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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by ask on December 1, 2004, at 19:05:10
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?ask » ask, posted by dsbk on December 1, 2004, at 18:24:22
Many people in this discussion seem to be on Effexor for anxiety or social anxiety. Is there anyone out there who is taking it for depression? And, if so, how did the med make you feel?
Thanks.
Posted by dancingstar on December 1, 2004, at 19:37:53
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? dancingstar, posted by ask on December 1, 2004, at 19:02:26
I don't know what heroin is like, but it can't be any worse than this was and kind of is...I'm left is something like colitis and bad stomach neck and back pain.
It doesn't affect everyone in the same way. I can't imagine why anyone would take the risk. Doctors do not know how badly some of us are affected, and I am now doing my best to change that. It has obviously been kept under wraps for whatever reason. Drugs that mess with your brain are very serious, and you better have a good reason for taking them and take them with complete and informed knowledge. Once you have all the facts, go for it.
Check it out for yourself. Do all the reading you want to at www.wyeth.com. It's old information, but if you get into the meat of the material, you can find out anything that you really need to know. I think the only thing I couldn't find was the weight gain. I don't remember whether or not it addresses the fatigue as most of us say that after a while on Effexor you will develop severe fatigue even though you are amped in the beginning.
Believe me, don't believe me. Whatever. I'm going to an art show; so I'll leave you to your reading as I can't make anyone believe anything.
Posted by dancingstar on December 1, 2004, at 19:42:01
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? dancingstar, posted by ask on December 1, 2004, at 19:02:26
> "Someone said that it was like coming off of heroin (which I've never done, but I'm sure it can't be good!)..."
>
> Yeah! What's the deal with that! Is the withdrawal really that bad. I haven't noticed any physical or psychological draw to the drug, and I've dealt with my own serious addictions not to mention have helped multiple friends come off of serious IV herion addictions. I can't imagine that it's that bad. Herion withdrawal is indescribably awful. Could someone elaborate on the withdrawal symptoms from Effexor. How bad are they REALLY!?!?!
>
> Thanks,
> askINDESCRIBABLY AWFUL!!! I thought I might die at week 3. No kidding. don't know if I have something they call a European gene that makes it more difficult to withdraw from E or not, but I have had the runs for two solid months since then.
Posted by ask on December 1, 2004, at 19:58:26
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? dancingstar, posted by dancingstar on December 1, 2004, at 19:42:01
Wow! Those withdrawal symptoms are hard to believe! I hope you feel better. I was curious about this because if it's anything like what I've seen with heroin users, I'm getting off it right now. I'm talking about people who after quitting, wake up in such a cold sweat that it looks like they were just in a swimming pool. Not to mention the fever, diarrhea, contstant vommitting and stomach sickness, muscle aches all over like from a high fever, severe headaches, the feeling like you want to crush your head through a wall because the pain would take your mind off the REAL pain, and the desire to kill yourself if you don't get better soon. Pretty bad... I hope to God that it's nothing like that...
Posted by MKB on December 1, 2004, at 20:21:48
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?ask, posted by ask on December 1, 2004, at 19:05:10
I have posted my experience with Effexor in previous threads, but I will try to summarize again here.
I went to the Dr. for blood pressure medicine. I mentioned that I wanted to renew my Wellbutrin which I had not taken in awhile. I was not seriously depressed at the time and I did not feel I had an urgent need, but I have dysthymia, so it helps to have a little something to lighten my mood. My doctor urged me to try Effexor because it would help with the depression and also help with some anxiety problems I was having due to unemployment. I didn't know anything about it, but I trusted her, so I said OK. She gave me a bunch of samples, but no prescription.
I started taking the medicine and did notice an improvement in my mood, along with feeling more relaxed in social situations. I also noticed that my mind was not ruminating as much as usual on negative thoughts. So in general, I was functioning better emotionally.
However, almost immediately, I noticed the following: fatigue, inability to get up in the morning, complete lack of energy to do anything physical, waves of hot flashes, increased blood pressure, dry eyes and skin, and weight gain. I believe MOST of these are listed as possible side effects by Wyeth. If this be so, then I still do not understand why my doctor gave it to me. She already knew I had high blood pressure. She never once mentioned any of these possible side effects to me. If she had, I would not have gotten started on it.
When I ran out of the samples before getting back to her for the prescription, I got the most unpleasant surprise of my life...no kidding. I woke up one morning very ill and could barely lift my head. I thought I had the flu. As the day wore on, I became more and more concerned as I felt really really sick. That's when I started looking on the internet to see if it could be the Effexor. I discovered that it was. Meanwhile, I became very teary-eyed over nothing and became more deeply depressed than I have EVER been in my life. I did feel suicidal. But even worse, I overreacted to a family member in such an uncontrolled emotional outburst, that I don't know if I can ever regain this person's trust.
When I went back to the doctor, she said she "usually" warns patients about the withdrawal. (But why didn't she warn me?) Then she gave me some printed information about it, told me Prozac might help, etc. So she really did know about the withdrawal, but she failed to tell me. We discussed trying a smaller dose for a longer period and she offered me samples. I told her I didn't want to keep someone else from getting the samples. She shrugged her shoulders and said, "They'll just bring me more." I took the samples, tried the low dose for a couple of miserable days, then decided to stop. I took one every other day for a few days before stopping completely. I did suffer the same miserable symptoms. Even my therapist said it was obvious I was in worse shape four weeks after starting the medicine than I was before I ever started. I was like a zombie, too tired to care for myself, too fat for my clothes, dragging in to my support group because I couldn't get out of bed, etc.
Since that time my doctor has told me that she has kicked the Wyeth rep out of her office because the rep claimed that Effexor did not cause serious withdrawal problems.
Now that I am off the Effexor, I feel healthy again. I will not take anymore antidepressants... ever. I've taken Zoloft, Paxil, Serzone, Wellbutrin, Depakote, and Effexor. Effexor was effective in treating my problem, but the side-effects while ON IT and while WITHDRAWING were too severe...much worse than any other medication. I feel that Effexor, even in the short time I was on it, has damaged my health. If I had not stopped, I am sure my vision would have been damaged as other people have experienced. I am sure my blood pressure would have become unmanageable. I am sure I would still be sleeping until noon and not getting anything done. To be put on a medicine when you don't have a serious need for it is irresponsible. I don't care who is offended by that statement; it's the truth. Judging from the posts on this board and elsewhere, Effexor is being pushed on patients who don't really need it and I think the reason is that Wyeth knows they will be facing legal challenges. It would seem to be in their best interest to get as many people as possible on it to increase their profits and to tilt the balance away from people who have suffered problems because of it.
I now take L-Tyrptophan, Omega 3 fish oil and vitamins. I have also resolved that I need to learn to solve my problems, not medicate them. This is not to say that I think everyone has to do the same. I would just make sure that you are aware of the extreme damage to your health that Effexor can cause and of the debilitating symptoms during withdrawal.
Posted by dancingstar on December 1, 2004, at 22:27:20
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? dancingstar, posted by ask on December 1, 2004, at 19:58:26
> Wow! Those withdrawal symptoms are hard to believe! I hope you feel better. I was curious about this because if it's anything like what I've seen with heroin users, I'm getting off it right now. I'm talking about people who after quitting, wake up in such a cold sweat that it looks like they were just in a swimming pool. Not to mention the fever, diarrhea, contstant vommitting and stomach sickness, muscle aches all over like from a high fever, severe headaches, the feeling like you want to crush your head through a wall because the pain would take your mind off the REAL pain, and the desire to kill yourself if you don't get better soon. Pretty bad... I hope to God that it's nothing like that...
Yup, that about sums it up :-) You said it better than I have managed to. That's why I'm on my soapbox.From what they are saying, not everyone, obviously, has these problems. Some do. How many have to for doctors to be made more aware of it?
Posted by MKB on December 2, 2004, at 10:03:03
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by ask on December 1, 2004, at 15:38:31
In regard to Effexor, here is a portion of an email I received from my doctor in the course of our correspondence about my withdrawal problems.
"Dear___,
I am aware of the withdrawal problems associated with Effexor. I do however
agree that the pharmaceutical companies are being blatantly dishonest with
physicians about the risks associated with their products. Unfortunatly I had
to hear that Vioxx had been recalled from a patient rather than my Merck rep who
insisted that Vioxx was completly safe until the moment it was recalled.I recently kicked a Wyeth rep out of my office. I asked her about the
withdrawal problems associated with effexor, I wanted to know what solutions
other physicians may have found. She told me that withdrawal is not associated
with effexor. I told her that either she was being blatantly dishonest with me
about her product, or she is extremely uninformed about the drug she is
peddling. She is no longer welcome in my office..."
Posted by corafree on December 2, 2004, at 10:27:33
In reply to Re: Effexor XR? My doctor said..., posted by MKB on December 2, 2004, at 10:03:03
Whoa Nellie! Albeit they're prob' all the same, Merck was maker of Vioxx, Wyeth being the maker of Eff-XR,...shouldn't be all about the money, but so obvious it is!
Wonder re: procedures of FDA too?
Thanks so much for sharing your pro-active doc's thoughts and action.
My PCP just told me increasing my Eff-XR wouldn't make the withdrawal any worse than it could already; PCP must be unaware of problem withdrawal too.
It makes one want to trash their docs, their pills, and live like pioneers!
I did tell you all I live in one of the biggest metropolis' in US and all behavioral health beds were full a weekend back. If ever I go off Eff-XR, they'd better make room for me.
I'm prepared to face it more than a withdrawal; rather a detox! cf
Posted by corafree on December 2, 2004, at 11:03:50
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? dancingstar, posted by dancingstar on December 1, 2004, at 19:37:53
Dancingstar:
You've educated me with knowledge you've shared. Even if it causes fear; the fear can be a positive emotion that leads to taking action.
Because of isolated situation I'm in; not able to stop Eff-XR now, but plan to use your knowledge for reference when/if time comes.
Hope Dr. Bob keeps your posts forever, Corafree
Posted by corafree on December 2, 2004, at 11:11:30
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?ask, posted by ask on December 1, 2004, at 19:05:10
I'm on for both D & A. Works well for me. No side effects except some mental fuzziness(forlackofbetterword) cf
Posted by PoohBear on December 2, 2004, at 11:16:01
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?ask » ask, posted by corafree on December 2, 2004, at 11:11:30
> I'm on for both D & A. Works well for me. No side effects except some mental fuzziness(forlackofbetterword) cf
As regards mental fuzziness, perhaps I'm rare, but I've never been more 'myself'. I have far more mental clarity and confidence when speaking to groups than I used to. I have to give hour-long presentations daily on the new Boeing 7E7 off-the-cuff with no notes, and I'm fairly certain I could have not done that before getting my depression under control with Effexor.Tony
Posted by dancingstar on December 2, 2004, at 11:16:25
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? dancingstar » dancingstar, posted by corafree on December 2, 2004, at 11:03:50
Corafree,
I only want people to know that it is possible that it can happen to them, too. I am writing to you from the bathroom because I can't leave. I stopped taking Effexor at the end of September, and you would think this would be over by now. I know I will have to be checked for colitis, which if you look at www.wyeth.com, is one of the possible side effects of Effexor. I had no idea about any of my problems with the drug for the entire three years that I was taking it...none at all.
There are some cases where these drugs may be helpful to people, under certain conditions with the right doctors and medical care, but they should never be prescribed to the general public. I am positive of this, and like MKB said, the doctors are being deceived by the drug reps about the side effects of the drugs, and the information is not easily available to them. They are really as innocent as we are in a lot of cases cause they think we are not going to be harmed by taking things like Vioxx or Effexor or now Vixoin.
Best wishes to you...and if you can help it, I would not go up in doseage. The withdrawal will be worse. Yes. It will be worse. Truly. Unless you stay on something that balances out the withdrawal symptoms for the rest of your life. I know people around here get angry with me, but that is their problem. I am telling you the truth.
Posted by corafree on December 2, 2004, at 11:22:35
In reply to Re: Mental Clarity on Effexor » corafree, posted by PoohBear on December 2, 2004, at 11:16:01
I may be older than you PB; been on ADs and benzos many yrs.
In 2000, I was brutally beaten, head bashed into floor. I was too distressed to think correctly and didn't go to ER.
Should have a brain MRI .. keep asking PCP, but he never writes referral.
I guess MEMORY is the real clarity(correct word) prob' for me. tks cf
Posted by PoohBear on December 2, 2004, at 11:54:47
In reply to Re: Mental Clarity on Effexor » PoohBear, posted by corafree on December 2, 2004, at 11:22:35
"I may be older than you PB; been on ADs and benzos many yrs..."
Head bashed in? Did you file charges? YUK!
I'm 47...
Tony
Posted by dsbk on December 2, 2004, at 11:54:59
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?ask, posted by ask on December 1, 2004, at 19:05:10
ask
I'm taking Effexor for depression. Which it has helped, just didn't do much for my anxiety. I've been told that it is mainly for depression, but has been know to help with anxiety problems.
dsbk
Posted by ask on December 2, 2004, at 11:58:08
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? dancingstar, posted by dancingstar on December 2, 2004, at 11:16:25
Dancingstar,
I'm not saying that you're not telling the truth about the side effects. Drugs can affect people in different ways. However, I don't think that you can compare the withdrawal symptoms from Effexor to the withdrawal from serious narcotics. There simply isn't the same type of physical dependency (although anti-depressants and anti-anxiety meds can cause dependency). But, as I said, drugs affect patients uniquely, so you must be experiencing some side-effect. After 2 months, it can't be a "withdrawal" from the drug--since the drug is technically no longer in your system. Rather, you might be experiencing a side effect that had some kind of unique long-lasting effect on you.
Posted by dsbk on December 2, 2004, at 12:05:58
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? dancingstar, posted by dancingstar on December 2, 2004, at 11:16:25
dancingstar
I just spoke with my Dr. office earlier. He wants meto continue my Lexapro, but I did take my last Effexor last night, so I guess I'll see soon about withdrawls. Hopefully this goes well. I have only taken Effexor for about 3 months, I hope I don't have any permemant damage! Thanks for your info.
dsbk
Posted by MKB on December 2, 2004, at 12:23:50
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? dancingstar, posted by ask on December 2, 2004, at 11:58:08
There are posts on these (or other?) boards...sorry I can't pinpoint them now...from people who have gone through withdrawal from both street drugs and from Effexor. They (more than one person) have said that going off Effexor is worse than going off street drugs. I suppose only someone who has done both can really compare them.
Who knows what long-term effects Effexor has on the body? There are people on these boards who can testify to having fatal liver disease as a result of Effexor. If that can happen, there may be a lot of other damage done too. I don't want to provide false information or spread rumors, but I do think the testimony of individuals who have taken Effexor and been hurt by it should be heard. Wyeth did not test the drug as thoroughly as they could have or they would not have to keep adding new warnings. As of June of this year, a new warning was added by Wyeth and FDA regarding the potential harm to newborns. This is in my opinion, too late in coming.
I and others have posted this before, but I really think anyone who is thinking about taking this should be aware of the experiences of others. You need to READ what the SIGNERS (not only the author) of this petition have to say..www.petitiononline.com/effexor/
Posted by jclint on December 2, 2004, at 13:31:33
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? dancingstar » ask, posted by MKB on December 2, 2004, at 12:23:50
"There are posts on these (or other?) boards...sorry I can't pinpoint them now...from people who have gone through withdrawal from both street drugs and from Effexor. They (more than one person) have said that going off Effexor is worse than going off street drugs. I suppose only someone who has done both can really compare them."
'Street drugs'? I can't see how anyone can compare the withdrawal of something as vague as that with effexor. Even someone who has 'done both' is not a reliable source of info, there's just too many variables. How long was their habit? How much did they consume per day? etc etc. The nature of street drugs is that many use them with no consequences, while some become horribly addicted and have hellish withdrawals as a result. I refuse to believe that anyone has had an effexor withdrawal more brutal than a full, long-term heroin withdrawal, which is the type that everyone inevitably associates with the drug.
Posted by jclint on December 2, 2004, at 13:38:17
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? dancingstar, posted by jclint on December 2, 2004, at 13:31:33
Sorry if the above sounded hostile, I just read it and I think I sent out some bad vibes...
Just trying to speak for the other side of the arguement. :)
Posted by kmp68 on December 2, 2004, at 14:00:54
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I am trying to get off of Effexor, I was taking 150mg a day, plus Wellbutrin. My doctor started me on Prozac last week, this week, I went down to 75mg a day, Wellbutrin and Prozac. I haven't felt normal all week, very, very tired, anxiety attacks, irritable, ears ringing, and now I am also late for my period, is this also another normal withdrawl symptom that anyone else has experienced? If I cut down like the doctor told me to next week to 37.5mg are things only going to get worse?
Posted by dancingstar on December 2, 2004, at 14:11:38
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? dancingstar, posted by ask on December 2, 2004, at 11:58:08
> Dancingstar,
>
> I'm not saying that you're not telling the truth about the side effects. Drugs can affect people in different ways. However, I don't think that you can compare the withdrawal symptoms from Effexor to the withdrawal from serious narcotics. There simply isn't the same type of physical dependency (although anti-depressants and anti-anxiety meds can cause dependency). But, as I said, drugs affect patients uniquely, so you must be experiencing some side-effect. After 2 months, it can't be a "withdrawal" from the drug--since the drug is technically no longer in your system. Rather, you might be experiencing a side effect that had some kind of unique long-lasting effect on you.Ask,
I'm a highly educated woman. The drug itself may have left my system, but the effects of the drug have not left my system. Don't you find that at all disconcerting? I don't know what the withdrawal from street drugs is like, but it cannot be any worse than this. I went to the gym this morning, trying to get back to my regular routine after I wrote the earlier posts and again had to run home to use the bathroom. My stomach still hurts all the time, and the back of my neck is still sore. No, it's no where near as bad as it was for the first eight weeks, except for the stomach part, which I'm becoming afraid might be permanent.
For the people that speak to the "other side of the story," there isn't one. Maybe not everyone will be affected by these symptoms. I have said that many, many times. It seem like everyone is affected in some way. What kind of residual is left in your body once you have finished taking Effexor, and why hasn't Wyeth been more forthcoming about any of these symptoms with the medical community? That is the only point that I am trying to make. Take the drug if you like, just don't pull the wool over your own eyes. Again, all you have to do is go to the website and read for yourself. It isn't brain surgery, just some well-spent time reading.
Posted by PoohBear on December 2, 2004, at 14:42:53
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? dancingstar » ask, posted by MKB on December 2, 2004, at 12:23:50
"I and others have posted this before, but I really think anyone who is thinking about taking this should be aware of the experiences of others. You need to READ what the SIGNERS (not only the author) of this petition have to say..www.petitiononline.com/effexor MKB"
I just signed the petition as I feel that the drug companies should be held accountable, even though my experience so far (excepting intitial SE's...) has been good.
Tony
Posted by dancingstar on December 2, 2004, at 14:47:50
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? dancingstar » MKB, posted by PoohBear on December 2, 2004, at 14:42:53
Thank you, Tony, for understanding the point we have been trying to get across, though in my case too passionately, but only because I am in pain.
Posted by ask on December 2, 2004, at 17:11:44
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? dancingstar, posted by dancingstar on December 2, 2004, at 14:11:38
Ask,
I'm a highly educated woman. The drug itself may have left my system, but the effects of the drug have not left my system. Don't you find that at all disconcerting? I don't know what the withdrawal from street drugs is like, but it cannot be any worse than this. I went to the gym this morning, trying to get back to my regular routine after I wrote the earlier posts and again had to run home to use the bathroom. My stomach still hurts all the time, and the back of my neck is still sore. No, it's no where near as bad as it was for the first eight weeks, except for the stomach part, which I'm becoming afraid might be permanent.
For the people that speak to the "other side of the story," there isn't one. Maybe not everyone will be affected by these symptoms. I have said that many, many times. It seem like everyone is affected in some way. What kind of residual is left in your body once you have finished taking Effexor, and why hasn't Wyeth been more forthcoming about any of these symptoms with the medical community? That is the only point that I am trying to make. Take the drug if you like, just don't pull the wool over your own eyes. Again, all you have to do is go to the website and read for yourself. It isn't brain surgery, just some well-spent time reading.
Dancingstar,
...And I'm a highly educated man... but that's beside the point here. If you're having these severe, lasting effects from the drug or from tapering off of it, then, YES, you should see a doctor and try to figure out what's going on and, YES, you have a right to be angry with the drug manufacturer. All, I'm saying is that you're body is not needing the drug--as in a withdrawal. But it sounds like you're having a lasting effect of some sort. My original point was that I could not imagine that the withdrawal or any lasting symptoms from Effexor could be as bad as that experienced by a serious narcotics addict. It's not belittling your problem--you're issue is VERY serious and I hope you're working with your doctor to figure out what's going on. It certainly isn't a joke or a small problem.
ask
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