Ladies, As many of you know I have used most anti-depressant's on the marked, with concerns, involving the side effects and withdrawals, some individuals experience!!I have suffered, tapering off these meds...taking them for depression....headaches, and withdrawals from HRT!!I know SSRI's help many....not everyone reacts to medications like myself!!  God bless you, if they are the answer to your problems!!

I have included a link with my post, warning anyone who may be taking these meds, and to be very, careful...if considering their use!!Again, I believe Knowledge Is Power, when choosing our individual approach to menopause....to learn all we can, with any medication we take!!

The article can be found at:http://abcnews.go.com/onair/2020/2020_0008...al_feature.html

((((((((Hugs from a Snowy)))))                  Nancy

That was an interesting article, Snowy! I've read other articles and books that say the same thing.I think for those of us that are on an ssri (and as you said  -- for some of us it's been a godsend) we know the risks and the benefits.  I probably will take zoloft for the rest of my life so withdrawal is not an issue.  I also think that addiction means you need more and more meds (or alcohol or whatever) to get the same result -- and that's not true for me anyway.  I take the same amount -- and sometimes less -- that I've taken for 5 years.  I am aware of the dependency problem but, then I was so miserable before I started this "miracle "that I was willing to come to terms with that too. I knew that I would have to taper off slowly -- and have already done that once.  I went off of it for about 6 months , only to be in a major depression again later.  I reluctantly went back on it again -- after suffering to try and do it "naturally"  It is a hard to face that one needs meds to feel "normal" but it was explained to me that it's just like diabetes or thyroid deficiency and no one feels bad about taking that to be healthy.  I know you have had horrible experiences with antidepressants! :confused:  I always did too -- even the new ones made me a zombie!  I don't know why Z. works me.   It just does.  I'm willing to take quality of life over any risks that may (or may not) be part of the package.   It's not a decision I made easily.  

Eileen, (a.k.a.Christy Brinkley) :biggrin:My point exactly, hon!!I take Xanax, as needed, to give me control!! Probably always will!!I wish I could take SSRI's....they actually worked in the beginning....(prescribed for fibro)....but alas...eventually it backfired!!  The article, focuses mainly on Paxil...(the one I had the most problems with)

It all comes down to different strokes for different folks!!

HAGO, my meno-bud!!

((((((Hugs from Snowy)))))))              Nancy :cool:

Paxil made me sooooo sleeeepy. I know others who love it. Yep, different strokes is right!  Good to be educated though on potential problems.  Then we can make the best decisions for ourselves!Snowy, You are a Darling!  Hope the fibro is giving you a break today!?  Darn Stuff! :sad:

Hello Sisters!

I, too, had a horrible withdrawal period - but from Xanax!  I think it's a god-send drug, when taken as you do... "as needed".  But for any of you sisters considering long-term, daily doses, please do a lot of research.  I was first prescribed Xanax in 1989 and took .5 mg 3x for 10 years.  It was terrific for coping with horrible anxiety and panic disorder.  BUT..... the 6-month withdrawal was unbelievable.  I had to quit work.  And almost drove my husband and new doctor crazy with my rantings and ravings.  I just wanted wanted them to put me in a sanitarium and throw away the key, I felt so bad.  I think that, for some people who really need Xanax, it's a "drug for life".  Thank goodness it's not very expensive.

If anyone wants to e-mail me about this, please feel free.... I'm kind of on a mission about Xanax, as when I was withdrawing no one seemed to know much about it.  So I've collected a few web-sites on the subject.

Three years later.... I'm Xanax-free, but sometimes wishing I was back on it (for life).  Being in the middle of peri confuses the issue even more.

Just my 2 cents....SusanB

Hi there.  I am so glad to find this because my withdrawal from effexor right now is soooooo bad. I am very depressed. I think I have no friends - which might be true. I feel like my boyfriend doesn't understand me - which I think is true actually. So I am feeling very unsupported and alone. I'm battling to stay strong but it is so very difficult. I would consider going back on them but my sex life really suffered. I wonder if anyone has taken an anti-depressant that doesn't affect your sex life???????? SF

Hi Everyone,I've just spent an hour on the internet trying to find an answer to this question with no luck.  Does anyone know how long the side effects of an SSRI can stay with you after you've stopped taking them?  I have heard anywhere from 9 days to five weeks, but can't find anything in print.  Thanks, Rene

Rene..try going into the search engine of your front screen and type paxil side effects..it will get you there (click on the chat with users or something like that..haven't lurked in there for awhile..)  to a board on paxil and other drugs ..it used to be a simple board but they've made it very fancy now..i took paxil for 2 weeks (10mgs per day) was supposed to up it to 20 mgs. after 7 days..couldn't ...got real weird side affects..stayed with the 10 for 7 more days and totally quit..was very sick the whole 2 weeks..this was given to me supposedly for anxiety..breathing and dizzy problems..dizzy stuff is gone..breathing stuff on/off..am still going for more tests to specialists for the breathing..cardio..neuro..have 2 more tests to go soon..regarding your question on how long it stays in you..sorry got off the track for a minute lol..i was on paxil exactly 2 weeks and it took exactly 1 week to get off..but...weird feelings for the week..i drank tons and tons of water to flush it thru quickly..

Snowbird, Jeanne, Dearest-you are great contributors.  I couldn't believe how many issues we are all involved in and going through!..I truly appreciate your suggestions, thoughts, and advise.  The xanax withdrawls were wicked, yet they did knock out the horredous anxiety-end of the  world doom.  going off xanax was hard-i was taking 5mg then 10, then 20-but i built up such a tolerance so quickly. I wish I drank (I haven't since '84.)  I quit taking vicodin for the outrageous cramps , and backaches that I've had since 13 & I quit smoking last february too.  i still swear though! so sainthood is not an option-hee hee.  I take valerian root & kava kava to try to calm me down during those moments when my body is screaming from the inside out.  are there any other natural/homeopathic "tranqs" out there??? I need something for the day, as I have restoril for sleep. I need to be calm but on the same note I need to be able to function in business meeting too.  sos Or, should I try xanax again and let the doctor know just how high my dose needs to be as i build such a quick tolerance??? Okay, I have blathered enough!  Any suggestions ladies????????????love to you all!

i was prescribed xanax by the neuro. doc..till all this is figured out with the breathing..which actually..that is getting better..at times..before there was no at times..almost seemed constant..anyway..the prescrp. is for 0.5 mgs to be taken every 6 to 8 hrs. as needed..myself, i am real sensitive to any meds..(started these one and a half months ago)..i've never taken more than one pill in a 24 hour period..i've never taken one at work (where i work..i think if i started taking them..i'd want one every hour lol)..i usually take one half of one when i get home from work..if needed..cuz by then the breathing is "real tight" by midafternoon...then..if i  need to i'll take the other half when i go to bed for the night...were you taking xanax for anxiety or what i perceive to be a physical breathing thing. or physical issue...who knows could be anxiety. (for me) .we're still checking...could you try to tell yourself..i'm not taking a pill until whatever time of the day? and only a certain mg.?  I know for me it sometimes takes A LOT of willpower not to take one sooner or more when the breathing feels like i'm not getting even oxygen...i then focus on other things besides breathing..and it calms down some...but i had that bad experience of paxil..so i'm reallly careful of what drugs i take..Good luck...

Hi:

Janellin:  I'm there with you looking for natural / homeopathic tonics to cope with anxiety.  I came of f tranquilizers Lorazepam gradually, and the withdrawal was tremendous, I just got really angry with them and didn't like the sound of the long-term side effects plus I was feeling drousy all the time.  You might not have time for this but walking and listening to music helps me a lot, early in the morning, somewhere nice and green, also PT helps, neck massages, because that's all due to tension and stress.  I think if we find a remedy - we will have struck gold -  Might be an idea to visit a homeopathic doc. and see if he can suggest anything.  Wish you loads of luck and let me know if you come up with something - I will too.

Wildflowers:  You really do have willpower, specially when that tight breathing stuff scares you a bit - as long as you are in control you'll be fine.  

Barbiexxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

athenea..please read my post of tonite in the heart etc. section..good news from the cardio..2 more tests to go...yea, i suppose it takes willpower with the pills..but i'm sorta like you where you once said. it's like a contest..and i'm winning lol..see with that paxil stuff..the paxil controls you..you have to take it or very weird symptoms of withdrawl..it has to be a certain level at all times(and usually ever increasing)..with the xanax I control it..because its a short lived pill for me..is in the body for not long with the amount i take..some days i'll even take it at a later time than i "feel" i need it..it is strange..almost like okay..body you say you need the half a pill  at 3?  well i'm not taking it till 4 lol..then sometimes  i don't even take it...whats funny too, is that i'm not a  control freak..except when it comes  to something that directly affects ME..don't need to control others..but i'll be darned if for me that pill is going to take control lol...

Looking for anyone who has taken effexor.  I've tried paxil, elavil, clonazepam,......none of these were for me.  I'm leaning toward effexor but wanted some input before I go to the docs.  I believe this is for depression which is what I'm looking for right now,any information would be much appreciated.  I'll deal with the withdrawls at a later time .....for right now I just need to get out of this funk.  Also for xanax (is that for depression also)  can you take it just when needed.  I really don't want to have to rely on a pill everyday but maybe that's what I need at this point in my life.Hugs from blue cookie

Cookie, Xanax is a anti-anxiety med not an anti-depressant.  I have absolutely no side effects from it at all.I usually try and work through the anxiety,. but if I really need to take one, I will. They are .25mg and I take only when I need to..I am finding that I need to take them less and less. So that is a good thing.. Pudge.

Cookie, i too have prescription xanax..i like Pudge, take as needed..mine are the 0.50 mgs...i take .25 (break it in half) when needed..like Pudge says its getting less and less needed...i did take a whole one last week when i  had an mri done...was a real relaxing test with the 0.50.. lol..i never take any at work..but i think you could, i too have no side effects from it at all, and i too (mine is a shortness feeling of breath at times,   and sometimes feel i guess what would be anxiety..that goes along with the breathing shortness..)will try to work thru it..its getting easier and easier  it seems..my prescrp. is for 0.50 pill to be taken 6 to 8 hrs. as needed..2 months ago when i got the prescrip..i at times would take .25 midafternoon and the other half at bedtime..around 10pm..have never had to take more..and now sometimes will take a .25 but never daily anymore..the dr. said you can take a couple (!) at bedtime if you want..i'm a real lightweight when it comes to meds..didn't even want to try that...

Pudge and WildflowersThanx for your response, the clonazepam is like the xanax then, you only take it when needed. My problem right now is trying to fight this depression, some days I'm more down than others.  Really wish there was a take as needed depression pill.I don't think my anxiety is as bad as it was but it can still pop up from time to time, but depression has moved into my body for now.So very glad you both are doing well with the xanax.Much love to you.

Wildflowers, like you I get the weird breathing when I am anxious. So i try and do my breathing exercises and they usually help. Or I try and think of something else other than how anxious I am feeling at that moment.If I am at work and am feeling really anxious and if nothing seems to be working, I will take a pill. My doctor told me there is no sense putting your body through it. That is what the pills are for. I can count on one hand how many I take during the course of a month, so I am not taking them often. Like I said before, I find I am needing them less frequently.. I never need one before bedtime, because I fall asleep right away and sleep soundly. (Guess I am lucky with that)...Good luck ....Pudge

Pudge..with me the breathing shortness doesn't always seem to be related to feeling anxiety. (unless subconcsiously (sp)..i'm feeling anxious..i guess...but breathing weird can increase with anxiety..does that make sense..the reason i don't take them at work..is probably just a stubborn kind of thing...at times there i'd want one whole one per hour lol...i don't get depressed ..as my doctors say..the last thing you are is a depressed person..so i'm glad with that...i've said this one before i used to be a type "b" personality and have somehow crept up to an "a" personality..and i think as it was a slow creep lol. (in one day months ago..is when the symptoms all hit) .the breathing is a symptom of it..trying hard to get back to a b or lower if possible ..is it possible to go lower than a  b..just kidding....

Okay not sure what a "a" personality is and a "b" personality....LOLAll i know is I am very outgoing and happy and not the least bit depressed    . Thank Goodness for thatSo what personality am I??   dying to know...LOLThanx Pudge.....

Pudge..an "a" personality is someone who is more high strung..vickie can help me out with this..i think to describe it more accurently..an "a" person. people are "more tightly wound"...a "b" personality type person..is more laid back, doesn't let things or things don't bother them much..take things in stride etc..i'm leaning toward an a  person..but am not depressed..used to be a b,   person and wasn't depressed then either..i'm not as patient with things/people as i used to be..okay to give you an example of me..before all this medical stuff symptoms i've been having..medical people never bothered me at all, i was laid back with appts. etc..the treatment received...now i do not have much patience with the medical experts etc...but am trying lol..okay vickie...what do you think Pudge is?

Now, Wildflowers...   :biggrin:   I don't think Pudge has disclosed enough to be able to guess real well...  I think both "a's" and "b's" can be happy and outgoing.  :biggrin:   I think I am pretty much an "a" myself, but am also pretty happy and very outgoing.  You did a pretty good job describing the difference... the only thing I would maybe add is that the person(s) who concocted this theory might also add that  "a's" seem to be more driven and intense, almost like on a mission, and maybe somewhat of a "workaholic" type. Anyway, I won't go on... I think you did pretty well with it.  :)

Vickie..thanks for replying...i feel sometimes i'm developing a new letter for myself hehe...when i was a "b" i really loved my work..was a challenge..but laid back about it...now at times i could care less..well maybe thats because the challenge isn't there as much..can do the job in my sleep...my  job is like a puzzle..all pieces have to fit for the end product..and now it always fits..month after month..i guess i need more of a challenge in a job,  not ever depressed,  I like most of the people i work with..thats the fun part of the job now..am considering looking for another job in the company, just haven't decided what area yet..

Vicki and Wildflowers. this personality type stuff does sound interesting. After reading your post I have to say I am definitely a "b" type personality. I am not a workaholic and I am very laid back. Nothing really bothers me (except my anxiety)..LOLI am extremely outgoing and upbeat and like my doctor told me the most non-depressed person he ever met. .. So what ever these personality types mean . .I would have to say I am a "B"..Is there a "C" or a "D"??? wonder what they would be like....??? lolthanx.. pudge

Is there a double A, or triple A?  One of those sounds like my type LOL

LOL ladies...does anyone know about the "colors" of a person...i remember a little..you are blue..if you're emotional, sensitive, have sympathy for people etc. to an extreme..totally get involved in peoples problems, etc....gold if well organized, do things by the book (that used to be me lol), orange..if you do things your way..and totally out there...and green..i'm not sure on this one, but thing its something about creativity stuff..i'll have to ask next month at work..i'm basically a gold and orange..i work with a lot of almost AND TOTALLY BLUE people..so its a little hard...they're blue all over the place and not hardly a trace of gold....anyone remember this?  they even give seminars on it....to see how you relate to other people...

Wildflowers...  Burnout... I know it well.  I have had a couple of careers in my life because of it.  And this color thing...hmmm... never heard of it at all.  

Pudge...  No there are only "a's" and "b's", as far as I know, unless someone has updated that theory.  You are very lucky to be a "b"...  very much less stressful, I think.  

Maryyyyy... Don't start making fun of my bra size, now!   :biggrin:

vickie..the colors thing..i'll check at work...starts out basically as a questionaire..such as do you cry at moveis, do you feel rules should be followed by the book.etc.etc..then you add up the scores...i've seen lots of stuff one it..we've had so many at work...i'll see if i can get the "quiz" and post it here..

Hi All..........HELP!My doctor just gave me a perscription for Effexor. After reading about some of the withdrawal problems I'm not sure I should even get the prescription filled! Can anyone suggest some natural things I can take to deal with anxiety, depression and mood swings?

Thanks so much.................Nancy

Nancy,<br> &nbsp; &nbsp; You could try St. John's Wort or fish oil for<br>depression. &nbsp;Exercise will also help alleviate<br>depression and anxiety.<br> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;I'm taking Effexor XR now. &nbsp;At one point I stopped<br>taking it, and experienced no withdrawal symptoms.<br>When you stop it you have to taper the dosage very<br>slowly. &nbsp;I also had a prescription for regular Effexor,<br>which I cut into progressively smaller doses, after<br>I slowly stopped the Effexor XR. &nbsp;Effexor can cause<br>some nasty withdrawal symptoms. &nbsp;Once I ran out,<br>while my doctor was out of town, and &nbsp;felt miserable.<br>I ended up seeing the doctor on call for a<br>prescription. &nbsp;Never stop antidepressants abrubtly.<br>

Whoops abruptly. &nbsp;It's late!!!!!

Nancy~I started taking Effexor XR  a month ago....I tired many of the natural remedies for depression and anxiety for two years.  I finally had it...I wanted my life back and now thanks to the effexor I have it.  I suffered enough, I did my own research and told my dr. I wanted effexor, she had me try paxil a year ago....no thank you.  When and if i get off effexor I'll do it the right way...slowly but for now I have no plans on getting off because I know what the alternative is.Having said that everyone does not react the same to all medications....believe me I would have loved to been able to take the St. John's Wart, Kava Kava I even went to a naturalpath dr.  but nothing worked for me.  So this the point I'm at in my life....I'll take one day at a time on this menopausal journey and worry about getting off of effexor at another time....quality of life is what I'm striving for now, and I thank God I've found it.

Cookie,

My Doctor just gave me a prescription today for Effexor.  I have been taking Xanax for several years, usually just at night for sleep.  Perimenopause has changed all that and now she wants me to try Effexor.  Have you experienced any bad side affects?  Has it affected your sex drive?  I would appreciate any information you could give me.    Thanks

Hi EdithmarieI haven't noticed any major changes since starting the effexor XR....constipation can be a problem but with the help of rasin bran I'm doing ok :shocked:  Sex drive...what's that.  I'm way to tired to even think about it right now.  All I know is I'm a much calmer person and things don't bother me as much as they use to.  I try not to read to much into any of the side affects because they all don't happen and if they do I'll deal with them as they pop up.  But so far...so good.Are you taking the effexor or effexor XR....the XR is a slow release...I took the other for a month but my dr. said most do better on the XR.  Let us know how your doing on the meds edithmarie, I was so afraid to try another med because of all the negative stuff out there...one med does not fit all but we have to keep on trying till we find the right one that works for us.

Thanks Cookie,

My doctor gave me the XR and the lowest dose.  I'll start taking them tomorrow and let you know how it's going.  Thanks for your quick response.

Not a problem, mine is also the lowest dose.  I can take 1 or 2 once a day but started off with one to see how I made out....like I said so far so good.  Take Care

Hi - I was reading through the old posts here, and I was wondering if any of you have successfully stopped taking Effexor, got past the withdrawal, and have not had recurring depression.  I have been on it for about 5 years - I know that's a long time, but I have been too afraid to stop taking it, because of the withdrawal symptoms, and the chance of recurring depression.  I guess I'm wishing for a miracle here, but wondered if any of you have had success with stopping it?  It has been a godsend for me, but I'm leary about the long term effects.  I am also in perimenopause, and I'm not sure if this is a good time to try to stop.  Thanks for any help you can give me.

janspon54, I have just started taking Effexor xr, 2 weeks now, and from reading posts about Effexor xr withdrawal I am getting scared already. I wonder if only the people who have a bad experience are posting, it's on another site under "Effexor xr withdrawal". I was starting to have hope, now I don't know if I should continue with this one. People on it rave about how good it is, but getting off of it seems to be hard for almost everyone.  I guess I'll check with the Dr., hope he knows about these problems!     LynnZ

Now I do NOT know if this is true, but when I was watching a doctor's round table discussion, one of the doctors said that SSRI's "burn out" (can't remember the exact phrasing) a part of the brain responsible for happiness. She said if you think you are unhappy now, wait till you experience the living hell after you go off of them. She said you would have to take them the rest of your life, because you could no longer maintain happy feelings without them.

She may be a complete quack, I don't know. I'm sure it mattered how long you were on them to begin with, maybe it takes years to have this negative effect (if it ever really happens). But I just try to stay away from drugs unless I literally cannot live without something.

I've had the same fears as Aimeedecorates since I read one of the Dr. Stuart Shipko transcripts on Power-surge. He says something very similar, like "SSRI's poop out after they're fried your serotonin tracts."  Yikes!!  After I read that, I determined I would not go on them unless I felt real desperation.

You know, people will always say, "ask your doctor," but I doubt very much that most of our doctors have any genuine basis for knowing what these antidepressants really do over the long haul. We are the guinea pig generation for SSRI's.

Mmmm! don't like the sound of this much. Anyone had experience with zoloft and coming of it? I have only been taking it for a few weeks in small doses.and already think I don't want to take it any longer.

Any one used SAMe? for depression.

You ladies are always so informative. Many thanks.

jimi :

<br>Jimi,<br> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;I had no problem getting off Zoloft. &nbsp;My main<br>problem with antidepressants is that they stop<br>working. &nbsp;Is would be wise to taper, however.<br>I remember reading that &nbsp;Zoloft clears<br>the body in 2 days. &nbsp;The article mentioned taking<br>occassional drug holidays to enhance the libido,<br>since SSRIS can lower sex drive. &nbsp;Therefore it <br>wouldn' t seem to have horrific withdrawal,<br>but everyone's different. &nbsp;I hear Paxil and Effexor<br>are the worse. &nbsp;I tapered very slowly off Effexor,<br>and felt fine, until the demon melancholy<br>returned. &nbsp;As far as natural remedies, sunshine<br>and brisk walking help me the most. &nbsp;Oh yes,<br>crying helps, as well.<br>

Chriscarol,Why did you stop taking effexor, if you don't mind me asking?  Did it just stop working for you, or did you decide you didn't want to take anything?  How long was it before your depression recurred?  That's what I'm afraid of if I stop taking the Effexor.  Thanks.

Jan, <br> &nbsp; &nbsp; I stopped taking the Effexor, because is seemed<br>to have stopped working. &nbsp;An overwhelming<br>hormonally &nbsp;tinged depression hit within two months.<br>I've tried countless psycotropics after this, only to<br>end up back on Effexor. &nbsp;I'm still depressed, but I'm<br>still here. &nbsp;I just hope to feel better when the<br>hormones level, because this can be a living hell.

Thanks chriscarol, I went of the zoloft for a couple of days, felt good, then decided to try "SAMe". Took one 200mg tablet yesterday morning, felt good all day......but, had a restless night with sweats, tingling in my feet and numbness in left arm........so I am not taking anything today. Bit disappointed with the effects of the SAMe, as it is supposed to be "a wonder drug". Now I don't know what to do. I will monitor my mood over the next couple of days without anything. I have ordered bio identical hormone troches and will have them next week. Trial and error. We have all become our own experiments.lol. jimi

I've been tired on a number of SSRI's over the years.I have a tendency to have problems that look like high anxiety and all that serotonin problem stuff.I agree that with any medication it's best to taper off. Then switch in the chemicals is rough on the body.I have also found that anything higher than the minimal dose is too much for my body.The only SSRI I ever had any trouble with was Paxil.However, we also found that all that tingly headed numb spacey fogged brain problem is connected to the condition of the blood sugar levels in my body.I was finally put on an anti diabetic medication to help make my body cells more sensitive to the insulin in my body. I feel that the Metformin(glucophage) is doing a good job but we are still having trouble keeping my blood sugar levels high enough.It's a daily exercise in taking repeated finger prick blood tests and measuring the reading and trying to structure my whole day around what and when I might eat those 6 or more mini meals a day.It's a pain in the rear.But it's better than getting permanent brain fog from the damage that happens when blood sugar problems are not kept under control.Funny how it all goes back to the hormones of one class or another.kamie