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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by floating_head on August 18, 2003, at 11:55:58
In reply to Re: effexor is ruining my life! » BJL, posted by Helaine on August 16, 2003, at 14:36:35
I have been taking Effexor for about 1.5 years now. I'm on 150mg once daily. I was on vacation last week and ran out on Thursday. I had no idea what was wrong with me. My head was Swimming. I couldn’t even drive right. I was yelling at other drivers. I really thought I was cracking up. I filled my prescription this morning and ask the pharmacist if my head floating off my body and the bright white lights in my head when i tightly closed my eyes were withdrawal symptoms. She said absolutely. I want to thank you folks for being honest in these posts. It really helps to hear others having the same problems as me. i really thought I was going to have to go to the emergency room!!! I now wonder if I will ever be able to get off this stuff. I feel so much better now. I was really starting to panic yesterday. Even beer didnt help!!
Posted by BJL on August 18, 2003, at 12:08:53
In reply to Re: Withdrawl Advice?, posted by Jenneh on August 18, 2003, at 11:26:47
Jenneh, it can also cause seizures, which aren't life threatening in themselves, but as an EMT, I have seen some nasty injuries as a result of the seizures (head injuries, car accidents, etc.) I was strongly urged by my psych NOT to go cold turkey and, in fact, he warned me to stay very "on schedule" with my medications and not to even miss a day. He said I'd figure out why he was saying that after 1-2 missed doses and would not make the mistake again.
> Your doctor is an idiot. I have a doctor who told me that not only would one experience side effects from effexor (YES THERE ARE SIDE EFFECTS FROM QUITTING), but that it can actually be unsafe to just quit cold-turkey. I don't know if this is true, but this doctor said that quitting outright without tapering off could cause strokes. I am not trying to scare anyone, but I thought I would put the word out there. I am so glad I have found this site. I know effexor has helped a lot of people but I think doctors need to be much more educated about what this drug is really about. I mean, I got my first dose of this drug when i went into a walk-in clinic and said i was feeling anxious. The doctor just handed me some samples. I am tapering off extremely slowly - I don't care if it takes months because I can't stand the side effects. I am a lawyer and I can't afford to be spaced out. I have been on 112.5 mg from 150 for 4 weeks, and in two days i am going down to 75mg. I can't wait to be off this stuff because I would like to have my feelings back. Cognitive therapy is a very good idea by the way, apparantly. I haven't tried it yet but I heard that this is vital to the success of this treatment. Good luck, everyone and take care
> Jenneh
Posted by zoobie on August 18, 2003, at 12:25:44
In reply to Re: Withdrawl Advice?, posted by Jenneh on August 18, 2003, at 11:26:47
Thanks for the info.
Right now I've been on 37.5mg for 5 days, I think if I just stop today then I'll be fine.
I have until Saturday off work, so I'm hoping I'll be normal again.
Cognitive therapy you mention? Is this for treatment for anxiety/depression or to help on come off the medication?
I'm a Psychology student and cognitive therapy is when a therapist tries to disassociate your negative words/feelings with yourself.
I found Humanistic therapy really helped for me. Humanistic therapy can include Extistential and Gestalt therapy. This was the best for me, in regarding anxiety.
Existentialists believe anxiety is created because we feel helpless, we let our lives unfold without consciously making a decision of what we want to do.
For example, you become a lawyer because your family associated being a lawyer with being successful, or you wanted to make a lot of money, or you just fell into the field in University. An extistentialist would say because you haven't choosen to become a lawyer you are not really doing what you want in your life, therefore living an unauthentic life.
Anyhow I could go on, but then this would get waaaayyyyy too long. If you have some more questions, feel free to ask.
Zoobie
Posted by Jenneh on August 18, 2003, at 12:29:58
In reply to Re: Withdrawl Advice? » Jenneh, posted by zoobie on August 18, 2003, at 12:25:44
Hmm. that is very interesting. My parents always pushed my sister and I to go far - there is no way they would have been satisfied if we didnt go to university. Maybe I let them push me too much. Maybe I would rather be doing something else. What you;re saying makes sense though. I have anxiety/depression and some OCD - the OCD is likely a result of the lack of control i feel in other aspects of my life. I was mentioning cognitive therapy with regard to dealing with anxiety.
Thanks for the info.
Posted by Salty_dog on August 18, 2003, at 19:06:48
In reply to Re: Withdrawl Advice?, posted by Jenneh on August 18, 2003, at 12:29:58
I have been on 300mg before for about one year. I decided to stop after I had started Zypexa for about a week. Both the Dr. and I didn't see any progress from Effexor XR at higher doses so He sugested stoping the Effexor. This Dr. is not the same Dr. that strung me out on Effexor and Xanax. I felt bad for a few days and used the sugested 75 mg per week widrawl. This can be found on the Effexor web site for Dr.s
I stopped, using that formula with little or no side effects.Now, because I had a seizure I had to stop taking the Wellbutrin XR and began Lamictal which has a dual action. One for seizures and the other for Bi-Polar.
I was getting depressed so my Dr. asked me to start Effexor XR at the same level I was using before (300 mg). I feel like hell, want to get sick and vomit, so I am seeing my Dr. again tomarrow. I am not sure which med is causing the side effects, Effexor XR or Lamictal.
Wish me luck.
Posted by floating_head on August 18, 2003, at 20:36:20
In reply to Re: effexor is ruining my life!, posted by butterpeacan79 on August 17, 2003, at 2:06:23
Dear Butterpeacan79,
I was perscribed the effexor because of my teenage daughter. I was having trouble controling my anger. I have had no out bursts of anger since the effexor. BUT I have found myself being very sensitive to good natured teasing and ribbing, I seem to pout and stick out my lowere lip like a child. This I really dont like, but I have to take the good with the bad. I'm only rambling on because I think that you might need to talk to the Dr. about the anger.
Thanks for listening, good luck... Another Junkie. God I want off this shit!!
Posted by agr1233 on August 18, 2003, at 21:05:45
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Has anyone been given Effexor for addictions?
I'm a 46 yr old male with 28 yr >+ hard-core alcoholic tendancies.
I talked to my Dr. about Topiramte and he gave me this instead.
Nothing bad so far....any comments or shared knowledge?
Posted by lovemywife on August 19, 2003, at 3:49:34
In reply to Re: effexor is ruining my life!, posted by floating_head on August 18, 2003, at 11:55:58
My wife started on effexor xr about a month ago. She takes 150 mg. once a day. It makes her a little tired, so she takes it late afternoon or early evening. It has worked wonders for her. She is back to her normal self again...with one big exception...it is now very difficult or practically impossible for her to achieve an orgasm. This has never been a problem in the past and I am concerned about this. Has anyone else had a similiar experience and if so, can it be overcome.
My wife is so much happier and at ease since she started this drug...but the no O thing is bothering her and I also.
Posted by sassy ward on August 19, 2003, at 3:58:34
In reply to Re: Effexor discontinuation, posted by SusanG on February 15, 2002, at 13:37:59
I just want to say that i was told to stop effexor 150mg suddenly by my doctor after being on them for 5mths, upon first stopping them i thought that i was ok and had read some of the stories on this site and thought i had got of lightly but with a bang i was hit with everything said it has now been six days and i still have nausea and dizziness but not as much i went to a herbal shop and got drop that i put in water they are crab apple and the 2nd one is walnut i find that when i start feelin ill if i take these it eases the symptoms, what i would advise that if you are strong enough to go through all these withdrawal symptoms then why put yourself back through it and go on anti-depressants again i have decided that i am returning to the herbal shop to get something safe for myself and will not be going on these again i just want to to thank Eamonn for everything he helped me through this weekend without you i would have been lost THANK-YOU. For anyone whos trying to come of them just be persistant and everything will work itself out........Goodluck!!!
Posted by willie on August 19, 2003, at 7:13:11
In reply to Why no O?, posted by lovemywife on August 19, 2003, at 3:49:34
I too had difficulty achieving Orgasm when I first began taking effexor. My dosage is much lower than your wife. Give it some time and a lot of patience. It took me over a month at 37.5 to begin to feel any sexual sensation so it may take your wife longer. When she does start to feel sensation, it may take a long time of touching for her to achieve orgasm. But is will get better in time...Willie
Posted by DSCH on August 19, 2003, at 7:22:21
In reply to Why no O?, posted by lovemywife on August 19, 2003, at 3:49:34
[disclaimer]My own non-degreed take[/disclaimer]
If she has not had a history of asthma, hayfever, or allergies to pollen, mold, pet dander, and the like, trying out a L-histadine amino acid supplement might be worth a shot. If she tries it, I would recommend starting with a low dose (taken soon after waking up) and gradually increasing until "O" is coming along. ;-) If rashes, hives, sneezing, or itchy skin happen first, discontinue.
Histamine (made from L-histadine) is an important neurotransmitter involved in sexual response and circadian rythyms as well as the immune system.
Hope that helps.
Posted by BSHO on August 19, 2003, at 9:33:33
In reply to Why no O?, posted by lovemywife on August 19, 2003, at 3:49:34
I'm a guy, and it effected my sexual experience too, but it got better over time.
Posted by Salty_dog on August 19, 2003, at 10:16:40
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by agr1233 on August 18, 2003, at 21:05:45
I have heard Effexor XR has been used to assist smokers in stopping.
I am a recovering alcoholic (14 year) and once upon a time I was prescribed Naltrexone HCL 50mg per day.
Studies sugest Naltrexone HCL was very useful in stopping alcoholic obsesion and complusion on a long term basis. Naltrexone is used to prevent Opiate users from getting high after and only after a long period of withdrawl from opiates (heroin, percocet, ...). If it is used while there is still traces of opiates in the User, if will cause immediate withdwawl which is very unconfortable.
A short term form of Naltrexone is used in overdose (herion) patients to bring the patient back to life. Boy, are they pissed when they wake up.
Posted by Dr. Bob on August 19, 2003, at 17:19:06
In reply to Re: effexor is ruining my life!, posted by floating_head on August 18, 2003, at 20:36:20
> God I want off this sh*t!!
I'm sorry it's been a problem, but please don't use language that could offend others -- which I'm currently taking to include words and phrases considered often or usually disparaging, obscene, offensive, or vulgar by Merriam-Webster OnLine:
Thanks,
Bob
PS: Follow-ups regarding posting policies, and complaints about posts, should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration; otherwise, they may be deleted.
Posted by Jenneh on August 19, 2003, at 17:39:56
In reply to Why no O?, posted by lovemywife on August 19, 2003, at 3:49:34
Yes that completely happened ot me too. I pretty much gave up on it. I am currently weaning myself off of the drug (for other reasons) so I hope that goes back to normal too. I wish you both luck
Posted by zoobie on August 19, 2003, at 21:33:44
In reply to Re: Why no O?, posted by Jenneh on August 19, 2003, at 17:39:56
I can totally relate to you. When I first started EffexorXR I was fine for the first week, but I noticed over time that my orgasms were less and less, until I couldn't have them anymore.
I did some research and too found out that it's a common side effect with the drug.
Don't worry though, it's been day 7 since I've been coming off EffexorXR and they've started to come back - although they are very weak.
My friend suggested using a vibrator, that helped her (she's on Effexor). Sorry if I'm being to explicit.
Take Care.
Posted by lucylucy on August 19, 2003, at 21:55:55
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I've been on Effexor XR for about five months, with fantastic results. Then about ten days ago, it just seemed to quit working. Is this poop out? Is a higher dose the answer?
My doctor's office suggested moving from my current 75 mg to 150 mg, but they seemed sort of vague about it. I hate to double my dosage if this is just a bad week.
Any advice?
Posted by sjb on August 20, 2003, at 9:06:37
In reply to Re: Withdrawl Advice? » Jenneh, posted by zoobie on August 18, 2003, at 12:25:44
Hi,
I found your post very interesting. I'm now in a depressed period and anxious about an upcoming race. I run and lately it is not going well. I had entered the race because my husband told me it was a race he'd love to do if he wasn't injured. I have an athletic background but took up his lifestyle when I met him. Before that, I took up the lifestyle of my last boyfriend, which was 180 degrees from what I do now: flash and ritz including expensive dinners, clothes, makeup, nightclubs (lots of drinking), travel to exotic places, etc.
I never have asked myself, What do I want to do? Well, I guess I have but I don't have an answer.
BTW - currently on Effexor (75mg) and Wellbutrin (150mg twice daily)
Posted by zoobie on August 20, 2003, at 12:20:47
In reply to Re: Withdrawl Advice? for Jenneh, posted by sjb on August 20, 2003, at 9:06:37
If you break it down, you'll see a trend why people become depressed/anxious.
My story is somewhat similar.
My mother always told me I'd be nothing, that I wasn't smart enough...so in turn I decided to go to school for Computer Networking. I wanted to prove to her that I could enter a male dominated field (I'm a woman) and beat the odds.
In turn she was very impressed and bragged to anyone who would listen. Upon graduation, I felt very lost and upset for I didn't really want to work for the rest of my life in this industry.
Earlier this year I was looking for a new job and I found that everytime I set up an interview, I felt sick at the thought of going. It was to the point I became extremely anxious and I would have to leave my interview. It manifested from there and I developed agrophobia. In turn I became depressed and went to see a Psychologist.
I realized that all the decisions I had made were for other people and not for myself. I didn't even know who I was. I became anxious because my body was trying to tell me something, and it got worse and worse until I had no choice but to listen.
I've left my career, moved to a different city, gone back to school and am becoming the person I AM, and not the person everyone else expects from me.
I'd rather live a simple life without the luxuries of money and be happy, then try and keep up with the "Jones'" and live an unfulfilling life.
Posted by Jenneh on August 20, 2003, at 13:34:48
In reply to Re: Withdrawl Advice? for Jenneh, posted by sjb on August 20, 2003, at 9:06:37
I am really starting to see a pattern here. A good friend of mine has experienced severe anxiety and depression as well. One day she was at work and she said "she felt she had to lay on teh floor". So she left her desk and laid down right in the middle of the floor because she felt anxious and her muscles wouldn't work. They rushed her to the hospital and they put her on zoloft. Now she's off them and fine but still experiences depression and anxiety. The kicker? She's still in the same job that she hates, and has always hated but is driven by the need to impress other people.
Posted by lucylucy on August 20, 2003, at 13:45:24
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
does that mean the exact same time? Within an hour window? 15 minute window? Three hours?
Seems to me if I don't take it pretty much at exactly 8:30-8:45, I get a screaming headache, but that could be coincidence. If I can stretch that out to taking it somewhere between 8 and 9, say, it sure would make the mornings less of a rush to make sure I eat breakfast by a certain time to take that pill.
Anybody have any thoughts on timing of dosage?
Posted by Emmy333 on August 20, 2003, at 13:56:08
In reply to Re: Withdrawl Advice? for Jenneh » sjb, posted by zoobie on August 20, 2003, at 12:20:47
this is my first time posting on this message board...but i have been reading up on the effexor for a while now. my story is very similar to zoobie--i recently graduated from college with a terrific degree but i work myself into a complete panic attack at every interview--so i am too nervous to enter the "real world" only now it's even worse--i am afraid to go nearly anywhere for fear of a panic attack. and i used to be the most outgoing person that i knew...i cannot believe that my life has amounted to a fear of society!!! at any rate, i have tried paxil (made me too tired), zoloft , and lexapro (made me feel really loopy) . but i have been on the effexor for 2 weeks now--i am really going to give this a fair shot. i almost quit after the first week of side effects, but i am glad that i stuck it out, b/c they are nearly gone now. i am feeling ok, but only time will tell w/ the effexor. i'll keep you posted. thanks for your time!
Posted by zoobie on August 20, 2003, at 14:17:53
In reply to Re: Withdrawl Advice? for Jenneh, posted by Emmy333 on August 20, 2003, at 13:56:08
Emmy333, getting a good drug perscription and seeing a good psychologist is a must. The drugs help you deal with the chemical reactions you're feeling, but a psychologist will solve the underlying problem you're experiencing.
With me, I was on Effexor for 4 days and had a breakthrough with my psychologist. Instantly my depression and most of my anxiety was GONE! I wanted to get off Effexor because I knew I could help myself in the end, but my family doctor told me to stay on them for six months (at least) so I don't have another episode.
That's fine, I did stay on them, but you HAVE to solve the underlying issue to rid of your anxiety forever.
I'm actually studying to be a psychologist and enjoy learning about philosophy which helps give meaning to my life.
The best form of therapy I can suggest to you is HUMANISTIC therapy (more on the Gestault and Existential side of it). It will help you sit back and realize what motivates you to do what you do, and find out who you really are.
If anyone would like to email me privately, I can help with more advice. zoobie@shaw.ca
Take care
Posted by chewy on August 20, 2003, at 15:10:19
In reply to Re: Withdrawl Advice? » Emmy333, posted by zoobie on August 20, 2003, at 14:17:53
I swallowed my first Effexor XR this morning following the advice of my primary care md. to help relieve employment and relationship anxiety and hopelessnes. I seem to want something beyond talk therapy which continues.
Now I am wondering whats the difference between Effexor and Effexor XR if any?
From reading many posts, it sounds like this drug has about 6 months of legs before it looses it's "umph" Is that about right?I enjoy this little chat space. I feel less alone!
Posted by Emmy333 on August 20, 2003, at 15:18:35
In reply to Effexor down the hatch, posted by chewy on August 20, 2003, at 15:10:19
i feel less alone too~ i was also wondering what the difference is between the effexor and the effexor xr--i am on 75 mg. of the xr. anyone out there w/ info would be appreciated...
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