![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 52. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by FaithT on January 24, 2005, at 4:53:08
Hi everyone~
I'd like to share my story with you, with the wish that I may possibly give hope to others. Not all experiences on Effexor are bad. In fact, mine is a story of success and living life again.I was diagnosed with Malignant Melanoma in July of 2002, at 33 years old. I had gone through 4 years of infertility treatment, and my husband and I finally had the baby of our dreams. Two weeks after my baby's 1st/ birthday, my whole world was turned upside down, by this diagnosis.
My situation may be extreme, but it triggered clinical depression, just like any other traumatic circumstance can. I fell into a very deep black hole of depression and severe anxiety. I thought of death constantly,and was so scared. I don't think I got out of bed or my pajamas for weeks, and my life, marriage, family, everything was going down the drain.
I began seeing a psych., and was prescribed Effexor XR, 37.5 to start, then remained on 187.5, and xanax as needed. (We tried Paxil first,and I hated it) Effexor did WONDERS for me. I began living again, despite my fears of the cancer. I was able to function, to take care of my little boy, be a wife etc. I felt great on Effexor from day one, and had very little weight gain. I did gain 15 lbs., but I had lost 10 previously from making myself so upset. I gladly accepted the extra 5, in return for my life.
I took the Effexor for 1 1/2 years, and I thought that because I felt so good, I was past all of the fear etc. So, I made the decision with my Dr. to wean off of it. Yes, the withdrawl was hard,, but I did it.
From around April 2004 - September 2004, I was Effexor free, and things were fine. I did not have any residual effects from the medicine at all, once I was past the withdrawl. Then due to some sad circumstances in my life, the depression and anxiety came back with a vengence. I was literally crying from morning till night, convinced that I was dying.I asked my Dr. if I could try Wellbutrin, because someone had recommended that med. to be really good...that was definately the wrong med. for me. I got worse. My psych. and I made the decision together that I would go back on the Effexor, because it worked so well before. For me, I know that for the sake of having a life, I need to remain on this med.
It took a long time for the Effexor to kick in the 2nd time around. As my psych. explained, when you interupt treatment, you can become resistant to the meds. Finally, after about 8 weeks, it was like a light went back on, and I was alive again. I am so thankful, and I have never felt better.
Having gone through the withdrawl myself, I know all about this med., BUT it is what allowing me to function, care for my son and not cry all day. Seeing what I am like off of it, I will never, ever do that again.
I think that every circumstance is different, and for me Effexor is allowing me to live through my fears. I'm so very grateful.
I am just one voice. I hope that anyone that may read this, will gain hope that things can get better... I am proof, having come full circle. Maybe if you have had a POSITIVE outcome with Effexor, you can post your story too. Even if you help just one person to feel a little better, then it's worth the time.
Best wishes to all of you in your journey,
Faith~
Posted by Aaron Uyanik on January 24, 2005, at 21:14:37
In reply to A POSITIVE EFFEXOR XR EXPERIENCE~, posted by FaithT on January 24, 2005, at 4:53:08
Thank you so much for your story and i pray to god you get better and live a wonderfull life with your family. I to have started effexor-xr and its been great thus far knowing well that there are bad withdrawals that come along with it. I hope that i will get better with time and i wont suffer bad withdrawals like some on this post when the time comes to withdraw. I havent had many side effects with this drug just the naseua , hot flushes and the sex( cant seem to cum). anyway i do feel good on this medication and will continue on it for a while maybe 6months or maybe 1 year (75mg). Good luck and god bless.
Posted by FaithT on January 24, 2005, at 23:45:10
In reply to Re: A POSITIVE EFFEXOR XR EXPERIENCE~, posted by Aaron Uyanik on January 24, 2005, at 21:14:37
Thanks so much Aaron! I really appreciate what you said, and I wish the same for you.
Just take it one day at a time, and hopefully the side effects will improve. Talk to your Psych. about it too. I remember being nauseus, for the first couple weeks, then I felt great.
When you do decide to wean off of Effexor, follow your Dr.'s advice and take it very slow.
Best wishes to you...
Faith~
Posted by not2late4u on January 25, 2005, at 3:06:38
In reply to Re: A POSITIVE EFFEXOR XR EXPERIENCE~, posted by Aaron Uyanik on January 24, 2005, at 21:14:37
Also Aaron, see my thread "renee tapering off Effexor" I've got about 30 days worth of journaling, it can be better than what you've heard. AT least it has been for me so far. The worst thing you can do when/if its time to withdraw is to go cold turkey or go to fast. I can see it taking me at least another 2-4 weeks, which will make it 2 months of withdraw. There is hope if you get to that point, in the mean time, listen to your body and doc, like Faith said. You'll know what to do and when. AND it sounds like you're a christian,as am I, so you know to ask God to guide you through the process, he'll let you know when its time. Rambling, that happens a bit more since Im nearly off Effexor now! God bless you! Renee
Posted by dancingstar on January 25, 2005, at 3:27:58
In reply to Re: A POSITIVE EFFEXOR XR EXPERIENCE~, posted by Aaron Uyanik on January 24, 2005, at 21:14:37
Hey Aaron,
It's really possible that you are just sufferring from a broken heart. This is major powerful medication, and the longer you take it, the harder it is to stop taking it.
Some people taking Effexor have such serious problems that they need to forget dull their senses to make it through their own lives. Those are the ones that this drug is best for.
I have been in a similar situation, but different, kind of, honest. Someone I loved had to leave. When you stop taking the drug, you feel everything anyway, though that wasn't why I was taking Effexor. If it damages your body, by chance, along the way, you've lost even more.
Posted by Aaron Uyanik on January 25, 2005, at 5:40:40
In reply to Re: A POSITIVE EFFEXOR XR EXPERIENCE~ » Aaron Uyanik, posted by dancingstar on January 25, 2005, at 3:27:58
Guys firstly i would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone here for there kindness and there support in helping me. I havent been on this post for long but in saying that i feel the kindness and benevolant nature you have shown here, not only towards me but also to others who have posted. Even though our problems arent all the same it isnt without the same convictions. We all share in one way or another the same affliction. Once again thank you all for your benign nature and may god bless and look upon us all. Thank you!
Posted by FaithT on January 25, 2005, at 7:41:23
In reply to Re: A POSITIVE EFFEXOR XR EXPERIENCE~ » Aaron Uyanik, posted by dancingstar on January 25, 2005, at 3:27:58
Dear Aaron~
Please follow the advice of your Dr., and then make an informed decision regarding Effexor. It firghtens me that someone would imply that you only have a broken heart, and are not depressed. That is for you and your Dr. to decide.
I can personally attest to the fact that I am not trying to forget about my life, as another poster implied. It's the opposite, I'm trying to live it, not dull it by any means.
I wish you luck, no matter which path you choose, Aaron. God bless you too.
Faith~
Posted by SLS on January 25, 2005, at 10:00:18
In reply to A POSITIVE EFFEXOR XR EXPERIENCE~, posted by FaithT on January 24, 2005, at 4:53:08
Hi.
In my ridiculous opinion, Effexor is a great drug when compared to the other alternatives medicine currently offers us. Of course it has its drawbacks. Some of the side effects it shares with the SSRIs. Statistically, however, Effexor has demonstrated two important properties:
1. It gets more people well than the SSRIs.
2. It brings more people closer to true remission than the SSRIs, especially at 300mg.Effexor is a potent drug from this standpoint. A study of more than 2000 people report this as a robust observation. Some of the most often cited investigators in the field of mood disorders participated. I don't have the time to retrieve the abstract, but one can find it on Medline as a study of venlafaxine.
One of the drawbacks of Effexor is that like so many other drugs offered by medicine, a withdrawal syndrome can develop upon its discontinuation. It is far from unique in this regard. Many different types of drugs that treat unrelated medical conditions produce a withdrawal syndrome upon discontinuation. For Effexor, this syndrome can be minimized by using a gradual taper in combination with strategies like using Prozac as a surrogate buffer. There are others.
- Scott
----------------------------------
The British Journal of Psychiatry (2001) 178: 234-241
© 2001 The Royal College of PsychiatristsRemission rates during treatment with venlafaxine or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
MICHAEL E. THASE, MD
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Pittsburgh, PAA. RICHARD ENTSUAH, PhD and RICHARD L. RUDOLPH, MD
Clinical Research and Development, Wyeth-Ayerst Research, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Correspondence: Michael E. Thase, Professor of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, 3811 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2593, USA
Declaration of interest M.E.T. is a paid consultant to Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories, the employer of A.R.E. and R.L.R.
ABSTRACT
TOP
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION
METHOD
RESULTS
DISCUSSION
Clinical Implications and...
REFERENCES
Background It had been suggested that the antidepressant venlafaxine, which inhibits reuptake of both serotonin and (at higher doses) noradrenaline, may result in better outcomes than treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).Aims To compare remission rates during treatment with SSRIs or venlafaxine.
Method Data from eight comparable randomised, double-blind studies of major depressive disorder were pooled to compare remission rates (Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression score 7) during treatment with venlafaxine (n=851), SSRIs (fluoxetine, paroxetine, fluvoxamine; n=748) or placebo (four studies; n=446).
Results Remission rates were: venlafaxine, 45% (382/851); SSRIs, 35% (260/748); placebo, 25% (110/446) (P < 0.001; odds ratio for remission is 1.50 (1.3-1.9), favouring venlafaxine v. SSRIs). The difference between venlafaxine and the SSRIs was significant at week 2, whereas the difference between SSRIs and placebo reached significance at week 4. Results were not dependent on any one study or the definition of remission.
Conclusions Remission rates were significantly higher with venlafaxine than with an SSRI
_______________________________________
Posted by FaithT on January 25, 2005, at 10:50:55
In reply to Re: A POSITIVE EFFEXOR XR EXPERIENCE~, posted by SLS on January 25, 2005, at 10:00:18
Awsome post Scott. Thanks for your input!
Faith~
Posted by SLS on January 25, 2005, at 13:13:22
In reply to Re: A POSITIVE EFFEXOR XR EXPERIENCE~ » SLS, posted by FaithT on January 25, 2005, at 10:50:55
Here is the Medline abstract:
Here is the full article:
http://bjp.rcpsych.org/cgi/content/full/178/3/234
"CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
Patients treated with venlafaxine had a 10% greater chance of remission than those treated with SSRIs (45% v. 35%).Onset of remission occurred 1-2 weeks earlier for venlafaxine-treated patients.
Doses of 150 mg/day venlafaxine may be necessary to maximise the likelihood of remission."
Posted by not2late4u on January 25, 2005, at 13:27:43
In reply to Re: A POSITIVE EFFEXOR XR EXPERIENCE~, posted by SLS on January 25, 2005, at 10:00:18
Scott, thanks for your post. It's great information and support. Renee
Posted by not2late4u on January 25, 2005, at 13:30:36
In reply to Re: Aaron, posted by FaithT on January 25, 2005, at 7:41:23
Aaron, I agree with Faith, as I said before you, our doctor, family and God know you better than we do. I'll post later tonight further about tapering from 75mg. Please be sure to talk to your doctor before tapering off and be sure to do it when you are ready. Its ok to stay on it for as long as you and doctor feel its necessary. You will have our support. God bless,Renee. p.s. I'll keep in touch.
Posted by dancingstar on January 25, 2005, at 16:34:18
In reply to Re: A POSITIVE EFFEXOR XR EXPERIENCE~ » SLS, posted by FaithT on January 25, 2005, at 10:50:55
Am I misunderstanding the trial for efficacy to be based on four-week studies?
I surely hope that no doctor that I go to would base their decision to give me a medication based on such limited evaluation of a drug, an evaluation that does not include all of the possible side effects that begin to become apparent only after someone has taken a drug for three months, six months, or maybe even a year.
In some of the links I have posted doctors have found that Prozac only helps marginally in assisting patients to stop taking Effexor without having exteme pain. Some say that over 60 percent of their patients have trouble when they stop taking it. Some say that some of their patients will have to take it for the rest of their lives. I've previously posted those links.
Posted by FaithT on January 25, 2005, at 18:26:26
In reply to Re: A POSITIVE EFFEXOR XR EXPERIENCE~, posted by SLS on January 25, 2005, at 13:13:22
Scott, I thought that the studies you presented were great.... In regard to the other poster, there are a ton of long term studies out there that I could post, showing duration of 6 months or longer. When I have a moment, I'll link to them for others to read if they wish.
Basically, a patient needs to be his or her own advocate with ANY medication prescribed, from an anti-biotic to an anti-depressant. I have yet to find one medication to date, that is the perfect or magic pill, with no side effects. I think that it's up to the patient to be informed, and weigh the options before they put ANY drug in their mouth. In my opinion, Effexor is no worse than MANY other drugs out there, and is BETTER at treating clinical depression than alot of the SSRI's.
In 2002, when I was put on this drug, the hand out that I received from my pharmacy, and that I read, stated that blood pressure should be regularly monitered, and liver function blood work checked. There is nothing hidden about this, and it also stated information regarding withdrawing from the drug. The withdrawl information on ALL of the SSRI's and SNRI's was updated since then, to include the withdrawl syndrome that can occur with MANY of the anti-depressants on the market. It is not unique to Effexor alone, although the withdrawl is hard. I did it myself, as I perviously stated, and it can be done.
Although, complications are rare, they can happen, just like alot of other drugs on the market. For instance, the warning for Wellbutrin, heavily realtes to seizures, occuring on the drug and during withdrawl. Anyone can go online and find the same information.
I have been monitered for 2 1/2 years now on Effexor, safely at 187.5 mg. So technically, I am one, in a long term study, with good results.
Best wishes to you and thanks again for your input,
Faith~
Posted by dancingstar on January 25, 2005, at 22:16:11
In reply to Re: Long Term Effexor XR Usage...Scott~, posted by FaithT on January 25, 2005, at 18:26:26
I may not be terribly educated, but I sure do understand this link:
Posted by FaithT on January 25, 2005, at 23:40:58
In reply to Re: Long Term Effexor XR Usage...Scott~, posted by dancingstar on January 25, 2005, at 22:16:11
As stated in the link~
"Yes, people will change doctors because some doctor had the nerve to punish them with Effexor (venlafaxine hydrochloride). Yet for many people it is a godsend, because the combination of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake is literally just what the doctor ordered for the darkest of depressions. "
Excellent link...It does explain Effexor very well, and the Author is able to see both sides, positive and negative, such an important factor as with any med.
Posted by FaithT on January 26, 2005, at 0:19:58
In reply to Re: Long Term Effexor XR Usage...Scott~, posted by FaithT on January 25, 2005, at 23:40:58
*These studies can all be found on Pub-Med*Venlafaxine ER in adult outpatients with
generalized social anxiety disorder ~October 2004. In this placebo-controlled, multicenter, randomized, double-blind trial, 272 individuals with generalized social anxiety disorder received either a flexible dose of venlafaxine ER (75 to 225 mg/d) or placebo for 12 weeks. The study found that, "Venlafaxine ER was statistically significantly more effective than placebo as demonstrated by the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale total scores at weeks 4 to 12...Adverse events were similar to those reported in studies of venlafaxine ER in depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Venlafaxine ER was safe, well tolerated, and efficacious in the short-term treatment of generalized social anxiety disorder."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Efficacy of Venlafaxine ER in patients with social anxiety disorder: a comparison with paroxetine:August 2004. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, 434 adults with generalized social anxiety disorder (SAD) were randomized to receive capsules of venlafaxine ER 75 mg to 225 mg/day, paroxetine 20 mg to 50 mg/day, or placebo for 12 weeks. The study concluded that, "Treatment with venlafaxine ER was associated with significantly greater improvement than treatment with placebo for all efficacy variables. No significant differences in efficacy variables were observed between the venlafaxine ER and paroxetine groups. The week 12 response rates were 69%, 66% and 36% for the venlafaxine ER, paroxetine and placebo groups, respectively. Both active treatments were generally well tolerated and were associated with a similar incidence of adverse events. This study shows that venlafaxine ER is an effective, safe and well-tolerated drug treatment for SAD."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Venlafaxine compared with SSRI’s ~May 2002. This analysis of 32 randomized trials found that Effexor was significantly more effective than SSRI antidepressants, but not tricyclic antidepressants.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Remission rates during treatment with venlafaxine or SSRI’s
July 2001. This analysis of 8 randomized, double-blind studies, concludes that venlafaxine resulted in better outcomes than treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). 45% of the patients taking venlafaxine experienced remission from depression, compared with 35% of those taking SSRI’s and 25% on placebos.
Posted by not2late4u on January 26, 2005, at 0:40:06
In reply to Re: Long Term Effexor XR Usage...Scott~, posted by FaithT on January 25, 2005, at 18:26:26
HiFaith I wanted to support you and to reinnerate a previous post of mine that I read in my moms medical/pill book that was publised in 1995 the possbile side effects and cautions of withdraw. IN 1995! So, it doesnt sound like a big secret to me that is just breaking news.
Posted by dancingstar on January 26, 2005, at 0:40:39
In reply to Re: Some Positive Studies of Effexor XR~, posted by FaithT on January 26, 2005, at 0:19:58
The reason that I don't find the 12-week studies to be as valuable as, for example, studies that last for six months or one year is because many of the problems that people have with Effexor don't tend to show in the first few months.
Some, of course, do. Those people know that they are having trouble with the drug and hopefully stop taking it. Other people don't develop problems until they have been taking Effexor for six months and longer, which is why those of us that say that the problems are slow and silent are so concerned. Mostly people can't see or feel the problems as they happen.
For some reason it has been harder for me to locate studies lasting longer than 12 weeks.
I haven't personally seen data for people taking Effexor over one year. Most interesting of all would be the data for two and three years because I believe that is the highest period so far of off-lable use of Effexor.
Posted by not2late4u on January 26, 2005, at 0:48:00
In reply to Re: Long Term Effexor XR Usage...Scott~, posted by not2late4u on January 26, 2005, at 0:40:06
Jeez I just re-read my post, it sure didnt come out right! It doesnt sound like breaking news that there are possible side effects and withdraw, because it was published way back in 1995, thats what I meant....sorry, Im going to fast here! Renee
Posted by dancingstar on January 26, 2005, at 0:49:51
In reply to Re: A POSITIVE EFFEXOR XR EXPERIENCE~, posted by SLS on January 25, 2005, at 10:00:18
The British Journal of Psychiatry (2001) 178: 234-241
© 2001 The Royal College of PsychiatristsRemission rates during treatment with venlafaxine or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
MICHAEL E. THASE, MD
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Pittsburgh, PAA. RICHARD ENTSUAH, PhD and RICHARD L. RUDOLPH, MD
Clinical Research and Development, Wyeth-Ayerst Research, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Correspondence: Michael E. Thase, Professor of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, 3811 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2593, USA
Declaration of interest M.E.T. is a paid consultant to Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories, the employer of A.R.E. and R.L.R.
Hmmm...Let me see if I can read this properly: "DECLARATION OF INTEREST M.E.T. IS A PAID CONSULTANT TO WYETH-AYEST LABORATORIES, THE EMPLOYER OF A.R.E. AND R.L.R."
Did I get that all right?
Posted by not2late4u on January 26, 2005, at 1:41:26
In reply to Re: A POSITIVE EFFEXOR XR EXPERIENCE~, posted by Aaron Uyanik on January 25, 2005, at 5:40:40
Aaron, you asked about withdrawing from 75 mg. Again, when you and/or your doc thinks it the right time. Ask his advise but remember what you 've read here too. There is alot of good information. When I got to the 75mg, I stayed at that dose until I felt stable, then I went to 37.5 mg until I felt stable. (now you might need to do 37.5 one day then 75mg the next and switch back and forth until you feel stable) Then 37.5 mg until you feel stable. Then what I am doing now is 37.5 every other day. When I feel Im stable, I will be off for 2 days then take 37.5 then off again for 2 days until I feel stable. This is what I am doing, its what is working for me and is what my Psych suggested. Go at your own pace, dont get in a hurry, thats when you could find yourself sick. Keep up with my thread as I continue to post my progress. And you'll read that others like Faith that were successful. Keep in mind, I am taking Klonopin to help along the process. YOu may or may not need any other medication to help you, your discussion with your doc can help you determine that. It may be easier to withdraw from a lower dose too. But it depends on your body chemistry and how long you've been on it too, I would suppose. Either way, take it slow, listen to your body and you know, pray and thank God for his help. God bless and good night. Renee. p.s. let us know how you are doing.....
Posted by not2late4u on January 26, 2005, at 1:45:55
In reply to Re: A POSITIVE EFFEXOR XR EXPERIENCE~, posted by SLS on January 25, 2005, at 10:00:18
Scott, If i didnt already reply to you, I think your great. keep posting, we need your help. Im still figuring out how to maneuver amongst all this babble, so if this was duplicated, sorry! Renee
Posted by dancingstar on January 26, 2005, at 2:51:56
In reply to Re: A POSITIVE EFFEXOR XR EXPERIENCE~, posted by not2late4u on January 26, 2005, at 1:45:55
Well, I just love links, love to read them, love to post them for you all to read them, too, but I must be tired cause I had one heck of a time trying to post the information that I wanted you to see...so I'll have to post the whole darn site, and you can just read through it at your leisure.
The thing that I find really interesting is that -- and again, it's about 12:40 a.m., and I'm a little wiped, no more chronic fatigue for this little chicky -- but anyway, please notice that the only positive articles or research about EffexorXR seems to be written or produced or done or funded by Wyeth-Ayerst. Now, like I say, I'm tired; so surely I must be wrong about this. Truly, though, on this whole big important website -- well, really there were only three pages devoted to the subject -- it looked like there was research that said that it was possible that Effexor(XR) could be okay but that further testing was necessary to find out cause they weren't really sure or, in other words, the jury was out...and it looked like the positive, just the simply positive stuff was put out only by Wyeth.
Someone show me where I am reading this wrong because I think I must wrong about this one. Surely, there has to be one positive conclusive independent study that I missed. They say right in the body of each study who it was sponsored by, and I know it must be just cause I'm wiped that I missed it.
Posted by SLS on January 26, 2005, at 7:01:03
In reply to Re: Long Term Effexor XR Usage...Scott~, posted by dancingstar on January 25, 2005, at 22:16:11
> I may not be terribly educated, but I sure do understand this link:
>
> http://www.crazymeds.org/effexor.htmlI am not terribly educated either. I hope you don't hold that against me. The cognitive impairments produced by depression forced me to discontinue college before graduating. Since then, depression has pretty much caused me to discontinue life.
As it says somewhere on this website, it is not a good idea to necessarily believe everything you see on the Internet. While much of what the site you cited is true, the facts are cleverly organized and not complete. The agenda of the authors is obvious. They wish to portray psychotropic drugs as being scourges and unnecessary.
Do you believe that antidepressants are unnecessary?
- Scott
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