![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 7196 to 7220 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by helpless on September 13, 2004, at 22:49:23
In reply to Re: Suffering and looking for answers, posted by tablasco1 on August 30, 2004, at 10:45:39
My husband started this drug in Novenber for reoccuring depression. At the advice of family members on it and the doctor he saw once he took it for 7 months. He decided after 7 months he was so happy for the first time he was "cured" so he seceretly stopped taking it. 2 weeks later he left me and our 9 and 6 year old. He makes no sence anymore and can't even think rationally. We have been married and been best friends for 14 years. Please find out more about this drug and others like it before you try them. It made him feel so much better we never stopped to ask or think about side effects of missed doses or stopped usage. We were only one of a statistic but our lives are over now. PLEASE be careful.
Posted by 4WD on September 14, 2004, at 13:14:04
In reply to Re: Suffering and looking for answers, posted by josephine20 on September 13, 2004, at 22:35:43
> this website is REALLY helpful...I have been on Effexor XR for about 2 years, taking 225mg per day. Seems to have been working well until lately. In the last couple of weeks I have begun to have extreme nightmares, every night, not just bad dreams but scary, wake up screaming dreams, has this happened to anyone else? After reading the other postings I did link my weight gain to about the time I started taking the drug too. Am really thinking of trying to switch to something else since I have not had a good night sleep in at least 10 days...The effexor no longer seems to have any effect on my energy level and sometimes seems to make me more tired (before the nightmares started)
That's why I wanted to quit Effexor. I was exhausted all the time. Completely lethargic, no interest or motivation. I wasn't sleeping very well any more either. I didn't gain weight but I keep a really close watch on my intake (eating disorder type, here). No nightmare, though.Marsha
Posted by pablo1 on September 14, 2004, at 13:28:05
In reply to Re: Suffering and looking for answers, posted by 4WD on September 14, 2004, at 13:14:04
That was a big complaint for me taking naps in the day then waking up at night or waking very early. My doc was suprised and said he never heard of that hmph!
Also effexor completely eliminated my dreams. I used to recall lots of complex dreams & suddenly nothing at all on that med. I still haven't dreamt much a couple months or so off it.
I wasn't completely lethargic, just periods of sleepiness. And sort of a "who cares" worry-free attitude was not real helpful for motivation though it did relieve the depression & anxiety that interfered with getting things done, I was not really motivated.
Posted by 4WD on September 14, 2004, at 13:49:24
In reply to feeling sleepy on effexor » 4WD, posted by pablo1 on September 14, 2004, at 13:28:05
> That was a big complaint for me taking naps in the day then waking up at night or waking very early. My doc was suprised and said he never heard of that hmph!
>
> Also effexor completely eliminated my dreams. I used to recall lots of complex dreams & suddenly nothing at all on that med. I still haven't dreamt much a couple months or so off it.
>
> I wasn't completely lethargic, just periods of sleepiness. And sort of a "who cares" worry-free attitude was not real helpful for motivation though it did relieve the depression & anxiety that interfered with getting things done, I was not really motivated.You know, I never noticed that before but I really had almost stopped having dreams while on Effexor. I hadn't thought about it until I read your post.
Marsha
Posted by jujube on September 14, 2004, at 15:05:29
In reply to Re: Quit Effexor cold turkey--meow71877 » corafree, posted by lorily on August 13, 2004, at 14:17:48
Lorily,
This is going to be a long message, so I apologize in advance (and hope you will not get sick of my ramblings before you get to the end). I can relate to some of what you say. And, I am happy I came across your post. I, too, am a recovering alcoholic (almost 8 1/2 years of sobriety and loving it!). However, the past 8 months have not been good. I have not been thinking about drinking (that ship has sailed and sunk for me, and I am happy that it has). What happened to me in the last year was a physical illness that caused my mood to drop and my anxiety to increase. I became significantly iron deficient last year and was diagnosed in the fall. I was exhausted, apathetic, anxious, etc., and, until the diagnosis, did not know what was wrong with me. Needless to say, my alcoholic personality took over and I wanted to be well asap. Decided to go to a different doctor after not responding to treatment in 3 months (I had been with my gp for the entire 8 1/2 years of sobriety). This doctor said all that was wrong with me was that I was depressed. She put me on Effexor XR, gradually increasing the dose. After a month, I was tired all the time, anxious, apprehensive. Didn't like it at all. Went back to my regular gp (thank God she agreed to take me back). She continued to try to bring my iron levels up (when she diagnosed me with iron deficiency, she said she was surprised that I had been able to work at all), and eventually gave me injections which have brought the iron up almost to a the low end of the normal range. She didn't want to mess around with the Effexor XR, so she called a friend of hers who is a psychiatrist and he agreed to deal with the medication. He increased the dose yet again. I yet again said I was becoming increasingly tired and apprehensive (hard to explain, but bordering on agoraphobic minus any panic attacks). Dose increased again and told to be patient, Effexor XR takes a while to do its thing. After another 2 months, I told that phyc that there was no difference between 150 mg and 225 mg (except the fatigue), so I was going back to 150 mg. During this time, my periods became irregular (I am now learning that this could well have been a side effect of the Effexor). So, my GP arranges for me to see a gynocologist. First visit, I get jabbed with Depo Provera. Well, since the jab, my mood, energy and disgestive system have taken a nose dive (I literally had morning sickness - go figure). Needless to say, I will not be going back for a second shot. This pretty much confirmed to me that the Effexor was not working for me (after, in my view, wasting six months of my life in a Effexor-induced fog of apathy and apprehension). Anyways, I am rambling and apolgize. Just to wrap things up, I called the phych and told him I wanted to try natural alternatives (Sam-e, Rosavin) and wanted off Effexor. He wasn't keen on the naturals (didn't know enough about them), but changed the medication from Effexor to Celexa. I was weaned down over two weeks from 150 mg to 0 and then started Celexa. I have been experiencing withdrawal (I can only describe it as chronic fatigue syndrome with the stomach flu). I am looking forward to this being over and being my usual hyper self again. Thanks for listening.
> CF I finally agreed to take an AD after years of trying to fight depression on my own. I am also an alcoholic (in recovery) I also have hypothyroidism (which is a major factor in depression) and I was taking depo-provera injections. After my last near-death experience with alcohol I agreed to try an AD, I had heard others experience with how wonderful their experience with it was and took it. At the same time I got my thyroid levels leveled, stopped the depo shots and was finally able to work the program of Alcoholics Anonymous properly. With all of those things in my favor, the desire to be med-free, and not controlled by a substance or a doctor, and the knowledge that depakote has horrible side effects to a fetus and the effects of effexor is unknown, and I am not willing to have an abortion at this point in my life, and the willingness to use another, safer medication if I had to, I decided to give it a try. Maybe I never needed it==maybe the depression was due to my thyroid problems and the depo shots? Who knows?
> But I do know that I did the right thing taking it, apparently, hopefully it didn't cause me any harm and I'm free.
Posted by sexylexy on September 14, 2004, at 15:19:31
In reply to Re: Quit Effexor cold turkey--meow71877, posted by jujube on September 14, 2004, at 15:05:29
JuJube,
Never ever ever under estimate the power of those birth control hormones. I was on the pill Allese 28 and for the first time ever became depressed. After months, I realized it could be the pills got off and was a new person two days later. However, I, being an anxious person got so scared about becoming depressed that I had to go on lexapro for the depression phobia. YUCK. The doctor just switched me to Sarafem (pink prozac) which he said would work better during PMS than Lexapro...Here's hopeing this is the end of the depression road for you!!!!
A friend,
LExy
Posted by jennalynn on September 14, 2004, at 15:25:12
In reply to Re: Suffering and looking for answers, posted by 4WD on September 14, 2004, at 13:14:04
You can get all Effexor info on their website http://www.effexorxr.com/ Open the page and click on the Prescribing Information Tab. There are 36 pages of info in there about side effects, etc. I started it today for IBS and there is nothing in there on that.
Would anyone know of any place to get Effexor study info for IBS?
Posted by SLICK on September 15, 2004, at 21:34:46
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Parks on January 4, 2000, at 16:10:07
I have improved immensely! Started very slowly by taking 1/2 dose for a few days before going to the 75 mg. My doctor monitored me for about 5 months; I went to see her at the end of every month to see if the dosage was right for me. After about 5 months, I have increase the dosage to 150 mg per day because I was starting to feel a little low and wanted to see if an increase would help.
Depression, anxiety, mood swings, ect. run thick in my family. This is the first time that I have taken perscription drugs for my mental health, but I do feel that it has made a difference, at least for me that is. Before starting on Effexor XR, I would feel some sort of frustration/anxiety or immense hate for everyone or someone at least once during some point of the day. It was uncontrollable and I hated the way that I felt. I always told my family that if they think that I am mean to them, they should try being inside my head and thoughts; i hated it! Of course, I would lose my temper/control mostly with those very close to me who I knew would continue to love me. Usually the feelings or hyper-feelings were short lived, but I could not appologize for the burst since I knew that they would happen again. Uaually the feelings of angre were over extremely small things...
Since I have been on Effexor XR, I feel just regular stress like "normal" people experience, and I don't blow things too much out of porportion...I am afterall still human.
I have quickly read through many different opinions on using Effexor XR, and I remain with the conclusion that, like everything in life, there is not one specific drug or dose that is perfect for everyone. Every body is different, and sometimes it takes time to find the the right solution; it could be a combination of a certain drug with therapy. There is no magic in the process, just patients and determination to find what is right for you; don't give up trying find the right balance, it will be worth it. I hope that Effexor continues to provide me with the balance it has given in the past 6 months.
> > My husband has shown great progress with effexor xr 75mg...He is a new person...His main problems have been some occasional very negative dreams, for a short time sexuall disfunction, and it has elevated his blood preasure (however he has had juvinile hypertension)...This dug as worked better than any other!!!
> Hi there,
> >
> > Anyone care to comment on the use of Effexor? Anyone
> > "happy" with it? I have tried Prozac (too much anxiety),
> > Serzone (too sedating). I am currently on Buspar for anxiety.
> >
> > Been reading many different reports... Effexor seems
> > to have a lot of success...
> >
> > please share your thoughts on this.
>
>
Posted by Shyla on September 16, 2004, at 8:01:53
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Parks, posted by SLICK on September 15, 2004, at 21:34:46
Effexor XR has helped me and my husband. The only side effect for me is loss of libido. But like you said, it takes patience, persistance, and determination to find the right med combo that works. My doc and I have a great relationship, and we both are open to trying new things. Right now I have started taking 300mgs of Wellbutrin to see if that helps with the libido problem. She also mentioned trying testosterone cream. That will probably be next on my list if I don't experience an improvement with Wellbutrin. And on it goes.
Posted by charming on September 16, 2004, at 12:46:46
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I am just coming off of Effexor and the withdrawal symptoms are so much worse than the reason why I went on it. To be honest with you, the only reason why my Docotor chose Effexor for my Anxiety, was "Effexor" doesn't have a negative influence on your sex drive...like the others do....apprently anyway. But Honestly if I knew what was going to happen after going off of it, I NEVER would have started.
Posted by scruff on September 16, 2004, at 14:51:47
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » jp, posted by charming on September 16, 2004, at 12:46:46
I'm so sorry to hear this, Charming. And yet it vindicates the other folks who've had rotten effoxor experiences.
It's been two weeks since I stopped taking the drug altogether. I still get brain shivers though not as frequently .The bad dreams have softened. What hasn't changed is the rages I feel, the extreme agitation, the fits of unstoppable weeping..
The whole experience of getting off of this really dangerous-seeming drug has left myself and my doctor confused, and me terrified. Are these rages another withdrawal effect of the effexor? IS the extreme agitation a side effect of the new med. I'm on, Welbutrin?
Should I be taking mouthfuls of Ativan to calm the effects? Could this be a hypo-mania episode presenting itself?If it turns out that all this whole nightmare has been caused STOPPING a medication, I think I'll just go right off the deep end. And Yet it seems that effexor IS to blame for most of these recent and dramatic changes I've experienced.
Medicine is supposed top help. I signed no contract with Effexor promising that I would be on it for the rest of my life or if I stopped that it would come back and torment me for weeks ( actually from the time I started ramping down effexor its been MONTHS).I'll let you know if it's all because of the Wellbutrin or if I turn out to be bipolar doubt it.
Please be warned if you decide to start taking this drug.
Charming, try to note down what's happnening to you now. Some folks just don't believe this stuff is going on.
Posted by lorily on September 16, 2004, at 15:22:32
In reply to Re: feeling sleepy on effexor, posted by 4WD on September 14, 2004, at 13:49:24
Maybe that's why a lot of people complain of nightmares when they stop taking it.
Posted by lorily on September 16, 2004, at 15:28:01
In reply to Re: Quit Effexor cold turkey--meow71877, posted by sexylexy on September 14, 2004, at 15:19:31
Birth control hormones can be a HUGE reason for depression. I had been taking the deprovera shots. Another big one for depression is the thyroid!!!!! Hypothyroidism was mine. Then of course there's the weight gain that comes with the underactive thyroid. mix that with the hormonal problems and having depression problems for years...........what a nightmare that was.
I distontinued the depo shots, got my thyroid levels in order and started effexor around the same time. Changed my life, one or all of those things. Other than the thyroid medication, I am off all others. Effexor I'm off about 2 months now.
Posted by lorily on September 16, 2004, at 15:34:48
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Shyla on September 16, 2004, at 8:01:53
Shyla, I've shared this here before and other women have written they tried it with success. Ask your doctor about taking viagra. I know, for women? YES. My doctor explained to me that the way it works is it increases the blood flow in our genitals which is stimulating as well as allows for orgasm.
My problem wasn't lack of desire, but lack of response. It didn't work the first time, like the package insert mentions it might not for men, but after that, after about 1/2 hr to 45 mins later, the results were positive.
Good Luck
Posted by lorily on September 16, 2004, at 15:40:20
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by scruff on September 16, 2004, at 14:51:47
Someone posted a link here that there are very serious side effects to ADs that actually can cause worse depression and suicidal thoughts etc. Some people just can not take certain medications. Some people get tired when they drink coffee for instance.
My effexor withdrawals seem to be gone, although I thought that weeks ago and I can tell a difference from then to now. I've been off for 2 months
Posted by Shyla on September 16, 2004, at 16:31:58
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by lorily on September 16, 2004, at 15:34:48
Hi Lorily, because of you, I did try Viagra. You told me how it helped you a while back. The problem I seem to be experiencing is just not having interest in making love, EVER! I hate it! However, I have not given up the fight. I have tried Viagra a couple of times, and it helps me achieve a pretty good orgasm. It's just getting there. But I'm doing research, and am finding other possible options. So on I go. But thank you for telling me about V. I will keep using it because it does help.
Posted by Shyla on September 16, 2004, at 16:37:58
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by scruff on September 16, 2004, at 14:51:47
Scruff, it most definately could be the Wellbutrin that is causing your agitation and irritation. My husband was on it for a while, and he was unbearable! Every little thing set him off. We were told that some folks just don't respond well to the dopimine drugs. I have just started taking it with the hope of offsetting the lack of libido from the Effexor XR. I don't experience agitation - yet.
S
Posted by corafree on September 16, 2004, at 17:28:37
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated » scruff, posted by Shyla on September 16, 2004, at 16:37:58
I was tiring easily on Effexor because my daily follow-up dose was not taken at the right time, and my thyroid med was too low. Now I take 75mcg thyroid med and am doing very well on Eff-XR 150 upon waking and 75 about 3p in afternoon. JUST SO YA KNOW ... cf
Posted by scruff on September 16, 2004, at 17:39:37
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated » scruff, posted by Shyla on September 16, 2004, at 16:37:58
Shyla,
Darn - that's what my doc said today on the phone in the middle of a Hpyerattack of SOMETHING. Oh well.
I'm so tired of switching meds. I sill think effexor withdrawal is involved in elevated mood.Anyway -After a day on the cieling, i'm jusy tired enough to be somehwat calm.
Thanks for your input - I'll let you know If I switch again.
Appaernetly the MED in the wings is Remiron ( sp?), Time to search the web again!
Peace,
Posted by salina on September 16, 2004, at 17:42:17
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Shyla on September 16, 2004, at 8:01:53
hi. i'm new here and have been reading everyone's postings. it's so good to know there's others. i was on effexor last year for about 6 months and i felt great. the dr. said i had a reactional depression from a stay in the hospital last year. i got off of it in april this year and although i did get sick and stuff while getting off, i was able to and was fine til this august. just about 3 weeks ago i started having these depressed feelings again along with anxiety so i went back on the effexor (37.5 mg, last time i was on 75 mg). within 1-1 1/2 weeks i felt better. about a week after feeling better i started feeling junk again so asked the dr if i could go up to 75 mg. started taking that last friday, and started feeling sick and stuff again. plus having a lot more anxiety and difficulty sleeping, which i only have getting on the meds. i was just wondering if anyone else got off the meds and back on and if the feelings went away again the second time, or did you have to up your dosage to something higher then the first time? feeling so junky... thanks for any comments, salina
Posted by corafree on September 16, 2004, at 17:47:29
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Parks, posted by SLICK on September 15, 2004, at 21:34:46
Yes, totally. 150mg awakening and 75mg 3pm and also increased my thyroid med to 75(Ithinkmcg). cf
Posted by fork on September 17, 2004, at 5:48:40
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by corafree on September 16, 2004, at 17:47:29
Hi, I just started effexor xr (47 year old male with depression and anxiety, otherwise good health), I am 2 weeks into it, starting with a week at 37.5 then 75mg. In the distant past I have taken Celexa and could never get past a jittery nasuea like feeling. I have been taking lorazepam (atavan?)0.5mg as needed for years.I may go months without it and then I may go a long strech where I take several times a day, as many as 3 times daily. I have had depression issues for over 25 years and dealt with them with by self medicating using weed (very limited a few times a year to "clear " my head) and alcohol very often, including binge drinking to escape the reality of my depression (which made me feel more depressed afterwards, but I continued anyway, seemed like the only to feel happy). Recently due to some extremely stressful situations in my life I sank into the worst depression of my life to the point where I couldn't function and it was destroying my life. With the support of my wonderful wife, and realizing I couldn't "go it alone" any longer I finally started therapy a 5 weeks ago. I still was not willing to take the step to going on anti-depressants. The therapy began to help me see things differently. I then on my medical doctor and therapist advise I started effexor xr. I was very nervous about it (even more so after I found this message board and read some of the bad experiences). I was afraid of sexual side effects and becoming a emotionless zombie. For me, I felt positive effects within the first week, could have been the therapy or maybe even a placebo effect just from starting something new, either way I was feeling releaf from my depression. I did feel a little wierd at first kind of a slight "stoned" feeling but that passed within a few days. I also was sleeping alot in the daytime(I also do that when I am depressed) so I began taking the effexor xr before going to bed, that seemed to clear up my daytime sleepiness. I had an interesting sexual side effect, not the one I feared, I have been experiencing a mild delay in reaching climax which for me(and my wife) is a enjoyable side effect. One side effect I am having trouble with is I can't sleep more than 5 or 6 hours at night. Two weeks in to the effexor xr, and 5 weeks of therapy I feel so much better. I still have a lot of bad situations going on in my life, but they aren't crushing me like before. So far I am very happy with the effexor. I also have stopped drinking, which I didn't think was possible, but I strongly reccomend it if it's messing your life up, or your self medicating. I don't really have the desire to drink now. As long as I don't have problems with the effexor I intend to stay with it. My doctor advised me that this isn't a life sentence, but when I am ready to go off effexor it will be a slow process and warned me not to try to stop alone. I don't ever want to go back to the nightmare I was in. This drug may not be for everyone but for me it's been a lifesaver. I welcome any comments and I will post ever now and then with updates to my experience,good or bad.
Posted by Shyla on September 17, 2004, at 8:55:38
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by fork on September 17, 2004, at 5:48:40
Fork, you might ask your doc about Gabatril as a sleep aid. It puts you into the deep delta-wave sleep. I tried that alone at first, but found I was still waking up after 4 or 5 hours. Now I take 5 mgs of Ambien to put me to sleep, and 4 mgs of Gabatril to keep me asleep. It has worked very well for me. I'm happy to hear you are doing better. Keep up the good work!
Posted by Shyla on September 17, 2004, at 9:47:56
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by salina on September 16, 2004, at 17:42:17
Salina, my experience is that after a few weeks, those "icky" feelings go away. Then my emotions stabilized. Good luck!
Posted by Shyla on September 17, 2004, at 9:53:19
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overratedshyla, posted by scruff on September 16, 2004, at 17:39:37
I used to be on Remeron. If you want guaranteed good night's sleep, that's the drug of choice. The problem I had was in order to offset the sleepiness, my doc presribed Ritalin. That was working pretty good. Then the insurance co. decided that the use of Ritalin was not a prescribed use, and wouldn't cover the cost any longer. It's expensive stuff! Hence, the switch to Effexor. Another word of advice, patience with these drugs is important. Some need time to actually take effect. If you switch around too quickly, you may not know the full extent of the benefit. S
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.