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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by dancingstar on December 24, 2004, at 15:14:34
In reply to Re: Side Effects- Lethargic, Skin Rash?, posted by not2late4u on December 24, 2004, at 3:50:56
You're lucky that you know that you can't just stop taking antidepressants.
Yesterday I had an appointment with my internist. When I mentioned that Effexor is being prescribed for the symptoms of menopause, he acknowledged that I was right; that it is one of the four top prescribed drugs in the country. Considering this, it is my opinion that there should be no misinformation, no lack of clarity, no question whatsoever in the minds of the public about what they are taking as most of the public is not seeing a pschiatrist and is not informed about all of the side effects of Effexor. Because it is so widely prescribed, that makes it particularly unacceptable that so many of us know so little about what can happen to us if we take E, at least to me.
Posted by KaraS on December 24, 2004, at 15:16:17
In reply to Re: my Effexor experience, posted by dancingstar on December 24, 2004, at 14:42:11
> Hi Kara,
>
> Actually, I wish that we had a more diverse population from which to draw our conclusions. I think that what happens is that when we are having a dramatic reaction to withdrawal with or without a tapered withdrawal and with or without the addition of Prozac as is indicated in one of the links that I posted (but was previously posted by someone before me - to whom I am very grateful) we do an internet search and end up here.
>
> Admittedly, this is not an unbiased group, yet the fact so many people are predisposed to experiencing a negative reaction leads me to believe that the reported rate of 2 percent is underestimated by Wyeth and the fact that Effexor is prescribed by so many general as opposed to P doctors should perhaps be something that needs to be seriously reviewed. As it stands, there is no cure for those of us with serious reactions to Effexor. That alone is to me unacceptable, and there is no way to tell whether or not any of us will be one of those people as far as I can tell.
>
> As far as modifying the level of depression that you have, I am not in the least being condescending when I ask whether you have added exercise into your daily regimen, only because it has in many cases proven to be as effective as drugs.
>
> In any event, thanks for your perspective, and I hope you are feeling better soon.
>
> BebeBebe,
That's all true and, again, I am not downplaying the negative experiences that others have had. I agree that there is no way to tell who will have a really bad experience on it. OTOH, can't the same be said about all other psychotropic medications? They're all somewhat risky. I think that with all of them we have to do a personal cost/benefit analysis. Perhaps Effexor is more risky than many others. I don't know. If I were one of the people who had a horrible reaction, then I'm sure I'd feel the same way you do about it.
I have tried exercise and natural supplements. Exercise has helped me some in the past but it did not take care of the whole problem - not by a longshot. I think it should be a part of everyone's daily routine for many health reasons but it's not enough of an antidepressant for me to allow me to function well in the world.
I prefer and continue to try natural supplements. I'm a regular on the Alternative Board. I'm definitely not biased against nonmedication methods. (I'm currently using niacinamide (Vit. B3) for anxiety control. It works like a natural benzo.) But, I'm also serously depressed and feel that I need more at this time. If that means medication, then I'll take it and assume some risk.
Take care,
Kara
Posted by KaraS on December 24, 2004, at 15:22:40
In reply to Re: my Effexor experience, posted by not2late4u on December 24, 2004, at 14:53:19
> I am new to this site, got here because I did a search and saw, is effexor working for you? I didnt realize I was on a site that "hated" effexor and that my experience wouldnt be welcome. I actually learned some things from this site, why I cant sleep until 3-4am and dont want to get up until after noon and have to force myself to get up. Thats been a HUGE issue for me and thought it was a bad habit or still had depression or whatever. Anyways, I do think there are pros and cons to medication in general. Everyones pros and cons are different with each medication. I think the FDA can do a better job with ALL meds, not just effexor. I do plan on talking to my psych and weening myself off after the first of the new year. I want to see if I've made enough changes to be free of anxiety/depression without meds. God Bless. Renee
Renee,
I don't think it's fair to say that this whole site hates Effexor - though there is a considerable amount of anger towards it among a large vocal group. There are also members here who are on it now or have been on it in the past and have had better experiences on it (including myself). At any rate, I hope that you are successful in going of it and operating without medication.Good luck and definitely follow the advice you find on here about how to withdraw from it!
Kara
Posted by dancingstar on December 24, 2004, at 15:25:45
In reply to Re: my Effexor experience » dancingstar, posted by KaraS on December 24, 2004, at 15:16:17
Hi Kara,
I have less of an issue with E as being prescribed with full knowledge and consent, by a p doctor, than for those of us -- and the group is large and growing -- that were given it by family practitioners, internists, gynos, etc. with no warning of what we were getting ourselves into. Especially with all the television advertising, a little fluffy pillow dude wandering around telling people they will feel better if they take this little pill.
These doctors don't know the full (possible) repurcussions of the dangers of these prescriptions and the meds are being oversold by the drug reps. Sure, I was damaged badly, and I am angry about it, and I don't want thousands? millions? of others to go through the same thing because Wyeth prevents this knowledge from getting to the people that need to know that this is a potentially dangerous drug that is being over-prescribed.
You obviously know well how to handle your healthcare and are doing a good job of it. Most of the people on Effexor are not in the psychiatric-care system IF it is one of the four most highly prescribed meds because there are simply not that many people seeing shrinks.
Bebe
Posted by dancingstar on December 24, 2004, at 15:36:27
In reply to Re: my Effexor experience » not2late4u, posted by KaraS on December 24, 2004, at 15:22:40
Kara,
The only reason that this little loud and vocal group is so loud and vocal is because we have been through hell...and we don't want anyone else to have to be there quite by accident.
I am so very glad that you didn't have any problems when you tapered your withdrawal from Effexor, but from reading hours and hours of documented research and people's posts on websites in the United States and the UK, it seems that you may be in the minority, not the rest of us. But who really knows for sure? Not me. The addition of Prozac to the regimen may or may not help people get off of E more easily. There is no sure way to guarantee a smooth ride off the drug. The best thing that we can do is to try to yell as loudly as we can to others to not take it in the first place so that they won't have to risk being in the pain that we are now. And no, no one should ever, ever quit cold turkey!!! I did it, and I can safely say that no one else should ever do that :-).
We aren't doing this to upset anyone, quite the contrary.
Blessings.
Posted by KaraS on December 24, 2004, at 20:41:48
In reply to Re: my Effexor experience, posted by dancingstar on December 24, 2004, at 15:25:45
Posted by KaraS on December 24, 2004, at 20:57:19
In reply to Re: my Effexor experience, posted by dancingstar on December 24, 2004, at 15:36:27
> Kara,
>
> The only reason that this little loud and vocal group is so loud and vocal is because we have been through hell...and we don't want anyone else to have to be there quite by accident.
>
> I am so very glad that you didn't have any problems when you tapered your withdrawal from Effexor, but from reading hours and hours of documented research and people's posts on websites in the United States and the UK, it seems that you may be in the minority, not the rest of us. But who really knows for sure? Not me. The addition of Prozac to the regimen may or may not help people get off of E more easily. There is no sure way to guarantee a smooth ride off the drug. The best thing that we can do is to try to yell as loudly as we can to others to not take it in the first place so that they won't have to risk being in the pain that we are now. And no, no one should ever, ever quit cold turkey!!! I did it, and I can safely say that no one else should ever do that :-).
>
> We aren't doing this to upset anyone, quite the contrary.
>
> Blessings.Bebe,
I understand. My mother was given Effexor by her
gp. She was never told anything about its withdrawal effects. (Actually, my pdoc also downplays the withdrawal effects so going to a specialist in this case doesn't assure you'll get the full scoop either.) I have told her that it's difficult to get off of and it has to be done slowly. She doesn't want to hear it. She has full faith in her doctor and feels that he would have told her about the issue if it were that much of a problem. I worry about her because she is so naive and uninformed. Someday she will probably be begging for my advice. I hope she won't need it though.Kara
Posted by dancingstar on December 24, 2004, at 21:16:58
In reply to Re: my Effexor experience » dancingstar, posted by KaraS on December 24, 2004, at 20:57:19
Hopefully you guys have the same type of chemistry so that if she ever needs to stop taking it, she won't have any more difficult a time than you did.
Yesterday I walked into my appointment at my internist's office with a stack of papers, showing some of my research on the problems that people have with withdrawal being more serious than I suspect he believes in spite of the fact that he acknowledges that he has heard it can be difficult.
It's my impression that the increase in prescriptions by the general medical community is somewhat recent, though I don't yet know exactly what I mean by "recent," and the increase in people that will have to stop taking Effexor will increase sometime soon. (I am estimating that this increase by gp's, etc. has been going on for the last three or so, but I haven't got any facts to back me up.) If that is true, it is also possible that the people that will want to come off the drug because of things like weight gain and fatigue, perhaps pain, even arthritis (see wyeth.com) problems that we had no idea were side effects of Effexor is going to flood the market sometime in the near future along with the people that are freaking out cause their bodies won't let them off the drug.
As for your mom, how can she be blamed for listening to her doctor? Aren't we supposed to be able to trust them? It is a difficult situation for all of us. I guess the most annoying thing is why are so many doctors prescribing Effexor to so many people in the first place? "Here, honey, take a pill."
Merry Christmas....
Posted by KaraS on December 24, 2004, at 21:27:41
In reply to Re: my Effexor experience » KaraS, posted by dancingstar on December 24, 2004, at 21:16:58
> Hopefully you guys have the same type of chemistry so that if she ever needs to stop taking it, she won't have any more difficult a time than you did.
>
> Yesterday I walked into my appointment at my internist's office with a stack of papers, showing some of my research on the problems that people have with withdrawal being more serious than I suspect he believes in spite of the fact that he acknowledges that he has heard it can be difficult.
>
> It's my impression that the increase in prescriptions by the general medical community is somewhat recent, though I don't yet know exactly what I mean by "recent," and the increase in people that will have to stop taking Effexor will increase sometime soon. (I am estimating that this increase by gp's, etc. has been going on for the last three or so, but I haven't got any facts to back me up.) If that is true, it is also possible that the people that will want to come off the drug because of things like weight gain and fatigue, perhaps pain, even arthritis (see wyeth.com) problems that we had no idea were side effects of Effexor is going to flood the market sometime in the near future along with the people that are freaking out cause their bodies won't let them off the drug.
>
> As for your mom, how can she be blamed for listening to her doctor? Aren't we supposed to be able to trust them? It is a difficult situation for all of us. I guess the most annoying thing is why are so many doctors prescribing Effexor to so many people in the first place? "Here, honey, take a pill."
>
> Merry Christmas....
How did you doctor react to your research? Did he or she listen to you or just blow you off as a crackpot?The only good part about more people taking Effexor is that eventually word of mouth will get around about the withdrawals. I would think that would be inevitable and will make for a more educated group of patients. It's unfortunate that people will have to learn the hard way though.
Merry Christmas to you too!
K
Posted by dancingstar on December 24, 2004, at 21:36:46
In reply to Re: my Effexor experience, posted by KaraS on December 24, 2004, at 21:27:41
From what I understand, after my doctor saw what happened to me, he stopped prescribing it (new prescriptions). He wasn't the original prescribing doctor anyway and is a really good guy. Didn't blow me off at all. He was very upset when he read people's reactions and the list of unreported responses to withdrawal. I told him how I get email everyday from someone new who has had some serious problem with Effexor/EffexorXR. As it happens, my doc is one of the good guys. He will do anything he can to help me/us.
Posted by dancingstar on December 24, 2004, at 21:46:03
In reply to Re: my Effexor experience » KaraS, posted by dancingstar on December 24, 2004, at 21:36:46
Also...well, he had taken my blood last month when I was still in the throes of feeling crappy. I've lost 9 pounds on his scale. My blood pressure has been all over the map and normal again as of yesterday. And my last blood results were a bit whacked. It's clear that I wasn't doing well. I've seen him every month for the three months that I've stopped taking Effexor since day 5 or 6.
Fortunately for me I am able to have what would be subjective symptoms documented and tested so that they can be labeled a little more clearly as objective, especially since I believe that my liver and kidney tests weren't fabulous for the first time last month, though I believe -- hope --think these problems will resolve in time.
Posted by KaraS on December 24, 2004, at 23:29:02
In reply to Re: my Effexor experience, posted by dancingstar on December 24, 2004, at 21:46:03
> Also...well, he had taken my blood last month when I was still in the throes of feeling crappy. I've lost 9 pounds on his scale. My blood pressure has been all over the map and normal again as of yesterday. And my last blood results were a bit whacked. It's clear that I wasn't doing well. I've seen him every month for the three months that I've stopped taking Effexor since day 5 or 6.
>
> Fortunately for me I am able to have what would be subjective symptoms documented and tested so that they can be labeled a little more clearly as objective, especially since I believe that my liver and kidney tests weren't fabulous for the first time last month, though I believe -- hope --think these problems will resolve in time.
It's good a thing to have that documentation.
I'm glad you have such a good doctor. Wish I had one like that! I hope your health problems will resolve also ... I bet they will. Keep us posted.Take care,
Kara
Posted by Dr. Bob on December 25, 2004, at 10:32:21
In reply to Re: my Effexor experience, posted by dancingstar on December 24, 2004, at 15:36:27
> you may be in the minority, not the rest of us.
Please be sensitive to the feelings of, and don't jump to conclusions about, others.
If you or others have questions about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
Follow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above post, should of course themselves be civil.
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by not2late4u on December 25, 2004, at 15:35:15
In reply to Re: please be civil » dancingstar, posted by Dr. Bob on December 25, 2004, at 10:32:21
Hello all,
I will post to let you all know how I do coming off of Effexor. Please keep in mind that those who have had some success with Effexor can also provide helpful advise. Is Effexor worse than any other drug? I dont know. Do I think that the FDA, medical community, drug companies and whoever else should do a better job researching the effects,risks of medications and making them known to the medical field AND patient with no uncertainty? ABSOLUTELY. Do I think the general population is over medicated, yes. Especially the elderly. Do I think that exercise and diet plays a MAJOR role in our mental and physcial health, UNDOUBTEDLY. And the only reason I stated that I thought this was a site that "hated" effexor was because I read a couple posts that stated we are on the wrong site if we have had positive results, maybe I shouldnt have taken that literally. Sorry. Im glad this site is up for informational purposes and if the patients dont speak out the chances of things changing are slim to none. So, I commend all who are speaking out on both the positive and negative experiences, thats how we all can learn and help others. Hope you all have a wonderful christmas. God Bless, Renee.
Posted by dancingstar on December 25, 2004, at 16:53:53
In reply to Re: please be civil, posted by not2late4u on December 25, 2004, at 15:35:15
For what it is worth, Renee -- this isn't my Renee is it? -- I can now get out of bed easily in the morning; and while I was beginning to wonder if I didn't have depression, it's safe to say that since I stopped taking EffexorXR, I no longer have any symptoms of depression whatsover. Whether that is because I have had to add the supplements: Omega 3s, the SAMe, and the St. John's Wort in order to ward off the withdrawal symptoms or because I never suffered from physical depression in the first place is hard to know for sure as I was never prescribed the antidepressant EffexorXR for depression :-), but the symptoms went away nonetheless when I stopped taking 150mg of EffexorXR after having taken it for three years.
I hope that you are one of the ones that has an easy time of it easy if and when you stop taking E, but in any event; go slowly just to be sure that you stay comfortable and try to gather all the things around you that we have mentioned, including the Benadryl, if you can tolerate it, just in case you need it...though you might not need it; and even when you cut back for the first time, have a little extra food in the house in case you don't feel well. Forewarned is forearmed. It is true that some people don't have any trouble at all, but it can't hurt to be prepared just in case you don't feel terrific. Then again...you may think that I'm completely whacked because you have such an easy time of it. I really hope that this is true for you!!! Please write and let us know how you're doing either way.
Merry Christmas!
Bebe
Posted by not2late4u on December 26, 2004, at 3:40:37
In reply to Re: please be civil » not2late4u, posted by dancingstar on December 25, 2004, at 16:53:53
Bebe, thank you for your reply. For quite awhile I had been trying to decide when/if its the right time for me to stop taking effexor. It's reading this site that helped me make up my mind. It really explains some things that I had problems with. I do appreciate the adivse, and will definately take it to heart. Please know that I dont think you are whacked! I do believe that your and everyone elses symptoms and experiences are REAL and never doubted it for a second. Thank you for inviting me to let you know how I am doing on my withdraw and I know I can come to this site for help, if I am struggling through the process, in addition to my Lord God, thats a comfort. Thank You. Renee
Posted by not2late4u on December 26, 2004, at 3:42:02
In reply to Re: please be civil » not2late4u, posted by dancingstar on December 25, 2004, at 16:53:53
Oops, and I dont think I am the Renee you were wondering :) At least I dont think I am! I reside in Washington state. Renee
Posted by foxy420 on December 26, 2004, at 22:22:27
In reply to Re: my Effexor experience, posted by dancingstar on December 24, 2004, at 15:36:27
i used medical marijuana too comfort me during my with drawl with effexor. i highly reccomend that too all my friends and family. i say "hey man... put down the pills and pick up the pipe!!! speaking of alchol, did you guys ever experiences out of the ordinary when you were drinking alcholic beverages on effexor? i did!
Posted by not2late4u on December 28, 2004, at 19:59:24
In reply to Re: my Effexor experience » dancingstar, posted by foxy420 on December 26, 2004, at 22:22:27
I drank a couple of times while on Effexor, after 1/2 of a mixed drink, I was buzzed. I wouldnt recommend it, but everyone should know their own limits. Marijuana, hm....unfortunately or fortunately however you look at it I stopped smoking that years ago because it caused me to have a panic attack. I am assuming its all the chemical stuff on the marijuana, who knows, but it happens to some people. Besides, Im a christian and try hard to live by Gods word. Anyways, I went to my psych today and he prescribed klonopin for "as needed " use for anxiety after I am off the effexor. He warned NO ALCOHOL while on it, it could be deadly. Not a problem for me. I took klonopin years ago for anxiety, it worked very well. But today is day 4 of reducing from 225 to 150 from Effexor xr, feel some "electric" twinges in head, small spurts of energy, head feels a little hazy and get some bursts of irritability, but so far so good. My psych speaks at conferences and at wyeth and he knows effexor well. He prescribed a tapering program for me and of course, we will adjust it as needed. Will keep in touch and let you all know how I am doing with tapering off. Renee
Posted by corafree on December 29, 2004, at 16:08:01
In reply to Re: my Effexor experience, posted by not2late4u on December 24, 2004, at 14:53:19
Hi Renee .. I'm Corafree. I am on 250 Eff-XR. Been gathering info, months now, from site, for whence my 'end it' arrives. I am unable to do that currently. Tks for posting your progress. A good New Year to all .. cf
Tks> I am new to this site, got here because I did a search and saw, is effexor working for you? I didnt realize I was on a site that "hated" effexor and that my experience wouldnt be welcome. I actually learned some things from this site, why I cant sleep until 3-4am and dont want to get up until after noon and have to force myself to get up. Thats been a HUGE issue for me and thought it was a bad habit or still had depression or whatever. Anyways, I do think there are pros and cons to medication in general. Everyones pros and cons are different with each medication. I think the FDA can do a better job with ALL meds, not just effexor. I do plan on talking to my psych and weening myself off after the first of the new year. I want to see if I've made enough changes to be free of anxiety/depression without meds. God Bless. Renee
Posted by just plain jane on December 29, 2004, at 17:21:11
In reply to Pros and Cons, posted by not2late4u on December 24, 2004, at 3:20:18
Posted by SalParadise on December 29, 2004, at 20:56:43
In reply to effexor xr withdraw » dancingstar, posted by beppe on December 22, 2004, at 3:25:22
I'd been on effexor for about 9 months & am just now getting off it. I've got the same "head in my chest" deal you do & found my self crying 2 days ago while listening to a Stephen King audio book (of all things!).
I'm actually angry that my doctor gave me this stuff. Psychological addiction is fine, I can understand it & get over it - but this stuff is actually physcially addictive, which is a whole other thing. I hate this stuff to no end & would tell anyone who asks to stay far away from it. If you're on it now & in a good mental place - get off it while you can - even with declining dosages , you're in for at least a week of great physcial discomfort coupled with emotional swings.
Posted by not2late4u on December 30, 2004, at 4:13:06
In reply to Re: my Effexor experience » not2late4u, posted by corafree on December 29, 2004, at 16:08:01
Hi Corafree~
Today is day 5 tapering off from the 225 mg. When I woke up I was in such a great mood! Then later in the day I started to feel tired, felt a bit of anxiety while in the store, a little shaky on the inside, thought I might be getting a headache, that head twingy thing, but it all passed (but the head twingy thing). Its now almost 2am and I feel fine.
Here's the tapering from 225mg to date:
Day 1 = 187.50 (saturday)
Day 2 = 150
Day 3 = 150
Day 4 = 150
Day 5 = 112.50 (wednesday)So far its been doable, I've allowed myself to sleep and not work as much since its the holiday season, so I've been able to give myself what I need, that may be a helpful factor, I dont know. Lets see what the next few days is like. Renee
Posted by not2late4u on December 30, 2004, at 4:14:38
In reply to Pros get paid; Cons take it (nm), posted by just plain jane on December 29, 2004, at 16:53:43
Just plain jane~ I dont get it....Renee
Posted by dancingstar on December 30, 2004, at 5:55:45
In reply to Re: my Effexor experience, posted by not2late4u on December 28, 2004, at 19:59:24
Renee,
If your shrink speaks at Wyeth, I think I might like to speak with your shrink. No kidding. My lawyer is in Washington perhaps she can speak with him or something.
If anyone can get off this drug safely, without having any problems at all, it should be you as I would think you have access to all possible inside information about E. Please let us know how you are doing. Thanks and good luck to you!!!
Bebe
bebe0217@aol.com
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