Posted by Simcha on August 15, 2001, at 7:42:36
In reply to Re: we're not scaremongering » pellmell, posted by DP on August 14, 2001, at 21:01:11
> PM-
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> I have been on this board for about a week and I've found your responses to be very intelligent and informative.
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> I have specific questions for you from one "guy" to another (I feel kind of silly asking you in an open forum like this).> First of all, I'm very much like Kel (the original poster of this thread). I am still sitting here with my unopened bottle of Effexor scared s*less from everyone having negative experiences with the drug. My doc prescribed it for anxiety, panic attacks and to help with getting over my eating disorder.
I have to tell you that Effexor did help with my anxiety when I was on it. I did gain weight while on Effexor. Then again it was a welcome change from not being hungry at all when I was depressed. So that was positive for me. Some people lose weight on Effexor. It can be like a stimulant.
> My question for you is - a. did you gain weight on the stuff and b. did you have any sexual side effects from it? I don't quite remember if you mentioned having a girlfriend or not, but I was wondering if it affected your relationship.Everyone is different in this category. For me, yes, I had sexual side effects that were intolerable. I do want to stress that Effexor worked beautifully at relieving my depression and anxiety. I'm glad I took it when I did. Some people do not have sexual side effects while on Effexor. This may not be an issue for you. You won't know until you take it. Also if your girlfriend is worth her salt when you explain that you are taking something that might affect your sexual performance she will take it in stride. Explain to her that the effects may be temporary until you adjust to the meds. Also you may not even have any adverse sexual side-effects.
> Ok, while I'm at it, how many mg's are you taking a day? The doc is starting me out on 37.5mg's and I'm wondering what time of the day I should take it? I asked the doctor and he said it was up to me (thanks, that REALLY helps).
This is a typical starting dose for Effexor XR. I started at 37.5 for the first week. Then I was at 75mg the second week through the sixth week. Then I went up to 150mg. At 150mg is where I found that the drug had kicked in. I was feeling much better on this dose.
Stay current on this board. Share your experiences. We can hold your hand through the start-up side-effects. Remember that most of the side-effects are temporary until your system had adjusted to the drug.
Typical side-effects at the beginning are increased sweating, change in sleep patterns, and more rapid heart rate while exercising. Also you might experience head rushes if you stand up too quickly. These side-effects were temporary for me. They went away after a few weeks.
If you are at risk for developing high blood pressure, you might want to monitor your pulse in the beginning. I found that for me my heart rate did increase at first and after a few weeks it went back to normal.
Also, if it is any help, my doc had me take my dose in the morning. It seemed to be an activating drug for me. At night I slept like a baby and in the morning I had plenty of energy. And I've never been known as a morning person.
;-)Take Care,
Simcha
poster:Simcha
thread:75087
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010814/msgs/75122.html