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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Angelina on September 3, 2003, at 16:39:24
In reply to Message for Angelina, posted by Music on September 3, 2003, at 16:23:32
> So if 225mg is my theraputeic dosage, how will I totally know if it is or not my correct dosage? I have never been on any AD's meds before. I just want to feel better and stay better. I suffer from Major Depression and OCD. My PsyDoc says my depression is recurrent. I go to see my PsyDoc next Thursday a week from tomorrow. So should I ask her how long do I need to be on this stuff and when will I feel better, and also let her know that sometime in the future we want children. I think I it more depressed in the afternoon at work and when I have time to think about things. I need to have distractions to keep my mind from wondering to depressing things. I also need to start exercising. I used to but I have lost any desire or will-power to do it. I have really lost the desire to do most all things. Sometimes I wonder if it is worth it or not. Do you ever feel that way? Or does anyone?
>Music-
I would ask your doctor if he/she plans on increasing the dosage. The way I understand it, if 225 is your therapeutic dosage, you will probaby not feel maximum benefits for 6 weeks or so. If after that time, you don't feel significantly different/better, I would discuss other options with your doctor. Unfortunately, psychotropic medication is not an exact science-what works for some definitely does not work for others, and it's OFTEN trial and error until you find something that works.
Regarding your needing to stay busy, etc:- are you receiving talk therapy in addition to medication therapy? Studies all suggest that a combination of the two is most beneficial for results. Whatever the things are that you have to stop thinking about are not going to be "cured" by a medication. The medication will deal with the chemical part, but whatever the ISSUES in your life are, those still have to be dealt with!
I personally had great success with Paxil, as far as it making me feel much better, and slow down my thoughts, etc. However, I had the sexual side effect, and also had the withdrawal symptoms as I'm having with Effexor. I'm now on Buspar, which allegedly doesn't have the sexual side effects, or the discontinuation effects, but we'll see.
Keep in touch!
P.S. Not sure what you mean, "if it's all worth it". The trial and error associated with medication is a HUGE hassle, and you have to determine if the hassle is worth the chance to feel "normal" again...
Posted by pkls on September 3, 2003, at 21:10:42
In reply to Re: JUST STARTED TAKING EFFEXOR XR, posted by Angelina on September 2, 2003, at 6:29:59
Hi. I have been taking effexor xr about 6 months and mentally I feel much better...I did feel like I was "jumping out of my skin" a few days at the beginning, but now I am more fun at home and at work, and I Have more fun too. My only concern is tapering back or discontinuing in the future sometime (that whole withdrwl thing) I would rather not spend my whole life on them
Posted by Salty_dog on September 4, 2003, at 2:08:36
In reply to Re: JUST STARTED TAKING EFFEXOR XR, posted by pkls on September 3, 2003, at 21:10:42
I have been on Effexor XR for 3 weeks now and I feel great. My current dosage is 450 mg and counting.
As you can see, I am nocturnal due to the Effexor XR.
I also take Zyprexa which makes it posible to go to sleep more naturaly. I have a major Bi-Polar problem which includes suicidal thoughts when I'm on the down swing and I don't even want to talk about the up swing as it has nearly put me in jail. Between the Effexor XR, Zyprexa, Dialantin, Neurotin and Lamictal my depression and mania have no choice but to disapear. I am above zero so to speak (hypo-mania ?) and genrally happy even thougth I have no job. The Neurontin did the job of stopping the edgyness and road rage. I need to be at work, putting this energy to good use. The great news is that I am getting called every day for work posibilities. I even get an occasional phone interview. One of these positions will work out.
BTW some of these meds are due to a grand mal seizure I had a few months ago.
Has anyone out there had experience with elevated levels of Effexor XR ???
Posted by Music on September 4, 2003, at 8:43:52
In reply to Re: Message for Angelina, posted by Angelina on September 3, 2003, at 16:39:24
Hey, thank you for responding. I am doing talk therapy, but my therapist has been out of the office the last two weeks. So I am out hanging with really no release. My husband does not really understand what I am truly going through. I can be in a crowded room full of people and still feel so empty and alone. Have you ever felt that way? What State do you live in? If you don't mind me asking. When did you recieve your diagnose? I think that I have been suffering for a long time but I had no name to call it. I hate life sometimes. Sometimes I have no energy to do anything. Sometimes I don't even want to get out of bed, but I know I have to go to work and put on my corporate face and smile and act like everything is alright. Eventhough that is sometimes NOT how I feel at all inside. Do you feel that way?
Posted by kpax on September 4, 2003, at 11:23:43
In reply to Re: How long does it take to feel better? » Angelina, posted by Lela on September 3, 2003, at 16:09:05
Hi lela,
My boyfriend has been on effexor since mid July. He has been sweating more, he did sweat from other meds in the past... but there is a marked difference. So my energy bill is high and the A/C is on even if it is 60 degrees outside ;)
If the effexor helps your boyfriend, and if he is anything like mine, resure him that the sweating side effect will go away over time. I believe it will, if it doesn't, then you just deal with that in the future. This medication helps, the other SSRI's didn't. It has helped both anxiety and depression for my boyfriend, no other side effects.
Regarding other resources you have your webmd.com, rxlist.com, try bipolarworld.com, and type your question into search engines like metacrawler.com.
>
> Good luck
-K.
Posted by Angelina on September 4, 2003, at 17:00:05
In reply to Message for Angelina, posted by Music on September 4, 2003, at 8:43:52
> Hey, thank you for responding. I am doing talk therapy, but my therapist has been out of the office the last two weeks. So I am out hanging with really no release. My husband does not really understand what I am truly going through. I can be in a crowded room full of people and still feel so empty and alone. Have you ever felt that way? What State do you live in? If you don't mind me asking. When did you recieve your diagnose? I think that I have been suffering for a long time but I had no name to call it. I hate life sometimes. Sometimes I have no energy to do anything. Sometimes I don't even want to get out of bed, but I know I have to go to work and put on my corporate face and smile and act like everything is alright. Eventhough that is sometimes NOT how I feel at all inside. Do you feel that way?
<Music,
I am not diagnosed clinically depressed; I don't have the typical symptoms of loss of energy, appetite, missed work, etc. I have more of an anxiety issue-for insurance purposes-Generalized Anxiety Disorder- with recent losses exacerbating my symptoms. I often feel like no one could possibly understand how I feel, but I know that A LOT of people have similar experiences, and that's reassuring to me. I do sometimes feel alone, and I think that's partly due to the fact that almost everyone who knows me (at work, in particular) don't know what's going on with me. So, as you described, you pretend that everything's fine, and that's a very distancing feeling. I think it helps to have a trusted confidante. In my experience, that probably WON'T be your significant other. It's just too hard, and all of your emotional needs really SHOULDN'T be met by this one person. So, that's what therapy and a really really good friend are for. Or, these venues can help sometimes. I was looking for a chat room to "talk" with others about what I'm going through, and I didn't find any. Seems the topic is never what they say it is.
Keep in touch.
Oh, I live in NY.
And-for the person who said benadryl would help with the withdrawal symptoms-it definitely did!!! Of course, I was hopped up (or down, I guess) all day at work, but I'd rather feel dopey than all "head-y". THANKS!
Posted by tacky1 on September 4, 2003, at 18:17:47
In reply to Re: Withdrawals from Effexor..... » michelle29, posted by Angelina on August 31, 2003, at 18:21:27
> Does anyone know of ANYTHING that helps combat the WITHDRAWAL(not "discontinuation symptoms")? Any vitamins or supplements or ANYTHING to help this???
I went to my family doc and he first asked if I wanted to go back on the medication. I said, no thanks! Then he said that we could treat the symptoms. I received a prescription for Reglan, because it is supposedly less sedating that Phenergan. This is for the constant nausea. Although, the nausea did help me lose 7 pounds in about 2 wks. Anyway, he also said that these symptoms should start to go away after about two weeks off of the medication. Yippee! I hope he is right. It has almost been 1 week so far. I'll keep you all posted.
Posted by hog80ci on September 4, 2003, at 20:41:25
In reply to Re: JUST STARTED TAKING EFFEXOR XR » Maeve, posted by sufferfromeffexor on September 2, 2003, at 16:04:08
Hi All
I don't take effexor xr. Tried it and it didn't sit so well with me. This post is more about your mention of Trazadone. I take temazepam (restoril) to help me sleep. Doc says I need to bump it to 30mg from 15 because Lexapro is keeping me pretty wired. The way my mind works I think I'll never be able to sleep w/o help again. Does anyone know the difference between the two drugs? Restoril is used in the military to help pilots sleep. They use something else to keep them awake for those long night missions.
Take care
Jim
Posted by Music on September 5, 2003, at 8:41:43
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
You are right I do need a good friend. I have some but they live far away from me. And some of them don't even know anything is wrong with me. I have two that know. But like I said they live far away. My husband and I have moved 7 times in in almost 5 years of marriage. His job related. I am very tired of moving and I have to always look for a new job and trying to make new friends. I love my husband, but I hate my life right now. I feel very, very dark inside. Last night I dreamed I killed myself and I woke up and told my husband and he said oh that won't happen. I am feeling so sad right now, and I feel guilty about having thoughts or dreams like that. I am a pastor's wife and at times I feel like a such a failure. I really have no-one to get a soda with or go shopping with or whatever with. Are you married? And if so does your husband understand? Let me know if I get too personal okay. How do deal with the syptoms? Keep in touch.
P.S. I live in MO.
Posted by Angelina on September 5, 2003, at 9:46:54
In reply to Message for Angelina, posted by Music on September 5, 2003, at 8:41:43
> You are right I do need a good friend. I have some but they live far away from me. And some of them don't even know anything is wrong with me. I have two that know. But like I said they live far away. My husband and I have moved 7 times in in almost 5 years of marriage. His job related. I am very tired of moving and I have to always look for a new job and trying to make new friends. I love my husband, but I hate my life right now. I feel very, very dark inside. Last night I dreamed I killed myself and I woke up and told my husband and he said oh that won't happen. I am feeling so sad right now, and I feel guilty about having thoughts or dreams like that. I am a pastor's wife and at times I feel like a such a failure. I really have no-one to get a soda with or go shopping with or whatever with. Are you married? And if so does your husband understand? Let me know if I get too personal okay. How do deal with the syptoms? Keep in touch.
>
> P.S. I live in MO.>Music,
I think you need to talk to your therapist IMMEDIATELY about your "dark thoughts". You mentioned that he/she has been out of town for the past two weeks; is she/he back? If not, see if there's someone else in the practice that can see you. I am very willing to keep "chatting" with you, but if you are having suicidal ideation, you need more than this. I might also suggest you set up an appointment that your husband can go to also to discuss what depression is with a third party present. He doesn't "get it" because he's not experiencing depression.
I, too, have moved and started new jobs every year for the past four years. Moving and a new job are both two of the top most stressful occasions. They are terrible for EVERYONE, but if you are depressed they feel even more overwhelming. Have you discussed with your husband how all these moves affect you? I suggest you do.
I am not married-recently divorced (one of the losses I mentioned).
If you're in a new area, maybe you could also look into activities to meet people. I signed up for a yoga class and a belly-dance class. I didn't really make close friends, but I stayed occupied and energized and got some exercise. I really believe you have to get moving as one way to feel better.
Please let me know that you're contacting your therapist about your dream/dark thoughts.
A-
Posted by Bein2Sweet on September 5, 2003, at 9:54:45
In reply to Re: JUST STARTED TAKING EFFEXOR XR, posted by pkls on September 3, 2003, at 21:10:42
I just took my first dosage of Effexor XR last night. I have never been treated for depression and my Doctor's first choice for me was this medication. I have had lots of change in my life this past year, marriage, relocation, new job. I suppose all of the change and feeling so far away from my family and friends has given me a bout of depression. Anyyyyway, his dosage recommendations were this. 37.5 mg. at bedtime for seven days, then 75 mg. at bedtime for seven days. Finally 150 mg. in the morning until a proper dosage is reached. Hopefully the 150 will be enough. He recommended taking Effexor at bedtime first to try and combat the nausea. I did have some nausea this morning, but I haven't vomited (I also haven't eaten yet and it's almost noon)Since Effexor causes sleeplessness he gave me ambien to last first few weeks and he advised me that when I begin to take Effexor XR in the AM I shouldn't need anything to help me sleep. My husband recommended I do some research as he has heard bad things about Effexor XR. I read alot on the sight about withdrawl and weight gain. Do most people gain weight with this medication ( I think that would depress me more) My doctor said I should notice a difference in my mood within the first two weeks. Is this the case for most people? Hope somebody finds my message here and can give me some answers. I did ask my doctor all of this stuff, but he can only offer my what has occurred in trial studies. I want to know what the G"P thinks....
Posted by Maeve on September 5, 2003, at 11:35:26
In reply to Re: electric shocks proper stopping of Effexor, posted by loolot on September 3, 2003, at 2:21:47
My sister is a nurse and yes, they use Benedryl for nausea in the hospital (she works with kids who have cancer).
Only thing is - you either have to crush the pill or take the capsul and break it apart or take the adult liquid form - why? Works faster.
Taste nasty, but does do the trick for stomach flu, so I dont see why it wouldnt work for the shocks too, relax the system.
Benedryl is also a very mild antidepressant.
Fantastic!! Thank you for bringing this up - you're a charm!
Posted by Music on September 5, 2003, at 12:06:59
In reply to Re: Message for Angelina, posted by Angelina on September 5, 2003, at 9:46:54
A,
I did talk to someone that goes to my support group for adult survivors of child abuse, she helped a little. But I have only went to that group 2 times because I just started going. I go to see my Therapist on Monday after work. I will tell her what is going on. She will not be back in the office until Monday anyway. Sometimes I wish I could just scream and vent. My poor husband is so clueless. He tries but does not get it. I do love him though. We don't spend a lot of time together with him going to school full-time, working at both churches, and working another part-time job his time is limited. I work a lot of hours but I have to, to be able to support him through school and my our bills. Well, keep in touch. Looking forward to your post.
Music
Posted by Maeve on September 5, 2003, at 12:35:29
In reply to Re: How long does it take to feel better? » Angelina, posted by Lela on September 3, 2003, at 16:09:05
I believe that any of the activating drugs like effexor and welbutrin do make you hot n sweaty like me (with pink cheeks, and I thought it was my Scotch Irish decent!)
The welbutrin was really bad with the sweats but was great on weight loss and the depression.
Effexor not so hot on the depression but not nearly so bad on sweat or the mars body temp.
And we call this modern medicine... cheesh
Posted by psychobunny on September 6, 2003, at 10:42:13
In reply to Re: electric shocks proper stopping of Effexor » BSHO, posted by CherC68 on August 12, 2003, at 14:33:01
I have been on effexor for about a year. They started me on 37.5mg then the 75mg up to 150mg.I am now on 225mg(three 75mg pills/day).
It has definitely made my depression go away and lessened my anxiety. I have not had this much success with any of the other meds I took. (Wellbutrin, Prozac, Paxil, Remeron)
The problem is if I even forget one dose or take it too late I start getting the "head shocks" feel completely disoriented and have heart palpitations. I asked my Psych Doc how in hell anyone ever gets off this drug and he said he gives his patients Prozac to deal with the withdrawal. He said he takes people off it all the time. He also seemed to know that if you miss your dose or quit cold turkey that in his words "It makes you feel really sick" Understatement of the year. So right now I feel like stopping would be worse than continuing but fear the day I want to stop.
Posted by Tacky1 on September 6, 2003, at 13:24:56
In reply to How long does it take to feel better?, posted by Music on September 3, 2003, at 13:54:03
The main reason I went off of Effexor XR is because My hubby & I may have a baby (not using birth control!). My gyne stated that if I do become pregnant we would need to switch me to Wellbutrin. Well, I work in the medical field and have seen what that particular drug has done to some people, and chose not to take any chances. I want to off all medications if I am going to have a baby. Anyway, back to the point!! I was on 75mg for about a yr, I think, then increased dosage to 150mg because of circumstances, that was a mistake. I did great on the 75mg. I have been off of the Effexor XR completely for about a week now. The nausea is still pretty persistent(daily), but it seems to come and go throughout the day instead of being constant. I'm no longer getting the weird noises in my head. Flu-like symptoms are pretty much gone. I was able to work through most of this week, except for 1 day I called in sick. My doc said that the symptoms should go away in about 2 wks. So one more week to go hopefully. I'll keep you all posted.
> I have been on Effexor XR since the end of June 03' I started out on 37.5, then to 75, then to 150 and now to 225 mg and I feel I guess a little better, but I don't want to be on this stuff forever. My husband and I want to have children sometime in the future not right away though and I don't want to become addicted to this stuff where it interfers with having children. Any help out there.
Posted by mspiggy on September 7, 2003, at 10:16:33
In reply to Re: electric shocks proper stopping of Effexor, posted by psychobunny on September 6, 2003, at 10:42:13
I also had similar "electric shock" sensation on back of my head when I forgot to take my dose of Effexor XR. It seems like my doctors never beleived me when I explained to them about this annoying sensation. Now that I am getting off Effexor to switch to Wellbutrin, I am having a heck of time with dealing with this electric shock sensation.
I believe that the low dose of prozac does help since it completely took off that annoying symptom when I tried to go off Paxil years ago and experienced same sensations.
Unfortunately, I can't afford to buy Prozac this time in addition to the expensive cost of Wellbutrin... so I am just hoping the sensations will go away soon. I tapered off Effexor XR from 150mg to 75mg for one week when I started Wellbutrin 100mg a day, and then I was "supposed to" stop taking Effexor all together after that with Wellburin increased to 200mg a day. But, the electric sensation is continuing and is so annoying (like I experience it every 2seconds), I am now taking Effexor as needed (I literaly opened the capsule and take like half of the contents when my shock sensation is really bad)! How awful!!
Posted by cobamis on September 7, 2003, at 10:36:21
In reply to Re: electric shocks proper stopping of Effexor, posted by loolot on September 3, 2003, at 2:21:47
anyone have a suggestion on how to sleep better while going thru these lovely withdrawals from Effexor. Went from 75mg to 37.5 plus 150mg Wellbutrin for a week and then off effexor all together Wed 9/3 and 300 mg of Wellbutrin. I haven't slept since then and yes, I have all the rest of those withdrawl symptoms (nausea,dizzyness, brain fog). I think I can deal with all of them except the lack of sleep. That's what go me on these things in the first place ( due to degenerative disk disease and lack of sleep for 5 years). I went off 1mg of Kolonopin in May and my PCP thinks my body is having a hard time adjusting to all these changes. Of course her answer was to see a shrink that specializes in "female depression". I think she is totally unaware of the withdrawal symptoms from effexor. I am a pharmaceutical rep and believe me, she will hear about them from me so she can warn others of these withdrawals.
Anyway, back to the original question...HELP, need sleep. I sell Tylenol PM, guess I can try that..but any other sugestions??
Posted by loolot on September 7, 2003, at 10:47:21
In reply to Re: electric shocks proper stopping of Effexor, posted by psychobunny on September 6, 2003, at 10:42:13
Posted by Jacke on September 8, 2003, at 17:27:52
In reply to Re: 4 Wks off Effexor-/joint pain , posted by Janie on March 18, 2001, at 10:40:41
Having taken Effexor XR for almost a year I find myself having nearly disabling joint pain, hands, wrist, elbow, shoulder, and one knee, with swelling and terrible stiffness. Consulted my internist and had tests ran, all negative. Could Effexor XR be the culprit? Do any of you know of any studies relating to Effexor XR and the link to joint and muscle pain? I'd be interested in medical journal articles that support this to take to my doctor.
Posted by cobamis on September 8, 2003, at 18:05:50
In reply to Re: 4 Wks off Effexor-/joint pain , posted by Janie on March 18, 2001, at 10:40:41
I'm not sure if you meant to email me, but as far as joint pain, that is the reason I was put ON Effexor in the first place. I have degnerative disk disease in my ower back and due to lack of sleep over 5 years, went thru a pain clinic and was put on Prozac first, then switched to Effexor about 4 years ago to help rejuvinate my brain chemicals and control pain. It worked great, but now I am pain free and trying to get off all my meds and have horrible withdrawal and was down to 37.5mg. I haven't heard any joint problems, but then I was never made aware of the withdrawal problems either, so it could come from effexor, but can't say for sure. Is it joint or muscle pain? Do you excercise? I know for me, muscle tone was off for a long time and strength training helped a TON!! I used to promote Cox-2's like Celebrex and the swelling in your joints could very well be edema, which can come from Celebrex, or any of the Cox-2's. If you had the swelling before Celebrex, I haven't got any good answers for you..sorry
Posted by cobamis on September 8, 2003, at 18:17:09
In reply to Re: 4 Wks off Effexor-/joint pain , posted by Jacke on September 8, 2003, at 17:27:52
Jackie:
I just read the side effects of Effexor and listed under allergic side effects is swelling. It doesn't say swelling of what, but swelling,itching and rash are listed. Just thought I'd let you know
Posted by cobamis on September 8, 2003, at 18:24:58
In reply to Re: electric shocks proper stopping of Effexor, posted by psychobunny on September 6, 2003, at 10:42:13
I'm not sure about the shocks, but I tried switching from EffexorXR to Wellbutrin and did it the same way you did. I had 5 days of pure hell and finally found someone who knew about the withdrawals. I quit the Wellbutrin 2 days ago and am going to try to live with 37.5mg of Effexor for a week, then 1 every other day for a week, and so on to see if I can avoid these horrible effects. I may just be stuck with the 37.5 mg for life..but I'm gunna try
Posted by cobamis on September 8, 2003, at 18:40:09
In reply to Re: 4 Wks off Effexor-/joint pain , posted by Jacke on September 8, 2003, at 17:27:52
from Effexor's PI:
Musculoskeletal System: Frequent: arthralgia, myalgia; Infrequent: arthritis, arthrosis, bone pain, bone spurs, bursitis, leg cramps, myasthenia, tenosynovitis; Rare: myopathy, osteoporosis, osteosclerosis, pathological fracture, rheumatoid arthritis, tendon rupture.Metabolic and Nutritional: Frequent: edema, weight gain; Infrequent: alkaline phosphatase increased, creatinine increased, diabetes mellitus, glycosuria, hypercholesteremia, hyperglycemia, hyperlipemia, hyperuricemia, hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, SGOT increased, thirst; Rare: alcohol intolerance, bilirubinemia, BUN increased, dehydration, gout, hemochromatosis, hypercalcinuria, hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hyponatremia, hypophosphatemia, hypoproteinemia, SGPT increased, uremia.
Note the myalgia..and edema and arthritis
Posted by sufferfromeffexor on September 8, 2003, at 18:47:34
In reply to Re: electric shocks proper stopping of Effexor » psychobunny, posted by cobamis on September 8, 2003, at 18:24:58
Hello all! I am finally down to 37.5mg and starting tomorrow I take that every other day. I have been quite surprised how "tolerable" my withdrawls have been. I have been on Effexor for 8 years! I do have one thing to comment on...I see where lots of people said to take some form of Benedryl while coming off this medication...well wouldn't you believe that right when I started coming off this I caught a horrific cold and have been prescribed cough syrup and a nasal decongestant...I have taken them religiously and am wondering if that's why my shocks are so severe?!?!?! Maybe this awful cold was really a blessing in disguise. I did buy some dramamine for a day, don't know if that worked cuz I slept for a few hours after taking it. Wonder what is the relation between the antihystamines and the lessening of withdrawls? Anybody read or find any information on that recently, I would love to have feedback. Thanks!
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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