off all AD's to try and see who I am. Yes, I am having W/D from the Cymbalta, brain zaps, no motivation, I'm just not the same fun loving, hardworking person I was before AD. I have to add that my thyroid became low and that escalated my anxiety and caused depression, and the need for AD. I really feel that Effexor is no different than the others, and Cymbalta has the side-effects too which is why I'm going off it after 4 months. I'm mad at the drug companies and pdocs in general because they don't know what they really do. I once asked one if he had ever taken and he quickly said no! When you complain of a side-effect they make you feel like you are a failure and it's your fault. I've even had one "fire" me because I don't respond like he wanted me to. Sorry I've written so much, but it's therapy to tell it like it is. I would take one if it would give me back my life. Phillipa
Posted by dancingstar on January 3, 2005, at 16:32:09
In reply to Re: Cymbalta seems to be the only drug... » dancingstar, posted by Phillipa on January 3, 2005, at 16:13:45
It is kind of strange that many of us that have taken AD's have low thyroid. I have had to take greater and greater doseages over the last few years.
Now that I know better, I really would stay away from the entire group of drugs no matter what the pdocs say, and I wouldn't let anyone in my family go near them, but that is just my opinion after putting to gether the facts about the kinds of things that they do to us.
Posted by crazykidd on January 3, 2005, at 16:36:18
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR...yes.(long), posted by not2late4u on December 30, 2004, at 21:44:36
I've been on Effexor XR for the past 6 years. Prior to Effexor XR, I was taking Paxil for panic attacks, depression, and an eating disorder. To this day I wish I could go back in time and refuse the medications. I remain on my medication because the side effects associated with Effexor XR scare the living daylights out of me. (Believe me, I've experienced it first hand)
Another reason why I wish I would've stayed clear of anti-depressants is a financial reason. I cannot afford the monthly prescription and my school health insurance barely makes a dent in the cost. I have been receiving "samples" through a psychiatrist and the "Patient Assistance" program through Wyeth. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, my meds are late and as of today I am without my medication. Yes, I've contacted my psychiatrist and I tried contacting Wyeth (their closed due to the holiday) with no luck.
I guess I'm just tired of the whole cycle...crazykidd
Posted by Phillipa on January 3, 2005, at 17:34:08
In reply to Re: Cymbalta seems to be the only drug... » Phillipa, posted by dancingstar on January 3, 2005, at 16:32:09
It is interesting about the thyroid. You brought back the memory of something I noticed when I was a psych RN {Yeah, I know, it must be contagious!}. A majority of the female pts in the unit reguardless of the dx had a low thyroid. I was a very through RN and always read a pts Lab reports besides their hx. Most RN's don't do this. Phillipa
Posted by dancingstar on January 3, 2005, at 18:44:34
In reply to Re: Cymbalta seems to be the only drug..., posted by Phillipa on January 3, 2005, at 17:34:08
I wonder which comes first, the meds or the thyroid problem. In my case it was the med, but I'm just curious.
I know that low thyroid = depression, but do the drugs also cause low thyroid?
Posted by Phillipa on January 3, 2005, at 19:22:51
In reply to Re: Cymbalta seems to be the only drug..., posted by dancingstar on January 3, 2005, at 18:44:34
I guess I should have asked the pts. I always had a really good relationship with them and was well liked by them. I would like the answer to this too. I asked other staff, but nobody seemed interested. I guess it was because it did't affect them, and most of them didn't care, they were just there to earn money. Phillipa
Gee, sounds like the pdocs!
Posted by dancingstar on January 3, 2005, at 19:28:02
In reply to Re: Cymbalta seems to be the only drug... » dancingstar, posted by Phillipa on January 3, 2005, at 19:22:51
It sounds like you were on to something, you must be a very good nurse.
Posted by Phillipa on January 3, 2005, at 20:15:29
In reply to Re: Cymbalta seems to be the only drug... » Phillipa, posted by dancingstar on January 3, 2005, at 19:28:02
Thank-you so much. I take that as a compliment. I Think I will start a Thread on this now and ask how many have thyroid problems. A little investigation of our own! Phillipa
Posted by dancingstar on January 3, 2005, at 20:17:40
In reply to Re: Cymbalta seems to be the only drug... » dancingstar, posted by Phillipa on January 3, 2005, at 20:15:29
Good idea. I've been curious, too. Thanks.
Posted by chpike on January 3, 2005, at 22:26:28
In reply to Re: Cymbalta seems to be the only drug..., posted by dancingstar on January 3, 2005, at 20:17:40
> Good idea. I've been curious, too. Thanks.
After horrible anxiety and panic - I went from Paxil - doc changed me to Effexor due to night sweats - found out I was pregnant and weaned w/no problem via Cymbalta. I'm thrilled as I tried for a year to get off Effxr - following a year on it. Figured it was causing my night sweats. Before Cymbalta - my withdrawl was not barable - anger, panic etc.
I went from 150mg Effx Xr to 60 mg Cymbalta for two weeks, now down to 30 mg Cymbalta and feeling great. I would say my head is much clearer and dreams not so freaky as on Effex and Pax. Good luck I believe in Cymbalta as a means to wean off all AD's.
But as I read through months of babble - it amazes me how various drugs affect us all so differently. My doc basically told me that from the start. I do however share frustration at the level of concern and lack of follow up.
Good luck and God Bless. CHE
Posted by sierra1 on January 3, 2005, at 23:24:10
In reply to whoops , I meant 50 offenders!!, posted by jubilee on January 2, 2005, at 12:11:21
took effexor for about a year, my name can be found in much earlier posts....i went from the beginning stages, middle stages, as everyone here talks about. Orgasms were "gone"....perhaps the odd few, but they just were not happening, all though i totally enjoyed all sex.....anytime, the big "O" was missing. After going from 75 mg up to 300 mg in that year....i stopped....cold turkey...
once in anwhile i check back here for new and different posts about effexor. Going off effexor, id say it took a long time for most of the side effects to be gone....except the occasional tingling in the head feeling (still get that one)
....orgasms....they are happening...not as they once were but at least there are some.......
Posted by sierra1 on January 3, 2005, at 23:30:42
In reply to whoops , I meant 50 offenders!!, posted by jubilee on January 2, 2005, at 12:11:21
bgbham KimberlyDi Zinna Mercedes
come back and tell us what is going on in your lives now?
Posted by dancingstar on January 4, 2005, at 1:24:08
In reply to Re: Cymbalta seems to be the only drug..., posted by chpike on January 3, 2005, at 22:26:28
Cymbalta is a relatively new drug. Are you currently pregnant?
Generally speaking, we wouldn't want to advise people that are just flipping through the website to switch from Effexor to Cymbalta if they are pregnant because that may not be the most prudent move that one can make. Generally speaking, it would be better to be off of ADs entirely. If Cymbalta is covering the effects of Effexor and it, too, is an antidepressant, then it is likely that it is generally doing the same sort of thing that Effexor does to your body with some variations.
I wish you well in your journey, but you should research the effects of Cymbalta on pregnancies and newborns if that data is available as it is, finally, with Effexor.
Posted by not2late4u on January 4, 2005, at 2:37:09
In reply to Re: I agree and... » not2late4u, posted by dancingstar on January 3, 2005, at 8:33:07
Dancingstar,
All my posts have been informational about my experiences and research, as I assume everyone elses is. It seems that you have a hard time excepting this. I have said twice and others have said that we are sorry for all those who have had to suffer for whatever reasons and that fda, drug makers etc should provide more info, these things have been acknowledged many times by many posts. The fact is that not everyone has or will have the same experiences, this has been said throughout posts as well. We can not place everyone in the same category or group, we are all different! This doesnt invalidate anyone elses experiences, however in my opinion, your responses seem to.. Lets not take away from someone who may be helped by Effexor, lets provide the best info we can for them so they can be better informed on both sides of the issue and base their own decision on their research. Please, cant we share this site?
Posted by not2late4u on January 4, 2005, at 2:58:14
In reply to Re: I AM GRATEFUL for Effexor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by FaithT on January 3, 2005, at 7:15:18
FaithT
Ya, when I take the last one, thats what I am wondering if I will still be doing this well. Im glad you've been lucky enough to find a medication that will help you to live your life, Im sure you know yourself better than anyone else and I just have to say that I would guess that you are clear minded enough to know know whats best for you. Im glad that Effexor does not give you the horrible side effects that others have suffered. Praise God for that! I'll also say a prayer for you about the fear of cancer returning. (the opposite of fear is your name, "faith".) Renee
Posted by FaithT on January 4, 2005, at 7:25:06
In reply to Re: I AM GRATEFUL for Effexor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by not2late4u on January 4, 2005, at 2:58:14
Thanks so much Renee. That was really sweet of you.
As far as the withdrawl, like I said I did go off Effexor once myself...You'll get through it, just wean down very slowly, and let your Dr. help you. Basically, I just felt kinda weird for the first week without it. I'm sure you read about the zaps and insomnia. For me, it gradually diminished after about a month. I did begin taking the herbal supplement Melatonin while having the insomnia, and that seemed to help me sleep better.
After that I felt absoloutly fine physically...no lasting effects for me.
I feel fine back on it again as well. As you said in you post above, everyone is different, and on the drug for different reasons. For some, like me, it's a miracle. For others it's horrible, and I'm sorry about that.
Renee, best wishes to you...
Faith~
Posted by dancingstar on January 4, 2005, at 12:30:41
In reply to Re: I agree and... » not2late4u, posted by dancingstar on January 3, 2005, at 8:33:07
Renee,
You addressed your prior post to me with your opinion, and I answered you with my opinion. Was I not supposed to do that? If I did something wrong, I apologize.
Bebe
Posted by ckc on January 4, 2005, at 12:42:25
In reply to Re: I AM GRATEFUL for Effexor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! » dancingstar, posted by FaithT on January 3, 2005, at 9:22:03
OK, this is the third time I've tried this. I have been reading for over two hours and I now have both trepidation and some hope re: Effexor. Five days ago I had a detailed suicide plan and was close to implementing it. With the help of my PCP, psychologist and husband I have been able to make it through one day at a time. I realized while answering his questions that I have had some degree of depression for at least 28 years. I have been off and on many AD. I was on Wellbutrin 300 XL and Cymbalta 60mg last week. I did not feel that they were making any difference and did not f/u with my pdoc as I should have. My PCP immediately started me on 75mg of Effexor and cut the Cymbalta to 30mg. My pdoc called yesterday because I had missed a 10am appt. He told me to decrease the Cym to every other day after the week of 30/day and to then increase the Effexor to 75mg 2x/day. I am kind of freaked out now because of how slowly other folks on this site have been started. I have wicked insomnia. I actually have less hand tremoring since the Cym has been cut in half. I was wondering, what the heck are brain zaps? Do they happen at any dosage? It is great to know that there is a site like this for support during this low point in my life. ckc
Posted by ckc on January 4, 2005, at 13:02:13
In reply to Re: Cymbalta seems to be the only drug... » dancingstar, posted by Phillipa on January 3, 2005, at 20:15:29
Phillipa,I have just started Effexor five days ago. I had my thyroid levels checked in June and they were ok. I'll be your "lab rat" and let you know how it goes. ckc
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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