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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by liza29 on October 1, 2005, at 10:37:16
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by NicknameRay on September 27, 2005, at 11:21:21
After reading the posts here (this is my first, too), I am posting to share a success (so far) story with Effexor XR and also to see if there are others who are like me. I think I've had off and on depression for several years, but, at 49, I got worse, and finally sought help. I started on Effexor XR at 75 mg and felt better, not great, after about a month. Then I went to 150 mg and it was like the lights came on. I felt like I was recognizing an old friend as I saw myself becoming the person I used to be. Colors were brighter, my relationship with husband improved, I became more outgoing. I had some symptoms like yawning all day, and some constipation, but nothing to offset the huge positives.
So..now I've been on it for nearly 5 years...I am mainly concerned with long term use, for which I realize there is no data. I tried dropping to 75 just to see...I am only working with a family practice medical person, by the way. At any rate, after about a month, I began to feel more irritability, and find that negative thoughts were creeping in more and more and were more difficult to control. I was also avoiding people. So I went back up to 150 and it took about 2 weeks to return to feeling "right" and that's where I am at now.
I would happily take it forever, if that's what it takes to keep feeling good.
However, I'm still worried about long term effects. I don't want to end up in 10 or 20 years with seizures, alzheimers, schitzophrenia, bipolar disorder...Not that I have ever read about any of these things happening, but that there just is no DATA that I am aware of. Anyone else have an information source on that subject? I've searched and read quite a bit.
Posted by liza29 on October 1, 2005, at 13:41:20
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor, posted by TinMan on September 24, 2005, at 7:50:18
I just posted for the first time earlier...and then I found posts by TinMan and LynnPerley that seem to echo my experiences. I laughed about not caring about not paying a bill late...that's me...I mean, I do pay my bills but I was always pretty mellow, flexible, and then all the demands of work, family got me into this overanxious, anal way of being that was part of my depression. I just don't miss that, even if it is drug induced. The only thing I miss is that I never cry. Horrible tragedies like 9/11 affect me, but the only outward sign of that is I get chills. Likewise, I haven't cried when my daughter was married...although I was extremely happy..I don't know
I think your recommendation of seeing a psychiatrist is probably what I should be doing. Like I said in my other post, I would happily take this stuff forever...but the two main worries I have are that it will have some horrible long term effect that turns my brain to jello...or that I could get into a horrible emergency situation where I couldn't get my medication and have to go thru a hellish withdrawal cold turkey. Of course, lots of people are dependent on medication to keep them alive and live with that concern always.
Posted by hevvi1 on October 1, 2005, at 14:29:13
In reply to Re: Effexor and Tiredness?, posted by haddsl on September 29, 2005, at 8:59:21
Thanks a lot for all your info..its really helped my peice of mind!!!
Posted by wildcard on October 1, 2005, at 14:36:30
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor » TinMan, posted by liza29 on October 1, 2005, at 13:41:20
Hey there! You are right that you may need med. the rest of your life. I have the same effects w/ Effexor XR re: no emotions. I do not cry and have not since i have been on Effexor XR but w/o it, i cry all the time. Effexor has been the only AD to really help so i continue to take it. Not everyone goes through the hellish w/d. I quit cold turkey and was fine(for 45 days). That is rare but each person is different. I have no clue what is in my future but i know i cld. leave this world tomorrow and if i did, i want to feel some relief and if that means taking a med., i will. My point is, no one knows what will happen next week, year, etc., so if u find a med. to help u, that is great!! Therapy is an option and under a docs care maybe try tapering off the Effexor slowly if u really do not want to take it. Just do not go by posts from other babblers alone as each one of us is unique. Take care!
Posted by TinMan on October 1, 2005, at 18:09:21
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor » TinMan, posted by liza29 on October 1, 2005, at 13:41:20
I am addicted to caffeine. And the withdrawal is hell. The headaches, the irritability, the tiredness of trying to "get off" caffeine.
I love my coffee and intend to drink it until I die. It helps "motivate" me but doesn't help with anxiety, GAD, or depression.
OK, I guess the point I am trying to make is this: Effexor, even with all it's side effects and possible withdrawal symptoms, has really helped me. I would rather be tired, calm and pay a bill late once in a while than be an irritable, anal, nervous person. But that is just me.
Now, I am trying this: taking 75 mg of Effexor right before bedtime along with 7.5 mg of Remeron. In the morning, I take another 75 mg of Effexor along with 150 mg of Wellbutrin. My goal is to get off the Remeron and Wellbutrin. I can live with taking Effexor the rest of my life, if I feel like I need to. Effexor has shut off the "chatter" in my head; the second guessing, and the anxiety. I can feel now. Since I can think now, I can sit with my feelings and know why I am feeling them. (Does this make sense?) They aren't bad or wrong. They just are. I don't have to act on them. But now, I can actually feel them without the knee jerk reactions that I used to have.
And, yes, while we all have lives, some of the people who take the time to post on this board have truly helped me. A lot. So, thanks to all of you who take the time to help a stranger.
Posted by graceneeded on October 2, 2005, at 7:39:02
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor » TinMan, posted by liza29 on October 1, 2005, at 13:41:20
The not crying on Effexor was something I did not realize until I got off. There were side affects but the drug did its job. My problem was that as long as I was happy and feeling level I never worked on the issues that caused my depression in the first place. I came off meds after 15 years and found out I like me. I do get upset easy but that was one of the reasons I got depressed in the first place. The meds keep it under control but did not cure it. When the meds were gone it was still there but so am I. If need be the meds are still part of my coping tools but for right now I want to see if I have learned anything from my journey. My kids say they liked me better on meds I did not get upset as easy. Maybe but Daddy's home and feeling GOODDDDDDDDDDD!
Posted by Britt on October 2, 2005, at 12:50:42
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor, posted by graceneeded on October 2, 2005, at 7:39:02
Ya know, sometimes I think it's more about the relationships we have in life than of the medication. You are right, it is a tool we can use to cope, but ultimately, it's how we learn to lift ourselves. Sometimes, when I'm sad and my friend comes over and says "hey, we are watching comedies tonight" and brings chocolate and mint juleps...I mean, I go from sad to laughing out loud. Even among our spouses and kids we can feel so sad and lonely...restless... but, having a spouse or friend that makes you laugh all the time can really lift a person. My kids sometimes crack me up too, if I pay attention to the funny things they do. That's the good thing about this thread...it's supportive. We need to laugh at eachother more often...and send jokes dealing with depression so we can take the seriousness off..I mean really, life is not that serious! For me, I know God put me here to learn and do something to make a difference to someone...I'm looking into that...he gave us all a skill...What's yours?
Posted by graceneeded on October 2, 2005, at 13:50:53
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor, posted by Britt on October 2, 2005, at 12:50:42
My gift in life is being open with people. I can talk to anyone about anything even if I am as dumb as a stick. Reach out and TOUCH the life of another. It brings hope and healing. When we can look at the hand dealt to us in life and laugh at it we become free to help others to heal who have not learned to laugh or love. Its all about relationships and reaching out to others who hurt that brings forth our healing. Dedicate time every day to laugh, to cry and to love and you will be a blessing to others. We suffer at times so we will be able to help others who are suffering. Laugh On! Danny
Posted by liza29 on October 3, 2005, at 19:53:11
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor, posted by graceneeded on October 2, 2005, at 13:50:53
My gift in life is being open with people. I can talk to anyone about anything even if I am as dumb as a stick.
Anyone who can post as eloquently as you just did isn't "dumb as a stick" :-)
Posted by liza29 on October 3, 2005, at 20:00:13
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor, posted by TinMan on October 1, 2005, at 18:09:21
And your post really helped me also, Tinman. It is just nice to hear some of the thoughts I have had validated by someone else. I have had some very similar experiences...being able, with effexor to step back and see and accept my feelings, without the chatter and anxiety...it makes perfect sense. And I'm with ya on the coffee thing too!
Posted by liza29 on October 3, 2005, at 20:05:28
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor » liza29, posted by wildcard on October 1, 2005, at 14:36:30
So true...we are all unique. But it does help to know that I am not the only person in the world not crying. I don't know why that silly thing bothers me..and I did cut my dose by half for a month or so and had no side effects...except all those nasty negative thoughts came creeping back in no matter how I tried to banish them...So I went back up...the icky thoughts went away..and I guess that's good enough for now. Thanks for your post.
Posted by HelenR on October 4, 2005, at 19:31:17
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor » graceneeded, posted by liza29 on October 3, 2005, at 19:53:11
I'm feeling really well on 150mg effexor per day, 75 morning, and 75 night
but my behaviour is getting a little more impulsive (slightly manic?) and I'm a little don't carish, which leads me to not work as hard
as I should and not take my bills seriously etc.so am thinking of cutting back to 37.5 in the am and 75 at night.
I have only been on 150 for about 6months and took 3 months to feel better so am not sure if good idea. I know dr/psychiatrist would say no to cutting back
also, am tired a lot and have read a lot of comments here about adding wellbutrin to help with that
anyone care to comment?
thanks
Posted by SandiDee on October 5, 2005, at 18:19:47
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor, posted by HelenR on October 4, 2005, at 19:31:17
I know that what I thought to be tiredness from effexor, was actually the yawning side effect. Effexor has some odd side effects that wellbutrin helps with. I take 150 mg. of effexor, and 150 mg. of wellbutrin, both around 8 a.m. The wellbutrin has done wonders for the side effects of the effexor, but now I am thinking I need to talk to my dr. again, as I have noticed an increase in my OCD, things that had diminished in the past. Does anyone know if adding wellbutrin can contribute to something like that? I am alot happier with myself since starting the meds, and things don't seem to upset the applecart anywhere near as bad as before, but the OCD stuff has me slightly concerned. Any info would be appreciated!
Posted by TinMan on October 5, 2005, at 18:52:06
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor, posted by SandiDee on October 5, 2005, at 18:19:47
I have been on 150 mg of Wellbutrin now for about 3 weeks. I take it in the a.m. with 75 mg of Effexor and the other 75 mg of Effexor at night. So far, I have more energy and motivation. As far as the OCD, well I have noticed it a little but not too much. My libido is coming back a bit as well, which is a good thing.
One thing that troubles me is that sometimes since adding the Wellbutrin, I have some really self doubting moments, especially in social situations. Has anyone else experienced this?
Posted by 4wd on October 5, 2005, at 22:22:25
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor, posted by TinMan on October 5, 2005, at 18:52:06
Has anyone ever experienced ringing in the ears from Effexor?
And do you notice a sort of apathetic feeling, like you don't really enjoy anything, everything is just sort of the same?
Marsha
Posted by wildcard on October 6, 2005, at 2:59:40
In reply to Ringing in ears from Effexor anyone?, posted by 4wd on October 5, 2005, at 22:22:25
No ringing in the ears but yes, i have apathy! I had my doc just add Wellbutrin last week to see if that helps?? I just don't enjoy life. I know exactly what u mean! When i quit Effexor temporarily, I had more emotion than i knew what to do with. I started bk after 45 days when those *bad* thoughts crept in and i promised myself, never again. I know we are not alone w/ that side effect. Take care.
Posted by LynnPerley on October 6, 2005, at 21:21:03
In reply to Ringing in ears from Effexor anyone?, posted by 4wd on October 5, 2005, at 22:22:25
> Has anyone ever experienced ringing in the ears from Effexor?
>
> And do you notice a sort of apathetic feeling, like you don't really enjoy anything, everything is just sort of the same?
>
> MarshaNo ears ringing, but the apathy I get from Effexor is kind of a mellow feeling, and a tendency to ignore things I should pay attention to. A lack of motivation.
Posted by chrispy_85 on October 7, 2005, at 17:16:17
In reply to Ringing in ears from Effexor anyone?, posted by 4wd on October 5, 2005, at 22:22:25
> Has anyone ever experienced ringing in the ears from Effexor?
>
> And do you notice a sort of apathetic feeling, like you don't really enjoy anything, everything is just sort of the same?
>
> Marshahello there. i've only been on effexor for about a month now, but i'm definately experiencing that feeling. half the time i feel like all i'm doing is just simply 'being'. it feels like my emotions are suppressing themselves. things that i would normally have emotional problems with just don't seem to bother me anymore. i guess that's what the pills are supposed to do? but it still feels kind of strange. does that make any sense?
Posted by 4wd on October 7, 2005, at 20:28:54
In reply to Re: Ringing in ears from Effexor anyone?, posted by chrispy_85 on October 7, 2005, at 17:16:17
> > Has anyone ever experienced ringing in the ears from Effexor?
> >
> > And do you notice a sort of apathetic feeling, like you don't really enjoy anything, everything is just sort of the same?
> >
> > Marsha
>
> hello there. i've only been on effexor for about a month now, but i'm definately experiencing that feeling. half the time i feel like all i'm doing is just simply 'being'. it feels like my emotions are suppressing themselves. things that i would normally have emotional problems with just don't seem to bother me anymore. i guess that's what the pills are supposed to do? but it still feels kind of strange. does that make any sense?
I think that's pretty typical with Effexor, along with the inability to cry. I stopped Effexor about six months ago because it had quit working for depression (I had been on it for about 4-5 years). Now I am experiencing all the emotional upsets that I didn't experience before. What I mean is that every bad feeling, every bit of anxiety and fear that I didn't have while I was on Effexor is hitting me now. I don't think this happens to most people but it;s happening to me.It's possible there's more involved than just the Effexor but I know that every time I tried to switch from Effexor to a different AD, I started getting panicky and terrified within a couple of weeks and I'd have to go back on. I finally decided to live through it and get off it. It could just be that the Effexor was treating anxiety that I would have had anyway but I've never been as badly scared as I have been the last six months. I hope it gets better soon.
The lack of emotion might lessen if you were on a lower dose.
Marsha
Posted by chrispy_85 on October 10, 2005, at 10:44:24
In reply to Re: Ringing in ears from Effexor anyone?, posted by 4wd on October 7, 2005, at 20:28:54
> > > Has anyone ever experienced ringing in the ears from Effexor?
> > >
> > > And do you notice a sort of apathetic feeling, like you don't really enjoy anything, everything is just sort of the same?
> > >
> > > Marsha
> >
> > hello there. i've only been on effexor for about a month now, but i'm definately experiencing that feeling. half the time i feel like all i'm doing is just simply 'being'. it feels like my emotions are suppressing themselves. things that i would normally have emotional problems with just don't seem to bother me anymore. i guess that's what the pills are supposed to do? but it still feels kind of strange. does that make any sense?
>
>
> I think that's pretty typical with Effexor, along with the inability to cry. I stopped Effexor about six months ago because it had quit working for depression (I had been on it for about 4-5 years). Now I am experiencing all the emotional upsets that I didn't experience before. What I mean is that every bad feeling, every bit of anxiety and fear that I didn't have while I was on Effexor is hitting me now. I don't think this happens to most people but it;s happening to me.
>
> It's possible there's more involved than just the Effexor but I know that every time I tried to switch from Effexor to a different AD, I started getting panicky and terrified within a couple of weeks and I'd have to go back on. I finally decided to live through it and get off it. It could just be that the Effexor was treating anxiety that I would have had anyway but I've never been as badly scared as I have been the last six months. I hope it gets better soon.
>
> The lack of emotion might lessen if you were on a lower dose.
>
> Marsha
>hey marsha,
thanks for all of your input on that. i really hope that things get better for you soon. it must be really awful to have all of that anxiety come back after so long. do you think the drugs are worth the lack of emotion? i figure since you were on them for so much longer then i've been you might be able to tell me. i just can't tell now. i just don't feel like myself anymore and it's beginning to scare me. but then on the other hand, the thought of having that anxiety and panic attacks also scares me. i don't know. anyways, i really hope you start feeling better soon.
chris
Posted by Jedi on October 10, 2005, at 11:01:25
In reply to Ringing in ears from Effexor anyone?, posted by 4wd on October 5, 2005, at 22:22:25
> And do you notice a sort of apathetic feeling, like you don't really enjoy anything, everything is just sort of the same?
>
> MarshaHi Marsha,
When I took Effexor, it had a good partial affect on my depression but the apathy and anhedonia was unbearable. Tried augmentation with various meds but in the end, I went back to Nardil. I need that bump in dopamine and gaba that Nardil gives.
Wishing you success,
Jedi
Posted by Roanypony on October 10, 2005, at 20:49:00
In reply to Re: Ringing in ears from Effexor anyone?, posted by 4wd on October 7, 2005, at 20:28:54
I have just started on Effexor XR, x3 days now. I am on 75mg once a day, I started taking it for anxiety. So far now on top of the anxiety, I have nausea, light headedness, I woke up this morning with one of the worse headaches I've ever had, and now I have increased feelings of anxiety!!
I had terrible side affects and withdrawl from Paxil 4 years ago, and I swore I wouldn't try Psychotropic drugs again, but my level of anxiety was becoming so overwhelming and I was not truely able to function, I work a full time job, run my own business and I have about 3 other things on my plate as well. But I have to wonder if this will be worth it even for the short term...
I stumbbled across this list by accident, but I'm so glad that I have found it... I will be checking back within the next few days...
Posted by 4wd on October 10, 2005, at 22:48:05
In reply to Re: Ringing in ears from Effexor anyone?, posted by chrispy_85 on October 10, 2005, at 10:44:24
> > > > Has anyone ever experienced ringing in the ears from Effexor?
> > > >
> > > > And do you notice a sort of apathetic feeling, like you don't really enjoy anything, everything is just sort of the same?
> > > >
> > > > Marsha
> > >
> > > hello there. i've only been on effexor for about a month now, but i'm definately experiencing that feeling. half the time i feel like all i'm doing is just simply 'being'. it feels like my emotions are suppressing themselves. things that i would normally have emotional problems with just don't seem to bother me anymore. i guess that's what the pills are supposed to do? but it still feels kind of strange. does that make any sense?
> >
> >
> > I think that's pretty typical with Effexor, along with the inability to cry. I stopped Effexor about six months ago because it had quit working for depression (I had been on it for about 4-5 years). Now I am experiencing all the emotional upsets that I didn't experience before. What I mean is that every bad feeling, every bit of anxiety and fear that I didn't have while I was on Effexor is hitting me now. I don't think this happens to most people but it;s happening to me.
> >
> > It's possible there's more involved than just the Effexor but I know that every time I tried to switch from Effexor to a different AD, I started getting panicky and terrified within a couple of weeks and I'd have to go back on. I finally decided to live through it and get off it. It could just be that the Effexor was treating anxiety that I would have had anyway but I've never been as badly scared as I have been the last six months. I hope it gets better soon.
> >
> > The lack of emotion might lessen if you were on a lower dose.
> >
> > Marsha
> >
>
> hey marsha,
>
> thanks for all of your input on that. i really hope that things get better for you soon. it must be really awful to have all of that anxiety come back after so long. do you think the drugs are worth the lack of emotion? i figure since you were on them for so much longer then i've been you might be able to tell me. i just can't tell now. i just don't feel like myself anymore and it's beginning to scare me. but then on the other hand, the thought of having that anxiety and panic attacks also scares me. i don't know. anyways, i really hope you start feeling better soon.
>
> chris
>
Well, it was worth it for me. I hated it, though, and kept trying to get off Effexor, partly because of that. When Effexor quit working and I had to start searching for someting else tolerable, I really began to appreciate what Effexor had done for me in the past. If I could get back to that, I would. It's a lot better than being in intolerable emotional pain or terror. In fact, I keep thinking I'll try Effexor again.What dose do you take?
Marsha
Posted by 4wd on October 10, 2005, at 22:58:20
In reply to Re: Ringing in ears from Effexor anyone? » 4wd, posted by Jedi on October 10, 2005, at 11:01:25
> > And do you notice a sort of apathetic feeling, like you don't really enjoy anything, everything is just sort of the same?
> >
> > Marsha
>
> Hi Marsha,
> When I took Effexor, it had a good partial affect on my depression but the apathy and anhedonia was unbearable. Tried augmentation with various meds but in the end, I went back to Nardil. I need that bump in dopamine and gaba that Nardil gives.
> Wishing you success,
> JediHow on earth did you ever manage to get through the washout period? I'm terrified at the thought.
Marsha
Posted by Britt on October 11, 2005, at 7:42:45
In reply to Re: Ringing in ears from Effexor anyone?, posted by Roanypony on October 10, 2005, at 20:49:00
> I have just started on Effexor XR, x3 days now. I am on 75mg once a day, I started taking it for anxiety. So far now on top of the anxiety, I have nausea, light headedness, I woke up this morning with one of the worse headaches I've ever had, and now I have increased feelings of anxiety!!
>
> I had terrible side affects and withdrawl from Paxil 4 years ago, and I swore I wouldn't try Psychotropic drugs again, but my level of anxiety was becoming so overwhelming and I was not truely able to function, I work a full time job, run my own business and I have about 3 other things on my plate as well. But I have to wonder if this will be worth it even for the short term...
>
> I stumbbled across this list by accident, but I'm so glad that I have found it... I will be checking back within the next few days...
>
> I started 3 days ago also...the side effects are pretty much the same as yours, nausea, light headache, I get really sleepy within the hour that I take it with a detached sort of feeling like when one takes antihistimines....I almost feel when the nausea hits..like in my younger days when I drank and the bed would spin. LOL. I've been told that those side effects lessen or go away all together with time. I suppose we will both see, but it is comforting to know I am not going through this alone. I'll be thinking of you with tonights nausea...aren't you lucky? LOL. Seriously, let me know how you are! Hang in there!
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