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Posted by oznjerz on July 10, 2006, at 22:13:35
In reply to Problems with alcohol and Effexor, posted by CharlieRza on July 10, 2006, at 17:22:32
Why is it impossible to stop drinking?
Isn't your sanity worth it?
Posted by detroitpistons on July 11, 2006, at 5:20:28
In reply to Problems with alcohol and Effexor, posted by CharlieRza on July 10, 2006, at 17:22:32
I've been in your exact position before. Do NOT stop taking or reduce your dose on hte weekend. It won't do any good.
For me, the drinking tolerance/ blackout thing passes after a few months. As we speak, I'm on 225 mg of Effexor and I can drink a lot with no problems. The first few months, however, were a problem. Just wait it out and you should be fine.
> I have been taking 225mg of Effexor for about 3 months now and it works great. There is a side effect though. I am a college student and drink way more than I should. I am drinking much less since I am working this summer which helps a lot but I get WASTED on the weekends. My tollerence use to be crazy high but since ive been taking I get very intoxicated VERY quick. I blackout every night, remember nothing and go to bed VERY early without even knowing it. I use to be able to drink and have fun all night. My question is if i can not take my medication on the weekends. Will it still work or will skipping 2 days a week totally screw up how the drug works? What about taking only 75 or 150mg? I am hoping if I do this I will be able to drink like I use to and have more safe fun. I know everyone will say stop drinking immediatly. Thats not going to happen, but any advice about my questions would really be appriciated. This is my first post and thanks for the help.
Posted by detroitpistons on July 11, 2006, at 12:26:02
In reply to Re: Problems with alcohol and Effexor, posted by oznjerz on July 10, 2006, at 22:13:35
I'm not speaking for Charlie (is that right?) but I'd like to give my opinion on this because I can relate....Good or bad, if you're in college, the culture revolves around drinking for the majority of kids. It's just a given. If I were still in college, I'd be scared to quit drinking simply because people would wonder why and start questioning me. You'd either have to lie or tell people that you are on an antidepressant. Of course, most of us don't go around trumpeting our mental health issues. It's unfortunate, but the stigma is very strong.
This drinking while on Effexor should not affect your sanity. It's really not that bad of an issue IMO. You can just drink less for a while until your body gets used to the drug.
It's kind of sad, but quitting drinking while in college kind of effects your whole social network. For me, withdrawing socially would affect my sanity more than the side effects of drinking while on Effexor.
> Why is it impossible to stop drinking?
>
> Isn't your sanity worth it?
Posted by Jason1972 on July 12, 2006, at 16:22:47
In reply to Re: OK now I am afraid » Bonnie_CA, posted by Elroy on May 6, 2006, at 12:22:45
Hi,
I am currently on Effexor.
When I was 18 I was diagnosed with prostatitus, probably caused by an STD. It was never confirmed though as test results always came back negative.
At 22 I had a procedure that cured about 70-80% of prostatitus symptoms.
At 31 I was put on effexor for anxiety and depresion.
It took a couple of years but I developed a severe case of prostatitus that has lasted 2 years. It wasn't until I read this site that I learned of that others taking effexor have had prostatitus. I talked to my doctor but he said it is unrelated...
I don't know what to think. The effexor has done an ok job of relieving my anxiety and other symptoms...
jm
Posted by Elroy on July 12, 2006, at 17:13:55
In reply to Re: OK now I am afraid, posted by Jason1972 on July 12, 2006, at 16:22:47
> Hi,
>
> I am currently on Effexor.
> When I was 18 I was diagnosed with prostatitus, probably caused by an STD. It was never confirmed though as test results always came back negative.
> At 22 I had a procedure that cured about 70-80% of prostatitus symptoms.
> At 31 I was put on effexor for anxiety and depresion.
> It took a couple of years but I developed a severe case of prostatitus that has lasted 2 years. It wasn't until I read this site that I learned of that others taking effexor have had prostatitus. I talked to my doctor but he said it is unrelated...
> I don't know what to think. The effexor has done an ok job of relieving my anxiety and other symptoms...
> jmYour doctor is completely wrong. My very short experiment with Effexor - and Cymbalta also - both severely increased my anxiety, but specifically caused prostatitis type symptoms which disappeared after I stopped the two meds.
Both of the warning packets in each of the two meds SPECIFICALLY indicated that "prostatitis type symptoms" were a possible side effect in men.
See:
This is from an official web site:
http://www.rxcarecanada.com/Effexor.asp?prodid=654
Urogenital: Frequent: dysuria, anorgasmia - female*, erectile dysfunction*, metrorrhagia*, prostatic disorder (includes prostatitis and enlarged prostate)*, vaginitis*. Infrequent: albuminuria, amenorrhea*, cystitis, hematuria, leukorrhea*, menorrhagia*, nocturia, abnormal orgasm-female*, bladder pain, breast pain, polyuria, pyuria, urinary incontinence, urinary retention, urinary urgency...
If you have anxiety then why is your doctor treating you with an anti-depressant medication? Why? Because he doesn't know any better and is getting his education from
drug company sales reps who are pushing the AD drugs.
Get on an anti-anxiety medication (Xanax XR or Klonopin, something that has a longer half-life) and watch your anxiety syumptoms AND your prostatitis symptoms get much better.Also, get your hormone levels checked (Total Testosterone, Free Testosterone, DHEA, Estradiol, Total Estrogens - yes, I know that you are a male, but they are still important tests; your anxierty and prostatitis symptoms could be caused by elevated estrogen levels, LH and FSH). You could have a male hormone deficiency or imbalance issue.
Finally, get your cortisol levels tested via a "24-hour Urinary Free Cortisol Test" to accurately measure whether or not you might have elevated cortisol levels (not "somewhat high levels"... but truly "above range" type numbers).
Posted by MDGIRL on July 12, 2006, at 19:25:55
In reply to Re: Problems with alcohol and Effexor, posted by oznjerz on July 10, 2006, at 22:13:35
> Why is it impossible to stop drinking?
>
> Isn't your sanity worth it?THANK YOU!
Posted by Susana M on July 16, 2006, at 10:15:40
In reply to Re: Quitting Effexor XR - and off of all other med, posted by rfs on June 4, 2006, at 17:26:18
Posted by BiPolar Mama on July 17, 2006, at 23:41:51
In reply to Re: Problems with alcohol and Effexor, posted by MDGIRL on July 12, 2006, at 19:25:55
Good evening,
I have now been on Effexor XR for a lil over 3 weeks. At first I was having leg spasms that were incredibly intense. I would wake up screaming. Now those have stopped. I am continuing the Low Carb/ No Carb diet prescribed by my physician. I am slowly losing weight. I was still having panic attacks that would cause me to lose hours of work. The "dark" thoughts were just on the verge of my mind. Last week my doctor upped my Effexor XR to 75 mg instead of 37.5 mg 1x per day. I don't know if this is what they call the "placebo' effect but I have had a WONDERFUL day today! This was the best I have felt since March when I was diagnosed. She also put me on 2.5 mg of Klonopin 1x daily. Those are both taken together at 8am. My Nighttime meds are : 200 mg Zoloft & 3 mg Melatonin.
I have 3 really important questions if anyone would care to answer me. *I notice my first question went completely unanswered*.1) What are the effects of Caffeine and Nicotine on the drugs I am taking? I am a coffee drinker and smoker.
2) Does any know of anyone that has taken this combination of drugs for BiPolar/Agoraphobia? Was it successful?
3) How do you make someone else understand what you are going through such as a boss or spouse, when you can't explain it to yourself?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by renecoston on July 18, 2006, at 8:08:45
In reply to Just wondering if the Doc prescribed correctly, posted by BiPolar Mama on July 17, 2006, at 23:41:51
Wow, that is a huge dose of Klonopin! Does it knock you out cold? I feel sleepy from just 0.5mgs of it!
Posted by CrimsonClover on July 19, 2006, at 15:11:53
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dos, posted by Jubilee on November 1, 2004, at 2:39:03
I have been taking Effexor Ex 300mg a day for about 4 years now. My doctore NEVER told me any of what I know now about Effexor. I had to send a letter to my doctor to send to the maker of Effexor because I don't have a job and I can NOT be without my EFFEXOR. I have a 6 year old child, no family to help me when I go thru the withdrawls. I would NEVER harm myself or have thoughts of harming myself. BUT I CAN"T even order a hamburger or carry a conversation without Effexor. I can't even DRIVE my car if I am without my Effexors. I HATE this more than anything and I wish I was told or investigated the ENTIRE TRUTH about Effexor Ex before I took the medication. My doctor is keeping me up on my Effexor even though I don't have insurance. I went to the local MHMR and was told they could not help me get my medication because I would not say I wanted to kill or harm myself. They could only help people who would say " I WANNA KILL MYSELF" So ... now I am waiting to see if Wyeth will sponser me... which means give me the pills because now I can not funtion without them. ANd I can't go thru withdrawls for 13weeks or longer. I have a child to raise and some what of a life to pick up. Just wanted to put my 2 cents in because I am new to the group.
Posted by renecoston on July 19, 2006, at 16:16:49
In reply to Effexor Ex, posted by CrimsonClover on July 19, 2006, at 15:11:53
I feel for you - and I've been there, except with Paxil and not Effexor. My doctors decided a few months back after I'd been off meds for some time and had gone through AWFUL DEBILITATING withdrawals from Paxil that Effexor would be great for me to try and that, no, it didn't cause withdrawals like Paxil. HAH! I looked up info online and found this board. It warned me. I can say I never would have researched it had I not already gone through hell on Paxil. I wish more people were told the real truth, not a faction of it that the doctors and the drug companies tell us. They want to make money, and that's that. It is sad. If you need someone to talk to, you can always email me. renecoston@yahoo.com
I'll pray for you....
-Rene
Posted by buzzy on July 21, 2006, at 23:47:18
In reply to Re: Effexor Ex, posted by renecoston on July 19, 2006, at 16:16:49
I have been on effexor for a year. I have been as high as 225MGs. It is great for stopping the Hampster in the wire wheel. Erections were pretty damn good. At 225 I was too drugged up. Too fogged up. Can't remember crap or names that happened 5 minutes ago. Began to think my mind wasn't working right. Went to 150 the wheel was stopped but my brain was still mush and my mood wasn,t getting any better so I decided to stopp and try something else. NOW THE SH*T STARTS,BEWARE<BEWARE BEWARE. Went down to 75 and took Prilosec for the heartburn at the same time as my dosage in the am which shut down my absorption to zero. I became extremely agitated, screamed at my M.D. in his office that he was worthless and he should never put his patience on this sh*t. This was the day after i was in the ER With Chest pains (2x). As soon as I told them I was depressed they sent for a psych social worker and the suggestion for ECT was made. Now I,m really spooked.Next day see my GP bring in all my meds he looks at them says nothing of course i am biting his head off and he tells me to see my psychai. I get squeezed in tell him whats going on he looks at my meds and immediately catches the Prilosec and has me take my diff. meds 12 hrs apart. It worked. Be CAREFUL with other meds and XR.NOW on 75mg I start to get the shocks once in a while. Go to 75 every other day. The shocks get a little more frequent. Got down to 37.5 daily, more shocks. 37.5 every other day more noticable shocks Feel my body and brain are not co-ordinated. WENT TO ZEROmg body shocks and buzzes every 5 sec. Went backi to 37.5 daily PLUS 5 mg Lexapro Weaned myself down again off the ER to 5mg Lex to zero. The ER or the Lex will stop the shocks/buzzes/rushes but I have been off all for 2 days and I am a buzzin' away. BOTTOM LINE-----THIS SH*T IS A BITCH TO GET OFF. May see neurogist and typing this has been a real bitch cause my brain wont speel for crap.
Posted by AAA88 on July 22, 2006, at 21:28:23
In reply to Just wondering if the Doc prescribed correctly, posted by BiPolar Mama on July 17, 2006, at 23:41:51
sorry i cant answer the first 2, but i can try to help you come up with an answer to the third. im just not sure what you are trying to understand about what youre going through. do you mean symptoms and why youre experiencing it?
i understand it could be difficult to put into words exactly what youre feeling. if you went through the same stuff as me, you must have experienced a lot of little and big things which seemed very strange, making it tough to explain in words to someone else or even in your own mind.
try to take time to think about the symptoms you feel and why you might be feeling certain things. if you can do that, then just keep asking why and dig deeper until you cant figure out more. that should help your own understanding of what is going on and will be easier to explain to someone else, if youve already explained it to yourself.
if you cant figure anything out, the internet is a great research tool plus we can work together on this forum, as some of us must have similar experiences.
> Good evening,
> I have now been on Effexor XR for a lil over 3 weeks. At first I was having leg spasms that were incredibly intense. I would wake up screaming. Now those have stopped. I am continuing the Low Carb/ No Carb diet prescribed by my physician. I am slowly losing weight. I was still having panic attacks that would cause me to lose hours of work. The "dark" thoughts were just on the verge of my mind. Last week my doctor upped my Effexor XR to 75 mg instead of 37.5 mg 1x per day. I don't know if this is what they call the "placebo' effect but I have had a WONDERFUL day today! This was the best I have felt since March when I was diagnosed. She also put me on 2.5 mg of Klonopin 1x daily. Those are both taken together at 8am. My Nighttime meds are : 200 mg Zoloft & 3 mg Melatonin.
> I have 3 really important questions if anyone would care to answer me. *I notice my first question went completely unanswered*.
>
> 1) What are the effects of Caffeine and Nicotine on the drugs I am taking? I am a coffee drinker and smoker.
>
> 2) Does any know of anyone that has taken this combination of drugs for BiPolar/Agoraphobia? Was it successful?
>
> 3) How do you make someone else understand what you are going through such as a boss or spouse, when you can't explain it to yourself?
>
> Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by stargazer on July 22, 2006, at 22:00:03
In reply to Re: Just wondering if the Doc prescribed correctly » BiPolar Mama, posted by AAA88 on July 22, 2006, at 21:28:23
BPMama: Those meds seem unusual for BiPolar, usually you would be on a mood stabalizer (Lamictal, Lithium, Depakote) and perhaps either Effexor or Zoloft, not both, especially with Bipolar. Many people with BP can't take an AD since it causes them to get too energized so some of your symptoms may be related to that. I can't recall the all of the symptoms of Serotonin syndrone (SS) but spasms may be from too much Serotonin in your system from both Effexor and Zoloft. Look up Serotonin Syndrone see what the side effects are and see if spasms are listed. Is your MD a psychiatrist? If not, I would not mess around with someone other than a psych MD who can manage BP properly.
Good luck.
SG
Posted by stargazer on July 22, 2006, at 22:44:31
In reply to Meds do not sound correct to me/ Anyone else?, posted by stargazer on July 22, 2006, at 22:00:03
http://www.anxiety-and-depression-solutions.com/serotonin-syndrome.htm
This explains Serotonin Syndrome and your symptoms sound like you may have it. Call your MD and say that's what you think you have and if she won't see you immediately, you may have to go to the ER. The condition can be life threatening. And you should not be increasing your medication no matter what your MD says. If she says that, I would find a new MD ASAP!
I took both Effexor and Zoloft (separately) years ago and one of the 2 made my depression worse (suicidal). Even though my doctor said it was not a side effect and was my depression I refused to increase the dosage like he said to do. Today we know that suicide is a side effect of many of the AD's.
SG
Posted by SmSpts on July 23, 2006, at 2:16:49
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have just started taking Effexor XR 75 mg once
a day with food and 50mg of Zoloft. It's been
about four days since I started and I have
noticed I tend to get really hot and sweat a
lot. Also have felt dizzy twice. I still feel
anxiety, haven't seen much of a change with that.
Posted by SLS on July 23, 2006, at 5:37:57
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by SmSpts on July 23, 2006, at 2:16:49
Sweating is not an unusual side effect of Effexor.
Were you taking Zoloft before you started Effexor?
Good luck!
- Scott
> I have just started taking Effexor XR 75 mg once
>
> a day with food and 50mg of Zoloft. It's been
>
> about four days since I started and I have
>
> noticed I tend to get really hot and sweat a
>
> lot. Also have felt dizzy twice. I still feel
>
> anxiety, haven't seen much of a change with that.
Posted by soma on July 24, 2006, at 12:05:26
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » SmSpts, posted by SLS on July 23, 2006, at 5:37:57
I've been on Effexor XR for about a month and I feel wonderful.The terrible anxiety is gone,the sense of hopelessness has lifted but best of all I don't feel like maybe today I will kill my self.
I have a lot more energy and interest in things I used to enjoy.
Side effects? A bit zoomy and I've lost about 15 lbs,which is not a bad thing.
Posted by Flamesfire on July 24, 2006, at 13:56:16
In reply to Has anyone successfully quit effexor? how?, posted by Anne on April 23, 2000, at 17:26:10
I have been on Effexor XR 150mg for about a year. I had no noticable side affects at first but am now experiencing severe headaches, shaking hands, dizziness, passing out, high blood pressure, severe sensitivity to lights and sounds, and nausea. I have been to my pmd for the severe side affects such as passing out the headaches and he has ruled out everything through different tests so the only thing i have left to point the finger at is this medicine. I have tried to stop taking it only to find the withdrawls are worse than the side affects. Any suggestions?
Posted by detroitpistons on July 24, 2006, at 14:33:25
In reply to Re: Has anyone successfully quit effexor? how?, posted by Flamesfire on July 24, 2006, at 13:56:16
> I have been on Effexor XR 150mg for about a year. I had no noticable side affects at first but am now experiencing severe headaches, shaking hands, dizziness, passing out, high blood pressure, severe sensitivity to lights and sounds, and nausea.
Have you added any other medications? Some of your symptoms are consistent with serotonin syndrome. How long has this been happening? Even taking cold medications in combination with an antidepressant can cause serotonin syndrome.>I have been to my pmd for the severe side affects such as passing out the headaches and he has ruled out everything through different tests so the only thing i have left to point the finger at is this medicine.
It's odd that you're getting these side a year later. I would guess that the Effexor is only partially responsible or not responsible at all.>I have tried to stop taking it only to find the withdrawls are worse than the side affects. Any suggestions?
Did you try to quit all at once? You have to taper. With most people, going down by 37.5 mg/ week is very tolerable, but once you go from 37.5 mg to 0 is when you'll most likely have problems.
Taking Prozac for a week or two when you are going from 37.5 to 0 can be very helpful, and may make withdrawal totally unnoticeable and smooth. The reason is that Prozac has a very long half life...It will smooth the transition that your brain makes when you stop taking an AD. If you're seeing a PMD though, he probably won't know about this technique.
Posted by BVD on July 24, 2006, at 18:19:05
In reply to Re: Has anyone successfully quit effexor? how?, posted by Flamesfire on July 24, 2006, at 13:56:16
My doctor advised me that Effexor can cause an increase in blood pressure 12 to 18 months after you first start taking it. You may want to return to your MD for some advice on the issue.
Best of luck.
> I have been on Effexor XR 150mg for about a year. I had no noticable side affects at first but am now experiencing severe headaches, shaking hands, dizziness, passing out, high blood pressure, severe sensitivity to lights and sounds, and nausea. I have been to my pmd for the severe side affects such as passing out the headaches and he has ruled out everything through different tests so the only thing i have left to point the finger at is this medicine. I have tried to stop taking it only to find the withdrawls are worse than the side affects. Any suggestions?
Posted by Jason1972 on July 24, 2006, at 23:47:58
In reply to Re: Has anyone successfully quit effexor? how?, posted by Flamesfire on July 24, 2006, at 13:56:16
> I have been on Effexor XR 150mg for about a year. I had no noticable side affects at first but am now experiencing severe headaches, shaking hands, dizziness, passing out, high blood pressure, severe sensitivity to lights and sounds, and nausea. I have been to my pmd for the severe side affects such as passing out the headaches and he has ruled out everything through different tests so the only thing i have left to point the finger at is this medicine. I have tried to stop taking it only to find the withdrawls are worse than the side affects. Any suggestions?
I have been taking effexor for aprox 3-4 years. Recently I have developed severe prostatitus. I told my doctor I wanted to come off of it and he cut me down from 75 mg to 35 mg a day. I did that for about a month and now I am taking 35mg every two days. My next step is to quit completely. I had a few days where I felt heavy and dizzy as well as anxious and emotional. It seams to have passed. I have also been taking vitamin b as I am trying to come off of effexor.
Good luck
Posted by Jason1972 on July 24, 2006, at 23:48:28
In reply to Re: Has anyone successfully quit effexor? how?, posted by Flamesfire on July 24, 2006, at 13:56:16
> I have been on Effexor XR 150mg for about a year. I had no noticable side affects at first but am now experiencing severe headaches, shaking hands, dizziness, passing out, high blood pressure, severe sensitivity to lights and sounds, and nausea. I have been to my pmd for the severe side affects such as passing out the headaches and he has ruled out everything through different tests so the only thing i have left to point the finger at is this medicine. I have tried to stop taking it only to find the withdrawls are worse than the side affects. Any suggestions?
I have been taking effexor for aprox 3-4 years. Recently I have developed severe prostatitus. I told my doctor I wanted to come off of it and he cut me down from 75 mg to 35 mg a day. I did that for about a month and now I am taking 35mg every two days. My next step is to quit completely. I had a few days where I felt heavy and dizzy as well as anxious and emotional. It seams to have passed. I have also been taking vitamin b as I am trying to come off of effexor.
Good luck
Posted by Jason1972 on July 24, 2006, at 23:58:56
In reply to Re: effexor and drinking, posted by Lorissa on July 5, 2006, at 15:04:29
Personally I would be very carefull drinking while on effexor. I have been taking effexor for the last several years. 1 or 2 drinks are probably not the end of the world, but I wouldn't go to far beyond that.
My anxiety started from heavy drinking and smoking. Years ago I had a 3 week binge of a 26er a day + beer + 40-60 ciggarettes a day. I was having a great time until I thought I was having a heart attack. Turns out I gave myself a panic attack which turned into anxiety disorder, which led me to adivan and eventually effexor.
Keep the drinking to a minimum and get better...
Jason
Posted by MaggieATL on July 29, 2006, at 9:53:09
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I've read most of the posts on this thread and have become concerned that my doctor started me on Effexor before trying anything else. I have had mild depression that was treated with therapy in the past but recently, it's been so bad that I can't keep my emotions in check in simple situations. Since starting 37.5 mg, I've noticed I feel like I can't hear as well or multitask as well as I could prior to starting this medicine.
Thank you for all your responses, it's amazing support here!
Maggie
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