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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by kmp68 on December 2, 2004, at 14:00:54
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I am trying to get off of Effexor, I was taking 150mg a day, plus Wellbutrin. My doctor started me on Prozac last week, this week, I went down to 75mg a day, Wellbutrin and Prozac. I haven't felt normal all week, very, very tired, anxiety attacks, irritable, ears ringing, and now I am also late for my period, is this also another normal withdrawl symptom that anyone else has experienced? If I cut down like the doctor told me to next week to 37.5mg are things only going to get worse?
Posted by dancingstar on December 2, 2004, at 14:11:38
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? dancingstar, posted by ask on December 2, 2004, at 11:58:08
> Dancingstar,
>
> I'm not saying that you're not telling the truth about the side effects. Drugs can affect people in different ways. However, I don't think that you can compare the withdrawal symptoms from Effexor to the withdrawal from serious narcotics. There simply isn't the same type of physical dependency (although anti-depressants and anti-anxiety meds can cause dependency). But, as I said, drugs affect patients uniquely, so you must be experiencing some side-effect. After 2 months, it can't be a "withdrawal" from the drug--since the drug is technically no longer in your system. Rather, you might be experiencing a side effect that had some kind of unique long-lasting effect on you.Ask,
I'm a highly educated woman. The drug itself may have left my system, but the effects of the drug have not left my system. Don't you find that at all disconcerting? I don't know what the withdrawal from street drugs is like, but it cannot be any worse than this. I went to the gym this morning, trying to get back to my regular routine after I wrote the earlier posts and again had to run home to use the bathroom. My stomach still hurts all the time, and the back of my neck is still sore. No, it's no where near as bad as it was for the first eight weeks, except for the stomach part, which I'm becoming afraid might be permanent.
For the people that speak to the "other side of the story," there isn't one. Maybe not everyone will be affected by these symptoms. I have said that many, many times. It seem like everyone is affected in some way. What kind of residual is left in your body once you have finished taking Effexor, and why hasn't Wyeth been more forthcoming about any of these symptoms with the medical community? That is the only point that I am trying to make. Take the drug if you like, just don't pull the wool over your own eyes. Again, all you have to do is go to the website and read for yourself. It isn't brain surgery, just some well-spent time reading.
Posted by PoohBear on December 2, 2004, at 14:42:53
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? dancingstar » ask, posted by MKB on December 2, 2004, at 12:23:50
"I and others have posted this before, but I really think anyone who is thinking about taking this should be aware of the experiences of others. You need to READ what the SIGNERS (not only the author) of this petition have to say..www.petitiononline.com/effexor MKB"
I just signed the petition as I feel that the drug companies should be held accountable, even though my experience so far (excepting intitial SE's...) has been good.
Tony
Posted by dancingstar on December 2, 2004, at 14:47:50
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? dancingstar » MKB, posted by PoohBear on December 2, 2004, at 14:42:53
Thank you, Tony, for understanding the point we have been trying to get across, though in my case too passionately, but only because I am in pain.
Posted by ask on December 2, 2004, at 17:11:44
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? dancingstar, posted by dancingstar on December 2, 2004, at 14:11:38
Ask,
I'm a highly educated woman. The drug itself may have left my system, but the effects of the drug have not left my system. Don't you find that at all disconcerting? I don't know what the withdrawal from street drugs is like, but it cannot be any worse than this. I went to the gym this morning, trying to get back to my regular routine after I wrote the earlier posts and again had to run home to use the bathroom. My stomach still hurts all the time, and the back of my neck is still sore. No, it's no where near as bad as it was for the first eight weeks, except for the stomach part, which I'm becoming afraid might be permanent.
For the people that speak to the "other side of the story," there isn't one. Maybe not everyone will be affected by these symptoms. I have said that many, many times. It seem like everyone is affected in some way. What kind of residual is left in your body once you have finished taking Effexor, and why hasn't Wyeth been more forthcoming about any of these symptoms with the medical community? That is the only point that I am trying to make. Take the drug if you like, just don't pull the wool over your own eyes. Again, all you have to do is go to the website and read for yourself. It isn't brain surgery, just some well-spent time reading.
Dancingstar,
...And I'm a highly educated man... but that's beside the point here. If you're having these severe, lasting effects from the drug or from tapering off of it, then, YES, you should see a doctor and try to figure out what's going on and, YES, you have a right to be angry with the drug manufacturer. All, I'm saying is that you're body is not needing the drug--as in a withdrawal. But it sounds like you're having a lasting effect of some sort. My original point was that I could not imagine that the withdrawal or any lasting symptoms from Effexor could be as bad as that experienced by a serious narcotics addict. It's not belittling your problem--you're issue is VERY serious and I hope you're working with your doctor to figure out what's going on. It certainly isn't a joke or a small problem.
ask
Posted by tnahowru on December 2, 2004, at 20:23:31
In reply to metal mouth on Effexor, posted by skp on September 24, 2003, at 9:22:34
did you ever get any response to this? i have metal mouth for 2 weeks now but it started when the effexer xr was increased.
Posted by S.Bartel on December 2, 2004, at 22:04:08
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain » mickybear, posted by corafree on December 1, 2004, at 14:10:46
How long have you been on it? I was on it for 2 or 3 years before I gained any weight and then it was all of a sudden and I could not lose no matter what I did. Sammi B.
Posted by S.Bartel on December 2, 2004, at 22:14:08
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by ask on December 1, 2004, at 16:24:09
I had that problem with paxil and the Dr. took me off immediately. You probably can't take effexor. When I was on paxil and it affected me that way I was ready to kill myself. Felt like I was coming out of my skin and just could'nt stand it. Sammi B.
Posted by S.Bartel on December 2, 2004, at 22:20:46
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? ask » dsbk, posted by dancingstar on December 1, 2004, at 18:07:21
That's right and I never had anxiety until I took effexor. Especially when I quit. Now I have it everyday. Sammi B.
Posted by S.Bartel on December 2, 2004, at 22:30:31
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? dancingstar, posted by ask on December 1, 2004, at 19:58:26
It's exactly like that and these are not just extreme stories, they are the truth.
Sammi B
Posted by PoohBear on December 2, 2004, at 23:48:18
In reply to Re: metal mouth on Effexor » skp, posted by tnahowru on December 2, 2004, at 20:23:31
> did you ever get any response to this? i have metal mouth for 2 weeks now but it started when the effexer xr was increased.<
This is not something I myself experienced on Effexor, but I DID experience it from Topomax. Some drugs are known to cause this. Drinking LOTS of water helps. AVOID soft drinks, as some say they make the taste worse...
Tony
Posted by dancingstar on December 3, 2004, at 0:55:19
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? dancingstar, posted by ask on December 2, 2004, at 17:11:44
...And I'm a highly educated man... but that's beside the point here. If you're having these severe, lasting effects from the drug or from tapering off of it, then, YES, you should see a doctor and try to figure out what's going on and, YES, you have a right to be angry with the drug manufacturer. All, I'm saying is that you're body is not needing the drug--as in a withdrawal. But it sounds like you're having a lasting effect of some sort. My original point was that I could not imagine that the withdrawal or any lasting symptoms from Effexor could be as bad as that experienced by a serious narcotics addict. It's not belittling your problem--you're issue is VERY serious and I hope you're working with your doctor to figure out what's going on. It certainly isn't a joke or a small problem.
ask
Well, I am seeing a doctor, though not every day. I just got my blood results back today, from last week, and they were "normal." Great. Not surprising, really, as that is what happens with most of us.
The way it is the same as with "drug addicts" is if I were to once again take Effexor, almost immediately, all of my symptoms would go away. It is like a physical addiction but not an emotional or mental one.
If doctors knew more about this they would prescribe it less and also know more about what to do to prevent the problem as it seems that even tapering isn't all that effective in every case as is seen by the posts here. And the Prozac (sp?) cure sounds like it is only marginally helpful, too. If all of these things help slightly, you can imagine that cold turkey was especially gruesome...but, again, even my doctor really didn't expect these kind of results.
Posted by awatts on December 3, 2004, at 8:04:16
In reply to Withdrawl symptom?, posted by kmp68 on December 2, 2004, at 14:00:54
> I am trying to get off of Effexor, I was taking 150mg a day, plus Wellbutrin. My doctor started me on Prozac last week, this week, I went down to 75mg a day, Wellbutrin and Prozac. I haven't felt normal all week, very, very tired, anxiety attacks, irritable, ears ringing, and now I am also late for my period, is this also another normal withdrawl symptom that anyone else has experienced? If I cut down like the doctor told me to next week to 37.5mg are things only going to get worse?
I withdrew from 225 mg of Effexor XR. I had only moderate withdrawal until I went below 37.5 mg. Then it got difficult, and I had to take several months to get from 37.5 to zero mgs.
I'd cut down to 37.5 mg like your doctor suggests and then hold at 37.5 for a while. After that, go very, very slowly to zero.
Posted by corafree on December 3, 2004, at 13:39:01
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? dancingstar, posted by jclint on December 2, 2004, at 13:38:17
I was in a detox unit w/ heroin addicts. Withdrew from 8mg Xanax, everything I was on (no street drug); but can't recall what was on, darn. I was told by the staff that my withdrawal is just as bad, if not worse, and my care was the same, same patches etc.
We can be thankful here tho', as we are not tempted by our drug when we walk out the door. That knowledge is so difficult. Used to be in that sort of position. No desire to go down that way.
Just recalled, prior to being on so much Xanax, I had been on Effexor tablets (not XR) long before that, and MAYBE at that time. I haven't a copy of records from stay.
There was no place for me, for aftercare, ya' know, no anti-depressants-anonymous, well, at least I wasn't taken seriously enough to be directed to follow-up care, as were street drug users.
Came home alone, things went bad fast. Long story. Anyway, now, when I take .5mg Xanax, I think it gives me anxiety? My mind still knows how much it really wants, think?
Seein' P today. He needs to see a P. But, have to wait, month or so, as transfer completed.
Oh, yes I filed charges re: head bashing. I think I rec'd $150; she hadn't $, but was charged. Should have gone to the ER - why couldn't I think for myself? cf
Posted by corafree on December 3, 2004, at 13:43:59
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?ask » ask, posted by MKB on December 1, 2004, at 20:21:48
Tks MKB for post 12/1. Keeping for future ref'. cf
Posted by dsbk on December 3, 2004, at 15:31:27
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? dancingstar » jclint, posted by corafree on December 3, 2004, at 13:39:01
I can't beleive that Xanax was causing you anxiety. It's the only thing I have found that I know will take care of my anxiety. Of course I am not taking as high a dose as you. I just went off Effexor 2-3 days ago. I took 1 Lexapro today and had a horrible reaction (nervous, shaking, dizzy, nausea, BAD!) My Mom had to come to take care of my child while I slept it off. I'm really worried about the withdrawl I might have from the Effexor, from what I've been hearing from evrybody, it might be bad. Does anyone have any suggestion for what might help? And when might I be expecting them?
Posted by corafree on December 3, 2004, at 21:00:32
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? corafree, posted by dsbk on December 3, 2004, at 15:31:27
DSBK
Nope, yrs ago I was on that high dosage Xanas. Now 1mg sundowning and Klonopin 1mg 3x day.
Did you taper, taper, taper, taper, taper, taper, taper?
Do you have Dancingstar's list?
Thought you were using some alternatives??? No?
Post (copy it) and paste it to psycho-psycho(?), medications, and alternatives.
Tigan good scrip (capsule) for nausea, someone mentioned Benadryl(?).
You and I, and others pray to the archangels...we are with you, whether you like it our not.
Call in troops to keep yourself alive now; apologize, if you must, later. ER? Hospital? love cf
> I can't beleive that Xanax was causing you anxiety. It's the only thing I have found that I know will take care of my anxiety. Of course I am not taking as high a dose as you. I just went off Effexor 2-3 days ago. I took 1 Lexapro today and had a horrible reaction (nervous, shaking, dizzy, nausea, BAD!) My Mom had to come to take care of my child while I slept it off. I'm really worried about the withdrawl I might have from the Effexor, from what I've been hearing from evrybody, it might be bad. Does anyone have any suggestion for what might help? And when might I be expecting them?
Posted by dsbk on December 3, 2004, at 21:59:17
In reply to Effexor Withdrawal S.O.S. » dsbk, posted by corafree on December 3, 2004, at 21:00:32
corafree
I was only taking 37.5 mg of Effexor so that is about a tapered as you get. Now it's just the Xanax (and thank God for Xanax). I'm about ready to give up on all of these drugs. I going to try this new stuff called Mannatech-this company claims that there are 8 essential sugers that our bodies need for our cells to work together correctly,(which is part of all these mental problems I have) and that we don't get it in our every day diet. Mannatech provides these-it's all natural so no crazy side effects. My parents have been on it for about 3 months and they have seen great improvements in the way they feel! Suppose it's worth a try!!! Just ready to feel better! I'll keep all posted, it's something you all may want to try! God bless you and take care of yourself!
dsbk
Posted by dancingstar on December 3, 2004, at 23:54:07
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? corafree, posted by dsbk on December 3, 2004, at 15:31:27
I don't think your reaction was to the Lexapro, it could have been from the lack of Effexor. I didn't react until the third day, but you reacted the way I did. If it went away, you are fine, and maybe the Lexapro sub'bed in its place.
Posted by Sinnielou on December 4, 2004, at 7:21:49
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?ask » MKB, posted by corafree on December 3, 2004, at 13:43:59
I don't know about anyone else, but I have had great success from Effexor. I have been to rehab for a cocaine addiction, then I spent 8 years of my life with a man who like to rape me in the middle of the night, so with that I ended up having a speed addiction which I quit cold turkey and haven't touched it for 2 years. So does effexor work??? Sure it does im out of bed aren't I.
Shannon
Posted by railgirl on December 4, 2004, at 12:46:42
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I just wanted to say hello and that it's nice to know there are other people out there having similar issues. I have been taking Eff for almost 4 weeks now. I am taking it for Anxiety/stress with a husband deployed overseas. I have never taken any meds before and tend to be sensitive to them. I did notice some issues with being dizzy and feeling like my head wasn't all there but they have gone away now. The MAJOR problem I had from day one was sleep. I would sleep about 3-4 hours a night and then be up (and feeling like I should be doing normal daily activities) I have since been put on Ambien and would still get up but only about half the time. I have tried different times of the day (from the beginning) to take the meds~only on 75mg~ but it didn't seem to matter what time of the day I took it. I now take it at about 8pm and that seems to make the side effects not so noticeable. The one thing that I have tried (and has worked so far~!) is going to a couple biofeedback sessions. I have "homework" which is basically working with a session on a cd at night and I am able to sleep through the night (never have had or have a problem with falling asleep, just staying asleep) I felt my face being tight and clenching of my jaw without even knowing I was doing this (have done this in the past as well so I really don't think it's the meds) but the biofeedback seems to be helping in that area by basically me teaching my body how to react to outside stressors (and it's non-invasive and doesn't require additional meds)
So....now that I have ranted on, my two cents is this. This site did scare me a bit in the beginning but I understand that many people react differently to meds and that thankfully we are all different. I have noticed that the Eff helped more than it seems to be now and am wondering if I need to increase but will see my Dr. next Tuesday about this. Thanks to everyone for their insight into this medication. It's always nice to see how it "effexs" other people be it positive or negative:)
Posted by MKB on December 4, 2004, at 14:52:12
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by railgirl on December 4, 2004, at 12:46:42
That's great if it's working well for you. But please make sure you know that if you skip a couple of days, you will probably experience some severe withdrawal effects. Recognize it for what it is and don't assume you have the flu or have a worsening of your problem. The really bad thing about Effexor is the withdrawal which catches most people by surprise.
Posted by dsbk on December 4, 2004, at 15:47:55
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » railgirl, posted by MKB on December 4, 2004, at 14:52:12
To all that are doing good on Effexor-That's GREAT, but I had enough! I'm doing without meds (besides a Xanax once in a while.) I'm sure it was the Lexapro making me so nervous, because it did that to me when I tried it before. Anyway I see my Dr. next Thursday, I'm asking for Paxil (Maybe) Not sure what I want to do yet. At least today I'm hanging in there (or at least this very moment.)
dsbk
Posted by dancingstar on December 4, 2004, at 16:37:40
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by dsbk on December 4, 2004, at 15:47:55
Careful with that Paxil. Did you say that you've used it before? It's supposed to be worse than Effexor for withdrawal symptoms.
I'm sorry that you are having such a tough time. I don't need to add that I know how you're feeling, huh??? It sucks! Is that too impolite?
Posted by dancingstar on December 4, 2004, at 16:41:48
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by dsbk on December 4, 2004, at 15:47:55
> To all that are doing good on Effexor-That's GREAT, but I had enough! I'm doing without meds (besides a Xanax once in a while.) I'm sure it was the Lexapro making me so nervous, because it did that to me when I tried it before. Anyway I see my Dr. next Thursday, I'm asking for Paxil (Maybe) Not sure what I want to do yet. At least today I'm hanging in there (or at least this very moment.)
> I JUST THOUGHT OF SOMETHING!!Just in case your feeling badly has anything to do with the Effexor withdrawal, why don't you
> get some Benadryl and see if it helps you feel a bit better? Honestly, it could really help!Bebe
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