![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 6274 to 6298 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by outofcontrol on February 3, 2004, at 17:14:38
In reply to Re: STAY OFF EFFEXOR IF YOU CAN, posted by poochi on February 3, 2004, at 15:03:22
I was on Effexor for a while maybe a year or year and a half. I thought I would like to see how I can do not on the medication. Well I went from 75mg to 37.5mg over a few week periodand then I went off the 37.5mg and have not been on anything for about 6 days. My sickness side effects went away, but I feel uncontrolable....my minds racing and I am more emotional then ever. I can be watching something on tv and start crying. I feel so bad for my boyfriend and I hate that this won't go away. I feel like I want to curl up in bed forever and like there is a weight on my chest, kind of like how I used to feel when I got panic attacks....Does this get any better or is this normal to go through after getting off this medicine.
Posted by KimberlyDi on February 3, 2004, at 17:39:56
In reply to Re: I'm afraid to go off Effexor,taking 1 1/2 year » KimberlyDi, posted by Semi-conscious on February 3, 2004, at 0:22:30
I'm on 100mg of Imipramine which I think almost qualifies as nothing. As to types of depression... I've been told that some people have situational depression and just need AD's as a crutch until they have learned, through therapy, etc., how to handle life's disappointments and problems on their own. Or to survive the worst of the grieving process for the loss of a loved one. The other seems to be a chemical imbalance in the brain which may need medication indefinately to stay balanced and sane.
I am a MOODY female right now, after several weeks off of Effexor. My mood swings keep me off-balance and I'm very unhappy. I feel emotionally out of control which is probably going to drive me back to the list of AD's for another try at it. One that won't kill me or my marriage (thru lack of sex drive).
I'm disappointed at my options.
But I withdrew off of Effexor safely. :)
KDi in TX
> Thank you for your response Kimberly!. What does it feel like to be Effexor free? Are you taking any meds now? I've been taking anti-depressant for about 9 years. Do you think I could go off all of them and be okay? I take 4 diferent kinds a day. Weren't anti-depressants intially intended for short term use and then it was suppose to have corrected the problem? Or am I condemned to being dependent on drugs for the rest of my life? You're probably not a Dr. but any information you might have re: those questions, I would be most grateful. Taylor
>
>
Posted by KimberlyDi on February 3, 2004, at 17:42:32
In reply to Re: STAY OFF EFFEXOR IF YOU CAN, posted by on-the-wave on February 3, 2004, at 9:31:27
Posted by lacey2001 on February 3, 2004, at 17:50:33
In reply to Re: Pregnancy and Effexor XR??, posted by jpmjcem on February 3, 2004, at 12:41:26
Hi thanks for the responses regarding pregnancy and the use of Effexor. I didn't really want to be on anything for a pregnancy (I don't even like taking Tylenol). I am definitely
taking your advice. How is your son doing now? That must have been pretty scary having the fetus dehydrated.
I have an appointment with my Dr. this Friday and am going to talk to her about coming off of Effexor. There is some side effects I am still having as well. I don't have any idea how long it will take to be off of it. I have only been on Effexor for two months and at 75 mg. It shouldn't be too bad to discontinue. I will lower my dosage slowly of course.Tanya
out with severe withdrawl from teh Effexor XR and we could have lost him. I will NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER trust a doctor to tell me something is safe during preg like that again. PLEASE DO NOT USE IT! It really harms the fetus and baby!
Posted by jpmjcem on February 3, 2004, at 17:58:05
In reply to Re: Pregnancy and Effexor XR??, posted by lacey2001 on February 3, 2004, at 17:50:33
> Hi thanks for the responses regarding pregnancy and the use of Effexor. I didn't really want to be on anything for a pregnancy (I don't even like taking Tylenol). I am definitely
> taking your advice. How is your son doing now? That must have been pretty scary having the fetus dehydrated.
> I have an appointment with my Dr. this Friday and am going to talk to her about coming off of Effexor. There is some side effects I am still having as well. I don't have any idea how long it will take to be off of it. I have only been on Effexor for two months and at 75 mg. It shouldn't be too bad to discontinue. I will lower my dosage slowly of course.
>
> Tanya
>
> out with severe withdrawl from teh Effexor XR and we could have lost him. I will NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER trust a doctor to tell me something is safe during preg like that again. PLEASE DO NOT USE IT! It really harms the fetus and baby!
>
>
My son is wonderful now. He is 7 months old and doing great. But when he was born - he was severly dehydrated from the Effexor XR and my doc had told me it was safe. I didn't breastfeed him because i was afraid to after the birth. He had to be in the hospital for the whole weekend and it broke my heart. He ended up being alright but honestly... it is not worth the risk of a baby's life.
I have GAD and it is definitely not something that can go untreated. Please look into another type of med that is okay for pregnancy if you need it. And the withdrawl from Effexor is real bad- so I wish you luck.
Posted by PoohBear on February 3, 2004, at 18:19:26
In reply to does this go away? Is this normal, posted by outofcontrol on February 3, 2004, at 17:14:38
>...I thought I would like to see how I can do not on the medication....>
WHY, OH Why, do people feel a need to do this to themselves?
Because of some panic-stricken posts on these boards?
Because of curiousty?
Did you get your doctor's approval before starting this? Did they say that now was a good time to come of you meds? Weren't you doing okay on it?
Please don't misunderstand. My heart is full of compassion, I simply don't understand why someone would do this unsupervised.
I just don't get it.
Confused in Seattle,
Tony
Posted by poochi on February 3, 2004, at 18:34:38
In reply to Re: does this go away? Is this normal » outofcontrol, posted by PoohBear on February 3, 2004, at 18:19:26
> >...I thought I would like to see how I can do not on the medication....>
>
> WHY, OH Why, do people feel a need to do this to themselves?
>
> Because of some panic-stricken posts on these boards?
>
> Because of curiousty?
>
> Did you get your doctor's approval before starting this? Did they say that now was a good time to come of you meds? Weren't you doing okay on it?
>
> Please don't misunderstand. My heart is full of compassion, I simply don't understand why someone would do this unsupervised.
>
> I just don't get it.
>
> Confused in Seattle,
>
> Tony
Well, some people can no longer afford the highcost of these medices, and some people don't like to be on pills everyday of there lives. And some people feel like they might like a chance to see if they can function without medication.
These of course are my opinions, but i think that each person probably has a very good reason for doing what they are doing. I do encourage everyone tho to consult their dr before trying to do anything on their own.
I wish good luck to all those who are trying to make their own lives their own again.
Posted by outofcontrol on February 3, 2004, at 18:41:42
In reply to Re: does this go away? Is this normal » outofcontrol, posted by PoohBear on February 3, 2004, at 18:19:26
I was on the medicine mainly to help me get over and deal with things after my mother passed away of cancer. I was 18 when she did and pretty much the head of the house hold. My doctor said that it was one of the less addicting medicines, after trying many others that gave me bad side effects. Now after having no insurance, it cost $100 a month and my boyfriend and I are going to get married soon and want to start a family and I can't be on the medicine and trying to get pregnant. So my doctor said that we can try other ways to control any anxiety or depression. I have never been depressed really bad or anything...it was more of trying to deal with feeling edgy from trying to take on too much and more then I am used to, and filling my moms shoes when I wasn't her and didn't knkow how to do her job. Part of me is glad im off the medicine and the other part doesn't know how I will deal.
Jennifer
Ohio
Posted by PoohBear on February 3, 2004, at 19:25:19
In reply to Re: does this go away? Is this normal, posted by outofcontrol on February 3, 2004, at 18:41:42
I hope all goes well for you. Your reasons are perfectly understandable; they just weren't stated in the earlier post.
Take care!
Tony
> I was on the medicine mainly to help me get over and deal with things after my mother passed away of cancer. I was 18 when she did and pretty much the head of the house hold. My doctor said that it was one of the less addicting medicines, after trying many others that gave me bad side effects. Now after having no insurance, it cost $100 a month and my boyfriend and I are going to get married soon and want to start a family and I can't be on the medicine and trying to get pregnant. So my doctor said that we can try other ways to control any anxiety or depression. I have never been depressed really bad or anything...it was more of trying to deal with feeling edgy from trying to take on too much and more then I am used to, and filling my moms shoes when I wasn't her and didn't knkow how to do her job. Part of me is glad im off the medicine and the other part doesn't know how I will deal.
>
> Jennifer
> Ohio
Posted by EFFEXED on February 3, 2004, at 20:17:33
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
The EFFEXOR is helping me great with all the anixty I was haveing prior to starting the EFFEXOR but I dont feel happy and its not like I am tired and depressed just kind of numb to things this is the first AD I have ever been on is this numb feeling common with moast ADs or should I talk to my DR about it when I go for my 1st month fallow up on the 5th well any input would be nice thanks.
cindy in TX
Posted by Lokisdream on February 3, 2004, at 20:30:23
In reply to Re: STAY OFF EFFEXOR IF YOU CAN » on-the-wave, posted by PoohBear on February 3, 2004, at 10:33:08
> > My advice to any-one about to start effexor, paxil, zooloft, luvox, wellbutrin or any SSRI, STOP AND THINK WHAT YOU ARE ABOUT TO DO.
> >
> > Read a book called Prozac Backlash by Joseph Glen mullen.
> >
> > There is so much about these drugs that your psychiatrist doesn't know about.
> >
> > DO NOT TAKE SSRI'S without consulting a psychologist first. On no account accept a prescription from a GP for an SSRI.
> >
> > YOU ARE PLAYING WITH YOUR LIFE.
>
> This is just one book. Your opinion is yours and as such is valid, but it is irresponsible to say that an entire class of drugs is bad because of one author.
>
> These drugs have helped many, myself included. What do you say to those like myself who have a family history of depression, bipolar and alcoholism? I am nearly 47 and have battled depression, ADHD and the after effects of child abuse all my life.
>
> I have done that through a very strong, personal walk with Christ. But that faith and no amount of prayer helped lift the darkness that was always lurking in the background. Effexor was able to do that. It also helped me for the first time in my life to be able to control my thoughts.
>
> Many come to these boards looking for encouragement and instead go away more discouraged and confused than before because they don't have the ability to weed out the trash from the truth. Are there doctors who dole out drugs like candy without really knowing their effects or if they're really indicated for their patient? As surely as there's another charlatan with some hair-brained idea about the evils of drugs and how we're slowly killing ourselves...
>
> I'd rather live with the drugs and their side effects than the darkness in my mind any day. I will live forever. If my life here is made more effective by the drugs I need to take to help me function normally, but my life is cut short by a few years, what's that in light of eternity?
>
> I refuse to listen to narrow-minded authors with a bone to pick and an ax to grind against something that has helped many and me personally. Perhaps if my mother and her sisters had had Effexor or some of the other SSRI's or meds we take for granted now, they'ed be alive today, instead of dead long before their time.
>
> TonyEverybody's got their own reactions to different meds, so who's to say what will do what for who. Don't blame it all on the GPs though. My younger bro is the GP who warned me about this 'stuff'. He told me you won't know what it's doing till you don't have it anymore, meanwhile my pusher, sorry, pdoc kept upping my dosage when I told him I felt no different. I wasn't any happier or sadder, just didn't care. I would find myself staring at a window or wall, thinking(and laughing) I can put my head or fist through that, no problem. Later, I find myself patching those holes.
Posted by mariarp on February 3, 2004, at 23:01:57
In reply to does this go away? Is this normal, posted by outofcontrol on February 3, 2004, at 17:14:38
Just from my own personal experiences from anti-depressants... (i have not been on effexor, but i have on one similar)
This happened to me... I got off my medication, and I had another episode (which sounds like what you might be having). My doc told me it was not time for me to get off meds... so I got back on and recovered.
She also told me that the more times you get off the meds and have episodes the longer it might take you to get off in the future. Talk to your doctor, but it sounds to me like you are not yet ready to handle the depression on your own yet.
Just from experience... someone with a more professional background might tell you otherwise.
Posted by flyingdreams on February 3, 2004, at 23:48:26
In reply to Re: STAY OFF EFFEXOR IF YOU CAN, posted by on-the-wave on February 3, 2004, at 13:16:53
I totally agree with you!
Posted by justjustine on February 4, 2004, at 10:29:21
In reply to does this go away? Is this normal, posted by outofcontrol on February 3, 2004, at 17:14:38
from my experience (1 year on 150mg effexor and a too-fast taper straight through withdrawal hell) it sounds like you are having withdrawal symptoms - rebounding depression.
i had only physical problems and mania/insomnia - no depression and very little anxiety rebound, in that way i was very lucky, and i'm sorry you are dealing with this.
i also went from 37 to 0, it's too fast. you need to break the 37's up and taper slower to avoid (lessen?) these problems.
my advice to anyone one this drug is pretty much the same right now - get off of it! tapering slowly is probably the smartest and least painful way, but by any means necessary get off this drug!
i've been on prozac, wellbutrin, and serzone, and never had the problems i've had with effexor. i can't wait to have sex with a real person again! at least practicing on myself is finally fun again in the meantime... ;p
> I was on Effexor for a while maybe a year or year and a half. I thought I would like to see how I can do not on the medication. Well I went from 75mg to 37.5mg over a few week periodand then I went off the 37.5mg and have not been on anything for about 6 days. My sickness side effects went away, but I feel uncontrolable....my minds racing and I am more emotional then ever. I can be watching something on tv and start crying. I feel so bad for my boyfriend and I hate that this won't go away. I feel like I want to curl up in bed forever and like there is a weight on my chest, kind of like how I used to feel when I got panic attacks....Does this get any better or is this normal to go through after getting off this medicine.
Posted by on-the-wave on February 4, 2004, at 11:41:50
In reply to Re: does this go away? Is this normal » outofcontrol, posted by PoohBear on February 3, 2004, at 18:19:26
> >...I thought I would like to see how I can do not on the medication....>
>
> WHY, OH Why, do people feel a need to do this to themselves?
>Your only arguement is that the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. Do you know what the disadvantages are?
SSRI's will not cure you and will eventually wear off. It may work continously for mild cases (who would probably be fine with a mild tranquiliser and a holiday). My view is that severe psycholigical damage takes more than this.
My issue was with an emotional childhood trauma agrivated by a patholigical father, which manisfested itself in various emotional and relationship issues. Effexor was wonderful for the first few months. Then as the effect slowly diminished (and the dose went up) I couldn't cope with situations again. I was pretty much back where i started, only know i had complications of SSRI induced rages, deep depressions, severe anxiety attacks, etc. (I too have punched holes in walls, cut myself, etc.).
It was therapy which showed me the way out. I had to overcome enormous tests of faith and learn to trust people and emotions again. I went through periods of such emotional pain that at times i felt like lying down on the ground and dying. It was jesus christ that gave me the courage to get through it. If you say that is not enough for you. Look at yourself and your faith, don't doubt Jesus Christ.
Good luck
Posted by KimRN73 on February 4, 2004, at 12:04:47
In reply to normal - yes, BUT..., posted by justjustine on February 4, 2004, at 10:29:21
I am wanting to do the SLOW tapering of Effexor...but I'm freakin out because of these posts on here. I am on the regular tabs, NOT XR, 150mg daily. I plan on breaking the tabs into 4 pieces and taking the same dosage morning and night for a week at a time until im down to none. My doctor did give me zoloft 50mg daily to replace my effexor, but i wanted to hear if anyone has tapered off Effexor successfully without goin thru HELL. I do okay on this med, the only side effects are dizziness 1/2 way into the day, and i get tired easily. And i think it has contributed to my 25lb wt. gain and high blood pressure. I have been on Effexor for 3-4 yrs...started low but now on 75mg twice daily.
Please fill me in without freaking me out HAHA
Kim :)
Posted by jpmjcem on February 4, 2004, at 12:29:13
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by EFFEXED on February 3, 2004, at 20:17:33
> The EFFEXOR is helping me great with all the anixty I was haveing prior to starting the EFFEXOR but I dont feel happy and its not like I am tired and depressed just kind of numb to things this is the first AD I have ever been on is this numb feeling common with moast ADs or should I talk to my DR about it when I go for my 1st month fallow up on the 5th well any input would be nice thanks.
>
> cindy in TXI've been on Effexor XR for little over two years and I do feel like it takes the "edge" off my anxiety but I still have severe anxiety attacks periodically and mild agorphobia. I am very frusturated right now because I feel like I have tried every drug and it just doesn't seem to give me relief. I even feel that way with Xanax, Klonopin and other stuff. I was wanting off of the Effexor XR since it isn't really helping me completely and was thinking about trying Buspar....
Posted by PoohBear on February 4, 2004, at 14:04:27
In reply to Re: does this go away? Is this normal, posted by on-the-wave on February 4, 2004, at 11:41:50
> Your only arguement is that the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. Do you know what the disadvantages are?
>You obviously took my comments out of context to make your own point. I know a lot. You quote one author from one book.
> SSRI's will not cure you and will eventually wear off. It may work continously for mild cases (who would probably be fine with a mild tranquiliser and a holiday). My view is that severe psycholigical damage takes more than this.
>That's your view... The jury is still out on the long term effects of AD's and Effexor is NOT an SSRI.
> My issue was with an emotional childhood trauma agrivated by a patholigical father, which manisfested itself in various emotional and relationship issues. Effexor was wonderful for the first few months. Then as the effect slowly diminished (and the dose went up) I couldn't cope with situations again. I was pretty much back where i started, only know i had complications of SSRI induced rages, deep depressions, severe anxiety attacks, etc. (I too have punched holes in walls, cut myself, etc.).
>You know nothing of my childhood. That I'm here, functioning as well as I am, married for 22 years is a miracle. I should be dead.
> It was therapy which showed me the way out. I had to overcome enormous tests of faith and learn to trust people and emotions again. I went through periods of such emotional pain that at times i felt like lying down on the ground and dying. It was jesus christ that gave me the courage to get through it. If you say that is not enough for you. Look at yourself and your faith, don't doubt Jesus Christ.
>
> Good luckThanks for the judgement. My faith is fine, as well as my courage. As far as I'm concerned, my doctor and the drugs she's using are a miracle. You can believe whatever you want. It's a free country. (The last time I checked...)
Have a great day!
Tony
Posted by on-the-wave on February 4, 2004, at 14:47:40
In reply to Re: does this go away? Is this normal » on-the-wave, posted by PoohBear on February 4, 2004, at 14:04:27
It is a free country, and every-one is entitled to their opinion.
SSRI SNRI, is that important. The general issue is seratonin, be it re-uptake inhibition or release. You are physically changing the functioning of the brain and the nervous system. Yes the long term effects are unknown. My point is that not all depression sufferers need to take these drugs. AND IF THEY DO BE AWARE OF THE CURRENT INFO. You are aware, and have taken a decision based on what you know. I was astounded to hear that GP's prescribed SSRI's. I have seen many gp's for follow-up prescriptions and every one, without fail, wanted a shot at "curing" me. I knew enough to ignore them all. Some wanted to change my dose over night, cutting it half. One summarily cut it because she wouldn't prescribe over a certain limit. I new more about the drug than them. Isn't it suprising how many people are self medicating on this forum, with drugs like effexor.
My second pdoc told me i could take 800mg of effexor and it wouldn't harm me. Is this true. As above no-one knows the answer, but where did this pdoc get this information?
I am not inferring that this one book is the last word, it is a different view and from my personal experience, accurate. In retrospect, it answered alot of unanswered questions I had from during my depression/anxiety. Things my pdoc couldn't answer.
If you read my initial post, all i am saying is be aware, and you have to do this yourself, because i believe a lot of dr's out there do not know what they are dealing with when it comes to these drugs.
Posted by polar1 on February 4, 2004, at 19:40:49
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder for a year now. I just started back on Effexor xr 1/9/04 at 150 mg a day. I have still been down and the doctor told me to go up to 225 mg. Is there anyone out there with bipolar that has taken a larger dose? I just want to feel better. I am also on Zyprexa and Depakote. Is there anything else I should try?
Posted by Dr. Bob on February 4, 2004, at 21:16:13
In reply to STAY OFF EFFEXOR IF YOU CAN, posted by on-the-wave on February 3, 2004, at 8:23:16
> Read a book called Prozac Backlash by Joseph Glen mullen.
I'd just like to plug the double double quotes feature at this site:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#amazon
The first time anyone refers to a book without using this option, I post this to try to make sure he or she at least knows about it. It's just an option, though, and doesn't *have* to be used. If people *choose* not to use it, I'd be interested why not, but I'd like that redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20020918/msgs/7717.html
Thanks!
Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on February 4, 2004, at 21:41:32
In reply to Re: does this go away? Is this normal » on-the-wave, posted by PoohBear on February 4, 2004, at 14:04:27
> THE SKY IS FALLING!!! THE SKY IS FALLING!!!
>
> KimberlyDi> SSRI's ... may work continously for mild cases (who would probably be fine with a mild tranquiliser and a holiday).
>
> on-the-wave> You obviously took my comments out of context to make your own point.
>
> PoohBearDifferent points of view are fine, and in fact encouraged, but please be sensitive to the feelings of others and don't jump to conclusions about them or post anything that could lead them to feel accused or put down.
If you have any questions about this or comments about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways to express yourself, please see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
or redirect a follow-up to Psycho-Babble Administration. Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Sad Panda on February 5, 2004, at 3:49:14
In reply to Re: does this go away? Is this normal, posted by on-the-wave on February 4, 2004, at 14:47:40
> My second pdoc told me i could take 800mg of effexor and it wouldn't harm me. Is this true. As above no-one knows the answer, but where did this pdoc get this information?
>I have heard of pdocs going up to 1000mg!
There is a great little read here http://www.psychotropical.com/notes/589.html about how Efexor barely qualifies as an SNRI.
Here is a snipet on NRI strength:
"Indeed, in vitro venlafaxine is a weaker noradrenalin reuptake inhibitor than is fluoxetine (and some other 'SSRIs'). Fluoxetine is of course marketed as an selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.
In summary we have the anachronism that some drugs marketed as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are more potent noradrenalin reuptake inhibitors than venlafaxine, which is marketed as a serotonin and noradrenalin reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). This anachronism is only partly explained away by 'selectivity' (ie NA vs 5-HT potency) and different dose ranges.
Noradrenalin reuptake inhibitor potency ***
Desipramine 0.83 most potent
Amitriptyline 35
Fluoxetine 240
Venlafaxine 1060 weakest"A snipet on toxicity:
"Venlafaxine seems to have greater toxicity and more severe withdrawal effects.
Recent data (12/00) from 456 admissions with antidepressant poisoning; numbers:--
venlafaxine (51), tricyclic antidepressants (excluding dothiepin*) (172), SSRI (233), dothiepin (81).
* because it is so much more toxic than all the othersOdds ratios (95% CIs, p) for:--
Seizures
Venlafaxine vs TCAs-- 4.4 (1.2 – 16.6, p = 0.02)Prolonged QRS (to &Mac179; 100 ms)
SSRIs vs TCAs 0.3, (0.2 – 0.6, p < 0.0001)
TCAs vs venlafaxine 0.6 (0.3 – 1.4, p = 0.31)Serotonin syndrome
venlafaxine vs TCAs 35.4 (7.6 – 325.3, p < 0.0001)
SSRIs vs TCAs 20.4 (5.2 – 174.9, p < 0.0001)Conclusions: Venlafaxine in overdose seems to be pro-convulsant, even more than TCAs (whereas SSRIs are much less so) and also cardiotoxic.
Venlafaxine is also a lot more likely to cause serotonin syndrome than either TCAs or SSRIs; this is unexpected since it is generally a weaker SRI. This would fit with it having another mechanism of action as mooted above."I am taking Efexor 225mg + Remeron 30mg. Efexor is making me a whole lot happy than I use to be, but it is strugling to give me any motivation. I will go up to 375mg & then I will try something else.
Cheers,
Panda.
Posted by lupern on February 5, 2004, at 4:09:19
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 a little over a year...it saved my life...but recently, I have been having the symptoms usually associated with the withdrawl of the med...you know, that 'swishy head/dizzy" feeling. I am getting those symptoms occassionally throughtout the day....Am I building up a tolerance to my dose (150mg QD)?
Anyone else experience the same thing?
Thanks,
Lupe
Posted by semi-conscious on February 5, 2004, at 7:26:37
In reply to anyone needing up dose due to w/d like symptoms?, posted by lupern on February 5, 2004, at 4:09:19
When I first started taking Effexor it wasn't great, but it was okay, then it seemed to level off and we upped the dose. That happened twice. Now I'm going through major depression again with weakness and sadness, so I guess I have to go back and up the dose. I'm already on 175mg Effexor SR. Having a drug level off because you've gained a tolerance to it and having to take more then finding out that it has a terrible withdrawal and leaves your system within 12 hours, instead of having a half live like the other SSRI's, and then you go through hell for weeks, this sounds almost like a narcotic. How is it the DR.'s didn't inform the patients of this? This is a very addictive drug. It's my own fault for not asking enough questions. But my meds prescriber is a little intimidating. If I even mention that I learned something about a particular med on the internet, he says the internet is a bunch of bunk. I guess I'm going to have to up the dose. But what happens when I level off again? You can only go up to 300mg. I guess when you level off again, that's when you have to go off and go through the withdrawal. I'd rather do it now and get it over with. It's time to try a different anti-depressant. One not quite so addicting. I guess I've been a little long winded. It's just that I'm frustrated and want a competent Dr. who knows his stuff and actually cares about the patient, to him I'm just a series of records needed to be completed by the book for the HMO. They run us through that clinic like cattle. What are your symptoms? I'm experiencing depression, apathy, profound sadness, crying and don't get off the couch for a week at a time. I have blurred vision, weakness, shakiness and tremor like symptoms. This is all while taking the drug, along with 3 other nighttime anti-depressants for sleep. I'm afraid to go off. This meds situation makes me sad too. I had such high hopes and expectations in the beginning. Sorry for rambling on so long. Thank you for letting me vent. If there is anything I can do or if you need someone to talk to, just respond to this post. I hope I didn't scare you too bad. Not everyone reacts to the drug the same way. Goodluck Taylor
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.