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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by jealibeanz on June 3, 2006, at 0:55:10
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR XR is great but the excess WEIGHT is NOT, posted by Aim on May 31, 2006, at 20:27:48
yes, I was nauseous and couldn't eat a thing, yet gained 20 lbs in 6 weeks, even while working out.
Posted by rfs on June 4, 2006, at 17:26:18
In reply to Re: Quitting Effexor XR - and off of all other med, posted by boxcan on May 14, 2006, at 14:04:12
> I've been on Effexor XR (75mg) for approx. over a year. I've just started to ween myself off of it. Starting to empty 1/3rd of the pill. for the 1st week and will take 35mg for the next week. so far I'm feeling ok. I'm weening myself off of it because I hate the idea of depending on a drug for the rest of my life. And I've too have experienced heavy drinking binges on the drug.
>
>
>
>
> > I have been on Effexor XR 150mg for 8 years. I too am coming off of it. Not because it's not working for me, but because I lost my insurance and this stuff is $140 a month! Believe me, if I could afford it, I would continue it forever.
> >
> > Anyway, it has been 3 days since my last dose, and I think I'm actually feeling a little better. I have experienced all the side effects that everyone complains of, but I feel pretty good right now. I am frightened by the posts I've read here and elsewhere about the effects of coming off, especially without the benefit of tapering. So I wanted to let people know that one person out there is getting off it, and so far I'm ok. I would love to hear from some people who have been successful at getting off it without a lot of side effects. I'm hoping you're out there, and just not talking!
> >
> >
> > > Hi all,
> > > I'm coming off of effexor xr and frankly am scared about it.
>
> Hi,
Ive been on effexor for about nine and a half years. About 5 years ago I switced to prozac for a year. I had no trouble making the switch. (the Effexor is not working all that great anymore) Now I am back on Effexor (300mg) and 300mg of wellbutrin My Pdoc has me cutting back about 10% each week I am at 262mg, plus the wellbutrin. I also take Klonopin as needed. I don't know if I will be able to discontinue completly, but I will be happy if I can get down to 75mg. I have the usual side effects plus my short term memory is awful. I am 53.
my memory was awful before I started the klonopin. I just hope I can get to the point where the side effects are less and the depression does't return. If I start getting depressed, I will go back on the higher dose of effexor or try something else. I also have social phobia, and servere anxiety. The anxiety hasn't been a problem since klonopin. Just knowing I have it helps. I wonder if Ensam would be a good choice if I had to make a switch.RFS
Posted by Vegas girl on June 6, 2006, at 17:11:55
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I started Effexor 2 weeks ago. My first week I took 37.5, & was to double the dose on day 8. Beginning with day 6 of the low dose, I could not stay awake and missed 6 hours of work in 4 days. No way was I going to start the 75m on day 8! Here it is a week later, and I am screaming in my sleep, feel electric shocks going through my whole body (not just my head), and it seems that my brain is registering reality just a split second late. Things seem to be moving in small frames, rather than smoothly. Worst of all, I am bawling like a baby for no reason. I had a couple of good days, thought it was out of my system, and now all the symptoms are back (it's been 1 wk now since I stopped taking). When does all of this go away? & how can they give this stuff to people knowing of the risk that this could happen?
Posted by unknown_usr on June 6, 2006, at 17:51:42
In reply to Re: OK now I am afraid » unknown_usr, posted by detroitpistons on March 29, 2006, at 14:47:00
After nearly passing out from sleepiness constantly, we gradually went back down to 37.5.
Status:
I am down to 37.5 Effexor and 150 Welbutrin now. The loss of motivation and decreased energy problems have diminished significantly. My heart rate is still a little high, making heart rate training difficult, but manageable. I’ve gained some weight, but I think that is mostly due a week of inactivity and 3 weeks of a bad diet. My moods are good, with the exception of the mornings. This isn’t the first time that this has happened. I go to sleep feeling great, experience a great deal of REM sleep, and have a difficult time waking from the REM state in the morning. It takes me 1-2 hours to get myself out of the REM cycles and when I finally do, I feel awful. It takes me about 20 minutes to an hour for the depression to dissipate. This has happened before and my Cortisol levels were checked. They were a little high, but not enough to be considered a problem. I am assuming the elevated levels were due to stress more than anything else. Still, I am really curious why my depression seems to “collect” while I sleep, and “flush out” once I am awake for a while.
Anyone else have the morning thing happen?
Posted by Vegas girl on June 7, 2006, at 9:26:14
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Vegas girl on June 6, 2006, at 17:11:55
In follow up to yesterday's posting, I accidentally ran 2 red lights during my 3 mile drive to work this morning, because it didn't register in my brain that it was time to stop until I was already through the intersection. My doc was out delivering a baby yesterday afternoon when I called his office. The midwife in the office informed the nurse that I should see a neurologist right away for the 'electric shock feeling' The nurse and I agreed that this midwife was probably wrong since these strange shocks are drug induced, and not a result of nerve damage (that we know of). I'm waiting to here back from my dr., if he says go to the neuro., then I will go. What I really want to hear back about is "how long before this goes away?" I can't take it anymore~I see co-workers, strangers, and family members that all look and act normal and I am so envious that they can get through life drug free and seemingly happy.
Posted by detroitpistons on June 7, 2006, at 9:47:20
In reply to This is not worth the risk, posted by Vegas girl on June 7, 2006, at 9:26:14
Although you were only on Effexor for a very short time, you should never stop taking it cold turkey. I quit taking Paxil cold turkey and it took 6-8 weeks until the withdrawal was completely done.
I would go see a psychiatrist and figure out a weaning program. Psychiatrists have much more experience with this. Effexor has a very short half life and the withdrawal is pretty bad, however, I've noticed the exact same withdrawal symptoms from Lexapro and Paxil.
One technique is to take Prozac while quitting Effexor because it's half life is very long and it eases the transition and allows your brain/serotonin to adjust more evenly.
Let us know what you decide to do.
Marc
> In follow up to yesterday's posting, I accidentally ran 2 red lights during my 3 mile drive to work this morning, because it didn't register in my brain that it was time to stop until I was already through the intersection. My doc was out delivering a baby yesterday afternoon when I called his office. The midwife in the office informed the nurse that I should see a neurologist right away for the 'electric shock feeling' The nurse and I agreed that this midwife was probably wrong since these strange shocks are drug induced, and not a result of nerve damage (that we know of). I'm waiting to here back from my dr., if he says go to the neuro., then I will go. What I really want to hear back about is "how long before this goes away?" I can't take it anymore~I see co-workers, strangers, and family members that all look and act normal and I am so envious that they can get through life drug free and seemingly happy.
Posted by lissamed on June 7, 2006, at 12:21:52
In reply to Effexor update, posted by unknown_usr on June 6, 2006, at 17:51:42
Hi,
I just started Effexor XR yesterday. I have been sleeping 16 hours a day and eating like a pig for the few hours I was up...has anyone had sucess with Effexor XR who had those sorts of syptoms. (it seems like the opposite is more common)
One other question, I was wondering if anyone has noticed extra side effects with caffiene and Effexor XR. I felt great yesterday and today (placebo, I know) until I drank some Dr. Pepper, and I don't know if the side effects randomly kicked in then, or if it was related to the caffiene.
Thanks
Posted by pulse on June 7, 2006, at 14:02:04
In reply to This is not worth the risk, posted by Vegas girl on June 7, 2006, at 9:26:14
i concur with dp's above post re: prozac (i did 10 mg. prozac), but only after i'd tapered down from a whopping 600 mgs. effexor xr to 37.5. i only needed the 10 mg. prozac for one week. i had absolutely no withdrawal problems whatsoever, even at this above official limits dosage...especially not these infamous electric shocks you're experiencing from withdrawing the effexor xr, that so many others here, btw, have had, too.
you may want to use the search feature, but IN the TIPS section, located near the top - for confirmation of the 10 mg (or they may say 20 mg?) prozac help.
pulse
Posted by saustin on June 8, 2006, at 0:46:58
In reply to Effexor Newbie, posted by lissamed on June 7, 2006, at 12:21:52
I started Effexor 6 months ago, and my life has changed tremendously. I now have energy that I once did not have, and I also do not feel hopeless or nervous as I use to.
My back no longer is in constant pain, and I do not suffer from headaches.
I noticed a difference when I first started, even within a few days. I had some sexual disfunction, but that faded, as well as some trouble sleeping.
I have not gained weight, but then again I do exercise.
I suggest that anyone gaining weight should exercise. Not only will it keep your pounds off, but exercise is proven to be beneficial to mental health. Exercise has been the best stress reliever, even before I took Effexor XR.
Just with any medicine, I suggest that you try it for yourself. All side effects differ with each person. Where as I am having great results, someone might have terrible results.
Posted by Winning again on June 8, 2006, at 8:43:08
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
To quickly answer your question: Yes, I have had great success with Effexor XR.
The history: I was suffering from situational depression of severe nature to the extent that twice I intended to commit suicide. I was under treatment of a psychiatrist that was extremely competent, and through my family’s interaction, continued to be involved even when I did not want the involvement. Thank you Dr. S.
My breakthrough came when I started Effexor XR, 150 mg. I was also (and continue) being treated for ADHD with Adderall XR, 20 mg with an additional Amphetamine Salts, 10 mg tab, taken in the late afternoon. I mention this because the interaction of the amphetamine helped buoy the effects of the Effexor, which also has a stimulant effect.
With the medication, family and psychiatrist support, I was able to identify and cope with the sources of depression, which, on the surface were all related to the dissolution of my marriage and business, but also were tentacled through many aspects of my life. These details are included to buttress the fact that Effexor alone did not solve my problems but instead was a tool in a multi-faceted approach.
Now the current: The causational issues of depression addressed and dealt with, I have been able to be slowly and carefully phased from Effexor.
PLEASE NOTE: YOU MUST FOLLOW YOUR DOCTORS ORDERS CAREFULLY WHEN QUITTING EFFEXOR. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MODERATE YOUR PRESCRIPTION
WITHOUT THE PROFESSIONAL BENEFIT OF A PHYSICIAN.Effexor has a very short half-life and an abrupt discontinuation may cause rebound of depression that may be worse than the original symptoms.
I had only a very slight adjustment “feeling” when the dosage adjusted from 150 mg to 75 mg. I continued taking the 75 mg for a period of about two weeks and then switched to Fluoxetine HCL 10 mg (Prozac) for 14 days. The benefit of this arrangement lies in the duration, or half-life of the Fluoxetine HCL, which remains in your system for a much longer duration than Effexor; and hence, has the desired effect of slowing withdrawing the drug without causing withdraw symptoms.
Not everyone can end treatment for depression and some may require continued medication for the control of depression. That said, the use of Effexor helped me through a very dark phase of life and help ensured that I am still here to continue to live, and now, more fully enjoy life.
Good luck to those that may be treating for depression, I wish you peace, and may God bless you.
Posted by 2greatdogs on June 8, 2006, at 10:56:17
In reply to Re: effexor XR interactions with alcohol, posted by bart on April 11, 2006, at 17:14:53
Effexor XR (75mg) for the past 8 wks has turned me into a raging alcoholic! Yes, they say don't drink while taking these drugs but I've always been a social drinker (tried Wellbutrin & Lexapro and drank on those, too) so I never changed any of my behavior regarding alcohol consumption. Yet, I noticed after taking Effexor for a couple of weeks I was drinking more & more. I'm now up to a bottle of wine per night!
Effexor is terrible. Had I known the side effects (never disclosed by my M.D.) I never would have touched this stuff. Impossible to get off of, I tried once before (after only 4 wks on it) and experienced flu-like symptoms. I'm about to wean off again because if I gain any more weight on this I'll explode--weight gain is another undisclosed side effect.
Posted by Vegas girl on June 8, 2006, at 12:20:39
In reply to Re: This is not worth the risk » Vegas girl, posted by pulse on June 7, 2006, at 14:02:04
I feel that I am so close to losing my job over effexor withdrawals. My work wants a dr. to verify that my drowsiness and symptoms that have caused me to miss so much work over the last week an 1/2. I have been to 2 drs. in the last 48 hours, and they refuse to take part due to legalities. This last dr. asked if I wanted to take Lexapro again, NO WAY. I don't want anymore drugs!!! I want to be ok without being a pill popper. The dr. suggested FMLA (Family Med Leave Act), but that would cause my entire med. history to be disclosed, which would cause me to appear quite the nut case. I'm so afraid, I don't know what to do. Dr. has referred me to a phsyciatrist, but I think this would require the FMLA for the time off for appts. I'm so lost!!!! I am tapering off of xanax also, and don't want my company to know and tag me as a drug user. Geez, Thanks for letting me vent!
Vegas Girl> i concur with dp's above post re: prozac (i did 10 mg. prozac), but only after i'd tapered down from a whopping 600 mgs. effexor xr to 37.5. i only needed the 10 mg. prozac for one week. i had absolutely no withdrawal problems whatsoever, even at this above official limits dosage...especially not these infamous electric shocks you're experiencing from withdrawing the effexor xr, that so many others here, btw, have had, too.
>
> you may want to use the search feature, but IN the TIPS section, located near the top - for confirmation of the 10 mg (or they may say 20 mg?) prozac help.
>
> pulse
Posted by italianchk on June 8, 2006, at 17:08:49
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I'm starting on Effexor this weekend. I've been on Zoloft & Lexapro for depression following a heart attack. My Dr. says depression is not uncommon following a heart attack, especially in my case, I'm pretty young. Zoloft worked, Lexapro didn't. Unfortunatly, Zoloft caused a really weird & annoying side effect...I can't stop grinding my teeth. I've been dealing with it by chewing gum constantly. I also experienced weight gain, this after losing 45lbs.! Saw a neurologist who recommended Effexor. This site is very informative.Dr. stated weight gain was not a concern on Effexor, but I see from the postings that it is. The problem with weaning off is also a concern, as I don't foresee having to be on it long term.I am presently on Cymbalta, and I feel myself slipping back into episodes of not caring, or what I like to call "I really just don't give a #$&*!" and hopelessness. I'm hoping the Effexor will get me back to where I want to be, however this site definately gave me some good questions to discuss with my Dr.
Just curious, has anyone else out there ever had teeth grinding as a side effect from any of these RX's? I know it may not sound like a big deal, but it can really take over your life!
Thanks for any info. & suggestions.
Posted by pulse on June 8, 2006, at 19:51:56
In reply to Re: This is not worth the risk, posted by Vegas girl on June 8, 2006, at 12:20:39
even tho you want no more drugs, what problem can you (or ANYONE ) possibly have with having a gp prescribe 2 weeks worth of 10 mg. prozac - thus ridding yourself/ themselves of all withdrawal symptoms, especially the scary electric shocks in head bit?!! most plain ole gps now know of this very tried and true trick because it works.
note: do this after down to & stopped the lowest dosage (37.5 mg.), where you already are.
kids take their own bitter pill - cough medicine - even when they hate being sick, and hate the taste...BECAUSE they no longer want to be on the evil cough mediciine ...and they want to get WELL.
prozac is energizing at first for most, so you'd likely also not have this lethargy. then, since prozac's half-life is around 5 days, you are then done. POOF! all problems solved and that simply.
(over my many yrs. reading here, i've ONLY seen 1-2 ppl have a problem stopping prozac cold.)
so, what is 2 more weeks out of your's or anyone's life, in the grand scheme of things? rational answer: nothing.
Posted by pulse on June 8, 2006, at 19:59:55
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by italianchk on June 8, 2006, at 17:08:49
>>Just curious, has anyone else out there ever had teeth grinding as a side effect from any of these RX's? I know it may not sound like a big deal, but it can really take over your life!>>
zoloft is quite notoroius for teeth-clenching. it's no small thing! imo, zoloft is the very worst of all ads, all classes, for this side-effect. good luck!
Posted by tizza on June 8, 2006, at 22:45:30
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » italianchk, posted by pulse on June 8, 2006, at 19:59:55
never tried zoloft but cipramil/celexa gave me the worst jaw grinding, I cracked 2 teeth down to the gum line from citalopram. Efexor xr just made me terribly sick when I came off it and yes I did it very slowly. Efexor didn't help me much at all and ended up causing me total hell on earth to come off.
Posted by DuckyFlorida on June 9, 2006, at 10:33:01
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi all, I am new to this blog and am really pleased at all of the information I have learned. I recently lost my job went to the Dr's, had all my systems checked and was diagnosed with an anxiety problem. I am now on Effexor XR (just finished my 2nd week) along with Ambien CR (to help me sleep) and Xanax ( 0.5 mg).
These all seem to be working for me, but I do have my periods when things are not bad.I researched and found a great tool: "Panic Away"
It's a book and fully downloadable. Basically it teaches you to identify the anxiety, observe, welcome it and befriend it.
Used this method for 2 days and seems to work for me.
But of course, everything whether meds or books affects people in different ways. Just thought I would share my experience.
Posted by da on June 9, 2006, at 12:04:23
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by DuckyFlorida on June 9, 2006, at 10:33:01
Anyone take Wellbuterin by itself? I take Effexor 75mg now and am going to ask my doctor about switching. My reasons are the withdrawls, weight gain, and low sex drive.
Posted by Vegas girl on June 9, 2006, at 14:42:21
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by DuckyFlorida on June 9, 2006, at 10:33:01
Thank you for the info on the book 'Panic Away'. I am going to check into this, since I am determined to find ways to deal with my stress, anxiety, and depression without medication. P.S. Thought I would let you all know that I have decided to join an all women's peer group (12 step) here in Vegas, since I am weening off of 4-1/2 years of Xanax and because my Effexor experience now has me absolutely TERRIFIED to try ANY new drug. I have decided not to go to a psychiatrist, as my gp has referred, because he would probably just try to put me on more stuff.
> Hi all, I am new to this blog and am really pleased at all of the information I have learned. I recently lost my job went to the Dr's, had all my systems checked and was diagnosed with an anxiety problem. I am now on Effexor XR (just finished my 2nd week) along with Ambien CR (to help me sleep) and Xanax ( 0.5 mg).
> These all seem to be working for me, but I do have my periods when things are not bad.
>
> I researched and found a great tool: "Panic Away"
>
> It's a book and fully downloadable. Basically it teaches you to identify the anxiety, observe, welcome it and befriend it.
>
> Used this method for 2 days and seems to work for me.
>
> But of course, everything whether meds or books affects people in different ways. Just thought I would share my experience.
>
>
Posted by thorthena on June 9, 2006, at 19:35:31
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by tizza on June 8, 2006, at 22:45:30
could someone detail for me the "total hell on earth to come off of"?
Posted by Elroy on June 9, 2006, at 23:36:16
In reply to Anxiety Issues, posted by DuckyFlorida on June 9, 2006, at 10:31:58
Link to the site???
> Hi all, I am new to this blog and am really pleased at all of the information I have learned. I recently lost my job went to the Dr's, had all my systems checked and was diagnosed with an anxiety problem. I am now on Effexor XR (just finished my 2nd week) along with Ambien CR (to help me sleep) and Xanax ( 0.5 mg).
> These all seem to be working for me, but I do have my periods when things are not bad.
>
> I researched and found a great tool: "Panic Away"
>
> It's a book and fully downloadable. Basically it teaches you to identify the anxiety, observe, welcome it and befriend it.
>
> Used this method for 2 days and seems to work for me.
>
> But of course, everything whether meds or books affects people in different ways. Just thought I would share my experience.
Posted by Dr. Bob on June 10, 2006, at 2:05:30
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by thorthena on June 9, 2006, at 19:35:31
> could someone detail for me the "total hell on earth to come off of"?
Welcome! And sorry if it's confusing here, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding coming off to Psycho-Babble Withdrawal. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20060602/msgs/655129.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by detroitpistons on June 10, 2006, at 10:44:16
In reply to Re: This is not worth the risk, posted by pulse on June 8, 2006, at 19:51:56
I second that.
> even tho you want no more drugs, what problem can you (or ANYONE ) possibly have with having a gp prescribe 2 weeks worth of 10 mg. prozac - thus ridding yourself/ themselves of all withdrawal symptoms, especially the scary electric shocks in head bit?!! most plain ole gps now know of this very tried and true trick because it works.
>
> note: do this after down to & stopped the lowest dosage (37.5 mg.), where you already are.
>
> kids take their own bitter pill - cough medicine - even when they hate being sick, and hate the taste...BECAUSE they no longer want to be on the evil cough mediciine ...and they want to get WELL.
>
> prozac is energizing at first for most, so you'd likely also not have this lethargy. then, since prozac's half-life is around 5 days, you are then done. POOF! all problems solved and that simply.
>
> (over my many yrs. reading here, i've ONLY seen 1-2 ppl have a problem stopping prozac cold.)
>
> so, what is 2 more weeks out of your's or anyone's life, in the grand scheme of things? rational answer: nothing.
>
>
Posted by MDGIRL on June 23, 2006, at 8:29:59
In reply to Effexor Newbie, posted by lissamed on June 7, 2006, at 12:21:52
I STARTED A WEEK AGO AND I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO WAS SLEEPY ALL THE TIME , SOMETIMES I WANT TO EAT A LOT THEN THERE ARE TIMES WHEN I WON'T EAT ALL DAY EXCEPT WHEN I TAKE MY PILL. THE DOC SAID IT SHOULD TAKE A FEW WEEKS FOR IT TOOK KICK IN BUT I FEEL PRETTY GOOD, JUST TIRED. I FEEL LIKE MY VISION IS BLURRED AT TIMES AND THAT SCRARES ME. I DON'T SAY ANYTHING TO ANYONE ,CAUSE IF YOUR NOT ON THE MEDS YOU HAVE KNOW IDEA THE WAY IT MAKES YOU FEEL AND YOU SOUND A LITTLE CRAZY. >
Hi,
>
> I just started Effexor XR yesterday. I have been sleeping 16 hours a day and eating like a pig for the few hours I was up...has anyone had sucess with Effexor XR who had those sorts of syptoms. (it seems like the opposite is more common)
>
> One other question, I was wondering if anyone has noticed extra side effects with caffiene and Effexor XR. I felt great yesterday and today (placebo, I know) until I drank some Dr. Pepper, and I don't know if the side effects randomly kicked in then, or if it was related to the caffiene.
>
> Thanks
Posted by renecoston on June 23, 2006, at 8:33:53
In reply to Re: Effexor Newbie, posted by MDGIRL on June 23, 2006, at 8:29:59
I am now taking Nortriptyline and am in heaven. NO side effects at all, no drowsiness, nothing! It is a medication that is called a Tricyclic and it is working WONDERS for me!
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
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