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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Leo on March 22, 2001, at 8:29:37
In reply to Re: 7 WEEKS--EFFEXOR FREE » Leo, posted by Janie on March 22, 2001, at 0:25:17
Janie,
I'm glad to hear that you are doing better. Keep the positive comments coming. I'm sure that we can all benefit from what you have to offer. I took a moment and read through all your previous posts and thought I'd attach them so everyone could read what your experinces have been. I'm curious though, did the experiences you wrote about really occur or were they just defined by your mindset? I suppose that the hundreds of us that have been writing about our bad experinces with effexor would like to know if what we have been going through is a manifestation of the mind or have they actually occured? Or are these experiences just merely a difinition of our mindset?
Regards,
LeoHere are your previous posts...................
> Leo and All
> I am now OFF the bloody drug (4-week withdrawal), and with VERY FEW side effects, I might add. I did a slow, hour-by-hour taper and only experienced slight ringing in my ears, and some mental fuzziness. If the withdrawal effects became tooooo bad, I just popped a little 37.5 mg cap and kept on going. I already feel lots better, more energy and passion for life, and don't expect to suffer permanent damage. May I suggest that ones MINDSET regarding the withdrawal experience may, indeed, DEFINE the actual experience you have. My joints are now OK, and I trust the condition will only get better.
>
> Janie, RNHi. I have just the opposite problem. I can't get up in the mornings and feel lethargic all day. I'm starting today on a wean from 75mg to 37.5mg. It's nice to have the anxiety controlled, but what good does it do if you're too apathetic to get dressed and go out?--Janie
Hi. I have just the opposite problem. I can't get up in the mornings and feel lethargic all day. I'm starting today on a wean from 75mg to 37.5mg. It's nice to have the anxiety controlled, but what good does it do if you're too apathetic to get dressed and go out?--Janie
Hi
Glad you mentioned this problem. I've been taking Effexor since June of last year, and actually lowered my dose from 75mg to 37.5mg/day because of the somnolence. I STILL can't get my butt out of bed in the mornings. What good would it do to take it at night? If one is still sleepy 24 hours after ingestion, could you ever get up just 8 hours later? Thank God I'm a nurse and work the evening shift!!! Is anyone else experienceing the sleepiness on such a low dose...and also fatigue, I might add?
Thanks,
Janie
Hi guys. I'm rolling through these Threads again because I have been on a reduced dose of Effexor XR, 37.5 mg/day since last October, and I think the lethargy and sleepiness gets worse over time. I am also considering weaning off the drug. I have to FORCE myself to go to the gym, I rarely leave the house on off-days, wash my hair about once a week, and have no interest or motivation for doing anything except sitting in front of the computer, smoking cigs. That's another problem. My smoking has increased, and I have NO motivation to control or stop it. Sometimes I feel like I've been reduced to an infantile state again...just eat, sleep, and veg out. This has got to stop...there must be more to life, and perhaps a little anxiety is what I need to get me moving again.
Pocahontas
I met with my MD last week, and am also beginning to withdraw from 37.5 mg/day over a 7-8 month period. I am an RN, and here is my plan of action. I am decreasing the dose literally by hours, beginning with taking 37.5 every 36 hours instead of 24. I have already had some of the withdrawal symptoms you describe, but very mild. The next step will be to go to 37.5 every 48 hours. If this goes well, then I will move to 25 mg of regular Effexor for a period of time, and then down to 12.5 mg until I can finally withdraw totally. I agree, the drug SUCKS!! But I'm lethargic and sleepy all the time on it, so hope my energy picks up. It can't go down.
Leo and All
I am now into my 3-4 week of weaning off the Effexor XR, tapering down from 37.5 mg/day to just taking a dose when I REALLY can't function, which is now about every 4-5 days. I am very interested in feedback on joint pain, mentioned above. I have been on aspirin for many years for arthritis. The joint pain became worse while I was taking Effexor, and I have recently been placed on Celebrex to control my arthritis. Have others experienced complications involving the joints? I did not make the connection until reading this post
WOW!!! My complications pale in comparison to what you describe above. So far, my withdrawal has been tolerable, but then my daily dose was only 37.5 mg. Is there a correlation between severity of withdrawal and daily dosage? I don't know. My joint pain was most severe in the lower back, but I just felt achey all over, and had no motivation to work out in the gym...joints or apathy? Who knows. Lynn, how long was your daughter on Effexor before you noticed a deterioration in her health?
Posted by McGuyver on March 22, 2001, at 10:01:40
In reply to Re: Mcguyver I SO agree with you » cjf, posted by Noddie on March 21, 2001, at 23:33:47
I guess this will be more to "cjf" than anyone. I respect everything you have all gone through, and I have carefully read everyone of your (everyone) posts, I also may have failed to mention about the phsycology degree's my family members and close friends hold) I personally have come off horse, and blow both cold turkey and have not expierienced side effects as bad as these people are talking about. I have been sober for a long time now, without help. But, now in order to get through the day, unfortionatlly I do need something like effexor. How many of the people on this drug do you think actually check this site out, or take time to write? Your right, I'm anal, oh well. I guess that's why I am where I am in life. I see the same problems on this sight that I do in the rest of the USA and world. It kind of makes me sick. Gang up, sue. My mom smoked during her maternity with me, should I sue the tabacco companies too? It's the same thing with PHen phen, effexor, that new stuff with prozac. Yes, I will quit posting at this sight, no problem. I have walked a mile in these peoples shoes,..hence the many stiches up and down my wrists. And that's from the times long before, and long after I uses the "bad" stuff. You people need to come up with your own decisions, and quit letting people influence you. It's just not worth it. It's no conspirecy theory. Face the facts people, just try something, and try to get along with your life. If you sit at a pc all day and believe everything you read, of course you'll have problems. I don't know if your all American or not, but even if not, you all have the freedome to make your own choices, and you do not have to be influenced by the medis, or other people. You all hold your lives in your own hands. A drug just may help you get a better grip, but it's not a save all. Take care all, I wish you all the best of luck in the future. I do not mean any disrespect to you, but this site just got on my nerves. I guess I'm a little cocky, but so be it, again, that's why I am where I am today.
again, sorry,
mcguyver
> > >Noddie
> > You are entirely right, we all take these kind of drugs for different reasons. I also believe that Effexor or most drugs for that matter affect people in a variety of ways. BUT if you think this sight is anal then don't participate. I don't know if you are on this drug or if you have come off of Effexor with little or no side effects. If you have had very little or none of the side effects then consider yourself very, very lucky. I think it can be scary just to know that medication is needed just to get yourself through a day, any day. But then to finally feel strong enough to go off the drug and experience any number of these horrible side effects, it makes you wonder if you really are crazy. It is a very dismal thought to find what you thought was helping you could have been debilitating to you instead. Don't be so condescending until you have walked a mile in any one of these peoples' shoes.
> > >cjf
> >
> >
> > > Dear Mcguyver, I just want to tell you , you are SO right. I can't believe the overanalization that is occurring on this sight! No offense to anyone! I have taken things that have made me feel a lot STRANGER than Effexor. Besides, everyone is different. We cannot all benefit from the same medication, because not only are we all different, we are all taking it for different reasons! If I don't like it, I will simply stop taking it, heaven forbid. That's all,
> > > Noddie
Posted by Lilian on March 22, 2001, at 11:17:48
In reply to beginning to wean hopefully losing weight, posted by vanroni on March 21, 2001, at 20:37:32
> >I am just now starting to wean from 75mg effexor xr per day. the dr is giving me 37.5 xr per day for 2 wks then going to every other day and so on....
> i want to know if anyone else has done it this way & if so how was it... AND will i lose the 25lbs i've gained!!! i've never eaten better or exercised more & yet i seem to gain weight by the day!! that is really the main reason that i'm stopping.... i've been on the med for about 11
> months... any input/feedback is appreciated/...
> Thanks, V-I'm in the same boat!
I was taking 225mgs for 6mths gained 24lbs!
Now I am taking 37.5mgs a day and the odd 75mgs when I feel I really need it. I eat very little (although well balanced)and I excersise to..I have not even lost an ozs let alone a lb! I am doing quite well on the effexor xr for my major depression and I really do not want to give it up completely. I have been off work for the last 6mths and I am only now thinking about returning in the near future..BUT THIS WEIGHT IS MAKING ME DEPRESSED AGAIN...HELP!
LILIAN
Posted by goofy on March 22, 2001, at 12:33:28
In reply to beginning to wean hopefully losing weight, posted by vanroni on March 21, 2001, at 20:37:32
> >I am just now starting to wean from 75mg effexor xr per day. the dr is giving me 37.5 xr per day for 2 wks then going to every other day and so on....
> i want to know if anyone else has done it this way & if so how was it... AND will i lose the 25lbs i've gained!!! i've never eaten better or exercised more & yet i seem to gain weight by the day!! that is really the main reason that i'm stopping.... i've been on the med for about 11
> months... any input/feedback is appreciated/...
> Thanks, V-Hi, I have been reading these post for a couple of months now. I want to thank all of you for the info. I have been effexor free now for 12 days with no bad side effects. I TRIED TO GO COLD TURKEY. IT DID NOT WORK. My doctor told me I should have no problems just stopping. OF COURSE HE WAS WRONG. The way I was able to do it was as follows: I was on 75.mg for 1 yr. when I decided to quit because of the side effects. I went to 37.5 for 10 days. 18.75 for 5 days, 9.375 for 5 days. 4.68 for 5 days, then i went off the drug. It has been 12 days and I feel great. I opened the capsules and divided the contents as previously suggested by some of these posts. I want to thank you all because IAM NOW EFFEXOR FREE and I did not have to go to another drug to help withdrawl from this horrible drug.
goofy
Posted by Janie on March 22, 2001, at 14:04:25
In reply to Real or Mindset » Janie, posted by Leo on March 22, 2001, at 8:29:37
> Janie,
>
> I'm glad to hear that you are doing better. Keep the positive comments coming. I'm sure that we can all benefit from what you have to offer. I took a moment and read through all your previous posts and thought I'd attach them so everyone could read what your experinces have been. I'm curious though, did the experiences you wrote about really occur or were they just defined by your mindset? I suppose that the hundreds of us that have been writing about our bad experinces with effexor would like to know if what we have been going through is a manifestation of the mind or have they actually occured? Or are these experiences just merely a difinition of our mindset?
>
> Regards,
> Leo
>
>Leo,
It was NOT my intention to imply that all the side effects experienced with taking or withdrawing from Effexor are a figment of ones imagination. The only side effects I incurred with the drug had to do with drowsiness and lethargy. I'm still not convinced that Effexor had anything to do with the exacerbation of my joint pain. As for weaning off the drug, I undertook what I considered to be a reasonable approach to withdrawal. My physician was willing to work closely with me during this time; I would expect all MDs involved with posters to this site would feel the same.I believe the number of individuals who attend this site represent a small percentage of Effexor users, No? Actually, after reading many of the posts here, I ANTICIPATED the need to quit my job and withdraw also from the world for a year. Fortunately, that didn't happen. I also find it difficult to believe that ONE DOSE of Effexor can cause lifelong, debilitating physical conditions. One might wonder why anyone would continue to take this medication month after month if the side effects were soooo debilitating and crippling. As for me, personally, I was willing to take "the good with the bad" for 9 months...so now I'm off completely.
Regards,
Janie
>
> >
Posted by Janie on March 22, 2001, at 14:48:13
In reply to 7 WEEKS--EFFEXOR FREE, posted by Leo on March 19, 2001, at 18:06:54
> Here's my update. Now entering my seventh week of no effexor. My mental state has improved remarkably sense discontinuing the drug. No depression, no anxiety, no agitation. All of which were dominating my daily life while on the drug.
Leo,
With all due respect, am I missing something here?
I thought the purpose of taking Effexor was to ELIMINATE all of the symptoms you experienced while on the drug. How long did it take you to get the CLUE?Janie
Posted by Leo on March 22, 2001, at 15:52:49
In reply to Re: 7 WEEKS--EFFEXOR FREE » Leo, posted by Janie on March 22, 2001, at 14:48:13
>
> Leo,
> With all due respect, am I missing something here?
> I thought the purpose of taking Effexor was to ELIMINATE all of the symptoms you experienced while on the drug. How long did it take you to get the CLUE?
>
> Janie
I'm the straw that stirs the drink aren't I? And yes, you have MISSED QUITE A BIT.....not only in what I've been writing about as well as the others on this site, but All of the other sites on the net, besides this one, talking about what a "wonderful" drug effexor is. Take care.Regards,
Leo
Posted by Marlane on March 22, 2001, at 18:19:01
In reply to Real or Mindset » Janie, posted by Leo on March 22, 2001, at 8:29:37
You know, I had a wonderful post but wasn't registered and apparently lost it in that process. I am very upset by that because it was good and took a very long time for all the process. Suffice it to say that I have many side effects of this EffexorXR, and it has only been the last 2 days that I have figured out those side effects are from this drug! It is not a mindset. I thought there were other reasons, but the skin rash finally made me look for other answers. I am a mess because of this drug, I am weaning myself off of it! I don't deny that it got me out of my deep depression last Dec., but I had to raise the dose to 300mg.to have it work. Now the myoclonus, weight gain,sleep disturbances, joint and muscle pain, including TOS,plus more have been answered for me, for many here have had these and more problems. I will use other means for serotonin support, I know of a couple things that will work. Write me if you wish!
Posted by cjf on March 22, 2001, at 20:47:24
In reply to Re: beginning to wean hopefully losing weight » vanroni, posted by goofy on March 22, 2001, at 12:33:28
> > >I am just now starting to wean from 75mg effexor xr per day. the dr is giving me 37.5 xr per day for 2 wks then going to every other day and so on....
> > i want to know if anyone else has done it this way & if so how was it... AND will i lose the 25lbs i've gained!!! i've never eaten better or exercised more & yet i seem to gain weight by the day!! that is really the main reason that i'm stopping.... i've been on the med for about 11
> > months... any input/feedback is appreciated/...
> > Thanks, V-
>
>
>
> Hi, I have been reading these post for a couple of months now. I want to thank all of you for the info. I have been effexor free now for 12 days with no bad side effects. I TRIED TO GO COLD TURKEY. IT DID NOT WORK. My doctor told me I should have no problems just stopping. OF COURSE HE WAS WRONG. The way I was able to do it was as follows: I was on 75.mg for 1 yr. when I decided to quit because of the side effects. I went to 37.5 for 10 days. 18.75 for 5 days, 9.375 for 5 days. 4.68 for 5 days, then i went off the drug. It has been 12 days and I feel great. I opened the capsules and divided the contents as previously suggested by some of these posts. I want to thank you all because IAM NOW EFFEXOR FREE and I did not have to go to another drug to help withdrawl from this horrible drug.
> goofy>goofy
I am so very, very happy for you! It is such a relief to hear some good news. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.
cjf
Posted by McGuyver on March 23, 2001, at 4:39:40
In reply to Re: Real or Mindset, posted by Marlane on March 22, 2001, at 18:19:01
As we wrote in other post's... read them. Try some MDMA, that will really get the seritonine going... In my opinion, anybody can go to any doctor, and be "diagnosed" with almost any illness. I know for a fact I'm depressed, but the crap is working for me. Check the other posts, every-one is different. Anyone with intellegence, other than spelling, can pretty musch research and fake anything. My one guy that helped me years ago get off illegal drugs, faked appendicitus, to get morphie. It worked, but after the doctor knew. He's got his organ in a jar as the last reminderr. Point being, anyone can fake it. My sisters father/sister in law, whom ar pharmisists, one with PHd, both say nothing but positives of the drug. That's cause it works for a LOT of people. Sorry, I wasn't going to write again. Good-Bye all, and I do wish you luck.
> You know, I had a wonderful post but wasn't registered and apparently lost it in that process. I am very upset by that because it was good and took a very long time for all the process. Suffice it to say that I have many side effects of this EffexorXR, and it has only been the last 2 days that I have figured out those side effects are from this drug! It is not a mindset. I thought there were other reasons, but the skin rash finally made me look for other answers. I am a mess because of this drug, I am weaning myself off of it! I don't deny that it got me out of my deep depression last Dec., but I had to raise the dose to 300mg.to have it work. Now the myoclonus, weight gain,sleep disturbances, joint and muscle pain, including TOS,plus more have been answered for me, for many here have had these and more problems. I will use other means for serotonin support, I know of a couple things that will work. Write me if you wish!
Posted by blazer on March 23, 2001, at 8:08:20
In reply to Re: Real or Mindset » Marlane, posted by McGuyver on March 23, 2001, at 4:39:40
> As we wrote in other post's... read them. Try some MDMA, that will really get the seritonine going... In my opinion, anybody can go to any doctor, and be "diagnosed" with almost any illness. I know for a fact I'm depressed, but the crap is working for me. Check the other posts, every-one is different. Anyone with intellegence, other than spelling, can pretty musch research and fake anything. My one guy that helped me years ago get off illegal drugs, faked appendicitus, to get morphie. It worked, but after the doctor knew. He's got his organ in a jar as the last reminderr. Point being, anyone can fake it. My sisters father/sister in law, whom ar pharmisists, one with PHd, both say nothing but positives of the drug. That's cause it works for a LOT of people. Sorry, I wasn't going to write again. Good-Bye all, and I do wish you luck.
>
>
>
> > You know, I had a wonderful post but wasn't registered and apparently lost it in that process. I am very upset by that because it was good and took a very long time for all the process. Suffice it to say that I have many side effects of this EffexorXR, and it has only been the last 2 days that I have figured out those side effects are from this drug! It is not a mindset. I thought there were other reasons, but the skin rash finally made me look for other answers. I am a mess because of this drug, I am weaning myself off of it! I don't deny that it got me out of my deep depression last Dec., but I had to raise the dose to 300mg.to have it work. Now the myoclonus, weight gain,sleep disturbances, joint and muscle pain, including TOS,plus more have been answered for me, for many here have had these and more problems. I will use other means for serotonin support, I know of a couple things that will work. Write me if you wish!What other alternatives do you have in mind once you get off this??
Posted by Cam W. on March 23, 2001, at 8:45:15
In reply to Re: Real or Mindset » Marlane, posted by McGuyver on March 23, 2001, at 4:39:40
McGuyver - Thank you for your balanced posts. Pretty tough swimming upstream against the minority isn't it.
I was basically run off of this board by the same mindset you are dealing with in this thread. I haven't been reading posts regularly for the past little while, but yours have given me hope again. I am thinking of posting more often again, but my mood has been extremely low of late and don't have the energy to explain over and over again the pharmacology of Effexor and it's physiological differences in different people.
Effexor is a fantastic drug if used properly. I see my pdoc next week. We were playing it by ear to see if I really needed an antidepressant and lately I think I do. We had planned at last visit that it would be Effexor. I'll keep you informed of my progress (start-up side effects and all). I'll try to give as objective view as I can and I will follow my own advice as how to minimize any side effects, if they should occur.
Don't go Mc, we need some balance on this board. I would like to see some of the medication discussions that used to happen in the good old days (about a year ago), before the fecal material hit the rotating air mover.
Sincerely - Cam
Posted by McGuyver on March 23, 2001, at 12:17:34
In reply to McGuyver - A Breath of Fresh Air, posted by Cam W. on March 23, 2001, at 8:45:15
Thanks Cam,
I don't have much time today, nor will I for the weekend. (moving) I will however turn my bad attitude off for now. I know one thing, I did over sleep today, and took my 37.5 IR on a pretty much empty stomache, ouch. NO WITHDRAWL EFFECTS, but I have one nasty stomache ache. Can't wait till later when I take the 75 er.
Off to eat, and move.
Again Cam thanks.
McGuyver - Thank you for your balanced posts. Pretty tough swimming upstream against the minority isn't it.
>
> I was basically run off of this board by the same mindset you are dealing with in this thread. I haven't been reading posts regularly for the past little while, but yours have given me hope again. I am thinking of posting more often again, but my mood has been extremely low of late and don't have the energy to explain over and over again the pharmacology of Effexor and it's physiological differences in different people.
>
> Effexor is a fantastic drug if used properly. I see my pdoc next week. We were playing it by ear to see if I really needed an antidepressant and lately I think I do. We had planned at last visit that it would be Effexor. I'll keep you informed of my progress (start-up side effects and all). I'll try to give as objective view as I can and I will follow my own advice as how to minimize any side effects, if they should occur.
>
> Don't go Mc, we need some balance on this board. I would like to see some of the medication discussions that used to happen in the good old days (about a year ago), before the fecal material hit the rotating air mover.
>
> Sincerely - Cam
Posted by Diane J. on March 23, 2001, at 12:26:35
In reply to McGuyver - A Breath of Fresh Air, posted by Cam W. on March 23, 2001, at 8:45:15
Posted by Cam W. on March 23, 2001, at 13:33:55
In reply to Re: McGuyver - A Breath of Fresh Air, posted by Diane J. on March 23, 2001, at 12:26:35
Diane - Don't be in any hurry to stop the Effexor. The slower you are weaned from it the better. Also, it is a good idea to have someone follow your progress as you come off the drug (to objectively watch for signs of both withdrawl and relapse, that may not be noticeable to you). Your therapist &/or your doc can do this. Most people can drop their dose by 75mg every 2 weeks with little problem. Some people need 3 or 4 weeks between each drop in dosage. Monitor yourself and how you feel in the days after a drop in dosage. You can always increase the dose and try to drop it again in another week.
If you do get the intractable withdrawl symptoms at low doses, there are several ways to be eased off of the drug. I have found most success by adding Prozac (fluoxetine) 10mg to 20mg for a week; then stopping the Effexor (usually at a 37.5mg dose at this point); then taking the Prozac for another week, then stopping it. Prozac's long halflife protects most people from withdrawl symptoms because it leaves the body slowly.
Good luck and hope this helps - Cam
> For me, the situation in my life has changed and I have a good therapist, and I don't feel as sad as I once did. I think the Effexor helped me get over the hard stuff.
>
> So, I will take the 150 mg for a while longer and then drop to 75mg. I just want to try. But if I need to keep taking Effexor, I will.
>
> Diane J.
Posted by Seraphim on March 23, 2001, at 14:07:39
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Leo,
Please, PLEASE, keep updating on your progress. I have experienced almost all of the bad side effects and the worst of the withdrawal symptoms. I need encouragement to continue cutting back my dosage. I didn't realize I was going through withdrawals from effexor when I either took my medicine late or forgot all together,until I had truly terrifying experiences halfway through the second day without effexor. Looking back, these same symptoms would start within three hours of a missed dose, though. My doctor never told me how important it was not to miss a dose or take it late. I thought I still had a refill of my prescription left; I was wrong, and it was the weekend. I'll spare the details, but it was so awful. I got so sick, shaky, feelings like I was moving when I wasn't, etc...Two days later I found these postings. Now two weeks later, I'm down to 150mg from 300mg a day. The withdrawal symptoms have been horrid, but I can't wait to get it out of my system. I have lost 12 pounds. The only high point. Please keep in touch. Should Janie happen to read this:
IT IS NOT JUST A MINDSET! I thank God I found these postings when I did.
Posted by willow on March 23, 2001, at 14:22:41
In reply to Re: McGuyver - A Breath of Fresh Air, posted by Diane J. on March 23, 2001, at 12:26:35
As I've posted before, I'm doing really well with the help of this medication. This week when I had my prescriptions refilled I enquired how long I would be taking and how long it is safe to take it. My doctor replied for life. Am I upset by this? No, I'm actually relieved and jubilant to be doing so well and to know that the future can be the same.
As it is now, there are no CURES for chronic conditions. Presently I'm content with being able to manage.
Whistling Willow
Posted by Seraphim on March 23, 2001, at 14:26:53
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
These postings may have saved my life; literally. I had no idea that the symptoms - side effects and withdrawal - were shared by others. I am an intelligent person (albeit inexperienced with prescription medication): I read the information given to me on Effexor; by my doctor, by my pharmacist, and on-line from Wyeth. It took a few days of not having any Effexor (prescription ran out on a weekend, thought I had a refill; was wrong) to associate the horrid symptoms to lack of the drug. All this was experienced BEFORE I ever found this site. I am now weaning off of this drug and still experiencing withdrawal, but refuse to be chained to a medication that has so adversely effected me. I do think we should all try to go into life experiences with a positive mindset - but - EFFEXOR WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS ARE NOT PSYCHOSOMATIC!
Posted by Seraphim on March 23, 2001, at 14:42:30
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Willow,
It is good to know that Effexor is working for you. I would be wary of a doctor that wants to chain you to any drug for life. My doctor has told me that after a year of stability and treatment, it is possible to go drug free and try to lead a happy life. I know it's not possible for everyone, and I'm not there yet, although I am weaning off Effexor because of adverse side effects and withdrawal symptoms. Everyone is different. Just stay informed, don't miss a dose or take one late, and be very careful. I do wish you the best. Everyone deserves to be happy and optimistic again.
Posted by Janie on March 23, 2001, at 15:59:03
In reply to Re: Real or Mindset - Janie, posted by Seraphim on March 23, 2001, at 14:26:53
> These postings may have saved my life; literally. I had no idea that the symptoms - side effects and withdrawal - were shared by others. I am an intelligent person (albeit inexperienced with prescription medication): I read the information given to me on Effexor; by my doctor, by my pharmacist, and on-line from Wyeth. It took a few days of not having any Effexor (prescription ran out on a weekend, thought I had a refill; was wrong) to associate the horrid symptoms to lack of the drug. All this was experienced BEFORE I ever found this site. I am now weaning off of this drug and still experiencing withdrawal, but refuse to be chained to a medication that has so adversely effected me. I do think we should all try to go into life experiences with a positive mindset - but - EFFEXOR WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS ARE NOT PSYCHOSOMATIC!
____________Dear ALL,
I believe the definitions of "Mind-set" and "Psychosomatic" are VERY different. I CLEARLY stated that it was NOT my intention to imply that symptoms associated with taking Effexor or withdrawing from the drug were "figments of the imagination." My point, missed by most, was that by reading many of these posts, one MIGHT associate a number of physiological conditions with Effexor, when in fact, there is NO correlation. OR...to go one step further, the mere "anticipation" of an experience can lead the mind to play dirty tricks...oh, the power of suggestion.I was simply baffled by the number of posters who continued to take the drug following the onset of crippling, debilitating, life-threatening symptomatology...and then engage in Effexor bashing, as if being FORCED to swallow the "lethal" drug by some strange habit or compulsion.
While the drug, no doubt, has some nasty withdrawal side effects, these CAN be controlled and minimalized with a sensible approach to weaning over whatever amount of time is required. No need to be a hero...right, folks? This is not natural childbirth!!!
Having never taken any medication similar to Effexor, with the exception of Buspar, I am hesitant to say whether I would recommend it to a friend. Certainly, a forewarning seems appropriate in this case.
If Leo is representative of the majority of Effexor users, then we may all look forward to basking on the beaches of the French Riviera, enjoying our award from the class action suit.
A New Straw in the Drink
Janie
BSN, M.ED, M.A.
ER Nurse Specialist (and much, much more)P.S. I am quite accustomed to feisty debate on classical music discussion sites, so my flame-proof suit is always pressed and starched. :-)
Posted by Seraphim on March 23, 2001, at 16:54:29
In reply to Re: Real or Mindset - Janie » Seraphim, posted by Janie on March 23, 2001, at 15:59:03
Janie,
1."OR...to go one step further, the mere "anticipation" of an experience can lead the mind to play dirty tricks...oh, the power of suggestion." - Isn't that statement not very close to the definition of psychosomatic?
2."engage in Effexor bashing, as if being FORCED to swallow the "lethal" drug by some strange habit or compulsion." - Maybe I'm wrong here too,(although I doubt it) but I do believe that people taking Effexor become physically addicted to the medication, ergo... the hateful withdrawal symptoms.
3. "If Leo is representative of the majority of Effexor users, then we may all look forward to basking on the beaches of the French Riviera, enjoying our award from the class action suit."
- I don't even know Leo and I feel the need to defend. Whether it is Effexor or any other prescription medication, we all have the right to full disclosure of ALL of the potential complications, long-term effects, and WARNINGS of the fast on-set of withdrawal and ensuing danger signs. To imply that the motivation is monetary, self-serving and rewarding in some way ... I believe is offensive, largely inaccurate and very cynical of you. This isn't like suing McDonald's because some idiot spilled coffee in his lap and thought there should have been a warning. (and no I have no intention to sue, but will try to get this information out in any way possible) People NEED TO KNOW what may happen to their body, mind and spirit on this medication. I was taking 300mg a day. Just maybe there is a difference between the severity of withdrawal symptoms at different dosages. Point being - I should have been told to always take the medication on time and to never, ever miss a dose. I wasn't! And yes I am resentful of the fact. It was a nightmare after missing two doses. It was very hard for my husband to witness, and I am very thankful to have someone there for me.4.Just to reiterate - "I do think we should all try to go into life experiences with a positive mind-set" - I do agree with you on at least one point.
P.S. - I'm sorry, but I fail to see what your debating skills have to do with a serious issue involving informing as many people as possible of information that they have the right to know, and should have already been aware of (whether everyone will experience it or not).
It sounds as if you find this an amusing past-time. How very, very sad your life must be.
> > These postings may have saved my life; literally. I had no idea that the symptoms - side effects and withdrawal - were shared by others. I am an intelligent person (albeit inexperienced with prescription medication): I read the information given to me on Effexor; by my doctor, by my pharmacist, and on-line from Wyeth. It took a few days of not having any Effexor (prescription ran out on a weekend, thought I had a refill; was wrong) to associate the horrid symptoms to lack of the drug. All this was experienced BEFORE I ever found this site. I am now weaning off of this drug and still experiencing withdrawal, but refuse to be chained to a medication that has so adversely effected me. I do think we should all try to go into life experiences with a positive mindset - but - EFFEXOR WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS ARE NOT PSYCHOSOMATIC!
> ____________
>
> Dear ALL,
> I believe the definitions of "Mind-set" and "Psychosomatic" are VERY different. I CLEARLY stated that it was NOT my intention to imply that symptoms associated with taking Effexor or withdrawing from the drug were "figments of the imagination." My point, missed by most, was that by reading many of these posts, one MIGHT associate a number of physiological conditions with Effexor, when in fact, there is NO correlation. OR...to go one step further, the mere "anticipation" of an experience can lead the mind to play dirty tricks...oh, the power of suggestion.
>
> I was simply baffled by the number of posters who continued to take the drug following the onset of crippling, debilitating, life-threatening symptomatology...and then engage in Effexor bashing, as if being FORCED to swallow the "lethal" drug by some strange habit or compulsion.
>
> While the drug, no doubt, has some nasty withdrawal side effects, these CAN be controlled and minimalized with a sensible approach to weaning over whatever amount of time is required. No need to be a hero...right, folks? This is not natural childbirth!!!
>
> Having never taken any medication similar to Effexor, with the exception of Buspar, I am hesitant to say whether I would recommend it to a friend. Certainly, a forewarning seems appropriate in this case.
>
> If Leo is representative of the majority of Effexor users, then we may all look forward to basking on the beaches of the French Riviera, enjoying our award from the class action suit.
>
> A New Straw in the Drink
> Janie
> BSN, M.ED, M.A.
> ER Nurse Specialist (and much, much more)
>
> P.S. I am quite accustomed to feisty debate on classical music discussion sites, so my flame-proof suit is always pressed and starched. :-)
Posted by Cam W. on March 23, 2001, at 18:16:06
In reply to Re: Real or Mindset - Janie » Janie, posted by Seraphim on March 23, 2001, at 16:54:29
Janie - One of the major problems of developing a drug for marketing is the way the FDA or Health Canada (or other regulatory agency) has to conduct clinical trials for approval (ie the randomized placebo controlled clinical trial). These trials use groups of people who are not indicative of the general population. These people are closely watched for any problems that may arise, unlike "real world" treatments. People in these trials are monitored for compliance and the trials are usually only short term (eg 6 to 8 weeks). While withdrawl was noticed in some of these participants, the true extent of the problem was not realized until after the drug was approved for use.
The problem of Effexor withdrawl has been known for years, it is just that it really reared it's ugly head after the drug was marketed (ie in uncontrolled, naturalistic circumstances). Wyeth-Ayerst should have been more diligent in informing doctors of the extent to which it could occur. I truly believe that they did not know how bad withdrawl could be for some people. Still a vast majority have few, if any withdrawl symptoms and many that do shrug off the effects as a cold or mailaise from stopping the drug.
Still, if handled correctly by a physician, almost all cases of Effexor withdrawl can be minimized. There was a very good article written in 1997 (I believe; perhaps 1996) which showed that intractable Effexor withdrawl could be alleviated using Prozac for a couple of weeks. It is a shame that more doctors are not aware of the extent to which some people get withdrawl symptoms. Much of this is probably because a majority of people do not get severe withdrawl. Hopefully, as time goes on, many more docs will become aware of the extent of the withdrawl syndrome in some people and will monitor withdrawl more closely.
I hope this is of some help in describing the state of affairs in regard to Effexor withdrawl. - Cam
Posted by Cam W. on March 23, 2001, at 18:19:01
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl » Seraphim, posted by Cam W. on March 23, 2001, at 18:16:06
Seraphim- One of the major problems of developing a drug for marketing is the way the FDA or Health Canada (or other regulatory agency) has to conduct clinical trials for approval (ie the randomized placebo controlled clinical trial). These trials use groups of people who are not indicative of the general population. These people are closely watched for any problems that may arise, unlike "real world" treatments. People in these trials are monitored for compliance and the trials are usually only short term (eg 6 to 8 weeks). While withdrawl was noticed in some of these participants, the true extent of the problem was not realized until after the drug was approved for use.
>
> The problem of Effexor withdrawl has been known for years, it is just that it really reared it's ugly head after the drug was marketed (ie in uncontrolled, naturalistic circumstances). Wyeth-Ayerst should have been more diligent in informing doctors of the extent to which it could occur. I truly believe that they did not know how bad withdrawl could be for some people. Still a vast majority have few, if any withdrawl symptoms and many that do shrug off the effects as a cold or mailaise from stopping the drug.
>
> Still, if handled correctly by a physician, almost all cases of Effexor withdrawl can be minimized. There was a very good article written in 1997 (I believe; perhaps 1996) which showed that intractable Effexor withdrawl could be alleviated using Prozac for a couple of weeks. It is a shame that more doctors are not aware of the extent to which some people get withdrawl symptoms. Much of this is probably because a majority of people do not get severe withdrawl. Hopefully, as time goes on, many more docs will become aware of the extent of the withdrawl syndrome in some people and will monitor withdrawl more closely.
>
> I hope this is of some help in describing the state of affairs in regard to Effexor withdrawl. - Cam
Posted by Janie on March 23, 2001, at 18:44:15
In reply to Re: Real or Mindset - Janie » Janie, posted by Seraphim on March 23, 2001, at 16:54:29
> Janie,
>
> 1."OR...to go one step further, the mere "anticipation" of an experience can lead the mind to play dirty tricks...oh, the power of suggestion." - Isn't that statement not very close to the definition of psychosomatic?
>
> 2."engage in Effexor bashing, as if being FORCED to swallow the "lethal" drug by some strange habit or compulsion." - Maybe I'm wrong here too,(although I doubt it) but I do believe that people taking Effexor become physically addicted to the medication, ergo... the hateful withdrawal symptoms.
>
> 3. "If Leo is representative of the majority of Effexor users, then we may all look forward to basking on the beaches of the French Riviera, enjoying our award from the class action suit."
> - I don't even know Leo and I feel the need to defend. Whether it is Effexor or any other prescription medication, we all have the right to full disclosure of ALL of the potential complications, long-term effects, and WARNINGS of the fast on-set of withdrawal and ensuing danger signs. To imply that the motivation is monetary, self-serving and rewarding in some way ... I believe is offensive, largely inaccurate and very cynical of you. This isn't like suing McDonald's because some idiot spilled coffee in his lap and thought there should have been a warning. (and no I have no intention to sue, but will try to get this information out in any way possible) People NEED TO KNOW what may happen to their body, mind and spirit on this medication. I was taking 300mg a day. Just maybe there is a difference between the severity of withdrawal symptoms at different dosages. Point being - I should have been told to always take the medication on time and to never, ever miss a dose. I wasn't! And yes I am resentful of the fact. It was a nightmare after missing two doses. It was very hard for my husband to witness, and I am very thankful to have someone there for me.
>
> 4.Just to reiterate - "I do think we should all try to go into life experiences with a positive mind-set" - I do agree with you on at least one point.
>
> P.S. - I'm sorry, but I fail to see what your debating skills have to do with a serious issue involving informing as many people as possible of information that they have the right to know, and should have already been aware of (whether everyone will experience it or not).
> It sounds as if you find this an amusing past-time. How very, very sad your life must be.
___________Seraphim
Whether an individual's side effect/effects on Effexor are clinically based, psychosomatic or unrelated is not my decision to make. I prefer to leave that up to the drug trials, hopefully carried out under the most stringent protocols. I believe we do a disservice to anyone reading these posts to imply otherwise.
You conveniently failed to address the major issue here which is we all approached our health care provider in search of medication to alleviate some problem. We all took the medication voluntarily, not knowing in advance how we might react to the drug either psychologically or physiologically. No? If at some point over time, be it day one or 5 years later, we begin to experience adverse side effects, we have choices. We can continue to take the drug and ignore our inner self, or we can call the doc and discuss alternatives. This, of course, assumes that one is not a masochist, bent on self destructive behavior. To continue on ANY elective medication to the point of debilitation, excessive weight gain, crippling disease, etc. falls into this category IMHO.
For me, personally, I made the CHOICE that the benefits of Effexor outweighed the side effects for a 9 month period. I was free to discontinue the drug at any point, so I take the responsibility for enduring the lethargy and drowsiness which I experienced.
As for the addictive potential of Effexor, I have no experience with other SRIs; therefore, I cannot address similarities of withdrawal. Yes, coming off the drug is quite inconvenient, but as I have stated several times here, manageable if done carefully and over time. Your choice.
My life is NOT very, very sad as you suggest. It's very, very rich actually...mainly because I live my life under the philosophy that, "I am cause to my own experience."
>
>
Posted by LD on March 24, 2001, at 10:05:45
In reply to Re: Real or Mindset - Janie » Seraphim, posted by Janie on March 23, 2001, at 18:44:15
To anyone who is want to get off Effexor or is in the process:
It can be done with minimal side effects! I am now 4 1/2 weeks effexor xr free and i'm finally out of the fog! I weaned VERY slowly from 225mg over the course of 3 months, then took Prozac when I reached 37.5, and am still taking the Prozac. I had w/drawel symptoms for about 3 weeks or dizziness, headaches, body aches, tired. But the past week, I feel like a new person! I feel like Effexor really put me in an unmotivational fog the past year, and i'm finally coming out of it. The w/drawel was not that horrible, I feel like I did it right with going slow and adding the Prozac.So you CAN come off this drug, just be determined to, and go slow. I am so happy to be through this!
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