![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 2939 to 2963 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by JenniferB on December 9, 2002, at 18:41:39
In reply to Re: Adults with ADHD, posted by Billy on October 28, 2002, at 7:23:43
I have no way of knowing, of course, but...
She may not actually be suicidal. Her impulsivity may just be leading her to threaten suicide when she feels anxious, frustrated and out of control. I'm female, 25 years old, have inattentive ADD and secondary/attendant anxiety (more so) and depression (less so), and have threatened suicide lots of times (sometimes even to professors, supervisors, etc.) but never actually felt suicidal, per se--just panicked in the moment (failing and class, etc.) and seeking whatever form of respite I could find.
> > > > Hello, My name is Bill and I am in a very serious relationship with a beautiful woman(living together in our 30's. She has ADHD. I am sure there is another forum out there for me to speak on however, I have not found it. We are haveing major problems which I feel are ending this relationship. She has enxiety, depression and the ADHD. She is taking Effexor, I think 150 mg per day. There is so much besuty and talent in her if she could just believe in herself. Unfortunately it appears as though she is relying on me to make it all better. I cannot handle it!! I am a very good care taker and while living with her, I have almost gotten to be able to tolerate the mess etc.
> > > Of late there have been some major fights (VIOLENT) I dont know what to do. I am a very rational person but, I fear for her safety as well as myself If this continues down this road. She has tried to hurt herself and me. She is taking meds and seeking therpy once a week....i dont know where to turn. It almost seems Bi-polar (not that i know enough to say) but, her doctor and she tell me thats not the case. If anyone has advice or knows of an organization that can help PLEASE respond. Thank you.
> >
> > Just curious, but what does she and her doctor say when you question the diagnosis? How has she tried to hurt you or herself? Suicidality isn't a common feature of ADHD. I have bipolar and ADHD, and ordinary doses of many meds can cause more problems than they solve. I would seek a 2nd opinion from another psychiatrist. Your girlfriend doesn't sound like her treatment is working out regardless of whether the diagnosis is accurate or not. She may need alternative treatments.
> >
> Thank you for your thoughts Rich. I am actually going today to see the psychologist with her(first time I have been allowed to be involved.) If I am expected to be a part of her life I must be able to know what the real deal is if I am to help. This has gone on for over a year and each "incident" gets worse, more violent. I know fact that ADHD is a strong part of the challeneges with holding a job, school, etc. his has caused her to feel failure to parents, past relationships, etc. So the depression sets in. It is the impulsivity that scares the heck out of me. She takes Adivan or Klonopin as well as Effexor. In her past she shared with me she has tried Welbutrin, Zoloft, Ritalin,and many other drugs for differing symptoms. She was never diagnosed as a kid, only since age 25. I am just really trying to get understanding of all this. I went to the ADHD ADD conference in Chicago this year and have read a few books. The ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, and now Violence is so overwhelming. Despite the efforts......I do not understand.
>
Posted by h20surfer1 on December 10, 2002, at 0:13:15
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have been posting monthly.
I take 225mg/day of Effexor and was started on 15mg/day of Remeron 30 days ago (for Libido problems from Effexor). I have been on effexor for almost 6 months now.
I am still having positive results from Effexor. No depression, no loss in energy, very little anxiety (too much of a reduction and you lose motivation) great sleep (Remeron really helped this), and my libido is slowly starting to return.
I am overall very happy with the results of the meds and will continue to take them until I am directed by the Doc to stop. I have to honestly say that I feel better now than I have since childhood.
Hope this helps for some of you coming to this sight just starting out. The side effects go away and the results have been worth it for me.
Posted by anais on December 10, 2002, at 7:33:47
In reply to Re: Effexor Side Effects » sarah w, posted by jannbeau on November 26, 2002, at 17:25:20
Can anyone tell me if effexor xr and percocet are in the same drug family? I'm allergic to percocet and have concern I'm also allergic to effexor. I don't want to ask my dr. cuz he's a real creep, and I'm inbetween insurances right now. Basically I was sleeping and groggy all the time on only 75mg/day (37mg/morning + 37mg/night). Cut back to 37mg/morning so I'd be awake; yesterday I forgot to take any at all, and felt better without the stuff- no horrific side effects as described in posts, just awake and functioning. Can anyone help? Thanks, anais
Posted by Jannbeau on December 10, 2002, at 9:45:35
In reply to DrBob, anyone- percocet effexor same family? , posted by anais on December 10, 2002, at 7:33:47
>>>Hi, Anais,
Percocet is a pain medication, used for moderate to severe pain. Percocet contains oxycodone, an opiod analgesic and acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Jannbeau
Can anyone tell me if effexor xr and percocet are in the same drug family? I'm allergic to percocet and have concern I'm also allergic to effexor. I don't want to ask my dr. cuz he's a real creep, and I'm inbetween insurances right now. Basically I was sleeping and groggy all the time on only 75mg/day (37mg/morning + 37mg/night). Cut back to 37mg/morning so I'd be awake; yesterday I forgot to take any at all, and felt better without the stuff- no horrific side effects as described in posts, just awake and functioning. Can anyone help? Thanks, anais
Posted by Kenneth Copeland on December 10, 2002, at 11:07:23
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Well, It Has been 4 days now since the last Effexor Pill and I can honestly say that I am feeling normal..I was going to start taking Wellbutrin for the withdrawls that the Doc prescribed to me but when I found out that it could cause seizures that was enough to just say NO..I was on 75mg of Effexor for 4 months than for 2 weeks I was decreased to 37.5mg..That did seem to work instead of stopping cold turkey from the 75mg pill.. What I found to work really well is Theraflu at night really helps the withdrawls..No Kiddig it works,Try It...Now today I can tell you that I feel OK and I am another day closer to finally getting off this stuff..
Posted by Jannbeau on December 10, 2002, at 11:26:51
In reply to Re: Over The Withdrawl, posted by Kenneth Copeland on December 10, 2002, at 11:07:23
> Kenneth, Good for you! Glad things are progressing well. Again, tapering has been suggested for AD's all the way back to before time (at least to the tricyclics, as I remember). Also, I've seen the Theraflu suggested before. Glad to know it works.
Cheers and Happy Holidays!
JannbeauWell, It Has been 4 days now since the last Effexor Pill and I can honestly say that I am feeling normal..I was going to start taking Wellbutrin for the withdrawls that the Doc prescribed to me but when I found out that it could cause seizures that was enough to just say NO..I was on 75mg of Effexor for 4 months than for 2 weeks I was decreased to 37.5mg..That did seem to work instead of stopping cold turkey from the 75mg pill.. What I found to work really well is Theraflu at night really helps the withdrawls..No Kiddig it works,Try It...Now today I can tell you that I feel OK and I am another day closer to finally getting off this stuff..
Posted by sly on December 10, 2002, at 14:09:38
In reply to About the weight gain, posted by TLove on December 4, 2002, at 11:09:34
If you look back through messages on this site you'll find most people gained weight, although a select few of us did lose weight. I found I lost my appetite and felt disphoric, had no desire to eat or do anything, but it passed with time.
Posted by Nvr2mch on December 10, 2002, at 21:59:20
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have had great success with Effexor XR. I had the usual side effects upon start of medication but after almost a year now...I am doing great. The only things that bother me a little is that I am in that 1% population that the Effexor caused Pre-menopause and I am only 29 years old. I also have trouble remembering things like my address or phone number and I have trouble urinating. But other than that I would much rather be happy and deal with these things than be depressed and deal with these things. If it wasn't for Effexor I may not be here now.
Posted by Nvr2mch on December 10, 2002, at 22:06:40
In reply to Re: I am scared of this medicine, HELP ME!, posted by Cindy W on July 8, 2000, at 11:41:37
What's funny about this is I thought, "God, I won't have a sex life anymore when I start taking this stuff." But my sex life is better than it ever has been. I have no problems having orgasms and I am ALWAYS aroused and ready for love at all times. I hear of so many people losing their libido and I feel for them. Effexor XR did just the opposite for me.
Posted by Sioux on December 11, 2002, at 0:56:18
In reply to Re: I am scared of this medicine, HELP ME!, posted by Nvr2mch on December 10, 2002, at 22:06:40
>>> But my sex life is better than it ever has been. I have no problems having orgasms and I am ALWAYS aroused and ready for love at all times.
----
Now *that* I truly envy! Glad it's good for you and glad to hear about it. Cheering news at the end of a long day. Thanks for posting.
Posted by Jannbeau on December 11, 2002, at 9:32:32
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Nvr2mch on December 10, 2002, at 21:59:20
>Hi, Nvr2mch: Cute "handle"--You're right, if the medication keeps you alive and functioning and you can handle the side effects--whatever they are for you--then the medication is doing its job, isn't it.
Good Luck,
JannbeauI have had great success with Effexor XR. I had the usual side effects upon start of medication but after almost a year now...I am doing great. The only things that bother me a little is that I am in that 1% population that the Effexor caused Pre-menopause and I am only 29 years old. I also have trouble remembering things like my address or phone number and I have trouble urinating. But other than that I would much rather be happy and deal with these things than be depressed and deal with these things. If it wasn't for Effexor I may not be here now.
Posted by BrittPark on December 11, 2002, at 15:24:11
In reply to DrBob, anyone- percocet effexor same family? , posted by anais on December 10, 2002, at 7:33:47
Effexor's chemical structure is close to the basic pharmacophore for opioids. It has no opiate receptor binding activity, however. It's not similar at all to oxycodone in percocet, so I think it's unlikely you're having an allergic reaction. Do you have symptoms that are similar to your past allergic reaction to percocet? Best thing is to check with your doctor.
Feel Better,
Britt
Posted by Thygrrr on December 12, 2002, at 4:54:46
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by lg on November 7, 1999, at 19:11:05
Trevilor seems to be in Germany what Effexor is in the USA.
Reasons I'm taking it: Possible Adult Attention Deficit Disorder, Impulse Control Weakness (umm, I literally translated that), increasing anxienty over the past year(s), general lack of energy and motivation to DO something.
Dosis: 75 mg once a day.
Anyhow. I'm on it for the second day now, feelin' a little woozy, but energetic. I am concerned about Serotonin Syndrome; and while energetic, I also realize that it might actually be counter-rpoductive, because I had a hard time reading the stuff you are quizzed on for the registration (I actually got up and just turned back at the door before I could leave the house to do something else).
I know that after two days, one can't say anything yet; especially as my previous therapy with Edronax (reboxetine) turned out EXTREMELY nasty physically and emotionally after a few months (but after showing awesome initial results), when the stuff was just wreaking havoc to my mind (I even changed my own name; I really wasn't myself anymore).
Positive effects noticed: Amazingly, I slept very very well this night (somewhat intense dreams, with very faint visions of gore and blood - former girlfriend of mine was on Effexor and had lots of odd, gore-loaded dreams, as well).
More importantly, I woke up at 7:30 and wanted to get up! (gah. my bed was so comfy so I slept another two hours, should have gotten up) Usually, I don't want to get up at all; so that's already a noticeable improvement.- Thygrrr
Posted by Thygrrr on December 12, 2002, at 5:15:10
In reply to Started on Trevilor (Effexor), posted by Thygrrr on December 12, 2002, at 4:54:46
WHOA! Okay, should have gone outside before posting this!
Definitely a novum:
THE WORLD IS $§$@%! MORE COLORFUL.
I live in this place for a year and a half now, and I never realized the house down the street was RED, I always considered it kinda brownish, and overall, NOT PRETTY. Same goes for other houses in the street, as well as red traffic signs. I never realized the number on our house here was red, as well! Blaze orange circus posters on main street are so bright, they almost hurt my eyes. Same goes for the garbage truck workers in front of my house...Wheee. 'You can tell that you're on drugs when you keep dropping the joint into your beer' :p Sorta. I like it, because I'm apparently not just existing in an abstract reality that is just defined by shapes and lines anymore, but the colour component does add a lot to the way I perceive my surroundings.
It has to be said that I have deuteranomalia, i.e. I have trouble distinguishing greens (and reds in my opinion, though an army test seemed to show otherwise)...
Posted by Thygrrr on December 12, 2002, at 5:22:17
In reply to Re: Over The Withdrawl, posted by Kenneth Copeland on December 10, 2002, at 11:07:23
That sounds encouraging!
I'm in psychotherapy, but seeing that I'm back to zero after a few success highs (especially after stopping to take Edronax (reboxetine), and not taking anything else), I have high hopes on Trevilor (Effexor) ... I just never had the energy or motivation to actually follow the advice of my therapist.
I agree with her scepticism; I agree that mainly my problem is that I've been educated in the wrong way by my parents, that I see everything overly critical, and that this leads to me not living at all, but instead just makes me a vegetable... however, since I am also strict with myself, that's where it becomes recursive and pulls me down :p
Hence, I'm very concerned about not being able to get off such a potent drug like Trevilor ... because I am sure I can get along without it, once I get out of this blasted mess I put myself in over the last 5 years or so.
Thanks for posting your experience here.
Posted by Thygrrr on December 12, 2002, at 5:28:52
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 haven't 'checked' it for myself yet, but a former girlfriend of mine was on quite a high dosage of Effexor and was, um, everything BUT hindered in her libido (might actually have been the opposite).
Edronax (reboxetine) led to funny effects, though; and I'm rather sure that some males might have problems with them. The first weeks, it can render you utterly impotent (I thought that was a rather funny experience; others may, like I said, not be as thrilled), and another funny effect is that it affects your actual orgasm - for me, it was that I ejaculated some 5 to 10 seconds PRIOR to orgasm, in the beginning, that was also quite painful (some kind of cramping occurred)!
It normalized rather quickly, and even after doubling the dosage, apart from a slight sting and a 1 to 3 second 'time offset' that sometimes occurred, everything went back to normal with reboxetine.
Posted by melsey on December 12, 2002, at 8:03:02
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have been on effexor for 10 months. Is there any other drug for anxiety and depression? My dr says there isn't. Effexor leaves me feeling detached and still unmotivated. I forgot to take it yesterday morning and by evening was weepy, irritable, and very depressed....
Posted by BrittPark on December 12, 2002, at 10:43:36
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by melsey on December 12, 2002, at 8:03:02
If your doctor thinks that effexor is the only medication for anxiety it's time for a new doctor. There are many options for treating anxiety.
Feel Better,
Britt
Posted by jannbeau on December 12, 2002, at 10:48:12
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by melsey on December 12, 2002, at 8:03:02
> I suggest that you consult another physician. There are myriad medications out there, one or more of which may be useful to you. Effexor left me feeling the same detachment, disconnection, almost as if I were wearing glasses and seeing the world from a distance.
Cheers,
JannbeauI have been on effexor for 10 months. Is there any other drug for anxiety and depression? My dr says there isn't. Effexor leaves me feeling detached and still unmotivated. I forgot to take it yesterday morning and by evening was weepy, irritable, and very depressed....
Posted by khead on December 12, 2002, at 11:13:48
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi all...I've been lurking here for the past 2 weeks since I started Effexor XR. 1st week 37.5mg and have now ramped up to 75mg. Will go to 150mg next week. Doc also RX's 150mg Trazodone at bedtime. Results so far:
1) No obvious side effects yet.
2) DEFINATE reduction in depression/anxiety.
3) Am now able to sleep (mostly) through the night without rolling around for at least 2 hours reviewing how f**k'd my life is.
4) Don't get really pissed at the slightest daily frustration. (Still get pissed at the really stupid/irritating ones though.)
Also, FWIW, my Doc at DX agreed that I have every reason to be depressed/anxious/angry given the current sorry state of affairs in my life.
What it is.
I'll post follow-ups from time to time.
Best to you all!
Posted by Stacy on December 12, 2002, at 11:21:39
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hello there, I am new here, but wanted to answer this. I have been on effexor for about 8 yrs now, and I can't find anything else that works as well as this drug for depression. I am also on desyeral to help me sleep. The only thing is, it is very hard to get off it, if you need too. It would take months to actually be able to stop taking it. If I miss one dose, I get really weird side effects. I will probably be on this drug for life though, how it looks like, and I find it helpful.
Hope this helps!
Posted by melsey on December 12, 2002, at 13:43:24
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » melsey, posted by BrittPark on December 12, 2002, at 10:43:36
I guess I didn't make myself clear, and here I am an editor. My dr says this is the only medicine that treats both anxiety and depression at the same time, with one pill.
Posted by BrittPark on December 12, 2002, at 14:13:25
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » BrittPark, posted by melsey on December 12, 2002, at 13:43:24
Your doctor is still wrong. Almost all antidepressants can be effective for anxiety as well as depression. Perhaps your doctor was referring to the whole class of SSRIs and Effexor. There's plenty of evidence, however, that tricyclics and MAOIs are effective for anxiety. I still think you need a new doctor. Is your current doctor a Psychiatrist. If not I urge you to find one.
Feel Better,
Brit
Posted by Peterjg on December 13, 2002, at 7:32:04
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
First I'd like to thank everyone that responded to my original post. It is very comforting to chat with others with similar problems. I pray for all of you daily.
Next I just want to say that I took my first full dose (75mg) this morning. I was on 37.5 for 1 week, I haven't noticed any side-effects yet. Hopefully I won't. I intend to use these postings as a type of journal of my use of Effexor and also a history of my bouts of depression. Maybe it will help someone else. I hope it does.
Just a quick synopsis of my situation. I am 47. professional male. Seperated for 3 months now. I am having a very diifcult time dealing with it. My wife and I are in counseling. I am also in therapy. There was no infidelity, just major trust issues in practically every part of our relationship. There is no problem with love, just trust. Maybe the most difficult thing to rebuilt or regain.
Well that's my story. May God bless you all.
Posted by Badger on December 13, 2002, at 8:27:54
In reply to Effexor XR - So Far - 12/12/02, posted by khead on December 12, 2002, at 11:13:48
> Hi all...I've been lurking here for the past 2 weeks since I started Effexor XR.
I'm just finishing my fourth week on Effexor, and thought it might be interesting to compare notes (also with Peterjg, who started one week ago and who, like me, is a 47 year old male).
> 1st week 37.5mg and have now ramped up to 75mg. Will go to 150mg next week.
I started on regular (i.e., non XR) Effexor at 75 mg/day for two weeks, then increased to 112.5 mg/day for the past two. I'll be starting 150mg/day of the XR formulation on the weekend.
> Results so far:
> 1) No obvious side effects yet.I noticed a few mild side effects for the first 2 or 3 days (slight nausea, 'spaced-out' feeling), but these quickly faded. I've also noticed increased difficulty in reading small print, but this is probably just a coincidence, since I'm at that age anyway. (It's not blurry vision, as far as I can tell, which I understand is a possible side effect.)
> 2) DEFINATE reduction in depression/anxiety.
I noticed some improvement in the first two weeks - still a couple of "black days", but also a couple of "bright" ones. My third week was really good - very positive outlook, and starting to think about addressing some long-standing personal issues. This week has been a bit of a letdown - no severe depression, but just a bit gloomy.
I saw my doctor at the beginning of this week and she was surprised that I was seeing any results so soon. Although she didn't suggest it, this got me wondering if some of the early improvement was due to a placebo effect. I'd prefer to believe that wasn't the case (I'm not sure why), but either way, any change for the better is certainly welcome.
> 3) Am now able to sleep (mostly) through the night without rolling around for at least 2 hours reviewing how f**k'd my life is.
My sleep also started to improve almost immediately - I still wake up at 4 or 5 in the morning to go to the bathroom, but can generally get back to sleep afterwards, which I haven't been able to do for some time. I do find it hard to wake up fully and get out of bed some mornings, but after suffering from insomnia for a long time, I'm willing to put up with this for a while.
> 4) Don't get really pissed at the slightest daily frustration. (Still get pissed at the really stupid/irritating ones though.)
Anger hasn't been one of my problems (maybe I'm just good at supressing it?), so I haven't noticed any change in this area. Still, that itself may be a good sign - I was talking to an old friend last week whose husband has been taking AD's for a few years, and she told me that one of his early meds used to make him very angry, which was never part of his personality before (and hasn't been since he changed to a different drug).
It's nice to hear from other people who are going through the same process at more or less the same time. I didn't know anything about this drug (or any other AD's) when I started taking it, so finding this forum has been quite informative.
Good luck to all -
Badger
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.