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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by GP3205 on February 2, 2005, at 13:10:11
In reply to RE: NEW THREAD - POSITIVE EFFEXOR EXPERIENCE, posted by good2go on January 29, 2005, at 9:21:53
I just started on Effexor XR 37.5mg one month ago and I feel great! Initially my psychiatrist had prescribed 75 mg, which made me feel super drowsey and unproductive. So then I was switched to Zoloft that did nothing for me in regards to my panic attacks and anxiety. About a month ago I requested to get back on Effoxor because I DID feel calm on the 75 mg but it was just too strong so that is why I’m on 37.5 now. Anyway the point is doctors don’t know everything and sometimes we are the best judge of what works for us. Now I feel more focused and I'm not having anxiety and or panic attacks. I still feel somewhat depressed but I feel great because I can focus now without the threat of panic or anxiety. Along with therapy I’m trying to cope with getting my life back on track without the threat of freaking out. I’m only supposed to be on Effexor for one year no more. I don’t believe that pills are the answer to my problems, but my panic attacks were getting more frequent and more severe. I don’t get headaches or random pains anymore. I am having fun being sober at parties and clubs with friends and family. I was starting to drink to “relax” and I was building a high tolerance for alcohol. I am happy and glad that Effexor is helping me but at the same time I can’t wait to get off the medication so that I can live my life without depending on pills—Especially as we all don’t really know the long term affects from taking this medication other than like all pills and alcohol they will take a toll on either our liver or kidneys as they need to filter through somehow in our system,,,
Thanks
Posted by Troubled1 on February 2, 2005, at 17:41:20
In reply to Re: Negative Effexor Experience » Troubled1, posted by not2late4u on February 2, 2005, at 1:17:35
Thanks Renee. I appreciate it. I was taking Effexor 150 mg + 75 mg for a once daily total of 225 mg. This morning I decided to only take the 75 mg. It's probably too soon to tell but so far I feel fine. I'll stay at that dose for a few days, then reduce a bit if I still feel fine. Will definitely let you know if I start having problems and need your help.
Karen
Posted by not2late4u on February 2, 2005, at 23:46:37
In reply to Re: Negative Effexor Experience, posted by Troubled1 on February 2, 2005, at 17:41:20
karen, you are welcome, please remember that slowly is the best way, at least for myself and what I've read from others. going from 225 down to 75, might be a bit of a jump, but your body may be able to handle it. please let us know if we can help. Renee
Posted by DNINA on February 3, 2005, at 11:55:02
In reply to RE: NEW THREAD - POSITIVE EFFEXOR EXPERIENCE, posted by GP3205 on February 2, 2005, at 13:10:11
I HAVE BEEN TAKING EFFEXOR FOR ALMOST A MONTH FOR S.A.D. I AM ON 75MG, AND SO FAR I CANT TELL ANY DIFFERENCE. ANXIETY STRIKES WHEN I HAVE TO BE IN A CROWD OF PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY IF I THINK I MAY HAVE TO SPEAK ALOUD FOR EVERYONE TO HEAR. MY HEART STARTS RACING, I GET DIZZY AND FEEL AS IF I AM GOING TO PASS OUT. IF ANYONE HAS TAKEN EFFEXOR FOR THIS, PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW IT WORKED.
Posted by not2late4u on February 3, 2005, at 15:12:41
In reply to HAS ANYONE TAKEN EFFEXOR FOR SOCIAL ANXIETY?, posted by DNINA on February 3, 2005, at 11:55:02
sorry dnina, I cant help you with this one. I didnt experience anxiety while taking effexor (or paxil) which were why I took them. I hope someone else can help here. Reneee
Posted by Troubled1 on February 3, 2005, at 18:17:11
In reply to RE: NEW THREAD - NEGATIVE EFFEXOR EXPERIENCE! » S. Bartel, posted by winddancer on January 29, 2005, at 0:00:48
As I am currently weaning off of Effexor and am seriously considering seeing a Naturopath, I am very interested in hearing about your experience with your Chinese Acupuncturist and any herbs/natural meds that he recommends. Keep us all informed, please.
Posted by Troubled1 on February 3, 2005, at 18:25:49
In reply to Re: Negative Effexor Experience » Troubled1, posted by not2late4u on February 2, 2005, at 23:46:37
Hi everyone. It is the evening of day 2 of dropping from 225 mg to 75 mg. I am still feeling not too badly but am experiencing a bit more dizziness/light-headedness than usual. Slept really well last night although I did have very vivid life-like dreams (what else is new?). Appetite is good so far. Will keep updating throughout ordeal. Cross your fingers and toes for me. Any advice on how long I should stay at this dose before attempting to go even lower?
Karen
Posted by winddancer on February 4, 2005, at 0:22:47
In reply to Reply to Windancer, posted by Troubled1 on February 3, 2005, at 18:17:11
Ok, I'll keep you informed. I just saw my med doctor and will begin decreasing the Effexor from 150 to 75 + 37.5. Plan to stay there for 2 weeks. After 2 visits with the acupuncturist, I sleep more restfully but still wake up after 2 hours - several times a night. I will be brewing the tea that I got in Chinatown this afternoon. It is supposed to be specific for insomnia. My Acupuncturist believes that by addressing the insomnia first, it can give me some relief from the other symptoms. Thanks for your interest. I just heard of taking lots of fish oil (Omega-3) helping with menopausal hot flashes. So I'll make sure that I'm not missing my Omega-3 supplements.
Posted by not2late4u on February 4, 2005, at 2:43:53
In reply to Day 2 of lower dose of Effexor, posted by Troubled1 on February 3, 2005, at 18:25:49
karen, I suggest staying at that dose until you feel as though the withdraw symptoms you are already feeling have subsided or leveled out. Thats what I have done, but I went down on my dose alot slower. Best advise I can give is to listen to your body, let it tell you when its ready. good luck and remember, its not a race so pace yourself. Please let up know how you are doing. Renee
Posted by Racing Heart on February 4, 2005, at 7:38:51
In reply to Re: Day 2 of lower dose of Effexor » Troubled1, posted by not2late4u on February 4, 2005, at 2:43:53
Today I opened the capsule and dropped half in my coffee. I hope this is okay. I am the person who went in for mild PMS---came home with Effexor and now have about and extra 15 pounds in 2 months time. I am only on 37.5 mg so please pray that I do okay with stopping this. I have an important interview on Tuesday---yikes not a good thing to stop I guess, but I have to start this!
Posted by S. Bartel on February 4, 2005, at 12:50:40
In reply to HAS ANYONE TAKEN EFFEXOR FOR SOCIAL ANXIETY?, posted by DNINA on February 3, 2005, at 11:56:03
I never had anxiety before taking effexor, but did develope it after taking effexor. I have been off effexor for 3 months and I still have anxiety.
I only hope in time it will go away, but so far it doesn't seem that it is going to.
Posted by Troubled1 on February 4, 2005, at 13:34:34
In reply to Re: Day 2 of lower dose of Effexor, posted by Racing Heart on February 4, 2005, at 7:38:51
I can't see any problem with taking the meds in coffee but I'm no expert. May be better to put into something w/o caffeine (like plain water). As far as weight gain goes; initially after going on Effexor I lost 30 lbs without trying and people were telling me I looked sick as I am normally tall and thin. I felt good though. I attributed the loss to the fact that the horrible sugar cravings I had with depression were gone so I wasn't eating the junk. Unfortunately, that didn't last and a couple of months later, the cravings were back and I was eating tons of chocolate, ice cream, etc. I put all the weight back on and a bit more. I recently decided to take some of it back off so for the last 2 weeks, I have made a real effort to eat more wisely. I still nibble on junk if it's around but don't eat the whole thing. I have already lost 7 lbs and am feeling much better about myself. You need to look at whether your eating habits have changed with the meds or if it's purely the meds. If it is the meds, discuss with your doctor and perhaps try a different drug or a natural one (ask your pharmacist) instead. Good luck.
Karen
Posted by S. Bartel on February 4, 2005, at 13:50:13
In reply to Reply to Racing Heart, posted by Troubled1 on February 4, 2005, at 13:34:34
My doctor said to mix them with orange juice, but I don't see why you couldn't mix it with any other liquid.
Sammi
Posted by Doc on February 4, 2005, at 16:17:43
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I've just been put on Effexor XR for the second time. Both times by different physicians. I've only taken two doses of 75mg, each this last time. That's what the doctor started me on. But, I already have that same old feeling from taking it earlier and for a longer period of time. I feel exhausted and have terrible sweats all the time. I feel that I'm prespiring and feel chilled at the same time. When I took Effexor XR earlier I was hopitialized on two different occasions with complaints of chronic exhaustion. Nothing was found either time. I took Effexor XR, the first time for almost a year and I can't say it helped the depression.
Posted by Phillipa on February 4, 2005, at 16:47:46
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Doc on February 4, 2005, at 16:17:43
Sammi; What do you take for the anxiety, and does it help you? I remember a few years they tried me on effexor and I got up to 37.5mg and stopped it because of the side effects causing me to feel like a "space cadet". Now I don't "feel" anything from all the Ad's they put me on. It seems like nothing works. Maybe my digestion is disturbed? Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Racing Heart on February 4, 2005, at 17:01:14
In reply to Day 2 of lower dose of Effexor, posted by Troubled1 on February 3, 2005, at 18:25:49
Karen, Good luck to you. I am stopping from only 37.5 mg a day only 2 1/2 months. Today I took 1/2 of my capsule, tomorrow nothing. BEST OF LUCK TO YOU. I feel just fine, hope all goes well tomorrow.
Posted by jubilee on February 4, 2005, at 19:07:49
In reply to Re: Day 2 of lower dose of Effexor, posted by Racing Heart on February 4, 2005, at 17:01:14
I took 5 months to come down and it really got bad going under 37.5 . I dont know how sick you have been but I wish you the best. Jubilee
Posted by jubilee on February 4, 2005, at 19:15:22
In reply to Re: HAS ANYONE TAKEN EFFEXOR FOR SOCIAL ANXIETY? » DNINA, posted by S. Bartel on February 4, 2005, at 12:50:40
Hi Sammi,
Effexor causes anxiety, agitation, and hypermania , all of which hell changed my life and I lived with for 4 years. These were side affects I read on the internet admitted by the company.Inderal helps also for those with racing heart and is given for panic attacks, Its a heart med.
I am so much calmer and month off effexor my whole life has changed, and people are noticing. What a relieve.
They actually give effexor for anxioty , what a joke but I guess it helps some . Sure not worth it.
For nubies I suggest going as slow as possible as I went 5 months and down to pebbles . Call me a chicken , but it was available for me. I thank God for providing and also prozak helps the withdrawals. Jubilee
Posted by S. Bartel on February 4, 2005, at 19:26:18
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Phillipa on February 4, 2005, at 16:47:46
I'm not taking anything for it. I never had it befor effexor and I'm hoping it will go away. I got liver disease from effexor and now I'm afraid to take anything 'cause most drugs affect your liver. I'm eating totally different and healthier which for some reason seems to help. I don't eat any junk food or sweets and no fat. Gave up red meat, pork and dairy products except for skim milk on my Wheaties. The only meat I eat is chicken or turkey, white meat only and fish. I take omega 3 and drink a lot of green, chamomille, ginseng, and mint tea. I'm going for the natural cures. So far I'm able to handle the anxiety. When it comes on I meditate to relax and anything else that relaxes me and takes my mind off it. That's about it. I also lost 25 lbs. in the first two months after I quit effexor. Another 10 lbs and I'll be where I was befor I started taking it. I wasn't trying to lose it. The effexor made me gain no matter how little I ate and just stopping it made it all come off. Now I can eat and not worry about gaining. I'm hoping to stay medicine free.
Sammi
Posted by Troubled1 on February 4, 2005, at 23:19:06
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hope I'm not boring everyone with my daily updates but it seems that a lot of members are concerned with withdrawal side effects. It is now after midnight following day 3 at 75 mg. I feel better today than yesterday i.e. less dizzy/nauseous. I find that as long as I get lots of sleep and keep filling food in my stomach (bread products),I feel pretty good. I think I'll do one more day on 75 mg (provided I still feel good tomorrow), then start going even lower. Knowing my own body, I have a feeling that if I'm going to get sicker than I was yesterday, it'll be after the Effexor is completely out of my system. I swear that I can feel a difference for the better already i.e. didn't feel as drowsy today. Managed to get some housework done. Will keep up my daily updates in the hope that someone finds them helpful.
Karen
Posted by not2late4u on February 4, 2005, at 23:19:40
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Phillipa, posted by S. Bartel on February 4, 2005, at 19:26:18
sammi, sorry to bust in on your post, but thought I'd say it sounds like you are doing well and have such a great natural path you are following. Im happy for you. Keep up the good healthy work, Im sure it'll keep paying off for you. Are you getting enough vit b, magnesium, potasium and gaba? These are things that I know of that are for relaxing. ( I know there are herbs, such as hops, kava, valerium) but I know their effects on the liver. God Bless, Renee
Posted by not2late4u on February 4, 2005, at 23:20:43
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by not2late4u on February 4, 2005, at 23:19:40
sammi, ooops I mean I dont know the effects on the liver for the herbs I mentioned....renee
Posted by not2late4u on February 4, 2005, at 23:30:49
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Doc on February 4, 2005, at 16:17:43
my doc started me out on 37.5 I dont know why you would be started out at 75mg. sounds like its too much to fast or just simply not the right med for you. I'd seek help.
Posted by S. Bartel on February 5, 2005, at 13:01:37
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by not2late4u on February 4, 2005, at 23:20:43
Yes I have learned to eat lots of potasium. When I don't I have terrible leg cramps.
Thanks, Sammi
Posted by rainy on February 5, 2005, at 15:43:22
In reply to My Success Story and Bad Decision...long (heh), posted by hez on December 20, 2004, at 14:33:52
Help--I'm a klutz in Effexorville! I want to know if anybody on the board who's taken Serzone or nefazodone Hcl has experienced any muscle pain or spasm that they connect with the medication. I've got a really bad spasm in my back and shoulder that's consistent with starting nefazodone Hcl about 6 weeks ago. It's also where I often hold tension, so there are all sorts of factors at work here. I don't want to stop taking the AD if the muscle "stiffness" seems like a really far out possible adverse effect. It's one of the few that hasn't made me gain about 25 immediate pounds. One the other side--I'm hurting bad.
rainy
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