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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Michele on April 24, 2001, at 20:24:52
In reply to Re: I Quit Effexor Cold Turkey, posted by Michele on April 24, 2001, at 15:42:58
> Sorry.... I wrote my post.... then decided to write it over in more detail... not knowing the first one posted! Sorry for the boredom.
Posted by Diane J. on April 30, 2001, at 19:37:49
In reply to Re: I Quit Effexor Cold Turkey, posted by GinaC on April 24, 2001, at 13:43:03
Dear Fellow Effexor Haters,
Check out this site: http://www.priory.com/sideven.htm. It will confirm your suspicions about Effexor. Also, on www.feelinggood.com, Dr. David Burns" website, there will soon be some current, relevant information concerning the drug.I didn't realize the withdrawal effects would be so intolerable. Now I know what everyone was talking about. I'm back to 150mg,
unfortunately.Diane J.
> It was day 3 with no effexor. I have to say it was the worst expierence of my life. The side effects are so bad. I felt like such a junkie. Dizzieness, shaking, neausea, abdominal cramping. I feel like I'm going to die. A feeling of total unreality. I had to take one. For any one who wants to quit this drug I do not recomend making the same mistake I did. I had no idea it was such a addicting drug. Has any one had any success going off this drug and staying off?
Posted by Leo on May 1, 2001, at 9:50:13
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Wanted to let everyone know that I have a friend that was on 300mg daily of effexor. I didn't know that she was even taking the drug until just recently. Her doctor decided it was time to for her to discontinue the drug so he started her on the weaning process by cutting her dosage in half. Her first two weeks were met with mild to moderate withdrawal. He then cut her back to 75mg a day. She has been hospitalized for the last week and a half. She has had hallucinations, severe nausea, violent mode swings, has been unable to work, and experienced several of the other side effects to the point of hospitalization. Her doctor didn't have a clue as to the withdrawal from the drug and was forced to turn her case over to another doctor who specializes in drug withdrawal. They don't expect to release her from the hospital for another week or two.
Make sure that you are taking these posts to your doctors. Make sure that they are reading them. I've been involved in posting information on this site for several months now. It is probably one of the best on the net for information concerning effexor. Use what you are reading here to educate and create awareness about this drug. Use it to educate and inform your doctors. It could save someones life.
Regards,
Leo
Posted by Irene on May 1, 2001, at 11:36:31
In reply to Re: I Quit Effexor Cold Turkey, posted by Diane J. on April 30, 2001, at 19:37:49
I tried Paxil and Zoloft before finding Effexor. It took months to adjust to it, but found tremendous relief from clinical depression with it. It did make me very very tired sometimes - a few weeks stretch each time. Then I feel well for a couple of months, then v. tired again. I was at 225mg at max. I found that when I would start to get tired reducing by 37.5 mg and will feel well again after 2 weeks. Then when I became tired again in a month or two, I will vary the dosage by 37.5 again. So - up and down between 150-225 mg. I was on Effexor 3 years.
Then for 9 months I didn't have any of that tiredness, so my doctor and I decided July 2000 that my depressive episode might be over, and I could try to come off Effexor. It was not difficult to decrease until I tried to come down to 75mg. in Dec 2000. Then 37.5mg. Then 18mg. Then 20 granules. 10 granules. Then minus 1 granule every two days. Each step decrease from 37.5 has been extremely difficult, similar to others' postings on this site. Today I'm on 2 granules (4 and a half months), and feeling better, but still very lousy.
However, if my doc and I decide that what I am feeling now is truly the underlying depression unmasked, and not merely withdrawal, I think I will happily go back to Effexor because it effectively treated my depression.
My opinion is that the withdrawal is tough. Trying to find the right med that worked for my body was tough. The depression was the worst. I might try to find other anti-depressants with milder withdrawals but in the end, I will take whatever meds will control the depression (including Effexor) because suffering from depression long-term is the worst of all.
BTW, my doc did warn me that weaning would be very difficult at the lower levels. Weaning off Paxil was also very bad.
-Irene
Posted by Light on May 1, 2001, at 23:30:39
In reply to Re: Doc wants me to try Effexor XR » neecy1014, posted by quilter on July 6, 2000, at 22:40:03
hello.
i recently (5 days ago) started taking a sample pack of effexor xr after asking my physician about getting back on some medication for mild depression and anxiety. i had taken paxil for about two years, and it worked wonderfully at first, but then i began to feel completely unmotivated and lethargic. plus, i gained over 60 pounds, and this obviously depressed me more. last april i decided to go off of the paxil, and went to see a pharmacolgist, who recommended that i just go off cold turkey. i had the worst two weeks of my life--i could not function, could not work, barely could drive--i experienced all of those terrible withdrawal symptoms people have ben listing here about getting off effexor. the turning of my head and feeling like my eyes were still to the side of my head, and all that nonsense was a complete nightmare for me. i got over it, though, and was doing fantastic on no meds for a year. now, recently i have been dealing with some serious personal issues, and remembered how helpful the paxil was initially, and my docto recomended the effexor. i experienced some insomnia, mild headaches and dizziness the last few days, but nothing major. i have not yet moved up to the 75 mg dose--i think that is suppoed to start tomorrow or the next day. i am so scared about "sticking it out" because of these horror stories i am reading about going off of it. even those who have said that effexor worked great for them have still concurred about the horror of stopping the medication. i do not plan to be on this or an AD forever; i am basically looking or some assistance through a rough time. i am so confused about whether i should continue taking it, and get myself in deeper, or if i should just stop now, and deal withm problems, becuase i believe that i can--and not have to deal with that withdrawal--or potential weight gain (i simply cannot gain more weight...) i apologize for the drivel, but i would apreciate any type of input/direction anyone can offer. i am just so co
Posted by Michele on May 1, 2001, at 23:37:48
In reply to beginning effexor xr, posted by Light on May 1, 2001, at 23:30:39
If your worried about it... my advice would be to stop the effexor now.... before you get in too deep so to speak, and see if your pdoc can get you on something similiar.... which doesn't seem so terrifying. I know this drug works for many people..... but there is no reason why you can't try something different. My reading experience has showed me that paxil and effexor are the hardest to stop. Try one that doesn't have this oh so wonderful appeal. :-) Good luck in whatever you decide!!!
Posted by Light on May 1, 2001, at 23:45:23
In reply to Re: beginning effexor xr » Light, posted by Michele on May 1, 2001, at 23:37:48
> If your worried about it... my advice would be to stop the effexor now.... before you get in too deep so to speak, and see if your pdoc can get you on something similiar.... which doesn't seem so terrifying. I know this drug works for many people..... but there is no reason why you can't try something different. My reading experience has showed me that paxil and effexor are the hardest to stop. Try one that doesn't have this oh so wonderful appeal. :-) Good luck in whatever you decide!!!
thank you for your quick and caring response, michele. i really appreciate it.
light
Posted by Michele on May 2, 2001, at 1:14:58
In reply to Re: beginning effexor xr, posted by Light on May 1, 2001, at 23:45:23
I've just been there..... ugh, hated effexor. I just think it should be prescribed only when others don't work. It really is heavy duty... go with your instincts tho, if your scared... theres no need to put yourself thru it.. there are so many other AD's out there. I am so glad to be off it.... I was only on it for 8 weeks.. and it messed me up.
Posted by Light on May 2, 2001, at 22:44:46
In reply to Re: beginning effexor xr, posted by Michele on May 2, 2001, at 1:14:58
> I've just been there..... ugh, hated effexor. I just think it should be prescribed only when others don't work. It really is heavy duty... go with your instincts tho, if your scared... theres no need to put yourself thru it.. there are so many other AD's out there. I am so glad to be off it.... I was only on it for 8 weeks.. and it messed me up.< < <
<
<
<
after reading all of these horror stories about how difficult it is to get off of it, i decided to stop taking it and skipped my last 37.5 dose last night. i felt basically fine today--even kind of good--and i don't plan to take any tonight, either. i didn't call my doctor yet, partly because i am worried he will convince me to stay on SOMETHING, and i think all i need is maybe a valium every once in a while if i feel super tense and anxious. i guess the decision is ultimately mine, and i'm leaning toward just being on nothing....the fact that side effects (however mild or severe) and difficult withdrawal are pretty much inevitable is enough to make me want to just try to deal without any drugs....
Posted by Michele on May 3, 2001, at 0:38:55
In reply to Re: beginning effexor xr » Michele, posted by Light on May 2, 2001, at 22:44:46
Hi.....
I'm glad to hear you decided and feel good about your decision. So you took your last one huh? How many days have you been on it? You should be fine... if not.... don't hesitate to use the tips on here.
You sound completely like me. I felt just like you do.... and coincidentaly... that's what I take.... valium when it gets tough(about 2 a week)... Ive been finding other ways of dealing with my depression, and am thankful that I'm able to do it without meds. I'm one of the lucky ones. Hope it works for you... Thinking of you,
Michele
Posted by betternow on May 3, 2001, at 8:28:40
In reply to Re: I Love Effexor, posted by violalloyd on April 23, 2001, at 22:42:47
To all who have experienced Effexor withdrawl:
You get off this agent the same way you got on it, by slowly reducing the dose. Safe to add prozac as you move the Effexor down and out. This protocol should be explained to you by you M.D. If she/he is not aware of this, find a new one.
Posted by Irene on May 3, 2001, at 11:55:35
In reply to Effexor withdrawl, posted by betternow on May 3, 2001, at 8:28:40
Well, I just finished tapering off. Been at 0 for a few days now. All of April I had been trying to come down from just 10 granules. I just saw my psychiatrist, and after listening to me describe the symptoms I no longer have, and the symptoms that I do have, she is sure that the fatigue, anxiety, nausea, and dizziness (not the eyeball positional vertigo - that one is gone) are symptoms of the underlying anxiety/depression unmasked.
So it's back on meds. Although Effexor did great while I was on it, I told her that I would like to try soomething else this time. So, tonight, I'll be starting Serzone. anyone tried Serzone?
And what do you guys think. Do you think I've waited long enough to see if I've truly gotten past the Effexor withdrawal? and that it's time to accept that I need meds? It's disappointing that after the 5 month ordeal of coming off Effexor, I find out I really should just have stayed on the med. :-(
Irene> To all who have experienced Effexor withdrawl:
>
> You get off this agent the same way you got on it, by slowly reducing the dose. Safe to add prozac as you move the Effexor down and out. This protocol should be explained to you by you M.D. If she/he is not aware of this, find a new one.
Posted by mstar on May 3, 2001, at 13:05:09
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawl, posted by Irene on May 3, 2001, at 11:55:35
I am now on 4 weeks of Effexor XR. I worked my way up to 150 mg and it is finally working. I am sorry to all the people who has suffered from this drug and from the symptoms of depression.
I don't ever want to stop taking antidepressants. It is so hard to know that I will be on meds if I want to stay healthy all my life, and I am in the arts so my finances were never, ever stable enough to afford this kind of expense but... I feel like the weight of the world has lifted from me and I don't ever want to go back. I have suffered from depression for years and my major episodes have gotten progressively worse. I would rather stay on than try to "get better" and then get off and then have to go back on.
Some of the interesting things I have learned from my own experience and reading this board is that we need to distinguish between depression symptoms and medicine side affects. I think the two are so close and interwoven that it is hard to know if it's your sickness and or your drug. If I can give you any advise, don't act rash, know yourself and keep a log of how you feel, what you eat, what your dose is and what time of day it is. This is a great way to track and log your moods and know your patterns, symptoms and depressive moods. Doctors and Medicines are not there to hurt you. Yeah, they are expensive, and yes, you can't control them and may react adversely to them, but you could also get hit driving down the street. Life is all chance. Please don't let your own experiences disway others from using drugs and doctors to get well from the sickness of depression. The fact that there is more negativity than positive remarks on this board has more to do with our unhappiness than the failure of Effexor.
My best wishes to anyone struggling with depression, may you find the right drug and find peace (it does exist!). And to those suffering from withdrawl, please take it slow and go easy on yourself and others. I hope you will eventually find the right medication and not be totally turned off to an option which could help get your life on track.
Ms
Posted by willow on May 3, 2001, at 20:09:49
In reply to On Meds to stay, posted by mstar on May 3, 2001, at 13:05:09
> I am now on 4 weeks of Effexor XR. I worked my way up to 150 mg and it is finally working.
Ms
150 must be the magical dose because I too started to feel quite "normal" at this level. You worked upto it alot quicker than myself, it took me around three months, increasing by 37.5 every three weeks.
I had side-effects but the benefits were more beneficial than they were a hindrance. Now at 150 the side-effects are almost nil, they don't affect my daily living.
A good observation about the physical symptoms regarding depression/anxiety. For myself this is what I mostly get. Maybe you have to go around the block numerous times to be able to identify what the symptoms are?
Glad you're feeling good, like myself!
Willow
Posted by RJC on May 3, 2001, at 22:27:45
In reply to Re: On Meds to stay, posted by willow on May 3, 2001, at 20:09:49
I've also been on 150 a day for 13 months now and the only side effects are that I sweat like a bastard and do feel very tired by days end.
I'm going to try getting of them now because even though I feel good I don't think that they can be good for you.But according to all of the above it seems like it may be hard to do.
RC
> > I am now on 4 weeks of Effexor XR. I worked my way up to 150 mg and it is finally working.
>
> Ms
>
> 150 must be the magical dose because I too started to feel quite "normal" at this level. You worked upto it alot quicker than myself, it took me around three months, increasing by 37.5 every three weeks.
>
> I had side-effects but the benefits were more beneficial than they were a hindrance. Now at 150 the side-effects are almost nil, they don't affect my daily living.
>
> A good observation about the physical symptoms regarding depression/anxiety. For myself this is what I mostly get. Maybe you have to go around the block numerous times to be able to identify what the symptoms are?
>
> Glad you're feeling good, like myself!
>
> Willow
Posted by mstar on May 3, 2001, at 23:40:38
In reply to Re: On Meds to stay, posted by RJC on May 3, 2001, at 22:27:45
RJC
I'm wondering, if they help, why don't you think they are good for you?
ms
Posted by RJC on May 4, 2001, at 0:07:41
In reply to Re: On Meds to stay, posted by mstar on May 3, 2001, at 23:40:38
I don't think that any medication can be actually good for you especially one that is directly related to the brain.Sure, it definately helped me out, but I'm worried about the long term effects.(Physical ones and mentally ones)
> RJC
>
> I'm wondering, if they help, why don't you think they are good for you?
>
> ms
Posted by Seraphim on May 4, 2001, at 9:03:58
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I've been weaning now for two months. 300mg down to 37.5mg. Now I'm stuck. It's been almost three weeks and my body isn't adjusting to the 37.5. I know, take it slow, follow previous advice, etc...
The real problem now is NIGHTMARES. I've experienced the vivid dreaming, waking repeatedly throughout the night, feeling like I have the flu (especially in the morning),migraines, but it's nothing compared to the nightmares I've been experiencing lately. I guess I should admit that nightmares have been a problem in the past, but it's been years since I've awaken screaming or terrified. Is it me, or has anyone else weaning from Effexor experiencing the same? They are more realistic and vivid than I thought imaginable and I have a hard time letting them go. Any advice is welcome.Seraphim
Posted by Seraphim on May 4, 2001, at 9:11:48
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
My vision has deteriorated over the past year. Since I have been weaning from the Effexor I have experienced more blurred vision, tunnel-vision, spots in the peripheral, and the wiggly, electric feeling. Thank God not all at once or all the time. Yesterday I went to the eye doctor on my lunch hour. It was just a regular eye exam, but it made me dizzy, extremely nauseas (threw up a few times) and brought on a killer migraine. That's never happened to me before. I didn't go back to work, but crawled into bed. Anyone else experienced anything similar?
Posted by Seraphim on May 4, 2001, at 9:20:11
In reply to Wean slowly..very, very, slowly......., posted by Leo on May 1, 2001, at 9:50:13
Leo,
Can you share with us what the doctor who specializes in withdrawal is recommending or prescribing to your friend? I don't know how much longer I can stick with this on my own and am hesitant to add in new drugs, but if I don't find some kind of relief soon I'm going to throw myself at the feet of my doctor and beg for help.
Seraphim
> Wanted to let everyone know that I have a friend that was on 300mg daily of effexor. I didn't know that she was even taking the drug until just recently. Her doctor decided it was time to for her to discontinue the drug so he started her on the weaning process by cutting her dosage in half. Her first two weeks were met with mild to moderate withdrawal. He then cut her back to 75mg a day. She has been hospitalized for the last week and a half. She has had hallucinations, severe nausea, violent mode swings, has been unable to work, and experienced several of the other side effects to the point of hospitalization. Her doctor didn't have a clue as to the withdrawal from the drug and was forced to turn her case over to another doctor who specializes in drug withdrawal. They don't expect to release her from the hospital for another week or two.
>
> Make sure that you are taking these posts to your doctors. Make sure that they are reading them. I've been involved in posting information on this site for several months now. It is probably one of the best on the net for information concerning effexor. Use what you are reading here to educate and create awareness about this drug. Use it to educate and inform your doctors. It could save someones life.
>
> Regards,
> Leo
Posted by Irene on May 4, 2001, at 13:59:27
In reply to Weaning from Effexor - Eye exam, posted by Seraphim on May 4, 2001, at 9:11:48
> My vision also deteriorated as I was weaning from Effexor (also happened as I was just starting on it). I've been off it for a few days now, and my vision is getting much better. I think it's whenever there is a change in dosage that vision changes as well.
I also had the terrible what I call the "eyeball positional vertigo" with the electic shock sensation and roaring sound in the ears many people have described. It was very severe every time I did a step decrease. Then it subsides after a week or so. I don't recall the tunnel-vision or spots though. Good luck with the weaning.
Irene> My vision has deteriorated over the past year. Since I have been weaning from the Effexor I have experienced more blurred vision, tunnel-vision, spots in the peripheral, and the wiggly, electric feeling. Thank God not all at once or all the time. Yesterday I went to the eye doctor on my lunch hour. It was just a regular eye exam, but it made me dizzy, extremely nauseas (threw up a few times) and brought on a killer migraine. That's never happened to me before. I didn't go back to work, but crawled into bed. Anyone else experienced anything similar?
Posted by Leo on May 4, 2001, at 19:09:56
In reply to Re: Wean slowly..very, very, slowly......., posted by Seraphim on May 4, 2001, at 9:20:11
> Leo,
>
> Can you share with us what the doctor who specializes in withdrawal is recommending or prescribing to your friend? I don't know how much longer I can stick with this on my own and am hesitant to add in new drugs, but if I don't find some kind of relief soon I'm going to throw myself at the feet of my doctor and beg for help.
>
> Seraphim
>
>
>
Seraphim,I don't know what the protocol being used is. I do know that she was weaned from the drug way to fast. She had been on effexor for almost two years and had know idea about the side effects or the withdrawal. Obviously, her doctor didn't either. She is still hospitalized and I know that she was put back on the effexor until the doctors figure out what to do. My understanding is that she will remain there until she is off the drug completely with no side effects or symptoms of withdrawal. I don't have all the details but evidently it was much worse than I had been told. That's all I know up to this point. I stopped by to see her and she was in a really bad mood so I didn't stay long. I could relate to how she was feeling. I know that she is outraged over the condition she has been placed in by this drug. I think she's got a long way to go before she is back to where she wants to be physically and emotionally. FYI, this woman is 28 years old and works out 1-2 hours every day at the gym. She really takes care of herself physically. She had noticed that, as time progressed, she was becoming more and more tired after each work out and was taking longer to recover. She wanted to get off the effexor because she felt like her life was improving after a bad marriage and divorce. Her doctor agreed. She was totally broad sided by the weaning of the drug and now has to deal with what will most likely be a long, long recovery period.
Sorry I couldn't be of more help but I'll keep you posted as I get news. In the meantime, try to continue your weaning process. I know that it's hard but trust me, it is worth every minute. You will feel a thousand percent better after you've gotten this terrible drug out of your body.
Regards,
Leo
Posted by willow on May 4, 2001, at 20:23:54
In reply to Re: On Meds to stay, posted by RJC on May 4, 2001, at 0:07:41
"I don't think that any medication can be actually good for you especially one that is directly related to the brain."
What if it was related to the heart, etc.? What difference would it make if it improves our lives to the point where we can live normally.
"Sure, it definately helped me out, but I'm worried about the long term effects.(Physical ones and mentally ones)"
Mentally my memory and concentration has improved, still not back to normal but a definte improvement. Physically yes I too sweat, though I'm more tolerable of temperature changes.
I've suffered from heat strokes easily where other people probably wouldn't have even broke into a sweat, so physically this is an better for my body and brain.
Now I'm not saying that everyone who has a "sad" or "trying" moment in their lives should take an AD, but if their symptoms are impairing their ability to care for themselves, maintain a living, and have a social life, the ADs are not harming them physically or mentally.
Just one of my many opinions.
Willow
Posted by willow on May 4, 2001, at 20:24:33
In reply to Re: On Meds to stay, posted by RJC on May 4, 2001, at 0:07:41
"I don't think that any medication can be actually good for you especially one that is directly related to the brain."
What if it was related to the heart, etc.? What difference would it make if it improves our lives to the point where we can live normally.
"Sure, it definately helped me out, but I'm worried about the long term effects.(Physical ones and mentally ones)"
Mentally my memory and concentration has improved, still not back to normal but a definte improvement. Physically yes I too sweat, though I'm more tolerable of temperature changes.
I've suffered from heat strokes easily where other people probably wouldn't have even broke into a sweat, so physically this is an better for my body and brain.
Now I'm not saying that everyone who has a "sad" or "trying" moment in their lives should take an AD, but if their symptoms are impairing their ability to care for themselves, maintain a living, and have a social life, the ADs are not harming them physically or mentally.
Just one of my many opinions.
Willow
Posted by Joy on May 5, 2001, at 3:03:24
In reply to Re: On Meds to stay, posted by willow on May 4, 2001, at 20:23:54
I agree. 40 mg Prozac makes me feel normal and content; not over anxious or depressed. I'm on it to stay, and I'll probably live longer.
Joy
> "I don't think that any medication can be actually good for you especially one that is directly related to the brain."
>
> What if it was related to the heart, etc.? What difference would it make if it improves our lives to the point where we can live normally.
>
> "Sure, it definately helped me out, but I'm worried about the long term effects.(Physical ones and mentally ones)"
>
> Mentally my memory and concentration has improved, still not back to normal but a definte improvement. Physically yes I too sweat, though I'm more tolerable of temperature changes.
>
> I've suffered from heat strokes easily where other people probably wouldn't have even broke into a sweat, so physically this is an better for my body and brain.
>
> Now I'm not saying that everyone who has a "sad" or "trying" moment in their lives should take an AD, but if their symptoms are impairing their ability to care for themselves, maintain a living, and have a social life, the ADs are not harming them physically or mentally.
>
> Just one of my many opinions.
>
> Willow
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