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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Auntiemogs on December 6, 2004, at 8:24:18
In reply to side effects from withdrawing/fatigue, posted by mrs1104 on October 1, 2004, at 13:29:27
> I took Effexor 37.5 for about 3 months (after trying 2 others) back in 2001. Like other people have said, everyone is different but...
>
> I was definitely in withdrawal. Even though I "weaned" myself off as directed by my GP and psychologist, I felt like my brain was bouncing around in my skull. If I turned my head quickly, I felt like I was drunk. I had the shakes, felt dizzy, had upset appetite...you get the idea.
>
> I guess the point is, regardless of the dose I think some people experience withdrawal symptoms while others may not. I certainly did. It sucked and all I wanted to do was start taking pills again. But everything subsided within a week or so.
>
> I took Effexor for depression on-set from an event and experienced full recovery (or maybe remission??) I am now taking Effexor XR again (for past 5 months) because of chemical imbalance and have no plans of discontinuing anti-depressants. Depression (although I am the only one to admit it) is very prevalent through multiple generations in my family, so I figure why "be a hero." It's no different than taking drugs for high cholesterol.
>
> I was taking 75 mg, but with continued fatigue was bumped up to 150 mg. Emotionally I feel fine. Physically, I am still tired all of the time. I don't know if it's the drug, or just me. Anyone else have continued problems with intense fatigue while taking Effexor?
>
> P.S. Sorry the post was so long, but it's my first time here.
I started taking Effexor for a bout of depression 6 months ago.
Initially, I was on 75mg twice a day.
When I went back to work (6 weeks off), I found it very difficult to cope physically and was told to 'phase myself in gradually'.
That was months ago!
I went back to my doctor and he said that if I was still tired I couldn't be better (feeling fine emotionally) and the tablets should give me energy, not make me tired.
He has now increased my evening dose to 150mg but I'm feeling no better.
I can work a full day but by late afternoon my legs and neck are starting to ache (like flu) and the next day I just 'crash' and sleep for most of the day.
Sorry for going on like this but I seem to have swapped one problem for another. I worry now about losing my job. When people see me at work I look (and feel) normal and I don't think they understand why I'm still taking time off.
I've started to wonder if I'm just very lazy...
Posted by Gia on December 6, 2004, at 8:30:15
In reply to Re: side effects from withdrawing/fatigue » mrs1104, posted by Auntiemogs on December 6, 2004, at 8:24:18
Hi there,
I am in the same boat as you, I take Effexor 75 mgs and find it great. I am feeling better than ever. I am tired a lot though more than usual and have some nasea but otherwise my depression is pretty much gone so that is all that matter to me right now. I never went off it yet so I don't know what that will be like for withdrawl, my doctor said I should only be on it for about 6 months or so.> > I took Effexor 37.5 for about 3 months (after trying 2 others) back in 2001. Like other people have said, everyone is different but...
> >
> > I was definitely in withdrawal. Even though I "weaned" myself off as directed by my GP and psychologist, I felt like my brain was bouncing around in my skull. If I turned my head quickly, I felt like I was drunk. I had the shakes, felt dizzy, had upset appetite...you get the idea.
> >
> > I guess the point is, regardless of the dose I think some people experience withdrawal symptoms while others may not. I certainly did. It sucked and all I wanted to do was start taking pills again. But everything subsided within a week or so.
> >
> > I took Effexor for depression on-set from an event and experienced full recovery (or maybe remission??) I am now taking Effexor XR again (for past 5 months) because of chemical imbalance and have no plans of discontinuing anti-depressants. Depression (although I am the only one to admit it) is very prevalent through multiple generations in my family, so I figure why "be a hero." It's no different than taking drugs for high cholesterol.
> >
> > I was taking 75 mg, but with continued fatigue was bumped up to 150 mg. Emotionally I feel fine. Physically, I am still tired all of the time. I don't know if it's the drug, or just me. Anyone else have continued problems with intense fatigue while taking Effexor?
> >
> > P.S. Sorry the post was so long, but it's my first time here.
>
>
> I started taking Effexor for a bout of depression 6 months ago.
> Initially, I was on 75mg twice a day.
> When I went back to work (6 weeks off), I found it very difficult to cope physically and was told to 'phase myself in gradually'.
> That was months ago!
> I went back to my doctor and he said that if I was still tired I couldn't be better (feeling fine emotionally) and the tablets should give me energy, not make me tired.
> He has now increased my evening dose to 150mg but I'm feeling no better.
> I can work a full day but by late afternoon my legs and neck are starting to ache (like flu) and the next day I just 'crash' and sleep for most of the day.
> Sorry for going on like this but I seem to have swapped one problem for another. I worry now about losing my job. When people see me at work I look (and feel) normal and I don't think they understand why I'm still taking time off.
> I've started to wonder if I'm just very lazy...
>
Posted by MKB on December 6, 2004, at 8:43:03
In reply to Re: side effects from withdrawing/fatigue » mrs1104, posted by Auntiemogs on December 6, 2004, at 8:24:18
You're not lazy. I have no doubt it is the Effexor that is making you so tired. If you want to read how Effexor has affected about 7000 other people, read what the signers of this petition have said:
www.petitiononline.com/effexor/Can Effexor ruin your life? Many people say it can.
Posted by jclint on December 6, 2004, at 8:47:01
In reply to Re: side effects from withdrawing/fatigue » mrs1104, posted by Auntiemogs on December 6, 2004, at 8:24:18
Hey guys, in the UK there has been some significant movement in AD prescription guidelines. It looks like doctors are being asked to take a more cautious stance. I don't know if its in the best interests of a lot of people, but I'm sure you will be interested in the results.
Look at my threat further down, or have a look here http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4071145.stm
Posted by MKB on December 6, 2004, at 10:49:13
In reply to New UK guidelines for ADs, may interest some, posted by jclint on December 6, 2004, at 8:47:01
I say, "Hooray for the UK!" It does appear to me that patients are being valued more than pharmaceutical profits in this case. Now, I wish the UK would do even more by promoting the wider use of L-Tryptophan. Let's hope the U.S. will follow suit.
Here is a generalization that I believe to be truth: Antidepressants are way over-prescribed in this country (U.S.) and are causing tremendous harm to the health of millions of Americans.
Posted by ed_uk on December 6, 2004, at 10:52:48
In reply to Re: New UK guidelines for ADs, may interest some » jclint, posted by MKB on December 6, 2004, at 10:49:13
Hi,
I certainly think that the guidelines are sensible in general but there is a problem.... we don't have enough NHS psychologists so how can SSRIs be used as a second-line treatment for anxiety when the first-line treatment is not available?
Regards,
Ed.
Posted by dancingstar on December 6, 2004, at 11:58:42
In reply to Re: side effects from withdrawing/fatigue Gia » Auntiemogs, posted by MKB on December 6, 2004, at 8:43:03
Some of us are taking action against the manufacturer for false claims. mrs, please write me at bebe0217@aol.com if you want to join us. If I am not allowed to post this, anyone can give out my email or info if I am unable to.
Posted by Waaq on December 6, 2004, at 19:01:55
In reply to New UK guidelines for ADs, may interest some, posted by jclint on December 6, 2004, at 8:47:01
> Hey guys, in the UK there has been some significant movement in AD prescription guidelines. It looks like doctors are being asked to take a more cautious stance. I don't know if its in the best interests of a lot of people, but I'm sure you will be interested in the results.
>
> Look at my threat further down, or have a look here http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4071145.stmI went to my GP a few months ago asking for some anti depressents to "pick me up". he refused on the grounds that I'm Schizophrenic and I'd need to see a pshychiatrist to get them. You know so I could get the Ap's that go with them. He even went as far as to refuse to refer me to a pshychiatrist. Told me instead to take vitamins everyday for a month or two and see if I still needed "picking up" Oddest thing of all is it actually worked. He potentialy saved me from some rather nasty side effects. and the NHS a sizeable bill.
Posted by dancingstar on December 6, 2004, at 23:17:33
In reply to New UK guidelines for ADs, may interest some, posted by jclint on December 6, 2004, at 8:47:01
> Hey guys, in the UK there has been some significant movement in AD prescription guidelines. It looks like doctors are being asked to take a more cautious stance. I don't know if its in the best interests of a lot of people, but I'm sure you will be interested in the results.
>
> Look at my threat further down, or have a look here http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4071145.stmThanks for the link. It's a good article :-) Maybe they are beginning to get it.
Posted by Dan Perkins on December 7, 2004, at 19:56:22
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » MKB, posted by corafree on December 5, 2004, at 1:01:45
Link to article in Forbes about Effexor:
http://www.forbes.com/technology/ebusiness/feeds/ap/2004/12/06/ap1694586.html
Posted by dancingstar on December 7, 2004, at 20:14:59
In reply to ***********Must Read Effexor Article**************, posted by Dan Perkins on December 7, 2004, at 19:56:22
> Link to article in Forbes about Effexor:
>
> http://www.forbes.com/technology/ebusiness/feeds/ap/2004/12/06/ap1694586.htmlThank you ever so much!!!!
About darn time!
Posted by Phillipa on December 7, 2004, at 20:40:30
In reply to Re: ***********Must Read Effexor Article************** » Dan Perkins, posted by dancingstar on December 7, 2004, at 20:14:59
I already possted on another thread that had this article what happened to me. I had an appointment with the head of Infection Control at a prestigious Hospital in NC. He is an MD and I see him due to chronic Lyme's Disease. He had a pamphlet in his office on Effexor. told him what everyone on the computer was saying about
Effexor and he said that most of their pts that took Effexor had to go off of it because of high blood pressure, and he was glad that he had never had to take any of tnese drugs. Needless to say this made me more motivated to contilnue my own withdrawal from Cymbalta. But,it's the first time I've heard an MD against a med!
Posted by corafree on December 7, 2004, at 21:41:13
In reply to Re: ***********Must Read Effexor Article************** » Dan Perkins, posted by dancingstar on December 7, 2004, at 20:14:59
Thanks Dan. I've printed it and will keep for reference. Anyone else who runs across any such articles, bring 'em on. merry stressmas cf
Posted by Smeegle on December 8, 2004, at 16:00:45
In reply to Re: side effects from withdrawing/fatigue Gia » Auntiemogs, posted by MKB on December 6, 2004, at 8:43:03
I am about half-way thru getting off Effexor XR and it's going better than I expected. After being on 300mg for well over 3 years, Although it really helped for a while, I was once again having break-thru depression and was needing dosage increases more and more frequently. I was at the max dosage he would prescribe and I was ready to get off it anyhow. It was to the point that the withdrawal crap started if I was even late taking my daily dose (forget missing a whole day). I was also having major problems with fatigue and motivation. I felt like a major slug dragging myself thru the day so I could collapse on the couch. My energy has improved (getting there, but still tired), the brain fog is getting better and I actually manage to get at least one chore done at night before hitting the couch. In three weeks I have made it down to 75mg (from 300), which is much faster than I anticipated. I started ramping up on Lamictal the same week I started ramping down the Effexor. So far no probs with the Lamictal (and perhaps it's keeping the brain zaps at bay). I expect the last step to be the worse (when I stop completely after a week at 37.5 mg).
It was a great med at first, but long-term wasn't such a good idea. I felt like such a crack addict needing my Effexor fix every day, panicking when the bottle got low.
Smeegs
Posted by corafree on December 8, 2004, at 16:21:05
In reply to Re: side effects from withdrawing/fatigue, posted by Smeegle on December 8, 2004, at 16:00:45
What is the Lamictal doing to help you, if ya' don't mind my asking? Are you taking anything else, scrips or alternative? Hang in there cf
Posted by S.Bartel on December 8, 2004, at 22:14:27
In reply to Re: side effects from withdrawing/fatigue, posted by Smeegle on December 8, 2004, at 16:00:45
Yes, I know what mean. I think a better name for it would be Effixer. LOL
Posted by S.Bartel on December 8, 2004, at 22:25:07
In reply to Re: side effects from withdrawing/fatigue » Smeegle, posted by S.Bartel on December 8, 2004, at 22:14:27
> Yes, I know what mean. I think a better name for it would be Effixer. LOL>>>
When you finish with the 37 !/2mg, you might need to open the capsules and pour half of it out and take that for a week and save what you pour out and cut that in half and take it for a week and so on until you get down to just a few grains and then stop. I still had withdrawls when I tried to stop at 37 1/2. You may not have a problem but just in case, and you don't have to have them in a capsule to take them. It just makes it a little easier to swallow. Good luck. Sammi
Posted by awatts on December 9, 2004, at 6:27:44
In reply to Re: side effects from withdrawing/fatigue, posted by S.Bartel on December 8, 2004, at 22:25:07
> > Yes, I know what mean. I think a better name for it would be Effixer. LOL>>>
>
>
> When you finish with the 37 !/2mg, you might need to open the capsules and pour half of it out and take that for a week and save what you pour out and cut that in half and take it for a week and so on until you get down to just a few grains and then stop. I still had withdrawls when I tried to stop at 37 1/2. You may not have a problem but just in case, and you don't have to have them in a capsule to take them. It just makes it a little easier to swallow. Good luck. Sammi
>
My withdrawal was not that bad until I tried to go from 37 1/2 to zero. I had to go back up to 37 1/2 mgs, and taper to zero over several months. 225 to 37.5 mgs was MUCH easier than 37.5 to zero mgs.
Posted by ask on December 9, 2004, at 18:37:35
In reply to Re: ***********Must Read Effexor Article************** » dancingstar, posted by corafree on December 7, 2004, at 21:41:13
Interesting... They describe many of the problems that I've had in the past--namely insomnia and agitation...
Posted by jlo on December 9, 2004, at 20:35:55
In reply to Re: ***********Must Read Effexor Article**************, posted by ask on December 9, 2004, at 18:37:35
yeah, i'm on lamictal and started effexor xr 2 weeks ago. i experienced lightheadednes (almost a "tipsy" feeling) and dilated pupils resulting in blurred vision. so far not sure of the anti-depressant effect.... think i feel more energy, but with no motivation. does that make sense?
Posted by S.Bartel on December 9, 2004, at 20:41:26
In reply to Re: ***********Must Read Effexor Article**************, posted by jlo on December 9, 2004, at 20:35:55
Yes it does make sense when you first start taking it. After awhile the energy goes away and fatigue sets in. Your brain is so fogged by then that you don't realize the fatigue comes from the effexor.
Posted by ask on December 9, 2004, at 23:36:07
In reply to Re: ***********Must Read Effexor Article**************, posted by jlo on December 9, 2004, at 20:35:55
Yes, that makes sense. When I first started taking Effexor I felt like I had all of this energy but couldn't get expel it--basically, I no motivation to work off the energy and agitation. It also resulted in insomnia too. After a while, though, it started to subside. I'm waiting too see if it stays that way for a prolonged period of time before I assume it's totally gone.
However, I'm not sure if it's helping my depression. My level of depression seems to be more affected by my general attitude based on what's going on in my life than on the medication. Has anyone felt this too? If so, what did you do to fix the problem? Up the meds? Taper them down and start a new med?
Many thanks.
Posted by ask on December 9, 2004, at 23:40:36
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I'm not sure if the Effexor is helping my depression. My level of depression seems to be more affected by my general attitude based on what's going on in my life than on the medication. Has anyone felt this too? If so, what did you do to fix the problem? Up the med? Taper it down and start a new med?
Many thanks.
Posted by absolute on December 10, 2004, at 0:30:58
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by ask on December 9, 2004, at 23:40:36
I've been on Effexor for almost a year- When things are bad it's hard to keep a good attitude but the Effexor seems to level things out a little. Increasing/decreasing the dosage is tricky. I've had problems in the past where I've felt fine again so I stopped taking it, then relapsed. This med is weird because with any change in dosage, you feel "surges" or tingling feet right away, but your mood stabling out might take a few weeks to a month. I would give it time if I were you and your general attitude might get better without your realizing it.
If you decide to stop taking Effexor, taper off. 150 to 75 to 37.5mg.... Withdrawl is no fun!!
> I'm not sure if the Effexor is helping my depression. My level of depression seems to be more affected by my general attitude based on what's going on in my life than on the medication. Has anyone felt this too? If so, what did you do to fix the problem? Up the med? Taper it down and start a new med?
>
> Many thanks.
Posted by Gia on December 10, 2004, at 6:40:14
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by absolute on December 10, 2004, at 0:30:58
Hello Absolute,
I have the same problem my depression seems to relaspe involving things going on in my life at that time. It is Atypical Depression which I have diagnosed with and is probably the same for you. I have been hospitalized and on many AD's until I found Effexor which has helped me a great deal I finally feel happy and at ease. I have not been through the withdrawl yet though and I am not looking forward to that process.Gia
> I've been on Effexor for almost a year- When things are bad it's hard to keep a good attitude but the Effexor seems to level things out a little. Increasing/decreasing the dosage is tricky. I've had problems in the past where I've felt fine again so I stopped taking it, then relapsed. This med is weird because with any change in dosage, you feel "surges" or tingling feet right away, but your mood stabling out might take a few weeks to a month. I would give it time if I were you and your general attitude might get better without your realizing it.
>
> If you decide to stop taking Effexor, taper off. 150 to 75 to 37.5mg.... Withdrawl is no fun!!
>
> > I'm not sure if the Effexor is helping my depression. My level of depression seems to be more affected by my general attitude based on what's going on in my life than on the medication. Has anyone felt this too? If so, what did you do to fix the problem? Up the med? Taper it down and start a new med?
> >
> > Many thanks.
>
>
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