![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 723 to 747 of 1313. Go back in thread:
Posted by Raggy on April 24, 2004, at 10:36:18
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last?, posted by fastblackZZR on March 4, 2004, at 12:50:06
On Montel Williams show this week they talked about these antidepressants and they had this doctor on there who wanted feed back on what these antidepressants do to people. All your feelings and if you get more depressed or suicidal or your feelings on any of the top antidepressants. He had 2 people on there that had a lot of trouble with effexor and the other talked about prozac.
If you could take a few minutes to vent your feelings on the good or bad of these antidepressants, it would be good. We all know that the drug companies dont do the right studies and they hide certain facts of these drugs. Here is his address:
http://www.prozacbacklash.com/
Even though it says prozac he wanted feed back on all these drugs.
Thanks, finally someone who wants to get something done about these doctors who are giving these drugs too freely.
Posted by SeeknSolace on April 25, 2004, at 7:02:40
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by annesand on April 15, 2004, at 7:07:54
Hey annesand, I'll give you my experience with prozac. I too had read that prozac is given to aid in the withdrawals of effexor. I got all the info I could on this prior to my last pdoc appointment. She had confirmed what I had read. I told her I want to get off effexor. She gave me the starter blister pack 75mg/37.5mg that they give you when you start, only took it in reverse. I was on 150 mgs for 2 years. After deciding I'm ready to be done with this, I was on the 75 mgs for one week.. it went well.. I thought maybe I can go cold turkey. I did for four days.. I dont have to remind you all what hell that is.
I decided to go on the 37.5 because I couldnt take the sickness of not having it. The evil little pill made me feel back to my sense of normality.
I called the pdoc the next day, told her I didnt do well coming off the effexor.. was bed ridden, couldnt go to work for 2 days. I didnt tell her I tried cold turkey.. she has been a b**** to me several times, very unprof, but thats besides the point.. had to lie to get the prozac, because I knew the 37.5 was about to run out.
She prescribed me ten pills only of 10 mgs of prozac. I took my first prozac the same day I took my last dose of 37.5. The second day on the prozac, I was a little sick, just a bit unbearable. I broke open an effexor and took about a third of its contents, then about 36 hours later, did it again.. after that, I refused to take any more and stayed on only the prozac. I knew I had to be strong to get free from the effexor.
There was evidence of the transitions, some sense of having an adrenaline rush but also feelings of what the reasons why I got on effexor to begin with. After a couple days, there was a sense of some balance.
I was not at all sick while taking the prozac. Still had the brain zaps and sense of euphoria and depression.. I'm bipolar anyways. But it was mild in comparison to other things I've felt before and preferential over the effexor withdrawals without the prozac.
Two days ago I took the last one. Yesterday was quite difficult. I'm prone to anxiety attacks.. the effexor suppressed these, I was in a bad state while out shopping, but kept on telling myself it will pass.. to keep moving/living.
I hope the anxiety is only symptomatic of the withdrawals, but as I said, had the attacks frequently prior to effexor.. just dont want to go back to pre-effexor days.
But to answer your quetion, yes prozac did help, still have the brain zaps, but its tolerable.. it all takes time...
I dont think more then 10 days worth of prozac: 10mgs each, is necessary, so be informed before going to your doc.
> I haven't tried this, but lots of others here have. They say that temporarily taking Prozac smooths out the withdrawal symptoms because the half life is a lot longer. Can somebody else fill in the details??
Posted by Raggy on April 25, 2004, at 7:36:02
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news » annesand, posted by SeeknSolace on April 25, 2004, at 7:02:40
> Hey annesand, I'll give you my experience with prozac. I too had read that prozac is given to aid in the withdrawals of effexor. I got all the info I could on this prior to my last pdoc appointment. She had confirmed what I had read. I told her I want to get off effexor. She gave me the starter blister pack 75mg/37.5mg that they give you when you start, only took it in reverse. I was on 150 mgs for 2 years. After deciding I'm ready to be done with this, I was on the 75 mgs for one week.. it went well.. I thought maybe I can go cold turkey. I did for four days.. I dont have to remind you all what hell that is.
>
> I decided to go on the 37.5 because I couldnt take the sickness of not having it. The evil little pill made me feel back to my sense of normality.
>
> I called the pdoc the next day, told her I didnt do well coming off the effexor.. was bed ridden, couldnt go to work for 2 days. I didnt tell her I tried cold turkey.. she has been a b**** to me several times, very unprof, but thats besides the point.. had to lie to get the prozac, because I knew the 37.5 was about to run out.
>
> She prescribed me ten pills only of 10 mgs of prozac. I took my first prozac the same day I took my last dose of 37.5. The second day on the prozac, I was a little sick, just a bit unbearable. I broke open an effexor and took about a third of its contents, then about 36 hours later, did it again.. after that, I refused to take any more and stayed on only the prozac. I knew I had to be strong to get free from the effexor.
>
> There was evidence of the transitions, some sense of having an adrenaline rush but also feelings of what the reasons why I got on effexor to begin with. After a couple days, there was a sense of some balance.
>
> I was not at all sick while taking the prozac. Still had the brain zaps and sense of euphoria and depression.. I'm bipolar anyways. But it was mild in comparison to other things I've felt before and preferential over the effexor withdrawals without the prozac.
>
> Two days ago I took the last one. Yesterday was quite difficult. I'm prone to anxiety attacks.. the effexor suppressed these, I was in a bad state while out shopping, but kept on telling myself it will pass.. to keep moving/living.
>
> I hope the anxiety is only symptomatic of the withdrawals, but as I said, had the attacks frequently prior to effexor.. just dont want to go back to pre-effexor days.
>
> But to answer your quetion, yes prozac did help, still have the brain zaps, but its tolerable.. it all takes time...
>
> I dont think more then 10 days worth of prozac: 10mgs each, is necessary, so be informed before going to your doc.
>
> > I haven't tried this, but lots of others here have. They say that temporarily taking Prozac smooths out the withdrawal symptoms because the half life is a lot longer. Can somebody else fill in the details??
>
>This is the kind of info this doctor wants, he wants to know how you feel on the drug and how you feel when you get off it. We could be doing a lot of people a great thing by visiting his website and telling him. If we can help one person and their families from this hell, it is well worth it. His website is.www.prozacbacklash.com
Posted by Slinky on April 26, 2004, at 4:01:24
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by Raggy on April 25, 2004, at 7:36:02
Hi everyone..
Over 2 months ? off effexor and the electric shock tingling is driving me crazy...no sensations in my head or eyes though...just my left side of body.
My leg muscle twitches constantly..
The sensation can only be described as when you knock the elbow very hard.
The good side is I'm sleeping deeper so I have more energy...but I'm more agitated and irritable but not so suicidal now and grim.There's no point in telling my doc about the weird sensations...thinking of seeing an osteopath.
Posted by SeeknSolace on April 26, 2004, at 5:34:52
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by Slinky on April 26, 2004, at 4:01:24
I still have the electric, zaps, tingling sensation too but its only been a few days off. I am getting all the symptoms of anxiety disorder, but had it before.. the sense of things being surreal, feeling like I'm gonna hyperventilate, tough being is social situations.. it was hard just going to the laundry mat yesterday.
I read somewhere on the net.. maybe here, that someone's doc said we get those zap feelings because the brain is searching for.. and trying to produce seretonin. Makes sense I suppose..
I'd take that over what I'm feeling now.. the anxiety is constant: back hurts, cramps, headaches, tension around the neck and throat, clenched teeth, dry mouth, racing heart, burning sensation in my arms, tight chest.. it all is overwhelming and makes the mind spin out of control into a surreal sense of existance.. uneasy one at that.
Anyone else experience this, or are bipolar and living life after effexor.. your shared thoughts and experiences would be appreciated
> Hi everyone..
> Over 2 months ? off effexor and the electric shock tingling is driving me crazy...no sensations in my head or eyes though...just my left side of body.
> My leg muscle twitches constantly..
> The sensation can only be described as when you knock the elbow very hard.
> The good side is I'm sleeping deeper so I have more energy...but I'm more agitated and irritable but not so suicidal now and grim.
>
> There's no point in telling my doc about the weird sensations...thinking of seeing an osteopath.
>
>
>
Posted by annesand on April 26, 2004, at 7:11:39
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news » annesand, posted by SeeknSolace on April 25, 2004, at 7:02:40
Thanks, SeeknSolace. I came in to work feeling so sick and tired of all of this. It really helped to read your message.
Posted by KimberlyDi on April 26, 2004, at 12:44:53
In reply to Re: Effexor XR Story and my opinion 25 F mother of 1, posted by 4hope on April 23, 2004, at 16:13:04
> I am hoping in a few days the brain zaps will be gone completly and I can get back to my old self.
>
> It's been a rough journey but I am glad me and Effexor are parting ways and WILL NEVER be friends again!!!
>
> HopeBrain zaps take longer than a few days. But they won't disable you so much that you can't go on with your life. They finally fade away so much that you don't feel the desire to post your misery and confusion on this helpful web site. Thank you Dr. Bob for giving me this website to make it through my initial side effects, temporary success and withdrawals from Effexor. Darn my high bloodpressure because Effexor sure did me alot of good. Now that I'm off of it, I'm not sure I would always want the possibility of a missed dosage hanging over my head.
Good Luck!
KDi in TX
Posted by maxziggy2002 on April 28, 2004, at 20:38:42
In reply to Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by janey on November 1, 1998, at 16:30:34
To everyone out there who is suffering or has suffered from Effexor related hell: This drug and others like it will never be taken off the market until the mainstream media takes up the cause. So many of us are suffering in shame and silence. I believe that if enough people write to Oprah and suggest this as an idea for her show, they will make one. We need the media if we want this suffering to end, if we want our suffering to mean something, if we want the drug companies to stop peddling this crack! Contact Oprah and ask your friends and families to do so as well. Together, we can stop this monster!
Posted by Raggy on April 28, 2004, at 20:51:42
In reply to TELL OPRAH YOU HATE EFFEXOR, posted by maxziggy2002 on April 28, 2004, at 20:38:42
> To everyone out there who is suffering or has suffered from Effexor related hell: This drug and others like it will never be taken off the market until the mainstream media takes up the cause. So many of us are suffering in shame and silence. I believe that if enough people write to Oprah and suggest this as an idea for her show, they will make one. We need the media if we want this suffering to end, if we want our suffering to mean something, if we want the drug companies to stop peddling this crack! Contact Oprah and ask your friends and families to do so as well. Together, we can stop this monster!
They did have people talking about it on Montel Williams last week, and I posted an address where you can write the doctor that was on the show, do hope everyone does write him and tell him all these terrible things this drug does. The address is http://www.prozacbacklash.com/ , he wants to know about all these drugs, effexor, prozac, paxil, zoloft, etc.
Posted by seeknsolace on April 28, 2004, at 20:54:01
In reply to TELL OPRAH YOU HATE EFFEXOR, posted by maxziggy2002 on April 28, 2004, at 20:38:42
Yes effexor is a horrible drug to be on and to come off as so many others are as well, tho I dont know about others first hand. I'm still having the zaps.. been two weeks no effexor (I think) and one week no prozac. I feel like sh*t most of the time, could be a variable of things, including but not limited to effects of the withdrawls. I can say I will never go on effexor again, but I cant say I regret starting it. I was near suicide.. so depressed I managed to go to work every day and rest of the time was spent in bed, thinking about only dying.. how I could, when I will go thru it.... I cried constantly day and night.. simply put I was not able to enjoy any essence of life. I wouldnt have had to piece together some essence of life, if I never had the effexor to start with.. who knows, without it I might not be here now, being able to write this...
I was not informed of effexor going on it, maybe I would have refused it if I had known what I now know.. I'm not sure, but then maybe I was too desperate to care what the reprocussions are.
So, what I'm getting at.. maybe some people need effexor or whatever.. as I did and in truth, still do, but I'm off it, trying to make something better out of life, life now is worse without effexor.. thinking of taking up yoga/meditation, life is getting really hard as the days pass, so effexor might be the better (or only) alternative for those severely depressed.. when your essence of life is gone, we begin compromising things, if effexor gives people quality of life, even for a short time, its better then a life long struggle with deep dark depression where there is no release.
It would be better for people to be informed about this drug thoroughly, rather then removing any hopes of embracing life.
> To everyone out there who is suffering or has suffered from Effexor related hell: This drug and others like it will never be taken off the market until the mainstream media takes up the cause. So many of us are suffering in shame and silence. I believe that if enough people write to Oprah and suggest this as an idea for her show, they will make one. We need the media if we want this suffering to end, if we want our suffering to mean something, if we want the drug companies to stop peddling this crack! Contact Oprah and ask your friends and families to do so as well. Together, we can stop this monster!
Posted by TanyaJean on April 28, 2004, at 23:27:02
In reply to TELL OPRAH YOU HATE EFFEXOR, posted by maxziggy2002 on April 28, 2004, at 20:38:42
> To everyone out there who is suffering or has suffered from Effexor related hell: This drug and others like it will never be taken off the market until the mainstream media takes up the cause. So many of us are suffering in shame and silence. I believe that if enough people write to Oprah and suggest this as an idea for her show, they will make one. We need the media if we want this suffering to end, if we want our suffering to mean something, if we want the drug companies to stop peddling this crack! Contact Oprah and ask your friends and families to do so as well. Together, we can stop this monster!
*That's a great idea and I did email the Oprah show. I tell everyone I know how EFFEXOR has impacted me.
Posted by Bill LL on April 29, 2004, at 9:09:12
In reply to TELL OPRAH YOU HATE EFFEXOR, posted by maxziggy2002 on April 28, 2004, at 20:38:42
Many people are greatly helped by Effexor. This drug has immensely improved the quality of life for a large number of people. It has taken suicidal miserable people and turned them into happy productive people.
It's a shame that in some cases it causes side effects . Hopefully, scientists will eventually come up with antidepressanats that have less side effects.
Posted by PoohBear on April 29, 2004, at 10:28:05
In reply to TELL OPRAH YOU HATE EFFEXOR, posted by maxziggy2002 on April 28, 2004, at 20:38:42
> To everyone out there who is suffering or has suffered from Effexor related hell: This drug and others like it will never be taken off the market until the mainstream media takes up the cause. So many of us are suffering in shame and silence. I believe that if enough people write to Oprah and suggest this as an idea for her show, they will make one. We need the media if we want this suffering to end, if we want our suffering to mean something, if we want the drug companies to stop peddling this crack! Contact Oprah and ask your friends and families to do so as well. Together, we can stop this monster!
Effexor is NOT a monster... This kind of post is unbelieveably irresponsible.Many, MANY people are being helped by Effexor. Many might be dead without it, where other drugs have failed.
The posters here are a very small minority of the vast number who are being helped by this drug.
Tony
Posted by Camille Dumont on April 29, 2004, at 13:08:42
In reply to Re: TELL OPRAH YOU HATE EFFEXOR » maxziggy2002, posted by PoohBear on April 29, 2004, at 10:28:05
If this were to push for better information, I would jump in but trashing a medication because it doesn't work for you or some people have bad side effects is like saying that the forecast guy on tv is always wrong ... which is not true but you tend to remember teh times that he is wrong more than the 97% of the time when he is right.
Effexor needs more info on quitting side effects but its still a good medication ... its just not for everybody.
Without it, I would probably be 6 feet under right now.
Posted by psychosage on April 29, 2004, at 14:44:26
In reply to Re: TELL OPRAH YOU HATE EFFEXOR, posted by Camille Dumont on April 29, 2004, at 13:08:42
I think if you want to get Oprah to take up the cause and to have a show about antidepressants than you have to take into consideration that the manufacturer of Effexor advertises the med in O magazine.
What does this mean? I am not sure.
The heart of the matter lies in the drug claims and indications. Drug marketing needs to be overhauled. Since drugs have been advertised on TV there has been an upsurge in pharmaceuticals.
Drugs aren't medical treatments anymore. When I say I take wellbutrin Xl I am probably making more of a social statement about my emotional problems and my culturally recognized solution than the actual efficacy of that solution. It's like telling someone you are on antidepressants says more about your diagnosis than the fact anything good is happening from them.
I think there should be a new name for them, like flat out just call them mood chemicals. The name for them should be as vague as their mechanism of action because that is what they really mean.
The fact Zoloft is a more potent dopamine reuptake inhibitor than Wellbutrin tells me a lot about how the drug companies want us to believe the story about Zoloft more than the reality.
I think one main problem is when to stop taking the drugs. One can never tell if an AD should be maintained for preventative measures. I don't think all drugs are appropriate for maintenance therapy. Our brains adapt and change, so even at the same dosage a drug that initially was theraputic and life-saving even can start to cause negative effects.
Is there a single class of psych drug that is never taken for maintenance?
I think SSRIs are generally anesthetics. They blunt your emotions so you don't kill yourself after the initial improvement and feelings of well-being that have nothing to do with improvements in life circumstances. Even if they do make you feel better eventually the blunted effect will take over. Most of us have experienced it, right?
I don't have qualms about the chemicals themselves. I have issues with how they are marketed, prescribed and how I've been socially conditioned to believe they are really "antidepressants".
This is something that will take time to untangle because it will take collective experience over time to really figure out how we have to socially perceive the chemicals and how doctors and scientists figure out how to use them and generate claims about them that are more responsible.
i myself vacillate on whether or not antipsychotics are really worth the side effects to treat bipolar or if SSRIs are tolerable in low doses or for a short-term course. I feel Risperdal really helped save my life during a one-week self-admitted stay in a hospital psych ward, and Zoloft lifted me from the depths of my first major depressive episode at 19 years old. However, a subsequent 5-month course with Zyprexa ruined my life physically, emotionally and spiritually. After the initial month on my first AD ever, Zoloft, I was rather indifferent, hypomanic and compulsive. I think if I stayed on 50 mg for about two months and got off I would have been fine instead of being pumped up with 150mg a day.
Zyprexa helped me gain 35 pounds, and I developed neck and posture troubles that sent me into my first ever experience with physical rehabilitation for an entire summer at a center where the patients were 50 years older than I am. i wish I stayed on a minimal 2.5mg instead of the 10mg even though none of it changed a single symptom I had. Even though I was sedated physically, my mental anxiety became even worse since I was so concerned about my daily functioning.
Naturally, I am in the midst of attempting another antidepressant change.
Posted by annesand on April 29, 2004, at 15:03:25
In reply to Re: TELL OPRAH YOU HATE EFFEXOR, posted by Camille Dumont on April 29, 2004, at 13:08:42
Effexor probably saved my life six years ago too. But nobody told me about the long-term side effects, or how very difficult it would be to go off. Why did I only learn about this after the fact, from friends and from anecdotes on the Internet??!! I just think prescribers should give us the whole picture from the get-go so we can make educated choices.
Posted by noa on April 29, 2004, at 20:17:55
In reply to TELL OPRAH YOU HATE EFFEXOR, posted by maxziggy2002 on April 28, 2004, at 20:38:42
After a struggle to find an AD that would treat my refractory depression, Effexor came along and it worked. It is not perfect, and certainly isn't for everyone and the withdrawal problems need to be taken into account, but I certainly wouldn't advocate for it being taken off the market.
Posted by noa on April 29, 2004, at 20:35:02
In reply to Re: TELL OPRAH YOU HATE EFFEXOR » maxziggy2002, posted by PoohBear on April 29, 2004, at 10:28:05
Pooh Bear's point is well taken:
>The posters here are a very small minority of the vast number who are being helped by this drug.
I usually skip these threads. I have been stable on Effexor for a long time now. Not without some SE issues, so I know it's not perfect. But it is working for me, and because I don't have pressing issues or concerns about it, I don't post about Effexor except rarely, like now.
So, I would say that it is probable that these negative threads about Effexor, though perfectly valid and representing the true experiences of these posters, are not representative of all Effexor users. We don't know the numbers--those who have serious problems with it vs. those who don't. But my sense is that one has to be careful generalizing from these threads because there is intrinsically more reason for people having problems with the med to post about it.
It is a serious med with potentially serious SEs, yes. And has serious WD issues (I've experienced them myself) that I believe should be stated up front; and over time, as these become more evident, I hope the prescribing MDs are being more upfront about it. I don't see it as a "first line" strategy for most people, as I believe there are other options that are less complicated.
But it is not, as Pooh said, "a monster".
Posted by maxziggy2002 on April 29, 2004, at 21:50:03
In reply to Re: are these posts representative?, posted by noa on April 29, 2004, at 20:35:02
While I am sure that Effexor helps a large number of people, my concern is how it is being prescribed and marketed.
I was put on Effexor as a first attempt to improve my energy, mood, and concentration. Other alternatives, such as therapy, diet and lifestyle, were never addressed.
In addition, I was told that I might experience "flu-like" symptoms if I stopped taking them suddenly, which was the understatement of the century. It took me more than 4 months of agony to detox, which is 4 times as long as it takes to get off heroin.
These extremely powerful psychotropic drugs should not be put in the hands of untrained general practitioners. Furthermore, they should not be prescribed until other options have been exhausted. The potential for disaster is far too high. Doctors would never prescribe morphine at the first sign of pain. Yet they pump out these heavily marketed drugs on request.
If I can stop one person from going on this drug by posting here, I will.
Posted by TanyaJean on April 29, 2004, at 22:45:21
In reply to Re: TELL OPRAH YOU HATE EFFEXOR, posted by Camille Dumont on April 29, 2004, at 13:08:42
> If this were to push for better information, I would jump in but trashing a medication because it doesn't work for you or some people have bad side effects is like saying that the forecast guy on tv is always wrong ... which is not true but you tend to remember teh times that he is wrong more than the 97% of the time when he is right.
>
> Effexor needs more info on quitting side effects but its still a good medication ... its just not for everybody.
>
> Without it, I would probably be 6 feet under right now.**That's great that it works for you! However, it seems odd to me that 2 of my friends were on this medication and are having serious complications from trying to come off of it. Myself included. All three of us were on it for different reasons. It may work well while you're on it and you may very well be on it for life. But the problem is that our physicians are just handing this stuff out like candy. My doctor gave it to me because I have chronic pain. It may be too strong to say "TAKE THIS OFF THE MARKET", but people need a lot of education on what they're putting into their bodies and we're not getting that education. We're getting handed medication that doctors either don't know the serious side effects or they're not telling us, as patients. Coming off of this drug has been pure hell. I'm sure my doctor had no clue what I would experience when I eventually would have to come off of this. I'm very sure, however, the drug companies know full well.
Posted by TanyaJean on April 29, 2004, at 23:00:36
In reply to Re: Effexor works for me!!, posted by noa on April 29, 2004, at 20:17:55
> After a struggle to find an AD that would treat my refractory depression, Effexor came along and it worked. It is not perfect, and certainly isn't for everyone and the withdrawal problems need to be taken into account, but I certainly wouldn't advocate for it being taken off the market.
**I said in a previous post that advocating EFFEXOR being taken off the market probably isn't fair as all of us don't have the same reactions. If it works for you, that's very good. However, I don't agree, as I'm sure no one does, with doctor's handing out anti-depressants as candy and not really knowing the side effects and effects while trying to come off this medication. I doubt my doctor had any idea that four weeks after totally being off EFFEXOR, I would still be sick to my stomach most days. We really need education on what we're putting into our bodies and we're not getting it. We have to resort to educating ourselves and that can be a very challenging process. A lot of us haven't gone to school to learn specifically about meds and aren't scientists that create these drugs. I'm sure the drug companies know full well what can happen. People need to know. I was on a tricylic anti-depressant about 10 years ago. I weaned off of it and NEVER had problems. 4, going on 5 weeks now, I'm still very ill. Effexor never changed a thing for me aside from being very negative. My physicians still very much wanted me to be on them.
Posted by TanyaJean on April 29, 2004, at 23:09:50
In reply to Re: are these posts representative?, posted by noa on April 29, 2004, at 20:35:02
"So, I would say that it is probable that these negative threads about Effexor, though perfectly valid and representing the true experiences of these posters, are not representative of all Effexor user."
**That's true. Although it's interesting to me that 2 of my friends who went on EFFEXOR for completely different reasons than myself are still very very ill after being off EFFEXOR for 2-3 weeks. I've been off totally going on 5 weeks now and am still very ill. Yes, EFFEXOR works for people. But the problem is we're NOT BEING EDUCATED by our physicians. I don't even think our doctor's know what the side effects are or what can happen when eventually we'll need to come off this drug. There are some people that will have to be on this drug for life. I think that's a small percentage. But for the rest of us who have to wean off and then stop taking it, it's hell. I'm sure the drug company knows full well the side effects. We're left with educating ourselves and that is a very tricky process. We should all know what we're putting into our bodies and when the doctor strongly urges us to be on an anti depressant, we're not conditioned to ask why. NOW I would ask why. NOW I would ask questions. I wish I would have before. As ill as I am now, I wonder what in the world has happened to my body. What damage have I caused that will not go away? If I do a search on EFFEXOR, I find a ton of information like this. People having very negative side effects from this drug. It's something that can't be ignored.
Posted by seeknsolace on April 30, 2004, at 5:33:17
In reply to Re: are these posts representative? » noa, posted by TanyaJean on April 29, 2004, at 23:09:50
Again, its been like 2 weeks off effexor, prozac for one week to help with withdrawals.. now been off prozac one week, flying solo.
The symptoms I'm having: entired damn body hurts, head, feet, arms, hands, some cramping like sensation as during menses (maybe anxiety), eyes hurt, tension in the neck, pain in the head resembling a sinus migraine, body feels sorta numb, tingling, yet hurts, very sensitive to cold.. hurts my fingers, when its hot, dont feel your typical overheated symptoms such as summer time.. body just feels somewhat swollen and get nauseaus. I'm sure gaining 20 pds while on the shit doesnt help the matter, but still overeating to find comfort and to distract myself from how I feel.
Anyone else experienced this????? When does it end? or does it????????
Posted by roomy on April 30, 2004, at 7:40:35
In reply to Does it ever end? When?, posted by seeknsolace on April 30, 2004, at 5:33:17
> Again, its been like 2 weeks off effexor, prozac for one week to help with withdrawals.. now been off prozac one week, flying solo.
>
> The symptoms I'm having: entired damn body hurts, head, feet, arms, hands, some cramping like sensation as during menses (maybe anxiety), eyes hurt, tension in the neck, pain in the head resembling a sinus migraine, body feels sorta numb, tingling, yet hurts, very sensitive to cold.. hurts my fingers, when its hot, dont feel your typical overheated symptoms such as summer time.. body just feels somewhat swollen and get nauseaus. I'm sure gaining 20 pds while on the shit doesnt help the matter, but still overeating to find comfort and to distract myself from how I feel.
>
> Anyone else experienced this????? When does it end? or does it????????
Yep! It will end. I am finally coming around and have been off it for 4months. I actually enjoy doing some of the things I used to do. I have gotten out and gotten a second job, I am out working in the yard and getting my garden ready to plant and I got my oil paints out again. I had no desire to do these things before. I am becoming me again. Hang in there. It will get better. (I even lost 14lbs of the Effexor weight)
I read the posts here about people defending the drug and it kinda bothers me. The drug does possibly work for some. Heck I thought it was great too ...AT FIRST!! After the increased dose time and time again and 6 years later...not so great. Besides, I dont think anyone posting here is condemning anyone else ON Effexor, we were there, remember?! Its more of a board to post to or VENT to, if you will. It helped me get thru the insanity of the withdrawl and I hope my posts will help others the same way. Its why I still hang out now and again to take a peek at how folks are doing.
Posted by Camille Dumont on April 30, 2004, at 7:57:46
In reply to Re: are these posts representative? » noa, posted by TanyaJean on April 29, 2004, at 23:09:50
Although its sad for you and your friends, 3 ppl is very very far from a statistically significant sample of people and can in no way be representative of the general effexor-using population ... not to mention that there is probably a "selection bias" in that people who are experiencing trouble with it are more likely to search on teh net for it ... and hence, there is probably an overepresentation of "bad effexor experiences" on psychobabble.
I do however agree on teh education thing. I only found out about the withdrawal the hard way on a weekend when I forgot my meds. Companies should definately be more prudent and give more information on what happends when you stop taking their product.
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