![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 5249 to 5273 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by Salty_Dog on September 22, 2003, at 18:55:53
In reply to Re: Effexor XR , posted by zeldas on September 21, 2003, at 18:40:37
I agree with Zeldas, we should not forget the positive effects.
Almost every serious medication I have taken indicates not to stop takening the med until you have consulted with your Dr.
The Manufacturing leflet found in the bottle at the Pharmacy will indicate withdrawl problems and indications. I know, I have about 20 of them and they all indicate withdrawl problems.I am currently have adverse effects from a med called Lamictal. I followed the instructions to the letter and sure enough, I got the rash all over my face and some of my chest in the last three days. I see my Nuerologist tomorrow. I saw my regular Dr. today and he reinforced my feelings.
I am still taking 600 mg of Effexor XR daily with predictable sweating behind my knee's and on my back. I stops the minute I get near a Dr. :)
I am completely free of depression. I also take Neurontin to eleviate the jitters from that high of a dose of Effexor. I will be stopping the Neurontin as suggested (tapper off) by my Dr.Effexor XR is working where all else fails.
Posted by skp on September 23, 2003, at 8:28:55
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by Shel on July 18, 2000, at 1:35:45
I'm having terrible 'white noise' and ringing in my head on Effexor 75xr..and have been on it for 2 weeks now..is this normal??
Posted by skp on September 23, 2003, at 8:32:38
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by Shel on July 18, 2000, at 1:35:45
I have been on Effexor 75xr for 2 weeks now, it doesn't seemed to have helped the depression yet...should I wait, and how long does it usually take to work?
Also been having many side effects, worse one being sinus problems...I have looked at all listed side eefects, but cannot find this one...has this effected anyone else in this way?
Posted by KimberlyDi on September 23, 2003, at 8:37:57
In reply to Re: Effexor XR , posted by kellie323 on September 22, 2003, at 2:40:55
I agree that more people should have information on the difficulty of withdrawal on some of these SSRI's. I also believe that doctors should all be informed of a withdrawal procedure that WORKS. I have my plan written down.
1. 1 months supply of 100mg X 2 daily of the Immediate Release (IR) Effexor.
2. 1 months supply of 75mg X 2 daily of the IR Effexor.
NOTE: both of these have the capability of being broken down into smaller pieces, meaning you could stretch the withdrawal process out for several months if needed, and not use the remaining.
3. 1-2 months Anti-Vertigo/Anti-Naseau med.
4. Low dosage of another SSRI-type AD (maybe Prozac) to fool the brain, OR the next AD I might decide to try.About sinus problems, I've noticed that when I'm not emotionally centered/stable and not feeling well, my allergies are worse. If I don't take care of myself, my allergies are worse. If I drink, the same. And BTW, everyone is having allergy problems right now at work. It's something in the air. So, just take care of yourself and wait for the allergy season to pass.
KDi in Texas
Posted by BJL on September 23, 2003, at 9:40:38
In reply to sinus headaches form Effexor?, posted by skp on September 23, 2003, at 8:32:38
YES!! I am down to 37.5 mg (today is my last day on that and I'm off....scared). Anyway, I have been noticing my sinuses are getting more congested and that my forehead at my eyebrows is aching more and more....like sinus pressure. I'd say it must be more than coincidence.
Posted by JaneB on September 23, 2003, at 9:56:18
In reply to sinus headaches form Effexor?, posted by skp on September 23, 2003, at 8:32:22
> I have been on Effexor 75xr for 2 weeks now, it doesn't seemed to have helped the depression yet...should I wait, and how long does it usually take to work?
> Also been having many side effects, worse one being sinus problems...I have looked at all listed side eefects, but cannot find this one...has this effected anyone else in this way?Yes, I had sinus problems on Effexor. But try convincing a doctor!
Posted by skp on September 23, 2003, at 10:32:42
In reply to Re: sinus headaches form Effexor?, posted by JaneB on September 23, 2003, at 9:56:18
> > I have been on Effexor 75xr for 2 weeks now, it doesn't seemed to have helped the depression yet...should I wait, and how long does it usually take to work?
> > Also been having many side effects, worse one being sinus problems...I have looked at all listed side eefects, but cannot find this one...has this effected anyone else in this way?
>
> Yes, I had sinus problems on Effexor. But try convincing a doctor!Did the symptoms go away..and what were they like for you...do u think they were related to Effexor? I have trouble with sinus congestion and this causes headaches...also extreme 'white noise' in my head all the time! Psy say it's not linked!
Posted by Music on September 23, 2003, at 10:36:08
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I get head aches often. Right above the eyebrow usually as well. I am on 150 mg Effexor XR twice daily. Any suggestions for relief?
Music
Posted by zeldas on September 23, 2003, at 10:45:59
In reply to sinus headaches form Effexor?, posted by skp on September 23, 2003, at 8:32:22
> I have been on Effexor 75xr for 2 weeks now, it doesn't seemed to have helped the depression yet...should I wait, and how long does it usually take to work?
> Also been having many side effects, worse one being sinus problems...I have looked at all listed side eefects, but cannot find this one...has this effected anyone else in this way?Also--I am not sure if 75mgs. is even a therapeutic dose (high enough). It took 3 weeks for effexor to kick in for me at 150 mgs.
Posted by zeldas on September 23, 2003, at 10:56:27
In reply to Re: sinus headaches and noise from Effexor?, posted by skp on September 23, 2003, at 10:32:42
Most side effects diminish within a few weeks. And you have not been on this medication very long or at a very high dosage. Maybe you should visit your doc. I wouldn't give up on it yet.
Posted by skp on September 23, 2003, at 11:14:19
In reply to Re: sinus headaches and noise from Effexor?, posted by zeldas on September 23, 2003, at 10:56:27
thanks for advice...It's a relief to find this site!
I am on the 75mg Effexor extended release...and have been for 2 weeks...no change to my mood yet, still feel low, but also vey tired and distant!
The worse bit is the sinus headaches...has anyone else had sinus related problems on Effexor, and did it eventually go away?
Also the noise in my head ...it's like Iv'e been to a 'Trash Metal' gig...what's all that about?!
Posted by slinky on September 23, 2003, at 15:27:33
In reply to sinus headaches form Effexor?, posted by skp on September 23, 2003, at 8:32:22
> Also been having many side effects, worse one being sinus problems...I have looked at all listed side eefects, but cannot find this one...has this effected anyone else in this way?Hi..
Yes..this is one reason why I am now stopping efexor- sinus and eye pain.
Posted by kellie323 on September 23, 2003, at 16:43:01
In reply to Re: sinus headaches form Effexor? » skp, posted by slinky on September 23, 2003, at 15:27:33
I appreciate the feedback from everyone on this site. I have been off Effexor for almost two weeks and still have sinus pain and headaches every day. Benadryl and Sudafed seem to help. I also take Motrin when it gets too bad. I have researched vitamins and minerals and have decided to try that approach instead of the less natural ways that apparently haven't worked. My mood is better now and I'm able to deal with the problem that caused the depression in the first place. Trust your insticnts.
Posted by Salty_Dog on September 23, 2003, at 20:33:29
In reply to Re: sinus headaches and noise from Effexor?, posted by zeldas on September 23, 2003, at 10:55:28
I will re-afirm what Zeldas has posted. Talk to your Dr.. I used to blame every thing on whatever current medication I was on, until I remembered what I teach every Jr. Systems Engineer, assume there are more than one problems occuring at the same time. In other words, look outside the box. I have had a ringing in my left ear ever since I was in the Navy.
I blamed the Navy for destroying my hearing when indeed I had perfect hearing in both ears when I left the Navy. My ringing has a name - Tinnitus which occurs frequently in the general population( along with bad spelling) with or without meds to blame it on. My sinus headaches come and go entirely without permission from the noise in my left ear.
You may have the misfortune to have this as a side effect, in which case it will pass with time.
I have invented every side effect you can think of, but the one thing I have counted my blessing for is the absence of depression. I am at 600 mg so you can imagine the depression my Dr. saw me going through. I had not responded to 300 mg for an entire year but I didn't have alternatives. I had already had a gran mal seizure on Wellbutrin SR. The only side effect I now have is occutional sweating behind the knees and in the small of my back. I am sure by this time next week, the sweating will be history. I had to stop taking Lamctal due to rashes and hives which could led to more complications (even death).
Good luck, keep busy and 'all things will come to pass'.
Posted by Jasmine Neroli on September 23, 2003, at 22:59:25
In reply to Re: sinus headaches and noise from Effexor? » zeldas, posted by Salty_Dog on September 23, 2003, at 20:33:29
OMG! I was on Effexor for a week at 75mg per day, before my current meds......and I had TERRIBLE sinus pain right between the eyes and above and around them. Didn't think for a minute it could be the Effexor! Didn't go away until about 2 weeks after I stopped it. That has solved a mystery for me.
Hope you are doing better now!
Posted by skp on September 24, 2003, at 5:35:32
In reply to Re: sinus headaches and noise from Effexor?, posted by Jasmine Neroli on September 23, 2003, at 22:59:25
> OMG! I was on Effexor for a week at 75mg per day, before my current meds......and I had TERRIBLE sinus pain right between the eyes and above and around them. Didn't think for a minute it could be the Effexor! Didn't go away until about 2 weeks after I stopped it. That has solved a mystery for me.
> Hope you are doing better now!
Have been on Effexor 75xr for over 2weeks now, and the sinus pain, is def not my imagination..also the buzzing in my head is extreme....I really hope this goes away, also I thought the Effexor would have started working now for bad depression...but it hasn't...how long should I give it?
Posted by skp on September 24, 2003, at 5:38:11
In reply to Re: sinus headaches and noise from Effexor?, posted by Jasmine Neroli on September 23, 2003, at 22:59:25
Thought Effexor was for Anxiety and depression...ummm feeling anxious and depressed on it!!!
Posted by zeldas on September 24, 2003, at 6:02:39
In reply to Re: sinus headaches and noise from Effexor?, posted by skp on September 24, 2003, at 5:35:32
> > OMG! I was on Effexor for a week at 75mg per day, before my current meds......and I had TERRIBLE sinus pain right between the eyes and above and around them. Didn't think for a minute it could be the Effexor! Didn't go away until about 2 weeks after I stopped it. That has solved a mystery for me.
> > Hope you are doing better now!
> Have been on Effexor 75xr for over 2weeks now, and the sinus pain, is def not my imagination..also the buzzing in my head is extreme....I really hope this goes away, also I thought the Effexor would have started working now for bad depression...but it hasn't...how long should I give it?
>
>As has been said several times before here: I found that effexor kicked in after 3 weeks. 75 mgs. may not be a therapeutic dose. Ask your doc about raising it. Side effects like headache generally diminish.
Posted by zeldas on September 24, 2003, at 6:04:03
In reply to How long should I give Effexor?, posted by skp on September 24, 2003, at 5:38:11
> Thought Effexor was for Anxiety and depression...ummm feeling anxious and depressed on it!!!
See your docs about being sure you are on therapeutic doses AND give it some time!
Posted by skp on September 24, 2003, at 6:25:34
In reply to Re: sinus headaches and noise from Effexor?, posted by zeldas on September 24, 2003, at 6:02:39
thank you Zeldas
Not going to raise it as yet, as not so keen taking it anyway, so I'll give 75 extended realease a little more time..just hope the head pain diminish, as didin't feel physically so strange on Prozac or Seroxat!
Posted by skp on September 24, 2003, at 9:22:34
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by Shel on July 18, 2000, at 1:35:45
Has anyone had metal taste in mouth, like youv'e been sucking a coin..on Effexor...it's weirrrddd?!
does it go after a while?
Posted by jagxkr on September 25, 2003, at 8:09:35
In reply to Effexor Lawsuit, posted by Sean9 on April 7, 2003, at 9:19:51
I know the original post is a bit old, but I have just joined this group. This is an extract from a guardian article 2 years ago. :-
Venlafaxine, which has the brand name Effexor, is second. A British man, Steve Whiting, secured legal aid to bring a case over addiction to Effexor in this country against its manufacturer, Wyeth-Ayerst.
The URL is http://society.guardian.co.uk/mentalhealth/story/0,8150,547606,00.html
I have tried to find out what happened in the case, (if it ever materialised), and could find nothing. The guy also had a web site, but that has been taken down. Hmm, I wonder if they settled out of court.
> I saw a recent posting from a person who is interested in suing Wyeth Labs for the withdrawal they are experiencing from quitting Effexor. I’ve done some research and haven’t seen an active lawsuit against Wyeth yet for this reason, even though many people report debilitating symptoms like brain shocks and vertigo that follow for weeks after quitting.
> However, I think anyone interested in taking action on this subject should file a report with the FDA. They will open an investigation for every consumer complaint they receive, look into the practices of Wyeth and compare them to what is required by law, and if they get enough complaints may make Wyeth start providing more information on the number of cases of ‘discontinuation symptoms’ and how serious they are.
>
> File a report with the FDA. They regulate Effexor (which is made by Wyeth Laboratories Inc. in Philadelphia.).
> You can submit a complaint to the FDA online at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/
> You can also sign the petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/effexor/petition.html
>
> Good luck quitting
Posted by MIDNIGHT on September 25, 2003, at 9:38:37
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I'VE BEEN ON EFFEXOR FOR AT LEAST 6 YEARS AND PRIOR TO THAT I WAS ON PROZAC FOR ABOUT 8 YEARS. I FEEL LIKE I HAVE NO FEELING ON EITHER OF THESE DRUGS. I REALLY DON'T LIKE TAKING DRUGS. I'VE HAD PSYCHOTHERAPY, SAW A PSYCHIATRIST AND TRIED DIFFERENT RELAXATION TECHNIQUES, SUCH AS HYPNOSIS TO NO AVAIL, BREATHING TECHNIQUES, ETC. I REALLY WANT TO LEARN HOW TO RELAX AND COME OFF DRUGS AND GET ON WITH MY LIFE. LIBIDO - WHAT'S THAT. I HAVE NONE. NO DESIRE. HAS ANYONE FOUND THE MAGICAL DOSAGE THAT ACTUALLY WORKS AND MAKES YOU FEEL ALIVE?
Posted by zeldas on September 25, 2003, at 10:02:48
In reply to EFFEXOR - DOSAGE, posted by MIDNIGHT on September 25, 2003, at 9:38:37
> I'VE BEEN ON EFFEXOR FOR AT LEAST 6 YEARS AND PRIOR TO THAT I WAS ON PROZAC FOR ABOUT 8 YEARS. I FEEL LIKE I HAVE NO FEELING ON EITHER OF THESE DRUGS. I REALLY DON'T LIKE TAKING DRUGS. I'VE HAD PSYCHOTHERAPY, SAW A PSYCHIATRIST AND TRIED DIFFERENT RELAXATION TECHNIQUES, SUCH AS HYPNOSIS TO NO AVAIL, BREATHING TECHNIQUES, ETC. I REALLY WANT TO LEARN HOW TO RELAX AND COME OFF DRUGS AND GET ON WITH MY LIFE. LIBIDO - WHAT'S THAT. I HAVE NONE. NO DESIRE. HAS ANYONE FOUND THE MAGICAL DOSAGE THAT ACTUALLY WORKS AND MAKES YOU FEEL ALIVE?
There is no magic dosage. There is no magic. Each person has a different biology/chemistry. What is good for one may not be for another. There are some antidotes you might want to talk to your doc about concerning lack of sexual desire.Recently I went on serzone -- which for most people--has no sexual side effects. It works fine. It also can be added to other medications as an antidote.
Psychotherapy is not going to cure a biological brain illness like depression. But, it can help you cope. Frankly, I would much rather kill the disease than cope with it!
Posted by EmmaL on September 25, 2003, at 11:38:56
In reply to EFFEXOR - DOSAGE, posted by MIDNIGHT on September 25, 2003, at 9:38:37
> I'VE BEEN ON EFFEXOR FOR AT LEAST 6 YEARS AND PRIOR TO THAT I WAS ON PROZAC FOR ABOUT 8 YEARS. I FEEL LIKE I HAVE NO FEELING ON EITHER OF THESE DRUGS. I REALLY DON'T LIKE TAKING DRUGS. I'VE HAD PSYCHOTHERAPY, SAW A PSYCHIATRIST AND TRIED DIFFERENT RELAXATION TECHNIQUES, SUCH AS HYPNOSIS TO NO AVAIL, BREATHING TECHNIQUES, ETC. I REALLY WANT TO LEARN HOW TO RELAX AND COME OFF DRUGS AND GET ON WITH MY LIFE. LIBIDO - WHAT'S THAT. I HAVE NONE. NO DESIRE. HAS ANYONE FOUND THE MAGICAL DOSAGE THAT ACTUALLY WORKS AND MAKES YOU FEEL ALIVE?
Hi, Midnight!!
I am tired of feeling 'numb', as well. Darn! I hate this!
I am on my second week weaning off of Effexor. I have been on it for 2 years and 5 months. That is probably more like a walk in the park, compared to what you have been going through.
Since I have been on the weaning-off stage and the no-med stage, I cry, go on cleaning binges (i.e. shampooed my carpet, and washed the walls - I live in a 1380 square foot condo {without counting the basement area} - no more excessive sweating, finally!!!)and have way more energy, than I remember, and am feeling much more like myself, plus I have lost weight without really attempting to do so.
I have, with my new doctor's guidance (she is awesome and she listens!!), decided to try no meds for awhile. However, my sleeping schedule is TOTALLY out of wack, and I have experienced lots of diziness and nausea (getting better as the days wear on - was not near as bad as I thought it would be). I think I was just lucky. I will see my new doctor next week, and we will see where I decide to go from there. She has suggested Celexa, if I decide I still require anti-anxiety meds, afterall (I think I just might still need to be on meds, but I really do want to experience the real me and try to access the effects that I was experiencing on Effexor XR (former doctor attributed my fatigue and weight gain to not being on a schedule and feeling more relaxed so I might tend to eat more; these conditions were also, supposedly, related to my heightened cholesterol and high blood pressure. Wrong! She just did not hear what I tried to tell her so many times). After our conversations, I pretty much believed that this is how it had to be for the remainder of my employed life.
I really hope that you have a good doctor who really listens to you. Also, I am seeing a counsellor who is just as awesome as my new doctor. Have you had a second opinion? If not, you do need to do this for yourself. Anything you are seeking will not happen overnight. I am talking from experience.
From my first appointment to my physical exam with my new doctor, it took 3 months just for that, plus all of the follow-ups which are still ongoing. Plus, there is also the question of TMJ and other probable diagnoses from my ear-nose-throat specialist, my dentist, and my new doctor. My new doctor spotted an ear wax build-up, instananeously, which was not diagnosed by my former GP (had a physical in March and saw her again in June) or by my ear-nose throat specialist (had appointments in June and August.) I had been having plugged ears for quite some time.
It was worth the wait, however! Go figure! I highly advise a second opinion from a doctor who is still accepting new patients. Check it out!
Anyone have any advice about Celexa?? Or Welbutrin?? I specified that I could absolutely not take a med that will make me tired, and my new doctor suddently really hedged away from Wellbutrin. Please send any advice or experiences from these meds. I will really try to go it alone, but you never know. I just have a feeling that when I return to work, I will need some anti-anxiety meds.EmmaL
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.