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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Jenne B on April 23, 2003, at 15:54:40
In reply to Re: Am about to start on Effexor XR after failed trial » Jenne B, posted by Katia on April 23, 2003, at 13:47:02
Katia,
My experience with serzone is a bit of a blur. What I do remember was that I had a few side effects in the beginning nausea / anorexia. i actually lost weight in the beginning. I did gain it back though but I don't think that I got any heavier than previous. It did help with the depression as I was not crying all the time and became a social butterfly. I couldn't cry though and this bothered me. I thought there must be a happy medium. It could have been the dosage that I was on - I think it was 200mg at night before bed. I did drink some alcohol socially and the combination is not a good one as I became loud& uninhibited which was not usual for me. Basically I switched Dr.s and the new one took me right off of it. Recently when researching Celexa I found some studies indicating a high incidence of Liver Failure in Patients taking Serzone. Thus opted not to go back on it. As far as withdrawls surprisingly enough they were not bad. My dosage tapered off slowly. I did experience some nervousness and of course fear. But the following two years up till lately have been normal
if you know what I mean. Balanced. I don't know what has set off this new bout. I often think it is probably the crazy midnight shifts and hours i work.
I am so confused and wonder what to do. It doesn't help that I am a nurse and know the side effects of these medications. The Dr.'s don't seem to have a problem with prescribing them. I still have a month of my celexa left. My Dr. has closed her practice and there a 40, 000 people in the area that are without Dr's. So there is no one to really talk to about it, other than going to a clinic.
Take care & good luck with what ever you choose.
Posted by noa on April 23, 2003, at 20:59:26
In reply to forgot my pills when going away, posted by Louisa on April 21, 2003, at 11:05:15
That is a nightmare. I get nervous that I will forget my meds when I travel.
Posted by Katia on April 24, 2003, at 13:31:00
In reply to Re: Am about to start on Effexor XR after failed t, posted by Jenne B on April 23, 2003, at 15:54:40
> Katia,
>
> My experience with serzone is a bit of a blur. What I do remember was that I had a few side effects in the beginning nausea / anorexia. i actually lost weight in the beginning. I did gain it back though but I don't think that I got any heavier than previous. It did help with the depression as I was not crying all the time and became a social butterfly. I couldn't cry though and this bothered me. I thought there must be a happy medium. It could have been the dosage that I was on - I think it was 200mg at night before bed. I did drink some alcohol socially and the combination is not a good one as I became loud& uninhibited which was not usual for me. Basically I switched Dr.s and the new one took me right off of it. Recently when researching Celexa I found some studies indicating a high incidence of Liver Failure in Patients taking Serzone. Thus opted not to go back on it. As far as withdrawls surprisingly enough they were not bad. My dosage tapered off slowly. I did experience some nervousness and of course fear. But the following two years up till lately have been normal
> if you know what I mean. Balanced. I don't know what has set off this new bout. I often think it is probably the crazy midnight shifts and hours i work.
> I am so confused and wonder what to do. It doesn't help that I am a nurse and know the side effects of these medications. The Dr.'s don't seem to have a problem with prescribing them. I still have a month of my celexa left. My Dr. has closed her practice and there a 40, 000 people in the area that are without Dr's. So there is no one to really talk to about it, other than going to a clinic.
> Take care & good luck with what ever you choose.
I've just decided not to take anything until I can get to a good pdoc. I can't take anymore of these w/drawals....
thanks for your input.
katia
Posted by Maureen17 on April 24, 2003, at 21:21:19
In reply to Am about to start on Effexor XR after failed trial, posted by Jenne B on April 22, 2003, at 21:49:06
I've been on 37.5 ml of Effexor for a little over 2 years. When the Dr. wanted me to go to 75 ml, I started feeling a little weird so I kept myself on the 37.5 ml. It was just enough to take the edge off the "My life is going no where" feeling but I was still stressed from work. I didn't feel depressed anymore but I wasn't passionate sexually either. Reading other side affects though, I now realize I have them. I've put on almost 20 pounds in 2 years and thought I've developed rosatia (spelling?), an acne-like rash on my face and back. My skin and face is always itchy. PLUS I've been having terrible memory losses and pauses while I try to think of what I want to say. This is my 2nd day off the drug and the side affects are awful!!! Dizziness, drunken feeling, ears ringing (louder pounding ring then milder ringing), vertigo, teeth pounding, nausea, crying spells, dry mouth, and this is only day 2. I hope it stops soon. My suggestion is to try herbal, Kava kava, St. John's Wort and Don Quai. I just took some tonight so I hope these work.
Good luck!!!
Posted by Maureen17 on April 24, 2003, at 21:55:10
In reply to Alcohol??, posted by jb07 on April 10, 2003, at 13:10:30
> I to have begun to drink alcohol in the evenings?
> I take my pill prior to bed, can anybody help me or have experienced this?
>
> Is there a correlation with taking the pill @ night and drinking prior to ingestion of my pill?
>
>
Holy Cow!!! I just thought I was becoming an alcoholic! Thanks... My husband yells at me for drinking so-o-o much beer.
Posted by Maureen17 on April 24, 2003, at 22:03:42
In reply to Having horrible side effects!!, posted by Cosmic on April 13, 2003, at 17:56:38
Stop taking them now!! Major bad side effects!
Posted by Cosmic on April 25, 2003, at 6:32:09
In reply to Re: Having horrible side effects!!, posted by Maureen17 on April 24, 2003, at 22:03:42
OMG.....major crash trying to get off of this stuff. I'm now in a 'panic manic' and tho there are some serious life changes going on in my household....some of this is caused by EXR. I feel like I just want to run away and never stop. My head is killing me and the tremors are so bad I have to use both hands to hold a glass of OJ. This sucks!! Why would a Dr. prescribe this? I'm in trouble. AHHHHHHHHH!
Posted by lovemybabies on April 25, 2003, at 9:20:56
In reply to anyone else get tremors on effexor?, posted by cybercafe on April 23, 2003, at 3:33:16
I occasionally get small finger tremors since starting Effexor. Also, weird little involuntary muscle 'twitches.' I read somewhere that these are documented side effects.
Posted by Napaba on April 25, 2003, at 10:08:50
In reply to Re: anyone else get tremors on effexor?, posted by lovemybabies on April 25, 2003, at 9:20:56
Lovemybabies, what dose are you taking? I have a lot of side effects at 150 mg, but I'm greatful that's not one of them.
I occasionally get small finger tremors since starting Effexor. Also, weird little involuntary muscle 'twitches.' I read somewhere that these are documented side effects.
Posted by Melonzi on April 25, 2003, at 10:17:22
In reply to Re: Am about to start on Effexor XR after failed t » Jenne B, posted by Maureen17 on April 24, 2003, at 21:21:19
I have just stopped taking Remeron because the zombie-like side-effects never stopped. It felt like taking a sleeping pill during the day so my doctor prescribed Effexor XR as a more stimulating drug. Well, I have been on it for a week and I am only able to get about 4 hours of sleep a night, I am sweating profusely, feel nausiated all day, and I have occasional shakes. I know this is only the first week, but will these side-effects subside?
Posted by Napaba on April 25, 2003, at 12:50:59
In reply to New Effexor User, posted by Melonzi on April 25, 2003, at 10:17:22
For me some of the side effects went away. I no longer feel nauseous or tired all the time. I still have the sweats once or twice a day, but not as bad as they were the first 3 to 4 weeks. I also have blurred vision and neck and hip pain. I take two benidral (sp) every night before bed to help me sleep and two Aleve (because it's suppose to relieve pain for 8-12 hours)for the neck and hip pain. I go back to my doctor in about a month and I'm going to talk to him about getting off Effexor. I'm really not a fan. Don't ever miss more then one dose or your start feeling nauseous and have those brain shiffers. It really sucks.
I have just stopped taking Remeron because the zombie-like side-effects never stopped. It felt like taking a sleeping pill during the day so my doctor prescribed Effexor XR as a more stimulating drug. Well, I have been on it for a week and I am only able to get about 4 hours of sleep a night, I am sweating profusely, feel nausiated all day, and I have occasional shakes. I know this is only the first week, but will these side-effects subside?
Posted by lovemybabies on April 25, 2003, at 19:16:31
In reply to Re: anyone else get tremors on effexor? » lovemybabies, posted by Napaba on April 25, 2003, at 10:08:50
Hi, I'm on 150, too. The tremors are mostly in my fingers. Only occasionally. The little twitches(for lack of a better word) happen mostly right before I go to sleep. Sort of like how your leg might jerk? Only these are smaller, all over your body--random. At first, I was totally freaked out. I thought I was having some sort of seizure! But after reading lots of postings, I calmed down. I even read that 'tremors' are a side-effect. So now I try to enjoy them. ;)
What side effects do you have? I'm wondering when(if ever) the night sweats go away?
Posted by Paco on April 25, 2003, at 19:46:08
In reply to New Effexor User, posted by Melonzi on April 25, 2003, at 10:17:22
The few side effects I had went away after four days except for one, which faded out after about five weeks. Most people posting here seem to experience side effects subsiding after a couple of weeks, and for some people they don't go away at all. I've got no side effects going on. I think I'm one of the few big fans of XR on this board. If this med doesn't work for you, try another. XR is the fifth med I tried, and I'm glad I did.
Good luck.
======================================================
> I have just stopped taking Remeron because the zombie-like side-effects never stopped. It felt like taking a sleeping pill during the day so my doctor prescribed Effexor XR as a more stimulating drug. Well, I have been on it for a week and I am only able to get about 4 hours of sleep a night, I am sweating profusely, feel nausiated all day, and I have occasional shakes. I know this is only the first week, but will these side-effects subside?
Posted by Paco on April 25, 2003, at 23:09:31
In reply to forgot my pills when going away, posted by Louisa on April 21, 2003, at 11:05:15
I've got a tiny container on my keyring that's just big enough for a four-day supply. I don't want to be caught without it, especially after hearing some of the horror stories about missing days. That container also gives me the option of staying over at her place without having to go home for meds first (that's what I got it for, actually). But do I feel a bit safer having it with me wherever I go.
========================================================
What a nightmare! I went away for a long weekend, and left my Effexor and Wellbutrin at home by accident. I already have them in one of those cute little everyday thingies, but left it sitting by the sink... I left on Thursday, and the symptoms started on Friday afternoon. Everything from the hungover/nauseated feeling to the brain shocks to the night sweats and vivid nightmares to the headache. I guess I'll be more vigilant next time, knowing the nighmarish consequences! The good news is that I had my husband meet me at the airport with my meds and some water last night, and I already feel much better (still not 100%, though).
>
> I wish I'd done more research about Effexor before letting my doctor put me on it. I've tried most of the other SSRIs and either they don't work at all (Celexa), or they give me yucky side effects (Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil...). If the Effexor were making a huge difference in my life, I might be more tolerant, but I don't even feel that great when I'm ON it!
>
> Ah well.
>
> Louisa
Posted by Soforo on April 26, 2003, at 6:59:03
In reply to Re: forgot my pills when going away » Louisa, posted by Paco on April 25, 2003, at 23:09:31
I did the same thing - got a little metal container that is attached to my keyring. That way when the brain shivers start and I realize that I forgot to take my pill, I don't have to continue to suffer until I get home. Usually, the brain shivers stop within an hour or so. Sometimes, if it is really late before I notice the brain shivers, I'll just skip that day's pill and enjoy the vivid dreams that night. Fortunately, most of the time, they're not nightmares.
Just as an fyi, I take one 150mg XR / day, and I've been taking Effexor for almost three years.
Other than the brain shivers when I forget my meds, the only other side effect I have is a marked decrease in libido, but that only arose (sorry about the pun) after about two years.
Posted by Maureen17 on April 27, 2003, at 12:10:31
In reply to Re: anyone else get tremors on effexor?, posted by lovemybabies on April 25, 2003, at 19:16:31
Heck, for the past 2 years (as long as I've been taking effexor) I thought I was starting menopause. Thank The Lord! I wake up every night with night sweats. Some SO bad that I have to sit in a cold bath and drink ice water, or go outside in the snow in my barefeet. I'm only on 37.5 ml. Trying to work my way off it. Only taking them every 2 days now.
Posted by Maureen17 on April 27, 2003, at 12:37:44
In reply to Re: Having horrible side effects!!Maureen17, posted by Cosmic on April 25, 2003, at 6:32:09
Don't give up!! You might want to try weening yourself off it little by little. I am having to do this because I couldn't stand the headaches, ears ringing, nausea, etc. I'm taking it every other day for a week and then I'm going to cut the dose in half every other day and see if that works. Don't forget to take kava kava and St. John's Wort to help with the depression.
Good luck and keep me posted!
May God Bless!!!
Posted by Paco on April 27, 2003, at 15:41:28
In reply to Re: Having horrible side effects!!Maureen17, posted by Cosmic on April 25, 2003, at 6:32:09
Did you taper off of it gradually, or did you stop all at once? My psych said that it's almost guaranteed that if you just suddenly quit you'll have major side effects. What did your doctor say when you asked for help going off of it? If he/she told you to just stop taking it, you're seeing the wrong doctor.
==========================================================
> OMG.....major crash trying to get off of this stuff. I'm now in a 'panic manic' and tho there are some serious life changes going on in my household....some of this is caused by EXR. I feel like I just want to run away and never stop. My head is killing me and the tremors are so bad I have to use both hands to hold a glass of OJ. This sucks!! Why would a Dr. prescribe this? I'm in trouble. AHHHHHHHHH!
Posted by Maureen17 on April 27, 2003, at 21:42:12
In reply to Re: Having horrible side effects!!Maureen17 » Cosmic, posted by Paco on April 27, 2003, at 15:41:28
My Dr wanted to up my dose. But after seeing what my hubby went thru trying to switch from paxil to effexor then stopping and going to prozac, I decided to ween myself off and trying herbal. We'll see... Will let you know.
Posted by Napaba on April 28, 2003, at 9:06:32
In reply to Re: anyone else get tremors on effexor?, posted by lovemybabies on April 25, 2003, at 19:16:31
I started taking Effexor in February. I still have night sweats. I have them during the day as well. I have the twitch thing too, but only in my legs. I missed my dose yesterday and feel so auful today I could cry.
Some of the side effects I have are:
Night Sweats
Day Sweats
Leg tremors
Brain shivers (when I miss even one dose)
Sick feeling beyond belief - even missing 1 dose
Blurred vision - which is worse at night
Constipation
Joint pain - Hip and neck I take motrin all day
Restless sleep - I take benedril (sp) every nightI think it's very important to add I had none of these symptoms before taking Effexor.
> Hi, I'm on 150, too. The tremors are mostly in my fingers. Only occasionally. The little twitches(for lack of a better word) happen mostly right before I go to sleep. Sort of like how your leg might jerk? Only these are smaller, all over your body--random. At first, I was totally freaked out. I thought I was having some sort of seizure! But after reading lots of postings, I calmed down. I even read that 'tremors' are a side-effect. So now I try to enjoy them. ;)
>
> What side effects do you have? I'm wondering when(if ever) the night sweats go away?
Posted by Napaba on April 28, 2003, at 9:08:58
In reply to Re: forgot my pills when going away » Louisa, posted by Paco on April 25, 2003, at 23:09:31
Where did you find the container that goes on your key chain?
I've got a tiny container on my keyring that's just big enough for a four-day supply. I don't want to be caught without it, especially after hearing some of the horror stories about missing days. That container also gives me the option of staying over at her place without having to go home for meds first (that's what I got it for, actually). But do I feel a bit safer having it with me wherever I go.
>
> ========================================================
>
> What a nightmare! I went away for a long weekend, and left my Effexor and Wellbutrin at home by accident. I already have them in one of those cute little everyday thingies, but left it sitting by the sink... I left on Thursday, and the symptoms started on Friday afternoon. Everything from the hungover/nauseated feeling to the brain shocks to the night sweats and vivid nightmares to the headache. I guess I'll be more vigilant next time, knowing the nighmarish consequences! The good news is that I had my husband meet me at the airport with my meds and some water last night, and I already feel much better (still not 100%, though).
> >
> > I wish I'd done more research about Effexor before letting my doctor put me on it. I've tried most of the other SSRIs and either they don't work at all (Celexa), or they give me yucky side effects (Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil...). If the Effexor were making a huge difference in my life, I might be more tolerant, but I don't even feel that great when I'm ON it!
> >
> > Ah well.
> >
> > Louisa
>
>
Posted by MaxTex on April 28, 2003, at 17:51:54
In reply to Re: Having horrible side effects!!Maureen17, posted by Cosmic on April 25, 2003, at 6:32:09
I took my last dose of Effexor two days ago. I had been on it for about a year, taking a relatively high 412.5mg. I tapered off over five or six weeks, though dropped by 150mg at a time rather than 75mg, because dividing the capsules was a pain. My doc. didn't give me ANY warning off discontinuation side-effects.
Last night I had the worst night of nightmares IN MY LIFE. Woke up almost panicking at the collection of suicidal dreams. My head has been buzzing for a couple of days too.
Desperately hoping this stops soon. My doctor won't return calls. I moved states a few months ago, but last talked to him March 11. That's when I started reducing doses.
Bloody awful.
Max
Posted by melley on April 28, 2003, at 19:02:57
In reply to Re: Having horrible side effects!!Maureen17, posted by MaxTex on April 28, 2003, at 17:51:54
Are you switching to something else? That is a high dose to go to nothing. With regard to the dreams, if you take a sleeping pill at night that might make you sleep more deeply and dull the dreams.
I am longing for the day that they find an antidepressant with no side-effects. I would much rather be taking nothing at all but know that I would not be able to function.
> I took my last dose of Effexor two days ago. I had been on it for about a year, taking a relatively high 412.5mg. I tapered off over five or six weeks, though dropped by 150mg at a time rather than 75mg, because dividing the capsules was a pain. My doc. didn't give me ANY warning off discontinuation side-effects.
>
> Last night I had the worst night of nightmares IN MY LIFE. Woke up almost panicking at the collection of suicidal dreams. My head has been buzzing for a couple of days too.
>
> Desperately hoping this stops soon. My doctor won't return calls. I moved states a few months ago, but last talked to him March 11. That's when I started reducing doses.
>
> Bloody awful.
>
> Max
>
>
>
Posted by MaxTex on April 28, 2003, at 20:18:40
In reply to Re: Having horrible side effects!! » MaxTex, posted by melley on April 28, 2003, at 19:02:57
Melley -- hope you don't mind if I reply just to the first of your seven replies. :-)
No, I'm not switching to anything else. My new insurance doesn't cover psychological treatments of any kind, and I wanted to get off the Effexor if I could anyway. I may have to reconsider, but I'll stick it out for a while and see.
I did drop off at the end from 150mg to zero. Since going from zero to 150 made no noticeable difference, I thought that would be fine. BIG MISTAKE!
Now I'm in a quandary: Do I try to go without any until I feel okay, or do I get some small doses and tailor off properly?
Think I will order 100 37.5mg tabs, and start on one or two per day when they get here (unfortunately I'll be away from home from Tuesday evening until Sunday), then shrink the dose gradually to 37.5 then maybe half that for a final week until they're finished.
I hunted around at found one last 150mg tab just now. I took a quarter of it and will do the same for the next 3 days. I'll report back on the results.
I'm also considering taking a borrowed Celexa for the next few days. Although I'm reluctant to take anything right now, what I'm reading suggests it might help. I *really really* don't want another night like last night.
Thanks,
Max
Posted by Jack Smith on April 28, 2003, at 20:31:29
In reply to Re: Having horrible side effects!! » melley, posted by MaxTex on April 28, 2003, at 20:18:40
> No, I'm not switching to anything else. My new insurance doesn't cover psychological treatments of any kind, and I wanted to get off the Effexor if I could anyway. I may have to reconsider, but I'll stick it out for a while and see.
>Are you in the US? I am pretty sure that is illegal--not covering psychiatric treatments.
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