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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by wifeofarmyguy on February 8, 2006, at 1:15:01
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by steve3590 on February 7, 2006, at 23:17:17
apoz- read my screen name again numnuts. It has nothing to do with farming. If you are going to be an *ss when you post, go to another board.
Posted by wifeofarmyguy on February 8, 2006, at 1:31:07
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by wifeofarmyguy on February 8, 2006, at 1:15:01
apoz, please accept my appologies, I read your name on the post and didn't realize someone was actually responding to your post.
My previous post was meant for steve3590.I hope all is going well for you apoz really watch for side effects as you go off the effexor, there is a thread on the withdrawl form dealing with it.
Posted by steve3590 on February 8, 2006, at 9:19:03
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by wifeofarmyguy on February 8, 2006, at 1:15:01
It was still pretty funny. And I WAS referring to the farmguy ie: wifeoffarmguy. Maybe you lack a humor gene.
> apoz- read my screen name again numnuts. It has nothing to do with farming. If you are going to be an *ss when you post, go to another board.
Posted by TinMan on February 8, 2006, at 10:07:31
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by steve3590 on February 8, 2006, at 9:19:03
> It was still pretty funny. And I WAS referring to the farmguy ie: wifeoffarmguy. Maybe you lack a humor gene.
>
>
> > apoz- read my screen name again numnuts. It has nothing to do with farming. If you are going to be an *ss when you post, go to another board.
>
>
Hey Steve3590-For the record, I didn't find your post funny at all, let alone constructive, supportive or helpful. And the name is "Wife of Army Guy" - not sure where you came up with farming. Perhaps you could clarify that (or not).
If you want to receive support, ideas and respect from others on this board, I suggest that you respect and support them, too. A mutual consideration thing, if you will.
~TinMan
Posted by TinMan on February 8, 2006, at 10:13:31
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by apoz on February 7, 2006, at 14:18:19
> things seem to be getting better since I blew up and was feeling so paniced and manic. My Dr. took me off it slowly and yesterday was actually the last day I took it. He gave me some mild muscle relaxant to help if I feel like I'm going to be go into another fit of rage. So far everything has been much better off of the Effexor. It's like night and day. On it I felt like everything was against me and i needed to fight back, off of it I feel semi normal again. Problems are still there but not feeling like I need fix everything right now, is much better and I think healthier. Has anyone else has any rage or manic behavior from Effexor?
Hi apoz -
No, I don't have that with Effexor but I did with PAXIL, so I can appreciate what you are going through. On Paxil, I became a raging lunatic! Oh what a mess I made of my life during that time. I am glad to be off of it and on something that works better for me.
Aren't you glad that you are off of it now and can think clearly? Good for you!
~TinMan
Posted by wifeofarmyguy on February 8, 2006, at 11:37:28
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by steve3590 on February 8, 2006, at 9:19:03
Steve, it is funny how you think I'm some farm wife, look again. It says WIFE OF ARMY GUY. As is my husband serves in the United States Army.
My sense of humor is active and well these days, thanks for the "concern".
Like I said before, we are here to support and help each other and if all you are here for is to show your education level, go to another board.
Posted by wifeofarmyguy on February 8, 2006, at 11:37:57
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by TinMan on February 8, 2006, at 10:07:31
Thanks for the back up Tin Man.
Posted by gardenergirl on February 8, 2006, at 13:41:24
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by wifeofarmyguy on February 8, 2006, at 11:37:57
steve3590
> Maybe you'd feel better if you just beat the hell out of the farmguy.> Maybe you lack a humor gene.
Please don't be sarcastic, treat injury or death lightly, or suggest that others harm themselves or others, even when attempting to use humor.
wifeofarmyguy
> read my screen name again numnuts. ...If you are going to be an *ss when you post, go to another board.Please don't post anything that could lead others to feel accused or put down.
TinMan
>I didn't find your post funny at all, let alone constructive, supportive or helpful.Even when trying to support others, please don't post anything that could lead others to feel accused or put down.
If you or others have questions about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
Follow-ups regarding these issues, as well as replies to the above post, should be directed to Admin and should of course themselves be civil.
Regards,
gg acting as deputy for Dr. Bob
Posted by TinMan on February 8, 2006, at 17:44:58
In reply to Please be civil steve3590, wifeofarmyguy, TinMan, posted by gardenergirl on February 8, 2006, at 13:41:24
Sorry, sorry...
Posted by steve3590 on February 8, 2006, at 23:41:23
In reply to Re: Please be civil steve3590, wifeofarmyguy, TinMan, posted by TinMan on February 8, 2006, at 17:44:58
Not every interaction in life has to be supportive and full of warm and fuzzy feelings. Sorry if I offended wifeofarmyguy. I've had a just a big of a problem with all the issues here just as everyone else has. I've taken all the AD's there are and Effexor worked for me. I understand that people have problems with this drug. I refused to try it for over two years, but exausted all the others. Effexor was my LAST choice. It scared the hell out of me. But it was the only one that cured me. Sorry you don't agree my commments were funny. They still make me laugh. Maybe it's just the Effexor talking.
Posted by wifeofarmyguy on February 9, 2006, at 0:33:48
In reply to Re: Please be civil steve3590, wifeofarmyguy, TinMan, posted by steve3590 on February 8, 2006, at 23:41:23
Steve, Honestly, I'm glad Effexor worked for you, and I hope it continues to work for a really long time.
I'm not bashing anyone for taking it or not, I just came to this forum looking for other people using the drug, and stopping the drug and I realize that others come to this forum because they are looking to take it or have been taking it and still are. I think we all need to just respect and understand that not all of us are here for the same reasons, so we all have different opinions and experiences and we should respect that.
I still do not appreciate you using me to try and come off as a funny guy. But hey that's just me.
Posted by FrannyGlass on February 9, 2006, at 1:33:53
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Below is an account of my three week and five day experience taking Effexor XR. Starting dose 35.7 mgs for one week, increasing to 75 mgs at week 2.
At first things were fine. Early in week three however I began to notice some problems. Today I'm nearing the end of my 3rd week and am now experiencing a dozen or more side effects, some of which are just too fierce for me bear. I've reduced the dose back to 35.7 and (with any luck) will be able to stop taking Effexor completely within 1-3 weeks. That's the plan anyway.
If you read the blow-by-blow account I've transcribed from my journal below you'll see that I have had a pretty bad exerience with this medication. But please keep in mind that just because it didn't work for me does not mean it wouldn't work beautifully for you; in fact it has worked wonders for many. I'm posting this as a portrait of my experience only (as well as to kill the hour I have to wait for the pharmacy to fill the Xanax prescription that my doc has called in). Anyway, as always YMMV.
::: ::: :::
Week 1. Nothing - no effects, good or bad.
Week 2. Nothing - no effects except (and this may be unrelated but I've never experienced anything like it before) I'm suddenly completely disgusted by the appearance of the wood grain in my desk. I can't stand to look at it; I have had to cover it up. Just thinking about it makes me shudder. Weird.
Week 3. Increasing dose as advised to 75 mgs. Nothing much is going on. I do feel sleepy during the day though.
Week 3, day 2 on 75 mgs. I'm developing quite a tremor in my hands. My balance is off--I'm stumbling a lot and bumping into furniture. My vision, for lack of a better way to explain it, is at once too fast and too slow when I move my eyes from one thing to another. I had night sweats last night. Am mildy nauseated and have no appetite. Quite thirsty but nothing seems to help.
Week 3, day 3: Tremor in hands increasing and now have sensation of trembling and shaking throughout body. Night sweats worsening. Dry mouth, dry eyes. Balance problems increasing. Visual disturbance (slow to reorient) when turing head is now constant and very bothersome. Heart rate up. I'm nervous, jumpy. Street noises, cars honking, kids playing, the muffled sound of TV in next room, all exacerbating nervous and jumpy feeling. Can't satiate thirst. Throat constricted, anxiety pretty high. Sore muscles in neck and shoulders.
Week 3, day 4: Reduced dose back to 35.7. Throat feels coated in wax, very tight and constricted. I cannot alleviate my thirst. Pulse is racing; sensations of skipping beats and odd fluttering in heart area. Weakness in limbs, tremor in hands much worse, and everywhere I feel a buzzing or bubbling as if my veins were filled with 7-UP. Nausea has fluctuated between mild and moderate, but today it's inching toward severe. More intense vertigo last night and today, especially as I begin to fall asleep. Last night in bed I felt a profound sense of dread as if I were free falling from a great height and SPINNING at the same time--definitely not fun. Continued spinning (as if I were stuck on the Teacup ride at Disneyland) off and on all night, plus sweating, nausea, waking up disoriented, off balance and stumbling as I tried to make my way to the bathroom. Bizarre dreams and even near nightmares, vaguely sexual and vaguely threatening, unpleasant to say the least.
Week 3. day 5: Unaccountable crying, sadness, gloom & doom, feelings of utter hopelessness--all clearly chemically induced as there's no reason for any of it. I haven't felt this bad in since I began taking Lexapro almost 2 years ago (10 mgs. to start then 20 mgs per day for 1 year). Lexapro banished 90 percent of my depression and I continue to take it to this day. Effexor was added to "boost" the effects of the Lexapro a bit, but really it wasn't necessary and I regret messing with it.
Week 3., day 5, part II: The worst yet: a tugging sensation at my heart as if it's being clutched or squeezed--very unpleasant--accompanied by vertigo: tight, Teacup ride spins. I'm off-the-charts nervous, totally off balance, stumbing around the house. Food tastes terrible. Ice water, soda, tea, milk all taste like baby powder and do nothing to quench thirst. Muscles in shoulders tight and seriously uncomfortable--I'm knotted up.
Week 3., day 5, part III in real time: I can't think straight; I'm in a muddle. Prescription for .5 mg Xanax is almost ready, pharmacy says about 20 minutes. Tearfulness, sad mood, anxiety and nervousness all at intolerable levels. This is what depression felt like before I took any antidepressant medications. I haven't had a panic attack yet but I feel I could any minute. I'm managing to keep half a grip on myself only because I recognize these symptoms as unhappy brain chemicals and nothing more and it will soon pass, but man it has NOT been easy.
Thanks for letting me divert myself while I waited for my Xanax to be filled. It's ready now; I hope I can drive. My hands feel tingly though I know I'm not hyperventilating. Well, wish me luck, and take care all.
PS
While it's true that YMMV, Efffexor is serious business. If your current meds are working well enough for you, I'd think twice before trying to fix what ain't broke.
Posted by jacobs on February 9, 2006, at 6:30:45
In reply to My non-success on Effexor XR » jp, posted by FrannyGlass on February 9, 2006, at 1:33:53
wow,that sounds scary. im really surprised how many people have had bad reactions to this med. i have been on it over a month now. the only side effect i have really noticed after the initial first couple weeks that is still going on is the focusing thing like if im reading then look at the tv then back at the book it takes a minute to focus back, but starting to think that is just the 40ish thing and may need reading glasses. i have the dream thing but it isnt bad, accually before the effexor my dreams were gray and kinda like impending doom, now they are colorful and mildly sexy and happy. i smile more and laugh and im not in my room crying from having panic attack after panic attack. it hasnt really helped with my phobias per say but it has helped with the depression part. but with having panic and reading all this bad stuff im starting to wonder if im the only one that this stuff is working for. and yes effexor is a serious drug just as all AD and may meds. xanax is a nasty med to come off of, believe me i know was addicted to it for 3 years and it was hell coming off of. and that was 10 years ago. back on it again so now when im over all this i got 2 meds i know are going to have withdraw from. but back to my point when i got on here and first started taking this med. what i read on here scared the crap out of me. i thought about stopping it, but now im glad i didnt. i feel more like myself again. meds effect people differently. prozac made me feel postal, i mean for real postal. and zoloft made me feel like a zombie. but for some people those 2 drugs are great for them. im just curious how many people here that the effexor is working good for? it is for me. anyone else?
Posted by crxsi on February 9, 2006, at 7:19:42
In reply to Re: My non-success on Effexor XR, posted by jacobs on February 9, 2006, at 6:30:45
Hi I had great success with effexor xr 75mg. The first three weeks I was on 37.5mg and had many side effects but stuck it out as it was the second drug I had tried. When it was increased it seemed the side effects went away. I have a little trouble falling asleep and I seem to need less sleep. I don't know if I should be taking it in the am or pm.
I t has worked wonderfull for me. I had GAD for four years and panic attacks. In december I had my first episode of depression. The depression is totally gone and I am having no more panic atttacks. There still is mild anxiety at times but nothing like before. I have not felt this great in years. I was terrified to take it but it saved my life. The anxiety had been starting to effect my work which terrifed me. My husband says I am happier and more talkative in a good way. I used to sit for hours and say nothing.
Glad to hear it is working for you!
Posted by 3djp on February 9, 2006, at 7:50:00
In reply to Re: My non-success on Effexor XR, posted by crxsi on February 9, 2006, at 7:19:42
i have been on the med almost six weeks. i seems to have worked for me also. i had my first big anxiety attack this past november. i still seem to get some attacks. but no as bad i am still hoping that these will go away. i had a big change in my life last year when i retired from the military after 25 years, and looking for a job and watching my father passing away just 2 weeks before i was to retire it all just caught to me. i too was scared to take this med because of the side effects. the only thing that i still have is ringing in the ears, my rate increases alittle and i wake up at time during the night. i started to change my life style i am back riding my bike, eating less fry foods, and started yoga(done 3 classes so far). it's been hard coming from the military to change at this time, but so it has been working. i am glad that you all have had success with this...
Posted by TylerJ on February 9, 2006, at 18:41:55
In reply to Re: will this help my sex life?? » joeriley, posted by ed_uk on February 7, 2006, at 13:28:42
somebody recommended PROZAC! Yes it will help with premature ejac. as a matter of fact you may not ejac at all-and that is not a good feeling at all...not to mention not healthy. I was on Prozac for 3 mos. and guess what I couldn't do for 3 mos. But everybody responds differently to dif. meds. Anyway good luck, and maybe check out some natural techniques before trying drugs. Check out some books on sex.
TylerJ
Posted by Dr. Bob on February 10, 2006, at 3:38:03
In reply to Re: Please be civil steve3590, wifeofarmyguy, TinMan, posted by TinMan on February 8, 2006, at 17:44:58
Posted by kmm on February 10, 2006, at 12:57:51
In reply to Re: Effexor XR Works Great for ME, posted by bangersgirl on February 6, 2006, at 20:23:31
I had almost all of the same symptoms that you are experiencing. The carb cravings and exhaustion were brutal!! It was like living in a fog. My doctor first increased the Effexor to 225 mgs which made the symptoms much worse. She then reduced the Effexor back to 150 and added 150 of Wellbutrin. I take both in the morning and feel really good. Nothing is perfect, of course, but I am much less tired, have a normal sex drive again and the carb cravings have reduced significantly. I have two small children, a spouse that travels 90% of the time and live in a foreign country, so being continuously exhausted just wouldn't work. Don't give up trying until you find what works for you! It's too early in the process to settle for symptoms that are making you so uncomfortable.
Good Luck!
Posted by ed_uk on February 10, 2006, at 15:17:58
In reply to Re: will this help my sex life??, posted by TylerJ on February 9, 2006, at 18:41:55
Hi
>somebody recommended PROZAC!
In the treatment of premature ejaculation, the dose of fluoxetine should be adjusted to achieve adequate supression of ejaculation without inducing anorgasmia.
Regards
Ed
Posted by TylerJ on February 10, 2006, at 20:21:02
In reply to Re: will this help my sex life?? » TylerJ, posted by ed_uk on February 10, 2006, at 15:17:58
sorry Ed...I didn't mean for it to sound like that. And your right, I didn't even think of dosage adjustment, duh! Take care.
Sincerely,
Tyler
Posted by ed_uk on February 11, 2006, at 7:36:05
In reply to Re: will this help my sex life??, posted by TylerJ on February 10, 2006, at 20:21:02
Hi Tyler
No problem :)
Ed
Posted by surfaced on February 13, 2006, at 1:25:22
In reply to My non-success on Effexor XR » jp, posted by FrannyGlass on February 9, 2006, at 1:33:53
ditto, the last 3 weeks and 5 days of insane increasing side effects that you mentioned are definetly not fun , they make me want to jump out of my skin ...calling my doc tomorow and requesting to be taken off of it and to get my xanax filled as well :)
Posted by 3djp on February 15, 2006, at 12:22:36
In reply to Re: My non-success on Effexor XR » FrannyGlass, posted by surfaced on February 13, 2006, at 1:25:22
Iam having issues with this med. I don't know to ask for an increase or to be taken off it and to be put on something else. I am on 75mg for 6 weeks now. I still get attacks mainly in my stomach feels like a knot. I found my mind stuck on something that I didn't want to think about. Bad thing about that it had nothing to do with me. I thought this med was to allow you to turn your mind off when you don't want to think of things? Any help???
Posted by crxsi on February 15, 2006, at 15:35:25
In reply to Re: My non-success on Effexor XR, posted by 3djp on February 9, 2006, at 7:50:00
Hi don't give up yet 75mg is a very low dose. I was on 75mg until this monday when the DR. increased it to 112.5mg. The 75mg helped my panic attacks and depression but I was still having some anxiety. Also I learned from this site that low doses have very little effect on dopamine where as higher doses have more affect.
Posted by 3djp on February 17, 2006, at 12:07:39
In reply to Re: My non-success on Effexor XR, posted by crxsi on February 15, 2006, at 15:35:25
> Hi don't give up yet 75mg is a very low dose. I was on 75mg until this monday when the DR. increased it to 112.5mg. The 75mg helped my panic attacks and depression but I was still having some anxiety. Also I learned from this site that low doses have very little effect on dopamine where as higher doses have more affect.
Thank you for the information. I have a doctor visit today and I will ask about this. Again thank you.
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