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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Reneeb on March 21, 2002, at 21:59:59
In reply to How do you know?, posted by Angel Girl on March 21, 2002, at 17:40:04
> I'm on Effexor XR 267.5mg a day. How do you know when you're on the right AD and/or the right dosage? Although I'm ALOT better than I was even a month ago at a lower dosage, I still have alot of emotions and sadness to deal with.
>
> What can I expect from an anti-depressant??? How should it make me feel? How do I know when it's working??? <very confused>
>
> Thanks,
>
> Angel Girl
Hi Angel, all I can tell you about is my experience with AD's. I was put on effexor 150mg and wellbutrin 150mg for over a year now. I felt the effexor kick in rather fast maybe 2 weeks. Now that I am weaning off effexor I can say that it made me feel almost numb to my feelings and very tired. I didn't cry/or laugh/or yell etc., actually I really just existed. When I first started to wean myself off effexor I couldn't believe how much more energy I got back. I am staying on the wellbutrin for right now because I like it and hasn't caused me any negative effects yet?!hope this helps
Renee
Posted by Reneeb on March 21, 2002, at 22:05:07
In reply to Re: Help me please...., posted by Angel Girl on March 21, 2002, at 17:17:12
> > I tried Celexa with no results. Switched to Effexor. Gained 10 pounds in 2 months so I'm going off it. No real improvement. But going off it is interesting. I get this "buzzing" feeling in my hands, feet and lips. Of course I'm trying to do it twice as fast as they suggested. Was on 150mg. Doc suggested I go to 75 for a week, then to 37.5 for a week. I cut that in half. I was ballooning out of my clothes too fast. Gotta get that crap out of my system. Going to try Wellbutrin next I suppose. I've been depressed as far back in my 39 years as I can remember. I'm starting to think they don't make a med to handle my warped head. Tried Prozac, left me totally emotionless. Paxil gave me a mini psychotic breakdown. Anyone got any suggestions for me? I'm starting to think that maybe I'm not the one that needs fixing. It might be all these flippin' happy people that are warped....grin
>
>
>
> Hi Rrissa
>
> Sorry you're having a hard time finding the right medication. :( I'm sorry I don't have any suggestions for you, hopefully somebody else will.
>
> Had to smile at your comment about the flippin happy people being warped. Needing to find something to bring a smile to our faces. Thanks!
>
> Hoping you find the right medication soon. <hugs>
>
> Angel GirlHi Rrissa, I hear ya! I hate what effexor has done to me also.
Good luck,
Renee
Posted by Shanti on March 21, 2002, at 22:06:42
In reply to Go to P-B homepage, scroll down link is at bottom (nm) » JANNBEAU, posted by SueDoeN on March 21, 2002, at 21:58:19
ok i'm trying right now;
shanti
Posted by Shanti on March 21, 2002, at 22:19:05
In reply to Re: Go to P-B homepage, scroll down link is at bottom, posted by Shanti on March 21, 2002, at 22:06:42
> ok i'm trying right now;
> shantii'm lost......
i see short messages from beardedlady, so on and so fourth so i started a new thread there is that it?
Posted by Shanti on March 21, 2002, at 22:26:28
In reply to Go to P-B homepage, scroll down link is at bottom (nm) » JANNBEAU, posted by SueDoeN on March 21, 2002, at 21:58:19
i think i'm in the social room does it take this long for responses?
shanti
Posted by Penny on March 22, 2002, at 8:18:55
In reply to How do you know?, posted by Angel Girl on March 21, 2002, at 17:40:04
> I'm on Effexor XR 267.5mg a day. How do you know when you're on the right AD and/or the right dosage? Although I'm ALOT better than I was even a month ago at a lower dosage, I still have alot of emotions and sadness to deal with.
>
> What can I expect from an anti-depressant??? How should it make me feel? How do I know when it's working??? <very confused>
>
> Thanks,
>
> Angel Girl
Good question. I've been wondering the same thing. I was on 225 mgs of Effexor XR for about a year and, like Reneeb, realized how numbing it was when I went off of it. I'm on 80 mgs of Celexa and 300 mgs of Wellbutrin right now, and can't say it's doing a whole lot. I've also taken a Paxil/Wellbutrin combo, and it didn't do much either, except that they all seem, for a little while, to get me out of suicidal mode. The closest I've come to feeling 'normal' was on the Effexor, but I was very flat, tho' definitely not suicidal.My second pdoc would ask me how I was feeling, and I would tell him "okay" and he would say "How okay?" and I would say "Well, I don't want to kill myself right now." To that he would respond that he would like to see me at a better level of wellness and feeling 'good.' I told him I didn't think I knew what that was, not sure I've ever experienced it! So now, I think it's all subjective. The ADs aren't going to get rid of life's problems, but I suppose you are on the right one/right dosage when you feel okay with it. That's what I'm hoping for, at least. I would like to get to a place where I'm not wishing at least once a day that I was dead. I'm not there yet, and I'm not sure it's possible. I'll be interested to see what others have to say about your question.
Best of luck.
Penny
Posted by Shanti on March 22, 2002, at 9:35:31
In reply to Re: How do you know? » Angel Girl, posted by Penny on March 22, 2002, at 8:18:55
> > I'm on Effexor XR 267.5mg a day. How do you know when you're on the right AD and/or the right dosage? Although I'm ALOT better than I was even a month ago at a lower dosage, I still have alot of emotions and sadness to deal with.
> >
> > What can I expect from an anti-depressant??? How should it make me feel? How do I know when it's working??? <very confused>
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Angel Girl
>
>
> Good question. I've been wondering the same thing. I was on 225 mgs of Effexor XR for about a year and, like Reneeb, realized how numbing it was when I went off of it. I'm on 80 mgs of Celexa and 300 mgs of Wellbutrin right now, and can't say it's doing a whole lot. I've also taken a Paxil/Wellbutrin combo, and it didn't do much either, except that they all seem, for a little while, to get me out of suicidal mode. The closest I've come to feeling 'normal' was on the Effexor, but I was very flat, tho' definitely not suicidal.
>
> My second pdoc would ask me how I was feeling, and I would tell him "okay" and he would say "How okay?" and I would say "Well, I don't want to kill myself right now." To that he would respond that he would like to see me at a better level of wellness and feeling 'good.' I told him I didn't think I knew what that was, not sure I've ever experienced it! So now, I think it's all subjective. The ADs aren't going to get rid of life's problems, but I suppose you are on the right one/right dosage when you feel okay with it. That's what I'm hoping for, at least. I would like to get to a place where I'm not wishing at least once a day that I was dead. I'm not there yet, and I'm not sure it's possible. I'll be interested to see what others have to say about your question.
>
> Best of luck.
> Pennyangel girl first;
where are you we would like to hear from you?
penny;
don't give up it also takes a willingness in your mind to do this as well and that is the hardest part but you can do it, right now i am experiencing mine but with the help of the friends i have found here and writing out my feelings i feel a little better than the last episode (actually it feels a lot worse but i believe that it must feel this way in order to be one step closer to healing and feeling better)
i had a revelation this morning - while going through this i always look to those around for support as i feel i am drowning but i am not getting it in my eyes but you know what? it hit me this morning (and after talking with my therapist yesterday - thank you) that i can't look for them to solve this i must go deeper within myself and have me- bring me back to my "reality world" so to speak.
i hope this helps
peace
your friend
shantips we are going to try and go to the social room tonight at 11:00 pm eastern hope to see you there!
Posted by Shanti on March 22, 2002, at 9:35:51
In reply to Re: How do you know? » Angel Girl, posted by Penny on March 22, 2002, at 8:18:55
> > I'm on Effexor XR 267.5mg a day. How do you know when you're on the right AD and/or the right dosage? Although I'm ALOT better than I was even a month ago at a lower dosage, I still have alot of emotions and sadness to deal with.
> >
> > What can I expect from an anti-depressant??? How should it make me feel? How do I know when it's working??? <very confused>
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Angel Girl
>
>
> Good question. I've been wondering the same thing. I was on 225 mgs of Effexor XR for about a year and, like Reneeb, realized how numbing it was when I went off of it. I'm on 80 mgs of Celexa and 300 mgs of Wellbutrin right now, and can't say it's doing a whole lot. I've also taken a Paxil/Wellbutrin combo, and it didn't do much either, except that they all seem, for a little while, to get me out of suicidal mode. The closest I've come to feeling 'normal' was on the Effexor, but I was very flat, tho' definitely not suicidal.
>
> My second pdoc would ask me how I was feeling, and I would tell him "okay" and he would say "How okay?" and I would say "Well, I don't want to kill myself right now." To that he would respond that he would like to see me at a better level of wellness and feeling 'good.' I told him I didn't think I knew what that was, not sure I've ever experienced it! So now, I think it's all subjective. The ADs aren't going to get rid of life's problems, but I suppose you are on the right one/right dosage when you feel okay with it. That's what I'm hoping for, at least. I would like to get to a place where I'm not wishing at least once a day that I was dead. I'm not there yet, and I'm not sure it's possible. I'll be interested to see what others have to say about your question.
>
> Best of luck.
> Pennyangel girl first;
where are you we would like to hear from you?
penny;
don't give up it also takes a willingness in your mind to do this as well and that is the hardest part but you can do it, right now i am experiencing mine but with the help of the friends i have found here and writing out my feelings i feel a little better than the last episode (actually it feels a lot worse but i believe that it must feel this way in order to be one step closer to healing and feeling better)
i had a revelation this morning - while going through this i always look to those around for support as i feel i am drowning but i am not getting it in my eyes but you know what? it hit me this morning (and after talking with my therapist yesterday - thank you) that i can't look for them to solve this i must go deeper within myself and have me- bring me back to my "reality world" so to speak.
i hope this helps
peace
your friend
shantips we are going to try and go to the social room tonight at 11:00 pm eastern hope to see you there!
Posted by SusanG on March 22, 2002, at 23:09:58
In reply to Re: How do you know?, posted by Shanti on March 22, 2002, at 9:35:51
I tried to join you in chat tonight but couldnt find the right spot. I ended up in the depression support room but didn't find any of you. Can someone give specific instructions on how to get where you folks are chatting? Sorry to be so lame...thanks for any help you can provide.
Posted by Shanti on March 22, 2002, at 23:35:07
In reply to Re: How do you know?, posted by SusanG on March 22, 2002, at 23:09:58
> I tried to join you in chat tonight but couldnt find the right spot. I ended up in the depression support room but didn't find any of you. Can someone give specific instructions on how to get where you folks are chatting? Sorry to be so lame...thanks for any help you can provide.
i'm lame too!! giving up for tonight
why don't we just meet here tomorrow at around 8:30 pm Eastern, if Dr. bob says anything we will explain about how lame we are ha ha
good night
peace
shanti
Posted by Allen F. on March 23, 2002, at 17:59:59
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Happy??? Its been a long time since I was trully happy. I agree that AD numb emotions. Weining off of them I am feeling alot more emotion than I really want too at times, almost bailed on reducing them last Thursday because the withdrawals were really getting to me.
I remember when I used to do things I really enjoyed. Used to get excited. Used to look forward to things. I am glad I can still remember.
The sad part is that I don't think those around me remember the good things. Seems that they keep focused on the hard spots. Doesn't help me get unstuck when they do.
Normal ... that's another elusive term too.
Sorry for not being fun, but I am not feeling 100%. I am sad that I have lost a part of my life and uncertain if I will ever get it back. I am frustrated that I can't define simple terms like "happy" ... "normal" ... etc..
Allen
Posted by Rrissa1317 on March 23, 2002, at 19:27:22
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Allen F. on March 23, 2002, at 17:59:59
I wish I could say I had success with Effexor. I also wish I could say that I am having an easy time weaning off it. The answer to both is no...
But I'm going to start on probably Wellbutrin next week. Normal?....I was listening to "Total Eclipse of the Heart" on the way to the Ren-Fest today. Couldn't stop crying. Is that normal? It's one of my favorite songs....
Clarissa
Posted by Shanti on March 23, 2002, at 19:35:14
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Allen F. on March 23, 2002, at 17:59:59
allen,
what does "doesn't help me get unstuck when i do?"
shanti
Posted by Shanti on March 23, 2002, at 20:02:20
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Rrissa1317 on March 23, 2002, at 19:27:22
> I wish I could say I had success with Effexor. I also wish I could say that I am having an easy time weaning off it. The answer to both is no...
> But I'm going to start on probably Wellbutrin next week. Normal?....I was listening to "Total Eclipse of the Heart" on the way to the Ren-Fest today. Couldn't stop crying. Is that normal? It's one of my favorite songs....
> Clarissa
if you like songs try Sarah McLauchalin's "full of grace" on her surfacing cd (all songs are great)
i posted the other day with my interpretation of it.why not cry it gives ourselves an outlet just like laughing (look at it this way; you must know sadness to know happiness and vice versa) and if you are like me i do everything backwards - i wonder if that is one part of being in this "state" or "mentally unhinged" i thought of that one last night!
peace
shanti
Posted by zion on March 24, 2002, at 11:52:02
In reply to Re: How do you know? » Angel Girl, posted by Penny on March 22, 2002, at 8:18:55
Emotions and sadness are not going to go away, everyone has issues to be dealt with in life and they have reactions to them. Knowing if your AD is working for you is a matter of degree. How stable do you feel? Can you cope with situations and the emotions you are feeling fairly well, or do they seem overwhelming? Has your overall impression of life changed from a concept that it is chaotic and hopeless to the perception that it can be dealt with and managed? What kind of side effects are you experiencing? Do they seem worse than the depression, etc. or do you think you can live with them? It can get better than just no longer feeling suicidal, but you could experience dreadful side effects in trying to get there. How much are you willing to risk to become more stable than you are now? Your answers to any of these questions could tell you much about how well your AD is working for you currently. Are you in control of your life or are your emotions controlling you and ruining your life? Meds can be a great tool in giving you back control over your own decisions and reactions so that you can cope more effectively with any number of difficult situations in your life.
Zion
Posted by Rrissa1317 on March 24, 2002, at 12:25:53
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Shanti on March 23, 2002, at 20:02:20
I have 2 children still at home, ages 5 and 11. It upsets them to see me cry for no reason. I tell them I didn't know why I was crying, that I like the song. It only confused them further. If it were only me, I wouldn't care what the rest of the world thought of the way I acted or when I cried. But my children are everything to me. I want them to have a semi "normal" mother. So far I haven't been able to give that to them. I see the effects of my depression in the way they act and re-act. That is what bothers me the most. Until I had children, I had never tried AD's. I am who I am (then). If you couldn't deal, there's the door. I had no friends and preferred it that way. Still do. But docs and society tell me that is unhealthy, not normal. I would build my nest and stay there if it were up to me. But it's not. My husband has said that it I don't "get over this and get out and live" it will be the end of us. sorry...didn't mean to spill. I'll stop there.
Posted by Shanti on March 24, 2002, at 12:46:41
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Rrissa1317 on March 24, 2002, at 12:25:53
> I have 2 children still at home, ages 5 and 11. It upsets them to see me cry for no reason. I tell them I didn't know why I was crying, that I like the song. It only confused them further. If it were only me, I wouldn't care what the rest of the world thought of the way I acted or when I cried. But my children are everything to me. I want them to have a semi "normal" mother. So far I haven't been able to give that to them. I see the effects of my depression in the way they act and re-act. That is what bothers me the most. Until I had children, I had never tried AD's. I am who I am (then). If you couldn't deal, there's the door. I had no friends and preferred it that way. Still do. But docs and society tell me that is unhealthy, not normal. I would build my nest and stay there if it were up to me. But it's not. My husband has said that it I don't "get over this and get out and live" it will be the end of us. sorry...didn't mean to spill. I'll stop there.
please don't give up, your words are my life once a month for 2-4 days depending on how well i can keep things in check (i'm just finishing this one) ssemed worse than before (they all do) so since i do everything backwards i figure that the worse it gets the better i will be for next time. i learned a lot this time around I just hope i remember it for the next one
ah your husband, i won't even go there right nowbut don't give up i felt that way too and literally stayed in my house unless i had to go out. it took a few years but i am finally getting out and "lliving" i marvel at the people who can do this on a daily basis i used to get really jealous but not anymore. i just tell myself that it isn't my time just yet and then i continue to work at making myself feel better (i don't think we will ever be "rid" of this / we just need to know how to incorporate it into our lives.
you didn't write too much, thank you i needed that as i was sitting here in tears since my husband and i just finished arguing.
must go now,
hope people will be here tonight (i know it's oscar night - im gonna turn my tv so i can watch& type at the same time)
peace
shanti
Posted by Hank on March 24, 2002, at 16:37:30
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Shanti on March 24, 2002, at 12:46:41
I've read about flu-like symptoms being a possible side-effect of withdrawal from Effexor XR, but did anyone else here experience them when STARTING to take this drug? I'm only on my 5th day at 75mg/day, and I feel just awful.
Thanks all!
PS, I am certain that I don't actually have the flu.
Posted by Angel Girl on March 24, 2002, at 17:29:37
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Rrissa1317 on March 24, 2002, at 12:25:53
> I have 2 children still at home, ages 5 and 11. It upsets them to see me cry for no reason. I tell them I didn't know why I was crying, that I like the song. It only confused them further. If it were only me, I wouldn't care what the rest of the world thought of the way I acted or when I cried. But my children are everything to me. I want them to have a semi "normal" mother. So far I haven't been able to give that to them. I see the effects of my depression in the way they act and re-act. That is what bothers me the most. Until I had children, I had never tried AD's. I am who I am (then). If you couldn't deal, there's the door. I had no friends and preferred it that way. Still do. But docs and society tell me that is unhealthy, not normal. I would build my nest and stay there if it were up to me. But it's not. My husband has said that it I don't "get over this and get out and live" it will be the end of us. sorry...didn't mean to spill. I'll stop there.
Rrissa
I wish I could have the same attitude as you about people. <quote> I am who I am. If you couldn't deal there's the door <end quote>. That's part of my problem right now. The ONLY friends I do have are internet friends. And right now, after having serious suicide thoughts a little over a week ago and leaving one of them a goodbye email, some of my friends are not 'dealing' too well. One of them won't even speak to me until I am showing that I am 'serious' about getting well and can prove that to her. Not sure how she thinks she will know if she doesn't talk to me. I too, would stay home and never go out if it were left up to me and money was not an issue. I life alone and I took a leave of absense from work due to my depression and did nothing but lay on the couch and watch tv for months or spend time on the computer. I was very content doing that but unfortunately reality set in and the almighty dollar was calling my name. :(
I'm sorry you are not getting the support you need from your husband. <hugs> Don't worry about 'spilling'. You can talk all you need to. I hate to see people hurting. <hugs> to you.
Angel Girl
Posted by Shanti on March 24, 2002, at 19:15:01
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Angel Girl on March 24, 2002, at 17:29:37
you go angel girl!
Posted by SusanG on March 24, 2002, at 19:32:56
In reply to Re: How do you know?, posted by zion on March 24, 2002, at 11:52:02
> Emotions and sadness are not going to go away, everyone has issues to be dealt with in life and they have reactions to them. Knowing if your AD is working for you is a matter of degree. How stable do you feel? Can you cope with situations and the emotions you are feeling fairly well, or do they seem overwhelming? Has your overall impression of life changed from a concept that it is chaotic and hopeless to the perception that it can be dealt with and managed? What kind of side effects are you experiencing? Do they seem worse than the depression, etc. or do you think you can live with them? It can get better than just no longer feeling suicidal, but you could experience dreadful side effects in trying to get there. How much are you willing to risk to become more stable than you are now? Your answers to any of these questions could tell you much about how well your AD is working for you currently. Are you in control of your life or are your emotions controlling you and ruining your life? Meds can be a great tool in giving you back control over your own decisions and reactions so that you can cope more effectively with any number of difficult situations in your life.
>
> ZionZion, thanks, this was helpful as far as putting somewhat measurable elements to the question of "is this working". For me, the problem is that now that I am off the Effexor, I can function pretty "normally", or at least what seems to be to be normal. But in the past I would be doing fine and then suddenly, wham, apparently out of nowhere I became totally depressed, woudl cry for hours and feel all is hopeless. The Effexor eliminated the deep plunges though I did have lots of smaller dips...more like generalized sadness than total despare. I don't want to take another AD because I'll bet I will have similarly unpleasant side effects no matter which I try but I am fearful of another plunge. I feel a bit like I am walking on eggshells, afraid to think for a minute about things that disturb me. I know this can't go on like this and I have an appt with a shrink in a week. I hope she will be able to give me insight on whether or not I need to be on something. For now I am grateful that I do still have moments of pleasure and happiness though I try not to examine anything too closely for fear it will send me off in the wrong direction. I feel for those of you who are feeling so low and don't have even the occasional up moments.
P.S. Would still love to chat "live" but I need specific directions on where to go.
Posted by Shanti on March 24, 2002, at 20:11:59
In reply to Re: How do you know?, posted by SusanG on March 24, 2002, at 19:32:56
if anyone is going live how do you get there? or do we just stay here and wait ....
shanti
Posted by JANNBEAU on March 25, 2002, at 13:37:49
In reply to Re: PLEASE READ THIS ! , posted by Shanti on March 21, 2002, at 20:53:16
> > > Hi Guys, I know that if we don't move some of these converstations over to social-babble Dr. Bob will redirect us soon. What do you think??
> > >
> > > Renee
> >
> > Hi, Renee, Yeah, you are right! We're getting WAY off the subject of medications, but, as usual, I can't figure out how to get over to Psychosocial Babble or to find you all again. Dr Bob gave me a link once, but I've lost it. Please re-enter the link for all of us. Then, as Shanti says, we can all meet over there!
> >
> > Thanks, and, hopefully, see you with this thread over the way.
> >
> > Jannbeau
>
> i just tried to find my way and the only thing that came up was the page about the chat room...??
>
> anyone out there know how to get on?
>
> peace
> shantiShanti, Same here. There's a link to the site but I've lost it. Perhaps we could email Dr. Bob?
By the way, your post last Thursday was really great. I was going to respond, but got sick with bronchitis about that time--no energy for anything. Talk at you soon,
Jannbeau (nym)
Posted by JANNBEAU on March 25, 2002, at 13:40:54
In reply to Go to P-B homepage, scroll down link is at bottom (nm) » JANNBEAU, posted by SueDoeN on March 21, 2002, at 21:57:40
Sue, Thank you, thank you . . . Shanti, Lolly, Angel Girl, others-- let's see if we can get there!
Jannbeau
Posted by Shanti on March 25, 2002, at 15:44:56
In reply to Re: Go to P-B homepage, scroll down link is at bottom, posted by JANNBEAU on March 25, 2002, at 13:40:54
hey jannbeau do you want to try tonight? if so give me a time and directions!
shanti
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