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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by FaithT on January 25, 2005, at 18:44:41
In reply to Re: Has anyone had success on Effexor, posted by Minnie-Haha on January 25, 2005, at 17:55:43
Minnie~
I just wanted to say that your post was great! I agree with everything that you said. Thank you.
Faith~
Posted by dancingstar on January 25, 2005, at 20:54:15
In reply to Re: Has anyone had success on Effexor, posted by Minnie-Haha on January 25, 2005, at 17:55:43
Thank you, Minnie-Haha, for posting the link. It's a great one.
> I went and did some Google-ing and Yahoo-ing to see what I could find -- good or bad -- about Effexor, and aside from about a b-zillion sites that are hawking drugs online, I found a pretty wide mix of glowing testimonials, horror stories, and everything in between. The EffexorXR.com web site itself has an "Important Safety Information" statement at the bottom of the pages I clicked on. It says *IN PART* that common side effects include "anorexia, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, sexual side effects, sleepiness, sweating, and weakness." It warns that when you suddenly stop takng or lower your daily dose that discontinuation symptoms may occur. It says to talk to your doctor before discontinuing or reducing your dose of Effexor XR.
>
> At Askapatient.com 423 respondents rated Effexor XR:
> 96 (23%) were Very Satisfied with it
> 117 (28%) were Satisfied
> 102 (24%) were Somewhat Satisfied
> 39 (9%) were Not Satisfied
> 70 (16%) were Dissatisfied
>
> The overwhelming majority had taken it for depression and/or anxiety. I'm not sure what time period the survey covers, but the main page is copyrighted 2004. The link is at http://www.askapatient.com/viewrating.asp?drug=20699&name=EFFEXOR%20XR
>
> Once again, it is my opinion that Effexor may be a bad drug for some people, and that it is also a good drug for others, just like all drugs discussed on this board. It certainly has a slew of potential side effects -- like other drugs discussed here -- and a potential for nasty discontinuation or "withdrawal" effects -- also like other drugs discussed here.
>
> Has Wyeth known from the start what may be "bad" about the drug, or disclosed everything it knows about what may be bad? I don't know. But I do think it has been and continues to be good for many, many people.
>
Posted by eeyorena on January 25, 2005, at 21:43:25
In reply to RE: NEW THREAD - POSITIVE EFFEXOR EXPERIENCE » eeyorena, posted by corafree on January 25, 2005, at 14:57:56
Well, if you've lost weight lately (and grief will do it), your doctor might hesitate to put you on Parnate. It definitely squashes your appetite. I had to remind myself to eat...often. Having structured meal times in the day helped.
But it also might be that he doesn't have a lot of experience with MAOI's. When SSRI's became available, MAOI's were left by the wayside for a bit. Now they are making a comeback because they act so differently on atypical depression than many other things available. When I moved and switched pharmacies, they had to order it 'specially for the first few months because they weren't used to stocking it.
Doesn't hurt to ask about it. It's not for everyone and I would pursue other SSRI's and possibly tricyclics first.
Posted by eeyorena on January 25, 2005, at 21:47:16
In reply to Anybody else have rage or anger attacks????, posted by jubilee on January 25, 2005, at 17:23:42
Yes, I had anger flare-ups on Effexor
If you can call following someone who cut me off in traffic TO THEIR HOUSE so I could bitch them out in their driveway (so totally unlike me, it was frightening)...then yes, rage was in there too.
Posted by eeyorena on January 25, 2005, at 22:02:45
In reply to Re: Anybody else have rage or anger attacks????, posted by eeyorena on January 25, 2005, at 21:47:16
Whoa, I'm remembering a lot of rage attacks on Effexor as I scan my journal. How weird!
I stood up to a pretty nasty tow truck driver who was being very mean to my roommate when she was unpacking her car.
I banged my fist on the table and told the head of my office to "step off" (though not that nicely actually) when he wanted to triple-book me for client projects. Although the sentiment was healthy, the language was not. I can't believe they actually wanted to promote me a month later. I would not recommend this. They were super weird.)
Posted by S. Bartel on January 25, 2005, at 22:16:15
In reply to Re: Anybody else have rage or anger attacks????, posted by eeyorena on January 25, 2005, at 22:02:45
Glad to know I'm not alone in this.
Posted by dancingstar on January 25, 2005, at 22:17:39
In reply to Re: Anybody else have rage or anger attacks????, posted by eeyorena on January 25, 2005, at 22:02:45
I keep saying I don't have it, but I guess I'm feeling some r-i-g-h-t- now. :-).... liar I must be....
Posted by not2late4u on January 26, 2005, at 0:25:36
In reply to Re: Has anyone had success on Effexor, posted by Minnie-Haha on January 25, 2005, at 17:55:43
Hi Minnie-haha, Thanks for a great post. I've been trying to relay this for sometime. You said it well. I also want to reinnerate a previous post I mentioned, that I was reading a medical/pill book that my mom has with a published date of 1995. Effexor mentions its side effects, possible, likely or otherwise AND it cautioned about stopping suddenly. (just like alot of the other drugs in the book I skimmed over) It appears to me that it hasnt been a big secret. And I have to wonder how much of the problem really is with the one who is prescribing the medication, the docs shouldnt prescribe what they dont understand or have researched. Renee
Posted by not2late4u on January 26, 2005, at 0:32:20
In reply to Anybody else have rage or anger attacks????, posted by jubilee on January 25, 2005, at 17:23:42
Hi Jubilee, Im withdrawing now and yes, I have noticed that on some days I am more arguementative, angry ( I hit my keyboard at work and it broke the slide out thing) Luckily I work alone! I was frustrated because nothing was working right that day. So, ya, for sure. Renee
Posted by Petra on January 26, 2005, at 9:13:48
In reply to Re: Anybody else have rage or anger attacks????, posted by not2late4u on January 26, 2005, at 0:32:20
When I was on Effexor XR I would get serious road rage. Other drivers would piss me off. I would cut them off or flip them off. Sometimes I'd race people going 120 mph down the highway. They would always stop when speeds got too high, but I kept going. I didn't care about my life or anyone elses I guess while on the drug. The main reason I got off it. I never felt and acted that way before Effexor or since I stopped. It's a miracle I didn't hurt someone. I'm glad I didn't. Bad Effexor, Bad. Peace, Petra
Posted by Jen2 on January 26, 2005, at 12:28:14
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Jen2, posted by tatarka on January 25, 2005, at 10:07:12
Hi Tatarka,
It's amazing how uprooting oneself from one's home can have such profound psychological effects, particularly in combination with other stressors.
I've got a couple of good friends now that I can rely on, which is good, and my relationship is at least more civil (since my episode) and not so intense as in the past. I'm able to keep my emotions a little more in check now so I do less yelling. I guess that's the Effexor.
I'm going to talk to my doc on Friday about Effexor side effects/withdrawal and the benefits of switching to something else, but it appears that there are upsides and downsides to just about any drug.
I hope that you're doing better. Thanks for your post.
Jen
> Hey Jen, couldn't stop myself to follow up your post. So many similarities in our situation! I moved to another country three and half years ago, and I knew NOONE beside my husband with whome I have very difficult relationship. Plus I couldn't speak English at all! The only thing that excited me was that I'm far away from that nightmare in my original country.
> I also had heart palpitations all the time and felt like i'm going to die. I was really-really depressed, and decided try to see psychiatrist as psychologist didnt help much and besides psychiatrist is for free - by referral from physichian.
> Just wanted to share these similarities with you and let you know that someone like me perfectly understand your feelings. I still dont have any friends here (just one buddy-girl at work), and my marriage life didnt improve much (although therapy sessions do help to solve some issues).
> I'm planning to get off Effexor as soon as possible, but I still need smth to switch to :( Good luck to you!!
>
Posted by corafree on January 26, 2005, at 14:09:51
In reply to Re: Has anyone had success on Effexor, posted by dancingstar on January 25, 2005, at 20:54:15
I'm way not doin' good. Thoughts of my father are coming into my mind w/o warning, as he was alive this day last year. He passed away (and I sort of did too) Feb. 2 last year. I'm a mess. Don't want to go anywhere - but therapy today. I know this belongs on Grief, but I feel a kindredness w/ you all. My dad was a wonderful, warm, free spirit and more supportive of me than any of my family. tks you guys cf
Posted by dancingstar on January 26, 2005, at 15:13:54
In reply to Re: Has anyone had success on Effexor » dancingstar, posted by corafree on January 26, 2005, at 14:09:51
Hi Corafree,
I'm moving tomorrow at 8:00, a bit traumatic as I've been in the same place for a decade now. Yesterday I was reading something about mediums in an email sent to me by beliefnet (www.beliefnet.com.) You're right that this isn't the place to go into this, but it did have a bit to do with Effexor as it has been on my mind so much lately.
You see, last night I prayed for help, just help with everything, something I do from time to time. I will acknowledge that I have more to do than time to get it all done and that the amount of stress I am under can be measured in the double digits, but in the middle of the night I woke up with this strange feeling of a shot, a bruise in my arm, something about my mom. I knew that my mom had always been very protective of me, and I wondered what it was that my subconscious was trying to tell me. Did this have something to do with Effexor? It felt like a tetanus shot. Pain. A shot in the arm. Was there some link that I am unaware of?
When I woke up this morning, I had a strong feeling that propelled me to call my best friend. She lives about 75 miles from where I live. We're both only children and grew up as sisters. I told her that I needed to ask her what this painful shot in my arm had to do with my mother and Effexor; that she must know what I was talking about.
You see, she has taken Effexor for over 10 years and hasn't been well for quite a long time. I've been on her butt to get off the crap. I just couldn't figure it out. I knew my friend would understand the message, wherever it came from.
We thought it through. I mentioned polio shots, tetanus shots. She said the only painful shot she ever had was a shot of vitamin C. I then told her that it felt to me as though my mom was laughing at her.
Without listening to what I had just said, she continued on with her story and said to me that when the doctor gave her the stupid shot of vitamin C it hurt so badly, that she nearly cried, and the doctor started to laugh at her.
We both stopped talking at the same time and realized what had happened, that without knowing anything about her past, I had mentioned laughing at her pain.
Then I started laughing...and laughing and laughing and crying, but this time my tears were tears of joy. My dear friend said to me. "You've been in a lot of pain and need a shot in the arm, you need to laugh." Only she could have interpreted the message properly; that I simply needed a "shot in the arm," words that only mom would have used, and I lost her over ten years ago.
After that I went on to take a shower and continue with my packing. I feel much better now. My subconscious? A message from my mom? I prefer to think the latter, but I'm sure that will make me crazy in the eyes of some.
The answers, CF, are out there, but sometimes it's sure hard figure out what they are. Sometimes our loved ones are closer than we think.
Blessings,
Bebe
Posted by corafree on January 26, 2005, at 15:51:29
In reply to Re: Has anyone had success on Effexor, posted by dancingstar on January 26, 2005, at 15:13:54
A lady upstairs that smokes, came down the other and I asked her in. She said she had something to talk to me about. "The can smell the smoke from your house coming into mine." she said. I asked her to leave, and then said, like a child would, "I don't want you to be my friend anymore." I'm still laughing at myself about that. I pray, like you, for aid in the challenges in my life. I'm a bit left wondering if this a bit 'off' lady (she smokes herself) was a sort of message. Thank you for reminding me how much of him is still in me, also may be even closer to me now, and also may be coming to me in 'little messages' from strangers in my environment. Bless you Bebe for reacting to my need of support. cf
Posted by jubilee on January 26, 2005, at 20:52:19
In reply to Re: Anybody else have rage or anger attacks???? » jubilee, posted by S. Bartel on January 25, 2005, at 18:34:42
BOY, am I ever not alone. I have never been so out of control so easily in my whole life yet I am a pretty up front honest open person. Imagine what I am going through with that combination. I have lost friends and relitives on this DD (dam drug). My husband promised he wouldn't leave and our marriage actually improved by talking through alot of stuff and me realizing he was never my problem. I am bumbed out that this may be going on another 3 months......but looking forward to having temperance again. What an evil drug.
I have been going through alot of serious life changes including dealing w/ the death of my son and people who know me say I need to take it easy and take care of myself. I finally get it . I am going to try really hard to do that ,like read and watch Tv. I was an avid reader before effexor withdrawing and now I stare at one page for an hour.. I have considered saying nothing to anybody for the next 3 months. THIS TOO SHALL PASS. LETS REMEMBER THAT. GOD BLESS, Jubilee
Posted by anastasia56 on January 26, 2005, at 21:23:23
In reply to Re: Anybody else have rage or anger attacks????, posted by jubilee on January 26, 2005, at 20:52:19
i am so sorry you are having to go thru a loss of a son.
anastasia
Posted by not2late4u on January 26, 2005, at 21:54:30
In reply to Re: Has anyone had success on Effexor » dancingstar, posted by corafree on January 26, 2005, at 14:09:51
CF, If you are a believer in our Lord Jesus and wish to correspond with me with that type of support, please feel free to babblemail me. Renee
Posted by not2late4u on January 26, 2005, at 21:58:59
In reply to Re: Anybody else have rage or anger attacks????, posted by jubilee on January 26, 2005, at 20:52:19
Jubilee, if you cant focus on reading, may I suggest that you get some christian learning tapes and or praise and worship tapes to play, even if you cant focus on them, it will reach and minister your soul. Renee
Posted by corafree on January 27, 2005, at 0:00:24
In reply to Re: Anybody else have rage or anger attacks????, posted by jubilee on January 26, 2005, at 20:52:19
I might hypothesize all the feelings suppressed with the Effexor-XR are now coming to the surface. I know you realize the closeness or being sad and being angry.
Oh dear me, losing a son, so unimaginable to me all the emotions in such a horrible loss. Have you suddenly begun to experience huge sadness also? I am so sorry.
I think I am going to be talking with Renee, as theological questions have run rampant in my mind this past year.
Do you have a second of free thought to recognize the anger and say to yourself, or outloud, "I'm feeling angry and cannot discuss (whatever) it right now" w/ whomever; or when doing something angrily, time to run for pillows or something to beat on?
I know w/ me, sometimes it's like a split second to reaction ... and when dealing with a lot of stress and anxiety, naturally I react angrily.
I think if you're mad at God or whomever/whatever you believe in, vocalizing it would be a good thing.
Thinking and wishing you much 'understanding' by all around you, cf
Posted by corafree on January 27, 2005, at 0:18:58
In reply to Re: Has anyone had success on Effexor » corafree, posted by not2late4u on January 26, 2005, at 21:54:30
Renee .. It's late, need sleep, escape.
Appreciate offer and will babble tomorrow.
p.s. Did post on Grief
Tk you so much. cf
Posted by not2late4u on January 27, 2005, at 0:34:30
In reply to Re: Anybody else have rage or anger attacks????, posted by Petra on January 26, 2005, at 9:13:48
Petra, ya,my extreme incidents happened to me when I was on Paxil, if I missed just 12 -24 hours of my med, I was out of control. I followed someone into a grocery store because of a parking lot incident and we argued in the store! That is not like me either! This happened while I was on my into the next store to fill my prescription! And this was paxil, not effexor. wheew, glad thats over!
Posted by tatarka on January 27, 2005, at 0:34:32
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Jen2 » tatarka, posted by Jen2 on January 26, 2005, at 12:28:14
Hi Jen,
please let me know what your doc will advise you on Friday, okay? I think I'll be not the only one here who is interested.
I'm thinking of ending my marriage, otherwise I will have to live with smbody who doesnt know how to love (or even just show enough of love). The problem is that he is not bad enough to make this easier. It's like we have this saying in my country "Don't exchange the good thing that you already have, for the better thing that you will maybe have." So, I think I'll need smth like Effexor for a while. And yes, I yell and cry much less since I'm on it too, which is very good for me. Thanks for keeping in touch! :)
> Hi Tatarka,
>
> It's amazing how uprooting oneself from one's home can have such profound psychological effects, particularly in combination with other stressors.
>
> I've got a couple of good friends now that I can rely on, which is good, and my relationship is at least more civil (since my episode) and not so intense as in the past. I'm able to keep my emotions a little more in check now so I do less yelling. I guess that's the Effexor.
>
> I'm going to talk to my doc on Friday about Effexor side effects/withdrawal and the benefits of switching to something else, but it appears that there are upsides and downsides to just about any drug.
>
> I hope that you're doing better. Thanks for your post.
>
> Jen
>
>
> > Hey Jen, couldn't stop myself to follow up your post. So many similarities in our situation! I moved to another country three and half years ago, and I knew NOONE beside my husband with whome I have very difficult relationship. Plus I couldn't speak English at all! The only thing that excited me was that I'm far away from that nightmare in my original country.
> > I also had heart palpitations all the time and felt like i'm going to die. I was really-really depressed, and decided try to see psychiatrist as psychologist didnt help much and besides psychiatrist is for free - by referral from physichian.
> > Just wanted to share these similarities with you and let you know that someone like me perfectly understand your feelings. I still dont have any friends here (just one buddy-girl at work), and my marriage life didnt improve much (although therapy sessions do help to solve some issues).
> > I'm planning to get off Effexor as soon as possible, but I still need smth to switch to :( Good luck to you!!
> >
>
Posted by not2late4u on January 27, 2005, at 0:44:08
In reply to Re: Anybody else have rage or anger attacks???? » jubilee, posted by corafree on January 27, 2005, at 0:00:24
cf, reading your response makes me cry. I hope that you and/or jubilee talk with me, I may not have all the answers , but my heart brakes hearing this level of emotional pain. And I know of another way to be comforted. Godly love, Renee
Posted by corafree on January 27, 2005, at 1:38:59
In reply to RE: NEW THREAD - POSITIVE EFFEXOR EXPERIENCE, posted by eeyorena on January 25, 2005, at 21:43:25
You and others have educated me quite a bit. Know now; I've been on every type AD, but MAOIs.
I brought it up in therapy group tonight. The people that reacted said something about it being difficult to manage your diet. Not allowed to go on w/ personal concerns during DBT. Appt Fri w/ P-doc; will ask about MAOIs.
I was a loving and outgoing happy child, girl becoming a woman, living in a loving, happy family,.....until hit with rejection and thought I was dying from the pain in my chest. Guess thought all would love me when I left the nest. Hence, first med was Librium.
I began crying for no reason in early 20s; husband didn't like, wouldn't have a wife who needed to see a psych, so left me.
Took yrs (duh) to realize I had 'PMS', today would be 'labeled' PMDD. Started on ineffective Prozac, but effective Xanax. I even had a TAH-BSO to try rid of mental meltdown.
Then I was 'labeled' depression with anxiety. I always felt I was depressed because of the anxiety (cart before the horse deal), but who listened to me?
Years and years of ineffective trial ADs, most exacerbating anxiety. Same time losing people I loved, jobs, self. Same time suicide attempts.
Do have three great children; one of whom is my support, along with this site.
Now, I've found an AD that hinders my anxiety!!! The great Effexor-XR! It may be damaging me even further than this test rat can be damaged!
First Soma, now trazodone for sleep disorder which began about 15yrs back after being backhanded in bed for talking.
I do have breakthrough anxiety if miss Eff-XR dose or something, so am allowed a bit of Klonopin 1mg x3 day, and 1mg Xanax a day.
Now, wrinkles and gray hairs creeping up on me, all alone, and the 'label' reads Borderline.
I am in DBT, but it is more of a learning experience, rather than a support system.
No one in fam' of origin has any mental probs', nor do my children.
Would you think I have atypical depression?
Does anything come to mind reading my life synopsis?
Tks for any insight! cf
cf
Posted by polarbear206 on January 27, 2005, at 8:09:19
In reply to RE: NEW THREAD - POSITIVE EFFEXOR EXPERIENCE » eeyorena, posted by corafree on January 27, 2005, at 1:38:59
Hi
It's a very strong possibility that you could have a an undiagnosed underlying bipolar disorder. There is a broad spectrum of bipolar disorders. You can have mood swings without mania that present with anxiety/ agitation. Many bipolar women also have severe ppmd like I do. Mood stabilizers are also prescribed for ppmd.
http://www.psycheducation.org/depression/02_diagnosis.html#Anchor-Can-27505
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