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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by kitkat on September 21, 2002, at 9:06:33
In reply to Re: problems with joint or muscle using efexor? » wr , posted by halck on September 20, 2002, at 10:03:17
I've been taking Effexor for 8 years now, (usually 225 mg./day)and only recently have experienced swelling, joint pain and hand numbness.
Neither I nor my doctor blame Effexor. I'm not familiar with the drug she switched from, was that for depression or something else?
You don't indicate age of your friend, occupation or lifestyle. Has she had blood tests showing any abnormalities? (Mine kick out low B12, high sugar, liver abnormalities and more and I'm going for hepatitis and glucose tests.) I also found that buying a new mattress helped with some of the pain!
Considering that Suzanne Somers had liposuction for the swelling and edema associated with her cancer treatments, has your doctor addressed these symptoms as a possible side effect of that?
Also, I believe from knowledge of 30 to 40-something friends and family (all female) diagnosed with lupus, multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia that the depression associated with these diseases is often treated first without looking for the underlying causes. (You must be crazy if we can't find a quick diagnosis?)
I realize this is a long post, but I know how frustrating it can be to search for answers to physical symptoms while struggling with depression and certain side effects of medication.
Is your friend in a cancer support group? I'd think that'd be helpful, and she might find answers to her questions there.
Hope you hang in there and keep asking your doctors questions, and keep insisting that appropriate tests be run until some answer is found.
p.s. Anyone out there familiar with any studies on long-term use of Effexor? I feel like it's not working as well as it used to, don't know if I'm down because of my physical problems or developing a resistance to Effexor.
Posted by johnlund on September 21, 2002, at 20:40:29
In reply to Re: problems with joint or muscle using efexor? » halck, posted by kitkat on September 21, 2002, at 9:06:33
> I've been taking Effexor for 8 years now, (usually 225 mg./day)and only recently have experienced swelling, joint pain and hand numbness.
>
> Neither I nor my doctor blame Effexor. I'm not familiar with the drug she switched from, was that for depression or something else?
>
> You don't indicate age of your friend, occupation or lifestyle. Has she had blood tests showing any abnormalities? (Mine kick out low B12, high sugar, liver abnormalities and more and I'm going for hepatitis and glucose tests.) I also found that buying a new mattress helped with some of the pain!
>
> Considering that Suzanne Somers had liposuction for the swelling and edema associated with her cancer treatments, has your doctor addressed these symptoms as a possible side effect of that?
>
> Also, I believe from knowledge of 30 to 40-something friends and family (all female) diagnosed with lupus, multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia that the depression associated with these diseases is often treated first without looking for the underlying causes. (You must be crazy if we can't find a quick diagnosis?)
>
> I realize this is a long post, but I know how frustrating it can be to search for answers to physical symptoms while struggling with depression and certain side effects of medication.
>
> Is your friend in a cancer support group? I'd think that'd be helpful, and she might find answers to her questions there.
>
> Hope you hang in there and keep asking your doctors questions, and keep insisting that appropriate tests be run until some answer is found.
>
> p.s. Anyone out there familiar with any studies on long-term use of Effexor? I feel like it's not working as well as it used to, don't know if I'm down because of my physical problems or developing a resistance to Effexor.I have been on Effexor for 3 years. Of all the posts I've read, you have been on Effexor the longest. As far as long term effects go, you probably know better than anyone. Effexor has not been out there that long, and no one really knows what the long term effects are. Do you have any noticable symptoms of anything? I would be interested to know. I have not experienced anything yet. All I know is that is works, and doesnt seem to poop out.
Posted by daytrader on September 21, 2002, at 20:52:34
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
first time on here and wanted to ask about anyone getting a rash in their arm pits
Posted by Redula on September 23, 2002, at 13:54:19
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by daytrader on September 21, 2002, at 20:52:34
I have currently been taking the Effexor for at least 8 to 12 months, I not sure what month that I started, but I am up to taking 2, 75 mg a day, plus 1, Xanax 0.5 mg three times a day. I also hve trouble sleeping. I have a good Dr, but I've never asked her what I was diagnosed with. I was sexually abused as a child. I had at one time put this behind me, but now (to make a long story short), things have been kind of throwed back at me. I had surpressed alot of my child hood. It's been rough, and there are days I'm not even able to get out of bed due to pain, numbness, or unable to move.
I still have anxiety attacks, and my body just jerks all over and I went from have a full time job, attending college, raising my two little girls, to being affrain of doing anything.
Some times I feel over medicated, and there are times I feel that I couldn't live with out it.
Please, help me to under stand why I am taking the Effexor ER.
Red
Posted by Starwatcher on September 23, 2002, at 15:16:41
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Redula on September 23, 2002, at 13:54:19
> I have currently been taking the Effexor for at least 8 to 12 months, I not sure what month that I started, but I am up to taking 2, 75 mg a day, plus 1, Xanax 0.5 mg three times a day. I also hve trouble sleeping. I have a good Dr, but I've never asked her what I was diagnosed with. I was sexually abused as a child. I had at one time put this behind me, but now (to make a long story short), things have been kind of throwed back at me. I had surpressed alot of my child hood. It's been rough, and there are days I'm not even able to get out of bed due to pain, numbness, or unable to move.
>
> I still have anxiety attacks, and my body just jerks all over and I went from have a full time job, attending college, raising my two little girls, to being affrain of doing anything.
>
> Some times I feel over medicated, and there are times I feel that I couldn't live with out it.
>
> Please, help me to under stand why I am taking the Effexor ER.
>
> RedRed, that is something you'll have to directly ask your doctor if you don't know why - only he/she can tell you since he/she was the one that's prescribed the medications. My doctor tells me why she's doing things, wants me to do certain things or prescribes medication. ( I have a wonderful one!). She knows that it's important that her patients understand exactly what's going on, etc. and have two way conversations with her. Some doctors don't realize this or think the less the patient knows , the better. This is not a good practice of medicine! Learn to talk with your doctor - and ask questions if you don't understand - until you do. It's YOUR life and health!
I would also tell them about the pains you're feeling and not being able to move or get out of bed, etc.
Posted by jannbeau on September 23, 2002, at 18:07:15
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Redula on September 23, 2002, at 13:54:19
> Redula, I can't TELL you why you are taking Effexor XR, but Effexor is used for a variety of psychiatric disorders including major depressive disorders, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and dysthymia.
Were your medications ever useful? Did you EVER feel better after you started the Effexor and Xanax? Perhaps your medications need to be re-evaluated for whether they are the right ones, given at the right doses, and at the right times and combinations.
Is your doctor a psychiatrist? Why don't you ask her what your diagnosis is? How often do you see her? Are you receiving counseling also? I think you may need far more help than you seem to be receiving. You have to let someone who can help know how bad you feel to get that help, however. Does you doctor KNOW how bad you feel? Have you TOLD her?
I don't know what else to say except good luck and try to get help from a competent professional as quickly as you can.
Jannbeau
I have currently been taking the Effexor for at least 8 to 12 months, I not sure what month that I started, but I am up to taking 2, 75 mg a day, plus 1, Xanax 0.5 mg three times a day. I also hve trouble sleeping. I have a good Dr, but I've never asked her what I was diagnosed with. I was sexually abused as a child. I had at one time put this behind me, but now (to make a long story short), things have been kind of throwed back at me. I had surpressed alot of my child hood. It's been rough, and there are days I'm not even able to get out of bed due to pain, numbness, or unable to move.
>
> I still have anxiety attacks, and my body just jerks all over and I went from have a full time job, attending college, raising my two little girls, to being affrain of doing anything.
>
> Some times I feel over medicated, and there are times I feel that I couldn't live with out it.
>
> Please, help me to under stand why I am taking the Effexor ER.
>
> Red
Posted by utopizen on September 23, 2002, at 20:06:53
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Redula, posted by jannbeau on September 23, 2002, at 18:07:15
I use to think psychiatrists were magical people who knew how to decode all of your secrets and neatly sort you into the proper disorder categories.
Then I had to receive documentation that I had ADD for my college, and I had to get an evaluation. 8 doctors, total billable hours ranging from $2000-$3000. My neurologist said I'd probably also be found to have GAD during the testing....
Posted by Mr Beev on September 23, 2002, at 20:45:14
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by daytrader on September 21, 2002, at 20:52:34
> first time on here and wanted to ask about anyone getting a rash in their arm pits
After a few months on Effexor, this has begun happening to me. I would classify it as annoying, but not serious. It seems to be related to heavy sweating. After a workout (outdoor jogging), I normally perform various activities (icing, stretching, and so forth) before showering. I have found, however, that immediate showering usually helps.
Regards,
Mr Beev
Posted by jim hawthorn on September 24, 2002, at 6:44:16
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor, posted by pregnant on September 14, 2002, at 4:47:35
I'd like to share my experiences;
I was emitionally shut down for 10 years and emotionally abusing my wife. She had an affair with my room mate from university, I found out about it, and I had a nervous breakdown. I discovered the affair in Feb 2002, it is now Sept 2002.
To reduce my anxiety about everything going on in my life, my doc prescribed Effexor- starting at 37.5, for 2 weeks, moving to 75mg, then up to 150's where I stayed for about 2 months. I have slowly weened myself down to 37.5, then started emptying half of the 37.5 capsules. 5 days ago I quite cold turkey. Since then I have had brain shocks like never before. SOmetimes I feel disoriented, I get the cold sweats and I get very forgetful. I also have a savage appetite, and eat anything I see.
Here is a very interesting point: before I started on Effexor, I never drank wine. After I started on Effexor I started drinking wine- something I had never/ever done before in my life. I have been drinking 1-3 bottles per week.
What's even worse, is that I am now a bit paraniod. I am now wondering if my wife is having an affair agian. I have very little support, as I do not trust my wife, and few of my friends do not know I was on an anti-depressant (I have a therapist and I am in group therapy).
Currently the electrical shocks in my head making day to day functioning almost impossible. I can only hope that they go away soon.
thank you for listening- I'll keep you updated.
Jim
Posted by lucky on September 24, 2002, at 13:04:40
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Golf4 on September 20, 2002, at 16:40:37
I just started as well, actually this is my 8th day and just moved up to 75mg in the morning. I was extremely tired after taking it and can't stop yawning. After a couple of hours it seems to go away. I get a lull in the late afternoon as well. I take mine around 8:00am. I haven't noticed much change, but from what i've read it could take 4-8 weeks to notice a difference. this is the first AD i've ever take so it is all new to me. Best of luck!!
> such messages are so encouraging for those like me being just 2 weeks already on this med.Thanks!
> Now,what is the dose you are on and how much time did it take you to start feeling a significant improvement?
> ===========
>
>
> > i have been on effexor for 3 years and to me, it is the miracle drug. my depression, well, is gone. i almost never even get down anymore. it helps with the anxiety too. yes, i do know that the withdrawl symptoms when trying to come off of it are horrible, but it isn't if you do it the right way.. i came off of effexor twice, once cold turkey, which didn't work at all, i hit rock bottom with my depression. the other time was with prozac.. i started decreasing my dosage of effexor while taking prozac and never had a bit of problem. i was off of effexor for 3 months and then started back after a panic attack and depressed episode. it is wonderful if you truly need help for depression and anxiety. different medicnes work different for different people, but i would personally recommend effexor to anyone. as far as the sexual side effects, it is kind of funny because at first, it was like i kept feeling like i was going to orgasm and almost never did, it was very frustrating, but after a couple of months, that didn't happen anymore and now my orgasms are more powerful and wonderful than they ever were, i don't know if that is effexor related, but anyways, the sexual thing will subside, if you even have that side effect, a lot of people i've talked with don't have a sexual side effect. i really never had drowsiness that bad, maybe a little at first and then it subsided also. i get constipation from time to time ever since taking the effexor, but to me, it is worth it, if you aren't depressed.
>
>
Posted by kitkat on September 24, 2002, at 15:47:21
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Redula on September 23, 2002, at 13:54:19
Red, you really have to talk to your doctor, the sooner the better. Just take one step at a time, call her/him, tell them exactly what your symptoms are, and that you have days when you can't get out of bed. If you can't make the call yourself, ask a friend or family member to call.
A friend of mine was also sexually abused as a child and had numerous problems and diagnoses. She finally started to get well when she went to a partial hospitalization program funded by our county.
This was a daytime program that included intensive group therapy, a psychiatrist on staff to prescribe the right medications, and case workers to help with financial problems if any.
Maybe you could look in the Human Services section of your phone book to see what services your area offers, or ask your doctor what is available.
I think it's really important that you get additional help, no drug is a wonder pill that can cure emotional trauma immediately.
Good luck, please let us know how you're doing. People really do care, even though when you're depressed and anxious it might seem like nobody does.
Posted by jannbeau on September 24, 2002, at 16:35:15
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Redula on September 23, 2002, at 13:54:19
>Red, I've noticed a couple of responses to your post. Will you get back to us to tell us whether you are trying to get the help you need. We DO care what becomes of you!
God Bless,
jannbeauI have currently been taking the Effexor for at least 8 to 12 months, I not sure what month that I started, but I am up to taking 2, 75 mg a day, plus 1, Xanax 0.5 mg three times a day. I also hve trouble sleeping. I have a good Dr, but I've never asked her what I was diagnosed with. I was sexually abused as a child. I had at one time put this behind me, but now (to make a long story short), things have been kind of throwed back at me. I had surpressed alot of my child hood. It's been rough, and there are days I'm not even able to get out of bed due to pain, numbness, or unable to move.
>
> I still have anxiety attacks, and my body just jerks all over and I went from have a full time job, attending college, raising my two little girls, to being affrain of doing anything.
>
> Some times I feel over medicated, and there are times I feel that I couldn't live with out it.
>
> Please, help me to under stand why I am taking the Effexor ER.
>
> Red
Posted by pregnant on September 24, 2002, at 23:39:08
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor, posted by jim hawthorn on September 24, 2002, at 6:44:16
>Hi Jim,
Maybe you went cold turkey to fast. I found out that my husband had a relative that perscribes effexor to his patients and that is what he told me when I explained the same symptoms that you are having. To help, I went back on the 37.5 for five days and then took half of that dose for five days I think. (I am forgetting alot as well) and today is the first day I didn't take anything. I noticed it has been 10 days since my post so the number of days is about right. Today I felt sleepy, dizzy, and very few of the zips in my brain. Before I thought I was dying and like you felt I could not function at all. I want to see what tommorrow brings. I really want to be off of this now. I am short tempered again, but I don't feel depressed. I think some of my anxiety came back, like when driving, but definately not as bad as before. My husband cheated on me, and my aniety was very bad. I wonder some at times now, but I don't feel that same anxiety that didn't allow me to function. I hope you all the best, and hope my information helps. P.s I also have the savage appetite. Pregnant
I'd like to share my experiences;
>
> I was emitionally shut down for 10 years and emotionally abusing my wife. She had an affair with my room mate from university, I found out about it, and I had a nervous breakdown. I discovered the affair in Feb 2002, it is now Sept 2002.
>
> To reduce my anxiety about everything going on in my life, my doc prescribed Effexor- starting at 37.5, for 2 weeks, moving to 75mg, then up to 150's where I stayed for about 2 months. I have slowly weened myself down to 37.5, then started emptying half of the 37.5 capsules. 5 days ago I quite cold turkey. Since then I have had brain shocks like never before. SOmetimes I feel disoriented, I get the cold sweats and I get very forgetful. I also have a savage appetite, and eat anything I see.
>
> Here is a very interesting point: before I started on Effexor, I never drank wine. After I started on Effexor I started drinking wine- something I had never/ever done before in my life. I have been drinking 1-3 bottles per week.
>
> What's even worse, is that I am now a bit paraniod. I am now wondering if my wife is having an affair agian. I have very little support, as I do not trust my wife, and few of my friends do not know I was on an anti-depressant (I have a therapist and I am in group therapy).
>
> Currently the electrical shocks in my head making day to day functioning almost impossible. I can only hope that they go away soon.
>
> thank you for listening- I'll keep you updated.
> Jim
>
>
Posted by Princess on September 27, 2002, at 19:46:50
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor, posted by pregnant on September 14, 2002, at 4:47:35
Hi Jim;
I am going to slowly go off the effexor starting tomorrow. I have made it through the tough emotional times I was having back in March. I feel ready and and do not like the side effects.
I hope you are doing better now. I understand the feelings of betrayal no matter what the circumstances were. It takes many things to heal from that hurt. Especially time....Princess
Posted by lilsis on September 27, 2002, at 23:30:16
In reply to Re: Effexor and Alcohol, posted by sjb on September 9, 2002, at 9:23:30
i am drunk as a skunk right now. it was the cheapest dunk ever
Posted by Kai on September 28, 2002, at 19:58:38
In reply to Re: Effexor and Alcohol, posted by lilsis on September 27, 2002, at 23:30:16
Beware what may happen to you after drinking while on effexor. It is a depressant; you may severly "crash" and become very depressed. I learned my lesson the hard way. I do not drink at all. In order to maintain my mental health I can not drink alcohol. I really do not think that it is a good idea to mix other drugs with alcohol.
Posted by Noelle on September 29, 2002, at 9:30:55
In reply to Re: Effexor and Alcohol, posted by Kai on September 28, 2002, at 19:58:38
I am having a horrible experience when I first started taking effexor it was great I got totally euphoric and now I can't take two drinks without getting horribly depressed and sick. Its really unbearable
Posted by legallybrunette on September 29, 2002, at 11:30:53
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
ok, after 2 years of my shrink persuading me to try an antidepressant (haven't til now as i can't stand the thought of any freaky mind-altering side-effects or just...depending on a PILL to feel 'normal'; although, at this pt, feeling 'normal' would be nice), i will start effexor today. knock on wood. god willing.
as i do with everything pharmaceutical i'm about to swallow, i come on here and do my two-bit amateur investigation on the drug.
anyway. point being. what a scary - somewhat discouraging - board this is. why are 95% of the folks on here so negative about effexor???
it's freaking me out.
Posted by Geezer on September 29, 2002, at 14:19:59
In reply to discouraging bunch of mssgs, posted by legallybrunette on September 29, 2002, at 11:30:53
Hi,
Don't let the board scare you. Hypothetically, 70% of the people using ADs get some degree of relief for a period of time (none of the ADs work forever). The other 30% of us are here looking for answers and sharing experience. If we had the right drugs to give us relief (or we found a way to avoid the side effects) we wouldn't be here anymore - we would have better things to do.
Best of luck
Posted by Nigel99 on September 29, 2002, at 15:43:54
In reply to discouraging bunch of mssgs, posted by legallybrunette on September 29, 2002, at 11:30:53
Hi! I just joined this group and I hope my message can cheer you a bit. I have been on Effexor XR for 3 1/2 weeks now and I can say with all honesty it is a true miracle drug for me. Within three days my anxiety attacks stopped. Within six I was smiling and relaxed in a way I haven't felt since childhood (I am 36). I have been on Paxil, Serzone before and never ever had somthing that works this well.
My only advice is to start Metamucil now!! Constipation is a major side effect for me.
> ok, after 2 years of my shrink persuading me to try an antidepressant (haven't til now as i can't stand the thought of any freaky mind-altering side-effects or just...depending on a PILL to feel 'normal'; although, at this pt, feeling 'normal' would be nice), i will start effexor today. knock on wood. god willing.
> as i do with everything pharmaceutical i'm about to swallow, i come on here and do my two-bit amateur investigation on the drug.
> anyway. point being. what a scary - somewhat discouraging - board this is. why are 95% of the folks on here so negative about effexor???
> it's freaking me out.
Posted by jeanhamlin on September 29, 2002, at 18:34:52
In reply to Re: sexual side effect- effexor-xr, posted by smokingun35 on September 25, 2000, at 20:50:07
i have started effexor xr and have experienced low libido and inability to reach orgasm. I took 37.5mg for 2 weeks and 75mg for half a week. I feel great but these sexual side effects are worrying me. When and if will they go away, and what can I do to help it in the meantime?
Posted by DebraA. on September 29, 2002, at 19:08:42
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor, posted by jim hawthorn on September 24, 2002, at 6:44:16
> I have been off Effexor for about 5 weeks now and I am doing okay - finally! The brain tremors do finally subside. However, I'm feeling some real feelings now that I'm not so numbed out from Effexor. Why did you go off of it so soon after finding out about the affair? It takes a long time to rebuild trust in a relationship after trust has been broken. I don't think you're being paranoid right now - you just haven't had enough time to develop a sense of trust with your wife. That's going to take a long time, so don't be down on yourself if you're not completely trusting yet. In fact, be real good and understanding with what you're going through right now.
Posted by legallybrunette on September 29, 2002, at 20:28:01
In reply to Re: discouraging bunch of mssgs, posted by Nigel99 on September 29, 2002, at 15:43:54
hey geezer and nigel - thank you for responding.
i didn't intend to sound negative or critical;
you're right: if everyone on the board were feeling
fantastic about effexor, they wouldn't be here.well, my first 37.5mg dose and i don't feel as ill
& demented as i thought i would (though i do feel
that nausea coming on).
hopefully things'll stay relatively ok when i
double the dose in 3days.ps: i am just wondering: what is the average dose
people are on in here? judging by my sensitivity to
drugs in general, i doubt i'll get past the 75mg
stage.
have folks on here felt relief just being on 75?
& how long before side-effects dissipate?
thanks again!
Hi! I just joined this group and I hope my message can cheer you a bit. I have been on Effexor XR for 3 1/2 weeks now and I can say with all honesty it is a true miracle drug for me. Within three days my anxiety attacks stopped. Within six I was smiling and relaxed in a way I haven't felt since childhood (I am 36). I have been on Paxil, Serzone before and never ever had somthing that works this well.
>
> My only advice is to start Metamucil now!! Constipation is a major side effect for me.
>
>
> > ok, after 2 years of my shrink persuading me to try an antidepressant (haven't til now as i can't stand the thought of any freaky mind-altering side-effects or just...depending on a PILL to feel 'normal'; although, at this pt, feeling 'normal' would be nice), i will start effexor today. knock on wood. god willing.
> > as i do with everything pharmaceutical i'm about to swallow, i come on here and do my two-bit amateur investigation on the drug.
> > anyway. point being. what a scary - somewhat discouraging - board this is. why are 95% of the folks on here so negative about effexor???
> > it's freaking me out.
>
>
Posted by Geezer on September 29, 2002, at 21:12:57
In reply to Re: discouraging bunch of mssgs, posted by legallybrunette on September 29, 2002, at 20:28:01
Didn't sound negative at all to me. Glad you have a good start and wish you the very best with your treatment.
Geezer
Posted by johnlund on September 29, 2002, at 22:14:57
In reply to Re: sexual side effect- effexor-xr, posted by jeanhamlin on September 29, 2002, at 18:34:52
> i have started effexor xr and have experienced low libido and inability to reach orgasm. I took 37.5mg for 2 weeks and 75mg for half a week. I feel great but these sexual side effects are worrying me. When and if will they go away, and what can I do to help it in the meantime?
I wish I could give you some good news, but I can't. I have found that over time the side affects lessen, but still remain. Because I am a man, I take Viagra to help, but it cost a lot of money. There is other ADs, but non is as good as Effexor at releaving my depression. So as people live with cronic pain, I live with cronic sexual disfunction. However, I could go back to being clinically depressed and have an organism once in a while, but that would mean I would loose my life as I know it, and I cannot let that happen.
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