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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Zo on June 17, 2001, at 1:04:19
In reply to CFS, Effexor - YES!!!! - Zo?, posted by Willow on June 16, 2001, at 21:22:44
Leg-twitching seems related to ADD, and can be treated with benzos, Dex or Neurtonin. ADs don't make it worse, in fact some should help.
See the thread I just started on CFS/FM for my whole mix of meds.
Yeah, heat is a killer for me too, but am more temperature tolerant since Neurontin. And in so vastly less pain. . .
Good Luck!
Zo
Posted by Ottawa Bill on June 18, 2001, at 7:58:59
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by maggie on April 13, 2000, at 14:32:34
>I am glad I was on Efexor xr for about year. I went to a high dose of 225 Mg. to a maintenance dose of 150. About three months ago I dropped to 75 mg, and as sproing came and my therapies became more effective, I dropped to 75 mg.
I recently asked my Dr. to wean me off. He took me to 37.5 XR for two weeks and then to Effexor 37.5 for 4 days. I have been drug free for a week now, still having severe headaches, and the unsettling feeling of my brain freefloating inside my skull.
why doesn't Wyatt=Ayerst warn prospective patients of how difficult and painful this drug is to stop ?
Is this another example of a drug company treating its clients with Contempt ?Nice to see everyone on these message boards....
> helps to know one is not alone.
>
> I have been on effexor xr for about 1 year - 150mg)
> and it has really helped me with my depression!!!
>
> BUT I have found - from missing doses - that the
> withdrawal effects are real. For me, they have
> included strange effects in my brain. A feeling
> of electricity or shocks, also vertigo when I move
> my head from side to side or up and down. Then it
> feels like my head has moved too fast and my eyes
> take a few seconds to catch up. This prohibits
> driving, makes me dizzy and feels very bizarre.
>
> Muscular tension and knots in my leg and hip -
> where I previously had bursitis - GREATLY
> increased when I decreased my dosage from 325 mg
> back to 150mg od.
>
> The side effects, that I can live with, are
> weird dreams plus a LOT of twitching and
> involuntary movements of arms and legs when in bed.
> These wake me up lots of times, but that is much
> preferrable to the weight of depression.
>
> This drug is wonderful for some,
> and disasterous for others.
> Worth a try if you really want to be rid of
> that dreaded pit of despair!!!
>
> Maggie
Posted by Becca L. on June 18, 2001, at 8:39:53
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Ottawa Bill on June 18, 2001, at 7:58:59
when i read what so many people have written about the side effects and particularly the withdrawal syndrome associated with effexor, i just thank whatever lucky stars i may have that i never started on it. i know that it often IS the only effective treatment for some people, but in all cases, the fact that most doctors fail to warn patients of the withdrawals is not only malpractice, but it also reinforces many people's beliefs that they are incurably "crazy" when this happens to them. a few months ago a friend of mine who had been on effexor for over a year tried to wean herself off slowly, and ended up in the emergency room with a severe panic attack. she's still not over the emotional repercussions of this, and she feels 'stuck' on effexor now, afraid to try going off again. if it really helps then that's the most important thing, but i would definetely treat this as a drug of last resort.
Posted by ksc on June 18, 2001, at 8:42:33
In reply to CFS, Effexor - YES!!!! - Zo?, posted by Willow on June 16, 2001, at 21:22:44
Willow Wrote:
"Do you find anything that makes you worse or better?...there's not many with CFS on this board."Willow, As I mentioned in my previous post, I've been on 112.5mg of Effexor since last fall and the dreams and sleep problems CAUSED symptoms of Fibromyalgia (chronic muscle pain and CFS). I dream very vividly and can't go into stage 4 sleep. It's severely exhausting.
Anyway, My doc calls and leaves a voice mail..."go ahead and taper off the Effexor, although I'd recommend doing it over a few weeks....click"...Needless to say after the support and comments on this website... I'm seeing a new doc on Wednesday, to help me get down off this darn drug with a little support.
I've started tapering down my dosage. I've been taking 75mg for almost a week now and the pain in my muscles is starting to subside a bit. I'm still having the dreams, but I'm feeling a little more rested and I didn't have to rest all weekend, just to go to work this morning. I was actually able to get out and do a few "fun" things.
I've had the dreams and sleep problems from the get-go with these meds, and they seemed to get worse as the dosage increased. I'll keep y'all posted as I wein off this thing, to see how it goes. So far no major side affects from reducing my dosage the 37.5mg.
All I can say is be careful with this drug. The side effects caused me to feel worse AFTER taking it, than I did BEFORE I started.
KSC
Posted by Cam W. on June 18, 2001, at 10:05:40
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Ottawa Bill on June 18, 2001, at 7:58:59
> why doesn't Wyatt=Ayerst warn prospective patients of how difficult and painful this drug is to stop ?
Bill - Wyeth-Ayerst has had withdrawl information in the CPS since at least 1999. They are legally covered, but if you are looking for someone to go after; perhaps your doctor should have told you about the withdrawl effects. Then again, the company has told most of the doctors about the withdrawl effects, but the doctors do forget, because most people who quit Effexor (esp. Effexor XR) have no withdrawl symptoms, and many that do, do not report them to their doctors. - Cam
Posted by Willow on June 18, 2001, at 19:07:18
In reply to Re: CFS, Effexor - YES!!!! - Zo?, posted by ksc on June 18, 2001, at 8:42:33
KSC - Do mean the effexor gave you symptoms of FMS/CFS or it worsened a preexisting
condition?Willow
Posted by MsNeffy on June 18, 2001, at 20:40:11
In reply to Re: withdrawal syndrome » Ottawa Bill, posted by Cam W. on June 18, 2001, at 10:05:40
> > why doesn't Wyatt=Ayerst warn prospective patients of how difficult and painful this drug is to stop ?
>
> Bill - Wyeth-Ayerst has had withdrawl information in the CPS since at least 1999. They are legally covered, but if you are looking for someone to go after; perhaps your doctor should have told you about the withdrawl effects. Then again, the company has told most of the doctors about the withdrawl effects, but the doctors do forget, because most people who quit Effexor (esp. Effexor XR) have no withdrawl symptoms, and many that do, do not report them to their doctors. - CamMy doctor prescribed effexor to me today, I came here looking for information about the drug before I began taking it. I specifically asked him if there were any major side effects or withdrawl symptoms and he said no. Is it just that Dr's are uninformed for the most part? Needless to say after reading I think I'll try something else...any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by Kristi on June 18, 2001, at 21:23:08
In reply to Re: withdrawal syndrome, posted by MsNeffy on June 18, 2001, at 20:40:11
Hi!
I am really glad you found this sight before you began your effexor. There is such wonderful information on here. I certainly wish I had!!!
You asked for advice.... and I'd like to give you my opinion.... but keep in mind it is only that. My opinion. You do what you feel is right.. and I should stress... everyone is different.
I think this is a much better source for "side effects and risks"... better than any pamphlet. Everytime I see someone new asking about effexor, or about to get on... my stomache does this little flip floppy thing. It was the worst drug for me... and as you can see, for quite a few. As someone once posted... it is only the people who come here that have problems.. the rest are out and about with their lives.... but do you really want to take the chance? There are sooo many AD's out there to choose..... ask your doctor for one your less leary about. If you see the archives... effexor seems to dominate a lot of the board... in my eyes.. that is not a good thing. And please be strong if your doctor says to ignore what you've read. I just don't really see a need for you to start this drug with so many out their to choose from. UNLESS... big unless, you have tried many others and they haven't worked for you. In that case, I believe you should give it a try. I consider it a last resort thing. I'm talking from personal experience, what I've read on this board... and what friends and family have gone thru. Good luck in whatever you decide. Thinking of you, Kristi
> > > why doesn't Wyatt=Ayerst warn prospective patients of how difficult and painful this drug is to stop ?
> >
> > Bill - Wyeth-Ayerst has had withdrawl information in the CPS since at least 1999. They are legally covered, but if you are looking for someone to go after; perhaps your doctor should have told you about the withdrawl effects. Then again, the company has told most of the doctors about the withdrawl effects, but the doctors do forget, because most people who quit Effexor (esp. Effexor XR) have no withdrawl symptoms, and many that do, do not report them to their doctors. - Cam
>
> My doctor prescribed effexor to me today, I came here looking for information about the drug before I began taking it. I specifically asked him if there were any major side effects or withdrawl symptoms and he said no. Is it just that Dr's are uninformed for the most part? Needless to say after reading I think I'll try something else...any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by Zo on June 19, 2001, at 2:16:39
In reply to Re: withdrawal syndrome » MsNeffy, posted by Kristi on June 18, 2001, at 21:23:08
The only problem I'm having with the Effexor-withdrawal fire raging thru this board is that the hairest, hands-down, junkie-snivelling withdrawal I ever had was to. . .. Desryrel.
I'm awfully sorry people have had a tough time getting off Effexor.
And I've known docs to say all *sorts* of meds have No Side Effects. Who knows why such carelessness happens.
I'm just not sure the experiences here amount to a reason to label Effexor some scary, bad drug. Example: Serzone turned me into a walking zombie, unable to function for five months, unable even to express what I was going through. Should I start a thread scaring everybody all to hell about Serzone?
My call is, I think not.
Best,
Zo
Posted by Bayla on June 19, 2001, at 5:55:49
In reply to CFS, Effexor - YES!!!! - Zo?, posted by Willow on June 16, 2001, at 21:22:44
> A comment on your problems with Effexor, Zo:
Just to reiterate my previous posting statement of how our different syndromes etc. affect the uptake of Effexor....since I have been on the drug, I am having NO dreams and no restless leg s/s - which is dramatic for me as I used to not only dream vividly, but have those intense "night terrors". My Fibro pain has been reduced more than 50% and my fatigue has been virtually eliminated...just some sleepiness during the first few hours after taking the drug...and that symptom is becoming more tolerable each new day I'm on the drug. It's amazing how our unique body chemistry integrates these meds, isn't it? That's why the treatment of Fibro/CFS has been so difficult, as these syndromes are so multifaceted that there is no protocol that seems to "fit", even as a baseline. There is so much trial and error with meds that many of us get so frustrated. But I'm so thrilled with the benefits of Effexor in treating my own symptoms, it's hard not to want to shout "try it" from the rooftops!
Posted by ksc on June 19, 2001, at 11:33:35
In reply to KSC ??, posted by Willow on June 19, 2001, at 9:43:06
Willow Wrote: "Do mean the effexor gave you symptoms of FMS/CFS or it worsened a preexisting
condition?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hi Willow,
Actually it looks like it gave me the SYMPTOMS of FMS/CFS (chronic fatigue, muscle pain and weakness). I was always one who slept through the night before I started taking my Effexor. Then as soon as I started taking Effexor XR the dreams started... every night, wierd dreams. They eventually got worse to the point where I couldn't go into stage 4 REM sleep. REM sleep is the point where your body takes in the most oxygen and rejuvenates your muscles. My body wasn't able to do that, which we believe caused the muscle pain and weakness.I was at the point where it felt like I'd pumped 300 pounds of weights with my legs by just walking up a flight of stairs. To carry a bag of groceries was like carrying 50+lbs. I slept 10 hrs/night and felt like I hadn't slept at all, and I had to sleep at least one full day on the weekend just to go to work on Monday.
I've tapered off from 112.5 to 75mg for almost a week now and I already have more energy and the muscle pain and stiffness has lessened.
Kate
Posted by ksc on June 19, 2001, at 12:13:22
In reply to Re: withdrawal syndrome, posted by Zo on June 19, 2001, at 2:16:39
Zo Wrote: "Serzone turned me into a walking zombie, unable to function for five months, unable even to express what I was going through. Should I start a thread scaring everybody all to hell about Serzone? My call is, I think not."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Do what you want Zo, but this site has been a God send for some of us. When you're feeling as though you're a 33 year old in a 93 year olds body, and doctors can't figure out why, you have no idea how great it feels to find out that it's all because of a silly little pill.We keep saying that this medication doesn't work the same for everyone. There's no question about that!!! We just want to make people aware of what it CAN do, and if you start to feel like "this" then it COULD be your medication, not some serious disease, like they thought was wrong with me. That way people don't have to unnecessarily feel like death warmed over for months or years on end.
So please stop dissing us for feeling crummy. We're just trying to educate others for what our doctors wouldn't educate us on.
Posted by Willow on June 19, 2001, at 12:20:06
In reply to Re: KSC ??, posted by ksc on June 19, 2001, at 11:33:35
KSC
Your side-effects aren't abnormal. Suprisingly for me despite the side-effects it has energized me somewhat. And the tiredness you describe it is helping to alleviate. Also I've noticed that the withdrawals that people are describing are the symptoms of my CFS.
I completed a sleep test in April, it shows that my stage four sleep is half of what it should be and stage one is double what it should be, and the rest are normal. My arousal index was elevated and limb movements was moderately-severe. In July I'll see the doctor for an interpretation.
Gees who would think sleep was more than just well sleep?
Willow
Posted by ksc on June 19, 2001, at 12:27:30
In reply to Re: KSC ??, posted by Willow on June 19, 2001, at 12:20:06
Willow wrote: "Also I've noticed that the withdrawals that people are describing are the symptoms of my CFS."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I know... that's what sort of made me nervous, because I was having those symptoms BEFORE going off. I've been a little wiery that it might get worse before it gets better (can't imagine that's possible), but at least I'm prepared for it. However...so far so good! WAHOO...
Thaks for the support ;-)Hope all goes well with you and your sleep tests.
KSC
Posted by MsNeffy on June 19, 2001, at 12:48:07
In reply to Re: withdrawal syndrome » MsNeffy, posted by Kristi on June 18, 2001, at 21:23:08
>
> Hi!
> I am really glad you found this sight before you began your effexor. There is such wonderful information on here. I certainly wish I had!!!
> You asked for advice.... and I'd like to give you my opinion.... but keep in mind it is only that. My opinion. You do what you feel is right.. and I should stress... everyone is different.
> I think this is a much better source for "side effects and risks"... better than any pamphlet. Everytime I see someone new asking about effexor, or about to get on... my stomache does this little flip floppy thing. It was the worst drug for me... and as you can see, for quite a few. As someone once posted... it is only the people who come here that have problems.. the rest are out and about with their lives.... but do you really want to take the chance? There are sooo many AD's out there to choose..... ask your doctor for one your less leary about. If you see the archives... effexor seems to dominate a lot of the board... in my eyes.. that is not a good thing. And please be strong if your doctor says to ignore what you've read. I just don't really see a need for you to start this drug with so many out their to choose from. UNLESS... big unless, you have tried many others and they haven't worked for you. In that case, I believe you should give it a try. I consider it a last resort thing. I'm talking from personal experience, what I've read on this board... and what friends and family have gone thru. Good luck in whatever you decide. Thinking of you, Kristi
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > > > why doesn't Wyatt=Ayerst warn prospective patients of how difficult and painful this drug is to stop ?
> > >
> > > Bill - Wyeth-Ayerst has had withdrawl information in the CPS since at least 1999. They are legally covered, but if you are looking for someone to go after; perhaps your doctor should have told you about the withdrawl effects. Then again, the company has told most of the doctors about the wi
Posted by ksc on June 19, 2001, at 15:11:17
In reply to Re: withdrawal syndrome » MsNeffy, posted by paulk on June 19, 2001, at 14:04:28
Paulk Wrote: "If you felt particularly bad on it, you might be one of the 1% that has a bipolar disorder that gets triggered with SSRIs."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm very sorry, but I for one am slightly insulted by your diagnosis. What you're basically saying here is that each of these poor people who is having negative side effects from this drug has bi-polar disorder. That is a very strong statement to make, and I for one would like to see some form of proof of this.
Posted by paulk on June 19, 2001, at 16:15:18
In reply to Re: withdrawal syndrome, posted by ksc on June 19, 2001, at 15:11:17
> Paulk Wrote: "If you felt particularly bad on it, you might be one of the 1% that has a bipolar disorder that gets triggered with SSRIs."
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> I'm very sorry, but I for one am slightly insulted by your diagnosis. What you're basically saying here is that each of these poor people who is having negative side effects from this drug has bi-polar disorder. That is a very strong statement to make, and I for one would like to see some form of proof of this.Seems like I said something like - “might be” - and something about - “1%”- didn’t I? I am not a doctor and don’t pretend to be making a “diagnosis”. I also am sorry if something I said was “insulting”??
On the other had – I had a long-term (20+years) friend who attempted suicide – he was admitted to a hospital –where they put him on Effexor, which sent him off to a manic state that he found unbearable. Turns out they had missed-diagnosed him, and he was found to be bi-polar. He now takes Lithium and isn’t doing real well, but is a bit better. I was hoping to share this with others who may have gone down that path because many doctors, who are prescribing Effexor, would not necessarily recognize what was happening.
I think you might want to read through what I wrote – I think perhaps you misunderstood me – I just reread and it seems there may be some confusion about withdrawal symptoms/ verses side effects (which I have gone through twice getting of Effexor – and find like a mild flue that last for some weeks - yuck)
We all have different DNA and thus Neurochemistry and therefore react differently to medications. If you have had bad side effects from Effexor it doesn’t mean you are bipolar – it also doesn’t mean that this is a bad drug for others.
If I had a mania reaction from taking Effexor, I would sure want to find out if I was bipolar so I could get the appropriate medicines.
Posted by AnitaThib on June 20, 2001, at 11:10:42
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I started taking Effexor 6 weeks ago. Dosage of 150 mg daily. I have never felt so normal in a long time. Energy level great, mood stable and happy. No more staying in bed for 3 days at a time and not knowing why I was so sad. Had tried zoloft for a couple of years and was previously on celexa. Could not notice any difference on these two drugs; but, when my physician gave me samples of Effexor to try, it was almost immediate relief and feeling of stability. Would recommend to anyone.
Posted by dugbet on June 20, 2001, at 14:43:57
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by AnitaThib on June 20, 2001, at 11:10:42
It was nice to hear your message, so many of the messages sound pretty doom and gloom. I have no signs of depression but have suffered from uncontrollable fatigue and migrane headaches (4-5 a week) for about three years now. My doctor has me on Celexa which has almost completly eliminated the headaches but has not phased the fatigue. I am in the process of slowing down the celexa intake so that I can start on Effexor. It seems strange to be taking these meds that are to be for depression as I am very happy, content, calm and have a great life except for this horrible fatigue. Since the fatigue ruins my days I guess I'm willing to try about any thing.
> I started taking Effexor 6 weeks ago. Dosage of 150 mg daily. I have never felt so normal in a long time. Energy level great, mood stable and happy. No more staying in bed for 3 days at a time and not knowing why I was so sad. Had tried zoloft for a couple of years and was previously on celexa. Could not notice any difference on these two drugs; but, when my physician gave me samples of Effexor to try, it was almost immediate relief and feeling of stability. Would recommend to anyone.
Posted by Christina T on June 20, 2001, at 19:46:47
In reply to Re: im trying to quit, im losing my mind, posted by Gerri_mww on July 9, 2000, at 14:36:45
I know exactly how you've been feeling. Since moving to a new city and not having a job for a while, I wasn't able to see a doctor. I had to take myself off of them. And it's been awful. All the symptoms that everyone has mentioned has happened to me. I feel like i'm cracking up half the time.
But I was reading that effexor balances serotonin levels in the brain. I wonder if taking a serotonin supplement will lessen the withdrawl effects. Any input on this???
Christina
> > > how can i get off this med, without losing my mind?
> >
> > James here....
> >
> > Taper then take Prozac for a few days. The prozac will slowly leave your body and end the problems you are having. I'm glad you found this space because we mention this trick often. Sorry your doc does not know about it, many do.
> >
> > james
>
> It sounds like the Effexor was really helping with anxiety. If the Prozac plan doesn't appeal to you maybe have your doc put your on Wellbutrin or Buspar for the panic until you are totally off the Effexor or as a med instead of the effexor to control anxiety. I was first on buspar but even at half a dose I felt drugged out so I switched to Wellbutrin for the anxiety. You also might try cutting out all forms of caffiene, I find that even having a chocolate bar will increase my chances of having an attack that day (and I have gone to the emergency room several times for "heart attacks" LOL).
> Gerri
Posted by b on June 20, 2001, at 23:03:44
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Ottawa Bill on June 18, 2001, at 7:58:59
I'm so glad I found this website! My doctor weaned me off Effexor after being on it 8
months by having me take four days each of the lower doses. I have been off of it for a
HUGE total of 3 days. For the last 2 days, I've had major dizziness OFTEN and I can cry
at the drop of a hat. I thought I was going crazy or needing to call up Doc for another
appointment. All she told me was to expect "flu-like symptoms" not weird "flighty" brain
sensations and MORE feelings of depression. From reading through your comments, I
feel like I'm not alone and I'll give myself a couple of weeks to feel like an actual person
again.
Effexor was a GREAT help when I needed it most! It was well worth these withdrawls IF
they subside soon!?
Posted by Lynnae on June 25, 2001, at 8:42:22
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hello! I need some help. I have taken Paxil, Zoloft, and Celexa along with Ativan and another nerve pill (I can't remember it's name). My main issue is anxiety -- I get jittery, tremble, feel like I can't breathe, etc. I am tired of being given all these "wonder drugs" that do nothing but make me fat. Does anyone have any experience with Buspar for anxiety? Also, what about Effexor XR? I have not heard much about the Buspar (good or bad), but have read awful things about Effexor. Please let me know if Buspar works toward eliminating anxiety. I can't stand feeling this way! Thank you all so much for helping me out here. :)
Posted by AKC on June 25, 2001, at 12:02:07
In reply to Buspar - is it really helpful for anxiety?, posted by Lynnae on June 25, 2001, at 8:42:22
I personally had an awful experience on Buspar - it clouded my mind - I was in a deep state of depression mixed with panic and I believe to this day that the buspar added to the confused state. My only "evidence" is that when they took me off the buspar at the hospital, the next day a loud noise that had been going off in my head was gone (I didn't realize how bad it was until it was gone). So I am in the down column on buspar.
As far as Effexor goes, it has helped me tremendously for depression, but not at all for anxiety. And it is probably contributing to my anxiety - I am just now starting to understand how the antidepressants may mess up the hypomania side of bipolar II. I have never heard of it being used for anxiety, but someone else on this board may have had some success with it for that purpose. Good luck.
Posted by gilbert on June 25, 2001, at 20:01:55
In reply to Re: Buspar - is it really helpful for anxiety?, posted by AKC on June 25, 2001, at 12:02:07
> I personally had an awful experience on Buspar - Ditto Ditto Ditto.......Buspar was useless for panic and made me jumpy as hell. Also got very dizzy right after taking it with hot flashes.....bizarre.
Gil
Posted by Willow on June 25, 2001, at 20:58:26
In reply to Re: Buspar - is it really helpful for anxiety?, posted by gilbert on June 25, 2001, at 20:01:55
I find Effexor is great for genarlized anxiety. The initial side-effects can mimic anxiety: racing heart and sweating. My pharmascist told me that this was normal and ends in about two weeks, before I started taking it. Each time I had increased the dosage I initially got the sweating again but it goes away withing a month. Here it's getting hot so I melt in with the crowd. Don't be scared by other's experience. It has eliminated my anxiety.
Free Willow
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