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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by dancingstar on November 29, 2004, at 13:24:33
In reply to Re: Effexor works for me » dancingstar, posted by corafree on November 29, 2004, at 13:20:36
Hey Corafree, that post was directed to the person that had been taking it for just two months. You already know all of the risks/benefits and are making a completely educated and informed decision.
Posted by jclint on November 29, 2004, at 13:28:54
In reply to Re: Effexor works for me, posted by Gia on November 29, 2004, at 13:22:29
Lol I think its discussed a LOT here. Some people have nasty withdrawals. Chances are you wont, no use worrying about it. If it works for you, great! I'm down to 20mg from 150mg, the withdrawal so far is certainly not bad enough to outweigh the good it did me.
John :)
PS, remember, bad experiences you read anywhere are most likely to be the extreme end of the spectrum... I think this board is strongly weighted towards that. Inevitably, its not balanced, just keep it in mind when you get scared :)
> Well now you got me scard, I was so happy that I finally found something to help me out after all the drugs I previously tried which include Prozac, Paxil and Celexa. What did you mean by this message, is it hard to come off Effexor or does it make you worse as time goes on???
>
> Gia
Posted by Gia on November 29, 2004, at 13:35:19
In reply to Re: Effexor works for me » Gia, posted by jclint on November 29, 2004, at 13:28:54
Thank you John for your kind words. I am only taking 75mgs or Effexor at the moment so I am sure I will be fine, (at least I hope). I don't want any withdrawl when I am taken off it because I don't plan to be on meds. my whole life! So I am guessing that it helped you out a lot?? I don't want to end up in the hospital again over depression I am sure a lot of people here know how hard it gets. Thanx..........
Gia :0)
Posted by dancingstar on November 29, 2004, at 13:47:32
In reply to Re: Effexor works for me, posted by Gia on November 29, 2004, at 13:22:29
Both. Honest. Read everything you can possibly read.
Click on the numbers of the people that signed the Effexor petition. I didn't realize that you could read what people said until someone here pointed out that you could.They will try to tell you that you can withdraw slowly and that will make it easier. I've heard that isn't so. It will either be easy for you to quit or it will holy hell.
Before I stopped taking Effexor, I had no idea why I gained weight or why I was in bed all day long or why I could no longer teach kickboxing classes or spinning or run my own business. I had no idea why I had all these pain symptoms that I never had before except for in my back. I had no idea why I couldn't lose weight even if I ate almost no food whatsoever.
When I stopped taking Effexor, I thought I would die. Now over two months later, I feel like I have a hole in my stomach, the nerves in my neck and back feel like they are shattered, and I've had to give up two classes at UCLA this quarter that I really want to finish but can't get out of the bathroom long enough to stay on the freeway, I want to move but don't have the energy...but do feel better in a lot of ways and I guess obviously have lost all the weight I had gained. I didn't know how muddy my brain had become. It's like a steel trap again.
Okay. Enough. You make your own decisions. I cannot tell you how far diet and exercise will go toward helping with depression. I know you won't believe me, but it's only cause you are not now moving to music. If you were, you would understand what I mean. Now I only wish I could do that again myself. When I do it now, I have to run back to the bathroom again...that is, since I have stopped taking Effexor-XR and only cause my stomach is wrecked.
I know this will not happen to everyone, but please read, read, read. It happens to a lot of people, an awful lot of people. There are some who have taken it for like 9 years, and they don't realize the changes in their own bodies. They have gained weight, they are really, really tired, and can't do the things they used to do. They have heart and blood pressure problems and don't know why. I know why. They won't admit that it could possibly be because of the drug even though there is a known relationship between Effexor and these problems.
It was a glimmer of, say, intuition that told me to stop taking this drug, that it was making me ill...so I did. I cannot tell anyone else what to do.
It occurred to me only yesterday that the reason that this is not being brought to light in a more public way by the FDA at this time is because they are waiting for some sort of tort reform to be voted through the current Republican Congress, where it is more likely to pass than it would have prior to this time which would limit the ability of the public to bring lawsuits against Wyeth Pharmaceuticals for not letting people know about how dangerous Effexor/Effexor-XR and others in this class of drugs, like Paxil, are. I suggest that if we care about this issue, we do something about it as quickly as is humanly possible.
Posted by dancingstar on November 29, 2004, at 13:53:10
In reply to Re: Effexor works for me » Gia, posted by jclint on November 29, 2004, at 13:28:54
"no use worrying about it."
Lovely sentiment. Until it happens to you. My own wonderful internist said he was glad to see me get that poison out of my system.
Posted by Gia on November 29, 2004, at 13:56:45
In reply to Re: Effexor works for me, posted by dancingstar on November 29, 2004, at 13:47:32
Where is this petition I would like to have a look at it. I am very concerned about this because my doctor or physicatrist did not tell me any of this could happen or has happend to people in the past taking Effexor. I need to do something because I am useless without it, always moody, and so sad its not worth fighting it I rather just give up and die. But now I finally feel free and have happiness again and am not so snappy and moody with people but I don't want those problems in the long run thats for sure. I will go back to my doctors and find out more about this drug. I do find I am just happy being at home now though and don't need to be out all the time, just relaxed, very relaxed.
Lisa
Posted by dancingstar on November 29, 2004, at 14:12:13
In reply to Re: Effexor works for me, posted by Gia on November 29, 2004, at 13:56:45
You can click on the numbers to read what people say.
I am sorry, though, to hear how badly you were feeling. I wish the psychiatric community handled these things differently than the way that they do. I understand that it is chemical, but still....I should read the book you suggested and see what it says. It's not like I haven't been depressed, but I honestly have to tell you that after three years on that drug, I now appreciate every single feeling that I have, every laugh and every tear even though I never took it for depression in the first place. Isn't being sad part of being alive? I'm totally serious here. Isn't it the only way that we know what happiness feels like? I don't want to be an automaton with no feelings, and doctors seem to only want to take away the immediate symptom with no concern for the whole person.
I need to go get some work done now. Best of luck in whatever you decide. At least you now have information to make an informed decision.
Please drop me a line if you have any questions about this.
Here: the website:
Posted by jclint on November 29, 2004, at 14:38:15
In reply to Re: Effexor works for me, posted by Gia on November 29, 2004, at 13:56:45
I think its my duty to provide the other side of the efexor crowd's view... :)
Yes it helped me a lot. I took it for 2 years at 150mg. I have had little trouble tapering off slowly. I have had no physical problems because of this med (and I really must point out, despite the anecdotes, I have never seen scientific research that efexor causes physical damage...??)
My personal opinion, (one I really, really beleive in) is that there is no use worrying about what *could* happen. If you have found something that works, stick with it, I believe the alternative can in many cases be infinitly more damaging.
Out of all the risks, I would say the withdrawal is the most significant. You say you have taken paxil - many people view that drug's withdrawal as equally horrific, just to get things in perspective.
Whatever, make sure you don't make your decision based solely on the horror stories people describe. :)
John
Posted by PoohBear on November 29, 2004, at 14:48:40
In reply to Re: Effexor works for me, posted by jclint on November 29, 2004, at 14:38:15
"I think its my duty to provide the other side of the efexor crowd's view..." :)
John:
Thanks for the balanced view...
Those with negative effects seem to outweigh those with positive effects of the medication. Too many people come here looking for balanced advice and end up going away scared. Too bad. I too have had a great experience with it and will continue until my doctor tells me otherwise...
Tony
Posted by dancingstar on November 29, 2004, at 15:06:21
In reply to Re: Effexor works for me » jclint, posted by PoohBear on November 29, 2004, at 14:48:40
"Those with negative effects seem to outweigh those with positive effects of the medication. Too many people come here looking for balanced advice and end up going away scared. Too bad."
This could be an indication that a significant number of people proportionately are having a problem with the drug.
Some have very tough systems while others are more fragile. As addressed in previous posts there are many reasons why a drug company would keep the problems with a drug undisclosed as seems to be the case with Effexor/XR. Even physicians are not fully aware of the problems with Effexor. While I have been able to find these by doing a tremendous amount of research online, I doubt that this same information can be found in, say, the New England Journal of Medicine.
Posted by dancingstar on November 29, 2004, at 15:39:55
In reply to Re: Effexor works for me, posted by Gia on November 29, 2004, at 13:22:29
Hey Gia,
Here's a more neutral site for you to check out:
http://www.remedyfind.com/rm-91-Effexor.aspBebe
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 29, 2004, at 21:07:22
In reply to Re: Effexor and Itching, posted by HermanMunster on November 28, 2004, at 23:59:10
> sometimes if a toe itches you need to find somebody with a foot fetish to suck it good.
Please be supportive.
If you or others have questions about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
Follow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above post, should of course themselves be civil.
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 29, 2004, at 21:11:30
In reply to if this is your entertainment - you need help (nm) » HermanMunster, posted by linkadge on November 29, 2004, at 9:26:42
> if this is your entertainment - you need help
Sorry, but:
> replies to the above post ... should of course themselves be civil.
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by S.Bartel on November 30, 2004, at 2:58:22
In reply to Re: Effexor and Itching, posted by dsbk on November 27, 2004, at 22:21:27
I know what you mean about the itching. I itched all over with Effexor, but it took me quite awhile to realize what was causing it. I also started breaking out everywhere. Finally I read an article in a magazine that said itching could be one of the side effects from Effexor. I have been off it for about 6 or 8 weeks and the itching has finally gone away and my skin has cleared up. I also feel better mentally even though I still have panic attacks which I never had before taking effexor. I have found that keeping busy helps. I read a lot and that's very relaxing for me. Please stay off the effexor before you have permanent damage from it, like liver disease and some of the other symptoms like people in these postings have. I believe it should be taken off the market and think someday soon it will be. It's a dangerous drug. Good Luck, Sammi B
Posted by S.Bartel on November 30, 2004, at 3:39:51
In reply to Re: Effexor works for me, posted by Gia on November 29, 2004, at 13:35:19
Gia, I took 75mg efexor xr for 7 years and believe me that is enough to cause permanent damage and severe withdrawals. It caused my liver to work overtime and produce too much cholesterol and triglycerides which resulted in cholesterol levels of 345 bad and only 39 good. My triglycerides are over 400, should be under 160. I gained 35 lbs which I have lost 15 of since going off it. I developed irreversible liver disease from it. I'm on a no fat no cholesterol diet and the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides won't drop. I can't take cholesterol lowering drugs because of the liver disease. I am sick at my stomach most of the time. The withdrawals from stoping were the worst thing I have ever been through. I felt the same as you for a long time when taking it. Thought it was the best thing since sliced bread. Did'nt think I could ever live without it and now find I won't live because of it. I did'nt realize what effect it had on my mind until I came off it. I was in a fog and now my mind is clear and I can think. Friends and family have noticed it too. They were too kind to say anything to me about how bad my mind had become, but they did'nt realize it was medicine induced. Makes me wonder how much mental illness is caused by meds. The mind is a great thing and maybe with time it can heal itself. I know I can't do without mine any longer by subjecting it to all this foreign stuff. Please read, read, and read some more all these postings and go to the petition site on effexor and read some more. There is also a class action lawsuit against its makers because of side effects that it failed to inform us of. I am afraid for anyone still taking effexor. God Bless, Sammi B
Posted by Gia on November 30, 2004, at 10:55:18
In reply to Re: Effexor works for me, posted by jclint on November 29, 2004, at 14:38:15
I am worried about the effects of Effexor but don't all AD have side effects. I guess that is the price to pay to be sane. I need to take that risk in order to be better b/c if I don't I could end up hurting myself which I tried to do many times before without taking meds. I guess you guys are stronger then me and can go on without meds. but I am a different case.
Gia
Posted by PoohBear on November 30, 2004, at 11:10:02
In reply to Re: Effexor works for me, posted by Gia on November 30, 2004, at 10:55:18
> I am worried about the effects of Effexor but don't all AD have side effects. I guess that is the price to pay to be sane. I need to take that risk in order to be better b/c if I don't I could end up hurting myself which I tried to do many times before without taking meds. I guess you guys are stronger then me and can go on without meds. but I am a different case.
>
> GiaGia:
With all respect to other posters here on these boards, you need to do what you feel is right and by the experience/instincts of your doctor.
I have been using Effexor for over a year with great results, even though it was the first AD I had tried. As you noted, ALL AD's have side effects and Effexor certainly has its share, HOWEVER, most of the concerns here are for cessation effects and long term effects.
Some have had a very bad experience and that is reflected in their posts.
The biggest thing is to not be scared-off by what you read here. Not everyone has a traumatic experience. It sounds as though you've had bad experiences in the past and I would encourage you to stay the course with this med.
Most of the initial side effects such as nightmares, dry mouth, etc. go away a syour brain chemistry adjust to the new medication. If at some time in the future you need to go OFF Effexor, there are ways to do that. Don't worry about that now. Just concentrate on getting better.
Best Wishes!
Tony
Posted by dancingstar on November 30, 2004, at 13:04:48
In reply to Re: Effexor works for me » Gia, posted by S.Bartel on November 30, 2004, at 3:39:51
Sammi,
I didn't realize that your symptoms tracked so closely to mine. I didn't have the cholesterol problems, nor the liver problems. I only took E for three years. Happy as a pig in -- well, I didn't have any idea there was anything wrong until I finally figured out that was the cause of my weight gain. But it is the ability to think clearly again that is most significant. I cannot believe how slowly and silently these changes take place so that even when the drug stops working you barely notice or think you simply need a higher doseage...and your body becomes more and more disabled. That was how I moved from 75 mg to 150 about a year ago. I am grateful that the only problems I am left with now are the stomach problems, which will not leave, my neck and shoulders, and perhaps some dental damage...not to mention a couple of years of my life I spent on the sofa or in bed sleeping.I hope that your body finds a way to repair itself. I am saving your post. One of my friends turned me on to what might be the best law firm to deal with this stuff. I'll call them when I get back home later today. Not only for us, but for people that come after us.
God Bless.
Bebe
Posted by jclint on November 30, 2004, at 13:38:35
In reply to Re: Effexor works for me, posted by Gia on November 30, 2004, at 10:55:18
Listen to PoohBear. If its working, concentrate on making up for lost time, not worrying about side effects.
Good luck to you! :)
Posted by AuntieMel on November 30, 2004, at 17:12:54
In reply to Re: Effexor works for me, posted by Gia on November 30, 2004, at 10:55:18
This is, of course, one of those "your milage may vary" cases.
I've been taking effexor for a while now with no problems (except some weight gain, but my cholesteral ratios are great and triglicerides are good, too.
I am on a med cocktail and recently cut my effexor in half (rebalancing the meds) and I had no problem whatsoever. But I did it slowly, cutting out 150mg over a week.
If it's working for you, that is all that counts now.
Posted by dancingstar on November 30, 2004, at 17:32:24
In reply to Re: Effexor works for me » Gia, posted by AuntieMel on November 30, 2004, at 17:12:54
well, good grief, if you cut out 150, i wonder what you were taking? 300?
at any rate, forewarned is forearmed, isn't it? the point being that when i first took effexor no one warned me that i would get this ill if i stopped taking it or that it could possibly happen, or i would never have taken it in the first place.
i never had a day of cholesterol problems either...but i couldn't get off the sofa to save my life, almost literally. had to stop teaching aerobic-type classes because i was simply too tired, but i didn't know this was a reaction to the drug since i was taking it for fatigue that turned out to be low thyroid. i lost two whole years because i was not warned of possible side effects, and i was not warned that some of us have really, really bad withdrawal symptoms either. and that isn't half of it. i am glad that you are not one of the unlucky ones...but i wonder what it is that you are taking in place of effexor to avoid those side effects.
even my internist does not know about this stuff, and he is a dear. the family practice quack before him that put me on it in the first place should be strung up by his heels for giving it to me...but my point is that at least now Gia and others know that it is possible to have problems with Effexor and can take it with the knowledge that if they have some annoying physical symptoms, they can look to the drug as a possible source of their problems and then pray that their health care providers can safely guide them back off of it.
Posted by Syringe on November 30, 2004, at 19:03:16
In reply to Re: How long for these withdrawals to end??, posted by BR549 on April 9, 2004, at 23:27:39
its been 4 days of not using venlafaxine 75mg XR. Quit cold turkey.
I still feel a little twitchy, like I'm kind of high on meth. Also lastnight I used diphenhydramine,w hcih I believe is the same as Benadryl. Also lastngiht was the night where I seemed to be feeling better after finally relaxing all my neck muscles, I don't know if they were still tense or it was because I massage them too hard. But I read to reduce tension with headnumb ness and neck pain, and jaw pain, to massage the neck. I did not know that benadryl would reduce the effects in general, i just took it intensionally because of the sleepy anaestethic effect, because I couldn't goto sleep. So reading about how it reduced it on this website made everything more convincing also the fact that alot of people take fluoxetine for the widrawals, has convinced me to talk to the doctor to get some. It makes me mad that it can take weeks for the withdrawals to go away. But today, I've felt great all day, although I was a little nauseous and my stomach feels all weird. I dono't know if I ate to much or if it was my Septra D, butI've been able to continue my school work wich I thought would never happen because of the widrawals..This forum is great, especially reading about everybody elses experiences.
Posted by dsbk on December 1, 2004, at 8:17:19
In reply to Re: Effexor and Itching » dsbk, posted by S.Bartel on November 30, 2004, at 2:58:22
Sammi B.
Thanks so much for your reply! I have been taking my Effexor for about 10 weeks. I wasn't getting the results I wanted so I asked my Dr. to switch me to something else. That's when I started Lexapro. I started itching all over about 3 day later, but I stopped the Lexapro and I'm still itching (and still on Effexor) I want to switch back to Paxil because I had good results with it (except the sexual side effect and who need that?) I can't take the panic attacks, so I will have to be on something!dsbk
Posted by MKB on December 1, 2004, at 9:13:56
In reply to Re: Effexor and Itching, posted by dsbk on December 1, 2004, at 8:17:19
The itching happens with going off many of these anti-depressants. You can take Benadryl to help with that, but if you have a rash with it, you might need to get a prescription cream from a dermatologist. That's what I had to do. He was able to tell me specifically that the rash was caused by the medication and prescribed Clobetasol Propionate Cream 0.05%.
Posted by AuntieMel on December 1, 2004, at 9:28:28
In reply to Re: Effexor works for me » AuntieMel, posted by dancingstar on November 30, 2004, at 17:32:24
Yes, I was on 300, along with 300 wellbutrin. I got off half the effexor by opening up the capsules (150 mg each) and pouring some out, staying at that rate for a day, then emptying more and so on until I was down to one capsule. I didn't replace it with anything - I did it because a trial with inderal proved to me that I was too high on NorE and that the anxiety I was feeling was physical, not psychological (many thanks to chemist for the advice)
I didn't need anything to help, but others have had success with adding a little prozac at the end of the tapering to help with the last bits.
You are right that knowledge is king. Without it I wouldn't have known that gradual reduction was the way to go. If I'd just quit taking half and experienced the withdrawal symptoms I would have assumed that I wasn't ready to go off it.
Luckily, my doctor does know about the side-effects. When he switched me to effexor from paxil he had me reducing one while increasing the other.
Time of day is also important. I was told to take effexor and wellbutrin in the morning, as they can interfere with sleep, and when I was on paxil I was told to take it in the evening.
Current cocktail:
AM: 150mg effexor, 300mg wellbutrin, 300mg provigil
PM: 50-100mg trazedoneIt's a huge leap forward from anything I've taken before. I'm still having some problems with motivation and focus, but for the most part I can function now.
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