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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 5, 2004, at 9:24:00
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! » Jubilee, posted by S.Bartel on October 4, 2004, at 23:23:10
I have been on Effexor at different levels for the past year. It never has really helped. This past July my Psy doc. added Remeron and I felt much better for about six weeks then I started to feel worse so she increased the Effexor up to 225 mg..Within a week I felt worse than ever, my depression was off the deep end, apathy, no energy,very agitated, I was ready to give up..so I have started to wean myself off on my own (we all know calling the psy doc for unscheduled appointments is next to impossible)...I am down to sorting out the micro capsules in 75mg. So I am down to about probably 1/2 or less of 75 mg...I don't feel as depressed, able to exercise,, but my anxiety is going thru the roof, thank goodness for Klonopin. I am hoping to stop the Effexor in the next 7 days. What it will lead to who knows, I could never tolerate Paxil, Zoloft, etc.
And Yes my weight went up 25 lbs and stayed...and I exercise and am almost a vegan...and I just had a physical and my cholesterol has skyrocketed.......
You know...this just isn't any fun!
Posted by Sondi on October 5, 2004, at 10:44:49
In reply to Effexor Success - NOT!, posted by invisiblemanpa on October 5, 2004, at 9:24:00
I agree.....I was on effexor XR and it never did ANYTHING positive for me. Doing much better without it. For those of you who it works for, great! Everyone is different and I'm glad it works for some, for those of you who it didn't work for, I hear ya and sympathize!
Posted by sunny10 on October 5, 2004, at 12:23:23
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and orgasm » sunny10, posted by terrics on October 2, 2004, at 20:14:37
Well, I spoke to my pdoc today and am switching to Wellbutrin XL.
In case anyone wants to know how the VagiFem worked out- it didn't. I had horrible abdominal cramps and cried a lot. Pdoc said that it was a good thing to try- rather like a female version of Viagra- he was sorry it didn't work for me. Blah, blah, blah... we all know somethings work well for some and completely the opposite way for others by now!
Anyway, wish me luck on Wellbutrin!
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 5, 2004, at 13:50:46
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and orgasm, posted by sunny10 on October 5, 2004, at 12:23:23
Good Luck, Effexor and others Meds take away so much, depression and anxiety is bad enough without loosing libido. Being on Effexor, I most definately lost all drive, desire and more often than not ability to perform. Which of course none of that helps depression. I even quit dreaming about sex, and that really was quite a strange change. Good Luck on Wellbutrin. I have heard some people have had success. I could not handle it as it made my skin crawl and made me a lot more anxious. Good Luck!
Posted by Louoicu81 on October 5, 2004, at 15:16:25
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by Jubilee on October 4, 2004, at 21:37:03
Hey, everyone! I have a stupid question. Is there a way that the docs can test your brain chemicals to see if you have a chemical imbalance? If so, can any doc do it or just a pdoc? Please let me know asap so I can get this done before insurance runs out. Thank you!
Linda
Posted by corafree on October 5, 2004, at 16:12:27
In reply to Question for anyone, posted by Louoicu81 on October 5, 2004, at 15:16:25
Hi L! If you get an answer to this particular, very particular, question, I'd be elated! All I know of is hormone levels, thyroid levels, and MRI head for any structural anomalies. I pray someone knows more. cf
> Hey, everyone! I have a stupid question. Is there a way that the docs can test your brain chemicals to see if you have a chemical imbalance? If so, can any doc do it or just a pdoc? Please let me know asap so I can get this done before insurance runs out. Thank you!
>
> Linda
Posted by Jubilee on October 5, 2004, at 21:27:44
In reply to Effexor Success - NOT!, posted by invisiblemanpa on October 5, 2004, at 9:24:00
Hi Invisi...
That sounds pretty fast to be going down on effexor and I can only share my experience as one who suffered with severe agitated depression for way over ten years. I was put on elivil (amatripaline) as I am from the old days , and except fore weight gain I believe the Lord interviened in my life with the safest drug . All these new drugs caused me nothing but mania, and insomnia and horrible withdrawels. wish you the best,Jubilee
Posted by Jubilee on October 5, 2004, at 21:49:41
In reply to Question for anyone, posted by Louoicu81 on October 5, 2004, at 15:15:52
Hi Linda, That was my first question too in around 1987 !!! I suggest looking up symptoms of depression in a book or on the internet as they are too long to list. They just go by symptoms. Oh heck. I had agitated depression . I was suisidal easily over issues, could'nt sleep, but then others sleep all the time!!! I called mine "doom and gloom." SaD AND CRYING EASILY AND ALOT. I am also a "nearly recovered" Multiple Personality, and I had alot of pretty nice personalities, but most of them came with their own set of mental illnesses . I thank God for the healing process he began and all the disorders he has delivered me from, starting from 7-7-02. I acted Bi-Polar , but lithiam never worked and I was a rapid cycler as well. Boy, would a blood test be nice!!!!! I took elivil and it worked great for me , but its an old drug nobody can make alot of money on so they don't like to perscribe it. Hope this helped God Bless, Jubilee
Posted by Jubilee on October 5, 2004, at 22:06:00
In reply to Re: Question for anyone » Louoicu81, posted by corafree on October 5, 2004, at 16:12:27
Hi Corafree,
I answered this question already so just clic in Jubilee for my response. Basiclly, I asked the same question in 1987, and they can only go by symptoms. Maybe check the internet for info on symptoms for , depression, Bi-polar or manic -dep., Boarderline Personality, Multiple Personality and skitzophrinia and don't go by my spelling!Ha. Be more specific and maybe I will have an experience I can share about it! Ha. God Bless, Jubilee
Posted by Organicgrll on October 6, 2004, at 10:37:59
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by fork on October 4, 2004, at 20:57:06
Hi Everyone! I have been reading your message board for a few days and decided to register and post my own. I am in the process of withdrawing from Effexor XR and boy does it suck! However, I am more determined than ever after reading some of the health effects that many of you have suffered. I have been on it since July 2002. It definitely saved my life (At that point, I had given up on life and was planning death by my own hand) but I would have appreciated a fuller disclosure of the health effects and withdrawal difficulties associated with Effexor XR.
During the course of my treatment and withdrawal from Effexor XR, I have suffered electrical "shock" sensations in my muscles and brain, "jiggly eyeballs", nausea, vertigo, anorgasmia (which really disturbed me), lack of interest in sex (very bad), muscle and joint pain and weakness, and a general feeling that everything around me was moving too fast - like my brain could not process everything quickly enough to keep up. The side effects would go away after a few weeks at a new dose. Of course, now they are back as withdrawal continues.
I was up to 225 mg/day and tapered to 37.5 mg/day over a period of three months. I took my last dose on Thursday, September 30th. Right now, I feel like I have been hit by the crazy train. I had to miss work today and I feel terrible about it. But, I have a one hour commute and cannot safely drive with these "eyeball jiggles" and muscle tremors. In addition, I can go from pissed off, homicidal rage to hysterical crying in a nanosecond! Not helpful when trying to interact with co-workers and supervisors (AKA "normal people"). I have seen that it is hard for someone who has never been exposed to or experienced depression to understand. They just think I can "snap out of it". If only they knew that the only thing I want to snap at the moment was their neck!
Can anyone give me hope as to when these withdrawal symptoms may ease up or end? It hasn't even been a week yet and I don't want to miss more work. I am single and only have one income so I need my job!
Also, I wonder if any of you that have had persistent, repetitive depressive episodes over a long period of time (12 years) have ever been diagnosed as bipolar. My newest Psychdoc (with health insurance the way it is - it is hard to keep the same doc for very long) has suggested it to me as a possibility as to why I can never fully remiss from depression. She wants me to take Lamictal - an epilepsy drug that has apparently been found to help bipolar disease. Any feedback? Anyone taken this med because I am definitely more wary of prescriptions due to my experiences with Effexor XR.
Thanks for reading this long post and best of luck in pursuit of health and happiness to everyone!
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 6, 2004, at 12:25:41
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by Organicgrll on October 6, 2004, at 10:37:59
Hey, don't stop now. I to am trying to get off and hope to get support from my Psy doc. next week. I have been as high as 300mg, to this summer at 225mg, after having horrible depression related side effects and thoughts of doing some pretty bad things..I knew it was time..I went down to 150 for a week, the 75 for a week, then half the microcapsules for a week, then I am going to try 0 and hope for the best. I think my trusty Klonopin is helping with side effects and I really feel that forcing myself to exercise is helping to relax and get my focus off meds and side effects. I am doing pilates and power walking. I think exercise should be on everyone's prescription list..though I have been thru the days and weeks of not getting out of bed and not walking further than the bathroom.....Good Luck!
E
Posted by corafree on October 6, 2004, at 14:48:56
In reply to Re: Question for anyone, posted by Jubilee on October 5, 2004, at 22:06:00
J: The symptoms of a heart attack are the same as the symptoms of a panic attack. As to biological testing, I wouldn't forego the idea that something might not be 'out there.' bestwish cf
> Hi Corafree,
> I answered this question already so just clic in Jubilee for my response. Basiclly, I asked the same question in 1987, and they can only go by symptoms. Maybe check the internet for info on symptoms for , depression, Bi-polar or manic -dep., Boarderline Personality, Multiple Personality and skitzophrinia and don't go by my spelling!Ha. Be more specific and maybe I will have an experience I can share about it! Ha. God Bless, Jubilee
Posted by Jubilee on October 6, 2004, at 21:48:59
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! » Jubilee, posted by S.Bartel on October 4, 2004, at 23:23:10
Sammi B. It was on my heart to recontact you and suggest you check out my other posts ,especially " you can do -more info " Jubilee from the 6th. http..dr-bob, etc ....20041002/msgs/398587.html just fill in the blanks for address. I gave alot of details that will help to talk to the Doc. God Bless, sis, Jubilee
Posted by Jubilee on October 6, 2004, at 21:56:26
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! (OFF!), posted by invisiblemanpa on October 6, 2004, at 12:25:41
Invisable , you are not going to feel too invisable if you do that program I fear. Please check my post on" more info" . Hope I can help. Jubilee
Posted by Jubilee on October 6, 2004, at 22:05:15
In reply to Re: Anyone had success --for Sammi B., posted by Jubilee on October 6, 2004, at 21:48:59
Please check my other thread address for more infodr-bob adress same .... /399004.html.Jubilee
Posted by Jubilee on October 6, 2004, at 22:17:47
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! » Jubilee, posted by S.Bartel on October 4, 2004, at 23:23:10
please go to my new post at this address http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041002/msgs/399824.html as I feel it will really help my friend . God Bless , Jubilee
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 7, 2004, at 4:47:20
In reply to Re: Anyone had success -To Invisible..., posted by Jubilee on October 6, 2004, at 21:56:26
thanks for the advice! I hope you are not right...I hear the hardest part is when you get down to the last few microcapsules....but at a 1/4 or 75, I just have an off and on headache,,,I guess I will see how right you are after this weekend...I'm getting tired of being invisible anyway!
E
Posted by eighteenminutes on October 8, 2004, at 0:21:56
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I tried to send a post earlier today but it don't think it worked. I have been on 150 mg of effexor xr for 2 years and i think it has stopped working for me. At first it helped my anxiety sooo much, nothing could cure it!! and i stayed on it regardless of the side effects. But now i believe that i have conquered a lot and think that the medication is not helping me anymore. I am returning to my anxious, aggitated, confused self and think that being on my own would be just as good as staying on effexor. what do you think??? I am absolutely terrified about handling the withdrawl however, i have only heard very scary things!! and even two days and i start losing it!
Posted by pmz on October 8, 2004, at 1:37:15
In reply to Re: Question for anyone » Jubilee, posted by corafree on October 6, 2004, at 14:48:56
I can certainly empathise with any of you who have battled depression for many years. It wasn't until the last few years that I have even been medicated for it by a theraputic medication.
I started on Elavil for migraines that were recurring 2-3 times a week following a very traumatic divorce. I only took it for 2 years. Later on (after 40)I started having many stressors from work, family (teenagers), and me being my own worst emotional enemy. I started taking the Elavil again. The depression grew and got worse. I was then started on Effexor xr. It has been a Godsend for me. The only problem was that when a new stressor came along, we had to up the dose. I became disabled with a immunological syndrome and was paralized from the waist down for months and gradually began getting my strength back. Less than a year later I had a pneumonia severe enough that I was intubated for 9 days and on home oxygen for months. I am still disabled, but much more functional physically and emotionally. Shortly after that was 9/11. I am a mother of two boys who were in the military at that time. I cannot begin to tell you the mood swings and uncontrolled crying that came after that. The list goes on. On 9/11 my doc. added Xanax to my medications due to the uncontrolled crying. I was able to reduce it to just at bedtime. About 3 months ago we also added Ambien at bedtime because of sleeplessness which has been one of the biggest problems I have had with anxiety and depression.
Just recently due to my husbands prefrences (which I supported), we packed up and moved to his home town to be close to his parents as they age. It was a traumatic move for me because I had never been more than a couple of hours away from my mother, sons, and grandson. Due to breaks in insurance coverage, I was without my Effexor XR for a couple of weeks. First I cut my dose of 300 mg.(150 mg 2/day) in half. Then I became completely without. I began the uncontrolled crying. The slightest thing would set me off. My husband (who is a dear)and I talked about it together, and we knew that withdrawal from the medication was probably the greatest factor. After a few days the uncontrolled crying came into control again. I was able to find a web site that I could order the Effexor xr at a price I could afford. Do not mistake this for a promotion of this. I did my research to find out if this was legal, and if this company was reputable. It did require a prescription for the medication to be able to get it.(Without insurance a 30 day supply would have been $250, and I am on several medications which made this cost-prohibitive).
My biggest question is whether I should take it again at the full dose or not. I had decided to take it at half the dose I had been taking it. I also wondered if I actually needed it at all anymore. I had a history of going through the "You don't love me anymore, I am fat and ugly and you think I am disgusting" crying fits. I knew for my husband's sake and my own, I didn't want to do that again.
I worked as a nurse for years before I became disabled and know the effects of sudden discontinuation of psych. meds and felt that I had already gotten through that. Some of the symptoms you all have described seem so much more severe than any I had when my supply of Effexor xr had run out. I had never been diagnosed with "bipolar disorder", or "manic depressive disorder". I knew the symptoms of each and knew that I had many of them. I never went to a Psychiatrist.I had worked thorough all this with my internal medicine specialist doc. I did know that I had to have a doc. who would listen to me. I mean really listen to me and what I was going through, and work with me to find an effective treatment. I honestly think I have written all of this to encourage all of you to make sure your doc. listens to you. Make them understand your feelings, and work together to find a theraputic treatment. Never be afraid to tell your doc. anything, no matter how insignifigant it might seem. If your doc does not listen to you, and makes his own assumptions of how you are feeling, then find another doc. All those things are important. Also remember, your illness is not your fault. You have a biological chemical imbalance that makes your emotions run awry on you, and it does take intervention. It does not mean you are weak, or defective. You are not. I hope each one of you will take the drop of information you might have found in this note to heart, and know that you are not alone. There are as many assisted individuals out there as there are not. Some may choose a different kind of drug, whether it be alcohol, nicotine, or something as simple as sugar. I do want to caution those of you that might want to look into herbal alternatives to be careful about any interactions those herbs might have with your other medications. Do your homework. Good luck!
Posted by eighteenminutes on October 8, 2004, at 16:17:30
In reply to should i give up on effexor xr, posted by eighteenminutes on October 8, 2004, at 0:21:56
I have been noticing that I grind my teeth adn feel super tense lately...I have come to realize that after two years of effexor xr it has either stopped working or i would need to up my dose...but I already hate thinking abou the withdrawl and think that upping the dose will just make that worse. Does anyone else get tension in their jaw and terrible teeth grinding at night or am I cursed?
Posted by eighteenminutes on October 8, 2004, at 20:02:21
In reply to Re: I gained 20 pounds BLAH » Kazza, posted by lisataho on October 3, 2004, at 20:47:42
ewww i totally didn't realize that the extra 10-15 pounds that i have accumulated in the last year are probably because of the effexor. I was a track star and teh skinny girl in high school and NEVER thought I would be concerned with my weight, but in the last year i have FILLED out and i don't like it. The boobs are ok but i could ditch all the rest.
-e
Posted by debbers on October 8, 2004, at 20:33:44
In reply to does anyone grind their teeth like me???, posted by eighteenminutes on October 8, 2004, at 16:17:30
> I have been noticing that I grind my teeth adn feel super tense lately...I have come to realize that after two years of effexor xr it has either stopped working or i would need to up my dose...but I already hate thinking abou the withdrawl and think that upping the dose will just make that worse. Does anyone else get tension in their jaw and terrible teeth grinding at night or am I cursed?
I've been taking 150 mg of Effexor XR on and off for the past 2 years. I've noticed every time that I start taking it, my jaw and neck are sore and my ears pop from grinding my teeth at night. So, you're not alone. I'm always very tense and wired the first few days that I take it, but it will eventually go away. I also suffer from alot of muscle weakness as a beginning side effect, so exercise is out of the question. The first few weeks are always the most difficult, but the results are worth it.
Posted by eighteenminutes on October 8, 2004, at 22:06:50
In reply to Re: does anyone grind their teeth like me???, posted by debbers on October 8, 2004, at 20:33:44
OH my thatnk you so much for responding well, the thing is that I have been on effexor xr 150mg for two years now at the same dosage and think maybe it is not working for me anymore...why does that seem to happen???do you know?> am i becoming immune to it.`e
Posted by pmz on October 9, 2004, at 1:10:51
In reply to Re: does anyone grind their teeth like me???, posted by debbers on October 8, 2004, at 20:33:44
I have found that clinching my jaws, or grinding my teeth have been a side effect. I will notice even during the day time I will be sitting with my teeth clinched so tight. If you do grind your teeth much, you need to get a mouth guard to wear at night so you don't wear through the enamel of your teeth. You can get them at any drug store.
Posted by eighteenminutes on October 9, 2004, at 1:26:44
In reply to Re: does anyone grind their teeth like me???, posted by pmz on October 9, 2004, at 1:10:51
Thanks for the response...I am a newbie and have learned so much from these listings and feel so much more comfortable with taking effexor xr and knowing that I am one of many who experiences all of these things including anxiety and depression in the past.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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