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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Budzoid on March 13, 2009, at 21:33:34
In reply to Re: Effexor Newbie » betrayed, posted by Phillipa on March 10, 2009, at 21:22:15
My wonderful journey continues. After all my attempts to get tested and then treated for possible Lymes, my Psyc. wants to start me on Effexor XR (37.5mg. a day for a week, then doubled every week for 3 weeks).
After over a year spent tapering off Xanax (5mg. a day for 6-7 yrs.), I really don't want to go down that road again. I hate having to withdraw from a drug that I may not even need.
It seems like the VA only wants to treat my symptoms, and not the possible cause.
Anyway, I'm holding off until I have more info.
Posted by Phillipa on March 14, 2009, at 19:45:17
In reply to Re: Effexor Newbie, posted by Budzoid on March 13, 2009, at 21:33:34
Good for you. Which type of info on lymes's or effexor? Phillipa
Posted by Budzoid on March 14, 2009, at 21:27:29
In reply to Re: Effexor Newbie » Budzoid, posted by Phillipa on March 14, 2009, at 19:45:17
Phillipa, I am still looking at all my options on Lymes.I have a doc. I see outside of the VA, and I think he will maybe test me, or if not, put me on antibiotics for a trial (saying it is for an upper resp. infection to cover his skin).He's that cool.
As for Effexor, I am holding off for now.I don't need anymore problems such as nausia. I get all the nausia I can handle from all the opiates I take. And as I said before, I don't want to be put on something that is hard to come off of, especially if it doesn't help.Although I see people that say it is good for depression,the side affects are not good.Almost everyone has some sort of side affect.
Posted by Phillipa on March 14, 2009, at 21:38:56
In reply to Re: Effexor Newbie, posted by Budzoid on March 14, 2009, at 21:27:29
I wouldn't go on that one either. Why would the doc have a problem doing Western Blot? It's just a lab test. All he needs to do to justify it is say you got bitten by a tic. I'd do that before antibiotics. Love Phillipa ps health dept will probably do one for free as lymes is world wide just different strains of bacteria in different places. I'm assuming you've google lymes as that should explain.
Posted by Budzoid on March 14, 2009, at 21:49:30
In reply to Re: Effexor Newbie » Budzoid, posted by Phillipa on March 14, 2009, at 21:38:56
Phillipa, I have thought about going to the county health dept. and ask for the test.That may be the best "next step".I'm a little concerned that they work with the CDC and I would still get the same runaround.
Posted by betrayed on March 15, 2009, at 5:38:43
In reply to Re: Effexor Newbie » betrayed, posted by Phillipa on March 10, 2009, at 20:12:20
Hi Philipa,
I have had so many problems with most medications. I usually become very ill when I take something new. I have now taken Klonopin and celexa and suffered two allergic drug reactions. Do you know of any testing that could be done so I would'nt have to go through this every time a new med is prescibed to me?
Posted by Phillipa on March 15, 2009, at 18:31:35
In reply to Re: Effexor Newbie, posted by Budzoid on March 14, 2009, at 21:49:30
I'd think since the health dept called me when they received the results of my test and said positive that is when I was first treated. Then when a doc up here in NC did one and said no worries health dept still called and asked if I was being treated. Called that doc and he said tell the health dept to call him so no antibiotics from the doc. Love Phillipa ps say you were bitten and felt like the flu. What state you live in as more states have lymes than others. See I'm originally from CT.
Posted by Phillipa on March 15, 2009, at 18:33:32
In reply to Re: Effexor Newbie, posted by betrayed on March 15, 2009, at 5:38:43
Betrayed when you say allergic reaction what does that mean? What happens? Rashes? Love Phillipa
Posted by betrayed on March 15, 2009, at 18:59:54
In reply to Re: Effexor Newbie » betrayed, posted by Phillipa on March 15, 2009, at 18:33:32
I had taken a Celexa 10mg pill and within an hour I was having bad heart palpitations then had awoken at 4 am throat was really hurting felt like someone was coking me and ran to bathroom saw a rash from chin down neck. I immediately went to ER and had been given a shot of steroids and shot of benadryl 3 days later I had another reaction which was diagnosed from the same doctor and drew blood work for Shingles. I kept saying it was probably another reaction to either the steroid shot or benadryl. I still hadn't been sleeping well so I was advised to take 2 tylenol PM and 2 melanotin. I waited 9 days to be told I did not have shingles. The doctor had assumed I was having a nervous breakdown and was told to go directly to Butler Hospital which is for the mentally ill. I feel betrayed by my primary care physician because I had simply asked him for a sleeping aid and I was not able to speak to him once thru-out the whole terrible ordeal with Klonopin and celexa. I was told repeatedly from the nurses in his clinic that he was busy on everyday I called. I have been furious and I feel justified in my anger. I probably have a long battle ahead of me.
Posted by Phillipa on March 15, 2009, at 19:54:53
In reply to Re: Effexor Newbie, posted by betrayed on March 15, 2009, at 18:59:54
That's horrible sounds like an allergic reaction to me. Gee I know of no testing either. I wonder if any google serches would turn up something? Love Phillipa
Posted by zip_code on May 9, 2009, at 21:04:58
In reply to Re: Anybody else have rage or anger attacks????, posted by eeyorena on January 25, 2005, at 21:47:16
I am so glad to find this blog. I thought I was the only one. I usually have rage if I miss a dose. I talked to my dr. about it. His solution was to be sure to take my meds everyday. I "took on" a "biker" (tatoos, leather pants, headband, and motorcycle)the other day. I asked him " what are you about 2 years old? ". My daughter told me to shut up that he was going to cut my throat. I had no fear. I also have road rage issues. It's usually only when I miss a dose. Anyone have an opinion on whether or not it could be dangerous to stay on this med? I'm really afraid NOT to take it.
Posted by Jeroen on May 10, 2009, at 3:20:40
In reply to Re: Anybody else have rage or anger attacks????, posted by zip_code on May 9, 2009, at 21:04:58
hi, agitation and anger are a bad sign, not a good idea to stick with this medicine i think
Posted by sowhysosad on May 10, 2009, at 8:47:46
In reply to Re: Anybody else have rage or anger attacks????, posted by zip_code on May 9, 2009, at 21:04:58
The fact that you're having anger attacks when you skip a dose implies to me you're not ready to discontinue it yet, and withdrawal would just magnify your problem many times.
> I am so glad to find this blog. I thought I was the only one. I usually have rage if I miss a dose. I talked to my dr. about it. His solution was to be sure to take my meds everyday. I "took on" a "biker" (tatoos, leather pants, headband, and motorcycle)the other day. I asked him " what are you about 2 years old? ". My daughter told me to shut up that he was going to cut my throat. I had no fear. I also have road rage issues. It's usually only when I miss a dose. Anyone have an opinion on whether or not it could be dangerous to stay on this med? I'm really afraid NOT to take it.
Posted by sowhysosad on May 10, 2009, at 8:52:31
In reply to Stay on it! » zip_code, posted by sowhysosad on May 10, 2009, at 8:47:46
Forgot to say: it's not unreasonable for your doc to suggest you take it at the same time every day either. After all, these are drugs with pretty short half lives, so you're inviting trouble if you skip doses willy-nilly.
Posted by zip_code on May 10, 2009, at 16:15:03
In reply to Re: Stay on it!, posted by sowhysosad on May 10, 2009, at 8:52:31
Thank you for the feedback. I started taking Effexor xr about 5 years ago after the death of a freind. I think the whole world should be on it. It has really helped. I suffer from pmdd (like pms but worse). It has almost eliminated that all together. It has been in the past 2 years the rage has started. I'm not talking about being mad. I am talking about somewhat uncontrolled rage and anger. Maybe linked to pmdd. I'm afraid to get off of it, after I read about the withdrawls. I'm just scared to. I forget to take it sometimes. The rage is how I know I haven't taken it. I wonder sometimes if the meds mask the real world. When I don't take it, it all comes crashing in and I get overwhelmed. Maybe that's where the rage comes from.
Posted by Jeroen on May 10, 2009, at 16:20:24
In reply to Re: Stay on it!, posted by zip_code on May 10, 2009, at 16:15:03
stay on it, if you need it but dont stay on it if you will start to behave psychotic
i want to warn people on what happened to me and almost, will take my life someday
Posted by zip_code on May 10, 2009, at 16:33:32
In reply to Re: Stay on it!, posted by Jeroen on May 10, 2009, at 16:20:24
I do have thoughts of suicide. I think it is a side effect too. I have great faith. I hope that will substain me when those feelings come. My husband and daughter both have bipolar disorder. Life gets really "crazy" around here sometimes. My husband attempted suicide 3 years ago. My daughter just got home from the mental hospital about 3 weeks ago. Mental hospital sounds so ... Mental ... I guess. My family refers to it as the county club. Just to make it seem like a better place to be. haha
Posted by Jeroen on May 10, 2009, at 16:55:12
In reply to Re: Stay on it!, posted by zip_code on May 10, 2009, at 16:33:32
i hope you get well and your family too : )
Posted by zip_code on May 10, 2009, at 17:06:15
In reply to to zip code, posted by Jeroen on May 10, 2009, at 16:55:12
Thank you!! My daughter came home with this tid bit from the country club... If you can't handle life day by day... handle it minute by minute... that's how we're doing it minute by minute. Blessings :)
Posted by Budzoid on May 10, 2009, at 19:08:29
In reply to Re: Effexor Newbie » Budzoid, posted by Phillipa on March 15, 2009, at 18:31:35
Phillipa,
I haven't kept up with this post in a couple of months. A lot has happened. First, I have given up on the Lymes quest for now. I have also NOT started taking the Effexor crap.Too many bad side effects reported.
I am currently under a pain contract with my PC doc. for chronic pain in my neck. Currently on 30mg. MS-Contin (time release Morphine) for a base and a couple of 5mg. Percocets a day for breakthrough pain.
I hate the constipation caused by the Morphine and am going to request to switch to Oxycodone (Oxy-contin).
I know a lot of people in pain would love to be in my shoes, but I am not happy. Without Valium for my muscle stiffness, the pain meds. are only a bandaid. The Valium would help the muscle spasms in my neck, therefore requiring less Opiates.
Since my mental health doc. is BENZO-PHOBIC, I can not get the combo. that I need.
I am considering ending my pain contract and seeing a doctor outside of the VA who is not Benzo-phobic. One med. is no good without the other.
It's funny how my Phsyc. can say that Benzo's are too addictive to be prescribed. I guess a schedule 4 narcotic (Valium) is more dangerous than a schedule 2 narcotic (Morphine & Oxycodone).
Am I crazy, or does this logic not compute?
Posted by Phillipa on May 10, 2009, at 20:58:15
In reply to Re: Effexor Newbie, posted by Budzoid on May 10, 2009, at 19:08:29
Oh wow anything you may babblemail me and then if wish exchange e-mails your choice. VA won't give benzos? My Son takes ativan for PTSD through VA and is working for DAV. If you contact may have contact with my Son through VA? Agree the opiods more addiction is VA giving them out? Love Phillipa ps Son works helping vets obtain their benefits.
Posted by chumbawumba on May 10, 2009, at 23:55:20
In reply to Re: Stay on it!, posted by zip_code on May 10, 2009, at 16:33:32
For me it wasn't Effexor but Zoloft that sent me over the edge into suicidality. Some would say that's a "soft" sign of bipolar disorder.
Most of these medications do have black box warnings about suicidality as an uncommon side effect. Also there have been rare but well publicized cases of people going into homicidal rages.
Maybe talk to your doctor about trying a different medication if you really think the medication is causing a worsening of your symptoms and it isn't just the depression itself.
And regarding the withdrawal from Effexor, I believe that can be alleviated by taking Prozac for a just a few days. The Prozac slows the rate at which the Effexor is metabolized by messing with liver enzymes. So the Effexor doesn't leave your system so quickly and your body can adjust
Posted by zip_code on May 11, 2009, at 18:43:03
In reply to Re: Stay on it!, posted by chumbawumba on May 10, 2009, at 23:55:20
I went to my phyco-therapist today. I told him of my rage. He said "take your meds, problem solved". I didn't tell him, I feel suicidal sometimes. I was afraid he would try to put me in the hospital. He however, didn't think the meds were "masking" real life. He said they just take the edge off. When I take them daily, I really don't care to much about anything. The rage concerns him. He said the benefits of the meds taken regularly out weigh the bad side effects.
Posted by zip _code on June 28, 2009, at 0:00:28
In reply to Re: Stay on it!, posted by chumbawumba on May 10, 2009, at 23:55:20
Oh my!!! Can it get any worse? My dr has decided to change my Effexor XR to Savella. I have been on 150mg for abought 5 yrs. I have been weening myself off Effexor for 9 days now. I thought things were going well, but I'm not sure anymore. I feel like my brain is loose. When I turn my head it feels like my brain is in a time warp. Kinda like everytime I turn my head, it takes a few seconds for my eyes and mind to catch up. It remindes me of one of those compasses you see that are round like a ball and float in water. I think people mount them to the dash of their car. The dizziness, upset stomach, and diarrhea are the worst. My body aches. I am exausted. I'm a rural mail carrier. I'm having a really hard time keeping my mind on my work. The Dr told me to take 150mg one day then skip a day. Then repeat the process for two more days. Then do the same at 75 mg and 37.5 mg. I should be on my second round at 37.5 mg. I decided to skip the last 37.5 mg and start the new med tonight. I am hoping as the dose of Savella increases the withdraws of the Effexor will decrease. If it doesn't I may have to tell the dr forget it. She said since we are replacing one with the other, I shouldn't have any major problems. I do well on Effexor when I take it everyday. She just thinks the Savella will help with my fibromyalgia pain and act as an antidepressant also. I have been randomely having rage but it hasn't been to bad. I have been really trying to keep that in check since I know I have potential for it. If you'all have any advice on how to handle the withdrawl or if you think it was ok to start the new med 2 days early... Please let me know. I'm literally SICK of feeling like my brain is in a fog and my stomach being upset
Posted by hugsandkisses on July 3, 2009, at 14:23:55
In reply to Re: Stay on it!, posted by chumbawumba on May 10, 2009, at 23:55:20
Quick cycle Bi-polar is what I have. I have been on the same meds since 1991 and they work great for me. I take 600 m aday of lithium and clonopin as needed for anxiety which even happens in my sleep sometimes. My Dr. says I have the cheapest,easiest program there is for my condition but I went off my meds in 2000 and ended up three states away. I was told by a friend that I was demon possessed so I stopped my meds so now I only listen to my DR. and to hell with everyone elses opinion,even mine.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]
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