effexor and concerta anyone? | ADHD Information
Hey Lady and Glen,
Thanks again for the info. I think I am so weird as for the past two months all I could think about was getting this diagnosis, and how much I wanted it so that things would make sense to me. I wanted the meds in hopes that I would have success on them like some others have had.
Now that it is here, and I've been given the meds (twice, tho as stated earlier wasn't convinced about the stratera) I constantly second guess myself and get paranoid about it. Gee, am I going to get this side effect? or that one? Does the dr really know what he is doing? etc, etc. I am my own worst enemy.
But, Lady what you describe is exactly what I go thru. I get anxious because I know there is a crapload of stuff for me to do and I don't do it and then I get more worried because I'm not doing it and it becomes a viscious cycle. I then wind up taking more effort on creating some sort of lie to cover up the work that I haven't done. It's amazing to me that the lies haven't caught up with me yet- but I think that makes me more anxious waiting for the anvil to drop.
I didn't take the effexor today as I freaked myself out all weekend - but I also wanted to see if I would get those hunger pains again ( I didn't) so now I have to relax and try the small doses again so that this stuff can begin to work for me.
Ah, the tangled web we weave....
Valzap- I should add a few things to my previous post. I also had/have mild anxiety. When I finally went to the doctor and was diagnosed adhd a few months ago, it was like a weight was lifted off of me. I was really lucky to have found an attention specialist in my city and he explained so many things to me. He told me that attention problems are commonly misdiagnosed as depression, especially in women, due to the fact that most gen. pract. or doctors in general aren't trained to recognize adhd and that there is so much new research out there. He was not downing any dr. and actually told me that mine was doing what he had been trained to do. The new findings, especially for women just aren't common knowledge in the medical field.
He went on to explain to me that my anxiety stemmed from my adhd, along with several other lifetime problems that I have had. It really did make sense, in my case, that the anxiety stemmed mostly from my procrastination due to adhd. Instead of getting off my ass and do the stuff I needed to do, I would sit there and worry about it and get more depressed and worried. I know it doesn't make sense to some people, but I'm sure there are others here that it does.
This is a very personal decision and everybody is very different, but I thought I would add anything that could possibly be helpful to you. If you don't think that your diagnosis or medication fit for you, don't be afraid to talk to another doctor or tell your doctor that the medication isn't working for you. Doctors are very intelligent and I am not trying to second guess your's in any way, but the doctors don't live in our body or our everyday life. They don't know what we are going through or how we feel. They do the best they can with what they are taught, but sometimes that just doesn't work for some individuals. The bottom line is, you have to deal with your issues on a daily basis and know better than anyone else, doctors included, what is going on in your mind and the way your body feels.
ladyadd38656.5627430556Wow ladyadd - sounds like you lucked out in experienced help like I did! Had/have - I like that as I still feel it - but can say "not now - I'm too busy" to the feeling of dread down inside.
I do harp on it way too much here (now they are parroting it back to me LOL) but the fact is we are DRIVEN on an anxiety engine - all with ADHD are. It leads to our stress, our inability to move forward and to do what needs to be done. That leads to further anxiety and so on.
Wow - I'm so glad you found excellent help!! Share more - I for one am listening intently!!!
I'll read when I get back - work beckons. I hate afternoon shift!
Valzap - you can be "anxious" without having "anxiety". Confused? Sure- but it's the way it hits. To have anxiety - usually it's a feeling of dread or fear with no clear reason to feel it. To be anxious - it could be justified, work, people, etc. can make us all anxious. No attack necessary - just to feel worried or overly apprehensive is anxious without the anxiety.
I still feel anxious in crowds of people I don't know - or trying new things. But I don't feel the old anxiety where I'd sit at home feeling like something bad was going to hit me soon. I was so glad to be rid of that one! Once I got on meds I realized the general anxiety was gone and I could work on the direct feeling of worry about new or scary things I get now.
Well, I am starting to question again why I need the anti-d - but I don't know if it's because of what I read here or if it's because I can only remember a small part of my conversation with my dr. As usual, I have forgotten most of it.
I was already thinking about trying to journal how i have been feeling before and during the meds so that I will know how I am truly reacting to it.
I will question the reason for the meds again and discuss the dosage amounts. If I gain more than 3 pounds on the stuff I'm going off of it - as I have not gained one pound in 11 months - just can't take them off. And we'll also see from the various "brain" tests and blood work if anything else should show up. I go for my eeg tomorrow and CT scan on Thursday.
I at least like the fact that this dr. was willing to do these tests in the first place. The last dr just laughed it off and sent me on my merry way with a script for strattera with no direction or follow up planned.
So, I am still a work in progress i guess!
Valzap, I applaud you for seeking help and for taking the tests to rule out any other illnesses that could explain your symptoms, but I have to challenge your thinking about the weight gain issue. Focus on your mental health first. Please don't be offended but not taking meds because you gain a few pounds is a bit backward.
If you truly have an anxiety disorder, then you should investigate meds to ameliorate that particular problem. If its really ADHD, then focus there. If its weight reduction you are after, then focus there. It sounds like its ADHD and if that is the case, go there first and consider anti-anxiety meds if and only if anxiety comes on strong and you can't manage it. Multiple meds are really hard to get right, especially the psycho-active AD's.
That's the best advice I can give.
HI Morph,
Yes you are right. I went to the dr to figure out these ADD symptoms and wanted help with that. I compulsively eat as a way to medicate my brain - either the motion of eating soothes my thoughts or it is a way to physically keep up with them.
I told the dr that I often feel anxious but that I don't think I have anxiety - if that makes any sense. I just get really restless and have to do something but I never know what it is that I need to do.
So again, (I think I am repeating myself for my own edification) He told me Concerta can sometimes bring on more anxiety, thus the anti-d. Though I would love to lose weight that is not the main issue - but I don't want to gain anymore. As it is I am unhappy with the extra pounds that I have packed on in the past few years (which adds to my 'anxiety'). My neighbor is on Effexor and she has gained 30 pounds while on it.
So, it's a bunch of mixed messages here. We'll have to see.....
I'll start of by saying that i haven't read this thread, just wanted to add a personal experience with effexor.
i was only recently diagnosed with adhd, even though i've suspected it for many years. i've also had mild problems with depression throughout my life, but so do many women in my family and we always attributed it to hormones. obviously, i had very mild episodes compared to others, but they were very dibilitating to me when they occurred. last summer while i was studying for the bar exam i got in another funk, my description of my episodes. i would sit in my apartment and just hold my books day after day, but never really study and the anxiety mixed with the procrastination really got me down. my mom talked me into going to my doctor, i use my gyno for my normal doctor, and he placed me on effexor after not too much discussion. he even gave me a choice between a few, but he felt effexor was the best for me due to my "attention" problem.
i began with the starter pack. even though i started on a small dose, i immediately felt strange. i felt sped up, but not focused. i was so naseous that i couldn't even think of eating. i grinded my teeth like never before, i've always been a nighttime grinder, but my face was sore every morning. i could not eat. if i did eat, i either wouldn't take the medicie or i would have to smoke weed, like i was on chemo or something. i must add here, don't stop reading because i've smoked weed. i'm a successful attorney, but have always found marijuana very therapeutic for my depression and the migrane headaches i had prior to starting to smoke. i also didn't start until i was 21 and didn't even drink alcohol until college. in the 3 months i was on the medicine, i lost 25 pounds. i weighed 120 to begin with!!! my family and friends freaked out, but i explained that the medicine had made me completely abhor food, which i normally can't stay away from.
i then called my doctor and told him that the effexor wasn't working and wanted to stop. they told me that was fine, but that i couldn't stop immediately. i needed to taper myself off, but remember "you can't get physically hooked on these meds." 
i had major withdrawal symptoms with this drug after only 3 months. i threw up for 3 weeks. i was so dizzy i couldn't drive. i had these weird feelings in my brain like i was short-circuiting or something. i finally was able to stop completely after about 2 months.
i just recently went to the doctor and was diagnosed with adhd. i am now on adderall and so far it is very helpful. sorry for the rambling response, but i really have a strong feeling about this drug's effect on my body. of course, what doesn't work for one might work for another, but you need to be aware that all experiences aren't good ones. it is a personal choice and i hope whatever you decide is great for you.
ladyadd38656.5448958333'welcome, valz...Btw, your bag of candy triggered another thought, that carbo-cravings are an indication of low serotonin levels. Sugar and other carbos are converted to tryptophan, which is a precursor of several cerebral neurochemicals. Most anti-Ds have activity b/c they increase serotonin availability as well, mostly by blocking serotonin inactivation.
Hi everyone,
Thanks for feedback. I must let you know that I don't normally take any drugs - prescription or otherwise. I'd take things for flus, I took BCPs for a few years but that's about it. I could barely remember to take anything when prescribed to me. I don't even do vitamins.
So, the fact that I am supposed to take drugs now does scare me a bit. I'm (and we) not like a normal person who is prescribed medication by a dr and blindly take it. I always look at side effects and worry "will I get that?" so, yes, I am nervous about taking these meds.
Thank you all for informing me of both the good and the bad. I am going to try it out and speak with my dr. about my concerns with the effexor and get a little more info from him.
It's been two days so far. The only thing I noticed is that I am physically hungry now which scares me into thinking that I will gain weight. BUT, and that's a big BUTT (ha) I have not compulsively nor impulsively eaten today. I had a regular dinner, one helping and moved on. I had a snack and moved on. I did not finish the whole bag of candy like I usually would do. So, maybe the dr's right about controlling the compulsive part of me.
I will keep an eye out for everything as I am normally a little paranoid and believe in Murphy's law.
David, thanks for the positive notes of the effexor, I'm not so terrified anymore.
Anybody else go on it (or something similar) and experience benefits?
Valzap,
Do you really want to know if Effexor is right for you ?
You do remember what you felt like before you started taking it don't you ?
If you want to know what Effexor is doing to you, take it for a couple of weeks. Schedule an appointment to see your doctor and then 72 hours before the appointment, just stop taking the Effexor.
If you're taking plain Effexor, you'll know how you are reacting to it within 36 hours. If it's Effexor XR, it'll take about 48 hours.
If you have no negative reaction at all, consider yourself as belonging to a very small, very lucky group of Effexor users.
Remember Andrea Yates? She had just stopped taking her Effexor when she killed her 5 children.
She is also psychotic.She shouldn'a quit the anti-Ds.
Time for you to quit.
True Story (mine)
I thought I had died, and gone to heaven!
My problem began when I was born, and received a genetic package that contained proscription for ADHD and depression. Throughout my entire life, I struggled with success in school, at home, and at work. My relationships sucked, and everytime I got into trouble, I'd get these murderous thoughts, or became so depressed I'd consider suicide.
Finally, at 42 years old, I was diagnosed classic type ADHD, with co-morbid clinical depression. Therefore I was put on medicines that included the CNS stimulant Ritalin, and eventually the anti-D "Effexor" for several years.
The combination worked so well that I no longer had murderous nor suicidal thoughts. My anger, rage, and frustrations were so dampened, that I was convinced I needed this type of medicine for the rest of my life. I did not die b/c of the Effexor, nor did I suffer b/c of the Effexor. My life was improved by the Effexor. This period in my life has been the first time in my entire life I'd not had suicidal or murderous thoughts.
I credit anit-D's first, for keeping me alive through some of the most difficult stress factors a person can experience in our contemporary culture. Bankruptcy, my child's death, marriage failure, personal lawsuits, 3 job terminations, a car accident, and a child's birth.
Effexor kept me from fulfilling my childhood fantasy of having a machine gun and blowing everyone that'd ever hurt me to bits. I had watched a lot of television in my life, where it teaches you things.
I got this idea from Reality.
Reality, amazing that your story comes directly from an anti-med web site.
How about a personal story then.... (not mine)
The Effexor Nightmare
Antidepressants
“The drug company should have let us known that this could happen to us.”
Six years ago I had became very depressed. Little did I know that depression ran in our family, starting with my grandmother, my mother and then myself.
I tried for three long agonizing years to beat the beast in my life. Finally, I decided to go and talk to my doctor about my depression and she put me on Paxil. I don't even remember half of what I did for about a month. All I could do was cry and sleep. She then decided to put me on Effexor, which has been just as bad. I have gained so much weight that I find myself still depressed.
In all I have gained 53 pounds. I also have other side effects that I had no idea the Effexor was causing until I starting researching the drug. I have muscle tremors that my doctor put me on seizure medicine for. I also have headaches, and I cannot sleep. An example is that I am writing this and it is almost three in the morning and I get up at five to get my children ready for school. This is another problem. I do not feel like doing anything because I feel numb almost all the time and if I forget to take my medicine I become very aggressive and outspoken in a very ugly manner and this is not the person I am nor do I want to continue to be this way.
I don't feel like cooking, cleaning, washing, or doing everyday activities and I also have problems with my memory and that is a bad thing when you have children to do things for everyday, and it takes a toll not only on me but my family. I am only 33 and I want to be able to live a normal life and that will never be until I get this medicine out of my system. I want to be a good wife and mother, and not have my family suffer with me through this hell. If I had known what this crap would do to me I would have never swallowed that first pill. I will continue to pray for all those that are taking the drug Effexor and I hope that you will do the same for me.
Maybe, just maybe we can beat this addiction to a drug that was suppose to help us overcome depression. And the drug company should have let us known that this could happen to us. What if it was their wife, their child, or their relative that had to live the Effexor nightmare? Would it make a difference to them then or would it be just another dollar in their pockets?
Another story.... (not mine)
12/13/2002
My Journey Through the Effexor Nightmare
Antidepressants
“When did I die and go to hell?”
when did this nightmare begin? Autumn 2000. After a traumatic event in my life, I found myself booked in at Crescent Clinic, and been treated by a Psychiatrist - Doctor 1. After a brief session, he decided that I needed to be put onto 225mg of Effexor a day. He decided this, without really hearing my life story, my passions in life, my disappointments, and my major traumas. He also felt it was ok to give me this medication without telling me the serious side effects this legal drug has to offer.
After a few weeks of unbearable nausea, confusion, anxiety, agitation and numbness in my face, I contacted Doctor 1, who then suggested that the dose was to high ad I should cut down to 150mg a day. After a few days I was able to live in the world again and feel my face - wonderful.
Life continued but there were some really odd things going on in my body. Before I went onto this drug, I was one of those really lucky people who could eat what I like and never gained weight. I am 5’8” and my weight would always fluctuate between 48 and 53kg. I also never really had a major issue with food I would eat normal meals, but never crave food.
Now my weight had increased itself to 58Kg, and I felt I could just not get enough food. I would wake up in the middle of the night with hunger pains, and have to raid the fridge. I had become obsessed with food, Effexor had created this permanently ravenous state of being. Even after consuming a very large mans size portion of food I would still be starving.
Then there was the recurring short-term memory loss. From a person who was known to have a memory of an elephant, to remember the most minute details about events, numbers and dates, I had now developed a memory span of a goldfish. I could have a conversation with someone one minute or read a column in a magazine and the next minute have no idea what I had said or read - complete blank! I would find my self-staring into space wondering where or who I am.
The other problem I experienced was the fact that I was always on the same constant level of emotion, I was never happy or sad. I could be told or see something really sad, and no where in my body would I feel the slightest amount of compassion - I was emotionally switched off. The reverse is also true, something really wonderful could happen and once again I would feel nothing - “hello is there anyone home, is the light switched on in there?” I felt this was a definite problem, coming from the person I have always been, one who does get really happy about the good things, or really sad and empathetic about the sad situations in life. In fact I thought if I was going to become emotionally dead then why bother breathing anyway.
Sexual dysfunction, now here is an interesting side effect from Effexor. I had to look up what the word libido was in the dictionary, but alas by the time I had found L in the dictionary I had forgotten what I was looking for...and trust me this is where my sexual appetite began and ended on this drug.
It is now October 2001, I weigh 65kg, my family and friends cannot recognize me, my clothes have started packing themselves up and marching straight out of the house, in fear I would actually try and put my thigh or arm into them. My goldfish memory has not become a winner at work, my lack of sexual urge, has no longer become entertaining to prospective partners, and my complete emotionally dulled mind has become a nightmare to myself. Ok I am going off this stuff - I have had enough!
I read the pamphlet to the drug - no major issues on going off this stuff it appears. I quote “Patients who have received Effexor for 6 weeks or more should have their dose tapered gradually over a 1-week period” There is also no details given about actually having any such thing as withdrawal symptoms. In fact the package insert goes as far as to say”....clinical trials did not reveal any tendency for a withdrawal syndrome...” Cool that doesn’t sound too bad - what is one week. I decided that since I have been on other antidepressants and have never had a problem coming off of them, I think I will actually just stop taking the pills all together.
Oh my gosh - what is this! When did I die and go to hell? I am on Day 3 of taking my last pill, and have found myself in the midst of extremely debilitating withdrawal symptoms. Physically I am dizzy, have blurred vision, brain zaps, electrical shocks in all parts of my body, extremely tired, nauseous, gastro, and night sweats. Emotionally I fluctuate between feeling either angry, violent or just so upset I cry all the time.
I decide I must see a doctor about this on Day 4. After a very unenlightening discussion with Doctor 2, who firsts asks me whether I feel I should be going off this drug she then continues that she has not ever had experience with anyone going off of it, and really has no advice to give me. She does manage to wish me luck.
Day 5. After waking up from a very disturbed sleep I realize with dismay I am still alive, the withdrawal symptoms are still very much alive and partying a storm in my body. I decide to phone Crescent Clinic -after all they deal with drug rehabilitation. I speak to a nurse who also asks me whether I feel I should be going off this drug - I tell her yes. She then says she does not know what to suggest as she does not have any experience in this area, maybe a should contact a psychiatrist. I decided that to contact another drug pusher would not be the solution, and phone Tara. Ok is this dejevu, have I become delusional, as the conversation is exactly the same. I do learn though that illegal drug abusers usually take about 7 days to withdraw from a drug.
I saunter back to bed. The days have now become extremely hazy. Luckily I have a supply of sleeping pills, which I keep taking to knock myself out and pretend that I have died and gone somewhere pain free, not this living hell on Earth. Day 10 arrives, and hey I am beginning to feel ok. The nausea has gone, I can stand, the dizziness has disappeared, and I think the symptoms have left. I am over the moon.
One month later. I have started to lose weight, but hang on what is this? I wake up one day to find my body covered in this hideous rash. It is burning and stinging and I am very emotionally upset. I see Doctor 3, who asks no questions just gives me, a cortisone injection. The rash disappears in a few hours I am feeling ok. A week later the hives are back. I go to Doctor 4 who is on call. Still no questions are asked, no answers are given to me and I am given another cortisone injection, and the rash disappears in a few hours. Next week, we are on the same procedure - Doctor 5 on call asks a few questions but also decided cortisone is the best. Great now after 3 cortisone injections in one month, I am so bloated I look like the Oros Man. If I thought I had a weight problem before, well this overblown monster in the mirror I have to face is unbearable. Yes the next week I get the rash - I refuse to have another fat injection and decide to try a homeopath instead. I am given little white pills, told to bath with chamomile and lavender drops. After 2 weeks the rash has become very minimal and bearable.
During my rash episode a had also developed incredible lower stomach pains. My first point of call was the gynecologist - Doctor 6. After doing the usual pap smears, sonar, etc, he found nothing wrong and decided to do a laparoscopy. After this interesting procedure everything was found to be healthy, but I was left with 2 scars, and aching stomach muscles. I must say though it was a wonderful feeling during the anesthetic and the day after to have no stomach pains - perhaps I should consider taking anesthetic on a daily basis.
Ok a month later, I have not been able to have a normal day. The stomach pains are so bad, I can’t go out at night, I cant go out during the day, I am still suffering the cortisone side effects, and the only people I feel comfortable amongst would be the Michelin or Oros man. I have become increasingly agitated, depressed, I cry uncontrollably, and oddly enough for a placid person I have tended towards becoming violent. Suicide thoughts are on my mind completely. I would love to cut my stomach out with a spoon!
I phone Doctor 7 the gastroenterologist who books me into hospital for my severe stomach pains. He runs a few blood tests - everything appears to be normal, does a sonar - normal, and then decides to do a gastroscopy and colonoscopy. Great news everything is completely normal and healthy! He then proceeds to tell me that he feels everything is all in my mind, and calls in one of those drug pushers (psychiatrist) Doctor 8. After a futile discussion with Doctor 8, I decide I cant live in such pain; maybe all these medical practitioners are right after all and this must really be all in my head. I am back on Effexor.
Within a month, my rashes gave completely gone and my stomach pains to. Ok yes this must have been all in my head. It is strange though that it was never in my head before I had begun my Effexor journey into the unknown.
I decide one day to do a search of Effexor on the Internet. What’s this - loads of sites dedicated to the subject Flexor and associated withdrawal symptoms! My eyes grow wider as I read the countless accounts given by victims, who suffered the same debilitating effects I went through, the same lack of information from both their medical practitioners and from the information provided by the manufacturer of the drug Wyeth. Then I get a chill down my spine - countless people describe the horrendous rashes and abdominal pains they had on withdrawal of the drug! Now I am angry, I am very angry - this was not all in my mind - these pains were real, and a serious consequence from this evil drug. I have been put back on the drug, due to the misinformation of doctors 3 through to 8! I have suffered months of pain due to their apathy and the lack of information provided by the manufacturer of Effexor - Wyeth in their insert pamphlet.
Even more interesting was my fellow sufferers entries concerning, the emotional state they suffered after discontinuance of this drug. Most also reported feeling very angry, violent and suicidal. Sadly there had been some entries from relatives or friends noting that the sufferer had committed suicide during withdrawal from Effexor. I now realized why I was so incredibly depressed, angry and at times violent towards myself. But this makes complete sense. If an “e” user or any other illegal substance user comes down after going on their high, they get extremely depressed. These illegal drugs work on the same chemicals in your brain, as the antidepressants - serotonin and dopamine. It makes complete sense that after my brain had been fed these chemicals for so long, it would not know how to naturally function again, and yes spiral into a downward nightmare.
I feel that it is ironic that there is so much public information on the side effects of illegal drugs, so many support groups for illegal drug abusers, so may clinics for these abusers where they can be treated with empathy in safety - but none for the Abused legal drug users. This information has been locked way in a shrine of secrecy, doctors have not been bothered to update themselves on the lethal effects of these drugs, drug rehab clinics have not been informed on how to deal with these patients -are we destined to suffer this nightmare in silence, a world of non communication!
Then comes the next interesting fact, with continued use of the drug, patients are increasingly at risk of developing a potentially lethal toxic condition known as “Serotonin Syndrome”. It is characterized by changes in mental status, agitation, tremor and shivering. Effexor has also been documented to cause cardiovascular problems in some susceptible people after long-term use. Although Effexor initially increases concentration and energy, patients have reported long-term effects of impaired memory, impaired concentration and mental disability. I get alarmed over these facts and decide to contact the Psychiatrist Doctor 8. This was 5 months ago, and I still am waiting a response. Once again I have gained more weight, and have decided that the serious side effects do not outweigh the benefits of staying on this drug only due to addiction at this stage. I am going off this drug once more, this time with the information at hand, I am doing it incredibly slowly.
After many counts of unsuccessful withdrawal trials discussed on web boards, it seemed that the best way to wean myself off this drug is over a very long period. Withdrawal onset is rapid, only after missing one day’s dosage do you experience them, so doctors had found the only drug able to help with these effect was the drug Ondansetron, which is the drug used to treat chemotherapy patients for their side effects. I went to Doctor 9 to discuss my withdrawal programme. Once again he could not shed much light on the subject so I enlightened him on what prescription I needed. I handed the prescription to the pharmacist who then informed me that 2 weeks supply of Ondansetron would cost R2 000! What - is this stuff made from platinum or gold? I opted for a 1 weeks supply.
I start on my slow tapering off period - this is certainly not the “Patients who have received Effexor for 6 weeks or more should have their dose tapered gradually over a 1-week period” as quoted by the manufacturer. I try out my gold plated Ondansetron for my first daily withdrawal - yes I do not have the electric shocks, dizziness, confusion as before, but I still could not turn my head without inducing a paralyzing nausea.
During my enlightening web search I come across a petition from individuals who have been on Effexor to Wyeth to let them know they serous side effects of the drug and the fact that thousands of patients in the US and worldwide are unable to discontinue Effexor or even reduce dosage due to the rapid onset of severe withdrawal-like symptoms. I decide to contact the manufacturer Wyeth. After been unable to successfully get hold of the doctor or pharmacist there, I insist on speaking to the MD of the company. I ask her to please read the petition found at www.petitiononline.com/effexor/ and to supply me with her comments. She agrees to this and tells me she will get the pharmacist and doctor to contact me the next day. She did say that patients have been able to wean themselves off the drug after 6 months!! What?
Day 2 on contact with Wyeth. I speak to the pharmacist, who informs me that she would have to get their associates in America to answer my concerns. The doctor on call contacts me to basically inform me that she could not answer my questions directly to me, but would talk to my GP who could then pass on the information to me. In terms of commenting on the web site, I was told that she was not at liberty to comment on this.
The MD has not provided any feedback either. I find this broken telephone way of communication extremely frustrating. To not get to angry about this, I try and see things in the lighter side of life and realize with intense humour how strange it is that in the year 2002, the medical profession still insists on conducting business in the traditional ways, which were developed in the dark ages.
Day3 on contact with Wyeth. I receive an email from the company pharmacist, telling me that the information would be passed on to my doctor, and she sends me the package insert? Ok hello I receive one of these in every box I buy. Anyway I decide to do a bit more research on the web, turns out that the comments on discontinuance of this drug in the package insert, do not comply with the one that was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in March 2000 - at least in the US it has been acknowledged that there is the existence of Venlafaxine (Flexor) withdrawal syndrome.
I find it incredibly disturbing that this has not been implemented in South Africa. I ask the pharmacist if she could please explain why this is the case. I await her response. I still await any response from the company on their comments on the website.
Sex drive is not at risk, but other sexual side effects come into play. Light headedness is more common. Side effects are certainly well tolerated by most who truly need the medication.
Reality, please check your facts again. Your website is anti-drug and not believable.
Morpheus38655.6147222222
valzap,
Perhaps you should discuss these new meds with your husband.
Effexor, like all other antidepressants has a common side effect of serious weight gain.
Another common side effect is a dramatic loss of sex drive.
For more info check out www.antidepressantsfacts.com
Sounds like your case is more complex than originally presented. The decision to go on Effexor--a fine med for the right purpose by the way--is an interesting one. I would prefer to go on one med and see how things go. If you didn't need Effexor b-4 for anxiety, it seems a bit extreme to add it just in case the Adderall triggers it.Then, again, you could be presenting with many symptoms that your P-Doc is responding to. I just see Effexor as a really powerful psycho-active med that impacts brain chemistry--its not a temporary med like the stimulents, so if you have a bad result you just can't stop the next day.
Hi Val,
I was on Effexor for 3 years, and although a tricky med to manage, I really liked it's effects on my disorders. Watch for side effects of sweats, hi blood pressure, and diahrea. B/c of the hi bp side effect, that not everyone gets, when Cymbalta was released he switched me to Cym. The weaning off of Effexor was brutal, as morph said, so don't miss a dose, b/c even a one day strike will produce electric like 'shocks' in your brain, when you move suddenly or stand up.
I'm on RitalinLA, a sister cpd to Concerta. Methylphenidate a.i. in both, with different time release mechanisms, so one works longer than another, in most people.
Doc thought the two were complimentary (Effex & RitLA), but I didn't see any reduction of my ADHD with Effexor, nor Cymbalta. So he cut my Cymbalta in half, and added a half dose of Wellbutrin, which so far for two weeks has been a great combo. I was taking the anti-D's for suicidal thoughts, and intense situational depression (depression wouldn't show up until a situation precipitated it, such as bankruptcy, law suits, 9/11, separation, death, etc... and these things happen to ADDers alot b/c of their adventurous risk taking behaviors). So now I don't feel like killing anybody, including myself. Thank God for Doctors, Pharmaceutical companies, and medications.
As for your dose of Concerta, 54 is near the max, I think. 60 is the max for RitLA. This may be the shakes, as perhaps low blood sugar, or high bp? I'm on Inderal (Propranolol) for that. I never want to eat when on the RitLA, but eat like an orphan when it quits streaming. So, try to force yourself to eat balanced meals, specially breakfast.
Best wishes,
David
Yes Valzap "I AM my worst ENEMY". Very astute!! I have often said that - it's almost like a multiple personality. We work for a goal - and it's almost like a negative version of us is working against that very goal from the inside.
It's the neurotic, fearful and negative part of ADHD. We HATE change!! Anxiety is our kryptonite. We will do or say almost anything to avoid it NOW - regardless of what later might bring.
You can break the cycle. I did!! You need to project all your energy to just beyond that anxiety "barrier". Look to a month from now - two months. Look and see yourself happier, less stressed and stable. Look at how your mind works clearly and without the chatter. Look at how you stand tall, and how your body now is under your command totally!
It takes work - but don't think of the "whatifs" - it's almost as bad as the good'ol "woulda shoulda coulda" disease. Nasty thing that.
If you get into a "whatif" session - try to say "and whatif it doesn't? not my worry". Try to counter any negative as quickly as you can. Don't let it fester in your mind. You are a fast thinker - stomp out the negative thought as SOON as you sense it is there. Takes work no doubt but you are more than capable.
The meds will begin to supplement your strength of will. My will was as weak as a 5 month old before I got my meds. Now - I am a brick wall and not one negative thought comes in and stays. It gets less hard every month to wipe out the bad mindsets and work on a positive track all day long. Being here with you guys I love helps a great deal.
You need encouragement - message me if you get down! I'll keep you up - not wind, nor rain nor trolly day can keep me from my appointed rounds! You should know that by now!LOL!!
It gets BETTER .. You may not believe that right now - but check with me in a month and I bet you will!!
I do often times feel anxious which is what made him go with the Effexor. He did not want to do straight Concerta because I do have a tic in my neck as well. I believe he considers 54 mg a low dose of this. I'm not sure about that, but will try and see how it goes.
So far today I have not felt too different. Except for that little bit of shakiness - which was very mild and usually happens to me when I am really hungry which I was at the time, I didn't notice any "coming down" from the concerta.
I did feel a little more calm and could talk with my husband more easily about what I feel like with this impairment since he is not totally convinced this is a real problem with me. I was able to speak with him in a more rational tone, not my usual high strung, y
ou're pissing me off attitude. So, that was a plus.
My concern is going to be if this effexor will contradict what concerta should do for me.
Well, I go back on Tuesday for my eeg, I'll write these questions down and ask him.
Your neuro may be nice but...???
Effexor for anxiety ??? It may cause anxiety... that's a listed side effect.
Also, Effexor is an SNRI antidepressant.... basically in the same class as the SSRIs.
There's a very good chance that Effexor may cause you to gain a lot of weight. It rarely "suppresses" appetite.
AND IT WILL PROBABLY CAUSE YOU TO HAVE SEVERE WITHDRAWALS IF YOU STOP TAKING IT ! It's one of the harsher antidepressants.
Effexor is good for depression/anxiety for some. It is energizing which may not be so good for hyperactivity.I find it odd he went with Effexor first based on your post. I wouldn't add an anxiety med unless anxiety became a problem, and then I may try other approaches first.
Effexor takes a few weeks to ramp up and can be really hard to wean off of--really hard.
Hi all,
Went to the neuro yesterday to discuss my self diagnosis of ADD. He was very nice and asked me lots of questions and didn't look at me like I was nuts (like the previous two doctors). I'm not sure if I 'm officially diagnosed tho. Still a little confused on that, but he took some more blood (will do more in depth work on thyroid since that runs in the family) and I am scheduled for an EEG and CT scan next week to rule out any other problems since I've been a little lightheaded and having some blurry vision.
In the meantime, he prescribed me Effexor and 54 mg of Concerta. Anybody else have this combo? He gave me the Effexor to help prevent anxiety since Concerta can bring that on, and also to hopefully help with my compulsive eating.
I took the meds for the first time today. Not sure I notice any difference yet. A little tired, but can't seem to take a nap. I am hungry though so I'm not noticing any suppressed appetite (damn). I took the pills at 7:30 this morning, it is now 4:30 and I'm feeling a little shaky. Could this be because I'm hungry? Or coming off the meds?
Those of you that are on either of these drugs, how do you feel with them? I'm looking for some enlightenment.
valzap38654.5664236111Effexor is FDA approved for the treatment of a variety of subtypes of anxiety disorders, and is often very effective. The sedation you're experiencing may be a side effect of effexor and will likely pass over time.