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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1224 to 1248 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by Kes on July 25, 2001, at 15:32:08
In reply to Re: 7 WEEKS--EFFEXOR FREE, posted by Justineb on March 24, 2001, at 19:57:42
Hello All,
I'm new here and this is my first week lowering effexor in an attempt to get off it. It's really really terrible, I'm so dizzy and have terrible headaches, and throwing up and feeling so very strange I can't really explain it. I can't go out or live normally. Leo have you or anyone else gotten over the withdrawel totally. Any reasurance will help. How long might this take to go away? I was on 150 mg a day and now am on 75. I can't believe this is happening. Is there anywhere here on Dr.Bob's site that those of us who are going through this can chat?
OK best regards to all and thanks
Kes
Posted by Kes on July 25, 2001, at 15:57:06
In reply to Re: withdrawal should be paid for by Wyeth-Ayerst, posted by italnprnss on July 25, 2001, at 14:17:30
I respect your comments, and have not thought of suing anyone. However, I and many people have taken various antidepressents and simply put this sort of severe withdrawel from an "antidepressent" is not supposed to happen. You may notice that there are not sites and message boards dedicated to "severe" withdrawel from other similar medications. I have always been told about the possible side effects of any medicine givin to me and possible withdrawel. However I was never told to expect what I am going through at the moment, nor does the literature concerning effexor express the severity associated with coming off it. FDA has suggested and also logic suggests that the company did not expect this to happen, yet that does not take away any responsibility from the company. This is a very serious matter. In my particular case, so you may understand perhaps a bit better, the reason I became concerned about effexor in the first place is the following:
I was to take effexor twice a day, and over the past two years while on it, I noticed (besides the side effects of the drug itself - which I had read about) that I often felt dizzy, sharp shooting pains into the head, throwing up etc. etc. This would happen from time to time and I could not figure it out. Finally I figured it out.
It is stated in using effexor that if you forget to take a dose you should waite to take the the next dose. I of course followed what the doctor and literature said regarding effexor. From time to time I would forget to take a dose and wait till my next dose. This is when I would experience these very frightening and severe symptoms. Of course it never ever occured to me that it was because of the missed dose. I eventually discovered that this is what was causing the problem. I'm not sure if you are aware of this or not but often people have to change medications from time to time. This has been my experience, about every two years. I have taken Nortriptyline and Serzone and Zoloft. All of which have helped for long periods of time. I never ever once experienced this awful physical suffering because of missing one dose on any of those three medications. And most certainly I did not experience anything like the hell I am going through at the moment when I went off those medications. When I went off those medications it was a standard procedure of going off them over an extended period of time. Doing it over an extended period of time as suggested by the doctor, prevented any sort of withdrawel. This my friend is not normal, I mean what is happening with effexor. I would certainly be relieved (so as not to see any single person in the future go through such torture) to see effexor of the market.With all due respect,
Kes
> > It seems everyone is looking for someone to sue. Everyone makes their own decisions regarding prescription medication - and there is sufficient information out there on Effexor side effects and withdrawals. I know because I researched it BEFORE I started taking it, which sounds like what you should have done. There are a huge number of success stories out there for people on Effexor, can you put a price on that? Get over it, there are risks and side effects with almost any medication out there. You put it into your own body.
>
> My question is this why are you so angry? you sound like a person on a mission, relax be supportive everyone needs to vend out their frustration and these are suppose to be the outlets for it, but let's to it respectively.
Posted by Kes on July 25, 2001, at 16:24:46
In reply to You CAN get off of Effexor, posted by Cristy on July 10, 2001, at 8:14:54
Hi Christy,
Thanks for this very encouraging message! I wish you the best of luck with pregnancy! Could you please tell me how long it took you to get from 300mg to the 17 every three days you are on now. This is my first week, it was cut first from 150 to 75 I should do this for two weeks then go to 35.7 for two weeks and so on. I'm feeling so so terrible I'm wondering if this is too fast. How many miligrams at a time did you reduce for every decrease. It sound like you are doing fairly well with it and I would like to hear how you have decreased. Thanks and agian congratulations on deciding to have a baby!
Regards
Kes> I have been taking 300mg of Effexor for 3 years. Since my husband and I want to start our family, and I am in a MUCH better mind set (thanks to Effexor) it is time for me to get off.
>
> I will be honest -- the withdrawl symptoms are HELL. After reading some of these postings, I realize my withdrawl was mild compared to some. I had terrible headaches, felt sick to my stomache, cried for no reason, was dizzy, and had those "electric shocks" people have talked about. That, I think was the worst part -- feeling that every time you moved or blinked your whole body would feel it.
>
> Scary stuff -- I know. But, please keep in mind that not everyone has the same reaction to the withdrawl. That is why some doctors don't discuss these symptoms. However, they should tell you to taper off VERY slowly. The other thing to keep in mind -- it is possible to get through the withdrawl.
>
> 1 1/2 months ago, I found this tread because I thought I was losing my mind. I am now down to 1/2 of a 37.5mg pill every three days. I still have mild symptoms, but I am keeping my eye on the goal -- to get off of these pills.
>
> So. . .
>
> If you are thinking about starting Effexor, this is not a horrible drug. There are some side effects when you start that do go away. The sexual dysfunction is not as bad as some other drugs. If you have side effects that don't go away, talk to your doctor. This is the drug that finally got me into a good place -- a place I felt I could handle things again.
>
> The withdrawl systems are bad. But, taper slowly! And, if the symptoms are too bad, increase until you are able to come down again. You are also not on a set decrease schedule. you should stay on a dose for at least two weeks. But at the end of those two weeks, if your symptoms are still bad, stay on that dose until YOU are ready to decrease again. I was on my second decrease for a month and have just started my third decrease. That gives you some control, and besides, who know better that your own body when you are ready to decrease again?!
>
> As my doctor kept telling me -- be patient. You will get off the meds and you will feel better.
>
> Good luck to all of you!
Posted by jojo on July 25, 2001, at 17:17:43
In reply to anorexia, posted by helmi on July 25, 2001, at 10:09:39
> hi,
> i´ve been on effexor for 2 years, since december i´m lowering my dose. and sunday i took my last dose. i dont feel very well and expeience all that was written before. especially my head is behaving weird. fortunately i dont have to work for another 4 days. i hope this shit will soon be over.
>
> sice 5 years i have anorexia. two years ago my physician told that when i would take effexor i would be better and gain weight. stupid enough i thought that it would heal me from anorexia, so i would eat and gain weight and be normal.
>
> but this was not what he meant. my family knew this but said nothing.
>
> i gained weight, but the anorexia didn´t disappear. i hardly ate anything but i still gained weight. i was afraid that i was boulimic (my worst mightmare) and i got more depressed. so my physician increased my dose.
> i didn´t tell anybody why i was depressed.
> i gained more weight but hardly ate anything. then i suspected that it might have to do with effexor.
> i asked my physician and parents who easily confirmed it.
>
> i can´t say how guilty i feel, for having used effexor
>
> but i´m also angry, i can´t understand that somebody gives effexor to someone who is anorexic.
>
> are there people who recognise my situation?
> who have been given effexor for the same reason?
>
> sorry for my bad english but i cant think clearly át this moment
>
> how long will the withdrawel symptoms last?
>
> thanx helmihelmi-I know very little about the anorectic effects of Effexor SR. How did you feel, (what was your "mood")
while you were taking Effexor? I don't understand why you feel guilty for having used Effexor.You say that you ate very little, yet gained weight. Do you think that Effexor might help people facing starvation, such as the many reported to have starved in North Korea?
You say "i gained weight, but the anorexia didn´t disappear." I guess I don't understand the real meaning of "Anorexia". Could you explain it to me? Thanks, jojo
Posted by Nora Wolski on July 25, 2001, at 18:48:51
In reply to Sweating, posted by Stef on July 25, 2001, at 12:01:38
> Hello,
> I am taking 112.5 mg of Effexor a day and the only complaint I have is that the sweating is out of control! I sweat all the time,and it is a lot,enough to make me really uncomfortable,especially here where I live where it is about 100 degrees already.
> Anyone else have this side-effect? And if so,how long before it passes?
> I have been at this dose for about a week,so I am hoping this will pass with time. Also,I seem to be very nervous,like I am on a small amount of speed. Does this pass as well?
> Otherwise,effexor seems to be working really well for me.
> Cheers,StefStef: I used to take 300mg of Effexor a day for 1 1/2 years. From the time I started taking this medication I had the sweats. It never seemed to get better, it only got worse as they increased the dozage. There were times when I really thought my body was going to catch on fire and burn up. My whole body would be hot, hot and ringing wet all the time and I would go around with this flush face; sometimes even sick to my stomach because of it. I complained to my doctor and he said this is one of the major side effects of this drug. I can't tell how many clothes I ruined due to the sweats..count on it staying with you as long as your on Effexor..it never gets any better, believe me!!! Good Luck.Nora
Posted by Nora Wolski on July 25, 2001, at 19:33:14
In reply to Re: You CAN get off of Effexor, posted by Kes on July 25, 2001, at 16:24:46
> Hi Christy,
>
> Thanks for this very encouraging message! I wish you the best of luck with pregnancy! Could you please tell me how long it took you to get from 300mg to the 17 every three days you are on now. This is my first week, it was cut first from 150 to 75 I should do this for two weeks then go to 35.7 for two weeks and so on. I'm feeling so so terrible I'm wondering if this is too fast. How many miligrams at a time did you reduce for every decrease. It sound like you are doing fairly well with it and I would like to hear how you have decreased. Thanks and agian congratulations on deciding to have a baby!
>
> Regards
> Kes
>
> > I have been taking 300mg of Effexor for 3 years. Since my husband and I want to start our family, and I am in a MUCH better mind set (thanks to Effexor) it is time for me to get off.
> >
> > I will be honest -- the withdrawl symptoms are HELL. After reading some of these postings, I realize my withdrawl was mild compared to some. I had terrible headaches, felt sick to my stomache, cried for no reason, was dizzy, and had those "electric shocks" people have talked about. That, I think was the worst part -- feeling that every time you moved or blinked your whole body would feel it.
> >
> > Scary stuff -- I know. But, please keep in mind that not everyone has the same reaction to the withdrawl. That is why some doctors don't discuss these symptoms. However, they should tell you to taper off VERY slowly. The other thing to keep in mind -- it is possible to get through the withdrawl.
> >
> > 1 1/2 months ago, I found this tread because I thought I was losing my mind. I am now down to 1/2 of a 37.5mg pill every three days. I still have mild symptoms, but I am keeping my eye on the goal -- to get off of these pills.
> >
> > So. . .
> >
> > If you are thinking about starting Effexor, this is not a horrible drug. There are some side effects when you start that do go away. The sexual dysfunction is not as bad as some other drugs. If you have side effects that don't go away, talk to your doctor. This is the drug that finally got me into a good place -- a place I felt I could handle things again.
> >
> > The withdrawl systems are bad. But, taper slowly! And, if the symptoms are too bad, increase until you are able to come down again. You are also not on a set decrease schedule. you should stay on a dose for at least two weeks. But at the end of those two weeks, if your symptoms are still bad, stay on that dose until YOU are ready to decrease again. I was on my second decrease for a month and have just started my third decrease. That gives you some control, and besides, who know better that your own body when you are ready to decrease again?!
> >
> > As my doctor kept telling me -- be patient. You will get off the meds and you will feel better.
> >
> > Good luck to all of you!Kres: I would like to encourage you to continue tapering off the Effexor very, very slowly. In January of this year I had to stop taking the Effexor immediately. I was on 300mg a day for 1 1/2 years. Within three weeks I was totally off this medication and I thought I was going to die or maybe I wished I could have. Under normal circumstances you would never do this but because my blood pressure was at a high risk level my medical doctor had no choice but to insist that my other doctor take me off immediately. Every symptom that has been discussed here I had, but magnify it by 3 times..I was so sick I couldn't stand, see, talk or walk at times, it was really bad. It was so bad even my doctor couldn't believe it and he felt really bad. He had me take Meclazine and Neurontin to help alleviate some of the symptoms but not much really worked..just time, 3 months. Well, as you can see Kres, I made it and so can you. I feel good and even after this "nightmare" I'm still very thankful for this drug, Effexor..it saved my life. Just take your time and be patient, if it takes a little longer to get through it, so be it.
Posted by RJC on July 25, 2001, at 23:42:10
In reply to Sweating, posted by Stef on July 25, 2001, at 12:01:38
Hello Stef,
I've been on 150 a day for 16 months now and haven't stopped sweating. It's even winter here now and I still sweat while everybody else is freezing. But I can handle it as it seems to be the only side effect.
See You,
RJC
Hello,
> I am taking 112.5 mg of Effexor a day and the only complaint I have is that the sweating is out of control! I sweat all the time,and it is a lot,enough to make me really uncomfortable,especially here where I live where it is about 100 degrees already.
> Anyone else have this side-effect? And if so,how long before it passes?
> I have been at this dose for about a week,so I am hoping this will pass with time. Also,I seem to be very nervous,like I am on a small amount of speed. Does this pass as well?
> Otherwise,effexor seems to be working really well for me.
> Cheers,Stef
Posted by Stef on July 26, 2001, at 16:46:24
In reply to Re: Sweating, posted by RJC on July 25, 2001, at 23:42:10
> Hello Stef,
>
> I've been on 150 a day for 16 months now and haven't stopped sweating. It's even winter here now and I still sweat while everybody else is freezing. But I can handle it as it seems to be the only side effect.
>
> See You,
>
> RJC
>Jeez,is there anyone who the sweating has gone away for? I don't think I can stay on this if I keep going like this. It's embarrassing and really uncomfortable. I am a hot natured person to begin with,so I was sweating enough before this. Now I can't even put on my makeup.
It sucks because otherwise this medication works really well for my depression and anger.
I'll probably have to start something else. Any suggestions?
Cheers,Stef
Posted by Iris on July 26, 2001, at 21:38:06
In reply to Re: Sweating, posted by Stef on July 26, 2001, at 16:46:24
Hi Stef,
I have been on Effexor 75mg a day since April. I had all kinds of side effects when I started taking it including real bad sweating. All in all it took about six weeks for my body to get used to it and for all the side effects to go away. The "all over" sweating went away too, I only get sweaty palms ever once in a while. Good luck, Iris
Posted by Gracie2 on July 27, 2001, at 0:16:30
In reply to anorexia, posted by helmi on July 25, 2001, at 10:09:39
Helmi-
Sorry about the first post...I'm having trouble with my computer.
I suspect that when you say your "physician" prescribed Effexor for your anorexia, you are referring to a GP and not a psychiatrist.
I was at first upset with my own doctor for referring me to a psychiatrist instead of just giving me the prescription for Paxil that I asked for. Now, a year (and several antidepressants) later, and after learning as much as I can about the medication I've taken, I realize that my doctor was correct in referring me to a pyschiatrist, just as he would refer me to an orthopedic surgeon for a compound fracture. Your own doctor was mistaken for prescribing Effexor
instead of referring you to a specialist, particularly for something as serious as anorexia.
You did nothing but follow your doctor's advice,
and should not feel guilty for that.
I hope you seek treatment from a psychiatrist. Like alcoholism, you have an illness that greatly reduces your quality of life, can ruin your health and eventually escalate to a life-threatning disease. You deserve better.
Good luck-
Gracie
Posted by KB on July 27, 2001, at 1:53:59
In reply to Re: Sweating, posted by Stef on July 26, 2001, at 16:46:24
> Jeez,is there anyone who the sweating has gone away for? I don't think I can stay on this if I keep going like this. It's embarrassing and really uncomfortable. I am a hot natured person to begin with,so I was sweating enough before this. Now I can't even put on my makeup.
> It sucks because otherwise this medication works really well for my depression and anger.
> I'll probably have to start something else. Any suggestions?
> Cheers,StefDon't switch to Celexa - it's been making me sweat like crazy!
Posted by Heidi M. on July 27, 2001, at 6:44:31
In reply to Heide M, posted by jotho on July 20, 2001, at 9:52:06
> Thanks jotho!
I will keep trying.Heide...
> If you go to the page bottom and click on "psycho-babble" it will return you to Dr. Bob's home page. You can then scroll down a little bit to "search", then you can enter the keyword of the thread you wish to find. It will then list all the postings for that keyword. I think i've got that right...good luck.
Posted by ksc on July 27, 2001, at 8:25:53
In reply to Re: anorexia » helmi, posted by jojo on July 25, 2001, at 17:17:43
JOJO WROTE: You say "i gained weight, but the anorexia didn´t disappear." I guess I don't understand the real meaning of "Anorexia". Could you explain it to me?~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
JoJo, I might be able to explain this a little bit, Anorexia is when someone regardless of their size, looks in the mirror and sees only fat. They could be stick figure thin and it wouldn't matter. So in order to fix that image, an anorexic virtually starves themselves to lose weight. I think what Helmi meant by her comment, was that the medication caused her body to put on weight, but she still had the disease, because she still looked at herself as imperfect and still starved herself (or ate very little) to be thin. Anorexia isn't about your actual size, it's more about your eating habits and how your brain reacts to your views of yourself. In otherwords... an anorexic no matter what their size can look in the mirror and see themselves as grossly fat. My heart goes out to her, it's a true struggle.KSC
Posted by ksc on July 27, 2001, at 9:11:03
In reply to Sweating, posted by Stef on July 25, 2001, at 12:01:38
STEF WROTE: I have been at this dose for about a week,so I am hoping this will pass with time. Also,I seem to be very nervous,like I am on a small amount of speed. Does this pass as well?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Stef, I got the sweats at some point during the first few months of being on the effexor, but it turned out that my thyroid was also out of wack, so who knows which thing actually caused it. I do know that now that I'm on the thyroid meds, and my levels are back to normal, the sweating's gone.Probably couldn't hurt to get that checked out just in case. They say depression can be a sign of an underactive thyroid.
Good luck to you.
KSC
Posted by wendi on July 28, 2001, at 15:23:02
In reply to Re: Another satisfied customer! » Pamela, posted by kid47 on March 27, 2001, at 12:05:46
> > > I just started taking effexor 4 weeks ago, now I'm afraid to up my dosage as my doctor recomends. Are the withdrawls less if the dosage doesn't go above 75 mg? I tried the effexor XR and had terrible side effects. I stoped sleeping, became irritable, gained weight, my hands shook, my head hurt, cried all the time, and then became suicidal. I didn't have any of that with effexor. Can anyone help with advice or comments? Thanks, Wendi
> > >
> > > Just a quick note to say that I have had great results with Effexor XR. I did have a few side effects in the first three days. I had nausea for the first few hours after taking the drug. I also had a hard time sleeping for the first few nights, but I was having a hard time sleeping before the med anyway. And then there was the constant yawning that I could not control. (That could be guite comical depending on where I was.) But I am happy to say that all of that has ended now and I am feeling great. I am feeling more and more like my old self every day. I don't pretend to think that this drug will have the same effect on everyone, but it has done wonders for me. I do wonder, however; if the reason that there are far more unhappy people than happy ones posting on this web sight is because the happy ones aren't looking for a forum to sing Effexor XR's praises. If you are taking the medication and are having good results, why would you bother looking for a sight on the internet? I only found this sight purely by chance one night when I first started taking the med. Let me say, had I read many of the postings before I started taking the drug, I would not have taken it. This would have done me a great disservice. I have always just checked in on this sight and read the postings, but today I feel compelled to share my "good" Effexor XR story. Thank you for your time.
> > >
> > > Canuck
> >
> > Canuck,
> > Once again, you are talking about FXR while you are "on" it, please don't be fooled it is the scariest thing I have experienced "GOING OFF" it. I loved it while on it, it did wonders for me. Information is good and you are right about this site with no one reporting good stuff. I would love to read just "ONE" positive about the withdrawals's.... JUST ONE! It might give me hope, but in the meantime, keep reading so you become aware. Our society likes the quick fix (as did I) so we tend to hide our head in the sand if it does the job, quickly. My life will never be the same (knowledge and appreciation for my previous good health)) as for my health, I pray everyday for a full recovery from this drug. I have other detailed info if yo haven't already read. Please don't dismiss what you read, these are real people, with real suffering going on. This site helped me tremedouly knowing that I wasn't the only one and wasn't going crazy.
> > God Bless and I will pray for your success,
> > Pamela
>
> Hi Pamela. I am truly sorry for the very rough time you have had w/your FXR withdrawal. I was not going to respond to anymore of these posts as it seemed to be upsetting to you & some others. I do know how painfull, emotionally & physically mental illness can be & causing additional aggrevation is certainly not my intent.
>
> At 46 yrs old I too was unable to get out of bed, go to work or care for my family. My condition was not a reaction to any drug but from a lifetime of untreated mental ilness. After a stay in a mental hospital. I was stabilized enough to be allowed to go home (plus the insurance ran out) Like many of us, I tried what seemed like every conceivable drug available to treat my Bipolar disorder. At a time when I was busy planning how to make my death look like an accident so my family could collect my life insurance, FXR was added to my drug cocktail. Within two weeks time my life turned around. I am not particularly religous but this was truly a miracle. So for me FXR was a life saver.
>
> Like a person with cancer, aids,or heart disease, there are some of us with mental illness that are in a life or death struggle. When we make a decision to try a medication it may be out of desparation- a last ditch effort. Sometimes in those situations we need support of our decision & not negative histrionics based on anecdotal evidence. I know your intentions are to warn others of the terrible experience you have had with FXR. But when posting to especially this type of format we might be disuading a person from trying something that could very well save there life. Unfortunately people who have good luck with a drug don't post as often as those who have problems(IMO) There has also been good info posted her to minimize the withdrawal fxs.
> And there are some posts in the archives of folks who have gotten off of FXR with little or no problem. I personally know of people who have gotten of this drug with no problem also. So not everyone has had the bad experience you have had.
>
> I think there is common ground here. I believe we all feel that the maker of FXR is well aware of the potential for withdrawl problems with this drug & there should be a major campaign to educate docs & consumers. I think I read where this is already taking place.
>
> I am not posting this to put anyone down. This is only the 4th time I've ever posted & I've been "lurking" here over 2 years. As an FXR user I know how these alarmist type post make me feel. I deal with severe anxiety & some of the sensationlism surrounding this topic effects me to the point where I may stop reading these posts. I think you can be honest & accurate about a situation & still present a balanced view. I would like to see "hard" data as far as the toal # of FXR rx's written etc. At this point there is very little scientific study about these withdrawals that I have seen. Pamela, don't get me wrong. I believe you are having a terrible time & it is because of withdrawal from FXR. It would be interesting to see some studies on this. Leo mentioned he was an investigative reporter. Maybe he could look into it? Sorry about the lenght of this.
>
> Please post as to how you are feeling. Hope things are improving. Take care.
Posted by somebetter on July 30, 2001, at 0:41:15
In reply to Re: Another satisfied customer!, posted by wendi on July 28, 2001, at 15:23:02
I've tried to stay out of this one, too, but Wendi makes me feel like a chicken so I'm just going to stick my toe in the water and run like heck. It has taken me a long time to get to the semi-stable state I am in now. I am happy with my low dose of effexor xr (75mg) - not ecstatic, but happy. I was taking a much higher dose but felt 'wrong' in every sense. My doc agreed to let me cut it back to where I had felt the most comfortable. I continued taking my other meds - neurontin, topomax - and had no difficulty cutting back. I credit the other meds' help and luck. It was pretty much the same as when I quit taking Paxil after an extended period of time. Just another individual's experience.
Posted by wendi on July 30, 2001, at 8:17:04
In reply to Re: Another satisfied customer!, posted by somebetter on July 30, 2001, at 0:41:15
>I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel like a chicken. I'm just lost when it comes to this med. I felt fine on 75mg of effexor but when I went to 75mg of effexor XR I felt awful! My doctor put me back on 150mg of effexor. I can't feel any difference between the effexor 75mg and the 150mg dose but I feel a world of difference from taking the XR. I had very few side effects from the effexor but had all of the side effects I've been reading about on the XR. I am concerned though about taking a higher dose and her wanting me to switch to another antideppresent. Did you take other meds with the effexor? or tried them separately? I would really like some advice from anyone on whether I should try a different type or just stay away from the XR. Thanks
I've tried to stay out of this one, too, but Wendi makes me feel like a chicken so I'm just going to stick my toe in the water and run like heck. It has taken me a long time to get to the semi-stable state I am in now. I am happy with my low dose of effexor xr (75mg) - not ecstatic, but happy. I was taking a much higher dose but felt 'wrong' in every sense. My doc agreed to let me cut it back to where I had felt the most comfortable. I continued taking my other meds - neurontin, topomax - and had no difficulty cutting back. I credit the other meds' help and luck. It was pretty much the same as when I quit taking Paxil after an extended period of time. Just another individual's experience.
Posted by Iris on July 30, 2001, at 9:31:05
In reply to Re: Another satisfied customer!, posted by wendi on July 30, 2001, at 8:17:04
Hi, I have a question which might sound dumb - what is the difference between Effexor and Effexor XR? Thanks to anyone who will answer this.
Iris
Posted by wendi on July 30, 2001, at 10:02:50
In reply to Re: Another satisfied customer!, posted by Iris on July 30, 2001, at 9:31:05
> Effexor is a immediate release which hits your body hard at first then tappers off, the XR is a time release which is supposed to put even amounts of medicine in your body throughout the day. The effexor is taken usually two or three times a day and the XR is only taken once. Hope that helps.
Hi, I have a question which might sound dumb - what is the difference between Effexor and Effexor XR? Thanks to anyone who will answer this.
> Iris
Posted by somebetter on July 31, 2001, at 0:07:01
In reply to Re: Another satisfied customer!, posted by wendi on July 30, 2001, at 8:17:04
I was only kidding! You really made me think about our responsibility to speak out about our positive experiences with medications in light of the fact that, as you put it, often a controversial medication may be someone's last remaining chance for survival.
I was taking neurontin and topamax of course, and I was taking parlodel, estrogen, aygestin, and armour thyroid. Now I am also taking Wellbutrin. What you think? Sound like oceans of fun?
I read your question below about chest pains. I can only mention that I get nasty esophageal spasms every so often, I think from swallowing so many pills and getting careless doing so. It feels like chest pains. I have to take previcid until it goes away. Just a thought.
Posted by wendi on July 31, 2001, at 9:10:53
In reply to Re: Another satisfied customer! » wendi, posted by somebetter on July 31, 2001, at 0:07:01
> Hi somebetter, can you explain how the estrogen helps. I've heard alot of people taking it and I wonder if it could be an option to me. I know what Welbutrin is but I don't know what the other medications are for that you are taking. How is the Welbutrin working? My 9 year old son takes it with his retalin and it has worked wonders for him.I feel totally lost on these things. Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks
I was only kidding! You really made me think about our responsibility to speak out about our positive experiences with medications in light of the fact that, as you put it, often a controversial medication may be someone's last remaining chance for survival.
>
> I was taking neurontin and topamax of course, and I was taking parlodel, estrogen, aygestin, and armour thyroid. Now I am also taking Wellbutrin. What you think? Sound like oceans of fun?
>
> I read your question below about chest pains. I can only mention that I get nasty esophageal spasms every so often, I think from swallowing so many pills and getting careless doing so. It feels like chest pains. I have to take previcid until it goes away. Just a thought.
Posted by somebetter on August 1, 2001, at 2:37:38
In reply to Re: Another satisfied customer! Somebetter, posted by wendi on July 31, 2001, at 9:10:53
> Hi somebetter, can you explain how the estrogen helps. I've heard alot of people taking it and I wonder if it could be an option to me.
Hey, Wendy: Well, this explains the hormones I'm taking. You might want to check out the whole thread. http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010708/msgs/70085.html except that I was taking premphase and not estratest when my new doc switched me
>How is the Welbutrin working? My 9 year old son takes it with his retalin and it has worked wonders for him.I have had to play around with my medications for the last 4 years to get the best mix. The Wellbutrin has helped me with concentration, depressed mood, and depressed energy. I only take 150 mg. a day. I've tried getting along without it. I've tried increasing the Effexor and doing without the Wellbutrin. It just doesn't do!
The Topamax is for my migraines. I take 100 mg. twice a day. It helps with the persistent thinking music in my head, I've found. It doesn't stop it, but it keeps it at a bearable level. The Neurontin, 200 mg I think, once a day, is the neatest thing I take. It seems to settles the others into place and give them an extra little push. It really helps with anxiety and depression.
>I feel totally lost on these things. Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks
I'm really lost, too. It has been hard for me to accept that I could look and look but probably nothing was ever going to make my problems all go away. I just have too many. I don't think it's realistic to think that I can be 'fixed' by medication. Or by my doc, for that matter. So, lately I've been taking steps to make things better on my own again. But the problem is, I've been taking steps in the wrong direction! I'm rebelling.
I'm very happy for your son. It can be difficult for children to get the right meds. They aren't able to speak up for themselves and I think just suffer side effects sometimes because they don't know how to explain what they're feeling. I bet your son is a pretty neat guy. I teach his age and I get a kick out of them. I hope you find the right med for yourself soon. It just takes persistence. I really do think I have hit on the right combination for myself finally. The rest I will have to do myself. I sign myself 'somebetter' because that's how I feel. Anyway, I truly do wish you luck,and wish I could help. Don't you wish it was as easy as it was with your son? One pill? Sigh...
Posted by jotho on August 1, 2001, at 7:51:25
In reply to Re: Another satisfied customer! Somebetter, posted by somebetter on August 1, 2001, at 2:37:38
Hello...I did not follow the whole thread so i wouldn't know if this has been mentioned, but i've read over the last several years that many doctors do not attempt to balance the estrogens (aren't there three natural forms ... esterol....estradiol...and a third i can't remember?) And what about the use of progesterone (not the yam stuff)? As i said, i am just reciting what i read and have no real knowledge about the use of them, but it would seem important to check out the balance of the three, i would think. Let me know if i am out of line in that you are all already familiar with this.
luck and happy to y'all.....john
Posted by wendi on August 1, 2001, at 15:45:42
In reply to Re: Another satisfied customer! Somebetter, posted by somebetter on August 1, 2001, at 2:37:38
> > Hi, can you tell me what the Neurontin is? Is it a antideppresant? Do you have to take it in conjunction with something else? Ya, my son is pretty neat. I had a hard time putting him on medication. I just felt that he was being a kid. But I tell you, that was the best thing I could of ever done for him. He is so much happier and now doing so much better in school and socially. The hardest thing in the world is seeing a child sad, especially when its one that you love so much. I'm glad that you get to work with children. Sometimes seeing a happy child just makes life a little bit easier.
Hi somebetter, can you explain how the estrogen helps. I've heard alot of people taking it and I wonder if it could be an option to me.
>
> Hey, Wendy: Well, this explains the hormones I'm taking. You might want to check out the whole thread. http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010708/msgs/70085.html except that I was taking premphase and not estratest when my new doc switched me
>
>
> >How is the Welbutrin working? My 9 year old son takes it with his retalin and it has worked wonders for him.
>
> I have had to play around with my medications for the last 4 years to get the best mix. The Wellbutrin has helped me with concentration, depressed mood, and depressed energy. I only take 150 mg. a day. I've tried getting along without it. I've tried increasing the Effexor and doing without the Wellbutrin. It just doesn't do!
>
> The Topamax is for my migraines. I take 100 mg. twice a day. It helps with the persistent thinking music in my head, I've found. It doesn't stop it, but it keeps it at a bearable level. The Neurontin, 200 mg I think, once a day, is the neatest thing I take. It seems to settles the others into place and give them an extra little push. It really helps with anxiety and depression.
>
> >I feel totally lost on these things. Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks
>
> I'm really lost, too. It has been hard for me to accept that I could look and look but probably nothing was ever going to make my problems all go away. I just have too many. I don't think it's realistic to think that I can be 'fixed' by medication. Or by my doc, for that matter. So, lately I've been taking steps to make things better on my own again. But the problem is, I've been taking steps in the wrong direction! I'm rebelling.
>
> I'm very happy for your son. It can be difficult for children to get the right meds. They aren't able to speak up for themselves and I think just suffer side effects sometimes because they don't know how to explain what they're feeling. I bet your son is a pretty neat guy. I teach his age and I get a kick out of them. I hope you find the right med for yourself soon. It just takes persistence. I really do think I have hit on the right combination for myself finally. The rest I will have to do myself. I sign myself 'somebetter' because that's how I feel. Anyway, I truly do wish you luck,and wish I could help. Don't you wish it was as easy as it was with your son? One pill? Sigh...
Posted by gldngodess on August 1, 2001, at 16:28:22
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by Noa on November 7, 1999, at 19:31:21
> Hi, best of luck to you. Glad to hear you are feeling better. I also take effexor XR, 375 mg every morning (plus: methylphenidate 10 mg, 3x/day, synthroid 25 mcg, cytomel 12.5 mcg, and in the evening, I take serzone 150 mg.).
I take 300mg of Effexor and I am thinking about going up to 375 mg.
Does the effexor and the methyphenidate do you well?
I think I need that because I zone out sometime when peolpe talk to me, that's bad manners and I want to be able to enteract better. I am too busy with my own thoughts to really socialize. I tire of people who are superficial and I am too analytical sometime.
any suggestions........Please?~amanda
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