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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Dr. Bob on December 25, 2004, at 10:32:21
In reply to Re: my Effexor experience, posted by dancingstar on December 24, 2004, at 15:36:27
> you may be in the minority, not the rest of us.
Please be sensitive to the feelings of, and don't jump to conclusions about, others.
If you or others have questions about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
Follow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above post, should of course themselves be civil.
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by not2late4u on December 25, 2004, at 15:35:15
In reply to Re: please be civil » dancingstar, posted by Dr. Bob on December 25, 2004, at 10:32:21
Hello all,
I will post to let you all know how I do coming off of Effexor. Please keep in mind that those who have had some success with Effexor can also provide helpful advise. Is Effexor worse than any other drug? I dont know. Do I think that the FDA, medical community, drug companies and whoever else should do a better job researching the effects,risks of medications and making them known to the medical field AND patient with no uncertainty? ABSOLUTELY. Do I think the general population is over medicated, yes. Especially the elderly. Do I think that exercise and diet plays a MAJOR role in our mental and physcial health, UNDOUBTEDLY. And the only reason I stated that I thought this was a site that "hated" effexor was because I read a couple posts that stated we are on the wrong site if we have had positive results, maybe I shouldnt have taken that literally. Sorry. Im glad this site is up for informational purposes and if the patients dont speak out the chances of things changing are slim to none. So, I commend all who are speaking out on both the positive and negative experiences, thats how we all can learn and help others. Hope you all have a wonderful christmas. God Bless, Renee.
Posted by dancingstar on December 25, 2004, at 16:53:53
In reply to Re: please be civil, posted by not2late4u on December 25, 2004, at 15:35:15
For what it is worth, Renee -- this isn't my Renee is it? -- I can now get out of bed easily in the morning; and while I was beginning to wonder if I didn't have depression, it's safe to say that since I stopped taking EffexorXR, I no longer have any symptoms of depression whatsover. Whether that is because I have had to add the supplements: Omega 3s, the SAMe, and the St. John's Wort in order to ward off the withdrawal symptoms or because I never suffered from physical depression in the first place is hard to know for sure as I was never prescribed the antidepressant EffexorXR for depression :-), but the symptoms went away nonetheless when I stopped taking 150mg of EffexorXR after having taken it for three years.
I hope that you are one of the ones that has an easy time of it easy if and when you stop taking E, but in any event; go slowly just to be sure that you stay comfortable and try to gather all the things around you that we have mentioned, including the Benadryl, if you can tolerate it, just in case you need it...though you might not need it; and even when you cut back for the first time, have a little extra food in the house in case you don't feel well. Forewarned is forearmed. It is true that some people don't have any trouble at all, but it can't hurt to be prepared just in case you don't feel terrific. Then again...you may think that I'm completely whacked because you have such an easy time of it. I really hope that this is true for you!!! Please write and let us know how you're doing either way.
Merry Christmas!
Bebe
Posted by not2late4u on December 26, 2004, at 3:40:37
In reply to Re: please be civil » not2late4u, posted by dancingstar on December 25, 2004, at 16:53:53
Bebe, thank you for your reply. For quite awhile I had been trying to decide when/if its the right time for me to stop taking effexor. It's reading this site that helped me make up my mind. It really explains some things that I had problems with. I do appreciate the adivse, and will definately take it to heart. Please know that I dont think you are whacked! I do believe that your and everyone elses symptoms and experiences are REAL and never doubted it for a second. Thank you for inviting me to let you know how I am doing on my withdraw and I know I can come to this site for help, if I am struggling through the process, in addition to my Lord God, thats a comfort. Thank You. Renee
Posted by not2late4u on December 26, 2004, at 3:42:02
In reply to Re: please be civil » not2late4u, posted by dancingstar on December 25, 2004, at 16:53:53
Oops, and I dont think I am the Renee you were wondering :) At least I dont think I am! I reside in Washington state. Renee
Posted by foxy420 on December 26, 2004, at 22:22:27
In reply to Re: my Effexor experience, posted by dancingstar on December 24, 2004, at 15:36:27
i used medical marijuana too comfort me during my with drawl with effexor. i highly reccomend that too all my friends and family. i say "hey man... put down the pills and pick up the pipe!!! speaking of alchol, did you guys ever experiences out of the ordinary when you were drinking alcholic beverages on effexor? i did!
Posted by not2late4u on December 28, 2004, at 19:59:24
In reply to Re: my Effexor experience » dancingstar, posted by foxy420 on December 26, 2004, at 22:22:27
I drank a couple of times while on Effexor, after 1/2 of a mixed drink, I was buzzed. I wouldnt recommend it, but everyone should know their own limits. Marijuana, hm....unfortunately or fortunately however you look at it I stopped smoking that years ago because it caused me to have a panic attack. I am assuming its all the chemical stuff on the marijuana, who knows, but it happens to some people. Besides, Im a christian and try hard to live by Gods word. Anyways, I went to my psych today and he prescribed klonopin for "as needed " use for anxiety after I am off the effexor. He warned NO ALCOHOL while on it, it could be deadly. Not a problem for me. I took klonopin years ago for anxiety, it worked very well. But today is day 4 of reducing from 225 to 150 from Effexor xr, feel some "electric" twinges in head, small spurts of energy, head feels a little hazy and get some bursts of irritability, but so far so good. My psych speaks at conferences and at wyeth and he knows effexor well. He prescribed a tapering program for me and of course, we will adjust it as needed. Will keep in touch and let you all know how I am doing with tapering off. Renee
Posted by corafree on December 29, 2004, at 16:08:01
In reply to Re: my Effexor experience, posted by not2late4u on December 24, 2004, at 14:53:19
Hi Renee .. I'm Corafree. I am on 250 Eff-XR. Been gathering info, months now, from site, for whence my 'end it' arrives. I am unable to do that currently. Tks for posting your progress. A good New Year to all .. cf
Tks> I am new to this site, got here because I did a search and saw, is effexor working for you? I didnt realize I was on a site that "hated" effexor and that my experience wouldnt be welcome. I actually learned some things from this site, why I cant sleep until 3-4am and dont want to get up until after noon and have to force myself to get up. Thats been a HUGE issue for me and thought it was a bad habit or still had depression or whatever. Anyways, I do think there are pros and cons to medication in general. Everyones pros and cons are different with each medication. I think the FDA can do a better job with ALL meds, not just effexor. I do plan on talking to my psych and weening myself off after the first of the new year. I want to see if I've made enough changes to be free of anxiety/depression without meds. God Bless. Renee
Posted by just plain jane on December 29, 2004, at 17:21:11
In reply to Pros and Cons, posted by not2late4u on December 24, 2004, at 3:20:18
Posted by SalParadise on December 29, 2004, at 20:56:43
In reply to effexor xr withdraw » dancingstar, posted by beppe on December 22, 2004, at 3:25:22
I'd been on effexor for about 9 months & am just now getting off it. I've got the same "head in my chest" deal you do & found my self crying 2 days ago while listening to a Stephen King audio book (of all things!).
I'm actually angry that my doctor gave me this stuff. Psychological addiction is fine, I can understand it & get over it - but this stuff is actually physcially addictive, which is a whole other thing. I hate this stuff to no end & would tell anyone who asks to stay far away from it. If you're on it now & in a good mental place - get off it while you can - even with declining dosages , you're in for at least a week of great physcial discomfort coupled with emotional swings.
Posted by not2late4u on December 30, 2004, at 4:13:06
In reply to Re: my Effexor experience » not2late4u, posted by corafree on December 29, 2004, at 16:08:01
Hi Corafree~
Today is day 5 tapering off from the 225 mg. When I woke up I was in such a great mood! Then later in the day I started to feel tired, felt a bit of anxiety while in the store, a little shaky on the inside, thought I might be getting a headache, that head twingy thing, but it all passed (but the head twingy thing). Its now almost 2am and I feel fine.
Here's the tapering from 225mg to date:
Day 1 = 187.50 (saturday)
Day 2 = 150
Day 3 = 150
Day 4 = 150
Day 5 = 112.50 (wednesday)So far its been doable, I've allowed myself to sleep and not work as much since its the holiday season, so I've been able to give myself what I need, that may be a helpful factor, I dont know. Lets see what the next few days is like. Renee
Posted by not2late4u on December 30, 2004, at 4:14:38
In reply to Pros get paid; Cons take it (nm), posted by just plain jane on December 29, 2004, at 16:53:43
Just plain jane~ I dont get it....Renee
Posted by dancingstar on December 30, 2004, at 5:55:45
In reply to Re: my Effexor experience, posted by not2late4u on December 28, 2004, at 19:59:24
Renee,
If your shrink speaks at Wyeth, I think I might like to speak with your shrink. No kidding. My lawyer is in Washington perhaps she can speak with him or something.
If anyone can get off this drug safely, without having any problems at all, it should be you as I would think you have access to all possible inside information about E. Please let us know how you are doing. Thanks and good luck to you!!!
Posted by FaithT on December 30, 2004, at 7:38:59
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » MKB, posted by dancingstar on December 5, 2004, at 2:32:41
Hi everyone~
I'd like to share my story with you...I was diagnosed with Malignant Melanoma in July of 2002, right after my baby turned a year old. I fell into a very deep black hole of depression and severe anxiety. I thought of death constantly,and was so scared. I began seeing a psych., and was prescribed Effexor and xanax. (We tried Paxil first,and I hated it) Effexor did wonders for me.
I took the Effexor for 1 1/2 years, and I thought that because I felt so good, I was past all of the fear etc. So, I made the decision with my Dr. to wean off of it. Yes, the withdrawl was a nightmare,and I posted about it on this board, but I did it.
For about 2 months this past summer, I was Effexor free, and things were o.k. Then, the depression and anxiety came back with a vengence. I was literally crying from morning till night, convinced that I was dying. I asked my Dr. if I could try Wellbutrin...that was definately the wrong med. for me. I got worse.
My psych. and I made the decision together that I would go back on the Effexor, because it worked so well before. For me, the diagnosis of Malignant Melanoma triggered clinical depression, and I know that for the sake of having a life, I need to remain on this med.
It took a long time for the Effexor to kick in the 2nd time around. As my psych. explained, when you interupt treatment, you can become resistant to the meds. Finally, after about 8 weeks, it was like a light went back on, and I was alive again.
Having gone through the withdrawl myself, I know all about this med., BUT it is what allowing me to function, care for my son and not cry all day. Seeing what I am like off of it, I will never, ever do that again.
I think that every circumstance is different, and for me Effexor is allowing me to live through my fear of cancer returning. I am very grateful.
Best wishes to all of you,
Faith~
Posted by dancingstar on December 30, 2004, at 13:33:46
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR...yes.(long), posted by FaithT on December 30, 2004, at 7:38:59
Hi Faith,
I am really sorry to hear that you have had such serious health problems at what should be the happiest time of your life, and my prayers are with you.
There are times when Effexor might be the right drug for some people. I have to wonder, though, why so many of us could possibly be allowed to take it on a whim? Why are internists and gynos handing this stuff out like candy in lieu of hormones as being a safer alternative when we know that it isn't the least bit safer?
In a case like yours, it seems as though you are missing something in your own body that E might honestly help you to replace. In someone like me, the drug itself literally put me to sleep and in pain for an entire three years. I would sleep for maybe -- oh, I don't know. Let's change that. I couldn't stay awake more than maybe 6 hours a day. Really. I can't believe what it feels like to be pain free and healthy again, except for my stomach, but essentially I'm fine. Last night I got out of bed to do some work at 4:30 in the morning, something I never could have done before.
My life is in a bit of shambles, though, because I let so much go fo so long and need to take care of it all now. Without a pdoctor no one was there to analyze whether this was truly the right choice or a potentially harmful drug, and the side effects went unnoticed because I had no idea that they even existed, even though I saw my internist regularly because I certainly knew that something was very wrong. No one could tell me what it was wrong, nothing showed up in my bloodwork, and I just thought I was getting old and probably wouldn't live.
I understand why you need Effexor and why others in a similar situation should have access to it, just like morphine or demerol, but I still feel that its use needs to be limited to prevent doctors from prescribing it to people like me. Right now it seems like the medical community, for the most part, thinks that Effexor is a perfectly safe drug that causes no harm whatsoever. They do not even realize that it causes weight gain. If they do, they don't really acknowledge it. The very serious side effects and withdrawal syndrome need to be brought into the spotlight and the use of Effexor needs to be restricted to use under special circumstances or by certain types of physicians. I feel very strongly about this. If Wyeth has such a big problem with this, then let them own up to the problems with Effexor and come up with blood test to find out who the drug is right for and who isn't. That will solve all of the problems. They even do that before people have collagen injections. I don't think that I'm out of line. I'm trying to spare millions of others from a lot of pain. The right people will still get the drug that they need.
God bless you and keep you safe...and happy!
Bebe
Posted by not2late4u on December 30, 2004, at 21:44:36
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR...yes.(long), posted by FaithT on December 30, 2004, at 7:38:59
Hi Faith,
Im glad that you've been able to find a medication that will help you to live your life happily. I too didnt do that well with Paxil. But others do. Sounds like you have a good doctor to help you with your medication, effexor or otherwise. Also, sounds like you are cancer free, praise God for that! Renee
Posted by not2late4u on December 30, 2004, at 22:01:24
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by Shel on July 18, 2000, at 1:35:45
copied this from the Wyeth.com website. Lots of info there too:
What happens when I stop using EFFEXOR XR?
Symptoms are known to occur when people stop using EFFEXOR XR, especially when they suddenly stop therapy.
When people suddenly stop using EFFEXOR XR, they can get symptoms from stopping the medicine too fast. Some of these symptoms include
Agitation
Anxiety
Confusion
Diarrhea
Dizziness or vertigo
Dry mouth
Fasciculation (muscle twitching)
Headaches
Hypomania
Impaired coordination
Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Nervousness
Nightmares
Sensory disturbances (including electric shock sensations)
Somnolence (sleepiness)
Sweating
Tinnitus
Tiredness
Tremor
Unpleasant mood
Vomiting
Do not stop taking EFFEXOR XR without talking with your doctor first. Your doctor may want to slowly decrease your dose of EFFEXOR XR to help avoid these kinds of symptoms.
Posted by not2late4u on December 30, 2004, at 22:05:24
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR...yes.(long) » FaithT, posted by dancingstar on December 30, 2004, at 13:33:46
Just had to post this from the wyeth.com website. I have to wonder if the prescribers are the ones who are mostly negligent. Renee.
Wyeth wishes to inform you about an update to the prescribing information for EFFEXOR® (venlafaxine HCl) Tablets and EFFEXOR® XR (venlafaxine HCl) Extended-Release Capsules. Please download and review these important safety information updates.
Health Care Professional Letter – June 3, 2004Health Care Professional Letter – August 22, 2003
IMPORTANT TREATMENT CONSIDERATIONSEFFEXOR® XR (venlafaxine HCl) is contraindicated in patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). EFFEXOR XR should not be used in combination with an MAOI or within at least 14 days of discontinuing treatment with an MAOI because of potential for serious adverse reactions. Based on the half-life of EFFEXOR XR, at least 7 days should be allowed after stopping EFFEXOR XR before starting an MAOI.
Both adult and pediatric patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) can experience worsening of their depression and/or the emergence of suicidal ideation and behavior, whether or not they are taking antidepressants. Patients treated with antidepressants should be observed closely for clinical worsening and suicidality, especially at the beginning of drug therapy, or at the time of increases or decreases in dose.
Anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, impulsivity, akathisia, hypomania, and mania have been reported in patients taking antidepressants. Discontinuation or modification of therapy should be considered when symptoms are severe, abrupt in onset, or not part of presenting symptoms.
Treatment with venlafaxine is associated with sustained increases in blood pressure (BP) in some patients. Three percent of EFFEXOR XR patients in MDD studies (doses of 75 to 375 mg/day), 0.5% in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) studies (doses of 37.5 to 225 mg/day), and 1.4% in social anxiety disorder (SAD) studies (doses of 75 to 225 mg/day) had sustained BP elevations. Experience with immediate-release venlafaxine in MDD studies showed that sustained hypertension was dose related, increasing from 3% to 7% at doses of 100 to 300 mg/day, to 13% at doses above 300 mg/day. Regular BP monitoring is recommended.
Abrupt discontinuation or dose reduction has been associated with discontinuation symptoms. Patients should be counseled on possible discontinuation symptoms and monitored while discontinuing the drug; the dose should be tapered gradually. See the Precautions section of the Prescribing Information.
The most common adverse events reported in EFFEXOR XR short-term placebo-controlled MDD, GAD, and/or SAD trials (incidence >10% and >2x that of placebo) were anorexia, asthenia, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, ejaculation problems, impotence, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, somnolence, and sweating.
As with any psychotropic drug, EFFEXOR XR may impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills; patients should be advised to exercise caution until they have adapted to therapy.
© Copyright 2004, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc.
All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions
Posted by dancingstar on December 30, 2004, at 22:39:38
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR...yes.(long), posted by not2late4u on December 30, 2004, at 22:05:24
Yes...and most of us wouldn't have taken it if we only knew; right?
Thank you, Renee.
Bebe
Posted by dancingstar on December 30, 2004, at 22:45:57
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR...yes.(long), posted by dancingstar on December 30, 2004, at 22:39:38
Oh, Gosh, I just read all of your posts! I don't know why I keep thinking that because you've got that great shrink you will be pain free. You will be pain free; right????? Tell me that someone can get off this crap scott free. Please, I'm being civil, I'm just upset. This time for you.
Posted by dancingstar on December 30, 2004, at 23:56:30
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR...yes.(long), posted by not2late4u on December 30, 2004, at 22:05:24
In order to read this link, you might have to register for the New York Times online, which is free. A portion of the article indicates something about requiring the companies that make anti-depressants, like Wyeth, to be more "open" about their research and how they are resistant to doing this because of the costs involved.
Gee, you mean that they haven't been open with all of their research? I would sure like to see that unpublished research.
If you are having trouble with Effexor, please don't forget to report your symptoms to the FDA. Nothing to do with this article, but I've got a feeling that someone is beginning to hear us, and they are not at all happy. Please make sure your voice is heard, but I hope that I don't need to add...only if what you are saying is honest.
Here's the FDA link again so that you don't have to struggle to find it. Though it is nice that it is there, the petition to Wyeth won't do us as much good as it will if you file a claim w/the FDA if you have a problem with a drug.
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/
Thanks,
Bebe
Posted by dancingstar on December 31, 2004, at 0:04:07
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR...yes.(long), posted by not2late4u on December 30, 2004, at 22:05:24
The most common adverse events reported in EFFEXOR XR short-term placebo-controlled MDD, GAD, and/or SAD trials (incidence >10% and >2x that of placebo) were anorexia, asthenia, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, ejaculation problems, impotence, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, somnolence, and sweating.
As with any psychotropic drug, EFFEXOR XR may impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills; patients should be advised to exercise caution until they have adapted to therapy.
Herein lies my biggest gripe. It's those "short-term studies." I believe there is some truth to the short-term studies. It's what happens to people after eight and 12 weeks that I am looking for stats on. I can't really find anything on that. I have some more places to look though, but I doubt they're going to be sitting online, waiting for me to search them out. We'll see.
Posted by FaithT on December 31, 2004, at 0:54:37
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR...yes.(long), posted by dancingstar on December 31, 2004, at 0:04:07
I guess that I've been lucky, as far as Effexor benefiting me, with honestly no real side effects while on it. I have my blood checked regularly, and it's fine. I gained a little weight on it, but only 5 lbs. or so, in the total 2 1/2 years since I began taking it.
As I said, I did wean off of it for that brief period, and I do agree that the withdrawl is horrid. I have a great psych.,and he knows what the withdrawl is like. Effexor is a very powerful drug, and probably one that should be given as a last resort if others fail or if the situation prevails...such as mine.
I could never imagine not being monitered by a psych. while on any anti-depressant. My insurance doesn't allow my g.p. to treat depression. I had to contact their Mental Health Dept. and they gave me options on who to go to for treatment. I believe that you must be monitered and prescribed these meds. by a specialist. If you get a good psych., they know the pros and cons of the meds, and see you on a weekly basis while you're unstable...atleast mine did.
As far as one long term study..(me)..after 2 1/2 years on the drug, I can only thank the drug manufacturer. I do hope to remain cancer free, but the fear will always be with me. Effexor allows me to do what I can't on my own..."Live" through the fear.
Best wishes to you all,
Faith~
Posted by foxy420 on December 31, 2004, at 1:28:10
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR...yes.(long), posted by FaithT on December 31, 2004, at 0:54:37
Posted by dancingstar on December 31, 2004, at 1:41:33
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by not2late4u on December 30, 2004, at 22:01:24
Agitation
Anxiety
Confusion
Diarrhea
Dizziness or vertigo
Dry mouth
Fasciculation (muscle twitching)
Headaches
Hypomania
Impaired coordination
Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Nervousness
Nightmares
Sensory disturbances (including electric shock sensations)
Somnolence (sleepiness)
Sweating
Tinnitus
Tiredness
Tremor
Unpleasant mood
VomitingI'll be -- those are exactly my symptoms. Sure wish I'd known that this was possible before I decided to stop -- or start taking Effexor. You mean you guys that stopped slowly didn't have this stuff happen to you?
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]
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