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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by mxgirl13 on December 24, 2002, at 11:52:07
In reply to Re: Effexor and Xanax -- get off Xanax first, posted by askbob on December 24, 2002, at 0:00:59
Thanks everybody who replied already! I wasn't sure what I'd see back, if anything, but you guys are really great.
I was taking 3-75mg Effexor XR per day, and went down to 2 with no prob. Today is the 2nd day at a day and a half interval between 1-75mg capsules and no dizzyness yet. I guess I can count myself really lucky I don't feel nausia. As I don't have insurance right now, I don't have access to a doctor or new meds. Does anyone know if it's ok to split up the capsule? I was told I couldn't.
I've been able to handle anxiety through behavioral modification and I bet it was almost a year ago since I had to take a Xanax mid day for it. Even then it was just .25mg. I'm stuck on the depression though. I get low and don't feel like doing anything. It's sad because I know when it's happening, but it's not life threatening. That's why with my current circumstances I believe I can do without Effexor.
I've had bouts of insomnia for 10 years now. I was taking Temazepam 15 mg capsules, but I only have 6 left, and I seriously want to keep them for emergencies, so I switched over to .25mg Xanax right at bed time. I have dreams with this, but they are only mildly shocking, so I can deal with them. I go into sleep deprivation on the third day if I don't take anything. If I do manage to fall asleep without meds the dreams are insane. Blood and guts everywhere, beautiful depression dreams, if you've had 'em you'll know I don't appreciate waking up from them.
Thanks, Alara, for your info on going cold turkey. Oh, I'm so afraid of withdraw. It's so awful to experience. I gave up on day 3 of cold turkey because I went crazy on my kid. I mean I hollered a good deal and shoved him in his room, but neither of us appreciated it. Do symptoms for a week start on this day or is it starting from the first day you stopped? I wonder if I was half way there that day. Does the night time cold medicine hang with you the following day? Did you take if every night? Just that week? My doctor said that Tylenol PM sticks with you for 24 hours and makes you slow in the head although you can't really it.
I've never heard of Klonapin (sp?). I'll research it to see if it sounds good for me once I do get insurance again. Thank you for letting me know about it. My psych said the Temazepam was ok to take. Anyone have experience with this? I tried a TON of sleep aids and this is the only one that worked to keep the dreams away and keep me from twiching myself right out of the bed.
Anyone know if memory probs come from Xanax or Effexor? I hear from both. My memory has been worse since Effexor, but I feel especially dingy if I have too much Xanax.
Herbals, yikes! I tried Kava Kava and had a breakdown! It was awful! I did ask my doctor at the time before I tried it, and all he said was that he couldn't say one way or the other about it because it wasn't FDA approved. Thanks, doc.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Posted by dond on December 25, 2002, at 13:32:45
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Glenda on April 14, 2000, at 12:59:09
started effexor xr dec.18th for migraines causing vertigo problems. on 6th day went to Christmas eve midnight service and was about 3 hours late taking medicine. at service was nervous, feel nauseated and had chest palpations. is this normal?
Posted by lynnads on December 25, 2002, at 17:46:39
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by dond on December 25, 2002, at 13:32:45
> started effexor xr dec.18th for migraines causing vertigo problems. on 6th day went to Christmas eve midnight service and was about 3 hours late taking medicine. at service was nervous, feel nauseated and had chest palpations. is this normal?
I just started taking Effexor XR not too long ago myself. My doctor warned me about the side effects which include pretty much everything you described (So, in short, it is normal). Lucky for me I haven't had the nausea part, but the heart palpitations are quite prevelant along with a few other really annoying side effects. If you want more information on side effects visit the effexor website http://www.effexor.com
Good luck to you.
Posted by mxgirl13 on December 25, 2002, at 18:12:55
In reply to Re: Effexor and Xanax and Withdraw, posted by mxgirl13 on December 24, 2002, at 11:52:07
Ok, I'm trying cold turkey. This is day 3 1/2. I'm really getting hit hard with the dizzyness, headache, and yes, now nausia. I can't even sit and read. I have to sit in the dark with my eyes shut. Oh, this is hard. Does it get even harder than this as they days go by, or is it just this until I get over this stupid drug???
People who have just started taking this, BEWARE! If you think getting started is hard, you don't want to experience this! I beg you to try any other alternative drug you can first.
Ok, I sound a bit stressed. This is difficult.
Is it alright to take Mylanta and Xanax .25mg at the same time, anyone? What works good against this nausia, except eating?
Posted by Sioux on December 25, 2002, at 18:55:15
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdraw COLD TURKEY, posted by mxgirl13 on December 25, 2002, at 18:12:55
> Ok, I'm trying cold turkey. This is day 3
Oh, my goodness! Cold turkey is not a good idea.
The brain is designed to absolutely resist changes in its very complex chemistry. Drugs that modify the brain chemistry take time to ramp up and time to ramp down, to allow each of the various feedback systems to re-regulate.
The capsules may be opened and the granules divided.
Posted by mxgirl13 on December 25, 2002, at 19:15:50
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdraw COLD TURKEY, posted by Sioux on December 25, 2002, at 18:55:15
Yes, I understand in a perfect world that this is what I should do. I would love to. I'm really glad to hear that I can open the capsules. Is it harmful to me or just really difficult symptom wise to go cold turkey? As lack of insurance is what put me in this situation, I can't get other meds to assist and I only have a few capsules left. What's your recommendation?
> > Ok, I'm trying cold turkey. This is day 3
>
> Oh, my goodness! Cold turkey is not a good idea.
>
> The brain is designed to absolutely resist changes in its very complex chemistry. Drugs that modify the brain chemistry take time to ramp up and time to ramp down, to allow each of the various feedback systems to re-regulate.
>
> The capsules may be opened and the granules divided.
>
Posted by Sioux on December 25, 2002, at 19:24:51
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdraw COLD TURKEY, posted by Sioux on December 25, 2002, at 18:55:15
Source: Meoni P, Hackett D. Poster presentation. Data on file, Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories.
EFFEXOR® XR (venlafaxine HCl) is indicated for depression, depression with associated anxiety symptoms, and generalized anxiety disorder.
EFFEXOR® XR is contraindicated in patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). EFFEXOR® XR should not be used in combination with an MAOI or within at least 14 days of discontinuing treatment with an MAOI because of potential for serious adverse reactions. Based on the half-life of EFFEXOR® XR, at least 7 days should be allowed after stopping EFFEXOR® XR before starting an MAOI.
The efficacy and safety of EFFEXOR® XR for pediatric use have not been established.
Treatment with venlafaxine is associated with sustained increases in blood pressure (BP) in some patients. Three percent of EFFEXOR® XR patients in depression studies (doses of 75 to 375 mg/day) and 0.4% in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) studies (doses of 75 to 225 mg/day) had sustained BP elevations. The incidence of sustained increases in BP at doses greater than 300 mg/day has not been fully evaluated. Less than 1% discontinued treatment because of elevated BP. Experience with immediate release venlafaxine in depression studies showed that sustained hypertension was dose related, increasing from 3% to 7% at doses of 100 mg/day to 300 mg/day, to 13% at doses above 300 mg/day. Regular BP monitoring is recommended.
The most common adverse events reported in EFFEXOR® XR placebo-controlled depression trials (incidence >10% and >2x that of placebo) were nausea, dizziness, somnolence, abnormal ejaculation, sweating, dry mouth, and nervousness; and in GAD trials were nausea, dry mouth, insomnia, abnormal ejaculation, anorexia, constipation, nervousness, and sweating.
As with any psychotropic drug, EFFEXOR® XR may impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills; patients should be advised to exercise caution until they have adapted to therapy.
Patients should not be abruptly discontinued from antidepressant medication, including EFFEXOR® XR.
Posted by Sioux on December 25, 2002, at 19:36:32
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdraw COLD TURKEY, posted by mxgirl13 on December 25, 2002, at 19:15:50
>>>> Is it harmful to me or just really difficult symptom wise to go cold turkey? As lack of insurance is what put me in this situation, I can't get other meds to assist and I only have a few capsules left. What's your recommendation?
<<<<<Take the manufacturer's information which I just posted or get it from their website (www.effexor.com \ healthcare professionals) to an emergency room and tell them you need help in doing this and why; also go the hospital's caseworker section and they will identify funding sources for you; the pharmacy may be able to help, too, because manufacturers get tax-breaks for 'mercy' programs; pursue the chaplain's office, if need be, and/or any of the church-supported help lines.
I don't know which of the states you live in; the hoops are different for each one. Be informed, be polite, be persistent. You really should be taking 6 wks - 3 mos to get off the drug.
Take care of yourself! Suffering *is* harmful to you.
Posted by EGR on December 25, 2002, at 21:48:05
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdraw COLD TURKEY, posted by Sioux on December 25, 2002, at 19:36:32
> >>>> Is it harmful to me or just really difficult symptom wise to go cold turkey? As lack of insurance is what put me in this situation, I can't get other meds to assist and I only have a few capsules left. What's your recommendation?
> <<<<<
>
> Take the manufacturer's information which I just posted or get it from their website (www.effexor.com \ healthcare professionals) to an emergency room and tell them you need help in doing this and why; also go the hospital's caseworker section and they will identify funding sources for you; the pharmacy may be able to help, too, because manufacturers get tax-breaks for 'mercy' programs; pursue the chaplain's office, if need be, and/or any of the church-supported help lines.
>
> I don't know which of the states you live in; the hoops are different for each one. Be informed, be polite, be persistent. You really should be taking 6 wks - 3 mos to get off the drug.
>
> Take care of yourself! Suffering *is* harmful to you.I'd have to second that! Most hospitals have access to funding for situations like yours. In fact, hospitals, by law, can't turn you away because you can't pay.
Posted by mxgirl13 on December 26, 2002, at 11:38:19
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdraw COLD TURKEY » Sioux, posted by EGR on December 25, 2002, at 21:48:05
Thanks Sioux and EGR. I didn't know those were options for me. I really appreciate your assistance and information. I'll check it out right away.
> > >>>> Is it harmful to me or just really difficult symptom wise to go cold turkey? As lack of insurance is what put me in this situation, I can't get other meds to assist and I only have a few capsules left. What's your recommendation?
> > <<<<<
> >
> > Take the manufacturer's information which I just posted or get it from their website (www.effexor.com \ healthcare professionals) to an emergency room and tell them you need help in doing this and why; also go the hospital's caseworker section and they will identify funding sources for you; the pharmacy may be able to help, too, because manufacturers get tax-breaks for 'mercy' programs; pursue the chaplain's office, if need be, and/or any of the church-supported help lines.
> >
> > I don't know which of the states you live in; the hoops are different for each one. Be informed, be polite, be persistent. You really should be taking 6 wks - 3 mos to get off the drug.
> >
> > Take care of yourself! Suffering *is* harmful to you.
>
> I'd have to second that! Most hospitals have access to funding for situations like yours. In fact, hospitals, by law, can't turn you away because you can't pay.
>
Posted by jimmygold70 on December 26, 2002, at 13:03:44
In reply to Re: Effexor coming off of 5 years use. Help!, posted by mxgirl13 on December 23, 2002, at 9:58:48
You should move to a long-acting, cheap AD (i.e. Generic Prozac - $10-15/month) switch in that schedule:
1) Week 1 - 150mg Effexor XR + 20mg Prozac
2) Week 2 - 75mg Effexor XR + 40 mg Prozac
3) Week 3 - 75mg Effexor XR + 40 mg Prozac
4) Week 4 - No EffexorRisperdal might help you as well but it is pricey. In this case, you can add Klonopin (0.5 mg three time a day) for a couple of weeks, taking the dose down slowly over 2 weeks (1.5mg->1mg->0.5mg->Nothing).
I had luck with the above, and talking to some psychopharmacologists - they liked it.
Jimmy
Posted by joy on December 27, 2002, at 10:14:46
In reply to Re: Effexor and Xanax and Withdraw, posted by mxgirl13 on December 24, 2002, at 11:52:07
Hi. I would not stop the Xanax at this time. If you want to take a lower dose, that is okay, but don't stop it now. It's the only thing I can take to help me sleep through the night. You are dealing with enough now; take the Xanax for sleeping; don't switch to another benzo at this time. Best wishes.
Joy
Posted by askBob on December 27, 2002, at 22:53:13
In reply to Re: Effexor coming off of 5 years use. Help! » mxgirl13, posted by jimmygold70 on December 26, 2002, at 13:03:44
Jimmy has a good point. you should gradually replace one med with another in the same family. I think they call this "titration". You should also know that it can take 4 - 6 weeks for any of the SSRI family of antidepressants (Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa) to take full effect. And you really ought to check it out with a good psychiatrist or at least an experienced pharmacist, such as at a mental health teaching hospital or university.
Bob
> You should move to a long-acting, cheap AD (i.e. Generic Prozac - $10-15/month) switch in that schedule:
> 1) Week 1 - 150mg Effexor XR + 20mg Prozac
> 2) Week 2 - 75mg Effexor XR + 40 mg Prozac
> 3) Week 3 - 75mg Effexor XR + 40 mg Prozac
> 4) Week 4 - No Effexor
>
> Risperdal might help you as well but it is pricey. In this case, you can add Klonopin (0.5 mg three time a day) for a couple of weeks, taking the dose down slowly over 2 weeks (1.5mg->1mg->0.5mg->Nothing).
>
> I had luck with the above, and talking to some psychopharmacologists - they liked it.
>
> Jimmy
>
Posted by bookgurl99 on December 27, 2002, at 23:39:59
In reply to Re: Effexor coming off of 5 years use. Help!, posted by mxgirl13 on December 23, 2002, at 9:58:48
If no one else has suggested it, could you ask your doctor for a starter pack or two -- they can give them out for free -- to cover you until you get insurance or until you can taper off?
I've quit ssri s and an sari nearly cold turkey before, was very hard. I sympathize!
I advise, give into your carb cravings -- your body is using it to make more serotonin. And take something to help u sleep. :D
good luck,
bookgurl99
Posted by bookgurl99 on December 27, 2002, at 23:51:20
In reply to Re: Effexor coming off of 5 years use. Help! » mxgirl13, posted by jimmygold70 on December 26, 2002, at 13:03:44
I wanted to point out that Effexor is not an SSRI, as Prozac is. Effexor is an SNRI (serotonin noripenephrine reuptake inhibitor). As such , the effects of each may be multiplied if they are taken together.
Posted by charlie mac on December 28, 2002, at 20:46:02
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
i have been on effexor for 2 months now and on 150mg for roughly 3 weeks. recently i have had what i call "heart shudders" which i explain as; a heart beat that feels a lot stronger than a normal beat, and stronger than a rapid beat as well, with a shift in vision as well as a shudder throughout my body. i have been having these heart shudders(heart palpitations?) for as long as i can remember, but as of recently they have increased in frequency with a factor of about 100. i went from having a few in one month to roughly 50-75 in a day. this change has occured in a short span of only 2 days, possibly 3(i wasnt keeping count before). is this a reaction to the effexor? should i possibly switch meds? should i be worried? any answers or insight would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by Sioux on December 28, 2002, at 22:16:18
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by charlie mac on December 28, 2002, at 20:46:02
>> "heart shudders" which i explain as; a heart beat that feels a lot stronger than a normal beat, and stronger than a rapid beat as well,
<<This could be anxiety but must be evaluated by a cardiologist, Effexor or no. Hmmm? Do it and keep us posted.
-- S
Posted by daisyduke on December 29, 2002, at 21:32:11
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdraw COLD TURKEY, posted by mxgirl13 on December 26, 2002, at 11:38:19
> Thanks Sioux and EGR. I didn't know those were options for me. I really appreciate your assistance and information. I'll check it out right away.
>
>
> > > >>>> Is it harmful to me or just really difficult symptom wise to go cold turkey? As lack of insurance is what put me in this situation, I can't get other meds to assist and I only have a few capsules left. What's your recommendation?
> > > <<<<<
> > >
> > > Take the manufacturer's information which I just posted or get it from their website (www.effexor.com \ healthcare professionals) to an emergency room and tell them you need help in doing this and why; also go the hospital's caseworker section and they will identify funding sources for you; the pharmacy may be able to help, too, because manufacturers get tax-breaks for 'mercy' programs; pursue the chaplain's office, if need be, and/or any of the church-supported help lines.
> > >
> > > I don't know which of the states you live in; the hoops are different for each one. Be informed, be polite, be persistent. You really should be taking 6 wks - 3 mos to get off the drug.
> > >
> > > Take care of yourself! Suffering *is* harmful to you.
> >
> > I'd have to second that! Most hospitals have access to funding for situations like yours. In fact, hospitals, by law, can't turn you away because you can't pay.
> >
>
>I'm trying to go off cold turkey aswell.. Will it affect me long term do you know? Also what does the doctor to do get you off of this drug?? I am so dizzy that i can't have my eyes open for too long. I've gone with missing effexor before..and its deadly..i mean i feel like death. Can't move. Can't stand up. Throwing up constantly. If i split the capsules..Can i take the drugs without capsule? how would i do that? Any help would be great. THanks
Posted by bookgurl99 on December 29, 2002, at 22:08:57
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdraw COLD TURKEY, posted by daisyduke on December 29, 2002, at 21:32:11
I'm not an md, but you could always measure out half the capsules and mix them into yogurt or orange juice; I've heard of people titrating off meds that way.
Posted by bookgurl99 on December 29, 2002, at 22:09:21
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdraw COLD TURKEY, posted by daisyduke on December 29, 2002, at 21:32:11
I'm not an md, but you could always measure out half the capsules and mix them into yogurt or orange juice; I've heard of people titrating off meds that way.
Posted by daisyduke on December 29, 2002, at 22:14:11
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdraw COLD TURKEY, posted by bookgurl99 on December 29, 2002, at 22:08:57
> I'm not an md, but you could always measure out half the capsules and mix them into yogurt or orange juice; I've heard of people titrating off meds that way.
Thanks..I'll give it a try...Seems smart!!haha
Posted by daisyduke on December 29, 2002, at 22:17:30
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdraw COLD TURKEY, posted by daisyduke on December 29, 2002, at 22:14:11
> > I'm not an md, but you could always measure out half the capsules and mix them into yogurt or orange juice; I've heard of people titrating off meds that way.
>
> Thanks..I'll give it a try...Seems smart!!hahaDoes anyone know the lowest dose that is prescribed? i'm taking 75..so if i go down to half for a few days..would this be good enough to get off and feel ok? I just want the dizziness to go away..
THanks
Posted by askBob on December 29, 2002, at 22:45:07
In reply to Re: Effexor coming off of 5 years use. Help!, posted by bookgurl99 on December 27, 2002, at 23:51:20
> I wanted to point out that Effexor is not an SSRI, as Prozac is. Effexor is an SNRI (serotonin noripenephrine reuptake inhibitor). As such , the effects of each may be multiplied if they are taken together.
Wow -- thanks for waking me up, bookgirl! I think Sioux's advice is the safest, although lots of people (especially teens) quit cold turkey. If you don't have to work for a living, you can do it. I switched from Prozac (an SSRI) to St. John's Wort (herbal MOAI) and felt great for a year -- until I got overwhelmed with stress from my job and a family tragedy. Ended up in the hospital. That's why you are best off to get advice from a psychiatrist.
If you are broke, go to a hospital that has a psychiatric crisis center -- like someone said, they cannot turn you away for lack of funds. They may insist you stay there for observation while changing your meds, though, and you must ask about expenses and who pays BEFORE you sign any papers!!! And don't go alone. Bring a trusted (and level-headed) friend along who can verify you are not at risk, i.e., suicidal or homicidal.Titrating off meds by mixing half a capsule into OJ might work, but be sure to wash it down with lots of liquids -- otherwise you can burn the lining of your esophagus. If you look up the ingredients of these meds, most are acids, which are apparently safe once in your tummy.
Good luck, and God bless!
Posted by EGR on December 29, 2002, at 22:58:46
In reply to Re: mixing meds to switch to cheaper generic, posted by askBob on December 29, 2002, at 22:45:07
Effexor comes in 37.5 mgs... technically you could probably take 1/2 of those. When I was titrating down off Effexor, I had to take 2 weeks to go from 150 to none, simutaneously starting Wellbutrin. A pharmacist friend told me that going cold turkey could do nasty things to you. Like a) make you extremely dry-mouthed or drool excessively and b) give you diarrhea or the worst case of constipation imaginable. Then there's also the sweats and shakes. I would not go cold turkey. Check with your local hospital's social workers or your DHS office. There are funds available to help with prescription, especially in cases like this. Or follow the advice further up and check into a psyche ward... we don't need any of us nutting out and harming ourselves!
Posted by bookgurl99 on December 30, 2002, at 6:44:29
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdraw COLD TURKEY, posted by daisyduke on December 29, 2002, at 22:17:30
I don't recall if you had insurance problems or not. If you do have good insurance, it might be possible to ask your doctor for a liquid version of your antidepressant. (Sometimes they make them for kids.) That would make it easier to take smaller doses.
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