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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by not2late4u on January 25, 2005, at 13:13:43
In reply to Re: Has anyone had success on Effexor, posted by Minnie-Haha on January 25, 2005, at 11:15:33
AMEN.
Posted by S. Bartel on January 25, 2005, at 13:54:41
In reply to Re: Has anyone had success on Effexor, posted by Minnie-Haha on January 25, 2005, at 11:15:33
Thank You.
Posted by dancingstar on January 25, 2005, at 14:21:19
In reply to Re: Has anyone had success on Effexor, posted by Minnie-Haha on January 25, 2005, at 11:15:33
"Everyone has been telling people how wonderful the drug is, and it's nice to be able find out that it is a potentially dangerous drug before one takes it, not some time down the line after it's already in one's body."
Since these are my words, I just wanted to add that what I meant to imply was that in many places other than on this website people are being told how wonderful the drug is and that we don't hear much at all about potential problems and that it is nice to be able to locate information or find people that have had different experiences than some of us were originally exposed to.
Though doctors have prescribed drugs to me for one reason or another throughout my lifetime, this is the first time I have ever had any problem when I stopped taking one. No one should for one single moment begin to think that it is normal or acceptable for you to have a problem when you stop taking Effexor. It seems as though it was not until June of 2004 that Wyeth Pharmaceuticals did not let doctors or patients know that they could not stop taking Effexor without in many cases experiencing great physical and emotional distress, and it may well be only thanks to England that we now know as much as we do.
Posted by corafree on January 25, 2005, at 14:57:56
In reply to RE: NEW THREAD - POSITIVE EFFEXOR EXPERIENCE, posted by eeyorena on January 25, 2005, at 12:06:19
> I have atypical depression, which is characterized by mood reactivity, sensitivity to rejection, excessive sleeping (versus insomnia), leaden paralysis, increased weight (vs. decrease), and chronic dysphoria (anxiety, depression and unease).
" mood reactivity - yes, sensitivity to rejection - yes, excessive sleeping - well, I do now, didn't when younger - don't know what leaden paralysis is - weight low since father passed away - had PMDD really bad, so had a TAH-BSO"
>
> MAOIs have been around for absolutely ever. In the 1950's, little was known about the interaction between MAOI's, blood pressure and dosage. Dosages were too high (which caused liver damage). Patients' diets were not restricted. There is an early case study (from the 50's) of a patient in the UK on an MAOI who died after consuming three kinds of aged cheeses plus alcohol for dinner, then who had more aged cheese for breakfast.
>
"I always have quite low blood pressure"> Now, we know a LOT more about MAOI's.
>
> There is a lot of misinformation about MAOI's still floating around out there which makes many doctors hesitant to suggest it to patients. They will try other meds first which require fewer lifestyle changes.
>
> However, for people with atypical depression or treatment resistance who are not responding well to tricyclics, SSRI's, or newer classes of meds...MAOI's can be an excellent choice.
>
> Doctor's will NOT prescribe Parnate (which is one kind of MAOI...the one I'm on) to patients with the following:
>
> -cerebrovascular or cardiovascular disorders
> -pheochromocytoma
> -anorexia
> -Parkinson's disease
> -Diabetic patients
> -liver disease or abnormal liver tests
> -in combination with any of the following drugs...Marplan, Furoxone, Eutonyl, Mardil, Natulane, Elavil, Endep, Etrafon, Triavil, Anafranil, Norpramin, Petrofrane, Janimine, Tofranil, Aventyl, Pamelor, Vivactil, Adapin, Sinequan, Tegretol, Flexeril, Asendin, Surmontil, Wellbutrin, Redux, any SSRI, meperidine, dextromethorphan, Buspar, amphetamines, OTC weight-reducing meds, or OTC cold/hay fever meds.
>
"Don't take any of the above"> How do MAOI's work?
>
> A doctor will give you a more educated answer. An incomplete but easier to visualize answer might be this: Your body produces a chemical that keeps your blood pressure from getting too high. If you eat certain foods or take certain drugs and your blood pressure rises, your body will try to bring your blood pressure down by releasing this chemical...an MAO...which acts as a kind of "safety valve." Parnate is an MAOInhibitor. It inhibits the production of MAO. That is why it is important, when on this drug, to take care of your blood pressure.
>
> What about this "MAOI Diet" I hear about?
>
> Patients on Parnate follow a special "diet" which elimates foods with high tyramine content. Tyramine occurs in foods which are required or have been allowed to age, but not all foods have to be aged to contain tyramine. Foods to avoid: Aged meats (sausage, salami, etc.), aged cheeses, beer/wine/sherry/liqueurs, yogurt, pickled herring, anchovies, caviar, sauerkraut, pods of broad beans, liver, canned figs, avocados, overripe fruit, sour cream, soy sauce, tofu and high quality chocolate.
>
> There are many "MAOI diet" lists out there which have some misinformation on them. I've found that "faux chocolate" (most commercial American light chocolate) contains lower levels of tyramine. Some diet lists include bananas, when (actually) banana peels and overripe bananas are the culprits. Young cheeses (such as fresh mozzarella) or faux cheese (such as American cheese) have not created problems for me personally, but I am not a doctor or a dietician.
>
> On Parnate, I eat better than I ever have. I eat a lot more fresh or frozen vegetables and meats, as well as less cheese and chocolate. I avoid foods with a lot of additives. I started to because I was nervous, but now I do because I've noticed an improvement in my overall health. Strangely, I don't have the cravings for carbs, caffeine, chocolate or cheese that I used to...which really makes me wonder about how I used to self-medicate with food. When I started Parnate, it was a little worrisome because I lost my appetite completely and dropped a LOT of weight. Eventually, I stabilized but still don't have the weight gain I had on other AD's.
>
"I'm really happy for you!> I wear a Med Alert ID bracelet (a pretty one actually) with my other med names on it...I take Parnate, Allegra, Cytomel and Neurontin. This is really a good idea for anyone on meds anyway. I got one when my husband suggested it. He was nervous that he wouldn't remember all of my meds if something happened. With Parnate, it is a good idea because hospitals will want to be very careful about administering anethesia if you are on Parnate. Better that they know.
>
> So, it's a bit more complex than Prozac or Zoloft. But, I've been on it for 2 years and it has worked wonders for me. So...I like it."Glad for you, certainly, but w/ low blood pressure, do you think I was never suggested this because of my weight (5'4" 106lbs now ? .. always a steady 112lbs before dad passed away; in a week will be a year"
"I have quick reactions to certain food. Once I ate some fresh cooked spinach and felt 'happy', and another time some low-fat yogurt and it did the same thing."
"Thank you. I'll save your post! cf"
Posted by jubilee on January 25, 2005, at 17:23:42
In reply to Re: not posting to someone » dancingstar, posted by Dr. Bob on January 25, 2005, at 8:11:11
This is a very important question for me to ask as I am going through different changes for other reasons , but are you having at least one anger attack once a day or so anybody ????? I am thinking its the effexor as I don't remember dealing with such anger until I started going down and off effexor . (only off two weeks) Please let me know if you Identify. I know people cry easily I've heard before. Please respond so I know what I am dealing with.Later and thanks ,Jubilee
Posted by Minnie-Haha on January 25, 2005, at 17:55:43
In reply to Re: Has anyone had success on Effexor, posted by dancingstar on January 25, 2005, at 14:21:19
I went and did some Google-ing and Yahoo-ing to see what I could find -- good or bad -- about Effexor, and aside from about a b-zillion sites that are hawking drugs online, I found a pretty wide mix of glowing testimonials, horror stories, and everything in between. The EffexorXR.com web site itself has an "Important Safety Information" statement at the bottom of the pages I clicked on. It says *IN PART* that common side effects include "anorexia, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, sexual side effects, sleepiness, sweating, and weakness." It warns that when you suddenly stop takng or lower your daily dose that discontinuation symptoms may occur. It says to talk to your doctor before discontinuing or reducing your dose of Effexor XR.
At Askapatient.com 423 respondents rated Effexor XR:
96 (23%) were Very Satisfied with it
117 (28%) were Satisfied
102 (24%) were Somewhat Satisfied
39 (9%) were Not Satisfied
70 (16%) were DissatisfiedThe overwhelming majority had taken it for depression and/or anxiety. I'm not sure what time period the survey covers, but the main page is copyrighted 2004. The link is at http://www.askapatient.com/viewrating.asp?drug=20699&name=EFFEXOR%20XR
Once again, it is my opinion that Effexor may be a bad drug for some people, and that it is also a good drug for others, just like all drugs discussed on this board. It certainly has a slew of potential side effects -- like other drugs discussed here -- and a potential for nasty discontinuation or "withdrawal" effects -- also like other drugs discussed here.
Has Wyeth known from the start what may be "bad" about the drug, or disclosed everything it knows about what may be bad? I don't know. But I do think it has been and continues to be good for many, many people.
Posted by S. Bartel on January 25, 2005, at 18:34:42
In reply to Anybody else have rage or anger attacks????, posted by jubilee on January 25, 2005, at 17:23:42
Yes Jubilee, I had what I guess you could call Anger attacks when I stopped effexor xr. I would get upset over the smallest things. I was ok if I was by myself, but if anyone was around I always found something to be angry about. It's a lot better now and I have been off effexor about 3 months. I still have anxiety attacks that I never had before taking effexor and still get irritated easier than I used to. I have thought all along that it was caused from the effexor, but hope it all goes away soon. I just explained to those around me what was happening to me and asked them to please be patient.
Sammi
Posted by FaithT on January 25, 2005, at 18:44:41
In reply to Re: Has anyone had success on Effexor, posted by Minnie-Haha on January 25, 2005, at 17:55:43
Minnie~
I just wanted to say that your post was great! I agree with everything that you said. Thank you.
Faith~
Posted by dancingstar on January 25, 2005, at 20:54:15
In reply to Re: Has anyone had success on Effexor, posted by Minnie-Haha on January 25, 2005, at 17:55:43
Thank you, Minnie-Haha, for posting the link. It's a great one.
> I went and did some Google-ing and Yahoo-ing to see what I could find -- good or bad -- about Effexor, and aside from about a b-zillion sites that are hawking drugs online, I found a pretty wide mix of glowing testimonials, horror stories, and everything in between. The EffexorXR.com web site itself has an "Important Safety Information" statement at the bottom of the pages I clicked on. It says *IN PART* that common side effects include "anorexia, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, sexual side effects, sleepiness, sweating, and weakness." It warns that when you suddenly stop takng or lower your daily dose that discontinuation symptoms may occur. It says to talk to your doctor before discontinuing or reducing your dose of Effexor XR.
>
> At Askapatient.com 423 respondents rated Effexor XR:
> 96 (23%) were Very Satisfied with it
> 117 (28%) were Satisfied
> 102 (24%) were Somewhat Satisfied
> 39 (9%) were Not Satisfied
> 70 (16%) were Dissatisfied
>
> The overwhelming majority had taken it for depression and/or anxiety. I'm not sure what time period the survey covers, but the main page is copyrighted 2004. The link is at http://www.askapatient.com/viewrating.asp?drug=20699&name=EFFEXOR%20XR
>
> Once again, it is my opinion that Effexor may be a bad drug for some people, and that it is also a good drug for others, just like all drugs discussed on this board. It certainly has a slew of potential side effects -- like other drugs discussed here -- and a potential for nasty discontinuation or "withdrawal" effects -- also like other drugs discussed here.
>
> Has Wyeth known from the start what may be "bad" about the drug, or disclosed everything it knows about what may be bad? I don't know. But I do think it has been and continues to be good for many, many people.
>
Posted by eeyorena on January 25, 2005, at 21:43:25
In reply to RE: NEW THREAD - POSITIVE EFFEXOR EXPERIENCE » eeyorena, posted by corafree on January 25, 2005, at 14:57:56
Well, if you've lost weight lately (and grief will do it), your doctor might hesitate to put you on Parnate. It definitely squashes your appetite. I had to remind myself to eat...often. Having structured meal times in the day helped.
But it also might be that he doesn't have a lot of experience with MAOI's. When SSRI's became available, MAOI's were left by the wayside for a bit. Now they are making a comeback because they act so differently on atypical depression than many other things available. When I moved and switched pharmacies, they had to order it 'specially for the first few months because they weren't used to stocking it.
Doesn't hurt to ask about it. It's not for everyone and I would pursue other SSRI's and possibly tricyclics first.
Posted by eeyorena on January 25, 2005, at 21:47:16
In reply to Anybody else have rage or anger attacks????, posted by jubilee on January 25, 2005, at 17:23:42
Yes, I had anger flare-ups on Effexor
If you can call following someone who cut me off in traffic TO THEIR HOUSE so I could bitch them out in their driveway (so totally unlike me, it was frightening)...then yes, rage was in there too.
Posted by eeyorena on January 25, 2005, at 22:02:45
In reply to Re: Anybody else have rage or anger attacks????, posted by eeyorena on January 25, 2005, at 21:47:16
Whoa, I'm remembering a lot of rage attacks on Effexor as I scan my journal. How weird!
I stood up to a pretty nasty tow truck driver who was being very mean to my roommate when she was unpacking her car.
I banged my fist on the table and told the head of my office to "step off" (though not that nicely actually) when he wanted to triple-book me for client projects. Although the sentiment was healthy, the language was not. I can't believe they actually wanted to promote me a month later. I would not recommend this. They were super weird.)
Posted by S. Bartel on January 25, 2005, at 22:16:15
In reply to Re: Anybody else have rage or anger attacks????, posted by eeyorena on January 25, 2005, at 22:02:45
Glad to know I'm not alone in this.
Posted by dancingstar on January 25, 2005, at 22:17:39
In reply to Re: Anybody else have rage or anger attacks????, posted by eeyorena on January 25, 2005, at 22:02:45
I keep saying I don't have it, but I guess I'm feeling some r-i-g-h-t- now. :-).... liar I must be....
Posted by not2late4u on January 26, 2005, at 0:25:36
In reply to Re: Has anyone had success on Effexor, posted by Minnie-Haha on January 25, 2005, at 17:55:43
Hi Minnie-haha, Thanks for a great post. I've been trying to relay this for sometime. You said it well. I also want to reinnerate a previous post I mentioned, that I was reading a medical/pill book that my mom has with a published date of 1995. Effexor mentions its side effects, possible, likely or otherwise AND it cautioned about stopping suddenly. (just like alot of the other drugs in the book I skimmed over) It appears to me that it hasnt been a big secret. And I have to wonder how much of the problem really is with the one who is prescribing the medication, the docs shouldnt prescribe what they dont understand or have researched. Renee
Posted by not2late4u on January 26, 2005, at 0:32:20
In reply to Anybody else have rage or anger attacks????, posted by jubilee on January 25, 2005, at 17:23:42
Hi Jubilee, Im withdrawing now and yes, I have noticed that on some days I am more arguementative, angry ( I hit my keyboard at work and it broke the slide out thing) Luckily I work alone! I was frustrated because nothing was working right that day. So, ya, for sure. Renee
Posted by Petra on January 26, 2005, at 9:13:48
In reply to Re: Anybody else have rage or anger attacks????, posted by not2late4u on January 26, 2005, at 0:32:20
When I was on Effexor XR I would get serious road rage. Other drivers would piss me off. I would cut them off or flip them off. Sometimes I'd race people going 120 mph down the highway. They would always stop when speeds got too high, but I kept going. I didn't care about my life or anyone elses I guess while on the drug. The main reason I got off it. I never felt and acted that way before Effexor or since I stopped. It's a miracle I didn't hurt someone. I'm glad I didn't. Bad Effexor, Bad. Peace, Petra
Posted by Jen2 on January 26, 2005, at 12:28:14
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Jen2, posted by tatarka on January 25, 2005, at 10:07:12
Hi Tatarka,
It's amazing how uprooting oneself from one's home can have such profound psychological effects, particularly in combination with other stressors.
I've got a couple of good friends now that I can rely on, which is good, and my relationship is at least more civil (since my episode) and not so intense as in the past. I'm able to keep my emotions a little more in check now so I do less yelling. I guess that's the Effexor.
I'm going to talk to my doc on Friday about Effexor side effects/withdrawal and the benefits of switching to something else, but it appears that there are upsides and downsides to just about any drug.
I hope that you're doing better. Thanks for your post.
Jen
> Hey Jen, couldn't stop myself to follow up your post. So many similarities in our situation! I moved to another country three and half years ago, and I knew NOONE beside my husband with whome I have very difficult relationship. Plus I couldn't speak English at all! The only thing that excited me was that I'm far away from that nightmare in my original country.
> I also had heart palpitations all the time and felt like i'm going to die. I was really-really depressed, and decided try to see psychiatrist as psychologist didnt help much and besides psychiatrist is for free - by referral from physichian.
> Just wanted to share these similarities with you and let you know that someone like me perfectly understand your feelings. I still dont have any friends here (just one buddy-girl at work), and my marriage life didnt improve much (although therapy sessions do help to solve some issues).
> I'm planning to get off Effexor as soon as possible, but I still need smth to switch to :( Good luck to you!!
>
Posted by corafree on January 26, 2005, at 14:09:51
In reply to Re: Has anyone had success on Effexor, posted by dancingstar on January 25, 2005, at 20:54:15
I'm way not doin' good. Thoughts of my father are coming into my mind w/o warning, as he was alive this day last year. He passed away (and I sort of did too) Feb. 2 last year. I'm a mess. Don't want to go anywhere - but therapy today. I know this belongs on Grief, but I feel a kindredness w/ you all. My dad was a wonderful, warm, free spirit and more supportive of me than any of my family. tks you guys cf
Posted by dancingstar on January 26, 2005, at 15:13:54
In reply to Re: Has anyone had success on Effexor » dancingstar, posted by corafree on January 26, 2005, at 14:09:51
Hi Corafree,
I'm moving tomorrow at 8:00, a bit traumatic as I've been in the same place for a decade now. Yesterday I was reading something about mediums in an email sent to me by beliefnet (www.beliefnet.com.) You're right that this isn't the place to go into this, but it did have a bit to do with Effexor as it has been on my mind so much lately.
You see, last night I prayed for help, just help with everything, something I do from time to time. I will acknowledge that I have more to do than time to get it all done and that the amount of stress I am under can be measured in the double digits, but in the middle of the night I woke up with this strange feeling of a shot, a bruise in my arm, something about my mom. I knew that my mom had always been very protective of me, and I wondered what it was that my subconscious was trying to tell me. Did this have something to do with Effexor? It felt like a tetanus shot. Pain. A shot in the arm. Was there some link that I am unaware of?
When I woke up this morning, I had a strong feeling that propelled me to call my best friend. She lives about 75 miles from where I live. We're both only children and grew up as sisters. I told her that I needed to ask her what this painful shot in my arm had to do with my mother and Effexor; that she must know what I was talking about.
You see, she has taken Effexor for over 10 years and hasn't been well for quite a long time. I've been on her butt to get off the crap. I just couldn't figure it out. I knew my friend would understand the message, wherever it came from.
We thought it through. I mentioned polio shots, tetanus shots. She said the only painful shot she ever had was a shot of vitamin C. I then told her that it felt to me as though my mom was laughing at her.
Without listening to what I had just said, she continued on with her story and said to me that when the doctor gave her the stupid shot of vitamin C it hurt so badly, that she nearly cried, and the doctor started to laugh at her.
We both stopped talking at the same time and realized what had happened, that without knowing anything about her past, I had mentioned laughing at her pain.
Then I started laughing...and laughing and laughing and crying, but this time my tears were tears of joy. My dear friend said to me. "You've been in a lot of pain and need a shot in the arm, you need to laugh." Only she could have interpreted the message properly; that I simply needed a "shot in the arm," words that only mom would have used, and I lost her over ten years ago.
After that I went on to take a shower and continue with my packing. I feel much better now. My subconscious? A message from my mom? I prefer to think the latter, but I'm sure that will make me crazy in the eyes of some.
The answers, CF, are out there, but sometimes it's sure hard figure out what they are. Sometimes our loved ones are closer than we think.
Blessings,
Bebe
Posted by corafree on January 26, 2005, at 15:51:29
In reply to Re: Has anyone had success on Effexor, posted by dancingstar on January 26, 2005, at 15:13:54
A lady upstairs that smokes, came down the other and I asked her in. She said she had something to talk to me about. "The can smell the smoke from your house coming into mine." she said. I asked her to leave, and then said, like a child would, "I don't want you to be my friend anymore." I'm still laughing at myself about that. I pray, like you, for aid in the challenges in my life. I'm a bit left wondering if this a bit 'off' lady (she smokes herself) was a sort of message. Thank you for reminding me how much of him is still in me, also may be even closer to me now, and also may be coming to me in 'little messages' from strangers in my environment. Bless you Bebe for reacting to my need of support. cf
Posted by jubilee on January 26, 2005, at 20:52:19
In reply to Re: Anybody else have rage or anger attacks???? » jubilee, posted by S. Bartel on January 25, 2005, at 18:34:42
BOY, am I ever not alone. I have never been so out of control so easily in my whole life yet I am a pretty up front honest open person. Imagine what I am going through with that combination. I have lost friends and relitives on this DD (dam drug). My husband promised he wouldn't leave and our marriage actually improved by talking through alot of stuff and me realizing he was never my problem. I am bumbed out that this may be going on another 3 months......but looking forward to having temperance again. What an evil drug.
I have been going through alot of serious life changes including dealing w/ the death of my son and people who know me say I need to take it easy and take care of myself. I finally get it . I am going to try really hard to do that ,like read and watch Tv. I was an avid reader before effexor withdrawing and now I stare at one page for an hour.. I have considered saying nothing to anybody for the next 3 months. THIS TOO SHALL PASS. LETS REMEMBER THAT. GOD BLESS, Jubilee
Posted by anastasia56 on January 26, 2005, at 21:23:23
In reply to Re: Anybody else have rage or anger attacks????, posted by jubilee on January 26, 2005, at 20:52:19
i am so sorry you are having to go thru a loss of a son.
anastasia
Posted by not2late4u on January 26, 2005, at 21:54:30
In reply to Re: Has anyone had success on Effexor » dancingstar, posted by corafree on January 26, 2005, at 14:09:51
CF, If you are a believer in our Lord Jesus and wish to correspond with me with that type of support, please feel free to babblemail me. Renee
Posted by not2late4u on January 26, 2005, at 21:58:59
In reply to Re: Anybody else have rage or anger attacks????, posted by jubilee on January 26, 2005, at 20:52:19
Jubilee, if you cant focus on reading, may I suggest that you get some christian learning tapes and or praise and worship tapes to play, even if you cant focus on them, it will reach and minister your soul. Renee
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
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