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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Geezer on September 14, 2002, at 11:03:37
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor, posted by pregnant on September 14, 2002, at 4:47:35
Hi pregnant,
I am so sorry you are in this situation. I don't know why pdocs won't be honest with their patients (about withdrawal symptoms) before they start these drugs. My pdoc's favorite response..."well, not all patients have withdrawal symptoms".....if you are one that does that makes withdrawal 100% for you.
My suggestion (it has appeared many times on this board) ask your pdoc for about 5 each, 10mg Prozac tablets. Take one 10mg. Prozac tablet every other day, (stop Effexer), then just stop the Prozac. The long half life of the Prozac allows for a more gradual adjustment to the serotonin changes in the brain, thus reducing withdrawal symptoms. Many people have found this technique helpful......as always, check it out with your pdoc, but don't be surprised if he never heard of it.
My heart goes out to you.
Geezer
Posted by pregnant on September 14, 2002, at 11:40:37
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor » pregnant, posted by Geezer on September 14, 2002, at 11:03:37
> Hi pregnant,
>
> I am so sorry you are in this situation. I don't know why pdocs won't be honest with their patients (about withdrawal symptoms) before they start these drugs. My pdoc's favorite response..."well, not all patients have withdrawal symptoms".....if you are one that does that makes withdrawal 100% for you.
>> My suggestion (it has appeared many times on this board) ask your pdoc for about 5 each, 10mg Prozac tablets. Take one 10mg. Prozac tablet every other day, (stop Effexer), then just stop the Prozac. The long half life of the Prozac allows for a more gradual adjustment to the serotonin changes in the brain, thus reducing withdrawal symptoms. Many people have found this technique helpful......as always, check it out with your pdoc, but don't be surprised if he never heard of it.
>
> My heart goes out to you.
>
> GeezerThanks for your quick response. I will try contacting my doctor's office to see if they can do this. Hopefully between the primary or prenatal office someone will help me. It is hard on the weekend to sometimes get what you need. I made it through the night and I don't want to take 1 little granule. If I can get the prozac, I think I can make it. The dizziness and zips through my brain are at the max this morning. I am trying to remain strong. Pregnant
Posted by KIAQueen on September 16, 2002, at 9:40:14
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor, posted by pregnant on September 14, 2002, at 11:40:37
Hi Pregnant,
I feel so badly for you, I would not want to be in your situation, but unfortunately you have to do what's best for your unborn child right now. I'm not sure why doctor's all have a different answer when it comes to medication, you'd think they would know more about what they're prescribing their patients. As far as being on the drug while pregnant, I don't think it's a good idea to be taking any kind of drug, but it's all left in your own hands if wether you want to quit or not. I tried weaning off slowly a few months ago, and it almost did me in, so you might want to take some counselling if you decide to quit all together. I'm sure it will not be easy, but you have to start somewhere, after all, your unborn child deserves the best care possible.
I know you'll do what's best, hang in there, and best of luck. Keep me posted.
KIAQueen
Posted by jannbeau on September 16, 2002, at 13:23:51
In reply to Re: sexual side effect- effexor-xr, posted by Starwatcher on September 13, 2002, at 20:47:25
> Hi, Starwatcher:
Re your question of side effects of Effexor that I couldn't tolerate: Complex tale: I was given an introductory dose-pack of Effexor-XR starting with 37.5 mg/day along with Ultram 50 mg every 4-6 hours. I promptly developed serotonin syndrome-felt as if I were dying (memory loss, chills, hot flushes, nausea vomiting, diarrhea, cognitive dysfunction, other signs). Stopped the Ultram and got closer to normal. Built up to 150 mg/day, which I only took for a couple weeks, then decreased on my own to 75 mg/day. Stayed there about a month. Then, still feeling bad, I dropped back to 37.5 mg/day. Even at the lowest dose, I experienced worsened insomnia followed by day-long somnolence, difficulty thinking and concentrating; balance problems. Also, even at low doses, I felt detached, depersonalized, unable to react to any emotional stimuli and I noticed a deficit in motivation. I just didn't want to do anything except go to bed and vegetate (others have described this state as "zombie-like" and I think that fits my reaction to Effexor). All-in-all, the pain relief wasn't worth the loss of emotional, intellectual, sexual, and physical function. Oh, yes, I had massively increased cravings for carbohydrates, too.
On looking back at my experience discontinuing this medication, the only really important problem I noticed was difficulty controlling anger. I felt angry most of the time and I am just now, after three or four months, returning to a more normal state (easily provoked, but ablt to contain myself). I was so UNLOVING during that time.
Does this description help?
Cheers,
jannbeau
Thanks, jann, for the reply. I'm not really seriously contemplating going off of it. I did miss one dose (ha,ha! I fell asleep and slept through the night without taking it!) and I had no withdrawal problem. So far, the grogginess in the mornings and strange looking eyes and occasional numbness on the soles of my feet seem to be the only problems. I have seemed to also have increased headaches, though very mild ones. If this is all I trade for being out of pain the majority of the time - I can live with it!
>
> You were on much higher doses for awhile, though, correct? If you don't mind sharing, what happened with the medication that made you decide to go totally off of Effexor? What side effects did you have experience that made it so you couldn't tolerate continuing to take it, even at the low dosage?
>
>
>
>
>
> > >Hi, Stargazer:
> >
> > I had SOME slight discontinuation syndrome even though most of the time I was on Effexor, I was only on 37.5 mg --like you, I took it for fibromyalgia, arthritis, etc. The discontinuation effects were not bad: increased anxiety, brain zaps, dizziness, especially when I turned my head quickly, nausea- and they didn't last long; certainly less than a month, decreasing with each passing day. I've been off for two or three months, now, and I'm fine, back totally to normal.
> >
> > the pain is back, too, unfortunately, but I just couldn't tolerate the medication althogh it really helped my pain and anxiety.
> >
> > Each person seems to have a different experience in coming off this medication. I'm not sure whether the degree of difficulty with coming off Effexor is due to the medication, itself, the person's personality, his/her expectation of problems, or a combination. Perhaps some of all??
> >
> > My advice for now is, if the medication is working for you and you can tolerate the side effects, that you should just take each day as it comes and don't worry 'til you have to! Maybe it will not be a problem for you.
> >
> > Cheers,
> > jannbeau
> >
> > I have been on 37.5 mg. for about three months now for fibromyalgia pain - and I still feel groggy when I wake up in the morning and my eyes look wasted for a little while - those side effects have never gone away.
> > >
> > > I have sometimes been feeling some numbness on the bottom of my feet - but not in my private parts. My sexual response is still as good or even better in some ways than before taking the drug.
> > >
> > > I just wonder if I ever did decide to stop taking it, if I'd have withdrawals from only having been on 37.5 mg a day for most of the whole time. What's the lowest continuous dosage anyone here as come off of and still felt bad side effects?
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by Starwatcher on September 16, 2002, at 16:35:43
In reply to Re: sexual side effect- effexor-xr » Starwatcher, posted by jannbeau on September 16, 2002, at 13:23:51
Thanks, jann. Yes, it does help. It sounds like you may be a bit more sensitive to Effexor's side effects than I am, or maybe it was the Ultram.
I've ALWAYS been a carbo craver already, so that's nothing new - and I haven't noticed an increase in cravings. So far my weight is staying at an even level, although it's way more than it should be anyway. I haven't gained or lost.
As far as emotions, I'm fine - I don't feel angry or depressed or emotionally numbed. Now I did temporarily feel complete emotional numbness when I took 75 mg. a day over that first weekend.
I'm getting broken sleep sometimes now throughout the night, and sometimes I'm sleepy in the day - but I was that way before taking Effexor. Today is one of the few days that I've hurt all over upon waking up, too - I got too much exercise over the weekend, I think!
And I was very groggy when I woke up this morning, and I still seem to be fuzzy around the edges every morning. I feel and look loaded for a little while, and then that side effect goes away.
Posted by trella77 on September 16, 2002, at 19:15:58
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Ceeg on December 31, 2000, at 14:00:08
Hi, the Dr just gave me Effexor today and I was doing some research. I found this website posting and I am scared to death now. the withdrawls seem to be horrible. If anyone has any advice as to start this med or get on a different one please help me!!! I am getting on Effexor to help with Depression and Anxiety and to help wean myself off Xanax (which I have been on for 5 years) THANKS ... I am also scared of weight gain and sexual side affects
Posted by Starwatcher on September 16, 2002, at 19:50:33
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by trella77 on September 16, 2002, at 19:15:58
> Hi, the Dr just gave me Effexor today and I was doing some research. I found this website posting and I am scared to death now. the withdrawls seem to be horrible. If anyone has any advice as to start this med or get on a different one please help me!!! I am getting on Effexor to help with Depression and Anxiety and to help wean myself off Xanax (which I have been on for 5 years) THANKS ... I am also scared of weight gain and sexual side affects
I would talk to your doctor about it as soon as possible. How many mgs. has he put you on per day? Do you work? It may be possible to split the dosage to minimize side effects. I waited and started my dose at 75 mg. on the weekend, and I surewas glad I did. It made me VERY sleepy! But - that's the amount my doctor SUGGESTED I start at - and my treatment is for fobromyalgia, not depression and anxiety.
Posted by butterbay on September 17, 2002, at 0:26:37
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor, posted by pregnant on September 14, 2002, at 4:47:35
i have been taking effexor for 3 years and like you said it is wonderful for depression and anxiety, it is the only thing that ever helped me. if i were you, i would feel the same way about the effexor and my pregnancy. i'm sure there are very safe anti-depressants for pregnancy. maybe you could look that up on the internet and then relay the info to your doctor or psychiatrist. i have came off of effexor twice, once cold turkey, which didn't work at all, i had the most awful backset with my depression and then another time was slowly with the help of prozac. i did fine that time. my doctor advised that when coming off effexor, come off with an ssri, such as paxil, zoloft or prozac. i would maybe call an emergency doctor and ask these questions to be on the safe side, tell them you no longer want to take the effexor, but want to know how to alleiviate the side effects.
Posted by butterbay on September 17, 2002, at 0:40:36
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Starwatcher on September 16, 2002, at 19:50:33
i have been on effexor for 3 years and to me, it is the miracle drug. my depression, well, is gone. i almost never even get down anymore. it helps with the anxiety too. yes, i do know that the withdrawl symptoms when trying to come off of it are horrible, but it isn't if you do it the right way.. i came off of effexor twice, once cold turkey, which didn't work at all, i hit rock bottom with my depression. the other time was with prozac.. i started decreasing my dosage of effexor while taking prozac and never had a bit of problem. i was off of effexor for 3 months and then started back after a panic attack and depressed episode. it is wonderful if you truly need help for depression and anxiety. different medicnes work different for different people, but i would personally recommend effexor to anyone. as far as the sexual side effects, it is kind of funny because at first, it was like i kept feeling like i was going to orgasm and almost never did, it was very frustrating, but after a couple of months, that didn't happen anymore and now my orgasms are more powerful and wonderful than they ever were, i don't know if that is effexor related, but anyways, the sexual thing will subside, if you even have that side effect, a lot of people i've talked with don't have a sexual side effect. i really never had drowsiness that bad, maybe a little at first and then it subsided also. i get constipation from time to time ever since taking the effexor, but to me, it is worth it, if you aren't depressed.
Posted by sly on September 17, 2002, at 8:09:03
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I'm currently on 75 mg/day, and have been for about 5 months now, things are great except I find myself extremely irritable. I'm so anxious and angry, I have day dreams about yelling at people, I'm giving my boss at work major attitude and I want to rip off everyone's head for any minor annoyance. Anyone else have this problem?
Maybe it's just me, I am stressed out, but I'm sleeping well. I just feel so... ANGRY and I don't know why!?
Any suggestions?
Posted by mamawriter on September 17, 2002, at 9:15:02
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by trella77 on September 16, 2002, at 19:15:58
> Hi, the Dr just gave me Effexor today and I was doing some research. I found this website posting and I am scared to death now. the withdrawls seem to be horrible. If anyone has any advice as to start this med or get on a different one please help me!!! I am getting on Effexor to help with Depression and Anxiety and to help wean myself off Xanax (which I have been on for 5 years) THANKS ... I am also scared of weight gain and sexual side affects
Hi there. As my spouse pointed out, every single drug used to treat depression has message boards just like this one, with people complaining about side effects and/or the ineffectiveness of the drug. Unfortunately, every drug affects every person differently. Prozac made me so nuts, I would have rather just stayed crazy than take it. Other people wouldn't live without Prozac. Effexor worked very well for me. The mood swings went away, and got even better when I reached a therapeutic level of the medication (225 mg). No problems with sexual function and I LOST weight. I felt my feelings and could talk about them. It helped me be the best I could be.
The only reason I want off of Effexor now is, I've used it for nearly 3 years, I feel pretty good and would like to try life drug-free for a while. But the withdrawal is very hard.
Using Xanax as long as you have sounds very serious. Good luck with Effexor. It truly worked wonders for me. It doesn't mean it will be great for you, but you won't know until you give it a try. 150 mg is supposedly the lowest therapeutic level, so when you get up to there, you may have an idea how it works for you.
Posted by mamawriter on September 17, 2002, at 9:25:44
In reply to Anger Management, posted by sly on September 17, 2002, at 8:09:03
> I'm currently on 75 mg/day, and have been for about 5 months now, things are great except I find myself extremely irritable. I'm so anxious and angry, I have day dreams about yelling at people, I'm giving my boss at work major attitude and I want to rip off everyone's head for any minor annoyance. Anyone else have this problem?
>
> Maybe it's just me, I am stressed out, but I'm sleeping well. I just feel so... ANGRY and I don't know why!?
>
> Any suggestions?Hello. Yes, I've had freaky mood swings before and lots of angry stuff happening. It could be a form of depression. I know when you're depressed, you think you're supposed to be sad and quiet, but you can be very, very angry, too -- for "no reason."
Drugs are one way of coping. Is it time for an appointment with your pdoc?
Talk therapy with a highly qualified therapist is even better. Good luck.
Posted by jannbeau on September 17, 2002, at 12:38:40
In reply to Re: sexual side effect- effexor-xr, posted by Starwatcher on September 16, 2002, at 16:35:43
Hi, Starwatcher,
Sounds as if you have Effexor under YOUR control, whereas I felt as if the medication controlled ME! Maybe that's the difference in our "take" on this medicine. I hope Effexor continues to serve you well and, as I said before, I would not worry about discontinuing as long as it DOES serve your needs.
Cheers,
jann
Posted by Ritch on September 17, 2002, at 13:19:19
In reply to Anger Management, posted by sly on September 17, 2002, at 8:09:03
> I'm currently on 75 mg/day, and have been for about 5 months now, things are great except I find myself extremely irritable. I'm so anxious and angry, I have day dreams about yelling at people, I'm giving my boss at work major attitude and I want to rip off everyone's head for any minor annoyance. Anyone else have this problem?
>
> Maybe it's just me, I am stressed out, but I'm sleeping well. I just feel so... ANGRY and I don't know why!?
>
> Any suggestions?Hi,
It could be med-induced dysphoric hypomania. Have you had these experiences on other antidepressants? If it doesn't resolve over a reasonable amount of time you may need to switch AD's. The one that really gets me in the anger department is Wellbutrin .
Mitch
Posted by butterbay on September 17, 2002, at 21:08:19
In reply to Anger Management, posted by sly on September 17, 2002, at 8:09:03
i am also on effexor and have been for almost 3 years. i also have times when i'm very angry at everyone for no reason. i'm not sure if it is the effexor or female hormones. maybe you need an increase in your dosage. effexor is supposed to help anxiety as well as depression. if you continue to be angry, there are medications to help control anger. good luck.
Posted by LynnPerley on September 17, 2002, at 23:10:27
In reply to Re: Anger Management, posted by butterbay on September 17, 2002, at 21:08:19
Maybe you need to increase your dose? Talk to your therapist/doc? I found these kind of feelings have really stabilized now that I'm settled in at 225 mg.
Posted by nmk on September 18, 2002, at 9:06:35
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor, posted by pregnant on September 14, 2002, at 4:47:35
Dear Pregnant,
I read your post and felt compelled to write since I was in a very similar situation over a year ago. I was taking zoloft and klonopin for anxiety/panic and my husband and I decided we wanted to try for another baby. Before getting pregnant, I consulted a genetic specialist and my current pdoc who also happens to be an ob/gyn. We looked at the risks of remaining on the medication while pregnant as opposed to going off and decided to stay on the zoloft for the duration of the pregnancy. My pdoc switched the klonopin to ativan since it is "safer" to take while pregnant. At my 19 week ultrasound, my pdoc ordered a detailed sonogram, checking particularly for cleft lip/palette and everything checked out ok. I delivered a healthy baby boy last dec. and was able to nurse him while on the zoloft. I would take the ativan at night for sleep and then "pump and dump" in the middle of the night so the baby didn't receive any of the ativan. I feel for you because I am too familiar with all of the feelings running through your mind...especially the guilt factor. Please ask your doc about zoloft or something similar. I sympathize because I am currently weaning from effexor (pure hell) and I can't even imagine going through it with morning sickness added. I am currently down to 75 mg and have started Lexarpro 5 days ago. The mood and anxiety have improved but I feel like I just got off a roller coaster (dizzy, nauseous). If you want to talk further, please leave me your email address. You will get through this pregnant, hang in there and keep us posted.
Nicole
Posted by nmk on September 18, 2002, at 9:08:14
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor, posted by pregnant on September 14, 2002, at 4:47:35
Dear Pregnant,
I read your post and felt compelled to write since I was in a very similar situation over a year ago. I was taking zoloft and klonopin for anxiety/panic and my husband and I decided we wanted to try for another baby. Before getting pregnant, I consulted a genetic specialist and my current pdoc who also happens to be an ob/gyn. We looked at the risks of remaining on the medication while pregnant as opposed to going off and decided to stay on the zoloft for the duration of the pregnancy. My pdoc switched the klonopin to ativan since it is "safer" to take while pregnant. At my 19 week ultrasound, my pdoc ordered a detailed sonogram, checking particularly for cleft lip/palette and everything checked out ok. I delivered a healthy baby boy last dec. and was able to nurse him while on the zoloft. I would take the ativan at night for sleep and then "pump and dump" in the middle of the night so the baby didn't receive any of the ativan. I feel for you because I am too familiar with all of the feelings running through your mind...especially the guilt factor. Please ask your doc about zoloft or something similar. I sympathize because I am currently weaning from effexor (pure hell) and I can't even imagine going through it with morning sickness added. I am currently down to 75 mg and have started Lexarpro 5 days ago. The mood and anxiety have improved but I feel like I just got off a roller coaster (dizzy, nauseous). If you want to talk further, please leave me your email address. You will get through this pregnant, hang in there and keep us posted.
Nicole
Posted by lucky on September 18, 2002, at 9:46:48
In reply to Re: Alternative Ways of dealing with Depression, posted by Kellie on May 28, 2000, at 9:41:20
> Depression is a chemical imbalance of the brain. I haven't found any natural substances, such as St John's Wort that are strong enough or have the correct type of chemicals to replace seratonin, and non medical methods absolutely do not work. Telling a depressive to "learn how to calm down" or "snap out of it", or "you can change if you want to" is insensative at best and ignorant and callous at worst. My mother is a diabetic and I'd never dream of telling her she could meditate and get over it. So why would you want to tell me to try an alternative method to cure myself of depression. Believe me, before I finally admitted to myself that I had a serous illness, I tried!! Prayer,meditation,sense deprivation,staring at candles,humming,exercise,--nothing worked. This is not an emotional problem, it's a biological problem. Increase your knowledge and you might learn something.
Kellie,
Thanks for the feedback as I just started on Effexor XR and I was going to ask about St. John's wort as an alternative. Are you still using Effexor? Thanks,
Posted by jannbeau on September 18, 2002, at 10:26:30
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor, posted by nmk on September 18, 2002, at 9:08:14
>Nicole, what a sweet and reassuring note to "pregnant"! This is the type of response that should really mean something to her, from one who has had the experience.
Jannbeau
Dear Pregnant,
>
> I read your post and felt compelled to write since I was in a very similar situation over a year ago. I was taking zoloft and klonopin for anxiety/panic and my husband and I decided we wanted to try for another baby. Before getting pregnant, I consulted a genetic specialist and my current pdoc who also happens to be an ob/gyn. We looked at the risks of remaining on the medication while pregnant as opposed to going off and decided to stay on the zoloft for the duration of the pregnancy. My pdoc switched the klonopin to ativan since it is "safer" to take while pregnant. At my 19 week ultrasound, my pdoc ordered a detailed sonogram, checking particularly for cleft lip/palette and everything checked out ok. I delivered a healthy baby boy last dec. and was able to nurse him while on the zoloft. I would take the ativan at night for sleep and then "pump and dump" in the middle of the night so the baby didn't receive any of the ativan. I feel for you because I am too familiar with all of the feelings running through your mind...especially the guilt factor. Please ask your doc about zoloft or something similar. I sympathize because I am currently weaning from effexor (pure hell) and I can't even imagine going through it with morning sickness added. I am currently down to 75 mg and have started Lexarpro 5 days ago. The mood and anxiety have improved but I feel like I just got off a roller coaster (dizzy, nauseous). If you want to talk further, please leave me your email address. You will get through this pregnant, hang in there and keep us posted.
>
> Nicole
Posted by Alara on September 18, 2002, at 23:50:15
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor, posted by DebraA. on September 13, 2002, at 15:28:25
Debra, it's good to hear that you're doing so much better. Keep us posted!
Alara
Posted by pregnant on September 19, 2002, at 0:59:37
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor, posted by nmk on September 18, 2002, at 9:08:14
Hi Nicole,
Thanks so much for your response. It was nice to hear someone had a similar situation. I couldn't handle the withdrawals over the weekend and my doctor felt that I had lowered my dose to fast and had me take 37.5 mg of effexor. I felt better within an hour. Today is the first day that I lowered the dose to half of a 37.5 capsule. I am starting to get the dizziness and nausea again. I don't hear or feel the wierd zipping racing sound through my head, and I hope that means the withdrawals will not get as bad. I would really like to be off my next week. I usually also get gestational diabetes, and I am schedule for a 3- hour glucose test on Friday. I just hope to get through that without getting sick. I will try to call tomorrow to suggest the zoloft or something because I am scared of feeling the withdrawals again. How long will it take for me to feel better. I am hoping to eventually enjoy this pregnancy which will be my last. Pregnant and frustrated.> Dear Pregnant,
>
> I read your post and felt compelled to write since I was in a very similar situation over a year ago. I was taking zoloft and klonopin for anxiety/panic and my husband and I decided we wanted to try for another baby. Before getting pregnant, I consulted a genetic specialist and my current pdoc who also happens to be an ob/gyn. We looked at the risks of remaining on the medication while pregnant as opposed to going off and decided to stay on the zoloft for the duration of the pregnancy. My pdoc switched the klonopin to ativan since it is "safer" to take while pregnant. At my 19 week ultrasound, my pdoc ordered a detailed sonogram, checking particularly for cleft lip/palette and everything checked out ok. I delivered a healthy baby boy last dec. and was able to nurse him while on the zoloft. I would take the ativan at night for sleep and then "pump and dump" in the middle of the night so the baby didn't receive any of the ativan. I feel for you because I am too familiar with all of the feelings running through your mind...especially the guilt factor. Please ask your doc about zoloft or something similar. I sympathize because I am currently weaning from effexor (pure hell) and I can't even imagine going through it with morning sickness added. I am currently down to 75 mg and have started Lexarpro 5 days ago. The mood and anxiety have improved but I feel like I just got off a roller coaster (dizzy, nauseous). If you want to talk further, please leave me your email address. You will get through this pregnant, hang in there and keep us posted.
>
> Nicole
Posted by pregnant on September 19, 2002, at 1:03:22
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor, posted by jannbeau on September 18, 2002, at 10:26:30
Hello Jannbeau,
Nicole's note was for sure reassuring. What kind of experience have you had? Pregnant.> >Nicole, what a sweet and reassuring note to "pregnant"! This is the type of response that should really mean something to her, from one who has had the experience.
>
> Jannbeau
>
> Dear Pregnant,
> >
> > I read your post and felt compelled to write since I was in a very similar situation over a year ago. I was taking zoloft and klonopin for anxiety/panic and my husband and I decided we wanted to try for another baby. Before getting pregnant, I consulted a genetic specialist and my current pdoc who also happens to be an ob/gyn. We looked at the risks of remaining on the medication while pregnant as opposed to going off and decided to stay on the zoloft for the duration of the pregnancy. My pdoc switched the klonopin to ativan since it is "safer" to take while pregnant. At my 19 week ultrasound, my pdoc ordered a detailed sonogram, checking particularly for cleft lip/palette and everything checked out ok. I delivered a healthy baby boy last dec. and was able to nurse him while on the zoloft. I would take the ativan at night for sleep and then "pump and dump" in the middle of the night so the baby didn't receive any of the ativan. I feel for you because I am too familiar with all of the feelings running through your mind...especially the guilt factor. Please ask your doc about zoloft or something similar. I sympathize because I am currently weaning from effexor (pure hell) and I can't even imagine going through it with morning sickness added. I am currently down to 75 mg and have started Lexarpro 5 days ago. The mood and anxiety have improved but I feel like I just got off a roller coaster (dizzy, nauseous). If you want to talk further, please leave me your email address. You will get through this pregnant, hang in there and keep us posted.
> >
> > Nicole
>
>
Posted by Alara on September 19, 2002, at 1:29:38
In reply to Anger Management, posted by sly on September 17, 2002, at 8:09:03
sly,
I had a similar experience which lasted for a few months after starting Effexor and returned after withdrawal. I have been off the drug for almost one month now and am still experiencing occasional episodes of feeling angry at anything and everything for little or no reason.
How do I cope? Singing and exercise! At the end of a bad day I turn on the dance music and dance myself into a frenzy or take a brisk walk. I also sing dramatic art songs and opera arias, usually with themes about being wronged or getting revenge! On a really bad day, I hit pillows. Believe me, there's nothing like a good catharsis. This way nobody gets hurt. :-)
I have also noticed that making the effort to get three balanced meals each day helps to stablise those mood swings. (If I overdo the carbs and miss out on protein, I will usually get crabby towards the end of the day due to low blood sugar levels.) Diet is so important!
I hope that some of this helps.
Alara
Posted by nmk on September 19, 2002, at 13:26:05
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor, posted by pregnant on September 19, 2002, at 0:59:37
Hi Pregnant,
It sounds as though we have similar reactions to the reduction in effexor and our bodies sensitive to the slightest change. Since I cut down from 150 mg to 75mg, I also experienced nausea, dizziness, and vomittng so my pdoc suggested I do a more gradual reduction by taking out a few granules each day out of the 75 mg capsule before dropping to the 37 mg capsules. Also, I don't know if you are having any breakthrough anxiety related to the withdrawal but he suggested I continue with 1 mg ativan to alleviate anxiety. He stated that the withdrawal effects of the effexor could last up to two weeks after the last dose. I have started Lexapro a week ago, which is helping, but I hope I will feel the full benefits by the time I am off the effexor. If your nausea is really bad, I read in an earlier post that there is a medication used to treat hyperemesis in pregnant women that may be effective. The name escapes me but you doc should know.
Keep me posted and continue to hang in there, you will get through this first trimester and the effexor withdrawals...I'll be right there with you.
Nicole
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