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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Californiakc on August 24, 2004, at 19:03:27
In reply to Re: Suffering and looking for answers, posted by tablasco1 on August 24, 2004, at 11:33:33
I took Effexor-XR 150mg daily for two years. After talking it over with my doctor, I weaned myself off. It's probably been four months now. I had problems the first two and a half months and it took a lot of strength not to give in and go back on the Effexor. I also take Xanax and this is my next medication to go off of. I KNOW there's got to be a better way to work through my depression. I felt OK while on the Effexor (I did have those brain lightning bolts though), I was rather unemotional which was one of the reasons I didn't want to take it anymore. I read somewhere else (I don't remember where) that it could take up to a year to stop having complete withdrawal symptoms. I'm with tablascol, I won't take these medecines again if I can keep from it.
Calkc
Posted by Californiakc on August 24, 2004, at 19:26:22
In reply to Anyone else feel like this...., posted by Louoicu81 on August 23, 2004, at 12:57:30
That's EXACTLY the way I've been feeling!!!
CalKC
Posted by jeenobeano on August 24, 2004, at 20:45:09
In reply to Suffering and looking for answers, posted by Smileyjil on August 21, 2004, at 19:37:20
I've been w/drawing from Effexor, bit by bit, little by little, by taking out tiny granules day by day over the course of the pst 8 months. Also during the course of the past 8 months I've noticed my PMS symptoms have gone from basically nonexistant to absolutely through-the-roof horrendous -- excruciating cramps, nausea, the "girls" get incredibly sore and huge, etc. Has anyone else experienced this type of increase in PMS symptoms? I don't know if I need to be checked out for a hormone imbalance, or what. If I'll have PMS like this for the rest of mylife off Effexor I'm actually willing to consider getting back on it.
ANyway, thanks in advance...
Posted by Californiakc on August 24, 2004, at 21:23:53
In reply to Re: Suffering and looking for answers, posted by jeenobeano on August 24, 2004, at 20:45:09
I don't know if this has any relation to the PMS symptoms that you are experiencing, but a few months ago I asked the doctor to do a blood test to see where my hormones were and the results were that I am IN menopause (I'm 52). I mean, I've done gone THROUGH and am actually menopausal! I couldn't tell by my periods as I had a partial hysterectomy when I was 39, but after all that I've been reading, including an article (I can't find it) on how taking Xanax can actually decrease your brain's production of GABA, making your brain "think" that it's producing it, really kind of made me think that we are doing a lot of things to our bodies and brains that we don't realize!
So many physicians take out that prescription pad and give us RXs for anxiety, or depression, etc... When I was put on Effexor-XR and Xanax, I had made an appointment to speak with a counselor. This counselor in turn set me up with an appointment with a psychiatrist who then wrote the prescriptions. There were a few follow ups with the psychiatrist to see how the meds were working, but NEVER any follow up counseling! I felt bad enough (I was close to suicidal) that I took the meds without any questiions, but what I really needed was someone to talk with and get advice from. I never got it.
Good luck with your symptoms!
KC
Posted by corafree on August 24, 2004, at 23:51:01
In reply to Re: Suffering and looking for answers, posted by jeenobeano on August 24, 2004, at 20:45:09
> I've been w/drawing from Effexor, bit by bit, little by little, by taking out tiny granules day by day over the course of the pst 8 months. Also during the course of the past 8 months I've noticed my PMS symptoms have gone from basically nonexistant to absolutely through-the-roof horrendous -- excruciating cramps, nausea, the "girls" get incredibly sore and huge, etc. Has anyone else experienced this type of increase in PMS symptoms? I don't know if I need to be checked out for a hormone imbalance, or what. If I'll have PMS like this for the rest of mylife off Effexor I'm actually willing to consider getting back on it.
>
> ANyway, thanks in advance...
About Eff-XR, it didn't work for me until I read about poor metabolizers. I was told to take my second daily dose in/around evening. That totally did NOT work. But, when I took it at the time of day, or right before that time of day, that I was feeling terrible, it worked wonderfully. Just a thought cf
Posted by corafree on August 25, 2004, at 13:48:41
In reply to Re: Suffering and looking for answers » jeenobeano, posted by corafree on August 24, 2004, at 23:51:01
Hi again. I forgot to say something about your PMS. I had it terribly....until about age 40 when I was agreeable to having a TAH-BSO (said he should have left one ovary afterwards!). You must have premenstural dysphoric disorder. That is where you absolutely do not feel like yourself. I felt 'paranoid' 'odd' ... just not me. I spent my two good weeks feeling guilty over the bad weeks. Boy did I torture myself. I saw a doc that was into hormonal imbalance and he tried everything, but seemed to end up on AD, first Prozac (ok), and then many others that did not work, now Effexor-XR (works, but like you my emotions are dulled a bit). I also took a benzo, which over the years really got up to high dose. After TAH-BSO, I felt the same way all the time. As I do now. I have BpersonD. Take Oil of Primrose. Drink lots of water. Have some fruit every day. best wishes cf
Posted by owensmar on August 25, 2004, at 14:28:34
In reply to Withdrawal reason - dopamine theory » Darla, posted by pablo1 on August 23, 2004, at 20:14:20
I've toyed with the idea of dopamine enhancing meds via the online route but don't know which of the companies to trust. Can you recommend any one in particular?
Marsha
Posted by owensmar on August 25, 2004, at 14:34:07
In reply to Re: Suffering and looking for answers, posted by jeenobeano on August 24, 2004, at 20:45:09
Hi. When I tapered off Effexor one of the main things I noticed was that my hot flashes increased with a vengeance. I'm 48 and in menopause already.
I'm glad to know someone else used the method of taking the caps apart in order to taper Effexor. I mentioned this to a couple of docs who were horrified at first but when I explained I was careful to distribute among the big ones, the medium sized ones and the little ones, each time they seemed to feel like it was a pretty good idea after all. I actually still got brain zaps going from three tiny granules to none.
Marsha
Posted by Californiakc on August 25, 2004, at 15:54:28
In reply to Re: Suffering and looking for answers, posted by owensmar on August 25, 2004, at 14:34:07
You know, I never realized that the brain zaps were Effexor related until I started reading boards like this one! Now there's GOTTA be something wrong with something that makes your brain do that!
Posted by Evita on August 25, 2004, at 17:36:01
In reply to Re: Ah, food and whoopee..., posted by Stryker88 on March 30, 2004, at 16:29:09
Yeah, I have gained 10 pounds since starting Effexor 150mg in May. I have NEVER had a weight problem, I was usually considered underweight. I have been taking very good care of myself, Yoga, cardio and healthy eating. I quit cold turkey 6 days ago. Does anyone know what causes the weight gain? I can understand feeling better and wanting to eat but I wonder if the drug slows the metabolism?
Posted by Cybele on August 26, 2004, at 13:38:57
In reply to Re: Ah, food and whoopee..., posted by Evita on August 25, 2004, at 17:36:01
> Yeah, I have gained 10 pounds since starting Effexor 150mg in May. I have NEVER had a weight problem, I was usually considered underweight. I have been taking very good care of myself, Yoga, cardio and healthy eating. I quit cold turkey 6 days ago. Does anyone know what causes the weight gain? I can understand feeling better and wanting to eat but I wonder if the drug slows the metabolism?
I'm pretty sure it causes carb cravings for some of us. I have gained 10 pounds in my 2 months on Effexor XR 75mg, and I do think I've eaten about 500-600 extra calories a day in that time. I've been eating like a hobbit (breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses, luncheon...). My metabolic rate seems to be unchanged, and I do exercise a lot. However, for many people (especially women), depression and weight gain may be due to untreated hypothyroidism. Be sure your doctor has checked your TSH.
Posted by Cybele on August 26, 2004, at 14:00:22
In reply to Re: Ah, food and whoopee..., posted by Evita on August 25, 2004, at 17:36:01
On the other hand...
Dr. Goldberg has observed a 15-20% reduction in basal metabolic rate when many patients are on ADs. See the link below. So maybe my own weight gain is 1/2 that, and 1/2 carb cravings. HTH!
Posted by lorily on August 26, 2004, at 14:54:25
In reply to Re: Ah, food and whoopee... » Evita, posted by Cybele on August 26, 2004, at 13:38:57
Good point about the Hypothyroidism. My TSH was sky high when I found out I had it. When I got the thyroid under control the endo suggested I discontinue the ADs. At the time I thought she was nuts herself, I had never felt so good. That was a bit over a year ago. At the present time I no longer take anything, stopped the depakote, stopped the effexor, and recently stopped the trazadone (within a week) I've been sleeping great, too. I also stopped smoking almost 2 weeks ago and am using the patch 24 hrs a day and still am sleeping. I haven't done that on my own for years, each time I'd try to cut out the traz,, I'd have to get back on in a couple/three days. I think anyone with depression should definately have their thyroid levels checked, SOOOOOOOO many people I know depressed have a thyroid problem!!!!
Posted by corafree on August 27, 2004, at 14:39:46
In reply to Re: Ah, food and whoopee..., posted by lorily on August 26, 2004, at 14:54:25
Hi. I have hypothyroidism too. Could you share your strength of med pls? TGIF cf
Posted by lorily on August 27, 2004, at 15:00:00
In reply to Hypothyroidism. » lorily, posted by corafree on August 27, 2004, at 14:39:46
Currently I am on 100 mg or mcg - whichever it is I'm not positive of Synthroid. I was up to 125 for a period and may be going down to 75 soon if all is going well. Just had the blood work done last week.
Posted by dianehbc on August 28, 2004, at 2:12:03
In reply to Suffering and looking for answers, posted by Smileyjil on August 21, 2004, at 19:37:20
I was on Effexor XR 300mg for about a year and went off of it mainly because of the weight gain. It works great on my depression but has alot of side effects such as weight gain, stomach problems/Hearburn, insomnia, night sweats and my legs bothering me when I sleep and will wake me up now and then. About a month ago I went off the Effexor because of the weight and went on Lexapro. I made a big mistake doing that. First the withdrawl symptoms were unbearable but only lasted about 3 or 4 days. The Lexapro did nothing for me I was on 20mg and I was withdrawn and not myself, I noticed it and so did my friends. So needless to say I went back on Effexor XR starting over at 75mg about 2 weeks ago and am feeling better again except for the side effects.
Posted by jennyb on August 28, 2004, at 12:35:13
In reply to Re: In need of advice » Louoicu81, posted by lorily on August 16, 2004, at 7:59:25
Did anyone lose significant weight after getting off of effexor xr. This med has ruined my life. I weigh now, after being on the drug for almost a year, more than I ever have in my life, and NOTHING seems to help me lose the weight.
Posted by dianehbc on August 29, 2004, at 20:48:32
In reply to Re: In need of advice, posted by jennyb on August 28, 2004, at 12:35:13
I have been on the Effexor XR for a year myself and tried to get off of it for that reason. The doctor put me on Lexapro. I tried it for 3 months and did not lose any weight in fact I gained more weight and was more depressed than ever. So I went back on the Effexor. I rather be overweight than be depressed!!! And now that I am back on it I am myself again. Also it has lots of side effects and like I said I would rather deal with them and be happy then be misarable and depressed.
Posted by tinkerbell on August 30, 2004, at 2:08:17
In reply to Re: In need of advice » jennyb, posted by dianehbc on August 29, 2004, at 20:48:32
I just ran out and ins bumped me temporarily, can't afford effexor. Nobody told me not to stop cold turkey. I have tried several ADs and quit with few problems. Now I am up at 2am, worse than b4. Insomnia, shocks, jimmy legs, claustrophobia, headache, shakes, depression, screaming monkeys in my brain. I quit heroin with fewer withdrawls. Isn't there a law?
Posted by tablasco1 on August 30, 2004, at 10:45:39
In reply to Re: Suffering and looking for answers, posted by Californiakc on August 25, 2004, at 15:54:28
I have been experiencing withdrawal effects from Effexor XR for about 3 months now. I have had withdrawal symptoms: anxiety, dizziness, blurred vision, and now depression. I went off of Effexor (as well as Paxil and Zoloft within the past year or so) because I was having similar symptoms on the drugs. I have had much fear about what I am feeling and even though I have been through therapy, much of what I have been feeling doesn't make sense. I am thinking of starting back on Effexor once again after 3 months of withdrawal to soothe the withdrawal symptoms as well as help with my depression. Does anyone have any other suggestions?
Posted by tinkerbell on August 30, 2004, at 11:22:00
In reply to Re: Suffering and looking for answers, posted by tablasco1 on August 30, 2004, at 10:45:39
I have only been off Effexor for 2.5 days and the withdrawls are horrendous. Nobody told me this would happen. Based on my experience I would suggest having your doc or shrink (he's the 1 that gave me effexor) start you back on it slowly and wean much more slowly than they suggest. Tell him or her about your withdrawls. If they try to blow you off make them listen, you know your body better than they do. Good luck.
Posted by owensmar on August 30, 2004, at 14:16:53
In reply to Re: Suffering and looking for answers, posted by tablasco1 on August 30, 2004, at 10:44:56
> I have been experiencing withdrawal effects from Effexor XR for about 3 months now. I have had withdrawal symptoms: anxiety, dizziness, blurred vision, and now depression. I went off of Effexor (as well as Paxil and Zoloft within the past year or so) because I was having similar symptoms on the drugs. I have had much fear about what I am feeling and even though I have been through therapy, much of what I have been feeling doesn't make sense. I am thinking of starting back on Effexor once again after 3 months of withdrawal to soothe the withdrawal symptoms as well as help with my depression. Does anyone have any other suggestions?
>
You know, I've read that withdrawal symptoms show up at once and at first but that when/if you have depressive symptoms again after *months* it's your depression returning - not withdrawal.I don't know if this is true but in my experience I've gotten through Effexor withdrawal several times and done okay for a month or two and then lapsed back into severe depression. Then again, I've also lapsed into severe depression within two weeks of stopping meds abruptly. I don't know how helpful this is...
Marsha
Posted by lorily on August 30, 2004, at 14:48:30
In reply to Re: Suffering and looking for answers, posted by tinkerbell on August 30, 2004, at 11:22:00
This is where I was on my own and took the advice from this chart at day 47, that's at that level:Reduction of Venlafaxine from 1 x 75 mg capsule per day
Page 2
Date/day dosage
47 am 3/4 of 37.5 mg tab
pm 1x 37.5 mg tab
48 am 3/4 of 37.5 mg tab
pm 3/4 of 37.5 mg tab
49 am 3/4 of 37.5 mg tab
pm 3/4 of 37.5 mg tab
50 am 3/4 of 37.5 mg tab
pm 3/4 of 37.5 mg tab
51 am 1/2 of 37.5 mg tab
pm 3/4 of 37.5 mg tab
52 am 1/2 of 37.5 mg tab
pm 1/2 of 37.5 mg tab
53 am 1/2 of 37.5 mg tab
pm 1/2 of 37.5 mg tab
54 am 1/2 of 37.5 mg tab
pm 1/2 of 37.5 mg tab
55 am 1/4 of 37.5 mg tab
pm 1/2 of 37.5 mg tab56 am 1/4 of 37.5 mg tab
pm 1/4 of 37.5 mg tab
57 am 1/4 of 37.5 mg tab
pm 1/4 of 37.5 mg tab
58 am 1/4 of 37.5 mg tab
pm 1/4 of 37.5 mg tab
59 am 0
pm 1/4 of 37.5 mg tab
0I followed as best I could with the capsules, did have side effects, NOTHING as bad as I've read here.
Posted by louiseC on August 31, 2004, at 13:06:53
In reply to Suffering and looking for answers, posted by Smileyjil on August 21, 2004, at 19:37:20
I'm new to this board but have been reading if for some time because of problems with taking Effexor. I have been on it for almost 4 years and it did okay but nothing great. I gained a lot of weight 35-40 pounds, which in itself made matters worse. I felt very tired, unfocused, brain zaps while on 150 mgs. I wanted to get off but I was really scared to try because of how I felt just missing a dose by a few hours. Now with my doc's help I am on day 8 on 75 mgs. She is suggesting I take 2 weeks on 75mgs and then 2 weeks on 37.5mgs The brain zaps arent' as bad as I thought and my mood acrtually improved on the lower dose. But I have felt like I have the flu, body pain, chest pain, headache, no energy. I haven't been to work in a week.
I wanted to try the Lexapro, so I was sorry to hear your experience wasn't good. I will probably try it anyway because we are all different.
To those who did gain weight, when you got off if it were you able to loose it? I feel like my metabolism is ruined because of this drug.
I will keep reading
louise
Posted by corafree on August 31, 2004, at 15:48:39
In reply to Re: In need of advice, posted by jennyb on August 28, 2004, at 12:35:13
No increase in weight at all on a high dose. What else are you on? cf
> Did anyone lose significant weight after getting off of effexor xr. This med has ruined my life. I weigh now, after being on the drug for almost a year, more than I ever have in my life, and NOTHING seems to help me lose the weight.
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