![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1424 to 1448 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by galtin on November 10, 2001, at 11:46:00
In reply to OFF Effexor, posted by Sleepy on November 8, 2001, at 11:37:19
> The first really bad episode consisted of myself and my two children on our way to my daughter's weekly music lesson. After 3 months of driving her there every Saturday I suddenly FORGOT how to get there and drove around
frantically searching (of course this frightened my children and scared the bleep out of me.Sleepy,
I have used Effexor for six years with lots of success. But I was glad to read your post. My concentration, such as it is, seems as good as ever but I do have memory lapses. I have been wondering if this is just another sign of getting older (48) or an Effexor side effect. Yesterday i drove by two gorgeous trees a mile or two from home whose leaves had turned a deep, late autumn red. I made a note to myself to show them to my wife and ask her what kind of trees they were. Later in the day I remembered to take her by the trees, but I could not remember where the hell they were.A friend refers to these episodes as "senior moments," but maybe, for me, they are "Effexor moments." I hope the effect is not cumulative.
galtin
Posted by Iseley on November 10, 2001, at 21:10:15
In reply to Possible withdrawal agony scares me, posted by shar on July 8, 2000, at 23:29:13
Please call your Food & drug administration on your side effects & withdrawal symptoms. They are not aware unless YOU inform them. I would never have taken Zyban / welbutrin had I known I would have withdrawal symptoms that feel like brain seizures which come at me back to back. I could also describe this as being electrocted with high voltage to the brain every couple of seconds. I cannot even wean without having these horrific symptoms. The FDA is not aware of adverse effects unless we report them ! Oh, of course they have had some complaints but not enough (considering the millions of people on these psychotropic drugs) to warrent adding them to the list of side effects. Had we notified the FDA many of us would not have chosen a particular drug that might be causing these & other serious side effects. I've read of several deaths relating to these psychtropic drugs in the UK & Canada. Please alert the FDA regarding any adverse side effects so others can be more informed than we are. Call information for their listing, you can register the information over the phone. We may save a life! Go to all the sites you post drug reactions to & let others know of the importance of getting this information to the FDA. Who knows, some drug company might see the merit in creating something to help us through the withdrawals or side effects Luck to all.
Posted by Cam W. on November 10, 2001, at 21:55:34
In reply to IMPORTANT To All, posted by Iseley on November 10, 2001, at 21:10:15
Iseley - The deaths reported in regards to bupropion were either massive overdoses or the victims were taking other drugs capable of causing heart problems at the same time. Please, before posting alarmist information, make sure that you have the facts straight.
See:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010221/msgs/55163.html
and
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010221/msgs/55124.html
Thanks - Cam
Posted by Elizabeth on November 10, 2001, at 23:26:17
In reply to Re: IMPORTANT To All » Iseley, posted by Cam W. on November 10, 2001, at 21:55:34
Cam - thanks for your post. I agree that overly sensationalistic posting is not a good idea and can even be dangerous.
-elizabeth
Posted by witchypoo on November 11, 2001, at 14:44:25
In reply to Re: IMPORTANT To All » Cam W., posted by Elizabeth on November 10, 2001, at 23:26:17
there recently was a news report and they were
talking about how the FDA is coming down on the drug companies for making these drugs look like miricle drugs in all these commericials, but are not reporting the side effects.
I had not been able to sleep, and my PDR gave me sonata to help. I have to say i was really impressed with it. it does'nt give you a hangover
in the morning! and it only stays in your system
for 4 hours! I did my research this time before
taking this! Now i got the sleep thing going now alls i need to do is get the tightness out of my neck , and get some motivation, and i'll be good to go! Also i'll have to say i have had NO appetite since he up my dosage,a nd i hope to God it stays this way, because i have got to drop some weight! one way or another it has got to go.
which i think maybe if i got rid of this it would help with motivation! Does anyone know if you can take in diet meds while on this?
Thanks witchypoo
Posted by Katey on November 11, 2001, at 18:09:42
In reply to Re: IMPORTANT To All, posted by witchypoo on November 11, 2001, at 14:44:25
I thought i would throw in my opinion too. i agree with both Cam and Isley. If you are having serious adverse side affects that arent listed on your prescription warning, then you should definately call in and report it. I also agree with Cam that you need to be careful to not over exaggerate on things that you read and hear.
Posted by JohnX2 on November 12, 2001, at 19:22:35
In reply to Re: IMPORTANT To All, posted by witchypoo on November 11, 2001, at 14:44:25
This is funny.I saw a comedy bit by Genine Garaffalo (spelled
right?). She was joking about Paxil commercials
for Social Phobia. She listed all the side effects
on the commercial like dry mouth,constipation,
sexual dysfunction, etc, and then jokingly said
screw it people, just stay home where it is "safe" and
drink a 6-pack and watch TV instead.
It was really funny the way she ragged on the
commercial.-john
> there recently was a news report and they were
> talking about how the FDA is coming down on the drug companies for making these drugs look like miricle drugs in all these commericials, but are not reporting the side effects.
> I had not been able to sleep, and my PDR gave me sonata to help. I have to say i was really impressed with it. it does'nt give you a hangover
> in the morning! and it only stays in your system
> for 4 hours! I did my research this time before
> taking this! Now i got the sleep thing going now alls i need to do is get the tightness out of my neck , and get some motivation, and i'll be good to go! Also i'll have to say i have had NO appetite since he up my dosage,a nd i hope to God it stays this way, because i have got to drop some weight! one way or another it has got to go.
> which i think maybe if i got rid of this it would help with motivation! Does anyone know if you can take in diet meds while on this?
> Thanks witchypoo
Posted by Pamela Lynn on November 13, 2001, at 3:01:16
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by kid47 on November 8, 2001, at 15:50:33
> > Hi there
> > I am new to the board, this is my 1st post.
> > It was great to find this on the internet.
> > I started reading starting from the begining,
> > and was hoping it would get better...does'nt seem that way.
> > I have been on Effexor XR for the last 9mo.
> > I started on AD right after i had my 3rd baby.
> > severe post partum. tried alot of different things none worked. zoloft, prozac,buspar,and several others, the my pdr put me on effexor.
> > I now am taking 300mg of it a day in the morning.
> > I'm glad to know that im not AS crazy as i thought i was.
> > It has helped with my moods and feeling irritable
> > all the time,helped me to to sit around and cry.
> > However...
> > I have had the vivid dreams, dreams that seem so real they stay with you all day long.
> > I have had the acne arounf the scalp. Ive never had acne before.
> > I have also had the fatigue, cant sleep at night,
> > not gained weight, becasue i started taking Ad
> > right after having the baby, however i hav'nt dropped a pound.
> > I have had no motivation, the things i use to love to do, id still love to do, i just dont want to. its very werid!
> > and God forbid i miss a dose! Whoa! I feel so
> > dizzy, i feel like im here and im aware of everything around me, but im just there. a blob!
> > i hate that feeling!
> > Im now convinced i'll be on this the rest of my life! i have 3 little girls and i cant afford at this point in my life to go through withdrawls as
> > severe as everyone has dicribed in here. I have not read where one person has said it was easy i had no problems. Maybe thats what the pharmasutical compant intended, get people addicted, and we make money FOREVER! I know when i miss my dose, im like trying to get to ASAP!
> > so no one can tell me its not addicting!
> > Right now im looking for the right meds that i can combine any sugestions would be great!
> > Something that will get me going and something that will help me sleep.
> > its funny but my pdr says i should not be feeling this way. he says it should have the opposit effect on me more energy, better sleep, lose weight, and the reason it has'nt happened yet, is
> > because im on not on the right dose. how high can
> > it go? anyone that could give me any info id appreciate. Also the pdr is talking about putting me on welbutrin, what does anyone know about this?
> > thank you-
> > witchypoo
. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >First I would like to say hello to everyone that I have read about so far on this particular thread. My name is Pamela Lynn and I too, take Effexor....3X daily @75mg per capsule. (I also take 1 Wellbutrin SR 100mg tab.; Zyprexa-5mg 1/2 tab in the AM, 1/2 tab in PM and 1/2 tab mid-day IF NEEDED; Xanax @ 0.5mg up to 4X daily if needed for panic attacks; I have also been on Ambien (NEVER worked for me) for sleep and Temazepam for sleep at the present, and since it is almost 4AM here, what does that tell you about it?LOL) Anyway...back to the Effexor.....
Frankly, it has saved my life, literally. I had been on only the Wellbutrin and Zyprexa and my slight psychotic eppisodes were less severe, but my depression, as had been since I was 14, was ever-present. About 4 mos. ago my psychiatrist put me on my first dose of Effexor-nothing at only 1 75mg capsule...then she upped it to 2 of them a day, now I am on 3 daily, along with the above mentioned meds., and FEEL FABULOUS (KNOCK ON WOOD!!lol) I DEFINATELY feet a bit of a 'serene jolt' now right after I take each Effexor pill. My moods have steadily become more 'happy and serene', instead of meloncholoy and semi-psychotic. I've been in and out of mental facilities (3 last Dec-Jan), I feel soo in control now being on the Effexor. Hmmm, let's see, the only side effects I am getting from it, and only now at the higher dose, are tightening in my jaw, and sleeplessness (have suffered insomnia for a year now, now more so--though I am told once my body gets used to the dose this hopefully will subside and sleep will return a bit.)Since I have been on antidepressants almost all of my life, and am now almost 31....I REALLY feel that the Effexor has finally allowed me some piece of mind here. I say to anyone out there that is suffering from depression and other meds. have not worked...PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE TRY the Effexor, talk to your Doc...ask his/her opinion, and try it...
I have NO INTENTIONS on stopping the Effexor, even though increasingly feeling better everyday. Why would I stop a good thing??? You know? I understand I am the kind of person that will probably have to be on meds. for depression for the rest of my life..BUT, diabetics also need insulin for their lives, and depression is a disease in and of itself...and should be treated as such, if you are constantly down and can't get out of it and your docs. and YOU feel the meds. are helping.
Well....that is my take on the medication Effexor. PLEASE, anyone out there feel free to email me at my email address that's posted here; anytime...........P.L.
Posted by JANNBEAU on November 13, 2001, at 12:02:35
In reply to RE EFFEXOR-DID ANYONE HAVE TINNITUS SYMPTOMS, posted by Mary-Teresa on November 3, 2001, at 16:41:49
> My doc has suggested I try effexor. I had terrible tinnitus develope on zoloft. I am still having severe panic attacks when the ringing elevates. Right now I am on 3 mg lorazepam daily.
> I'm scared to try anything new, but need to.
> MaryHi, Mary
I have preexisting tinnitus. Effexor-XR makes it worse. However, I feel SO much better that I tolerate the ringing in my ears. I'm taking Effexor-XR 150 mg/day for chronic intractable pain and associated depression. MUCH better since starting this medication. I'm not worried about stopping it. My doctor says she has never had anyone who could not stop taking it, when properly tapered off.
Posted by petey on November 13, 2001, at 13:30:09
In reply to Re: RE EFFEXOR-DID ANYONE HAVE TINNITUS SYMPTOMS, posted by JANNBEAU on November 13, 2001, at 12:02:35
> > My doc has suggested I try effexor. I had terrible tinnitus develope on zoloft. I am still having severe panic attacks when the ringing elevates. Right now I am on 3 mg lorazepam daily.
> > I'm scared to try anything new, but need to.
> > Mary
>
> Hi, Mary
>
>
> I have preexisting tinnitus. Effexor-XR makes it worse. However, I feel SO much better that I tolerate the ringing in my ears. I'm taking Effexor-XR 150 mg/day for chronic intractable pain and associated depression. MUCH better since starting this medication. I'm not worried about stopping it. My doctor says she has never had anyone who could not stop taking it, when properly tapered off.I have also developed tinnitus from zoloft. Will this ever go away? It really drives me crazy some days. Also, I keep developing ear infections since I've been on zoloft. could there be a connection? thanks! Petey
Posted by clay potzz on November 13, 2001, at 15:56:45
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by kid47 on November 8, 2001, at 15:50:33
I have been on XR for about 2 years, taking 300mg/day, along with Concerta 36 mg for ADD, xanax .5mg 3x and risperdal 1.0/ day.
I have been able to cut out the xanax and risperdal, but continue on with the Effexor and Concerta.
I don't feel any better. For some reason, I still dont have energy, still day dream, have a lack of focus, can't get my weight under control. I don't know what to do next.
I was on prozac about 8 years ago, and at first felt great, then it tapered off. We tried the prozac again, but switched to the Effexor.
Don't know where to turn.
> Howdy. I was on 300mg/day FXR xr for over a year & tapered off with no problems. I did taper slowly (75mg every 2 weeks) & added 20mg/day Prozac the last week. I had no noticable discontinuation problems. If you feel you are better with the FXR why stop? You might check with your doc about adding something (Wellbutrin maybe) to help with motivation. Good luck. Take care.
>
> kid
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > Hi there
> > I am new to the board, this is my 1st post.
> > It was great to find this on the internet.
> > I started reading starting from the begining,
> > and was hoping it would get better...does'nt seem that way.
> > I have been on Effexor XR for the last 9mo.
> > I started on AD right after i had my 3rd baby.
> > severe post partum. tried alot of different things none worked. zoloft, prozac,buspar,and several others, the my pdr put me on effexor.
> > I now am taking 300mg of it a day in the morning.
> > I'm glad to know that im not AS crazy as i thought i was.
> > It has helped with my moods and feeling irritable
> > all the time,helped me to to sit around and cry.
> > However...
> > I have had the vivid dreams, dreams that seem so real they stay with you all day long.
> > I have had the acne arounf the scalp. Ive never had acne before.
> > I have also had the fatigue, cant sleep at night,
> > not gained weight, becasue i started taking Ad
> > right after having the baby, however i hav'nt dropped a pound.
> > I have had no motivation, the things i use to love to do, id still love to do, i just dont want to. its very werid!
> > and God forbid i miss a dose! Whoa! I feel so
> > dizzy, i feel like im here and im aware of everything around me, but im just there. a blob!
> > i hate that feeling!
> > Im now convinced i'll be on this the rest of my life! i have 3 little girls and i cant afford at this point in my life to go through withdrawls as
> > severe as everyone has dicribed in here. I have not read where one person has said it was easy i had no problems. Maybe thats what the pharmasutical compant intended, get people addicted, and we make money FOREVER! I know when i miss my dose, im like trying to get to ASAP!
> > so no one can tell me its not addicting!
> > Right now im looking for the right meds that i can combine any sugestions would be great!
> > Something that will get me going and something that will help me sleep.
> > its funny but my pdr says i should not be feeling this way. he says it should have the opposit effect on me more energy, better sleep, lose weight, and the reason it has'nt happened yet, is
> > because im on not on the right dose. how high can
> > it go? anyone that could give me any info id appreciate. Also the pdr is talking about putting me on welbutrin, what does anyone know about this?
> > thank you-
> > witchypoo
Posted by witchypoo on November 13, 2001, at 18:57:52
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by clay potzz on November 13, 2001, at 15:56:45
ok i can not believe that there is something out there that cant help with losing weight , this is just crazy. Someone out there has had to have luck with something. I know maybe but they havnt been to this board! anyways i cant believe that i barly eat a thing and it just hangs there. Why?
I know if someone had that answer they would have told us back in 99 when this board started! Gee
what do i need you all for when i can answer my own questions!LOL
I just find this really baffeling.
Posted by Iseley on November 13, 2001, at 20:35:00
In reply to Possible withdrawal agony scares me, posted by shar on July 8, 2000, at 23:29:13
Please call your Food & drug administration on your side effects & withdrawal symptoms. They are not aware unless YOU inform them. I would never have taken Zyban / welbutrin had I known I would have withdrawal symptoms that feel like brain seizures which come at me back to back. I could also describe this as being electrocted with high voltage to the brain every couple of seconds. I cannot even wean without having these horrific symptoms. The FDA is not aware of adverse effects unless we report them ! Oh, of course they have had some complaints but not enough (considering the millions of people on these psychotropic drugs) to warrent adding them to the list of side effects. Had we notified the FDA many of us would not have chosen a particular drug that might be causing these & other serious side effects. I've read of several deaths relating to these psychtropic drugs in the UK & Canada. Please alert the FDA regarding any adverse side effects so others can be more informed than we are. Call information for their listing, you can register the information over the phone. We may save a life! Go to all the sites you post drug reactions to & let others know of the importance of getting this information to the FDA. Who knows, some drug company might see the merit in creating something to help us through the withdrawals or side effects Luck to all.
Posted by angel1 on November 14, 2001, at 6:17:41
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » kid47, posted by Pamela Lynn on November 13, 2001, at 3:01:16
THANK GOD THERE ARE POSITIVE PEOPLE TALKING
ABOUT EFFEXOR. I AM STARTING MY SIXTH WEEK AND
SLOWLY FEELING BETTER. I AM HOPEFUL WITH THIS
MED, BUT HAD A MAJOR EMOTIONAL BREAKDOWN THREE DAYS AGO AND WAS WORRIED IT WASN'T WORKING. BUT
MY DR. TOLD ME TO HANG IN THERE AND LET MY BODY
CONTINUE TO ADJUST. I CAN SLEEP NOW WITHOUT
TAKING A SLEEP AID, WHICH I COULDN'T WHEN FIRST
STARTING. THANKS AGAIN FOR A POSITIVE RESPONSE. I HOPE I CAN SAY THE SAME ABOUT IT SAVING MY LIFE.
GOD BLESS YOU. STAY WELL.
Posted by Mary-Teresa on November 14, 2001, at 7:49:04
In reply to Re: RE EFFEXOR-DID ANYONE HAVE TINNITUS SYMPTOMS, posted by petey on November 13, 2001, at 13:30:09
> Hi Petey, how long have you been off the zoloft. I have been off 10 weeks so far, and things are improving, but its not gone yet. You can report this effect to the FDA, and to Pfizer so they can follow up. Please keep me posted on how your making out. So far I have learned that I may have this same effect from any ssri. Still trying to sort it all out.
Mary
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 14, 2001, at 8:22:10
In reply to IMPORTANT To All, posted by Iseley on November 13, 2001, at 20:35:00
> Please call your Food & drug administration...
I think it's important for people to be aware of adverse drug reactions, too, but you posted that before:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011104/msgs/83828.html
Please don't repost the same message repeatedly. Thanks,
Bob
PS: Follow-ups regarding posting policies should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration; otherwise, they may be deleted.
Posted by petey on November 14, 2001, at 9:48:12
In reply to To Petey re Tinnitus from zoloft, posted by Mary-Teresa on November 14, 2001, at 7:49:04
> > Hi Petey, how long have you been off the zoloft. I have been off 10 weeks so far, and things are improving, but its not gone yet. You can report this effect to the FDA, and to Pfizer so they can follow up. Please keep me posted on how your making out. So far I have learned that I may have this same effect from any ssri. Still trying to sort it all out.
> MaryMary Teresa,
I am not completly off the Zolft yet. I am still tapering down and not feeling very well at all. I am at 12.5 mgs. right now and will be tapering again soon. I really don't know if everything I am experiencing is from Zoloft withdrawl or not. I have flyu-like symptoms, extremly fatigued, and both my ears are infected. I go to the doctor today for the infections. I just pray that someday,I'll feel like myself again. I am very discouraged. What withdrawl symptoms did you experience and how long did it take for them to subside? Some days I just want to end it all!
Petey
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 14, 2001, at 11:29:50
In reply to Re: please don't repost same message repeatedly, posted by Dr. Bob on November 14, 2001, at 8:22:10
Hi, everyone,
Sorry, there was a bug in the program. Which explains why there have been so many duplicate posts in this thread! It's fixed now. Was this happening in other threads, too?
Follow-ups regarding posting problems should be redirected to Psycho-Babble-Administration, thanks.
Bob
Posted by JANNBEAU on November 14, 2001, at 12:41:30
In reply to IMPORTANT To All, posted by Iseley on November 10, 2001, at 21:10:15
> You can report adverse events (drug reactions; interactions, etc. to FDA online, too. The URL is: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/
>
orJust follow the links within the Medwatch homepage. You should attempt to get your doctor to do this, but if that isn't possible the consumer can do it, instead.
Cheers,
Jannbeau
> Please call your Food & drug administration on your side effects & withdrawal symptoms. They are not aware unless YOU inform them. I would never have taken Zyban / welbutrin had I known I would have withdrawal symptoms that feel like brain seizures which come at me back to back. I could also describe this as being electrocted with high voltage to the brain every couple of seconds. I cannot even wean without having these horrific symptoms. The FDA is not aware of adverse effects unless we report them ! Oh, of course they have had some complaints but not enough (considering the millions of people on these psychotropic drugs) to warrent adding them to the list of side effects. Had we notified the FDA many of us would not have chosen a particular drug that might be causing these & other serious side effects. I've read of several deaths relating to these psychtropic drugs in the UK & Canada. Please alert the FDA regarding any adverse side effects so others can be more informed than we are. Call information for their listing, you can register the information over the phone. We may save a life! Go to all the sites you post drug reactions to & let others know of the importance of getting this information to the FDA. Who knows, some drug company might see the merit in creating something to help us through the withdrawals or side effects Luck to all.
Posted by Sleepy on November 14, 2001, at 12:59:29
In reply to Re: OFF Effexor----- Sleepy, posted by galtin on November 10, 2001, at 11:46:00
> > The first really bad episode consisted of myself and my two children on our way to my daughter's weekly music lesson. After 3 months of driving her there every Saturday I suddenly FORGOT how to get there and drove around
> frantically searching (of course this frightened my children and scared the bleep out of me.
>
>
>
> Sleepy,
>
>
> I have used Effexor for six years with lots of success. But I was glad to read your post. My concentration, such as it is, seems as good as ever but I do have memory lapses. I have been wondering if this is just another sign of getting older (48) or an Effexor side effect. Yesterday i drove by two gorgeous trees a mile or two from home whose leaves had turned a deep, late autumn red. I made a note to myself to show them to my wife and ask her what kind of trees they were. Later in the day I remembered to take her by the trees, but I could not remember where the hell they were.
>
> A friend refers to these episodes as "senior moments," but maybe, for me, they are "Effexor moments." I hope the effect is not cumulative.
>
>
> galtinGaltin,
Since I don't consider 48 to be at all near those "senior" years (I'm 43 myself), I'd lean more toward "Effexor moments." And yeah, I also hope the effect isn't cumulative!
I had the same kind of memory loss with Serzone, but with Serzone it was even worse--whole huge chunks of time gone forever.
~Sleepy
Posted by JANNBEAU on November 14, 2001, at 14:44:37
In reply to Re: RE EFFEXOR-DID ANYONE HAVE TINNITUS SYMPTOMS, posted by petey on November 13, 2001, at 13:30:09
> > > My doc has suggested I try effexor. I had terrible tinnitus develope on zoloft. I am still having severe panic attacks when the ringing elevates. Right now I am on 3 mg lorazepam daily.
> > > I'm scared to try anything new, but need to.
> > > Mary
> >
> > Hi, Mary
> >
> >
> > I have preexisting tinnitus. Effexor-XR makes it worse. However, I feel SO much better that I tolerate the ringing in my ears. I'm taking Effexor-XR 150 mg/day for chronic intractable pain and associated depression. MUCH better since starting this medication. I'm not worried about stopping it. My doctor says she has never had anyone who could not stop taking it, when properly tapered off.
>
> I have also developed tinnitus from zoloft. Will this ever go away? It really drives me crazy some days. Also, I keep developing ear infections since I've been on zoloft. could there be a connection? thanks! PeteyPetey:
First, the disclaimers: I am not a medical doctor. I just search for answers like everyone else and try to put the information together to make some sense.
Now that we have that out of the way, I found a side effect of Zoloft that may explain your ear symptoms: Apparently Zoloft (other drugs in class?) can cause rhinitis, an inflammation of the nasal lining; the inflammation may be manifested by nasal congestion, which could lead to fluid retention behind the ear drum, which, in turn, could get infected (just as in infants and children) or sinusitis.
Are you sure you have had ear INFECTIONS? Have you had a diagnosis? Have you taken antibiotics for this condition with success? More than once? Have you tried nasal decongestants (Afrin; Pseudofed, etc)? Just a thought! Were you taking any other medications along with the Zoloft? Are you prone ot ear infections?
Posted by Mary-Teresa on November 14, 2001, at 16:48:19
In reply to Re: To Petey re Tinnitus from zoloft, posted by petey on November 14, 2001, at 9:48:12
> > > Hi Petey, how long have you been off the zoloft. I have been off 10 weeks so far, and things are improving, but its not gone yet. You can report this effect to the FDA, and to Pfizer so they can follow up. Please keep me posted on how your making out. So far I have learned that I may have this same effect from any ssri. Still trying to sort it all out.
> > Mary
>
>
>
> Mary Teresa,
> I am not completly off the Zolft yet. I am still tapering down and not feeling very well at all. I am at 12.5 mgs. right now and will be tapering again soon. I really don't know if everything I am experiencing is from Zoloft withdrawl or not. I have flyu-like symptoms, extremly fatigued, and both my ears are infected. I go to the doctor today for the infections. I just pray that someday,I'll feel like myself again. I am very discouraged. What withdrawl symptoms did you experience and how long did it take for them to subside? Some days I just want to end it all!
> PeteyHi Petey, Please don't give up. I went through all of those symptoms including feeling soooo low and discouraged. It has been 10 weeks since I took my last zoloft, and things are starting to clear up. I'm not a doc, but have been doing alot of research. Its real imp not to take any similar medication that elevates seratonin right now. My neurologist suggested I stick with Lorazepam or something in the benzodiazepam class for 6 to 8 months. Things are settling down for me. I also went to a naturopath for help, and am following a detox program he prescribed. Its all helping. Its been the roughest thing I've ever gone through. Hold on, we will both make it through. LESSON LEARNED BIGTIME!!!!
Mary
Posted by petey on November 14, 2001, at 17:26:06
In reply to Re: To Petey re Tinnitus from zoloft, posted by Mary-Teresa on November 14, 2001, at 16:48:19
> > > > Hi Petey, how long have you been off the zoloft. I have been off 10 weeks so far, and things are improving, but its not gone yet. You can report this effect to the FDA, and to Pfizer so they can follow up. Please keep me posted on how your making out. So far I have learned that I may have this same effect from any ssri. Still trying to sort it all out.
> > > Mary
> >
> >
> >
> > Mary Teresa,
> > I am not completly off the Zolft yet. I am still tapering down and not feeling very well at all. I am at 12.5 mgs. right now and will be tapering again soon. I really don't know if everything I am experiencing is from Zoloft withdrawl or not. I have flyu-like symptoms, extremly fatigued, and both my ears are infected. I go to the doctor today for the infections. I just pray that someday,I'll feel like myself again. I am very discouraged. What withdrawl symptoms did you experience and how long did it take for them to subside? Some days I just want to end it all!
> > Petey
>
> Hi Petey, Please don't give up. I went through all of those symptoms including feeling soooo low and discouraged. It has been 10 weeks since I took my last zoloft, and things are starting to clear up. I'm not a doc, but have been doing alot of research. Its real imp not to take any similar medication that elevates seratonin right now. My neurologist suggested I stick with Lorazepam or something in the benzodiazepam class for 6 to 8 months. Things are settling down for me. I also went to a naturopath for help, and am following a detox program he prescribed. Its all helping. Its been the roughest thing I've ever gone through. Hold on, we will both make it through. LESSON LEARNED BIGTIME!!!!
> MaryJust got back from the doctor. As I suspected, both ears are infected. Doctor gave Cipro. Should take care of the infections! She said since I already cut my zoloft to 12.5 mgs. to just stop taking it. I'm really scared because I'm afraid of the withdrawl. Guess I'll just have to try it and see what happens! I'm already feeling some anxiety about it. Thanks for your concern, and I'll keep you posted.
Petey
Posted by Allen F. on November 14, 2001, at 22:53:11
In reply to Re: To Petey re Tinnitus from zoloft, posted by petey on November 14, 2001, at 17:26:06
I was on Prozac for years and my Doctor suggested I change to Celexia. It didn't seem to be helping (may not have had enough time) and he moved me to Effexor. Since then I have had a constant ringing in my ears and other side effects.
Is the "ringing in the ears" a normal side effect? Does anyone have experience with Celexia and are the side effects about the same as Effexor? Is it better to go onto Prozac or just go through the withdrawal of Effexor?
A
Posted by JANNBEAU on November 15, 2001, at 10:49:50
In reply to Ringing in ears ... Prozac ... Effexor withdrawal, posted by Allen F. on November 14, 2001, at 22:53:11
>A: First, let me reiterate that I am NOT a physician, so my suggestions are just that--ideas from a fellow traveler (sufferer--longstanding intractable pain and depression) who has tried to do her homework.
To answer your question about tinnitus or "ringing or buzzing in the ears." This problem is reported in the product insert as an adverse event or "side effect" of Effexor (I cannot recall the % in drug vs % in placebo).
With regard stopping Effexor, my physician tells me that, with proper tapering--a long process--discontinuing Effexor should not be difficult and that she has not had ANYONE who could NOT do it (she generally tells me the truth). Some people may have more trouble than others.
With regard to withdrawing from Effexor, my personal advice is that you personally first decide whether the side effects are worth the benefit of the medication to you--(ALL medications have side effects. The trick seems to be to find one that helps you and the side effects of which are tolerable to you! --the so-called benefit/risk ratio). If, after thinking it through, you still wish to stop Effexor, consult with you physician and: (1)If you are taking Effexor-XR, switch to the regular formulation. (2)Take withdrawal in tiny steps--very slowly reduce the dose--(it may take several weeks or more to completely withdraw); (3)ask your doctor about adding an anxiolytic (depending on your reason for taking Effexor and your response to withdrawal) if necessary--
You could return at some point to Prozac if that WORKED for you--when your physician says it's ok. (I assume you are working with a physician who is very knowledgable of psychopharmacology?)
Good Luck and Cheers, Jannbeau
I was on Prozac for years and my Doctor suggested I change to Celexia. It didn't seem to be helping (may not have had enough time) and he moved me to Effexor. Since then I have had a constant ringing in my ears and other side effects.
>
> Is the "ringing in the ears" a normal side effect? Does anyone have experience with Celexia and are the side effects about the same as Effexor? Is it better to go onto Prozac or just go through the withdrawal of Effexor?
>
> A
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.