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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by AnneL on September 1, 2007, at 21:09:12
In reply to Everyone's different, but..., posted by Racer on October 24, 1999, at 22:14:55
7 years on Effexor XR 225 mg. daily. About 2 months ago, I tapered down very slowly from 225 mg. to 150 mg. to 75 mg. and finally down to 37.5 mg.
MISTAKE!!! I never knew how much Effexor XR was helping with anxiety/depression until I got to a sub-therapeutic (for me) level. The anxiety was not immediate - so it is not discontinuation effects - the anxiety kicked in about 2 months after getting down to 37.5 mg.
I am now back on 75 mg. daily and I will titrate up every 7 days to my old dose.
My only side effect (it sucks) is some anorgasmia from time-to-time. :) AnneL
Posted by Bandit on September 4, 2007, at 16:22:24
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I started Effexor 4 days ago. I feel like I have a sinus infection or maybe the flu. Feverish, sore throat, stuffy, achy, tired. Does this eventually go away? I read this happens in withdrawals but not at start up. Anyone else had these symptoms?
Posted by chickey on September 5, 2007, at 7:58:23
In reply to After 7 years on Effexor XR, posted by AnneL on September 1, 2007, at 21:09:12
I have never been on any medications for depression untill I started Effexor XR in July 2006. I started out with 37.5mg and topped out at 150mg. My doctor is now slowly taking my totally off the drug over the next 6 weeks. Does anyone know of anyone who actually was fine after going off the meds. I hate the thoughts of withdrawal and then having the starting side effects again if I have to go back to it.
Posted by Clayton on September 8, 2007, at 12:13:03
In reply to Going off Effexor XR, posted by chickey on September 5, 2007, at 7:58:23
I take 300 mg. of effexor each day. Shortly after reaching this dose I went on vacation and ran out of the med (very poor planning, I know). I went without it for two weeks and experienced absolutely no withdrawl symtoms. NONE!
When my doc first recommened effexor I declined to take it primarily because of the posts I read on this and other sites. When eventually I decided to give it a try it was a wonderful decision.
Everyone responds differently to medicines but it is my opinion that most people do not experience the extreme withdrawl symtoms that some describe.
So don't fear withdrawl. It might be very easy. My doc told me when I started the med that should serious withdrawl symtoms ever ooccur, there were pharmacological measures that could be taken to substantially ameliorate them. Why don't you discuss this with your doctor before you withdraw much further?
Best Wishes
> I have never been on any medications for depression untill I started Effexor XR in July 2006. I started out with 37.5mg and topped out at 150mg. My doctor is now slowly taking my totally off the drug over the next 6 weeks. Does anyone know of anyone who actually was fine after going off the meds. I hate the thoughts of withdrawal and then having the starting side effects again if I have to go back to it.
Posted by KristiVegas on September 8, 2007, at 13:49:13
In reply to Re: Going off Effexor XR, posted by Clayton on September 8, 2007, at 12:13:03
There are a few websites where you can go and post your complaints/issues and also get information from other posters.
http://drugs.healthdiaries.com/effexor-side-effects.html
http://depression.about.com/cs/venlafaxine/l/blsidefxvenlafa.htm
http://www.medications.com/drugs/effexor
There is also another website where you can go and rate the med on a scale of 1-5 and post your comments. I have learned a lot just by reading the ratings and posts.
Better Luck,
Kristi
Posted by invisibleman15010 on September 8, 2007, at 15:15:08
In reply to Re: Going off Effexor XR, posted by KristiVegas on September 8, 2007, at 13:49:13
You can get off, I did before and plan to know......I was on 300 mg for about 6 months....all the unwanted side effects, plus they added Lexapro and Geoden,,,,,,,to much, I want off all, but to start, I cut the Effoxor to one 150mg a day and that's where I am at now, plan on staying here about a week more than going to 75mg then 0....but I will take about a month for that two....too much med is as bad as to little or.......jeez maybe go all natural with a homepathic Dr...........that is my long term goal......sure each cut, you get a few days, a week of side effects, but it will be rich to be off one more med........good luck/////////////
Posted by invisibleman15010 on September 8, 2007, at 15:16:15
In reply to Re: Going off Effexor XR, posted by KristiVegas on September 8, 2007, at 13:49:13
You can get off, I did before and plan to know......I was on 300 mg for about 6 months....all the unwanted side effects, plus they added Lexapro and Geoden,,,,,,,to much, I want off all, but to start, I cut the Effoxor to one 150mg a day and that's where I am at now, plan on staying here about a week more than going to 75mg then 0....but I will take about a month for that two....too much med is as bad as to little or.......jeez maybe go all natural with a homepathic Dr...........that is my long term goal......sure each cut, you get a few days, a week of side effects, but it will be rich to be off one more med........good luck/////////////
Posted by KAYELEE on October 8, 2007, at 13:43:51
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Amy on May 4, 2000, at 19:52:15
> My experience with Effexor has not been pleasant. My gynecologist referred me to a psychiatrist after his “drug du jour" regimen for my menopause symptoms didn’t help my depression. I first saw the shrink in January and he immediately put me on Effexor, 37.5 for one week and then 75 mg. after that. I was on 75 mg. for one and a half months and got no relief from my depression. He gradually increased the dose to 300 mg., but I couldn’t handle the sleepiness side effects. (I wanted to sleep for 10 – 12 hours per day.) Even at the higher doses, my depression was not helped at all. I decided I wanted to go off of it. I was on 150 mg. for three weeks, 75 mg. for 5 days and 37.5 mg. for 7 days. I had my last dose on Monday, May 1. And by Tuesday afternoon I felt dizzy. (See Maggie’s posting of April 13, regarding missed doses. This describes my experience perfectly.) The dizziness has remained which led me to this web site today. Is there any way to get off this drug with out taking more of it? I can’t handle too much more of these symptoms.
IN RESPONSE TO RE: WITHDRAWAL, POSTED BY AMY ON MAY, 4, 2000, AT 19:51:15
I REALIZE THAT I AM A LATE COMER TO ALL OR MOST OF THESE POSTINGS, BUT I JUST WENT OFF OF 225MG,
EFFEXOR XR, AND THERE WILL BE NO MORE. OH, IT DID A FANTASTIC JOB, AS LONG AS I WAS ON IT. BUT, ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE WHEN I DECIDED TO QUIT TAKING IT. I CALLED MY DOCTOR FOR THE RIGHT WAY TO GO ABOUT GETTING OFF OF IT, TOO. WELL, LET ME TELL YOU, IT DID LITTLE GOOD AS FAR AS THE WITH-
DRAWAL GOES. I'VE NEVER EXPERIENCED WITHDRAWAL BEFORE, AND I DON'T WANT TO AGAIN. I AM IN THE MIDDLE OF IT RIGHT NOW. HAD I KNOWN THEN, WHAT I KNOW NOW, I NEVER, EVER WOULD HAVE STARTED TAKING IT. I AM EXPERIENCING EVERY SYMTEM MEMTIONED IN THESE POSTINGS. I, ALSO, AT TIMES THINK I HATE EVERYONE AROUND ME, INCLUDING MY WONDERFUL HUSBAND OF 38 YEARS. HE DOESN'T UNDERSTAND WHAT IS GOING ON, AND UNTIL TODAY, READING ALL OF THESE POSTINGS, I DIDN'T EITHER. BUT, NOW I WILL TRY TO GET THROUGH THIS IN A DIFFERENT AND MORE POSITIVE WAY, WITH HIS AND THE LORDS HELP. I PRINTED SEVERAL OF THE POSTINGS OFF, SO HE CAN SEE THAT I AM ACTUALLY GOING THROUGH WITHDRAWALS. I FELT, AS SO MANY OTHERS OF YOU, THAT I WAS ACTUALLY LOSING MY MIND.
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR GIVING ME, MY HOPE BACK. I HOPE I HAVE MADE SINCE IN THIS POSTING, AND I HOPE THAT EVERYONE CAN COME OUT OF THIS MESS ALRIGHT. AGAIN, THANK YOU.
Posted by clcty on October 10, 2007, at 23:13:08
In reply to After 7 years on Effexor XR, posted by AnneL on September 1, 2007, at 21:09:12
Just quit taking Effexor XR after 10 years. I started taking it after my doc suggested to me that I had postpartum depression. I had an unplanned pregnancy at 19 and life was pretty hard for a while. I'm not sure I had postpartum but I was definitely depressed. Took 37.5 Effexor for the first couple years then eventually started 75 XR and after about six years on that I started 150 mg. The doc and pharmacist said upping my dosage was normal as some people need to do that the longer they take it. I ended up taking it through my pregnancy (75 mg once daily), as my doc said it was better for me and the baby to stay on then go off. I never realized how little everyone knew about this drug 10 years ago and never dreamed I would still be on it.
Up until March of this year, I never considered stopping this medication. In March I never got a period and it is now October and I still have not had one. I'm wanting to have another baby and I'm not even ovulating. The doc says its because of the Effexor. Effexor can supposedly drive your prolactin levels up which causes the absence in menstruation and ovulation.
Also, did I mention that my breasts are now secreting milk.Desperate for another child, I decided to wean myself off of Effexor. I would never have taken it during my second pregnancy had I known the risks associated. I have now tapered from 150 to 75 over about a two month span and should have tapered to 37.5 but got impatient with my current sex drive (which is nil) and is not only due to the Effexor but has worsened with the increased prolactin levels. Now I'm in full scale withdrawal. I haven't taken Effexor in about a week and have no intentions of ever taking it again. I cry about four times a day (minimum), I'm very irritable and have zero patience with my children. I have experienced the nausea, lack of appetite and general melancholy but it's my children and husband that I am the most worried about. How long will this last? So many times I've almost taken another pill but I just can't let myself. I want another child more than anything and if I go back on Effexor how will I resolve the infertility issues I'm having. My job is a disaster as I feel so confused and unable to concentrate and I don't want anyone to know what a mess I'm in. I'm going to go see my new doc tomorrow and hopefully she can give me some advice. They warn about suicide when you take Effexor, how about getting off of it.
Posted by Fivefires on October 13, 2007, at 15:22:33
In reply to Re: After 10 years on Effexor XR, posted by clcty on October 10, 2007, at 23:13:08
Hey, RU okay there?
Just read your post and am concerned.
Don't know what to tell you for sure, but if your mood is very anxious and upsetting and bringing havoc upon your life, ... you need something ... maybe not an AD though, but talking about it might bring some answers.
Hope to hear from you.
5f
Posted by curiousone on December 12, 2007, at 20:27:07
In reply to Re: After 10 years on Effexor XR, posted by clcty on October 10, 2007, at 23:13:08
Thank you for sharing the information with regards to your period being affected by Effexor. I was on Effexor for 2 years and then suddenly my period stopped. My doctor ran a pregnancy test and a menopausal test - both came back negative. It's been 5 months and still no period, but at least I know what was the contributing factor. I'm now off Effexor and hopefully my body will return to it's regular cycle.
I'm just curious, do you notice constant bloating as a result of not having your period? That's the other side effect that's driving me crazy is my stomach feels so puffy, like it's the week before my period all month long.
Posted by Rebecca12345 on December 13, 2007, at 20:38:11
In reply to Re: After 10 years on Effexor XR, posted by curiousone on December 12, 2007, at 20:27:07
You don't have to live with depression your whole life. Jesus Christ heals if you will give your life over to Him!!!!
Posted by KristiVegas on December 13, 2007, at 22:17:52
In reply to Re: After 10 years on Effexor XR, posted by Rebecca12345 on December 13, 2007, at 20:38:11
I haven't visited the site in a few months but have gotten off Effexor (300mg)on to Cymbalta (90mg) and I can't tell you what a wonderful change it's been for me!! No more weird side effects; just a small amount of sleepiness during the day. I changed doctors and it's made all the difference in the world. My new doc listens but has let me call the shots with my meds and I'm really glad I made the change. 2008 is looking better and better every day!!!
Posted by Phillipa on December 13, 2007, at 23:50:42
In reply to Re: After 10 years on Effexor XR, posted by KristiVegas on December 13, 2007, at 22:17:52
Kristi I've been on cymbalta and know I need to change from luvox to something. Would tell me what you found from the cymbalta as everyone says go on effexor? Thanks Phillipa
Posted by KristiVegas on December 14, 2007, at 0:09:14
In reply to Re: After 10 years on Effexor XR » KristiVegas, posted by Phillipa on December 13, 2007, at 23:50:42
I was having a lot of issues with sleepiness (all day long-almost narcoleptic), my thumb and forefinger blistered and peeled all the time, hives on my neck and chest, severe sweating, hives in my mouth, really angry all the time, 30 lb. weight gain, aching in my bones and muscles.
So far, no issues with Cymbalta (I'm on 90mg per day) other than some sleepiness during the day but nothing like with Effexor. My fingers are healed, no more hives and my attitude has improved. The best part is I don't ache anymore.
What a blessing to be off Effexor!!
Posted by Phillipa on December 14, 2007, at 19:18:05
In reply to Re: After 10 years on Effexor XR, posted by KristiVegas on December 14, 2007, at 0:09:14
Thanks Kristi as I was on 60mg of cymbalta for about three months time. Was never tired but I'm a very anxious person. And I know about the aches and pains as when I stopped cymbalta there were aches and pains I never knew I had. So good for you. How's your depression? Isn't there more norepenephrine in cymbalta than effexor? Phillipa
Posted by KristiVegas on December 15, 2007, at 16:17:56
In reply to Re: After 10 years on Effexor XR » KristiVegas, posted by Phillipa on December 14, 2007, at 19:18:05
I don't feel the "weight" of the depression near as much on Cymbalta as I did on Effexor. I had so many side effects that I was constantly agitated about them all the time as well as having a very angry demeanor most of the time. I didn't "play well" with others and pretty much alienated everyone because I felt so weighted down with all the issues. My shoulders aren't as heavy with Cymbalta and my muscles have relaxed and I'm not as tense as I was. My body was so tense all the time that I ached constantly and never felt rested. I think now that I was on too much Effexor and it "backed up" on me. I've not spent any time reading up on the chemical amounts in the med and don't really understand all that but it's something I need to discuss with my doctor as I'm curious about how all that works in your brain and body. I do believe that our bodies build up a tolerance to these meds and their effectiveness lessens over time (sometimes years) so I can understand how people change meds frequently. Plus, there are always new meds coming out that are better and we need to pay attention to that. I hope you get the right med and/or combo of meds. Living with this is not pleasant but tolerable with the right doctor and medication. Good luck to you and let me know how you're doing.
KRISTI
Posted by cookie_gal on December 31, 2007, at 1:01:05
In reply to Re: After 10 years on Effexor XR, posted by clcty on October 10, 2007, at 23:13:08
I'm not sure if the original poster of this message is still reading responces, so I will just put this information up for anyone who is having unexplained lactation also.
I have been on Effexor for over 11 years and I now have a pituitary tumor. What you have is called prolactinoma... it causes you to lactate.
This means that you have a tumor. As far as I am concerned, Effexor doesn't just cause lactation, it causes tumors in the pituitary.
At this point, there are so many women who have been on Effexor for as long as we have and one by one, pretty soon it is going to hit the media that Effexor causes pituitary tumors!!!
Most doctors don't know about pituitary tumors or cushings. Reading about it on the Internet is sometimes the only way to find out.
Posted by binarywoman on January 22, 2008, at 9:18:32
In reply to Re: Doc wants me to try Effexor XR, posted by Cindy W on July 5, 2000, at 23:51:14
Really, it helped your OCD??
My son has OCD which flared up recently. He's obsessed with Mad Cow Disease and found out the the capsules his clomipramine were in were made of beef gelatin and stopped taking it rather abruptly.
I read that Effexor can be a good adjunct with OCD. It's good to hear that it helped your symptoms.
Posted by binarywoman on January 22, 2008, at 9:19:54
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Stan F. on July 6, 2000, at 23:32:44
Effexor XR only comes in a capsule but Effexor comes in a tablet.
Posted by binarywoman on January 22, 2008, at 9:24:11
In reply to Re: I am scared of this medicine, HELP ME!, posted by Cindy W on July 8, 2000, at 11:41:37
I've been on that OCD website and found they have some very peculiar ideas.
I saw a post in particular by Michael Jenike, MD about bipolar that was just flat out wrong.
Posted by binarywoman on January 22, 2008, at 9:28:07
In reply to im trying to quit, im losing my mind, posted by nico on July 9, 2000, at 0:14:29
It's been my experience that taking it slow makes things a lot better.
We've been considering Effexor for my son who has bipolar I, Aspergers, and OCD. I've been concerned about the withdrawal.
What about switching to regular Effexor that comes in tabs and you can split them anyway you like?
Posted by maxie on January 22, 2008, at 19:41:49
In reply to Re: im trying to quit, im losing my mind, posted by binarywoman on January 22, 2008, at 9:28:07
> It's been my experience that taking it slow makes things a lot better.
>
> We've been considering Effexor for my son who has bipolar I, Aspergers, and OCD. I've been concerned about the withdrawal.
>
> What about switching to regular Effexor that comes in tabs and you can split them anyway you like?
>
>
> I have just started trying it, it sounds like I may regret it?
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 23, 2008, at 3:26:58
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by binarywoman on January 22, 2008, at 9:19:54
> Effexor XR only comes in a capsule but Effexor comes in a tablet.
Sorry to interrupt, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding withdrawal to Psycho-Babble Withdrawal. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20070929/msgs/808462.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by jenii on February 26, 2008, at 3:08:40
In reply to Has anyone successfully quit effexor? how?, posted by Anne on April 23, 2000, at 17:26:10
I don't know if you have gotten a response from anyone yet, but i successfully took myself off of a 150mg daily dose of effexor xr. reading your post i was glad to see someone knew what i was talking about when i went off of it i felt the same shock. it lasted i believe about a week... but after that, i had no more problems. i have been off of effexor now for 7 months, and havent had any symptoms. i don't suggest you do it on your own though, make sure you have someone who is there to keep an eye on you, according to my old psychiatrist there can be rather big problems if you stop taking it, but my mother did it, i did it, and neither of us had a problem with quitting, other than that annoying shock... good luck!
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