Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 13781

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Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » elka

Posted by corafree on February 18, 2005, at 15:42:12

In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by elka on February 18, 2005, at 0:09:49

I am sorry to say what comes to my mind. That is, your dosage is too low.

But, I don't know how severe your depression is.

Mine is pretty severe. When I was on E-XR @ a low dose, wish I'd found the info I've found on this site, or known more about possible long term effects, and discontinued E.

Currently on pretty high dose; it's taken hold of me I suppose.

best wishes to you, cf

 

Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » dancingstar

Posted by corafree on February 18, 2005, at 16:03:00

In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by dancingstar on February 18, 2005, at 14:35:45

The way you describe sadness; believe it correlates w/ situational/atypical depression.

I may have had situational/atypical depression when I was young, but I took strong anti-depressants.

I wish they would categorize ADs.

A person w/ situational/atypical depression is sad, cries, or grieves for a situation in their life, that may be fleeting, and not necessarily a situation in their brain.

Maybe if society were a bit more patient and loving.

I know times I've taken stronger ADs or benzos or sleeping aids, so as 'not to lose my job when overwhelmed w/ sadness'!

Think? cf

 

Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » corafree

Posted by dancingstar on February 18, 2005, at 16:11:42

In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » dancingstar, posted by corafree on February 18, 2005, at 16:03:00

cf,

Personally, I do not believe that it is a "problem," with "symptoms" or "a diagnosis."

I believe that this is and always has been a part of being alive. There are tears and laughter in every life. It is very recent to treat these tears as if they were a problem, though I'm not opposed to finding cures for things.

If the "cures" are likely to cause ill health or lead to an earlier than normal death for having taken something that proves to be poisonous to our bodies, though, I think it's a bad idea to pursue them no matter who tells us that they are terrific.

As with body parts, though, we each have an opinion, and that happens to be mine.

 

Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » elka

Posted by dancingstar on February 18, 2005, at 16:33:56

In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by elka on February 18, 2005, at 12:46:01

I had a thought...just because you are open to alternative ideas...and this is the post that will get this thread moved ;-)

Yesterday I went to a wonderful Russian masseuse who was trained by Tibetian monks as well as Chinese medicine folks. I went to see her to help me with the residual nerve damage in my neck due to the problems that I've had since my withdrawal from Effexor. There are times that my neck and upper back are still in extreme pain.

She suggested that I go to an area in town that is mostly Chinese and go into a local, neighborhood drug store where there is usually a Chinese physician available to see patients; that they would be able to examine me and prescribe the appropriate herbs to put my body into perfect condition within a few weeks' time.

I'm wondering if this sort of thing could be useful for you to try...since you say that you are somewhat sensitive to medications. Chinese herbs and teas and the like may take a few weeks to work, but I've heard that they can be very helpful if you haven't already tried this.

I am also wondering if you have considered bioidentical hormones. You didn't mention your age, but sometimes that can really make a big difference in turning the proverbial light back on. I know that my internist is kind of on standby, waiting for me to need them...but so far I haven't. Not all that many doctors prescribe them, though it seems that more do these days than did even a few years ago. Often you need to have them prescribed by an endocrinologist, and they need to be purchased at a compounding pharmacy.

Along my journey to find things that helped me through the withdrawal from Effexor - and I can't really post this on that board cause I don't know the name of it -- I tried drinking this Chinese tea that someone had given me. He said that he was given it by his doctor and drank it every day just to maintain his health. I did notice that tea made a difference in how I felt during a time that I was sick beyond belief, but it is hard to judge things when you are feeling so badly.

I know that I am going to take a wee drive someday soon and see if I can't have some preparation personally designed for me as I do think it can be very helpful for whatever ails us with far fewer risks to our bodies.

-Bebe

 

Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?

Posted by Jen2 on February 18, 2005, at 22:43:10

In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by elka on February 18, 2005, at 11:40:17

> thank you so much guys for responding!!!
> jen2, are you still on effexor or did you quit after 1week? i just had another episode of severe palpitations coming from nowhere ( and i'm still on 37.5mg!) can't even think about what to expect if the dose will be increased?

Hi Elka,

I'm still on effexor. Still at 75mg after, what, five weeks now I suppose. I'm starting to feel really crappy, however. My motivation is severely lacking (and I'm a grad student, so it isn't good) I can't get out of bed in the morning. I don't have other side effects, so that's good, but I'm starting to feel sad more often than at first. It's really taken care of my anxiety (perhaps more than is useful) but the depression seems to persist more than I'd hoped. My pdoc said that I can expect more benefits with more time, but I'm becoming increasingly skeptical.

I know what you mean when you say that you've tried everything else and just had to resort to meds to dig you out of that black hole. When I fell into my own black hole, no amount of exercise could do it for me. I really resisted taking the medication - I took a few weeks off, tried to rest and relax and make myself well, but in the end I was just spiralling out of control. I had had my prescription filled but it was about six weeks before I actually started taking the meds.

Since then, however, I have been going to the gym at least three times a week, trying to eat better, trying to not push myself so hard and working with the therapist on things like the negative self-thoughts and taking more control over my life. So I think that, when I do finally come off the medication, I will have a better orientation towards life that will be healthier, and I agree that that kind of approach to life is a much better way to go than medication. But for now, the medication is letting me be able to cope better than I would have otherwise. It has its own problems (some of which may be severe) but for me, it's working for now. I know that others have had better and worse experiences, and I honour them. Just wanted to add my two cents.

Jen

 

Re: blocked for 4 weeks » dancingstar

Posted by Dr. Bob on February 19, 2005, at 15:38:19

In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » corafree, posted by dancingstar on February 18, 2005, at 16:11:42

> Personally, I do not believe that it is a "problem," with "symptoms" or "a diagnosis."

You're free to believe that, but when posting here, please respect the views of others and be sensitive to their feelings. Your last block was for 2 weeks, so this one's for 4.

If you or others have questions about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:

http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil

Follow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above post, should of course themselves be civil.

Thanks,

Bob

 

Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?

Posted by Minnie-Haha on February 19, 2005, at 19:25:58

In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by elka on February 18, 2005, at 12:46:01

Elka,

Please, please take anything "dancingstar" says with a grain of salt. She's had a bad experience with Effexor and is on a campaign to make the manufacturer pay for it. Yes, there are people who have bad experiences on drugs, and upon withdrawing from drugs. However, in her case there are two things to consider. #1. Her reason for taking Effexor originally was not for depression, but for an "off-label" use... I think back pain or fibromyalgia or something (for some it helps with pain). #2. She quit taking Effexor abruptly, which is not recommended unless there's a life-or-death reason (like a severe allergic reaction).

Here's my advice to you: If you've been trying for years to manage your depression, but without relief, then there is no shame in seeking an answer through a pdoc (psychiatrist) and RX drugs; just get informed on any drug you consider. One of my favorite sites is www.healthsquare.com, but others here could share theirs, too. Also, understand that starting up on a new med CAN (doesn't have to, but can) be as challenging as living with your depression in the first place! You can often expect 2-6 weeks for your depression and side effects to relent. You might expect to have to try several drugs before you find the one (or combination) that works for you. Just work closely with your doctor(s), know which side effects you should *not* try to ride out, and have support in place to help you through (family, friends, or even people on message boards, like here). You don’t have to live with depression, but meds won’t be without their drawbacks, either. However, most people can manage their side effects way better than debilitating depression!

Good luck.

Minnie

 

Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Minnie-Haha

Posted by not2late4u on February 20, 2005, at 1:35:00

In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Minnie-Haha on February 19, 2005, at 19:25:58

Minnie-haha and Elka, I wasnt going to post here anylonger but I forgot my password and keep getting posts sent to my emails and I had to post after reading what I did. Minnie-haha, I agree totally with your post and thank you for saying it. There are PLENTY of success stories for PLENTY of drugs out there. And there are those unfortunate times when people have a bad reaction to or are prescribed the wrong medication and/or for the wrong reason. In reality, LAWSUIT = $$. I know, Im in the insurance business, not to say that some arent warrented, but I have to say that I have to wonder how many are actually legitimate. Did I have side effects? Yes. Am I still having some of those "brain zaps" after being off effexor now for 30+ days? Yes, but I am NOT joining in on the lawsuit, why? Because I know it works for others and I also know that the side effects were published and available in at least 1995 from a medical book I read. Still I have to wonder if why the prescribers (md's etc) arent being blamed, seems that they are falling short in providing all information to the patient. Minnie-haha, there's a bigger picture here and glad you see it.

 

Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » dancingstar

Posted by corafree on February 20, 2005, at 16:11:20

In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » corafree, posted by dancingstar on February 18, 2005, at 16:11:42

Dancingstar

I'm sorry. Please allow me to share.

I did feel put down by how you posted. Then, and this not being the first time, I ask myself, am I not smart enough and should I post at all?

I was trying to be agreeable, and am sorry if my wording was not perfect.

I was having a tough time; trying to crawl out of a black hole.

cf

 

Re: deleted posts

Posted by Dr. Bob on February 21, 2005, at 8:55:34

In reply to Re: blocked for 4 weeks » dancingstar, posted by Dr. Bob on February 19, 2005, at 15:38:19

> Your last block was for 2 weeks, so this one's for 4.

When people are blocked, they're not supposed to post, so I've deleted her later posts -- and those in response to hers, sorry about that, but I think it makes more sense for the thread.

Bob

 

Re: deleted posts » Dr. Bob

Posted by corafree on February 21, 2005, at 9:42:07

In reply to Re: deleted posts, posted by Dr. Bob on February 21, 2005, at 8:55:34

Okay.

Onward ho OLs! I wonder, is that correct for ... o n l i n e r s ... ? ... as opposed to IRLs ... i n r e a l l i f e r s ...?

Think I am stable here @ 150mg Effexor-XR a day, but need to get out of the house for true test; been in here way too long, best wishes cf

 

Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!

Posted by Nesser on February 21, 2005, at 19:47:53

In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by Hazel on August 2, 2000, at 10:22:12

> I'm about to start on this drug and its reassuring
> to read about it working for so many people.
>
> I have been suffering from depression for a few
> years and so far nothing has worked so I am hoping
> this will. I cannot wait until I feel "normal"
> again.
>
> Any tips or anything I should know before starting?
> More importantly, are you allowed to drink alcohol
> on these tablets?
>
>

This is my first week of taking Effexor, I was started off on 37.5. This is the first time I have taken meds for depression though I have suffered with it for many years. I'm glad to read that some people have had good experiences, but the withdrawals I've been reading about have scared me. I didn't realize I would have to be taking this ad for a long period of a time. Can someone please explain to me their side effects. I feel nauseated mostly. The doctor told me to take it at night, is anyone else doing this? Why would he tell me to take this at night? Finally, can alcohol be consumed while on effexor?

 

Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!

Posted by Phillipa on February 21, 2005, at 20:07:49

In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by Nesser on February 21, 2005, at 19:47:53

I have heard that drinking alchol will cause the medication to not work as potently as it could. This would apply to all the SSRI's and other AD's as well. I'm not a doctor though. Fondly, phillipa

 

Re: please be civil » Minnie-Haha » not2late4u

Posted by Dr. Bob on February 21, 2005, at 20:45:02

In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Minnie-Haha, posted by not2late4u on February 20, 2005, at 1:35:00

> She ... is on a campaign to make the manufacturer pay for it.
>
> Minnie

> I have to wonder how many are actually legitimate.
>
> not2late4u

Please be sensitive to the feelings of others and don't post anything that could lead others to feel accused or put down.

If you or others have questions about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:

http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil

Follow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above posts, should of course themselves be civil.

Thanks,

Bob

 

Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!

Posted by corafree on February 22, 2005, at 11:58:12

In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by Nesser on February 21, 2005, at 19:47:53

Nesser:

I posted the silly acronym post above. Welcome. You'll find much support here. I am on Effexor-XR, but at this time, I think others may be able to help you more. Will watch and maybe speak to you later. Nothing to worry about, keep posting. Corafree or cf

 

Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?

Posted by Wick on February 23, 2005, at 1:13:24

In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jacquie on January 18, 2000, at 20:30:54

My husband started taking Effexor in September and in January at the age of 30 killed himself in our garage. Just a warning his case is not unique and if I had known then what I know now about this drug and a few others like it I would never have let him take it.

Please no matter how bad life is if on this or any other medication you start to think of killing yourself get help from any where or any one you can. It is never that bad and the mess you leave behind is horrible!

 

Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?

Posted by anna6 on February 23, 2005, at 18:18:20

In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Wick on February 23, 2005, at 1:13:24

Hi there! Just wanted to share my thoughts... stumbled on this sight by chance, and I felt compelled to give my Effexor XR story:

Been on it for 4 years now- started at 37.5mg- doctor raised my dose in increments up to 300mg. He wanted me on that dose from the start- said it would improve my focus... I was diagnosed ADD on top of having Depression and Anxiety.

After pooping out from two years on Prozac, and taking everything from Ritilin, Dexodrine, Concerta, Adderol, I will say EFFEXOR XR has been the BEST THING that happened for me!

I only take one medication now! I feel much more motivated and focused and stable than ever. I've lost 10 lbs over the 4 years- so it's helped me to stop over eating (Maybe because I am less anxious!)... I feel like it has been my best friend- hasn't pooped out on me... and it's been better than a cup of coffee in the morning to get me going.

The bad side (as every drug has)- if I forget to take it one day, I start getting in a rut. As soon as I take it again, I feel better almost an hour later. If I stop taking it (which I have on two occasions because I had boyfriends who didn't want thier girlfriend "taking anything"), I have felt all the discontinuation symptoms- shooting pain in my head, dizziness, over emotional, and general malaise. The bright side is that both times I had these withdrawal symptoms due to my abrupt discontinuation of my Effexor (and I knew I wasn't supposed to stop abruptly, but I did anyway!)- The side effects ALWAYS passed within a week to two weeks maximum! Then when I got rid of the boyfriends, I went back to the meds! Must say,... I like my life much better with Effexor XR in it! I feel so much more on top of my game. ANd I am not afraid of all the discontinuation that people talk about, because I've been there, and it passes. It's inconvenient, but not the end of the world. (Too bad so many people still put a stigma on taking care of your mental health).

Also, I feel sometimes constipated from the Effexor XR, and I have delayed ejaculation- which varies with time of the month, and skill of prospective boyfriend! These are the only side effects I've had and I've found them very tolerable.

Some people, I have no doubt, can have a different experience (and HAVE had very different experiences)

My advice: Don't waste more than 3 weeks (If the benefits don't outweigh the problems, than try something else- you shouldn't have transitional side effects more than 1 week with any medication) Some people are more sensitive to different drugs- and also I've heard that anti-depressants can have strange effects when a patient is misdiagnosed- when depression or anxiety is not the problem. Make sure your diagnosis makes sense. Make sure you feel comfortable with your doctor! And that they listen to you!

Good Luck to everyone!
(Also- there is a website EffexorXR.com for anyone looking for more info!)

 

Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?

Posted by becks on February 24, 2005, at 7:36:52

In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by dancingstar on February 18, 2005, at 14:35:45

dancingstar,
"I do worry about situations like yours when I write the things that I do. It is not that I have not been very sad, at times, myself. It is that I do not believe that these drugs are the answer to anyone's problems. People tend to think that I am insensitive to the plight of people that take antidepressants for depression because I was prescribed Effexor for back pain and a lack of energy -- it backfired, of course"....

You may not "believe" that these drugs are the answer to anyone's problems, etc.... So, allow me, if you will, to let you know that there are countless facts and medical research and data showing and proving that there are physical chemical imbalances in the brain of a person who is depressed - and further that anti-depressants work to correct these imbalances of chemistry.

Example, aspirin works in the body's chemistry reduce inflammation, thus relieving pain.
Effexor works in the brain's chemistry to correct imbalances of chemicals, thus helping to relieve the symptoms of depression.

See, Depression and other mood and mind altering disorders are actually physical in the body, which, like other bodily afflications can be treated with medication. So, it's a fact that anti-depressants do help people solve some of their problems.

 

Lou's response to becks' post-dancgstr-proof? » becks

Posted by Lou Pilder on February 24, 2005, at 8:06:29

In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by becks on February 24, 2005, at 7:36:52

becks,
You wrote in reply to dancingstar,[...there are...facts,... research and data ...{proving} that there are...chemical imbalances in the brain...and that antidepressants work to correct these imbalances of chemistry...].
Could you give a URL of something that you use {proving} the above? If you could , then I could have the opportunity to respond accordingly.
Lou

 

Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » anna6

Posted by corafree on February 24, 2005, at 14:30:45

In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by anna6 on February 23, 2005, at 18:18:20

So, you do not now take anything for ADD, is that correct?

Thank you, cf

 

Re: Lou's response to becks' post-dancgstr-proof?

Posted by Minnie-Haha on February 24, 2005, at 14:38:16

In reply to Lou's response to becks' post-dancgstr-proof? » becks, posted by Lou Pilder on February 24, 2005, at 8:06:29

> Could you give a URL of something that you use {proving} the above? If you could , then I could have the opportunity to respond accordingly.

Considering how contentious this debate can become, I don't know if anyone could provide sufficient proof to satisfy either side (those who believe depression can have a brain-chemistry source and those who don't), but this is one professional's attempt to make his point. I won't pretend that I've read it all in detail or understand all that I've read, but it's a link for you. Have fun with it!

http://www.psycheducation.org/mechanism/MechanismIntro.htm

 

Re: 'Nother link for you » Lou Pilder

Posted by Minnie-Haha on February 24, 2005, at 14:47:46

In reply to Lou's response to becks' post-dancgstr-proof? » becks, posted by Lou Pilder on February 24, 2005, at 8:06:29

http://www.bpkids.org/learning/reference/interviews/004.htm

 

Lou's reply to Minnie Haha-pruf? » Minnie-Haha

Posted by Lou Pilder on February 24, 2005, at 15:48:42

In reply to Re: Lou's response to becks' post-dancgstr-proof?, posted by Minnie-Haha on February 24, 2005, at 14:38:16

M-H,
You wrote,[..I don't know if anyone could provide...proof...].
Thanks anyway for your links.
Lou

 

Re: Lou's reply to Minnie Haha

Posted by Minnie-Haha on February 24, 2005, at 16:23:58

In reply to Lou's reply to Minnie Haha-pruf? » Minnie-Haha, posted by Lou Pilder on February 24, 2005, at 15:48:42

> M-H,
> You wrote,[..I don't know if anyone could provide...proof...].
> Thanks anyway for your links.
> Lou

Yes, I wrote: "Considering how contentious this debate can become, I don't know if anyone could provide *sufficient* proof to satisfy *either* side (those who believe depression can have a brain-chemistry source and those who don't)..."
Hope you enjoy the links.

 

Lou's reply to Minnie- Haha-ethrsid » Minnie-Haha

Posted by Lou Pilder on February 24, 2005, at 17:03:38

In reply to Re: Lou's reply to Minnie Haha, posted by Minnie-Haha on February 24, 2005, at 16:23:58

M-H,
You wrote,[...either side...].
Could you clarify if any of the following are what you mean?
A. the chemical-imbalace theory does not need to be proven
B. one needs to prove that the chemical imbalance theory is false
C. One needs not to prove that a theory is false.
D. A theory is true unless one proves it is false
E. The chemical imbalance theory of psychiatry is accepted by all psychiatrists.
F. A combination of the above
G. None of the above
H. something else
Lou


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