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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by kcg33 on October 4, 2003, at 6:58:59
In reply to Re: For ANYONE who is SWEATING (also re quitting) » lioness, posted by Mercedes on October 3, 2003, at 20:53:49
Working on this, as soon as I have the name of the firm and the number to give you, I will post it.
BJL, Lioness and Mercedes, my thoughts EXACTLY. No energy, low metabolism, night sweats, MIGRAINES, sensitivity to the sun, visual problems, and no sex drive whatsoever. And this is just while TAKING the drug - and the horror quadruples when you try to get off of it! There will be Liberty and Justice for All in the end.
Posted by Kacy on October 4, 2003, at 9:19:17
In reply to Effexor Club Collapses, posted by KimberlyDi on October 3, 2003, at 11:49:24
KimberlyDi:
I was on 150 mg of Effexor. One higher dose of 225 mg didn't help me at all. I finally settled in at 112.5 mg of Effexor because it was worth a little bit reduced Effexor effect to reduce side effects. When I added Strattera, the Effexor worked so much better, I was able to go down to 75 mg of Effexor and get a better result than I was getting at 112.5 mg of it.
I don't know what order you began taking those pills, but maybe you will find you can get the benefit of Effexor at lower doses and that might change the blood pressure problem.
Effexor never helped with any Add/inattentive issues at all. It just helps me with excessive ruminating. You might settle in at each of those lower doses long enough to see if your blood pressure goes down and you still get benefits comparable to other seratonin meds.
On the other hand, if I could take Wellbutrin instead of Effexor, I would. That was the best ever for me for Add. (Unfortunately, right as it began working, I broke out in hives.) I highly recommend you try that one. Dopamine and epinephrine–it's perfect.
Posted by BJL on October 4, 2003, at 9:21:55
In reply to Re: For ANYONE who is SWEATING (also re quitting) » lioness, posted by Mercedes on October 3, 2003, at 20:53:49
Mercedes;
As far as the ringing in the ears goes, I've had three ear surgeries, and my ears have been ringing ever since, even before Effexor, so I'm not great for answering that. But, as for the vision, I've really wondered. I had laser eye surgery two years ago. My eyesight was better than 20/20, as was the dozens of people in our area who had the surgery, as well. None of them have had problems. I, however, have blurriness in the right eye. I thought something went wrong after my eye surgery. I never attributed it to the Effexor, but I'll be curious to see if it gets any better now that I'm off. I've been off for 11 days now, and it's not better yet, but how can I really tell when I've had a headache and dizziness from withdrawal. We'll see once this goes away. I'm starting to think it never will. -Bobbi-
Posted by Kacy on October 4, 2003, at 9:32:47
In reply to Re: For ANYONE who is SWEATING (also re quitting), posted by BJL on October 4, 2003, at 9:21:55
Bobbi: I quit Effexor and went back on again. By the tenth day or a little after, my vision was clear enough to easily read the phone book. Before that, I needed a magnifyer to read it, thanks to Effexor. I went back on Effexor and I needed those reading glasses near the phone book to read it again. Maybe this bodes well for you. If it doesn't happen right away, don't panic. My withdrawal symptoms were a piece of cake compared to the severity and duration some of you get.
Posted by BJL on October 4, 2003, at 10:21:07
In reply to About your vision: » BJL, posted by Kacy on October 4, 2003, at 9:32:47
Kacy;
Thanks! It's always nice to hear that there is a smoother road up ahead. I'm glad things are better for you!
Posted by Mr Mikey on October 5, 2003, at 2:36:22
In reply to Lawsuit Anyone?, posted by kcg33 on October 4, 2003, at 6:58:59
You go girl!
Posted by spacecase on October 5, 2003, at 10:19:10
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by Shel on July 18, 2000, at 1:35:45
I've been on every antidepressant in the last 10 years, and Effexor XR is the first antidedressant to take my depression away, and with no side-effects. After going through over 25 antidepressants, I really think I found the one for me. Has anyone else had this kind of luck with Effexor XR.
Posted by spacecase on October 5, 2003, at 10:24:19
In reply to love and hate, posted by kimi on July 18, 2000, at 20:10:21
I just replied how much I loved Effexor Xr and had no side-effects but I just read this message. I've been having eye twiches, but my doctor thought it was tardive dyskenesia from antipsychotics because I'm bipolar. So, know I'm really not sure about Effexor Xr. I'm on so many meds that I'm not sure what is doing what.
Posted by lioness on October 5, 2003, at 11:09:26
In reply to Re: love and hate, posted by spacecase on October 5, 2003, at 10:24:19
> I just replied how much I loved Effexor Xr and had no side-effects but I just read this message. I've been having eye twiches, but my doctor thought it was tardive dyskenesia from antipsychotics because I'm bipolar. So, know I'm really not sure about Effexor Xr. I'm on so many meds that I'm not sure what is doing what.
Hi Kimi,
I know how you feel. I liked effexor as well, however, even on the extended release form, i experienced brain zaps and muscle twitchs. I, too, am on many different meds for cfids, fibromyalgia and hashimotos (thyroiditis), and therefore, it is sometimes difficult to figure out which is the offending agent. I decided early on that the side effects were not upsetting enough for me to discontinue the meds, until I was able to try something else. I did decide to stop the effexor as it did not help my illnesses and I wanted something for both the illnesses and the depression they caused (which I may have found- I am keeping my fingers crossed!). Maybe you need to decide if the side effects are tolerable for you. I am not sure how you can know which med is causing the SE unless you discontinue one of them for a period of time. Also, I have been wondering if those of us who experience SEs while on this medication are those who have the toughest time getting off of it? I hope it continues to work for you, as I have seen it do great things for people.
L
Posted by BJL on October 5, 2003, at 11:12:03
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by spacecase on October 5, 2003, at 10:19:10
I definitely will agree that I felt better while taking both Paxil and Effexor, but because of the fatigue, weight gain, and inability to function, I had to give it up.
I'd like to know how long it takes to start feeling "normal" again after going off of these medications. I am SOOOOO depressed that I literally wish God would let me die. I don't believe in suicide because of the selfishness of it, and this is selfish too, but at least my loved ones wouldn't feel "as much" pain. I don't want to cry anymore. I want to feel like I matter. I feel so lost and alone. I hate feeling like this. -Bobbi-
Posted by lioness on October 5, 2003, at 11:29:07
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by BJL on October 5, 2003, at 11:12:03
Bobbi,
I am so sorry that you are feeling so badly. Have you tried stratera? It is an ADD medication which not only will increase your energy and wakefulness without stimulant side effects, but also has AD effects. Hope this is helpful.
L
Posted by BJL on October 5, 2003, at 18:26:42
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by lioness on October 5, 2003, at 11:29:07
No, I haven't tried Strattera, but my stepdaughter is on it and has had great success with it. She still has energy, hasn't gained a pound, looks great, feels great, so if he pushes me to go on another drug, I may request to go that direction. I'm still on wellbutrin, but it has done nothing to prevent me from having depression during this withdrawal. I'd prefer to be on nothing, but I am miserable and feel like I'm making everyone around me miserable.
Thanks so much for your well wishes! -Bobbi-
Posted by Salty_Dog on October 5, 2003, at 20:09:43
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by BJL on October 5, 2003, at 11:12:03
As I have previously posted, I gave Effexor XR my best shot. I didn't want to wounder if the SE's I had where related to Effexor XR or not. At 600 mg per day, I fairly well know all of the mentioned SE on this BB. I found a solution to put a stop to the night sweats and the lazy eye (try using one or the other eye alone to see if there is improvement) the shakes, the twitching, the inability to think, the Tinititus and all of the other unmentionable SE's. I tryed Neurontin 600 mg three times a day and found great results. I also stopped taking the Neurontin for a week and got back the SE's like night sweats and lack of energy. So, in my own testing and in my case, Neurontin has done wounders to clear up the undesired SE's (even the sex issue) and has given my Eye Dr. a break. Untill I tried going off the Neurontin, I thought maybe I had become used to the SE's, but it turns out that's not case. I highly recomend it. Remember, I am at 600 mg of Effexor XR and while using Neurontin I was able to put an end to most, if not all, of the SE's.
Posted by Mercedes on October 5, 2003, at 22:26:51
In reply to About your vision: » BJL, posted by Kacy on October 4, 2003, at 9:32:47
Hi, my name is Mercedes and I'm interested in your comment about vision problems. I wrote earlier that I've had my glasses changed five times this past year and i'm due again. I have a hard time when I'm on the computer so I don't come to this site much anymore. If I'm on the computer for an hour or so, I have blurred vision AFTERWARDS for another hour. I'm scheduled to see a opthamologist next week and wonder, since I'm withdrawing from Effexor, if my vision will get better. And if so, will a new eyeglass prescription at this time (I've gone gradually from 300mgs to currently 75 and next week 37.5 then finally off completly)be wrong for me..again? Should I wait till I'm off Effexor completly? I'm not sure and don't have vision coverage so $$$ is an issue.
p.s. Anyone?.....I also have tennitus and have an ENT appt soon. Does the tennitus go away with stopping effexor. Any comments would be appreciated.
Mercedes
****************************************> Bobbi: I quit Effexor and went back on again. By the tenth day or a little after, my vision was clear enough to easily read the phone book. Before that, I needed a magnifyer to read it, thanks to Effexor. I went back on Effexor and I needed those reading glasses near the phone book to read it again. Maybe this bodes well for you. If it doesn't happen right away, don't panic. My withdrawal symptoms were a piece of cake compared to the severity and duration some of you get.
Posted by Sufferfromeffexor on October 6, 2003, at 1:21:21
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by BJL on October 5, 2003, at 11:12:03
I feel for you!!!! I am on my 7th day of being Effexor free and I feel like CRAP!!!! The "electric shocks" are unnerving to say the least. I don't know how many times I have just looked at my left over pills (I know I shouldn't keep them around but I do) and just wanting to take one to make this all go away. I don't know which is worse, experiencing these side effects or the fact that a doctor can't tell you how long it will last or what is even causing them etc...If only we could count the days until they would disappear, I think it would make going through it all that much more bearable, for me personally it would be a huge relief. Right now I just feel like I will have to feel this way for the rest of my life and I know I can't cope with it for a few more meeks let along a life time. I hope you have someone close to you that can keep the pep talks going for you. It is hard to not cave and take the pill, but we have to believe it will be better in the end...won't it?
Posted by Sufferfromeffexor on October 6, 2003, at 1:27:07
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Does anyone know what exactly CAUSES these shocks that are associated with the withdrawal of Effexor? I can't seem to find any information about them, just that they exist. Also, is the time span for them to go away really as large as 1-7 weeks? I have just gone through my first week and I really REALLY don't want to do 2 but the funny thing is, today my shocks are as bad as the first couple days. My third day without the Effexor was my worst so far (nausiated, sensitive to light, tired etc.) and today it felt like day one all over again. I don't get it. Shouldn't something that is out of your body start to get better and not progress?? If anyone knows more about these shocks I would love to hear what you have learned. God Speed to everyone and may there come a day of comfort for you!
Posted by kcg33 on October 6, 2003, at 5:21:42
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! » BJL, posted by Sufferfromeffexor on October 6, 2003, at 1:21:21
> I feel for you!!!! I am on my 7th day of being Effexor free and I feel like CRAP!!!! The "electric shocks" are unnerving to say the least. I don't know how many times I have just looked at my left over pills (I know I shouldn't keep them around but I do) and just wanting to take one to make this all go away. I don't know which is worse, experiencing these side effects or the fact that a doctor can't tell you how long it will last or what is even causing them etc...If only we could count the days until they would disappear, I think it would make going through it all that much more bearable, for me personally it would be a huge relief. Right now I just feel like I will have to feel this way for the rest of my life and I know I can't cope with it for a few more meeks let along a life time. I hope you have someone close to you that can keep the pep talks going for you. It is hard to not cave and take the pill, but we have to believe it will be better in the end...won't it?
Remember when I was at 7 days out and still felt like I was dying? I know how hard it is, for sure. I hesitated to throw the medicine out just in case it became necessary to take one or die. In the end, this is what i have done - I went to the drug store and bought empty gel capsules. I have taken the remainder of my bottle and have divided each pill into thirds and repackaged them in the each of the gel caps. Now I take one a day - whatever 1/3 of 75 mg is, somehow it is keeping the nausea and fatigue away. I haven't felt this well in a long time. I figure I'll give it another two weeks worth and then I will start pouring out a couple of crystals at a time until I am taking nothing. If you are like me, you don't want anything else to do with this medicine, so caving makes you feel like you have failed, but I'm tellin' ya', 1/3 of that capsule at a time will cover the brain zaps, the shakes, the nausea and the fatigue. It helped me to avoid jumping off a bridge to get relief, for sure.
Posted by darthwribar on October 6, 2003, at 8:16:40
In reply to Effexor side effects - heart palpitations, posted by TracyL on December 16, 2002, at 0:46:51
I started Effexor five weeks ago and went back to the doctor this week for an echocardiagram and stress test. It showed nothing but these palpitations seem very real and very scary! My heart seems to go fast, then slow right down and a few times a day (recently) seems to almost stop and then starts again, very obviously. I keep thinking my heart will stop. Am I just being stupid? Is it me or the tablets? should I stop taking them? The doctors say I shouldn't be in danger but they don't know how I feel. Afraid.
Any advice?
Posted by spacecase on October 6, 2003, at 8:19:01
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by Salty_Dog on October 5, 2003, at 20:09:43
> As I have previously posted, I gave Effexor XR my best shot. I didn't want to wounder if the SE's I had where related to Effexor XR or not. At 600 mg per day, I fairly well know all of the mentioned SE on this BB. I found a solution to put a stop to the night sweats and the lazy eye (try using one or the other eye alone to see if there is improvement) the shakes, the twitching, the inability to think, the Tinititus and all of the other unmentionable SE's. I tryed Neurontin 600 mg three times a day and found great results. I also stopped taking the Neurontin for a week and got back the SE's like night sweats and lack of energy. So, in my own testing and in my case, Neurontin has done wounders to clear up the undesired SE's (even the sex issue) and has given my Eye Dr. a break. Untill I tried going off the Neurontin, I thought maybe I had become used to the SE's, but it turns out that's not case. I highly recomend it. Remember, I am at 600 mg of Effexor XR and while using Neurontin I was able to put an end to most, if not all, of the SE's.
I was wondering if everyone is on high doses of Effexor Xr. Because you stated that you were on 600mg. I'm on 450mg of Effexor Xr. And I've always been on high doses of antidepressants, and it just seems kind of alarming to me because the side-effects go up with it. People have talked about twitching, does anyone have eye twitching. Because I have it from the moment I wake up to the moment I go asleep and even if I wake up in the middle of the night. My doctor thinks it's tardive dyskenesia, but not sure. Because it did twitch once when I increased my Effexor but didn't think about it till know till I read yalls messages. Thanks for the outlet.
Posted by Music on October 6, 2003, at 9:33:28
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by spacecase on October 6, 2003, at 8:19:01
I am on 300 mg of Effexor XR per day. I think I have finally reached my therapuetic doseage. I finally feel better. About the sex thing this med stinks. It is so hard to have a "O" on this med. Does anyone have any suggestions about what else to take along with Effexor XR med? I am going to my PsyDoc this Thursday any suggestions would help.
Music
Posted by darthwribar on October 6, 2003, at 9:41:48
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Peterjg on December 13, 2002, at 13:02:22
I've had all sorts of side effects - slightly blurred vision for the first few weeks, shaking, muscular twitching (sometimes severe) but the most recent is my heart slowing down a great deal and almost (it feels) like it's going to stop.
i don't know if to keep with the Effexor or blame this on the Effexor. I feel more scared by what my heart is doing at the moment that anything I felt before. Is it me? Or the tablets? Any advice?
Posted by KimberlyDi on October 6, 2003, at 10:09:34
In reply to Re: Effexor Club Collapses » KimberlyDi, posted by Kacy on October 4, 2003, at 9:19:17
Posted by BJL on October 6, 2003, at 10:54:37
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! » BJL, posted by Sufferfromeffexor on October 6, 2003, at 1:21:21
Sufferfromeffexor, I know how tempting it is to start taking those pills, but hang in there. I'm feeling much better today (I'm on day 12 since last pill). Even my mood is better. I'm almost starting to feel like there's a light at the end of the tunnel. Hang in there! I wish I could do something to help everyone suffering! It truly sucks! -Bobbi-
Posted by spacecase on October 6, 2003, at 12:28:09
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by Music on October 6, 2003, at 9:33:28
Music,
I don't know what would work for you because I don't know what conditions you have. But, I have bipolar disorder w/ psychotic symptoms (voices), ADHD, a little bit of OCD, anorexia, and bulumia, and tardive dyskinesia. I'm on Abilify, Topomax, Effexor XR, Adderall XR, Xanax XR. And I really feel good and wouldn't change my combination of medications right now because they just feel right. Have you ever been on Topomax? It's an anticonvulsant used for bipolar patients and it's also used for people with headaches, and I think it might be used for people with hard to treat depression but not sure. But, I'm on it for bipolar and bulimia. It's really hard to find the right medications. It took me trying over 25 antidepressants until Effexor.
Posted by FarmBoy on October 6, 2003, at 13:09:04
In reply to Re: any sexual side effects?, posted by SLS on January 12, 2001, at 17:36:06
The good-sex can last loooooong
The bad-can't finish.
Any help out there
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