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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by nik05 on June 4, 2005, at 9:58:51
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares, posted by emma67 on June 4, 2005, at 1:28:52
>>>Then there is my increased penchant for alcohol. I find myself binge drinking increasingly, and craving alcohol by the end of the day.
Hi, Emma67! I have never posted on this website; nor am I on Effexor at the moment. My doctor just gave me a sample yesterday which is why I'm on here trying to get info.
The side-effect you listed about the alcohol cravings have happened to me on EVERY antidepressant med that I have tried. Although I know it's difficult for you, I was actually kind of glad to hear of someone else actually having this effect. My doctors look at me like I'm crazy when I tell them that that's what happens when I take ADs.
I become this raging alcoholic about a week after starting ADs; which I'm only a VERY moderate drinker now... one to two glasses of wine every other week, maybe! I also have blackouts from the wine and the ADs. And ALL of the above-mentioned side-effects go away immediately after stopping the med.
Have you tried other ADs? Other anxiety meds? Just curious if this has happened to you on other ones as well.
Thanks in advance,
Posted by emma67 on June 4, 2005, at 12:45:16
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares, posted by nik05 on June 4, 2005, at 9:58:51
> >>>Then there is my increased penchant for alcohol. I find myself binge drinking increasingly, and craving alcohol by the end of the day.
>
> Hi, Emma67! I have never posted on this website; nor am I on Effexor at the moment. My doctor just gave me a sample yesterday which is why I'm on here trying to get info.
>
> The side-effect you listed about the alcohol cravings have happened to me on EVERY antidepressant med that I have tried. Although I know it's difficult for you, I was actually kind of glad to hear of someone else actually having this effect. My doctors look at me like I'm crazy when I tell them that that's what happens when I take ADs.
>
> I become this raging alcoholic about a week after starting ADs; which I'm only a VERY moderate drinker now... one to two glasses of wine every other week, maybe! I also have blackouts from the wine and the ADs. And ALL of the above-mentioned side-effects go away immediately after stopping the med.
>
> Have you tried other ADs? Other anxiety meds? Just curious if this has happened to you on other ones as well.
>
> Thanks in advance,> hi!
Well as I said I have mixed feelings about effexor though it has been a real boon to my existence as far as everyday, uncontrollable anxiety goes. I wasn't THAT depressed when I first got on it, but the anxiety was really bad.
I took prozac once,and I did have the speedy feeling, but I have not been on antidepressants for a very long time (before effexor). I was on Klonopin forever until I realized that I was basically abusing it by needing to take it everyday in increasing amounts. Boy was THAT hard to get off of.
The alcohol worries me. My boyfriend is also worried about it. I was a moderate drinker before and now I am up to 3 or 4 glasses of wine every night.
Anyway, I guess I have to decide if the side-effects are worth it. Though I do know how bad it feel to be so anxious all the time.
Thanks for writing.
>
Posted by Dr. Bob on June 4, 2005, at 16:57:18
In reply to Re: Chron, posted by maryhelen on June 3, 2005, at 15:20:59
> you are so negative, sarcastic and not in the least supportive
Sorry, but please don't post anything that could lead others to feel accused or put down. Even when replying to uncivil posts, two wrongs don't make a right.
If you or others have questions about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
Follow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration.
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by willyee on June 4, 2005, at 23:20:50
In reply to Re: Chron, posted by Chron on June 2, 2005, at 17:20:20
> > Chron, I don't feel you are being either fair or civil to other posters or Dr. Bob. Everyone here feels like a family. A lot of us have conversations in private either by Babblemail, or even E-mail. We are human beings with brains, and feelings. I don't know why you seem so angry but you also may be hurt. So I'll try not to judge your actions and remember that people with all types of problems converse here. Please try to respect the feelings of the others. Fondly, Phillipa
>
>
> oh brother, can you get the guitar so we can sing kumbya around the fire? im not angry im realistic......which seems to be lacking.....come off the meds and let your minds clear....moreover, free your minds of this medicinal mind control and share with your real friends, not strangers on the internet or scientists who pretend to care so they can use you. im sure in 5 years i will could log back on her and it will be the same people with the same problems on different meds, callously talking about "enjoying the placebo effect" of new medication..wouldn't you rather enjoy a new pair of shoes? now that's therapy....not "the rape me"
>I know i seen this wayyyy to late,but oh brother.So you know the site,you know the type of posts,and mentality set here,so knowing this you feel you have nothing better to do with your time then come here and yap.
Did you think you were clever,the first to come here and insult people,please your a dime of a dozen your not even clever enough to actualy p- anyone off.
A moderation here is set,so we follow it,dont assume this is all we are,comming here and yapping is very easy,instead take it to an unmoderated group where you will have people of your statue to spew nonsense with.
I will convert my true response to you in moderation.........BE CIVIL.
Posted by ton on June 5, 2005, at 9:28:19
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have been taking effexor for about a month now. It is helping me. I have few side effects. But they are very manageable. I have tried other meds and had no side effects and they didn't help. I am not worried about withdraw right now because I am living my life one day at a time. I am enjoying things the way I use to andI am not aggitated like I was. I take 75 mgs. I hope that this wiil be enough if not then I will go up. So as for changing meds or being concerned with side effects. I just am not going to worry with that burden right now. What is the use in going to get help if all you are going to do iscomplain about the down side of something that is helping you.WHETHER IT BE EFFEXOR OR SOME OTHER MED.If you truly need something to help you get straightened out,and are sincere about it you will do what ever it takes. I have been fighting deppresion for five years now. I feel the best I have felt in a long time. So just fing a med that works best for you (side effects) or not and get onwith a more normal life.
Posted by blueyezzzzzz on June 6, 2005, at 16:25:46
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by ton on June 5, 2005, at 9:28:19
I just started on Effexor ER and I feel awfull. Nothing tastes right, I'm nautiouse, extremely tired and have a headache. Is this normal? Will it go away.
Posted by Phillipa on June 6, 2005, at 17:18:21
In reply to Just started Effexor today and feel horrible, posted by blueyezzzzzz on June 6, 2005, at 16:25:46
Some people love it and some hate it. They tell you the side effects will go away. I managed to stick out a week at 37.5mg and then I quit. I believe the pharmacist said it would take a good 5-7 days to get out of my system. Doesn't it have a long half life? Someone else please. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by blueyezzzzzz on June 7, 2005, at 19:18:45
In reply to Re: Just started Effexor today and feel horrible » blueyezzzzzz, posted by Phillipa on June 6, 2005, at 17:18:21
> Some people love it and some hate it. They tell you the side effects will go away. I managed to stick out a week at 37.5mg and then I quit. I believe the pharmacist said it would take a good 5-7 days to get out of my system. Doesn't it have a long half life? Someone else please. Fondly, Phillipa
Today was day number 2. I feel even worse than yesterday. I can't eat or drink anything without throwing up and I have a horrible headache. I hope this goes away soon.
Posted by redjr on June 7, 2005, at 22:02:13
In reply to Re: Just started Effexor today and feel horrible, posted by blueyezzzzzz on June 7, 2005, at 19:18:45
blueyezzzz..
I'm sorry you're feeling so bad and you're having such a bad reaction to the Effexor. It sounds like you might be having a little psychosomatic reaction to the Effexor. While the negative side affects vary from individual to individual, I'd say it's rare for the vomiting. I guess anything is possible though!
I was plagued with prostatitis when on Effexor at 75mg. However, the Effexor did work wonderful for my depression. Insomnia is another side-affect of most any of the AD drugs. There is no magic cure. Argh!!!
Hope things settle down soon for you, so you can see if the positive affects of Effexdor will help you.
Take care,
redjr...
Posted by honey on June 8, 2005, at 5:19:07
In reply to Just started Effexor today and feel horrible, posted by blueyezzzzzz on June 6, 2005, at 16:25:46
It was the only anti-depressant of 8 I tried (none worked!) that I quit before giving them a full 8 weeks; in fact I quit Effexor after one day! I felt *so* dreadful on it, I knew it wasn't for me. I have ME/CFS though, so am unusually sensitive to some meds.
As someone else said, some find Effexor a life-saver. Quitting so early left me with with disparaging comments from my psychiatrist, which I thought rude, and me being labelled "difficult" on my medical record, even though I persisted through the full 8 weeks of side-effects with all the others (to no effect). But the E side-effects were horrendous to me.
Posted by cavalierkc on June 8, 2005, at 8:36:44
In reply to Re: Just started Effexor today and feel horrible, posted by honey on June 8, 2005, at 5:19:07
I just started Effexor XR about 3 weeks ago and I like it a lot better now than I did when I started it. At first I had the speedy feeling, nausious, dizzy, shake's and really bad headaches. Now, all I have is the constipation and the no sex drive..which sucks, however, I am not feeling as depressed as I have for such a long time. I don't cry like I was. I know this is just a bandaid and I still need to get into some couseling. The side effects did lessen a lot..hang in there everyone!! God Bless
Posted by tiredguy on June 8, 2005, at 13:11:20
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I tried many other ADs and the only one that worked for me is Effexor. The only real side effect that I have is that I am really, really tired. I can sleep anytime. I've been taking it for about three months at 72mgs.
I'm also taking Provigil to help me stay awake but I hate this tired feeling.
Good luck!
Posted by PGM1078 on June 8, 2005, at 15:37:19
In reply to EFFEXOR AND TEMAZEPAM, posted by Chron on May 30, 2005, at 11:34:20
> Anyone taking sleep meds w/effexor? Temazepam has worked so well for the sleeplessness, I'm afraid to mix with Effexor
I'm not taking sleep meds, but I used to smoke a lot of pot (as you indicate you do in a previous post). My suggestion, try cutting the pot out for a while. This may help both your sleep and depression.
If you find it difficult to stop smoking pot and really want to stop. Try finding a local Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous group. You might be suprised what 12-step programs have to offer for those suffering from depression.
Posted by Kodie on June 8, 2005, at 20:00:55
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR AND TEMAZEPAM » Chron, posted by PGM1078 on June 8, 2005, at 15:37:19
Wow, this is a long thread!
To make a long post shorter, here are the facts. I use Effexor XR 75MG once a day. I also take Ambien 10MG at night. I've used Ambien for nine months and Effexor for eight months. Both have been great for me. I've had no side effects, but that's just me. Others might have side effects.
I haven't been able to sleep - or go to sleep for twenty years. As they say, my conscience is clear until I try to go to sleep. In the past I would start drinking at about 10:00 p.m. and continue until a quart of vodka was gone, then I would fall into bed and pass out. I decided I had to do something.
I went to many doctors, an intern, neurologist, heart specialist and more neurologists. No satisfaction, so I visited a physicians assistant or PA. She's a salty old dog, ex-army, who pulls no punches. I learned more during that hour long consultation than I have from all the other high priced (I'm uninsured and self pay) diagnostic doctors. That's when I started taking Ambien and quit drinking, cold turkey. I sleep like a baby and don't know how I would do without them. I still had anxiety, so she prescribed Effexor, and it works too. It's like I'm a whole new man and I'm not young.
Best to all of you, and keep on truckin' until you get what's right for you.
Posted by latina10 on June 8, 2005, at 20:58:11
In reply to Re: Just started Effexor today and feel horrible, posted by cavalierkc on June 8, 2005, at 8:36:44
just a short coment, i wish i'd never stared effexor, discountue side effects are horrible!!!
Posted by redjr on June 8, 2005, at 21:29:46
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR AND TEMAZEPAM, posted by Kodie on June 8, 2005, at 20:00:55
Kodie,
I'll do my part to make the thread alittle longer! Glad the combo of Effexor and Ambien are working for you. I was on the same combo for about 3 weeks before asking my doc about switching to something else. I had bad prostatitis on the Effexor, and some negative sexual side-affects(can't have that now can we?) :)
I've had mixed results using the Ambien. Some nights it seemed to work better than others, but the bottom line was, that even with a 'good' nights sleep, I still felt extremely groggy the next day - to the point of it affecting my work. Clearly, something else had to be done!
My doc decided to switch me to Cymbalta, but that wasn't much better. It cured the prostatitis, but the negative sexual side affects remained. The Cymbalta regimen lasted 2 weeks.
She switched me to Remeron and Lunesta over 10 days ago. The Remeron is to be taken at night, and while it made me groggy, like I wanted to sleep I couldn't. And the Lunesta didn't seem to help either. In some respects the Remeron worsen my depression, so I've taken myself off that med. I've gone back to an old standby - Elavil. The Elavil was prescribed years ago as an aid to my sleep problems and does seem to work.
I'm waiting for an appointment to see a pdoc, just for meds management in the hopes we can find a combination of meds that will better manage my symptoms. While my depression is very mild, the insomnia - which I have suffered from my entire adult too - is really starting to take it's toll. That alone is enough to make one depressed!
Currently, I'm not taking anything for sleep(except the Elavil), and things seem to be returning to 'normal'. But I don't feel I'm out of the woods yet.
BTW, I did not have any of the bad withdrawal symptoms other have described coming off the Effexor, Cymbalta, or Remeron. It's quite possible I didn't take them long enough to have the same affect others have had - being on it longer. But then again, we're all different.
Take care,
redjr...
Posted by 4WD on June 8, 2005, at 22:47:47
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR AND TEMAZEPAM, posted by Kodie on June 8, 2005, at 20:00:55
> Wow, this is a long thread!
>
> To make a long post shorter, here are the facts. I use Effexor XR 75MG once a day. I also take Ambien 10MG at night. I've used Ambien for nine months and Effexor for eight months. Both have been great for me. I've had no side effects, but that's just me. Others might have side effects.
>
> I haven't been able to sleep - or go to sleep for twenty years. As they say, my conscience is clear until I try to go to sleep. In the past I would start drinking at about 10:00 p.m. and continue until a quart of vodka was gone, then I would fall into bed and pass out. I decided I had to do something.
>
> I went to many doctors, an intern, neurologist, heart specialist and more neurologists. No satisfaction, so I visited a physicians assistant or PA. She's a salty old dog, ex-army, who pulls no punches. I learned more during that hour long consultation than I have from all the other high priced (I'm uninsured and self pay) diagnostic doctors. That's when I started taking Ambien and quit drinking, cold turkey. I sleep like a baby and don't know how I would do without them. I still had anxiety, so she prescribed Effexor, and it works too. It's like I'm a whole new man and I'm not young.
>
> Best to all of you, and keep on truckin' until you get what's right for you.
>Hey Kodie,
I had the same problem. I drank myself to sleep with beer (plus benadryl) for years. I was on Prozac at the time. When I was switched to Effexor, my insomnia practically went away within the first couple of weeks. Same thing happened when I was on Cymbalta a few months ago. No more insomnia. Period. You might be able to manage without the Ambien now that you're on Effexor. FOr me, it was great. (Too bad it pooped out for depression)
Marsha
Posted by Phillipa on June 9, 2005, at 0:00:32
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR AND TEMAZEPAM » Kodie, posted by 4WD on June 8, 2005, at 22:47:47
I don't get it. All of these meds did not make me tired. They made me nervous. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by redjr on June 9, 2005, at 8:32:02
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR AND TEMAZEPAM » 4WD, posted by Phillipa on June 9, 2005, at 0:00:32
Phillipa,
Unfortunately, that's the way these meds work. Make some people sleepy or tired, while making others aggitated, or nervous.
Remeron made me feel real groggy, but when I fell into bed, the restless leg syndrome would kick in and I just couldn't sleep.
While I haven't given up on these new class of SSRIs, I haven't struck a good balance yet bewteen the AD benefits and side-affects.
redjr...
Posted by jubilee on June 9, 2005, at 11:33:49
In reply to Re: Just started Effexor today and feel horrible, posted by latina10 on June 8, 2005, at 20:58:11
I was on Effexor for 4 years and I am half blind because of it . I had every side affect except the high blood presure. It chacnged my personality to hyper manic for 4 years and is physically addicting . It took me 5 months to get off it or I could have gone faster aand been sick as a dog. I feard for my life as one time off I had stroke symptoms. I know a gal that is dying from irriversable liver damage from it as it overworks the liver.
Just refuse the drug . I found a site called effexor petition that told me all the problems they weree having with the drug and Weth is getting sued big time.
It can kill you and its quickly addicting.
Hope you can take my word for this.Jubilee
Posted by latina10 on June 9, 2005, at 14:46:38
In reply to Please don't take Effexor- it kills, posted by jubilee on June 9, 2005, at 11:33:49
> I was on Effexor for 4 years and I am half blind because of it . I had every side affect except the high blood presure. It chacnged my personality to hyper manic for 4 years and is physically addicting . It took me 5 months to get off it or I could have gone faster aand been sick as a dog. I feard for my life as one time off I had stroke symptoms. I know a gal that is dying from irriversable liver damage from it as it overworks the liver.
> Just refuse the drug . I found a site called effexor petition that told me all the problems they weree having with the drug and Weth is getting sued big time.
> It can kill you and its quickly addicting.
>
> Hope you can take my word for this.Jubileewas wondering jubilee , did u ween urself of the effexor. after reading lots of info on this site and begining to think maybe i should, i was takeing 150mg (when i would remeber, but mostly everyday) and i just decided it wasnt doin me any good any longer and just quit cold turkey, 3 days gone by now and im terrible, i feel like i just might have a heartattack, but god willing i wont i have two girls that need me, god bless everyone!
Posted by Phillipa on June 9, 2005, at 17:31:59
In reply to Re: Please don't take Effexor- it kills, posted by latina10 on June 9, 2005, at 14:46:38
There is a Thread on Effexor that deals with the lawsuit. It even told you were and to who you could submit your signature. I guess a Dr. Bob Google would turn it up. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by black03vegas on June 9, 2005, at 18:07:22
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR AND TEMAZEPAM, posted by Kodie on June 8, 2005, at 20:00:55
Kodie wrote:
"To make a long post shorter, here are the facts. I use Effexor XR 75MG once a day. I also take Ambien 10MG at night. I've used Ambien for nine months and Effexor for eight months. Both have been great for me. I've had no side effects, but that's just me. Others might have side effects."
...and I couldn't agree more! I had some pretty rough anxiety, which helped lead to depression, and then couldn't sleep AT ALL! I was _extremely_ reluctant to seek any type of help but, after a LOT of nudging by friends and family I finally went to my family doctor. Long story short...he started me on 37.5mg/day for the first week and then up'd it to 75mg/day. During the first several weeks he gave me 10mg of Ambien (as needed). Hell, I think the Ambien did more for me than anything!!! I was FINALLY able to sleep...somtimes only 4 hours on some nights. That was some of the BEST darn rest I've had in years!!! The Dr. mentioned I could break the Ambiens in half if the 10mg was too much...so I would take 5mg when I went to bed and the other 5mg if I woke up at night. Getting a _SOLID_ 8+ hours of sleep...without feeling "groggy" in the mornings did wonders for the rest the day!!!As for the 75mg of Effexor XR a day...Lord help me if I ever forgot to take it 2 days in a row! If I didn't miss any doses, everything was fine and dandy. But, if I missed 2 doses/days...I felt like my head was swimming, was about to explode, I was always dizzy, and in general it felt like I was going to have a panic attack (at least as I understand them from other peoples descriptions...because I don't think I've _truely_ had one). All of this would start within 3 hours of missing the 2nd dose and quit about 4-5 hours after taking it again. I'd usually have to take one and lay on the bed for the 4-5 hours. I couldn't _wait_ to get off of it...especially since counselling was definately helping me in other ways! I expressed my concerns about how I felt missing doses so quitting "cold turkey" was NOT going to happen!!! He agreed to slowly back me off of it...alternating 75mg and 37.5mg, then eventually 37.5 mg/day, then 37.5mg every other day. I eventually got off it...with roughly 20 lbs added to my frame! LOL!!! But, everything (counselling, Effexor XR, and Ambein) _definately_ worked for me!
Glad to hear that it's working for Kodie too! Just beware be careful about coming off the Effexor XR too fast, you may experience the same feelings/things I did...and _that_ is not fun!
Posted by MtnMama on June 10, 2005, at 12:26:30
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I've been on Effexor since 11/5/02, started at 300mg, took myself down to 150mg 14-15 months ago. Now I want off completely. Just can't stand the thought of having to depend on synthetic drugs, would like to maybe try something more natural, along with just managing my moods better. Any suggestions? I've talked to my doctor, who is drug-happy and they won't take me off them or wean me off. I refuse to be a slave to this stuff! Had the anger/rage issues when I missed 1 or 2 days, really scared of what might happen when I'm off completely. I usually end up in a corner crying. Had the alcoholic tendencies, the panic attacks are coming back. Please, anyone??
Posted by SLS on June 10, 2005, at 13:29:44
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by MtnMama on June 10, 2005, at 12:26:30
Hi there.
It is only natural to reject the idea of being tethered to a drug and dependent on it to function properly.
So you say you'd like to discontinue Effexor? There is a separate board dedicated to the discontinuation of medication and how to go about it. I use a flexible dosing method. Some people switch over to Prozac temporarily because it is easier to discontinue.
You might experience a rebound depressive episode when you discontinue Effexor too fast. In other words, you might experience a brief episode of depression that lasts a few days, then recover. However, if the trend is for the depression to get worse instead of better after you have been off of Effexor for a few weeks, it will be apparant that you still need some sort of supportive intervention.
There is no shame or character weakness to have to rely on medication to treat clinical depression. The brain gets stuck in a state of dysregulation, whether it be driven by the stress of psychological issues or in the absence of any stress at all. If you could think your way out of it on your own, you would have by now.
There is one thing to take into consideration when discontinuing an effective medication. Sometimes, after an extended period of not being medicated, the same drug is no longer effective. I can't provide you with any statistics, but the numbers are high. Be careful in your consideration of which directions you would like to take in your treatment. You might find the "Alterative" board here to be of help in defining "natural remedies"
Remember, modern pharmacology has its roots in the use of plants and animals as treatments. Ask yourself, what is "natural". I sometimes like to point out that it is the natural process of the evolution of man that he should learn how to cultivate wheat and use what is found in nature to synthesize the chemical compounds that are now used as medical treatments.
- Scott
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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