![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 6059 to 6083 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by Zellie on January 7, 2004, at 20:48:17
In reply to flylady info, posted by Lyrical13 on January 7, 2004, at 19:45:55
Dear Tigger (Lyrical13):
You will LOVE the FlyLady site, based on what you've shared. It is well-paced, sensible, consistent, and wise in its de-cluttering and organizational methods.
It is free! I am already signed up with Yahoo, (which also was free to join), so when I went to sign up for FlyLady, my same password and user name signed me up automatically.
It is way awesome. No, the e-mails are not individualized...but they are sent out daily to all. If there are any that you do not have time to read or do, then you are urged to simply delete them, so you never feel "behind." Although the e-mails are not personalized, it feels as though they are, since they are so pertinent! This woman knows the things that plague we organizationally and motivationally impaired individuals!
Let me know what you think, if you join, once you've worked with it for a few days or for a week or so. For me, it has been such a blessing. My husband loves the changes it is making in my life and in our home. So do I.
Kindest regards,
Zellie
> I'm curious about this flylady. I jotted down the website but haven't checked it out yet. I too have tons of clutter to work through. I started on it last spring when I was a bit hypomanic and I started pitching stuff and downsizing and organizing like crazy. But I would like to have a more calm consistent approach to getting to a more orderly organized clutter-free state and maintaining that. I have so much clutter from years of packrat existence that the task of weeding through it is overwhelming at times. I try to break it down into small manageable tasks..and it helps.. the thing is, I really need help on managing things the most during my depressed phases...that's when things really get out of control and I can't find the motivation or brainpower or energy to do anything.
>
> Does it cost to join this site? Does she e-mail you personally or is it kind of a newsletter kind of thing? It sounds very interesting and helpful.
>
> Also, have any of you ever heard of crazy lady organizers? A friend on mine had one...it's like a day planner but it has pages geared more towards managing a household. Very nifty. Also had purses that looked very functional...help to keep things organized without hauling around a suitcase... I looked for them on the web but haven't been able to find them.
>
> ONe more question. Do any of you watch Clean Sweep on TLC? I love that show. It is inspiring me to de-clutter my life and get rid of stuff. It's on weeknights from 6-7pm Eastern and on Saturday nights...I think at 10pm Eastern. I'm not sure when else. It has a carpenter, organizer and interior designer plus a team of workers. They go to a couple's house and help them clean and organize 2 rooms that are just out of control with clutter and mayhem. THey move everything out onto their lawn and they have to sort all the stuff into "KEEP", "TOSS" or "SELL" piles. AFter the couple does the initial sort, the organizer comes out and helps them get the KEEP pile pared down some more. They go to a hotel overnight and usually have some kind of organizing task like sorting their photos into categories or thinning out and organizing their files. The next day they come back and have a yard sale. Whatever doesn't get sold is carted off to charity. Meanwhile, the clean sweep team completely redecorates and organizes the 2 rooms and at the end you get to see the finished rooms. I've gotten a lot of great organizing ideas and also gotten some guidelines on how to weed through all my stuff. I've started taking a clean sweep approach to small areas of my house at a time. I'm slowly building a pile of stuff for a yard sale next summer and pitching a lot of stuff and figuring out how to better organize the stuff I am keeping.
>
> Anyway, I thought that related to the flylady discussion and perhaps could be helpful to some of you.
>
> TTFN as Tigger would say!
>
> L13
Posted by Zellie on January 7, 2004, at 20:57:40
In reply to effexor and depression, posted by Lyrical13 on January 7, 2004, at 20:02:31
I was soooo happy to read that you are now feeling so much better.
Kindest regards,
Zellie
> I just thought of something else. I am on 225mg of Effexor XR. At first it was wonderful.. actually for probably 8 or 9 months after I got to a therapeutic level. But then my next cycle of depression hit. That's when I was increased eventually to 225mg but was still having so much trouble. very very depressed and thinking that I just wanted to crawl under a rock and die. I switched docs because my old one kept telling me to "wait" and I was falling apart at work..crying for no particular reason... sobbing and sobbing and I didn't even know why.
>
> My new pdoc told me that for my type of depression where I've tried several different ADs and have even maxed out a couple of them but was still having difficulty one med alone wouldn't do it. He said we needed to augment the Effexor in one of 4 ways (boost its effectiveness):
>
> 1. Another AD that worked on a different chemical
> 2. Thyroid medication
> 3. Mood stabilizer
> 4. Atypical AP
>
> I wanted to do thyroid because of very few side effects. But it would take quite a while to get up to a therapeutic level and I was barely hanging on. So I started SEroquel..an atypical AP because it would start working quickly. BAsically, a dose for a schizophrenic or other type of problem APs are prescribed for would be on a dose of 400-500mg. But for augmenting an AD teh max dose would be about 100mg. I started at 25mg. Within about 3 days I was significantly improved. By the end of the first week, I was about 200% better. AFter 2 weeks I increased to 50mg and now I am wonderful. That's my dose now. I made it through the holidays feeling better than I remember feeling since I was a small child. Usually at the end of vacation I feel a little bummed about going back to work. This time I felt perfectly fine...sometimes even cheerful. Still have normal range of emotions. I'm a bit hypomanic now, but I think that's because my true dx is BP2. But the above approach is designed to work for unipolar depression which is what I thought I was for the past 13 years.
>
> HOpe this helps.
>
> L13
Posted by Crazy T on January 7, 2004, at 23:47:55
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » jp, posted by dms777smd on November 30, 2003, at 22:44:08
Hi. I just started taking Effexor XR (first 37.5 mg, then 75). It's been three weeks, and I HAVE to take Ativan with it or I am manic. This bothers the hell out of me b/c I don't want to form an addiction to Ativan, and frankly, it barely works, so usually I take more than two to even relax. What should I do?
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 7, 2004, at 23:51:12
In reply to flylady info, posted by Lyrical13 on January 7, 2004, at 19:45:55
> I'm curious about this flylady...
I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding her to Psycho-Social-Babble. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20031229/msgs/297924.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 8, 2004, at 0:09:05
In reply to Re: Womanly Question, posted by zinya on January 7, 2004, at 11:51:14
> Christiane Northrup's "Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom"
>
> (once more with feeling - i'm trying Dr. Bob's system here to link to amazon but it's saying Amazon doesn't have it. Yet i can see it right on amazon's site - Something's wrong with the amazon link here but anyway it's available, $13 new, $8 used... :))Hmm, worked for me... Are you sure you weren't missing one double quote, on the left?
Bob
Posted by Zellie on January 8, 2004, at 8:07:57
In reply to Redirect: flylady info, posted by Dr. Bob on January 7, 2004, at 23:51:12
Hi, L13. Sorry, it should have been Flylady.net (I had said .com previously). Hope this hasn't confused you.I'll post any additional info about Flylady on the site Dr.Bob recommended (psycho-social).
Kindest regards,
Zellie> > I'm curious about this flylady...
>
> I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding her to Psycho-Social-Babble. Here's a link:
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20031229/msgs/297924.html
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bob
Posted by Salty_Dog on January 8, 2004, at 21:41:24
In reply to Anyone taking Effexor with Ativan?, posted by Crazy T on January 7, 2004, at 23:47:55
> Hi. I just started taking Effexor XR (first 37.5 mg, then 75). It's been three weeks, and I HAVE to take Ativan with it or I am manic. This bothers the hell out of me b/c I don't want to form an addiction to Ativan, and frankly, it barely works, so usually I take more than two to even relax. What should I do?
I don't think Ativan would be a good choice for manic periods. Zyprexa is used more commonly ( In my very limited knowledge ).
Posted by tetheredcat on January 8, 2004, at 21:52:47
In reply to Glad to be OFF EFFEXOR!!, posted by melley on January 7, 2004, at 16:54:15
I stumbled across this message board when i was looking for clues as to what effects i might notice coming off of effexor. ive been taking it just over a year now, 150 mg of effexor xr. when i called my doctor for a refill she said i had to make an appointment first and see her for a follow up- even though i told her i was all out and it takes at least two weeks to get in to see her!!!
so ... i started researching since i dont know how else to get a refill. ive been dizzy the past two days. with weird bursts of some kind of tingling in my head off and on. i dont even know how to describe it! im nauseous and have NO motivation to do anything. i want to crawl into bed and sleep! im not too emotional.. but after all ive been reading im afraid-very. im a new LVP and can not afford to lose my new job!
i dont really want to go back on effexor now that ive read so much and havent had it for 4 days. i had planned to get off it sometime mid-2004. i want to have a child at some point. i want my life back. though it helped when it was needed, the longer i took it, the more i resented it. the moodiness was off and on, with euphoric highs and heart wrenching lows. i didnt see a point in taking it any longer. i plan to talk to my therapist and the psychiatrist she works with and see what they recommend as well to help get me through this. i have a lot of support on the home front, but im afraid of the physical sfx. well, im sorry for this LONG post. im looking for someone that can relate. thank you for reading.
> Just thought I'd check back in. I've been off effexor since June. What a difference! I think effexor is truly an evil drug. I am now on lexapro--a nice gentle drug that still leaves you with feelings. I think with effexor affecting two parts of your brain it is no wonder it is a dangerous drug.
Posted by Lyrical13 on January 8, 2004, at 23:01:30
In reply to Anyone taking Effexor with Ativan?, posted by Crazy T on January 7, 2004, at 23:47:55
I was taking Effexor with Ativan but I'm doing much better now. Much less anxious. But I am a bit hypomanic. You might talk to your doc about this concern. He/she might add a mood stabilizer to the mix which should keep you more balanced.
L13
Posted by Lyrical13 on January 8, 2004, at 23:04:32
In reply to Re: Glad to be OFF EFFEXOR!! » melley, posted by tetheredcat on January 8, 2004, at 21:52:47
that was pretty unethical for your doc to leave you hanging like that. He/she should at least have given you enough to get you through till the appt. It's dangerous to quit a med cold-turkey. Esp with one well known to have adverse side effects when tapering off. I'd follow up on this right away.
L13
Posted by Salty_Dog on January 9, 2004, at 0:00:34
In reply to Re: Glad to be OFF EFFEXOR!! » melley, posted by tetheredcat on January 8, 2004, at 21:52:47
> I stumbled across this message board when i was looking for clues as to what effects i might notice coming off of effexor. ive been taking it just over a year now, 150 mg of effexor xr. when i called my doctor for a refill she said i had to make an appointment first and see her for a follow up- even though i told her i was all out and it takes at least two weeks to get in to see her!!!
> so ... i started researching since i dont know how else to get a refill. ive been dizzy the past two days. with weird bursts of some kind of tingling in my head off and on. i dont even know how to describe it! im nauseous and have NO motivation to do anything. i want to crawl into bed and sleep! im not too emotional.. but after all ive been reading im afraid-very. im a new LVP and can not afford to lose my new job!
> i dont really want to go back on effexor now that ive read so much and havent had it for 4 days. i had planned to get off it sometime mid-2004. i want to have a child at some point. i want my life back. though it helped when it was needed, the longer i took it, the more i resented it. the moodiness was off and on, with euphoric highs and heart wrenching lows. i didnt see a point in taking it any longer. i plan to talk to my therapist and the psychiatrist she works with and see what they recommend as well to help get me through this. i have a lot of support on the home front, but im afraid of the physical sfx. well, im sorry for this LONG post. im looking for someone that can relate. thank you for reading.
>
>
> > Just thought I'd check back in. I've been off effexor since June. What a difference! I think effexor is truly an evil drug. I am now on lexapro--a nice gentle drug that still leaves you with feelings. I think with effexor affecting two parts of your brain it is no wonder it is a dangerous drug.
>
>I am so sorry you are going through this. There are several options:
1. Talk to your Pharmacist, (S)he can issue emergency meds and call your Dr. on your behalf.
2. Make an emergency appointment with your Dr. as this can led to very bad outcomes.
3. Go to the ER. That will embarase the Dr. enough to listen to you, plus the ER will give you meds. Don't mention any thoughts you are not having, it could be most incoveinent.Good luck,
Posted by angst on January 10, 2004, at 12:21:21
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Was put on Effexor Xr, 37.5 mg for GAD.
Took 1 pill each day for 3 days.
My experience:
non-stop sweating palms and feet,
tight jaw, loss of appetite (including thirst),
jittery, dilated pupils, unable to function at work - had to take 3 days off, sinus headache,
nervousness, unable to concentrate or sit still,
rapid talking, only able to sleep by taking Seroquel and Clonopin (small doses).
I will not take another pill. The only positive was that the Effexor helped my IBS-D symptoms,
but I'd rather go to the toilet all day than experience these feelings.
I am so glad I did my research before staying on this dreadful med one more day.
I see doc this Tuesday, am planning to give him an earful.
Posted by gettingbetter on January 10, 2004, at 17:02:06
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by angst on January 10, 2004, at 12:21:21
These symptoms are pretty normal and lasted a week or two for me. I would try and stick to it, I have been on Effexor XR 75mg a day for 3 months and truely feel I am starting to get better, I was having very bad panic attacks and had become extremely withdrawn. My panic attacks went away almost instantly and am now starting to put my life back together, though am still a high degree of procrastination and a lack of drive, can anyone help me out on that one.
Anyway hope this helps and hope u find a treatment that is right for you if you decide to give up on effexor.
> Was put on Effexor Xr, 37.5 mg for GAD.
> Took 1 pill each day for 3 days.
> My experience:
> non-stop sweating palms and feet,
> tight jaw, loss of appetite (including thirst),
> jittery, dilated pupils, unable to function at work - had to take 3 days off, sinus headache,
> nervousness, unable to concentrate or sit still,
> rapid talking, only able to sleep by taking Seroquel and Clonopin (small doses).
> I will not take another pill. The only positive was that the Effexor helped my IBS-D symptoms,
> but I'd rather go to the toilet all day than experience these feelings.
> I am so glad I did my research before staying on this dreadful med one more day.
> I see doc this Tuesday, am planning to give him an earful.
Posted by angst on January 10, 2004, at 17:45:59
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by gettingbetter on January 10, 2004, at 17:02:06
I have had the same problem with side effects from Paxil, Zoloft, and tri-cyclics. After having read all the horror stories about withdrawal from Effexor, I can't justify staying on it. I can't put my life, especially work, on hold until side effects dissipate, if they would at all. If I take a med for anxiety, I want to feel calmness, not more anxiety. That is why I prefer the benzos, but we know about their addictive properties and tolerance issues.
As of Jan.1 I've given up chronic marijuana use and fairly regular alcohol consumption, so my anxiety level is quite high right now. Started therapy just last week after 2+ years without it.
I am focusing on living a healthy lifestyle, practicing relaxation, meditation, exercise, etc.
I really don't like the idea of being manipulated by these powerful psychotropic drugs.
Anyone out there who has had success in dealing with GAD, please let's hear from you.
Best of health to all.
Posted by Gummybear on January 11, 2004, at 19:20:05
In reply to Re: flylady info » Lyrical13, posted by Zellie on January 7, 2004, at 20:48:17
Does anyone know what the normal heart rate for a 23 year old female would be?
My resting heart rate - when I am LYING down - tends to be like 88 - 95 beats / minute and I feel kinda sick and nausea at this time too.
I can only guess what my heart rate is when I stand up and go upstairs - feels like my heart is going to pop out of my chest!!I am on Effexor XR for anxiety/depression (now for 5 weeks at 75mg) and I am not sure if this heart rate increase is from my anxiety or the meds....hmmm.
Also, I get slight twitches in my body... I think from the meds.
Does anyone know what dose of Effexor is recommended to decrease anxiety - because I know certain meds work for different things at different doses. Anyone know???
Greatly appreciated!Also, does Effexor XR affect ones memory and concentration ability?? I am currently studying for a test and I feel like everything I read I just can't remember or concentrate on!!!! ahhhhh.
Please - some advice desperately sought. G.Bear.
Posted by Paco on January 11, 2004, at 19:48:27
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I just started looking at this board again after being away from it for a few months....
I've been taking Effexor XR for about 10 months and it has been working just fine. No side effects, normal life, just the med I had hoped for.
I avoided all meds for years after bad, actually terrible, experiences with Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil. I thought nothing would work, and I assumed all meds would bring about these awful side effects. I didn't want to experience this again, so I avoided all meds and just lived with depression. When I couldn't take that life any longer I finally gave up and went to my doctor and tried Effexor XR. What a difference it has made.
I saw my doc the other day and he suggested I taper down to 75 (I'm on 150) this spring or summer. I had a taste of the brain zaps recently when I took a dose a few hours late, but I swear a few days of that would be worth the comfortable life I've had this last year.
Not sure where I'm going with this other than I've had good results with Effexor, have no side effects, and only had about four days of relatively light side effects while going on it. Some of these meds work for some of us, others don't. Just keep trying and find out what works for you.
Posted by kattay on January 11, 2004, at 20:02:13
In reply to Am I the only one here that likes Effexor?, posted by Paco on January 11, 2004, at 19:48:27
has effexor xr ever give anyone bouts of rage and or major depression? For the women: I can't tell if it's my pms or the med. I get these bouts of being so upset. I can't stop crying. I could blame it on pms cuz that time is coming up but i'm just not sure.
Posted by Twuffy on January 11, 2004, at 20:06:53
In reply to Am I the only one here that likes Effexor?, posted by Paco on January 11, 2004, at 19:48:27
A good friend is also on Effexor and happy, some lack of sexual desire but not enough to lose her very handsome husband. She has been on it for four years. Just an FYI.
Posted by Zellie on January 11, 2004, at 21:12:26
In reply to Am I the only one here that likes Effexor?, posted by Paco on January 11, 2004, at 19:48:27
I am encouraged to hear of your positive experience with Effexor. Everyone has a different story to tell, some pleasant, some not.
I, too, am very pleased with Effexor. It has changed my life completely. I have GAD, Major Depression, ADHD, and for 2 decades I had Panic Attacks as well. At 42, I now have peace for the first time, and I finally no longer wish I were dead. My life and my home are unquestionably happier.
My side effects are minimal, and whatever I do experience is worth it in my case. The benefits far, far, far outweigh the side-effects, for me.
By the way, I have learned from several sources that, the earlier the onset of symptoms, and the greater the number of occurrences, the greater the odds are that that person may require meds indefinitely. I am a perfect example of a person who will likely always require meds to control my symptoms and help me function in a healthy way.
I have discovered that many doctors seem to want to wean their patients off their meds as soon as their depression/GAD has been under control for 6-12 months. In some instances, this may be beneficial. But I have friends who are very fearful of going back to the life they once lived, once their meds are reduced or eliminated. They've had depression in their lives for years (decades), and, therefore, may be quite prone to a return to that state if taken off their meds.
As I said, according to the plentiful readings I have perused, and according to my own pdoc, there are many patients who ought to never be off the meds (if not Effexor, then one that is optimal for that patient). Why does there seem to be such a push to get them off? There is much evidence that indicates that there will be a return of the old symptoms, because their problem is chronic, and not just an isolated experience of depression.
You may want to research it yourself. Amazon has the book, The Mayo Clinic on Depression (by Keith, Md. Kramlinger). This is one book that had a really good summary of the matter, in my opinion. You may want to ask about remaining on Effexor or another anti-depressant, indefinitely.
If you do decrease or come right off of Effexor, ask your doc to take you down by baby, baby steps, allowing at least a month, if not 2 or 3, each time you are titrated down. This will help minimize intensity of the side-effects.
In the meantime, you may wish to carry an emergency pill or two with you, so that, if you wind up unexpectedly away from home when you usually take your dose, you'll have it with you. I recommend that you use one of those daily pill holders, too, so that you can check to see if you've had your pills (I can take mine, and then within a minute not remember if I've taken it...so I just check the pill box). I certainly don't want to miss a dose or be late in taking it, nor do I want to double up, if I ever cannot remember whether I've taken my meds.
I wish you much continued success.
Kindest regards,
Zellie
> I just started looking at this board again after being away from it for a few months....
>
> I've been taking Effexor XR for about 10 months and it has been working just fine. No side effects, normal life, just the med I had hoped for.
>
> I avoided all meds for years after bad, actually terrible, experiences with Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil. I thought nothing would work, and I assumed all meds would bring about these awful side effects. I didn't want to experience this again, so I avoided all meds and just lived with depression. When I couldn't take that life any longer I finally gave up and went to my doctor and tried Effexor XR. What a difference it has made.
>
> I saw my doc the other day and he suggested I taper down to 75 (I'm on 150) this spring or summer. I had a taste of the brain zaps recently when I took a dose a few hours late, but I swear a few days of that would be worth the comfortable life I've had this last year.
>
> Not sure where I'm going with this other than I've had good results with Effexor, have no side effects, and only had about four days of relatively light side effects while going on it. Some of these meds work for some of us, others don't. Just keep trying and find out what works for you.
>
Posted by Zellie on January 11, 2004, at 21:27:52
In reply to Re: Am I the only one here that likes Effexor?, posted by kattay on January 11, 2004, at 20:02:13
I am curious about the dosage you are at. When I first went on Effexor, I felt more depressed than ever. I then realized that, since the drug seemed to be working on the anxiety first, I wound up feeling the depression more. The anxiety had actually served to prod me through the depression. Since the anxiety was reduced first, the depression ruled. Once I got up to 150 mg, the depression became well under control, too.
I still feel PMS for a week a month, however (which I certainly can live with, since I previously had felt that every day of my life I was horribly depressed).
I am currently a part of a study on light therapy, which is known to help with people who have depression and PMS. I found that, last week when I normally would have felt the PMS, I did not. I had a very, very productive week (it is far from that when I feel any amount of depression). Although the purpose of the study I am a part of is to determine whether those with ADHD can benefit from light therapy (I have ADHD, too), I felt like it would be nice to see whether it helped with my PMS as well. I believe it did.
Light boxes (providing anywhere from about 5x-10x the power of the sun's light) are used for 20-30 minutes daily, to expose the retina to the rays. It was first used to help people overcome the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder.
These boxes are available commercially, also, now. Perhaps Light Therapy might benefit your PMS symptoms????
Kindest regards,
Zellie> has effexor xr ever give anyone bouts of rage and or major depression? For the women: I can't tell if it's my pms or the med. I get these bouts of being so upset. I can't stop crying. I could blame it on pms cuz that time is coming up but i'm just not sure.
Posted by Zellie on January 11, 2004, at 21:42:06
In reply to Heart Rate Advice Needed Please....., posted by Gummybear on January 11, 2004, at 19:20:05
For me, the anxiety was the first thing to be targeted by the Effexor. (I have GAD, Depression, and ADHD.) Then, the depression was the next thing to be controlled, as the dose increased (it has been greatly reduced since getting to the 112.5 mark, and has been very well controlled since being at the 150 mg mark, which I have been at since September). By the time I got to 150 mg, the ADHD was also being helped (Seratonin is affected initially,affecting the GAD and the Depression, then at the 150 mg threshold, dopamine is apparently also affected, hence the ADHD is not helped until 150 mg is reached).
As for the weird heartrate, I suggest you call your doc tomorrow. Heartrate and blood pressure must be closely monitored constantly while on Effexor, since an increase or eratic rhythm can occur as a side-effect in some individuals. The fact that you are feeling these things may not mean that you are going to have that side-effect long-term. On the other hand, it may, and you may have to switch meds.
Kindest regards,
Zellie
> Does anyone know what the normal heart rate for a 23 year old female would be?
> My resting heart rate - when I am LYING down - tends to be like 88 - 95 beats / minute and I feel kinda sick and nausea at this time too.
> I can only guess what my heart rate is when I stand up and go upstairs - feels like my heart is going to pop out of my chest!!
>
> I am on Effexor XR for anxiety/depression (now for 5 weeks at 75mg) and I am not sure if this heart rate increase is from my anxiety or the meds....hmmm.
>
> Also, I get slight twitches in my body... I think from the meds.
>
> Does anyone know what dose of Effexor is recommended to decrease anxiety - because I know certain meds work for different things at different doses. Anyone know???
> Greatly appreciated!
>
> Also, does Effexor XR affect ones memory and concentration ability?? I am currently studying for a test and I feel like everything I read I just can't remember or concentrate on!!!! ahhhhh.
>
> Please - some advice desperately sought. G.Bear.
Posted by dragonfly25 on January 11, 2004, at 22:20:53
In reply to Am I the only one here that likes Effexor?, posted by Paco on January 11, 2004, at 19:48:27
i had a horrible depression and effexor lifted me out of it. i was at the bottom and it saved me, only i experienced all kinds of side effects. after awile i felt stable enough to wean off of it and eventually i completely eliminated it and i am doing fine. so i can't say all bad things about it. but the weaning process was very tough.
Posted by biogurl on January 11, 2004, at 22:42:42
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by angst on January 10, 2004, at 12:21:21
> Was put on Effexor Xr, 37.5 mg for GAD.
> Took 1 pill each day for 3 days.
> My experience:
> non-stop sweating palms and feet,
> tight jaw, loss of appetite (including thirst),
> jittery, dilated pupils, unable to function at work - had to take 3 days off, sinus headache,
> nervousness, unable to concentrate or sit still,
> rapid talking, only able to sleep by taking Seroquel and Clonopin (small doses).
When I started Effexor, I had many of these side effects. I was sweaty, lost my appetite, jittery (like I took a diet pill) and my jaw was so tight at night that I couldn't fall asleep because of it. Try tylenol pm. I know you said you don't want to take another pill but just try one and you'll fall asleep within 25-30 minutes. These side effects gradually went away over the course of 2 weeks, the first few days being the worst. My doc didn't give me anything to help me sleep so I had to make do with what I had.
Posted by Paco on January 11, 2004, at 22:47:07
In reply to Re: Am I the only one here that likes Effexor? » Paco, posted by Zellie on January 11, 2004, at 21:12:26
I wouldn't mind being off of it, especially if I don't need it anymore. Unfortuantely, there is only one way that I know of to find out if I don't need it! And I am pretty sure my doc suggests spring or summer for going off it because I am quite prone to Seasonal Effective Disorder.
As for an emergency dose, I've got a container on my keychain that I keep a couple of capsules in. I also am quite involved in backcountry sports (climbing, backpacking, cross-country skiing, etc.), so I keep a one-week supply in a waterproof container in my first-aid kit in case something goes wrong. I imagine the anxiety of being stuck outdoors for whatever reason would certainly be worsened by having to deal with Effexor withdrawl too!
Anyway, I'm glad it works for you too, and I hope you have continued relief.
Paco
> I am encouraged to hear of your positive experience with Effexor. Everyone has a different story to tell, some pleasant, some not.
>
> I, too, am very pleased with Effexor. It has changed my life completely. I have GAD, Major Depression, ADHD, and for 2 decades I had Panic Attacks as well. At 42, I now have peace for the first time, and I finally no longer wish I were dead. My life and my home are unquestionably happier.
>
> My side effects are minimal, and whatever I do experience is worth it in my case. The benefits far, far, far outweigh the side-effects, for me.
>
> By the way, I have learned from several sources that, the earlier the onset of symptoms, and the greater the number of occurrences, the greater the odds are that that person may require meds indefinitely. I am a perfect example of a person who will likely always require meds to control my symptoms and help me function in a healthy way.
>
> I have discovered that many doctors seem to want to wean their patients off their meds as soon as their depression/GAD has been under control for 6-12 months. In some instances, this may be beneficial. But I have friends who are very fearful of going back to the life they once lived, once their meds are reduced or eliminated. They've had depression in their lives for years (decades), and, therefore, may be quite prone to a return to that state if taken off their meds.
>
> As I said, according to the plentiful readings I have perused, and according to my own pdoc, there are many patients who ought to never be off the meds (if not Effexor, then one that is optimal for that patient). Why does there seem to be such a push to get them off? There is much evidence that indicates that there will be a return of the old symptoms, because their problem is chronic, and not just an isolated experience of depression.
>
> You may want to research it yourself. Amazon has the book, The Mayo Clinic on Depression (by Keith, Md. Kramlinger). This is one book that had a really good summary of the matter, in my opinion. You may want to ask about remaining on Effexor or another anti-depressant, indefinitely.
>
> If you do decrease or come right off of Effexor, ask your doc to take you down by baby, baby steps, allowing at least a month, if not 2 or 3, each time you are titrated down. This will help minimize intensity of the side-effects.
>
> In the meantime, you may wish to carry an emergency pill or two with you, so that, if you wind up unexpectedly away from home when you usually take your dose, you'll have it with you. I recommend that you use one of those daily pill holders, too, so that you can check to see if you've had your pills (I can take mine, and then within a minute not remember if I've taken it...so I just check the pill box). I certainly don't want to miss a dose or be late in taking it, nor do I want to double up, if I ever cannot remember whether I've taken my meds.
>
> I wish you much continued success.
>
> Kindest regards,
> Zellie
Posted by biogurl on January 11, 2004, at 22:48:06
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by gettingbetter on January 10, 2004, at 17:02:06
> These symptoms are pretty normal and lasted a week or two for me. I would try and stick to it, I have been on Effexor XR 75mg a day for 3 months and truely feel I am starting to get better, I was having very bad panic attacks and had become extremely withdrawn. My panic attacks went away almost instantly and am now starting to put my life back together, though am still a high degree of procrastination and a lack of drive, can anyone help me out on that one.
I've had very similar effects with effexor that you have had. I've been on 75 mg since mid November and think I'm ready for an increase. I start back to school tomorrow and it's my last semester before I graduate and I'm scared because I can't help my own procrastination and lack of drive and I only have 6 credit hours. I want to run away and skip out on school this semester. Who cares about graduation anyways? Oh yeah, my parents do!
So... I am also looking for any advice on lack of drive and procrastination problems. Thanks
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