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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by tatarka on January 11, 2005, at 9:53:31
In reply to Re: Im Tapering off Effexor now..... » tatarka, posted by dancingstar on January 10, 2005, at 11:01:36
Thank you, dancingstar. I think you guys are right - it was an alcohol. I'm still feeling okay (if you can call it normal when you are taking all this crap). But still i'm planning to take off effexor because i dont like the wierd dreams, the constant fatique in my muscles and dark circles under the eyes. I'm just very concerned about bad timing for me to do it now - i'm thinking of leaving my husband, who is not bad all the time (if you know what i mean)... I was thinking about it for years now, and decided to see a doctor thinking that maybe all the problems are just in my head and its because i'm chronically depressed since i was a kid. Anyway, i'm still confused, but i'm very close to this step, even started looking for an appartment for myself. But oh my... its so hard to make this step when he is not always a jerk. Sorry for all these details.
> Didn't see your post...but even I would tell you to take the Effexor :-)
>
> Glad you instinctively went for the potatoes. Believe it or not, ever since I stopped taking Effexor, they've become a staple of my diet. I don't know why. I never, ever ate them before, but now they seem like the perfect food for me. Must be the potassium.
>
> Faith is right about the alcohol. It doesn't mix with these drugs. I think that something in the drugs magnifys the effects of alcohol, and the combination just ends up making you feel bad. I hope today is a better one!!
> Bebe
Posted by tatarka on January 11, 2005, at 10:00:17
In reply to Totally Amazing..., posted by broken on January 11, 2005, at 9:23:55
I first was taking remeron and wellbutrin, then i switched to effexor because i started to gain weight. But instead i started to have nightmares and i'm always dehydrated not mentioning constant swetting (never had this problem before!), etc., etc. I can't tell that all that happened with starting Effexor was bad - no, i have positive moments, i dont cry at all, i sleep, etc. Wellbutrin makes me a bit anxious, but i knew that it will be like it, - i need smth like this to stay awake at work and be able to concentrate.
> > Hi, I am soooo glad you are feeling better! I couldnt drink on Effexor, 1/2 a drink and I was dizzy and buzzed, not a drinker anymore anyways. If it was the flu, glad its passed! God bless, Renee
>
> So many posts on this subject, and the differences between how one person reacts as opposed to the other are mind boggling.(No adverse reactions for me to alcohol, wife and I split a bottle of Dom Perignon on new years.)
>
> For the record, I am on 300mg effexor, and 450 mg of Wellbutrin a day, and the only real side effects I have seen have been fatigue, and I admit that is a real pain. ( However I have changed when I take each pill, and the timing change has seemed to make a big difference.
> I have never liked Wellbutrin, I took it years ago and almost immediately I had extremely vivid nightmares/dreams. I agreed to give it another shot this time, and although it has taken much longer to show up, I am back in the dream/nightmare phase again. I was set to see my Doc today, but because of a death in his family, it had to be rescheduled. He advised me to taper down off the Wellbutrin, but I dropped it altogether. Dreams are too vivid, and some things I dream about are forcing me to relive some terrible experiences. In my case, for the wellbutrin, it seems the cure is worse than the disease. I am definitely going to discuss the withdrawals that I have seen mentioned here on effexor with him, I'll have to decide what to do there, as the effexor has helped alot over the last 6 months.
> Obviously, everyone reacts differently to medication, I wish all of you the very best when dealing with this crap. The goal is to get better, and I fail to see how this is possible when you are fighting off effects of your medication instead of battling the original problem.
> Take care of yourselves...
Posted by broken on January 11, 2005, at 10:39:01
In reply to Re: Totally Amazing... » broken, posted by tatarka on January 11, 2005, at 10:00:17
> I first was taking remeron and wellbutrin, then i switched to effexor because i started to gain weight. But instead i started to have nightmares and i'm always dehydrated not mentioning constant swetting (never had this problem before!), etc., etc. I can't tell that all that happened with starting Effexor was bad - no, i have positive moments, i dont cry at all, i sleep, etc. Wellbutrin makes me a bit anxious, but i knew that it will be like it, - i need smth like this to stay awake at work and be able to concentrate.
I think the sweating is probably from the effexor as well. That's something I totally forgot until you mentioned it. I have that problem as well. It's winter, and I have to sleep with my window open at night, or I literally wake up with soaked hair, and sheets because of the sweat. My wife doesn't appreciate the cold, but she likes it better than my being covered in sweat.
Posted by corafree on January 11, 2005, at 20:07:11
In reply to Totally Amazing..., posted by broken on January 11, 2005, at 9:23:55
Have nightmares too on Eff-XR; they are exaggerations of past traumas. So, I see this a gift; I'll work on changing what I 'thought' was going on. Night sweats on and off, but tolerable - 2 to 3 shirts, on and off. It's no prob', like having no hormone replacement. Hope you be o.k. today, in every moment ... after awaken recalling nightmare, try shift to positive thoughtw, cf
Posted by ckc on January 11, 2005, at 22:23:32
In reply to Totally Amazing..., posted by broken on January 11, 2005, at 9:23:55
BROKEN!!! Please be careful going cold turkey off Wellbutrin, especially at 450mg. Seizures can be a side effect of sudden cessation of this drug. ckc
Posted by broken on January 12, 2005, at 8:24:13
In reply to Re: Totally Amazing..., posted by ckc on January 11, 2005, at 22:23:32
> BROKEN!!! Please be careful going cold turkey off Wellbutrin, especially at 450mg. Seizures can be a side effect of sudden cessation of this drug. ckc
Wow...
First of all, thankyou for the warning. I knew seizures were possible with this drug, but I thought that was more likely with too high a dose. I had no idea it was also possible with sudden cessation. It's been a little over 48 hrs since the last pill, hopefully there won't be any problems now.Thanks again though, I really appreciate that information.
Posted by tatarka on January 12, 2005, at 22:50:48
In reply to Re: Totally Amazing... » broken » tatarka, posted by broken on January 11, 2005, at 10:39:01
> > I first was taking remeron and wellbutrin, then i switched to effexor because i started to gain weight. But instead i started to have nightmares and i'm always dehydrated not mentioning constant swetting (never had this problem before!), etc., etc. I can't tell that all that happened with starting Effexor was bad - no, i have positive moments, i dont cry at all, i sleep, etc. Wellbutrin makes me a bit anxious, but i knew that it will be like it, - i need smth like this to stay awake at work and be able to concentrate.
>
>
> I think the sweating is probably from the effexor as well. That's something I totally forgot until you mentioned it. I have that problem as well. It's winter, and I have to sleep with my window open at night, or I literally wake up with soaked hair, and sheets because of the sweat. My wife doesn't appreciate the cold, but she likes it better than my being covered in sweat.its funny because we always had a problem that i close all the windows at home, and now i'm the first one to opens them. i sweat less and less although, and dont wake up because of it anymore. i'll tell u smth: once, when i just started taking effexor, i had an enuresis one night - this quite scared me then, but it didnt happen again. i'm absolutly sure that it's all side effects from the effexor.
Posted by dancingstar on January 12, 2005, at 23:52:45
In reply to Re: Totally Amazing... » broken, posted by tatarka on January 12, 2005, at 22:50:48
I thought that I was working out really hard when I'd work out in a very hot room at Billy Blanks' because I would always sweat a lot.
Ever since I've stopped taking Effexor, I really don't sweat much at all, daytime, nighttime, working out, any time at all. A million and one things that I just never knew....
Posted by Bug on January 19, 2005, at 21:41:20
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Donna Odom on May 23, 2000, at 11:41:56
I'm just wondering if anyone has had any problems with seizures while taking Effexor? I have had one seizure in my life, while taking Wellbutrin, and NEVER want to have another one again. All ADs seem to have seizures as a possible side fx, but I don't want to live forever in the pit of depression because I'm afraid of having another seizure. Even my psychiatrist isn't sure about it, and made me sign something saying I realized that Effexor could cause seizures. This makes me VERY nervous...
Posted by dancingstar on January 19, 2005, at 21:47:28
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Bug on January 19, 2005, at 21:41:20
I didn't have this problem while taking Effexor, but when I stopped taking it, I was definitely afraid that this would happen, only because I felt so sick that it felt like it was possible.
My doctor, unlike yours, told me that it was impossible. And I have not ever had seizures at all. I didn't, by the way.
Still think it isn't worth the risk. Why take such a dangerous drug if you can possibly avoid it? www.wyeth.com
Posted by eeyorena on January 19, 2005, at 22:29:56
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Bug on January 19, 2005, at 21:41:20
Well, actually, yes. I did have seizures. I didn't know that I was having them until my husband was at home and I fainted and had one. I had been fainting a lot in withdrawal, but I couldn't "feel" the seizures. Does that make sense?
One caveat though. I was born with torticollis. A rare congenital disorder that had some initial neurological effects on me when I was young, but never affected me again after that until Effexor and the seizures. So there may be a connection between the two, or maybe not. It could have been totally Effexor. Who knows? I'm off of it now. Withdrawal was very hellish for me. Your mileage may vary.
I don't take brand new drugs on the market anymore. I take the tried and true ones now, even if they are a bit more inconvient.
Posted by not2late4u on January 19, 2005, at 23:40:14
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by eeyorena on January 19, 2005, at 22:29:56
I didnt want to take wellbutrin because I was afraid of that side effect. I personally havent had any problems with seizures on or off of Effexor, and havent heard that its a side effect of Effexor either. I did have a test done to see if I was prone to them, when I considered wellbutrin. That might be something you and your doctor talk about, it may help ease your mind. I do know that wellbutrin is known for its increased seizure potential. Good luck, do your research and make up your mind based on the pros and cons, remember, everyone is different and has different reasons for needing medication. Renee.
Posted by dancingstar on January 20, 2005, at 0:43:19
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by eeyorena on January 19, 2005, at 22:29:56
I've read data that says that Effexor can and has caused seizures. Anyone can do the research. There is finally a lot of it to be found pretty easily, and I'm sure it's in the links that I've posted on this website, too.
Posted by not2late4u on January 20, 2005, at 1:11:07
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by dancingstar on January 20, 2005, at 0:43:19
Please keep in mind when doing your research that most medications have side effects, some more than others. Withdraw side effects may differ from side effects while you're on the medication and how you withdraw is also a major factor in those side effects. I am not here for or against your use, just trying to answer your questions based on my experience too. Renee
Posted by dancingstar on January 20, 2005, at 1:32:35
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by not2late4u on January 20, 2005, at 1:11:07
If you have a potential problem with seizures, it is my impression after reading many hours of documents and other information that you might consider options other than Effexor. As of now over 7400 people have signed the online petition. If you click on the numbers, you can read the problems that each person has had. I am not saying that this is where I specifically got the seizure information, because it isn't, but it might give you an idea of what you are getting into before you decide to take a drug that could potentially be harmful to you.
There are a lot of options, and it is my opinion that Effexor is greatly over-prescribed. It must be the opinion of a lot of other people, too, because lots of people write to me, saying that they have also had problems with this drug. You only have one nervous system. Is it really worth your taking a chance with it?
Please do your homework by doing a thorough search online and by reading everything you can about Effexor before you take it. Wyeth is just now being forced to be more forthcoming about some of the nastier side effects of Effexor; so you can find the information that you need to make an educated decision pretty easily.
Best of luck to you whatever you decide.
Bebe
Posted by not2late4u on January 20, 2005, at 1:51:34
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by dancingstar on January 20, 2005, at 1:32:35
Sounds like you better listen to this one, she's done far more research than I have and has most of the answers. Good luck to you.
Posted by sam7iam on January 21, 2005, at 13:00:35
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Donna Odom on May 23, 2000, at 11:41:56
Yes, I have had excellent success where all others failed, with Effexor XR. I started taking it for depression and mild bipolar, but about 3 yrs ago was hit with a rare spinal chord disease and we upped the dose to 450mg / day...way above the so-called limit. At first, I did experience dizziness, hand tremors, and some minor muscle spasms, but nothing very severe. It has worked wonders for me and keeps the 'fog' away and I've not gone into that 'pit' of depression even once!
I am on 17 meds for the spinal problems and my MD does have to ck my BP regularly, but never ever having had any heart or BP problems, my BP has risen only slightly. The Effexor seems to be balanced by the Neurotin that I take. I also use Duragesic ( Fentanyl ) in the patch form for pain control. The short answer is an emphatic YES! It works great for me. Good luck, best wishes for your health, Sam
Posted by KaraS on January 21, 2005, at 14:37:32
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Donna Odom, posted by sam7iam on January 21, 2005, at 13:00:35
Do you find enhanced motivation and energy at that high of a level? I never went higher than 225 mg. It helped to lift my mood but it seemed to be at the expense of motivation. Effexor is also the only thing I've tried so far that has helped much with depression but it gave me the typical SSRI apathy. I'm wondering now if it would be worth a trial at the higher dosages.
Posted by dancingstar on January 21, 2005, at 17:51:33
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Donna Odom, posted by sam7iam on January 21, 2005, at 13:00:35
And that is, indeed, the point. Effexor is an extremely powerful drug. I am hoping that the FDA considers limiting its usage to very serious conditions, like yours.
Effexor(XR) is too powerful to be used for the kinds of things it is prescribed for every day; mild depression, hot flashes, etc. The withdrawal symptoms are outrageous and not acceptable to the average person. It causes severe fatigue after a prolonged period of use. In many of us it causes debilitating depression after taking it for a while, and it does all of these things slowly and silently so that we haven't a clue as to the cause of our problems, and the usual solution is to increase the amount of the drug we take rather than remove it from our bodies entirely, not knowing that we have become allergic to it and are being poisoned.
In extreme situations, as in yours, Effexor might be useful, and I am glad that it has helped you. They need to keep it away from the average person, though.
Bebe
Posted by corafree on January 21, 2005, at 20:52:03
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Donna Odom, posted by sam7iam on January 21, 2005, at 13:00:35
Hi Sam. I also take Eff-XR and have chronic back injuries. What do you mean when you say,... "The Effexor seems to be balanced by the Neurotin."? I was on Neurontin 300mg for a while, but noted nothing. What did it do for you. I have only one prob' w/ Eff-XR and that's dulled emotions/fatigue. Nice to meet ya' cf
Posted by not2late4u on January 21, 2005, at 21:45:30
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » sam7iam, posted by corafree on January 21, 2005, at 20:52:03
Hi Sam, glad to hear your success story! Its great to know that it is helping someone. It helped me during my time of need. I've been weaning off now for a few weeks, its just time for me to try to go on my own. Mine was for anxiety. Thank you for posting your experience! Renee
Posted by not2late4u on January 21, 2005, at 21:50:34
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by dancingstar on January 21, 2005, at 17:51:33
Bebe, would it be fair to say "it could" or "it can" rather than "it does" for "some" not "all".
Posted by becci on January 21, 2005, at 22:25:33
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » dancingstar, posted by not2late4u on January 21, 2005, at 21:50:34
hey there. i just noticed this board toay, and say a message from toady. I am just getting off of effexor and had great success with it... but.. if i was ever even a few hours late taking the med i had severe with drawl from it. it is horrible. i am on day two of not taking it (after tapering dosages for nearly three weeks) and i fell really bad physically. i have lost a lot of depth perception, and have an electric shock sensation going through my body at all times. i just want it to stop. please consider this when starting the med.. i wish someone had told me. i never would have taken it if it was going to be this horrible coming off of it.
Posted by KaraS on January 21, 2005, at 22:43:24
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by becci on January 21, 2005, at 22:25:33
> hey there. i just noticed this board toay, and say a message from toady. I am just getting off of effexor and had great success with it... but.. if i was ever even a few hours late taking the med i had severe with drawl from it. it is horrible. i am on day two of not taking it (after tapering dosages for nearly three weeks) and i fell really bad physically. i have lost a lot of depth perception, and have an electric shock sensation going through my body at all times. i just want it to stop. please consider this when starting the med.. i wish someone had told me. i never would have taken it if it was going to be this horrible coming off of it.
Have you tried adding in a small amount of another serotonergic agent? I decreased very slowly off of Effexor. I had two bad days at the end when I went off of the last 10 mg. of it. At that point I started on Cymbalta and ALL of the problems went away. Prozac is supposed to be very good to use for this purpose as well.
Posted by becci on January 21, 2005, at 22:55:50
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » becci, posted by KaraS on January 21, 2005, at 22:43:24
>
> Have you tried adding in a small amount of another serotonergic agent? I decreased very slowly off of Effexor. I had two bad days at the end when I went off of the last 10 mg. of it. At that point I started on Cymbalta and ALL of the problems went away. Prozac is supposed to be very good to use for this purpose as well.
>thanks but no. i am trying to get off all my psyc meds one at a time, i don't want to add new ones. i have gained serious wieght over the past year and a half (about 75 lbs) I was even excersizing for a bit, then after six months and still gaing rapid weight I said "screw exercising if it doesn't help" So I really don't want to add anything new for long term use. I just talked to my mom though and she brought over some klonopin to help me through this (short term hopefully)
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