![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 4033 to 4057 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by melley on May 15, 2003, at 6:13:55
In reply to Re: How I got off of Effexor, posted by Belle Rose on May 14, 2003, at 22:49:30
I am in the process of weaning off effexor and on to wellbutrin. I decided to try benadryl at bedtime instead of ambien. I took 25mg. and feel awake this morning instead of dopey like with the ambien. My question is: is it okay to take benadryl every night? Or should I only take it once in awhile?I can't remember who put up the post about taking benadryl to sleep and don't have the time to weed through them. Hope that person reads this.
Melissa
Posted by Napaba on May 15, 2003, at 8:02:58
In reply to benadryl question, posted by melley on May 15, 2003, at 6:13:55
I took benadryl every night for about two months. I didn't have any problems. I still take it once in awhile. It's much more effective then tylonal pm, like you mentioned you don't feel dopey in the morning.
How are you weaning off Effexor? I was taking 150 mg and have reduced my dose to 75. Some of my side effects have gone away, I no longer have the horrible neck pain or hip pain, I don't feel sick unless I'm more then 4 hours late taking it.I have noticed my depression is returning. I need to get to the doctor and get something else. How is the Wellbutrin working for you?
> I am in the process of weaning off effexor and on to wellbutrin. I decided to try benadryl at bedtime instead of ambien. I took 25mg. and feel awake this morning instead of dopey like with the ambien. My question is: is it okay to take benadryl every night? Or should I only take it once in awhile?
>
> I can't remember who put up the post about taking benadryl to sleep and don't have the time to weed through them. Hope that person reads this.
>
> Melissa
Posted by Ritch on May 15, 2003, at 9:32:07
In reply to benadryl question, posted by melley on May 15, 2003, at 6:13:55
>
> I am in the process of weaning off effexor and on to wellbutrin. I decided to try benadryl at bedtime instead of ambien. I took 25mg. and feel awake this morning instead of dopey like with the ambien. My question is: is it okay to take benadryl every night? Or should I only take it once in awhile?
>
> I can't remember who put up the post about taking benadryl to sleep and don't have the time to weed through them. Hope that person reads this.
>
> MelissaI've found Benadryl to be as effective for sleep as many other meds that I've tried. The only trouble I have with Benadryl is the dry mouth it causes. In the wintertime it can be very annoying waking up and your throat is all dry and irritated.
Posted by kalyb on May 15, 2003, at 10:53:18
In reply to Re: How I got off of Effexor » belle rose, posted by Paco on May 14, 2003, at 21:55:33
Paco wrote: "I'm just curious how long you took EXR, how much, and if you had any side effects while you were on it. I've been taking 150/day for just over two months now, I feel fine, and have no side effects at all. I really like the stuff. I keep reading all of these horror stories about withdrawal...."
I wish there was a different thread on this board, for people seeking information about the positive side of Effexor, or wishing to discuss it while they're on it, not going through withdrawal.
No disrespect intended to those who are going through withdrawal (after all, I'm taking the stuff and therefore will one day have to deal with that horror myself!!) but I stumbled on this board only a day after starting it and now I am scared stiff. I even stopped for a couple of days after just two doses, partly because I was so worried, and it did seem overwhelming for the first few days, like I'd started to lose myself.
But I resumed, and after 3 days I am starting to feel better. Is it too soon? Today I have no nausea or real side effects and I feel less disconnected and apathetic. I also feel a bit more positive; and the constant unbreakable cycling of anxious thoughts (which were both depressing me and tying me up in knots) seems to have subsided to a background murmur. In this respect, I feel almost normal!
I know I must seem impatient to see some results - I am - I'm under a lot of pressure from those around me to get well, and the last few weeks before starting the meds have been like hell.
So the way I am feeling today, is that just a blip, or a promise of better days ahead?
Posted by Jack Smith on May 15, 2003, at 13:06:30
In reply to Re: benadryl question » melley, posted by Napaba on May 15, 2003, at 8:02:58
> I have noticed my depression is returning. I need to get to the doctor and get something else. How is the Wellbutrin working for you?
>NapaB, if you need a new med, I think the best idea would be to try an SSRI because that would take care of your effexor withdrawl as well.
JACK
Posted by melley on May 15, 2003, at 14:22:42
In reply to Re: benadryl question » melley, posted by Napaba on May 15, 2003, at 8:02:58
> I took benadryl every night for about two months. I didn't have any problems. I still take it once in awhile. It's much more effective then tylonal pm, like you mentioned you don't feel dopey in the morning.
>
> How are you weaning off Effexor? I was taking 150 mg and have reduced my dose to 75. Some of my side effects have gone away, I no longer have the horrible neck pain or hip pain, I don't feel sick unless I'm more then 4 hours late taking it.
>
> I have noticed my depression is returning. I need to get to the doctor and get something else. How is the Wellbutrin working for you?
>
> > I am in the process of weaning off effexor and on to wellbutrin. I decided to try benadryl at bedtime instead of ambien. I took 25mg. and feel awake this morning instead of dopey like with the ambien. My question is: is it okay to take benadryl every night? Or should I only take it once in awhile?
> >
> > I can't remember who put up the post about taking benadryl to sleep and don't have the time to weed through them. Hope that person reads this.
> >
> > Melissa
>
>
The weaning is going like this: start 225mg eff, go down to 150mg a day for a week, two days after going down to 150 add 100mg wellbutrin. The next week go down to 75 mg effex. and the next day to up 50 mg to 150 mg of wellbutrin, stay at 75 mg of eff for two weeks, but one week after going to 150mg of wellbutrin go to 150 morning and evening. At the end of the two weeks of 75 mg of effexor go to 37.5mg. stay on that for two weeks.I started all this last Sat. All I have felt so far is a kind of dizziness. And sleepy.
But I am glad to be getting off the effexor. I don't feel numb and am not costipated (not to be graphic or anything)anymore.
Melissa
Posted by Cheri on May 15, 2003, at 14:36:29
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR SIDE EFFECTS!!!!!, posted by Napaba on May 5, 2003, at 9:39:21
Although I'm not a medical expert, nor an Effexor expert, I know for a fact that you should not take that many ibuprofen a day. It's really hard on your kidneys and liver and can have other consequences later on down the road from over use.
> This is rather embarrassing, but does anyone else have a severe constipation problem with Effexor? I'm taking a stool softner, 4-6 a day and I'm still having a problem. I drink plenty of water, only 2 cups of coffee a day, and eat very little cheese. I try to eat foods rich in fiber, like broccoli. I also take flax seed and flax oil daily.
>
> Also I have a long list of other side effects. I'm wondering if there are others who get relief with EXR, but have/had so many side effects that they switched to something else which gave them relief without as many side effects.
>
> Here are my side effects. I had none of these before starting Effexor (4 months a go)
> 1. Sever constipation
> 2. Horrible neck pain
> 3. Horrible hip pain
> 4. Blurred vision
> 5. Vivid Dreams (I can handle this one)
> 6. Unrestful sleep
> 7. Sweats (this one I can't stand) Last night my son had a performance at school and I had a sweat attack. It is so gross my face is wet, under my hair, I look as if I just ran a marathon.
> 8. Headaches
> 9. Brain shivvers (when I'm late for even one dose)
> 10. Horrible flu-like symptoms if I miss a dose.
> 11. My periods are totally screwed up.(before EXR they were every 28 days now it could 30, 35, 40 Inever know)
>
> I'm sure there's more. I take 150mg. I take 8-12 motrin a day and benedryl every night to help me sleep. I can't wait to eat breakfast in the morning so I can take my first 3 motrin.
>
> One more thing. I heard an avertisement for Effoxer XR on the radio on my way to work this morning. I couldn't believe it, the add made it sound like a harmless drug that would cure almost anyone of depression and anxiety with little or no side effects. "and like with all other (what ever they called antidepressents) talk to your doctor before discontinueing use." (yah, you don't want to feel like &*#@)
>
> Thanks for listening. Any comments would be appriciated.
>
> Dr. Bob, Please add spell check.
>
>
>
>
Posted by Cheri on May 15, 2003, at 14:46:30
In reply to Re: withdrawal » Cheri, posted by Dysfunk on May 7, 2003, at 9:47:04
Thanks for your input - I really appreciate it! I told my psychologist about it and she suggested I talk with a medications expert (credentials? I have no idea, but am willing to try) about interactions, withdrawals, etc. I have an appt with her at the end of the month. If I learn something interesting, I'll let everyone know.
Posted by jacquie_fine on May 15, 2003, at 19:23:07
In reply to Re: withdrawal » Maisy, posted by Lynnads on February 4, 2003, at 10:17:23
I started effexor in august of 2002 and just recently have been weining myself off of it. I have never been on any other drug for depression and my family doctor decided that I just needed a little more energy. I was having anixety attacks (mild) and crying spells. I stayed on the medicine and probably would of stayed on it, but my boyfriend hated the way I was on it. I was completely NUMB and had no sex drive. I am only 21 and that just isn't right. Over the year I was on it, I started off at 37.5 and worked my wy up to 150mg a day. I was taking two 75's a day. One when I woke and the other in the middle of the day. I just didn't feel like I did when I first started the pill. I started to sleep more throughout the day and just became withdrawn. I began to drink a lot! I would just get wasted to go to bed and start all over again. I don't even like drinking. So, I finally commited to getting off this damn thing. I started the process on 4-28-03 and have finally stopped with the pill altogether. I weined myself from 150 to 115 and lower each few days. I havent taken the pill since 5-6-03. It is now the 8 of the month and I still feel the effects of the pill. I have been vomiting, sleeping all day, dizzy, light headed, can't consentrate, can barely spell or type this. I have trouble driving, get car sick, severe mood swings, seeing spots, am a wreck. I feel like this is hell on earth. I am just glad to know that there are other people out there who know what I am going through. This is so much more than I would of ever commited to, if I knew what I know now. Forget about pills, I will just try to do this naturally for a while. Good luck to everyone out there.
Posted by Paco on May 15, 2003, at 20:07:10
In reply to Re: How I got off of Effexor, posted by kalyb on May 15, 2003, at 10:53:18
I've said similar things myself during the last couple of months - about looking for positive responses, etc., but haven't seen many. Some, but not many.
Personally, I'd say three days is too soon for you to judge, but that's just based on the fact that my doc and other sources told me that it usually takes at least 2-4 weeks for the side effects to subside, and four weeks to reach a theraputic level. Fortunately, my few side effects went away within four days, except for one (delayed ejaculation), which took about five weeks to fade away.
I feel much better, I have normal ups and downs, and during those down times I still feel pretty good knowing that it's not going to last forever.
Yeah, there are horror stories. I could tell you some about Prozac - the time I spent on Prozac was about the worst experience of my life. But do I think that it should be taken off the market? No! Works for some people and not for others - including me. Give whatever you're taking a reasonable chance, and if it doesn't work, try something else instead of wasting your time on complaints and lawsuits and conspiracy theories (not that anyone here does any of that).
There are no promises that there are better days ahead, but I'm here to tell you that I have had a much better life since I started taking EXR, and I hope you do too.
Good luck.
===============================================================
>
> I wish there was a different thread on this board, for people seeking information about the positive side of Effexor, or wishing to discuss it while they're on it, not going through withdrawal.
>
> No disrespect intended to those who are going through withdrawal (after all, I'm taking the stuff and therefore will one day have to deal with that horror myself!!) but I stumbled on this board only a day after starting it and now I am scared stiff. I even stopped for a couple of days after just two doses, partly because I was so worried, and it did seem overwhelming for the first few days, like I'd started to lose myself.
>
> But I resumed, and after 3 days I am starting to feel better. Is it too soon? Today I have no nausea or real side effects and I feel less disconnected and apathetic. I also feel a bit more positive; and the constant unbreakable cycling of anxious thoughts (which were both depressing me and tying me up in knots) seems to have subsided to a background murmur. In this respect, I feel almost normal!
>
> I know I must seem impatient to see some results - I am - I'm under a lot of pressure from those around me to get well, and the last few weeks before starting the meds have been like hell.
>
> So the way I am feeling today, is that just a blip, or a promise of better days ahead?
Posted by John2222 on May 15, 2003, at 20:15:27
In reply to withdrawal, posted by jacquie_fine on May 15, 2003, at 19:23:07
> I started the process on 4-28-03 and have finally stopped with the pill altogether. I weined myself from 150 to 115 and lower each few days.
Congratulations on your perserverance!
This probably won't help now, but most dr's and others here would say to wait 2 weeks between every reduction. So, go from 150/day to 112.5/day to 75/day to 37.5/day each in 2 week increments. Myself, I have just gone from a top level of 112.5/day down 18 mg/day. (I empty half of the XR capsule out).
My own dr suggested after getting to 37.5 mg/day to for several weeks, to take one 37.5 every other day (for two weeks) and then one every third day (for two weeks) and then stop.
I have felt some nausea and lightheadedness but nothing else.
By the way, I have taken Effexor XR for about one year now and it really helped me. So for anyone worried that Effexor doesn't work, all I can say is it did for me. I was/am just ready to resume life without it and feel fine.
Good luck. Talk to your dr. (or try small dose of effexor until you get over the vomiting!)
Posted by Paco on May 15, 2003, at 22:06:20
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by John2222 on May 15, 2003, at 20:15:27
Just wanna say thanks for your post. It's about the most encouraging one I've read here and it's just what I've been hoping to hear. Like you, EXR really helped me, and I'm glad to hear that going off it isn't a complete nightmare for everyone. I'm really not too worried about it myself anyway - I assume it has a lot to do with how you go about tapering and how well your system takes it.
Good luck.
=============================================================
>
> Congratulations on your perserverance!
>
> This probably won't help now, but most dr's and others here would say to wait 2 weeks between every reduction. So, go from 150/day to 112.5/day to 75/day to 37.5/day each in 2 week increments. Myself, I have just gone from a top level of 112.5/day down 18 mg/day. (I empty half of the XR capsule out).
>
> My own dr suggested after getting to 37.5 mg/day to for several weeks, to take one 37.5 every other day (for two weeks) and then one every third day (for two weeks) and then stop.
>
> I have felt some nausea and lightheadedness but nothing else.
>
> By the way, I have taken Effexor XR for about one year now and it really helped me. So for anyone worried that Effexor doesn't work, all I can say is it did for me. I was/am just ready to resume life without it and feel fine.
>
> Good luck. Talk to your dr. (or try small dose of effexor until you get over the vomiting!)
>
>
Posted by Angel Girl on May 16, 2003, at 0:51:55
In reply to Re: withdrawal » John2222, posted by Paco on May 15, 2003, at 22:06:20
My highest dosage of Effexor XR was 367.5mg/day when I decided that I wanted off due to a meriad of side effects that I no longer wanted to deal with. I had read all the horror stories and wasn't looking forward to the process of withdrawing. I should also state that my body is EXTREMELY sensitive to any new drugs introduced to my system or any dosage changes to existing medications.
My pdoc decreased my dosage by only 37.5mg/day and waited 2 weeks for my body to adjust to that level before decreasing again down to the next lower dosage. When we adhered to that schedule of small dosage changes every 2 weeks, I didn't have any withdrawal symptoms. It was ONLY when I became impatient with the length of time it was taking and decided to drop 75mg at one time instead of 37.5. Within 24 hours I went into withdrawal and I had to bring myself back up the 75mg and even an additional 37.5mg to settle things down. I stayed at that level until I felt ready to decrease again, this time ALWAYS adhering to the 37.5mg decrease with each step. When I got to the final 37.5mg dosage, I went off of it cold turkey with absolutely no problems whatsoever.
Unfortunately the brain shivers that I was experiencing while I was on the meds, stayed with me for several weeks after I was completely off them. Now it is several months later and I feel no effects of ever taking Effexor XR.
I think Effexor can be a great drug. I know it was a Godsend for me. It kept me alive. Before getting up to higher than 150mg dosage, I was seriously going to kill myself. So, all in all it kept me alive. It served it's purpose and even though I had tons of side effects that really bothered me, when/if I ever decide to go back on any anti-depressant, Effexor XR, even with all it's bad rap, will be my drug of choice.
This is my experience and of course, others will have their own experiences. I just personally don't think that Effexor XR is as bad a drug as it is sometimes made out to be. I think you have to take what you read with a grain of salt.
Anybody trying to get off of it, with horrible side effects, I wish you well. I know what it's like to be so cold that you are sitting, shaking like a leaf in the corner of your room with blankets piled ontop of you to keep warm and it is 100 degrees outside.
Angel Girl
Posted by John2222 on May 16, 2003, at 1:10:06
In reply to Re: withdrawal » John2222, posted by Paco on May 15, 2003, at 22:06:20
Paco, even though I have been taking Effexor XR for almost a year, I felt better after only 2 to 3 weeks. My dr pretty much insisted I stick with it for 12-18 months so help "retrain" my brain chemistry.
I've always been moody and just more of less accepted it. Prior to Effexor though and shortly after 9/11 I just couldn't get my mind back to the normal keel of life. Little things hanged on and on, and I worried about lots of "what if's" and "whys".
So maybe Effexor or not, I would have recovered on my own after 12 months.
I believe that the reason most of the Effexor stories on these support groups are about the problems, is that we look to support groups and others when we have problems, not when we're doing great.
Not that everything has been perfect, but I don't fear an anti-depressant--certainly I don't fear one just because I'm afraid that I might have trouble 12 months later discontinuing it. Most stories of discontinuing problems have been from someone taking 75 or 150 mg per day and then deciding "that's it" and quitting cold turkey.
Anyway, keep the faith, and don't fear success!
John
> Just wanna say thanks for your post. It's about the most encouraging one I've read here and it's just what I've been hoping to hear. Like you, EXR really helped me, and I'm glad to hear that going off it isn't a complete nightmare for everyone. I'm really not too worried about it myself anyway - I assume it has a lot to do with how you go about tapering and how well your system takes it.
>
> Good luck.
>
Posted by DeanG on May 16, 2003, at 13:15:27
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by John2222 on May 16, 2003, at 1:10:06
Greetings John and All,
After digesting all of your comments on the side effects and addicting nature of Effexor I am, to put it quite bluntly, in a state of utter shock. After undergoing my physical examination yesterday my doctor decided to put me on Effexor to reduce the severe anxiety attacks that I've been experiencing in the past few months. I relented only after he assured me that the drug was not addicting. Twenty years ago I had severe back problems and was put on Ativan. Five years later I was left with a full-blown drug addiction which made me swear off any medication or stimulants or depressants of any kinds so as not to experience the same hellish withdrawal symptoms again. Here it is 15 years later and totally clean in all this time and my doctor goes and prescribes what he considers a non habit forming drug knowing full well my past history and struggles with addiction. I took my first 37.5 mg just 14 hours ago which I'm to continue for the next 6 days whereby the dosage is to double to 75 mg thereafter. Fifteen years ago I went through a living hell trying to get myself off what the psychiatrist called an addiction worse than heroin. I believe I may have just taken the first steps to revisiting that horrendous period in my life. Although my doctor most certainly has my best interests at heart, I seriously doubt that he's ever experienced first hand the terrifying withdrawal symptoms of a drug addiction and how difficult it is to break. I've been on Effexor for less than a day now and am already feeling its effects. Whereby Ativan acted as a speed, Effexor is having the exact opposite effect of drastically slowing things down. I feel numb and anxiety free but totally able to function as far as my job goes. Unfortunately, I'm not prepared to pay the price of another harrowing addiction. My doctor was adamant that Effexor was not addicting. Unfortunately, after reading all of your posts I beg to differ, and as I cannot afford a repeat of 15 years ago I may have to nip this one in the bud. Of course, that's always easier said than done. I certainly hope I have the willpower to make the right call and find other means of tackling my anxiety disorder and depression. Tonight will be the first test. Good luck and thank you one and all for all of your touching and candid comments.
Best Regards,
Dean
> Paco, even though I have been taking Effexor XR for almost a year, I felt better after only 2 to 3 weeks. My dr pretty much insisted I stick with it for 12-18 months so help "retrain" my brain chemistry.
>
> I've always been moody and just more of less accepted it. Prior to Effexor though and shortly after 9/11 I just couldn't get my mind back to the normal keel of life. Little things hanged on and on, and I worried about lots of "what if's" and "whys".
>
> So maybe Effexor or not, I would have recovered on my own after 12 months.
>
> I believe that the reason most of the Effexor stories on these support groups are about the problems, is that we look to support groups and others when we have problems, not when we're doing great.
>
> Not that everything has been perfect, but I don't fear an anti-depressant--certainly I don't fear one just because I'm afraid that I might have trouble 12 months later discontinuing it. Most stories of discontinuing problems have been from someone taking 75 or 150 mg per day and then deciding "that's it" and quitting cold turkey.
>
> Anyway, keep the faith, and don't fear success!
>
> John
>
>
> > Just wanna say thanks for your post. It's about the most encouraging one I've read here and it's just what I've been hoping to hear. Like you, EXR really helped me, and I'm glad to hear that going off it isn't a complete nightmare for everyone. I'm really not too worried about it myself anyway - I assume it has a lot to do with how you go about tapering and how well your system takes it.
> >
> > Good luck.
> >
>
Posted by kalyb on May 16, 2003, at 17:36:57
In reply to Re: How I got off of Effexor » kalyb, posted by Paco on May 15, 2003, at 20:07:10
Thanks, Paco!
> Personally, I'd say three days is too soon for you to judge, but that's just based on the fact that my doc and other sources told me that it usually takes at least 2-4 weeks for the side effects to subside, and four weeks to reach a theraputic level.
Today I feel no side effects at all; I've noticed them diminish over the last few days - I am sure that the aborted start in taking Effexor I began last week made a difference. But I know this drug is working - I just hope it continues. Yes, it's early, but honestly if you'd seen me even 10 days ago, you'd have seen an entirely different person. I was in a real state.
I've looked at information and data for Effexor on the net and it does say it works for some people within the first week. I am so much more smiley and relaxed, find it easier to talk to people without a "block" of depression/anxiety getting in the way. I feel not exactly "bulletproof" but things aren't getting to me like they did before... optimistic, positive, and the endless cycling of depressive self-pitying thoughts is gone. I feel very much like I did a few months ago when I had a period in which I can say I was very happy. Okay, so it's just a few days like this, but wow, if this continues then I am going to be a very happy bunny indeed!
And now I know about what some people said about waking up laughing. I had a bizarre dream last night which, when I woke and recalled bits of it, had me giggling on the pillows. I can't remember any of it now, no idea why it was so funny!!!
> Yeah, there are horror stories. I could tell you some about Prozac - the time I spent on Prozac was about the worst experience of my life. But do I think that it should be taken off the market? No! Works for some people and not for others - including me.
Absolutely not - I agree. Prozac worked wonderfully for a friend of mine, she says she felt the best she's ever felt in her entire life. But for me, I took it for about 6 months and it wasn't the answer. It wasn't a bad experience but it wasn't quite right either. Most of the time I felt oddly shaky in mind, I likened it to feeling like a tree with all my leaves quivering. I dropped the dose to half, which stopped that but didn't really address the depression much, I can recall a couple of instances when I got very low and despondent about things. Eventually I stopped, knowing it wasn't right for me.
> There are no promises that there are better days ahead, but I'm here to tell you that I have had a much better life since I started taking EXR, and I hope you do too.
Thanks again. I hope my post will encourage others who have just started it, since as someone in another post said: people come to this message board with problems mainly, not when everything is great. As little time ago as ten days ago, I would not have believed you if you'd told me I could feel this normal. I just pray it continues.... :)
Posted by melley on May 16, 2003, at 18:09:13
In reply to Re: Effexor » Paco, posted by kalyb on May 16, 2003, at 17:36:57
I do think that effexor has lots of positives. And it certainly saved my life last year. I spent a month on tranquilizers with it while it was taking effect. It was so great to have the fog cleared. And when I got up to 225 mg in January I was very energetic and that was absolutely wonderful.
However, I have only tried paxil and effexor. And then was told by my cousin that wellbutrin was virtually side effect-free for her. So thought I'd give it a try. I can always go back on effexor. I am now at the end of the first week of weaning myself off of effexor and on to wellbutrin. Feel a bit rocky and had tingling on the side of my head and on my face. Felt like it could be related. Also feel weak and tired. But also feel more....the numbness on effexor was great in some ways....but too much sometimes.
Melissa
Posted by kalyb on May 16, 2003, at 18:10:20
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by DeanG on May 16, 2003, at 13:15:27
Dean, my heart went out to you while reading your post. You must feel almost cheated. I don't know what to say, not having had the experiences you have had, although my mother was - still is - under the grip of Ativan.
Believe me, I was scared too when I found this board and read all the stuff about Effexor. My psychiatrist didn't tell me anything about addiction, just about possible side effects. But I am actually feeling some benefit of the drug after only a few days, so I will continue with it. Withdrawal, when it comes, I will deal with. I don't think it can be any worse than the agonies I have been going through the last few months without any medication at all... I simply didn't want to exist any more, it was that bad.
For you, my only suggestion - which comes along with a great deal of compassion for you - would be to go back to your doctor as soon as possible and talk this over with him/her. Maybe you can work out a better medication.
I hope you feel better soon, good luck.... and hugs....
> Greetings John and All,
>
> After digesting all of your comments on the side effects and addicting nature of Effexor I am, to put it quite bluntly, in a state of utter shock. After undergoing my physical examination yesterday my doctor decided to put me on Effexor to reduce the severe anxiety attacks that I've been experiencing in the past few months. I relented only after he assured me that the drug was not addicting. Twenty years ago I had severe back problems and was put on Ativan. Five years later I was left with a full-blown drug addiction which made me swear off any medication or stimulants or depressants of any kinds so as not to experience the same hellish withdrawal symptoms again. Here it is 15 years later and totally clean in all this time and my doctor goes and prescribes what he considers a non habit forming drug knowing full well my past history and struggles with addiction. I took my first 37.5 mg just 14 hours ago which I'm to continue for the next 6 days whereby the dosage is to double to 75 mg thereafter. Fifteen years ago I went through a living hell trying to get myself off what the psychiatrist called an addiction worse than heroin. I believe I may have just taken the first steps to revisiting that horrendous period in my life. Although my doctor most certainly has my best interests at heart, I seriously doubt that he's ever experienced first hand the terrifying withdrawal symptoms of a drug addiction and how difficult it is to break. I've been on Effexor for less than a day now and am already feeling its effects. Whereby Ativan acted as a speed, Effexor is having the exact opposite effect of drastically slowing things down. I feel numb and anxiety free but totally able to function as far as my job goes. Unfortunately, I'm not prepared to pay the price of another harrowing addiction. My doctor was adamant that Effexor was not addicting. Unfortunately, after reading all of your posts I beg to differ, and as I cannot afford a repeat of 15 years ago I may have to nip this one in the bud. Of course, that's always easier said than done. I certainly hope I have the willpower to make the right call and find other means of tackling my anxiety disorder and depression. Tonight will be the first test. Good luck and thank you one and all for all of your touching and candid comments.
>
> Best Regards,
>
> Dean
Posted by kalyb on May 17, 2003, at 9:15:29
In reply to Re: withdrawal » DeanG, posted by kalyb on May 16, 2003, at 18:10:20
What is SSRI induced hypomania?
Could my apparent "immediate" response to Effexor be this?? If it helps any, I noticed some kind of immediate effects with Prozac and Celexa as well.
Please enlighten me!!
Posted by Kuschelbär on May 18, 2003, at 15:51:27
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by Shel on July 18, 2000, at 1:35:45
I started taking 37.5 mg of Effexor 3 days ago, and after reading the thread about side effects/withdrawals I am scared to death to take it any longer.
I am more concerned about my ability to achieve an erection (which I currently have no trouble with) and orgasm (ditto).
Also, I work in a hospital and don't need tremors or sweats.
Any comments?
Thanks
K
Posted by Napaba on May 19, 2003, at 8:25:09
In reply to Sexual Disfunction of Effexor, posted by Kuschelbär on May 18, 2003, at 15:51:27
Find a different drug. Effexor isn't worth it.
There are other meds try one of those. The dug company is just doing a great job PUSHING Effexor.I started taking 37.5 mg of Effexor 3 days ago, and after reading the thread about side effects/withdrawals I am scared to death to take it any longer.
>
> I am more concerned about my ability to achieve an erection (which I currently have no trouble with) and orgasm (ditto).
>
> Also, I work in a hospital and don't need tremors or sweats.
>
> Any comments?
>
> Thanks
>
> K
Posted by waterlily on May 19, 2003, at 14:51:54
In reply to Re: Sexual Disfunction of Effexor » Kuschelbär, posted by Napaba on May 19, 2003, at 8:25:09
> Find a different drug. Effexor isn't worth it.
I've tried Zoloft, Paxil, Prozac, imipramine, Serzone, Buspar, and Wellbutrin. None has tackled my anxiety as well as Effexor.
> I started taking 37.5 mg of Effexor 3 days ago, and after reading the thread about side effects/withdrawals I am scared to death to take it any longer.
> >
> > I am more concerned about my ability to achieve an erection (which I currently have no trouble with) and orgasm (ditto).
> >
> > Also, I work in a hospital and don't need tremors or sweats.
> >
> > Any comments?
> >
> > Thanks
> >
> > K
>
>
I think that if you haven't tried other medications, it might be a good idea to give them a chance. However, as I stated above, I've tried many of them and Effexor works best for me. The sexual side effects are a problem at the 150 mg that I'm taking, but not so much of a problem that they outweigh the benefits. You mentioned tremors and sweats. It's possible that they will go away after you've been on the medication for a few weeks, should you decide to give Effexor a chance. I had nausea, headaches, sweating, etc. for the first few days on Effexor, but they went away. Similarly, when I started Serzone I had short-term memory problems, but they went away after a few weeks on the medication.
Posted by DeanG on May 19, 2003, at 21:11:28
In reply to Sexual Disfunction of Effexor, posted by Kuschelbär on May 18, 2003, at 15:51:27
Hi K,
I too was so terrified of the addicting nature of Effexor after reading the comments on this thread that I quit after only my first capsule. Whoever says that this drug is not addicting is out of their mind. It's been four days now and for the first three I was in a complete fog with the shakes and shivers and such a migraine that I though my head was going to explode. I believe this drug is not for everyone and intend on calling my doctor first thing tomorrow and requesting something a little less potent.
Here's wishing you all the best,
Dean
Posted by melley on May 20, 2003, at 6:46:05
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I don't know whether what I am feeling is from the withdrawal from effexor or the adjusting to wellbutrin. I am feeling very rocky. Like motion sickness. Does anyone have any suggestions on ways to keep this feeling at bay?
Posted by Misha on May 20, 2003, at 7:23:57
In reply to Re: Sexual Disfunction of Effexor, posted by DeanG on May 19, 2003, at 21:11:28
I know that there are people out there that would disagree, but in my honest opinion Effexor XR should be pulled from the market and not prescribed again. I am definitely not the only person to say that. Had I known what I know now, after nearly six months of terrible withdrawals, I never would have even considered taking it in the first place. Yes, I did taper off correctly. As said before, for a lucky few it has not caused bad withdrawals, but the percentage scale has too many people on the bad side to dismiss the problems. I do not feel that people who are on Effexor XR right now who have not gone off of it are qualified to dispute the issues of the withdrawal. Those of us who have experienced the sometimes debilitating withdrawals from it are not trying to so much "scare" people into not taking it, but to inform them of the potential risks that doctors either do not know about or are not telling them about. The following is the actual excerpt from the Effexor XR prescribing fact sheet listing the symptoms of discontinuation:
"Reported symptoms include agitation, anorexia, anxiety, confusion, coordination impaired, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, dysphoric mood, fasciculation, fatigue, headaches, hypomania, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, nightmares, seizures, sensory disturbances (including shock-like electrical sensations), somnolence, sweating, tremor, vertigo, and vomiting."
The above is at the very bottom of the paper that comes with every bottle of Effexor XR, but how many of us read that before we starting taking the medication? It is also in the Effexor XR official website, but buried. They do not give any estimation of how long the symptoms may last. For those of you who, like myself, do not know what fasciculation means, here's the definition:"Fasciculation
<neurology, physiology> A small local contraction of muscles, visible through the skin, representing a spontaneous discharge of a number of fibres innervated by a single motor nerve filament."
There's the information that doctors should be providing their patients with. I had discontinued taking Effexor XR due to the bad side effects that did not go away while I was on it, such as insomnia/night sweats, anorexia and complete constipation just to name a few. Unfortunately laxatives did not help.People deserve all of the facts on any medication their doctor prescribes to them. Doctors tell us way too little the majority of the time. I apologize if this is disturbing to some of you, but I feel it is necessary.
Misha
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