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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by khead on January 28, 2003, at 10:50:03
In reply to Re: I'm going off Effexor, posted by lynnads on January 26, 2003, at 12:44:26
FWIW, I too have gone off Effexor XR.
So far with absolutely NO problems.
Here's my history:
1) Started mid-November '02 with the
usual ramp-up from 37.5 to 150/Day.
2) Stuff worked. Much less anxiety.
Much less depression. Took max effect
in around 3 weeks. Felt better, but
noticed I was "jittery". Heart rate
was "thumpin" even while just laying
back on the couch.
3) Bad news. I'm in the approx. 2% that
has the downside of elevated blood pressure.
Went from my usual "high/normal" of ~135/90
to ~170/105. Yikes! So I'm feeling better
in the headbone, but now looking at a stroke.
4) Doc was mystified. "Never saw this before".
5) After a lot of hemming/hawing he sez the
safest bet is good 'ole Wellbutrin.
6) Ramped myself down from Effexor in a week, while ramping up the WB. No zaps. No weirdness
of any kind. So far.
If anything changes I'll follow-up.
If not...best to you all.
Posted by Lynnads on January 28, 2003, at 11:16:01
In reply to Re: I'm going off Effexor, posted by khead on January 28, 2003, at 10:50:03
> FWIW, I too have gone off Effexor XR.
> So far with absolutely NO problems.I am absolutely happy that you had no ill effects from going off the Effexor. Strangely enough, the other part of you story is exactly like mine, with the thumping heart and such. So my doctor put me on Wellbutrin as well, but she wouldn't let me take it until I was completely tapered off the Effexor. So now I am on the 37.5 dose still with a little bit of nausea and disorientation, but asside from that I feel better than I have in a looooooooong time! I don't know if I even want to bother going on the Wellbutrin right now. I think I am going to wait and see what happens. So far I feel alive, something I havent experienced in a couple years, I feel refreshed and motivated, almost like waking from a really long sleep. Any side effect I had of going off the Effexor is well worth what I am experiencing now! I hope this sticks around for awhile.
Posted by lostsailor on January 28, 2003, at 11:25:40
In reply to Re: Effexor...need info...., posted by lostsailor on January 28, 2003, at 10:08:02
Posted by japonica on January 28, 2003, at 11:36:36
In reply to Re: Effexor...need info...., posted by Merrill Weathermay on January 28, 2003, at 8:56:03
>>My efforts to solve my anxiety/depression problem do not include taking hard-core drugs that have withdrawl symptoms. This isn't dealing with the problem, it is simply sedating the patient.
To equate an AD with a sedative does a great disservice to those who have tried for many years to get a handle on dibilitating depression. Any informed individual realizes that an AD is not a "magical" or "happy" pill. For those who think it is, you need only consider the lack of street dealing in Zoloft, Effexor, and such. These medications simply DO NOT offer the instant relief sought by those who end up abusing drugs for a quick fix. Most of us realize there is work to be done in the form of assisting ourselves in the healing process.
I'm not sure I understand the definition of a "hard-core" drug. If this is a drug that causes withdrawl symptoms, than we can put caffeine in that categroy along with some over-the-counter medications.
I have been on 75mg's of Effexor for just over 3 months and for the first time in my life I can consistently handle the pressures of my full time job, raising my 2 children as a single parent, while not succumbing to the pain inflicted on me by my emotionally abusive, alcoholic estranged husband.I have had no unmanageable side effects and no longer spend inordinate amounts of energy trying to "keep my chin up".
After suffering several severe depressive episodes, and having had unpleasant experiences with incompetent therapists, and a list of medications, I don't think it's an overstatemnet to say Effexor has given me my life back. I, too, have quit meds after they began to help me regain my footing. I felt I "should be able to do this on my own. After all, I'm educated, competent, and WANT to be content. But each time, the black wave of depression washed over me, and each time I ended up more deeply depressed than than last.
I have made a personal decision to no longer allow the stigma of medication usage to keep me from making a good life for myself and my children.
We don't tell diabetics to just produce their own insulin and we don't tell high blood pressure sufferers to just relax.
Sedated- I don't think so. This is the most alive I've ever felt. I refuse to feel lesser because I am on medication.
Best of luck to all. Thanks to all who take the time to post here.
japonica
Posted by Dysfunk on January 28, 2003, at 12:07:32
In reply to Re: Effexor - Anyone experience eye problems?, posted by patlea on January 26, 2003, at 23:35:00
I was on Effexor about 6 months and my eyesight seemed to worsen. I have perfect eyesight, just have a magnifying pair of glasses for the computer and eye strain. I noticed, though, that my eyes were blurry and watery. I couldn't focus.I was going to get a new perscription for glasses, then I read how Effex can effect eyesight. Now, off the medicine, my eyesight has resumed to normal.
Posted by KayC on January 28, 2003, at 16:13:07
In reply to Re: Your posts help!, posted by beebo on January 24, 2003, at 20:04:44
Just read your post. Unfortunately (or fortunately for me), I didn't get any nausea. The food thing (no appetite) took about 2 weeks to subside.
I feel more "there" than before, however it took about 6 weeks to get here. Also, memory is not too sharp either. Had a hard time doing simple math in my head today.
No experience with Effexor being used to treat PMDD. Hope there's someone out there who can post helpful info for you on that.
Good Luck! Kay C
Posted by khead on January 28, 2003, at 16:47:30
In reply to Re: Effexor...need info.... » Merrill Weathermay, posted by japonica on January 28, 2003, at 11:36:36
Right friggin' on...bravo! Fresh air!
I think you need to do more postings
on this board. Please do.>My efforts to solve my anxiety/depression problem do not include taking hard-core drugs that have withdrawl symptoms. This isn't dealing with the problem, it is simply sedating the patient.
Posted by chrisoula on January 28, 2003, at 20:30:36
In reply to Re: Effexor...need info.... » Merrill Weathermay, posted by japonica on January 28, 2003, at 11:36:36
Wise words jabonica. Obviously that effexor's helping!I agree that effexor can 'give you your life back'. I like the way that Effexor, even just a little bit like 75mg, makes you able to function. Not even overly happy or optimist, just OK and ABLE TO FUNCTION like the rest of the world seems to be able to do.
I know the fear of being 'sedated' though. It hits me in the gut all the time, a sort of panic (well, as much as effexor allows you to panic) that this is the only life I'm getting and I wonder what I would be doing if I wasn't on these meds
I don't have a long history that allows me to say "well, obviously I would just be depressed if I wasn't on these things, it's been proven".
so I wonder. And I come off them sometimes and I get this incredible energy, all the colours are brighter and food tastes really really great and I feel more alive, but then there are times I feel utterly utterly bad, can't get out of bed, don't want to see anyone, drive my car around at crazy speeds not caring what or who i run into...bad stuff. So I go back on them.
I think the problem is that depressed people see it as a choice, whether or not they should take ADs. Whereas if you were diabetic, there's no choice -- you have to take your meds, society accepts this, in fact you're a fool if you DON'T take them. It's like dying of starvation when there's a bowl of food in front of you.
I don't know what the answer is. Try to educate people? I just don't have the energy frankly, although when I'm feeling well i do my best...
Posted by PANNETTE on January 29, 2003, at 10:20:56
In reply to Re: I'm going off Effexor, posted by lynnads on January 26, 2003, at 12:44:26
Oh my goodness, I hate this drug. I went to my dr. about 6 months ago with mild depression. He says I have just the thing and puts me on effexor xr. I have 3 children, a full time job, and college part time. I did not have the time or energy to put up with the side effects. Now I finally decided to get off this stuff and try something else with less side effects. I did the tapering off, just like the dr. told me and as I sit and type this I am so dizzy and fatigued I can hardly function. My dr. prescribed me Antivert for the dizziness, well that just made me so doped up that I really couldn't function. I can't believe someone would give a person this kind of drug with these side effects. I don't know how long this dizziness and the sort of tingling sensation I feel will last, but lord I hope it ends soon. I also have been extremely agitated and depressed in just 6 days since I took my last pill. God please help my family, they think I'm a terrible person who is on drugs.
Posted by Lynnads on January 29, 2003, at 11:03:23
In reply to Re: I'm going off Effexor, posted by PANNETTE on January 29, 2003, at 10:20:56
Hang in there! I can relate all too well with the dizziness and side effects of going off the drug, but it will all be gone soon enough. I am sure your family does not think you are an awful person. Don't be so hard on yourself.
Posted by Dysfunk on January 29, 2003, at 15:35:07
In reply to Re: I'm going off Effexor, posted by khead on January 28, 2003, at 10:50:03
The first thing my doctor said was that he had to monitor my blood pressure while on Effexor. For the doctor who "never saw this before", there is a first time for everything and you may be that rare percentage that has a symptom!!! I heard the same story when I had severe neck and back pain and body aches. Turns out it was Effex withdrawal. Good luck with the new meds.
Posted by tlang on January 29, 2003, at 22:58:53
In reply to Re: I'm going off Effexor, posted by PANNETTE on January 29, 2003, at 10:20:56
I truly hope the messages posted here only a small percentage of the people on Effexor. I start my first dose tomorrow and am almost terrified before I even take it.
Posted by Michael KS on January 30, 2003, at 6:36:14
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I am writing this at 6:50 am after a horrendous night sleep. Tossing, turning, Nightmares, Vivid dreams, Shuddering on waking up. Self Diagnosis: I am also ADHD and though the Effexor helps I still forget to take a single morning dose of Effexor occasionally especially when work and life gets hectic. Well I just missed my last two doses. I have been through several weeks of tech trouble and then on Monday started night training class till 10:30 PM. Prime time for me to miss. I have missed before and could contribute light headedness and a dizzy when I moved my head to the effect of Effexor. But never put anxiety together with it.
Yesterday went to a new Indian restaurant for lunch buffet style. Have had Indian before but still ate what was unfamiliar. I thought that it could of been something I ate causing me trouble. I also have been TOTALLY caffeine free since 88' I went into overdrive on it. Now accidental ingestion like wrong coffee or tee or a no other beverage choice so I take A SIP, really puts me out there. But I did some checking on the web and can't link caffeine to Indian food or their use of coffee or chocolate as a main dish spice.I am convinced it was withdrawal symptoms from Effexor. I have been on Effexor for about a year now to help depression and ADHD focus. I started with 75mg and then moved about 4 months ago to 150mg.
Effexor has been great for me. Before that I tried Wellbutrin SR and results were sketchy. The only thing now is what is my long term effect? and do I have an addiction level? Though the statement in the literature on Effexor reads to me as "Effexor is not a narcotic therefore your body can't depend on it so it is not addictive. But there are withdrawal symptoms " I would call the symptoms I had last night disturbing. Guidelines on the website also states that it can be dosed for 5 years under BAP guidelines.
In conclusion I like Effexor it has been the best for me. Depression gone-nill, and the side benefit of better focus and dealing with my ADHD. The question is dealing with the withdrawal symptoms and the fact that it is helping my ADHD. How long should I stay on this and for what reasons and is there any risk. Also given my body's low tolerance to caffeine I am not sure about the stimulant route like ridilin for the ADHD once I go off Effexor. I don't see my psychiatrist for several months now so I have some time to think about this.
Michael
Posted by japonica on January 30, 2003, at 10:12:38
In reply to getting a little worried here...., posted by tlang on January 29, 2003, at 22:58:53
Like you, I sought advice from these postings BEFORE I started on Effexor. I carefully weighed the pros and cons and decided to give the med a try. I have posted several times in the 3 or so months since I started and have had nothing but positive experiences while on Effexor.
Something to keep in mind when reading these posts...
It may be human nature to seek help ONLY when concerned that something may be wrong. With this being the case, it's very likely that the majority of those posting are looking for assistance with frightening and confusing symptoms and side-effects or feel the responsibility to alert others regarding these unpleasantries. However, folks who are doing WELL may not ever feel the need to search for help.Please understand this is only an assumption on my part; I have no data or proof to back up my statement.
If you have started the medication, stay with us and keep us posted on your progress. It is always possible to change medications to find what's right for you. Then again, you may find that medication is not right for you at all and therapy may be your answer. Whatever your situation there are lots of us here who can help you out. Be that from our own experiences or with sound, specific advice about where you can get the help you need.
Good luck to you!
Thanks to all for their help and concern.
japonica
Posted by sly on January 30, 2003, at 12:54:01
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I've been at 75 mg's for about 10 months now, a low dose I know, I guess I'm fortunate that's all I needed. This drug has worked wonders for me, I've gone from the brink of suicide to fully functional, productive, and happy!
I've decided it's time to get off this drug so I'm doing it slowly and it's still painful.
I've tried spacing out the 75 mg's from 24 to 36 hours, that was fine, when I stretched it to 48 hours that's when the migraines started. I've tried 37.5 every day and now every second day and the headaches just won't stop.
I've had to take 2 days off work because of nausea, I feel like I've got a bad hangover, I'm fine as long as I'm sitting but once I start moving I feel like I'm going to throw up. I'm making an extra effort to eat healthy and stay hydrated but I can't exercise, any movement is too much.
I'm tempted to just forget it and start taking my full dose again, but I'm committed to getting off this drug and on with my life.
I congratulate all of you who have successfully managed this withdrawal.
Posted by sly on January 30, 2003, at 13:12:15
In reply to EFFEXOR - The good, the bad and the ugly, posted by bballcoach43837 on January 26, 2003, at 21:55:18
I read your message and felt I had to respond - you yourself say you had years of no success on other meds and then Effexor was wonderful - so why would you ever criticize yourself or anyone else for "taking it in the first"?
I understand it makes you numb, what do you expect? When you're depressed you can't handle getting out of bed never mind the barage of things that bombard you during the day making life unbearable. You need to be numbed a little to keep you from being overwhelmed by life and help you focus back on yourself.
A year ago I was miserable and couldn't think about anything except that today might be the day I feel good enough to kill myself - that was all I looked forward to.
Thank goodness for this medication - I had the benefit of a good therapist as well, but I know the miraculous results I achieved wouldn't have been possible without some medicinal aid. Before going on Effexor I wondered why anyone would allow themselves to be drugged up instead of fighting it naturally, and why would anyone stay on it seemingly forever. But one day a friend said to me, "if you were diabetic would you try to do it on your own, and would you criticize someone for taking insulin". The answer of course is NO! So why would I think that this disease is any less debilitating and less worthy of medication. There is no answer except that depression is still not as fully recoginized as many other well-known diseases and there's "shame" associated with accepting help (i.e. medication).
If this drug is keeping you alive than it's worth it, and it's worth the painful withdrawal I'm experiencing now. You might not be enjoying life to the extent you are now had you not had anything to compare it to, and you might not be here to compare it to without Effexor.
Just a thought.
Posted by JESSsMom on January 30, 2003, at 18:10:14
In reply to Re: Effexor...need info.... » Merrill Weathermay, posted by japonica on January 28, 2003, at 11:36:36
> >>My efforts to solve my anxiety/depression problem do not include taking hard-core drugs that have withdrawl symptoms. This isn't dealing with the problem, it is simply sedating the patient.
>
> To equate an AD with a sedative does a great disservice to those who have tried for many years to get a handle on dibilitating depression. Any informed individual realizes that an AD is not a "magical" or "happy" pill. For those who think it is, you need only consider the lack of street dealing in Zoloft, Effexor, and such. These medications simply DO NOT offer the instant relief sought by those who end up abusing drugs for a quick fix. Most of us realize there is work to be done in the form of assisting ourselves in the healing process.
>
> I'm not sure I understand the definition of a "hard-core" drug. If this is a drug that causes withdrawl symptoms, than we can put caffeine in that categroy along with some over-the-counter medications.
>
> I have been on 75mg's of Effexor for just over 3 months and for the first time in my life I can consistently handle the pressures of my full time job, raising my 2 children as a single parent, while not succumbing to the pain inflicted on me by my emotionally abusive, alcoholic estranged husband.
>
> I have had no unmanageable side effects and no longer spend inordinate amounts of energy trying to "keep my chin up".
>
> After suffering several severe depressive episodes, and having had unpleasant experiences with incompetent therapists, and a list of medications, I don't think it's an overstatemnet to say Effexor has given me my life back. I, too, have quit meds after they began to help me regain my footing. I felt I "should be able to do this on my own. After all, I'm educated, competent, and WANT to be content. But each time, the black wave of depression washed over me, and each time I ended up more deeply depressed than than last.
>
> I have made a personal decision to no longer allow the stigma of medication usage to keep me from making a good life for myself and my children.
>
> We don't tell diabetics to just produce their own insulin and we don't tell high blood pressure sufferers to just relax.
>
> Sedated- I don't think so. This is the most alive I've ever felt. I refuse to feel lesser because I am on medication.
>
> Best of luck to all. Thanks to all who take the time to post here.
> japonicaThis has got to be the best post I've ever read regarding mental illness and what happens when med therapy is included in the course of treatment.
Excellent, well thought out post and advocation!Thank you, japonica!
JM
Posted by MsX on January 30, 2003, at 21:35:50
In reply to Effexor XR , posted by nay on January 18, 2003, at 22:17:07
I too am "not myself these days" after being on Effexor for several months. I just feel rotten, both physically and emotionally. Don't want to get out of bed in the mornings, irritable, etc. I've tried so many different drugs but this is not the one. Guess I'm at square one again. Going to see my doc to go off and maybe try something else. DREAD going thru the withdrawal symptoms though. I've missed a dose or two and got a taste of what the withdrawal is going to be like. They should warn you about that BEFORE you go on a drug.
> Hi, I just wanted to thank everyone that is on this site! Now at less I know that I am not alone. I have been taking Effexor XR 225mg a day for about 6 months now, and I don't think that this is the right Med. for me... :( I don't feel like myself.
>
> I use to take Zoloft 100mg, and now I wish I was back on it...
>
> I am planning on talking to my Dr. to see if I can go back.
>
> I just don't smile anymore, Small things are starting to upset me, and I am just not myself these days.
>
Posted by MsX on January 30, 2003, at 21:51:08
In reply to Going off, have some questions........ Please Help, posted by CJo on January 11, 2003, at 12:36:00
Same dosage for me, and I've had the same problems. I've missed work too and am at wits end as to what to do now. This is not the med for me, going off is going to be HELL, but what's left to try? Is sleeping all the time a common side-effect, or are we 2 just lucky? I was beginning to think I've just grown lazy and useless in my old age (I'm only 36, but I feel like I'm 86)!
> I have been on Effexor XR 150mg for about 3 months. I have such a hard time waking up in the morning that I've even missed several days of work and now my job may be in jeopardy. I have to at least lower my dosage, or try to get off of it. Since I have the capsules, can i just take one pellet out each day... and do it like that... like 1 today... 2 tomorrow... 3 next, etc. I am really scared to go off... I felt what the brain shivers were like when I had missed a few doses before.... I don't want to go thru that, I could BARELY function... walking into walls... Please, I really need someone to see me thru this, and I really need some advice on going off... talking to my doc (fam doc btw) isnt an option... I dont think he knows anything about this DRUG. Thank all of u again who had to go thru this already and have posted... you are all my heros :-)
>
> P.S. Gosh I'm gunna miss the dreams!!
Posted by MsX on January 30, 2003, at 22:12:17
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
My journey started around 1997 when I first started taking antidepressants, the first one being Prozac. It stopped working and I have tried many different ones until this latest one, Effexor. They all seem to work at first, then after a few months my symptoms actually get worse. More depressed, more irritable, etc. I really just need something for anxiety more than for depression. I'm so irritable and impatient and intolerant when I'm not on anything that my family can't stand to be around me! Does anyone have any suggestions what I can try after I wean myself off of Effexor? I will go back to my doc and get his input, but they really have no idea about these drugs. When I went on the Effexor I told him my 2 biggest concerns as far as side effects were sexual dysfunction and sleeping too much. Well Hello! Sleeping too much seems to be a major problem with lots of people on this drug. Anyway, any help you can give me would be appreciated. I have learned alot from these postings and I appreciate the time everyone has taken in this venture. Thanks and peace/happiness to all!
Posted by ricardo on January 31, 2003, at 6:19:21
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR - The good, the bad and the ugly, posted by sly on January 30, 2003, at 13:12:15
Hi Sly!
Reading your positive posts made me hopeful that I can achieve the same. What you said about getting the same results withouth the aid of drugs is what I hear people telling me everyday. There's just one thing that still gets me: I do have real problems, or at least I think they're real. It's kind of hard to sort out whether it's the "real" problems that have been causing my depression or if the depressed state I'm in is what makes those *facts* into problems. Any comments will be most welcome!
Posted by johnj on January 31, 2003, at 8:38:32
In reply to After 10 months I'm getting off, posted by sly on January 30, 2003, at 12:54:01
If it has done wonder for you why get off? Is this your first depressive episode?
Posted by sly on January 31, 2003, at 10:47:06
In reply to Re: After 10 months I'm getting off » sly, posted by johnj on January 31, 2003, at 8:38:32
yes, this is my first depressive episode.
My therapist and I agreed it was situational, a life transition and my mind's way of saying "this isn't working, we're not happy". Because of that my Doctor and therapist felt I did not need to stay on the drug in maintenance mode, once I had several positive months I should come off of it. My doctor originally told me the typical course for someone in my situation would be 6-12 months.
Now that I'm feeling better and I've made the changes I needed to make my life more fulfilling emotionally/physically/intellectually etc. it's time to get off the drugs.
Posted by supersleepy on January 31, 2003, at 15:23:53
In reply to After 10 months I'm getting off, posted by sly on January 30, 2003, at 12:54:01
Finding this site has been amazing--both validating and a little frightening. I take a low dose (75 mg/day) and have not felt the need to increase. I had been taking St. John's Wort for several years, and I thought it managed my mild-to-moderate depression pretty well. But, after my mother died in June, I started having full-blown panic attacks for the first time ever. My dr put me on Effexor (37.5/day for one wk, then up to 75/day). She'd always been opposed to the Wort, and had been lobbying for some time to put me on "something real." At the time I came into her office, short of breath and weeping uncontrollably, I was in no condition to argue, object, or do research! The drug has been extremely helpful. After about five of days drymouth and sudden on-set sleepiness (like someone slipped me a mickey), everything felt pretty good. After about four months, I started noticing those far-out dreams that others have mentioned, and for the last month or so I have been amazingly sleepy and lethargic. I ALWAYS fall asleep if I find myself with any "free" time in the afternoon or evening. Not so bad for someone who has had some history of insomnia, but it certainly is impairing my productivity--and I really don't want it to get any worse. I started this drug in response to a specific life crisis, so now I'm thinking I should get more assertive about getting off. My dr will resist, since she won't want me to back to Wort. Any experience to share or suggestions? Thanks.
Posted by Eddie Sylvano on January 31, 2003, at 15:47:18
In reply to After 10 months I'm getting off, posted by sly on January 30, 2003, at 12:54:01
> I congratulate all of you who have successfully managed this withdrawal.
----------------------------It's weird how individual such reactions are. I was on 150mg of Effexor for about a year, and went off it within a couple of weeks without any major problems. For me, the worst part was getting started with it.
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