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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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.
Posted by Snoozy on April 28, 2003, at 20:57:42
In reply to Re: Having horrible side effects!!Maureen17, posted by MaxTex on April 28, 2003, at 17:51:54
Hi Max -
I feel for you going through awful Effexor withdrawl. That was the worst experience I ever had stopping a drug (sorry to be so encouraging ;) I took Effexor for several months when it first came on the market. I stopped taking it because of the horrific, vivid nightmares I had from it. Needless to say, my dr didn't warn me about stopping the Effexor. I have since then heard that Prozac (in small doses), because of its very long half-life, is sometimes used to help ease withdrawl from the shorter-acting SSRI's. I haven't had to do this yet, but it's something I would consider if I needed to get off another SSRI.
Do you have any type of doctor in your new state? I would think even a general practitioner would be able to prescribe you a small amount of Prozac if they knew what you were going through. I'm sorry your old dr has not been of any help.
There are lots of us out here that have been through what you're going through right now. If nothing else, we can tell you that it's not just you. Good luck to you, and let us know how it goes.
> 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 Maureen17 on April 28, 2003, at 22:37:00
In reply to Re: Having horrible side effects!!Maureen17 » MaxTex, posted by Snoozy on April 28, 2003, at 20:57:42
Hello Everybody!
I've been doing some research on what's possibly in this stuff and I'm now scouting Health Food Stores to see if I can find this..."Lithium has been one of the most commonly prescribed anti-depressants for decades.
The chemical forms of Lithium (Lithium Citrate or Carbonate) are treatments for mood swings, depression and bi-polar disorder. The problem is that chemical anti-depressants can be highly toxic with severe negative side effects.
The all-natural, mineral form of Lithium is effective, safe, non-toxic, non-addictive and has no side effects!"
I found this website (www.findserenitynow.com) but I'm looking to see if I can find this mineral closer to home and less expensive. I'll let you know...
I wish everyone a good nights sleep.
Posted by Paco on April 28, 2003, at 23:26:43
In reply to Re: forgot my pills when going away » Paco, posted by Napaba on April 28, 2003, at 9:08:58
It's actually just a contact lens case that I drilled a hole in so I could put it on my keyring.
==========================================================
> Where did you find the container that goes on your key chain?
>
Posted by soulfly on April 29, 2003, at 9:24:27
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Effexor has been a nightmare...After two years I am now free from Effexor XR after agonizing withdrawl (even while tapering) I was hospitalized two times last year, I believe this drug has really done more damage than it has helped me. I was hospitalized first for a seizure which i had never suffered from. From what i can remember it was those lovely "electrical pulses" you get when you forget to take your Effexor that may have started the whole episode. The second time I was hospitalized for severe depression (something I believe this drug only added to in the long run) I have been off Effexor for 2 months, after weeks of withdrawl (even while tappering slowly), sweats, tremmors, naseau, severe headaches, etc. I am left with these electrical pulses that will hopefully stop someday.
Posted by d.g. on April 29, 2003, at 19:59:03
In reply to Re: Effexor and drinking wine » PuraVida, posted by Krissy P on March 18, 2003, at 11:51:08
Hi all - been reading through the messages and I just thought I'd put in my two cents as a three-year Effexor user, which is fairly long-term I suspect. My dosage is fairly light, 75mg per day, although I'm about to go to 150mg per day due to an increase in the frequency of my migraines.
I was prescribed Effexor XR as a preventative for my migraines and also because of some mood irregularities possibly associated with the migraines. I had the side effects almost immediately after taking my very first dose - sweating, felt extremely hyper, etc. But that faded quickly and I haven't felt a side effect since unless I miss consecutive doses (more about that later.)
Effexor has helped me a lot - in tandem with BuSpar, my migraines are well under control, and my mood swings less frequent. I probably don't help matters by drinking alcohol liberally and frequently; for the first year I took Effexor I wasn't drinking at all, the second I was drinking lightly and lately I've been partying down and I can really tell the difference. I'm going to stop drinking again as I've also been prescribed an antiepileptic.
Anyway, the only time I have had side effects is when I have missed more than a day's dose. If I miss two days' doses, I'm f***ed, plain and simple. Brain shivers, electric shock sensations, cottonmouth, extreme depression, you name it. The thing is, I can tell it's the drug and not me going mad. It's like an amazingly bad LSD trip, kind of, only it doesn't go away quickly like LSD does. My advice to anyone just starting out with this drug, is to hold back a pill or two from each batch, just in case you ever get in a situation where you can't get your script refilled as quickly as you need it.
No one should be too scared of this drug, but definitely go into it with your eyes open. Good advice for any of these very powerful psychotropics.
Posted by Snoozy on April 29, 2003, at 21:21:13
In reply to My experiences with Effexor, posted by d.g. on April 29, 2003, at 19:59:03
It's great you've found something that helps your migraines. That is an excellent idea to keep an emergency stash of Effexor. I had a horrible experience coming off Effexor. It's definitely not you - I had all of those symptoms and so do many many others when they miss a dose.
If you've already heard this before, I apologize. But if you do drink, stay away from anything that is aged - wine, beer, basically everything. The migraine clinic told me that if I want to drink, I should stick with vodka. Don't know it that helps or not!
> Hi all - been reading through the messages and I just thought I'd put in my two cents as a three-year Effexor user, which is fairly long-term I suspect. My dosage is fairly light, 75mg per day, although I'm about to go to 150mg per day due to an increase in the frequency of my migraines.
>
> I was prescribed Effexor XR as a preventative for my migraines and also because of some mood irregularities possibly associated with the migraines. I had the side effects almost immediately after taking my very first dose - sweating, felt extremely hyper, etc. But that faded quickly and I haven't felt a side effect since unless I miss consecutive doses (more about that later.)
>
> Effexor has helped me a lot - in tandem with BuSpar, my migraines are well under control, and my mood swings less frequent. I probably don't help matters by drinking alcohol liberally and frequently; for the first year I took Effexor I wasn't drinking at all, the second I was drinking lightly and lately I've been partying down and I can really tell the difference. I'm going to stop drinking again as I've also been prescribed an antiepileptic.
>
> Anyway, the only time I have had side effects is when I have missed more than a day's dose. If I miss two days' doses, I'm f***ed, plain and simple. Brain shivers, electric shock sensations, cottonmouth, extreme depression, you name it. The thing is, I can tell it's the drug and not me going mad. It's like an amazingly bad LSD trip, kind of, only it doesn't go away quickly like LSD does. My advice to anyone just starting out with this drug, is to hold back a pill or two from each batch, just in case you ever get in a situation where you can't get your script refilled as quickly as you need it.
>
> No one should be too scared of this drug, but definitely go into it with your eyes open. Good advice for any of these very powerful psychotropics.
Posted by cybercafe on April 29, 2003, at 21:56:21
In reply to Re: anyone else get tremors on effexor?, posted by lovemybabies on April 25, 2003, at 9:20:56
> I occasionally get small finger tremors since starting Effexor. Also, weird little involuntary muscle 'twitches.' I read somewhere that these are documented side effects.
have you taken other antidepressants? did they give you tremors as well?
Posted by melley on April 30, 2003, at 6:18:33
In reply to My experiences with Effexor, posted by d.g. on April 29, 2003, at 19:59:03
Effexor was prescribed for migraines? I have had two since being on it from never having had them before. And looked it up on the internet and that is one of the potential side effects.> Hi all - been reading through the messages and I just thought I'd put in my two cents as a three-year Effexor user, which is fairly long-term I suspect. My dosage is fairly light, 75mg per day, although I'm about to go to 150mg per day due to an increase in the frequency of my migraines.
>
> I was prescribed Effexor XR as a preventative for my migraines and also because of some mood irregularities possibly associated with the migraines. I had the side effects almost immediately after taking my very first dose - sweating, felt extremely hyper, etc. But that faded quickly and I haven't felt a side effect since unless I miss consecutive doses (more about that later.)
>
> Effexor has helped me a lot - in tandem with BuSpar, my migraines are well under control, and my mood swings less frequent. I probably don't help matters by drinking alcohol liberally and frequently; for the first year I took Effexor I wasn't drinking at all, the second I was drinking lightly and lately I've been partying down and I can really tell the difference. I'm going to stop drinking again as I've also been prescribed an antiepileptic.
>
> Anyway, the only time I have had side effects is when I have missed more than a day's dose. If I miss two days' doses, I'm f***ed, plain and simple. Brain shivers, electric shock sensations, cottonmouth, extreme depression, you name it. The thing is, I can tell it's the drug and not me going mad. It's like an amazingly bad LSD trip, kind of, only it doesn't go away quickly like LSD does. My advice to anyone just starting out with this drug, is to hold back a pill or two from each batch, just in case you ever get in a situation where you can't get your script refilled as quickly as you need it.
>
> No one should be too scared of this drug, but definitely go into it with your eyes open. Good advice for any of these very powerful psychotropics.
Posted by indigomoon on April 30, 2003, at 14:31:31
In reply to Re: My experiences with Effexor » d.g., posted by melley on April 30, 2003, at 6:18:33
I have been on effexor for aprox. 1 year and I think it has stoped working and the side affects are getting worse. I'm on 150mg dose and am currently trying to wean myself off, im currently at 75 my syptoms started off with slight memory loss/now savere i am unable to sleep and when i miss one dose or even have it timed wrong i go into a MELT DOWN. How long will it take on 75 to balance out enough to reduce again, and how can i help the process. boy, this stuff worked great at first but know I'm feelin stoned half the time help
Posted by pamina on April 30, 2003, at 16:15:30
In reply to Re: My experiences with Effexor, posted by indigomoon on April 30, 2003, at 14:31:31
Switched health plans April 1st, and have been dealing with a fiendish Pharmacy Benefit Manager ever since. They use a mail order pharmacy. Sent in my prescription, but haven't received the medicine yet, so ran out of Effexor. Thought I could grit my teeth and stick it out, while the insurance pinheads straightened things out. Had no idea of Effexor withdrawal syndrome. It has been five days, and the symptoms have brought me to my knees. Close call whether physical symptoms (headache, nausea, intense vertigo) are worse than emotional (bursting into tears at the drop of a hat). Also, for some reason talking like Tarzan! (making jokes -- good sign) Finally had brother-in-law orthopod call in prescription to pharmacy, and paid outlandish full price. Moral -- don't take temporary sabbatical from Effexor without medical assistance. Only question remaining -- how long before medication kicks in and life is worth living again?
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