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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by tedhazzard on September 10, 2006, at 23:29:02
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Amy on May 4, 2000, at 19:52:15
This has been the time for hell as I complete my withdrawl from Effexor. It is hard to pinpoint which symptoms come from deciding not to take the drug any longer and which come from my pitiful life circumstances, but after reading these posts, I believe I can isolate a few. I struggled long and hard to lose 30 pounds that I had gained while taking Zoloft a few years ago, then began taking Effexor 150 because my doctor said it did not cause weight gain. In little more than a year, I had gained back the 30 lbs but did not associate it with the drug even though my eating habits did not warrant the huge weight gain. My face and my stomach were the most noticeably changed and most disgusting to me. For the past year, I have had sudden painful leg cramps that literally knocked me out of a deep sleep and out of bed. Walking eased the cramps. If I forgot the medication for even one day, I had extremely unpleasant and vivid dreams/nightmares that bothered me for days after. During the night I also sometimes had what felt like an electric zap in my brain that also woke me suddenly. Otherwise, the medication made me feel just fine, so why would I quit this delightful experiment on my brain you might ask. I could no longer afford it after losing my job, so I simply stopped taking it. For the past two weeks, I have realized the wisdom of not having a gun in the house. Had it been near, I might have used it to end the unending agony of anxiety that makes up my day. Add to that the constant trips to the bathroom, following long periods of constipation while still on the drug. Then there is that "brain freeze" that makes me feel like the village idiot. Add to this a total lack of purpose and anger and extreme sadness and you have my life as I withdraw from Effexor.
Posted by corafree on September 11, 2006, at 12:04:24
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by tedhazzard on September 10, 2006, at 23:29:02
I'm so, so sorry, for what you have gone through and are going through, and hope you feel better with each new day. I've heard of your symptoms in more than a handful of others either 'on', or 'withdrawing from', THE GREAT (Almost right up there w/ Prozac!) ... Effexor-XR. Okay I'm making fun; I'm sorry. This is NOT funny. I'm seriously, totally w/ you th, and I hope you feel better day by day.
There should be peeps here that have gone through what you're going through th, and can suggest some 'remedies' for lingering bad effects(?). Couple yrs back I was sitting here babbling about the exact same Effexor-XR stuff! I've never been to archives here, but it's here somewhere.
thingsBbetter, cf
Posted by invisibleman15010 on September 11, 2006, at 16:27:02
In reply to Re: withdrawal » tedhazzard, posted by corafree on September 11, 2006, at 12:04:24
I quit Effexor XR about a year and half ago after my cholesterol skyrocketed and only had limited benefit for my depression and none for anxiety. As I have gone through many meds after, I thought I would try Effexor again as I begin the med workups for ECT. My first couple of days, no side effects , after that now on my 13th day, the side effects are much worse, they started about the 5th day, I thought they would pass, no luck, severe lethargy, flu like symptons, no energy, depression worse, anxiety worse at night.......I am going to ask to go back to Lexapro, Wellbutrin, Remerons and Klonopin that I was on before, at my depression was stil there but I was able to exercise and do a few things. Maybe they would click with the ECT........having the flu 24/7 won't work.......down the toilet with a bottle of meds once again........insanity upon insanity...by the way...the first time I had no withdrawl symptons....I weaned myself off over about 2 months....
e
e
Posted by Attitude on September 12, 2006, at 5:08:13
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by chickey on September 5, 2006, at 14:58:24
Good for you Chickey for making your own decision about what is right for you! You know your body best. I have been on Effexor XR for over 2 years now. I've fought with depression and anxiety for years and have been on much (Wellbutrin, Buspar, Zoloft, Neurontin....) also stimulants (Adderol, Ritalin...)...A lot of depression stems from our anxiety and using just the pill is going to help but, diet and exercise heightens the positive response. Make time to exercise and eat veggies and unprocessed foods! This will aid in any weight gain and it's amazing how much it does for the anxiety and depression! It's good for you too!Ultimately Effexor XR has worked amazingly for me...it has been successful for my 2 sisters, as well. However, you have to give it time...the side effects are worst, I would say, during the 1st month. Nausea, sleeplessnes, constipation, dry mouth...they do wane by month 2. My sisters wanted to quit but are so glad they hung on.
The worst side effect for me is dry mouth (therefore, dryness during sex). It dries me out, but there's always water and lubricant! It takes me longer to climax but, what's wrong with doing it for a little longer! haha! Attitude is everything! Slap yourself as negative attitudes overcome! Turn any negative thoughts into positive ones and don't miss your Effexor dose! Ever! Unless you want to have a nervous breakdown for a day. But if you decide to get off of it, WEAN! Seriously though, it's the one of best things I could have done for myself. I hope you will have similar results and good for you for not letting your hubby tell you what's right for you:) Remember, you know best.
Posted by elanor roosevelt on September 12, 2006, at 6:33:53
In reply to Re: withdrawal that's the easy part, posted by invisibleman15010 on September 11, 2006, at 16:27:02
What withdrawal
I was so happy be stop taking it and had one of those "life wirks" inbetween meds periodstried to go back on
what a nightmare
more side effects than
benefit
no benefit
Posted by tedhazzard on September 12, 2006, at 6:48:55
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Attitude on September 12, 2006, at 5:08:13
I had no negative side effects for the first year of taking Effexor. In fact, I sang its praises for its amazing quick response to my depression. My problems started in the second year, but even then, I did not attribute the cramps, lethargy, and weight gain to the drug. I did not want to do that because it had such an amazing effect on diminishing my promlems. However, it is hard to dismiss a drug's potential for destruction when it leads to horrendous nightmares, leg cramps, 30 lb. weight gains, etc. when one forgets even one dose. That is an extremely scary situation. One can look at these posts and see that going off Effexor is a process that few want to embark upon. These drugs hold us prisoners. We can either acknowledge that we will always be in search of a new drug, always dealing with nightmare side effects, or we can arm ourselves with knowledge before running off to the pharmacy with the latest script.
Posted by chickey on September 12, 2006, at 8:19:31
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Attitude on September 12, 2006, at 5:08:13
Thank you so much for your kind words. I have never been on any medication and thought this was this first time I had to deal with depression. After being on Effexor XR for a month know I belive I have been fighting depression for many years without even knowing it. My husband is still against me taking the drugs but I think he is starting to see a change in me the will hopefully change his mind. It is so nice to hear some reassurance from people here when you have no one to talk to in person.
Posted by dancing fool on September 12, 2006, at 9:44:49
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by tedhazzard on September 12, 2006, at 6:48:55
Good points Ted. I couldn't agree more. I've started looking for information once I was experiencing things that were new to me - so they had to be side-effects :-). New: inability to control social drinking - incessant ringing of ears - shorter fuse - sweats ...
Nothing to go ape about. Nothing severe enough to stop an unexpectedly successful treatment after being on other antiD's, but I'm sort of bracing myself for what's to come. Especially with this notorious withdrawal.Next time I see my doctor, I will have a serious evaluation of all my options - let him know what I've learned
Posted by Colleen D. on September 12, 2006, at 19:51:40
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » tedhazzard, posted by dancing fool on September 12, 2006, at 9:44:49
I tried Zoloft and had terrible sedation. I then tried Effexor and felt better than I have in years. I did have some annoying side effects...sweats, delayed orgasm, etc. but it worked so well for my depression and anxiety I stayed on it until I "thought" it had pooped out on me after almost 2 years. I then tried many others including Cymbalta, Wellbutrin, Lexapro, and other combos but just recently went BACK on Effexor. I found out that my "poop out" was caused by my having undiagnosed physical pain on a daily basis and now that has been resolved. I'm on week 3 and feeling MUCH, MUCH better. I didn't have withdrawal symptoms because I had switched to other ADs from Effexor, so if I ever decide to discontinue it, I will "withdraw" by using other ADs to help.
Best of luck to all of you still using it. I think it's a very good and powerful anti-depressant for SOME people.
Colleen
MDD, OCD, GAD and SP
(Also taking clonazepam and Lyrica.)
Posted by Attitude on September 12, 2006, at 23:07:31
In reply to Adding to this thread once again..., posted by Colleen D. on September 12, 2006, at 19:51:40
I understand issues people have with meds, I've been on them for the longer duration of my life. Everyone is different and has different variables to consider. I excercise a lot and try and eat healthily, I am physically in good shape and am not on any other meds at this point. So in these aspects I am lucky. Medication in conjunction with behavioral modification and physical well-being, has helped me tremendously. A positive attitude means everything! Focus on that inner dialogue, turn those negative reactions and thoughts into positive ones. All I know is I have been proactively experimenting with meds and behavioral modifications and I think I have found the combos that work for my body well at this time. You've got to listen to your body and your mind, no one else can tell you what's going on in those arenas.....And yes, things change but the longer you have faith in yourself and get to know yourself, the better.
Posted by meri on September 15, 2006, at 14:02:15
In reply to Re: Adding to this thread once again..., posted by Attitude on September 12, 2006, at 23:07:31
I am shocked at all the posts about the negative effects of Effexor. I went to a well known MD and she started me on 75 of Efexor, then went up to 150. I have been on this dosage for about 8 months. Yes I felt great at first. But the first side effect I felt was the sexual dysfunction which has stayed with me. Once I forgot to take it for 3 days. I didn't know what was happening to me when I felt very dizzy, my vision was very blurred, I felt exhausted, nauseous and very weird. The horrible thing is that I was driving at the time and coudn't stay on the right side of the road. I got right back on the drug and all the symptoms went away.
Now I am noticing that I am irritable and have been saying things to people that are unecesarily sharp. Way beyond assertive.
I am very afraid but I'm going back to my MD and ask her to help me get off this drug.
Thanks for tips about acupuncture, etc.
meri
Posted by Galennt on September 15, 2006, at 17:50:14
In reply to Re: My Concerns about Effexor ..., posted by meri on September 15, 2006, at 14:02:15
Hi- I know there are some people who have intolerable side effects with Effexor, and others who go through horrible withdrawal effects. I don't discount those experiences. But there are many others with different experiences. I have gone on and come off Effexor and am now on what may be a world record high dose of XR. As with most ADs there are start-up effects. Don't panic; give your system time to adjust--two to three weeks at least. I know numerous people who, like me, have taken Effexor for years without bothersome, even noticable, side effects.
The first time I went off Effexor I eschewed half measures, decreasing from 250mgs to 0 in one day. I didn't do that again. Since then I have tapered off with no problems. Again, I know others who have done the same. I know one woman with unusually severe side effects who was much helped by taking a second medication until off the Effexor.
Honest, I don't work for Wyeth. But when no other medication worked, Effexor probably saved my life. Several post-marketing studies have shown it to be more effective than the SSRIs. I hope people don't reject it out of hand because of the experiences of others.
Good luck,
gt
Posted by LynneDa on September 15, 2006, at 21:26:34
In reply to Adding to this thread once again..., posted by Colleen D. on September 12, 2006, at 19:51:40
Just putting in my two cents . . . I tried Effexor XR last year and gained 25 lbs in 3 months (I am normally a very thin person)and it made me feel so sedated I had to go off of it. Also gave me night sweats. I was so numb and dull-minded I almost lost my job! Depression symptoms were gone, of course, I was too out of it to feel or worry about anything!!
I went off of it by going on Zoloft and had no problems with withdrawal-type symptoms.
Good luck to all of you!
~ Lynne
***********************
Posted by pinkpink on September 16, 2006, at 9:47:42
In reply to Re: Adding to this thread once again..., posted by LynneDa on September 15, 2006, at 21:26:34
Hi..been on and off Effexor for several years..have a highly stressful job..am feeling as if the Effexor ER 150 is not knocking back the anxiety as it used to..any suggestions on a higher dose or additional medications such as Zoloft (i've never taken anything in combo with EF)
Posted by Colleen D. on September 16, 2006, at 11:53:09
In reply to Re: Adding to this thread once again..., posted by pinkpink on September 16, 2006, at 9:47:42
Posted by meri on September 16, 2006, at 11:53:20
In reply to Re: My Concerns about Effexor ..., posted by Galennt on September 15, 2006, at 17:50:14
Thanks gt and others. I'm not ready to give up on Effexor yet so I appreciate hearing different points of view.
Posted by Galennt on September 17, 2006, at 18:47:14
In reply to Re: My Concerns about Effexor ..., posted by meri on September 16, 2006, at 11:53:20
Hi Meri,
I am glad you are giving Effexor a chance. Many side effects mitigate after between one and three weeks. Also, as with other ADs, people are often underdosed. So, they try a week or two at a relatively low dose like 75mg, feel more side effects that improvement in mood, and give up. People should give a dose of at least 225mgs enough time to be effective--four weeks minimum. I have been on and off Effexor several times. Once it kicked in on the fifth day, another time not until the end of the fourth week.
Also, for a number of people the severity of Effexor side effects is in inverse proportion to dose--the higher the dose, the fewer and less severe the side effects. This was the case with me.
Good luck with it,
gt
Posted by Galennt on September 17, 2006, at 18:50:59
In reply to Re: Adding to this thread once again..., posted by pinkpink on September 16, 2006, at 9:47:42
pinkpink-
It is better to increase a low to medium dose of the first medication than add a second. At 150mgs you have plenty of room before needing to consider augmentation.
Good luck,
gt
Posted by corafree on September 18, 2006, at 20:19:18
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » tedhazzard, posted by dancing fool on September 12, 2006, at 9:44:49
Okay here's my story. Effexor-XR saved me prob' 3-4 times. No side effects. No withdrawal effects. (I know ... I'm weird I guess.) I decided I no longer wished to take it because I wanted my emotions back. So that's my story and I'm sticking to it.(?) I feel bad many peeps have so much trouble. Because I didn't have any bad side effects, it doesn't mean the drug isn't a complicated one ... I think it is. That may be another reason I discontinued it, forever.
bestwishes, cf
Posted by pinkpink on September 18, 2006, at 20:47:48
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by corafree on September 18, 2006, at 20:19:18
Thanks GT,Colleen, Corafree for the responses...I've been taking 4000 units/day of omega 3 fish oil and i'm going to doc tomorrow to get testosterone inject to get the "well-being" hormone...yes, I'm a woman over 50...I've had one other injection back in January and I felt really good for a long time...until the middle of August when new job, new environment, new people, with lots of paperwork and involvement (public school) I thought about resigning this past week but now I think I can do it a while longer, maybe till the end of the school year...who knows? Life is more than a job/career and I've got grandkids I need to be around for...Effexor saved me more than once, so I can't knock it...it's better than the depths of depressio/anxiety (paralysis) love to all who are dealing with this....later, pink
Posted by Attitude on September 18, 2006, at 22:19:41
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » corafree, posted by pinkpink on September 18, 2006, at 20:47:48
I spoke with my psych about the 225mg dosage as opposed to the lower dosage. At the higher dosage, the seretonin and norepenephrine levels are affected. At the higher dosage, the Effexor is, in fact, acting as 2 meds. I would up my dosage before adding other variables to your experiment.
Posted by pinkpink on September 19, 2006, at 18:12:45
In reply to Re: Up dosage of Effexor, posted by Attitude on September 18, 2006, at 22:19:41
Thanks attitude, I am willing to consider that as well....Thanks for the info. I don't have a psych, just an OB-GYN who helped me through "the change" but he's up on things of this nature...Pink
Posted by vanni on September 20, 2006, at 10:43:53
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Has anyone experienced hives all over their body from taking EffexorXR? I have been on EffexorXR (in the morning) and trazadone (at night) for about 5 and a half months. In the last 10 days I have been waking up every morning with hives. They go away by the afternoon. Antihistamines help some. This all may be totally unrelated to the meds but the cyclical nature makes me wonder. I will see my GP again today and let her know the hives have not gone away!
Vanni
Posted by LC on September 25, 2006, at 14:01:16
In reply to Re: Up dosage of Effexor, posted by Attitude on September 18, 2006, at 22:19:41
I have been on Effexor for 8 days-just increased my dosage to 75 mg two days ago to treat GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder). Have been having tingling in my head, excessive sweating and anxiety symptoms. Was on Lexapro for GAD for a year with excess weight gain and decreased libido but none of these other side effects. Did anyone have these symptoms when they started taking this med and, if so, did they go away or did you have to change meds? Thanks for any info you can provide.
Posted by Attitude on September 25, 2006, at 22:12:24
In reply to Re: Anxiety Sweating, Etc. with Effexor, posted by LC on September 25, 2006, at 14:01:16
These are side-effects that I had (the sleeplessness, sweating, nausea, etc)...some of them go away and others do not. I think it depends on the individual. I definitely sweat more, I have to drink a lot of water and make sure I have enough salt in my system at times. This is not something that has gone away for me. It takes me longer to climax during sex (most do this). As far as the anxiety goes, this is the medication that has helped me the most. I was so happy to find this stuff, I've been looking for the right one for over a decade. My sister has been diagnosed with GAD, as well, and has been so glad to get past all of the initial side effects b/c it has helped her tremendously. The side effects suck, but will diminish. It makes sense that your anxiety increases if you're worring about the meds side effects, as well as what they have been designed to do. Hang in there. It may very well be worth it to you. I'm glad I did.
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