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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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
Posted by HeatherH on July 30, 2006, at 22:08:31
In reply to Just started Effexor XR 7/26/06?, posted by MaggieATL on July 29, 2006, at 9:53:09
I was on effexor for 5 years. When i started taking it,i was on 75mg of effexorXR once a day. What a wonderful drug!! So i thought...It worked within a matter of days,I felt like I was untouchable,on top of the world,IN my own little world,free from mental anguish forever. After 2 and a half years,it stopped working and my doctor doubled it,I was then on 150mg of effexorXR. I gained a massive amount of weight. I was once very thin and very cute,I gained over 80 pounds. I didn't even care! I had no regrets of any decisions or actions I made. I got OCD something terrible collecting PETS of all things!! I had a zoo. I hurt and pushed away alot of good people in my life,and even the love of my life. I didn't even care,I had no conscience what so ever. I stopped taking it cold turkey back in January of this year,and OH MY GOD the side effects were of biblical proportions. I couldn't stand,I couldn't walk,I had severe tremors,cold sweats,hot flashes with severe sweating,nausea out of this world,diarrhea,I couldn't eat,when I talked my teeth chattered like one of those hop along wind up sets of plastic teeth. These lasted a week. A WHOLE 7 DAYS. I was given celexa 30mg to start taking after 3 days of effexor withdrawal,and by the grace of God,at day 8 the side effects went away. The physical ones,that is...I started hearing voices,people were calling my name from the corners of every room I was in. I got extremely violent,I talked to people like I was posessed. At work,a vendor had his stock in the aisle I just happened to be walking down,and all of the sudden I just thought he needed to be ran over with it,so I grabbed it and proceeded to run him over with a skid of his own stock. I could have been fired. I hated the world,I said ALOT of hurtful things and did alot of things I would never ever do in the sane frame of mind I am in now. I stopped taking celexa after two weeks of my own free will. Once it started wearing off,I stopped eating and stared at the floor in this room,not moving for two months. I wanted to die. I was going to kill myself. I sought professional help,and mounds of bills later,I am free and clean from antidepressants. Before effexor I was on paxil and prozac,ten years worth of trying drugs and experimenting,ending in nothing but a ruined life. When the drugs were out of my system,every feeling I pushed away in my head was still there,and it ALL came out at once. I would never wish that on my worst enemy. I encourage people to be strong,feel the hurt and sadness,and work to make it better. Sometimes you just have to do away with everything that makes you sad,even if you know it will be a hard decision and adjustment. It DOES get better. I had to learn the hard way,that covering up sadness and feeling depressed with drugs only makes things worse in the end. NOTHING will kill you,it will only make you a stronger person. I ruined my life trying to supress something I could have just made go away by not being afraid to make the leap and take a stand to make my life happy. I encourage everyone to learn from my mistakes. Be brave,make your life the way you want it to be,and you will feel like life is worth living.
Posted by AAA88 on August 2, 2006, at 0:08:06
In reply to Re: Just started Effexor XR 7/26/06? » MaggieATL, posted by HeatherH on July 30, 2006, at 22:08:31
> I was on effexor for 5 years. When i started taking it,i was on 75mg of effexorXR once a day. What a wonderful drug!! So i thought...It worked within a matter of days,I felt like I was untouchable,on top of the world,IN my own little world,free from mental anguish forever. After 2 and a half years,it stopped working and my doctor doubled it,I was then on 150mg of effexorXR. I gained a massive amount of weight. I was once very thin and very cute,I gained over 80 pounds. I didn't even care! I had no regrets of any decisions or actions I made. I got OCD something terrible collecting PETS of all things!! I had a zoo. I hurt and pushed away alot of good people in my life,and even the love of my life. I didn't even care,I had no conscience what so ever. I stopped taking it cold turkey back in January of this year,and OH MY GOD the side effects were of biblical proportions. I couldn't stand,I couldn't walk,I had severe tremors,cold sweats,hot flashes with severe sweating,nausea out of this world,diarrhea,I couldn't eat,when I talked my teeth chattered like one of those hop along wind up sets of plastic teeth. These lasted a week. A WHOLE 7 DAYS. I was given celexa 30mg to start taking after 3 days of effexor withdrawal,and by the grace of God,at day 8 the side effects went away. The physical ones,that is...I started hearing voices,people were calling my name from the corners of every room I was in. I got extremely violent,I talked to people like I was posessed. At work,a vendor had his stock in the aisle I just happened to be walking down,and all of the sudden I just thought he needed to be ran over with it,so I grabbed it and proceeded to run him over with a skid of his own stock. I could have been fired. I hated the world,I said ALOT of hurtful things and did alot of things I would never ever do in the sane frame of mind I am in now. I stopped taking celexa after two weeks of my own free will. Once it started wearing off,I stopped eating and stared at the floor in this room,not moving for two months. I wanted to die. I was going to kill myself. I sought professional help,and mounds of bills later,I am free and clean from antidepressants. Before effexor I was on paxil and prozac,ten years worth of trying drugs and experimenting,ending in nothing but a ruined life. When the drugs were out of my system,every feeling I pushed away in my head was still there,and it ALL came out at once. I would never wish that on my worst enemy. I encourage people to be strong,feel the hurt and sadness,and work to make it better. Sometimes you just have to do away with everything that makes you sad,even if you know it will be a hard decision and adjustment. It DOES get better. I had to learn the hard way,that covering up sadness and feeling depressed with drugs only makes things worse in the end. NOTHING will kill you,it will only make you a stronger person. I ruined my life trying to supress something I could have just made go away by not being afraid to make the leap and take a stand to make my life happy. I encourage everyone to learn from my mistakes. Be brave,make your life the way you want it to be,and you will feel like life is worth living.
--------------------------------------------------thanks for posting that here. if it makes anyone decide on staying off the drugs and helping themselves, that could be a great thing coming from a paragraph of text. ive been going through something similar the past month (not the withdrawals, have never taken meds) and decided to hold off from starting effexor. i realized ive been taking things for granted too often and really need to put more effort into helping myself be the way i really want. even doing things that seem small can sometimes make some great impacts, like this could on someone reading through these posts.
ive never experienced anxiety and depression as bad as i did this past month. usually it wouldnt bother me enough to think about getting help other than from myself. i would have my free will in my mind and it wouldnt be too difficult to notice things (emotion affecting my actions and thoughts) and work on changing them. but this past month it would get to the point where the heavy effects would make it seem like my free will in my mind was clouded way in the back somewhere and that i had lost my mind. plus there were all the symptoms that seemed like my thoughts had no control over (at least not immediately).
the past couple weeks havent been so bad but i can still get episodes of weak to heavy symptoms, just not as bad or as often. it also seems easier to control with my mind. but im wondering, if i achieve the things that i think would make and keep me happier, would it really rid me of the symptoms that make it seem like i have no control over? im thinking that my immediate thoughts have no control over them because its long-term actions and thoughts that will shift my sub-concious mind and/or body into changing whats need to be done in order for those symptoms to vanish.
ive started working on changing my ways and my life and like i said, the past couple weeks havent been as bad. so i think it might be proof to me that my experiences up to now left me this way and doing things without meds really could make me less prone to experiencing these effects.
Posted by Little8angels on August 2, 2006, at 22:51:23
In reply to Just started Effexor XR 7/26/06?, posted by MaggieATL on July 29, 2006, at 9:53:09
I would think twice about starting Effexor, I started taking Effexor XR when my son left for Iraq. I was on it for about 3 Years @ 150mg daily. It really seemed to work for the first year, but then I started having several different unexplained medical problems. I am still going through tests because of electrical shocks, dizziness and severe abdominal distention that comes on and makes me look like I am 9 months pregnant, I never had any medical problems until after I started taking effexor. When I decided to quit taking effexor my NIGHTMARE began! I could not function! I had tremors, nausea,electrical shocks that went through my entire body,dizziness and sweats. I could not get out of bed because it felt like my brain was doing flip flops, my chest hurt so bad I thought I was having a heart attack! I was such a mess I started taking it again to relieve the withdrawls. I ask my dr about the withdrawls and she said it should be out of your system in 24 hours. That was a joke! It took me almost a year to get it out of my system! but I had to suffer through a lot of these withdrawls for months. I have been off of effexor for about a year now, but I think it has done irreversible damage to my body. I still have the electrical shocks and dizziness and the abdominal distention! drs do not realize what this antidepressant does to the body and they arent aware of how hard it is to get off of it. I took copies of e-mails from 100s of people who experienced bad side effects and withdrawls to my dr, so she could see that i wasnt crazy. she could not believe it, and she had no clue that effexor did this to people. she and I have been researching this for quite awhile and almost everyone we have talked to has had the same problems with this medicine. I would not reccomend effexor to anyone. I just want people to be aware about this drug before they start taking it. anyone who needs any info on how to get off this drug, please post and ill help you all i can. This is a wicked drug!
Posted by corafree on August 3, 2006, at 12:06:39
In reply to Re: Just started Effexor XR 7/26/06? » MaggieATL, posted by Little8angels on August 2, 2006, at 22:51:23
Hi. I'm so glad you took the Effexor-XR info and 'showed it to your doc'.
<she said it should be out of your system in 24 hours.>
I should, all should, do more of this, as I agree a lot of docs are really in the dark about what I call 'rebound' when you d.c. a med. I'm glad your doc was receptive. I have a couple that would say 'I don't care what you've found on the net' or something like that, and I think that's when it's time to look for a new doc. I'm thinking of changing from a PCP (Currently my PCP is family medicine.) to an Internal Med doc. W/ my health plan, you can select either a family doc or an internal med doc for your PCP.
Discontinuing a strong med like Effexor-XR, or in my case, cutting down on a strong narcotic for pain management, which my body has become accustomed to, is 'freaking out my physical system', not to mention of course .. emotional.
Then, on top of that, 'the added stress' of having a doctor that doesn't understand or is not supportive of the 'sort of physical withdrawal' you're going through, makes it A LOT WORSE.
I've had a lot of 'abdominal problems'. My insides were accustomed to a property (chemical) at a certain level for many years, and now that level is being cut down. W/ a narcotic, there are mental and physical manifestations, but none of my 'physical docs' have been supportive! My body is reacting in a sort of 'shock'.
I've been on Effexor-XR about four times in the past and I recall that need to get back on it after discontinuing it! Glad you're sticking w/ it.
I hope your medical self (as well as mine) adjust to 'their new chemical state'.
I understand your worry that maybe some permanent damage has been done. This morning I awakened feeling really well. Yesterday I awoke feeling awful. There is a lot of 'having a supportive environment' going on behind the scenes here, I think. Hope your doc stays w/ you and helps you with these physical changes.
bestwishes, cf
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