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Last Reply:

Includes Expert Content

Effoxor don't use it!

blessus123 posted:

I was on prednisone for 3 1/2 years for a stress rash. During that time I was taking Lexapro. In December 2011 I was able to stop the prednisone. May 1, 2012 I was having depression. My NP put me on Effexor. Worse decision ever! NAUSEA, hot/cold burping, neck/head bback aches, more anxiety. I was on .35 for one week and .75 for two weeks. She then took me off Effexor completely and said three wasn't enough time that I needed to go off it slowly. I have felt MISERABLE ever since. She put me on Prozac (generic). I have been on it for 14 days now and am still having the same awful feelings. I've been to acu-puncuture. She said the Effexor is stil in my system and is working to get it out. I can't stand this. It's been 4 years of a stress rash which is better, but the nauea and anxiety is unbearable. NP has me taking Xanax .75 a day. Sleep is my best friend. I know God will heal me. Any suggestions? I've tried pepto, breathing techniques, exercise every day. I have NO appetite and hhave cancelled all activities with friends I feel too sick.

3 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Effoxor don't use it!I was on prednisone for 3 1/2 years for a stress rash. During that time I was taking Lexapro. In December 2011 I was able to stop the prednisone. May 1, 2012 I was having depression. My NP put me on Effexor. Worse decision ever! NAUSEA, hot/cold burping, neck/head bback aches, more anxiety. I was on .35 for one week and .75 for two weeks. She then took me off Effexor completely and said three wasn't enough time that I needed to go off it slowly. I have felt MISERABLE ever since. She put me on Prozac (generic). I have been on it for 14 days now and am still having the same awful feelings. I've been to acu-puncuture. She said the Effexor is stil in my system and is working to get it out. I can't stand this. It's been 4 years of a stress rash which is better, but the nauea and anxiety is unbearable. NP has me taking Xanax .75 a day. Sleep is my best friend. I know God will heal me. Any suggestions? I've tried pepto, breathing techniques, exercise every day. I have NO appetite and hhave cancelled all activities with friends I feel too sick.

Patricia Farrell, PhD responded:

Unfortunately, it sounds like a number of decisions regarding medication have resulted in how you are feeling at this point. I am not an M.D., but I would wonder the reason you would have a "stress rash" for 3 1/2 years and be placed on prednisone for that long. I don't know what type of medical tests you have had done, but I think someone needs to look at your blood work in terms of both your thyroid and other values. It would seem to me that this was an unusually long time to be on that steroid medication.

As I see it, you have not had an adequate period of "wash out" on your prior medications and that is the reason you are feeling this way. Some of these medications can have an effect for longer than we would wish.

You may wish to get a 2nd opinion on your medication issues. Loss of appetite and feeling that sleep provides your only relief would lead me to believe that these are side effects of the Prozac. I'm not sure whether or not you need medication or which ones would be best for you. Unfortunately, I can't offer any more assistance to you but I do think a 2nd opinion might be a good idea.

Report This| Share this:Effoxor don't use it!Unfortunately, it sounds like a number of decisions regarding medication have resulted in how you are feeling at this point. I am not an M.D., but I would wonder the reason you would have a "stress rash" for 3 1/2 years and be placed on prednisone for that long. I don't know what type of medical tests you have had done, but I think someone needs to look at your blood work in terms of both your thyroid and other values. It would seem to me that this was an unusually long time to be on that steroid medication.<br /><br />As I see it, you have not had an adequate period of "wash out" on your prior medications and that is the reason you are feeling this way. Some of these medications can have an effect for longer than we would wish.<br /><br />You may wish to get a 2nd opinion on your medication issues. Loss of appetite and feeling that sleep provides your only relief would lead me to believe that these are side effects of the Prozac. I'm not sure whether or not you need medication or which ones would be best for you. Unfortunately, I can't offer any more assistance to you but I do think a 2nd opinion might be a good idea.

blessus123 responded:

I went to the NP yesterday and she said after 16 days of Prozac I should be feeling better not worse. My appetite is zilch, drinking 3 ensures a day. I feel nausea throughout the tnetire day. My NP said that as you said, the Prozac might causing the same effects as Effexor. She took me off of Prozac and gave me an anti-nausea prescription that also helps with anxiety. promethazine 25 mg. I can take 1 to 2 pills every 8 hours to 12 hours. I'm also still on Xanax was taking .75 mg. She said I might be able to cut that down with the Promethazine.

Report This| Share this:Effoxor don't use it!I went to the NP yesterday and she said after 16 days of Prozac I should be feeling better not worse. My appetite is zilch, drinking 3 ensures a day. I feel nausea throughout the tnetire day. My NP said that as you said, the Prozac might causing the same effects as Effexor. She took me off of Prozac and gave me an anti-nausea prescription that also helps with anxiety. promethazine 25 mg. I can take 1 to 2 pills every 8 hours to 12 hours. I'm also still on Xanax was taking .75 mg. She said I might be able to cut that down with the Promethazine.

blessus123 replied to blessus123's response:

Any thoughts to share about this?

Report This| Share this:Effoxor don't use it!Any thoughts to share about this?

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