![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 2794 to 2818 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by Paul 1952 on October 25, 2002, at 23:28:07
In reply to Re: Can't Think, Brain Dumb, Inspiration Won't Come, posted by Ezzy on October 24, 2002, at 21:18:57
Hi- It's gratifying to me to see so many people sharing on these boards. Effexor is new enough- and still enough of an "unknown"- that it's helpful to be able to share information and experiences. My own experience with it has been different than most persons', and maybe the following will help someone:
I was prescribed Effexor not to treat depression or anxiety, but to treat the symptoms of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). I had acquired IBS after a serious case of food poisoning which sent me to the hospital. I suffered chronic and debilitating abdominal pains for seven months after the bout of food poisoning, and it wasn't until I began taking Effexor that the pains started to diminish.
My MD said that Effexor- intended, as it is, to "balance" seratonin levels- is in some ways an ideal treatment for stomach problems, because most of the body's seratonin resides in the stomach. My IBS was the result of the confusion of my digestive system's own separate "nervous system" (which was caused by the trauma of the food poisoning), and only a resetting of the seratonin level would allow my digestive system to return to normal functioning. That it did.
After about 20 months of Effexor, wherein I was taking 150mg/day, I finally weaned myself off of it. I backed off to 75mg for several weeks, then 37.5 for several days (probably not long enough, in retrospect), and as of today it's been 7 days since my last dose.
It worked minor miracles for me. Granted, my situation was different and I wasn't taking it specifically to treat classic depression symptoms, but nevertheless it seems to have pretty well fixed my problem.
I did experience some difficulty when I first began taking Effexor. In fact, it made me so dizzy that I abandoned the effort altogether. It was only when my stomach persuaded me that I needed to try something that I made another attempt, and then I found that the initial difficulties subsided fairly quickly.
Getting off the meds was a minor adventure, although had I consulted these boards at the time I would have been better prepared for what my body was going to go through. I experienced a severe bout of melancholy that lasted about 12 hours, I found myself highly irritable, I experienced a day or so of flu-like body aches, and I experienced a worrisome degree of dizziness and brain "noise" when I shifted my visual focus. The first three of those symptoms- the melancholy, irritability and flu symptoms- passed just about as quickly as they had arrived. The dizziness is still present, although it has lessened measurably and I've learned from other posters that the dizziness is likely to subside completely within another week or so.
I've been sobered to read in this forum about the severe problems with this med that other posters have experienced. In retrospect I gather that I may be one of the lucky ones, and at no time did I ever take any additional meds to either assist or counteract the operations of the Effexor. It occurs to me that, since everyone's system is different, reactions to any med (especially fairly new and less-tested ones) figure to run the gamut. At the very least, it's helpful to educate yourself as much as possible. And that's especially true when dealing with a med with which your doctor/s may not be so familiar.
I hope this helps. Best wishes to all of you.
Posted by Poohz on October 26, 2002, at 1:37:24
In reply to Re: need info on side effects - help, posted by Mrs. M on October 21, 2002, at 20:35:05
Please do yourself a great favor and go to the website www.effexorfx.freeuk.com
It has a lot of information on Effexor that you won't get from your physician, probably because he/she is ignorant of critical information about this drug. It has a section on help for withdrawl from Effexor and a personal account from the person who started the website.
No one should take Effexor without reading the information on this website first.
Poohz
poohz@citlink.net
> Hey, Thanks for the information and suggestions from everyone. It helps. I have been "sidelined" for a couple of days with an especially bad bout of eye pain/headache. It was miserable. (Then something was going "nuts" and I couldn't get my message to post.) I continue to search for answers for my head pain.
>
> kitkat, I too have acute chronic sinus problems. A few years ago I had to have surgery to correct a diviated septum. It was so bad that I had no choice. What did you decide to do to correct you sinus cavity problem? The ENT doc has ordered two CT scans in the last two months (I am scheduled to see him on Wed.) and hopefully he can give me some information to provide some relief. I have certainly had my share of sinus headaches over the years, but this eye pain/head pain didn't quite feel like that. But, perhaps it is sinus related.
>
> I have had my eyes checked out, and everything seems to be okay there. I am also trying to double check that there are no med reactions between the effexor and other meds I take.
>
> Some suggested that my pain might be a migraine headache. I have had a few headaches that I would truly label migraine, and again, this current pain doesn't feel quite like that either. But, perhaps it is vascular related. At this point, I am willing to consider almost anything. I am definitely struggling for answers. This pain gets so very frustrating and discouraging.
>
> jflange, the information about calcium and magnesium supplements was interesting. I currently take calcium supplements but not magnesium. I have not heard of the theory of that deficiency in migraine sufferers. How much magnesium do you take a day?
>
> I was encouraged by the reports from some of you that had not experienced much problem with withdrawal when coming off effexor. I think it has helped my depression and anxiety some, however I hope I won't have to take it forever. Some of the encouraging reports makes the time that I could possibly get off effexor a little less scarey.
>
Posted by Poohz on October 26, 2002, at 1:58:59
In reply to Effexor XR and ADD/ADHD?, posted by Lost Lamb on October 22, 2002, at 1:32:08
The best thing for ADD/ADHD is behavior modification techniques. If you are interested in some suggestions and a success story, I'd be glad to share them with you. My e-mail address is below.
Poohz
poohz@citlink.net
Has anyone been prescribed Effexor for ADD or ADHD? And has it helped you at all?
>
>
> Thanks,
> Lost Lamb
Posted by Kathy with a K on October 26, 2002, at 18:41:57
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
To Lost Lamb,
First of all please accept my condolences, if words can be a comfort know that you are not alone in this world and that many people, even strangers do care.
Secondly, you need a good attorney, this is exactly what malpractice is.
Thirdly, people out there need to know that suicidal ideation is extremely dangerous, it is a frequent side effect of many drugs in the class. IF YOU BEGIN TO HAVE SUICIDAL THOUGHTS WHILE ON EFFEXOR CALL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. IF YOU CANNOT REACH YOUR DOCTOR AND THESE THOUGHTS PERSIST GO TO AN EMERGENCY ROOM.
I would never have considered myself suicidal under normal circumstances. However, i became suicidal after experiencing suicidal ideation while on 75mg effexorXR/day. Suicidal ideation is almost a hallucination, if one can imagine an emotional psychological hallucination, a hallucination of thoughts and feelings. In that state a person does not need to be depressed or even sad to choose suicide, that's where the danger is. These drugs have serious side effects which most physicians are either not fully understanding or in many cases the benefits seem to outweigh the side effects so we accept them. People want these drugs because they, at least initially, feel better. After immediately stopping effexorXR due to the suicidal ideation i began to feel better because i soon realized i was experiencing serious side effects for at least a month, i took effexor for almost two years prior with no problems. The brain shakes, electric shocks, numbness, severe headaches and dull brain was a pure living hell for over 3 months then it began to taper off. now, 7 months later, i still get little jolts every so often and still have killer headaches but no suicidal thoughts since the last day i took effexorXR. Keep the ibruprofen handy during withdrawal, i needed to take is in large doses and often, it does help... It is also an important time to be very aware of your nutrition. Your brain needs all the help it can get to get through the withdrawal process. good luck to everyone Kathy with a K
Posted by dde on October 26, 2002, at 19:30:21
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? lost lamb, posted by Kathy with a K on October 26, 2002, at 18:41:57
so you can imagine what was happening to a 10 year old on 225 mg! He didn't seem depressed that day, in fact, he was happy....almost too happy, and content. Many strange conversations were had, strange now that I reflect on them....I am glad you got off the stuff, and yes, we have consulted an attorney....and are going forward with suit.
Posted by Billy on October 27, 2002, at 16:49:34
In reply to Re: Adults with ADHD, posted by KarenB on June 12, 2000, at 15:10:12
> Hello, My name is Bill and I am in a very serious relationship with a beautiful woman(living together in our 30's. She has ADHD. I am sure there is another forum out there for me to speak on however, I have not found it. We are haveing major problems which I feel are ending this relationship. She has enxiety, depression and the ADHD. She is taking Effexor, I think 150 mg per day. There is so much besuty and talent in her if she could just believe in herself. Unfortunately it appears as though she is relying on me to make it all better. I cannot handle it!! I am a very good care taker and while living with her, I have almost gotten to be able to tolerate the mess etc.
Of late there have been some major fights (VIOLENT) I dont know what to do. I am a very rational person but, I fear for her safety as well as myself If this continues down this road. She has tried to hurt herself and me. She is taking meds and seeking therpy once a week....i dont know where to turn. It almost seems Bi-polar (not that i know enough to say) but, her doctor and she tell me thats not the case. If anyone has advice or knows of an organization that can help PLEASE respond. Thank you.
Posted by Ritch on October 27, 2002, at 22:12:39
In reply to Re: Adults with ADHD » KarenB, posted by Billy on October 27, 2002, at 16:49:34
> > Hello, My name is Bill and I am in a very serious relationship with a beautiful woman(living together in our 30's. She has ADHD. I am sure there is another forum out there for me to speak on however, I have not found it. We are haveing major problems which I feel are ending this relationship. She has enxiety, depression and the ADHD. She is taking Effexor, I think 150 mg per day. There is so much besuty and talent in her if she could just believe in herself. Unfortunately it appears as though she is relying on me to make it all better. I cannot handle it!! I am a very good care taker and while living with her, I have almost gotten to be able to tolerate the mess etc.
> Of late there have been some major fights (VIOLENT) I dont know what to do. I am a very rational person but, I fear for her safety as well as myself If this continues down this road. She has tried to hurt herself and me. She is taking meds and seeking therpy once a week....i dont know where to turn. It almost seems Bi-polar (not that i know enough to say) but, her doctor and she tell me thats not the case. If anyone has advice or knows of an organization that can help PLEASE respond. Thank you.Just curious, but what does she and her doctor say when you question the diagnosis? How has she tried to hurt you or herself? Suicidality isn't a common feature of ADHD. I have bipolar and ADHD, and ordinary doses of many meds can cause more problems than they solve. I would seek a 2nd opinion from another psychiatrist. Your girlfriend doesn't sound like her treatment is working out regardless of whether the diagnosis is accurate or not. She may need alternative treatments.
Posted by dde on October 27, 2002, at 23:02:24
In reply to Re: Adults with ADHD » Billy, posted by Ritch on October 27, 2002, at 22:12:39
I concur 100%. My ex was bi-polar. He would rage, be extremely unreasonable, hateful, violent, then sob. If you are seeing mood swings, she isn't just depressed. ADHD means that she cannot concentrate on one thing long enough to get it done....on the swing side to that, she may start things and move to another compulsively....I would get the opinion of another psychiatrist. ADHD also means that she has low self esteem, feels everyone is critical of her every word and action, or appears to just plain not care about what other people think. The appearance is misleading and they really are trying to make everyone happy. It is overwhelming to ADHD suffering people to deal with everyday stuff. I can definitely say this, if her medications are not helping her to act "normally", then they are the wrong medications. Period. Medication is meant to help us, not add more to the already muddied water. Best of luck. dde
Posted by Billy on October 28, 2002, at 7:23:43
In reply to Re: Adults with ADHD » Billy, posted by Ritch on October 27, 2002, at 22:12:39
> > > Hello, My name is Bill and I am in a very serious relationship with a beautiful woman(living together in our 30's. She has ADHD. I am sure there is another forum out there for me to speak on however, I have not found it. We are haveing major problems which I feel are ending this relationship. She has enxiety, depression and the ADHD. She is taking Effexor, I think 150 mg per day. There is so much besuty and talent in her if she could just believe in herself. Unfortunately it appears as though she is relying on me to make it all better. I cannot handle it!! I am a very good care taker and while living with her, I have almost gotten to be able to tolerate the mess etc.
> > Of late there have been some major fights (VIOLENT) I dont know what to do. I am a very rational person but, I fear for her safety as well as myself If this continues down this road. She has tried to hurt herself and me. She is taking meds and seeking therpy once a week....i dont know where to turn. It almost seems Bi-polar (not that i know enough to say) but, her doctor and she tell me thats not the case. If anyone has advice or knows of an organization that can help PLEASE respond. Thank you.
>
> Just curious, but what does she and her doctor say when you question the diagnosis? How has she tried to hurt you or herself? Suicidality isn't a common feature of ADHD. I have bipolar and ADHD, and ordinary doses of many meds can cause more problems than they solve. I would seek a 2nd opinion from another psychiatrist. Your girlfriend doesn't sound like her treatment is working out regardless of whether the diagnosis is accurate or not. She may need alternative treatments.
>
Thank you for your thoughts Rich. I am actually going today to see the psychologist with her(first time I have been allowed to be involved.) If I am expected to be a part of her life I must be able to know what the real deal is if I am to help. This has gone on for over a year and each "incident" gets worse, more violent. I know fact that ADHD is a strong part of the challeneges with holding a job, school, etc. his has caused her to feel failure to parents, past relationships, etc. So the depression sets in. It is the impulsivity that scares the heck out of me. She takes Adivan or Klonopin as well as Effexor. In her past she shared with me she has tried Welbutrin, Zoloft, Ritalin,and many other drugs for differing symptoms. She was never diagnosed as a kid, only since age 25. I am just really trying to get understanding of all this. I went to the ADHD ADD conference in Chicago this year and have read a few books. The ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, and now Violence is so overwhelming. Despite the efforts......I do not understand.
Posted by jannbeau on October 28, 2002, at 11:58:28
In reply to Re: I am scared of this medicine, HELP ME!, posted by dde on October 26, 2002, at 19:30:21
>Not an unusual demeanor for a person (even a 10-yr old, I would imagine) who has made up his/her mind to end the pain.
Know that we are with you in YOUR pain.
Jannbeau
so you can imagine what was happening to a 10 year old on 225 mg! He didn't seem depressed that day, in fact, he was happy....almost too happy, and content. Many strange conversations were had, strange now that I reflect on them....I am glad you got off the stuff, and yes, we have consulted an attorney....and are going forward with suit.
>
Posted by jannbeau on October 28, 2002, at 15:47:05
In reply to Re: Adults with ADHD » KarenB, posted by Billy on October 27, 2002, at 16:49:34
> Bill, forgive me for speaking frankly. I am NO expert on any psychological problem, but here goes: I think you should NOT be living with this person at the present time! She needs to make big changes in her behavior, with or without medication--and YOU CANNOT RESCUE HER!!!!!
Your partner's illness sounds like much more than ADD, as other PB posters have already suggested, but even if it is NOT, Bill, you should LEAVE this house of madness! Get out--for now, at least. You need "space" to review this situation AND you need a second diagnostic opinion AND you could do with some counseling for yourself to determine why you feel compelled to live this way. You do NOT owe this person a whipping boy! Staying and engaging in violence simply increases the likelihood of violence. Violence begets violence, as the old saying goes. You did not mention children, but if there are children, take them with you!
Good Luck,
JannbeauHello, My name is Bill and I am in a very serious relationship with a beautiful woman(living together in our 30's. She has ADHD. I am sure there is another forum out there for me to speak on however, I have not found it. We are haveing major problems which I feel are ending this relationship. She has enxiety, depression and the ADHD. She is taking Effexor, I think 150 mg per day. There is so much besuty and talent in her if she could just believe in herself. Unfortunately it appears as though she is relying on me to make it all better. I cannot handle it!! I am a very good care taker and while living with her, I have almost gotten to be able to tolerate the mess etc.
> Of late there have been some major fights (VIOLENT) I dont know what to do. I am a very rational person but, I fear for her safety as well as myself If this continues down this road. She has tried to hurt herself and me. She is taking meds and seeking therpy once a week....i dont know where to turn. It almost seems Bi-polar (not that i know enough to say) but, her doctor and she tell me thats not the case. If anyone has advice or knows of an organization that can help PLEASE respond. Thank you.
Posted by janee on October 28, 2002, at 20:16:30
In reply to Electric sensations on the top of the head, posted by Lindsey on September 9, 2000, at 19:23:38
Since I was little I would get this electric sensation from the top of my head to the bottom of my stomache. Doctor's don't know what I'm talking about. It happens when I begin to think too much about too many things at one time. Sometimes it is imobilizing. I'm on Ativan, Trazadone and Effexor and nothing helps with this problem. Please help.
Posted by Rickp on October 28, 2002, at 20:29:36
In reply to Re: Can't Think, Brain Dumb, Inspiration Won't Come, posted by Ezzy on October 24, 2002, at 21:18:57
> Well, it's day three on 37.5 Effexor, and except for a dry mouth and feeling a bit stoned, I'm not experiencing anything I can really complain about. I don't know if such a low dose will shift depression or anxiety, but I will find out soon enough. In the meantime, I'm trying to take in lots of fibre and water so that I can avoid the constipation that so many people seem to encounter. Thanks for all the info and feed back. ~Ezzy
That was the way I felt also. It will take some time to get used to. If you have any questions just post them and I will respond to them
Posted by jannbeau on October 29, 2002, at 10:16:57
In reply to Electric sensations on the top of the head, posted by Lindsey on September 9, 2000, at 19:23:38
> I am sorry to hear that your parents passed away. How old were they and what happened to them? How old are you, if I may ask.
Yes, the electric sensations, or "brain zaps" as many of us know them, do stop after you stop taking the medication. At least, for me, this was the case. The tapering is not bad. Don't let this board scare you. You will very likely do fine with the tapering. The secret seems to be not to take it too fast and, if you find that you are feeling too ill with a ster-down, back off, either to the previous dose for a couple of days, or to an intermediate dose.
Good Luck,
JannbeauBoth my parents died in 1998 and I went on Prozac, only to gain weight. After a year, I switched to Effexor, which seemed to be effective for a while. Now, after one year on Effexor, I feel the electric sensations in my head and I am sweating like crazy! I didn't know how to describe the head sensations before until I read postings here. I always described it as a feeling of falling a few inches. I want to get off and am worried about the dreaded tapering off, etc. Do the electric sensations go away after you stop?
Posted by dd3 on October 29, 2002, at 21:34:17
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by Racer on October 25, 1999, at 19:54:13
I tried Effexor XR last year because I was going thru severe depression. I was started on the lowest dose of 37.5mg twice a day. I took my first pill and within half an hour I felt like all noises were being amplified. My children were talking softly near me but to me they sounded as if they were screaming. That sensation lasted for about 3 hours. That night I fell asleep better than usual but woke up around 3 in the morning and felt like my mind was racing and I felt as if I wanted to get up and run around the house or something. I felt almost manic. I eventually fell back asleep but it took a while. The next day I took the Effexor as I was prescribed. The same thing happened again but this time I got that panicky feeling during the day and the night. I have heard that it is supposed to be good for panic attacks also, which I have suffered from for the past 18 years. I stopped taking it after the second day because of those strange feelings. My question is....have any of you had these side effects and how long do they last. I want to try it again because my panic attacks are getting worse and my depression is coming back. I have tried many AD's in the past and never had those reactions. I have told my doctor about the side effects and have asked him to switch me to another AD but he insists on the Effexor and WON'T give me another one.
Any ideas...comments...
Thanks,
dd3
Posted by dde on October 29, 2002, at 22:24:43
In reply to Afraid to try it again » Racer, posted by dd3 on October 29, 2002, at 21:34:17
If you aren't liking the side effects and your doctor isn't listening to you, GET ANOTHER DOCTOR. Those side effects ARE all in your head....not a good place for them to be. Like I said before, if a drug is not making you feel "normal", then it isn't working for you. Contrary to popular belief, doctors are NOT God, and do not have all the answers for every single person. I seriously would get a second opinion. For anxiety, have you tried Paxil? I started taking it after my son hanged himself....wow, works great for me and my oldest daughter....Effexor will NEVER be in my house again. Good luck....dde
Posted by Janee on October 30, 2002, at 10:13:08
In reply to Afraid to try it again » Racer, posted by dd3 on October 29, 2002, at 21:34:17
It sounds like this medication is not for you. If possible I suggest for you to find another doctor or maybe even a phyciatrist to help you in your search for the right medication. I have been through about 6 different meds. Most of the time you should take a combo of medications to level you out. For example: I take Trazadone, Ativan and Effexor. The Ativan relaxes me while the trazadone keeps me from geting too relaxed so that I don't fall into deep deppression and the Effexor "only taken at night" helps so that I'm not tired through out the day. But still relaxed. I hope that makes sence. Effexor is an upper, Trazidone is also an upper and Ativan is an antianxiety med. It works pretty good. I have tried Celexa and Luvox also. Celexa was ok just not good enough for me and the Luvox was awful. See if you can switch to a different doctor. If you are having panic attacks you need to take something to relax you and depression you need something to give you a jump start. Upper and a downer to level you out. Your doctor needs to be more open minded. There are many, many medications out there to try. If one does'nt work try another until you find the med for you. Sounds to me like you are having side effects from this med. That should be a warning sign for your doctor to put you on something else. I hope this all makes sense to you. I hope this helps.
Janee
Posted by jannbeau on October 30, 2002, at 11:32:03
In reply to Re: Afraid to try it again, posted by Janee on October 30, 2002, at 10:13:08
> I am beginning (well, not really "beginning"--I've wondered for a long time) why it is that we are all SOOOOO dependent upon multiple medications to make us "feel" better? Why do we think we must "feel" better???? Why do we all "feel" so bad? Why are there so many of us who are unable to "feel" good. What did we ever do before the drug companies took over our lives? Drug companies are making fortunes off us and we don't "feel" any better. PDocs are also making lots of money and we don't "feel" any better for spending the money and time with the doc or other therapist!
I think we should try something else - I'm not sure what that would be, but, from the things I read here and on other sites, the answer does NOT appear to reside in a bottle of pills, just as it hasn't been found in a bottle of booze!
Thanks for listening this morning.
Jannbeau
It sounds like this medication is not for you. If possible I suggest for you to find another doctor or maybe even a phyciatrist to help you in your search for the right medication. I have been through about 6 different meds. Most of the time you should take a combo of medications to level you out. For example: I take Trazadone, Ativan and Effexor. The Ativan relaxes me while the trazadone keeps me from geting too relaxed so that I don't fall into deep deppression and the Effexor "only taken at night" helps so that I'm not tired through out the day. But still relaxed. I hope that makes sence. Effexor is an upper, Trazidone is also an upper and Ativan is an antianxiety med. It works pretty good. I have tried Celexa and Luvox also. Celexa was ok just not good enough for me and the Luvox was awful. See if you can switch to a different doctor. If you are having panic attacks you need to take something to relax you and depression you need something to give you a jump start. Upper and a downer to level you out. Your doctor needs to be more open minded. There are many, many medications out there to try. If one does'nt work try another until you find the med for you. Sounds to me like you are having side effects from this med. That should be a warning sign for your doctor to put you on something else. I hope this all makes sense to you. I hope this helps.
> Janee
Posted by Sioux on October 30, 2002, at 22:29:16
In reply to Re: Afraid to try it again » Janee, posted by jannbeau on October 30, 2002, at 11:32:03
I overheard a language tutor telling another tutor "You know, Americans will pay anything to feel good about themselves; you can't teach them because they feel bad if you correct them."
That did get me thinking about how many different things we are willing to buy in order to feel better. I know for my part I *very* often make poor decisions because I forget that the other person is *not* my best friend. This includes my doctor, the salesperson, the cop on the beat, and a whole host of other innocents.
I try to get pretty clear about what I want out of a transaction and why I want it. When I succeed is when I actually do feel good about myself.
This, however, is not to confuse personality function with pain (one application of effexor) or clinical depression (the usual use of SRI).
I believe, however, that there's a megaproblem with anyone that believes that depression is a discrete condition or that a particular psychoactive drug is/is not going to have a particular effect on a particular person. I do believe the diagnosis "depression" can be the first recourse of a true quack as it is so easy to drug a patient into compliance and leave 'em there until the insurance runs out...
fwiw
Posted by Janee on October 31, 2002, at 8:44:58
In reply to Re: Afraid to try it again » Janee, posted by jannbeau on October 30, 2002, at 11:32:03
I understand that medication is not always the answer but for some people it helps them cope.It is not however good for uses to numb them for life. But o think that using medication that works for maybe as little as a year would be helpful to cope with whatever symptoms you may have. I myself have Agoraphobia, OCD, and Panic and Anxiety disorders. I am slowly taking myself off of the meds that I have been precribed to take mulitable times a day. I'm not telling people to go get the same medications that I have been using. I am merely suggesting to them what worked for me might work for them. I also know that I am healed through Christ Jesus and these disorders are only symptoms and will subside to never return. The meds only help me to cope with the pain. But not forever.
Janee
Posted by legallybrunette on October 31, 2002, at 11:40:50
In reply to Afraid to try it again » Racer, posted by dd3 on October 29, 2002, at 21:34:17
hey there! -
wow, i came on here to post yet another question
about effxr, saw your mssg and was astounded.
i took xr for 4 days, had zero side-effects til day
4, when the exact same thing happened to me! my
hearing became freakily 'wolf-like' (not only were
the normal drips & creaks within my house
staggeringly loud, when i went to my window i could
hear, very clearly - among other things - peoples'
conversations from nearly 2 blocks away; i kid you
not), my muscles became very rigid, and i had an
overwhelming sense of panic and mind-body
disassociation.
& later on, when i felt more 'sane', i walked up
the street to the house of the woman i'd heard
talking from 2blocks away; just out of curiosity, i
wanted to know if i hadn't just been having audio
'hallucinations'.
i asked her if she and her friend had been
discussing marital problems (yes, personal stuff,
but hey) a recently-bought SUV and their kids'
school parties.
she looked stunned and asked how i knew. i tried to
explain, but still she looked at me like i was
kooky.
anyway, that's my story. my doctor said that it
was probably 'serotonin-syndrome' (i, too, had only
been taking 37.5mg), but that she'd never heard of
those reactions.
well, i would also like to try taking it again - i
believe that i need something! - but am deathly
afraid of, not so much the acute hearing (hey, it
could come in handy!), as i am of the panic and
frightening disassociative feelings.does anyone out there know if the 'regular' non-xr
effexor has fewer side-effects, or if trying one of
the older ADs - prozac, etc - may be a safer
choice, in that they don't stimulate the serotonin
so exclusively, and head-on?> I tried Effexor XR last year because I was going thru severe depression. I was started on the lowest dose of 37.5mg twice a day. I took my first pill and within half an hour I felt like all noises were being amplified. My children were talking softly near me but to me they sounded as if they were screaming. That sensation lasted for about 3 hours. That night I fell asleep better than usual but woke up around 3 in the morning and felt like my mind was racing and I felt as if I wanted to get up and run around the house or something. I felt almost manic. I eventually fell back asleep but it took a while. The next day I took the Effexor as I was prescribed. The same thing happened again but this time I got that panicky feeling during the day and the night. I have heard that it is supposed to be good for panic attacks also, which I have suffered from for the past 18 years. I stopped taking it after the second day because of those strange feelings. My question is....have any of you had these side effects and how long do they last. I want to try it again because my panic attacks are getting worse and my depression is coming back. I have tried many AD's in the past and never had those reactions. I have told my doctor about the side effects and have asked him to switch me to another AD but he insists on the Effexor and WON'T give me another one.
>
> Any ideas...comments...
>
> Thanks,
>
> dd3
Posted by Sioux on October 31, 2002, at 12:38:01
In reply to Re: Afraid to try it again - amazing!, posted by legallybrunette on October 31, 2002, at 11:40:50
>>>>>> I di took xr for 4 days, had zero side-effects til day 4, when the exact same thing happened to me! my hearing became freakily 'wolf-like' (not only were> the normal drips & creaks within my house staggeringly loud, when i went to my window i could hear, very clearly <<<<<<
I didn't get acute hearing but I did get acute smell. It was pretty dreadful: Every exhaust of every passing vehicle (I live in the city!) - Each smells different, BTW, in case you've ever wondered. The worst was when someone walked into my office after having used the bathroom; he had a ten foot diameter cloud of sh-- stink around him. It's left me with a profound respect for pet dogs and their ability to sort it all out without going nuts.
However - I'm of a generation that experimented with LSD, the first of the SRI's in public use. I didn't use it but many of my friends did. Reactions to it were as varied as the people who took it but the sensory disturbances, "bad trip" experiencing, etc calmed down as the brain adjusts to the change in seratonin levels.
>>>>does anyone out there know if the 'regular' non-xr effexor has fewer side-effects, <<<<<
My best guess would be that the "XR" part is inactive and functions merely to release the drug more slowly over a longer period of time.
>>>>>>>one of the older ADs - prozac, etc - may be a safer choice, in that they don't stimulate the serotonin so exclusively, and head-on? <<<<<
Or a mixture? Alternating day dosage of various?
S
> hey there! -
>
> wow, i came on here to post yet another question
> about effxr, saw your mssg and was astounded.
> i took xr for 4 days, had zero side-effects til day
> 4, when the exact same thing happened to me! my
> hearing became freakily 'wolf-like' (not only were
> the normal drips & creaks within my house
> staggeringly loud, when i went to my window i could
> hear, very clearly - among other things - peoples'
> conversations from nearly 2 blocks away; i kid you
> not), my muscles became very rigid, and i had an
> overwhelming sense of panic and mind-body
> disassociation.
> & later on, when i felt more 'sane', i walked up
> the street to the house of the woman i'd heard
> talking from 2blocks away; just out of curiosity, i
> wanted to know if i hadn't just been having audio
> 'hallucinations'.
> i asked her if she and her friend had been
> discussing marital problems (yes, personal stuff,
> but hey) a recently-bought SUV and their kids'
> school parties.
> she looked stunned and asked how i knew. i tried to
> explain, but still she looked at me like i was
> kooky.
> anyway, that's my story. my doctor said that it
> was probably 'serotonin-syndrome' (i, too, had only
> been taking 37.5mg), but that she'd never heard of
> those reactions.
> well, i would also like to try taking it again - i
> believe that i need something! - but am deathly
> afraid of, not so much the acute hearing (hey, it
> could come in handy!), as i am of the panic and
> frightening disassociative feelings.
>
> does anyone out there know if the 'regular' non-xr
> effexor has fewer side-effects, or if trying one of
> the older ADs - prozac, etc - may be a safer
> choice, in that they don't stimulate the serotonin
> so exclusively, and head-on?
>
>
>
Posted by FrustratedMale on October 31, 2002, at 13:47:54
In reply to Sex life and Effexor...Help!!, posted by Hoss on September 6, 2002, at 1:21:22
I have been on Effexor XR for the past 2 months and experiencing frustration with the lack of having an orgasm. 1 time since starting the drug. The dr. suggested taking buspar twice a day - no noticeable difference.
Anybody get any relief?
Posted by Reverend Joe Robak on October 31, 2002, at 14:47:37
In reply to Re: Sex life and Effexor...Help!!, posted by FrustratedMale on October 31, 2002, at 13:47:54
I too had some sexual side effects in the first month of taking Effexor XR. I was really great for my girlfriend, but no so much for myself. I have been on Paxil, Prozac, Seroquel, Remeron and other medications for anxiety, depression and panic attacks, but none have been as successful as Effexor XR. I have worked in the mental health field for 4 years as a QMA, and have seen all the side effects of medication and the effects of not being medicated. I can say that everyone reacts differently to medications. Some bad, some not so bad, and some don't experience any help from certain medications. I experience few side effects from Effexor XR 150mg.
Posted by Jannbeau on October 31, 2002, at 18:30:41
In reply to Re: Afraid to try it again, posted by Sioux on October 30, 2002, at 22:29:16
> Hi, Sioux
How insightful are your words! Thanks for responding with such thoughtful comments! Sounds as if you understand interpersonal dynamics rather well.
I also think your comment about drugging a patient into compliance is inspired: most of us -again I'll use this word in quotes-"feel" bad because we do not or cannot conform to society's "norms" or because we haven't learned to rely upon ourselves, to trust our instincts, or because we don't have the coping skills necessary to be "happy"--and who ever promised us a rose garden, anyway?
What I think I am saying is "happiness" should NOT be an expectation. Happiness should be an unexpected gift of the effort expended in striving for self realization. Some psychologist/philosopher--was it Maslow??--theorized that "self-realization"- of which "happiness" may be a fundamental component--or a surrogate concept--is a "process" not an "end," a striving, not an accomplishment; and that, as a "process" it is never finished and thus, our times on the top of the mountain, so to speak, are fleeting, that we can only briefly glimpse Nirvana in this life. Psychoactive medications then become a substitute for the process of seeking the mountaintop, a substitute that physicians are all too willing--and not always because they are "quacks"--to provide. In fact, I think that most physicians prescribe because psychiatrists have no idea how to reach the mountaintop!
Now, do I sound like an old hippie? or an earth mother?? How's that for philosophizing?
Jannbeau
I overheard a language tutor telling another tutor "You know, Americans will pay anything to feel good about themselves; you can't teach them because they feel bad if you correct them."
>
> That did get me thinking about how many different things we are willing to buy in order to feel better. I know for my part I *very* often make poor decisions because I forget that the other person is *not* my best friend. This includes my doctor, the salesperson, the cop on the beat, and a whole host of other innocents.
>
> I try to get pretty clear about what I want out of a transaction and why I want it. When I succeed is when I actually do feel good about myself.
>
> This, however, is not to confuse personality function with pain (one application of effexor) or clinical depression (the usual use of SRI).
>
> I believe, however, that there's a megaproblem with anyone that believes that depression is a discrete condition or that a particular psychoactive drug is/is not going to have a particular effect on a particular person. I do believe the diagnosis "depression" can be the first recourse of a true quack as it is so easy to drug a patient into compliance and leave 'em there until the insurance runs out...
>
> fwiw
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