Posted by wendi on July 28, 2001, at 15:23:02
In reply to Re: Another satisfied customer! » Pamela, posted by kid47 on March 27, 2001, at 12:05:46
> > > I just started taking effexor 4 weeks ago, now I'm afraid to up my dosage as my doctor recomends. Are the withdrawls less if the dosage doesn't go above 75 mg? I tried the effexor XR and had terrible side effects. I stoped sleeping, became irritable, gained weight, my hands shook, my head hurt, cried all the time, and then became suicidal. I didn't have any of that with effexor. Can anyone help with advice or comments? Thanks, Wendi
> > >
> > > Just a quick note to say that I have had great results with Effexor XR. I did have a few side effects in the first three days. I had nausea for the first few hours after taking the drug. I also had a hard time sleeping for the first few nights, but I was having a hard time sleeping before the med anyway. And then there was the constant yawning that I could not control. (That could be guite comical depending on where I was.) But I am happy to say that all of that has ended now and I am feeling great. I am feeling more and more like my old self every day. I don't pretend to think that this drug will have the same effect on everyone, but it has done wonders for me. I do wonder, however; if the reason that there are far more unhappy people than happy ones posting on this web sight is because the happy ones aren't looking for a forum to sing Effexor XR's praises. If you are taking the medication and are having good results, why would you bother looking for a sight on the internet? I only found this sight purely by chance one night when I first started taking the med. Let me say, had I read many of the postings before I started taking the drug, I would not have taken it. This would have done me a great disservice. I have always just checked in on this sight and read the postings, but today I feel compelled to share my "good" Effexor XR story. Thank you for your time.
> > >
> > > Canuck
> >
> > Canuck,
> > Once again, you are talking about FXR while you are "on" it, please don't be fooled it is the scariest thing I have experienced "GOING OFF" it. I loved it while on it, it did wonders for me. Information is good and you are right about this site with no one reporting good stuff. I would love to read just "ONE" positive about the withdrawals's.... JUST ONE! It might give me hope, but in the meantime, keep reading so you become aware. Our society likes the quick fix (as did I) so we tend to hide our head in the sand if it does the job, quickly. My life will never be the same (knowledge and appreciation for my previous good health)) as for my health, I pray everyday for a full recovery from this drug. I have other detailed info if yo haven't already read. Please don't dismiss what you read, these are real people, with real suffering going on. This site helped me tremedouly knowing that I wasn't the only one and wasn't going crazy.
> > God Bless and I will pray for your success,
> > Pamela
>
> Hi Pamela. I am truly sorry for the very rough time you have had w/your FXR withdrawal. I was not going to respond to anymore of these posts as it seemed to be upsetting to you & some others. I do know how painfull, emotionally & physically mental illness can be & causing additional aggrevation is certainly not my intent.
>
> At 46 yrs old I too was unable to get out of bed, go to work or care for my family. My condition was not a reaction to any drug but from a lifetime of untreated mental ilness. After a stay in a mental hospital. I was stabilized enough to be allowed to go home (plus the insurance ran out) Like many of us, I tried what seemed like every conceivable drug available to treat my Bipolar disorder. At a time when I was busy planning how to make my death look like an accident so my family could collect my life insurance, FXR was added to my drug cocktail. Within two weeks time my life turned around. I am not particularly religous but this was truly a miracle. So for me FXR was a life saver.
>
> Like a person with cancer, aids,or heart disease, there are some of us with mental illness that are in a life or death struggle. When we make a decision to try a medication it may be out of desparation- a last ditch effort. Sometimes in those situations we need support of our decision & not negative histrionics based on anecdotal evidence. I know your intentions are to warn others of the terrible experience you have had with FXR. But when posting to especially this type of format we might be disuading a person from trying something that could very well save there life. Unfortunately people who have good luck with a drug don't post as often as those who have problems(IMO) There has also been good info posted her to minimize the withdrawal fxs.
> And there are some posts in the archives of folks who have gotten off of FXR with little or no problem. I personally know of people who have gotten of this drug with no problem also. So not everyone has had the bad experience you have had.
>
> I think there is common ground here. I believe we all feel that the maker of FXR is well aware of the potential for withdrawl problems with this drug & there should be a major campaign to educate docs & consumers. I think I read where this is already taking place.
>
> I am not posting this to put anyone down. This is only the 4th time I've ever posted & I've been "lurking" here over 2 years. As an FXR user I know how these alarmist type post make me feel. I deal with severe anxiety & some of the sensationlism surrounding this topic effects me to the point where I may stop reading these posts. I think you can be honest & accurate about a situation & still present a balanced view. I would like to see "hard" data as far as the toal # of FXR rx's written etc. At this point there is very little scientific study about these withdrawals that I have seen. Pamela, don't get me wrong. I believe you are having a terrible time & it is because of withdrawal from FXR. It would be interesting to see some studies on this. Leo mentioned he was an investigative reporter. Maybe he could look into it? Sorry about the lenght of this.
>
> Please post as to how you are feeling. Hope things are improving. Take care.
poster:wendi
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010725/msgs/72252.html