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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Mr. Kelly on January 18, 2003, at 10:44:26
In reply to Re: Effexor XR? Successful but very ugly !-zinya, posted by jammin on December 4, 2002, at 12:21:04
Hi. I am new here. I wanted to know if I am the only person
feeling the way I do. I suffer from severe panic attacks where I believe
I am having a heart attack. They come and go frequently. Sometimes lasting hours
and sometimes 5-10 minutes. I have taken ambulance rides to the ER and have
seen many dr's. They tell me my heart is fine. Ok...you name the antidepressant and I've been on it.
Now I have started Effexor XR. Tapering up to a full dosage.
It's the morning after that just hurts so much.
My arms feel limp. My hands are shaky, sweaty...
My vision is blurry. Sometimes I find myself just staring at a wall. I tell myself to snap out of it.
Sometimes the atacks make my stomache very bloated. After these attacks my mouth feels like I swallowed a
10 pound bag of sand. I have had more energy at work though. But have found myself
falling asleep during my lunch break. I work nights...
And worse...I have absolutely no desire for sex and
can not get an erection. This is making me feel even worse.
I want to start dating but with these symptoms I feel I shouldn't.
The panic will not go away. I have been telling my doc abot this panic.
It's to the point where I just put my head down. Almost feeling like crying.
And continue to ask myself why this is happening to me
and what's wrong with me. I feel I am losing control.
Any positive feedback would be appreciated.
Thankyou...
Posted by jtc on January 18, 2003, at 12:16:12
In reply to I'm getting off Effexor (if I can) READ!!!, posted by kataklysm on January 18, 2003, at 5:32:11
> My younger brother and I both have had anxiety problems throughout our lives. I tried Paxil when I was 19 and didn't like the way it made me feel/act, so I got off of it within 3 months.
>
> Well, my brother told me about this Effexor XR that he's been on for two years (I'm 26 now) and says "it works awesome."
>
> I decided that I would try it and the effects were almost instantaneous!!! My feeling of anxiety almost completely disappeared; it seemed like a miracle drug. This came at the cost of a few minor side effects, like most drugs. I get the weird dreams, sweating, drowsiness (sometimes), and tremors when I'm falling asleep, but the pros still outweighed the cons.
>
> Well, my brother just decided that he was going to see what life was like now without the drug and he slowly tapered himself off (honestly, probably rushed a little) within a week. Well, that was 3 weeks ago and he's had migrane headaches ever since and has been iratable and not himself. This guy's normally a teddy bear! He went to the doctor again and they're going to try a different way to get him off.
>
> Anyway, the end of my siloquy here (sorry), he did some research on the adverse effects that Effexor may have on people and he sent me a link on it. I've only been on it for about 6 months and I'm cutting my losses. Somebody posted before about the way this drug makes people react differently (side-effects etc.)... Makes you wonder what it really IS doing to your brain.
>
> Please check out this link! I'm not trying to scare anybody; I just want people to be weary.
>
> LINK-----------> http://www.effexorfx.freeuk.com/webdoc12.htmHi,
Thanks for posting the above link. It has some helpful information on it. My 8 year old daughter has been taking Effexor XR, 37.5 mg for about seven weeks now because she has severe anxiety and worry. Her pediatrician referred to a child psychologist because of her anxiety. The psychologist tested her for ADD and he said she does not have ADD but that she has more anxiety than kids her age so we were referred to a psychiatrist and she put my child on the Effexor XR. I also take Effexor XR 75 mg for panic and generalized anxiety disorder. I am worred now about my child because I am going to take her off the Effexor XR when school is out in May. The medicine has helped her with school but I am still not convinced it is safe for children to take. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks, jtc
Posted by Dysfunk on January 18, 2003, at 12:32:46
In reply to I'm getting off Effexor (if I can) READ!!!, posted by kataklysm on January 18, 2003, at 5:32:11
Kataklysm:
Thanks for attaching the url. I found many of my symptoms on there, although my doctor said they weren't related to Effexor. I get the feeling unless the masses report certain symptoms, some are considered rare and go unreported. It pisses me off!
Thanks again.
Posted by Dysfunk on January 18, 2003, at 12:39:50
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by finallyfeelinggood on January 17, 2003, at 17:42:50
I now know that the Effexor made me feel horrible. I am down to 37.5 mg + 40 mg Prozac and today I added in Lexipro. I feel like my life has been returned to me. I have been in so much pain- neck, back, arms, head, plus stomach and aggitation from the withdrawal-forget about the anxiety and depression!Soon I will be off of Ef and onto Prozac and Lexipro. I am feeling so good physicially, that I almost want to leave well enough alone. I know, though,it is just the contrast of finally feeling side effect free. I hope everyone can experience the relief that I feel.
Posted by JESSsMom on January 18, 2003, at 15:11:29
In reply to I'm getting off Effexor (if I can) READ!!!, posted by kataklysm on January 18, 2003, at 5:32:11
> My younger brother and I both have had anxiety problems throughout our lives. I tried Paxil when I was 19 and didn't like the way it made me feel/act, so I got off of it within 3 months.
>
> Well, my brother told me about this Effexor XR that he's been on for two years (I'm 26 now) and says "it works awesome."
>
> I decided that I would try it and the effects were almost instantaneous!!! My feeling of anxiety almost completely disappeared; it seemed like a miracle drug. This came at the cost of a few minor side effects, like most drugs. I get the weird dreams, sweating, drowsiness (sometimes), and tremors when I'm falling asleep, but the pros still outweighed the cons.
>
> Well, my brother just decided that he was going to see what life was like now without the drug and he slowly tapered himself off (honestly, probably rushed a little) within a week. Well, that was 3 weeks ago and he's had migrane headaches ever since and has been iratable and not himself. This guy's normally a teddy bear! He went to the doctor again and they're going to try a different way to get him off.
>
> Anyway, the end of my siloquy here (sorry), he did some research on the adverse effects that Effexor may have on people and he sent me a link on it. I've only been on it for about 6 months and I'm cutting my losses. Somebody posted before about the way this drug makes people react differently (side-effects etc.)... Makes you wonder what it really IS doing to your brain.
>
> Please check out this link! I'm not trying to scare anybody; I just want people to be weary.
>
> LINK-----------> http://www.effexorfx.freeuk.com/webdoc12.htm
Hey, thanks for the informative link---I am really surprised the site doesn't mention excessive sweating as a side effect. I am REALLY battling that one myself and know some others are, too.
JM
Posted by ohwell on January 18, 2003, at 16:59:37
In reply to Re: Effexor XR? Successful but very ugly !-zinya » jammin, posted by Mr. Kelly on January 18, 2003, at 10:44:26
I had panic attacks where I took myself to the E.R. 2 times. I too was told that my heart was ok. I started the effexor xr and love it. I started at a low dose, then to 75 for 1 year and just recently moved up to 150. If it has been a few weeks I would talk to your physician about a new drug.
Posted by nay on January 18, 2003, at 22:17:07
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi, I just wanted to thank everyone that is on this site! Now at less I know that I am not alone. I have been taking Effexor XR 225mg a day for about 6 months now, and I don't think that this is the right Med. for me... :( I don't feel like myself.
I use to take Zoloft 100mg, and now I wish I was back on it...
I am planning on talking to my Dr. to see if I can go back.
I just don't smile anymore, Small things are starting to upset me, and I am just not myself these days.
Posted by dde on January 19, 2003, at 0:01:50
In reply to Re: I am scared of this medicine, HELP ME!, posted by syringachalet on January 15, 2003, at 20:05:36
Not to worry....daughter is 18, has been on BC for 2 years for painful menses....and the doctors have told her that when she decides to get pregnant to taper off....and that the hypotension problem she has will also disappear with the onset of pregnancy. I have done the homework and we have two terrific doctors who work together to find solutions. So many quacks out there who just push drugs without being "up" on the effects or side effects....one thing I have learned....if you ask a direct question, like "how is this medication supposed to help", and all the doctor does is show you a chart, run like hell. He doesn't have a clue and doesn't care to get one. Thanks for your concern and your input! Best regards, de
Posted by dde on January 19, 2003, at 0:09:39
In reply to Re: I am scared of this medicine, HELP ME!, posted by dde on January 19, 2003, at 0:01:50
Just as a follow up....concerning the doctor who prescribed effexor xr for my 10 yr old son after 10 minute consult....which resulted in his suicide (son, not doctor) you will all be happy to know that there is justice in this world. We filed suit. Recent developements show that his malpractice insurance has filed bankruptcy....so should we be fortunate enough to win this battle, the insurance company will not be paying, the doctor will! We are thrilled that he will not be insulated by his insurance for his immoral and dangerous practices. As of this date, I can find nothing that allows for children under 18 to be given the effexor xr. dde
Posted by M. Lee on January 19, 2003, at 13:39:22
In reply to I'm getting off Effexor (if I can) READ!!!, posted by kataklysm on January 18, 2003, at 5:32:11
I've been on Effexor for a number of years now. I tried other meds, but they did not work well or had side-effects for me.
Some time ago I had a bad experience going off it. Not as bad as what you described, though. Mostly I think the withdrawal hit me hard because I went off it cold, and was not under a dr's care while I did it. I would certainly do things differently if I had to go off it again.
But, I'm am now on a dose that has stabalized my depression. That benefit outweighs the potential risks for me. I am satisified with the Effexor, and will continue taking it as long as I need to.
Recently, I had seen the site that you linked to. I felt that the site was overly biased, and in my opinion, I have found the experiences posted here to be more balanced.
I'm sorry that others have had such bad side-effects. But, I think that many people who benefit from Effexor might not speak up as frequently as those who had negative experiences.
I just wanted to say - Effexor has made all the difference in the world to me.
>
> LINK-----------> http://www.effexorfx.freeuk.com/webdoc12.htm
Posted by BrittPark on January 19, 2003, at 19:16:22
In reply to I'm getting off Effexor (if I can) READ!!!, posted by kataklysm on January 18, 2003, at 5:32:11
Most of your post gave me the impression that you should not discontinue Effexor. You're brother had a bad reaction from discontinuing, possibly because the underlying illness was still there.
The link you provided is useful and seems to be in line with the official prescibing information, but take into account that the same information for almost all ADs is just as alarming.
You are right to be concerned and actively researching your meds. Also, Effexor hasn't been on the market as long as many other ADs and so long term use information is sparse.
At least consult with your psychiatrist before making a decision.
Wishing you well,
Britt
Posted by kelmel on January 19, 2003, at 20:09:01
In reply to Re: Going off, have some questions........ Please, posted by lam on January 13, 2003, at 13:34:45
I was taking effexor for 6 months started with 37 !/2 and went up to 75 mg i decreased back down to 371/2 about a month ago . i was taking it for anxiety. things in my life semed to improve so i decided to decrease. i had great success on the med. my anxiety deminished. I want to conceive in the next few months so my dr recommended that i go off . i started taking it every other day this week and at the end of the second day i would have withdrawal symptoms of dizziness and lightheaded along with irritability. Today is 1/19/03 at 9 pm and i have not taken it since 1/17 at 8 am and i feel extremely dizzy. i think this is a side effect and i feel aweful. hoping i can go off this perminately this week but the dizziness is bad.
Posted by Sioux on January 20, 2003, at 0:29:42
In reply to Re: I am scared of this medicine, HELP ME!, posted by dde on January 19, 2003, at 0:01:50
>>> one thing I have learned....if you ask a direct question, like "how is this medication supposed to help", and all the doctor does is show you a chart, run like hell. He doesn't have a clue and doesn't care to get one.
<<<I had to laugh when I read this - my experience exactly. Except when I asked him that question, *he* literally ran from the room - then sent a nurse to tell me that "there was a problem with my insurance." (!!!)
Posted by mandy77x on January 20, 2003, at 3:28:34
In reply to New to Effexor XR - Do I want to continue?, posted by Beauty on May 27, 2002, at 14:34:41
Hello.. I'm new here, but been reading so much wanted to pop in a comment.. I'm on Effexor 150mg & Welbutrin 150mg... a couple times i forgot to take the Effexor, or didn't have it and within 24-48 hrs i was sick, dizzy, nautios, could not focus on anything. if your worried about side effects I would certainly talk to your Dr before your on it too long, wish I did. > Hi all, I just started taking Effexor XR 37.5 in the a.m. with food, with a sample my Dr. gave me. I've been taking Wellbutrin 150sr once a day for about 6 mos, and prior to that had been prescribed Elavil for several months for spastic colon. Have gained A LOT of weight in the last year on those regimes. Dr. made no mention of withdrawel side effects from Effexor, and I segued from Wellbutrin overnight. This is day 2, with no noticeable side affects other than the usual hard-to-go-to-sleep issue, which the Dr. had previously prescibed low dosage (and I split into 1/4s, so basically 12.5mg - almost placebo) trazadone, which did help a lot, but knocked me out so much, even at that low dosage, that I had a hard time swimming to the surface of consciousness in the morning, after taking it at night before bed. I finally discontinued the trazadone, but took it last night to get to sleep. Should I continue the Effexor, or call my MD and ask him about the potential side effects of withdrawel? I'm hoping this depression will resolve itself over time combined with therapy, but the weight gain isn't helping matters at all! Any suggestions? Thanks!
Posted by bobo on January 20, 2003, at 8:24:17
In reply to Re: Going off, have some questions........ Please » lam, posted by kelmel on January 19, 2003, at 20:09:01
> I was taking effexor for 6 months started with 37 !/2 and went up to 75 mg i decreased back down to 371/2 about a month ago . i was taking it for anxiety. things in my life semed to improve so i decided to decrease. i had great success on the med. my anxiety deminished. I want to conceive in the next few months so my dr recommended that i go off . i started taking it every other day this week and at the end of the second day i would have withdrawal symptoms of dizziness and lightheaded along with irritability. Today is 1/19/03 at 9 pm and i have not taken it since 1/17 at 8 am and i feel extremely dizzy. i think this is a side effect and i feel aweful. hoping i can go off this perminately this week but the dizziness is bad.
this is a side effect--I tried going off because I lost my insurance and within 3 days of stopping I was very dizzy--had VERY vivid dreams and could not concentrate on anything--so I called my LCSW and was given some samples to get me thru until I can get more--the side effects stopped withen 48 hours of returning to it--my advise--NEVER TRY COLD TURKEY--always taper dowm--talk to your doc about samples if you still wish to go off it--you might have to taper down for a long period of time and read back on posts here--some people have had luck with using over the counter cold meds to lighten the side effects---be well===bobo
Posted by EGR on January 20, 2003, at 8:43:36
In reply to Re: New to Effexor XR - Do I want to continue? » Beauty, posted by mandy77x on January 20, 2003, at 3:28:34
ALWAYS call your doc when you have questions or want to make a med switch... that's why we pay them the big bucks.
Posted by juniperdoesboston on January 20, 2003, at 13:38:29
In reply to Re: New to Effexor XR - Do I want to continue? » mandy77x, posted by EGR on January 20, 2003, at 8:43:36
I began effexor 2 years ago to help with depression and it worked great--immediate relief and help to keep going each day. But the last 6 months the side effects have gotten worse (weight gain I can not get rid of, extreme fatigue, inability to orgasm) and I am slowly taking myself off. I was on 75 mg per day, so I went to 75mg every other day. Immediately my fatigue began to lift and I felt so energized in comparison. Now I am at 75 every four days and today I am really hurting (so dizzy and sick feeling). It was so good to read that others have had a hard time getting off this medication. Withdrawl has been more than I bargained for, but really slowly tapering off the dose has worked pretty well for me.
Posted by LeAnn on January 21, 2003, at 14:58:23
In reply to Re: up the dosage effexor XR????, posted by johne on June 2, 2001, at 10:21:29
I have been taking the lowest dosage of Effexor for about a year now. I still have the sweats, especially at night. I also have gained weight (20 lbs!) since I started taking this med. Has anyone else had these ongoing problems? I do feel 100% better as far as depression and anxiety are concerned but I do not care for the side effects. I have been thinking of changing to another medication but am scared to get my depression back. Should I ask my doctor?
Posted by sly on January 21, 2003, at 16:09:33
In reply to Side Effects, posted by LeAnn on January 21, 2003, at 14:58:23
Definitely talk to your Doctor if it bothers you.
So I ask - why switch meds, if you feel great, why not try going off medication?
I'm thinking of going off of it altogether as I feel better, no signs of depression.
Anyone else find their doctor reluctant to take them off meds - mine always has an argument against going off. I don't want to have to do this myself but I'm thinking about it.
Posted by spencer on January 21, 2003, at 23:36:22
In reply to Side Effects, posted by LeAnn on January 21, 2003, at 14:58:23
If you were not a chronic depressive, you should think about going off the medication. You have been on it for a year now, so the chance of a relapse is reduced. I had severe depression over a year ago and Effexor helped me tremendously. After about 10 months, I tapered off slowly over about a month or so and apart from a couple of dizzy days when I eventually stopped, I had no serious withdrawal effects. I have not felt depressed at all since. BUT definitely go to the doctor for advice before you do anything. Good luck.
Posted by srf on January 22, 2003, at 14:16:58
In reply to Re: I'm feeling much better on Effexor!, posted by M. Lee on January 19, 2003, at 13:39:22
I thought I'd add to the positive messages re this med. I've had progressively worsening bouts with depression for 30 years. Sporadic treatment for several years, then dropping out when I felt better. First treatment in my early 20s by psycho-babbling therapist. No real help. Low dose of Elavil (I'm very sensitive to drugs and can easily overdose) provided by my GP in my late 20s was the first success. Took it for 4 years and felt okay (not great, but okay) for the next 10. Then crashed and fell in the pit. Tried Zoloft with miserable insomnia. Quit. Back to Elavil - very low dose again and it helped me enough to get me into therapy. Therapy did wonders for me, but I could still see the pit and always felt like I was standing on the edge of it. I was pushing to decrease the Elavil even more due to severe grogginess in the am, but my GP insisted I try 37.5 mg of Effexor in the am + 25 mg Elavil in the pm. The nausea was so miserable the first few days that I reduced Effexor to 1/2 a tab thinking that I could increase it when tolerance built up. But all of a sudden the pit went away. I'm able to apply what I learned in therapy, anger is manageable, tears are rare and short-lived, negative monologues are controllable. Meanwhile I was able to reduce the Elavil to 1/2 and am feeling better emotionally than I've ever felt in my life. I still have a touch of nausea in the morning, but that's the only side effect I notice. I may be one of the lucky ones due to my drug sensitivity (which extends to decongestants, codeine, sedatives, antihistamines, and general anesthesia).
But the thing I really want to share is that there are two lessons I've learned.
1. Expect to mess with dosages and combinations. Expect to go through several doctors. Don't give up entirely. Don't trust your gut feelings because our depression biases those feelings. Keep at it until you have a doctor you can trust and then follow up with your own research. Use your head, not your emotions!!
2. VERY IMPORTANT Therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Learn to shut up the devil in your head and listen to the angel (I called her Pollyanna). The devil thinks you're a failure, the angel has faith in you. No amount of medication can banish the pit when you don't know emotionally how to live without it. It feels cheesy to share this, but I worked hard to internalize a couple of statements from a set of affirmation cards a friend gave me. ("I have faith in an unseen future" helps me most with generic worrying)I don't know when I'll stop taking it. Someday, when I'm confident that Pollyanna won't weaken without it.
My heart goes out to you. It's a long, lonely struggle. And it gets so dark. But as someone else here said, we're survivors. So here's to survival by any means necessary.
Posted by LeAnn on January 22, 2003, at 16:26:51
In reply to Re: Side Effects » LeAnn, posted by spencer on January 21, 2003, at 23:36:22
Thanks for the advice everyone. I am still scared to go off Effexor totally, even with dr's consent. This is not my first bout with depression and know how bad it can get. I do plan on visiting my dr soon and getting his advice.
Posted by EGR on January 22, 2003, at 23:03:19
In reply to Re: I'm feeling much better on Effexor!, posted by srf on January 22, 2003, at 14:16:58
Wow!! How inspirational! Thank you for sharing.
EGR
Posted by ayuda on January 23, 2003, at 8:02:47
In reply to Re: I'm feeling much better on Effexor!, posted by M. Lee on January 19, 2003, at 13:39:22
> I've been on Effexor for a number of years now. I tried other meds, but they did not work well or had side-effects for me.
>
> Some time ago I had a bad experience going off it. Not as bad as what you described, though. Mostly I think the withdrawal hit me hard because I went off it cold, and was not under a dr's care while I did it. I would certainly do things differently if I had to go off it again.
>
> But, I'm am now on a dose that has stabalized my depression. That benefit outweighs the potential risks for me. I am satisified with the Effexor, and will continue taking it as long as I need to.
>
> Recently, I had seen the site that you linked to. I felt that the site was overly biased, and in my opinion, I have found the experiences posted here to be more balanced.
>
> I'm sorry that others have had such bad side-effects. But, I think that many people who benefit from Effexor might not speak up as frequently as those who had negative experiences.
>
> I just wanted to say - Effexor has made all the difference in the world to me.
> >
> > LINK-----------> http://www.effexorfx.freeuk.com/webdoc12.htm
You make a very good point that I agree with totally -- Effexor XR can work very well. If it hadn't been for the s/e that I could not tolerate, I would have been perfectly fine on it. It treats depression and anxiety so well. That sometimes gets lost in all of our grumblings about s/e, that some of these meds do take care of the conditions we take them for. I'm glad to hear that you are doing well on it, too!
Posted by Mariec on January 23, 2003, at 14:01:49
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hello,
Has anyone been on prozac and expierenced bad effects(more aggression, aggitation)been able to switch to Effexor with better results? I am on Prozac xr now, not doing well and need to find something else!
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