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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 3613 to 3637 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by annlanka on March 27, 2003, at 10:28:41
In reply to Re: Please keep us posted annlanka :-) » annlanka, posted by Krissy P on March 27, 2003, at 0:04:26
Hi kristen-
Thanks for your post and letting me know more about you. It is nice to know that there are other people going thru some of the same stuff. Yeah, the breakup with my boyfriend was really hard on me for some reason. My grades dropped in schoool and that was the first time i sought psychological help. I was in therapy for about 12 weeks and it helped. Not unitl 2 years later did i get on meds(actually this year). The school i went to for undergrad was a really lonely place and i didnt make friends there. Iplayed basketball for a year there but it didnt work out how i expected and i quit. i solated my self all throughout undergrad and then ended up going to grad school at the same place, only cuz i really liked the education i got- I studied neuroscience in grad school- pretty good choice for someone with a mental illness..huh? :)
Hated grad school and the lab i worked in mostly due to the people there. I am applying to med school this year- i really want to help people with mental illness, feel like there are not enough doctors who really truly want to help.
Only prob is i cant concentrate for the mcats which are in a month- i m going to give it my best shot.
I know how you feel about the weight gain. It sucks- tehy always talk about depressed people who lose all this weight- but ihave gained about 15-20 pds this year alone. It adds self-consciousness to the already bad feelings you get with depression. I try to eat healthy but sometimes i feel so bad i dont care anymore. You get to the poin twhere nothing matters- you feel beaten down, but then the next day you wake up adn are mad at yourself for self destructing and that in itself is depressing.
I hope your new stuff works out for you. It sounds like we have a lot in common. YOu can email me at annlanka@yahoo.com if you want (no pressure) in case we are boring others with our life stories! I would like to hear more from you and how your are doing!
take care
anne
Posted by Krissy P on March 27, 2003, at 10:42:19
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal is Serious-A question...... » Krissy P, posted by PuraVida on March 27, 2003, at 2:24:46
Hey you :-)
Your very welcome AND,
I notice a lot of myself in here like you said Krissy P who? LMAOROTF
I am definately going to talk to my doc about this ADD!!!! At mindfixers.com, what test did you do?
I'm headed there right now just woke up
Keep me posted, Kristen:-)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
;> It's me!!! Thanks Kristen - I haven't heard a few of these descriptions...I did do a cool test at mindfixers.com - give it a try -
> THANKS!
>
> PV
>
> >Adult ADD, an Executive Function Disorder
>
> >starting and completing tasks without unreasonable delays (I've started a LOT - what have I finshed???)
>
> >being on time (always!)
>
> >keeping their priorities in order (every single day - this is what makes me depressed a lot of time)
>
> keeping their desks and days relatively well organized (keep talking...)
>
>
> >They can get lost doing unimportant activities (like weeding), heedless of more important jobs that need to be done (like paying bills.) At times, they may have difficulty with their short term memory (Krissy P. who???). They may not fulfill their obligations until the last moment or complete a task only when they feel an external pressure to do so. (Like - wedding/birthday/christening presents being given 6, 12, 18 months late, or not at all - despite the desire to acknowledge?)
>
> > People suffering from ADD often feel unfairly nagged by those around them and sometimes become defiant when confronted with their performance problems. (I have always felt nagged...)
>
> > Their underachievement often leads to reduced self-esteem, depression and anxiety. Some undertake psychotherapy to deal with interpersonal conflicts that are caused by the disorder or to gain control over their seeming negligence. (So this is where it comes from!!!!)
>
> Mild or non-specific deficits of executive functions are common in the general population. Executive functions may also be impaired by injury to the brain, fatigue, depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's, anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders. In addition, various psychological disorders, including learning disabilities, depression, and anxiety, frequently coexist with ADD.
>
> At the present time, there is no definitive test for ADD. Because the treatment of ADD differs from that of other disorders that impair executive function, a careful assessment should be carried out by an experienced clinician before treatment is undertaken.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Kristen- Don't know where you got the BP description from, but do if there is a similar description for Adult ADD? I wonder if the two (and maybe GAD) are all intermingled/confused/etc, sometimes...
> >
> > Thanks!
> > PV
>
>
>
Posted by Krissy P on March 27, 2003, at 10:46:49
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal is Serious-A question...... » Krissy P, posted by PuraVida on March 27, 2003, at 2:24:46
***starting and completing tasks without unreasonable delays (I've started a LOT - what have I finshed???)
***being on time (always!)
***keeping their priorities in order (every single day - this is what makes me depressed a lot of time too!!!!)
***keeping their desks and days relatively well organized (my desk, my bathroom, my room, my car keep talking is right LOL)
***People suffering from ADD often feel unfairly nagged by those around them and sometimes (become defiant when confronted with their performance problems--oh yeah). (I have always felt nagged...)
Have a good one PV:-)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> It's me!!! Thanks Kristen - I haven't heard a few of these descriptions...I did do a cool test at mindfixers.com - give it a try -
> THANKS!
>
> PV
>
> >Adult ADD, an Executive Function Disorder
>
> >starting and completing tasks without unreasonable delays (I've started a LOT - what have I finshed???)
>
> >being on time (always!)
>
> >keeping their priorities in order (every single day - this is what makes me depressed a lot of time)
>
> keeping their desks and days relatively well organized (keep talking...)
>
>
> >They can get lost doing unimportant activities (like weeding), heedless of more important jobs that need to be done (like paying bills.) At times, they may have difficulty with their short term memory (Krissy P. who???). They may not fulfill their obligations until the last moment or complete a task only when they feel an external pressure to do so. (Like - wedding/birthday/christening presents being given 6, 12, 18 months late, or not at all - despite the desire to acknowledge?)
>
> > People suffering from ADD often feel unfairly nagged by those around them and sometimes become defiant when confronted with their performance problems. (I have always felt nagged...)
>
> > Their underachievement often leads to reduced self-esteem, depression and anxiety. Some undertake psychotherapy to deal with interpersonal conflicts that are caused by the disorder or to gain control over their seeming negligence. (So this is where it comes from!!!!)
>
> Mild or non-specific deficits of executive functions are common in the general population. Executive functions may also be impaired by injury to the brain, fatigue, depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's, anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders. In addition, various psychological disorders, including learning disabilities, depression, and anxiety, frequently coexist with ADD.
>
> At the present time, there is no definitive test for ADD. Because the treatment of ADD differs from that of other disorders that impair executive function, a careful assessment should be carried out by an experienced clinician before treatment is undertaken.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Kristen- Don't know where you got the BP description from, but do if there is a similar description for Adult ADD? I wonder if the two (and maybe GAD) are all intermingled/confused/etc, sometimes...
> >
> > Thanks!
> > PV
>
>
>
Posted by Krissy P on March 27, 2003, at 11:37:10
In reply to Re: Effexor XR Morning or Night? » Krissy P, posted by jessi on March 27, 2003, at 9:08:14
YVW:-)
Keep feeling better k?
Also, May I ask how you felt after taking the Tylenol PM???
I heard it works well for some, just wondering.............
> Thanks Krissy P!
> I'm not real happy about the "no appetite" thing. This medication and seeing the doctor was a last resort for me (kept thinking I'd get better). So, I've been so stressed and depressed for the last 4 months, I've already lost about 15 pounds. I don't want to lose anymore, I look sick now.
> Within the last 2 months, one of my boys was diagnosed with ADHD, and the other with ADHD and ODD. It has been SOOOO hard! I've been putting all of my energy into helping them, so I haven't done anything to help myself. I also have a
> 1 1/2 year old too...
> Last night I slept better, but I had to take a Tylenol PM. So, I'm starting to feel a little better about the Effexor XR.
> Thanks for the pep talk! :-) Jessi
>
>
> > Hi :-)
> > Glad to hear that the upset stomach was helped by taking the Effexor at night. Good luck!
> > THE SIDE EFFECTS WILL GO AWAY! LOL I'm not shouting-just wanted to put it how you asked it. Your body is getting used to the Effexor and if you hang in, it SHOULD get better-but everyone's chemistry is different. I really, really hope that it works for you. The yawning thing seems to be universal. I remember yawning constantly-it was like weird-I'm not tired but why the heck am I yawning? lol Headaches were common with me too, but again this is just my experience.
> > When I first went back on Effexor about a month ago-MAN!! I had NO appetite, I was like cool, but after about 2 weeks, I got it back *shucks* lol
> > So please just hang in there, I hope this helped and please keep us posted:-)
> > Kristen
Posted by Krissy P on March 27, 2003, at 22:04:07
In reply to Re: Please keep us posted annlanka :-), posted by annlanka on March 27, 2003, at 10:28:41
Hi anne,
You go!!! I wish you the best in med school. That is an awesome endeavor-you can do it:-)
I haven't decided if I am going to go into the counsleling professsion or nursing school. I also really want to help people with mental illness, I feel like there are not enough doctors who really truly want to help or just don't understand.
Give it your best shot:-)
Yeah, the weight gain does add to self-consciousness to the already bad feelings we get with depression.
I see my pdoc finally!!! tomorrow, got a lot to talk about lol
Take it easy:-)
Kristen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Hi kristen-
> Thanks for your post and letting me know more about you. It is nice to know that there are other people going thru some of the same stuff. Yeah, the breakup with my boyfriend was really hard on me for some reason. My grades dropped in schoool and that was the first time i sought psychological help. I was in therapy for about 12 weeks and it helped. Not unitl 2 years later did i get on meds(actually this year). The school i went to for undergrad was a really lonely place and i didnt make friends there. Iplayed basketball for a year there but it didnt work out how i expected and i quit. i solated my self all throughout undergrad and then ended up going to grad school at the same place, only cuz i really liked the education i got- I studied neuroscience in grad school- pretty good choice for someone with a mental illness..huh? :)
> Hated grad school and the lab i worked in mostly due to the people there. I am applying to med school this year- i really want to help people with mental illness, feel like there are not enough doctors who really truly want to help.
> Only prob is i cant concentrate for the mcats which are in a month- i m going to give it my best shot.
> I know how you feel about the weight gain. It sucks- tehy always talk about depressed people who lose all this weight- but ihave gained about 15-20 pds this year alone. It adds self-consciousness to the already bad feelings you get with depression. I try to eat healthy but sometimes i feel so bad i dont care anymore. You get to the poin twhere nothing matters- you feel beaten down, but then the next day you wake up adn are mad at yourself for self destructing and that in itself is depressing.
> I hope your new stuff works out for you. It sounds like we have a lot in common. YOu can email me at annlanka@yahoo.com if you want (no pressure) in case we are boring others with our life stories! I would like to hear more from you and how your are doing!
> take care
> anne
Posted by melley on March 28, 2003, at 19:34:08
In reply to bizarre dreams, posted by bluestar on March 21, 2003, at 13:01:40
> Since I started taking effexor, I've been haved a series of incredibly vivid and strange dreams. Is anyone else experiencing this too? It seems like I'm in a constant dream state when asleep. I guess that's due to not sleeping deeply. The weirdest one yet was about talking to cheetahs and eating live eels.
I too have had vivid dreams since I have been on effexor. My dr. put me on a sleeping pill, too, to counteract that. It makes me sleep more deeply so I don't remember the dreams as well, which is fine by me!
Posted by ayuda on March 28, 2003, at 19:50:28
In reply to Re: bizarre dreams, posted by melley on March 28, 2003, at 19:34:08
> > Since I started taking effexor, I've been haved a series of incredibly vivid and strange dreams. Is anyone else experiencing this too? It seems like I'm in a constant dream state when asleep. I guess that's due to not sleeping deeply. The weirdest one yet was about talking to cheetahs and eating live eels.
>
>
> I too have had vivid dreams since I have been on effexor. My dr. put me on a sleeping pill, too, to counteract that. It makes me sleep more deeply so I don't remember the dreams as well, which is fine by me!
>I had completely bizarre and very real-seeming dreams when I was on Effexor XR. And sometimes I felt like I was not quite awake when I was awake, and could not distinguish between being awake and being asleep, like my waking life was also one of those dreams. From what I've heard, I think it's a common side effect of Effexor.
Posted by melley on March 28, 2003, at 22:03:23
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by dongerue on March 19, 2003, at 21:48:28
I am thinking of switching to Welbutrin (I have depression and anxiety, mostly anxiety). I am now on 225 mg of effexor and taking a ambien (a sleeping pill at night). How is it going now? Do you recommend switching?
> > I recently switched from Effexor to Welbutrin. Had no problems with withdrawal. The Dr. Had me ramp down. I switched due to sexual side effects. That was the only side effect I had, otherwise the Effexor was working great. Wish I could say the same for the Welbutrin.
>
> It may have been no problem with you but it is a purple bitch for me. I tapered off reducing dosage at the rate of 37mg per week. I then quit and I felt nausiated, headaches, general malaise, ringing in the ears, with sudden sharp disturbances in ears and eyes. I quit and switched to welbutrin for the same reason you mentioned, but as of now, I have been off all effexor for two weeks and I still feel awful. I don't know the answer yet but I will let you know. Any help would be appreciated
Posted by KRM123 on March 29, 2003, at 0:49:08
In reply to new to effexor and pumped up about it, posted by annlanka on March 26, 2003, at 15:19:48
Anne- please help! I am in the same situation that you were in. I can't stand the Lexapro anymore. The tiredness is terrible and I hate it. Today was week 2 with improvments in all side effects except the tiredness. The Dr. gave me Provigil but didn't help. I would like to try Effexor but I am scared.
Posted by bluestar on March 29, 2003, at 0:50:46
In reply to Re: bizarre dreams, posted by ayuda on March 28, 2003, at 19:50:28
I've been on effexor 150mg for 1 1/2 months now. I am able to enjoy more what life has to offer me instead of always having nagging social anxiety and depression. I'm finding it easier to concentrate on school.I tried Paxil and that was a disaster. I feel for anyone who has not yet found what works for them. It's so good to be at ease and not all wound up. Good luck everyone
Posted by manhattom on March 29, 2003, at 22:34:18
In reply to Re: bizarre dreams, posted by melley on March 28, 2003, at 19:34:08
i had found effexor to be completely ineffective for me, both in depression and insomnia.
sonata seemed to work decently for making me fall asleep, but i would wake up an hour or two into sleeping, and i'd be disoriented and sometimes hallucinating. i did not like sonata.
i think, for someone who needs to combine an antidepressant and a sleep aid, amitryptaline (elavil) is the best for relieving depressive problems as well as giving a very deep, very reliable night of sleep. my only problem with it is the possible toxicity that can be only slightly above baseline dose. and also, you might feel drowsy throughout the day.
Posted by utopizen on March 30, 2003, at 10:29:25
In reply to Re: bizarre dreams, posted by manhattom on March 29, 2003, at 22:34:18
You think you have weird dreams? Last night, I had a Paxil-induced vivid dream with a guy I was suppose to undead after he died 2 weeks ago from an MAOI reaction. I was suppose to give him charcoal and pump his stomach, but I kept putting it off because it freaked me out.
I found Neurontin has been good for buffering dreams and calming me down enough to sleep, but it takes an hour and a half to kick in. Unfortunately, my doc won't prescribe a sleep aid.
Posted by PuraVida on March 30, 2003, at 15:24:49
In reply to Re: I Have Just been Diagnosed With Type 2,3,5ADD » pellmell, posted by Alec on August 6, 2001, at 13:11:29
Alec,
Just curious about how the Effexor worked on the ADD? I think I have ADD, have known about the depression for years. My take is that I got depressed because of the ADD. Anyhow, I'm on 225 Effexor but ot doesn't seem to touch the ADD - just the depression. Any feedback on your experience would be great -
PV
Posted by dongerue on March 30, 2003, at 15:38:56
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by melley on March 28, 2003, at 22:03:23
>Hello:
Well I finally succeeded in getting off of the effexor. But about 4 days later I began to feel so low, I would have to look up at a snake. So I started taking some Effexor xr (75mg)with my 300mg a day of welbutrin. I seem to be doing ok with this dosage. I still have some energy and the other problems seem better.
Don
> I am thinking of switching to Welbutrin (I have depression and anxiety, mostly anxiety). I am now on 225 mg of effexor and taking a ambien (a sleeping pill at night). How is it going now? Do you recommend switching?
>
>
> > > I recently switched from Effexor to Welbutrin. Had no problems with withdrawal. The Dr. Had me ramp down. I switched due to sexual side effects. That was the only side effect I had, otherwise the Effexor was working great. Wish I could say the same for the Welbutrin.
> >
> > It may have been no problem with you but it is a purple bitch for me. I tapered off reducing dosage at the rate of 37mg per week. I then quit and I felt nausiated, headaches, general malaise, ringing in the ears, with sudden sharp disturbances in ears and eyes. I quit and switched to welbutrin for the same reason you mentioned, but as of now, I have been off all effexor for two weeks and I still feel awful. I don't know the answer yet but I will let you know. Any help would be appreciated
>
>
>
>
Posted by jtc on March 30, 2003, at 21:36:10
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by dongerue on March 30, 2003, at 15:38:56
Hi all,
Has anyone had any problems with going off Effexor XR? I am having serious withdrawal. Today is my third day of no Effexor at all. I tapered down from 75 mg to 37.5. Took the 37.5 for about two weeks daily then every other day for about two weeks and now am into third day of no Effexor. I am completely crazy. I have crying spells and my two little girls, ages 8 and 3 don't know what has happened to their mom and my husband, well he just completely does not understand. This is really scary and I would not recommend this medication to anyone, however it did help me. I have taken it for about 10 months and have much weight gain so my psychiatrist and I decided I should try to go off of it since it is Spring and things start to get a little better for those of us who have depression (or so my psychiatrist says) but I also have anxiety. If I had known it was going to be like this I would have never started taking it. I should have stayed on Luvox. The withdrawal is so not worth the help it gave me. My 8 year old is also taking Effexor XR 37.5 mg but I am taking her off of it when school is out in May (or maybe sooner). I just hope she does not experience the same symptoms I have. I am going to watch her really closely though. I have flu like symptoms, shortness of breath, headache, nausea, irritable bowel syndrome, irritability, depression and I feel like I am becoming manic depressive and also bipolar. Thank goodness I am still taking Klonopin. I just hope this gets better. If anyone has any advice please please send it to me. I really like this posting board and it is very helpful. Thanks so much and God Bless us all....jtc> >Hello:
>
> Well I finally succeeded in getting off of the effexor. But about 4 days later I began to feel so low, I would have to look up at a snake. So I started taking some Effexor xr (75mg)with my 300mg a day of welbutrin. I seem to be doing ok with this dosage. I still have some energy and the other problems seem better.
>
> Don
> > I am thinking of switching to Welbutrin (I have depression and anxiety, mostly anxiety). I am now on 225 mg of effexor and taking a ambien (a sleeping pill at night). How is it going now? Do you recommend switching?
> >
> >
> > > > I recently switched from Effexor to Welbutrin. Had no problems with withdrawal. The Dr. Had me ramp down. I switched due to sexual side effects. That was the only side effect I had, otherwise the Effexor was working great. Wish I could say the same for the Welbutrin.
> > >
> > > It may have been no problem with you but it is a purple bitch for me. I tapered off reducing dosage at the rate of 37mg per week. I then quit and I felt nausiated, headaches, general malaise, ringing in the ears, with sudden sharp disturbances in ears and eyes. I quit and switched to welbutrin for the same reason you mentioned, but as of now, I have been off all effexor for two weeks and I still feel awful. I don't know the answer yet but I will let you know. Any help would be appreciated
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by KRM123 on March 30, 2003, at 21:47:19
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by jtc on March 30, 2003, at 21:36:10
I was going to try Effexor but now I'm really scared =(
Posted by melley on March 31, 2003, at 6:32:02
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by jtc on March 30, 2003, at 21:36:10
I took effexor a few years ago and went off. It took about a week of feeling the way you do and then it went away. It is hard when you are going through it but it will be over soon.
Hi all,
> Has anyone had any problems with going off Effexor XR? I am having serious withdrawal. Today is my third day of no Effexor at all. I tapered down from 75 mg to 37.5. Took the 37.5 for about two weeks daily then every other day for about two weeks and now am into third day of no Effexor. I am completely crazy. I have crying spells and my two little girls, ages 8 and 3 don't know what has happened to their mom and my husband, well he just completely does not understand. This is really scary and I would not recommend this medication to anyone, however it did help me. I have taken it for about 10 months and have much weight gain so my psychiatrist and I decided I should try to go off of it since it is Spring and things start to get a little better for those of us who have depression (or so my psychiatrist says) but I also have anxiety. If I had known it was going to be like this I would have never started taking it. I should have stayed on Luvox. The withdrawal is so not worth the help it gave me. My 8 year old is also taking Effexor XR 37.5 mg but I am taking her off of it when school is out in May (or maybe sooner). I just hope she does not experience the same symptoms I have. I am going to watch her really closely though. I have flu like symptoms, shortness of breath, headache, nausea, irritable bowel syndrome, irritability, depression and I feel like I am becoming manic depressive and also bipolar. Thank goodness I am still taking Klonopin. I just hope this gets better. If anyone has any advice please please send it to me. I really like this posting board and it is very helpful. Thanks so much and God Bless us all....jtc
>
> > >Hello:
> >
> > Well I finally succeeded in getting off of the effexor. But about 4 days later I began to feel so low, I would have to look up at a snake. So I started taking some Effexor xr (75mg)with my 300mg a day of welbutrin. I seem to be doing ok with this dosage. I still have some energy and the other problems seem better.
> >
> > Don
> > > I am thinking of switching to Welbutrin (I have depression and anxiety, mostly anxiety). I am now on 225 mg of effexor and taking a ambien (a sleeping pill at night). How is it going now? Do you recommend switching?
> > >
> > >
> > > > > I recently switched from Effexor to Welbutrin. Had no problems with withdrawal. The Dr. Had me ramp down. I switched due to sexual side effects. That was the only side effect I had, otherwise the Effexor was working great. Wish I could say the same for the Welbutrin.
> > > >
> > > > It may have been no problem with you but it is a purple bitch for me. I tapered off reducing dosage at the rate of 37mg per week. I then quit and I felt nausiated, headaches, general malaise, ringing in the ears, with sudden sharp disturbances in ears and eyes. I quit and switched to welbutrin for the same reason you mentioned, but as of now, I have been off all effexor for two weeks and I still feel awful. I don't know the answer yet but I will let you know. Any help would be appreciated
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by Paco on March 31, 2003, at 9:20:25
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by KRM123 on March 30, 2003, at 21:47:19
I don't know what you'd be taking Effexor for (or how badly you need it), but so far I've found it extremely helpful. As I understand it, some people experience withdrawl and others don't, just like some have serious side effects and others don't (I didn't). I thought Prozac was absolute hell. Others find it very helpful. Some have problems with Effexor. Others like it (like me). I believe it's impossible to predict how any antidepressant will affect you.
Something else to consider is that people that are having no problems with side effects or withdrawl are less likely to look for on-line support or information in places like this board. Why do you need to seek help if things are going great? I looked for information when I started taking Effexor because I was worried that it would be as bad as Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil were for me (terrible - all three, but as I said, they are helpful for others).
You can find horror stories about any antidepressant - I've got some great ones about the SSRIs that I tried, but for me Effexor has so far been a success. I don't care if I have to go through a week of withdrawl (hopefully I don't), because right now the life I'm experiencing is a lot better than when I was staring at the ceiling all day wondering when I'm going to kill myself.
Good luck.
=====================================================
> I was going to try Effexor but now I'm really scared =(
Posted by Sean9 on March 31, 2003, at 10:47:17
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated » KRM123, posted by Paco on March 31, 2003, at 9:20:25
Multiple viewpoints are what make message boards a success. I agree that there are both good and bad stories about Effexor, but from my experience, the 'bad' stories should not be taken lightly. Withdrawal can be debilitating and much worse than the cure. Worst of all, there are people (and no one can say what % of all users experience this, possibly because their voices are being ignored by the manufacturer) who experience horrible withdrawal effects that do not nearly compare to the warning of "discontinuation syndrome" given by the makers of Effexor.
I agree, you hear more bad stories about Effexor than good, but that is not to reason that there is an overwhelming majority of 'good' experiences with quitting Effexor out there. The truth is, no one really knows, and the manufactures aren't in a hurry to find out.
So I go back to the argument, how many horror stories does it take until someone does something? How many people have to experience the "worst case scenario" symptoms, before this should be reviewed officially? There is something those with "bad" stories can do. If you think what you experienced from withdrawing from Effexor was disproportionate to what you would consider to be “normal” and “reasonably expected” withdrawal symptoms based on the detailed advice given to you by your doctor, then maybe it should be reported to someone who can do something about it.There is something you can do. File a report with the FDA. They regulate Effexor (which is made by Wyeth Laboratories Inc. in Philadelphia.). Help the next generation of Effexor users to be better informed by doctors and the manufacturer. You can submit a complaint to the FDA online at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/
The more people that report this problem, the better response we will get. You can also call in your complaint to an FDA state office (here are each state’s telephone number)
http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html
You can also sign the petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/effexor/petition.html
Posted by Ssunflower on March 31, 2003, at 12:00:48
In reply to Re: Effexor XR Morning or Night? » jessi, posted by Krissy P on March 27, 2003, at 11:37:10
Hi, I've struggled with depression off and on for years and it has recently come back after remarrying into a "blended" family...dealing with new kids and with our vindictive "EX'S." I have tried 5-6 different med's to much avail and am currently on effoexor "xr." I have been on it for only 1 week so far @ 37.4 mg's and have just started taking 2 the other day. I am not crying daily as I used to which is good and seem to have a hard time sleeping as I see other do as well. My main question is I still do not feel "happy" like I was hoping to. I do not feel the joy with my kids or husband. I feel I had more emotions when I was not on med's. It feels as though my emotions are now flatlined. Has anyone else felt this way? Do I need to be on it longer to feel the joy? Is this just a side effect that will disipate? Also, has anyone experienced sexual side effects and are they long term. Any info would be "greatly" appreciated!! God Bless..Ssunflower
Posted by jtc on March 31, 2003, at 12:26:45
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated » KRM123, posted by Paco on March 31, 2003, at 9:20:25
Hi Paco,
I agree with you about the Effexor being a help to some people as it was for me. But it was my psychiatrist's suggestion for me to go off of it for now. The withdrawal has only been bad for the past four days and I have done research on it and I think it will get better for me. I did not do much research on it before starting it about 10 months ago. I just took my psychiatrist's advice. I was on Luvox and it had stopped working. I agree with you that it is impossible to predict how it will affect people and that maybe people should give it a try.> I don't know what you'd be taking Effexor for (or how badly you need it), but so far I've found it extremely helpful. As I understand it, some people experience withdrawl and others don't, just like some have serious side effects and others don't (I didn't). I thought Prozac was absolute hell. Others find it very helpful. Some have problems with Effexor. Others like it (like me). I believe it's impossible to predict how any antidepressant will affect you. I have also tried Zoloft, Paxil, and Prozac and they were bad for me also. A reason I am glad I am stopping the Effexor is because I had a lot of weight gain with it and also fluid retention so maybe those problems will correct themselves but I also take the birth control pill which is another problem in itself. I am so glad it helped you with the things you are going through. Take care and God Bless you,
jtc>
> Something else to consider is that people that are having no problems with side effects or withdrawl are less likely to look for on-line support or information in places like this board. Why do you need to seek help if things are going great? I looked for information when I started taking Effexor because I was worried that it would be as bad as Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil were for me (terrible - all three, but as I said, they are helpful for others).
>
> You can find horror stories about any antidepressant - I've got some great ones about the SSRIs that I tried, but for me Effexor has so far been a success. I don't care if I have to go through a week of withdrawl (hopefully I don't), because right now the life I'm experiencing is a lot better than when I was staring at the ceiling all day wondering when I'm going to kill myself.
>
> Good luck.
>
> =====================================================
>
> > I was going to try Effexor but now I'm really scared =(
>
>
Posted by jtc on March 31, 2003, at 12:40:28
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by Sean9 on March 31, 2003, at 10:47:17
Dear Sean9,
Thank you for the information and your posting. I was doing okay on the Effexor for about 6 months but with a 15-20 pound weight gain and also my cholesterol went to 261 and I have just visited my primary care doctor today for shortness of breath which I have had for about 5 days now. He ordered a spiral CT scan with dye of my chest to rule out pulmonary embolism. I don't know if Effexor withdrawal can cause this but I will say that the withdrawal symptoms are terrible. I am like Dr. Jeckel and Mr. Hyde especially with my family. I can't wait until I get off this medication. I also have to have an EKG and a stress echo as well as arterial blood gas test next week. Anyway I think the medicine helps some people but I think they should be warned that there are severe side effects when discontinuing it. It did help me feel better for the first six months but then it just became subtherapeutic. Anyway thanks for your posting. It was very informative. I plan to sign the petition. Thanks and take care,
jtc
> Multiple viewpoints are what make message boards a success. I agree that there are both good and bad stories about Effexor, but from my experience, the 'bad' stories should not be taken lightly. Withdrawal can be debilitating and much worse than the cure. Worst of all, there are people (and no one can say what % of all users experience this, possibly because their voices are being ignored by the manufacturer) who experience horrible withdrawal effects that do not nearly compare to the warning of "discontinuation syndrome" given by the makers of Effexor.
> I agree, you hear more bad stories about Effexor than good, but that is not to reason that there is an overwhelming majority of 'good' experiences with quitting Effexor out there. The truth is, no one really knows, and the manufactures aren't in a hurry to find out.
> So I go back to the argument, how many horror stories does it take until someone does something? How many people have to experience the "worst case scenario" symptoms, before this should be reviewed officially? There is something those with "bad" stories can do. If you think what you experienced from withdrawing from Effexor was disproportionate to what you would consider to be “normal” and “reasonably expected” withdrawal symptoms based on the detailed advice given to you by your doctor, then maybe it should be reported to someone who can do something about it.
>
> There is something you can do. File a report with the FDA. They regulate Effexor (which is made by Wyeth Laboratories Inc. in Philadelphia.). Help the next generation of Effexor users to be better informed by doctors and the manufacturer. You can submit a complaint to the FDA online at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/
> The more people that report this problem, the better response we will get. You can also call in your complaint to an FDA state office (here are each state’s telephone number)
> http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html
> You can also sign the petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/effexor/petition.html
Posted by T_R_D on March 31, 2003, at 13:20:35
In reply to bizarre dreams, posted by bluestar on March 21, 2003, at 13:01:40
> Since I started taking effexor, I've been haved a series of incredibly vivid and strange dreams. Is anyone else experiencing this too? It seems like I'm in a constant dream state when asleep. I guess that's due to not sleeping deeply. The weirdest one yet was about talking to cheetahs and eating live eels.
Oh. My. God. Can I tell you some of the craziness I went though? I was on the max. dosage and I'm just a small person...whenever my levels would get screwed up (if I skipped doses and/or drank on the drug) my sleep would be so interrupted. I would have some really vivid and 9 times out of 10 incredibly horrific dreams. I always thought it would have been okay if it was just something funny or that made no sense but rarely were these dreams any "fun."
Coupled with that, I would have orgasms in my sleep, night sweats, convusion-like muscle spasms throughout my entire body. Everyone thought the orgasms were a scream. You'd think it'd be pleasurable but when you're having orgasms while dreaming about things that are highly violent and questionable acts (morally, ethically) it really does a trip on your psyche. I thought this was just a trade-off for a drug that worked for me. I'm not on it any more but I might go back to it if I can't find another solution. Things did clear up after I stopped drinking and lowered the dose by one notch. Oh yes, I was having what were believed to be seizures and they cleared up too.
Take care!
Posted by T_R_D on March 31, 2003, at 13:45:17
In reply to Feedbacks Please, posted by Ssunflower on March 31, 2003, at 12:00:48
> Hi, I've struggled with depression off and on for years and it has recently come back after remarrying into a "blended" family...dealing with new kids and with our vindictive "EX'S." I have tried 5-6 different med's to much avail and am currently on effoexor "xr." I have been on it for only 1 week so far @ 37.4 mg's and have just started taking 2 the other day. I am not crying daily as I used to which is good and seem to have a hard time sleeping as I see other do as well. My main question is I still do not feel "happy" like I was hoping to. I do not feel the joy with my kids or husband. I feel I had more emotions when I was not on med's. It feels as though my emotions are now flatlined. Has anyone else felt this way? Do I need to be on it longer to feel the joy? Is this just a side effect that will disipate? Also, has anyone experienced sexual side effects and are they long term. Any info would be "greatly" appreciated!! God Bless..Ssunflower
Hi there! You will need to be on the drug for a while longer yet, before you feel any positive effects.
It could take a few weeks. Hang in there if you see signs of hope as it may be a good drug for you.
One other thing that is available are combination and or/augmentation strategies with the drugs.
Sometimes, another drug (an anti-depressant or other type) can be taken with the primary drug that will "boost"
it's effect.I had some loss of sexual drive on the drug but at times I've often wondered whether or not the drugs cause
me loss of interest in sex or if the underlying depression is the culprit. They jury's still out on that one
but I do still have my relationship...for now...it's on the rocks because of my present relapse.The drugs can also "numb you out" a bit. I think they kind of keep you from getting too high or too low in
order to stabilize you on a more rational plane. The theory is that then, you'll be able to tackle other
"issues" that may be responsible for depression. It kind of sucks though when you're like me and don't seem to
need any talking therapy and just require the medication.Try and hang in...I know what you're going through right now and it is downright unpleasant and difficult.
Don't give up hope yet!Take care,
Karen
Posted by bluestar on March 31, 2003, at 14:27:42
In reply to Re: Feedbacks Please, posted by T_R_D on March 31, 2003, at 13:45:17
Yea, I agree with Karen. You need to wait this one out alittle before you make a decision on it's effectiveness. It takes a while to work but what's two or three weeks when youve been in tha dumps for years? Optimism is key. One thing I've done to help me mark this transition for myself is to become involved in projects and activities that weren't part of my regular day in and day out. Read up on spirituality, walk off that effexor induced energy, paint,or whatever you need to see life isn't just mundane tasks and stress.
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