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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by BiPolar Mama on August 14, 2006, at 19:27:14
In reply to Effexor + Zoloft = Serotonin Syndrome? Probable, posted by stargazer on July 22, 2006, at 22:44:31
> http://www.anxiety-and-depression-solutions.com/serotonin-syndrome.htm
>
> This explains Serotonin Syndrome and your symptoms sound like you may have it. Call your MD and say that's what you think you have and if she won't see you immediately, you may have to go to the ER. The condition can be life threatening. And you should not be increasing your medication no matter what your MD says. If she says that, I would find a new MD ASAP!
>
> I took both Effexor and Zoloft (separately) years ago and one of the 2 made my depression worse (suicidal). Even though my doctor said it was not a side effect and was my depression I refused to increase the dosage like he said to do. Today we know that suicide is a side effect of many of the AD's.
>
> SGNo Stargazer, My MD is a family doctor. My insurance is giving me problems about seeking Psychiatric Help for my problem. They want me to go long distances when there is a LPC right here in town. With the gas prices these days, I cannot afford to drive 80-200 miles round trip to see one that they "prefer". I am stuck between the rock and the hard place on that one. I do feel better though now that she has changed me from 18.5 mg of Effexor XR to 75 mg of Effexor 1x daily. She also added the Klonopin (.025 mg) to help alleviate my panic attacks. I have to split those, otherwise the full 0.5 mg dosage turns me into a zombie and if I sit more than 5 min, I am asleep. This has caused major problems since I work as a dispatcher in a Call Center. That is why they placed me on a 6 week Leave of Absence to try to straighten things out. Now they are wanting me to do it again since some mornings I have problems just walking out the front door to go to work. The supervisor recommended the doctor to fill out a Temporary LOA form. My MD said she does not do those because people will use them as "crutches" to get out of work. She states that I just have to build up my willpower to overcome this problem. *Can you tell she has never experienced this personally? (sigh)* I did take the paper to the psychiatrist that diagnosed me, and she said that I would not need to take temporary LOA's that I could overcome this with therapy.
But what do I do in the meantime while waiting for the red tape of the insurance company to unwind???
Sorry to dump this on you, but I am feeling pretty despondant and desperate at this time.
Posted by Phillipa on August 14, 2006, at 19:49:00
In reply to Re: Just wondering if the Doc prescribed correctly » renecoston, posted by BiPolar Mama on August 14, 2006, at 19:10:47
I don't think it's huge I take 2mg every night and sometimes more. At one time I took xanax, chloral hyrate, klonopin at the same time. prescribed by the pdoc. Love Phillipa
Posted by Aciel on August 20, 2006, at 19:33:40
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I'm a 17 year old female who's been on 75 mg/day of Effexor XR for nearly a year and a half now for depression. It worked amazingly for me, until I started going to high school parties and drinking. I've basically screwed myself since. I thought my depression was back in full force the first time I seriously drank. After something like 5 drinks I was completely sh**faced. Black outs and all. After that, I just seemed to crave booze and the way it made me feel - like it was even better than the medication.
I began partying at least once every two weeks, and it continued for a while. But in the past month I've been craving alcohol every day, even wanting to drink alone. I go to parties at least twice a week, and get completely smashed after just two or three drinks. Thing is, I never even realize that I'm drunk until someone actually tells me. There was even an occurance a little over a month ago where no one was watching me at a party and I consumed something like 12 shots in under an hour. Mix that with the way that Effexor had been lowering my tolerance, I ended up with alcohol poisoning and nearly killed myself. But now, every time I drink, it always hits me hard and fast and I'm left feeling ill and severly depressed for the whole entire following day. I know I should slow down, but it's a big social thing that I can't just stop.
I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions about what I should do? Is mixing effexor xr and alcohol affecting anyone else in this way?
Posted by Dim_Light_Shining on August 20, 2006, at 22:51:50
In reply to Problems with Effexor XR and alcohol?, posted by Aciel on August 20, 2006, at 19:33:40
Hi Aciel,
I just read your post and there's a few things that really jumped out at me. I should start by saying I'm not any kind of health professional, but personal experience has taught me some things about depression and self-medication.
To me, it sounds like you may have two issues: alcohol, and the alcohol interacting with the Effexor, which indeed lowers tolerance. I find it concerning that you crave alcohol on a daily basis and recently drank a dangerous amount when no one was around to stop you, and that you don't feel you can stop drinking. May I ask why you feel you can't stop; is it a social thing, like related to friends, or is it something you feel that you yourself need? I completely know how easy it is, when you're depressed, to grab hold of anything that makes the pain go away for awhile. Unfortunately, this is also how many people find themselves in over their heads!
Again, this is only my opinion; I'm offering it in the spirit of helpfulness, not to boss or judge you. My suggestion is to speak to your doctor or psychiatrist without delay and tell them about your experiences with alcohol. There may also be programs for teenagers who are concerned about their alcohol use; you can usually find them in the phone book, or your doctor or guidance counsellor can refer you. You're well-spoken and clearly intelligent, and you were strong and self-aware enough to get help for your depression. You can use these same qualities to address your drinking before you come to harm. Please take good care of yourself, and lots of good wishes your way.
Posted by Dim_Light_Shining on August 20, 2006, at 23:09:58
In reply to Re: Horrible drug, posted by BB1969 on August 12, 2006, at 8:50:31
Hello all,
I was on Effexor a few years ago for about 12 months and it worked wonderfully, with no side effects whatsoever. I was able to discontinue it with no immediate problems; however, I've had several episodes of depression since then and finally decided to go back on meds.
I've been back on Effexor (only 37.5 mg. at this point) for only a few days now, so I'm not noticing any change in my mood yet, but instead a number of side effects. I'm dizzy, lightheaded, have restless legs (always did, but I'm really dancing now) and sexual side effects (a little more info than I wanted to share, but alas!).
I really don't want to get into switching medications around searching for a suitable one...it is a bit frustrating, as it worked so well for me the first time around. Does anyone know why this might be, or have a similar experience? Any suggestions for coping with restless legs or the lack of normal "appetites"? Might these effects improve or go away once I've gotten used to having the drug in my system?
Thanks very much.
Posted by dancing fool on August 21, 2006, at 9:28:02
In reply to Problems with Effexor XR and alcohol?, posted by Aciel on August 20, 2006, at 19:33:40
Hi Aciel,
I've been on Effexor for a few years (75 or 150mg). I also drink. I also feel a lowered tolerance and lowered self control, but not to the extent that you describe. Then again, I'm 46 years old and have been drinking all my life ...
I wonder if you've felt that you had issues with alcohol before you were on Effexor. The reason I ask is that maybe the drug in combination with your changed social environment brings out something that was there in the first place. Social pressure to drink is a terribly dificult thing to handle if you have some kind of a drinking problem - I know I have and I know I've never really been able to deal with it - except from quitting altogether.
If you're seeing a shrink, I would definitely bring it up. If you're not, please be careful and know that there are many who are having a hard time to deal with the social context of drinking. Some people find occasional AA sessions helpful. Finding additional friends who don't pressure you into drinking could also be an option. I'm not saying you should drop your drinking buddies, just find a few that don't, or at least don't find it important ... or something (just caught myself preaching there, sorry :-))
I'm pretty confident that you'll find some kind of solution - just the fact that you recognize it is pretty big. I doubt that the effexor has a whole lot to do with it, except that it blows up something that was there already. Then again, I've come across quite a few posts that claim that alcohol and effexor don't mix, period.
please keep in touch
dancing fool
Posted by antigua on August 21, 2006, at 12:26:42
In reply to Problems with Effexor XR and alcohol?, posted by Aciel on August 20, 2006, at 19:33:40
yes, I've heard of this. When I was on Effexor before I quit drinking, it had quite an effect on my drinking. I've since quit and switched to Cymbalta.
But I have heard of Effexor making someone crave alcohol. Talk to your pdoc.
antigua
Posted by Aciel on August 21, 2006, at 14:45:56
In reply to Re: Problems with Effexor XR and alcohol?, posted by antigua on August 21, 2006, at 12:26:42
Wow, I definitely wasn't expecting such a response - and so soon. Thanks.
I never had anything more than one drink here or there before I was on the medication - just something my parents would let me have on special ocasions. I only began drinking because of the guy I was going out with and the new crowd that it brought. I've since made tons of new friends that I've met from parties, and at my school, drinking and partying is like the "cool" thing to do. The whole school is filled with wealthy, spoiled kids of high status parents, and when we get bored...we drink. I know people who drink much more than I do, it's just never affected them as bad.
But what you all have said is true, lately I have been turning to booze to numb the pain - it's just leaving me feeling even more depressed than I was before I drank. Real bright idea, right?
Just been a little freaky, since I never had the same thoughts about alcohol a year ago - I was in fact, terrified of drunks. Now I am one.
I'm going to try and cut back from now, and if it doesn't turn out how I hope, I'll definitely be seeing my doctor even sooner.
Thanks again, guys.
Posted by invisibleman15010 on August 21, 2006, at 16:08:46
In reply to Re: Problems with Effexor XR and alcohol?, posted by Aciel on August 21, 2006, at 14:45:56
Hi,
I had to get my two cents in on this one, as I too self medicated before I realized I had depression, have been on Effexor and am thinking of possibly going back on it. Anti depressants, benzos, alcohol don't mix. Especially if you are not able to control yourself. You are opening up a bottomless pit. One or two beers might not hurt you. But, on the other hand it may send you off to la la land and I don't mean Los Angelos. I remember having a few beers and some shots while on a long stressful business project. Next thing I knew, I was in bed. I was told that I was babbling, speech slurred, made a real *ss of my self, very unprofessional, but I learned a lesson. I havn't touched alcohol in almost two years and when I did, I was at home and made sure I only had a little bit and basically it just put me to sleep. Don't be like Jimi Hendrix, young, some much talent and life ahead, the musical world at his feet......a bottle of wine, sleeping pills and a grave...Sometimes, anxiety, severe depression, alcohol abuse, alcoholism, medication abuse just all rolls into one major life crisis that is hard to break out of........Good luck all.
e
Posted by dancing fool on August 22, 2006, at 4:22:45
In reply to Re: Horrible drug, posted by Dim_Light_Shining on August 20, 2006, at 23:09:58
Hi,
I suspect these side effects will pass. Give it a couple of weeks. If they're not over by then, consult your doc.
good luck
Posted by invisibleman15010 on August 22, 2006, at 8:13:53
In reply to Re: Horrible drug, posted by dancing fool on August 22, 2006, at 4:22:45
Aciel,
If you are only 17 and know that you are dealing with anxiety issues and alcohol abuse issues, dig your heels in and deal with it now. It can ruin your life. I don't remember any anxiety issues until I was a junior in college ...then out of the blue...I started having panic attacks while doing speeches or even just sitting in a class room. Without knowing what to do, I ran and started avoiding socail situations when I could. As my professional career kicked in the anxiety issues got worse,I started using alcohol to self medicate, then depression hit in my 30's. I really had no clue what was happening to me.
I have worked in post secondary education for years and saw the kids that were abusing alcohol and pot and other drugs daily. A little fun can all of a sudden become the monkey on your back.Find the best help that you can and take it. College and life thereafter can be a great experiance or it can be hell. Make it a wonderful experiance. God Bless, good luck.
E
Posted by inshadeoftree on August 22, 2006, at 12:38:15
In reply to Re: /Hey to Aciel!!!!, posted by invisibleman15010 on August 22, 2006, at 8:13:53
MY Goodness....I'm on my second day of Venlafaxine (Effexor X R ) and boy oh boy...what a bunch of information to sift..social anxiety disorder-general anxiety disorder-depression-leg twitching,lightning in my head...my my So I turn on my computer and google the drug and find a group of people discussing teenage drinking and depression and suicide and side effects--and dosage adjustments and their potential....my my what a wonderful world it is here today...a man in my position can feed the nervous cells in my head with usable information with almost no strings....
I'm not capable of being able to judge the value of the information offered here,but I recognize things like need and human warmth,and good oldfashiond heart felt words......onward we go..
Posted by BB1969 on August 22, 2006, at 16:02:31
In reply to Re: /Hey to Aciel!!!!, posted by inshadeoftree on August 22, 2006, at 12:38:15
> MY Goodness....I'm on my second day of Venlafaxine (Effexor X R ) and boy oh boy...what a bunch of information to sift..social anxiety disorder-general anxiety disorder-depression-leg twitching,lightning in my head...my my So I turn on my computer and google the drug and find a group of people discussing teenage drinking and depression and suicide and side effects--and dosage adjustments and their potential....my my what a wonderful world it is here today...a man in my position can feed the nervous cells in my head with usable information with almost no strings....
> I'm not capable of being able to judge the value of the information offered here,but I recognize things like need and human warmth,and good oldfashiond heart felt words......onward we go..
Don't be discouraged - just be armed with information to talk to your doctor about. Some have had no side effects - others, like me, a different story. I feel this medication is killing me and I'm slowly getting off of it.
Posted by invisibleman15010 on August 22, 2006, at 16:22:29
In reply to Re: /Hey to Aciel!!!!, posted by BB1969 on August 22, 2006, at 16:02:31
Why can't it be as easy as choosing Tylenol or Advil...prior posting talks about Effexor with the same symptons I had on Paxil and Zoloft. Paxil was like a bad acid trip.....Are each of our brains wired so differently that these meds have such different effects.....seems like so few posting say....wow I feel wonderful.....I am ready to start a new life......is there something more here?? Are we having the proverbial wool pulled over our eyes? I am only addressing anxiety and depression, OCD, Bi Polor, Schizophrenia I can't even touch on....though I have seen the results......but I am very familiar with the effects, side effects, non effects of these anti depressant/anti anxiety meds.........I think we and the insurance industry are all being taken for a major ride.......Mine are in the toilet......well sewage plant by now.......How about a shot and beer........these meds are seeming to be much worse as I read more reports, visit more sites and try more med cocktails........
e
Posted by invisibleman15010 on August 22, 2006, at 16:26:15
In reply to 90%Negative Postings..9%Some Help....1% Great???, posted by invisibleman15010 on August 22, 2006, at 16:22:29
Are there any live saved by medication stories?
Posted by Elroy on August 22, 2006, at 16:53:42
In reply to Can someone post a true hands down meds saved me, posted by invisibleman15010 on August 22, 2006, at 16:26:15
> Are there any live saved by medication stories?
In my case, yes.Situation: Anxiety which developed from severe stress into mild anxiety and then into moderate anxiety and then went into a condition of Pseudo Cushing's accompanied by severe anxiety and a number of physical symptoms.
Xanax XR saved my life. A minor dose (1 mg twice a day) was enough to keep the edge off to keep me from going completely nuts - and helped stem the tide of the super elevated levels of cortisol that my conditionwas causing. After a 2 week stay at NIH Hospital (where extensive testing was done - in December of 2005) they confirmed the Pseudo Cushing's diagnosis and recommended that my anti anxiety meds (Xanax XR) be significantly increased. On my return it was increased to 2 mg three times a day (around late January of 2006). Since then my condition has slowly but steadily continued to improve.
Elroy
Posted by invisibleman15010 on August 22, 2006, at 18:46:55
In reply to Re: Can someone post a true hands down meds saved » invisibleman15010, posted by Elroy on August 22, 2006, at 16:53:42
The stress then fall into major anxiety sounds very familiar. What is Pseudo Cushing's? I know Xanax helped me. NO med has really helped me at all with depression symptons. But, the benzos, now klonopin does provide me with relief from anxiety and the depression seems to lift a little. I feel almost normal.But it does not last. Glad you got good help. You are a lucky man.
e
Posted by Dim_Light_Shining on August 22, 2006, at 20:37:24
In reply to Re: Can someone post a true hands down meds saved, posted by invisibleman15010 on August 22, 2006, at 18:46:55
Hi,
I'm sorry to hear your experiences with meds have been disappointing overall. But don't give up, as new drugs are always under development...I really hope that something turns up to help you find lasting peace in your life.
I have had a really great experience with Effexor in the past. When I was in my first year of university, I was deeply depressed and at times suicidal. I started taking Effexor and over the next few weeks it was like watching a miracle unfold...I felt so much better, even though I was on a low dose. Whether it was the drug, the cognitive-behavioural therapy I was doing or a change in my circumstances is hard to say, as all happened around the same time...I like to think it was a combination.
I just started taking Effexor again...I'd been off it for a few years and then everything came back. But I try to remind myself how well things turned out last time and try to stay hopeful.
Please try to stay hopeful too - I know how frustrating and discouraging it is. If you haven't already, you may want to look into counselling or cognitive-beahvioural therapy, as this has really helped me.
Hopefully this has provided some encouragement, or whatever else you need to hear right now. Please take good care of yourself and hang in there!
Posted by HOPEFULL on August 23, 2006, at 6:34:17
In reply to Re: Can someone post a true hands down meds saved, posted by Dim_Light_Shining on August 22, 2006, at 20:37:24
Hello, to everyone,I will tell you one thing,yesterday was my 2 day with EFF and I feel tension on my neck because I was only able to sleep 5 hours. But I can say I was able to feel a tiny bit better...of course and no offense to noone, I pray and keep on having Faith... that someday we all WILL,Wake up and SAY WHAT A WONDERFUL DAY, HAVE A BLESS DAY TO ALL
Posted by HOPEFULL on August 23, 2006, at 6:46:29
In reply to Re: Problems with Effexor XR and alcohol?, posted by Aciel on August 21, 2006, at 14:45:56
Posted by Elroy on August 23, 2006, at 7:50:07
In reply to Re: Can someone post a true hands down meds saved, posted by invisibleman15010 on August 22, 2006, at 18:46:55
> The stress then fall into major anxiety sounds very familiar. What is Pseudo Cushing's? I know Xanax helped me. NO med has really helped me at all with depression symptons. But, the benzos, now klonopin does provide me with relief from anxiety and the depression seems to lift a little. I feel almost normal.But it does not last. Glad you got good help. You are a lucky man.
> eIt is a form of Cushing;s Disease. There is actual Cushing's Disease where the body produces excessive cortisol due to a pituitary tumor. Then there's Cushing's Syndrome which is caused by either an adrenal gland tumor or an ACTH-secreting small-cell cancer. Then there's Exogenous Cushing's where a doctor has prescribed excessively strong levels of artificial cortisol (prednisone, etc.)... and then there's Pseudo Cushing's where the body produces highly excessive cortisol for any one of a number of reasons. Excessive obesity. AIDS. Active stage HIV. Acute, chronic alcoholism. And either chronic and/or acute depreession or anxiety.
In the latter case, endocrinologists call it Pseudo Cushing's, while neuropsychiatrists simply refer to it as a psychological disorder accompanied by excessive secretion of cortisol. Interestingly, while Endos are doing much research on "regular" Cushing's, they pretty much ignore Pseudo Cushing's - while the neuropsychiatrists are doing some quite serios research on psychological disorders accompanied by excessive secretion of cortisol (which is in fact MY version of PC).
An interesting article - from NIH Hospital - on that aspects of PC (psychological disorders accompanied by excessive secretion of cortisol) can be found at:
http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/sep2002/nichd-09.htm
Posted by flipsactown on August 23, 2006, at 8:26:47
In reply to Re: HAS ANYONE USE CYMBALTA (nm), posted by HOPEFULL on August 23, 2006, at 6:46:29
Currently on Cymbalta 60mg, Wellbutrin 400mg for sexual side effect of Cymbalta and Trazodone 150mg for insomnia side effect of Cymbalta. Have been on this combo for at least 5 months with great success. I have had unipolar depression and have been taken numerous AD's with great success for over 20 years. I am male.
Posted by invisibleman15010 on August 23, 2006, at 8:34:48
In reply to Re: Can someone post a true hands down meds saved, posted by Dim_Light_Shining on August 22, 2006, at 20:37:24
Dim lite shining,
Thanks for the post. It home for me. I am thinking about going back on Effexor??? As I have stopped all of my other med cocktail which was not working and never really did. Hey, let me know how you do. I have to decide before mid September when I go back into the Dr. He is pushing for ECT and then back on another med. I am leaning towards Effexor, or the natural route, via St. Johns Wort, Sam E, etc. none of the others have done anything for my depression.
e
Posted by invisibleman15010 on August 23, 2006, at 8:38:47
In reply to Re: Pseudo Cushing's » invisibleman15010, posted by Elroy on August 23, 2006, at 7:50:07
How do they know if your body is producing to excessive amounts of cortisol?
E
Posted by invisibleman15010 on August 23, 2006, at 8:51:12
In reply to Re: Pseudo Cushing's » invisibleman15010, posted by Elroy on August 23, 2006, at 7:50:07
Very interesting article, seems to fit in parts. But with a limited understanding of chemistry,endochonology etc.(I was a business major) I find a lot of it questionable, as many of us can find parts of the studies that fit some of our conditions. So how are we to know, when most of our GP or Psy Dr. are out in left field to, except for what the drug reps. are pushing. I have been to a number of well respected(at least in my general area) Psy docs and Gps and they never get past, yes you have severe anxiety and or depression, who, why or what doesn't enter the picture. But, thanks again for the article. Good food for thought as I contimplate my next Psy. move.
e
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