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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by tarian617 on April 12, 2004, at 10:35:27
In reply to Re: Side effects when going to higher dose, posted by Davez on April 11, 2004, at 12:48:01
This might be long, I have a lot to say!!
btw, i posted a couple times a long while before as "traumaqueen"--I was a trauma ICU RN--and now I am "tarian617".
Well...I have been on Effexor for probably five months now. A couple months ago, I told my doctor I was still having a lot of anxiety, some panic attacks and BAD PMS. So he doubled my dosage from 75mg to 150mg. At first I just took 2 75mg capsules. He gave me a lot of samples, so I did that for a couple of months. Then I was running out, so I got a script for 1 150mg capsule a day. I started this a couple weeks ago.
Well...you would think that going from 2 75mg E-XR to 1 150mg E-XR would make absolutely no difference, but it was like HELL. I went from fine to having the bad muscle aches and pains, the horrible insomnia where I felt exhausted but couldn't sleep, and this restless leg thing where my legs have to be moving or shaking constantly. I became irritable, and felt a great deal of rage about things in my past that I thought I was over. I was not too happy about having to take my Effexor, and would miss doses and then last week decided to just stop taking it. I felt like I was being "oppositional-defiant"--I knew what I was doing was stupid, but I didn't care. I actually became a little paranoid that the 75mg samples that I was taking before were possibly not full strength--I wouldn't put it past the pharmaceutical company to jyp (sp?) people in their samples. I know...sounds crazy.
Then, last night, I went to work. I'm an RN in a Cardiovascular Surgery Recovery ICU. I had a complicated and sick patient and I couldn't THINK. I would turn my head, and feel like my brain was trying to catch up with my head movement. It got worse and worse by the second. I started crying uncontrollably, ended up in the ER shaking uncontrollably...my heart rate up in the 110's (normally 50's) and my BP in the 200's, normally 110's. I felt like at any moment I could have a seizure. They gave me a couple of Xanax and I felt better...but now I have to figure out what to do with my meds. I am going to see the doc today. I might have to slowly work up to the 150mg capsule with the help of Xanax or Benadryl or something.
This whole thing is crazier than I am....any advice would be much appreciated...
:)
Tari
Posted by headachegirl on April 12, 2004, at 12:03:48
In reply to Re: Side effects when going to higher dose, posted by Davez on April 11, 2004, at 12:48:01
In trying to quit I find that taking half my 75 mg dose a day works better for me than taking one dose of 75 mg, skipping a day, then taking the next dose. I am avoiding the hideous brain zaps, nausea, and headaches I was getting. I do feel much more anger than I used to, which isn't pleasant. Next, I plan to start taking a quarter of the dose a day and taper off that way.
In addition, I take the following supplements: multivitamin, extra vitamin E, NADH, DHA, SamE, 5-HTTP with kava kava, l-carnitine, and Co-Q 10.
Posted by ku4ns on April 12, 2004, at 13:32:56
In reply to my effexor drama, posted by tarian617 on April 12, 2004, at 10:35:27
I had the same problems when I tried to stop the drug. My bp and heartrate were much higher than normal and as for the leg cramp, twitch, I would drink a little tonic water with quinine at night that helped. Now i'm a little over two weeks without effexor. I'm taking prozac(20mg) and I started it 1 week prior to my last dose of effexor and it helped tremendously with the transition. Good luck. John
Posted by msdepres on April 13, 2004, at 15:53:09
In reply to Re: How long for these withdrawals to end??, posted by BR549 on April 9, 2004, at 23:27:39
This is my first time on any chat board and can hardly believe. I have been taking effexor for about 2.5 years. I had tried several combinations with the assist of my psch dr. Found that wellbutrin and effexor actually was best in taking care of anxiety and depression. No problems while on it.
I began a withdrawal regime about 4 weeks ago, going from 150 to 75 to 37.5 and as of Sat. no more effexor.
I looked at this board before but just figured I wouldn't have these problems - HA HA!
It is awful. I have all the symptoms and it is only day 3. I'm not sure I got a straight answer on how long these symptoms would continue, but it sounds like 2 weeks. Has this been the case?
Thank you (I think its BPS) for your funny, but not funny description of your experience (I shared with my husband so he wouldn't be surprised - divorce sounds good right now). I've got every single symptom, including a crying jag last night. The most disturbing is the brain zaps/shocks, and head and/or body movement faster than my sight or brain. I reallly hate this.
Thank you all for being out these. I don't feel better, and am still anxious/nervous/???, but knowing I'm not alone helps.
Any new advise - or explanation from someone who is "past" this wonderful/yuk experience.
Posted by Seagull_25920 on April 14, 2004, at 12:50:05
In reply to Re: sexual side effect- effexor-xr, posted by jal on September 13, 2002, at 14:53:11
> I've been on effexor xr for the past 4 months, went from 37.5mgs up to 225mgs now and the only thing I feel is numbness in my penis and my sex drive is way down from where it was before effexor xr.Is this common for men to feel this?
> Any men out there have the same numbness down there? Whats the cure ? Help my girlfriend thinks its her but I'm telling her its my meds.jal - From what I've seen of other posters, and my own experience, what you're feeling is not uncommon. I was on 300mg for a while, and completely unable to climax. This was a problem because my wife and I were trying to get pregnant... Luckily, she understood that it was the medication. I was not able to overcome the problem, but can tell you that after three days off of the medication, even in the middle of the withdrawals, the problem is completely gone.
I considered some of the sensation-increasing creams and gels that are on the market for sex, but didn't get a chance to try them.
On a related note, pardon me for being explicit, but the term "abnormal ejaculation" seems to be appropriate, as I experienced several episodes of spontaneous ejaculation without arousal (embarrassing, to say the least), followed by lengthy episodes of 'blue balls'. I have to wonder if that's not related to an increase in prostate size or some such, which is listed as a possible side effect of the medication. Anyone else?
Posted by newgirl on April 14, 2004, at 13:40:19
In reply to Re: beginning to wean hopefully losing weight, posted by rumbera on September 3, 2002, at 22:43:21
Again, I know it's been a while since this post, but I'm also curious to see if anyone has lost weight after quitting Effexor. I took my last dose over a month ago, but I haven't seen too much in the way of weight loss. I've heard it takes some time for the Effexor to completely leave your system, thus delaying weight loss. Are there any supplements that aid in getting this stuff out of your system completely? I've started a pretty rigouous exercise routine, along with eating better. I'm anxious to see results. Any encouragement would be greatly appreciated!!!!
In response to V,
> I know it has been over a year since the post but I really want to know if anyone has lost the weight after witdrawing from effexor. I have gained 25 pounds as well. I hope all the widrawl is worth it. I have never felt so horrible. I too have the "brain shivers" and every time I would tell my doc they looked at me like I was crazy. I am glad to know that I am not the only one with these symptoms. I just wish there were an easier way.
Posted by Spinxxie on April 14, 2004, at 16:11:17
In reply to Re: Side effects when going to higher dose, posted by headachegirl on April 12, 2004, at 12:03:48
Be careful of the kava kava.. its a stimulant.. make cause some probs.. just a fyi...
Posted by alanis on April 14, 2004, at 23:15:53
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain , posted by Cindy W on June 1, 2000, at 9:42:07
I gained weight on effexor but it is the only antidepressant that worked for me. I have recently been diagnosed with adhd and was started on strattera. I gained 6 pounds in 2 weeks.I am furustrated. I excersise every day and went to a dietician( i can only eat 1000 calories to lose weight!!) and I quit strattera I am frustated. Has anyone found a way to lose their weight or have suggestions?
Posted by stayathomemomof2 on April 15, 2004, at 10:33:27
In reply to Missed a Dose, posted by sira on March 30, 2004, at 23:49:48
> I understand everyones concern about the weight gain. I have not had it yet but if I do I will welcome it. Since for me a few extra pounds compared to spending my days in misery is a good trade off. I am now on 75mg and will go to 150mg in a week and a half. I must say that I have been doing good on it. I missed a dose, and I found that my mind went numb and I felt very angry. Has anyone had problems when they just miss one dose.
>
> SiraI too notice a huge difference in missing 1 dose. I have been on 150mg. a day for 2 years. I have missed 5 days. I missed the first 2 days because I didn't get my refill in in time. Now , I have had to get the refill O.K'd by doctor and have had problems. (NEEDLESS to say I will not return to this physician) Now I am thinking about trying to get off the effexxor for good. I had no idea the way I am feeling is due to withdrawl! NO FUN at all.
Has anyone had success going cold turkey? and staying off?
Posted by Zarry on April 15, 2004, at 10:49:08
In reply to Re: Missed a Dose, posted by stayathomemomof2 on April 15, 2004, at 10:33:27
I did not miss a dose while I was on Effexor for 6 mo. I went cold turkey of getting off Effexor April 4 and like I've said in past posts, the effects of high BP vs the effects of withdrawls are for worse in the long run. I'm still trying to find out how long this feeling lasts - I guess when someone gets off Effexor, they no longer feel the need to encourage the sufferers.
I don't think I will go on any kind of "happy" pills after this, unless I do some research first. I want to know that I'm going to have a happy life w/o ripping my husband's head off or my own and NOT have body damaging effects while on them. I'm not going to go on another happy pill just to quit the withdrawl effects of another.
One thing I DO suggest for ppl trying to get off effexor, DON'T put yourself into a possible stressful arena while experiencing the withdrawls. It's like putting yourself into a fighting bull arena and you hope you can find the door out quick enough. It's NOT a good idea. I ended up driving home late at night from visiting family. It was either drive and get away from the situation or stay there and experience more emotional pain. (BTW, I did arrive home safely after a 6 hr drive and a 2 hr nap).
Posted by Putford on April 15, 2004, at 16:45:37
In reply to Re: beginning to wean hopefully losing weight, posted by newgirl on April 14, 2004, at 13:40:19
For those thinking of going to a higher dose,think hard before commiting. I have been slowly trying to get off this junk,so far on my third attempt ,I'm on day 5 !!!Whoopeee.I am working on cognitive therapy and believe it or not the 12 steps of AA. It is amazing how we can calm down if we can get rid of our anger. For those interested in alternative therapy there are many different ways to help ourselves instead making the drug companies rich. This site is one example. For those who are having a hard time,we are here for you.So try anything first before going on "MEDS". I hope I am free of this stuff and I hope I have helped someone...we need each other-not Effexor.
Posted by Emma Smith on April 15, 2004, at 20:22:13
In reply to Re: Missed a Dose, posted by Zarry on April 15, 2004, at 10:49:08
Just a note to those who question how long it takes for withdrawal symptoms to fade....it has been a bit over 2 weeks and I can honestly say I am not experiencing any more dizziness or general feeling of yuckiness. However, I might be different, but I was not taking any other meds, was only on 75mg of Effexor, and continued my exercise (running) throughout the "withdrawal".
It was worth it. The one thing I was not prepared for was the emotion I would feel. Good emotion....Like crying at the "right times"...I guess I was a bit numb on Effexor, but didn't really realize it.
Oh yeah, I'm down 2 pounds. That makes me feel even better. Hope I can work on it for good!
Posted by Shyla on April 16, 2004, at 10:09:49
In reply to Re: sexual side effect- effexor-xr » jal, posted by Seagull_25920 on April 14, 2004, at 12:50:05
Well, I'm a girl, and I am experiencing numbness down there. It is a real disconnect between my brain and my clitoris. Is it the Effexor?
Posted by Viva on April 16, 2004, at 17:50:07
In reply to Withdrawal Update..., posted by Sufferfromeffexor on October 12, 2003, at 7:05:54
I have read the boards ever since I started taking this drug about 8 months ago... I was really worried about going on them but couldn't handle how I was feeling before I started... Yes, first time on ADs. The drug worked wonders and have managed to get through all the crap that was going on with my life last fall but now I want off....
I am done with being constipated, the night sweats - which I never new was caused by the drug until I read the boards, I have put on 12 lbs and I could not eat for a week and still gain weight...I actually thought I was pregnant because I kept gaining wieght even with watching everything I eat and running 4-6 miles a day.My clothes dont fit -UGH and I dont know about anyone else but I have been getting a rash that looks like acne on my chest and back... ITS GROSS, IT HURTS and it itches.... and sex is whole other issue. The drug has served its purpose and its time to stop....Mentally, I am in a better place and dont see the need to stay on them if I dont need to... Especially now, with reading about all the bad long tern side effects.
I have read your postings on the withdrawls -- Is it really that bad... Does anyone have any good methods to step down on the drug? I am at 150...I see my DR next week but he told me I wouldnt gain weight and I have.... and feel that the people on the drug pretty much know better than the Doc. Also, I want to warn my boyfriend -- He has been wonderful throughout everything and I want him to understand what the withdrawl process is going to be like for me...
Oh boy - sorry so long winded but you all are the only ones I really think understand whats going on... the good and the bad.... I am a bit worried but I jsut cant handle the side effects any more... Any advice and wisdom would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by Spinxxie on April 16, 2004, at 20:56:18
In reply to About to go off..... Advice please!, posted by Viva on April 16, 2004, at 17:50:07
Ack... went up to 225mgs.. and started getting really bad side effects.. I don't know the term for it.. but.. i felt like i was getting little zaps going up and down my arms and legs. I couldn't sleep because it would get bad. My shrink may have to take me off this med, and I am back down 150mgs. I have been feeling much more mentally stable.. and I just went through a break up without a major depression that usually ensues. and hot flashes.. i feeling like a bipedal chili pepper! Does anyone have any suggestions about other meds to add to this one.. or another same acting med? I have already been on luvox(zombie drug) zoloft and wellbutrin. I am taking 150mgs of Effexor, 20mg Buspar and 7.5 of Immovane.
Thanks so much..
Spinxxie
Posted by margo on April 17, 2004, at 2:27:25
In reply to Re: How long for these withdrawals to end??, posted by msdepres on April 13, 2004, at 15:53:09
Thank God for this site!!
I decided to quit Effexor - I just felt too, too weird.
It has been about 5 days, with one "weening" pill in between. (I'm sorry I took it)
I have NEVER felt so "yucky" in my life. And I have dealt with depression for much of my life (severe childhood abuse/neglect and trauma).
People have mentioned experiencing on this drug bringing up "deep" buried psychological things, head spinning, nausea, inability to do exercising, walking, working out as one had done.... feeling wacko in general... I've said some inappropriate things to people, or at least I feel PARANOID that I may have...
crying jags, hot flashes, everything tastes "funny", my mouth feels numb. This is some very complex stuff, and it's truly sickening that there was insufficient warning as to the side effects (not nice) but MOST IMPORTANT, the utter nastiness of going off of it.
But, one way or the other I'm going to perservere. I do not want this crap in my body/mind/life. I have read that a little Prozac might make it easier. I'm going to try that.
So much for self medication - I have done a better job of that in my life than the physicians have.
I want to be clean from ALL of the psychoactive meds - for me, exercise, good food, good books, good friends, love, and, as someone said, the occasional cocktail.
Good luck to all of you! I know this is not the thing for me. Too bad I didn't know how POWERFUL it is and how awful the "sweating it out" (quote from the triage nurse at my dr office) would be.
Margo
PS I'll keep in touch if I don't lose my mind before this is over!
Posted by margo on April 17, 2004, at 2:39:30
In reply to Effexor free, posted by Emma Smith on April 15, 2004, at 20:22:13
>Congratulations!
Please read my post. You give me hope. This is very up and down for me.
Thank you.
Margo
Posted by msdepres on April 17, 2004, at 11:51:55
In reply to About to go off..... Advice please!, posted by Viva on April 16, 2004, at 17:50:07
I just remembered my password, so I could respnd to sufferfromeffexor -This is day 7 with no effexor for me. and finally I think the withdrawal is tolerable. The first 5 days without any was HELL I think, but this site has been a real life saver. At one time I was at 300 mg/day. It did work when I needed it and when other ADs did nothing but make me crazy. I dropped myself to 150 (actually DR did, but he could not remember and thought I was at 300 much longer. Anyway, during last month visit, I said I needed to get off effexor, primarily because I couldn't affort that and wellbrutin. He had me go to 75 mgs for2-3 weeks and 37.5 for 1 week. It wasn't too bad at 75, 37.5 was difficult but Ididn't think about it as other things were going on that I blamed for my downer and tiredness and difficulty sleeping. I did not experience the zaps at 37.5 and probably would have been better off stayiny at that level for another week or 2. but though I mentioned what I had read on this site regarding withdrawal, my DR had nothing to say. Boy - he will definitely get input from me in next visit.
Anyway, I am so glad I am on the healing side of living without effexor today and hope it keeps getting better.
THanks to you all for your support and sharing - it really did help. I also found that for the first time I was able to tell people I trusted what I was going through without embarrassment and got some more wonderful support.
So, for me - tapering down works, but I think I would have added a couple more weeks or another step to hopefuuly not have all (everyone I heard of I have had). I would definitely not going off cold turkey - I think I would definitely have gotten suicidal.
Good luck and love to each and every one of you who currently are going through this or who have gone through it previously. Keep up the postings and support. Also, I am going to do whatever I can to "educate" and maybe change information given to new effexor patients as to the whole story and cycle of this very potent drug.
Posted by Emma Smith on April 17, 2004, at 13:15:39
In reply to Re: How long for these withdrawals to end?? » msdepres, posted by margo on April 17, 2004, at 2:27:25
Best of luck to you, Margo. There is a lot of comfort in knowing you are not alone. I hope I can make it without any more ADs and I hope you can too.... Hang in there!!!
Posted by CaliGirl22 on April 17, 2004, at 13:34:30
In reply to Re: beginning to wean hopefully losing weight, posted by Putford on April 15, 2004, at 16:45:37
I am new to the board. I just recently found this and I can relate to almost every post. I have been on EffexorXR for about three years. I am up to 225mg a day. I have wanted to quit for about a year now. Before I started the medication I was a size 3 and could eat anything from a large pizza, to cake, to anything and not gain an ounce. Since I have been on this medication I have gained 50 pounds and up to a size 11. I am freaking out and can not stand the weight gain and self conscious ever since. I don't even eat like I used to. I eat salad, fruit, healthy food and I exercise. I still continue to gain weight. I am sick of taking three pills a day. If I am late even two hours I can feel side effects. I sweat more than I used to and have to switch deodorants.
I want off, and I do not know how to do it. I see everyones response and let me say if I had known... I would NEVER have agreed to take it. Ive taken Wellbutrin and Zoloft. I dont remember why I stopped those and switched to this. I will see my Dr. Soon, but I am a full time student and I work full time. I can NOT let it affect my schedule. What should I do? How long is the process to eventually having tolerable side effects? Weeks? Months? I have this quarter off from school, so I want to get the worse part over with before I go back. I don’t want to freak out from the side effects around co-workers or friends. I know I will say something I shouldn't. What should I do? Thanks.
Posted by Davez on April 17, 2004, at 13:44:44
In reply to Re: sexual side effect- effexor-xr, posted by Shyla on April 16, 2004, at 10:09:49
> Well, I'm a girl, and I am experiencing numbness down there. It is a real disconnect between my brain and my clitoris. Is it the Effexor?
Reply: As a guy I can say that I feel sort of the same thing. Numbness and a harder time climaxing. I find that I can only climax if I up the stimulation considerably.
Posted by AngelDoe on April 17, 2004, at 14:55:45
In reply to Re: Side effects when going to higher dose » headachegirl, posted by Spinxxie on April 14, 2004, at 16:11:17
I was just wondering is there anyone out there who has anything positive to say about the drugs? I was on PAxil and i know it was awful and lexapro didnt do anything for me but effexor seems to be helping me lots. Weight gain is terrible trust me i know since being on meds I have gained about 75lbs in 3 yrs. To me it just seems like id rather be chubby/fat and happy then be a monster and not able to think but wear a size that other people think is acceptable. So can anyone tell me anything positive??? thanks
Posted by Shyla on April 17, 2004, at 15:05:16
In reply to Re: sexual side effect- effexor-xr, posted by Davez on April 17, 2004, at 13:44:44
> > Well, I'm a girl, and I am experiencing numbness down there. It is a real disconnect between my brain and my clitoris. Is it the Effexor?
>
> Reply: As a guy I can say that I feel sort of the same thing. Numbness and a harder time climaxing. I find that I can only climax if I up the stimulation considerably.
>
> My partner is also on Effexor; switched from Remeron. He says that he feels much more sexual on Effexor, and is having a difficult time understanding why I am having side effects. wellbutrin coupled with effexor is supposed to help with this side effect. I haven't checked into it yet, but intend to. I will keep you posted. S
Posted by Zarry on April 17, 2004, at 17:49:38
In reply to Scared to Stop Effexor XR--HELP, posted by CaliGirl22 on April 17, 2004, at 13:34:30
CaliGirl, now during your off time would be the best time to be getting off Effexor. I don't know if the effects of going cold turkey vs weaning off are different. I was on 150mg for 6 mo., then the doc noticed my BP was high, I immediately quit the night doseage thinking it would help the withdrawls. After a few days, I told myself I wasn't going to take the time to wean because I don't think it would be any different. I've been free of Effexor (if you want to call it that) for almost 2 wks now. I may not be swallowing the med, but I think it still has a hold on me.
I made the mistake of visiting my family during this volatile time. I thought I would be able to handle my bi-polar sister - BIG MISTAKE.
Good luck to everyone who is in the same boat. We will conquer this venture and make it to the other side safely.
Posted by CaliGirl22 on April 17, 2004, at 18:50:44
In reply to THE GOOD THINGS?????, posted by AngelDoe on April 17, 2004, at 14:55:45
Yes there are good things. I cant yet tell you if its worth the withdrawls I will have to face getting off the drug... but it worked.
I have been on it for a few years and I found my moods, emotions, and overall well being up by 100%. I could handle many situations a lot more while I have been on it. There are very many side effects but the worst of them going onto the medicine subside after a while. I am about to face going off them. I dont know how that will be, but from what I hear it isnt fun.
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