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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by clcty on October 10, 2007, at 23:13:08
In reply to After 7 years on Effexor XR, posted by AnneL on September 1, 2007, at 21:09:12
Just quit taking Effexor XR after 10 years. I started taking it after my doc suggested to me that I had postpartum depression. I had an unplanned pregnancy at 19 and life was pretty hard for a while. I'm not sure I had postpartum but I was definitely depressed. Took 37.5 Effexor for the first couple years then eventually started 75 XR and after about six years on that I started 150 mg. The doc and pharmacist said upping my dosage was normal as some people need to do that the longer they take it. I ended up taking it through my pregnancy (75 mg once daily), as my doc said it was better for me and the baby to stay on then go off. I never realized how little everyone knew about this drug 10 years ago and never dreamed I would still be on it.
Up until March of this year, I never considered stopping this medication. In March I never got a period and it is now October and I still have not had one. I'm wanting to have another baby and I'm not even ovulating. The doc says its because of the Effexor. Effexor can supposedly drive your prolactin levels up which causes the absence in menstruation and ovulation.
Also, did I mention that my breasts are now secreting milk.Desperate for another child, I decided to wean myself off of Effexor. I would never have taken it during my second pregnancy had I known the risks associated. I have now tapered from 150 to 75 over about a two month span and should have tapered to 37.5 but got impatient with my current sex drive (which is nil) and is not only due to the Effexor but has worsened with the increased prolactin levels. Now I'm in full scale withdrawal. I haven't taken Effexor in about a week and have no intentions of ever taking it again. I cry about four times a day (minimum), I'm very irritable and have zero patience with my children. I have experienced the nausea, lack of appetite and general melancholy but it's my children and husband that I am the most worried about. How long will this last? So many times I've almost taken another pill but I just can't let myself. I want another child more than anything and if I go back on Effexor how will I resolve the infertility issues I'm having. My job is a disaster as I feel so confused and unable to concentrate and I don't want anyone to know what a mess I'm in. I'm going to go see my new doc tomorrow and hopefully she can give me some advice. They warn about suicide when you take Effexor, how about getting off of it.
Posted by Fivefires on October 13, 2007, at 15:22:33
In reply to Re: After 10 years on Effexor XR, posted by clcty on October 10, 2007, at 23:13:08
Hey, RU okay there?
Just read your post and am concerned.
Don't know what to tell you for sure, but if your mood is very anxious and upsetting and bringing havoc upon your life, ... you need something ... maybe not an AD though, but talking about it might bring some answers.
Hope to hear from you.
5f
Posted by curiousone on December 12, 2007, at 20:27:07
In reply to Re: After 10 years on Effexor XR, posted by clcty on October 10, 2007, at 23:13:08
Thank you for sharing the information with regards to your period being affected by Effexor. I was on Effexor for 2 years and then suddenly my period stopped. My doctor ran a pregnancy test and a menopausal test - both came back negative. It's been 5 months and still no period, but at least I know what was the contributing factor. I'm now off Effexor and hopefully my body will return to it's regular cycle.
I'm just curious, do you notice constant bloating as a result of not having your period? That's the other side effect that's driving me crazy is my stomach feels so puffy, like it's the week before my period all month long.
Posted by Rebecca12345 on December 13, 2007, at 20:38:11
In reply to Re: After 10 years on Effexor XR, posted by curiousone on December 12, 2007, at 20:27:07
You don't have to live with depression your whole life. Jesus Christ heals if you will give your life over to Him!!!!
Posted by KristiVegas on December 13, 2007, at 22:17:52
In reply to Re: After 10 years on Effexor XR, posted by Rebecca12345 on December 13, 2007, at 20:38:11
I haven't visited the site in a few months but have gotten off Effexor (300mg)on to Cymbalta (90mg) and I can't tell you what a wonderful change it's been for me!! No more weird side effects; just a small amount of sleepiness during the day. I changed doctors and it's made all the difference in the world. My new doc listens but has let me call the shots with my meds and I'm really glad I made the change. 2008 is looking better and better every day!!!
Posted by Phillipa on December 13, 2007, at 23:50:42
In reply to Re: After 10 years on Effexor XR, posted by KristiVegas on December 13, 2007, at 22:17:52
Kristi I've been on cymbalta and know I need to change from luvox to something. Would tell me what you found from the cymbalta as everyone says go on effexor? Thanks Phillipa
Posted by KristiVegas on December 14, 2007, at 0:09:14
In reply to Re: After 10 years on Effexor XR » KristiVegas, posted by Phillipa on December 13, 2007, at 23:50:42
I was having a lot of issues with sleepiness (all day long-almost narcoleptic), my thumb and forefinger blistered and peeled all the time, hives on my neck and chest, severe sweating, hives in my mouth, really angry all the time, 30 lb. weight gain, aching in my bones and muscles.
So far, no issues with Cymbalta (I'm on 90mg per day) other than some sleepiness during the day but nothing like with Effexor. My fingers are healed, no more hives and my attitude has improved. The best part is I don't ache anymore.
What a blessing to be off Effexor!!
Posted by Phillipa on December 14, 2007, at 19:18:05
In reply to Re: After 10 years on Effexor XR, posted by KristiVegas on December 14, 2007, at 0:09:14
Thanks Kristi as I was on 60mg of cymbalta for about three months time. Was never tired but I'm a very anxious person. And I know about the aches and pains as when I stopped cymbalta there were aches and pains I never knew I had. So good for you. How's your depression? Isn't there more norepenephrine in cymbalta than effexor? Phillipa
Posted by KristiVegas on December 15, 2007, at 16:17:56
In reply to Re: After 10 years on Effexor XR » KristiVegas, posted by Phillipa on December 14, 2007, at 19:18:05
I don't feel the "weight" of the depression near as much on Cymbalta as I did on Effexor. I had so many side effects that I was constantly agitated about them all the time as well as having a very angry demeanor most of the time. I didn't "play well" with others and pretty much alienated everyone because I felt so weighted down with all the issues. My shoulders aren't as heavy with Cymbalta and my muscles have relaxed and I'm not as tense as I was. My body was so tense all the time that I ached constantly and never felt rested. I think now that I was on too much Effexor and it "backed up" on me. I've not spent any time reading up on the chemical amounts in the med and don't really understand all that but it's something I need to discuss with my doctor as I'm curious about how all that works in your brain and body. I do believe that our bodies build up a tolerance to these meds and their effectiveness lessens over time (sometimes years) so I can understand how people change meds frequently. Plus, there are always new meds coming out that are better and we need to pay attention to that. I hope you get the right med and/or combo of meds. Living with this is not pleasant but tolerable with the right doctor and medication. Good luck to you and let me know how you're doing.
KRISTI
Posted by cookie_gal on December 31, 2007, at 1:01:05
In reply to Re: After 10 years on Effexor XR, posted by clcty on October 10, 2007, at 23:13:08
I'm not sure if the original poster of this message is still reading responces, so I will just put this information up for anyone who is having unexplained lactation also.
I have been on Effexor for over 11 years and I now have a pituitary tumor. What you have is called prolactinoma... it causes you to lactate.
This means that you have a tumor. As far as I am concerned, Effexor doesn't just cause lactation, it causes tumors in the pituitary.
At this point, there are so many women who have been on Effexor for as long as we have and one by one, pretty soon it is going to hit the media that Effexor causes pituitary tumors!!!
Most doctors don't know about pituitary tumors or cushings. Reading about it on the Internet is sometimes the only way to find out.
Posted by binarywoman on January 22, 2008, at 9:18:32
In reply to Re: Doc wants me to try Effexor XR, posted by Cindy W on July 5, 2000, at 23:51:14
Really, it helped your OCD??
My son has OCD which flared up recently. He's obsessed with Mad Cow Disease and found out the the capsules his clomipramine were in were made of beef gelatin and stopped taking it rather abruptly.
I read that Effexor can be a good adjunct with OCD. It's good to hear that it helped your symptoms.
Posted by binarywoman on January 22, 2008, at 9:19:54
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Stan F. on July 6, 2000, at 23:32:44
Effexor XR only comes in a capsule but Effexor comes in a tablet.
Posted by binarywoman on January 22, 2008, at 9:24:11
In reply to Re: I am scared of this medicine, HELP ME!, posted by Cindy W on July 8, 2000, at 11:41:37
I've been on that OCD website and found they have some very peculiar ideas.
I saw a post in particular by Michael Jenike, MD about bipolar that was just flat out wrong.
Posted by binarywoman on January 22, 2008, at 9:28:07
In reply to im trying to quit, im losing my mind, posted by nico on July 9, 2000, at 0:14:29
It's been my experience that taking it slow makes things a lot better.
We've been considering Effexor for my son who has bipolar I, Aspergers, and OCD. I've been concerned about the withdrawal.
What about switching to regular Effexor that comes in tabs and you can split them anyway you like?
Posted by maxie on January 22, 2008, at 19:41:49
In reply to Re: im trying to quit, im losing my mind, posted by binarywoman on January 22, 2008, at 9:28:07
> It's been my experience that taking it slow makes things a lot better.
>
> We've been considering Effexor for my son who has bipolar I, Aspergers, and OCD. I've been concerned about the withdrawal.
>
> What about switching to regular Effexor that comes in tabs and you can split them anyway you like?
>
>
> I have just started trying it, it sounds like I may regret it?
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 23, 2008, at 3:26:58
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by binarywoman on January 22, 2008, at 9:19:54
> Effexor XR only comes in a capsule but Effexor comes in a tablet.
Sorry to interrupt, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding withdrawal to Psycho-Babble Withdrawal. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20070929/msgs/808462.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by jenii on February 26, 2008, at 3:08:40
In reply to Has anyone successfully quit effexor? how?, posted by Anne on April 23, 2000, at 17:26:10
I don't know if you have gotten a response from anyone yet, but i successfully took myself off of a 150mg daily dose of effexor xr. reading your post i was glad to see someone knew what i was talking about when i went off of it i felt the same shock. it lasted i believe about a week... but after that, i had no more problems. i have been off of effexor now for 7 months, and havent had any symptoms. i don't suggest you do it on your own though, make sure you have someone who is there to keep an eye on you, according to my old psychiatrist there can be rather big problems if you stop taking it, but my mother did it, i did it, and neither of us had a problem with quitting, other than that annoying shock... good luck!
Posted by KarenRB53 on February 26, 2008, at 19:54:00
In reply to SSRI induced hypomania, posted by kalyb on May 17, 2003, at 9:15:29
> What is SSRI induced hypomania?
>
> Could my apparent "immediate" response to Effexor be this?? If it helps any, I noticed some kind of immediate effects with Prozac and Celexa as well.
>
> Please enlighten me!!
I know this is an old posting but the same thing has happened to me with Prozac. Have you stopped taking the Effexor and what are you taking now if you don't mind my asking?
Thanks, Karen
Posted by R. -T. V. 52y on February 27, 2008, at 10:21:34
In reply to Re: Has anyone successfully quit effexor? how?, posted by jenii on February 26, 2008, at 3:08:40
hi
i got efex when i was depressed, it was 2 yrs ago,
i had 150 and then 75,
now when i got sero (see other messages of mine), i of course quit efex simultaneously,
it is a good medicine for me when i am depressed, not when i am beginning to be manic,
yours chris
Posted by rina on February 27, 2008, at 14:17:23
In reply to Re: Has anyone successfully quit effexor? how?, posted by R. -T. V. 52y on February 27, 2008, at 10:21:34
effexor is one of the most difficult meds to stop taking but can be done. i did it a year ago and it was hell. the best way is to taper slowly. I had to stop abruptly because of becoming manic. I was bed ridden for three weeks due to brain zaps,fever chills,dizzy spells,vommiting etc. so my advice to you is take it slow, very slow but it can be done. good luck.
Posted by AMY II on February 27, 2008, at 20:57:32
In reply to Has anyone successfully quit effexor? how?, posted by Anne on April 23, 2000, at 17:26:10
I was pregnant and took 150mg of effexor and he is 10 months old now and ALL GOOD! No probs whatsoever. So smart and doing everything he is suppose to be.
I quit effexor because I had huge heart problems with it. Extreme irregular heartbeat, etc. I took myself off of it under a doctors direction and took zanax while coming off. This helped. The withdrawal symptoms suck but do go away. I had the electrical shocks going through my head, floaty feelings in my head, etc. I just came off of it slowly. It took me a little over a month. I just dropped down slowly. It gets better. Hope this helps.
Posted by clcty on April 1, 2008, at 19:33:56
In reply to Re: After 10 years on Effexor XR, posted by clcty on October 10, 2007, at 23:13:08
Thanks for everyone's response to my first post. I was unable to get off Effexor completely; however, I am at 75 mg which I can live with for now. I have a different doctor now and she has sent me for a CT scan. I go the results today and I have a prolactinoma. It's not lethal and I'm going to be fine; however, my doctor did mention that Effexor may be linked to prolactinomas. Anyway, now I'm taking Bromocriptine for the next five weeks to see if it brings my prolactin levels down and if it does hopefully I can get pregnant in about six months to a year. I've tried progesterone and it did not bring my period back which after having the CT scan, my doctor said that the progesterone would not help and that I have to take the bromocriptine (Parlodel) to try and regain my sex drive, ovulation etc. I hope it works. My husband is extremely concerned and I can't say I'm not a little either. If the bromocriptine does not work, the doc said she may take me off Effexor and try something else. Don't go getting all excited about Effexor. It may be linked to prolactin problems such as prolactinoma; however, it is a relatively new drug and I knew that when I started taking it. Thanks again for listening to all my issues and posting your responses. I will keep you all updated as to my situation.
Posted by Sigismund on April 6, 2008, at 3:14:29
In reply to Re: After 10 years on Effexor XR, posted by clcty on April 1, 2008, at 19:33:56
I read somewhere that Hydergine in relatively high doses (9mg/d) can reverse the prolactin thing.
Posted by Jenna611 on June 22, 2008, at 14:36:16
In reply to Re: Long term effects of Effexor/permanent , posted by annj on February 27, 2001, at 15:37:01
Hi, I have been taking Effexor XR on and off for about 8 years, and have experienced side effects before when I discontinued it. I am trying to get off this medication for good now, and I NEVER WANT TO TAKE IT AGAIN! I thought going off any anti-depressant made you feel this way. Obviously I didn't have a clue! I now know that Effexor is the anti-Christ of ant-depressants! When I started taking it several years ago, it was recommended to me by my therapist. I was seeing her for depression. It seemed to help back then. I have gone off it before, and always eventually felt like I needed it again, because I would get depressed again. I had my dosage increased to 75mg from 37mg about 3 months ago, and within a month or two felt more depressed w/ no energy or drive to do anything! My husband was getting frustrated w/ me. I decided to try Wellbutrin, because I have heard so many good things about it. So far so good w/ that, but I am now in the process of weaning off of Effexor too, and I am so dizzy, and nauseous, and again my husband is getting frustrated w/ me. I know he doesn't understand, and I think he thinks I'm making this up. It seems I always have some "issue" lately. I HATE feeling this way, and it is not me at all! I am normally very outgoing. Not that I was ever a fireball of energy, but this is ridiculous. I am so scared after reading posts on the internet, that this is going to haunt me forever, or at least a while. I also gained weight while taking this medication, and again had no clue this was a possible side effect. For at least 2 years now, I have been SO FORGETFULL, I also didn't know this was a side effect. I wish I had never taken this medication. My current MD told me to take 37.5mg for a week, then take it every other day for a week, then every 3rd for a week, and then every 4th day for a week. You get the picture. I am now on every 4th day, and this is HELL. annj (previous post) describes most of my symptoms to a T. I don't want to take another pill, because I am so scared of prolonging this agony. I am due to take one today, and have been putting it off. HELP!
Posted by clipper40 on June 22, 2008, at 16:31:39
In reply to Re: Long term effects of Effexor/permanent, posted by Jenna611 on June 22, 2008, at 14:36:16
You really don't need to go through hell getting off of this medication. You just need to add in or substitute a little of a longer acting sertonergic medication. Prozac works the best for this. I got off of Effexor without a problem as have many others here at Babble.
In terms of your husband, have you tried printing out any information from the Internet about the withdrawal syndrome from Effexor? If not done right, this withdrawal can be such a nightmare. He needs to realize that you are not the only one having this experience.
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