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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by tatarka on February 5, 2005, at 23:33:44
In reply to Day 4 on reduced Effexor, posted by Troubled1 on February 5, 2005, at 20:47:18
Thank you for your postings, Karen!
> Okay, here I am at 9:45 pm (EST)on day 4 at 75 mg. Still doing well. Frankly, I'm surprised to have so few negative effects after being on 225 mg for almost 2 years now. Will try reducing a bit more tomorrow. Will likely only post future updates if my condition changes after lowering but will still follow postings and be here for support of others. Take care all.
>
> Karen
Posted by raster on February 7, 2005, at 15:40:17
In reply to Re: Day 4 on reduced Effexor » Troubled1, posted by tatarka on February 5, 2005, at 23:33:44
I just found this board, so I'm playing instant catch up.
My story:
I was on 2 x 75's of Effexor for 2 years of therapy and over the last 9 months I have reduced my dose to down 1 x 37.5 capsule until 2 weeks ago.
I must say that Effexor did work in the way it had been sold: it reduced stress and anxiety I suffered - from my job. But I began to suffer terrible side effects like nightmares (killing my daughter/others; escaping from other unknown killers for my own life; end of world; brutal, bloody, horrible, and grotesque violence of every kind on the human body; and other dreams not even worth mentioning). Needless to say, these side effects were mentioned to my doctor and my wife. My doctor was supportive and sympathetic. My wife was also supportive and sympathetic but also worried. There were times I was afraid to go to sleep because of the consecutive nights of absolutely terrifying dreams. Other side effects were nervous stomach, fluttery heartbeat and not caring about something important - when I should have had better judgement.
Generally speaking I was satisfied with the drug's control of my anxiety, but wanted to end this method of therapy because of the side effects. I remember saying to my wife many times how I couldn't go on taking the drug for the rest of my life because I didn't feel like I was in control but the drug was. I felt held hostage. Missing a couple of doses soon brought on the hair raising side effects.On January 27, 2005 I took the last pill. OH YEA!
But here come the side effects: Passing out while talking to clients on the phone (yet still talking..yikes!); passing out while driving (and waking up in your lane a few hundred feet later); NIGHTMARES!!!!!! (some so scary - I can understand why the kids didn't want to go to sleep in the Freddie Kruger movies); RINGING in the ears with STRONG cranial buzzing rushes; Fluttery heartbeat; Chest pains in my sleep strong enough to wake me up 3 times on one night and two on another - frightening the crap out of me - heart attack/angina?; WORRY - about what? nothing, but the feeling is strong and there is no reason; a rush of anxiety a few times a day;trembling and finally ANGER - call it what you want - but somedays it takes alot not to burst out and yell at anyone including the wife and kids -and they haven't done anything wrong at all!
It has been no picnic to say the least so far. In fact, I nodded off during another 10 minute strong sleepy side effect while typing this message - REALLY! I can only hope that in a few more weeks I'll feel better. There are a few more observations, but I've written enough for now.
Does any of this sound familiar?
Raster
Posted by nhwraith on February 7, 2005, at 20:06:12
In reply to I'm so glad I finally did this!, posted by Melinda on April 27, 2000, at 14:02:39
I have been on effexor xr 150 for about 3 mos and havnt really experienced any side effects other than my hands get tingly numb sometimes, but goes away and comes again. But this drug has helped me alot with my depression,i am not sure how long i will stay on it but for now it has worked great for me.
Posted by corafree on February 7, 2005, at 20:51:24
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » not2late4u, posted by S. Bartel on February 5, 2005, at 13:01:37
Still takin' 150am and 75pm, but I'm feeling breakthrough anxiety - could be situational - not sure. Anyone else w/ anxiety breakthrough? It's been crippling and I've been agoraphobic (scared of nothing, but everything). Looks like inositol w/ my coffee may help - shouldn't drink at all - but I love it so, and well guess I'm dependent upon it. cf
Posted by Doc on February 7, 2005, at 22:09:42
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » S. Bartel, posted by corafree on February 7, 2005, at 20:51:24
This is my second round with Effexor XR. The first round was a breeze compared to this one. The first round the doctor started me on 37.5. This round the doctor, different doctor, started me on 75 mg. This time after the second of only two doses at 75 mg. I started feeling as if I had a major case of the flu. Began trembling, having difficulty sleeping and prespiring nearly all the time, while at the same time I felt cold all over. I have not been productive at all around our place My wife has had to take care of me, work and feed our animals.We raise registered Mini-Donkeys.
If I ever get over this Effexor XR the next time I'm feeling depressed I think that I'll just get in my truck and drive across Texas until I strike sunshine. I certainly don't think this drug is worth the side effects. I owe it to my wife not to ever take this stuff again.
Sorry about this being so long, but I wanted to share my experience. This is Monday evening and the longest time I've not been in bed or layed back in a recliner since this past Thursday evening. As a former RN in the Psych field, I've never seen a drug with more unpleasent side effects, which effects so many body systems.
My latest quest is to find one of those Sun VU lamps that furnishes natural sunlight. I have a natural light 20W bulb in the lamp beside my chair, but I'm not sure that's enough. Anyone know where I can get one of those Sun VU lamps
Take care and be careful of this stuff.Doc :- 2/7/05
Posted by Phillipa on February 8, 2005, at 16:40:19
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Doc on February 7, 2005, at 22:09:42
Hi Doc! I too am a former RN in the psych field. You'd think I would be smart enough not to take all these meds, but I was "brainwashed" to believe they worked. I'm currently in the same shape you are, either from W/D from benzos, or the addition of zoloft, and remeron and ambien. I feel I have to take meds after 8yrs of continuous depression and anxiety that is all internalized so that I am frozen. I need to find a way out! Fondly, Phillipa Typing helps engages the muscles and my racing brain!
Posted by winddancer on February 8, 2005, at 17:11:42
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Doc, posted by Phillipa on February 8, 2005, at 16:40:19
It's interesting to read everyone's experiences. A few posts back, for the first time someone else mentioned the tingling hands and fingers, which I have, also the sweats, headaches, and the cold hands, feet. I'm starting to decrease my 150 mg/day habit. I asked dr if she could switch me to something else before I try to start lowering doses so that during the weening off I may not have these other sensations from the Effexor. She just wants me to gradually drop to lower and lower doses. I'm so sick of all these side effects and want to get off all these drugs, Even though they served me to bring me out of deep depression, they don't appear to serve me so well now.
Possible remedy: I've just begun to see an acupunctureist/Chinese herbal medicinalist, who is developing treatments that help with insomnia and some body aches. He was able to understand the pattern of my body aches and explain why they are all connected - first person who seems to "get-it" when I describe my ailments. He can tell that my gall bladder is being stressed and that some of the problems can be related to the constipation associated with the drug. winddancer
Posted by corafree on February 8, 2005, at 19:40:22
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by winddancer on February 8, 2005, at 17:11:42
Hi windancer.
I had a TAH-BSO and a prolapsed rectum, so constipation is awful. Drink lots water, every couple wks 2 Dulcolax w/ plenty water and attach yourself to your toilet for a day, but works. Will have surgery soon.
Thing is; what do you think is happening to all the medicine you just keep putting in and it doesn't come out????????????
I've always had good control of anxiety on Eff-XR, the only drug that has helped besides a benzo. Lately tho', having breakthrough anxiety. Phillipa couldn't have said it better than you - anxiety that is all internalized so that I am frozen.
I have really had no bad side effects w/ Eff-XR, except maybe some fatigue and memory probs.
Today saw P and ditched Klonopin, started Xanax .3 a day. Klonopin was like taking sugar pill.
Guilt of course accompanies my 3 Xanax a day; if I feel the need to raise; I won't, I'll do something different, because I've been down that road before.
Any opinion about skipping a dose here and there if you are not a regular 'going to the john type' person???????? cf
Posted by winddancer on February 8, 2005, at 20:21:12
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » winddancer, posted by corafree on February 8, 2005, at 19:40:22
Well, the other night I got some Milk of Magnesia. Boy, it did the trick. (After 3 doses, 6 hrs apart) I figured it was better than the stimulants and besides, a little extra Mg is probably good. For the body ache, I try to sneak in an Epsom salts bath. That does feel good. And it is a Magnesium salt, also good. For sleep, I find that soaking just my feet in hot water before bed helps more than a full bath. I also take Calms Forte by Hyland, a homeopathic relaxant that I think helps. And the acupuncture and Chinese Herbs seem to help also.
I haven't skipped any doses on purpose. I went to work forgeting to take my meds once and didn't feel so great that day, but I also didn't take the Blood Pressure meds either so what should I expect. I hate that the Effexor can elevate BP so we take somethng for that. We can't sleep so take something for that. (I have decided not to take the Xanax or Klonapin again for any reason - I'll just have to find something else. They are scary.)We are constipated, so we take somethng for that and on and on. I thought this is what happens when you get old, and I'm only 59. Brother...this is just not accetable. I may spend all my savings on acupuncture and other remedies, but I am so paralyzed with all these physical problems now that I'm determined to find the answer for me. I'm also looking into the Nikken sleep system. I will share the info if anyone would like it. It's not inexpensive. It has been known to give great relief for depression. So it may be worth everything you pay. I need to find a job to be able to afford all this and wonder if I'm more tired looking than I think I am and that's why I haven't landed the job of my dreams.
winddancer
Posted by corafree on February 8, 2005, at 21:25:04
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » corafree, posted by winddancer on February 8, 2005, at 20:21:12
Windancer - I'm happy you have found these forms of therapy, acupuncture, herbs, and everything you've mentioned. I am on such ltd income. Appreciate you're sharing and will keep cc of post for future reference. Are you not on a NSAID either, or a muscle relaxer? I also have chronic pain. cf
Posted by winddancer on February 9, 2005, at 0:22:00
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » winddancer, posted by corafree on February 8, 2005, at 21:25:04
I occasionally use aspirin, but try to avoid that since I have in the past had a problem with taking naprosin morning and night causing some stomach bleeding, so I know I shouldn't take NSAIDs round the clock. What muscle relaxer are you thinking of? I have taken Xanax and Klonapin and Ambien several months ago and they allow me to sleep, but are dangerously addictive and I don't think the sleep is the rejuvinating sleep that I need. I began to realize that they just cover up what's going on and can be used as a crutch allow me to avoid getting to the root of the problem. Finding a supportive job would help me in many ways. Thanks for your comments.
winddancer
Posted by californiagirl on February 9, 2005, at 0:32:54
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by winddancer on February 8, 2005, at 17:11:42
I have been interested to know if accupuncture works. I am on my 4th day with no Effexor and am almost over the sick feeling in my stomach. I am troubled by insomnia but hopefully that will pass also. I feel so depressed and mad at everyone! In the past ten years I have been on Zoloft, Lexapro, and Effexor for depression and OCD. I am seeing a new doctor next week and am afraid that she will want me on yet another drug. Effexor was so hard to get off of that I'm afraid to try something else. I watched that movie "As Good as it Gets" over the weekend and am wondering if this is as good as it gets! Thanks you guys for your help.
Susie
Posted by corafree on February 9, 2005, at 12:05:39
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » corafree, posted by winddancer on February 9, 2005, at 0:22:00
Winddancer: The muscle relaxant I have is Flexeril. I admire your determination. cf
Posted by winddancer on February 9, 2005, at 14:42:24
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by californiagirl on February 9, 2005, at 0:32:54
I will know more about the acupuncture for me after I've had a few more sessions. The acupuncturist is first treating me for insomnia with Acup and Chinese herbs. I am sleeping better, but still wake up several times/night. I've often wondered how to find a therapist who is knowledgeable and open to alternate therapies as well as understanding something about the drugs. Perhaps by first finding an acupuncturist they might know of therapists who are open to non-pharmacy treatments of depression. I have found a counselor who does hypnosis and believes in Chinese herbs as well as having familiarity with medications and is very good with talk therapy. It's unfortunate that western medicine and most mental health insurance plans do not pay for alternate treatments.
Why do you think that doctors are "pushing" for more use of Effexor over other meds, if there are so many ugly side effects for so many people? And my doctor discourages my use of gaining info from this or any chatroom.
winddancer
Posted by Phillipa on February 9, 2005, at 15:18:54
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » californiagirl, posted by winddancer on February 9, 2005, at 14:42:24
The insurance companies, and how else would they be able to keep pts if they were using alternative choices? Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by russman on February 9, 2005, at 15:59:09
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have been on effexor 75 mg now for approx 3 or 4 years. I began treatment after my job performance was affected by decreased abillity to focus. I was extremely surprised at the diagnosis of depression, because I have always had a very positive outlook in dealing with any problem that ever came up. It was apparently brought on by too much stress and too many "irons in the fire". The 35mg initial prescription helped but my doctor suggested going to 75mg to help me a little more, and I have been on 75mg since.
I have tried to decrease the amount a couple times without good results. My initial symptoms began to return with a few days so I went back up to 75mg. I have thought about stopping a couple times when I ran out of my prescription, but after approx 48 hours I cannot seem to cope and become more and more confused and irritable.
My wife seems to feel I begin showing irritable symptoms after I miss one daily dose. So I feel I'm dependent on effexor now. It did not repair my problem but it controls it and gives me the ability to work and deal with life in general.
I recently began an exercise program to try and loose weight I've put on the past 3 or 4 years and I am hoping it will help me move towards lowering my dependency on effexor. I am 54 yrs old and semi retired as of last October so I am hoping my stress levels will be lower from now on also.
I hope someone else can relate to my experience and I will watch for advise on this web site.
Posted by Phillipa on February 9, 2005, at 16:03:59
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by russman on February 9, 2005, at 15:59:09
Don't retire unless you have a lot of plans, and a lot of money, otherwise you will end up like me. Unhappy. I was put on Disability because of Depression/Anxiety. I'm definitely more depressed and anxious now because I gave up a job I loved. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Troubled1 on February 9, 2005, at 23:39:09
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi everyone. This is going to be a LONG message as I wish to share some info regarding myself in an effort to address several members' concerns/questions at the same time. First, I just wanted to update you on my effort to get off Effexor. I had reduced over night from 225 mg to 75 mg. Had some nausea and dizziness but Gravol seemed to help. After 3 days on 75, I decided to just go for it and quit taking it all together. It is day 3 (I think, maybe 4) with no Effexor. Nausea and dizziness got worse at first but now seem to be tapering off (still using Gravol). I did notice that my dreams changed to nightmares and I was actually scared like a child again one night. I was afraid to go back to sleep as I was convinced that killers were hiding in my bedroom. Managed to realize the absurdity of this and did fall back to sleep. Haven't had terrifying dreams since that night. My sleep itself has been better. I can actually fall asleep at a normal time now and am not waking after 2 hrs like I had been on Effexor. At this point, I still require a lot of sleep (12 hours) but the good news is that when I am awake, I am much more alert and focussed. I no longer feel the uncontrollable urge to curl up and go to sleep in the middle of the day. The drugged feeling is pretty much gone and I feel like I have feelings and emotions again. I do have to admit that I am crying easily again and today, for the first time so far, I am irritable as all get out. I am not normally an irritable depressed person so I have to assume that the irritability is part of the withdrawal process and will pass. The only other time I can remember being this snappy is years ago when on Prozac. I was one of the ones that got violent (yelling, throwing things) on Prozac so got off it right away. Has anyone tried a natural product called Serenity? I found it on the internet and have ordered a 30-day free trial of it. It is a natural form of lithium with no side effects. Testimonials on the website are positive but you can never tell what's real and isn't. I figured I had nothing to lose by trying it so I am eagerly awaiting it's arrival. Can check it out if interested at www.urbannutritioninc.com or just do a search for Serenity if above address doesn't work. It is supposed to work much more quickly than synthetic drugs (1-3 weeks to notice a difference). I will definitely keep you all informed of my progress on it once it arrives. For those of you currently weaning off Effexor, hang in there. Everyone's body chemistry is different but don't be too quick to assume that irritablilty, etc. while weaning, is due to a resurgence of your original condition (anxiety, depression, etc.). It may just be withdrawal and once the drug is completely out of your system (could be several weeks)you may feel differently. If not, you can always try a different drug which may work better with your body. I have had some success with Zoloft in the past with no side effects other than sexual but never felt completely like my old cheerful self so thought I'd try Effexor this time. Big mistake for me as it turned out although I did think it was great at first. I had no side effects on Welbutrin in past but didn't feel it lifted my mood as well as Zoloft. Something to note re Effexor. It seems that most members of this site, didn't notice the nasty side effects until they had been on it for a long time. For me it was about 1.5 years on it. So, for those who are having success on it after a short time, just be vigilent and, if you start feeling extremly fatigued, etc. in the future, address this ASAP with your doctor. Mine thinks that my fatigue, etc.is all in my head (HA HA)due to the fact that I am getting even more depressed over being depressed for so long and unable to work. I am currently proving him wrong since the physical issues are now subsiding without the Effexor. Only you know your own body well enough to figure out what is really going on. Trust your instincts. Also, for those who suffered from depression with fatigue (prior to being on meds), if you haven't had your thyroid tested recently, do so. I suffer from hypothyroidism as well as depression and know that there is a huge link between the two. Many have been misdiagnosed with depression only to find out later that their thyroids were the cause. Even if you are genuinely depressed, it could be due to the exhaustion that comes with hypothyroidism. It's hard to stay cheerful when you are so tired that it takes every ounce of energy you can summon up just to do some housework after working all day at your job. By the way, I have been a practising Social Worker for 14 years now who also has a degree in psychology and worked in a psychiatric hospital in the past. It seemed that I could handle a ton of stress at work and at home until my thyroid went on the fritz. I haven't felt like myself since that time even though I've been on Synthroid continuously and my TSH levels are consistently within the "normal range". I personally feel that my depression is a symptom of my thyroid and plan on discussing new studies/treatments with my Endocrinologist next week. I am hopeful that by trying these new treatments for my thyroid, my mood will lift as well. If you are interested in this and wish to find out more, search the internet for new experiments done on hypothyroidism and T3 levels. Well, I will end this now before it is book length but hope that this info has helped someone. Take care all and feel free to ask me if you have any questions re all that I have said here.
Karen
Posted by woodie on February 10, 2005, at 13:45:30
In reply to Re: my Effexor experience, posted by KaraS on December 24, 2004, at 13:45:25
Hi, I'm new here and would like to say how helpful it is to find such a wealth of experience and tips wrt Effexor and trying to come off it. I have been on it for about five years, with two previous failed attempts to stop. My doctor continues to tell me that I am not ready to stop if I have such a tough time with withdrawal effects. I have been slowly tapering down from 75 mg over about two months, and I'm currently 'stuck' at half of 37.5 mg. I am not able to function with the symptoms I get when I try to reduce further. I'd like to try one or two doses of a longer acting SSRI to get over this final hurdle but am unsure which ones would fill the bill. My doctor promises to be of limited help, so I thought I'd ask you guys so I am armed with some suggestions when I talk to her. Thanks in advance for any help that comes my way, and good luck to everyone else trying to do this.
Posted by corafree on February 10, 2005, at 15:49:47
In reply to Comments for all who've written since Feb. 5/05, posted by Troubled1 on February 9, 2005, at 23:39:09
Hi Karen. I was on the original little house-shaped tab Effexor prob. 7 yrs ago. Worked well. Got off as depression surged (may well have been environmental/incidental, but you can't think straight sometimes when depressed,...not enough patience I guess). None of the SSRI's worked for me in long run. Zoloft was like the movie, 'Awakenings', good, then bad. Tried all. Tried Eff-XR, had horrible side effects. Tried SSRI's again, to no avail. Then, a second chance with Eff-XR 150mg am and 75mg laterinday and doing good, just some fatigue and dullness of thought, but so much better than the horrible anxiety and depression in reaction to abuse, thievery, you name it ... and, as well, it is the only AD that has ever helped my anxiety at the horrors of people. Looking back; said this before here ... anxiety preceded my depression. But of course was then dx'd depression w/ anxiety; think they've got that backwards.
REASON FOR MY RESPONSE TO YOUR POST - Want to mention the hypothyroidism. On the regular FORM FOR A LARGE CORP OF LABS IN THIS METRO I LIVE IN, T3 IS NOT LISTED. The doc has to write it in! Just a tip for anyone wanting to dig a little deeper than just TSH level.
I'd like to hear more of what you uncover. Do you think that not running the T3 when I was younger was negligent? I was on the same trek; but I wonder if they ran a T3 then, or just the TSH, as I did have my thyroid level tested and wasn't treated, so must have been normal (? the testing).
Just this year, when doc wrote in T3, dx'd hypothyroid and treated w/ levothyroxine 75mg.
Some docs are reluctant to check off too many tests on lab forms. My opinion is they are usually the fam docs or PCPs.
My mother went for years before a thorough hepatology series was tested.
She was tired, sick, and yellow for a couple years and had more than one doc run tests. All the docs were running were the regulars, CBCs, etc.
It was just luck that a particular doc' ran a thorough hep series. Uaware at this time of the terminology for all the tests required to dx hepatitis B, but he ran them; finally she could dx'd and treated.
I've actually sneaked a few checkmarks on my lab test sheets before ... (a no-no), but having worked in the med field, I know this goes on.
So if some PCPs and fam docs are reluctant to dig deep into lab tests, and folks cannot afford a specialist, they may be going undiagnosed because ALL THE NECESSARY TESTS, ON THE FORM, OR NOT WRITTEN ON THE FORM, TO PROPERLY DIAGNOSIS (DX), weren't ever done. (sorry about the run on) cf
Posted by Phillipa on February 10, 2005, at 16:05:04
In reply to Re: Comments for all who've written since Feb. 5/05 » Troubled1, posted by corafree on February 10, 2005, at 15:49:47
All my problems too, started when my hypothroidism was dx'd. Even with the synthroid, I continue to be anxious and depressed. And, yes, I've had my T3, and T4 checked, with the full panel. I don't know if it makes a difference if mine is the autoimmune type {Hasimotos}, or not. But, as I've Posted before, when I worked psych I read the pts lab results, and there was an incredibly high % of pts dx'd with hypothyroidism. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by corafree on February 10, 2005, at 16:29:59
In reply to Re: my Effexor experience, posted by woodie on February 10, 2005, at 13:45:30
Welcome.
As well as the current info, look back, I'd say 6mos or more; well, that's when I started posting here. There's a lot of good info re: discontinuing Effexor-XR.
Don't know if many folks are on plain Effexor anymore. Didn't see much discussion re: differences.
I am on Eff-XR; haven't tried d.c. it (this time), as going through a lot of huge life changes and can still do my NADLs (normal activities of daily living) pretty well!
best wishes cf
Posted by corafree on February 10, 2005, at 16:51:36
In reply to Re: Comments for all who've written since Feb. 5/05, posted by Phillipa on February 10, 2005, at 16:05:04
Hashimoto's (just some doc's name) hypothyroidism is most common, followed by less common 'medical reasons' that cause hypothyroidism. Ya' know my levothyroxine is at 75mg and I'm also still anxious and depressed. Check out the BETA BLOCKERS. My mother is on one! I have a tremor and palpitations! Maybe I've got too much now and am hyperthyroid! Thing is, are these psych drugs messing up our pituitary gland output which would be messing up our thyroids? cf
Posted by Phillipa on February 10, 2005, at 16:59:25
In reply to Re: Comments for all who've written since Feb. 5/05 » Phillipa, posted by corafree on February 10, 2005, at 16:51:36
Oh no! Why did you mention the pituitary gland? I had an MRI done that showed a possibity of a small tumor on my pituitary gland. The neurologist said it was nothing, and I left the hospital before the endocrinologists read the films. I left these films at the neurologists yesterday and told him they were supposed to be read by above. I don't think he will forward them though since they feel there is no problem. Fondly, Phillipa PS I have an elevated ANA, which is indicative for autoimmune diseases. I was tested for Lupus, Hasimotos, and Sjournes, as well as some I don't remember. All but the Hashimotos were negative. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Troubled1 on February 10, 2005, at 20:39:09
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hey all. I was reluctant to get into any more detail yesterday as my post was already incredibly long. I fear that this one will be as well but is important enough to write. I am not an MD but have been told that the thyroid is like the control centre for the body. If it isn't functioning properly, many other things, seemingly unrelated, can go wrong. I was diagnosed as hypothyroid in 1996. In 1995, I was noticing fatigue and just a general feeling of not being myself. I used to have energy to spare. I would jump out of bed in the morning and start vacuuming. I was also a real social butterfly. The change occurred too suddenly for me to be comfortable with. I did not feel stressed out or depressed; just simply really tired. If I rented a movie, I would fall asleep trying to watch it. I went to my GP who tested my TSH and said it was a bit high so had me go back for a different, supposedly more sensitive, test. I was told that it came back okay so the first test must have been wrong. WRONG! After another full year of feeling crappy, my gynecologist ran a full blood panel and, surprise, surprise, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and referred to an endocrinologist who I continue to see to date. I have been on Synthroid since that time. My TSH levels fluctuate but have remained in the so-called normal range. It wasn't until this horrible debilitating depression set in that I really started to research hypothyroidism. Everything seemed to fall into place. I discovered that physical problems that I have suffered from and am being treated by various specialists for (IBS, IC, chronic sinusitis, migraines, endometriosis, adult acne, etc.)are all common in those with hypothyroidism. I guess some people do great on Synthroid and the other common meds used to stabilize TSH, T4 levels, however, despite my levels always being within the "normal" range, I have consistently reported feeling fatigued and not quite like I was prior to the condition developing. I began a crusade to find out more. I want to be sure that the primary cause of my problems is being treated properly rather than the symptoms all separately. I came across some interested stuff on the internet re T3 levels. Most doctors do not test T3. When your body is performing as it should, it will take the T4 you get from Synthroid, etc. and convert it into T3. T3 is actually the more powerful hormone and is responsible for many things. Most doctors assume that your body is doing the conversion for you, therefore, they only feel the need to supplement your T4. If your T4 tests say that your TSH is within the normal range, they expect you to feel great. Recent studies, however, have shown that this is not the case with a large percentage of hypothyroid patients. When these patients participated in a blind, controlled study in which they were actually given T3 and T4 for a period of time, and just T4 for the same length of time (not knowing which they were on each time), a huge majority of them reported feeling better when T3 was given as well. The reason I mention this study here is that the study was done to measure mood more than anything else. The participants filled out questionaires after each period of treatment. Those who had T3 & T4 first, reported improved mood during that period and poorer moods when on T4 only. Those who had T4 only first, rated moods as poor during first period and improved during second (T3 added). Unfortunately, a lot of doctors are hesitant to add T3 to T4 as these studies are new, therefore, have not been repeated numerous times yet. This frustrates me as they are not the ones who feel like crap. I have decided to discuss this with my endocrinologist next week and ask him to add T3 to my treatment. If he refuses, I will look for a new doctor who will. There are testimonials on the internet from those whose doctors were open-minded and agreed to try the T3 treatment. These patients report feeling so much better now. It's worth a try. The worst that can happen is that it doesn't make a difference for me. At least I will have tried and will not be wondering if I could feel so much better if only had a doc who was willing to try with me. Hope this info is helpful to those of you who are hypothyroid. Will keep in touch and be here for everyone. Take care.
Karen
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