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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by wifeofarmyguy on January 30, 2006, at 2:29:23
In reply to scared of effexor and withdrawal, posted by 3mom on November 20, 2005, at 20:41:47
okay, i tried to post a reply to this once already, so if everyone else can see my first reply, i'm sorry...but i can't...
i totally feel 3mom's pain. i was put on effexor by a family dr after having a routine physical and talking to him about not being able to handle the everyday things with three kids. (i did fine and could handle just about anything you threw my way when we had 2 kids...)He diagnosed me with PMDD and Depression, gave me Zoloft because it was more for the PMDD and off i went. I moved onto the Effexor because of sexual side effects and the fact that the roof could be falling in and on Zoloft i'd say something like, oh well...who needs a roof anyway?
I stopped taking the Effexor last week (after about a year on it) for a number of reasons and have started having withdrawl symptoms. The most obvious ones to me are being very emotional and being VERY easily angered. I'm so upset and (go figure) angry that maybe effexor was too heavy a hitter for what I was experiencing, and that in today's society we trust our dr's to do what is best and many of them seem to be doing what is easiest... It is so disheartening...
BTW I've quit the dr by my choice, not a dr's as I do not have a dr att, we've moved from MI to CA and I have not found a dr for myself yet...
I'm interested in hearing from anyone about recommendations on what to look for in an alternative dr (I really feel poor nutrition plays a huge part in my mood problems), what to watch for while I come off the effexor, how darn long it's going to take to come off of it, and anything else anyone wants to share. Tina
Posted by TinMan on January 30, 2006, at 8:20:56
In reply to Re: scared of effexor and withdrawal, posted by wifeofarmyguy on January 30, 2006, at 2:29:23
Hi Y'all -
Here are some questions that I have and hope for some insight.
Q1: I have been on Effexor for about 9 months (225 mg). Lately, it doesn't seem to be working as well. I feel like I am getting more depressed. Adding Wellbutrin was not good for me as I was agitated and irritable with it. It takes so much effort to get out of bed and I am just lethargic. What to do?
Q2: One of the side effects that I have that really bothers me is that I have horrible periods. And lately, they are about two weeks apart. I am perimenopausal and on the pill due to fibroids. Does anyone else have this complication?
Q3: I am wondering if poor nutrition has something to do with it. I don't eat like I should because I am afraid if I did, I would blow up like a balloon! I have put on about 10 lbs. since being on the Effexor. Any insight?
Q4: I have been on Paxil and when off, I looked back in horror at what damage I had done to my life and those that I love. <<ArmyWife, I could really relate to your post about that!>> While on Paxil, I was simply out of control. While on Zoloft, I would "wake up" out of my fog and be in a place not knowing how I got there. And the Zoloft made my depression much, much worse. Anyone else have these experiences with SSRI's? What do you take?
Q5: Most every night, I have a couple glasses of wine. Somehow, this fills a void for me. I know it is not a good thing and I know what the void is. Would the drinking (depressant) inhibit the good effects of Effexor? (I am pretty sure I know the answer to this one and need to stop drinking at night to find out.)
Any insight will be so appreciated.
~TinWoman
Posted by gee on January 30, 2006, at 20:08:21
In reply to Re: scared of effexor and withdrawal, posted by TinMan on January 30, 2006, at 8:20:56
I also have a question, has anyone had a horrible memory since they started effexor? I've been on it over a year now, and I've noticed my memory go. I've e-mailed my t to see if she could work on getting me the documents I need for disability support here at uni, but she's said she's never heard of it before and thinks it's just stress. She's checking with pdocs for me but... anyone?
Posted by DIJANA on January 30, 2006, at 20:56:26
In reply to Re: scared of effexor and withdrawal, posted by gee on January 30, 2006, at 20:08:21
> I also have a question, has anyone had a horrible memory since they started effexor? I've been on it over a year now, and I've noticed my memory go. I've e-mailed my t to see if she could work on getting me the documents I need for disability support here at uni, but she's said she's never heard of it before and thinks it's just stress. She's checking with pdocs for me but... anyone?
o yeah ,i am taking effexor for a year too and my memory is gone...? Not to mention emotions they are gone 2 like described in my last post.Take care!
Posted by wanttobhappy on January 31, 2006, at 0:44:37
In reply to Re: scared of effexor and withdrawal, posted by DIJANA on January 30, 2006, at 20:56:26
I am so angry. I will try not to let my trucker mouth run off with me. I am just so very extremely mad!!! why, why, why? why can't i ever get anything done? why do i need meds? why am i so stinken tired? why do people put up with me? why does it always seem like money could fix things ( even when i know in the long run it won't)? why can't i function like "normal" people (i know the answer-it's a chemical imbalance thing right) then why does'nt it feel OK to be like this. if there is a valid reason and i am trying to fix it (trying out effexor xr) why is there so much GUILT? i know i have the answers for most of these questions, but they just tick me off!!!!!!!!! i really thought i was going to bettter thentoday i was just mad all day, not anxious or violent just mad. i lost 25lbs this summer wich put me just under 200lbs and i felt so good. now all i want to do is sleep and eat. eating is about the only thing i get off the couch for, well i don't get off the couch to eat. i get off it to make my food, then i return to the couch to eat it!!!!!! I know this is a rambling post that does'nt really require an answer, but i just had to get some stuff off of my chest.
thanks for letting me rant, not that any of you had a lot of choice.
Posted by wifeofarmyguy on January 31, 2006, at 1:34:16
In reply to Re: scared of effexor and withdrawal, posted by DIJANA on January 30, 2006, at 20:56:26
I thought it was just me... Yeah, my memory is REALLY bad, like I've talked to hubby about fear of alzheimers (I"m flippin' 32!!) and if my memory (or lack of it) is an early sign of it... He doesn't know what to say... I'm starting to put 2 and 2 together and want to log all of the weird changes that have happend to me over the last year...
Anyway, has anyone seen improved memory once they came off the drug??
Posted by wifeofarmyguy on January 31, 2006, at 1:38:16
In reply to Re: Ticked off and tired of it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by wanttobhappy on January 31, 2006, at 0:44:37
Rant all you want. But know that you ARE NOT alone. Congratulations on losing weight, it's not an easy task, at least not for me...
Hve you been on the drug long?
Posted by jacobs on January 31, 2006, at 6:37:04
In reply to Re: Ticked off and tired of it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by wifeofarmyguy on January 31, 2006, at 1:38:16
hey can relate. i get so fed up with this and its ok to vent. man that is what we need to do sometimes, keeping things bottled in just makes it worse. i have been on this med now for about a month. effexor xr 75. i notice at first i was a little more tired so i started taking it at night. then top it off with a .5 xanax before bed to sleep. and i have read all this in here about the side effects, but for me i will have to say i feel better now then i did before i started taking this. i was having panic attacks many times daily and in a state of constant anxiety. to the point i couldnt leave my house then afraid to be alone. and still havent driven by myself and this is all in a matter of 2 months. but getting better. going to therapy and taking effexor and xanax which i relise im going to have a bear of a time getting off both when its time, but for right now it is keeping me more even keel. not as much panic. yesterrday and the day before were great days, just a little anxiety. today is not so great. but cant have a great day every day and just glad i had 2 days of peace. ya all take care! tonya
Posted by nana on January 31, 2006, at 11:08:07
In reply to Re: scared of effexor and withdrawal, posted by gee on January 30, 2006, at 20:08:21
> I also have a question, has anyone had a horrible memory since they started effexor? I've been on it over a year now, and I've noticed my memory go. I've e-mailed my t to see if she could work on getting me the documents I need for disability support here at uni, but she's said she's never heard of it before and thinks it's just stress. She's checking with pdocs for me but... anyone?
WOW!! I thought it was just old age or something creeping up on me. I have had a terrible memory lately. I work in a purchasing office and I use to remember everything, now it is like I am losing my mind. Anybody else having this problem?? Please let us know!!!
Posted by wanttobhappy on January 31, 2006, at 11:14:59
In reply to Re: Ticked off and tired of it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by wifeofarmyguy on January 31, 2006, at 1:38:16
I've only been on meds 2 weeks. With the amount and type of food I have been craving and eating, I am worried I am going to gain Back every pound and more!! I heard effexor can make you crave carbs, is this true??
Thanks for your support
wifeofarmyguy
Posted by jacobs on January 31, 2006, at 11:30:29
In reply to Re: Ticked off and tired of it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by wanttobhappy on January 31, 2006, at 11:14:59
hi, no i didnt crave any carbs really. accually it made me sick at my stomach the first week. my problem is my two teenage boys were selling candy bars for a fund raiser and i love chocolate. bad bad combination, told them they could never sell it again,lol. we probably spent 50.00 on candy bars. of course we have 4 kids here and i babysit sit one so they were begging everyday also. but you know with this med everyone can react different to it. i got weird tingling the first week on my scalp. but it went away. i know there are alot things that come up about this med that can be really scary, i'm afraid when it is time to get off this about the withdraws, but really with any of these meds there are side effects. i hate taking meds. i mean HATE IT. but right now its helping me keep even keel. so will deal with the withdraw from this and the xanax after i get over whatever has brought this on. you take care and have a great day! tonya
Posted by 3djp on January 31, 2006, at 11:57:31
In reply to Re: Ticked off and tired of it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by jacobs on January 31, 2006, at 11:30:29
I have been on this for 4 weeks now. I am still having problem staying a sleep during the night. I will wakeup a couple time during the night that bother me. I haven't found myself not eating any different; however, I do watch the amount that i eat, and i ride my bike 5 days a week during the evening. I started yoga last week also that seems to bring some calmness into my life at this time. The things i am concern is the sleeping problem and when i take my med in the morning it seems to increase my heart rate a bit. Has anyone have this happen???
Posted by bangersgirl on January 31, 2006, at 13:48:52
In reply to Re: scared of effexor and withdrawal, posted by nana on January 31, 2006, at 11:08:07
> > I also have a question, has anyone had a horrible memory since they started effexor? I've been on it over a year now, and I've noticed my memory go. I've e-mailed my t to see if she could work on getting me the documents I need for disability support here at uni, but she's said she's never heard of it before and thinks it's just stress. She's checking with pdocs for me but... anyone?
> oh yeah honey!! memory is gone, right with my energy, sex drive, independence...the list goes on!
> WOW!! I thought it was just old age or something creeping up on me. I have had a terrible memory lately. I work in a purchasing office and I use to remember everything, now it is like I am losing my mind. Anybody else having this problem?? Please let us know!!!
>
>
Posted by wifeofarmyguy on January 31, 2006, at 14:21:49
In reply to Re: Ticked off and tired of it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by wanttobhappy on January 31, 2006, at 11:14:59
No problem about the support!! We all need to be here for each other, ya know...
I don't remember craving any one specific food group, but I'm a carbaholic and have benn since birth I think! (It's the Maltese blood in me.)
Maybe it would help if you kept a journal not just for food, but for everything you're going thru that way, if you find that the Effexor is making certian things happen with you (since we are all different in how it affects us) then you'd have solid evidence for your dr to look over and help you with? Just a thought and something I wish I would have done... I always tend to see anything negative that happens to/around me as my fault or a flaw, so I wish I would have kept a record of all the changes that happened to me over the last year. But then again, I had NO idea that any of the changes could be from my one little "happy pill"... So use that knowledge to your advantage and log,log,log entries into a journal!! (hahah, I'm just so pushy sometimes, sorry!)
Take it one day (or hour, or minute) at a time!
Posted by jacobs on January 31, 2006, at 15:10:13
In reply to Re: Ticked off and tired of it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by 3djp on January 31, 2006, at 11:57:31
i take mine in the evening and then take a xanax before bed, i dont have any problem falling asleep or waking up during the night at all. but thats just me. take care! tonya
Posted by wanttobhappy on January 31, 2006, at 23:29:30
In reply to Re: Ticked off and tired of it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by 3djp on January 31, 2006, at 11:57:31
I actually just had a doc appointment yesterday and was told I should be taking my pill in the am (I usually take in pm) because it can give some people a jump start and it can be hard to rest/sleep when mildly hopped up. I also know one of the side effects to watch for is a racing heartbeat so if this keeps happening to you it is worth mentioning to your doc. On a positive note with this med I have noticed I am not near as weepy/over emotional as I usually am. I was going to the gym and working out for 1 1/2 hrs 3X a week (1hr cardio 1/2 hr weights). Now I just can't bring myself to go. I know I feel so much better when I do I still just can't get myself to go. I then stress over the fact that I am wasting money over a membership that I am not using!!! Thanks again for advice and support.
wtbhappy
Posted by wanttobhappy on January 31, 2006, at 23:40:38
In reply to Re: Ticked off and tired of it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by jacobs on January 31, 2006, at 11:30:29
I know I am usually a salt craver you know chips popcorn, even beef jerky when I get pms, although lately I have been craving chocolate as well as salty foods. I feel like i have the worst case of pms cravings I have ever had. I noticed if I take my pill with a meal and lots of water I literally have no nausea. I know what you mean about hating to take meds I HATE it as well. I think that was part of the problem when I first started on effexor I basically slept for three days, I think part of that was me trying to be in denial about being on meds AGAIN.
Thanks for your support.
wtbhappy
Posted by jacobs on February 1, 2006, at 6:44:13
In reply to Re: Ticked off and tired of it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! » jacobs, posted by wanttobhappy on January 31, 2006, at 23:40:38
yeah i hate taking meds and i hate having panic so the meds win for now. i did however get a great workbook for panic attacks and anxiety on ebay its called the anxiety and phobia workbook by edmund j bourne. its pretty good. acually i found some of the stuff my therapist had printed out was accually from this book. i know book stores carry it but got it half price on ebay. and it is accually helping. plus relaxation cds or tapes are wonderful. i got up this morning feeling all tense and edgy so instead of just freaking out i cleaned house.lol after getting kids to school. plan on taking a xanax later and taking a long nap because i had woke up last night 2x with night sweats and racing heatbeat, (thanks perimenopause). i have found 42 just sucks. lol. im hoping 43 is better. its like my whole body has rebeled on me. oh and another thing i have noticed as a side effect that just sucks from the effexor is if i do anything that takes some effort i sweat my butt off. i have also noticed a good side effect with the effexor is some really REALLY good dreams. well you all take care and have a great day! tonya
Posted by Herbygirl on February 1, 2006, at 14:56:31
In reply to Re: scared of effexor and withdrawal, posted by bangersgirl on January 31, 2006, at 13:48:52
> > > I also have a question, has anyone had a horrible memory since they started effexor? I've been on it over a year now, and I've noticed my memory go. I've e-mailed my t to see if she could work on getting me the documents I need for disability support here at uni, but she's said she's never heard of it before and thinks it's just stress. She's checking with pdocs for me but... anyone?
> > oh yeah honey!! memory is gone, right with my energy, sex drive, independence...the list goes on!
> > WOW!! I thought it was just old age or something creeping up on me. I have had a terrible memory lately. I work in a purchasing office and I use to remember everything, now it is like I am losing my mind. Anybody else having this problem?? Please let us know!!!
> >
> >
>
>Here's another one with serious memory problems. Oh, and anorgasmia, by the way!
Been on Effexor for over 6 years now. It's been pretty good for me, but side effects do get me down sometimes. Trouble is, I'm finding myself winding back down into the darkness very slowly over past few months. I'm still taking my med but it seems to be less effective.
Posted by Herbygirl on February 1, 2006, at 14:59:09
In reply to Re: scared of effexor and withdrawal, posted by bangersgirl on January 31, 2006, at 13:48:52
> > > I also have a question, has anyone had a horrible memory since they started effexor? I've been on it over a year now, and I've noticed my memory go. I've e-mailed my t to see if she could work on getting me the documents I need for disability support here at uni, but she's said she's never heard of it before and thinks it's just stress. She's checking with pdocs for me but... anyone?
> > oh yeah honey!! memory is gone, right with my energy, sex drive, independence...the list goes on!
> > WOW!! I thought it was just old age or something creeping up on me. I have had a terrible memory lately. I work in a purchasing office and I use to remember everything, now it is like I am losing my mind. Anybody else having this problem?? Please let us know!!!
> >
> >
>
>Here's another one with serious memory problems. Oh, and anorgasmia, by the way!
Been on Effexor for over 6 years now. It's been pretty good for me, but side effects do get me down sometimes. Trouble is, I'm finding myself winding back down into the darkness very slowly over past few months. I'm still taking my med but it seems to be less effective.Hee hee...said the memory was bad, didn't I? Forgot that's what I was on about, in 10 seconds flat! Typical, absolutely typical in fact.
Posted by adah on February 2, 2006, at 9:03:27
In reply to Alternative Ways of dealing with Depression, posted by BJ on April 26, 2000, at 23:02:33
this is in response to the question Re: alternative meathods to treat depression/ocd. i currently take the following and have noticed drastic and lasting benefit for my depression, anxiety, and OC.
Seriane by: Dolisos <casein>
Phar-Zen by:Les Laboratoires Nicar inc. Pharm and Nature France <cold water hydrolysed fish organs, peptides>
5 HTP
B complex time released vitimins
Triple fish oil concentrate plus EPA DHA by: Genuine Health, Toronto called: 03Mega+JOY
Rhodiola Rosea by Kama
Yoga / Meditation
hope this helps. best of luck with your personal choices.
adah.
Posted by Dr. Bob on February 2, 2006, at 22:41:17
In reply to Re: Alternative Ways of dealing with Depression » BJ, posted by adah on February 2, 2006, at 9:03:27
> this is in response to the question Re: alternative meathods to treat depression/ocd.
Welcome! And sorry if it's confusing here, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding alternative meathods to Psycho-Babble Alternative. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20060130/msgs/605685.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by jacobs on February 3, 2006, at 6:12:09
In reply to Re: scared of effexor and withdrawal, posted by Herbygirl on February 1, 2006, at 14:59:09
hi has anyone noticed a change in theyre eye sight sense being on effexor? i have noticed that sometimes it is hard to focus and it seems my eye sight has gotten worse. not sure if it is the med or if i have hit the age for bi focals. thanks, tonya
Posted by 3djp on February 3, 2006, at 7:37:16
In reply to Re: scared of effexor and withdrawal, posted by jacobs on February 3, 2006, at 6:12:09
> hi has anyone noticed a change in theyre eye sight sense being on effexor? i have noticed that sometimes it is hard to focus and it seems my eye sight has gotten worse. not sure if it is the med or if i have hit the age for bi focals. thanks, tonya
I felt eye pressure in both eyes a first I went to the eye doctor, and look at my eyes and did a pressure check and found everything was okay. my suggestion is to get them checked out it should only take aboout 20 mins to do. take care
Posted by sandra booth on February 3, 2006, at 15:28:26
In reply to Re: scared of effexor and withdrawal, posted by Herbygirl on February 1, 2006, at 14:59:09
I have been on Effexor for 5 years and I am now slowly coming off it. I too have just lately noticed a difference in my vision. I wear glass varifocals and am now finding it difficult to focus sometimes. There seems to be a reflection and I find that I can see better without them for distance. My memory has gone down hill too but that is probably age.
Has anyone started to come off the drug after a long time like me? I now take a 37.5 mg every other day for the next 4 days and that is it. I missed one for the first time yesterday and felt dreadful by the afternoon. Very light-headed and felt sick all night. Had nightmares too. Took my tablet this morning and started to feel better by the afternoon. I am now dreading tomorrow as it is my miss one day.
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