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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by dancingstar on November 3, 2004, at 22:10:06
In reply to Re: doctors and prescriptions Effexor XR » MKB, posted by corafree on November 3, 2004, at 21:57:08
The L-Trytophane (sp?) helps to increase your natural seratonin levels. It also makes people a little tired or in some cases, just more relaxed. Turkey as a lot of it. Lately it has been thought to be a somewhat better option to raise seratonin levels by taking 5-HTP, which is kind of the same thing. I don't really know what the difference is or the reason for that recommendation. I think that the two chemical compounds are processed slightly differently. They are both health-food-store products, and they both work.
As a tool from the more painful aspects of withdrawing from Effexor, for those of you that trust my judgment on this and don't think that I am exaggerating, 5-HTP is a wee bit helpful, but it's going to take an awful lot of it to really do much in the way of relieving sysmptoms; in other words, I don't really feel anything from it. I take it anyway so that my body isn't on "empty" when it comes to seratonin depletion.
Hope that helps to answer your question....
Posted by corafree on November 3, 2004, at 22:42:54
In reply to Re: doctors and prescriptions Effexor XR, posted by MKB on November 2, 2004, at 21:45:32
I cannot tolerate anything but estrogen patches. Have you or do you use them? cf
> I'm already on medication for low thyroid. It's seems like everything just went kaput when I was about 46. First major depression, first diagnosis of low thyroid, first prescribed estrogen...all within a year or two. Thanks for your input.
Posted by emmahoward on November 4, 2004, at 0:02:07
In reply to Re: Effexor and Itching, posted by dancingstar on November 3, 2004, at 16:13:47
A friend of mine was put on Effexor by her doctor and because Im on it too, she asked me if I had itching. I have not. Itching can be because of a variety of reasons, and no, its not an allergy to the medication, its usually just a chemical reaction and it does go away.
I advised my friend to dab on some Apple Cider Vinigar (sounds gross I know) with a cotton ball on the area. You can buy apple cider vinigar almost anywhere you buy your groceries. It relieves the itching, but does stink your leg up (or arm, or wherever youre getting this.)
Hope that was helpful.
E
Posted by dancingstar on November 4, 2004, at 0:40:41
In reply to Re: Effexor and Itching, posted by emmahoward on November 4, 2004, at 0:02:07
...or it's a warning from your body that the medication doesn't agree with you. Consult your physician and let them know about the itching. You should not be itching.
Posted by dancingstar on November 4, 2004, at 0:57:08
In reply to Re: doctors and prescriptions -dancingstar, posted by emmahoward on November 2, 2004, at 4:05:52
For the record, I had no problems when I began to take the drug either. None at all. Do you think that I would have continued to take it if I had? It gave me that little extra bit of energy that I needed at the time. I didn't know that my thyroid was low, and it seemed like a terribly helpful drug to me, too. And even I started with only 37.5 mg. And I only took 75 mg. for the longest time. In the last two years I took 150 because I was in a lot of physical pain and very tired. I thought that adding more Effexor would give me the same relief that I only IMAGINED that it had in the beginning. It is only now that I know that I was wrong. I was completely wrong from the very beginning. Every good thing that I ever thought about the drug was a lie...but I didn't find out until I stopped taking it. Time will bear out the truth of my words. I'm willing to bet that at least 1/4 of the population will experience the same symptoms that I have. Whether you believe me now or not, chances are good that you will be forced to believe me sooner or later. I'm not trying to scare you or anyone else. I'm trying to get you to hear to voice of truth. You can't shut out the truth forever. One way or another it seeps in. I guess you can try to for a while, or you can listen to your all-knowing doctor who tells you to stay offline. Or you may be one of the lucky ones -- I wish that I were -- like the Clint person who manages to get away without any problems.
Just think for a minute: A doctor is actually telling you to take a drug that you have to tear apart and take only some of the little pills inside it at a time. Does that sound like good medicine? I have never, ever heard of this before in my life.
Posted by corafree on November 4, 2004, at 11:30:57
In reply to Re: Effexor and Itching, posted by dancingstar on November 4, 2004, at 0:40:41
Yes, I agree w/ SL's suggestion. I am on 225mg and have no itching at all.
> ...or it's a warning from your body that the medication doesn't agree with you. Consult your physician and let them know about the itching. You should not be itching.
Posted by corafree on November 4, 2004, at 11:34:54
In reply to Re: doctors and prescriptions Effexor XR » corafree, posted by dancingstar on November 3, 2004, at 21:45:29
It's dialectical behavioral therapy. It is, in my words, learning to recognize how our emotions can run our lives, if we let them, and in sometimes good ways, and in other times bad ways. It is indicated for borderline personality disorder. It is so difficult! The hardest part is seeing yourself!
> Corafree,
>
> I wrote you a private message earlier today. Did you get it? I don't know what DBT means, I'm sorry. Let me know if you get my message. I'm pretty sure it's here somewhere under your name.
Posted by juliette on November 4, 2004, at 14:18:33
In reply to Re: doctors and prescriptions Effexor XR » dancingstar, posted by corafree on November 4, 2004, at 11:34:54
effexor does nothing but make me deppresed and all the other side affects i listed this is not a very good drug for me gotta switch
Posted by S.Bartel on November 4, 2004, at 16:41:24
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dos, posted by jclint on October 31, 2004, at 19:09:02
Hmmm.....I believe you are in the minority. I believe the more knowledge you have about any medicine the better off you are.
Posted by S.Bartel on November 4, 2004, at 17:06:30
In reply to doctors and prescriptions, posted by emmahoward on November 1, 2004, at 13:56:40
I was given Effexor XR for 7yrs. and I did'nt realize what it was doing to me because it made me feel invincible. Who wants to give up a drug that does that. Well when you find out what it has done to your liver and that you are going to die because of it, you get a little upset with the drug and the manufacturer's. I too would like to see it taken off the market. I have been off about 4 wks now and I am feeling better mentally. My mind is so much clearer now and I was naive enough to think it was clear on Effexor XR. I can realize now how messed up my thinking really was. It is a dangerous drug and is not worth the risk. I was only taking 75mg.
Sammi B.
Posted by S.Bartel on November 4, 2004, at 17:16:07
In reply to Re: doctors and prescriptions, posted by Tyroneous1 on November 1, 2004, at 15:52:17
Thank You
Posted by S.Bartel on November 4, 2004, at 18:02:39
In reply to Hope Sammi Bartel is OK. anyone know?, posted by Jubilee on November 3, 2004, at 12:23:36
I'm still here Jubilee. Just haven't felt like turning on the computer lately. Thanks for your concern and prayers. I'm trying to catch up on the postings. Some have me really concerned but I'm trying to bite my tongue.
God Bless you, Sammi
Posted by MKB on November 5, 2004, at 0:55:51
In reply to Re: doctors and prescriptions Effexor XR » MKB, posted by corafree on November 3, 2004, at 21:57:08
L-Tryptophan is the natural amino acid that produces seratonin. It was recommended to me in 1980 by a Christian mental health professional. It is known to help depression, anxiety, and sleep problems. It used to be sold in health food stores until about 1990 when a contaminated batch sold by a Japanese companty caused about 37 people to die. The FDA banned all L-Tryptophan and then many people who needed it were not able to get it. Four days after L-Tryptophan was taken off the market, Prozac came on the market. Pretty suspicious, right? There were hearings, etc. about it and finally, L-Tryptophan was allowed to be sold in the U.S. though you may still have trouble finding it. I got mine online from www.healthrecovery.com. There are no side effects. My understanding is that antidepressants such as Prozac just recycle the seratonin you already have. L-Tryptophan produces more. I hope that helps. Check out the Psycho-Babble Alternative board or do a google search on L-Tryptophan.
Posted by BlueBleep on November 5, 2004, at 9:12:20
In reply to I'M FREE - SOMETHING MUST BE DONE ABOUT MARKETING, posted by dancingstar on October 26, 2004, at 12:35:38
I really don't know how this drug was ever able to be on the market. I have been on it for less than a year and i have never felt so bad. I first started taking it and the side effects were awful, but i thought if i kept taking it they would subside. This is also what my dr. thought too, but they never did. I had nightsweats and panic attacks. My mind feels like it's in a permanent fog. I have terrible nightmares and vertigo to the point that i can't function. So for the past month i have been trying to ween myself off of this crap. I have had no success and I thought the side effects before were bad. Now i feel like my brain is too large for my head. My eyes stay swollen and i feel like they might just burst. My lips and tounge go numb. My skin feels supersensitive to everything. I feel like i'm my own source of electricity because everything i touch shocks me. To say nothing of the stomach problems and insomnia and panic attacks.
This medicine has made me depressed beyond my imagination. I feel so terrible and i have no control over this. Sometimes i give in and take another pill just to get these side effects tolerable. My dr. told me the only thing i can do is pretty much just tough it out. Is that true?? It can't be. I think i need a second opinion.To anyone wanting or thinking about taking this medicine, PLEASE, if you have any alternative please take it. I know people are not the same and these side effects may not happen to you, but i would never have taken that chance if i would have known. To everyone, PLEASE BE WELL and do MUCH research before starting a new medicine. I would not wish this evil pill on my worst enemy.
Posted by S.Bartel on November 5, 2004, at 10:36:50
In reply to Re: I'M FREE - SOMETHING MUST BE DONE ABOUT MARKETING, posted by BlueBleep on November 5, 2004, at 9:12:20
I would never advise anyone to go cold turkey when coming off Effexor. I don' know what your dosage was, but I took only 75mg for 7yrs and withdrawal has not been easy. I probably quit quiker than most people. I first cut down to 37.5mg for about 3 wks and then broke the capsules in half and poured out half of it took the rest for about a week then stopped. I'll admit I did take the half dose a couple of times after that to ease the withdrawl symptoms. I have been off for about 4wks now and I'm much better. I still have panic attacks, but not very often and I take Elavil when I do. Be sure to drink lots of water. Coffee made my withdrawls worse, but everyone is different. Keep reading the posts and you will find a lot of good info and things to take to make it easier for you. Please hang in there, it is'nt easy but it can be done and you will feel much better when it's over. I' glad you are stopping Effexor. I beleive it is a dangerous drug and the benefits do not outweigh all the bad things it causes. Some side effects of the drug do not show up for years after you start taking it and then it's too late. Good luck and God bless you.
Sammi B.
Posted by corafree on November 5, 2004, at 11:41:08
In reply to Re: I'M FREE - SOMETHING MUST BE DONE ABOUT MARKETING, posted by BlueBleep on November 5, 2004, at 9:12:20
Hi all ... something I never mentioned about Eff-XR.
I had these same symptoms a couple years back when I took it. Had to d.c. before 2 mos.
When it was again recommended to me this past April, I thought, well, things are so bad, maybe give it second try. I did and didn't have any of the side effects like you describe, which I also had before.
I don't recall first try dosage. I believe it had to be all about the dosage and regimen, and, unfortunately, I think you need more, not less, to avoid the bad symptoms, but ... not too much more.
I am currently on 150am and 75mg late afternoon, and to best recollection, a lower dosage the first time tried. My side effect is only a bit of 'dullness of thought processes'. Helps anxiety, but still needed something for panic attacks; just got scrip for .5 Xanax x3 a day.
With all I've learned about Eff-XR withdrawal, I am adamant about no further increase in dose.
I may consider alternative to Eff-XR in future, when I am in a stable situation to face a probable/possible very difficult withdrawal. cf
>
> I really don't know how this drug was ever able to be on the market. I have been on it for less than a year and i have never felt so bad. I first started taking it and the side effects were awful, but i thought if i kept taking it they would subside. This is also what my dr. thought too, but they never did. I had nightsweats and panic attacks. My mind feels like it's in a permanent fog. I have terrible nightmares and vertigo to the point that i can't function. So for the past month i have been trying to ween myself off of this crap. I have had no success and I thought the side effects before were bad. Now i feel like my brain is too large for my head. My eyes stay swollen and i feel like they might just burst. My lips and tounge go numb. My skin feels supersensitive to everything. I feel like i'm my own source of electricity because everything i touch shocks me. To say nothing of the stomach problems and insomnia and panic attacks.
> This medicine has made me depressed beyond my imagination. I feel so terrible and i have no control over this. Sometimes i give in and take another pill just to get these side effects tolerable. My dr. told me the only thing i can do is pretty much just tough it out. Is that true?? It can't be. I think i need a second opinion.
>
> To anyone wanting or thinking about taking this medicine, PLEASE, if you have any alternative please take it. I know people are not the same and these side effects may not happen to you, but i would never have taken that chance if i would have known. To everyone, PLEASE BE WELL and do MUCH research before starting a new medicine. I would not wish this evil pill on my worst enemy.
>
>
>
>
Posted by MKB on November 5, 2004, at 22:41:24
In reply to Re: doctors and prescriptions Effexor XR » MKB, posted by corafree on November 3, 2004, at 22:42:54
No, I have not used estrogen patches and know nothing about them. The estrogen pills don't cause any particular problem, but I always prefer to take as little medication as I can get by with. I ran out about a week ago and have not had too much trouble. Maybe I don't really have to have it.
Posted by MKB on November 5, 2004, at 23:05:01
In reply to Re: doctors and prescriptions Effexor XR » MKB, posted by corafree on November 3, 2004, at 21:57:08
Thanks for your answer. I am going to a new psychiatrist on Monday so I'll see what happens. I don't even know for sure what my diagnosis will be, but I think it is going to be a lot more complicated than just anxiety and depression.
Posted by MKB on November 5, 2004, at 23:14:37
In reply to Re: doctors and prescriptions Effexor XR » MKB, posted by corafree on November 3, 2004, at 14:01:27
Sorry I can't alleviate some of your concerns you stated in your post. I'm just not knowledgeable enough. Keep us posted.
Posted by Tedar on November 7, 2004, at 12:35:27
In reply to Re: doctors and prescriptions Effexor XR, posted by juliette on November 4, 2004, at 14:18:33
I was put on effexor XR at 75 mgs a day. The first few days, I was sick to my stomach all day, and very weak. so I went down to the 37.5 mgs a day after about 8 days, and still pretty much felt the same way. do these initial side effects really ever disappear?
Posted by MKB on November 7, 2004, at 13:10:27
In reply to Re: doctors and prescriptions Effexor XR, posted by Tedar on November 7, 2004, at 12:35:27
I feel lucky that I was only on it for about 32 days. There are people who are taking Effexor and find that it works well for them. It did for me, too,in the beginning, except for extreme tiredness. However, those who have not experienced withdrawal from Effexor do not realize what's in store for them.
For an answer to your question, I suggest that you spend some time reading what has been written by signers of a petition at www.petitiononline.com/effexor/ . Don't do anything drastic until you are better informed. If you decide to discontinue the drug, make sure you have informed, supportive, loving people around you who will help you get through it.
Posted by dancingstar on November 7, 2004, at 15:33:28
In reply to Re: doctors and prescriptions Effexor XR, posted by Tedar on November 7, 2004, at 12:35:27
Juliette,
Yes, the effects do go away, and Effexor-XR does appear to work. It is only after time that you will find that it is harmful to your body. People experience liver damage, high blood pressure, gain weight, have higher cholesterol.In my case it was only the weight gain that provoked me to stop taking Effexor, and suddenly I find myself thinking more clearly, my vision has changed and changed again and is still changing. And yes, my weight has dropped and is dropping. I'm much more calm. The negative effects occur over time. Worse than anything, though, is the withdrawal. Rather than take a chance that you might experience this, why not listen to your body now. It is already trying to tell you something. When people take heroin, they get sick at the beginning, and then gradually get used to the drug. Isn't this the same thing? I know that the withdrawal experience is definitely the same.
Posted by corafree on November 8, 2004, at 1:05:13
In reply to Re: doctors and prescriptions Effexor XR, posted by Tedar on November 7, 2004, at 12:35:27
I vote 'no'. Either you need a dosage or regimen adjustment. If you have these side effects as you have been, something is already wrong. Just my opinion, a gut feeling, give it some thought. Read about metabolization. Do the symptoms get worse at a certain time of day or do you feel them constantly at the same amount? cf
Posted by Louoicu81 on November 9, 2004, at 12:42:21
In reply to Re: I'M FREE - SOMETHING MUST BE DONE ABOUT MARKETING » BlueBleep, posted by S.Bartel on November 5, 2004, at 10:36:50
I have been completely off of Effexor for about three months. I weened off of it for about three months also. About two weeks after completely being off of it, I had a huge overwhelming anxiety attack. I haven't been the same since. I feel nervous and crazy all of the time. I just want to be able to feel better. Do you guys think that I may need to go back on Effexor???? Please help.
Posted by dancingstar on November 9, 2004, at 12:49:17
In reply to Still in need of help, posted by Louoicu81 on November 9, 2004, at 12:42:21
Have you tried SAMe-400? It takes about a week to feel the effects, but I think it's pretty terrific. Also add in Omega 3 capsules for good measure. People swear by them. I'm starting to feel pretty great overall.
I hope that you feel better soon. If you do need to try something prescriptive, go for one of those that doesn't cause as many problems...but if you check out my posts, the combination of supplements that I'm on is very effective, honest! I do hope that they can be as effective for you, too :-).
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