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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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?
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
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.
>
> not2late4uPlease 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
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
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!
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!)
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
> LouYes, 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.
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
Posted by Minnie-Haha on February 24, 2005, at 21:50:09
In reply to Lou's reply to Minnie- Haha-ethrsid » Minnie-Haha, posted by Lou Pilder on February 24, 2005, at 17:03:38
> 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 elseHuh? "H" I guess. Theories involve speculation. What I meant was, for most who already believe that depression cannot or is not caused by brain chemistry and who don't believe that medications can help, no amount of what anyone else provides as proof is gonna pass muster... It'll just remain a theory at best, never enough proof. And for most who believe depression can be or is caused by brain chemistry and who do believe medications can help, no amount of what others provide as their proof is gonna pass the test either. It's kinda like debating religions. That's just my opinion.
Posted by FaithT on February 26, 2005, at 7:50:51
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Minnie-Haha, posted by not2late4u on February 20, 2005, at 1:35:00
Hi Renee and Minnie~
I haven't been here in a little while.
I just wanted to say that I obviously agree with both of you ladies...Renee, I am SO proud of you, girl!Every word that you both posted is 100% true and from the heart in regard to Effexor and life in general. You know..sometimes, you have to take the bad with the good and vice versa. It is our own responsibility to weigh the pros and cons of ANY medicine that we put in our mouths. Yes, ofcourse with a knowledgable PSYCHIATRIST.
People...if you are taking these meds, and you are not seeing a psych, you're already headed in the wrong direction. A G.P. just doesn't have the knowledge and training that you need, while on these meds. YES, there are also some psychs. out there as well, that may not give proper care. If that is the case, then change Dr.'s!
AGAIN, be your own advocate people! If you feel like something isn't working, then change it. If you feel like Effexor is the wrong med. for you, giving you bad side effects, making you anxious, then speak to you PSYCH. about switching.
YES, it can be done. Renee weaned off of it successfully...Read her journal. I previously weaned off of it, but made the choice to go back on at a later date. Why? Because it works VERY well for me, after almost 3 years. No, I did NOT have any lasting effects when I weaned off...not everyone does, Yes, some do, and I am not denying that.
I am not a scientist, and I can not provide clinical data showing you that chemical imbalances DO occur in the brain, when severely depressed. However, I can tell you that it's the obvious truth in my case. When you evolve into a clinical depression for whatever reason, MANY people can not bring themselves out of it on their own. I am one of them, and I still thank God for Effexor. Without it, I would still be curled up in a dark room, unable to care for myself, husband and child. With it, I have sunshine again. Who wouldn't be thankful for that?
Best wishes to you all in your journey,
Faith~
Posted by lovie on March 2, 2005, at 12:56:02
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi eveyone!
I just started taking Effexor XR about 3 weeks ago. I have been seeing some inprovement but I still don't feel like my old self. My Doc. said it could take up to 8 weeks to get the full effect. Does it really take that long or is Effexor alone not enough for me?Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks a bunch-MM
Posted by Jen2 on March 2, 2005, at 17:36:46
In reply to Is Effexor alone going to help, posted by lovie on March 2, 2005, at 12:56:02
It was almost exactly six weeks to the day since I started taking Effexor that it finally "kicked in" and I began to feel normal again (whatever normal means). That is, it took that long before I felt reasonably happy. Until then, I felt able to cope pretty well but still sort of down and depressed. I hope that it kicks in earlier for you, but yes, it can take that long.
Jen
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