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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by cherry on October 17, 2002, at 23:09:03
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by Shel on July 18, 2000, at 1:35:45
I've just been put on Effexor slow release 75mg, for long-standing depression (10years) and some anxiety. Have tried Zoloft or Serzone once (can't remember which), got headaches and rash. After 4 days of this stuff, I feel nauseous (now manageable), but also disturbed vision, feel disassociated ('weird'), lop-sided, jaw tension, hot face then sometimes chills, body on the verge of twitching (but not yet), foggy-brain and now, today, a return of my 'dark' feelings, where I don't feel trustful of others, and that I don't 'fit in'.
Is this amount of side-effects normal so soon? Should my doctor be trying something else first? I feel scared, especially after reading so many postings, that this drug is really bad news, and a 'last resort', but for me it seems to be only second resort. I'm really sensitive to medicaiton normally, and have had a bloody awful last 2 years getting my brain back after TB drugs - of all things. So, I'm really not into a repeat.
Any advice?
Also, has it struck anyone reading these boards that many of us seem to be very intelligent - Does anyone agree, and do you think there's a link between a high ability to see the world as it really is, and depression?? Cos I've been trying to work this stuff out for years...
cherry
Posted by Sioux on October 18, 2002, at 1:05:18
In reply to Have I got too many side-effects?, posted by cherry on October 17, 2002, at 23:09:03
Hi, Cherry! I'm sorry you're having a rough time of it - after having had another rough time. That sucks.
The side effects calm down after about a week. If you're sensitive to meds, perhaps starting with 37.5 and then the 75 mg might have made a smoother transition. It is not a drug to be afraid of - it's been in use for quite some time. The peculiar reactions that you're reading about on this board are probably because the medication messes about with the concentrations of seratonin in the brain. Some stuff is very well known about this, and other not well known at all.
I keep a 'drug log.' It's a daily count of my meds and any effects I notice. With time I've learned to 'overlay' this log on my work calendar. Sometimes I can see where my medical condition is effecting my work and sometimes I can see the other way around, but mostly I notice that most side effects go away or become familiar within a week or two. The next question, of course, is "Is it worth it?" and that's something only you can answer.
Yes, I too have noticed that this board has more than a fair share of pretty smart (and fun) people. Definitely an analytical/observing bent. Maybe there is a correlation. I'll bet the MMPI has a subscale for depression among smart people.
Posted by kitkat on October 18, 2002, at 16:04:51
In reply to Have I got too many side-effects?, posted by cherry on October 17, 2002, at 23:09:03
Hope you're feeling better every day, it does take some time for the bod to adjust, and I think my doc said it might take up to 4 weeks for the full anti -d benefits to take hold. Hang in there if you can!
Some of the messages here can be a little scary, but I suspect that people posting to this board may be a very small percentage of people taking Effexor....anyone know the annual # of doses?
I agree that there's a lot of intelligence and curiosity shown here. Inquiring minds who want to understand what's really going on with their minds and bodies.
It'd be interesting to see if there's any link between intelligence and depression. Although, I read a book some time ago (Learned Optimism by Martin Seligman) that studies how our view of the world is formed, and how we can work to change it.
There seems to be a lot of allergy/sinus sufferers here too! Possible connection between screwed up immune responses and depression??
Thanks to everybody for info on nasal flushing, I'm gonna start trying that and hopefully avoid sinus surgery!
Posted by Katia on October 18, 2002, at 18:14:28
In reply to Re: need info on side effects - help » Mrs. M, posted by jannbeau on October 14, 2002, at 12:40:41
I've been on Effexor a little over a month finally up to 300mg. It seems to work for me, however, I have been quite constipated for the past three weeks. I normally have frequent and healthy bowel movements. Could this be associated with Effexor XR? Anybody else have this side effect, if it is one?
Thanks.
Posted by nigel99 on October 18, 2002, at 18:59:20
In reply to constipated on Effexor XR?, posted by Katia on October 18, 2002, at 18:14:28
Oh yeah. Since starting over a month ago I am so constipated that even metamucil twice a day doesn't relieve it. I hope it goes away soon...
Good luck!> I've been on Effexor a little over a month finally up to 300mg. It seems to work for me, however, I have been quite constipated for the past three weeks. I normally have frequent and healthy bowel movements. Could this be associated with Effexor XR? Anybody else have this side effect, if it is one?
> Thanks.
Posted by LynnPerley on October 18, 2002, at 19:27:13
In reply to constipated on Effexor XR?, posted by Katia on October 18, 2002, at 18:14:28
Yes, its the only side effect that is still consistently (as in more than once a week) bothering me after more than 7 months. I always eat a lot of fiber in my diet and I still have to add Citrucel occasionally. It's the frequent small hard movements for me. It also results in abdominal gas which is quite embarrassing. I'm to the point I am going to do a food journal to see if I can't make some specific dietary changes which will help. If I was not receiving subsantial benefit from this med, and if the constipation were not a listed side effect of virtualy every antidepressant available, I would stop this med just because of the constipation. Very annoying.
Posted by Rickp on October 19, 2002, at 12:21:30
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I've been on effexor for about 14 months. This is my 3rd bout with depression and effexor works just fine. I recently had my doseage adjusted from 225mg to 300mg. Ive been placed on buspar to help with panic attacks also. Give the drug a chance and keep in touch with a professional often to monitor your progress. Its worth it.
Posted by Mrs. M on October 19, 2002, at 16:44:25
In reply to discouraging bunch of mssgs, posted by legallybrunette on September 29, 2002, at 11:30:53
This is a test to see if it works.
Posted by cherry on October 19, 2002, at 22:48:56
In reply to Re: discouraging bunch of mssgs, posted by Mrs. M on October 19, 2002, at 16:44:25
HI all, thanks for the replies about my side-effects. I called my doctor - he said he's only ever heard about nausea, and thought I should get off when he heard my 7 or 8 side effects. So I have. He wanted me to try it longer though but conceded I 'wouldn't be happy' on it (am I anyway?? haha) Second day off, I feel very sad. But maybe I need to cry a lot! A hell of a lot has happened to me!
What do people think about the link between depression and unreleased anger?
By the way, if a lot of depression is chemical - why haven't they developed proper tests to find out what and how much is over/under produced?
Cherry
Posted by Ezzy on October 20, 2002, at 0:50:54
In reply to Chemical tests, depression and anger - link?, posted by cherry on October 19, 2002, at 22:48:56
Hi All;
I have been reading your posts for hours and trying to decide if I am going to open this trial pack of Effexor XR that my doctor gave me five days ago. I am a mature(lol) student in my final year of university and am concerned that this medication will impair my thinking ability and memory retention. On the other hand, I suspect that my current anxiety/depression/insomnia already does that. I am also hoping that Effexor XR will help me focus and move past this paralysis/procrastination (I'm never sure which it is). Any insights on pre and post Effexor XR experiences with these issues would be appreciated. ~Ezzy
Posted by Rickp on October 20, 2002, at 10:30:24
In reply to Can't Think, Brain Dumb, Inspiration Won't Come, posted by Ezzy on October 20, 2002, at 0:50:54
I think at this point you should give it a try. I've read that quite a few talanted people suffer from depression and are leary of treatment for fear that they may loose their creativity. This is not the case I've read and that it helps.
In my case I felt soon after I started treatment that I was not getting much done when infact I was getting more things done. Tasks were becoming easer. I hope this my help.
Posted by Ezzy on October 20, 2002, at 12:39:57
In reply to Re: Can't Think, Brain Dumb, Inspiration Won't Come, posted by Rickp on October 20, 2002, at 10:30:24
Rickp, thanks for the quick reply. This is my first experience with an online forum/community, it's an interesting process. After a decent nights sleep (Yay!), I don't feel quite as uncertain about trying Effexor XR as I did yesterday. Trying to complete my education at this age and stage of my life is stressful, and I hesitate to do anything that complicates it further. I have a presentation to give tomorrow morning and don't want to be feeling bad, so maybe I'll take my first pill when I get up on Tuesday morning. Thanks for the encouragement. ~Ezzy
Posted by sandylou on October 20, 2002, at 13:53:47
In reply to Re: Can't Think, Brain Dumb, Inspiration Won't Come, posted by Rickp on October 20, 2002, at 10:30:24
I've been taking Effexor XR for a year now. I recently had the bright idea to ask my doc to switch me the Wellbutrin because I heard it would speed up your metabolism. Well, I've has the worst weekend of my life. The withdrawals are horrifying! I've experienced mania, severe agitation with everything, shocking sensations, and have cried for 3 days. I just now broke down and took an Effexor. Screw the Wellbutrin. Doc gave me a months supply of it to see how it does because the insurance company requires prior authoriztion or something. I know I can't go on feeling like this. I've been alone with my 2 year old daughter for 3 days and it has been awful for her to watch me have a mental breakdown. I do want to get off of medication all together. I'm so frightened of how my life will be without it.
Posted by metiron on October 20, 2002, at 14:10:16
In reply to Re: constipated on Effexor XR? » Katia, posted by LynnPerley on October 18, 2002, at 19:27:13
Whoa!! Totally constipated from effexor. I had to reduce my amount by half and I still have problems with it, although Citricel does help. Hwever, the constipation apparently puts some pressure on my urinary tract (my doctor told me this) and I often have to contend with urinary tract infections as a result of it. Then sometimes the urinary tract infection will lead to a yeast infection, so I'm all messed up down there. But, this does make me keep on my toes with my eating habits to make sure I take enough fiber. My doctor said colace and pericolace are fairly mild laxatives to take although to watch becoming to laxative dependent. I think that over the past 8 months of taking it I've begun to manage the problem fairly well, but I absolutely would not be able to take the maximum dosage. I've been thinking about getting one of those colonics-- one of my new age friends swears by it, but I don't know. Anyone ever tried it?
Hope this helps
Metiron
> Yes, its the only side effect that is still consistently (as in more than once a week) bothering me after more than 7 months. I always eat a lot of fiber in my diet and I still have to add Citrucel occasionally. It's the frequent small hard movements for me. It also results in abdominal gas which is quite embarrassing. I'm to the point I am going to do a food journal to see if I can't make some specific dietary changes which will help. If I was not receiving subsantial benefit from this med, and if the constipation were not a listed side effect of virtualy every antidepressant available, I would stop this med just because of the constipation. Very annoying.
Posted by Katia on October 20, 2002, at 16:24:31
In reply to Re: constipated on Effexor XR?, posted by metiron on October 20, 2002, at 14:10:16
I just upped my dose to 300mg a day and now NOTHING. I'm having no movements for three days now, following very little movement for days. I have bought an enema from the pharmacy and I'm doing that today. Distilled water warmed with coffee (one cup). Being constipated is not healthy by any means and I cannot live with it. Has anyone had this side effect that got better with time?
Thanks.
> Whoa!! Totally constipated from effexor. I had to reduce my amount by half and I still have problems with it, although Citricel does help. Hwever, the constipation apparently puts some pressure on my urinary tract (my doctor told me this) and I often have to contend with urinary tract infections as a result of it. Then sometimes the urinary tract infection will lead to a yeast infection, so I'm all messed up down there. But, this does make me keep on my toes with my eating habits to make sure I take enough fiber. My doctor said colace and pericolace are fairly mild laxatives to take although to watch becoming to laxative dependent. I think that over the past 8 months of taking it I've begun to manage the problem fairly well, but I absolutely would not be able to take the maximum dosage. I've been thinking about getting one of those colonics-- one of my new age friends swears by it, but I don't know. Anyone ever tried it?
> Hope this helps
> Metiron
> > Yes, its the only side effect that is still consistently (as in more than once a week) bothering me after more than 7 months. I always eat a lot of fiber in my diet and I still have to add Citrucel occasionally. It's the frequent small hard movements for me. It also results in abdominal gas which is quite embarrassing. I'm to the point I am going to do a food journal to see if I can't make some specific dietary changes which will help. If I was not receiving subsantial benefit from this med, and if the constipation were not a listed side effect of virtualy every antidepressant available, I would stop this med just because of the constipation. Very annoying.
>
>
Posted by LynnPerley on October 20, 2002, at 19:00:52
In reply to Can't Think, Brain Dumb, Inspiration Won't Come, posted by Ezzy on October 20, 2002, at 0:50:54
The worst symptopm of my depression was the inability to get things accomplished at work (I'm an attorney) and the inability to conentrate. I would not be able to recall accurately how I spent my time all day (which is not good if you bill by the hour!). I agree you should wait until after a critical presentation to start, but give it a try. Remember it often takes several weeks to see the actual benefits from this medication, and you probably will need to play with the time of say you take it. The drowsies became much better after I started taking it in the early to late evening.
Posted by jannbeau on October 21, 2002, at 10:52:49
In reply to Re: constipated on Effexor XR? » Katia, posted by LynnPerley on October 18, 2002, at 19:27:13
>Hi, Lynne,
Try Phazyme Ultra (or other med containing simethicone) for the gas! Helps a lot!
Jannbeau
Yes, its the only side effect that is still consistently (as in more than once a week) bothering me after more than 7 months. I always eat a lot of fiber in my diet and I still have to add Citrucel occasionally. It's the frequent small hard movements for me. It also results in abdominal gas which is quite embarrassing. I'm to the point I am going to do a food journal to see if I can't make some specific dietary changes which will help. If I was not receiving subsantial benefit from this med, and if the constipation were not a listed side effect of virtualy every antidepressant available, I would stop this med just because of the constipation. Very annoying.
Posted by jannbeau on October 21, 2002, at 11:06:06
In reply to Re: Can't Think, Brain Dumb, Inspiration Won't Come, posted by sandylou on October 20, 2002, at 13:53:47
> SandyLou-- your experience is exactly what one might expect with abrupt discontinuation of Effexor or other AD with a short biological half-life, from what I have read. If anything comes across this message board with clarity and regularity, it is that one should taper off Effexor. It took me, personally, about four or five weeks to get off completely and I experienced no intolerable side effects. That does not mean that I didn't experience any unpleasantness. I had brain zaps, some slight nausea with each step-down, some dizziness, some lack of control especially of angry feelings (did some acting-out, but not physical--said a few things to my husband that might better have been left unsaid, yelled some, felt really angry, but not for long). Nothing earth-shaking, however. Do try a taper regimen, after checking with your doctor.
I've been taking Effexor XR for a year now. I recently had the bright idea to ask my doc to switch me the Wellbutrin because I heard it would speed up your metabolism. Well, I've has the worst weekend of my life. The withdrawals are horrifying! I've experienced mania, severe agitation with everything, shocking sensations, and have cried for 3 days. I just now broke down and took an Effexor. Screw the Wellbutrin. Doc gave me a months supply of it to see how it does because the insurance company requires prior authoriztion or something. I know I can't go on feeling like this. I've been alone with my 2 year old daughter for 3 days and it has been awful for her to watch me have a mental breakdown. I do want to get off of medication all together. I'm so frightened of how my life will be without it.
Posted by kitkat on October 21, 2002, at 18:30:21
In reply to Re: Can't Think, Brain Dumb, Inspiration Won't Come, posted by sandylou on October 20, 2002, at 13:53:47
Jannbeau's right, haven't heard of anyone who quit Effexor cold turkey without problems. You might need to find a way to check out medication switches if your Doc isn't informing you.
Also, my doc (and the RX literature) says Well butrin has a 1 in 1,000 change of causing seizures. As a single mom with a young child, I didn't like those odds and steered clear of it. Did your doctor tell you about that?
It may take some time to get your meds right. Is there anyone who can take your kid for a few hours a day? That really helped me when I was going thru the roughest times. (helped the kid, too!) If not, maybe just go to a park or take a walk every day until things settle down.
Good luck!
> I've been taking Effexor XR for a year now. I recently had the bright idea to ask my doc to switch me the Wellbutrin because I heard it would speed up your metabolism. Well, I've has the worst weekend of my life. The withdrawals are horrifying! I've experienced mania, severe agitation with everything, shocking sensations, and have cried for 3 days. I just now broke down and took an Effexor. Screw the Wellbutrin. Doc gave me a months supply of it to see how it does because the insurance company requires prior authoriztion or something. I know I can't go on feeling like this. I've been alone with my 2 year old daughter for 3 days and it has been awful for her to watch me have a mental breakdown. I do want to get off of medication all together. I'm so frightened of how my life will be without it.
Posted by Rickp on October 21, 2002, at 19:17:55
In reply to Re: Can't Think, Brain Dumb, Inspiration Won't Come, posted by sandylou on October 20, 2002, at 13:53:47
Did you quit cold turkey or reduce dosage? Because cold turky is not the way to go. You ease off any drug like this.
Posted by Mrs. M on October 21, 2002, at 20:35:05
In reply to Re: need info on side effects - help, posted by jflange on October 14, 2002, at 22:17:49
Hey, Thanks for the information and suggestions from everyone. It helps. I have been "sidelined" for a couple of days with an especially bad bout of eye pain/headache. It was miserable. (Then something was going "nuts" and I couldn't get my message to post.) I continue to search for answers for my head pain.
kitkat, I too have acute chronic sinus problems. A few years ago I had to have surgery to correct a diviated septum. It was so bad that I had no choice. What did you decide to do to correct you sinus cavity problem? The ENT doc has ordered two CT scans in the last two months (I am scheduled to see him on Wed.) and hopefully he can give me some information to provide some relief. I have certainly had my share of sinus headaches over the years, but this eye pain/head pain didn't quite feel like that. But, perhaps it is sinus related.
I have had my eyes checked out, and everything seems to be okay there. I am also trying to double check that there are no med reactions between the effexor and other meds I take.
Some suggested that my pain might be a migraine headache. I have had a few headaches that I would truly label migraine, and again, this current pain doesn't feel quite like that either. But, perhaps it is vascular related. At this point, I am willing to consider almost anything. I am definitely struggling for answers. This pain gets so very frustrating and discouraging.
jflange, the information about calcium and magnesium supplements was interesting. I currently take calcium supplements but not magnesium. I have not heard of the theory of that deficiency in migraine sufferers. How much magnesium do you take a day?
I was encouraged by the reports from some of you that had not experienced much problem with withdrawal when coming off effexor. I think it has helped my depression and anxiety some, however I hope I won't have to take it forever. Some of the encouraging reports makes the time that I could possibly get off effexor a little less scarey.
Posted by Lost Lamb on October 22, 2002, at 1:32:08
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Has anyone been prescribed Effexor for ADD or ADHD? And has it helped you at all?
Thanks,
Lost Lamb
Posted by Noorah on October 22, 2002, at 10:05:38
In reply to Have I got too many side-effects?, posted by cherry on October 17, 2002, at 23:09:03
Cherry,
I too feel "weird" and disassociated. I also grind my teeth more at night since taking effexor 75 mg. Constipation , tremors, hands shaking, as well as hot and then cold feelings are also my many side effects.I told my psychiatrist that I am not sure that I want to stay on effexor. I now have made up my mind that I am getting off the effexor and going back to celexa which has worked for me in the past.
If you have more side effects and not so much improvement in your depression then you should think about getting off the effexor and on to something else.
Noorah
> I've just been put on Effexor slow release 75mg, for long-standing depression (10years) and some anxiety. Have tried Zoloft or Serzone once (can't remember which), got headaches and rash. After 4 days of this stuff, I feel nauseous (now manageable), but also disturbed vision, feel disassociated ('weird'), lop-sided, jaw tension, hot face then sometimes chills, body on the verge of twitching (but not yet), foggy-brain and now, today, a return of my 'dark' feelings, where I don't feel trustful of others, and that I don't 'fit in'.
>
> Is this amount of side-effects normal so soon? Should my doctor be trying something else first? I feel scared, especially after reading so many postings, that this drug is really bad news, and a 'last resort', but for me it seems to be only second resort. I'm really sensitive to medicaiton normally, and have had a bloody awful last 2 years getting my brain back after TB drugs - of all things. So, I'm really not into a repeat.
>
> Any advice?
>
> Also, has it struck anyone reading these boards that many of us seem to be very intelligent - Does anyone agree, and do you think there's a link between a high ability to see the world as it really is, and depression?? Cos I've been trying to work this stuff out for years...
>
>
> cherry
Posted by dde on October 22, 2002, at 18:54:37
In reply to Effexor XR and ADD/ADHD?, posted by Lost Lamb on October 22, 2002, at 1:32:08
My 10 year old son was prescribed Effexor XR for ADHD. 37.5 mg to 225 mg in less than 3 weeks. IT HAS NEVER BEEN APPROVED FOR THAT CONDITION, PER FDA. He committed suicide on August 13th. BE VERY CAUTIOUS. de
Posted by Rickp on October 22, 2002, at 21:10:24
In reply to Re: Have I got too many side-effects?, posted by Noorah on October 22, 2002, at 10:05:38
Noorah how long were you off of celexa before you changed to effexor?
Please respond.I've done this depression thing 3 times in the past 15 years and don't want to see anyone go thrue more grief than necessary.
Rickp
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