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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 20 of 20. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by keeppluggin on November 14, 2004, at 15:44:15
I am considering switching from Lexapro (8 weeks with lillte improvement to depression and anxiety) to Effexor, but after reading the posts am having second thoughts. I had been on Paxil for a good nine years, then got off last spring and was hit with depression this summer that did not respond to resumption of Paxil. Tried Wellbutrin first (made me anxious) then Lex. Another family member has done very well on Effexor so I thought why not?
Thoughts.
Posted by crazychickuk on November 14, 2004, at 15:48:16
In reply to Effexor XR: Any positive experiences out there, posted by keeppluggin on November 14, 2004, at 15:44:15
go for it i am gonna give it another try... i have read more posts on how good it wa than bad the only negative thing is withdrawl but if i can just get rid of this problemsnow i will cross the withdrawl bridge when its time..
Posted by MKB on November 14, 2004, at 16:09:29
In reply to Effexor XR: Any positive experiences out there, posted by keeppluggin on November 14, 2004, at 15:44:15
Just make sure you are fully informed before starting Effexor XR. You know your own health and need to determine if it is likely that Effexor will magnify any health problems you may have. When going off Effexor, your personality may not be stable and you may do things and say things that are unlike you. Know this before you start and don't go more than two days without the medicine unless you are prepared for the withdrawal. www.petitiononline.com/effexor/
Posted by Racer on November 14, 2004, at 18:21:20
In reply to Effexor XR: Any positive experiences out there, posted by keeppluggin on November 14, 2004, at 15:44:15
There are two things to remember about boards like this:
1. Your mileage will vary. That means that every body reacts differently to every drug. I can tell you my own experiences with a drug, but it's really not going to tell you much about what you'll experience on it.
2. This board is mostly made of of people who are still searching for a medication that works. That tends to skew the averages, you know? Effexor XR works great for a lot of people, but those people are doing something else right now, instead of hanging out here on this website. After a few (dozen) bad experiences with medications that don't work, it's easy to start painting all of them with the same brush.
That said, Effexor can work well, and some people don't have as much trouble as others in getting off it. Because the withdrawal syndrome is now known, your doctor will be able to help plan your downward titration when the time comes, to help minimize your discomfort. It is important to remember that missing one or two doses can be enough to start withdrawal with this drug, though. Make sure you don't run out.
Personally, I was on it for a long time, and it worked OK for me. I wouldn't take it again, but that's because it pooped out for me, and I did have a bad time with withdrawal. Also, it didn't work that well for me, so I'd rather find an alternative. Again -- your mileage will vary. I didn't have a good ride with Paxil, either, so we've already found one difference between us. And I couldn't hack Lexapro for more than about two weeks, so again, there's a difference.
Good luck!
(And you might want to look into Cymbalta, which is a brand new drug with a similar action to Effexor, which is not expected to have the same level of withdrawal effects.)
Posted by MKB on November 14, 2004, at 23:01:54
In reply to Plenty of 'em » keeppluggin, posted by Racer on November 14, 2004, at 18:21:20
The withdrawal syndrome is NOT well-known. My doctor did NOT warn me. That is why people like me "hang out here" trying to warn people. My doctor had the lame excuse that the pharmaceutical rep was lying to her. I recently saw a psychiatrist who also seems oblivious to what Effexor can do. There are plenty of people who thought Effexor was doing wonders for them, when in fact they were developing serious health problems, such as liver failure. They found out too late and are now dying and some are dead, some from suicide committed during withdrawal from Effexor. Some are dead because they were murdered by people on Effexor, like Andrea Yates. Many people DO NOT KNOW that the problems they are having are due to Effexor. If people want to take it after being fully informed, fine. But people do need to be informed. Effexor is NOT for pregnant women, NOT for children, NOT for anyone with high blood pressure, liver problems, etc, etc. Doctors DO NOT take this into consideration when they dole it out. Why? Because they get tons of free samples and they are brainwashed by the drug reps. Honesty is the best policy and Wyeth has not been honest. They are making something in the neighborhood of $800 billion this year from Effexor. That amount is more than double the amount they are getting from the next most profitable medication. I've read plenty about it in the last two weeks and I will keep on warning people until someone else takes up the torch. Thanks to someone else who posted to this site, I was able to figure out what was happening to me during my unplanned withdrawal.
Posted by Willyee on November 15, 2004, at 0:11:58
In reply to Effexor XR: Any positive experiences out there, posted by keeppluggin on November 14, 2004, at 15:44:15
> I am considering switching from Lexapro (8 weeks with lillte improvement to depression and anxiety) to Effexor, but after reading the posts am having second thoughts. I had been on Paxil for a good nine years, then got off last spring and was hit with depression this summer that did not respond to resumption of Paxil. Tried Wellbutrin first (made me anxious) then Lex. Another family member has done very well on Effexor so I thought why not?
>
> Thoughts.Well as some following posts add,you luckly have the benifit of experieance to help you.Now if you decide to take it,you can keep a close eye on your progress,and plan for any type of withdrawal ahead of time,also you wont think your crazy when going through it,youll know.All the ssris and similiar medications are dangerous,each with there own problems,so if you feel it can help maybe try it,just go slow,very slow with your dosage.
For the record,to add i was 18 when i was prescribed effexor,it was the first drug i ever took in my life,i was told it was gonna change my life well it did for sure,7 years later ive now tried every srri and new medication similiar on the market.Point is when i went off effexor,my docter did not tell me about withdrawal,and i totaly lost my mind,it was very frightning,i rember one day sitting on the floor ripping out magizine pages to have an outlet for my agression during withdrawal.I was so scared,18 all of a sudden my mind is a blank page,all feelings gone,at that time the meds were said to be 1000 percent safe so i had no idea it was withdrawal,i rember at its worst i was in the midst of a self destructive act,i looked down and seen my dog a boxer,looking at me,i dropped what i had in my hand grabbed her and drenched her thin brown fur in my tears,she looked so confused lol,she doesent relaize it but she saved my life that day.
Foroums like this are what helped me move forward,we need people to tell what these drugs can do,we can no longer rely on the cute little cartoon commercials,the dangers are very real.
I wish you all the luck anyone can wish.
>
>
Posted by ed_uk on November 15, 2004, at 10:18:13
In reply to Re: Effexor XR: Any positive experiences out there, posted by Willyee on November 15, 2004, at 0:11:58
Willyee, I was also prescribed Effexor when I was 18. I didn't help my depression. The withdrawal symptoms from Effexor were problematic- worse than withdrawal from any of the other ADs I've taken.
Effexor- King of the withdrawal syndrome.
Ed
Posted by bethesdabob on November 15, 2004, at 11:33:24
In reply to Re: Effexor XR: Any positive experiences out there, posted by ed_uk on November 15, 2004, at 10:18:13
Make sure your doctor knows all the medications you take and has a thorough knowledge of your medical history.
Good luck, hope it makes you feel better soon.
Posted by ed_uk on November 15, 2004, at 11:34:25
In reply to Re: Effexor XR: Any positive experiences out there, posted by bethesdabob on November 15, 2004, at 11:33:24
Hello Bethesdabob,
How are you?
Ed
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 15, 2004, at 19:07:45
In reply to Re: Plenty of 'em » Racer, posted by MKB on November 14, 2004, at 23:01:54
> Doctors DO NOT take this into consideration when they dole it out. Why? Because they get tons of free samples and they are brainwashed by the drug reps.
It's fine to educate people, but please don't exaggerate or overgeneralize.
If you or others have questions about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
Follow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above post, should of course themselves be civil.
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Colleen D. on November 15, 2004, at 19:37:55
In reply to Effexor XR: Any positive experiences out there, posted by keeppluggin on November 14, 2004, at 15:44:15
and I think it's a wonderful anti-depressant. I read the literature that accompanied the startup pack which explained why you shouldn't go off it suddenly - it's short half-life - and I was nearly scared away from trying it. I love it and would recommend it to anyone dealing with major depression, anxiety and OCD.
Best Wishes,
Colleenp.s. - It's got Zoloft beat all to heck for me! :-)
Posted by Sad Panda on November 16, 2004, at 5:39:17
In reply to Effexor XR: Any positive experiences out there, posted by keeppluggin on November 14, 2004, at 15:44:15
I've been on Effexor for more than 12 months now, it's been mostly good. I would only recommend it if you are feeling suicidal because it is a bugger to get off of it. If you are less than suicidal, I would try lots of other things first.
Cheers,
Paul.
Posted by ed_uk on November 16, 2004, at 7:20:52
In reply to Re: Effexor XR: Any positive experiences out there, posted by Sad Panda on November 16, 2004, at 5:39:17
Hey, Sad Panda is back! I was wondering where you'd been.
Ed
Posted by jclint on November 16, 2004, at 7:28:15
In reply to Effexor XR: Any positive experiences out there, posted by keeppluggin on November 14, 2004, at 15:44:15
A neutral one for myself. It didn't really address my problems, but it didn't do me any harm either. To be honest I wouldn't have a problem recommending it, as long as you are aware of the possible withdrawal.
Posted by Sad Panda on November 16, 2004, at 9:57:49
In reply to Re: Effexor XR: Any positive experiences out there » Sad Panda, posted by ed_uk on November 16, 2004, at 7:20:52
> Hey, Sad Panda is back! I was wondering where you'd been.
> Ed
>Hi Ed,
I was on a enforced holiday.(banned) Seems I hurt someones feelings.
Cheers,
Paul.
Posted by ed_uk on November 16, 2004, at 10:09:18
In reply to Re: Effexor XR: Any positive experiences out there » ed_uk, posted by Sad Panda on November 16, 2004, at 9:57:49
I'm glad you're back. Good to see the familier names.
Ed
Posted by crazychickuk on November 16, 2004, at 10:14:19
In reply to Re: Effexor XR: Any positive experiences out there » ed_uk, posted by Sad Panda on November 16, 2004, at 9:57:49
Missed ya. hope your well..
Posted by Sad Panda on November 16, 2004, at 10:48:04
In reply to Re: Effexor XR: Any positive experiences out there, posted by ed_uk on November 16, 2004, at 10:09:18
Posted by JackD on November 16, 2004, at 14:50:11
In reply to Effexor XR: Any positive experiences out there, posted by keeppluggin on November 14, 2004, at 15:44:15
I've been on Effexor for a few months now combined with Remeron and Namenda (long story, don't ask). It works better than anything I've tried, and I've tried them all. Withdrawal is a BITCH, but hey, III think it's worth it. I would try other antidepressants first though.
Posted by MKB on November 18, 2004, at 8:26:03
In reply to Re: Plenty of 'em » Racer, posted by MKB on November 14, 2004, at 23:01:54
I misquoted earnings information from Effexor. Here is the quote from the Wyet website.
"EFFEXOR, Wyeth's SNRI (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) antidepressant achieved worldwide net revenue of $893 million for the third quarter, an increase of 38%. This solid performance continues to be driven by strong clinical data supporting its use in depression and anxiety and its established therapeutic profile with prescribers. Effexor XR remains the first and only once-daily SNRI proven effective in the treatment of major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder and the long-term prevention of relapse and recurrence of depression. The Effexor franchise is on track to exceed its longstanding goal of $3 billion in annual net revenue in 2004. However, as growth in the antidepressant category is slowing, the growth in Effexor revenues in the 2004 third quarter and first nine months may not be sustained for the balance of the year.'
I apologize for the error.
This is the end of the thread.
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