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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by sl on April 23, 2001, at 21:24:17
In reply to Re: effexor and drinking, posted by DavidHIFI on April 23, 2001, at 19:15:38
> > Did ANYONE start directly at 75mgs, or did most of you folks start at 37.5?
> > sl
> As I said in previous posts, I too am just starting out on Effexor XR and I have decided to stay at 37.5 for the time being. I did not takeLucky you. I didn't start at 37.5, I think cuz my Dr was a resident and not my regular internist. :/ She may also have chosen that because I was coming off Wellbutrin... I didn't ask since I didn't realize most people don't start directly at 75 like I did.
>the 75's in the starter kit requesting, instead that my Dr. give me a perscription for 37.5. I'm
37.5 isn't technically a therapeutic dose...that may also be why she didn't start me that low. I'm in a situation in my life where it wouldn't be good to go without my chemical support, so I need to get to a therapeutic dose as soon as possible. So right now I'm at 150...I took my first full dose today. And I slept a big chunk of the afternoon and right now I'm so tired I can barely think to plan for my new job tomorrow. :(
>just about out of the initial 4 week (plus the one starter week) and although I almost upped it to 75, I've decided to take it real slow. My condition is bearable and I feel that I can take
Again, lucky you. if I stayed at a dose that has no affect on my symptoms...well, I wouldn't get a new job, I wouldn't get my housework done, I pretty much would end up moving home with my mother. :/
>my time with this stuff at the low dosage and I can always increase to the 75. If you're having side fx, stay at 37.5 until you feel they're gone or at least bearable. My (fairly typical, see previous posts) side fx are almost all gone so
It was faded out to "mild" when I doubled. But...now it's bad. I'm so sleepy, I feel like I took Benadryl instead of Effexor. :/ I'm SO hoping tomorrow won't be as bad. Like I said, I need the chemical support ASAP, that's why I can't take my time in adjusting.
>don't be in a hurry. BTW, just having the sun finally come out after a really long winter (I'm in Upstate NY) has done as much as doubling the dose,Good Luck.
Heh, that's how I knew something was definately wrong. It was sunny and beautiful, and I STILL didn't want to leave my apartment. :/ Even telling myself "you'll feel like you've really DONE something today!" didn't work. :/
Thanks.....
sl
Posted by Mercy_M on April 23, 2001, at 21:46:36
In reply to Re: Mercy, posted by Denny on April 23, 2001, at 15:00:13
Posted by violalloyd on April 23, 2001, at 22:42:47
In reply to Re: I Love Effexor, posted by violalloyd on April 23, 2001, at 20:57:07
> > > The so called terrible withdrawl symptoms were nonexistant because I tappered off Slowly
> Well, good for you.
>
> Apparently you are one of the FEW people who does not go thru the difficult withdrawl. Good for you. You are fortunate, but that in itself does not mean that the symptoms are nonexistent! And from what I have read many of US have them even when we DO taper SLOWLY.
>
>
> To all the newbies and longtime users of this wonderful med, dont be swayed by the postings of mentally ill people who go off their meds and blame their depressive symptoms on withdrawl or longterm side effects: also BEWARE THE BRAINWASHED SCIENTOLOGISTS who oppose all psychiatric medication based on the lunatic ravings of a dead science-fiction pulpwriter!!
>
> What is THAT all about???? I thought this board was to help each other.
>
> Does your lack of withdrawl symptoms classify you as 'mentally healthy'?
>
> A lot of newbies and long-term users have found this board very helpful and informative...with the exception of your biased generalities.
>
> Viola>I already apologized for my sarcastic comments >about Scientologists. I apologize once again.
I wasn't offended by your Scientologist comments, but by your belittling the experiences of those of us who are truly experiencing withdrawl.
Viola
Posted by RJKid on April 23, 2001, at 23:54:02
In reply to I Love Effexor, posted by Denny on April 13, 2001, at 15:38:04
Is the patient who trusts his Dr to prescribe safe medication mentally ill? Does that same patient show mental defects by discontinuing that medication in dosages indicated by their Dr?
Come on, give us a break.
I encourage EVERYONE to be swayed by the postings of patients who continue to experience serious side effects with any medication.> > To all the newbies and longtime users of this wonderful med, dont be swayed by the postings of mentally ill people who go off their meds and blame their depressive symptoms on withdrawl or longterm side effects
Posted by RJKid on April 24, 2001, at 0:06:27
In reply to Re: I Love Effexor, posted by violalloyd on April 23, 2001, at 20:57:07
Is the patient who trusts his Dr to prescribe safe medication mentally ill? Does that same patient show mental defects by discontinuing that medication in dosage indicated by their Dr?
Come on, give us a break.
I encourage EVERYONE to be swayed by the postings of patients who continue to experience serious side effects with any medication.> > To all the newbies and longtime users of this wonderful med, dont be swayed by the postings of mentally ill people who go off their meds and blame their depressive symptoms on withdrawl or longterm side effects
Posted by GinaC on April 24, 2001, at 0:06:58
In reply to Re: 4 Wks off Effexor-/joint pain , posted by Lorraine on March 19, 2001, at 16:55:26
Posted by RJC on April 24, 2001, at 0:35:41
In reply to I Quit Effexor Cold Turkey, posted by GinaC on April 24, 2001, at 0:06:58
>I have also been on EFXR(150) for a year and I'm about to try to get off it.But if you have all of these side effects, how do you go to work, as I don't want anybody to know about my troubles.
> I recently stopped my effexor. It was all an accident caused by a screw up at the pharmacy. (I wanted to go off it any way)This is my second try and hope to be successful this time. It's only been two days and I am having terrible side effects. Dizzy, neauseas, horriffic mood swings. I have been on effexor for a year now and I just want to be a normal kid again(19)even though it has been great for my anxiety.
> Can any one tell me how long the side effects will last? any info on withdrawl would be great.
> thanks
Posted by GinaC on April 24, 2001, at 13:43:03
In reply to Re: I Quit Effexor Cold Turkey, posted by RJC on April 24, 2001, at 0:35:41
It was day 3 with no effexor. I have to say it was the worst expierence of my life. The side effects are so bad. I felt like such a junkie. Dizzieness, shaking, neausea, abdominal cramping. I feel like I'm going to die. A feeling of total unreality. I had to take one. For any one who wants to quit this drug I do not recomend making the same mistake I did. I had no idea it was such a addicting drug. Has any one had any success going off this drug and staying off?
Posted by 2ndCHANCE on April 24, 2001, at 14:48:14
In reply to Re: I Quit Effexor Cold Turkey, posted by GinaC on April 24, 2001, at 13:43:03
I went from 150mg/day to zero in one week. It's now day 4 at zero and I'm having nausea, dizziness, electric shock sensations, stomach cramps, diarhea, sinus pain, vision problems and a constant severe headache. I read on this site that the withdrawal effects last 2 to 3 weeks. Unless symptoms keep getting worse (anybody has info on that?), Im determined to tough it out although I feel that this is about as much as I can handle.
Posted by Michele on April 24, 2001, at 15:28:12
In reply to Re: I Quit Effexor Cold Turkey, posted by 2ndCHANCE on April 24, 2001, at 14:48:14
It'll end you guys.... I know it's hard to see that now. I quit cold turkey, but I was only on it for a little over a month so I didn't have any problems. One friend of mine, on it over a year.. quit cold turkey, and had these side effects last 2 weeks... until she took the advice on this board..... benadryl didn't help her but it's helped some..... and she took prozac 10mg. for 2 days... about 2 days after the last prozac she was fine.
My other friend suffered about 3 weeks... he compared it to heroin withdrawal... and he's been there!!
Hang in there if you can...it's worth getting this out of your body! I know how bad it can be tho.. I have seen it, so it's easier said than done! But if you can get your hands on a couple of doses of prozac.. people swear by that for easing the pain. Don't forget... it'll get a little better everyday. Your not alone.
Posted by Michele on April 24, 2001, at 15:42:58
In reply to Re: I Quit Effexor Cold Turkey, posted by GinaC on April 24, 2001, at 13:43:03
Hang in there you guys. As for you comment about feeling like a junkie.... my boyfriend quit cold turkey... and he compared it to heroin withdrawal(and he's been there) so your not far off the mark.
It does go away, even tho it doesn't seem like it now. I know 3 people who Have successfully stopped this drug cold turkey and made it thru, however rough.
I quit... but only on it for over a month so I didn't feel anything. Boy am I glad I did before I was on it longer.
Anyway, my boyfriend got thru it... literally woke up one morning and he was fine. It lasted about 3 weeks for him... but he didn't use any of the "tips" to ease it for him. He has amazing willpower.
I also have a girlfriend who was on it 2 years.. she quit cold turkey... For the first few days she was fine, thought she was out of the woods, then it hit. She came to stay with me because she was so afraid. I saw both firsthand. What an awful drug. So after seeing my girlfriends pain... after 3 days I put some of these psycho babble tips to use... Benedryl helped her sleep.. trust me, she needed it. Needed the downtime. Then on the 4th day she took a 10mg dose of prozac.. on the 5th day another.. then the 6th day... in the middle of the day.. it was just gone. Oh did I feel for her. She couldn't even move in bed without being sick. But it literally just "disappeared" and she is fine now.
So.... it will end.. hang in there if you can.. it's best to talk to your pdoc immediately... but That is also easier said then done. My girlfriend couldn't even move in bed, let alone get to a doctor. But it does go away.... hang in tbere... if this drug can cause this to happen to you.. you probably don't want it in your system. Be tough... use some of the tips... you'll get there!!!!!! I'm sorry you have to go through this.... such a scary drug. Take care of yourselves!!!!
Posted by Seraphim on April 24, 2001, at 19:53:08
In reply to I Quit Effexor Cold Turkey, posted by GinaC on April 24, 2001, at 0:06:58
> Gina,
Go easy and be very careful. Over the last two months I have gone from 300mg(taken for the past 2 1/2 years) to 37.5 and I still have pretty severe withdrawal symptoms daily. Being brave and hanging tough is a great concept but not very realistic when Effexor is involved. I was prescribed phenergan for nausea and also a mild pain killer so that I can get through the day. I'm exhausted, sick and in pain by the evening, though. You should definitely discuss weaning off Effexor with your doctor, read some of the previous posts with helpful hints, and be careful (especially driving). Good luck. Feel free to contact me if you want to hear more.
Seraphim
> I recently stopped my effexor. It was all an accident caused by a screw up at the pharmacy. (I wanted to go off it any way)This is my second try and hope to be successful this time. It's only been two days and I am having terrible side effects. Dizzy, neauseas, horriffic mood swings. I have been on effexor for a year now and I just want to be a normal kid again(19)even though it has been great for my anxiety.
> Can any one tell me how long the side effects will last? any info on withdrawl would be great.
> thanks
Posted by Michele on April 24, 2001, at 20:24:52
In reply to Re: I Quit Effexor Cold Turkey, posted by Michele on April 24, 2001, at 15:42:58
> Sorry.... I wrote my post.... then decided to write it over in more detail... not knowing the first one posted! Sorry for the boredom.
Posted by Diane J. on April 30, 2001, at 19:37:49
In reply to Re: I Quit Effexor Cold Turkey, posted by GinaC on April 24, 2001, at 13:43:03
Dear Fellow Effexor Haters,
Check out this site: http://www.priory.com/sideven.htm. It will confirm your suspicions about Effexor. Also, on www.feelinggood.com, Dr. David Burns" website, there will soon be some current, relevant information concerning the drug.I didn't realize the withdrawal effects would be so intolerable. Now I know what everyone was talking about. I'm back to 150mg,
unfortunately.Diane J.
> It was day 3 with no effexor. I have to say it was the worst expierence of my life. The side effects are so bad. I felt like such a junkie. Dizzieness, shaking, neausea, abdominal cramping. I feel like I'm going to die. A feeling of total unreality. I had to take one. For any one who wants to quit this drug I do not recomend making the same mistake I did. I had no idea it was such a addicting drug. Has any one had any success going off this drug and staying off?
Posted by Leo on May 1, 2001, at 9:50:13
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Wanted to let everyone know that I have a friend that was on 300mg daily of effexor. I didn't know that she was even taking the drug until just recently. Her doctor decided it was time to for her to discontinue the drug so he started her on the weaning process by cutting her dosage in half. Her first two weeks were met with mild to moderate withdrawal. He then cut her back to 75mg a day. She has been hospitalized for the last week and a half. She has had hallucinations, severe nausea, violent mode swings, has been unable to work, and experienced several of the other side effects to the point of hospitalization. Her doctor didn't have a clue as to the withdrawal from the drug and was forced to turn her case over to another doctor who specializes in drug withdrawal. They don't expect to release her from the hospital for another week or two.
Make sure that you are taking these posts to your doctors. Make sure that they are reading them. I've been involved in posting information on this site for several months now. It is probably one of the best on the net for information concerning effexor. Use what you are reading here to educate and create awareness about this drug. Use it to educate and inform your doctors. It could save someones life.
Regards,
Leo
Posted by Irene on May 1, 2001, at 11:36:31
In reply to Re: I Quit Effexor Cold Turkey, posted by Diane J. on April 30, 2001, at 19:37:49
I tried Paxil and Zoloft before finding Effexor. It took months to adjust to it, but found tremendous relief from clinical depression with it. It did make me very very tired sometimes - a few weeks stretch each time. Then I feel well for a couple of months, then v. tired again. I was at 225mg at max. I found that when I would start to get tired reducing by 37.5 mg and will feel well again after 2 weeks. Then when I became tired again in a month or two, I will vary the dosage by 37.5 again. So - up and down between 150-225 mg. I was on Effexor 3 years.
Then for 9 months I didn't have any of that tiredness, so my doctor and I decided July 2000 that my depressive episode might be over, and I could try to come off Effexor. It was not difficult to decrease until I tried to come down to 75mg. in Dec 2000. Then 37.5mg. Then 18mg. Then 20 granules. 10 granules. Then minus 1 granule every two days. Each step decrease from 37.5 has been extremely difficult, similar to others' postings on this site. Today I'm on 2 granules (4 and a half months), and feeling better, but still very lousy.
However, if my doc and I decide that what I am feeling now is truly the underlying depression unmasked, and not merely withdrawal, I think I will happily go back to Effexor because it effectively treated my depression.
My opinion is that the withdrawal is tough. Trying to find the right med that worked for my body was tough. The depression was the worst. I might try to find other anti-depressants with milder withdrawals but in the end, I will take whatever meds will control the depression (including Effexor) because suffering from depression long-term is the worst of all.
BTW, my doc did warn me that weaning would be very difficult at the lower levels. Weaning off Paxil was also very bad.
-Irene
Posted by Light on May 1, 2001, at 23:30:39
In reply to Re: Doc wants me to try Effexor XR » neecy1014, posted by quilter on July 6, 2000, at 22:40:03
hello.
i recently (5 days ago) started taking a sample pack of effexor xr after asking my physician about getting back on some medication for mild depression and anxiety. i had taken paxil for about two years, and it worked wonderfully at first, but then i began to feel completely unmotivated and lethargic. plus, i gained over 60 pounds, and this obviously depressed me more. last april i decided to go off of the paxil, and went to see a pharmacolgist, who recommended that i just go off cold turkey. i had the worst two weeks of my life--i could not function, could not work, barely could drive--i experienced all of those terrible withdrawal symptoms people have ben listing here about getting off effexor. the turning of my head and feeling like my eyes were still to the side of my head, and all that nonsense was a complete nightmare for me. i got over it, though, and was doing fantastic on no meds for a year. now, recently i have been dealing with some serious personal issues, and remembered how helpful the paxil was initially, and my docto recomended the effexor. i experienced some insomnia, mild headaches and dizziness the last few days, but nothing major. i have not yet moved up to the 75 mg dose--i think that is suppoed to start tomorrow or the next day. i am so scared about "sticking it out" because of these horror stories i am reading about going off of it. even those who have said that effexor worked great for them have still concurred about the horror of stopping the medication. i do not plan to be on this or an AD forever; i am basically looking or some assistance through a rough time. i am so confused about whether i should continue taking it, and get myself in deeper, or if i should just stop now, and deal withm problems, becuase i believe that i can--and not have to deal with that withdrawal--or potential weight gain (i simply cannot gain more weight...) i apologize for the drivel, but i would apreciate any type of input/direction anyone can offer. i am just so co
Posted by Michele on May 1, 2001, at 23:37:48
In reply to beginning effexor xr, posted by Light on May 1, 2001, at 23:30:39
If your worried about it... my advice would be to stop the effexor now.... before you get in too deep so to speak, and see if your pdoc can get you on something similiar.... which doesn't seem so terrifying. I know this drug works for many people..... but there is no reason why you can't try something different. My reading experience has showed me that paxil and effexor are the hardest to stop. Try one that doesn't have this oh so wonderful appeal. :-) Good luck in whatever you decide!!!
Posted by Light on May 1, 2001, at 23:45:23
In reply to Re: beginning effexor xr » Light, posted by Michele on May 1, 2001, at 23:37:48
> If your worried about it... my advice would be to stop the effexor now.... before you get in too deep so to speak, and see if your pdoc can get you on something similiar.... which doesn't seem so terrifying. I know this drug works for many people..... but there is no reason why you can't try something different. My reading experience has showed me that paxil and effexor are the hardest to stop. Try one that doesn't have this oh so wonderful appeal. :-) Good luck in whatever you decide!!!
thank you for your quick and caring response, michele. i really appreciate it.
light
Posted by Michele on May 2, 2001, at 1:14:58
In reply to Re: beginning effexor xr, posted by Light on May 1, 2001, at 23:45:23
I've just been there..... ugh, hated effexor. I just think it should be prescribed only when others don't work. It really is heavy duty... go with your instincts tho, if your scared... theres no need to put yourself thru it.. there are so many other AD's out there. I am so glad to be off it.... I was only on it for 8 weeks.. and it messed me up.
Posted by Light on May 2, 2001, at 22:44:46
In reply to Re: beginning effexor xr, posted by Michele on May 2, 2001, at 1:14:58
> I've just been there..... ugh, hated effexor. I just think it should be prescribed only when others don't work. It really is heavy duty... go with your instincts tho, if your scared... theres no need to put yourself thru it.. there are so many other AD's out there. I am so glad to be off it.... I was only on it for 8 weeks.. and it messed me up.< < <
<
<
<
after reading all of these horror stories about how difficult it is to get off of it, i decided to stop taking it and skipped my last 37.5 dose last night. i felt basically fine today--even kind of good--and i don't plan to take any tonight, either. i didn't call my doctor yet, partly because i am worried he will convince me to stay on SOMETHING, and i think all i need is maybe a valium every once in a while if i feel super tense and anxious. i guess the decision is ultimately mine, and i'm leaning toward just being on nothing....the fact that side effects (however mild or severe) and difficult withdrawal are pretty much inevitable is enough to make me want to just try to deal without any drugs....
Posted by Michele on May 3, 2001, at 0:38:55
In reply to Re: beginning effexor xr » Michele, posted by Light on May 2, 2001, at 22:44:46
Hi.....
I'm glad to hear you decided and feel good about your decision. So you took your last one huh? How many days have you been on it? You should be fine... if not.... don't hesitate to use the tips on here.
You sound completely like me. I felt just like you do.... and coincidentaly... that's what I take.... valium when it gets tough(about 2 a week)... Ive been finding other ways of dealing with my depression, and am thankful that I'm able to do it without meds. I'm one of the lucky ones. Hope it works for you... Thinking of you,
Michele
Posted by betternow on May 3, 2001, at 8:28:40
In reply to Re: I Love Effexor, posted by violalloyd on April 23, 2001, at 22:42:47
To all who have experienced Effexor withdrawl:
You get off this agent the same way you got on it, by slowly reducing the dose. Safe to add prozac as you move the Effexor down and out. This protocol should be explained to you by you M.D. If she/he is not aware of this, find a new one.
Posted by Irene on May 3, 2001, at 11:55:35
In reply to Effexor withdrawl, posted by betternow on May 3, 2001, at 8:28:40
Well, I just finished tapering off. Been at 0 for a few days now. All of April I had been trying to come down from just 10 granules. I just saw my psychiatrist, and after listening to me describe the symptoms I no longer have, and the symptoms that I do have, she is sure that the fatigue, anxiety, nausea, and dizziness (not the eyeball positional vertigo - that one is gone) are symptoms of the underlying anxiety/depression unmasked.
So it's back on meds. Although Effexor did great while I was on it, I told her that I would like to try soomething else this time. So, tonight, I'll be starting Serzone. anyone tried Serzone?
And what do you guys think. Do you think I've waited long enough to see if I've truly gotten past the Effexor withdrawal? and that it's time to accept that I need meds? It's disappointing that after the 5 month ordeal of coming off Effexor, I find out I really should just have stayed on the med. :-(
Irene> To all who have experienced Effexor withdrawl:
>
> You get off this agent the same way you got on it, by slowly reducing the dose. Safe to add prozac as you move the Effexor down and out. This protocol should be explained to you by you M.D. If she/he is not aware of this, find a new one.
Posted by mstar on May 3, 2001, at 13:05:09
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawl, posted by Irene on May 3, 2001, at 11:55:35
I am now on 4 weeks of Effexor XR. I worked my way up to 150 mg and it is finally working. I am sorry to all the people who has suffered from this drug and from the symptoms of depression.
I don't ever want to stop taking antidepressants. It is so hard to know that I will be on meds if I want to stay healthy all my life, and I am in the arts so my finances were never, ever stable enough to afford this kind of expense but... I feel like the weight of the world has lifted from me and I don't ever want to go back. I have suffered from depression for years and my major episodes have gotten progressively worse. I would rather stay on than try to "get better" and then get off and then have to go back on.
Some of the interesting things I have learned from my own experience and reading this board is that we need to distinguish between depression symptoms and medicine side affects. I think the two are so close and interwoven that it is hard to know if it's your sickness and or your drug. If I can give you any advise, don't act rash, know yourself and keep a log of how you feel, what you eat, what your dose is and what time of day it is. This is a great way to track and log your moods and know your patterns, symptoms and depressive moods. Doctors and Medicines are not there to hurt you. Yeah, they are expensive, and yes, you can't control them and may react adversely to them, but you could also get hit driving down the street. Life is all chance. Please don't let your own experiences disway others from using drugs and doctors to get well from the sickness of depression. The fact that there is more negativity than positive remarks on this board has more to do with our unhappiness than the failure of Effexor.
My best wishes to anyone struggling with depression, may you find the right drug and find peace (it does exist!). And to those suffering from withdrawl, please take it slow and go easy on yourself and others. I hope you will eventually find the right medication and not be totally turned off to an option which could help get your life on track.
Ms
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