![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 2644 to 2668 of 10407. Go back in thread:
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
Posted by jannbeau on September 19, 2002, at 14:54:32
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor, posted by pregnant on September 14, 2002, at 4:47:35
> Hello, Pregnant,
How are you doing today? Have your discontinuation symptoms started to abate? Have you gotten some answers to your concerns from your doctors? Hope some of the posts have been helpful, too. If you need reassurance re potential effects on your fetus, don't give it too much weight. 66% of ALL medications listed in the PDR are given Category C for "use-in-pregnancy" which simply means that safety use during pregnancy has not been established. Usually, these assignments are used by physicians and patients to determine whether the benefits of STARTING a medication during early pregnancy are worth the potential risks. It is interesting to note that one of the most used OTC medications on the market, Benedryl, is given a Category C rating! That must mean that hundreds of thousands of pregnant women have utilized this medication during pregnancy without untoward effects. Also, it is one of the meds used to treat hyperemesis of pregnancy!I also hope that you have received some reassurance from your physicians by now AND that your discontinuation symptoms are better. Several meds, including Benadryl (mentioned above) are used for hyperemesis of pregnancy. These include: Benadryl, Phenergan, Compazine (all Category C meds) and Antivert or Dramamine and Reglan, which are Category B meds (Category B is generally safe, but weigh the benefits with the risks).
Keep us posted and let us know when the baby arrives!
God Bless,
Jannbeau
>
> Help,Help, Help. I have just read many of these posting and I am in so much fear right now. I have been taking effexor xr since 3/02. My doctor had me start slow until I was up to 300 mg. a day. I am pregnant and he told me to stay on the effexor, but my nurse prac. and high risk pregnancy new doctor told me to gradually get off. My reg. doc. told me it was o.k. and o.k. to breast feed once I delivered. My prenatal office said effexor has not been tested enough to prove it would be safe. I immediately cut the dose in half to 150 mg. the day I walked out of the prenatal office. I took 150 mg for 5 days and started then reduced the dose to taking 75 mg. I noticed the withdrawal symptoms started, but at first didn't relate it to the effexor because I have been feeling a little sick with the pregnancy. So I took the 75mg for 3 days and took 37.5 for 2, and today is the first day taking nothing. I am scared for my unborn child, and don't want to take anymore, but I am going crazy tonight. I went to bed at 7 p.m. and left my 3 year old and 8 year old boys up with their dad. I woke up at 11 p.m. and it is now 2 a.m. I am dying to take the effexor. I went to make toast to help my stomach, but I usually get gestational diabetes in my pregnancies, and all this carb eating is going to really put my sugar levels soaring. It is the only thing that keeps my stomach feeling o.k. The nausea with effoxor is worst than any nausea feeling I have had in any pregnancy. I thought maybe since this was the weekend I could get off this stuff and be good to go on Monday. I had a great day this morning. The withdrawal symptoms keep hitting me at night. If I stay in the bed the next 2 days can I recover from this? Should I run downstairs and grap a pill? I'm buzzing in my head every now and then, feeling sick, tired then unable to sleep. I don't want my husband and children and child to be to have to suffer from this. I am about 11 weeks pregnant and want to be able to function at my best for the safety of my unborn. I also take night classes, although I have a BA. The effexor was working so well for me, I made a decision of a career change, enrolled in school and received an A in my class. My marriage and relationship with my children have been great since taking the effexor, but this withdrawal stuff is not worth all the happiness I have had the last 6 months. Do I need to find a withdrawal specialist? Does such a person exist? This is my only source right now. I am trying to not call the er line at my prenatal doc's office, because I would like to see myself make it through the weekend. My classes start on 9/23, should I consider dropping them because it is no way I will be totally off this stuff. I thought maybe since I have not been on it a year, it would not be this bad. Help someone please. Pregnancy symptoms plus withdrawal is a tough battle and I am in great need of support.
Posted by jannbeau on September 19, 2002, at 15:04:39
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor, posted by pregnant on September 19, 2002, at 1:03:22
> Hi, Pregnant! You sound better today, thank goodness. I just posted some information for you a little while ago before reading this note.
I was given amphetamines BY MY OB/GYN doctor 34 years ago, while pregnant with my first child. In those days, no system of labeling drugs for use in pregnancy existed and doctors knew little or nothing about some of the problems we might experience from taking meds during pregnancy (sometimes, I think, "ignorance is bliss!"). Thankfully, I delivered a healthy baby girl who is, today, a doctor herself! (Can you tell how proud I am?).
Cheers,
JannbeauHello 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 jannbeau on September 19, 2002, at 15:10:14
In reply to Anger Management, posted by sly on September 17, 2002, at 8:09:03
>Hi, Alara (and Sly),
I, too, felt angry and had difficulty controlling my temper for a few weeks to a couple of months after coming off Effexor. I'm about three months out now and am just now getting better and feeling "normal" without the anger! Don't think I will ever want this medication in my body again, although I fight every day NOT to take it because Effexor helped my chronic pain SOOOO much.
Cheers,
jannbeauI'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 beth b on September 19, 2002, at 15:34:22
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor » pregnant, posted by jannbeau on September 19, 2002, at 15:04:39
Hi Guys--
Well, I had been weaning for about 6 weeks (150, 112.5, 75, 37.5, draining half of capsule, etc) and this past weekend I took the last step to 0 mg. During the weaning I had headaches and nausea pretty consistently every afternoon. By about 8pm I felt ok again.Friday was my first day without taking the medicine. I would have to say that Friday-Monday I felt as if I were being punished. I had a continuous headache, nausea, blurred vision, and that strange zooming sound going through my head. I was crying about everything. I was *pissed.* I suddenly felt like I hated everybody. I told God that I didn't like Him. I was miserable (and worried because I'm a teacher and I had to be at work by Tuesday).
Thank God it didn't last past Monday night. So it was like three days below the earth and then I was ok. So far I feel pretty good. I can CRY which is actually a relief because it has been over a year since I have been able to feel...anything. We'll see how it goes, I don't want to get my hopes up too high.
Thank-you guys for your honesty and support. It's so wonderful to have a group to discuss these things with.
Hugs-
Beth B
Posted by Alara on September 19, 2002, at 22:12:27
In reply to First Drug Holiday--Update, posted by beth b on September 19, 2002, at 15:34:22
>
>
> "Thank God it didn't last past Monday night. So it was like three days below the earth and then I was ok. So far I feel pretty good. I can CRY which is actually a relief because it has been over a year since I have been able to feel...anything. We'll see how it goes, I don't want to get my hopes up too high."
>
>
Beth, doesn't it feel great? I mean, so many people believe that crying is something AWFUL or UNBEARABLE but, at least for me, crying has always provided tremendous relief.My experience on Effexor was similar to yours: I lost a part of my ability to feel - although I probably needed a holiday from my feelings at the time! I have now been off the drug for one month and I feel as though I've rediscovered my soul. I cried buckets on the anniversary of September 11th, which is something I needed to do. (Would you believe that I was so numb on the Effexor that the reality of that terrible event didn't hit me until one year later, when I was drug free?)
Anyway, I'm so glad to hear about your speedy recovery. Maybe there IS a reason for you to get your hopes up. :-)
Alara
Posted by carousel on September 20, 2002, at 7:32:07
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by trella77 on September 16, 2002, at 19:15:58
Hi,
I have had many antidepressants over the past 12 years. I suggest you may have more to gain,than not,in taking this suggested medication.
The side effects of all of these drugs vary with each individual, and withdrawl from each one can be minimised with very careful dose reduction over a period of time, suitable to each person.
Try not to let any one person's severe reaction to any of these drugs put you off.If you have unpleasant side effects you may have to try a different treatment.
I'm sure you would rather not be suffering the discomfort which took you to seek advice about possible drug assistance in the first place.I know I am always relieved when the medication takes effect. Unfortunately for me, I cannot find a treatment which provides continual respite.
Posted by halck on September 20, 2002, at 10:03:17
In reply to Re: problems with joint or muscle using efexor? , posted by wr on November 27, 2000, at 15:44:36
my friend has been experiencing joint pain since changing to eflexor from prenorien, i hope my spellings ok ....at any rate she was switched because of breast cancer for which she had an operation and follow-up radiation treatments... we would like to hear if there are any out there with any likewise joint problems...the medical people we are dealing with do not attribute the finger and foot pain and swelling to efexor xr....we are suspect...thanking you for your time and trouble
Posted by Golf4 on September 20, 2002, at 16:40:37
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by butterbay on September 17, 2002, at 0:40:36
such messages are so encouraging for those like me being just 2 weeks already on this med.Thanks!
Now,what is the dose you are on and how much time did it take you to start feeling a significant improvement?
===========
> 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 kitkat on September 21, 2002, at 9:06:33
In reply to Re: problems with joint or muscle using efexor? » wr , posted by halck on September 20, 2002, at 10:03:17
I've been taking Effexor for 8 years now, (usually 225 mg./day)and only recently have experienced swelling, joint pain and hand numbness.
Neither I nor my doctor blame Effexor. I'm not familiar with the drug she switched from, was that for depression or something else?
You don't indicate age of your friend, occupation or lifestyle. Has she had blood tests showing any abnormalities? (Mine kick out low B12, high sugar, liver abnormalities and more and I'm going for hepatitis and glucose tests.) I also found that buying a new mattress helped with some of the pain!
Considering that Suzanne Somers had liposuction for the swelling and edema associated with her cancer treatments, has your doctor addressed these symptoms as a possible side effect of that?
Also, I believe from knowledge of 30 to 40-something friends and family (all female) diagnosed with lupus, multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia that the depression associated with these diseases is often treated first without looking for the underlying causes. (You must be crazy if we can't find a quick diagnosis?)
I realize this is a long post, but I know how frustrating it can be to search for answers to physical symptoms while struggling with depression and certain side effects of medication.
Is your friend in a cancer support group? I'd think that'd be helpful, and she might find answers to her questions there.
Hope you hang in there and keep asking your doctors questions, and keep insisting that appropriate tests be run until some answer is found.
p.s. Anyone out there familiar with any studies on long-term use of Effexor? I feel like it's not working as well as it used to, don't know if I'm down because of my physical problems or developing a resistance to Effexor.
Posted by johnlund on September 21, 2002, at 20:40:29
In reply to Re: problems with joint or muscle using efexor? » halck, posted by kitkat on September 21, 2002, at 9:06:33
> I've been taking Effexor for 8 years now, (usually 225 mg./day)and only recently have experienced swelling, joint pain and hand numbness.
>
> Neither I nor my doctor blame Effexor. I'm not familiar with the drug she switched from, was that for depression or something else?
>
> You don't indicate age of your friend, occupation or lifestyle. Has she had blood tests showing any abnormalities? (Mine kick out low B12, high sugar, liver abnormalities and more and I'm going for hepatitis and glucose tests.) I also found that buying a new mattress helped with some of the pain!
>
> Considering that Suzanne Somers had liposuction for the swelling and edema associated with her cancer treatments, has your doctor addressed these symptoms as a possible side effect of that?
>
> Also, I believe from knowledge of 30 to 40-something friends and family (all female) diagnosed with lupus, multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia that the depression associated with these diseases is often treated first without looking for the underlying causes. (You must be crazy if we can't find a quick diagnosis?)
>
> I realize this is a long post, but I know how frustrating it can be to search for answers to physical symptoms while struggling with depression and certain side effects of medication.
>
> Is your friend in a cancer support group? I'd think that'd be helpful, and she might find answers to her questions there.
>
> Hope you hang in there and keep asking your doctors questions, and keep insisting that appropriate tests be run until some answer is found.
>
> p.s. Anyone out there familiar with any studies on long-term use of Effexor? I feel like it's not working as well as it used to, don't know if I'm down because of my physical problems or developing a resistance to Effexor.I have been on Effexor for 3 years. Of all the posts I've read, you have been on Effexor the longest. As far as long term effects go, you probably know better than anyone. Effexor has not been out there that long, and no one really knows what the long term effects are. Do you have any noticable symptoms of anything? I would be interested to know. I have not experienced anything yet. All I know is that is works, and doesnt seem to poop out.
Posted by daytrader on September 21, 2002, at 20:52:34
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
first time on here and wanted to ask about anyone getting a rash in their arm pits
Posted by Redula on September 23, 2002, at 13:54:19
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by daytrader on September 21, 2002, at 20:52:34
I have currently been taking the Effexor for at least 8 to 12 months, I not sure what month that I started, but I am up to taking 2, 75 mg a day, plus 1, Xanax 0.5 mg three times a day. I also hve trouble sleeping. I have a good Dr, but I've never asked her what I was diagnosed with. I was sexually abused as a child. I had at one time put this behind me, but now (to make a long story short), things have been kind of throwed back at me. I had surpressed alot of my child hood. It's been rough, and there are days I'm not even able to get out of bed due to pain, numbness, or unable to move.
I still have anxiety attacks, and my body just jerks all over and I went from have a full time job, attending college, raising my two little girls, to being affrain of doing anything.
Some times I feel over medicated, and there are times I feel that I couldn't live with out it.
Please, help me to under stand why I am taking the Effexor ER.
Red
Posted by Starwatcher on September 23, 2002, at 15:16:41
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Redula on September 23, 2002, at 13:54:19
> I have currently been taking the Effexor for at least 8 to 12 months, I not sure what month that I started, but I am up to taking 2, 75 mg a day, plus 1, Xanax 0.5 mg three times a day. I also hve trouble sleeping. I have a good Dr, but I've never asked her what I was diagnosed with. I was sexually abused as a child. I had at one time put this behind me, but now (to make a long story short), things have been kind of throwed back at me. I had surpressed alot of my child hood. It's been rough, and there are days I'm not even able to get out of bed due to pain, numbness, or unable to move.
>
> I still have anxiety attacks, and my body just jerks all over and I went from have a full time job, attending college, raising my two little girls, to being affrain of doing anything.
>
> Some times I feel over medicated, and there are times I feel that I couldn't live with out it.
>
> Please, help me to under stand why I am taking the Effexor ER.
>
> RedRed, that is something you'll have to directly ask your doctor if you don't know why - only he/she can tell you since he/she was the one that's prescribed the medications. My doctor tells me why she's doing things, wants me to do certain things or prescribes medication. ( I have a wonderful one!). She knows that it's important that her patients understand exactly what's going on, etc. and have two way conversations with her. Some doctors don't realize this or think the less the patient knows , the better. This is not a good practice of medicine! Learn to talk with your doctor - and ask questions if you don't understand - until you do. It's YOUR life and health!
I would also tell them about the pains you're feeling and not being able to move or get out of bed, etc.
Posted by jannbeau on September 23, 2002, at 18:07:15
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Redula on September 23, 2002, at 13:54:19
> Redula, I can't TELL you why you are taking Effexor XR, but Effexor is used for a variety of psychiatric disorders including major depressive disorders, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and dysthymia.
Were your medications ever useful? Did you EVER feel better after you started the Effexor and Xanax? Perhaps your medications need to be re-evaluated for whether they are the right ones, given at the right doses, and at the right times and combinations.
Is your doctor a psychiatrist? Why don't you ask her what your diagnosis is? How often do you see her? Are you receiving counseling also? I think you may need far more help than you seem to be receiving. You have to let someone who can help know how bad you feel to get that help, however. Does you doctor KNOW how bad you feel? Have you TOLD her?
I don't know what else to say except good luck and try to get help from a competent professional as quickly as you can.
Jannbeau
I have currently been taking the Effexor for at least 8 to 12 months, I not sure what month that I started, but I am up to taking 2, 75 mg a day, plus 1, Xanax 0.5 mg three times a day. I also hve trouble sleeping. I have a good Dr, but I've never asked her what I was diagnosed with. I was sexually abused as a child. I had at one time put this behind me, but now (to make a long story short), things have been kind of throwed back at me. I had surpressed alot of my child hood. It's been rough, and there are days I'm not even able to get out of bed due to pain, numbness, or unable to move.
>
> I still have anxiety attacks, and my body just jerks all over and I went from have a full time job, attending college, raising my two little girls, to being affrain of doing anything.
>
> Some times I feel over medicated, and there are times I feel that I couldn't live with out it.
>
> Please, help me to under stand why I am taking the Effexor ER.
>
> Red
Posted by utopizen on September 23, 2002, at 20:06:53
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Redula, posted by jannbeau on September 23, 2002, at 18:07:15
I use to think psychiatrists were magical people who knew how to decode all of your secrets and neatly sort you into the proper disorder categories.
Then I had to receive documentation that I had ADD for my college, and I had to get an evaluation. 8 doctors, total billable hours ranging from $2000-$3000. My neurologist said I'd probably also be found to have GAD during the testing....
Posted by Mr Beev on September 23, 2002, at 20:45:14
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by daytrader on September 21, 2002, at 20:52:34
> first time on here and wanted to ask about anyone getting a rash in their arm pits
After a few months on Effexor, this has begun happening to me. I would classify it as annoying, but not serious. It seems to be related to heavy sweating. After a workout (outdoor jogging), I normally perform various activities (icing, stretching, and so forth) before showering. I have found, however, that immediate showering usually helps.
Regards,
Mr Beev
Posted by jim hawthorn on September 24, 2002, at 6:44:16
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor, posted by pregnant on September 14, 2002, at 4:47:35
I'd like to share my experiences;
I was emitionally shut down for 10 years and emotionally abusing my wife. She had an affair with my room mate from university, I found out about it, and I had a nervous breakdown. I discovered the affair in Feb 2002, it is now Sept 2002.
To reduce my anxiety about everything going on in my life, my doc prescribed Effexor- starting at 37.5, for 2 weeks, moving to 75mg, then up to 150's where I stayed for about 2 months. I have slowly weened myself down to 37.5, then started emptying half of the 37.5 capsules. 5 days ago I quite cold turkey. Since then I have had brain shocks like never before. SOmetimes I feel disoriented, I get the cold sweats and I get very forgetful. I also have a savage appetite, and eat anything I see.
Here is a very interesting point: before I started on Effexor, I never drank wine. After I started on Effexor I started drinking wine- something I had never/ever done before in my life. I have been drinking 1-3 bottles per week.
What's even worse, is that I am now a bit paraniod. I am now wondering if my wife is having an affair agian. I have very little support, as I do not trust my wife, and few of my friends do not know I was on an anti-depressant (I have a therapist and I am in group therapy).
Currently the electrical shocks in my head making day to day functioning almost impossible. I can only hope that they go away soon.
thank you for listening- I'll keep you updated.
Jim
Posted by lucky on September 24, 2002, at 13:04:40
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Golf4 on September 20, 2002, at 16:40:37
I just started as well, actually this is my 8th day and just moved up to 75mg in the morning. I was extremely tired after taking it and can't stop yawning. After a couple of hours it seems to go away. I get a lull in the late afternoon as well. I take mine around 8:00am. I haven't noticed much change, but from what i've read it could take 4-8 weeks to notice a difference. this is the first AD i've ever take so it is all new to me. Best of luck!!
> such messages are so encouraging for those like me being just 2 weeks already on this med.Thanks!
> Now,what is the dose you are on and how much time did it take you to start feeling a significant improvement?
> ===========
>
>
> > 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 kitkat on September 24, 2002, at 15:47:21
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Redula on September 23, 2002, at 13:54:19
Red, you really have to talk to your doctor, the sooner the better. Just take one step at a time, call her/him, tell them exactly what your symptoms are, and that you have days when you can't get out of bed. If you can't make the call yourself, ask a friend or family member to call.
A friend of mine was also sexually abused as a child and had numerous problems and diagnoses. She finally started to get well when she went to a partial hospitalization program funded by our county.
This was a daytime program that included intensive group therapy, a psychiatrist on staff to prescribe the right medications, and case workers to help with financial problems if any.
Maybe you could look in the Human Services section of your phone book to see what services your area offers, or ask your doctor what is available.
I think it's really important that you get additional help, no drug is a wonder pill that can cure emotional trauma immediately.
Good luck, please let us know how you're doing. People really do care, even though when you're depressed and anxious it might seem like nobody does.
Posted by jannbeau on September 24, 2002, at 16:35:15
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Redula on September 23, 2002, at 13:54:19
>Red, I've noticed a couple of responses to your post. Will you get back to us to tell us whether you are trying to get the help you need. We DO care what becomes of you!
God Bless,
jannbeauI have currently been taking the Effexor for at least 8 to 12 months, I not sure what month that I started, but I am up to taking 2, 75 mg a day, plus 1, Xanax 0.5 mg three times a day. I also hve trouble sleeping. I have a good Dr, but I've never asked her what I was diagnosed with. I was sexually abused as a child. I had at one time put this behind me, but now (to make a long story short), things have been kind of throwed back at me. I had surpressed alot of my child hood. It's been rough, and there are days I'm not even able to get out of bed due to pain, numbness, or unable to move.
>
> I still have anxiety attacks, and my body just jerks all over and I went from have a full time job, attending college, raising my two little girls, to being affrain of doing anything.
>
> Some times I feel over medicated, and there are times I feel that I couldn't live with out it.
>
> Please, help me to under stand why I am taking the Effexor ER.
>
> Red
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.