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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by MissChris on November 30, 2000, at 16:39:30
I am first having a brain scan tomorrow to rule out anything like that... but I am supposed to start taking Effexor to help with anxiety... supposedly that is what is wrong with me... I have very severe attacks where I feel like I am about to die, my heart is beating out of my chest, and it leaves me with agonizing headaches for days. I have recently lost 60 pounds and from these posts, I am terrified that I am going to gain weight, along with some of the other side effects I could live without... MAINLY the anxiety. Why would my doctor put me on medication that lists anxiety as one of the common side effects? I am leary of taking this medication, but I have been taking Ativan at the onset and they just don't work.
Posted by felix on November 30, 2000, at 17:33:06
In reply to Getting ready to start of Effexor, posted by MissChris on November 30, 2000, at 16:39:30
>
I have very severe attacks where I feel like I am about to die, my heart is beating out of my chestI had the same anxiety and was taken to accident and emergency 6 weeks ago. I believed I was having a heart attack, when I recovered from fainting I was quite surprised to be in a psychiatric ward held for three weeks. When they gave me Lorazepam (Ativan) I cycled manic depressive for week.
>
Why would my doctor put me on medication that lists anxiety as one of the common side effects?Since release I have Paxil and Effexor which has worked to hold anxiety. Since Ativan does not hold your anxiety it signals that you may have dopamine excess, especially as you have raging physical symptoms. This looks similiar to my Neurotransmitter problem. The Effexor restores the balance to the Neurotransmission nearer the front of the brain making perhaps everything clearer and so hopefully easier and strangely alive yet relaxed.
Anyone here understand the ins and outs of Neurotransmission in relation to anxiety ?
Posted by tenuous on December 1, 2000, at 3:35:11
In reply to Re: Getting ready to start of Effexor, posted by felix on November 30, 2000, at 17:33:06
Effexor happened to be my magic drug: it balanced whatever was out of whack in my brain. I noticed a difference the first day, and had complete relief after about 5 weeks. The first 4 weeks I had hypo-manic symptoms: insomnia, excessive talking, high energy, decreased appetite, thought everyone else was an idiot, drove my car faster, etc. I also lost 5 pounds probably from the extra energy expended combined with the lower food intake. I still have a lower need for sleep (5-7 hours/night), but the other symptoms are better. I lost an additional 5 pounds the second month probably because I don't eat extra junk to console myself anymore. (I could lose another 5 - 10 pounds before I would get concerned about it.)
I also found an unexpected side effect: I only need about 1/5 the amount of antihistimine/decongestant med now for my chronic allergies. I'm guessing that the Effexor works on the same part of my brain as the allergy meds do. I also have a MUCH higher tolerance and craving for coffee, which is offset by a complete absence of desire to escape by using alcohol. (Must have been that self-medicating thing.) Anyway, I have only good things to say about Effexor. I hope you have good results with it too.
Posted by Noa on December 1, 2000, at 8:24:05
In reply to Re: Getting ready to start of Effexor, posted by tenuous on December 1, 2000, at 3:35:11
Did you lose weight on purpose? Did your anxiety symptoms predate the weight loss?
How did you lose the weight? Have you been worked up for thyroid, iron, nutrients, etc.? Do you drink caffeine?
Some deficiencies or caffeine can exacerbate symptoms.
Posted by MissChris on December 1, 2000, at 8:45:59
In reply to Re: Getting ready to start of Effexor, posted by Noa on December 1, 2000, at 8:24:05
Yes, I lost weight on purpose. I had a bum gall bladder for about 7 years, it actually stopped funtioning for a long time before they found out, hence I gained about 50 pounds. Once I had my surgery, I took the weight off plus some. I am at a healthy weight and yes, all iron/thyroid/panels have been done... I stay away from caffeine as much as possible and have never been a coffee drinker.... I workout every day and have very normal vitals... my ticker just seems to be out of whack :) I just returned from having a scan of my brain, I am waiting for the results... if brain comes back clear, I am supposed to start taking the Effexor today... I am a little scared...
Posted by Noa on December 1, 2000, at 9:14:06
In reply to Re: Getting ready to start of Effexor.. TO NOA, posted by MissChris on December 1, 2000, at 8:45:59
Is there something specific that scares you--or just starting medication in general?
Posted by MissChris on December 1, 2000, at 21:59:25
In reply to Re: Getting ready to start of Effexor.. TO NOA, posted by Noa on December 1, 2000, at 9:14:06
Yeah, the things I have read on this message board :) Shockwaves in your brain? Anxiety? Weight gain? Withdrawal symptoms... they all scare me... I am not a big fan of "drugs", so it does scare me... I travel alot and really can't afford to take anything that's going to make me feel weird... but anything is better than what is going on now. I had an attack in a customers office today... that is one sure fire way to lose business :)
This is the end of the thread.
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