![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 6264 to 6288 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by Semi-conscious on February 3, 2004, at 9:33:40
In reply to Re: STAY OFF EFFEXOR IF YOU CAN » on-the-wave, posted by Sad Panda on February 3, 2004, at 8:50:43
Please tell me if you have experienced any negative side effects from using Effexor SR. I need corraboration to take to my Dr., so he'll work with me on a plan to go through withdrawals with pain killers or something,. with out calling me 'drug seeking.' Please see my other post too.
Please reply to either post. Thanks, semi-conscious Taylor.
Posted by on-the-wave on February 3, 2004, at 9:40:43
In reply to EFFEXOR: ANY NEGATIVE SIDE EFFECTS???, posted by Semi-conscious on February 3, 2004, at 9:33:40
Brain zaps, short term memory loss, disorientation, dissiness, increased emotional sensitivity, insomnia, weight gain, irritiability, short temper, rage, feelings of invincability, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, etc, etc, etc.
THIS IS NOT RECURRING DEPRESSION/ANXIETY THEY ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF WITHDRAWAL.
Posted by PoohBear on February 3, 2004, at 10:33:08
In reply to STAY OFF EFFEXOR IF YOU CAN, posted by on-the-wave on February 3, 2004, at 8:23:16
> My advice to any-one about to start effexor, paxil, zooloft, luvox, wellbutrin or any SSRI, STOP AND THINK WHAT YOU ARE ABOUT TO DO.
>
> Read a book called Prozac Backlash by Joseph Glen mullen.
>
> There is so much about these drugs that your psychiatrist doesn't know about.
>
> DO NOT TAKE SSRI'S without consulting a psychologist first. On no account accept a prescription from a GP for an SSRI.
>
> YOU ARE PLAYING WITH YOUR LIFE.This is just one book. Your opinion is yours and as such is valid, but it is irresponsible to say that an entire class of drugs is bad because of one author.
These drugs have helped many, myself included. What do you say to those like myself who have a family history of depression, bipolar and alcoholism? I am nearly 47 and have battled depression, ADHD and the after effects of child abuse all my life.
I have done that through a very strong, personal walk with Christ. But that faith and no amount of prayer helped lift the darkness that was always lurking in the background. Effexor was able to do that. It also helped me for the first time in my life to be able to control my thoughts.
Many come to these boards looking for encouragement and instead go away more discouraged and confused than before because they don't have the ability to weed out the trash from the truth. Are there doctors who dole out drugs like candy without really knowing their effects or if they're really indicated for their patient? As surely as there's another charlatan with some hair-brained idea about the evils of drugs and how we're slowly killing ourselves...
I'd rather live with the drugs and their side effects than the darkness in my mind any day. I will live forever. If my life here is made more effective by the drugs I need to take to help me function normally, but my life is cut short by a few years, what's that in light of eternity?
I refuse to listen to narrow-minded authors with a bone to pick and an ax to grind against something that has helped many and me personally. Perhaps if my mother and her sisters had had Effexor or some of the other SSRI's or meds we take for granted now, they'ed be alive today, instead of dead long before their time.
Tony
Posted by Sad Panda on February 3, 2004, at 11:23:11
In reply to Re: STAY OFF EFFEXOR IF YOU CAN, posted by on-the-wave on February 3, 2004, at 9:31:27
> My advice is find the emotional/psychological problem and deal with it through therapy. The good old fashion PROVEN way. BEFORE THE effexor WEARS OFF.
>Therapy with a pdoc would be great! Unfortunately I don't have the money for one......
One thing Efexor has done for me is enabled me to talk about my problems with people. Before Efexor I didn't talk to anyone about my problems, I was just a time bomb ready to go off. I use to wonder why people seemingly & needlesly comitted suicide, but then I got so depressed myself that I realized why...
As for Efexor pooping out, that may or may not happen. Some people need an ever increasing dose of SSRI's/Benzos/Stimulants/MAOIs, some people can have the same dose for years. YMMV as they say.
Cheers,
Panda.
Posted by Zellie on February 3, 2004, at 12:32:51
In reply to Re: STAY OFF EFFEXOR IF YOU CAN » on-the-wave, posted by PoohBear on February 3, 2004, at 10:33:08
I hear your pain and frustration, PoohBear. Effexor has taken me out of the darkness and anguish, too, when nothing else would, after living 42 years of depression.
I appreciate the fears and concerns of those who have had a bad experience with Effexor, and my compassion and heart go out to all of you in that boat. But, as PoohBear has said, there are some of us who are exceedingly grateful for the tremendous lifesaver that Effexor has been for us. We appreciate hearing about your experiences, and I feel we will learn from them better by just reading about YOUR own life story, rather than by making pejorative statements about the drug.
Kindest regards,
Zellie> > My advice to any-one about to start effexor, paxil, zooloft, luvox, wellbutrin or any SSRI, STOP AND THINK WHAT YOU ARE ABOUT TO DO.
> >
> > Read a book called Prozac Backlash by Joseph Glen mullen.
> >
> > There is so much about these drugs that your psychiatrist doesn't know about.
> >
> > DO NOT TAKE SSRI'S without consulting a psychologist first. On no account accept a prescription from a GP for an SSRI.
> >
> > YOU ARE PLAYING WITH YOUR LIFE.
>
> This is just one book. Your opinion is yours and as such is valid, but it is irresponsible to say that an entire class of drugs is bad because of one author.
>
> These drugs have helped many, myself included. What do you say to those like myself who have a family history of depression, bipolar and alcoholism? I am nearly 47 and have battled depression, ADHD and the after effects of child abuse all my life.
>
> I have done that through a very strong, personal walk with Christ. But that faith and no amount of prayer helped lift the darkness that was always lurking in the background. Effexor was able to do that. It also helped me for the first time in my life to be able to control my thoughts.
>
> Many come to these boards looking for encouragement and instead go away more discouraged and confused than before because they don't have the ability to weed out the trash from the truth. Are there doctors who dole out drugs like candy without really knowing their effects or if they're really indicated for their patient? As surely as there's another charlatan with some hair-brained idea about the evils of drugs and how we're slowly killing ourselves...
>
> I'd rather live with the drugs and their side effects than the darkness in my mind any day. I will live forever. If my life here is made more effective by the drugs I need to take to help me function normally, but my life is cut short by a few years, what's that in light of eternity?
>
> I refuse to listen to narrow-minded authors with a bone to pick and an ax to grind against something that has helped many and me personally. Perhaps if my mother and her sisters had had Effexor or some of the other SSRI's or meds we take for granted now, they'ed be alive today, instead of dead long before their time.
>
> Tony
Posted by jpmjcem on February 3, 2004, at 12:41:26
In reply to Re: Pregnancy and Effexor XR?? » lacey2001, posted by Zellie on February 2, 2004, at 23:10:07
DO NOT USE EFFEXOR XR FOR PREGNANCY OR BREASTFEEDING> I had my first baby boy and he is 7 months old now... but my doctors told me it was safe to use this drug while preg and breastfeeding. This drug caused my son to be dehydrated in the womb. He came out with severe withdrawl from teh Effexor XR and we could have lost him. I will NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER trust a doctor to tell me something is safe during preg like that again. PLEASE DO NOT USE IT! It really harms the fetus and baby!
Posted by on-the-wave on February 3, 2004, at 13:16:53
In reply to Re: STAY OFF EFFEXOR IF YOU CAN » on-the-wave, posted by PoohBear on February 3, 2004, at 10:33:08
You to are entitled to your opinion, but be sure it is an informed opinion and not a view blinkered by your current status quo.
My point and the point of the book in question (which i admit i have not completed yet)is that there are several KNOWN effects of these drugs which are sometimes ignored.
Firstly the generally accepted initial physical side affects, which in most cases far outweigh the psychological benefits of SSRI's.
Secondly and far more importantly, SSRI's DO WEAR OFF over time. I started on 75mg effexor and eventually peaked at 300mg which i stayed on for 3 years. Once the inital affects (maximised at 150mg) started to wear off, it became a constant battle to maintain an equilibrium state of existance. This existance included bouts of uncontrolled rage, physically damaging myself and property, anxiety attacks and depression. Was this a mini-withdrawal due to the effectiveness wearing off and to physical reactions which the current dose could not cope with? Having gone through withdrawal, I can almost guarantee that it was. Increasing the dosage as i did had minimal effect, but i never achieved the same benefits i experienced when i first used effexor. (I note that I was on Luvox at increasing dosages for about 3 months with absolutely no effect before switching to effexor I stopped increasing the effexor at 300mg because i couldn't afford the monthly expense.).
Macmullen raises the question as to what happens when the drug starts to wear off? There is no correct answer to this question, because nobody is addressing the issue. What will you do?
Thirdly do SSRI's cause brain damage? No-one can say "no it doesn't" just as no-one can prove it does. Just be sure you are aware of the risk, the current information, etc. when you take the decision to start.
Fourthly, what are the physical effects of tolerance to inhibiting seratonin up-take. Once your nervous system is accustomed to high doses of SSRI's and starts to tolerate them (i.e. the efficacy of the drug deminishes) what pharmocological action should be taken. For example you are as depressed and anxious as before you started SSRI's only now you have added XXXmg of an extremely powerful psycho-analeptic into the mix, which i think we all know is playing havoc with your emotional, psychological and nervous system.
Anyone experiencing withdrawal can testify to the power of these drugs. My concern is the residual effect, after the initial 12 hour effect has passed. If the so-called "half life" of the drug is about 12 hours, what is physical and neuroligical change that has occured that causes the withdrawal symtoms for weeks after? I don't have this answer, neither to i believe any-one does. Be aware.
And lastly withdrawal, are you intending to stop effexor at some stage? My experience after the difficulties of the second attempt, was that no matter how difficult the withdrawal, i would not take 1mg more of effexor. If the withdrawal effects are so dire, what on earth is the drug doing inside my brain.
As an example of how the eficacy of a drug can cause people to ignore the facts. remember a drug that came out in the 50's that was marketed to help nausea in pregnant woman. It was the wonder drug of the day. thalidamide caused severe birth defects on over 10 000 babies.SSRI's will obvioulsy not have the same impact due to their use in depression, anxiety, etc. I can't tell you that SSRI's will cause x, but at the same time you cant tell me it won't. DO the benefits outweigh the negative effects. I don't know. Am i willing to take the risk, in retrospect, absolutely not. Two years ago, i would have given the same answer you gave above.
Posted by justjustine on February 3, 2004, at 14:53:55
In reply to Re: STAY OFF EFFEXOR IF YOU CAN, posted by on-the-wave on February 3, 2004, at 13:16:53
i know this effexor-hating is uncomfortable for some, but as one who is in week 4 of withdrawal, i feel fully qualified to speak from my experience: stay away from effexor if you can! i have never been so sick as i have been this past month, and the doctors for the most part don't want to believe it's withdrawals from effexor - although they have no other suggestions or ideas for what is wrong. it's incredibly ignorant!
on-the-wave may have some harsh words that are hard to hear, but i have to support what has been said.
this is not a drug that anyone should take with out experienced supervision - and i mean the experience of a doctor who has taken at least one patient through withdrawal successfully. if not, find a new doctor who has, otherwise when you do decide to come off you will not be in the best hands.
Posted by poochi on February 3, 2004, at 15:03:22
In reply to Re: STAY OFF EFFEXOR IF YOU CAN, posted by justjustine on February 3, 2004, at 14:53:55
I agree, STAY AWAY from Effexor !
I am on my 2nd week of with drawl and on my way to the Dr. to get a small dose of it bacause the "zaps" and the dizziness and the wierd sleep things that are going on in me are just WAY to much to handle. I was on 112mg for 1 year, and I must admit, life was good then. It really does help. But, to know then what i know now about TRYING to stop it, well, I 'm not sure if its worth it. People tend to quickly forget the good when things go bad, but for those of you thinking about going on this drug. Be very careful, and DO find a Dr that knows ALOT about this drug. And, please don't think that once you feel better you'll be able to handle the with drawl, IT IS NOT AN EASY thing. Take into concideration what everyone is saying here. It IS a dangerous drug, and VERY VERY addicting.
Posted by mariarp on February 3, 2004, at 16:56:04
In reply to Re: Effexor Dosage and sexual side effects » omegon, posted by Sad Panda on January 31, 2004, at 12:23:37
I am a female and I had been on Paroxetine for about a year or more. This drug helped my mood more than any other, however there were other factors that strayed me away from the med.
Now, after the drug, I realize that my sexuality was being effected a great deal. I didn't have much trouble being aroused, however, achieving an orgasm was nearly impossible. Anytime I was touched by that special someone, I was turned on, but never reached a peak. Of course, thinking it was something wrong with me at the time I faked it.
Paroxetine also caused more stress in my life due to a 60pound weight gain in a little over 7 months.
I have now been switched to Wellbutrin, which I hear is very similar to Effexor. I have been taking this for about a month now, and I have already noticed weight loss. Also, now not only am I able to achieve "bliss", but time after time. I really enjoy it, however, sometimes it comes too often, and I have to relieve myself or I just go crazy. I wonder if that is bad... hmm.
I wonder if anyone besides myself has witnessed such behavior...
-maria
_________________________________________
> > I am also male and was on efexor for something like 2.5 - 3 months. (Memory loss was one side effect for me.) I had somewhat delayed orgasm, but was never unable to get there; I actually considered it an advantage. I was on paroxetine before, which was much more of a problem; it made achieving orgasm an epic quest - took 50 minutes on occasion, which was extremely frustrating since it increased desire and _decreased_ pleasure!
> >
> > The effect was much the same with all doses of efexor I was on. 225mg was the highest, and this actually increased desire several times compared to how I was without medication - though this probably says more about my depression than about the drug. No decrease in sensation/pleasure - if anything it was increased. It was almost worth putting up with the problems it was causing - primarily major mood swings, blurred thinking and lack of energy.
> >
> > If it does cause you sexual problems, you might wait a few weeks before you abandon it if it's working well otherwise: I've seen quite a few reports that suggest the side effects, including the sexual effects, decrease after a few months at the same dose. (People have said anything from 2-6 months, which is admittedly not much of a comfort for something as urgent as sex!)
> >
> > You might try (cautiously) taking 500mg of tyrosine. (Amino acid: a nutritional supplement available over-the-counter - in the UK at least - and a precursor of dopamine and noradrenaline.) This should help a lot with desire and pleasure. You should wait until any anxiety effects from the efexor have gone, though, since the adrenaline increase it causes can be very unpleasant otherwise.
> >
> >
> >
> > > I am a male who has been on 75mg of Effexor XR for several weeks. Has anyone had any experience with increased dosage and the effects on sexual orgasm? Since being on Effexor I have personally experienced delayed orgasm and to a lesser extent the inability to ejaculate. Since I have been plagued with premature ejaculation my entire adult life the delayed ejaculation is a very desirable side effect. I am considering asking my doctor to increase my dosage to combat my depression but am concerned that the increased dosage may result in increased frequency of no ejaculation. Desire and ability to obtain and maintain erection has not been a problem since being on the medication. Any comments would be greatly appreciated!
> >
>
> On 75mg of Efexor XR I had delayed orgasm. On 150mg no orgasm. I am now on 225mg with 30mg Remeron added & orgasm is back to normal.
>
> Cheers,
> Panda.
>
>
>
Posted by outofcontrol on February 3, 2004, at 17:14:38
In reply to Re: STAY OFF EFFEXOR IF YOU CAN, posted by poochi on February 3, 2004, at 15:03:22
I was on Effexor for a while maybe a year or year and a half. I thought I would like to see how I can do not on the medication. Well I went from 75mg to 37.5mg over a few week periodand then I went off the 37.5mg and have not been on anything for about 6 days. My sickness side effects went away, but I feel uncontrolable....my minds racing and I am more emotional then ever. I can be watching something on tv and start crying. I feel so bad for my boyfriend and I hate that this won't go away. I feel like I want to curl up in bed forever and like there is a weight on my chest, kind of like how I used to feel when I got panic attacks....Does this get any better or is this normal to go through after getting off this medicine.
Posted by KimberlyDi on February 3, 2004, at 17:39:56
In reply to Re: I'm afraid to go off Effexor,taking 1 1/2 year » KimberlyDi, posted by Semi-conscious on February 3, 2004, at 0:22:30
I'm on 100mg of Imipramine which I think almost qualifies as nothing. As to types of depression... I've been told that some people have situational depression and just need AD's as a crutch until they have learned, through therapy, etc., how to handle life's disappointments and problems on their own. Or to survive the worst of the grieving process for the loss of a loved one. The other seems to be a chemical imbalance in the brain which may need medication indefinately to stay balanced and sane.
I am a MOODY female right now, after several weeks off of Effexor. My mood swings keep me off-balance and I'm very unhappy. I feel emotionally out of control which is probably going to drive me back to the list of AD's for another try at it. One that won't kill me or my marriage (thru lack of sex drive).
I'm disappointed at my options.
But I withdrew off of Effexor safely. :)
KDi in TX
> Thank you for your response Kimberly!. What does it feel like to be Effexor free? Are you taking any meds now? I've been taking anti-depressant for about 9 years. Do you think I could go off all of them and be okay? I take 4 diferent kinds a day. Weren't anti-depressants intially intended for short term use and then it was suppose to have corrected the problem? Or am I condemned to being dependent on drugs for the rest of my life? You're probably not a Dr. but any information you might have re: those questions, I would be most grateful. Taylor
>
>
Posted by KimberlyDi on February 3, 2004, at 17:42:32
In reply to Re: STAY OFF EFFEXOR IF YOU CAN, posted by on-the-wave on February 3, 2004, at 9:31:27
Posted by lacey2001 on February 3, 2004, at 17:50:33
In reply to Re: Pregnancy and Effexor XR??, posted by jpmjcem on February 3, 2004, at 12:41:26
Hi thanks for the responses regarding pregnancy and the use of Effexor. I didn't really want to be on anything for a pregnancy (I don't even like taking Tylenol). I am definitely
taking your advice. How is your son doing now? That must have been pretty scary having the fetus dehydrated.
I have an appointment with my Dr. this Friday and am going to talk to her about coming off of Effexor. There is some side effects I am still having as well. I don't have any idea how long it will take to be off of it. I have only been on Effexor for two months and at 75 mg. It shouldn't be too bad to discontinue. I will lower my dosage slowly of course.Tanya
out with severe withdrawl from teh Effexor XR and we could have lost him. I will NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER trust a doctor to tell me something is safe during preg like that again. PLEASE DO NOT USE IT! It really harms the fetus and baby!
Posted by jpmjcem on February 3, 2004, at 17:58:05
In reply to Re: Pregnancy and Effexor XR??, posted by lacey2001 on February 3, 2004, at 17:50:33
> Hi thanks for the responses regarding pregnancy and the use of Effexor. I didn't really want to be on anything for a pregnancy (I don't even like taking Tylenol). I am definitely
> taking your advice. How is your son doing now? That must have been pretty scary having the fetus dehydrated.
> I have an appointment with my Dr. this Friday and am going to talk to her about coming off of Effexor. There is some side effects I am still having as well. I don't have any idea how long it will take to be off of it. I have only been on Effexor for two months and at 75 mg. It shouldn't be too bad to discontinue. I will lower my dosage slowly of course.
>
> Tanya
>
> out with severe withdrawl from teh Effexor XR and we could have lost him. I will NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER trust a doctor to tell me something is safe during preg like that again. PLEASE DO NOT USE IT! It really harms the fetus and baby!
>
>
My son is wonderful now. He is 7 months old and doing great. But when he was born - he was severly dehydrated from the Effexor XR and my doc had told me it was safe. I didn't breastfeed him because i was afraid to after the birth. He had to be in the hospital for the whole weekend and it broke my heart. He ended up being alright but honestly... it is not worth the risk of a baby's life.
I have GAD and it is definitely not something that can go untreated. Please look into another type of med that is okay for pregnancy if you need it. And the withdrawl from Effexor is real bad- so I wish you luck.
Posted by PoohBear on February 3, 2004, at 18:19:26
In reply to does this go away? Is this normal, posted by outofcontrol on February 3, 2004, at 17:14:38
>...I thought I would like to see how I can do not on the medication....>
WHY, OH Why, do people feel a need to do this to themselves?
Because of some panic-stricken posts on these boards?
Because of curiousty?
Did you get your doctor's approval before starting this? Did they say that now was a good time to come of you meds? Weren't you doing okay on it?
Please don't misunderstand. My heart is full of compassion, I simply don't understand why someone would do this unsupervised.
I just don't get it.
Confused in Seattle,
Tony
Posted by poochi on February 3, 2004, at 18:34:38
In reply to Re: does this go away? Is this normal » outofcontrol, posted by PoohBear on February 3, 2004, at 18:19:26
> >...I thought I would like to see how I can do not on the medication....>
>
> WHY, OH Why, do people feel a need to do this to themselves?
>
> Because of some panic-stricken posts on these boards?
>
> Because of curiousty?
>
> Did you get your doctor's approval before starting this? Did they say that now was a good time to come of you meds? Weren't you doing okay on it?
>
> Please don't misunderstand. My heart is full of compassion, I simply don't understand why someone would do this unsupervised.
>
> I just don't get it.
>
> Confused in Seattle,
>
> Tony
Well, some people can no longer afford the highcost of these medices, and some people don't like to be on pills everyday of there lives. And some people feel like they might like a chance to see if they can function without medication.
These of course are my opinions, but i think that each person probably has a very good reason for doing what they are doing. I do encourage everyone tho to consult their dr before trying to do anything on their own.
I wish good luck to all those who are trying to make their own lives their own again.
Posted by outofcontrol on February 3, 2004, at 18:41:42
In reply to Re: does this go away? Is this normal » outofcontrol, posted by PoohBear on February 3, 2004, at 18:19:26
I was on the medicine mainly to help me get over and deal with things after my mother passed away of cancer. I was 18 when she did and pretty much the head of the house hold. My doctor said that it was one of the less addicting medicines, after trying many others that gave me bad side effects. Now after having no insurance, it cost $100 a month and my boyfriend and I are going to get married soon and want to start a family and I can't be on the medicine and trying to get pregnant. So my doctor said that we can try other ways to control any anxiety or depression. I have never been depressed really bad or anything...it was more of trying to deal with feeling edgy from trying to take on too much and more then I am used to, and filling my moms shoes when I wasn't her and didn't knkow how to do her job. Part of me is glad im off the medicine and the other part doesn't know how I will deal.
Jennifer
Ohio
Posted by PoohBear on February 3, 2004, at 19:25:19
In reply to Re: does this go away? Is this normal, posted by outofcontrol on February 3, 2004, at 18:41:42
I hope all goes well for you. Your reasons are perfectly understandable; they just weren't stated in the earlier post.
Take care!
Tony
> I was on the medicine mainly to help me get over and deal with things after my mother passed away of cancer. I was 18 when she did and pretty much the head of the house hold. My doctor said that it was one of the less addicting medicines, after trying many others that gave me bad side effects. Now after having no insurance, it cost $100 a month and my boyfriend and I are going to get married soon and want to start a family and I can't be on the medicine and trying to get pregnant. So my doctor said that we can try other ways to control any anxiety or depression. I have never been depressed really bad or anything...it was more of trying to deal with feeling edgy from trying to take on too much and more then I am used to, and filling my moms shoes when I wasn't her and didn't knkow how to do her job. Part of me is glad im off the medicine and the other part doesn't know how I will deal.
>
> Jennifer
> Ohio
Posted by EFFEXED on February 3, 2004, at 20:17:33
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
The EFFEXOR is helping me great with all the anixty I was haveing prior to starting the EFFEXOR but I dont feel happy and its not like I am tired and depressed just kind of numb to things this is the first AD I have ever been on is this numb feeling common with moast ADs or should I talk to my DR about it when I go for my 1st month fallow up on the 5th well any input would be nice thanks.
cindy in TX
Posted by Lokisdream on February 3, 2004, at 20:30:23
In reply to Re: STAY OFF EFFEXOR IF YOU CAN » on-the-wave, posted by PoohBear on February 3, 2004, at 10:33:08
> > My advice to any-one about to start effexor, paxil, zooloft, luvox, wellbutrin or any SSRI, STOP AND THINK WHAT YOU ARE ABOUT TO DO.
> >
> > Read a book called Prozac Backlash by Joseph Glen mullen.
> >
> > There is so much about these drugs that your psychiatrist doesn't know about.
> >
> > DO NOT TAKE SSRI'S without consulting a psychologist first. On no account accept a prescription from a GP for an SSRI.
> >
> > YOU ARE PLAYING WITH YOUR LIFE.
>
> This is just one book. Your opinion is yours and as such is valid, but it is irresponsible to say that an entire class of drugs is bad because of one author.
>
> These drugs have helped many, myself included. What do you say to those like myself who have a family history of depression, bipolar and alcoholism? I am nearly 47 and have battled depression, ADHD and the after effects of child abuse all my life.
>
> I have done that through a very strong, personal walk with Christ. But that faith and no amount of prayer helped lift the darkness that was always lurking in the background. Effexor was able to do that. It also helped me for the first time in my life to be able to control my thoughts.
>
> Many come to these boards looking for encouragement and instead go away more discouraged and confused than before because they don't have the ability to weed out the trash from the truth. Are there doctors who dole out drugs like candy without really knowing their effects or if they're really indicated for their patient? As surely as there's another charlatan with some hair-brained idea about the evils of drugs and how we're slowly killing ourselves...
>
> I'd rather live with the drugs and their side effects than the darkness in my mind any day. I will live forever. If my life here is made more effective by the drugs I need to take to help me function normally, but my life is cut short by a few years, what's that in light of eternity?
>
> I refuse to listen to narrow-minded authors with a bone to pick and an ax to grind against something that has helped many and me personally. Perhaps if my mother and her sisters had had Effexor or some of the other SSRI's or meds we take for granted now, they'ed be alive today, instead of dead long before their time.
>
> TonyEverybody's got their own reactions to different meds, so who's to say what will do what for who. Don't blame it all on the GPs though. My younger bro is the GP who warned me about this 'stuff'. He told me you won't know what it's doing till you don't have it anymore, meanwhile my pusher, sorry, pdoc kept upping my dosage when I told him I felt no different. I wasn't any happier or sadder, just didn't care. I would find myself staring at a window or wall, thinking(and laughing) I can put my head or fist through that, no problem. Later, I find myself patching those holes.
Posted by mariarp on February 3, 2004, at 23:01:57
In reply to does this go away? Is this normal, posted by outofcontrol on February 3, 2004, at 17:14:38
Just from my own personal experiences from anti-depressants... (i have not been on effexor, but i have on one similar)
This happened to me... I got off my medication, and I had another episode (which sounds like what you might be having). My doc told me it was not time for me to get off meds... so I got back on and recovered.
She also told me that the more times you get off the meds and have episodes the longer it might take you to get off in the future. Talk to your doctor, but it sounds to me like you are not yet ready to handle the depression on your own yet.
Just from experience... someone with a more professional background might tell you otherwise.
Posted by flyingdreams on February 3, 2004, at 23:48:26
In reply to Re: STAY OFF EFFEXOR IF YOU CAN, posted by on-the-wave on February 3, 2004, at 13:16:53
I totally agree with you!
Posted by justjustine on February 4, 2004, at 10:29:21
In reply to does this go away? Is this normal, posted by outofcontrol on February 3, 2004, at 17:14:38
from my experience (1 year on 150mg effexor and a too-fast taper straight through withdrawal hell) it sounds like you are having withdrawal symptoms - rebounding depression.
i had only physical problems and mania/insomnia - no depression and very little anxiety rebound, in that way i was very lucky, and i'm sorry you are dealing with this.
i also went from 37 to 0, it's too fast. you need to break the 37's up and taper slower to avoid (lessen?) these problems.
my advice to anyone one this drug is pretty much the same right now - get off of it! tapering slowly is probably the smartest and least painful way, but by any means necessary get off this drug!
i've been on prozac, wellbutrin, and serzone, and never had the problems i've had with effexor. i can't wait to have sex with a real person again! at least practicing on myself is finally fun again in the meantime... ;p
> I was on Effexor for a while maybe a year or year and a half. I thought I would like to see how I can do not on the medication. Well I went from 75mg to 37.5mg over a few week periodand then I went off the 37.5mg and have not been on anything for about 6 days. My sickness side effects went away, but I feel uncontrolable....my minds racing and I am more emotional then ever. I can be watching something on tv and start crying. I feel so bad for my boyfriend and I hate that this won't go away. I feel like I want to curl up in bed forever and like there is a weight on my chest, kind of like how I used to feel when I got panic attacks....Does this get any better or is this normal to go through after getting off this medicine.
Posted by on-the-wave on February 4, 2004, at 11:41:50
In reply to Re: does this go away? Is this normal » outofcontrol, posted by PoohBear on February 3, 2004, at 18:19:26
> >...I thought I would like to see how I can do not on the medication....>
>
> WHY, OH Why, do people feel a need to do this to themselves?
>Your only arguement is that the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. Do you know what the disadvantages are?
SSRI's will not cure you and will eventually wear off. It may work continously for mild cases (who would probably be fine with a mild tranquiliser and a holiday). My view is that severe psycholigical damage takes more than this.
My issue was with an emotional childhood trauma agrivated by a patholigical father, which manisfested itself in various emotional and relationship issues. Effexor was wonderful for the first few months. Then as the effect slowly diminished (and the dose went up) I couldn't cope with situations again. I was pretty much back where i started, only know i had complications of SSRI induced rages, deep depressions, severe anxiety attacks, etc. (I too have punched holes in walls, cut myself, etc.).
It was therapy which showed me the way out. I had to overcome enormous tests of faith and learn to trust people and emotions again. I went through periods of such emotional pain that at times i felt like lying down on the ground and dying. It was jesus christ that gave me the courage to get through it. If you say that is not enough for you. Look at yourself and your faith, don't doubt Jesus Christ.
Good luck
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