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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Bug on January 19, 2005, at 21:41:20
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Donna Odom on May 23, 2000, at 11:41:56
I'm just wondering if anyone has had any problems with seizures while taking Effexor? I have had one seizure in my life, while taking Wellbutrin, and NEVER want to have another one again. All ADs seem to have seizures as a possible side fx, but I don't want to live forever in the pit of depression because I'm afraid of having another seizure. Even my psychiatrist isn't sure about it, and made me sign something saying I realized that Effexor could cause seizures. This makes me VERY nervous...
Posted by dancingstar on January 19, 2005, at 21:47:28
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Bug on January 19, 2005, at 21:41:20
I didn't have this problem while taking Effexor, but when I stopped taking it, I was definitely afraid that this would happen, only because I felt so sick that it felt like it was possible.
My doctor, unlike yours, told me that it was impossible. And I have not ever had seizures at all. I didn't, by the way.
Still think it isn't worth the risk. Why take such a dangerous drug if you can possibly avoid it? www.wyeth.com
Posted by eeyorena on January 19, 2005, at 22:29:56
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Bug on January 19, 2005, at 21:41:20
Well, actually, yes. I did have seizures. I didn't know that I was having them until my husband was at home and I fainted and had one. I had been fainting a lot in withdrawal, but I couldn't "feel" the seizures. Does that make sense?
One caveat though. I was born with torticollis. A rare congenital disorder that had some initial neurological effects on me when I was young, but never affected me again after that until Effexor and the seizures. So there may be a connection between the two, or maybe not. It could have been totally Effexor. Who knows? I'm off of it now. Withdrawal was very hellish for me. Your mileage may vary.
I don't take brand new drugs on the market anymore. I take the tried and true ones now, even if they are a bit more inconvient.
Posted by not2late4u on January 19, 2005, at 23:40:14
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by eeyorena on January 19, 2005, at 22:29:56
I didnt want to take wellbutrin because I was afraid of that side effect. I personally havent had any problems with seizures on or off of Effexor, and havent heard that its a side effect of Effexor either. I did have a test done to see if I was prone to them, when I considered wellbutrin. That might be something you and your doctor talk about, it may help ease your mind. I do know that wellbutrin is known for its increased seizure potential. Good luck, do your research and make up your mind based on the pros and cons, remember, everyone is different and has different reasons for needing medication. Renee.
Posted by dancingstar on January 20, 2005, at 0:43:19
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by eeyorena on January 19, 2005, at 22:29:56
I've read data that says that Effexor can and has caused seizures. Anyone can do the research. There is finally a lot of it to be found pretty easily, and I'm sure it's in the links that I've posted on this website, too.
Posted by not2late4u on January 20, 2005, at 1:11:07
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by dancingstar on January 20, 2005, at 0:43:19
Please keep in mind when doing your research that most medications have side effects, some more than others. Withdraw side effects may differ from side effects while you're on the medication and how you withdraw is also a major factor in those side effects. I am not here for or against your use, just trying to answer your questions based on my experience too. Renee
Posted by dancingstar on January 20, 2005, at 1:32:35
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by not2late4u on January 20, 2005, at 1:11:07
If you have a potential problem with seizures, it is my impression after reading many hours of documents and other information that you might consider options other than Effexor. As of now over 7400 people have signed the online petition. If you click on the numbers, you can read the problems that each person has had. I am not saying that this is where I specifically got the seizure information, because it isn't, but it might give you an idea of what you are getting into before you decide to take a drug that could potentially be harmful to you.
There are a lot of options, and it is my opinion that Effexor is greatly over-prescribed. It must be the opinion of a lot of other people, too, because lots of people write to me, saying that they have also had problems with this drug. You only have one nervous system. Is it really worth your taking a chance with it?
Please do your homework by doing a thorough search online and by reading everything you can about Effexor before you take it. Wyeth is just now being forced to be more forthcoming about some of the nastier side effects of Effexor; so you can find the information that you need to make an educated decision pretty easily.
Best of luck to you whatever you decide.
Bebe
Posted by not2late4u on January 20, 2005, at 1:51:34
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by dancingstar on January 20, 2005, at 1:32:35
Sounds like you better listen to this one, she's done far more research than I have and has most of the answers. Good luck to you.
Posted by sam7iam on January 21, 2005, at 13:00:35
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Donna Odom on May 23, 2000, at 11:41:56
Yes, I have had excellent success where all others failed, with Effexor XR. I started taking it for depression and mild bipolar, but about 3 yrs ago was hit with a rare spinal chord disease and we upped the dose to 450mg / day...way above the so-called limit. At first, I did experience dizziness, hand tremors, and some minor muscle spasms, but nothing very severe. It has worked wonders for me and keeps the 'fog' away and I've not gone into that 'pit' of depression even once!
I am on 17 meds for the spinal problems and my MD does have to ck my BP regularly, but never ever having had any heart or BP problems, my BP has risen only slightly. The Effexor seems to be balanced by the Neurotin that I take. I also use Duragesic ( Fentanyl ) in the patch form for pain control. The short answer is an emphatic YES! It works great for me. Good luck, best wishes for your health, Sam
Posted by KaraS on January 21, 2005, at 14:37:32
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Donna Odom, posted by sam7iam on January 21, 2005, at 13:00:35
Do you find enhanced motivation and energy at that high of a level? I never went higher than 225 mg. It helped to lift my mood but it seemed to be at the expense of motivation. Effexor is also the only thing I've tried so far that has helped much with depression but it gave me the typical SSRI apathy. I'm wondering now if it would be worth a trial at the higher dosages.
Posted by dancingstar on January 21, 2005, at 17:51:33
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Donna Odom, posted by sam7iam on January 21, 2005, at 13:00:35
And that is, indeed, the point. Effexor is an extremely powerful drug. I am hoping that the FDA considers limiting its usage to very serious conditions, like yours.
Effexor(XR) is too powerful to be used for the kinds of things it is prescribed for every day; mild depression, hot flashes, etc. The withdrawal symptoms are outrageous and not acceptable to the average person. It causes severe fatigue after a prolonged period of use. In many of us it causes debilitating depression after taking it for a while, and it does all of these things slowly and silently so that we haven't a clue as to the cause of our problems, and the usual solution is to increase the amount of the drug we take rather than remove it from our bodies entirely, not knowing that we have become allergic to it and are being poisoned.
In extreme situations, as in yours, Effexor might be useful, and I am glad that it has helped you. They need to keep it away from the average person, though.
Bebe
Posted by corafree on January 21, 2005, at 20:52:03
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Donna Odom, posted by sam7iam on January 21, 2005, at 13:00:35
Hi Sam. I also take Eff-XR and have chronic back injuries. What do you mean when you say,... "The Effexor seems to be balanced by the Neurotin."? I was on Neurontin 300mg for a while, but noted nothing. What did it do for you. I have only one prob' w/ Eff-XR and that's dulled emotions/fatigue. Nice to meet ya' cf
Posted by not2late4u on January 21, 2005, at 21:45:30
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » sam7iam, posted by corafree on January 21, 2005, at 20:52:03
Hi Sam, glad to hear your success story! Its great to know that it is helping someone. It helped me during my time of need. I've been weaning off now for a few weeks, its just time for me to try to go on my own. Mine was for anxiety. Thank you for posting your experience! Renee
Posted by not2late4u on January 21, 2005, at 21:50:34
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by dancingstar on January 21, 2005, at 17:51:33
Bebe, would it be fair to say "it could" or "it can" rather than "it does" for "some" not "all".
Posted by becci on January 21, 2005, at 22:25:33
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » dancingstar, posted by not2late4u on January 21, 2005, at 21:50:34
hey there. i just noticed this board toay, and say a message from toady. I am just getting off of effexor and had great success with it... but.. if i was ever even a few hours late taking the med i had severe with drawl from it. it is horrible. i am on day two of not taking it (after tapering dosages for nearly three weeks) and i fell really bad physically. i have lost a lot of depth perception, and have an electric shock sensation going through my body at all times. i just want it to stop. please consider this when starting the med.. i wish someone had told me. i never would have taken it if it was going to be this horrible coming off of it.
Posted by KaraS on January 21, 2005, at 22:43:24
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by becci on January 21, 2005, at 22:25:33
> hey there. i just noticed this board toay, and say a message from toady. I am just getting off of effexor and had great success with it... but.. if i was ever even a few hours late taking the med i had severe with drawl from it. it is horrible. i am on day two of not taking it (after tapering dosages for nearly three weeks) and i fell really bad physically. i have lost a lot of depth perception, and have an electric shock sensation going through my body at all times. i just want it to stop. please consider this when starting the med.. i wish someone had told me. i never would have taken it if it was going to be this horrible coming off of it.
Have you tried adding in a small amount of another serotonergic agent? I decreased very slowly off of Effexor. I had two bad days at the end when I went off of the last 10 mg. of it. At that point I started on Cymbalta and ALL of the problems went away. Prozac is supposed to be very good to use for this purpose as well.
Posted by becci on January 21, 2005, at 22:55:50
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » becci, posted by KaraS on January 21, 2005, at 22:43:24
>
> Have you tried adding in a small amount of another serotonergic agent? I decreased very slowly off of Effexor. I had two bad days at the end when I went off of the last 10 mg. of it. At that point I started on Cymbalta and ALL of the problems went away. Prozac is supposed to be very good to use for this purpose as well.
>thanks but no. i am trying to get off all my psyc meds one at a time, i don't want to add new ones. i have gained serious wieght over the past year and a half (about 75 lbs) I was even excersizing for a bit, then after six months and still gaing rapid weight I said "screw exercising if it doesn't help" So I really don't want to add anything new for long term use. I just talked to my mom though and she brought over some klonopin to help me through this (short term hopefully)
Posted by not2late4u on January 21, 2005, at 23:05:26
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by becci on January 21, 2005, at 22:55:50
Hi, I too have been tapering off. May I suggest that you take the lowest dose of Effexor every other day for a week or two, then every two days or whatever? This is what I am doing, per my psychs advise. I tried going two days in a row without it and the second day wasnt too good (yesterday). I took a 37.5 dose of Effexor and a klonopin and felt much better and didnt take Effexor today, so far so good. I'll take another Effexor tomorrow and so on. Thats my suggestion. Hope it helps you, it is me. Renee
Posted by KaraS on January 21, 2005, at 23:15:39
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by becci on January 21, 2005, at 22:55:50
> >
> > Have you tried adding in a small amount of another serotonergic agent? I decreased very slowly off of Effexor. I had two bad days at the end when I went off of the last 10 mg. of it. At that point I started on Cymbalta and ALL of the problems went away. Prozac is supposed to be very good to use for this purpose as well.
> >
>
> thanks but no. i am trying to get off all my psyc meds one at a time, i don't want to add new ones. i have gained serious wieght over the past year and a half (about 75 lbs) I was even excersizing for a bit, then after six months and still gaing rapid weight I said "screw exercising if it doesn't help" So I really don't want to add anything new for long term use. I just talked to my mom though and she brought over some klonopin to help me through this (short term hopefully)
>
>
>I wasn't talking about adding in something new for long-term use. I took a small amount of Cymbalta (about 10 mgs) for a few days. When I stopped that, all of the Effexor symptoms were gone. It stopped ALL of the suffering in my case. I understand if you don't want to take anything else. I'm just saying that this helped me.
Posted by becci on January 21, 2005, at 23:25:50
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » becci, posted by not2late4u on January 21, 2005, at 23:05:26
renee
thanks for the support. my mom just gave me some klonopin to try, it seems to help. it's at least bearable for now. this was my second day and i hope it gets better. one thing is for sure, this message board has been a god send. I e-mailed it to friends who thought i was just trying to milk up sympathy, and also to my parents who have been great.
Posted by dancingstar on January 21, 2005, at 23:56:08
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » dancingstar, posted by not2late4u on January 21, 2005, at 21:50:34
Renee,
If the words you used were true, I would use them.
Posted by dancingstar on January 21, 2005, at 23:57:41
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » not2late4u, posted by dancingstar on January 21, 2005, at 23:56:08
I misspoke. If the words that you like for me to use were true, I would use them.
Sorry. Hope you're feeling better today.
Posted by dancingstar on January 22, 2005, at 0:36:36
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » dancingstar, posted by not2late4u on January 21, 2005, at 21:50:34
Hey, Renee, I've got an idea!
Let's do a survey and see if we can get a little more information about a couple of the side effects that I contend are a problem, just to see what happens. No harm in it. Worse case scenario, I'm wrong. I'll apologize, maybe it'll even get me to shut up....
Here's a link:
Posted by corafree on January 22, 2005, at 0:37:25
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » sam7iam, posted by corafree on January 21, 2005, at 20:52:03
Same post, just changed amount of Neurontin.
Neurontin no longer for me; I can't remember why went off .. think is was just insurance issue.
I never thought of an AD as treatment for pain. But, finding a lot of people w/ chronic pain here on one AD or another. Ya' know, even discussions re: pain and Eff-XR vs. Cymbalta.
The anniversary of my father's death is coming, ... still grieving. I have a dx of borderline after much trauma over years.
Now in skills training. Take Eff-XR, trazodone, and small dose benzo for borderline personality disorder, panic, and now wondering about ADD or ADHD. Probably have it from being on all these drugs so many years, but then again there are things in my childhood that line up with ADD or ADHD.
I took an ADD/ADHD test online and scored HIGH. Well, I know that's no answer; but if, of all the psychs I've seen, they've missed this, I'm on the war path.
Nice to meet you Sam. Hope to hear from you. It's hard to describe pain and I can certainly identify with that, even tho' depression came before pain. Did I write anything here that is valuable info for anyone?
Because on Eff-XR, like to keep up w/ posts re: it. best wishes cf
Hi Sam. I also take Eff-XR and have chronic back injuries. What do you mean when you say,... "The Effexor seems to be balanced by the Neurotin."? I was on Neurontin 900mg for a while, but noted nothing. What did it do for you. I have only one prob' w/ Eff-XR and that's dulled emotions/fatigue. Nice to meet ya' cf
Posted by snakeadelic on January 22, 2005, at 1:49:57
In reply to EFFEXOR , posted by kcg33 on September 30, 2003, at 5:49:39
I know three people who've taken Effexor and ALL THREE are in terrible shape now! An old friend is still suffering neurological disturbances such as loss of balance, vertigo, and stuttering FOUR YEARS after being abruptly removed from this drug. It took my mother 3 months of migraines, vomiting, dizziness, falling down, nausea, and the certainty that she'd gone mad to wean off this drug. My current partner was on it only a few months and now has severe stuttering problems, a totally shattered confidence level in all areas of his life, and MUCH worse social anxiety and generalized anxiety than when he started--and he took over a month to wean.
What I am wondering is, since 100% of the people I know who've taken this drug suffered for it, and I see from some of your posts you have too, IS ANYONE SUING THE HOLY LIVING (UNLADYLIKE WORDS HERE) OUT OF THE MANUFACTURER YET?
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