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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by zinya on May 27, 2003, at 18:18:36
In reply to Re: new to effexor, and I have questions, posted by jtc on May 27, 2003, at 10:26:35
I've read several of you discussing drinking and the odd taste of wine, etc. you experience. I'm not drinking alcohol at all and in fact made sure i'd cleared my last beer out of my system before starting this (although the prospect of never drinking again is daunting -- but something had already changed in me due presumably to the depression which had made alcohol have a very different effect on me than it used to, no longer able to drink even a glass without a certain day-after malaise or worse...
But i'm wondering if any of you also notice that even coffee tastes different? and even water? I tend to drink bubbly water and i don't see how i could get by without my morning espresso (which i realize could have a weird interaction with Effexor too - does anyone know?)... but it also tastes different already just on day #2.
If you've had this experience, does it go away?
Posted by BWII on May 27, 2003, at 18:33:05
In reply to Re: Successful but very ugly ! » BWII, posted by zinya on May 27, 2003, at 17:42:39
I never went above 75mg. I did feel a very intense rush within the first few weeks and it continued for quite a few months. I then felt that I was gaining some sort of tolerance to this drug (and was starting to get the shocking feeling even when I took Effexor XR a few hours later than the day before) which is why I initially attempted to stop taking it. But the withdrawl is a little hard to manage when you have to work or drive or just about anything else. I have never stopped over a week so we'll see. I am supposedly switching to Lexapro (10mg) tomorrow morning so I'll see what happens.
Posted by tflower on May 27, 2003, at 19:19:51
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and ADD/ADHD? » bridgette_31, posted by jannbeau on November 18, 2002, at 19:09:53
> >Bridgette, could be, but I am not predisposed to make or to accept sweeping generalizations about any illness or any medication. Peoples' illnesses and their reactions to psychoactive medications may be far too complex for these kinds of statements.
>
> Everyone, please seek competent professional advice before you take any medication or before you reject the option.
>
> Cheers,
> Jannbeau
>
>
> Both of my children have been diagnosed ADHD and take Adderall. An ADHD person's reaction to stimulants is the opposite of a person who is not AdHD. Giving an ADHD person an antidepressant for instance would actually increase depression. A stimulant for them actually is calming. I can't imagine an ADHD person being given antidepressants!! I give my kids caffeine and they take a nap.
>
>
Just a note, effexor does seem to have some promise in the treatment of ad/hd and it will not cause depresion in ad/hd individuals. people with ad/hd do respond opposite of others in regards to stimulants.. i.e. caffeine, speed, cocaine, and adderall, ritalin etc. but not to all drugs :-)
Posted by dde on May 27, 2003, at 21:35:23
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and ADD/ADHD?, posted by tflower on May 27, 2003, at 19:19:51
I would URGE you to check out the appropriateness of these medications for juveniles. The FDA has denied Wyeth's request to add pediatric use of Effexor for ANY purpose. That denial was dated February 12, 2003, in response to their request and appeal on October 2, 2002. Go the the FDA website, do your homework BEFORE you give a child this stuff. A lot of children are being misdiagnosed as ADHD/ADD when in reality they are bi-polar, simply because they don't want to "label" a child. Effexor is the reason my 10 year old committed suicide last August, and yes, I am on a crusade to keep other children ALIVE! I would have much rather had a labeled child than a dead one. Ask questions of your P-Doc and if he can not answer them with evidence and to your satisfaction, error on the side of caution. My best to you all. dde
> > >Bridgette, could be, but I am not predisposed to make or to accept sweeping generalizations about any illness or any medication. Peoples' illnesses and their reactions to psychoactive medications may be far too complex for these kinds of statements.
> >
> > Everyone, please seek competent professional advice before you take any medication or before you reject the option.
> >
> > Cheers,
> > Jannbeau
> >
> >
> > Both of my children have been diagnosed ADHD and take Adderall. An ADHD person's reaction to stimulants is the opposite of a person who is not AdHD. Giving an ADHD person an antidepressant for instance would actually increase depression. A stimulant for them actually is calming. I can't imagine an ADHD person being given antidepressants!! I give my kids caffeine and they take a nap.
> >
> >
> Just a note, effexor does seem to have some promise in the treatment of ad/hd and it will not cause depresion in ad/hd individuals. people with ad/hd do respond opposite of others in regards to stimulants.. i.e. caffeine, speed, cocaine, and adderall, ritalin etc. but not to all drugs :-)
>
Posted by Napaba on May 28, 2003, at 7:49:41
In reply to odd tastes, and coffee in particular, posted by zinya on May 27, 2003, at 18:18:36
I didn't notice any difference in the taste of water or coffee. I've never liked drinking plain water and still don't, but force about 6 glasses down each day. I drink 2-3 cups of coffee a day. Taste the same to me. I changed the kind of beer I drink (I drink occassionally) That seemed to help with the taste difference. I no longer drink wine, it taste strange now.
I've read several of you discussing drinking and the odd taste of wine, etc. you experience. I'm not drinking alcohol at all and in fact made sure i'd cleared my last beer out of my system before starting this (although the prospect of never drinking again is daunting -- but something had already changed in me due presumably to the depression which had made alcohol have a very different effect on me than it used to, no longer able to drink even a glass without a certain day-after malaise or worse...
>
> But i'm wondering if any of you also notice that even coffee tastes different? and even water? I tend to drink bubbly water and i don't see how i could get by without my morning espresso (which i realize could have a weird interaction with Effexor too - does anyone know?)... but it also tastes different already just on day #2.
>
> If you've had this experience, does it go away?
Posted by Napaba on May 28, 2003, at 7:54:38
In reply to odd tastes, and coffee in particular, posted by zinya on May 27, 2003, at 18:18:36
Does any seem to bruise more easly while on Effexor? I have bruises all over my legs and arms, not normal for me. I never bruise when having blood drawn. I've got big veins, but yesterday I had blood drawn and have a large very dark bruise. The tech. had no problem drawing it, it was quick and painless.
I aske the doctor yesterday and she blew it off. Also blew off the rest of my symtoms, blurred vision, sweeting, and joint pain.
Posted by Napaba on May 28, 2003, at 7:57:33
In reply to Re: Successful but very ugly ! » zinya, posted by BWII on May 27, 2003, at 18:33:05
I was also switched to Lexapro 10mg. I'ms suppose to start today. But want to find out more about it before I make the switch. I was told I can just stop taking Effexor and start taking Lexapro. Anyone try this?
I never went above 75mg. I did feel a very intense rush within the first few weeks and it continued for quite a few months. I then felt that I was gaining some sort of tolerance to this drug (and was starting to get the shocking feeling even when I took Effexor XR a few hours later than the day before) which is why I initially attempted to stop taking it. But the withdrawl is a little hard to manage when you have to work or drive or just about anything else. I have never stopped over a week so we'll see. I am supposedly switching to Lexapro (10mg) tomorrow morning so I'll see what happens.
Posted by melley on May 28, 2003, at 12:57:24
In reply to Re: Successful but very ugly ! » BWII, posted by Napaba on May 28, 2003, at 7:57:33
I am almost off effexor. It hasn't been too bad; had to go up a bit for awhile.
The idea of Effexor bothers me. It made me feel numb. I'm not sure being numb is the solution to the problems of anxiety and depression. Perhaps another less-toxic antidepressant and therapy to learn how to relax yourself and to redirect the negative thoughts. Exercise, eat right. I think it's too easy to rely solely on a pill. I know I need something because of the chemical imbalance in my brain but think there are other things I can be doing along with it to help the process. Effexor is a relatively new drug, touted for its ability to address both anxiety and depression. But its side-effects can be horrendous and the withdrawal can be wicked. I don't know. Just some thoughts.
Posted by wnj on May 28, 2003, at 17:57:43
In reply to new to effexor, and I have questions, posted by zinya on May 26, 2003, at 21:29:22
I was just put on Effexor today by my doctor. I have had many emotional problems since my pregnancy and divorce. My husband of several years was in Florida recording his new album last year and I stayed home since I was pregnant and having a hard time physically with it. When I was eight months along he called me up on the phone and told me he was in love with some groupie (a girl twenty years younger than he) he met at one of his concerts out there and she moved in with him the week I was in the hospital giving birth. I have been on an emotional roller coaster ever since and now that my divorce is final my doctor said I was seriously post partem and having a problem controlling my hatred and anger toward my ex-husband and his new girlfriend. He constantly calls and gets me upset and won't leave me alone. He doesn't want to be with me and his son, but he won't get totally out of my life either and its very confusing.
I have never taken any drugs for depression and I had never heard of this particular drug. I know I have to get some help but I am wondering how well this drug actually works and if it had helped others with similar situations.
I have been totally consumed by my anger and hate and I have been totally listless and just in a horrible downward spiral. The only bright spot is my seven month old son and I don't want all of this to effect him, which I why I had to get some help.I can be emailed at TXMetalGoddess@aol.com if anyone wants to give me some insight on this.
Posted by jtc on May 28, 2003, at 20:52:18
In reply to Re: new to effexor, and I have questions, posted by wnj on May 28, 2003, at 17:57:43
> I was just put on Effexor today by my doctor. I have had many emotional problems since my pregnancy and divorce. My husband of several years was in Florida recording his new album last year and I stayed home since I was pregnant and having a hard time physically with it. When I was eight months along he called me up on the phone and told me he was in love with some groupie (a girl twenty years younger than he) he met at one of his concerts out there and she moved in with him the week I was in the hospital giving birth. I have been on an emotional roller coaster ever since and now that my divorce is final my doctor said I was seriously post partem and having a problem controlling my hatred and anger toward my ex-husband and his new girlfriend. He constantly calls and gets me upset and won't leave me alone. He doesn't want to be with me and his son, but he won't get totally out of my life either and its very confusing.
>
> I have never taken any drugs for depression and I had never heard of this particular drug. I know I have to get some help but I am wondering how well this drug actually works and if it had helped others with similar situations.
> I have been totally consumed by my anger and hate and I have been totally listless and just in a horrible downward spiral. The only bright spot is my seven month old son and I don't want all of this to effect him, which I why I had to get some help.
>
> I can be emailed at TXMetalGoddess@aol.com if anyone wants to give me some insight on this.Dear wnj,
What a sad and difficult thing for you to have to go through. I am very angry at your ex-husband for doing this to you and his child. I don't know how I would handle my anger if I were in your shoes. I took Effexor XR for about 10 months. It did help me but it was hard getting off of it. I tried Luvox for about 3 years and it helped also but my doctor, after talking with me, decided that it was not therapeutic anymore and when I would try to increase the dosage of Luvox I would be a basket case (dizziness, etc.) so I decided to try Effexor. After taking it and stopping it (finally) I think would try something else if I were you before trying the Effexor. It is a very powerful antidepressant with many side effects that we just don't know enough about yet. I still have joint pain and vision problems after being off of it for two months now and also extreme emotional highs and lows. I have been diagnosed with anxiety and panic disorder and mild depression for about 20 years, since the age of 18. I hope this helps you. Good luck in your decision and keep us posted. Do whatever you have to do to get yourself through this very difficult time and to be able to take of your precious son. God Bless you and him. jtc
>
Posted by zinya on May 28, 2003, at 22:42:36
In reply to Re: new to effexor, and I have questions, posted by wnj on May 28, 2003, at 17:57:43
Gosh, wnj, my heart goes out to you. Over the years, i've known of similar stories of seemingly heartless abandon but knowing that doesn't diminish one whit the pain and rage and angst and grief you must be experiencing when instead you had surely a vision of new joy... and surely also now, i'm guessing, considerable guilt at not being able to transmit only delight to your newborn.
You don't mention it, but your situation absolutely demands, in my opinion, that you find a good therapist or counselor to help you feel listened to in all the necessary raging and processing that you must go through over this. If your doctor only prescribed a drug and didn't also "prescribe" such therapy, I would consider it highly irresponsible. You have legitimate and concrete griefs and angers which no amount of anti-depressant medicine will make go away. I'm not saying that taking Effexor is wrong or misguided based on this, but I am suggesting it should not be viewed as a panacea or substitute for the therapy you should definitely give yourself -- and make sure you find someone you like and trust and whose perspective makes sense to you and feels right.
I'm so new to this drug myself that I am the last person to give advice on the drug per se, although I would encourage you given what must be a very fragile state of -- I'm assuming -- still also the hormonal ups and downs of pregnancy and post-partem as well. So given how potent this drug is, I would start on it very very gradually.
After reading so many posters here and knowing that i'm very sensitive and have had many bad experiences of side effects to other drugs, I have started this by taking only half of a 37.5 mg capsule -- opening it and dividing the grains roughly in half. Even with that, i've had fluctuating side effects the past 3 days but so far they're all been mild and transitory. And to my surprise i've already sensed on the 3rd day even some positive benefit already just from this 18 mg dose. I would neither recommend nor dissuade anyone from taking it because one thing is clear from all the postings here: Each and every one of us has a unique biochemistry which makes it totally impossible to generalize from one to another taker of whatever a-d drug. But if I were you i'd consider starting on it VERY VERY slowly at the lowest dose possible, and monitor your symptoms -- and be sure at least for the first month while tryign to determine if it works for you or not -- I'd stay off all alcohol and minimize stimulants of all types to avoid bad reactions while adapting...
Wishing you well and sending hugs of concern and hopes you will also find someone to be a counselor/therapist very very soon...
z.
Posted by zinya on May 28, 2003, at 22:49:28
In reply to Bruising » zinya, posted by Napaba on May 28, 2003, at 7:54:38
You might want to readdress this question without my name on it so others would be more likely perhaps to open and respond to it. I'm so new to this that i have no basis yet for commenting on bruising although i'm already naturally someone who bruises easily.
I do know that bruising is related to platelet count so, depending on what kind of blood test you had done, if it included platelet count you might want to check to see if it's on the low end of normal and talk about it to your doc.
Posted by belle rose on May 29, 2003, at 0:57:50
In reply to Re: new to effexor, and I have questions » wnj, posted by zinya on May 28, 2003, at 22:42:36
> Gosh, wnj, my heart goes out to you. Over the years, i've known of similar stories of seemingly heartless abandon but knowing that doesn't diminish one whit the pain and rage and angst and grief you must be experiencing when instead you had surely a vision of new joy... and surely also now, i'm guessing, considerable guilt at not being able to transmit only delight to your newborn.
>
> You don't mention it, but your situation absolutely demands, in my opinion, that you find a good therapist or counselor to help you feel listened to in all the necessary raging and processing that you must go through over this. If your doctor only prescribed a drug and didn't also "prescribe" such therapy, I would consider it highly irresponsible. You have legitimate and concrete griefs and angers which no amount of anti-depressant medicine will make go away. I'm not saying that taking Effexor is wrong or misguided based on this, but I am suggesting it should not be viewed as a panacea or substitute for the therapy you should definitely give yourself -- and make sure you find someone you like and trust and whose perspective makes sense to you and feels right.
>
> I'm so new to this drug myself that I am the last person to give advice on the drug per se, although I would encourage you given what must be a very fragile state of -- I'm assuming -- still also the hormonal ups and downs of pregnancy and post-partem as well. So given how potent this drug is, I would start on it very very gradually.
>
> After reading so many posters here and knowing that i'm very sensitive and have had many bad experiences of side effects to other drugs, I have started this by taking only half of a 37.5 mg capsule -- opening it and dividing the grains roughly in half. Even with that, i've had fluctuating side effects the past 3 days but so far they're all been mild and transitory. And to my surprise i've already sensed on the 3rd day even some positive benefit already just from this 18 mg dose. I would neither recommend nor dissuade anyone from taking it because one thing is clear from all the postings here: Each and every one of us has a unique biochemistry which makes it totally impossible to generalize from one to another taker of whatever a-d drug. But if I were you i'd consider starting on it VERY VERY slowly at the lowest dose possible, and monitor your symptoms -- and be sure at least for the first month while tryign to determine if it works for you or not -- I'd stay off all alcohol and minimize stimulants of all types to avoid bad reactions while adapting...
>
> Wishing you well and sending hugs of concern and hopes you will also find someone to be a counselor/therapist very very soon...
>
> z.Good advice z.
jtc,
My prayers are with you during your difficult times. Sometimes our burdens seem to much to bear. That's why we need to give them to God.I have spent several years on Effexor along with many other antidepressants and/or mood stabilizers which seem to offer little relief. I did the best when I saw a counselor. Talking to someone else helps put things in perspective, which we can't seem to do ourselves. I exercised and that seemed to clear the cobbwebs out of my brain and I could think for clearly. Sun, too has theapeutic effects.
Join groups, single groups, talk your baby to the park. Don't isolate yourself. I did this for many years and feel terrible for the time I stole away from my family. As much work as it seems to be involved in relationships, it is healthy. And remember people are always going to disappoint us. Just love on that baby and receive all his/her love back.
I wish you much luck. I will be praying for strength and hope for you during this difficult time. Know that many people care.
Belle Rose
Posted by jtc on May 29, 2003, at 8:21:52
In reply to Re: new to effexor, and I have questions, posted by belle rose on May 29, 2003, at 0:57:50
> > Gosh, wnj, my heart goes out to you. Over the years, i've known of similar stories of seemingly heartless abandon but knowing that doesn't diminish one whit the pain and rage and angst and grief you must be experiencing when instead you had surely a vision of new joy... and surely also now, i'm guessing, considerable guilt at not being able to transmit only delight to your newborn.
> >
> > You don't mention it, but your situation absolutely demands, in my opinion, that you find a good therapist or counselor to help you feel listened to in all the necessary raging and processing that you must go through over this. If your doctor only prescribed a drug and didn't also "prescribe" such therapy, I would consider it highly irresponsible. You have legitimate and concrete griefs and angers which no amount of anti-depressant medicine will make go away. I'm not saying that taking Effexor is wrong or misguided based on this, but I am suggesting it should not be viewed as a panacea or substitute for the therapy you should definitely give yourself -- and make sure you find someone you like and trust and whose perspective makes sense to you and feels right.
> >
> > I'm so new to this drug myself that I am the last person to give advice on the drug per se, although I would encourage you given what must be a very fragile state of -- I'm assuming -- still also the hormonal ups and downs of pregnancy and post-partem as well. So given how potent this drug is, I would start on it very very gradually.
> >
> > After reading so many posters here and knowing that i'm very sensitive and have had many bad experiences of side effects to other drugs, I have started this by taking only half of a 37.5 mg capsule -- opening it and dividing the grains roughly in half. Even with that, i've had fluctuating side effects the past 3 days but so far they're all been mild and transitory. And to my surprise i've already sensed on the 3rd day even some positive benefit already just from this 18 mg dose. I would neither recommend nor dissuade anyone from taking it because one thing is clear from all the postings here: Each and every one of us has a unique biochemistry which makes it totally impossible to generalize from one to another taker of whatever a-d drug. But if I were you i'd consider starting on it VERY VERY slowly at the lowest dose possible, and monitor your symptoms -- and be sure at least for the first month while tryign to determine if it works for you or not -- I'd stay off all alcohol and minimize stimulants of all types to avoid bad reactions while adapting...
> >
> > Wishing you well and sending hugs of concern and hopes you will also find someone to be a counselor/therapist very very soon...
> >
> > z.
>
> Good advice z.
>
> jtc,
> My prayers are with you during your difficult times. Sometimes our burdens seem to much to bear. That's why we need to give them to God.
>
> I have spent several years on Effexor along with many other antidepressants and/or mood stabilizers which seem to offer little relief. I did the best when I saw a counselor. Talking to someone else helps put things in perspective, which we can't seem to do ourselves. I exercised and that seemed to clear the cobbwebs out of my brain and I could think for clearly. Sun, too has theapeutic effects.
>
> Join groups, single groups, talk your baby to the park. Don't isolate yourself. I did this for many years and feel terrible for the time I stole away from my family. As much work as it seems to be involved in relationships, it is healthy. And remember people are always going to disappoint us. Just love on that baby and receive all his/her love back.
>
> I wish you much luck. I will be praying for strength and hope for you during this difficult time. Know that many people care.
>
> Belle RoseBelle Rose,
Thanks so much for your posting and thinking of me in your prayers. It is very much appreciated. Thanks again, jtc
>
>
Posted by Mercedes on May 29, 2003, at 15:11:56
In reply to Re: new to effexor, and I have questions, posted by jtc on May 29, 2003, at 8:21:52
I have been taking anti-depressants/anti-anxioty medications for almost 7 years. I suffered a PTSD which led to my condition. I started on 37.5 mgs from a prev. psyc. and he never increased it for about 1 year. I moved and now see a new psyc. and he has increased my effexor gradually to 300 mgs.
I FINALLY FEEL HAPPY. I smile with my eyes now. I laugh with my heart. I haven't had that feeling in 7 years. I have tryed other meds, ie., paxil, welbutrin, prozac and I can't remember how many others.
The only side effect I have is memory but that may be related to age (54) and to the PTSD. I also take Xanax, which I've been on for 6 years. My problem is not being able to talk to my family about the trauma I incurred. So for many years I pretended to be happy or normal, whatever that is.
Good luck with the Effexor and remember, everyone's chemistry is different. It may work for you or it may not but I cannot say anything but good things about Effexor.
p.s. this is the first time I've responded to this site. I've read alot but was too shy to respond to anyone.
mercedes
Posted by jrt on May 29, 2003, at 16:20:47
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Ninafel on June 20, 2000, at 23:00:52
I have recently started on effexor and have really good results so far. I have never been on any other ad's but have always had anxiety and depression and for the first time in my life I feel good again. It got so bad that I nearly ran off my family and the love of my life. He of all people can see the benifits from this medication. I guess in some way I knew that I needed to be on ad's but I always blamed my major mood swings and irrability on pms but it finally hit me when I had an anxiety attack for the first time and I felt like I was going to loose my mind. I wish I would have accepted this a long time ago, I guess I just never wanted think I was crazy, I was just "unique"!!!! The side affects that I have been experincing are minimal compared to the consequences of being unhappy and making everyone around me unhappy as well. Misirey loves company, right? My doctor started me off on 75 mg and the only side effects that I have experinced are yawning, sleppiness, a little dizziness, and loss off apatite(but I don't consider that a bad side effect:)I have heard everyone talking about brain tremors and I have no idea what those are so if someone could inform me I would aprecciate it!
Posted by notquitethereyet on May 29, 2003, at 19:24:30
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jrt on May 29, 2003, at 16:20:47
anyone taking effexor XR for chronic fatigue
and fibromyalgia symptoms? if so, how's it going??
Posted by kalyb on May 30, 2003, at 8:36:50
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jrt on May 29, 2003, at 16:20:47
> I have recently started on effexor and have really good results so far. ....My doctor started me off on 75 mg and the only side effects that I have experinced are yawning, sleppiness, a little dizziness, and loss off apatite(but I don't consider that a bad side effect:)I have heard everyone talking about brain tremors and I have no idea what those are so if someone could inform me I would aprecciate it!
Hi jrt,
I am new to Effexor and so far, so good for me too. I started about 3 weeks ago and noticed some positive effects almost straight away (my anxiety almost disappeared totally and the constant OCD-like recurrent thoughts that were circling, were hushed down to a background murmur).
I had only a few days of side-effects and now the only one remaining is insomnia, which is common on many ADs. Oh, and the anorgasmia... unfortunately.... but I always had a bit of a problem with that anyway and I'm not in a relationship so I guess it's up to me as to how important I want that to be.
I too asked about the brain tremors initially, if you look back into the archived posts you'll find the answers. I think I had them in the first few days, but not now.
I'm not entirely sure yet if the anti-depressant effect of the Effexor has yet kicked in, I think it may have done a little, but last week I was premenstrual and felt great - I'm often a bit more energetic, faster-thinking and brighter at that time of the month anyway. Now my period's started I can see the Effexor has more work to do, I woke last night in tears and cried for the first time in several weeks. But on the plus side, I am feeling much more calm and my confidence has improved greatly, I no longer have the black cloud above my head which blocked me from even speaking to people.
I am on the "normal" Effexor not the XR, and I take one 75mg tablet per day. After reading about the various dosages both here and online, I queried this with my pdoc, in case someone had got the dosage wrong, but he said he finds less side-effects with just the one daily dose rather than splitting it, and if I wanted to try the XR he can arrange that for me when my current scrip runs out. But I may stick with what I've got, because he's right, there are very few side effects with what I'm on.
I know there is a lot of negativity about Effexor but I try to remember, as you might too, that everyone is different. I have tried different ADs before - Prozac, Paroxetine, Celexa, Dothiepin, Imipramine... and so far Effexor seems to suit *ME* better than the others did. So I know all about the withdrawal etc... but for now I am sticking to it because i need to give MYSELF a fair trial and I do want to feel well again, and if the last few weeks have been a foretaste of what the drug can do for me, then I am finding it to be great, and feel better than I have done for quite a long time.
Best of luck, let us know how you get on!
Kalyb xx
Posted by wnj on May 31, 2003, at 22:39:59
In reply to Re: new to effexor, and I have questions » wnj, posted by zinya on May 28, 2003, at 22:42:36
Thank you so much for your kind words. It has been so very hard. My ex was here just the other day see the baby since he is on a tour break from the band and normally seeing him is like rubbing salt in the wound, but I was very void of emotion with him and it was not as bad as it used to be. My doctor did refer me to a counselor and I have a first appointment with her next week. Its going to be therapy and Effexor as the treatment to try to get through this. I really notice a difference since I have started with the 37.5 mg of the drug. I actually noticed it almost right away. Things that would normally set me off where my ex is concerned or things that I felt like I had no energy to do don't seem like such a big deal and I notice that I am able to concentrate better. My mind is not constantly on my situation.
I think I am on the right track and as long as I continue in this vein I think things will get better. I am so glad I found a group online that I can discuss this with and get feedback because my friends and family have been at wits end with me and its been hard on everyone around me. But, I am gaining the strength that I have needed and as long as I am able to take this drug without too much side effect I think things will start to work out for me.
Please feel free to email me anytime and I once again thank you for the sentiments you shared in your post.
Wendy
Posted by wnj on May 31, 2003, at 22:48:10
In reply to Re: new to effexor, and I have questions/Zinya, posted by wnj on May 31, 2003, at 22:39:59
Wow, I didn't realize that so many of you had responded to my post. Thank you all so much for sharing with me and like I put in my previous post back to Zinya, I seem to be responding well to the medicine. My ex was here the other day to see the baby and I was not in turmoil around him like I usually am. I am hoping that I am on the right track with this!
Thank you all and I am so glad to have found such a great support group.
Wendy
Posted by hhp on May 31, 2003, at 23:33:01
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by notquitethereyet on May 29, 2003, at 19:24:30
Hi,
Just this week I was prescribed Effexor XR. I am hoping that this treatment will give me back the ability to learn, to remember and to comprehend things.
My doctor says that when the depression is under control/cured that my brain will start to work again.
Does anyone have any experience with this?
Posted by zinya on June 1, 2003, at 22:50:31
In reply to Re: new to effexor, and I have questions/Zinya, posted by wnj on May 31, 2003, at 22:39:59
This is good news, wnj... I'm sure you are probably doing as i am and not wanting to have too high expectations too soon ... Least that's where I'm at. It's been a week ago tonight I started, still at the half of 37.5 dose, which is a little tricky to divide up but at least the side effects are mild. Some dizziness in the past couple days enough that it kept me from joining friends for dinner last night, but i too feel an increased resilience that seems already an effect of the med, a certain bleakness has lifted noticeably... And so i can relate to your sense of hopefulness and am very very pleased to hear you're feeling it ...
And it sounds very good that you have a counselor lined up... and I hope it proves to be someone who understands, listens well and sheds light that resonates...
Posted by zinya on June 1, 2003, at 23:08:42
In reply to Re: new to effexor, and I have questions » jtc, posted by Mercedes on May 29, 2003, at 15:11:56
Thanks for posting this, Mercedes! This is inspiring to read... I confess it's been a looong time since i've felt that spontaneous joy-in-the-eyes thing... at least not by the criteria of what i've known in the past in my good years or months or days or hours...
I'm curious whether you started to get the "finally happy" feelings prior to getting to the 300 mg level. And one of my curiosities is that when i first started checking this site in Dec. i read someone who said that the 2nd-system effects of Effexor (on the adrenal system) don't start kicking in until -- I think he said -- 150 mg and higher. And that until that point it's only the SSRI effects that are experienced. My guess is that this varies by person like everything else. But i'm wondering if you would associate your levels of greater joy and zest at the 300 mg levels with a sense of increased "adrenalin" ??
That's what has been most missing for me for so long - dating back to 1987 or even 1985 (with some 'remissions' for some years since then)... and, to respond to the poster who asked about chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, i've been diagnosed over the years with those as chronic myofascial pain syndrome ... each of which led to a prescription (sometimes an a-d) none of which worked. Whether what i'm dealing with now anymore in CFS or fibro, I'm kind of at the "who knows?" phase of fed-up with too many years of diagnoses that led to no results. And maybe it was depression all along. Who knows.
As posted just now, i'm starting 2nd week tonight and so far just not having intolerable side effects and some sense of 'lifting' even just a little... So i join the other seemingly all positive messages here tonight and wishing you all continued success too...
z.
Posted by bgbham on June 2, 2003, at 0:23:19
In reply to Re: new to effexor, and I have questions » wnj, posted by zinya on June 1, 2003, at 22:50:31
i am in the positive group where I am experiencing some good effects from EXR. My pdoc upped me to 300 a day 3 days ago, after getting the foggy feeling again, and I agree, counseling and follow ups with the doc are a must. It is a very dark place where I have been, as I know you all have. I don't want to go back - ever.
B
Posted by bgbham on June 2, 2003, at 0:36:29
In reply to Re: new to effexor, and I have questions/Everyone, posted by wnj on May 31, 2003, at 22:48:10
Wendy, good luck and I am thinking about you. You have a lot to deal with. Sounding boards such as this, but most importantly, your doc, are invaluable. Make the time, you are worth it, and only are in control of your life.
brian
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