![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 7423 to 7447 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by devonsnana on October 20, 2004, at 18:57:34
In reply to What works well for me, almost off now, posted by Jubilee on October 20, 2004, at 14:56:30
You are lucky, I did not have a mental illiness. I was put on it because the doc I was seeing found I had thyroid diesease and decided that since there was a chance of depression this would be best. I am not weaning but going cold turkey. I have had none since Saturday and today was a little rough. The chest pains aren't too bad but I do have high blood pressure and take an ace inhibitor as well as a beta blocker. I have many good christian friends at work and a supportive family which will assist as needed but time is critical for me as I feel that this is a way to hopefully reverse some damage. No one could say but I am willing to go the hard road to find peace knowing I did all I was intended to do. My lord is supporting me in every way I just wish I knew how long it will take to be rid of the drugs from my blood stream. No one seems to be able to answer this or how bad it will get. I pray that all will find the assistance they need to keep going. And just thankful that my daughter which is manic depressive was not put on it.
Posted by dancingstar on October 20, 2004, at 19:56:40
In reply to Re: What works well for me, almost off now, posted by devonsnana on October 20, 2004, at 18:57:34
I wasn't depressive either, and I take 90 - 120 milligrams of Armour thyroid daily. Today is just over three weeks, and I've done this pretty freezing turkey. Yup, it's no fun. Today is better than yesterday. My fibromyalgia has been raging at me. My best friend/sister has been taking the same 150mg for longer than I have, probably over four -- she says like 9 years, but I'm not sure -- doesn't believe that all of these symptoms can be from my withdrawal. I've had the runs the entire time, and I really can't eat much at all. I haven't eaten any protein besides a very small amount of salmon and a few bites of egg whites -- oh, yeah, and a little mozarella cheese in some tomato soup. Mostly, though, the thought of animal products doesn't work right now. Most of the rest of my life I work out and eat mostly low carb and low fat. Yesterday I settled for a couple of chocolate chip cookies and a few sips of milk to settle my stomach. I cooked some apple sauce when I could stand up long enough to get the job done. I live alone, and it's been pretty rough going. Most of the time I feel like I've had a new best friend, the porcelain alter. I really may as well move into the bathroom.
Anyway, it's late in the day, and I want to get some homework done cause I'm determined to get to class tomorrow night.
Things that have helped the cold turkey route: Tons of St. John's Wort, 5-HTP, Omega3's, eat enough to be able to take really good vitamins because you need them. The Enzymatic Therapy Fatigued to Fantastic, including the Adrenal Support does seem to be helping. I've been using it since Saturday, and I have "decided :-)" we need adrenal support. (I say this because I am completely nonprofessional, but I have excellent instincts.) If you get to feeling too icky to eat and you take these supplements, first of course you probably realize that they don't work without food and second, they will make you even sicker; so you have got to force some food in before you take them, let your stomach absorb it, and then take them EXCEPT FOR THE 5-HTP and maybe some of the others; so read the directions, but the vitamins, definitely require a full tummy to not make, at least me, nauseaus.
At about two and a half weeks, you start to feel a little better. I wish I knew how long it takes to go away completely. More than even that, I wish I knew why or what it is about this drug that is so screwed up that it makes us so sick. How does it do this? What about it attaches to what inside us to do this? Perhaps the maker of the drug should be required to experience this feeling; maybe they should be forced to take their drug for an unspecified duration when it isn't necessary and then have to stop taking it and then see how they feel about having their drug reps handing out samples like candy!!!!
Anyway, devonsnana, I hope that the chemistry of your body allows for a more gentle removal of this nasty little booger from your system as they say that not all of us are destined to have the same problems. I will also pray that your liver is safe and that your body heals. It can heal. We always heal. Sometimes they say we can't, but we can. Be gentle with yourself, and just try to take it easy. Expect the worst, hope for the best. You may be pleasantly surprised. Miracles happen every moment. It's your turn!
Best wishes,
dancingstarp.s. - I know why you stopped taking Effexor, but I didn't have any outside provocation. Something came over me one day, and I just knew that I should stop taking it, but I had no idea that it was a dangerous drug until I stopped taking it. It wasn't until three days later that I started to become extremely ill. After that I knew there was something very wrong with any drug that could do this to us.
Posted by corafree on October 21, 2004, at 0:38:14
In reply to Re: What works well for me, almost off now, posted by dancingstar on October 20, 2004, at 19:56:40
I don't understand all this. You say you weren't depressive, then why were you taking Eff-XR? I think there may be a price to pay for a drug that is effective, and I'm sorry and worried about that, but having lost all the loves of your life, having lost your family, after many many years, this is working for me. Maybe I am quite a bit older than you all. No one has ever told me that Eff-XR is a 6-mo drug. I'm back at my old place away from my children, since I seemed to be such an overbearing grandmother, and all alone, with no friends to speak w/ no one to speak w/ in the evening. These posts really scare me. If you are under 25y/o or 30 or so, probably try stay away from Effexor, but after you've been put on everything out there like I have, what choice do I have but to go with the cadillac at a cost???
Really, I certainly have no support or $ to check in for what sounds like something that would be hard on a person my age. Spooked ... cf
> I wasn't depressive either, and I take 90 - 120 milligrams of Armour thyroid daily. Today is just over three weeks, and I've done this pretty freezing turkey. Yup, it's no fun. Today is better than yesterday. My fibromyalgia has been raging at me. My best friend/sister has been taking the same 150mg for longer than I have, probably over four -- she says like 9 years, but I'm not sure -- doesn't believe that all of these symptoms can be from my withdrawal. I've had the runs the entire time, and I really can't eat much at all. I haven't eaten any protein besides a very small amount of salmon and a few bites of egg whites -- oh, yeah, and a little mozarella cheese in some tomato soup. Mostly, though, the thought of animal products doesn't work right now. Most of the rest of my life I work out and eat mostly low carb and low fat. Yesterday I settled for a couple of chocolate chip cookies and a few sips of milk to settle my stomach. I cooked some apple sauce when I could stand up long enough to get the job done. I live alone, and it's been pretty rough going. Most of the time I feel like I've had a new best friend, the porcelain alter. I really may as well move into the bathroom.
>
> Anyway, it's late in the day, and I want to get some homework done cause I'm determined to get to class tomorrow night.
>
> Things that have helped the cold turkey route: Tons of St. John's Wort, 5-HTP, Omega3's, eat enough to be able to take really good vitamins because you need them. The Enzymatic Therapy Fatigued to Fantastic, including the Adrenal Support does seem to be helping. I've been using it since Saturday, and I have "decided :-)" we need adrenal support. (I say this because I am completely nonprofessional, but I have excellent instincts.) If you get to feeling too icky to eat and you take these supplements, first of course you probably realize that they don't work without food and second, they will make you even sicker; so you have got to force some food in before you take them, let your stomach absorb it, and then take them EXCEPT FOR THE 5-HTP and maybe some of the others; so read the directions, but the vitamins, definitely require a full tummy to not make, at least me, nauseaus.
>
> At about two and a half weeks, you start to feel a little better. I wish I knew how long it takes to go away completely. More than even that, I wish I knew why or what it is about this drug that is so screwed up that it makes us so sick. How does it do this? What about it attaches to what inside us to do this? Perhaps the maker of the drug should be required to experience this feeling; maybe they should be forced to take their drug for an unspecified duration when it isn't necessary and then have to stop taking it and then see how they feel about having their drug reps handing out samples like candy!!!!
>
> Anyway, devonsnana, I hope that the chemistry of your body allows for a more gentle removal of this nasty little booger from your system as they say that not all of us are destined to have the same problems. I will also pray that your liver is safe and that your body heals. It can heal. We always heal. Sometimes they say we can't, but we can. Be gentle with yourself, and just try to take it easy. Expect the worst, hope for the best. You may be pleasantly surprised. Miracles happen every moment. It's your turn!
>
> Best wishes,
> dancingstar
>
> p.s. - I know why you stopped taking Effexor, but I didn't have any outside provocation. Something came over me one day, and I just knew that I should stop taking it, but I had no idea that it was a dangerous drug until I stopped taking it. It wasn't until three days later that I started to become extremely ill. After that I knew there was something very wrong with any drug that could do this to us.
Posted by dancingstar on October 21, 2004, at 2:56:45
In reply to Re: What works well for me, almost off now » dancingstar, posted by corafree on October 21, 2004, at 0:38:14
I'm an extremely young and often naive, though somewhat intelligent 49. EfxrXR was given to me by my best friend's brother, a family practice doc. three years ago. (I detest him because of his bad medical practice not just with me but with others, too) and it has strained the relationship that I have with my friend that I adore and have known since we were three years old.) Anyway, I had back pain, thought it was from a herniated disk since I worked out a lot and did really have a herniated disk. I was extremely tired, and he said it would help. It did; so he gave me tons of samples. I gradually got extremely tired again. As time went on I realized that I had fibromyalgia. A year later I switched doctors, but I stayed on Effexor until now when I began to wonder about all of the reasons that I should not be taking Effexor, but for no real reason or not because anyone told me to or because I had heard or read anything. I must have known that I needed to stop taking this drug on an instinctive level. The only thing that I knew consciously is that the last time I had no problem with my weight was right before I started taking Effexor.
One piece of extremely good news: Three weeks and one day, and tonight at 12:35 a.m. I had a salad filled with greens and slivered almonds and carrots, and I am going to bed feeling sleepy and fine. First time in three weeks that I can eat salad and/or go to bed without feeling sick. I think it's over, really I do.
You will make it. I had no support either, really. None! I guess that is the hardest part. The withdrawal didn't affect my mental state really at all. The problems were truly physical, though sometimes the physical problems were bad enough to feel like they could drive me crazy, but they do go away for a limited amount of time each day. I guess that three weeks is my time marker. It seems to vary a bit with each person, but I asked my pharmacist, and he told me three weeks, too; so that might be something to kind of count on.
I kind of think that it might have helped to have something like valium so that I could have slept through the whole thing...but I didn't, I worked, and I went to school.
Posted by 2ahammer on October 21, 2004, at 9:11:29
In reply to Re: What works well for me, almost off now, posted by dancingstar on October 21, 2004, at 2:56:45
Effexor XR isn't a drug that you go on fast or come off fast unless you want all of the horrible side effects. You are supposed to ramp up to the dose that will work for you when you first start taking it. You have to do the same thing when you decide to stop taking it; you ramp down... I made the mistake of not taking it this summer because I went on an amusement park ride with my daughter and I got vertigo for the first time in my life! It was awful - the room spun and I completely nausea from the smallest movement. I was so ill that I didn't want anything and I stopped the effexor xr and it made everything a million times worse! I got the vertigo on a friday so I basically had three days and nights of hell!!!! I had the worse migrane and very vivid nightmares everytime I tried to sleep. I thought on Monday morning that my doctor was going to tell me that I had a huge brain tumor or something fatal because of the pain. The vertigo was really bad, but not taking my effexor really made things that much worse because my body was going through "withdrawls" from the effexor on top of having vertigo. The long of the short- don't ever stop taking your meds without talking to your doctor. My doctor is super knowledgable about depression and anxiety and what works best to curb them. I had made the mistake of going to a few doctors before this one. I think they used to give all of the patients the same meds because the side effects that I put up with were obvious signs that my body didn't agree with the meds that they prescribed and they didn't have a solution that worked for me.
Posted by corafree on October 21, 2004, at 14:54:37
In reply to Re: What works well for me, almost off now, posted by 2ahammer on October 21, 2004, at 9:11:29
I have to say something. If anyone here is going through a situational depression, do not take Eff-XR. I am on it because instead of turning to friends and family many yrs back, I turned to drugs to cope w/ ups and downs. Now, I am in the eye of the storm of medications. I don't like it, but I know that my life will never be the same w/o a drug to help me. If ever I am in a supportive situation and have the financial means, the only way I would try and get off this one is in a hospital. love to all corafree
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 21, 2004, at 15:34:48
In reply to Effexor-XR - Serious Drug » 2ahammer, posted by corafree on October 21, 2004, at 14:54:37
I agree wholeheartldy! I am far from the Psy. drug
"expert", but I also would not put myself in the idiot category either. I would advise anyone struggling with mental health issues and looking towards a AD via their health professional, I would most vehemently stay away from Effox XR. For a year and a half I struggled with it. It did nothing for me, but in the end send my spiraling into a much deeper depression and sent my cholesterol levels out of control. I only hope and pray that my liver hasn't crossed over to the dark side yet. My hearts and prayers go out to those that it has. Plus of course putting on 25 lbs. which exercise and diet would not touch hasn't helped. Plus taking away my sexuality hasn't helped. Next comes the Remeron. I am taking 45 mg at night. I am going to start cutting those in half than stop very soon. I am on the beginning of my second week of Cymbalta. I have high hopes, because I don't see many other options, though I was ready to try Zoloft or the semi new cousin of Celexa, Lexapro. I don't feel like a million bucks yet on the Cymbalta, I have had zero side effects except feeling a little more depressed at the end of week one, which I hope passes quickly. I have thankfully started to sleep again at night which was a real problem as I got the poisonous substance (Effexor XR)out of my system. Good luck to all.........and try something else, there are better options than Effexor....at least in my vast psychiatric medical knowledge based on personal experiance and daily visists to Dr. Bob's!
Ed
Posted by dancingstar on October 21, 2004, at 16:50:50
In reply to Effexor-XR - Serious Drug » 2ahammer, posted by corafree on October 21, 2004, at 14:54:37
Hey Everyone,
Just a brief note: Someone asked me if I have the "electric shocks." I didn't understand what they meant by that, but yes, I had them immediately, since day one and I have them even now. They were worse at first, and I get them more in the morning. I think of it more like a "sound" or some kind of "swishing" or "clicking" usually in the occipital lobe of my brain. They kind of feel like they are pushing me around and are more annoying than anything else. Today I just have a plain old headache, and a little nausea. I'm sure it is something about the poison leaving, and it will be okay.
I am sure about a few things here though. 1. Unless there is some way to remove the drug by having it taken out of your system quickly, there isn't any point in being in a hospital. And that sort of rapid detox in this situation could be enormously dangeous. This is just too poisonous coming out. Instinct talking here, but it seems pretty obvious to me. It's not like an opitate. This is funky stuff.
You need to get lots of good supplements, read about all the things you need and make sure you try to strengthen your system. People around you can't help you. Talking it through with others can't really help you -- or me, really, either. Just try to keep things clean to avoid further toxins, get fresh air, breathe...and wait for time to make it better.
A massage might be great, and I'll bet that accupuncture could really help me. I'll have to check into that. My neck really hurts. Well, if I die, we'll all know why, but I think I'm not going to :-). Okay, it's 2:30 in the afternoon, and I'm going to try to take a shower. Yes, I know that I'm really fortunate, I can do my work at home, but I haven't started yet. I have done a couple of hours of homework, though.
Know something funny? My phone lines died yesterday, something about the rain shorting out the lines. I can't even really talk to anyone except by cell, but no one knows that my lines are dead. They can't be repaired until Monday. They died Wednesday. Great timing, huh?
One of my closest friends that I have started to talk about here has been on 150 mg of Effexor for a long time. She has a one-sided blood pressure problem, and I'm so worried about her. We're kind of like sisters. She doesn't believe that the problems that I've had are all because of the withdrawal, thinks that I must have something like a parasite...no way I have a parastie :-) like suddenly, just when I stop taking EffexorXR. I wasn't trying to get her to stop taking it, too or anything; though now that I see what it's done to me and have been reading so much about how everyone has had these problems, I'm even more concerned for her. She's so very angry with me about the whole thing, the fact that i've stopped taking the drug...even the my internist says that cold turkey is the best possible way to stop taking it though many of you disagree. He says it will be hard, but if I can possibly do it this way, it is the quickest way to freedom.
Anyway, whatever your choices are, I wish you all excellent health! On with the day....
Posted by corafree on October 21, 2004, at 22:13:12
In reply to Re: Effexor-XR - Serious Drug - Better Options, posted by invisiblemanpa on October 21, 2004, at 15:34:48
IM - For what reason are you choosing Cymbalta?
Would appreciate your sharing. cf
> I agree wholeheartldy! I am far from the Psy. drug
> "expert", but I also would not put myself in the idiot category either. I would advise anyone struggling with mental health issues and looking towards a AD via their health professional, I would most vehemently stay away from Effox XR. For a year and a half I struggled with it. It did nothing for me, but in the end send my spiraling into a much deeper depression and sent my cholesterol levels out of control. I only hope and pray that my liver hasn't crossed over to the dark side yet. My hearts and prayers go out to those that it has. Plus of course putting on 25 lbs. which exercise and diet would not touch hasn't helped. Plus taking away my sexuality hasn't helped. Next comes the Remeron. I am taking 45 mg at night. I am going to start cutting those in half than stop very soon. I am on the beginning of my second week of Cymbalta. I have high hopes, because I don't see many other options, though I was ready to try Zoloft or the semi new cousin of Celexa, Lexapro. I don't feel like a million bucks yet on the Cymbalta, I have had zero side effects except feeling a little more depressed at the end of week one, which I hope passes quickly. I have thankfully started to sleep again at night which was a real problem as I got the poisonous substance (Effexor XR)out of my system. Good luck to all.........and try something else, there are better options than Effexor....at least in my vast psychiatric medical knowledge based on personal experiance and daily visists to Dr. Bob's!
> Ed
Posted by corafree on October 21, 2004, at 22:36:15
In reply to Re: Effexor-XR - Serious Drug, posted by dancingstar on October 21, 2004, at 16:50:50
DS - We all have differing opinions, different medical issues, differing lengths of time on psychiatric meds, different support systems, and differing ages which may effect recovery.
In my case, I choose not to spend another $ on hospital for suicidal urge, another 'sizing up' of mental self and needs, or decompensation, thanks to hotlines, this site, therapy, what I've learned through history of mental illness manifestations, and a couple personal advocates.
Unfortunately, I think I would need make way to spend $ for to d.c. this strong, effective for me currently, AD.
I am happy for you SL, having the ability to do it w/o hospital.
You seem to have knowledge, or maybe the word is 'common sense', re: treating your withdrawal and health thereafter.
Can you afford all these supplements, massages, accupuncture? Do you work/study in the alternative med/medical/mental industry? Neither of the aforementioned apply to me!
I believe I would need/want medical attention at my bedside. bestwish2u cf
> Hey Everyone,
>
> Just a brief note: Someone asked me if I have the "electric shocks." I didn't understand what they meant by that, but yes, I had them immediately, since day one and I have them even now. They were worse at first, and I get them more in the morning. I think of it more like a "sound" or some kind of "swishing" or "clicking" usually in the occipital lobe of my brain. They kind of feel like they are pushing me around and are more annoying than anything else. Today I just have a plain old headache, and a little nausea. I'm sure it is something about the poison leaving, and it will be okay.
>
> I am sure about a few things here though. 1. Unless there is some way to remove the drug by having it taken out of your system quickly, there isn't any point in being in a hospital. And that sort of rapid detox in this situation could be enormously dangeous. This is just too poisonous coming out. Instinct talking here, but it seems pretty obvious to me. It's not like an opitate. This is funky stuff.
>
> You need to get lots of good supplements, read about all the things you need and make sure you try to strengthen your system. People around you can't help you. Talking it through with others can't really help you -- or me, really, either. Just try to keep things clean to avoid further toxins, get fresh air, breathe...and wait for time to make it better.
>
> A massage might be great, and I'll bet that accupuncture could really help me. I'll have to check into that. My neck really hurts. Well, if I die, we'll all know why, but I think I'm not going to :-). Okay, it's 2:30 in the afternoon, and I'm going to try to take a shower. Yes, I know that I'm really fortunate, I can do my work at home, but I haven't started yet. I have done a couple of hours of homework, though.
>
> Know something funny? My phone lines died yesterday, something about the rain shorting out the lines. I can't even really talk to anyone except by cell, but no one knows that my lines are dead. They can't be repaired until Monday. They died Wednesday. Great timing, huh?
>
> One of my closest friends that I have started to talk about here has been on 150 mg of Effexor for a long time. She has a one-sided blood pressure problem, and I'm so worried about her. We're kind of like sisters. She doesn't believe that the problems that I've had are all because of the withdrawal, thinks that I must have something like a parasite...no way I have a parastie :-) like suddenly, just when I stop taking EffexorXR. I wasn't trying to get her to stop taking it, too or anything; though now that I see what it's done to me and have been reading so much about how everyone has had these problems, I'm even more concerned for her. She's so very angry with me about the whole thing, the fact that i've stopped taking the drug...even the my internist says that cold turkey is the best possible way to stop taking it though many of you disagree. He says it will be hard, but if I can possibly do it this way, it is the quickest way to freedom.
>
> Anyway, whatever your choices are, I wish you all excellent health! On with the day....
Posted by S.Bartel on October 22, 2004, at 0:11:23
In reply to Re: Anyone had success?to Sammi, posted by Jubilee on October 20, 2004, at 17:25:34
Thank you for your prayers. In answer to my symptoms: Severe pain on right side, sick at my stomach most of the time, very tired all the time, swelling all over my body, mostly feet and legs, and liver works overtime producing cholesterol and fat. Liver disease is incurable and I know that God is my only answer. I ask him to heal me daily.
I don't think age has anything to do with what effexor does to a person or how well you withdraw from it. I'm 56 and have been taking it since 1997. It first came out in 1996. I started with 37.5mg and worked up to 150 a day. I reduced it to 75 a day because I did not like the way I felt on 150, so most of the time I was only on 75mg. I should have gone to a Dr. sooner but I am a person who always procrastinates. Unfortunately I always try to treat myself and it doesn't always work. Actually it seldom works but that is hindsight and nothing I can do about it now. There is one cure and that is a liver transplant. I have checked with Accurian and found they are doing some kind of clinical trials on people with liver disease and high cholesterol. I have been trying to get on one but have not yet suceeded.
If anyone knows of a chat room or a site like this for people with liver disease I would like to find one. Although I read the posts on here everyday I don't post often because I don't feel well enough, but they have been a Godsend for me. I don't have much support because I don't talk about it to my children. I don't know how to tell them or if I should and I don't want them feeling bad or treating me any different. They are so busy with my grandchildren and their own lives. I don't get to see them as much as I did because I don't drive much anymore. Well I'm starting to ramble so I'll close for now. God Bless You, Sammi B.
Posted by joyjoy76 on October 22, 2004, at 1:50:55
In reply to Effexor-XR - Serious Drug » 2ahammer, posted by corafree on October 21, 2004, at 14:54:37
I have been on 75 mg of effexor Xr for a year now. Can this cause liver damage? Why does everyone keep saying it is so dangerous?
Posted by S.Bartel on October 22, 2004, at 2:40:29
In reply to Re: Effexor-XR - Serious Drug, posted by joyjoy76 on October 22, 2004, at 1:50:55
That's one reason why it can be so dangerous. It can cause liver damage. It is also very hard to withdraw from. People have died trying to quit taking it and liver disease will kill you. Please stop. I waited too long.
Good Luck, Sammi B.
Posted by corafree on October 22, 2004, at 2:40:37
In reply to Re: Anyone had success?to Sammi » Jubilee, posted by S.Bartel on October 22, 2004, at 0:11:23
Boy, you've really got guts. Who do you talk to about all this?
I was on the old version (still making) of Effexor, but my reaction to Effexor-XR is so different. It was the first drug that made something 'go off' in my dulled brain.
I wish I had not burdened my grown children with my BpersonalityD/PTSD, but they are the only ones left in my life.
People think I don't like them, even my own mother thinks I hate her,...which is so far from the truth. I used to be so very different, loving people, and having a lot of family and friends in a wonderful life.
I lost my people skills somewhere during 30+ years of abuse to my mind and body.
Currently trying dialectical behavioral therapy.
I have a chronic injury and a major internal problem that I cannot afford to deal with, so just have to let-em-ride. My best friend and love of my life passed away Feb. and, like he, I lost 10 lbs. I am 5'5" and weigh 105lbs, feel so weak; think grieving is still taking its toll.
I hope you have someone that you talk with. best wishes cf
> Thank you for your prayers. In answer to my symptoms: Severe pain on right side, sick at my stomach most of the time, very tired all the time, swelling all over my body, mostly feet and legs, and liver works overtime producing cholesterol and fat. Liver disease is incurable and I know that God is my only answer. I ask him to heal me daily.
> I don't think age has anything to do with what effexor does to a person or how well you withdraw from it. I'm 56 and have been taking it since 1997. It first came out in 1996. I started with 37.5mg and worked up to 150 a day. I reduced it to 75 a day because I did not like the way I felt on 150, so most of the time I was only on 75mg. I should have gone to a Dr. sooner but I am a person who always procrastinates. Unfortunately I always try to treat myself and it doesn't always work. Actually it seldom works but that is hindsight and nothing I can do about it now. There is one cure and that is a liver transplant. I have checked with Accurian and found they are doing some kind of clinical trials on people with liver disease and high cholesterol. I have been trying to get on one but have not yet suceeded.
> If anyone knows of a chat room or a site like this for people with liver disease I would like to find one. Although I read the posts on here everyday I don't post often because I don't feel well enough, but they have been a Godsend for me. I don't have much support because I don't talk about it to my children. I don't know how to tell them or if I should and I don't want them feeling bad or treating me any different. They are so busy with my grandchildren and their own lives. I don't get to see them as much as I did because I don't drive much anymore. Well I'm starting to ramble so I'll close for now. God Bless You, Sammi B.
>
>
>
>
>
>
Posted by S.Bartel on October 22, 2004, at 3:38:52
In reply to Re: Anyone had success?to Sammi » S.Bartel, posted by corafree on October 22, 2004, at 2:40:37
I'm sorry I guess I forgot to add the XR on Effexor. That is what I have been on for the past 7 years. I never took the old effexor so I can't say what it's effects are. It did help my mind and I never thought anything could, so it was a miracle. I lost my husband to Alcoholism and went into a severe depression. Effexor XR made his death bearable and going on with my life a cinch. Before that I was suicidal. I just did'nt want or know how to go on. I hope I don't go back to where I was before but if I do I won't take Effexor XR.
It gave me a life and I can't blame anyone for wanting to take something that can do that for you. Two years after I started taking it I went to truck driving school, got my CDL, and started driving over the road with my 6lb poodle. I loved it and never felt so close to my God before. I saw so much beauty that he had created and felt him with me all the time as my co-driver. I became unable to drive because of my fibromyalgia and back surgery after falling on the ice. I still have God and the memories with me. I still see his beauty everywhere. Maybe I never needed the Effexor, only God in my life. He has given me many blessings that I am thankful for. My children and Grandchildren(5 of them), my poodle Fergie, my mother who is still living at age 85, and a man I have known for 50 years who has become a very good friend and more in the last year. Yes I have God to talk to and others that would listen if I chose to talk to them about it. Right now God is enough and I'm OK with that. At least no one in my life thinks I don't love them. I love them dearly and they know that. I do talk to them many times a week, but mostly about them.
I pray your family can understand what you are going thru and realize that you really do love them. I'm sure they know that anyway but it's hard on the family and they don't always react the way we want them to. Pray about it.
God Bless, Sammi B.
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 22, 2004, at 5:24:00
In reply to Re: Effexor-XR - Serious Drug - Better Options » invisiblemanpa, posted by corafree on October 21, 2004, at 22:13:12
To me it seems simple. Cymbalta was reported on lilly's site (of course) and here to have fewer side effects and excellent benefits with good crossover benefits for socail anxiety with few side effects. I could not take Paxil, it made me deathly ill, Prozac did nothing, Serzone did nothing and now look where that is..off the market, Zoloft made me very nervous, though I was almost ready to try it again and work slowly up, last time my family doctor had given it to me and started me at what I think was way to high of a dosage. I am very sensitive to meds...and in my heart I still feel that I very much need an AD/anti anxiety med. to help me get my life back. Plus I strongly believe in talk therapy, exercise and a good vitamin regimen. I walk & talk with my Pastor once a week and talk to a therapist about every two weeks......
Ed
Posted by AWR on October 22, 2004, at 7:37:49
In reply to Re: Brain Shivers Trying to Get off Effexor! HELP! » nsr, posted by jujube on October 13, 2004, at 18:38:37
This website is a blessing. I am in day 4 switching from Effexor to Wellbutrin. My dr. told me to make a direct switch - drop the Effexor and immediately start with the WB. By the middle of day 2, I felt terrible and the night sweats( which I'm used to because of starting menopause) were like nothing I've ever had before. I read some postings here and called my dr. I am now tapering off the Effexor and sticking with the WB and feel tired, but almost normal.
In the first two days I was dizzy, jaggedy, having frequent and had scary brain zaps and was tired tired tired. I now am just a little tired, a litte dizzy and have light night sweats. More importantly, I know that is getting better and going to resolve soon.
So, what worked for me - listening to people on this site - truly a blessing, calling my doctor, and tapering the Effexor. One last tip - in the Asian food section, you can buy candied ginger slices - buy some and just let them dissolve - it gives temporary help to queasiness.
Again, thank you all - just knowing there are people who have experienced this, that they respond, and that it gets better made a huge difference.
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 22, 2004, at 8:24:41
In reply to Re: Brain Shivers Trying to Get off Effexor! HELP!, posted by AWR on October 22, 2004, at 7:37:49
Was your Dr. family practice of psy.? Anyone except, a very few, could ever stop Effexor cold turkey. It still amazes me all of the physcians and psy. that can write scripts for these meds. and don't really know anymore than what the drug rep. tells them. It is scary to think about all of the other conditions that they are writing meds for. I have an aunt that is in her 80s and is on about 20 meds., including 2 or 3 AD, 2 benzos, etc. Whatever she asks for, they write. Just like the chiropractors in this area that grouped together and were writing hundreds of scripts for Oxycotin for anyone that would pay for a visit. It's all about money and premiums & kickbacks from the drug companies. The day of the truely caring family doctor or psy., I am afraid has gone the way of the typewriter and the milk man. Sorry, I got off on the wrong subject. But it is the truth. Everytime I go to the family doctor or psy., there is a pharm. rep, with tons of samples, bags of goodies and probably a check or envelope of cash. And we have all gotten sucked into it. This site also helped me, as I picked up pretty quick that I had to wean myself off, plus adding Omega 3 and Niacin, not only for my effexor high cholesterol, may have helped withdrawl symptons. I think being able to take Klonopin also helped. Good luck!
Ed
Posted by dancingstar on October 22, 2004, at 10:58:04
In reply to Re: Brain Shivers Trying to Get off Effexor! HELP!, posted by invisiblemanpa on October 22, 2004, at 8:24:41
Um, nope. No psy docs here in the loop whatsoever.
That's why I say that if these drugs are supposed to be so harmless and given to people with fibro or people that need nrg or people with no one to talk to and are going to be "pushed" by drug reps, I truly think their makers ought to be required to take them for a year or so first and then stop taking them so that they have an opportunity to see first hand how safe they really are before they are passed out like candy samples all over the nation.
I really don't know what to eat that can be processed through my stomach, and it's now been over three weeks. I can't finish my work or my homework, and I am on the verge of giving my class. Last night I had such a bad headache, and the University is 30 miles away. I'm only good for about three hours at a time before I collapse from either pain or nausea or find myself back in the bathroom again. I suppose this can make me crazy. Do you think I have the European gene since my famiy is European?
Posted by dancingstar on October 22, 2004, at 11:03:23
In reply to Re: Effexor-XR - Serious Drug - Better Options, posted by invisiblemanpa on October 22, 2004, at 5:24:00
Be careful with it, though. I have read similar problems. Is it possible that it is newer and less reported?
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 22, 2004, at 11:22:44
In reply to Re: Effexor-XR - Serious Drug - Better Options, posted by dancingstar on October 22, 2004, at 11:03:23
I should follow up my high hopes with, I would not be surprised at all to find out that Cymbalta will turn out to be just like the rest. As I have posted in the past the only category of drugs that has truly helped with my anxiety issues are benzos. I have yet to find help with depression, that is why I am gambling on Cymbalta.
Ed
Posted by dancingstar on October 22, 2004, at 11:42:02
In reply to Re: Effexor-XR - Serious Drug » dancingstar, posted by corafree on October 21, 2004, at 22:36:15
Hey Corafree,
I have pretty much grown up surrounded by alternative medicine. One of my close friends owned a health food store when I was young, and I've been actively involved in health and fitness since I was 25. I also attended a major university's health and fitness program within the past five years; so yes, I guess I do have those sorts of leanings in the first place. I believe in the healing power of the body if you leave it alone, unless it has a problem that needs to be corrected or modified.
If I have a weak spot in my thinking, it tends to be along the lines of distrusting the drug companies in their desire to put profits ahead of the greater good and in the medical community only because in many cases, I believe that I am smarter than many doctors, and I don't always agree with their judgment because they have tended to almost kill me more than twice; so I am very particular about from which ones I get my medical care. I choose my doctors extremely carefully and now have two that I adore. One is the smartest man on the planet. :-). (I hadn't thought of calling him about this cause he is a plastic surgeon.)
I guess if I felt like I could trust someone, I would seek out their care, but for this kind of thing, I don't have anyone to rely on but myself...which is not completely thrilling.
And, yes, Corafree, I am very, very blessed. I worked hard from the time I was 21 to build my business and had many ups and downs; but right now it pretty much runs itself. I thank God every minute for this blessing. Yes, I can go get a massage or go get acupuncure. I even had a disability policy...but Dr. Braun somehow managed to make a mess of that. There must be some online place that I can file a complaint against him or something. Anyway....
> DS - We all have differing opinions, different medical issues, differing lengths of time on psychiatric meds, different support systems, and differing ages which may effect recovery.
>
> In my case, I choose not to spend another $ on hospital for suicidal urge, another 'sizing up' of mental self and needs, or decompensation, thanks to hotlines, this site, therapy, what I've learned through history of mental illness manifestations, and a couple personal advocates.
>
> Unfortunately, I think I would need make way to spend $ for to d.c. this strong, effective for me currently, AD.
>
> I am happy for you SL, having the ability to do it w/o hospital.
>
> You seem to have knowledge, or maybe the word is 'common sense', re: treating your withdrawal and health thereafter.
>
> Can you afford all these supplements, massages, accupuncture? Do you work/study in the alternative med/medical/mental industry? Neither of the aforementioned apply to me!
>
> I believe I would need/want medical attention at my bedside. bestwish2u cf
>
> > Hey Everyone,
> >
> > Just a brief note: Someone asked me if I have the "electric shocks." I didn't understand what they meant by that, but yes, I had them immediately, since day one and I have them even now. They were worse at first, and I get them more in the morning. I think of it more like a "sound" or some kind of "swishing" or "clicking" usually in the occipital lobe of my brain. They kind of feel like they are pushing me around and are more annoying than anything else. Today I just have a plain old headache, and a little nausea. I'm sure it is something about the poison leaving, and it will be okay.
> >
> > I am sure about a few things here though. 1. Unless there is some way to remove the drug by having it taken out of your system quickly, there isn't any point in being in a hospital. And that sort of rapid detox in this situation could be enormously dangeous. This is just too poisonous coming out. Instinct talking here, but it seems pretty obvious to me. It's not like an opitate. This is funky stuff.
> >
> > You need to get lots of good supplements, read about all the things you need and make sure you try to strengthen your system. People around you can't help you. Talking it through with others can't really help you -- or me, really, either. Just try to keep things clean to avoid further toxins, get fresh air, breathe...and wait for time to make it better.
> >
> > A massage might be great, and I'll bet that accupuncture could really help me. I'll have to check into that. My neck really hurts. Well, if I die, we'll all know why, but I think I'm not going to :-). Okay, it's 2:30 in the afternoon, and I'm going to try to take a shower. Yes, I know that I'm really fortunate, I can do my work at home, but I haven't started yet. I have done a couple of hours of homework, though.
> >
> > Know something funny? My phone lines died yesterday, something about the rain shorting out the lines. I can't even really talk to anyone except by cell, but no one knows that my lines are dead. They can't be repaired until Monday. They died Wednesday. Great timing, huh?
> >
> > One of my closest friends that I have started to talk about here has been on 150 mg of Effexor for a long time. She has a one-sided blood pressure problem, and I'm so worried about her. We're kind of like sisters. She doesn't believe that the problems that I've had are all because of the withdrawal, thinks that I must have something like a parasite...no way I have a parastie :-) like suddenly, just when I stop taking EffexorXR. I wasn't trying to get her to stop taking it, too or anything; though now that I see what it's done to me and have been reading so much about how everyone has had these problems, I'm even more concerned for her. She's so very angry with me about the whole thing, the fact that i've stopped taking the drug...even the my internist says that cold turkey is the best possible way to stop taking it though many of you disagree. He says it will be hard, but if I can possibly do it this way, it is the quickest way to freedom.
> >
> > Anyway, whatever your choices are, I wish you all excellent health! On with the day....
>
>
Posted by nsr on October 22, 2004, at 12:23:58
In reply to Re: Brain Shivers Trying to Get off Effexor! HELP!, posted by AWR on October 22, 2004, at 7:37:49
> This website is a blessing. I am in day 4 switching from Effexor to Wellbutrin. My dr. told me to make a direct switch - drop the Effexor and immediately start with the WB. By the middle of day 2, I felt terrible and the night sweats( which I'm used to because of starting menopause) were like nothing I've ever had before. I read some postings here and called my dr. I am now tapering off the Effexor and sticking with the WB and feel tired, but almost normal.
> In the first two days I was dizzy, jaggedy, having frequent and had scary brain zaps and was tired tired tired. I now am just a little tired, a litte dizzy and have light night sweats. More importantly, I know that is getting better and going to resolve soon.
> So, what worked for me - listening to people on this site - truly a blessing, calling my doctor, and tapering the Effexor. One last tip - in the Asian food section, you can buy candied ginger slices - buy some and just let them dissolve - it gives temporary help to queasiness.
> Again, thank you all - just knowing there are people who have experienced this, that they respond, and that it gets better made a huge difference.AWR, My last Effexor was four days ago, too . . . I tapered down while starting Wellbutrin, and am supplementing with Niacin and Omega-3. Have had some queasiness, lightheadedness, headache, insomnia, and my mood took a major dive about three days ago. However, feeling better today. The physical effects were actually much milder than when I was tapering from 300 mg to 75 mg. over the past four months. I know what you mean about ginger. I like little sips of ginger tea for nausea; one teaspoon of powder to a cup of hot water and strained--good iced too, or mixed with mint.
Like you, I have been really tired. I am between jobs and chose this time to make the switch, a good thing because I know I would not have been able to function at work. I was relieved to notice my concentration starting to come back last night. Like that saying, of all the things I've lost, I missed my mind the most . . .
Good luck to you and I'll be interested in knowing if the Wellbutrin works out well for you.
I have a question for anyone -- given the recent postings about possible liver damage, anyone's doctor considered it necessary to order periodic labs to monitor liver function while on Effexor? I imagine it's more important for those who have risk factors for liver disease, but I was wondering whether anyone's doc believes this should be checked as a matter of routine. --nsr
Posted by corafree on October 22, 2004, at 18:23:40
In reply to Re: Anyone had success? » corafree, posted by S.Bartel on October 22, 2004, at 3:38:52
Thanks Sammi! I am trying to get to psycho-babble open - a chat room. I recently was posting with some suicidal ideation and some grief. I don't know where everyone went, or if I've somehow lost my connections to those posts. There were some posts of mine that were transferred to Psycho-Babble Social. Don't know where they went?! Anyway, the chat would be one good outlet for me anyway. I seem to feel better when I can talk, but not toooo much, a bit about my probs'. In the end, my belief in the serenity a good higher power offers is what calms me most. He knows me better than I know myself. cf
> I'm sorry I guess I forgot to add the XR on Effexor. That is what I have been on for the past 7 years. I never took the old effexor so I can't say what it's effects are. It did help my mind and I never thought anything could, so it was a miracle. I lost my husband to Alcoholism and went into a severe depression. Effexor XR made his death bearable and going on with my life a cinch. Before that I was suicidal. I just did'nt want or know how to go on. I hope I don't go back to where I was before but if I do I won't take Effexor XR.
> It gave me a life and I can't blame anyone for wanting to take something that can do that for you. Two years after I started taking it I went to truck driving school, got my CDL, and started driving over the road with my 6lb poodle. I loved it and never felt so close to my God before. I saw so much beauty that he had created and felt him with me all the time as my co-driver. I became unable to drive because of my fibromyalgia and back surgery after falling on the ice. I still have God and the memories with me. I still see his beauty everywhere. Maybe I never needed the Effexor, only God in my life. He has given me many blessings that I am thankful for. My children and Grandchildren(5 of them), my poodle Fergie, my mother who is still living at age 85, and a man I have known for 50 years who has become a very good friend and more in the last year. Yes I have God to talk to and others that would listen if I chose to talk to them about it. Right now God is enough and I'm OK with that. At least no one in my life thinks I don't love them. I love them dearly and they know that. I do talk to them many times a week, but mostly about them.
> I pray your family can understand what you are going thru and realize that you really do love them. I'm sure they know that anyway but it's hard on the family and they don't always react the way we want them to. Pray about it.
> God Bless, Sammi B.
Posted by S.Bartel on October 22, 2004, at 20:05:47
In reply to Re: Anyone had success? » S.Bartel, posted by corafree on October 22, 2004, at 18:23:40
CF, The idea if a chat room is very appealing to me. Get er done. Sammi
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