![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 762 to 786 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by Pattyk on April 5, 2001, at 18:29:55
In reply to 7 WEEKS--EFFEXOR FREE, posted by Leo on March 19, 2001, at 18:06:54
Leo,
Thanks for your update. I can relate to what you are saying about Effexor. Today, I am 7 weeks Effexor free as well. I thought I would never get over the withdrawal effects. Today, I pretty much feel back to normal. It feels so good to have motivation again, and to be able to laugh and cry again. I was emotionally numb on Effexor.
I have been keeping a record of my experience with Effexor, so that if I ever do get involved in a class action lawsuit against Wyeth-Ayherst, I will have documentation of what I went through. It was a nightmare. I agree with what you say, Leo....this is eventually going to come to light. I think there will be a major expose in the media on Effexor. It's only a matter of time. I am apalled that I allowed a pyschiatrist to put my then 15 year old son on Effexor a couple of years ago. Luckily, he wasn't on it long.
If you need any help with your efforts on exposing Effexor, please e-mail me at patty_king@msn.com
Take care,
Patty> Here's my update. Now entering my seventh week of no effexor. My mental state has improved remarkably sense discontinuing the drug. No depression, no anxiety, no agitation. All of which were dominating my daily life while on the drug. I still experience moderate to severe headaches and moderate fatigue. I am still experiencing what I call the "flashback syndrome" every few days or so. The joint and muscle pain is consistent, and at times, extremely painful. I have never experienced joint pain until getting off the effexor. Taking my doctors advice, I am now working with a physical therapist and nutritionists to rehab my physical body. I have absolutely no doubt that the effexor caused my severely degraded physical state. Only until getting off the drug, did I come to realize how bad off I was physically and emotionally. I have undertaken some in depth investigation about effexor. I am taking the posts on this site as well as several others and am compiling all the commonalities that are discussed. So far, what I have come up with is that between 80-90 percent of effexor users are all suffering from a wide variety of long term and permanent side effects. There are certain people on this site that try to neutralize what people are saying about this drug. However, there is absolutely no way these people can dispute, justify or explain why there are so many people complaining about the drug. I have interviewed several doctors, who have become aware of the severe problems directly related to effexor, especially the addiction aspect accompanied by the withdrawal, and no longer prescribe the drug to their patients. There is also action being taken against the drugs manufacturer. I have also notified two of the major TV network investigative reporting programs as to what is going on with effexor. They have been supplied with an abundance of information, both good and bad, about the drug and have been supplied with internet resources to see for themselves what the patients taking the drug are experiencing. Now, I know that there are Weryth-Ayerst employees that monitor and contribute posts to this site so I’m sure that what you are reading here is most likely old news to you but there are people who are suffering because of this drug. It is my goal to see that anybody who is taking this drug be made completely aware of what this drug is doing to their minds and bodies. Depression and anxiety are terrible, terrible diseases to have to live with day-in and day-out. I don’t think that those of us who have had to live through this and are having to continue to live with it now need a drug on the market whose side effects have not been fully disclosed by the company that makes it. Especially when, the condition of the majority of people who take it, seems to be inflamed by the effexor, not to mention the debilitating physical side effects of the drug.
Posted by JAMMER on April 5, 2001, at 18:35:42
In reply to Re: 7 WEEKS--EFFEXOR FREE » Pamela, posted by iamneo on April 5, 2001, at 17:42:29
I'm currently on my 3rd attempt to end using this med Effexor XR. first two had major withdrawal effects, which required me to restart. My initial tries, where I crashed were 1 week every other day, then off it, as suggested by my doc. NOT GOOD! I had many of the symptoms listed by many others, the worst were the "brain shivers". These started during of 2nd day of non use. Days 3 & 4 were hell, full blown withdrawal with shakes, hot and cold alternations,lethargy and stupidity.
I choose to do this because of high blood pressure response to using the med ( requiring 2 different BP meds to bring it down), memory issues, and problems with cognitive thinking. and liver function issues.
I'm now at every 3rd day 37.5 mg for 2 weeks, and will move to 18 mg every 3rd day for 1-2 weeks, then end.
I'd like to thank my acupunturist for "bringing me back to reality" by treating me for withdrawal and shock on day 4 of 2nd attempt to end, which really helped. She suggested I return to using the drug, get with a pharmacist for a more "real" tapering plan, which I did. It's going much better now. Thank you Barbara!!!
As for my MD Dr., he never got back to me after I explained in a letter what was happening to me following his 1 week taper plan. In as much as my acupuncturist helped me alot during withdrawal of oxycontin, due to pain in regards to 2 C-spine surgeries 2 months apart. I trust her treatment and advise for Effexor, and am now on the right track.
The key here I've learned is there is no hurry to end using the med. And anyone thinking of going off it should go slow. Pharmacist suggests:
Once down to 1 37 mg daily for 2 weeks.
Start 1 37 mg cap every other day for 2 weeks.
then 1 37 cap every third day 2 weeks.
then 1 18 mg cap (opened, emptied, and re-insert half the agent) for 1-2 weeks. Then end.Perhaps this information will help others. Also, talk therapy and good readings on depression and anxiety due to PTSD, dystymia, due to long standing issues involving abuse, death, and medically botched surgeries. I highly recommend pshycotherapy in conjuntion with any anti -depressant/anxiety issues, in parallel to medication use. It does help if your talking with a knowledgeable expert, who offers tools and methods to deal with issues. It takes more than them just listening. A good book is "From Crisis to Creativity" overcoming adversity. I continue to learn from it.
Best wishes, Jammer
Posted by Quasibarbidoll on April 5, 2001, at 19:41:51
In reply to Re: 7 WEEKS--EFFEXOR FREE, posted by JAMMER on April 5, 2001, at 18:35:42
Posted by Marilyn on April 6, 2001, at 5:51:15
In reply to Re: Are WE the real guinea-pigs?, posted by Seraphim on April 2, 2001, at 10:42:08
> Thanks Marilyn. Scary stuff. If you come across > more, please share it.
http://www.mall-net.com/mcs/p450.html
Marilyn
Posted by Marilyn on April 6, 2001, at 5:56:39
In reply to Re: Are WE the real guinea-pigs?, posted by Marilyn on April 6, 2001, at 5:51:15
http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/3568/ATracyPhD.htm
Marilyn
Posted by Fish on April 6, 2001, at 8:10:27
In reply to Re: 7 WEEKS--EFFEXOR FREE, posted by JAMMER on April 5, 2001, at 18:35:42
Jammer, thanks for sharing information. Question ... the 18 mg, should that be taken every 3 days as the previous regimen, or everyday? Thanks Fish
Posted by JAMMER on April 6, 2001, at 9:07:28
In reply to Jammer - Question, posted by Fish on April 6, 2001, at 8:10:27
> Jammer, thanks for sharing information. Question ... the 18 mg, should that be taken every 3 days as the previous regimen, or everyday? Thanks Fish
Pharmacist stated every 3 days at 18mg, which is what I plan on doing. Doing well so far on 37.5mg every 3rd day now, another week, and I'll switch to 18mg every 3 days. If I start feeling weird I'll take a little Valium which helps calm me down, and I've found the Fioricet 1 tab ends the headache. And no brain shivers using this method, which is the best part...I thought the spike of 37mg every 4th day didn't make sense. Yes it reduces the frequency, but that spike on the day of taking the med seemed to be out of place. tapering the dose seems much more reasonable.
Your welcome,
-Jammer
Posted by JAMMER on April 6, 2001, at 12:49:06
In reply to Jammer - Question, posted by Fish on April 6, 2001, at 8:10:27
> Jammer, thanks for sharing information. Question ... the 18 mg, should that be taken every 3 days as the previous regimen, or everyday? Thanks Fish
Pharmacist stated every 3 days at 18mg, which is what I plan on doing. Doing well so far on 37.5mg every 3rd day now, another week, and I'll switch to 18mg every 3 days. If I start feeling weird I'll take a little Valium which helps calm me down, and I've found the Fioricet 1 tab ends the headache. And no brain shivers using this method, which is the best part...I thought the spike of 37mg every 4th day didn't make sense. Yes it reduces the frequency, but that spike on the day of taking the med seemed to be out of place. tapering the dose seems much more reasonable.
Your welcome,
-Jammer
Posted by willow on April 6, 2001, at 14:47:29
In reply to Re: 7 WEEKS--EFFEXOR FREE » JAMMER, posted by Quasibarbidoll on April 5, 2001, at 19:41:51
Quasi
"..I have lost some brain cells in this process.
Please tell me at 7 weeks that I will be my old normal self again.. sore from the fibro, but not
nutty."Concentration problems are common with fibro. I find the effexor has helped these symptoms, though it does nothing for muscle pain. Baclofen, light exercises, and therapy are also helping me with the symptoms. With the help of effexor I've been able to return to work on a part-time basis after being off for three years.
Best Wishes
Willow
Posted by Quasibarbidoll on April 6, 2001, at 19:06:43
In reply to Re: 7 WEEKS--EFFEXOR FREE, posted by willow on April 6, 2001, at 14:47:29
"
>
> Concentration problems are common with fibro. I find the effexor has helped these symptoms, though it does nothing for muscle pain. Baclofen, light exercises, and therapy are also helping me with the symptoms. With the help of effexor I've been able to return to work on a part-time basis after being off for three years.
>
> Best Wishes
> Willow
Thanks Willow!I have had fibro for 12 years, a mild case, thank heavans. I had sleep issues prior to taking effexor but none of the hideous effects that I have had since stopping Effexor.It's as though the drug(or withdrawel) has completely changed my tolerance for stress and wrecked my body physically. Had I known this, I would have taken a much different path 2 years ago.
Posted by Robin on April 6, 2001, at 19:29:25
In reply to Re: 7 WEEKS--EFFEXOR FREE, posted by Quasibarbidoll on April 6, 2001, at 19:06:43
Just thought I'd throw a positive story into the mix of withdrawl horror stories. So far, so good for me. I had been taking 150 mg for about 6 months, and about 2 weeks ago I decided to stop taking it. I dropped down to 75 mg which my doctor told me to take for two weeks. I'm supposed to drop down to 37.5 mg in a few days and hopefully it will go as well as the other cut back went. I can finally sit still without having something on me twitch, which was the worst side effect for me and one of the reasons why I'm stopping. It's so much easier now to fall asleep! I only had one bad experience with Effexor, and that happened after I failed to take my medicine for two days, which happened by accident! It was great for me until that terrifying night. It's obvious by reading the previous posts that Effexor has different effects on everyone. I decided to get off because I couldn't handle the constant twitching and moving and because I never want to have an experience like the one I had after not being able to take my medicine. Good luck to everyone on the drug and everyone trying to get of. Wish me luck too!
Robin
Posted by willow on April 6, 2001, at 20:13:03
In reply to Re: 7 WEEKS--EFFEXOR FREE, posted by Quasibarbidoll on April 6, 2001, at 19:06:43
"I had sleep issues prior ..."
My problem has been that I sleep too hard for too long. I am going to a sleep clinic on Tuesday night and hopefully they'll be able to give me some constructive feedback on how to get my sleep problems under control. (I have bad nighttime reflux and wasn't aware of it until recently and I twitch away in my sleep, which the effexor has made worse. I also start dreaming easily even when I'm awake) I do think poor sleep can bring on fibro. It will take a month to get feedback, (why so long?!?) and if there is anything useful I'll post it.
SWEET DREAMS
Willow
Posted by JAMMER on April 7, 2001, at 9:12:10
In reply to withdrawl going well, posted by Robin on April 6, 2001, at 19:29:25
> Just thought I'd throw a positive story into the mix of withdrawl horror stories. So far, so good for me. I had been taking 150 mg for about 6 months, and about 2 weeks ago I decided to stop taking it. I dropped down to 75 mg which my doctor told me to take for two weeks. I'm supposed to drop down to 37.5 mg in a few days and hopefully it will go as well as the other cut back went. I can finally sit still without having something on me twitch, which was the worst side effect for me and one of the reasons why I'm stopping. It's so much easier now to fall asleep! I only had one bad experience with Effexor, and that happened after I failed to take my medicine for two days, which happened by accident! It was great for me until that terrifying night. It's obvious by reading the previous posts that Effexor has different effects on everyone. I decided to get off because I couldn't handle the constant twitching and moving and because I never want to have an experience like the one I had after not being able to take my medicine. Good luck to everyone on the drug and everyone trying to get of. Wish me luck too!
>
> RobinRobin, Glad to hear your doing well in your tapering off plan. Once at 37mg don't get in a hurry. It has been reducing from this amount that I stated having issues. The "good" 2nd plan I was given by pharmacists is(as opposed to "bad" plan by my PCP):
Once at 37.5 for a few weeks, move to every other day for 2 weeks, then every 3rd day for 2 weeks, then open the cap, empty, and reinsert half ~18mg and take every 3rd day 2 weeks, then end. Just a suggestion, in case you didn't see it in an earlier post.
I'll start the 18mg dose every 3 days in about 1 week from now. I'll post my results then. So far pretty good, although the end of 2nd day with no meds, I start feeling wierd.
-Jammer
Posted by KatieC on April 8, 2001, at 12:08:22
In reply to Re: New to Effexor XR, my side effects, anyone else?, posted by Cindy W on August 28, 2000, at 21:57:24
Hello to all,
I have read alot of the horror stories on here regarding the withdrawal symptoms... the fact that some of them may be permanent and the other people that refute that fact. I have been on effexor xr for a little over 3 months now. I felt the difference with the very first pill. I thought I had found the greatest thing since sliced bread. I had been experiencing mild to moderate depression truthfully for years...but was now really feeling the effects of it. My med doctor put me on Effexor xr because I told her I wanted something with a low risk of weight gain (I'm only 21 and have struggled with my weight for years, Had lost about 35 pounds 2 years ago and HAD kept it off) and something with low sexual side effects since I am a newlywed.
The first two weeks or so I had the constant yawning, the sleepiness, and the constant headaches. My body adjusted however and I loved the drug.
I now, however, want to talk to the doc about getting off of it. I have gained about 25 pounds in the last 2 1/2 months. HUGE appetite increase. I am tired again. And, the dreams are amazing. I can honestly say I have had screwy dreams all my life...but now they are REALLY weird. I have also recently started experiencing night sweats. I never had them before...but now I wake up my legs and arms are all sweaty. I'm wearing shorts and that doesn't seem to make a diff.
I'm really scared however after reading all the horror stories about the withdrawal. Can anyone give me any ideas as to what to do?
Can anyone suggest any other Antidepressants (preferably non MAOIs) that may not be so bad with weight gain...but still low sexual side effects?
Any info would be appreciated. Thanks. I wish you all the very best of luck.
Posted by jerz on April 8, 2001, at 18:32:11
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal FYI, posted by michellec on April 8, 2001, at 9:10:44
> > I have been on Effexor XR for just over one year, @ 300 mg/day. I decided to stop taking it and went cold turkey. Big mistake, I had severe withdrawal symptoms. So, I went back on it am on now going off slowly. I open the capsules, weigh out the dose, and then refill the capsule with the amount I’m after. I’m a chemist so this is easy for me. I thought the following information might help those of you also trying to go off this stuff.
> >
> > Each 150 mg capsule of Effexor XR contains 500 mg of white beads (so, the beads are 30 % by weight Effexor). 25 beads contain 11 (+/-2) mg of Effexor. All you need to do is open the capsules, pour out the beads, count out how many you need, and then put the lowered dose back in the capsule. Do not swallow the beads directly, be sure to put them back in the capsule. I do a bunch of pills at once, first emptying several capsules into a vial or envelope, then measuring what I want back into the empty capsules. You will notice that the Effexor beads are fairly uniform in size, but there will be some smaller ones as well as some that are fused together. Try to count out the beads randomly, don’t go for just the large one or just the small.
> >
> > Hope this helps, seems to be going ok with me. I am experiencing uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms but they are nothing compared to the first time and I can easily control the symptoms with the dosage size and length time I am at that dose before decreasing further.
> >
> > Good luck
> >
> > Ishmael
Hope you can answer a quick question... My daughter and I are both trying to wean off 37.5 and are having difficulty. We'd like to try the 18.75 mg, etc. but all I have left are 75 mg capsules. Is it simply a matter of dividing the white balls into fourths and then taking that dose in a capsule? Sorry if this is a stupid question but, like many others, I've lost several brain cells during my stint on Effexor XR! Thanks. Jerz
Posted by Robin on April 8, 2001, at 21:46:37
In reply to Re: withdrawl going well, posted by JAMMER on April 7, 2001, at 9:12:10
Thanks for the advice Jammer. Sounds like a plan I'll definitely have to try. Hope everything goes well for you. Keep me posted!
Robin :)
Posted by SCALLOPSHELL on April 11, 2001, at 11:16:11
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I'm new on Effexor XR-37.5mg for 2 days and today I am feeling very tense, nauseated and "spacey".Is this normal and how long does it last? I'm thinking about stopping the medication because I don't like how it is making me feel. I'm very petite and can't afford to have nausea and no appetite.Any feedback from anybody?
Posted by mstar on April 11, 2001, at 11:49:03
In reply to Re:side effects, posted by SCALLOPSHELL on April 11, 2001, at 11:16:11
I have been taking Effexor XR for about a week. I have had a very up and down week. I feel better during the day and noticed an increase in energy, but I start to fade at 7:30 with nausa, I yawn all the time, have dizzy spells and can barely walk I am so tired and weak. But I never sleep though the night. Has this happened to anyone else? I am on 3 days of 75mg, I take it in the morning.
Posted by AnneL on April 11, 2001, at 12:08:16
In reply to New user!, posted by mstar on April 11, 2001, at 11:49:03
> I have been taking Effexor XR for about a week. I have had a very up and down week. I feel better during the day and noticed an increase in energy, but I start to fade at 7:30 with nausa, I yawn all the time, have dizzy spells and can barely walk I am so tired and weak. But I never sleep though the night. Has this happened to anyone else? I am on 3 days of 75mg, I take it in the morning.
Hi, Anne speaking,
Did you start at 37.5 mg. daily for the first week? The low dose taken for 4 to 7 days help the body to adjust and minimize nausea. Insomnia is a very commom complaint, your pdoc can help suggest either other the counter (OTC) medications that help with sleep such as Benadryl brand name for diphenhydramine, Tylenol PM (which is just Tylenol (Tylenol with Benadryl) or a non-benzodiazapine sleep medication such as Ambien or Sonata. I am currently taking Effexor XR 75 mg. daily and also take Klonopin 1 mg. at night for sleep. I did feel spacy, tired at all the wrong times and insomnia just like you. Nausea has not been a problem for me, make sure you take it with meals and do continue to take your dose in the morning as well. I made the mistake of taking it at around 5PM and I was up all night! The nausea is a common side-effect of Effexor, but it will pass! Ask your doctor for something that may help calm your stomach, maybe Zantac will help. Hang in there! All of your side-effects will dissipate given just a little bit more time! Good Luck and keep us posted.
Posted by DavidHIFI on April 11, 2001, at 22:06:48
In reply to Re:side effects, posted by SCALLOPSHELL on April 11, 2001, at 11:16:11
> I'm new on Effexor XR-37.5mg for 2 days and today I am feeling very tense, nauseated and "spacey".Is this normal and how long does it last? I'm thinking about stopping the medication because I don't like how it is making me feel. I'm very petite and can't afford to have nausea and no appetite.Any feedback from anybody?
I'm also new at this and I found that the weirdness and nausia go away. For me it took three weeks. Many previous posts mentioned the time it takes for this stuff to work, as much as six weeks, so tough it out if you can. I had the starter kit that started at 37.5 for a week than on to 75 for the long term. I decided to stick with 37.5 for a while. I've chosen to take it slow, but if you want to stop, I'd suggest reading previous posts about weaning off this stuff. Don't go cold turkey, it can get nasty.
Posted by DavidHIFI on April 11, 2001, at 22:10:09
In reply to New user!, posted by mstar on April 11, 2001, at 11:49:03
> I have been taking Effexor XR for about a week. I have had a very up and down week. I feel better during the day and noticed an increase in energy, but I start to fade at 7:30 with nausa, I yawn all the time, have dizzy spells and can barely walk I am so tired and weak. But I never sleep though the night. Has this happened to anyone else? I am on 3 days of 75mg, I take it in the morning.
Talk to your doctor about getting 37.5 for a week before stepping up to 75. Seems wrong to start at 75.
Posted by SCALLOPSHELL on April 13, 2001, at 7:42:19
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I AM GOING OFF THIS AWFUL MEDICATION. IT HAS MADE ME EXTERMELY NAUSEOUS AND I HAVE BEEN VOMITING FOR 2 DAYS. I HAVEN'T WANTED TO GET OUT OF BED AND I FEEL VERY DEPRESSED. HATE IT! I'LL NEVER TAKE THIS AGAIN.
Posted by sabnyc on April 13, 2001, at 14:37:14
In reply to Re: New user! » mstar, posted by AnneL on April 11, 2001, at 12:08:16
I'm on my third day of effexor XR (37.5m), and am having, what I believe are normal, but unpleasant side effects. I'm very spacy, hard to concentrate, jittery and tired at the same time, and sleep is bad (MD gave me Ambien for that). I'm taking the med for a mild non-debilitating, depression (or fear of going into one). I'm turning 50, lost job, broke, scared about the future etc. I didn't want to spiral down, I need all my wits about me to confront these things. (I took zoloft 5yrs. ago for about 9mos. and it really helped). Is there anyone else in a similar situation? I most likely could handle this without the med, but I want to use everything I can...I write and am also concerned about the effect on that. I'd appreciate hearing from you.
Posted by SCALLOPSHELL on April 13, 2001, at 14:52:06
In reply to Re: New user! » AnneL, posted by sabnyc on April 13, 2001, at 14:37:14
I felt absotulely awful on Effexor and by the third day I had to give it up. I had all the symptoms you had plus severe nausea and vomiting.I was taking this for menopausal symptoms and I would rather have those than the side effects from Effexor anyday! Good luck.
Posted by AnneL on April 13, 2001, at 14:59:56
In reply to Re: New user! » AnneL, posted by sabnyc on April 13, 2001, at 14:37:14
> I'm on my third day of effexor XR (37.5m), and am having, what I believe are normal, but unpleasant side effects. I'm very spacy, hard to concentrate, jittery and tired at the same time, and sleep is bad (MD gave me Ambien for that). I'm taking the med for a mild non-debilitating, depression (or fear of going into one). I'm turning 50, lost job, broke, scared about the future etc. I didn't want to spiral down, I need all my wits about me to confront these things. (I took zoloft 5yrs. ago for about 9mos. and it really helped). Is there anyone else in a similar situation? I most likely could handle this without the med, but I want to use everything I can...I write and am also concerned about the effect on that. I'd appreciate hearing from you.
Your start-up side effects sound very much like mine did. I even stopped taking it after only 3 days, but my depression which was compounded by situational stressors was so bad that I became very motivated to stick it out! I'am really glad that I did. I started at 37.5 mg. x 7 days, went to 75 mg. x 15 days and am now on 112.5 mg. I had absolutely no problem upping the dose to 75 mg. (well maybe jittery for a day or two) but then it was gone! I am now experiencing the same "ramping up" feeling on day 2 at 112.5 mg. but am confident this will pass in a day or two. Only you can decide whether or not you require medication at this time in your life. Perhaps asking for medication from your doctor is an indication that you feel the need is great enough.
Good Luck and keep us posted. AnneL
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.