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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by corafree on December 4, 2004, at 23:05:47
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by dancingstar on December 4, 2004, at 16:37:40
I've heard the same bad news about Paxil ... sorry to add. cf
Posted by MKB on December 4, 2004, at 23:40:51
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » MKB, posted by dancingstar on December 4, 2004, at 17:40:34
I sure don't want to discourage anyone from taking a medicine they truly need, but for the last 10 years I've been on one antidepressant after another. It was during this period that I was going through menopause. I suppose it's possible that all my craziness had to do with that. All I know is now I am fine without the antidepressants, thanks to L-Tryptophan. And there were many times in the past that I had a very bad rebound reaction when I tried to go off ADs. The Effexor was definitely the worst. I guess you and I can lie low for awhile... The truth about Effexor cannot be hidden forever. I just worry about people actually dying from the withdrawal effects, as some have written at www.petitiononline.com/effexor/. I don't think it is an exaggeration to say some become extremely suicidal during the withdrawal, because I felt that way myself. Others have had accidents. I just hope people going off it can recognize that it is the med that is making them feel so bad.
Posted by corafree on December 5, 2004, at 1:01:45
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by MKB on December 4, 2004, at 17:09:18
MKB - Do you think L-Trytophan would help my night anxiety ... it is so awful. Can I order it and take it while on Eff-XR. I have some Omega, and calcium chewables help my anxiety. If you even THINK I can take it while on Eff-XR, pls let me know, and I'm going to order some. Copied below to print out (don't worry no names on it). Glad you had a good day ... I usually do, until the sun goes down. cf
It will have to be a Christmas present to myelf!!! > I've said it before, but I'll say it again, as far as sleep goes and alleviation of mild depression and anxiety, I've found 500 mg L-Tryptophan works best for me. It's natural and effective... www.healthrecovery.com. I am not taking any antidepressants at the moment. With the tryptophan, omega 3 fish oil and vitamins, I don't need the ADs anymore.
Posted by dancingstar on December 5, 2004, at 2:32:41
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » dancingstar, posted by MKB on December 4, 2004, at 23:40:51
Maybe we have that "European" gene that they speak of :-) Who knows?
All I know is that it is the most horrifying experience that I have been through in my conscious life, and I suppose it will take something truly tragic, like suicide, murder or the like to garner the attention that this matter deserves.
I'll keep on pestering folks till I get through to the right people as I know that if I meet them personally, they will help me and just hope that I get this done quicker than the time it takes for someone to be in real danger and to not be heard or acknowledged for the pain that they are in when trying to get off this junk.
Have a great weekend!
Bebe
Posted by dancingstar on December 5, 2004, at 2:46:11
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » dancingstar, posted by PoohBear on December 4, 2004, at 20:55:09
It feels like no one will even give it a try when in some -- albeit not all -- but in some cases Tryptophan is truly enough, especially with the Omega 3's added in, which is wonderful for mood improvement.
These others drugs, Tony, are so strong; and the general practitioners and internists that are prescribing them for things like symptoms of menopause are not informed of all of the possible side effects, as you know. For example, in my case the family practice quack who prescribed many bad drugs for me also prescribed Effexor, but for fatigue -- as I have heard many other doctors do -- when Effexor actually causes pretty serious fatigue, though not in the intial stages of taking it. Most people say that they are more tired after taking Effexor for a few months, or so it seems from everything that I have read.
The mind-altering AD's are so powerful that I guess we wish that unless someone is under psychiatric care, folks would consider something less strong or with, perhaps, more predicatable results, like exercise or small amounts of herbs for milder forms of anxiety or depression, and it does seem as though most are not willing to consider this as an option; in part, maybe, because the results take longer to achieve and so they may think that they don't work at all.
Posted by S.Bartel on December 5, 2004, at 4:22:36
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » dancingstar, posted by PoohBear on December 4, 2004, at 20:55:09
Maybe, but people that have been on effexor a short time need to realize what they are in for in the long run. I was on it for 7 years and I consider anything under 3 or 4 a short time, cause it took me 7 to find out what it does to you physically and it took going through the withdrawals and finally getting my head straight to know what it had done to me mentally. All the time I was on it I was numbified enough to think it was really helping me. What a surprise!!! Sammi
Posted by S.Bartel on December 5, 2004, at 4:43:10
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » dancingstar, posted by MKB on December 4, 2004, at 23:40:51
> I sure don't want to discourage anyone from taking a medicine they truly need, but for the last 10 years I've been on one antidepressant after another. It was during this period that I was going through menopause. I suppose it's possible that all my craziness had to do with that. All I know is now I am fine without the antidepressants, thanks to L-Tryptophan. And there were many times in the past that I had a very bad rebound reaction when I tried to go off ADs. The Effexor was definitely the worst. I guess you and I can lie low for awhile... The truth about Effexor cannot be hidden forever. I just worry about people actually dying from the withdrawal effects, as some have written at www.petitiononline.com/effexor/. I don't think it is an exaggeration to say some become extremely suicidal during the withdrawal, because I felt that way myself. Others have had accidents. I just hope people going off it can recognize that it is the med that is making them feel so bad.
<< Yes and I hope people still on it realize it's the meds causing High Cholesterol..high triglycerides...and high liver enzymes that end up causing irreversible liver damage and make you so tired you can't get out of bed. Pain in your side and sick at your stomach and you gain so much weight you look like a blimp. You can starve yourselve and still don't lose a pound. Much of the weight gain is fluid retention caused from the effexor. I just pray people realize it before it's too late. I'm with Dancingstar, I will do whatever I can to let everyone know what can happen on this stuff and do whatever I can to help take it off the market. This is a dangerous drug. Sammi
Posted by MKB on December 5, 2004, at 8:57:05
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » MKB, posted by corafree on December 5, 2004, at 1:01:45
Corafree,
I'm sorry, but I don't know enough to be able to answer that question for you. Read the information on the website www.healthrecovery.com or check with your doctor. Meanwhile, I will try to find out too.
Posted by MKB on December 5, 2004, at 9:06:27
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » MKB, posted by S.Bartel on December 5, 2004, at 4:43:10
I didn't mean we should stop trying to get the message out. I'm just trying not to "exaggerate" so I don't get blocked again for being "unsupportive." Can you imagine . . .they are actually letting pregnant women take this?
Posted by MKB on December 5, 2004, at 9:19:47
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » MKB, posted by corafree on December 5, 2004, at 1:01:45
Corafree,
Here's what the website www.healthrecovery.com says about mixing tryptophan with antidepressants.
"Can Tryptophan Be Combined With An SSRI Anti-Depressant?Combing SSRI drugs and tryptophan is inviting a deluge of serotonin into the brain...it's dangerous to do, and in most cases not recommended. However a recent client is taking a very small dose (5 milligrams) of Prozac in conjunction with daily tryptophan and the result has been exactly right for her. Warning: Do not play with this or any combination of tryptophan and anti-depressant drugs. Your doctor MUST be supervising such an experiment."
Is there any way your condition would allow you to get off the Effexor long enough to try it?
Posted by Dr. Bob on December 5, 2004, at 12:21:37
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » MKB, posted by dancingstar on December 5, 2004, at 2:32:41
> this is very unfair.
>
> PoohBear> I suppose it will take something truly tragic, like suicide, murder or the like to garner the attention that this matter deserves.
>
> dancingstarPlease don't post anything that could lead others to feel accused or suggest that it might be good for others to harm themselves or others. Thanks,
Bob
Posted by rickdog on December 5, 2004, at 13:16:34
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by jeanette on April 14, 2000, at 6:58:11
I experience the same side effects as well. I am in the process of quitting now, really hard:s Plus relationship prioblems don't make it any easier
Posted by rickdog on December 5, 2004, at 13:24:06
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Noa on April 22, 2000, at 13:20:30
I want to quit them because I have been on them for a long time and feel i do not need them in my life anymore. It's hard to get off of them though because I'm not in university anymore and don't have any medical coverage. I have begun to cut my dose in half myself, taking my 75mg and taking approximately half of the medication out. This is of course against my Doctors wishes (who make money off of these prescriptions). I am feeling the side effects and the longest I have gone is 5 days and counting. I started at 75mg a day, then I got to 37.5 mg every two days and now im on the journey off of them. Wish me luck.
Posted by dsbk on December 5, 2004, at 14:08:53
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » corafree, posted by MKB on December 5, 2004, at 9:19:47
I've been off my Effexor for maybe 5 days. The only thing I'm feeling is the dizziness and foggy head. I experience this with my GAD, so I don't know if it's the GAD or Effexor withdrawls. Sometimes I just want to scream of cry because I'm sick of not feeling 'normal'. I try to function like nothing is wrong, but the fact is the problem is there. At this point I'm worried about my depression coming back (my anxiety causes my depression) That is the only time depression has shown up is when my anxiety has taken over my life. I go to the Dr. Thursday. Still trying to decide if I want to go back on Paxil. I wish I could go without meds, but I'm thinking it's not going to work that way. Wow! I'm rambling on, I guess I'm not having as good a day as yesterday. I spend a lot of time telling my self that I will be fine today, just like yesterday and that someone, somewhere is worse off than me.
So does anyone know, does the Effexor withdrawls cause the dizziness and foggy head?dsbk
Posted by dancingstar on December 5, 2004, at 14:29:42
In reply to Re: please be civil » PoohBear » dancingstar, posted by Dr. Bob on December 5, 2004, at 12:21:37
> > this is very unfair.
> >
> > PoohBear
>
> > I suppose it will take something truly tragic, like suicide, murder or the like to garner the attention that this matter deserves.
> >
> > dancingstar
>
> Please don't post anything that could lead others to feel accused or suggest that it might be good for others to harm themselves or others. Thanks,
>
> BobDid you read the entire post? This was speaking toward the general public and my concern for the need for marketing reform so that these drugs don't end up in the wrong hands, like in mine.
Posted by corafree on December 5, 2004, at 14:38:30
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » MKB, posted by S.Bartel on December 5, 2004, at 4:43:10
I see both sides of this issue. I wasn't on an AD for menopause, but for PTSD and resulting BpersonD. I've been on something much longer than 10yrs. Some people, like me, cannot afford to put themselves in the position of $ for alternatives or withdrawal w/o any support. cf
Posted by dancingstar on December 5, 2004, at 14:38:33
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor? dancingstar » S.Bartel, posted by MKB on December 5, 2004, at 9:06:27
:-) Wow, we really do have to "watch our words" on this board. I only came here because of the link to Google, but I wonder if there is anything about this on beliefnet.com. The reason that I stay is because we can, perhaps, influence silent readers that also click on the same linke.
I suppose Dr. Bob has to be careful about various forms of liabiity considering that this is literally a psych website.
Posted by corafree on December 5, 2004, at 14:44:37
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » corafree, posted by MKB on December 5, 2004, at 8:57:05
You're not babblebul(!?!)
I'll do that .. got it, tks cf
> Corafree,
> I'm sorry, but I don't know enough to be able to answer that question for you. Read the information on the website www.healthrecovery.com or check with your doctor. Meanwhile, I will try to find out too.
Posted by corafree on December 5, 2004, at 14:50:19
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » corafree, posted by MKB on December 5, 2004, at 9:19:47
I think you'll see that I just posted about my living arrangement and financial position here.
My honest answer is 'no', 'not yet', hoping, something to pray for! cf
> Corafree,
> Here's what the website www.healthrecovery.com says about mixing tryptophan with antidepressants.
> "Can Tryptophan Be Combined With An SSRI Anti-Depressant?
>
> Combing SSRI drugs and tryptophan is inviting a deluge of serotonin into the brain...it's dangerous to do, and in most cases not recommended. However a recent client is taking a very small dose (5 milligrams) of Prozac in conjunction with daily tryptophan and the result has been exactly right for her. Warning: Do not play with this or any combination of tryptophan and anti-depressant drugs. Your doctor MUST be supervising such an experiment."
>
> Is there any way your condition would allow you to get off the Effexor long enough to try it?
>
Posted by corafree on December 5, 2004, at 14:56:05
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by rickdog on December 5, 2004, at 13:24:06
You're brave and I hope you make it.
I've kept a container of extra capsules (full capsules) of Eff-XR if I ever get to where you are. Should they be refrigerated, I wonder?
I've also kept posts re: withdrawals so that if they happen to me, I'll know it's the drug, not me, making myself crazy or ill! best wishes cf
> I want to quit them because I have been on them for a long time and feel i do not need them in my life anymore. It's hard to get off of them though because I'm not in university anymore and don't have any medical coverage. I have begun to cut my dose in half myself, taking my 75mg and taking approximately half of the medication out. This is of course against my Doctors wishes (who make money off of these prescriptions). I am feeling the side effects and the longest I have gone is 5 days and counting. I started at 75mg a day, then I got to 37.5 mg every two days and now im on the journey off of them. Wish me luck.
Posted by S.Bartel on December 5, 2004, at 15:31:31
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by dsbk on December 5, 2004, at 14:08:53
Sorry to say, yes it does but it will get better. Keep busy and pray a lot. If your're able excercise helps a lot. Sammi
Posted by S.Bartel on December 5, 2004, at 15:43:24
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor? dancingstar » MKB, posted by dancingstar on December 5, 2004, at 14:38:33
Yes I can understand that and I'm sure if he himself has'nt gone through what we have it's hard for him to understand our passion about this subject. I try not to get too passionate about this, but it's hard when you've been hurt so bad and you hear others falling into the same trap and they don't seem to want to believe what you're saying. I can understand that too. I know 6 months or a year ago I would'nt have listened either. They sound just like I did. I truly believed it was the best drug ever invented. I just don't want anyone else to go thru this, but I can't save the world. I tend to forget that sometimes and I'm sorry if I come across too strong sometimes. Sammi
Posted by dancingstar on December 5, 2004, at 15:47:06
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor? dancingstar » dancingstar, posted by S.Bartel on December 5, 2004, at 15:43:24
You sound exactly like me.
Posted by S.Bartel on December 5, 2004, at 15:50:23
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor? dancingstar » S.Bartel, posted by dancingstar on December 5, 2004, at 15:47:06
Wish there was an effexor chat room. Sammi
Posted by dancingstar on December 5, 2004, at 15:59:55
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor? » dancingstar, posted by S.Bartel on December 5, 2004, at 15:50:23
I need to run out now, but write to me at Bebe0217@aol.com, and we can devise an appropriate plan of attack. I have written to Oprah, but I haven't heard back. Maybe you can do the same thing. You are saying very similar things to what I am saying. Maybe we should also be contacting the same law firms and putting some of these histories in writing en masse rather than approaching these things individually.
Brainstorming could be helpful. I know we are all kind of busy, but even a couple of hours a week could get the job done -- okay, maybe five?
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