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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 7227 to 7251 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by dianehbc on September 17, 2004, at 21:17:45
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by fork on September 17, 2004, at 5:48:40
I'm 42 and was on Effexor XR 300 for a year and stopped because of the weight gain (about 30 lbs). I had some of the withdrawls that some of the others had on these postings but not all & it only lasted for three days. I started Lexapro at the same time as coming off the Effexor XR and it did nothing for me. So I went back of the Effexor XR & am up to 150 now. I should have never switched. The doctor said (a different MD) it was on too high of a dose at 300. So far the 150 is working fine. It works great for me execpt for some side effects such as only getting 5 or 6 hours of sleep a night. I get night sweats too but not as bad as when I was on the 300 mg. I am so glad these postings are here they have helped me to see that I am not alone in my depression and the battle with the medications that we take.
Thank you ALL!
Posted by salina on September 17, 2004, at 22:09:31
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Shyla on September 17, 2004, at 9:47:56
thanks shyla. i went to my doctor yesterday, and she pust me on a schedule where i need to take 1 mg of ativan 3 times a day. and she said i could take my ambien if i have problems sleeping. i'm still taking my effoxor regularly (75 mg) but my ativan really helped. it may sound wierd, but i have anxiety of anxiety. i actually worry abuut feeling anxious/depressed and create the feelings for myself. the more i think about it the more anxious i get. so the ativan helped that. i was actullay able to sleep all night last night, but i think i'm going to only take half an ambien for sleep because i felt pretty groggy when i woke up. but basically just wanted to say i feel much better as far as the nausea, and side effects... just working on the anxiety.. i'll keep you all posted. its so nice to hear from others.
Posted by pablo1 on September 17, 2004, at 22:21:17
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by corafree on September 17, 2004, at 20:38:34
Do you think that could explain some side effects as daily withdrawal symptoms? Effexor is sort of infamous for it's short half-life.
on a separate topic... anyone know what would be the "smoothest" SSRI to take at a small dose (in conmbination with stimulants for ADHD)? Not the strongest but the most trouble free...
Posted by fork on September 18, 2004, at 4:08:03
In reply to Re: Success on Effexor XR, posted by PoohBear on September 17, 2004, at 11:37:11
Thanks for your comments, encouragement and information Shyla, Bubblehead and Poohbear. The sleep issue (or lack of it)is one that I am going to try to address without additional meds (if possible). I am going to try to increase my physical activity and see if that helps. Have any of you tied over the counter sleep aids, before going to Rx sleeping meds? Thanks again.
Posted by corafree on September 18, 2004, at 4:51:57
In reply to effexor twice a day » corafree, posted by pablo1 on September 17, 2004, at 22:21:17
P: When I waited to take my second dose until the evening, and I mean sometimes bedtime, I spent from 4p on ... anxious, feeling suicidal, agoraphobic, and constantly calling the hotlines. Then I read about metabolization, and how slow metabolizers get everything used up real fast in the liver, leaving you w/o the drug in your symptom earlier than docs tell you. So I moved my second dose down to just about a half hour before all the bad symptoms were beginning, and now they never occur. Docs don't even tell you about this, at leat mine didn't. There are other ways that drugs are used up quickly in a poor metabolizer besides in the liver. Especially w/ extended release, if it says 12 hrs, I can figure maybe half that. Oh, better add that I do need a sleeping pill, but always have since was backslapped by ex if I spoke while in bed. I was feelin' drowsy on Eff-XR, but increased it and increased levothyroxine (thyroid) to 75, and have good energy all day long, just prefer to lie down and rest my mind when able throughout day. cf
Posted by wildbean on September 18, 2004, at 8:22:45
In reply to Re: Quit Effexor cold turkey--meow71877, posted by lorily on September 16, 2004, at 15:28:01
I had an awful experience with depoprovera shots as well. I felt suicidal and couldn't get out of bed. Four months later I went on Effexor and started feeling better a couple hours after I took my first dose. I've been on Effexor 5 years. The side effect of being sleepy has been tolerable, especially considering how I felt when I started the drug. However, I have gained 80 lbs in 5 years. At this rate, I'm going to explode. I'm trying to decide whether to be happy and fat or try to go off effexor at the risk of always being angry like I was before. Also, I wonder about what my liver is going to be like 50 years from now if I don't get off this drug.
Posted by corafree on September 18, 2004, at 14:22:02
In reply to Re: Quit Effexor cold turkey--meow71877, posted by wildbean on September 18, 2004, at 8:22:45
Are you sure there is something else that is causing weight gain??? best wish cf
Posted by Bubblehead on September 18, 2004, at 21:59:03
In reply to Re: Success on Effexor XR Thanks for comments and, posted by fork on September 18, 2004, at 4:08:03
Fork,
I was thinking the same as you about the sleeping meds. I don't like mixing all of those meds like that. I worry about their addictiveness. Back in my younger days I had quite a bit of trouble with insomnia and I refused to resort to even the over the counter meds. I asked for a natural alternative. I had two that I used with no problems. The first is called Melatonin. It is a naturally ocurring thing in your body. You can get it in many places. You only need one mg or posibbly even less. If you take too much you will feel sleepy in the morning still. This stuff works wonders, honestly. The second thing is not even a pill, it is something you do. Now first, let me tell everyone, not to laugh or nock it until you have tried it. What you do is dump about 1/2 a teaspoon (give or take a little) of salt; You then place it on your tongue and let it melt as much as you can (really does taste bad); Then you chug a large glass of water. You do this before bed and you'll be sleeping in no time. I got this out of a book, though I can't remember the name of it. I guess the salt forces your body to absorb the water. I don't need to know the science behind it to know that it works. So...With that being said; who's brave enough to try it. Let me know if it works for ya.
Posted by corafree on September 19, 2004, at 2:49:29
In reply to Re: Effexor and chronic pain » Starwatcher, posted by jannbeau on July 9, 2002, at 10:34:56
Cary11, Jannbaeu & Starwatcher, I really need your help. I take Endocet (generic Percocet) for chronic pain. I have C2-3, 3-4, and 5-6 extruded discs. I cannot afford surgery and surgeons say I'm not bad enough (I say to myself 'yeah..yet!'.) I am having extremely horrible breakthrough pain. Usually last 203 or 304 days. This is the second in a period of two weeks. My PCP doesn't prescribe a diff med, just allows me 10 extra Endocets per month. IT'S NOT ENOUGH!!! I cannot take morphine because it makes me crazy. I feel fortunate that my PCP gives me what he gives me, and am so afraid to tell him I need more. I lie on my ack w/ a rolled towel under my neck and just lie there and cry. I am working on myself, emotional illnesses, and other physical illnesses. I am so overwhelmed. My anxiety med is only Klonopin up to 4mg a day. Sometimes I think part of my suicidal ideation is my physical pain in my shoulder, neck, and whole head. I am open to any of your suggestions. I am trying to get a TENS, but was just at therapy FRIDAY, used it, and then had the breakthrough later in day. It was a very busy day, running here and there. Seems like I do so much better in a quiet, calm environment. Two men are calling me all the time and I'm crying over that...don't know what to do...need them, don't know if I want them, but too much pain to pick up phone. They cause me stress too. My focus right now is supposed to be on my DBT therapy, and there is so much interference, I don't know which way to turn. love cf
> >Star: I take 2 tablets of propoxyphene with acetaminophen at night with the 37.5 mg of Effexor. During the day, I take 1 to 2 5 mg tablets of hydrocodone, as necessary, for pain. There appears to be very little, if any, interaction between the propoxyphene and the Effexor or between Effexor and hydrocodone. This is NOT the case with ULTRAM, however. My pain specialist put me on Ultram, Topamax and Effexor all at the same time. The Ultram, which appears to have significant effects on serotonin receptors or NE or DA receptors, in conjunction with the Effexor caused me much grief. I stay completely away from Ultram as a result.
>
> Hope this information is helpful.
>
> Jannbeau
>
> Hi, jann. Thanks for your reply. I've really watched what I take in conjunction with Effexor, since it seems to be such a high powered med. I have taken 1 ea. #3 codeine before for relief, but I've never done so at the same time. I've only done it once or twice during the day when the Effexor wore off and it wasn't time to take that again yet, but I made sure and waited at least six hours before taking the Effexor. What very low dose opioids do you take at the same time?
> >
> > > > Starwatcher, I have had the very same experience. I take 37.5 mg at night, no antiinflammatory (I am allergic to aspirin-asthma-and other NSAIDs; no tagamet because no NSAIDs). The medication works very well-in conjunction with very low doses of opiod analgesics-to control my pain (arthritis and fibromyalgia). Similar side effects: fatigue; somnolence for part of the day.
> > >
> > > Cheers,
> > > jannbeau
> > >
> > > Hi, Cary 111. I take my 37.5 mg. about an hour or so or right before I go to bed, along with two other prescribed meds - Etodolac ( an anti-inflammatory) and a Tagamet for my stomach (this can increase Effexor's effects, and cause it to be eliminated from the system more slowly, so maybe that's why I can get by on the smallest dose). Since my condition that it is prescribed for is NOT depression, but chronic fibromyalgia pain - I felt and feel totally safe reducing the dosage down from 75 mg. to 37.5 mg. If a lesser dose will relieve the pain, and I have less side effects, why not? I am still finding that I'm sometimes still a little tired, loaded and fuzzy headed feeling for about an hour in the morning after I wake up, but it goes away - and I've been on it now for almost a month, with no missed doses. The pain stays gone until the evening.
> > > >
> > > > Starwatcher:
> > > > > Thanks for your message. What time of day do you take that 37.5mg? Was your tiredness greater when you first began taking the medication. Does it seem to be getting better as you adjust? I hope all continues to go well for you.
> > > > > Best, Cary 111
> > > > >
> > > > > > > I have had chronic soft tissue pain in my feet for several years. I also have an arthritic hip joint. I was prescribed Effexor, starting at 37,5 and then up in a week to 75mg. Has anyone out there had an experience with effexor for the treatment of anxiety and depression, in connection with chronic pain?
> > > > > > > As a side note: I met someone a few days ago who recommended I try a wheat, sugar, meat, and dairy free diet for my pain problems. Because I've tried almost everything, I figured I'd give it a shot. Wow!!! do I feel mentally clear and relaxed in comparison to just two days ago. However my pain is no better, although I do seem less overwhelmed because I feel so much better mentally. Now I'm wondering if I should even begin the Effexor.
> > > > > > > Also, I have tried Serzone, and Nortriptyline, and began with Prozac (made me very anxious) a few years ago.
> > > > > > > Anyone with suggestions, please respond!
> > > > > > > Thank you in advance
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Hi, cary.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I've been on 37.5 mg. of Effexor for fibromyalgia for about three weeks, and this dose seems to be working continuously! My doctor prescribed 75 mg., and I tried that on a weekend - but it was too much - I couldn't function and basically slept around the clock - so I decreased the dosage myself. I will stay at this dose as long as it works, and I'm experiencing minimal side effects - a little diziness now and then, and a kinda sleepy loaded feeling for awhile when I wake up in the morning.
>
>
Posted by jujube on September 19, 2004, at 7:35:58
In reply to Re: Quit Effexor cold turkey--meow71877, posted by wildbean on September 18, 2004, at 8:22:45
I, too, am having a terrible time with Depo Provera (apprehension, lethargy, throwing up, down mood and what felt like permanent PMS). I had already been Effexor XR for close to 6 months, and not had having much success (increased anxiety, apathetic, sooo tired), when I got the shot. My periods had become irregular and I was having severe night sweats, which I think now may have just been side effects of the Effexor XR at the higher dose (225 mg), so the gyno thought Depo was just what I needed. Needless to say, I will not be going back for a second Depo shot, and my doctor has also switched me to Celexa (weaned off Effexor over two-week period and then started Celexa). That Depo is nasty stuff!!!
> I had an awful experience with depoprovera shots as well. I felt suicidal and couldn't get out of bed. Four months later I went on Effexor and started feeling better a couple hours after I took my first dose. I've been on Effexor 5 years. The side effect of being sleepy has been tolerable, especially considering how I felt when I started the drug. However, I have gained 80 lbs in 5 years. At this rate, I'm going to explode. I'm trying to decide whether to be happy and fat or try to go off effexor at the risk of always being angry like I was before. Also, I wonder about what my liver is going to be like 50 years from now if I don't get off this drug.
Posted by PoohBear on September 19, 2004, at 20:59:20
In reply to Re: effexor twice a day » pablo1, posted by corafree on September 18, 2004, at 4:51:57
... but always have since was backslapped by ex if I spoke while in bed....
Cora:
Glad he's your EX!
Tony
Posted by marcy on September 21, 2004, at 20:45:35
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by salina on September 16, 2004, at 17:42:17
Hi all,
I am going to start Effexor XR tonight. I will start with 35 and work my way up in the next few weeks. I have dealt with severe depression for many years now. I also have fibromyalgia. I am hoping to get some results with this med. I have taken several different meds for drepression. The best I found so far was Zoloft and Welbutrin. I now am trying to get some help with the fibromyalgia. I have read some studies have been done and some people have had success. I will let you know how things are going.
Take care.
Posted by Louoicu81 on September 22, 2004, at 21:30:41
In reply to Re: Quit Effexor cold turkey--meow71877wildbean, posted by jujube on September 19, 2004, at 7:35:58
Ok guys.... I have been reading your posts and sometimes writing my own for a couple months now and they are really helping me. The only problem is that I have been completely off of Effexor for six weeks now and am still feeling depressed and anxious all day long. For the two years I was on it, I was fine....better than I ever had been in my whole life. Now, I am constantly feeling sad, worthless, anxious, and in a daze the whole day long. Do you think that it is the medicine doing this to me? I think it has to be because I was doing sooooo well on the medicine. I am trying to convince myself that it takes time for my body and brain chemicals to adjust after being on Effexor so long. Also, I have just started a new birth control pill about a week ago and have been reading your postings on birth control. Desogen (Orthocept) is the name of it. Has anyone had any experiences with it and could this be contributing to my crappy feelings. I am nervous and depressed about starting the day even.....Please help~
Thanks,
Linda
Posted by wildbean on September 22, 2004, at 21:59:26
In reply to Still feeling bad..., posted by Louoicu81 on September 22, 2004, at 21:30:41
I would venture to guess that your birth control is contributing somewhat to your negative feelings. If you were feeling wonderful on effexor, why did you go off of it? I think effexor is a wonderful drug and swore I would never go off of it. However, lately I have felt the urge to try to see what life would be like without it. Today is my 2nd day in weaning myself off from effexor. I was taking 150 mg a day, but cut my dose in half starting yesterday. I've gained a ton of weight the last couple of years and want to see if I have more energy without it. When I started effexor, I was in a miserable marriage with 2 toddlers. Now, I'm single and managing well on my own and my kids are not so dependent on me. I am feeling slightly dizzy and foggy-headed, but it's only at home. I take the 75 mg in the am before work, so I can maintain normalcy there. I'll keep you posted.
Posted by jujube on September 22, 2004, at 22:58:14
In reply to Still feeling bad..., posted by Louoicu81 on September 22, 2004, at 21:30:41
Linda,
Sorry to hear that you are feeling so lousy. I am relatively new to the boards, so I don't know your story. Why did you stop the Effexor if you were feeling good on it (I personally did not have the most positive response to Effexor). Perhaps staying on a low, maintenance dose longer-term may have been ok. I did that with Paxil for a few years, a number of years ago. However, the birth control may be the culprit. Side effects of birth control can include anxiety and depression (especially for those of us who have experienced these things in the past). Did you get any documentation from the pharmacy that would tell you what the side effects are (both common and uncommon). I had been having a really terrible experience with Depo Provera. Got my first shot in early August (because I was bleeding every two weeks and I am iron deficient - sorry to get so personal). The first week or so, I just experienced cramping, some nausea and fatigue. But after that, I started throwing up, I am exhausted, moody, irratible and anxious. Wasn't told much about possible side effects when I got the shot, and have since learned that thousands of perfectly health women have suffered physical and emotional side effects from Depo (also found out the Depo is used in the prison system on sex offenders and pedophiles). Unfortunately, there is not a darn thing I can do about it. Depo is an injectable (it stays in your body for three months). You can probably find some info on side effects on www.drugdigest.com, and if you are concerned about your reaction to it, talk to your doctor about milder alternatives. Sorry to be so long-winded. I hope you are feeling better soon. Take good care.
Tamara
> Ok guys.... I have been reading your posts and sometimes writing my own for a couple months now and they are really helping me. The only problem is that I have been completely off of Effexor for six weeks now and am still feeling depressed and anxious all day long. For the two years I was on it, I was fine....better than I ever had been in my whole life. Now, I am constantly feeling sad, worthless, anxious, and in a daze the whole day long. Do you think that it is the medicine doing this to me? I think it has to be because I was doing sooooo well on the medicine. I am trying to convince myself that it takes time for my body and brain chemicals to adjust after being on Effexor so long. Also, I have just started a new birth control pill about a week ago and have been reading your postings on birth control. Desogen (Orthocept) is the name of it. Has anyone had any experiences with it and could this be contributing to my crappy feelings. I am nervous and depressed about starting the day even.....Please help~
>
> Thanks,
> Linda
Posted by sbvac on September 23, 2004, at 9:44:21
In reply to Re: Still feeling bad... » Louoicu81, posted by jujube on September 22, 2004, at 22:58:14
Sorry to hear that you are feeling bad. What are the reasons that you were on effexor? what dosage? how long? and did your doctor switch your medication? You are smart to be aware of the signs and symptoms that you wrote about. Since depression is manifested by not having enough serotonin and norepinephrine (which effexor stimulates) you could very well be experiencing a cycle of clinical depression. If you have had depression before, you should be aware that each cylce tends to get worse in nature and last for a longer period of time. You should contact your doctor asap and let him/her know what is going on.
Shana
Posted by jennyb on September 23, 2004, at 11:45:14
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by scruff on September 12, 2004, at 15:33:07
I am finally off of effexor and I will never again allow a doctor to put me on ANY meds. Effexor did nothing for my "depression"...in fact, I think it made me worse. I was nearly suicidal at times...getting off of effexor was probably the worst sickness I've ever experienced physically and emotionally. First came the electric shock sensations, then the nausea, then full blown vomitting anything I took in, sweating, nightmares...horrible nightmares, and terrifyingly strong impulses to do completely irrational things. At one point, when some of my physical withdrawals were starting to subside, I walked out to my back yard to place something in my barn. There on my husbands work bench, was a full can of gasoline for the lawnmower. For no explainable reason, when I saw the gas can, I was so strongly compelled to dump it all out and light the barn on fire...it was almost irrististable. It scared me so I left the barn immediately. Another instance of the severe emotional instability, was me breaking dishes in the kitchen and raving like a lunatic at my husband for absolutley no reason. I even told him I wished for him to die...(bless his heart, he has forgiven me, he knows I was coming off the meds...)I have been off for around two weeks now, and am happy to say I feel better now than ever. I do not feel depressed at all, except for being a little bummed still about the weight gain. All of my side effects from the effexor are finally starting to go away...(tremors, sweating, sleepiness etc...and I am making steps for the first time in a year and a half of getting my life together without meds...(eating healthy, exercise, looking for a new job, ending toxic relationships etc)...all of these are things that seemed nearly impossible for me to consider while on effexor...I will never go down that road again.
Posted by corafree on September 23, 2004, at 14:09:48
In reply to Re: Still feeling bad... » jujube, posted by sbvac on September 23, 2004, at 9:44:21
L, I have done very well on Effexor-XR. I first tried it three years ago and the dosage was incorrect and regimen was incorrect and it was awful. But now (can't remember old dosage and regimen, just know I felt like I could climb walls), 150morning and 75 @ 3p, it's the best I've ever felt. I also increased my thyroid med to 75mcg. I also take a sleep med, and a bit of Klonopin. I have tried every single anti-depressant know to this girl (and that's a lot) up until any new on market in prob' last 3 years. I don't know how old you are. If you are under 25 or so, and feel that your depression is situational, I applaud you're trying to get off an anti-depressant. But, if this has gone on for years, I too am interested in why you discontinued it? You'll be okay ... I know good things are coming your way. You've helped me and you will be helped in return. HANG IN EASY .. BABY STEPS cf
> Sorry to hear that you are feeling bad. What are the reasons that you were on effexor? what dosage? how long? and did your doctor switch your medication? You are smart to be aware of the signs and symptoms that you wrote about. Since depression is manifested by not having enough serotonin and norepinephrine (which effexor stimulates) you could very well be experiencing a cycle of clinical depression. If you have had depression before, you should be aware that each cylce tends to get worse in nature and last for a longer period of time. You should contact your doctor asap and let him/her know what is going on.
>
> Shana
Posted by marcy on September 23, 2004, at 18:29:39
In reply to Re: Still feeling bad... » jujube, posted by sbvac on September 23, 2004, at 9:44:21
Hi,
I hope you will check with your Dr. asap. I understand you not wanting to take meds if you don't have to, but sometimes we need to take them. It may take trying different ones to find the right combination for your body.
I have tried to go without because I just was tired of taking medicine. I found out quickly I could not do that. My 3 grown children are all on meds too. My oldest daughter stopped her meds for 3 months. We finally convinced her to go to the Dr. and she is now on Cymbalta(Effexor). I am happy to see her starting to cheer up again.Get a good support group, from what I am reading here, this is one. We all understand each other because we have been there, done that.
Take care of yourself and know that each day is one step closer.
I am on my second day of Effexor. So far, I am doing OK. I was on many different antidepressants and am hoping this one will help make life a little better.
Posted by Louoicu81 on September 23, 2004, at 20:35:19
In reply to Re: Still feeling bad, posted by marcy on September 23, 2004, at 18:29:39
Thank you, everyone! Just to let you know a little about myself. I am almost 23 years old and have had anxiety and I guess depression all of my life. I have also always been a high achiever. I was the valedictorian in high school and will have my Bachelor's degree in nursing in May. I love to learn about the body and the mind, but it just seems weird that I am a victim of depression/anxiety. I have worked at CVS in the pharmacy for about four and a half years and know a great deal about drugs, depression, and the many drugs people take for depression/anxiety. Two years ago, I got accepted into the Pharmacy program at Purdue University in Indiana. I had extreme anxieties about leaving home and family so once again, anxieties took away what could have been a great job with great income. When I came home, I had a nervous breakdown....I let my family down and myself down and couldn't seem to stay sane any longer...not to mention I was suffering from bulemia, which I have been free from for two years. That is why I had to turn to medicine for help. For two years, I was wonderful. Effexor helped me through a time when I couldn't seem to help myself. I took XR 75mg once a day. I am a student so I will not have my parent's insurance when I turn 23 in one month-the medicine is wayyyyyyyy too expensive to pay cash for. I am also engaged and plan to have a baby within the next couple of years. I didn't want my baby to have any birth defects because of the Effexor-it is still unknown what Effexor does to a baby. So, even though my life was good while on Effexor, other unmanagable obstacles prove to be in the way of my happiness. It seems like I start off the day feeling sad/anxious and things slowly get better as the day progresses, BUT I never feel completely normal. Thank all of you once again for your concern. If you know of any class action law suits with Effexor please let me know. I believe that it is the medicine that has messed my brain chemistry and chemicals up even more. Yes, I have suffered from anxiety/depression my whole life, but never this bad. It just doesn't make sense. Please respond if you have any advice.
~Linda
Posted by Sondi on September 23, 2004, at 21:11:49
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by jennyb on September 23, 2004, at 11:45:14
Hi all,
I am a very confused, relatively new effexor user. I have a history of anxiety and panic, but my doc actually perscribed the effexor for what he assumed was chronic fatigue syndrome. (I was sooooo tired all the time and had some pain along my neck and spine). I have been taking the drug at a 75 mg dose for about a month, and I am pretty sure it is not doing anything positive, and I think it might be making me worse. I am just as tired and fatigued as ever, which is awful, since I am a full time college student and about to start a new part time job! Plus, I am starting to feel depressed again, and I have been free from depression for nearly three years! I thought this was an ANTI-depressant!!??! I am hot a lot of the times, dizzy, feel faint, anxious, have awful headaches, trouble sleeping at night, but super tired all the rest of the time, have constipation, and have extreme difficulty having an orgasm as well. Not to mention lack of pretty much all sexual desire. I am just looking for some advice-is it really worth staying on? I am starting to think that my life was better before! My perscription is almost up for renewal and I am seriously considering whether it's money well spent. Also, I haven't gained any weight since being on the drug, but I have noticed an EXTREME increase in my apetite, which scares me into thinking I might gain weight, in which case I would DEFINITELY want to get off the drug! Also, I am in no way a big drinker, but I do usually have some drinks on the weekend. I haven't noticed anything really different after drinking since I've been taking effexor except that occasionally alcohol affects me more, as in I can get drunk a lot quicker than usual. But is it harmful for me to be drinking in moderation while on the drug? Ok, I know this is long, but one more thing-I have read everyone's horror stories about getting off effexor and that makes me kind of scared since I am considering to stop taking it. Any suggestions there? Thanks so much for taking the time to read and help. I am so glad to know there are people out there in the same boat!
Take care-
Sondi
Posted by corafree on September 23, 2004, at 21:13:01
In reply to Thanks, posted by Louoicu81 on September 23, 2004, at 20:35:19
L, it is possible that it could have changed your brain chemistry, and then again maybe .... it didn't. Either way, I would take part in any class action lawsuit which you find on the Internet just to be on the safe side. Guess we're sort of guinea pigs right now. It is wise to be concerned about how a drug may effect your future health. I'm more...give it to me now...live for the day, ya' know. But, I admire your forethought about your health. Sorry, don't know of lawsuit, but I'm sure there is one out there. Maybe you could let us know if your find one. CF
> Thank you, everyone! Just to let you know a little about myself. I am almost 23 years old and have had anxiety and I guess depression all of my life. I have also always been a high achiever. I was the valedictorian in high school and will have my Bachelor's degree in nursing in May. I love to learn about the body and the mind, but it just seems weird that I am a victim of depression/anxiety. I have worked at CVS in the pharmacy for about four and a half years and know a great deal about drugs, depression, and the many drugs people take for depression/anxiety. Two years ago, I got accepted into the Pharmacy program at Purdue University in Indiana. I had extreme anxieties about leaving home and family so once again, anxieties took away what could have been a great job with great income. When I came home, I had a nervous breakdown....I let my family down and myself down and couldn't seem to stay sane any longer...not to mention I was suffering from bulemia, which I have been free from for two years. That is why I had to turn to medicine for help. For two years, I was wonderful. Effexor helped me through a time when I couldn't seem to help myself. I took XR 75mg once a day. I am a student so I will not have my parent's insurance when I turn 23 in one month-the medicine is wayyyyyyyy too expensive to pay cash for. I am also engaged and plan to have a baby within the next couple of years. I didn't want my baby to have any birth defects because of the Effexor-it is still unknown what Effexor does to a baby. So, even though my life was good while on Effexor, other unmanagable obstacles prove to be in the way of my happiness. It seems like I start off the day feeling sad/anxious and things slowly get better as the day progresses, BUT I never feel completely normal. Thank all of you once again for your concern. If you know of any class action law suits with Effexor please let me know. I believe that it is the medicine that has messed my brain chemistry and chemicals up even more. Yes, I have suffered from anxiety/depression my whole life, but never this bad. It just doesn't make sense. Please respond if you have any advice.
> ~Linda
Posted by corafree on September 24, 2004, at 1:53:36
In reply to Questions about Effexor, posted by Sondi on September 23, 2004, at 21:11:49
Hi. I keep seeing posts like yours and thinking, why aren't you on a second follow-up dose during the day???????? I do not believe XR lasts all day, at least it certainly does not for me. If I take 150mg upon awakening, around 3p and on I would be a basket case. It's all about metabolizing the med. We are all different and some people 'use up that drug so fast it's gone in five hrs.' Try type in Effexor-XR slow metabolizer in Internet and see what you find. good luck cf
Posted by tassh on September 24, 2004, at 10:22:01
In reply to Re: Scared of Effexor, posted by jtc on February 18, 2003, at 21:54:18
Hello! I am new to this message boared. I would really like some advice. I recently started counseling/therapy (I've only gone twice) and on my second visit my counselor suggested that I go on antidepressants (effexor xr). The reason I went to counseling is I have trust issues with my boyfriend. I don't trust him at all! I believe he is cheating on me with his co-worker or any pretty girl for that matter. He has contributed to this by lying to me many times over our 6 year relationship. He says he lies to me because he knows how jealous I am and would rather avoid an arguement and feels that he cannot have a female that is just a FRIEND! To get to the point I am scared to go on this drug because I've read on these message boards all the side effects and withdrawl symptoms and they are very scary. My counselor feels that I have low self esteem,and am very insecure but who isn't from time to time. I know that I am obbessesed with the thought that he is cheating on me and can't get the negative thoughts out of my head when it comes to trusting him.I don't feel that I am depressed. I know that I'm not 100% happy in my life right now,but I dont' think I'm depressed. I was in a slight depression about 3 years ago so I know what it feels like. I have been struggeling with this trust issue with my boyfriend for a long time and I am desperate to fix it if not it's over for us. So I'm desperate to save my relationship to the point of even going on this medication, but dont' know if I really need it. Please any adivce...! Thanks
Posted by jujube on September 24, 2004, at 10:42:06
In reply to Re: Scared of Effexor, posted by tassh on September 24, 2004, at 10:22:01
I think that going on Effexor XR for the issues you are dealing with is a bit extreme (that is my personal opinion only and based on the little bit of information you provided in your message). I don't know, but continuing with the therapy to deal with your trust and self-esteem issues and doing some cognitive behaviour therapy may be all you need. You might even consider having your boyfriend participate in the therapy at some point once you have made some progress (his feeling that he has to lie to you certainly isn't helping you). Effexor, and any other anti-depressant, can help bring a person who is in a depressive and/or extremely agitated/anxious state to a level where they can start dealing with issues. But, as other people have said here at Psycho-Babble, it is only a bandaid. I would encourage you to discuss this further with your therapist before you start on any medication. I apoligize if I have crossed the line with my opinions, but I just don't understand how Effexor is going to address your self-esteem/trust issues and fix your relationship with your boyfriend.
> Hello! I am new to this message boared. I would really like some advice. I recently started counseling/therapy (I've only gone twice) and on my second visit my counselor suggested that I go on antidepressants (effexor xr). The reason I went to counseling is I have trust issues with my boyfriend. I don't trust him at all! I believe he is cheating on me with his co-worker or any pretty girl for that matter. He has contributed to this by lying to me many times over our 6 year relationship. He says he lies to me because he knows how jealous I am and would rather avoid an arguement and feels that he cannot have a female that is just a FRIEND! To get to the point I am scared to go on this drug because I've read on these message boards all the side effects and withdrawl symptoms and they are very scary. My counselor feels that I have low self esteem,and am very insecure but who isn't from time to time. I know that I am obbessesed with the thought that he is cheating on me and can't get the negative thoughts out of my head when it comes to trusting him.I don't feel that I am depressed. I know that I'm not 100% happy in my life right now,but I dont' think I'm depressed. I was in a slight depression about 3 years ago so I know what it feels like. I have been struggeling with this trust issue with my boyfriend for a long time and I am desperate to fix it if not it's over for us. So I'm desperate to save my relationship to the point of even going on this medication, but dont' know if I really need it. Please any adivce...! Thanks
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