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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Sufferfromeffexor on October 8, 2003, at 15:46:38
In reply to You are probably right, posted by kcg33 on October 8, 2003, at 13:34:37
What about the people that took this medication before the year 2000??? Correct me if I am wrong, please...but I thought I read on the FDA website that it wasn't enforced for them to put these fancy pamphlets in the cute little paper bags that the prescription comes in until around Feb. 2000? Also, I am concerned with the lack of emphasis on these warnings. They have them listed, just as a gallon of milk would list, yet there are so many signs that these withdrawals happen WAY more frequently than they make it seem. That is what concerns me. I know it is our own fault if we don't take head to the pretty little warning, but in todays society who has the time and energy to worry about those warnings (because I believe most are put on there based on very FEW cases)...but with Effexo I don't believe it to be that rare...why can't they just say more than likely you WILL experience dreadful withdrawals? Why can't they say that...oh maybe because someone might actually think twice about taking it if they knew the real warning? Just my opinion of course.
> You are probably right, although, I PERSONALLY did not receive any warnings, no cute little piece of paper with the prescription bottle, not even a sticky note on the bottle itself describing any effects whatsoever, however, as time-consuming as it would be to find enough people who feel the way I do about this situation, I would gladly just be happy to settle with getting off and away from this medication and feeling normal again.
Posted by loolot on October 8, 2003, at 17:23:04
In reply to Re: Lawsuit Anyone?, posted by Salty_Dog on October 8, 2003, at 11:52:22
> None of the Medical professionals seem to have the time or interest in thoroughly reading the manufactures info.>>Yeah, I agree. I actually think Doctors need to read these things. Pharmacists are too damn busy and am too embarassed to talk to them about meds sometimes. DOCTORS need top tell us this outright
Posted by lioness on October 8, 2003, at 17:49:12
In reply to Re: Lawsuit Anyone?, posted by loolot on October 8, 2003, at 17:23:04
I think what I have learned from this whole experience is that I need to ask more questions. I never thought to ask about possible side effects ( although I tend to get all the adverse effects of medications!). I will not forget from now on!
Posted by kcg33 on October 8, 2003, at 18:15:44
In reply to Re: You are probably right, posted by Sufferfromeffexor on October 8, 2003, at 15:46:38
What about the people that took this medication before the year 2000??? Correct me if I am wrong, please...but I thought I read on the FDA website that it wasn't enforced for them to put these fancy pamphlets in the cute little paper bags that the prescription comes in until around Feb. 2000? Also, I am concerned with the lack of emphasis on these warnings. They have them listed, just as a gallon of milk would list, yet there are so many signs that these withdrawals happen WAY more frequently than they make it seem. That is what concerns me. I know it is our own fault if we don't take head to the pretty little warning, but in todays society who has the time and energy to worry about those warnings (because I believe most are put on there based on very FEW cases)...but with Effexo I don't believe it to be that rare...why can't they just say more than likely you WILL experience dreadful withdrawals? Why can't they say that...oh maybe because someone might actually think twice about taking it if they knew the real warning? Just my opinion of course.
SufferfromEffexor: I totally agree with you. I don't believe there is any room for doubt for anyone that reads these posts how I feel about this situation. I will continue to make my case against Wyeth. I recognize that not all folks agree with me, and that is okay, because everyone is entitled to their own opinion in things. The only pharmacy that I have ever been to that actually places a slip of paper in the bag with the medication bottle is Walmart. Otherwise, both of the local pharmacies here do not do that. My pill bottle was a regular brown prescription bottle with a label taped to the side that said "Take one pill daily". That's all I had to go by. I had no warning, no advice, no counsel from my pharmacist, my doctor, NOBODY.
From the number of signatures on the Petition against Wyeth already in progress, (well over 3500 at this point), I would say I am not the only person outraged by this lack of counsel.
It is not and never was a desire of mine to get rich from this misery, my purpose in bringing a complaint to Wyeth is simply to force them into making the effects of this drug known. There are several ways this could be done, first of all, they could sell the drug only in the original bottles as some name brand drugs are sold, which have the little "piece of paper" inside instead of allowing the pharmacists to package scripts in the brown bottles and not counsel on the effects. The FDA could play a better role here by making it mandatory that to dispense this drug, any doctor or pharmacist should counsel the patient on the side effects before the script is filled.
Oh, by the way, did I mention that when FDA approved this drug, according to their study, the test consisted of a little over 300 people in one group and about 280 people in the placebo group? From this test, they decided they had all the side effects figured out and passed the drug through FDA approval. Now years later, we are all telling them that their little "study" was somewhat OFF, but there is still not movement toward a new study or warning people that there are many more side effects, and some pretty severe, than their handouts discuss.
This whole thing enrages me just as it does you and many other people out there. I personally feel like with all medications come some small percentage of adverse reactions in a very small number of people, but when the adverse reactions are the rule and not the exception in the greater majority of people taking a medication, it seems to me to beg the question "What's wrong here?"
My life in hell with Effexor has written my opinion of it in stone.
k
Posted by Emme on October 8, 2003, at 18:22:22
In reply to Re: Lawsuit Anyone?, posted by loolot on October 8, 2003, at 17:23:04
The docs don't need to just tell patients about withdrawal symptoms. They need to coach them through it. It took me 4 weeks to get off Effexor and it wasn't fun. My pdoc reminded me that I could slip in as small a dose as I wanted to keep the taper super slow. At one point I was chopping up the tablets and taking something like 6 mg. It helped. We all know this is a tough drug to get off of. The doctors need to have strategies to suggest to help people with the symptoms. I'm not up on this, but are there other drugs that can help ease the withdrawal? It seems to me that there's enough clinical experience out there now that they should be able to help patients get off this drug. The focus should be on finding the best ways to manage the withdrawal problem. Would a lawsuit really accomplish that end? This is a drug that's helped many people. I ramble.
>
> > None of the Medical professionals seem to have the time or interest in thoroughly reading the manufactures info.>>
>
> Yeah, I agree. I actually think Doctors need to read these things. Pharmacists are too damn busy and am too embarassed to talk to them about meds sometimes. DOCTORS need top tell us this outright
Posted by Gayle on October 8, 2003, at 19:42:11
In reply to Re: Anyone want to talk about the violent dreams?, posted by 07shel27 on September 18, 2003, at 12:16:47
> Dreams and Effexor. When I was just on the Effexor with a sleeping pill (Ambien) I didn't dream at all but I was lucky if I would get 2 hours of sleep. I am now on Trazadone and Effexor and sleeping like a baby, but I do have dreams and a lot of dreams, sometimes I dream all night long. Nothing violent though. It is just that is goes on all night. But I am still sleeping and that is a blessing. I really hated the Ambien and I now think that it is an evil drug. I will never take it again.
I take 150mg of Effexor and I have horrible nightmares and I have gained weight on it. I was also taking 25mg of amitriptyline at night to make me sleep, however the amitriptyline has made me want to eat ALL the time and it makes me tired all day, so I stopped taking it 5 days ago and was wondering how you like the trazidone? I have fibromyalgia and need something to sleep but don't want anything that is going to make me for worse all day and gain weight. Please help
Posted by dylsmom on October 8, 2003, at 22:40:31
In reply to Re: Anyone want to talk about the violent dreams? » 07shel27, posted by Gayle on October 8, 2003, at 19:42:11
I had horribly violent dreams while on Effexor XR. I woke up my 18 month old child one time because I screamed so loud.
I never took a sleeping aid as I had a hard enough time wanting to take anything.
> > Dreams and Effexor. When I was just on the Effexor with a sleeping pill (Ambien) I didn't dream at all but I was lucky if I would get 2 hours of sleep. I am now on Trazadone and Effexor and sleeping like a baby, but I do have dreams and a lot of dreams, sometimes I dream all night long. Nothing violent though. It is just that is goes on all night. But I am still sleeping and that is a blessing. I really hated the Ambien and I now think that it is an evil drug. I will never take it again.
>
> I take 150mg of Effexor and I have horrible nightmares and I have gained weight on it. I was also taking 25mg of amitriptyline at night to make me sleep, however the amitriptyline has made me want to eat ALL the time and it makes me tired all day, so I stopped taking it 5 days ago and was wondering how you like the trazidone? I have fibromyalgia and need something to sleep but don't want anything that is going to make me for worse all day and gain weight. Please help
Posted by kcg33 on October 9, 2003, at 5:31:01
In reply to Re: Anyone want to talk about the violent dreams? » Gayle, posted by dylsmom on October 8, 2003, at 22:40:31
> I had horribly violent dreams while on Effexor XR. I woke up my 18 month old child one time because I screamed so loud.
> I never took a sleeping aid as I had a hard enough time wanting to take anything.
> > Dreams and Effexor. When I was just on the Effexor with a sleeping pill (Ambien) I didn't dream at all but I was lucky if I would get 2 hours of sleep. I am now on Trazadone and Effexor and sleeping like a baby, but I do have dreams and a lot of dreams, sometimes I dream all night long. Nothing violent though. It is just that is goes on all night. But I am still sleeping and that is a blessing. I really hated the Ambien and I now think that it is an evil drug. I will never take it again.
> > I take 150mg of Effexor and I have horrible nightmares and I have gained weight on it. I was also taking 25mg of amitriptyline at night to make me sleep, however the amitriptyline has made me want to eat ALL the time and it makes me tired all day, so I stopped taking it 5 days ago and was wondering how you like the trazidone? I have fibromyalgia and need something to sleep but don't want anything that is going to make me for worse all day and gain weight. Please help
>
Now that I am reduced down to 1/3 pill (25 mg) a day, the nightmares are not as frequent. I had some pretty bad ones for a long time. I almost dreaded going to sleep because of the anxiety of knowing some really freaky and horrible scenario would be playing itself out in my sleep. Tylenol PM is how I got to sleep and it never failed me.
Posted by lioness on October 9, 2003, at 14:54:33
In reply to Re: Anyone want to talk about the violent dreams?, posted by kcg33 on October 9, 2003, at 5:31:01
I am SOOOOO relieved to hear that my horrific dreams were due to the effexor weaning!!! I was having such disturbing dreams for a couple of weeks, that I could not get the images out of my head. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Lioness
Posted by Music on October 9, 2003, at 16:57:31
In reply to Re: Anyone want to talk about the violent dreams?, posted by lioness on October 9, 2003, at 14:54:33
Today I went to my PsyDoc and she wants me to gradually switch to Wellbutrin SR because of the sexual SE's that Effexor XR has. Has anyone successfully had luck with Wellbutrin SR for sexual SE's? If so, please comment. Also wondering if Wellbutrin SR works just as good as Effexor XR does? I am on 300mg per day of Effexor XR and it finally works really good for me and now my PsyDoc is changing my meds. I am kind of scared. Any suggestions for me would help. Thank you thread...
Music
Posted by BJL on October 9, 2003, at 17:24:28
In reply to Question for thread, posted by Music on October 9, 2003, at 16:57:31
Music, I am on wellbutrin SR, which I was also on while on Effexor. I don't know that it "helped" sex-wise, but going off Effexor must be, because I actually have desire after just two weeks off the Effexor. Be warned, however, that you will dream on wellbutrin. I haven't had nightmares, just the goofiest dreams in the world, and it's every single night. I don't feel my sleep is actually being disrupted. In fact, after feeling good the last four days, without withdrawal symptoms, I feel better than I have for a very, very long time.
For anyone who has withdrawals from the Effexor, hang in there! It's tough, but you'll be okay. My mood was awful for the last week, emotional, even wishing I could just die (and not just because I was sick, I was soooo depressed), and for the last two days, I don't feel that. I feel like a normal person. I'm not saying I want to go off wellbutrin yet, but I'm feeling stable right now, and that's a wonderful thing. A little liposuction would be better yet, but they won't remove 1/3 of your body at a time, so I guess I won't be doing that (oh yeah, and it's not free either, empty checkbook).
Remember, Music, go off the Effexor s-l-o-w, and I mean very slow. I'll be thinking of you. Good luck! -Bobbi-
Posted by OliviaD on October 9, 2003, at 18:20:18
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Jonathan on June 19, 2000, at 5:36:38
Re: withdrawing from effexor. I was taking (and now have resumed taking) 600 mg of effexor sr per day, along with 300 mg of wellbutrin (I am a rather slight woman so this is a rather heavy dosage). Without complete awareness of how difficult withdrawal could be, I stopped both meds cold turkey (when I gave up illegal drugs) but found that in order to bear it I needed a beta blocker, and so was prescribed clonazepam (which I prefer to Xanax because it is longer acting and less addicting). This really and truly made going off the Effexor much easier than it had been. What also helped: I took five capsules of Tyrosine, B6 and whatever else it's usually potentiated with three times a day, as per the late Dr. Atkins nutriet formula for depression (phenalylanine is actually supposed to be even better). Anyway, the Tyrosine kept my depression semi- at-bay for quite some time, but due to terrible family situation and job loss I ended up deeper in the hole than ever and have resumed Effexor, Wellbutrin and clonazepam (plus Trazedone to sleep). I'm already feeling better after slightly over a week, but wondering whether the year or so I spent off of Effexor will be long enough to nullify the two-year poop-out tendency of this drug.
God bless and take care, you all!
> > I am supposed to be switching over to Prozac again but don't want to put another pill in my mouth until this withdrawal stuff stops. From other responses, I am getting the idea it takes two weeks for this to stop. I am so angry that these side effects were not listed in anything from the cmpany that made this disgusting pill. Not only did it make me worse than I was before I switched to it but to get it out of my system I have to put up with this. I thought this would be easing up just a little since I have been without it for four days but I guess not. I wish I had a good lawyer who could help me get the pharmacutical for the nightmare I have been through for six weeks. I guess we have to do what they call "hang in there."
>
> Lee,
>
> I understand you not wishing to start any new medication yet, but Prozac is probably the best drug there is for alleviating Effexor withdrawal symptoms.
> Since you're planning to switch to Prozac anyway, you'll feel better much faster if you start taking the Prozac immediately.
> I hope it does help you to get over the Effexor soon: I went through the same a few weeks ago and it was vile.
>
> Good luck,
>
> Jonathan.
>
>
Posted by lioness on October 9, 2003, at 20:28:59
In reply to Re: withdrawal from Effexor: what made mine easier, posted by OliviaD on October 9, 2003, at 18:20:18
> Re: withdrawing from effexor. I was taking (and now have resumed taking) 600 mg of effexor sr per day, along with 300 mg of wellbutrin (I am a rather slight woman so this is a rather heavy dosage). Without complete awareness of how difficult withdrawal could be, I stopped both meds cold turkey (when I gave up illegal drugs) but found that in order to bear it I needed a beta blocker, and so was prescribed clonazepam (which I prefer to Xanax because it is longer acting and less addicting). This really and truly made going off the Effexor much easier than it had been. What also helped: I took five capsules of Tyrosine, B6 and whatever else it's usually potentiated with three times a day, as per the late Dr. Atkins nutriet formula for depression (phenalylanine is actually supposed to be even better). Anyway, the Tyrosine kept my depression semi- at-bay for quite some time, but due to terrible family situation and job loss I ended up deeper in the hole than ever and have resumed Effexor, Wellbutrin and clonazepam (plus Trazedone to sleep). I'm already feeling better after slightly over a week, but wondering whether the year or so I spent off of Effexor will be long enough to nullify the two-year poop-out tendency of this drug.
> God bless and take care, you all!
> > > I am supposed to be switching over to Prozac again but don't want to put another pill in my mouth until this withdrawal stuff stops. From other responses, I am getting the idea it takes two weeks for this to stop. I am so angry that these side effects were not listed in anything from the cmpany that made this disgusting pill. Not only did it make me worse than I was before I switched to it but to get it out of my system I have to put up with this. I thought this would be easing up just a little since I have been without it for four days but I guess not. I wish I had a good lawyer who could help me get the pharmacutical for the nightmare I have been through for six weeks. I guess we have to do what they call "hang in there."
> >
> > Lee,
> >
> > I understand you not wishing to start any new medication yet, but Prozac is probably the best drug there is for alleviating Effexor withdrawal symptoms.
> > Since you're planning to switch to Prozac anyway, you'll feel better much faster if you start taking the Prozac immediately.
> > I hope it does help you to get over the Effexor soon: I went through the same a few weeks ago and it was vile.
> >
> > Good luck,
> >
> > Jonathan.
> >
> >
> You can start taking the prozac while still weaning off of the effexor. It may make a world of difference...it did for me!
>
Lioness
Posted by BJL on October 9, 2003, at 21:43:18
In reply to Re: withdrawal from Effexor: what made mine easier, posted by OliviaD on October 9, 2003, at 18:20:18
Lee, my withdrawal lasted 12 days, so two weeks is about right. I hear of some people who have what I call "the zaps" for longer. I have had a few still, but they are not as often, and I'm basically feeling good again (it's been 16 days since my last Effexor). People constantly talk about Prozac easing withdrawals, so if you are planning on going on it anyway, maybe you should consider taking it instead of suffering. Good luck!
Posted by tully on October 10, 2003, at 2:36:11
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Parks on January 4, 2000, at 16:10:07
I was on prozac for about 6 weeks and it did not do me any good, I still had the anxiety and It made me very ill, to the point I lost nearly 2 stone. My doctor then put me on Effexor 75 XR, and I have been on it for about 4.5 weeks now I seem to be having great results, and my doctor is very pleased, Im sleeping a lot better, the anxiety is nowhere near as bad and im getting on with things a lot better. I have read a lot of horror stories about effexor, but everyone is different, so I I just hope that effexor keeps on helping me the way it has been.
Posted by bigfish1911 on October 10, 2003, at 6:08:39
In reply to Lithium+Effexor????, posted by Troubled_Boy on March 25, 2003, at 0:29:05
My wife has been suffering from depression for many years. for the past three years she has been on 1200mg Lithium, 375mg effexor XL, plus weekly injection 200mg of Clopixol. She has been admitted to hospital very depressed and suicidal. Overnight they have dropped her medication as follows Lithium down to 400mg. effexor doen to 225mg and clopixol down to 100mg. This seems to be an large drop very quickly she is already very distressed and confused. Can anyone advise as to wether this is a normal occurance.
Posted by KimberlyDi on October 10, 2003, at 7:39:27
In reply to Question for thread, posted by Music on October 9, 2003, at 16:57:31
Wellbutrin SR had ZERO sexual side effects. It helped with depression but not much help with anxiety. I'm a big fan of it.
KDi in Texas
> Today I went to my PsyDoc and she wants me to gradually switch to Wellbutrin SR because of the sexual SE's that Effexor XR has. Has anyone successfully had luck with Wellbutrin SR for sexual SE's? If so, please comment. Also wondering if Wellbutrin SR works just as good as Effexor XR does? I am on 300mg per day of Effexor XR and it finally works really good for me and now my PsyDoc is changing my meds. I am kind of scared. Any suggestions for me would help. Thank you thread...
>
> Music
Posted by Music on October 10, 2003, at 8:36:41
In reply to Re: Question for thread, posted by KimberlyDi on October 10, 2003, at 7:39:27
Thank you so much for responding. I started this morning with the tappering process of Effexor XR. My PsyDoc wants me to start with 75mg of Effexor XR and 100mg of Wellbutrin SR in the morning and still take my regular dose of Effexor XR of 150mg in the afternoon. After 4 days I'll drop off the 75mg of Effexor XR in the morning and just take the 100mg of Wellbutrin SR. And then in 2 weeks I go back and see her. I hope this works for the sexual thing. I want to sleep better as well, but my PsyDoc said that we'll work on switching for the sex thing and then start with something else to help me sleep. Maybe like adding trazadone or something else. Anyway, what SE's does Trazadone have or a higher dose of Wellbutrin SR have? Life is crazy sometimes. I am a professional and I feel that I am supposed to have it together, but sometimes it is very hard. Any suggestions would help.
Music
Posted by BJL on October 10, 2003, at 9:26:04
In reply to KimDi and BLJ, posted by Music on October 10, 2003, at 8:36:41
Music, the trazodone definitely helped me sleep well, but I was also extremely groggy the next morning. It was better when I took just 1/2 tablet, but still some grogginess. -Bobbi-
Posted by lioness on October 10, 2003, at 10:12:28
In reply to Re: Question for thread, posted by KimberlyDi on October 10, 2003, at 7:39:27
Today I was planning on reducing my effexor dose from 75 mg to 37.5 mg, but am afraid it is too much of a jump for me to handle well. Does anyone know how many granuals are in the 75 mg capsule? I thought I could reduce by 1/3 or 1/4. That might be more tolerable for me.
Thanks!
Lioness
Posted by Rainman23 on October 10, 2003, at 10:17:37
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by BJL on October 6, 2003, at 10:54:37
This is day 3 of no Effexor XR. I thank God for this message board. I thought I was losing my mind. I have been smoking a pack of cigarettes a day (ususally only smoked 5-6) and didn't care. I hated being around people, didn't want to talk to my friends and I couldn't sleep at night. The final thing for me was that I have gained over 20 lbs. in 4 months (that vanity will get you every time!). I cannot fit into any of my clothes and I have been working out and doing pilates every day!! I seriously thought I was losing my mind and I want to thank all of you who have posted. I now know that it has been this evil drug the whole time. I was on 75 mg. and just quit. I am a recovering drug addict/ alcoholic with over 7 years clean and sober and I am all for just quitting. I flushed all my pills. I feel like shit, but I know there is light now at the end of the tunnel. I do feel the "zaps" and feel like I'm going to fall over and feel basically... well, like shit! But, after reading all of the postings I see that I'm supposed to feel this way for a while. I will let you all know how long it takes to get better. I'm also taking Dexedrine for Narcolepsy (20 mg in the am) and I just started Topamax at 25 mg at night(the day I quit the Effexor XR). My doctor wants me to go up to 100 mg on the Topamax. I hoping to just go to 50, but we'll see. I suffer from depression and narcolepsy - they say. I just want to feel good again!! Thank you all!
Posted by KimberlyDi on October 10, 2003, at 14:51:42
In reply to KimDi and BLJ, posted by Music on October 10, 2003, at 8:36:41
I had to half the Trazadone at first because it really knocked me out! Some people report a slightly "hungover" feeling in the morning. I had no problem with that when i waited a few weeks to raise my dosage to 100mg as prescribed.
:)
KDi in Texas
Posted by KimberlyDi on October 10, 2003, at 14:58:09
In reply to Re: Question for thread, posted by lioness on October 10, 2003, at 10:12:28
You might get a ton of responses to that one, for and against. The granuals are different size so try to split them proportionately. If you don't have enough capsules, someone said you could mix it in a spoonful of applesauce to swallow. I've got 150mg and 75mg capules that i'll have to break down soon. See if you can get your pdoc to prescribe some of the Immediate Release Effexor. When you cut down too severely and feel sick, you can break a tiny piece of the pill off and get relief rather quickly.
KDi in Texas
> Today I was planning on reducing my effexor dose from 75 mg to 37.5 mg, but am afraid it is too much of a jump for me to handle well. Does anyone know how many granuals are in the 75 mg capsule? I thought I could reduce by 1/3 or 1/4. That might be more tolerable for me.
> Thanks!
> Lioness
Posted by lioness on October 10, 2003, at 22:16:26
In reply to Re: Question for thread, posted by KimberlyDi on October 10, 2003, at 14:58:09
Kim, thank you so much for the advice. I have been trying to get off this stuff now for about 31/2 weeks. I just knew I could not decrease by 37.5 mg at a time. I took about 1/3 of the granuals out this morning, and I feel ok. I am going very, very slowly with this. I still have some old 25mg tabs, thanks for the advice, as I never thought to take a bit off of one when it gets bad.
THANK YOU!!!
Lioness
Posted by Salty_Dog on October 11, 2003, at 17:18:09
In reply to Re: Lawsuit Anyone?, posted by Sufferfromeffexor on October 8, 2003, at 15:36:41
I take no offense nor am I trying to start a war. I just want to put some prospective on the whole thing. Effexor has been prescribed and is currently taken by 3 million people. There are a couple hundred people on this BB, we are far from being even so much as a manority. This BB is for helping and supporting each other through rough times. Could we get back to doing that (I am guilty also)?
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