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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by lorily on August 4, 2004, at 3:55:13
In reply to Re: afraid to take effexor/bad experience w/paxil, posted by chaoz on August 4, 2004, at 0:31:30
Chaoz, thanks for mentioning that. We get trapped into the "take a pill" mode for everything that we forget about the things we should be doing anyway for our health!!!
Posted by pablo1 on August 4, 2004, at 9:12:54
In reply to Re: afraid to take effexor/bad experience w/paxil » Cindy W, posted by Alesa on August 3, 2004, at 13:14:02
Alesa,
How long has it been? I agree a larger dose may not be necessary. That's powerful stuff. I didn't want to go above 37.5 but the doc talked me into it.> I found a new doctor, who convinced me that
> Effexor may work for me if I started on an
> extremely low dose. So now I take half of the 37.5
> mg a day, by breaking the pill into quarters for
> each dose. It's fine-I feel a little better
> already.
Posted by crazychickuk on August 5, 2004, at 6:04:40
In reply to very low dose effexor, posted by pablo1 on August 4, 2004, at 9:12:54
it really isnt that bad, it was a wonder drug for my depression but i messed that up when i went from 37.5mg all the way to about 400 mg in one night for a laff to be feel even higher.. its was awfull, but my physc made me see it was my doing and not effexor's.. give it a go... start low stay lo if u can help it.. :-)
Posted by pablo1 on August 5, 2004, at 10:13:56
In reply to very low dose effexor, posted by pablo1 on August 4, 2004, at 9:12:54
BTW, I know someone else doing that exact same story. Same hideous reactions from other AD's and 37.5 gave migranes so split that and feels great. First week so far so good.
Posted by Alesa on August 5, 2004, at 15:22:28
In reply to very low dose effexor, posted by pablo1 on August 4, 2004, at 9:12:54
Pablol,
It's only been one week. My doctor will monitor me for one month, and change to a higher dose if it doesn't work. If I feel better, she said I can stay at this level, and go off of it after a few months, if I want to. I'm not sure if I feel better already because the weather has suddenely changed and my boyfriend just came back home from 3 weeks in Europe, or if it's the medication. Like I said, I feel a few physical side effects for sure, like dry mouth and a trembly jaw, and a little dizziness. I keep waking up too, twice a night, and it's hard to fall back to sleep. I do get a decent night's sleep, but I feel tired all day.
Alesa,
> How long has it been? I agree a larger dose may not be necessary. That's powerful stuff. I didn't want to go above 37.5 but the doc talked me into it.
>
> > I found a new doctor, who convinced me that
> > Effexor may work for me if I started on an
> > extremely low dose. So now I take half of the 37.5
> > mg a day, by breaking the pill into quarters for
> > each dose. It's fine-I feel a little better
> > already.
Posted by pablo1 on August 5, 2004, at 18:46:46
In reply to Re: very low dose effexor, posted by Alesa on August 5, 2004, at 15:22:28
The repeated mid-night wakeups were a persistent problem for me and probably my main reason for giving up after 7 weeks at 75mg. I got the same thing from Wellbutrin previously & suspect the norepenephrine component so my thought is to combine an SSRI with a pure dopamine stimulant like Survector. I tried regular stimulants for inattentive ADD & while I didn't have trouble sleeping (they are very short acting) I did not get the mental calming that is touted, just more wired & obsessive.
Posted by Normal Again on August 5, 2004, at 22:35:29
In reply to Panic/anxity, posted by chaoz on August 2, 2004, at 1:08:46
Effexor has done wonders for me. I've suffered with anxiety and chronic depression for about 12 years and finally found Effexor. I can honestly say it has saved my life, my love life and my relationship with my family, and it's only been about three months. I'm a new and (more importantly) normal person. I'd almost forgotten what that felt like. My only advice is to give it time to work, it takes a while before you get to the final effect, for me a little over 2 months. Also suggest to your doctor that you increase doses by 1/2 at a time. I currently take 1 1/2 doses and it works great, but it's a little out of the ordinary as that's actually a combination of the starter dose (37.5) and the regular dose (75), technically the next step after that is the double dose (150), but my doctor decided to try the first two together and it worked great. During the starter dose you will still be able to get depressed, and you might feel increased levels of apathy or "dullness" but it goes away. If you're still getting depressed on the regular dose you probably need to up it. Make sure you don't miss a day, or you'll regret it as the worst side effects happen when you stop suddenly. You should also take it just before bed because it seems to energize your body about 8-10 hours after taking it so if you take it too early in the day it will wake you up or you just won't get to sleep.
hope that helps.
Posted by Louoicu81 on August 5, 2004, at 22:37:29
In reply to Re: Success so far; don't ever run out; and drinking., posted by Sinnielou on June 14, 2004, at 17:05:55
Hello, everyone! I have dealt with anxiety/depression for as long as I can remember...and I'm only 22. About two years ago I had a complete nervous breakdown. I suffered from bulemia then also. I thank God every day for my family, my faith, and Effexor. I didn't care to live anymore. After taking Effexor for two years now and plans to get married and have children in the near future at hand, I have decided to quit taking the medicine. I took 150mg, twice a day. I am now on 37.5mg once every three days. I will have my BSN in nursing and have worked in the pharmacy for four years now so I know how POWERFUL of a drug this actually is. I am absolutely sick from weaning off of effexor. It makes me feel like I wish I would have never been on it in the first place, but who knows where I would be if I wasn't. I guess you can't win. What are the things that everyone is talking about called "brain flashes." I have this side effect that I cannot think of how to explain but it sounds like brainflashes is it. It feels like the whole world just flashes right in front of my face and then my stomach gets sick. Please describe how you feel when you get one. Any other advice?
Posted by Normal Again on August 5, 2004, at 22:43:33
In reply to Re: very low dose effexor, posted by Alesa on August 5, 2004, at 15:22:28
Alesa,
Don't worry about the dry mouth and the "jitters", they go away after a couple weeks once you find your ideal dose. If you're having trouble sleeping it might have something to do with when you take the pill. I have found that it energizes you about 8-10 hours after taking it so, for me, it works best to take it just before i go to bed, that way it starts to kick in just after i get up.
Hard to sya what dose will work best for you but you can go as high as 300 mg aparently, though most people take 75. I personally take 1 1/2 doses (75 mg + 37.5 mg) and it works really well for me.
Hope that helps.
N/A
> Pablol,
>
> It's only been one week. My doctor will monitor me for one month, and change to a higher dose if it doesn't work. If I feel better, she said I can stay at this level, and go off of it after a few months, if I want to. I'm not sure if I feel better already because the weather has suddenely changed and my boyfriend just came back home from 3 weeks in Europe, or if it's the medication. Like I said, I feel a few physical side effects for sure, like dry mouth and a trembly jaw, and a little dizziness. I keep waking up too, twice a night, and it's hard to fall back to sleep. I do get a decent night's sleep, but I feel tired all day.
>
> Alesa,
> > How long has it been? I agree a larger dose may not be necessary. That's powerful stuff. I didn't want to go above 37.5 but the doc talked me into it.
> >
> > > I found a new doctor, who convinced me that
> > > Effexor may work for me if I started on an
> > > extremely low dose. So now I take half of the 37.5
> > > mg a day, by breaking the pill into quarters for
> > > each dose. It's fine-I feel a little better
> > > already.
>
>
Posted by Normal Again on August 5, 2004, at 23:14:05
In reply to Re: Sexual Disfunction of Effexor, posted by Misha on May 20, 2003, at 7:23:57
why would you take a pill without first reading the papers that come with it?
Yes the side effects can be bad, but they go away. If i hadn't gone on Effexor, i could very likely have taken my own life. I would take night sweats over death any day.
It didn't work for you, my sympathies. Perhaps you weren't on it long enough to see that the side effects go away, or maybe it just wasn't for you, but please be considerate in your responses as you may inadvertently turn someone away from a product that could save their life.
Posted by pablo1 on August 5, 2004, at 23:43:09
In reply to Re: Panic/anxity » chaoz, posted by Normal Again on August 5, 2004, at 22:35:29
Thanks for the info about the 8 hour wakeup scenario! I asked around and got various guesses about when to take the stuff... I was getting a nice calming sedative effect in the hours following consumption and tried various times without joy. Doc's advice was a few hours before bed which did not work. Based on this, I'd suggest a small dose mid-morning or noon (so you feel it during the stressful part of the day) and a half dose at bed time (to sleep). The famous withdrawls are due to the short action so two-a-day doses makes sense.
PS
HOLY CRAP! six months is a long time for withdrawal!!!! I guess it's possible my seven week trial was inadequate. I'll tell you what though, I was impatient (after other failures) & the doc shoved the starter pack in my face & I gulped the things without reading anything. ANd I was very resistant to the idea of SSRI's. And it worked immediately. I am not suicidal but was at the pivot point in a divorce.I don't regret the trial and may attempt again. We'll have to see how long the withdrawl lasts though...
I'd be real interested in other folks experiences with sleep and dosage timing and time to 'cure'.
Posted by corafree on August 6, 2004, at 4:46:18
In reply to trouble waking - when to take effexor, posted by pablo1 on August 5, 2004, at 23:43:09
Living has become a daily nightmare this past week and a half. Since I have borderline
personality disorder, it is time to begin DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy). My
therapist told me I had to be absolutely sure ??? I could go to both sessions a week, one
w/ her and one w/ the group. Since my last doc w/ the God syndrome, whom I will no
longer see, said I was noncompliant (It was becaue I was in the midwest watching my
father die!), I have become noncompliant. That was one of his reasons for taking me off
Klonopin. I was on six a day. Now, I AM missing appts., all kinds of appts. My anxiety
level has gone way up, beyond what two Klonopin can even touch, and I can’t go
anywhere and am agoraphobic. The system I’m in hasn’t even appointed me a new doc
yet. I am either in physical or emotional pain constantly and suidical ideation is at its
greatest. The will and the way are literally worked out. My therapist said that if I failed
to comply w/ DBT it could be very bad for me. I am so undescribably scared and fear (I
HATE FEAR) is ruling me. Still my fam of origin does not show that they care about my
illness, as did my father. My children love me so much that they are even willing to let
me go if I can no longer stand living. My caseworker says ‘don’t sabotage yourself.’ but
I am. HELP! Please help me hang on. I don’t know how to go it alone anymore! I need
you all so very much. cf
Posted by lorily on August 6, 2004, at 8:43:13
In reply to Re: Sexual Disfunction of Effexor, posted by Normal Again on August 5, 2004, at 23:14:05
I have myself always posted here that effexor saved my life. I am so happy to be off of it, and I wrote about my experiences with withdrawals here. I am so happy that I am able to live without it, that I do not have to depend on medication at this point, happy that I do not have to depend on whether or not my doctor is in the mood to see me for my scheduled appointment, etc. If I were to need an AD again however, I would try something else before going back on effexor, only because of the withdrawals. if there is anyone reading this who is considering not taking effexor because of this and that cymbalta is unavailable in their area, It's really a decision you have to make very carefully, weigh the pros and cons. For me it was feel better or die, pretty much an easy choice, but I fought taking meds because I thought I could "handle it" blah, blah, blah. Once again, Effexor saved my life. I wasnt on a high dose, I SLOWLY lowered my dosage to wean off it and have not taken any since July 14. Today I have no side effects. If you have the opportunity to change your life around take it. Effexor is not a life sentence.
Posted by lorily on August 6, 2004, at 8:50:48
In reply to New Girl, posted by Louoicu81 on August 5, 2004, at 22:37:29
Hey, everyone around here usually refers to them as brain zaps. lol. slow down on you withdrawal. I didnt have a whole lot of side effects, or really that were so terrible the way I did it. People here have posted they take claritin, I tried benadryl, even dramamine for the equilibrium disturbance. I guess they worked because I was ok. the turning my eyes and feeling like the elevator jumped was a bit unsettling at times, lol. Just do it slowly. You've been on it 2 years already, if it takes months to go down at a comfortable level what's the harm? You don't want to relapse into depression shocking your brain into trying to learn how to do it alone. Take your time. Be well
Posted by Shyla on August 6, 2004, at 9:05:54
In reply to Re: Panic/anxity » chaoz, posted by Normal Again on August 5, 2004, at 22:35:29
I have been having a difficult time getting a full night's sleep on Effexor XR. I have been taking it first thing in the morning. I'm intrigued by your suggestion to take it at bedtime. I think I will give it a try. My doc has never suggested that. But, night after night of waking and staying fully awake is getting to me. I'll try your suggestion and see what happens. Thanks!
Posted by Shyla on August 6, 2004, at 9:16:35
In reply to SORRY TO JUMP IN - BUT HELP PLEASE?!, posted by corafree on August 6, 2004, at 4:46:18
It sounds like you are in a bad way. I hope others are responding to your plea. It sounds like you need professional help, rather than just us laymen here. Of course, we want to you be well, and not harm yourself. BUT, you need to connect with a professional who has experience with others in similar situations as you. I'm sure I speak for all of us here. I wish you the best of luck. Peace.
Posted by pablo1 on August 6, 2004, at 10:28:07
In reply to SORRY TO JUMP IN - BUT HELP PLEASE?!, posted by corafree on August 6, 2004, at 4:46:18
I agree the therapy should be a really good thing now. Twice a week is great when you are at this pivotal point. Ask your kids for support on that and I wish you the best with it. Tell the therapist & the group you are afraid and to be gentle with you, I'm sure they will oblige. I know how it feels to want to run away from therapy but even the ones I ran away from were helpful for a period so give it a try. Probably you are hyped up enough that it will actually help now. Try to relax and let it work.
Posted by PoohBear on August 6, 2004, at 10:34:04
In reply to SORRY TO JUMP IN - BUT HELP PLEASE?!, posted by corafree on August 6, 2004, at 4:46:18
Cora:
If you want, PM me at treynolds AT teague.com
Remove the "AT" and replace with "@".
Sounds like you need someone to "chat" with.
Tony
Posted by Normal Again on August 6, 2004, at 22:07:25
In reply to SORRY TO JUMP IN - BUT HELP PLEASE?!, posted by corafree on August 6, 2004, at 4:46:18
cora,
When things got their worst for me and suicide was becoming a very real prospect, i suddenly realized something. Suicide isn't a choice, or a solution or a way to finally defeat the demons. It is the loss of all of those things. You lose your ability to choose, and to get better, and the disease wins. It may seem like nobody cares right now but so many do, and so many will suffer from your loss, you can't see that now but it's true, and when you win the battle (and it is a battle that can be won) you will see the truth in what i am saying, and you will be grateful for the life you have, i promise, just hang in there. If anything suicide is a way to spread this disease to others. So much hapiness comes from winning this battle, so much sadness comes from giving up and losing.
Something that helped me when i was at my lowest was to take stock of my life, and give it an overhaul. I looked into myself and found all of those things and all of thiose people that were negative forces in my life and decided to withdraw myself from them, rather than waiting for them to improve or to go away on their own. If that meant losing contact with so-called "friends", even life-long friends, relatives or my spouse, who i realized didn't play a positive, supporting role in my life, then that's what it meant. I removed all of the negative factors in my life and really took time to think about who i was and what i thought was my own personal definition of a "happy life" and decided to do whatever was necessary to make it happen. I had to find out who i wasn't before i could start discovering who i was. It didn't "cure" my illness, and it didn't happen over night, but it was a major step toward that end. It's not an easy thing to do, and some people might get their feelings heart in the process, but the ends justify the means, and if you take your own life a lot more people will get more than just their feelings hurt.
If your family isn't helping (and by supporting the idea of taking your life they definitely are not helping), then you need to find yourself a new "family", be it through a support group, a close friend, or somebody you meet on the street. Whatever it takes, you need to take control of your life and you need to get yourself help, so that you can beat back the the demons that haunt so many of us here and win your life back once and for all.
Posted by Louoicu81 on August 6, 2004, at 22:26:19
In reply to Re: SORRY TO JUMP IN - BUT HELP PLEASE?!, posted by Normal Again on August 6, 2004, at 22:07:25
Thanks for the advice. I am weaning off of the Effexor quite slowly and you're right...I can do it even slower if I need to. For those of you who are either getting off of Effexor or are off of it....How are you doing now? At first, I noticed that I had become the demon that I was before I took it-short and mean with everyone who even looked in my direction. I do think that was because I didn't feel well due to the withdrawal effects. Now, I am doing better than ever I believe. I am able to do things that my anxieties would not let me do before like staying home for a weekend alone while my family was gone camping. I am also pretty happy as well. After a while of being on the Effexor I started to question if it was still working. As soon as I got off of it though, I knew it was working. I am just pleased to be able to combat my anxieties and depression on my own. CORA-suicide isn't the answer. No matter how bad you want to die or can't stand to take the hell of living every day, it will get better. I speak from experience. I speak from days in which I wanted to lock myself up in a hospital room because I thought no one could help me. Seek help and seek it soon. Suicide is a selfish answer to a very approachable problem. You mean to tell me that your family wants you to die????? My family did everything in their power to help me. The thing is, they cannot help you. Sure, they can be supportive. You must want to help yourself. Please get well.
Linda
Posted by Dr. Bob on August 6, 2004, at 22:44:51
In reply to Re: SORRY TO JUMP IN - BUT HELP PLEASE?!, posted by Normal Again on August 6, 2004, at 22:07:25
> When things got their worst for me and suicide was becoming a very real prospect, i suddenly realized something...
Sorry to interrupt, but to consolidate them, I'd like to redirect responses to Cora to Psycho-Babble Psychology. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040805/msgs/374907.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by corafree on August 7, 2004, at 21:47:00
In reply to Re: Panic/anxity » chaoz, posted by Normal Again on August 5, 2004, at 22:35:29
I have been on the same dosage 75mg am and 37.5pm for four months. Because I am on a state plan, I have been unable to see a doctor. Do have an appt next week. I think maybe my dose should have been increased quite a bit of time ago. tks cf
Posted by Stryker88 on August 8, 2004, at 3:54:29
In reply to Re: Effexor and Alcoholism, posted by cirrus6000 on July 31, 2004, at 23:25:56
Effexor has brought me away from the principles of AA and GA. Before I started popping Effex, I was a routine meeting person. For some reason since I have started taking Effex I started listening to death metal, black metal music heavy stuff and lost touch with serenity and quiteness. People in meetings are more and more appearing to me of people who dont have what I want. I want to live an active, fit, and fun lifestyle while being sober. Unfortunately in AA all I see is Glum, Sorrow, and Misery in alot of people, understandingly so considering the nature of this disease, however chain smoking and drinking a pot of coffee during the meetings and pissing on dreams and life is not appealling to me.
Posted by lorily on August 8, 2004, at 12:22:36
In reply to Comments, posted by Louoicu81 on August 6, 2004, at 22:26:19
Linda, I'm glad you're doing your withdrawal slowly!!!! That will help dramatically! I have been totally off since July 14th I think. There were a few days there I thought I was making a mistake, like you said the demon of before...LOL But I did it consistently slow, just taking about 5 granules from an effexor xr capsule at the very end and now I feel GREAT. What a joy it is to be free from meds!!! and have all that confidence still with me, stronger than before actually.
Best of luck to you.
Posted by corafree on August 8, 2004, at 15:44:52
In reply to trouble waking - when to take effexor, posted by pablo1 on August 5, 2004, at 23:43:09
Since I am a poor metabolizer, I need a follow-up dose of Effexor-XR before the onset of bad symptoms. I am on 75mg am and 37.5mg pm, but began taking the pm dose before 6p and was much better. Haven't seen a doc on my meds for 4 mos., so need adjustment at this point. cf
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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