![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 5560 to 5584 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by HS on November 3, 2003, at 7:50:25
In reply to Re: effexor and alcohol , posted by crazy canadian on November 3, 2003, at 0:42:48
My psychiatrist put me on Effexor which made me EXTREMELY unwell (increased anxiety, manic episodes, insomnia, weight gain, constipation, etc) at 150 mg, then tried to tell me I was bipolar and wanted to put me on litium.
Finally went to see a really nice psycologist who immediately sent me to a neurologist - turns out I have temporal lobe epilepsy, which gives many of the same symptoms as GAD and tends to lead to depression. Turns out the Effexor had been making it worse, as all anti-depressents lower your seizure threshold.
Now, don't get me wrong, I am all in favour of antidepressants and certainly do not belong to the "sue them" fraternity we've been seeing here lately. The problem for me was a psychiatrist who didn't listen properly.
I am now on Topomax, which is an antiepileptic, but also works as a mood stabiliser. I am finding it extremely hard to cut out the last 9 mg of Effexor (I have to cut the tablets into quarters), but then I found Seroxat difficult as well. With Seroxat, I had to go on taking a miniscule dose for a couple of months before I could stop completely.
Obviously, I'm over the moon about a correct diagnosis after 33 years. And one of Topomax's side-effects is weight LOSS.
During this and previous depressions (all associated with traumatic events) I really needed medication, but I would have been totally lost without a good psyclogist.
Anyway, don't just allow the psychiatrist to put you down - you are the expert on you!
HS
Posted by Zellie on November 3, 2003, at 8:22:47
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Harley66 on November 2, 2003, at 12:06:52
Wellbutrin does not have the side-effect of weight gain.
Also, anyone coming off Effexor must wean down extremely slowly to prevent nasty side-effects.
Effexor can be extremely helpful for some. For others, it's Wellbutrin that does it.
When titrating up in dose with an AD, it is common to feel worse at certain stages. Hang with it until the optimum dosage is reached. Many come off too soon because they think it's not working or they are getting worse. Keep with it, and at a higher dosage it may work wonders.
Once you are feeling well, you need not necessarily ever come off it. Too many physicians have a goal of getting their patients off the AD as soon as possible. For some, it ought to be a life-long regime, especially if the Depression has been ongoing, and if the initial onset was early in life (i.e. not necessarily circumstance-related depression). The Mayo Clinic on Depression is a book that may be a good resource.
Posted by Bryan_Smith on November 3, 2003, at 14:41:43
In reply to High Cholesterol and Effexor???, posted by Sufferfromeffexor on October 20, 2003, at 14:41:22
My triglycerides are also extremely high, and I have suspected that it might be related to my use of Effexor. I would be interested in hearing whether anyone has any information about this.
Posted by Salty_Dog on November 3, 2003, at 22:49:43
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Harley66, posted by clb149 on November 1, 2003, at 23:17:40
I thank you for sharing.
I believe Effexor XR messes with the Thyroid in some manner causing un-explainable problems with our weight. In some causes it allows weight gain even if we eat the same amount of food. In other cases it drops weight even while trying to eat the same.In my case it has resulted in 30 lbs weight gain, but I crave sugar/carbo's. It has slowed down and I no longer go out of my way to eat carbo's. For about three weeks I would eat a full quart of 'Rainbow Sherbet' evey night. Now, the same quart has been sitting in the freezer for a full week.
The big change for me, was getting a job. For some reason, I have lost my lust for sugar, if anything, I am under eating.
I am currently at 600 mg Effexor XR. I will be dropping to 450 mg for a week and then 300 mg for another week. After that I will drop in 75 mg increments, once again a week at a time.If it messes with my job I will revert to 600 mg as I have no room for that kind of behavour at work.
Please, wish me luck.
Good luck to you in your adventures, remember, the next miracle could be just around the corner.
I am/was a serious scuba diver and I remember a story which tells it all.
A cave diver had lost his way and was running out of air (gas), so he decided that he would write a note to his loved ones as his last act.
The cave diver was found by the search party 30 feet from the opening to the cave where he had placed emergency air (gas) tanks.Don't give up.
Posted by Salty_Dog on November 3, 2003, at 23:00:25
In reply to Re: High Cholesterol and Effexor??? » Sufferfromeffexor, posted by Bryan_Smith on November 3, 2003, at 14:41:43
> My triglycerides are also extremely high, and I have suspected that it might be related to my use of Effexor. I would be interested in hearing whether anyone has any information about this.
I hope you don't drink alcohol becaus that would be one of fastest ways to elevate triglycerides while taking Effexor.
Posted by music on November 4, 2003, at 17:32:47
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hey, how's your new job going? I am down to 75mg per day now of Effexor XR and now my Psydoc has me taking 100mg of Wellbutrin SR in the morning and 100mg in the afternoon. I will be eventually be taken off of Effexor XR totally. Do you know anything about Amitriptopylline (spelling is off big time) it helps with depression and chronic pain. I have chronic back pain and major depression. Well, I need to go. Post me soon. Sorry that it has taken so long to check the website, it has been crazy times at work and in my personal life. Have a great evening......
Music
P.S. If anyone knows anything about the above medicine Amitripoylline (spelling is off) please post me back.
Posted by Salty_Dog on November 4, 2003, at 18:33:29
In reply to For Salty_dog, posted by music on November 4, 2003, at 17:32:47
> Hey, how's your new job going? I am down to 75mg per day now of Effexor XR and now my Psydoc has me taking 100mg of Wellbutrin SR in the morning and 100mg in the afternoon. I will be eventually be taken off of Effexor XR totally. Do you know anything about Amitriptopylline (spelling is off big time) it helps with depression and chronic pain. I have chronic back pain and major depression. Well, I need to go. Post me soon. Sorry that it has taken so long to check the website, it has been crazy times at work and in my personal life. Have a great evening......
>
> Music
>
> P.S. If anyone knows anything about the above medicine Amitripoylline (spelling is off) please post me back.Hello Music,
I have been thinking of you. I took a look for the correct spelling and indications for use.
Amitriptyline (Elavil) is just as you mentioned, indicated for use in severe depression and in lower dosage, acts to control chronic pain. I will keep it in mind, but at this time, I want to reduce the number of pills I have to take, starting with Effexor XR followed by Neurotin. I am currently off of all pain meds and feel ok with it.My job is warming up each passing day. I am, once again, feeling more fullfilled. All things considered, I hate to disapoint the Psychologist's out there, work is still one of many ways we define ourselves. If you don't believe me, try being unemployed for a long time (we call it shelf life in my industry). My belief is a depressive personality being alone is a depressive personality being in 'bad company'. Being bi-polar just adds a new twist to the 'bad company' thing.
I think it is a different thing when you are retired, at least you can plan things out.How are you doing, Music ?
How is every one doing ?
Posted by camel on November 5, 2003, at 7:58:00
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I started Effexor about 2 months ago....seems to be working...much less "side effects" than Paxil which I was on for 2 years. Still using the "samples" as Dr. has not yet decided on the prescription....but all in all.....I'd say I'm pleased with it.
Posted by music on November 5, 2003, at 10:19:33
In reply to Re: For Salty_dog » music, posted by Salty_Dog on November 4, 2003, at 18:33:29
Salty_dog,
I went to physical therapy this morning before coming to work. It was early.... I am not a morning person at all. So I made my husband go with me. I am still getting headaches coming off of the Effexor XR but I am still on Effexor XR 75 mg only compared where I used to be on 300mg per day. I hope and wish it will go away. I know the sex is better now, at least I can have the big "O" again. I'll be glad to finally go off Effexor XR for good. It actually has helped me, but the SE's for sex and headaches stink. Anyway, I think I am going to maybe start taking that med I told you about yesterday (amitrip....) Thanks for posting me.....:) Have a wonderful day!
Music
Posted by MelissaDQ on November 5, 2003, at 13:22:29
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi. About 5 months ago I started using oral contraceptives and had an adverse chemical reaction resulting in severe depression and anxiety. I went off the BC and tried a different prescription, with the same reaction but double the intensity. Before this I was completely healthy, very positive and never had anything near depression. I had to see a psychologist who prescribed 37.5 mg Effexor which I've been on for about 3 months now. It has totally cured my depression and anxiety, but now I am tired ALL the time - no matter how much sleep I get, I'm always tired. In the beginning of taking Effexor, I was incredibly energized - would wake up early in the morning and be anxious to get up just to be awake and living! But now my sleepiness has gotten so bad I fall asleep in class and go to bed at 9:30 instead of my usual 11:30 or 12. I did experience sleepiness before I went on effexor, while I was depressed, and not before then.
My dad is on Effexor 75 mg and doing well - has had lots of experience w/ side effects though, and I was thrilled to notice I didn't have any - until this sleepiness.
Has anyone had a similar experience? What did you do about it? I will definately be talking to my doc but am wondering if I'll have to switch prescriptions or what??
Posted by Mercedes on November 5, 2003, at 14:02:34
In reply to Electric Shocks, posted by Sufferfromeffexor on October 6, 2003, at 1:27:07
ZAPs - I have them too. I describe them as having swallowed a whole porqupine and with every movement I make, the needles shoot thoughout my body. I stopped taking Effexor due to side effects that were hazardes to my heath. Although for a couple of months on Effex. I was an undepressed, happy, energyless, unemotional, couch blob, but an un-depressed blob. I even lost weight...woweeeee!
I had to quit Effexor due to High Blood Pressure, migranes, pounding heart, vision problems, memory loss, loss in IQ, word finding problems, amoung other things I can't "remember!" Oh, halucinations!!!! (i've never taken illegal drugs) so this was so new to me. I was on Effex. 37.5 mgs for one year, then this past year was upped gradually to 300mgs. So two yrs total.
10/14/03 I took my last Effexor. I titrated down from 300mgs, 225,etc. weekly, even gave the 75 mgs two weeks...till I was down to 37.5 However my Pdoc gave me Paxil, 25mgs to help with withdrawals from Effex which I started taking 10/8 along w/Effex. 37.5 mgs.
Now on Paxil 37.5 mgs. I start having horrendous gastrol esophigitis, dizzyness, worst ever blurred vision and don't know what is causing it. (I also take xanex, HBP med, thank to Effex, Cholesteral med, and had started taking Green Tea capsuls, which my MD said was fine.
No "ZAP" side effects yet, just rage/anger, suicidal thoughts, stupid ones, like putting my finger to my head as if I had a gun and POW!, other's like while driving, looking for a perfect tree to wrap my car around etc. but not my new car, I'll take the old car...who cares! I was going to be dead!On 10/20 my neuro gave me Topamax for my migranes (which were Effexor SE's). I was particularly sensitive to sun, bright lights, still having blurred vision especially after using computer. Sharp pains in my left eye too. Well, Topamax is for seizures also. I've been tested for siezures-negative. Read side effects of topamax, adema, vision problems....blindness, did I say this already? Oh, I tend to repeat myself cause I forget what I say. I stopped taking the topamax cause was having the above side effects, including bloody stool (sorry). Ok, Adema can cause Congestive Heart Failure. I wasn't having any migranes anymore.
I started the "real" withdrawals from Effex, Paxkill,Topamax. with dizzyness, uncoordination, the shooting porqupine needles thoughout my body. Every step i'd take, shooting pricks, even a key stroke at the keyboard sent shooting pins & needles thru my body.
Then my heart, "ice pick" stabbing feelings in my heart. This was last Sat. didn't go to doc., Then again this past Monday 11/3 worst pains, dizzy, feeling faint. I called my brother to take me to the Doctor. In 10 days from withdrawing from these meds, my BP went to 167/97, was given nitro two times then an EKG. Thank God, the EKG was fine after 2 nitro tabs. Dr. said yes, the withdrawal can make my BP fluctuate, blood test were taken now to see if I have an enlarged heart? I find out today. I NEVER HAD HEART PROBLEMS BEFORE!
Withdrawals...YES! I know them quite well and they are ok one day and 2 or 3 days later they feel WORSE than the first days. Pdoc, said the tingly sensations esp. around face & lips, (I call them porqupine) ARE Paxil withdrawals and that I'm still going through Effex. withdrawals. He suggested I take 1/2 of the paxil (paxkill) to help with the withdrawals and as much as I didn't want to, I did yesterday and it helped. He said the witdrawals will last a cple more weeks.
Final Note: Now I'm on Nitroglycerin for my heart. Ha Ha, It's killing me! "Final? note". Gosh I hope not.
I say, let the Pdocs/Docs take the AD's first, go through the withdrawals, then tell us "this will help you".
I'm done with AD's. I'd rather die of natural causes than from anti-depressant(s). I will not contribute to these co's. profits. $2.6 billion? and I'm f'n broke, paying my own insurance, can't work, cant think, can't comprehend AND MY DOCTORS TELL ME I'M NOT SICK!
I'm not any better than I was before the AD's and I'm very happy I quit. W/b happier when the zaps go away.
Sorry this is long...but read EVERYONE'S input slowly, due to blurred vision (Effexor SE). Just had to put my 14 cents worth in (inflation).
For those that are doing fine on Effexor, stay with it. Like I said, I was doing fine until my blood pressure forced me to stop.
My sincere understanding, hugs.... and hang in there kiddo's.
yea, I'm frustrated too,
Mercedes***************************************
> Does anyone know what exactly CAUSES these shocks that are associated with the withdrawal of Effexor? I can't seem to find any information about them, just that they exist. Also, is the time span for them to go away really as large as 1-7 weeks? I have just gone through my first week and I really REALLY don't want to do 2 but the funny thing is, today my shocks are as bad as the first couple days. My third day without the Effexor was my worst so far (nausiated, sensitive to light, tired etc.) and today it felt like day one all over again. I don't get it. Shouldn't something that is out of your body start to get better and not progress?? If anyone knows more about these shocks I would love to hear what you have learned. God Speed to everyone and may there come a day of comfort for you!
Posted by camel on November 5, 2003, at 14:14:11
In reply to Re: Effex, then Paxil, Topamx now Nitroglycerin-HA » Sufferfromeffexor, posted by Mercedes on November 5, 2003, at 14:02:34
The Paxil side effects/witdrawl were the worst.....after about 2 weeks the severe zaps tapered off but still had them if I moved my eyes too fast. I tried to stay off the AD's but after a month my family was ready to tie me up in the yard! The effexor seems to be working and I haven't noticed any side effects yet...but it's only been about a month!
Posted by alwaystired on November 6, 2003, at 3:19:11
In reply to Depression from BirthControl, Effexor Sleepiness, posted by MelissaDQ on November 5, 2003, at 13:22:29
I have been on effexor xr 150 for almost a year and the sleepiness never went away, at least not until this week. Now I'm not sleeping much at all. I have only slept one night in the past week. Feeling depressed again too, I want to sleep but it just doesn't happen. Does anyone have any ideas?
Posted by MamaB on November 6, 2003, at 7:09:47
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I was on Effexor XR 150mgmx2 daily for two years. The biggest problem I had was the gain of 50lbs. I had no trouble coming off the medication, however I was on Celexa and Seroquel at the time. Would I take it again? NO! Would I recommend it to someone else? NO! Even though I had no trouble "withdrawing from it, I know too many folks who have. My husband who is a physician (internal medicine/cardiology)absolutely would not prescribe it.
Posted by camel on November 6, 2003, at 7:12:12
In reply to Re: Depression from BirthControl, Effexor Sleepiness, posted by alwaystired on November 6, 2003, at 3:19:11
I really haven't experienced any more sleeping problems than I had on Paxil...Some nights I can't stay awake and others I can't go to sleep...on weekends I try taking an afternoon nap..and that seems to help with the sleepiness but I have learned to just go with what my body tells me. I purchased a few "nature sounds" cd's and on the nights I can't sleep I put in the ocean cd and just try to put myself on the beach..it usually works.
Posted by music on November 6, 2003, at 10:53:33
In reply to Re: Depression from BirthControl, Effexor Sleepiness, posted by camel on November 6, 2003, at 7:12:12
Has anyone had headaches coming off Effexor xr, I am still on 75mg per day along with 200mg per day of Wellbutrin SR. But I was on 300mg per day of Effexor xr, psydoc is switching me to Wellbutrin SR because I could not have a "O" with the Effexor Xr, but my depression is back now. Last night was really bad, I started having dark thoughts again. I don't think I would actually kill myself, but just thinking about it scares the hell out of me. Any suggestions for the medication would be helpful. I liked the Effexor XR because I felt it helped me with the depression, but sexual SE's was hurting my marriage. I don't know what to do. I don't care if I ever have sex, but my husband does care. Help, from anyone....
Music
Posted by KimberlyDi on November 6, 2003, at 12:44:42
In reply to Re: For Salty_dog, posted by music on November 5, 2003, at 10:19:33
Music,
Anyway, I think I am going to maybe start taking that med I told you about yesterday (amitrip....)
Imipramine?
That's what I just started. It's either helping with the Effexor withdrawal, or I've adjusted to a lower dosage of 150mg, instead of 300mg.
KDi in TX
Posted by KimberlyDi on November 6, 2003, at 12:54:23
In reply to Re: Effex, then Paxil, Topamx now Nitroglycerin-HA » Sufferfromeffexor, posted by Mercedes on November 5, 2003, at 14:02:34
Mercedes:
oh heck, your post almost made me cry. I'm so sorry you went through all this, and I'm sorry I did too. I have to lower/taper/quit Effexor because of high blood pressure (my highest I tested was 151/96 before I threw in the towel). And I loved Effexor. I HATE these withdrawals, feeling sick and wondering if I can make it through work. Today I'm better. Tomorrow could be worse.
God bless and good luck.
KDi in TX
Posted by Mercedes on November 7, 2003, at 3:25:56
In reply to Re: For Music » music, posted by KimberlyDi on November 6, 2003, at 12:44:42
Just a note here guys, when I dropped from my 300, I felt the same SE's as when I was going on it, sweating, pounding heart, joint pain... all in reverse of when I titrated up. I too loved Effexor as the wonder drug for depression. But no more :(
KDi, and anyone suffering from high blood pressure. Monitor it closely. I think i have to go out and get one of those BP monitors, expecially now being on nitroglycerine. Monday my BP was 168/94, yesterday. Wed 120/60. I'm fluctuating to much. Also did ya'll know that high blood pressure causes migranes/headaches?
Lastly, regarding Elavil/Imiprimine. From WebMD, "you should tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure before taking this med.." Good thing is it doesn't interfere with OOOOOOO's and it appears the only warning on having a cocktail every now and then is that it may cause drowsiness. This may be a plus if you've suffered insomnia like I did with Effexor. At least we'd get a good night's sleep finally.
Mercedes
..........................
> Music,
>
> Anyway, I think I am going to maybe start taking that med I told you about yesterday (amitrip....)
>
> Imipramine?
>
> That's what I just started. It's either helping with the Effexor withdrawal, or I've adjusted to a lower dosage of 150mg, instead of 300mg.
>
> KDi in TX
>
Posted by Aphid 1 on November 8, 2003, at 16:40:28
In reply to Re: Effex, then Paxil, Topamx now Nitroglycerin-HA » Mercedes, posted by KimberlyDi on November 6, 2003, at 12:54:23
Just want to know of the persons who've expierenced mood swings with effexor xr what seemed to help , ( incereasing dosage, or taking another med, etc?). i have been on effexor for almost 4 months and the past 3 weeks my attitude has gone to hell. most of the time i generally feel better, but i seem to get mad easily over stupid things, and have ALOT of dark, scary thoughts i don't like. my doc perscribed that i take Alesse ( a birth control pill, with low levels of estrogen and progestern), but i am hesitant to start this as for one i don't need birth control as my tubes are tied, and two i do not want to bleed for no months then only to bleed continously for ??? ever when i stop the Alesse,(as i heard is a common side effect with birth control pills). i do want something to control my anger and mood swings and am also perscribed Lorazepam, but am not sure if this is going to make me go down to a low which in turn would create an opposite high of mood. i just want a stabilizing "normal" range of functioning, whatever that is...
any comments, suggestions, help, ??
Posted by Clayton on November 8, 2003, at 17:19:34
In reply to Effexor and mood swings, posted by Aphid 1 on November 8, 2003, at 16:40:28
What you describe sounds like a bipolar problem - manic-depression.
I may have some relevent experience.
I am on Remaron which enhances both Seratonin and Norepinephrine levels (except that it does so by increasing the quantity produced, not reuptake Inhibition like Effexor). I am also on Paxil that blocks seratonin reuptake.
Result: Suddenly, two months ago, I became seriously manic-depressive. Mood swings. Crying and wailing followed by incessant ranting (I could NOT keep myself quiet). Reckless spending on the internet that over drew my checking account by $1400.00. I knew I was doing it on some level but I was having too much fun to stop. This is a classic behavior of people in the manic phase of bipolar disorder.(Unfortunetely, this behavior cost me my wife of twenty years and my kids).
So, of course, I went to my pdoc. He said my seratonin levels had beed increased too much. One documented outcome of this is Bipolar Disorder.
We cut the dose a remaron to bring seratonin levels back within bounds. He prescribed Zyprexa -a modern anti-psychotic mood stabalizer (same think lithium is prescribed for but better) to control symptoms in the meantime. As Remaron works fast (and is eliminated quickly from the body), I shouldn't have to stay on the Zyprexa too long.
Maybe Effexor has over-elevated your Seratonin level. Why not ask you doc?
Kind Regards and Good Luck
Posted by zinya on November 8, 2003, at 17:43:38
In reply to Re: Effex, then Paxil, Topamx now Nitroglycerin-HA » Mercedes, posted by KimberlyDi on November 6, 2003, at 12:54:23
hi Kim,
long time no post... I've been sabotaged of late by things which at first i thought had no connection to the effexor offramp but now i realize even something as seemingly disconnected as a recurrence of carpal tunnel can be related.
I only had carpal tunnel once before and then too i was in a drug-flux state, that time it was a shift in HRT (due to a stupid health insurance company decision to stop paying for the brand i was taking so i tried the one they wnated me on and it wiped out my estrogen levels, causing me to have to write and my md. too to request dispensation to go back to original HRT -- but in the interim, amid hot flashes etc etc, also my first-ever bout with carpal tunnel, a real bummer... Talk about ZAPS...
Well, now it's back again and, as mercedes helped me verify with an article she found -- i'd already learned 3 yrs ago that studies have shown a relation between carpal tunnel and estrogen ... But also Effexor w/d has one symptom of paresthesias -- which is this realm of nerve-damage problems including carpal tunnel .... Even this week an old injury of a torn ligament from a sprained ankle in 1997 that was horrible, that pain area resurfaced and my chiropractor (who was sent from god, really!) said that that is paresthesias ... Although, much as he dislikes all these drugs like ADs, he was stunned to realize that paresthesias is an SE of Effexor too.
(side note: He helped me to understand something i never knew before. The very name "effexor" comes from the nerves which EXIT the brain to our other body parts. The nerves ENTERing the brain are called "affexor")
anyway, i'm lamed up with carpal tunnel "lock" brace on one wrist, ace bandage for the other, recovering from a week of the foot pain and bad S-I nerve flare-ups, and realizing that the Effexor w/d is probably at least a factor in all this ...
I'm down to 9 mg of Effexor. As those of you i've dialogued with before know, i'm probably the "queen" of gradualness here. Just as i crept up in dose REALLY slowly and started at only half the 37.5 per night for 2 wks before even going to the full 37.5 capsule... etc... I'd had too many bad reactions on other ADs and this my last-ever stab and one more AD ...now that it was wrong too, never again...
For me it was also my heart (rapid out-of-body heart beat just for gardening, as if it was aerobics) plus UNRELENTING sweating that i tolerated for 3 months before quitting. But i started diminishing back on Sept. 3 and i've gone sooo gradually (and maybe ? becuz of that i've had very few of the horrific reactions, minimal brain zaps etc) but i HAVE had this carpal thing ... aargh... Anyway, after 2 months i've gone from 150 gradually down to now 9 mg. But if i skip one night at all, which i sometimes do intentionally now to test quitting, the next day i start to get some zaps late in the day and realize i'm not ready yet for cold turkey although after another week at 9 mgs (a 37.5 capsule divided into 4ths) i AM going to go to 9 mg every other day, then every 3rd day....
What i think explains these zaps -- which someone here asked about -- is that, as i now understand it - rightly or not -- these ADs cause the changes to depression they are designed to do precisely because they literally 'restructure' the brain. They ain't chickenfeed. These aren't like other drugs treating symptoms. They are actually causing brain restructurings. Therefore, going off one means your brain is left to re-restructure or de-restructure or some other quite monumental thing and hence the absolute need for gradualness to the max.
In my own case, i DO think my depression is behind me. And it's possible (?) that the Effexor did do something beneficial and maybe some component of its restructuring served like a mechanic tightening up a loose valve or something and maybe it's sticking with me ... The problem now is just the SE's of withdrawal itself. But i'm frustrated as hell, cuz i'm NOT depressed any more -- BUT i'm so riddled with 'handicaps' - literally - both hands and one feet riddled with nerve pains -- that i can't DO anything... which is its own source of depression cuz i was just starting to be really productive again and now i'm high and dry. Yet there IS a difference. I'm not depressed in that glum, what's-it-worth kind of way. Whether that was a stage of grieving that would have passed with time anyway or Effexor played some role in shortcircuiting it, i don't know, but i'm willing to say maybe it did something of long-term good in a 'mechanical restructuring' kind of way which will stay "fixed" even after i re-restructure on the offramp...
but it's been hell and it ain't over yet...
hugs to kim and all,
zinya
Posted by zinya on November 8, 2003, at 18:02:34
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » clb149, posted by Salty_Dog on November 3, 2003, at 22:49:43
hi S.D.
about a week ago, while i was still on hiatus from checking in here for a while, mercedes relayed to me the following which i guess came from a post of yours, as noted here, concerning something you'd gotten from somewhere listing SEs from "abrupt withdrawal" (see below) ... If i understood correctly, do you recall where you got this info from? i'd be interested if you still have a website or something for it...Secondly, i've just described in some detail in a post replying to KimD my latest symptoms and situation so i won't repeat here but if you read that post you'll see where i'm at now, which seems to QUITE contradict the notion that these SE's (and particularly the paresthesias) only result from *abrupt* withdrawal. Nobody could POSSIBLY be doing more gradual w/d than i am, but i'm rather totally hamstrung by paresthesias responses which are hard to account for as being triggered without taking the Effexor w/d into the picture...
and thanks for having shared this originally in what appears to have been a post of yours from a month ago...
good luck to you and congrats on the job!
zinyaPosted by Salty_Dog on October 6, 2003, at 17:06:37
In reply to Re: Effexor side effects - heart palpitations <http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031004/msgs/265901.html>; , posted by darthwribar on October 6, 2003, at 8:16:40
I have found a statement concerning arrhythmia and angina pectoris (chest pain) in < 1% of the trial victims. I also found a direct statement concerning withdrawl:
Abrupt Discontinuation of EFEXOR-XR: Discontinuation symptoms have been assessed both in patients with depression and in those with anxiety. Abrupt discontinuation, dose reduction, or tapering of venlafaxine at various doses has been found to be associated with the appearance of new symptoms, the frequency of which increased with increased dose level and with longer duration of treatment. Symptoms reported included agitation, anxiety, confusion, dry mouth, fatigue,
paresthesias,
vertigo, hypomania, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, diarrhoea, sleep disturbance, insomnia, sweating and nervousness. Where such symptoms occurred, they were usually self-limiting, but in a few patients lasted for several weeks. Discontinuation effects are well known to occur with antidepressants. There is also a report of a withdrawal syndrome, confirmed by two challenges in a 32 year old woman who had received venlafaxine 300 mg daily for 8 months. It is therefore recommended that the dosage of EFEXOR-XR be tapered gradually and the patient monitored. The period required for discontinuation may depend on the dose, duration of therapy and the individual patient (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
Posted by Gina bobit on November 9, 2003, at 2:48:09
In reply to Re: electric shocks proper stopping of Effexor, posted by bsho on August 30, 2003, at 17:33:15
I am now going through the withdrawals from effexor. I am afraid to go to sleep, because the way I feel right now, I may not wake up...
I have been taking effexor for 4 years. At the time it was prescribed for me, I thought the diagnosis was correct due to several deaths in my family, but now I think it was all wrong!!
I believe that I should have been diagnosed with Hypo-Thyroidism.....Often missed diagnosed as depression..
I have all the systems of hypothroidism, dry skin,dry brittle hair,low sex drive,weight gain,and MULTI THYROID NODULES...
I have been to several doctors and I am going to a new one again this week. The withdrawals from effexor are very frightening!! I don't know how long they will last. I have been off for only 5 days now.. I am really scared!!!
Posted by zinya on November 9, 2003, at 3:30:38
In reply to Re: electric shocks proper stopping of Effexor, posted by Gina bobit on November 9, 2003, at 2:48:09
I hate to offer such strong advice but i would URGE you to take half of whatever your last dose was on Effexor (even if it means dividing up granules from a capsule) to take NOW as a way of easing your withdrawal symptoms.
I say this guardedly because you haven't said whether you quit cold turkey, or what dosage level you were at, either at your peak and at your last dose level before quitting.
I am a HUGE advocate -- based first on having read months of experiences on this website and then (now) going through my own withdrawal ... very very very gradually precisely because of the experiences of others i'd read here. And it is NOT a setback to your withdrawal to take another one or part of one now. So many fall prey to thinking that taking another dose now would somehow screw up your withdrawal, but from everything i've read it's really quite the opposite. Your brain needs the softest "landing" possible coming off Effexor (or any AD) coming off very gradually.
If you're interested in more of the hows and whys of my own experience, read the posts just above which i posted earlier today.
I wish you the very best of luck, but it sounds to me like you need relief and the best immediate relief (which won't re-habituate you or anything) would be to take either a normal dose of whatever your last dose level was or taking a reduced version of it like half of that last dose level -- to help your brain adjust to the withdrawal as it has to restructure itself again ... and to give you critical relief from the withdrawal symptoms..
good luck!
zinya
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