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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Too Trusting on August 5, 2006, at 10:55:41
In reply to Re: Just started Effexor XR 7/26/06? » MaggieATL, posted by Little8angels on August 2, 2006, at 22:51:23
I have taken effexor xr for 6 yrs until two days ago. I originally was gradually increased over a 4 month period to 375 mg. I now know this is above the recommended max dose. I was not having panic attacks any longer at that dose. Of course I wasn't having anything but sleep and using the bathroom. I told the M.D. That this was worse than the intermittant anxiety attacks. I was slowly decreased to 75 mg in the A.M. and 75 mg in the P.M. I was ok for about 6 months then the intermittant panic atttacks resumed slowly. The answer was to increase the effexor by 75 mg. I would get sleepy then the dosoage would be dropped. Each time the doseage was dropped I would feel what I now know are withdrawel symptoms. I was prescribed a xanax .5 prn to help control my panic attacks. Not once was the subject of withdrawel symptoms discussed. By the way, I have put on 105 pounds since starting the medication. I slowly reduced the effexor to 75 mg per day and stayed at that doseage for almost 2 yrs. there were periods of 3-4 days where the doseage was increased to 150 mg to help with what my psychiatrist referred to as bad times. I would decrease to 75 mg and try to resume life.
The trouble is the lethargy and bad dreams at higher doses and the virtual ineffectiveness at the lower doses made effexor useless for me. So with the help of my primary care M.D. I began to wean off of the medication. I was at 37.5 for 7 days and then stopped.
What a frightening experience. I have had three ambulance rides and three very frustrating E.R. stays during the 10 days following the "weaning" of the medication. The looks of utter disbelieve and the cruel abatement of my chief complaints by the E.R. staff was frustrating to say the least. Every body seemed completely indifferent to my problems. I finally started looking for answers of my own. The local pharmacist and primary care physician, who are good friends and fishing buddies would recite the manufactured responses posted by the effexor xr pharmaceutical companies. They assurred me that the symptoms were probably not from the reduction of the medication since it should take weeks for it to effect the levels of seritonin.
Wrong!!! I have read threads and posting over the last 12 hours which have enlightened me. I am not the only one who feels the "shocks" or "Zaps" in the head and extremities. The dizziness, nausea, feelings of being disconnected, inapropriate crying and periods of anger. These are the very symptoms they refferred to as panic attack related while going through dose changes. They can occur and did occur within 12 hrs of a missed or lowered dose.
I am now at 50 hrs effexor free and I am miserable. Low intermitant doses of nirivam
(xanax administered sub-lingually) and liquid children's Benedril help some with these withdrawel symptoms. The knowledge that I am not alone helps more than anything else. I have never read or participated in online discussions before. I am embarassed to say, I used to think it was the reserved for whiners and psycotics who could not face the real world. Boy was I wrong. It is amazing how humbling experiences like this can be, and how actually reading the posts and listening to what others have to say can be comforting.It is imperative that anyone considering taken this medication inform themseleves. The majority of the M.D. population hasn't the foggiest clue what a nightmare this drug is.
I am posting this to add my voice to others who may be in a similar situation. To appologize for my previous impression of those who participate in these types of threads. Finally, to Thank God for allowing me to find so much comfort in the words and similar experiences of others.
You are not alone. Inform yourself. I hate this terrifying and bumpy road I am on right now.
Posted by dancing fool on August 7, 2006, at 8:35:36
In reply to Re: Just started Effexor XR 7/26/06? » Little8angels, posted by Too Trusting on August 5, 2006, at 10:55:41
Thanks for the info,
it helped. I've been on Effexor XL for a few years now (I'm 46 and diagnosed depressive about 15 years ago). Started at 75, bumped up to 150mg a little over 6 months ago. I was noticed too late (on vacation) that I was running low on pills. Unfortunately, my doctor is on vacation as well ... boy, do I feel it now :-)((((. Vertigo, zaps, loss of memory, cannot focus, sweats - almost passed out. I will get pills in a few hours, but I can tell anyone who wants to know: cold turkey for this drug is a BAD IDEA. I hope I'm back on track soon.
PS I have been on other antidepressants before, and Effexor XL has worked best. Only thing that scared me a little is I have a shorter fuse. (I was in a fight, not really something I do). Also, I've noticed that my ears ring in the morning - annoying, but nothing more.
cheers
dancing fool
Posted by dancing fool on August 7, 2006, at 8:56:38
In reply to Re: This is scarier than I thought , posted by Noa on April 26, 2000, at 13:21:51
Hi Noa,
a bit of a late reply, I know. I'm considering staying on effexor for a longer time - possibly the rest of my life, because it's worked for me, simple as that. Other antiDs left me lethargic, without libido, no deep valleys but no high peaks anymore either. With effexor my personality is more the "real me" (whatever that is ;-).
So anyway, how have you been? Are you still on effexor? Do you experience side effects? Do you plan to continue the treatment? ... I'm writing you to ask how you are out of pure selfishness, sorry 'bout that.
cheers
dancing fool
Posted by lakebandit on August 7, 2006, at 9:16:39
In reply to Re: This is scarier than I thought » Noa, posted by dancing fool on August 7, 2006, at 8:56:38
> Hi Noa,
>
> a bit of a late reply, I know. I'm considering staying on effexor for a longer time - possibly the rest of my life, because it's worked for me, simple as that. Other antiDs left me lethargic, without libido, no deep valleys but no high peaks anymore either. With effexor my personality is more the "real me" (whatever that is ;-).
>
> So anyway, how have you been? Are you still on effexor? Do you experience side effects? Do you plan to continue the treatment? ... I'm writing you to ask how you are out of pure selfishness, sorry 'bout that.
>
> cheers
> dancing foolI just happened to find this site. Glad to see there are still active posts. I just started taking Effexor XR and have had some of the side effects mentioned. Any way to get rid of the itching? Do some of the other effects go away after time?
Posted by dancing fool on August 7, 2006, at 9:30:17
In reply to Re: This is scarier than I thought, posted by lakebandit on August 7, 2006, at 9:16:39
Hi Lakebandit,
the side-effects went away after about 3 weeks of taking 75mg/day. I have been on 75mg/day for over a year - stopped 9 months - started again at 75 and upped to 150 (last period about 1 year). I have to say that the withdrawl is no picknick, but I did OK for about 9 months without any medications at all. I asked my doctor to start again with effexor after I noticed I was slowing down (usually prelude to a really dark period with me).
so in reply to your Q: the side effects diminish - but I don't know anything about really long treatments
hope this helps
cheers
dancing fool
Posted by invisibleman15010 on August 8, 2006, at 16:04:14
In reply to Just started Effexor XR 7/26/06?, posted by MaggieATL on July 29, 2006, at 9:53:09
Hey, you might want to hang in there or get your dose bumped up. Out of many bad experiances and many meds, Effexor XR at 300 mg., gave me the longest and best run yet, well over a year. I switched last summer, after major life crisis, thinking Effexor may have added to it, probably not a wise choice. I had little to no problems, taking myself off of it slowly over about a month.
I am actually thinking of asking for ECT now while restarting Effexor, as the 4 plus, med combo, is not working for me at all.
Good Luck,
E
Posted by BB1969 on August 12, 2006, at 8:50:31
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Since reading some of your comments, I am really concerned this is a horrible drug. I have been on it for a long, long time. I used to bounce up in the morning, greeting each new day with eager anticipation - now I can't get up and can't seem to function when I do drag out of bed. I have fallen asleep at work and while driving and feel like can feel a jerk, or a spark, or a clicking sensation in my head that is hard to describe unless you have experienced it. I now have problems with my thryoid and have become a diabetic, taking medications for both. I have muscle spasms and dancing legs that keep me from going to sleep at night so I have been put on another medication for that. I am really curious at to whether Effexor XR has caused the decline in my health and sense of well being. Anyone else who has developed these medical problems on Effexor?
Posted by SLS on August 12, 2006, at 9:12:55
In reply to Re: Horrible drug, posted by BB1969 on August 12, 2006, at 8:50:31
> Since reading some of your comments, I am really concerned this is a horrible drug. I have been on it for a long, long time. I used to bounce up in the morning, greeting each new day with eager anticipation - now I can't get up and can't seem to function when I do drag out of bed. I have fallen asleep at work and while driving and feel like can feel a jerk, or a spark, or a clicking sensation in my head that is hard to describe unless you have experienced it. I now have problems with my thryoid and have become a diabetic, taking medications for both. I have muscle spasms and dancing legs that keep me from going to sleep at night so I have been put on another medication for that. I am really curious at to whether Effexor XR has caused the decline in my health and sense of well being. Anyone else who has developed these medical problems on Effexor?
How much are you taking?
- Scott
Posted by BB1969 on August 12, 2006, at 9:15:55
In reply to Re: Horrible drug » BB1969, posted by SLS on August 12, 2006, at 9:12:55
150 XR in the a.m.
Posted by invisibleman15010 on August 12, 2006, at 9:17:44
In reply to Re: Horrible drug, posted by BB1969 on August 12, 2006, at 8:50:31
Sorry to hear that you are having such a hard time. Your symptons sound like when I tried Zoloft and worse Paxil. But, then I know people that are doing great on those drugs and Effexor XR. I had none of those symptons with Effexor XR. I does make me ask though why we all react so differently to each med.?? I have actually reached the end of the A - Z lists of newer anti -d (post MAOIs) and have asked for ECT treatments and asked for Effexor XR for another try as I had the best and longest run with it. Crazy, frustrating, making many drug reps. and drug companies rich and doctors frustrated. Good luck.
E
Posted by SLS on August 12, 2006, at 9:56:25
In reply to Re: Horrible drug, posted by BB1969 on August 12, 2006, at 9:15:55
> 150 XR in the a.m.
Hmm.
The reason I ask is that there is a possibility that you need a dosage adjustment. Some people don't obtain the full benefit of Effexor until they reach a dosage of 300mg, and it is not unusual for people to need dosage adjustments from time to time. The difficulty you have in waking up in the morning and remaining energized during the day might be a return of depression because the dosage is too low. An indicator of this might be the appearance of the shock-like sensations in the head. These are usually associated with withdrawal and dosage reductions. Restless legs also appear sometimes during withdrawal.
The other maladies you describe do not remind me of typical adverse effects that Effexor is known for. Of course, they might indeed be due to the drug, and just not commonly reported.
I can't guarantee you that you would benefit from a dosage increase, but that possibility does exist. You probably want to discontinue the drug at this point, and I can understand that. However, it often happens that when someone later relapses and returns to the same drug at some point in the future, it loses its effectiveness. It probably wouldn't hurt to try increasing the dosage of Effexor for a few weeks just as an experiment.
- Scott
Posted by invisibleman15010 on August 12, 2006, at 12:56:43
In reply to Re: Horrible drug - Maybe not, posted by SLS on August 12, 2006, at 9:56:25
I agree.....even though I don't remember any bad side effects, even when I stopped using Effexor...I do remember not getting a real benefit from it until I went up to 300mg....then I know I did receive a clear benefit from the drug....that is why I am considering using it again..........your side effects do sound more like withdrawl.....but then we all react differntly......Paxil and Zoloft had me close to doing myself in.....I could not handle the side effects...Paxil had me on the floor in the fetal position within an hour of the first dose, the puking, then lightning bolts going through my head, horrible shaking.....I stuck out Zoloft for about 3 days until one of my employees found me hiding in a store room, shaking, soaked in sweat and ready to pass out.....again, I know people doing great on Paxil and Zoloft.......I agree with Scott, don't dump the Effexor without a good try and possible dosage increase, I know that it effects more than just serotonin, I forget the actual classification, but it is a multi benifit drug........none of this is easy....I keep waiting for that day when I wake up and have a big smile on my face and just want to take on the world again......just like the commercials..but for most of us.....it doesn't happen that way.....and just being functional is also not acceptable...
e
Posted by Phillipa on August 12, 2006, at 20:11:33
In reply to Re: Horrible drug - Maybe not, posted by invisibleman15010 on August 12, 2006, at 12:56:43
I had great results with paxil at l0mg with xanax. When I stopped it never worked again. I didn't need it anymore that's why I stopped. That was the only ad that has ever worked for me. I feel nothing now from zoloft,luvox. Now I did try cymbalta for a second try and this time couldn't tolerate it and the first time I got to 60mg and nothing. And stayed with it a few months. Love Phillipa
Posted by AzButterfly on August 13, 2006, at 22:41:18
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I started taking Effexor last tuesday as expected I have had quite a few side effects (this is the usual for me on most drugs). I have the dizziness, nausea, lightheadedness, and a lot of the time I feel like I am on cold meds. I have a weird question for you all, and I hope I know how to describe it so that you will know what I am trying to say. When I take cold medications I get these weird twinges behind my eyes, and they usually make me squint, or even close my eyes. I can't stop it no matter what I do, but they pass in a few seconds. I will get them on and off through out the day. I have found that Effexor is doing the same thing to me, only a little worse. I was reading in the pamplet that came with the pills about things to look our for on the medicine, and it talked about pressure on the opitical nerve, and to be careful if they seem to effect your eyesight. I seem to be seeing okay, but the twinging stuff has me worried. I know it sounds weird, but I was hoping someone else might know what I am talking about. I plan on calling my doctor about it tomorrow. Has anyone else had this happen? Thanks!
Posted by lmb on August 14, 2006, at 2:14:46
In reply to Re: Just started Effexor XR 7/26/06? » Little8angels, posted by Too Trusting on August 5, 2006, at 10:55:41
Anyone have any experience with Effexor XR and Adderal combined? Took Effexor on two separate occasions for depression and mood swings. Recently started Adderal for ADD and doc wants to add Effexor to see if combination works better than Adderal alone.
Posted by BB1969 on August 14, 2006, at 4:21:43
In reply to A question from a new Effexor user..., posted by AzButterfly on August 13, 2006, at 22:41:18
I have had these same twitchings - I also experience periods of time when I feel like I am awake but seem to fall asleep only to jerk and have a strange feeling in my head that I have problems describing - it feels like a click in my head, a spark, a backfire, a snapping sensation. I have researched this medication all weekend amd suggest you consult your physician as all of my problems for the past 2 years seem to stem from Effexpr - including hyperglycemia (diabetes).
Posted by detroitpistons on August 14, 2006, at 8:44:21
In reply to Re: A question from a new Effexor user..., posted by BB1969 on August 14, 2006, at 4:21:43
> I have had these same twitchings - I also experience periods of time when I feel like I am awake but seem to fall asleep only to jerk and have a strange feeling in my head that I have problems describing
Wow, I have the exact same thing. I thought I was the only one. I sort of start to doze off but then I wake myself up when I get a muscle jerk. A lot of times it's my arm that flies up. This was happening on an airplane once and it was kind of embarassing.
Posted by invisibleman15010 on August 14, 2006, at 9:08:28
In reply to Re: Horrible drug - Maybe not, posted by invisibleman15010 on August 12, 2006, at 12:56:43
As I posted earlier, I don't remember any bad side effects from the effexor, I had already gained weight from the start with my first anti. med. Serzone, which I think is now off the market.
Anyway, I wonder if my using a benzo such as Klonopin or Ativan has helped keep the side effects, the twitches to a minimum. So many of you posting with severe side effects sounds exactly like when I tried Paxil. Again, each effects us differently. I did grow concerned when my cholersterol level increased greatly and someone posted that is was a side effect from Effoxor, so i added Fish Oil, Flax seed oil and Niacin and it brought it down. I am almost a complete vegan and have been for many years. plus I try to exercise everyday. Now it is forcing myself to exercise. But, it does help. I bet my weight would be well over my current weight if I didn't, plus I feel better for the few hours that I exercise, but if fades as the endorphins leave. My psy doc could not answer why they can't create endorphins in the labs...with they could!
e
Posted by BB1969 on August 14, 2006, at 17:45:41
In reply to Re: A question from a new Effexor user..., posted by detroitpistons on August 14, 2006, at 8:44:21
No, I'm sure you are not the only one. I'm not saying this med isn't good for some folks but for me, it is the root of all my illnesses - so beware of the side effects if you are having problems: I have dry mouth, salty/metal taste in my mouth and almost can't taste anything anymore, clinching of my teeth and my teeth get loose, restless legs, muscle spasms, charley horses, severe fatigue, can't stay awake, higher BP than I had before, hyperglycemia (diabetes), thyroid problems, urinary problems, and on and on. I don't want to take Neurontin to cover up the restless leg problem. I don't want to take a medication to cover up a problem the med is causing and that is what my doctor has been doing. I just want to have my health back. So, beware of the side effects.
Posted by BiPolar Mama on August 14, 2006, at 19:10:47
In reply to Re: Just wondering if the Doc prescribed correctly, posted by renecoston on July 18, 2006, at 8:08:45
> Wow, that is a huge dose of Klonopin! Does it knock you out cold? I feel sleepy from just 0.5mgs of it!
Sorry I meant that my doctor has prescribed .025 mg instead of 2.5 mg. I made a mistake with the decimal point. Sorry for the error. At first I was thinking of leaving this thread since you were the only one that responded and that you only responded because of a Typo. But I think I will try to hold out a bit longer.
Posted by BiPolar Mama on August 14, 2006, at 19:27:14
In reply to Effexor + Zoloft = Serotonin Syndrome? Probable, posted by stargazer on July 22, 2006, at 22:44:31
> http://www.anxiety-and-depression-solutions.com/serotonin-syndrome.htm
>
> This explains Serotonin Syndrome and your symptoms sound like you may have it. Call your MD and say that's what you think you have and if she won't see you immediately, you may have to go to the ER. The condition can be life threatening. And you should not be increasing your medication no matter what your MD says. If she says that, I would find a new MD ASAP!
>
> I took both Effexor and Zoloft (separately) years ago and one of the 2 made my depression worse (suicidal). Even though my doctor said it was not a side effect and was my depression I refused to increase the dosage like he said to do. Today we know that suicide is a side effect of many of the AD's.
>
> SGNo Stargazer, My MD is a family doctor. My insurance is giving me problems about seeking Psychiatric Help for my problem. They want me to go long distances when there is a LPC right here in town. With the gas prices these days, I cannot afford to drive 80-200 miles round trip to see one that they "prefer". I am stuck between the rock and the hard place on that one. I do feel better though now that she has changed me from 18.5 mg of Effexor XR to 75 mg of Effexor 1x daily. She also added the Klonopin (.025 mg) to help alleviate my panic attacks. I have to split those, otherwise the full 0.5 mg dosage turns me into a zombie and if I sit more than 5 min, I am asleep. This has caused major problems since I work as a dispatcher in a Call Center. That is why they placed me on a 6 week Leave of Absence to try to straighten things out. Now they are wanting me to do it again since some mornings I have problems just walking out the front door to go to work. The supervisor recommended the doctor to fill out a Temporary LOA form. My MD said she does not do those because people will use them as "crutches" to get out of work. She states that I just have to build up my willpower to overcome this problem. *Can you tell she has never experienced this personally? (sigh)* I did take the paper to the psychiatrist that diagnosed me, and she said that I would not need to take temporary LOA's that I could overcome this with therapy.
But what do I do in the meantime while waiting for the red tape of the insurance company to unwind???
Sorry to dump this on you, but I am feeling pretty despondant and desperate at this time.
Posted by Phillipa on August 14, 2006, at 19:49:00
In reply to Re: Just wondering if the Doc prescribed correctly » renecoston, posted by BiPolar Mama on August 14, 2006, at 19:10:47
I don't think it's huge I take 2mg every night and sometimes more. At one time I took xanax, chloral hyrate, klonopin at the same time. prescribed by the pdoc. Love Phillipa
Posted by Aciel on August 20, 2006, at 19:33:40
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I'm a 17 year old female who's been on 75 mg/day of Effexor XR for nearly a year and a half now for depression. It worked amazingly for me, until I started going to high school parties and drinking. I've basically screwed myself since. I thought my depression was back in full force the first time I seriously drank. After something like 5 drinks I was completely sh**faced. Black outs and all. After that, I just seemed to crave booze and the way it made me feel - like it was even better than the medication.
I began partying at least once every two weeks, and it continued for a while. But in the past month I've been craving alcohol every day, even wanting to drink alone. I go to parties at least twice a week, and get completely smashed after just two or three drinks. Thing is, I never even realize that I'm drunk until someone actually tells me. There was even an occurance a little over a month ago where no one was watching me at a party and I consumed something like 12 shots in under an hour. Mix that with the way that Effexor had been lowering my tolerance, I ended up with alcohol poisoning and nearly killed myself. But now, every time I drink, it always hits me hard and fast and I'm left feeling ill and severly depressed for the whole entire following day. I know I should slow down, but it's a big social thing that I can't just stop.
I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions about what I should do? Is mixing effexor xr and alcohol affecting anyone else in this way?
Posted by Dim_Light_Shining on August 20, 2006, at 22:51:50
In reply to Problems with Effexor XR and alcohol?, posted by Aciel on August 20, 2006, at 19:33:40
Hi Aciel,
I just read your post and there's a few things that really jumped out at me. I should start by saying I'm not any kind of health professional, but personal experience has taught me some things about depression and self-medication.
To me, it sounds like you may have two issues: alcohol, and the alcohol interacting with the Effexor, which indeed lowers tolerance. I find it concerning that you crave alcohol on a daily basis and recently drank a dangerous amount when no one was around to stop you, and that you don't feel you can stop drinking. May I ask why you feel you can't stop; is it a social thing, like related to friends, or is it something you feel that you yourself need? I completely know how easy it is, when you're depressed, to grab hold of anything that makes the pain go away for awhile. Unfortunately, this is also how many people find themselves in over their heads!
Again, this is only my opinion; I'm offering it in the spirit of helpfulness, not to boss or judge you. My suggestion is to speak to your doctor or psychiatrist without delay and tell them about your experiences with alcohol. There may also be programs for teenagers who are concerned about their alcohol use; you can usually find them in the phone book, or your doctor or guidance counsellor can refer you. You're well-spoken and clearly intelligent, and you were strong and self-aware enough to get help for your depression. You can use these same qualities to address your drinking before you come to harm. Please take good care of yourself, and lots of good wishes your way.
Posted by Dim_Light_Shining on August 20, 2006, at 23:09:58
In reply to Re: Horrible drug, posted by BB1969 on August 12, 2006, at 8:50:31
Hello all,
I was on Effexor a few years ago for about 12 months and it worked wonderfully, with no side effects whatsoever. I was able to discontinue it with no immediate problems; however, I've had several episodes of depression since then and finally decided to go back on meds.
I've been back on Effexor (only 37.5 mg. at this point) for only a few days now, so I'm not noticing any change in my mood yet, but instead a number of side effects. I'm dizzy, lightheaded, have restless legs (always did, but I'm really dancing now) and sexual side effects (a little more info than I wanted to share, but alas!).
I really don't want to get into switching medications around searching for a suitable one...it is a bit frustrating, as it worked so well for me the first time around. Does anyone know why this might be, or have a similar experience? Any suggestions for coping with restless legs or the lack of normal "appetites"? Might these effects improve or go away once I've gotten used to having the drug in my system?
Thanks very much.
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