Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 51295

Shown: posts 1 to 18 of 18. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

New to Effexor

Posted by Molly on January 9, 2001, at 15:33:21

Hi. I just started taking Effexor - started with 37.5 mg per day and amm now at 75 mg. per day. I just had my second child and have had tremendous stress lately and anxiety attacks. I have been on Effexor for three weeks now and actually am feeling more "on edge" than before. This is the only anxiety drug I have ever been on (except for Buspar a long time ago, which I didn't like) and I am wondering if anyone else has found that it worsened the problem or if I just need to give it more time to work?

Thanks. Molly

 

Re: New to Effexor

Posted by sadie on January 9, 2001, at 21:13:21

In reply to New to Effexor, posted by Molly on January 9, 2001, at 15:33:21

>Hi Molly. Wanted to share my info. I just started taking EffexorXR 6 weeks ago and started out with 37.5mg and now take 75mg a day. I felt(and still do at times) dizzy, lightheaded and just out of sorts when I started. I have an 8 month old boy(my first) and have been taking meds for my diagnosed clinical depression for about 6 years. This is my first try with EffexorXR. I didn't take anything during my pregnancy but found my depression to be worse postpartum so thought I would give this drug a try. I have good days and bad days and it is hard to say whether this drug is helping me or not. I have decided to stay on the 75mg a day until my next visit to the doc which is in about 4 weeks. I am breastfeeding and have gotten the ok from my doctor but still wonder if it is really ok. If I can be of any more help or you just want someone to talk to please feel free to post. Best of luck to you. My doc told me that it may take up to 6 weeks or even longer to get the full effect of the drug. And if this doesn't work for you, maybe something else will. For me it has been a trial and error thing.

 

Re: New to Effexor » sadie

Posted by Molly on January 10, 2001, at 8:50:22

In reply to Re: New to Effexor, posted by sadie on January 9, 2001, at 21:13:21

> >Hi Molly. Wanted to share my info. I just started taking EffexorXR 6 weeks ago and started out with 37.5mg and now take 75mg a day. I felt(and still do at times) dizzy, lightheaded and just out of sorts when I started. I have an 8 month old boy(my first) and have been taking meds for my diagnosed clinical depression for about 6 years. This is my first try with EffexorXR. I didn't take anything during my pregnancy but found my depression to be worse postpartum so thought I would give this drug a try. I have good days and bad days and it is hard to say whether this drug is helping me or not. I have decided to stay on the 75mg a day until my next visit to the doc which is in about 4 weeks. I am breastfeeding and have gotten the ok from my doctor but still wonder if it is really ok. If I can be of any more help or you just want someone to talk to please feel free to post. Best of luck to you. My doc told me that it may take up to 6 weeks or even longer to get the full effect of the drug. And if this doesn't work for you, maybe something else will. For me it has been a trial and error thing.

Hi Sadie. Thanks for replying. I am also new to the bulletin board so I hope I am doing this right! You sound just like me - I have not had depression, but have had bouts with anxiety over the last few years. I also have good days and bad days, but mostly I just feel "on the edge" all the time - it is like I am always fighting the battle with an anxiety attack - it is always on my mind. I would love to be able to have a day where I didn't think about it at all. I will give this Effexor a few more weeks to see if I get better. My doc appt is on the 19th. I would like to keep in touch. Molly

 

Re: New to Effexor

Posted by Alli on January 10, 2001, at 19:26:31

In reply to Re: New to Effexor » sadie, posted by Molly on January 10, 2001, at 8:50:22

Molly ~ I went on Effexor two years ago (Zoloft freaked me out; Prozac took away my libido). I went on a med. because in Oct. 1998 I was diagnosed as being depressed. I had a 1-1/2, 3 and 5 year old at the time. I was always on edge (gee, ya think?), felt exhausted and yelled quite a bit, which caused "Mother's Guilt" and caused me to cry.
I've suffered from anxiety/panic attacks since my early 20s, and have also been diagnosed as having Mitral Valve Prolapse, which can cause anxiety and a fluttery heart feeling.
ANYWAY... the first year I took 37.5 mg. in the morning and it kind of was like the feeling of having a glass of wine. The trials of the day weren't as "huge" anymore. However, after a while, my mornings became a panic attack and trip to the bathroom with diarrhea and sometimes vomiting. The doctor told me to take another one at bedtime so I wasn't "withdrawing" by morning. Okay... so now it's been two years, AND I'VE GAINED TWELVE POUNDS!
My whole time on Effexor has been like I'm still walking on eggshells with myself. I find it so so hard to feel good. I exercise, eat right, drink 100 ozs. of water a day and it's rare that I feel great.
I'm in the process of weaning myself off of the Effexor with Kava-Kava in the morning and St. John's Wort at bedtime. It should take two weeks.
I guess what I'm saying is: Do you really need to be on this medication? Can you think of a natural alternative? It is so very tough to have little ones and not feel overwhelmed and panicky. Sugar, red dye (like in licorice) and being dehydrated (which happens so easily throughout the day) can all cause feelings of panic.
I have a feeling that I'll be tredding on thin ice for the rest of my life... but I don't want to be on medication anymore.
Sorry for the long post. Please write back, or e-mail me if you want! Alli

 

Re: New to Effexor » Alli

Posted by Alli on January 11, 2001, at 11:46:09

In reply to Re: New to Effexor, posted by Alli on January 10, 2001, at 19:26:31

> Molly ~ I went on Effexor two years ago (Zoloft freaked me out; Prozac took away my libido). I went on a med. because in Oct. 1998 I was diagnosed as being depressed. I had a 1-1/2, 3 and 5 year old at the time. I was always on edge (gee, ya think?), felt exhausted and yelled quite a bit, which caused "Mother's Guilt" and caused me to cry.
> I've suffered from anxiety/panic attacks since my early 20s, and have also been diagnosed as having Mitral Valve Prolapse, which can cause anxiety and a fluttery heart feeling.
> ANYWAY... the first year I took 37.5 mg. in the morning and it kind of was like the feeling of having a glass of wine. The trials of the day weren't as "huge" anymore. However, after a while, my mornings became a panic attack and trip to the bathroom with diarrhea and sometimes vomiting. The doctor told me to take another one at bedtime so I wasn't "withdrawing" by morning. Okay... so now it's been two years, AND I'VE GAINED TWELVE POUNDS!
> My whole time on Effexor has been like I'm still walking on eggshells with myself. I find it so so hard to feel good. I exercise, eat right, drink 100 ozs. of water a day and it's rare that I feel great.
> I'm in the process of weaning myself off of the Effexor with Kava-Kava in the morning and St. John's Wort at bedtime. It should take two weeks.
> I guess what I'm saying is: Do you really need to be on this medication? Can you think of a natural alternative? It is so very tough to have little ones and not feel overwhelmed and panicky. Sugar, red dye (like in licorice) and being dehydrated (which happens so easily throughout the day) can all cause feelings of panic.
> I have a feeling that I'll be tredding on thin ice for the rest of my life... but I don't want to be on medication anymore.
> Sorry for the long post. Please write back, or e-mail me if you want! Alli

 

Re: New to Effexor

Posted by Molly on January 16, 2001, at 9:08:16

In reply to Re: New to Effexor » Alli, posted by Alli on January 11, 2001, at 11:46:09

> > Molly ~ I went on Effexor two years ago (Zoloft freaked me out; Prozac took away my libido). I went on a med. because in Oct. 1998 I was diagnosed as being depressed. I had a 1-1/2, 3 and 5 year old at the time. I was always on edge (gee, ya think?), felt exhausted and yelled quite a bit, which caused "Mother's Guilt" and caused me to cry.
> > I've suffered from anxiety/panic attacks since my early 20s, and have also been diagnosed as having Mitral Valve Prolapse, which can cause anxiety and a fluttery heart feeling.
> > ANYWAY... the first year I took 37.5 mg. in the morning and it kind of was like the feeling of having a glass of wine. The trials of the day weren't as "huge" anymore. However, after a while, my mornings became a panic attack and trip to the bathroom with diarrhea and sometimes vomiting. The doctor told me to take another one at bedtime so I wasn't "withdrawing" by morning. Okay... so now it's been two years, AND I'VE GAINED TWELVE POUNDS!
> > My whole time on Effexor has been like I'm still walking on eggshells with myself. I find it so so hard to feel good. I exercise, eat right, drink 100 ozs. of water a day and it's rare that I feel great.
> > I'm in the process of weaning myself off of the Effexor with Kava-Kava in the morning and St. John's Wort at bedtime. It should take two weeks.
> > I guess what I'm saying is: Do you really need to be on this medication? Can you think of a natural alternative? It is so very tough to have little ones and not feel overwhelmed and panicky. Sugar, red dye (like in licorice) and being dehydrated (which happens so easily throughout the day) can all cause feelings of panic.
> > I have a feeling that I'll be tredding on thin ice for the rest of my life... but I don't want to be on medication anymore.
> > Sorry for the long post. Please write back, or e-mail me if you want! Alli

I am not sure what I am going to do. It has been four weeks now and I am feeling a little better. This past weekend was really good. My plan is to only stay on it for a few months - to break the anxiety cycle. I am not depressed and don't think that I need anything long term - my anxiety is more situational - my son (9weeks old now) was in ICU for two weeks after birth, we had an ice storm during which my truck was smashed by a pine tree, we were without power for ten days during which my two year old, my husband and my mother all had the flu. My husband lost his job and we are buying a new restaurant company. All of this within the last 60 days. I am hoping that, after a few months, I will settle down and can go off the med. What do you think is the best natural alternative? Thank you so much for your input. I hope you are doing well.
Molly

 

Re: New to Effexor » Molly

Posted by Alli on January 16, 2001, at 9:28:08

In reply to Re: New to Effexor, posted by Molly on January 16, 2001, at 9:08:16

Molly ~ Thanks so much for writing back! Wow, you've been through quite a bit in the past two months! That's more stress than anyone deserves in a lifetime let alone 60 days! If you've read any of the other posts in Psycho-Babble, you can be assured that there might be some withdrawal symptoms when you decide you don't need the Effexor; when things hopefully "calm down".
I just confided in a friend over the weekend that I was getting off of anti-anxiety meds and she told me that she takes three Stress Tabs (Twin Labs) three times a day. When she misses one she gets very nervous feeling; so they must be doing something! So today I'm going to go out and get some.
So far so good on the withdrawal with St. John's Wort and Kava-Kava; although, yesterday I felt weepy and tired, so I know it's going to be a while before I can be completely off of it. Kava-Kava claims to give a calming effect. Would you consider giving these a try and ditching the Effexor?
Write back when you get a chance! Alli

 

Re: New to Effexor

Posted by Molly on January 16, 2001, at 9:33:44

In reply to Re: New to Effexor » Molly, posted by Alli on January 16, 2001, at 9:28:08

> Molly ~ Thanks so much for writing back! Wow, you've been through quite a bit in the past two months! That's more stress than anyone deserves in a lifetime let alone 60 days! If you've read any of the other posts in Psycho-Babble, you can be assured that there might be some withdrawal symptoms when you decide you don't need the Effexor; when things hopefully "calm down".
> I just confided in a friend over the weekend that I was getting off of anti-anxiety meds and she told me that she takes three Stress Tabs (Twin Labs) three times a day. When she misses one she gets very nervous feeling; so they must be doing something! So today I'm going to go out and get some.
> So far so good on the withdrawal with St. John's Wort and Kava-Kava; although, yesterday I felt weepy and tired, so I know it's going to be a while before I can be completely off of it. Kava-Kava claims to give a calming effect. Would you consider giving these a try and ditching the Effexor?
> Write back when you get a chance! Alli

I am going to the doctor on Friday (my ob/gyn is still treating me for postpartum stuff - she is who prescribed the Effexor for me) and will talk with her. Several people have told me to give it a good six weeks in order to get the full effect of the drug before I decide. If and when I do get off of it, I will certainly consider something natural. I wish I had done that first. I really don't like taking medicines if I don't have to. Isn't it just like a panicky person to get anxious about taking medicine that is supposed to help the anxiety!! It really is a vicious cycle!
Molly

 

Re: New to Effexor

Posted by Noa on January 16, 2001, at 14:55:38

In reply to Re: New to Effexor, posted by Molly on January 16, 2001, at 9:33:44

Have you been checked thoroughly for postpartum thyroiditis?

 

Re: New to Effexor

Posted by Molly on January 16, 2001, at 14:59:15

In reply to Re: New to Effexor, posted by Noa on January 16, 2001, at 14:55:38

> Have you been checked thoroughly for postpartum thyroiditis?

I have never even heard of it - it causes anxiety? Is it an over or under active thyroid?

 

Re: New to Effexor--Postpartum Thyroiditis » Molly

Posted by Noa on January 16, 2001, at 16:11:46

In reply to Re: New to Effexor, posted by Molly on January 16, 2001, at 14:59:15

Either. Actually, both--usually it is overactive at first, and then underactive. It is an inflammation of the thyroid after pregnancy. Apparently, it affects about 5% of women postpartum.

And, symptoms of hyper (overactive) thyroid can include nervousness, anxiety, restlessness, etc., even panic attacks.

For more info, I recommend this article:

Postpartum Thyroid Problems:
Frequently Asked Questions About Thyroid Problems After Pregnancy

by Mary J. Shomon

which can be found at:

http://thyroid.about.com/health/thyroid/library/weekly/aa121900a.htm?terms=postpartum+thyroiditis


Also, I've clipped part of another article, just the section dealing with PPT:

PREGNANCY AND THE THYROID: A CLINICAL REVIEW
by:
K-C Loh,* Y-C Chee‡

address: http://www.rcpe.ac.uk/public/volume29_3b.html

Postpartum thyroiditis (PPT)

PPT is an autoimmune condition that occurs in approximately 5% of women during the first year postpartum. The clinical presentation is characterised by a hyperthyroid phase occurring in the first three months postpartum, followed by a hypothyroid phase between 3-6 months after delivery, with spontaneous recovery in the majority of patients.44,45 However, about half of the patients present with hypothyroidism without clinically apparent preceding thyrotoxicosis, and 25-30% of hypothyroid subjects eventually develop permanent hypothyroidism.46 PPT can also occur in patients with Graves' disease or Hashimoto's thyroiditis.47

Symptoms during hyperthyroid phase include tachycardia, excessive sweating, and rapid post-pregnancy weight loss. Thyrotoxicosis in PPT is usually mild and self-limiting (2-8 weeks' duration), and is distinguished from relapsing Graves' disease by a low RAIU (study contraindicated if the mother is breast feeding). ß-blockers can be administered if symptoms are severe. Antithyroid drugs are not useful in PPT because thyrotoxicosis is secondary to hormone release from the damaged gland. Observation is important because many patients become hypothyroid before recovering normal thyroid function.44-46

The duration of hypothyroid phase is variable and symptoms may include depression, fatigue, lethargy, inability to lose weight, and emotional lability. Painless goitre is a common finding. In symptomatic patients with biochemical evidence of hypothyroidism, treatment with levothyroxine is indicated. Patients who recover from PPT should be warned of the increased risk of recurrence with future pregnancies, and of developing permanent hypothyroidism in the future.44-46

Antibodies against thyroglobulin (Tg) or thyroperoxidase (TPO) have been reported in about 75% of patients with PPT. Although there is no consensus, systematic screening of thyroid autoimmunity in the early stages of gestation may allow specific monitoring of susceptible individuals, as approximately 50% of women with a positive test for thyroid antibodies subsequently develop PPT.48 In a large prospective study, women with positive anti-TPO antibodies detected during antenatal screening at 16-week gestation were found to have increased prevalence of thyroid-related symptoms in the postpartum period compared to the antibody-negative group. Interestingly, thyroid-related symptoms were present in both groups of thyroid antibody-positive women with and without thyroid hormone abnormalities, suggesting that symptoms may appear well before biochemical abnormalities become apparent.49

Other causes of postpartum thyroid dysfunction

About half the women with Graves' disease suffer a relapse after delivery. Relapse of Graves' disease in the postpartum period accounts for the remaining 10-15% of cases of postpartum hyperthyroidism.50 From a clinical standpoint, it may be difficult to distinguish hyperthyroidism caused by Graves' disease from an episode of PPT, and both conditions may occur in the same individual. In the majority of cases, hyperthyroidism due to Graves' disease occurs later in the postpartum period (between 3-6 months) as compared with the transient thyrotoxicosis of destructive thyroiditis. Affected mothers who breast-feed their infants should preferentially use propylthiouracil as less than 0.1% of the ingested dose is secreted in the breast milk. Nonetheless, propylthiouracil should be given in divided doses after each feeding, and the infants monitored closely with frequent thyroid function testing. Similarly, radioactive iodine treatment is contraindicated in nursing mothers.51

Hypothyroidism in the postpartum period may occasionally be contributed to by postpartum pituitary failure, which results from pituitary apoplexy (Sheehan's syndrome) or lymphocytic hypophysitis.52,53 In these situations other pituitary hormones are usually affected, and serum TSH is not elevated in the presence of low thyroid hormones.

 

Re: New to Effexor--Postpartum Thyroiditis

Posted by Molly on January 16, 2001, at 16:22:04

In reply to Re: New to Effexor--Postpartum Thyroiditis » Molly, posted by Noa on January 16, 2001, at 16:11:46

> Either. Actually, both--usually it is overactive at first, and then underactive. It is an inflammation of the thyroid after pregnancy. Apparently, it affects about 5% of women postpartum.
>
> And, symptoms of hyper (overactive) thyroid can include nervousness, anxiety, restlessness, etc., even panic attacks.
>
> For more info, I recommend this article:
>
> Postpartum Thyroid Problems:
> Frequently Asked Questions About Thyroid Problems After Pregnancy
>
> by Mary J. Shomon
>
> which can be found at:
>
> http://thyroid.about.com/health/thyroid/library/weekly/aa121900a.htm?terms=postpartum+thyroiditis
>
>
> Also, I've clipped part of another article, just the section dealing with PPT:
>
> PREGNANCY AND THE THYROID: A CLINICAL REVIEW
> by:
> K-C Loh,* Y-C Chee‡
>
> address: http://www.rcpe.ac.uk/public/volume29_3b.html
>
> Postpartum thyroiditis (PPT)
>
> PPT is an autoimmune condition that occurs in approximately 5% of women during the first year postpartum. The clinical presentation is characterised by a hyperthyroid phase occurring in the first three months postpartum, followed by a hypothyroid phase between 3-6 months after delivery, with spontaneous recovery in the majority of patients.44,45 However, about half of the patients present with hypothyroidism without clinically apparent preceding thyrotoxicosis, and 25-30% of hypothyroid subjects eventually develop permanent hypothyroidism.46 PPT can also occur in patients with Graves' disease or Hashimoto's thyroiditis.47
>
> Symptoms during hyperthyroid phase include tachycardia, excessive sweating, and rapid post-pregnancy weight loss. Thyrotoxicosis in PPT is usually mild and self-limiting (2-8 weeks' duration), and is distinguished from relapsing Graves' disease by a low RAIU (study contraindicated if the mother is breast feeding). ß-blockers can be administered if symptoms are severe. Antithyroid drugs are not useful in PPT because thyrotoxicosis is secondary to hormone release from the damaged gland. Observation is important because many patients become hypothyroid before recovering normal thyroid function.44-46
>
> The duration of hypothyroid phase is variable and symptoms may include depression, fatigue, lethargy, inability to lose weight, and emotional lability. Painless goitre is a common finding. In symptomatic patients with biochemical evidence of hypothyroidism, treatment with levothyroxine is indicated. Patients who recover from PPT should be warned of the increased risk of recurrence with future pregnancies, and of developing permanent hypothyroidism in the future.44-46
>
> Antibodies against thyroglobulin (Tg) or thyroperoxidase (TPO) have been reported in about 75% of patients with PPT. Although there is no consensus, systematic screening of thyroid autoimmunity in the early stages of gestation may allow specific monitoring of susceptible individuals, as approximately 50% of women with a positive test for thyroid antibodies subsequently develop PPT.48 In a large prospective study, women with positive anti-TPO antibodies detected during antenatal screening at 16-week gestation were found to have increased prevalence of thyroid-related symptoms in the postpartum period compared to the antibody-negative group. Interestingly, thyroid-related symptoms were present in both groups of thyroid antibody-positive women with and without thyroid hormone abnormalities, suggesting that symptoms may appear well before biochemical abnormalities become apparent.49
>
> Other causes of postpartum thyroid dysfunction
>
> About half the women with Graves' disease suffer a relapse after delivery. Relapse of Graves' disease in the postpartum period accounts for the remaining 10-15% of cases of postpartum hyperthyroidism.50 From a clinical standpoint, it may be difficult to distinguish hyperthyroidism caused by Graves' disease from an episode of PPT, and both conditions may occur in the same individual. In the majority of cases, hyperthyroidism due to Graves' disease occurs later in the postpartum period (between 3-6 months) as compared with the transient thyrotoxicosis of destructive thyroiditis. Affected mothers who breast-feed their infants should preferentially use propylthiouracil as less than 0.1% of the ingested dose is secreted in the breast milk. Nonetheless, propylthiouracil should be given in divided doses after each feeding, and the infants monitored closely with frequent thyroid function testing. Similarly, radioactive iodine treatment is contraindicated in nursing mothers.51
>
> Hypothyroidism in the postpartum period may occasionally be contributed to by postpartum pituitary failure, which results from pituitary apoplexy (Sheehan's syndrome) or lymphocytic hypophysitis.52,53 In these situations other pituitary hormones are usually affected, and serum TSH is not elevated in the presence of low thyroid hormones.

thank you Noa! How interesting - I will ask my doctor on Friday.

 

Re: New to Effexor--Postpartum Thyroiditis » Molly

Posted by Noa on January 20, 2001, at 14:55:34

In reply to Re: New to Effexor--Postpartum Thyroiditis, posted by Molly on January 16, 2001, at 16:22:04

Keep us posted, Molly!

 

Re: New to Effexor

Posted by Alli on January 26, 2001, at 13:46:47

In reply to Re: New to Effexor, posted by Molly on January 16, 2001, at 14:59:15

Molly ~ How are you doing? How did your doctor's appointment go? Are you sticking with the Effexor? Alli.

 

Re: New to Effexor

Posted by Molly on January 26, 2001, at 13:54:20

In reply to Re: New to Effexor, posted by Alli on January 26, 2001, at 13:46:47

> Molly ~ How are you doing? How did your doctor's appointment go? Are you sticking with the Effexor? Alli.

Hi! I ended up going to my internist rather than continuing with my ob/gyn. I have been on 75 mg/day and she explained to me that Effexor is a dual mechanism drug and that you only get the effect of one mechanism if you are only taking 75 mg - in order to really get the full benefit of both mechanisms, you have to take 150 mg/day. I have been feeling much better this last week (my sixth week) and so I decided to follow her advice and step up to 150mg/day. I start tomorrow. She said that for anxiety, she recommends being on the drug for 3 to 6 months - just until the cycle is broken. I'm doing ok for now - no panic attacks in over a week. We'll see. Thanks for asking. How are you doing?
Molly

 

Re: New to Effexor

Posted by A Cates on April 19, 2001, at 18:51:44

In reply to Re: New to Effexor, posted by Molly on January 26, 2001, at 13:54:20


> Hi! I ended up going to my internist rather than continuing with my ob/gyn. I have been on 75 mg/day and she explained to me that Effexor is a dual mechanism drug and that you only get the effect of one mechanism if you are only taking 75 mg - in order to really get the full benefit of both mechanisms, you have to take 150 mg/day. I have been feeling much better this last week (my sixth week) and so I decided to follow her advice and step up to 150mg/day. I start tomorrow. She said that for anxiety, she recommends being on the drug for 3 to 6 months - just until the cycle is broken. I'm doing ok for now - no panic attacks in over a week. We'll see. Thanks for asking.


Hi, Molly. I read this thread and thought I'd add my two cents. It really sounds as though you have been through a lot in the past month. It would be a strain on any person so you should give yourself credit.

Last year I was started on Effexor during a period of big life stress and I THOUGHT it was helping--but it wasn't. It was making things worse. Even though I was more anxious and panicky than I ever had been in my life, I thought it would be worse it I weren't on the drug. Even after the drug progressed to episodes of paralyzing terror, I STILL did not realize it was the drug. My doctor finally recognized what was going on and discontinued it.

You might want to think about this.

The diagnosis of postpartum depression is interesting. The thyroid is one of the organs controlled by the pituitary gland. At first drugs like Effexor stimulate the pituitary. But after you have been on it for awhile, they suppress the pituitary. So even if you do get thyroid testing done, an abnormal result could easily be from the drug. (So, before you let someone diagnose post-partum thyroiditis, I would suggest making sure that it is not just an adverse reaction to the Effexor.)

Good luck!

 

Re: New to Effexor

Posted by Molly on April 20, 2001, at 8:59:45

In reply to Re: New to Effexor, posted by A Cates on April 19, 2001, at 18:51:44

>
> > Hi! I ended up going to my internist rather than continuing with my ob/gyn. I have been on 75 mg/day and she explained to me that Effexor is a dual mechanism drug and that you only get the effect of one mechanism if you are only taking 75 mg - in order to really get the full benefit of both mechanisms, you have to take 150 mg/day. I have been feeling much better this last week (my sixth week) and so I decided to follow her advice and step up to 150mg/day. I start tomorrow. She said that for anxiety, she recommends being on the drug for 3 to 6 months - just until the cycle is broken. I'm doing ok for now - no panic attacks in over a week. We'll see. Thanks for asking.
>
>
> Hi, Molly. I read this thread and thought I'd add my two cents. It really sounds as though you have been through a lot in the past month. It would be a strain on any person so you should give yourself credit.
>
> Last year I was started on Effexor during a period of big life stress and I THOUGHT it was helping--but it wasn't. It was making things worse. Even though I was more anxious and panicky than I ever had been in my life, I thought it would be worse it I weren't on the drug. Even after the drug progressed to episodes of paralyzing terror, I STILL did not realize it was the drug. My doctor finally recognized what was going on and discontinued it.
>
> You might want to think about this.
>
> The diagnosis of postpartum depression is interesting. The thyroid is one of the organs controlled by the pituitary gland. At first drugs like Effexor stimulate the pituitary. But after you have been on it for awhile, they suppress the pituitary. So even if you do get thyroid testing done, an abnormal result could easily be from the drug. (So, before you let someone diagnose post-partum thyroiditis, I would suggest making sure that it is not just an adverse reaction to the Effexor.)
>
> Good luck!

Thanks for the advice - I've been on 150 mg for about three months now and I am anything but anxious. It is making me feel kind of blah, though. I feel like I can't focus really well and am not as attentive and "sharp" as I used to be. I even find that my driving is not as careful - sounds weird, I know. My son is doing a little better and things have slowed down a bit, so I think after this round I am going to wean back to 75 mg. I just can't accept that I need this med forever.

 

Re: New to Effexor

Posted by SalArmy4me on April 22, 2001, at 2:47:14

In reply to Re: New to Effexor, posted by A Cates on April 19, 2001, at 18:51:44

Where did you get this idea that Effexor has an effect on the pituitary or thyroid glands? You will never be able to prove that to me with scientific studies.

>
> > Hi! I ended up going to my internist rather than continuing with my ob/gyn. I have been on 75 mg/day and she explained to me that Effexor is a dual mechanism drug and that you only get the effect of one mechanism if you are only taking 75 mg - in order to really get the full benefit of both mechanisms, you have to take 150 mg/day. I have been feeling much better this last week (my sixth week) and so I decided to follow her advice and step up to 150mg/day. I start tomorrow. She said that for anxiety, she recommends being on the drug for 3 to 6 months - just until the cycle is broken. I'm doing ok for now - no panic attacks in over a week. We'll see. Thanks for asking.
>
>
> Hi, Molly. I read this thread and thought I'd add my two cents. It really sounds as though you have been through a lot in the past month. It would be a strain on any person so you should give yourself credit.
>
> Last year I was started on Effexor during a period of big life stress and I THOUGHT it was helping--but it wasn't. It was making things worse. Even though I was more anxious and panicky than I ever had been in my life, I thought it would be worse it I weren't on the drug. Even after the drug progressed to episodes of paralyzing terror, I STILL did not realize it was the drug. My doctor finally recognized what was going on and discontinued it.
>
> You might want to think about this.
>
> The diagnosis of postpartum depression is interesting. The thyroid is one of the organs controlled by the pituitary gland. At first drugs like Effexor stimulate the pituitary. But after you have been on it for awhile, they suppress the pituitary. So even if you do get thyroid testing done, an abnormal result could easily be from the drug. (So, before you let someone diagnose post-partum thyroiditis, I would suggest making sure that it is not just an adverse reaction to the Effexor.)
>
> Good luck!


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[dr. bob] Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD, bob@dr-bob.org

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