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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Jackie Jones on May 31, 2000, at 13:45:25
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Ann on November 7, 1999, at 12:28:40
I have been on Prozac, which was awful...Zoloft, in which I was a Zombie..., and Paxil, which made me very disoriented. I could not remember how I drove to work! I have been put on effexor xr (37.5 mg per day) 3 weeks ago. So far, so good. The only side effect that I am experiencing is a little tiredness about 30 minutes after taking. I yawn alot but I never have gotten to the point that I just have to go to sleep. I rest much better at night. I take mine WITH FOOD around lunch time, and by bed time I am still relaxed enough to sleep good but not hard. I normally stay up until about 11:00-12:00 at night and I hit the floor at 5:30 am., however, I have always done this.
I am having GREAT results with effexor xr - in comparison with the others. With Paxil, I was falling asleep sitting up in my chair at work - even when I took it with food, & it was a lower dosage.
BUT, medicines affect me very harshly anyway. I can take a bayer aspirin and must lay down for 4 hours, and we won't even talk about a pain pill of any kind!!! I totally loose it!!! I can sleep for at least 24 hours if not more.
Dr's say this is dur to Low BP - always has been low and probably always will be.
Anyway, no weight gain - but I did with Paxil. Constipation with Paxil, but that seems to be getting better too!
I love IT
JJ
Posted by Cindy W on June 1, 2000, at 9:42:07
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain , posted by Sky on May 26, 2000, at 11:30:21
> > I too gained some weight on effexor and also had ALOT of side effects trying to go off of it too quickly. A very interesting thing that I just discovered in talking with my psychiatrist yesterday. Apparently the reason I have had so much trouble with several meds (all SSRIs, effexor, wellbutrin) is that they target not only serotonin, neurepenephrine (sp?), but also dopamine. Apparently my body is hypersensitive to dopamine, so these meds will rev me up very much, cause insomnia, constant hungry (almost hypoglycemic feelings), and weight gain. The same effects tend to occur in me with too much caffeine, decongestant, or stimulant diet pills. this is a huge breakthrough for me in that it will be a big help in picking future meds. now i am on serzone and will be starting buspar in 4-5 days along with it. neither of them touches dopamine so i have good feelings about them. i simply wanted to pass this on because i feel it is a huge piece of information that may help those of you having trouble on certain medicines (again ALL SSRIs (zoloft,paxil,prozac,celexa), effexor, and wellbutrin. feel free to email me to discuss ([email protected]). Kimberly
> >
> > > I am thrilled to see the posts regarding weight gain. I have gained almost 40lbs over the past 1 1/2 years that I've been taking Effexor. I had no idea why I was gaining and have become more depressed by the weight gain than I was initially. I changed doctors recently and was told it could cause weight gain. My question now, has anyone ever gone just COLD TURKEY? How long did it last and was it unbearable?
> > >
> > >
> > > > >I am on 75 mg. Effexor XR a day. I have gained
> > > > 20 lbs. I exercise like a demon and nothing comes
> > > > off. I hate it. Can't wear any of my clothes,
> > > > but I refuse to go out and buy more. Help. I'm
> > > > thinking seriously about going on St. John's Wort.
> > > > Anyone ever do this? Everything I read says they
> > > > don't know how to dose this kind of switch. Any info
> > > > would be greatly helpful.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Just got sample of Effexor XR. I've been on Paxil 20mg. for 1 yr. I feel great and my panic attacks are gone. BUT --- I keep gaining weight. I told my dr. to give me something else. Did anyone gain weight on this stuff? Does anyone use this for panic attacks. My dr. told me I could go right from Paxil to Effexor XR, stopping one and starting the other with no withdrawl symptoms. ANyone try it. Thanks for any input.
> > > > > >
> have been on Effexor XR and had the weight gain, also had tremmors. Tried St Johns Wart and with no results. Ready to give up.
Effexor-XR hasn't made me gain weight. Have been taking 375 mg/day (gradually increased from 37.5, of course) for nearly six months. The weight I've been unable to lose, I'm afraid I have to blame on the six glasses of Pepsi or other soft drinks I drink each day (with sugar). I feel more active, less depressed, more alert, and more alive, on Effexor-XR. Hope things go well for you!--Cindy W
Posted by Gerri_mww on June 12, 2000, at 1:14:42
In reply to Adults with ADHD, posted by Renee N on April 16, 2000, at 12:34:19
> Sara,
> Glad to hear from a fellow ADHD adult. Please let us know what you try and the results. Also, please feel free to come here to let off some steam. I know how frutrating ADHD symptoms can be! Renee NI am so glad to have so much information at my fingertips. I started Effexor SR about three weeks ago for ADHD (inattentive type). I noticed a difference right off the bat. I seemed more calmer than before. I was able to relax enough I found that I was more aware of motion. (was extreme at first, now is a more normal awareness) I noticed I no longer had the "need for speed" as in "lead-footed driver".
I also found I would need to take naps in the afternoon (which with the inattentive-type ADD was better than wanting to sleep all day like I was used to). I have noticed that my body is getting used to the dose (75 mg. SR) and I feel it is diminishing in it's effects (or the placebo effect I was getting). I am going to ask my MD to increase the level to 150mg in hopes that the serene feelings will return.
I also noted that it at least helped me to find a motivation to start getting my housework going after a year hiatis (sp)--which my kids appreciated..LOL.
I haven't experienced the "energy" everyone says starts after the naps end but am hoping (also the weight loss would be welcomed).Has been great to know what effects to expect and what is "normal" side-effects being that with the ADD I also get extreme panic attacks (which the effexor has completely stopped --but notice some inklings of their return (which also makes me think I need to increase the dosage for me).
Thanks for all the info everyone has contributed so far!
Gerri
Posted by KarenB on June 12, 2000, at 15:10:12
In reply to Re: Adults with ADHD, posted by Gerri_mww on June 12, 2000, at 1:14:42
Gerri,
Hi! I also have ADD, innattentive type with HYPOactivity (yawn...)and dysthymia (chronic, low-level depression). I am so glad that I now know what's been wrong all my life, it's just too bad it took so long to discover the real problem.
I am taking Adderall (20 mg before getting out of bed in the morning, then 10 mg five hours later) for energy and FOCUS, plus 10mg of Buspar, 3x per day for anxiety and low level depression. This combo is working much better than anything else has (in the States but that's a different story...) but I still feel that it could be better, so I continue my search.
There is a med being used for Narcolepsy that they are testing for use in ADD/ADHD patients, called modafinil (brand name Provigil). If you go back to the most recently archived board and look for a post called "somebody please help...," you'll find two posts from me with websites to check into if you are interested. Supposedly, it can increase motivation and focus as well as energy, without that "wired" feeling.
I tried Effexor as well and it just made me tired, like all SSRIs have. The only meds that have ever been effective at all for me are psychostimulants. From what I've read and what I've learned from my own personal experience, low Dopamine is the culprit with ADD, not low Seratonin. This is why Ritalin has been effective for so many, as it mimics Dopamine. Increasing Seratonin (like Effexor, Zoloft, Paxil, Serzone, etc. do) makes me sleepy and apathetic at best, grasping on for sanity at worst.
"Rick" mentioned a combo last week including Provigil, Klonopin (anxiety drug) and something else. From what I've heard, a low dose of Klonopin is very effective for anxiety.
Good luck and best of health to you.
Karen
Posted by Sara T on June 12, 2000, at 23:05:14
In reply to Re: Adults with ADHD, posted by Gerri_mww on June 12, 2000, at 1:14:42
> > Sara,
> > Glad to hear from a fellow ADHD adult. Please let us know what you try and the results. Also, please feel free to come here to let off some steam. I know how frutrating ADHD symptoms can be! Renee N
>
> I am so glad to have so much information at my fingertips. I started Effexor SR about three weeks ago for ADHD (inattentive type). I noticed a difference right off the bat. I seemed more calmer than before. I was able to relax enough I found that I was more aware of motion. (was extreme at first, now is a more normal awareness) I noticed I no longer had the "need for speed" as in "lead-footed driver".
> I also found I would need to take naps in the afternoon (which with the inattentive-type ADD was better than wanting to sleep all day like I was used to). I have noticed that my body is getting used to the dose (75 mg. SR) and I feel it is diminishing in it's effects (or the placebo effect I was getting). I am going to ask my MD to increase the level to 150mg in hopes that the serene feelings will return.
> I also noted that it at least helped me to find a motivation to start getting my housework going after a year hiatis (sp)--which my kids appreciated..LOL.
> I haven't experienced the "energy" everyone says starts after the naps end but am hoping (also the weight loss would be welcomed).
>
> Has been great to know what effects to expect and what is "normal" side-effects being that with the ADD I also get extreme panic attacks (which the effexor has completely stopped --but notice some inklings of their return (which also makes me think I need to increase the dosage for me).
>
> Thanks for all the info everyone has contributed so far!
> GerriGerri,
I also tried Effexor and I liked what it did. But my BP went up and although I don't think now that it was the culprit, I had to stop. I am now using Zoloft and Ritalin SR, which has been a good combo but I'm beginning to wonder if the Ritalin is losing effect. I have also been taking Melatonin for sleep, so maybe it is leaving me too groggy the next day and that is causing the Ritalin to not be so effective.
Anyway, from one ADDer to another, glad to here what's working for you. Hope you have continued success.
Sara T.
Posted by Kelli on June 15, 2000, at 1:06:59
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by jeanette on April 14, 2000, at 6:58:11
Please help.I've had so many problems since I've stopped taking effexor.I took my last pill of 37.5 five days ago and I've had such a hard week. My symptoms are dizziness, irritability and kind of feeling like I'm not here. Does anyone understand? I'm praying that it is the withdrawal effects and not the fact that I really "need" the medicine. I have been so afraid that now I'm really going crazy. It's so scary.I don't know what to do.I would have never had taken this drug if I had known about how it would make me feel when I got off of it.
Posted by harry b. on June 15, 2000, at 8:29:16
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Kelli on June 15, 2000, at 1:06:59
> Please help.I've had so many problems since I've stopped taking effexor.I took my last pill of 37.5 five days ago and I've had such a hard week. My symptoms are dizziness, irritability and kind of feeling like I'm not here. Does anyone understand? I'm praying that it is the withdrawal effects and not the fact that I really "need" the medicine. I have been so afraid that now I'm really going crazy. It's so scary.I don't know what to do.I would have never had taken this drug if I had known about how it would make me feel when I got off of it.
Kelli-
It sounds like you may have quit too suddenly. Did
you taper off it gradually? Can you ask your doc
for more? Ask him if he has any samples of it. At
least talk to your doc about it.
hb
Posted by claire 7 on June 15, 2000, at 10:28:43
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Kelli on June 15, 2000, at 1:06:59
These sound like normal withdrawal symptoms. You're NOT going crazy. And the symptoms WILL go away. But stopping at 37.5 seems too abrupt to me. Try splitting that in half again for a week or so, then taking that amount (18mg approx) every other day for another week. You may still have withdrawal symptoms, but they won't be as severe. And they will eventually go away. Good luck.
Posted by Lee on June 16, 2000, at 12:58:37
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Cam W. on April 12, 2000, at 19:27:33
I absolutely cannot believe what I have just spent the last hour reading. By some freak accident or I would prefer to say Godsend I came across the info posted here on Effexor. I was on Prozac for five years and it pooped out on me. I was switched to Effexor and gradually worked up to 150 mg. a day only to feel worse than I did on Prozac. My doctor increased my dose by 75 mg. and I still felt no change. I then worked up to 300 mg. and from there my life fell part with more depression and side effects than I could bear. I really thought I was having a nervous breakdown. My legs jerked, I had dizziness, couldn't sleep, electrical shocks in my head , strange sensations when I moved my head, nausea, hot sweats that had me hanging over the toilet and literally falling apart at the least little thing. Needless to say my doctor has been weaning me off of it for three weeks and I am down to 37.5 mg. and I am more dizzy and have headaches like I can't describe. I surely was never informed of the withdrawal symptooms and had decide until today that there was more wrong with me like a brain tumor or something since I was getting worse instead of better. I am starting the Prozac with the Effexor today. I am so relieved to understand what is really wrong and am quite angry that this is not addressed in the indications that accompany the medicine. I would never have started this if I had known. My only fear now is where will I go from here since I need to be on something. I hope the Prozac will go back and do its thing for me since I am quite paranoid to try anything else.
Posted by Karin on June 16, 2000, at 19:44:51
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Lee on June 16, 2000, at 12:58:37
electrical shocks in my head , strange sensations when I moved my head
I took my last Effexor XR last Saturday as well as the Wellbutrin that I'm switching too. By Monday, I was dizzy, ready to pass out, with a buzzing in my head. After a day or two, I managed down to dizziness with these annoying "zeep, zeep" noises in my head every few minutes or more. It's like hearing the pulse of my heart in my head. Is this what you are refering too when you say "electrical shocks". Does anyone know how long they last?
Thanks--
Karin
Posted by Lee on June 18, 2000, at 17:13:17
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Karin on June 16, 2000, at 19:44:51
> electrical shocks in my head , strange sensations when I moved my head
>
> I took my last Effexor XR last Saturday as well as the Wellbutrin that I'm switching too. By Monday, I was dizzy, ready to pass out, with a buzzing in my head. After a day or two, I managed down to dizziness with these annoying "zeep, zeep" noises in my head every few minutes or more. It's like hearing the pulse of my heart in my head. Is this what you are refering too when you say "electrical shocks". Does anyone know how long they last?
>
> Thanks--
> KarinYou have described the withdrawal sy;mptoms beautifully. I am on day four of no Effexor and I feel like I am going nuts. The buzzing is almost unbearable at times and then it won't be so bad. It is especially worse when I am moving around. The other part is that now nausea has started and nothing really taste good . I am finding myself in these crying spells for no reason and then I am fine. I am supposed to be switching over to Prozac again but don't want to put another pill in my mouth until this withdrawal stuff stops. From other responses, I am getting the idea it takes two weeks for this to stop. I am so angry that these side effects were not listed in anything from the cmpany that made this disgusting pill. Not only did it make me worse than I was before I switched to it but to get it out of my system I have to put up with this. I thought this would be easing up just a little since I have been without it for four days but I guess not. I wish I had a good lawyer who could help me get the pharmacutical for the nightmare I have been through for six weeks. I guess we have to do what they call "hang in there."
Posted by Jonathan on June 19, 2000, at 5:36:38
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Lee on June 18, 2000, at 17:13:17
> I am supposed to be switching over to Prozac again but don't want to put another pill in my mouth until this withdrawal stuff stops. From other responses, I am getting the idea it takes two weeks for this to stop. I am so angry that these side effects were not listed in anything from the cmpany that made this disgusting pill. Not only did it make me worse than I was before I switched to it but to get it out of my system I have to put up with this. I thought this would be easing up just a little since I have been without it for four days but I guess not. I wish I had a good lawyer who could help me get the pharmacutical for the nightmare I have been through for six weeks. I guess we have to do what they call "hang in there."
Lee,
I understand you not wishing to start any new medication yet, but Prozac is probably the best drug there is for alleviating Effexor withdrawal symptoms.
Since you're planning to switch to Prozac anyway, you'll feel better much faster if you start taking the Prozac immediately.
I hope it does help you to get over the Effexor soon: I went through the same a few weeks ago and it was vile.Good luck,
Jonathan.
Posted by Cindy W on June 19, 2000, at 9:00:40
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Noa on October 24, 1999, at 18:36:00
> I take effexor xr. Currently on 375 mg. It works better for me than Paxil or Prozac or Wellbutrin, although actually what I mean is that it works without as many negative effects. But there are some. It is activating for me, so sleep is hard. also, I am fidgety at this dose, and have some tics when sleepy, or just when waking up. I was on a much lower dose for a long time, and then got REALLY depressed. I think the lower dose was insufficient and I was struggling with ongoing depression. Then, some major stress, and I really hit bottom (I hope it is really bottom, cuz I wouldn't want to go longer). Then I increased the dose a bit, and started to take serzone as an augmentor, and also as a sleep aid (I had been taking a small dose of trazodone as a sleep aid, but its effectiveness was wearing off). I also take ritalin 3x/day, and synthroid and cytomel ( I tested as hypothyroid), all to augment the effexor. I personlly have liked the xr version of effexor much more than the regular. One dose is always easier, but it also seems to cause less sleep problems and motor twitches, and also much less sweating , which was a major hassle on the regular effexor. ALso, when I ws on higher doses of regular effexor, I would come close to fainting when I stood up or when I laughed real hard. That doesn't happen on the xr version. Hope this helps. OF course, keep in mind that every individual's experience is different. BTW, I only take one dose of serzone--150 mg. in the late afternoon/early evening. It helps me sleep, and the sedation wears off enough by wake up time in the am. If I had to take it in the morning, I think I would also find it too sedating. It is, however, less sedating than trazodone, which had a shorter term effect, but was very intensely sedating for me.
Noa, I'm so glad to see you're back! Also glad to hear you're doing well. Am also taking Effexor-XR 375 mg/day, and it seems to really help. Also, I take Serzone 50 mg/night to help me sleep. Best wishes!
Posted by Cindy W on June 19, 2000, at 9:09:30
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Cindy W on June 19, 2000, at 9:00:40
> > I take effexor xr. Currently on 375 mg. It works better for me than Paxil or Prozac or Wellbutrin, although actually what I mean is that it works without as many negative effects. But there are some. It is activating for me, so sleep is hard. also, I am fidgety at this dose, and have some tics when sleepy, or just when waking up. I was on a much lower dose for a long time, and then got REALLY depressed. I think the lower dose was insufficient and I was struggling with ongoing depression. Then, some major stress, and I really hit bottom (I hope it is really bottom, cuz I wouldn't want to go longer). Then I increased the dose a bit, and started to take serzone as an augmentor, and also as a sleep aid (I had been taking a small dose of trazodone as a sleep aid, but its effectiveness was wearing off). I also take ritalin 3x/day, and synthroid and cytomel ( I tested as hypothyroid), all to augment the effexor. I personlly have liked the xr version of effexor much more than the regular. One dose is always easier, but it also seems to cause less sleep problems and motor twitches, and also much less sweating , which was a major hassle on the regular effexor. ALso, when I ws on higher doses of regular effexor, I would come close to fainting when I stood up or when I laughed real hard. That doesn't happen on the xr version. Hope this helps. OF course, keep in mind that every individual's experience is different. BTW, I only take one dose of serzone--150 mg. in the late afternoon/early evening. It helps me sleep, and the sedation wears off enough by wake up time in the am. If I had to take it in the morning, I think I would also find it too sedating. It is, however, less sedating than trazodone, which had a shorter term effect, but was very intensely sedating for me.
>
> Noa, I'm so glad to see you're back! Also glad to hear you're doing well. Am also taking Effexor-XR 375 mg/day, and it seems to really help. Also, I take Serzone 50 mg/night to help me sleep. Best wishes!Twilight Zone time! I just posted a reply to what I thought was Noa's current post (but checking back, it looks like she posted in l0/99). ??? I thought it was one of the few new posts listed. Am I "out there" or what?
Posted by Ninafel on June 20, 2000, at 23:00:52
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Posted by spig on June 27, 2000, at 22:44:47
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Ninafel on June 20, 2000, at 23:00:52
>
> It has been really enlightening to read this board. I went back as far as 10/99 (which seems to be where it defaulted to) and have read all of them. The
> positive posts are very encouraging, and now that I know there can be serious withdrawal symptoms (someone even mentioned having them after taking
> only 37.5 mg. for only 2 months!) I will be very careful when and if I stop taking it.
>
> The psychiatrist prescribed Effexor to me on top of Prozac 20 mg. I had been taking the Prozac with good success for about five years, along with birth
> control pills to deal with serious PMS/perimenopausal mood problems. The combo of Prozac and Ovcon 35 b.c. pills was really helpful for me for a long
> time, but seem to be lessening in ability to work as well lately. They also seemed to contribute to a 30 pound weight gain over several years, but I told
> myself I was better off "fat and happy" than thin and miserable. However, it would be nice if Effexor continues to reduce my appetite like it has.
>
> What I want to know is whether others have continued on a regular regime of Prozac PLUS Effexor, or have your doctors all switched you from Prozac
> to Effexor? I'm not really sure what my doctor intends. She's open to my listening to body and telling her what I think, but I'd like to hear from others.
>
> By the way, I'm assuming that the fact that a lot of the regular posters from six months ago have disappeared is a good sign--hopefully, they're doing fine
> and have nothing to complain about!
>
> NinaI have had severe depression for eight years. Tried Prozac, Zoloft, nothing happened. Paxil worked for years at 60mg. a day, but now has stopped working. Started Effexor XR today and I have gained weight on Paxil, but the depression is much worse to deal with than the weight gain. My depression is so bad that without AD's, it wouldn't matter how much I weighed, because I wouldn't be here anyway. Paxil made me so tired all day long, and the depression is starting to come back. I hope Effexor XR works.
Posted by JulieK on July 3, 2000, at 22:52:21
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Jonathan on June 19, 2000, at 5:36:38
I've been on Effexor at 300 for about a year now. About a month ago I asked my doctor if I could start reducing my dosage because I felt I was gaining weight on effexor. My metabolism use to be very fast and it really had slowed down. It is strange to be gaining weight when you don't have a taste for the foods you use to like. I found it difficult to even cook dinner at night for my son because of my lack of appetite. Anyway, He gave me the starter pack to use in reverse to go down to 150, 75 and then 37.5. On day 3 of taking nothing, I ended up in the emergency room on memorial day weekend in a total panic attack. I could not stop crying even though nothing had happened that day to cause this crash. What a nose dive. The doc put me back on 37.5 and thought maybe it was still the depression. Now I'm scared to try to go off again. Has anyone tried to Prozac method from Cam w on 2/11/00? Nice to hear I'm not the only one! I really thought I was going crazy.
Take care. Julie
Posted by neecy1014 on July 5, 2000, at 19:01:31
In reply to Re: This is scarier than I thought , posted by Noa on April 26, 2000, at 13:21:51
> Hi all...I've been taking Xanax for years for anxiety and panic. Lately, I've been feeling tired and having trouble staying asleep at night. My GP says the blood work is great, but that I must be depressed and handed me the Effexor samples to start with. Well, my psych and I talked in April, and he said he didn't think I was depressed, just bored. My psychologist and I talked last week and she said she thinks the sleep problem is related to issues going on in my life. The GP doesn't know me like these other 2 docs do and I'm VERY hesitant about taking Effexor or any other AD...especially after reading about these side effects. I don't have suicidal tendencies, I'm a bit of a loner, single parent, not much social life. I'd really like to try to fix this "depression" if indeed I really am depressed by myself. Can anyone convince me that Effexor is truly the way to go?? Thanks! and God bless you all...
Posted by Cindy W on July 5, 2000, at 23:51:14
In reply to Doc wants me to try Effexor XR, posted by neecy1014 on July 5, 2000, at 19:01:31
> > Hi all...I've been taking Xanax for years for anxiety and panic. Lately, I've been feeling tired and having trouble staying asleep at night. My GP says the blood work is great, but that I must be depressed and handed me the Effexor samples to start with. Well, my psych and I talked in April, and he said he didn't think I was depressed, just bored. My psychologist and I talked last week and she said she thinks the sleep problem is related to issues going on in my life. The GP doesn't know me like these other 2 docs do and I'm VERY hesitant about taking Effexor or any other AD...especially after reading about these side effects. I don't have suicidal tendencies, I'm a bit of a loner, single parent, not much social life. I'd really like to try to fix this "depression" if indeed I really am depressed by myself. Can anyone convince me that Effexor is truly the way to go?? Thanks! and God bless you all...
neecy1014, i wrote a long response to you but lost it in confirming my email address! Anyway, i've been taking Effexor-XR for about 7 months (current dose 375 mg/day). it really helps with depression and ocd (obsesive-compulsive disorder). it has improved my mood and quieted my mind, so it is no longer filled with obsessions. i feel i am getting my life back! Before that, i took imipramine for l0 years (decreased my depression, but no effect on the ocd). next, took prozac for l0 years (pooped out after a while, plus gave me sexual dysfunction). Then, tried several different ssri's for a brief time (Luvox--sexual dysfunction and thirst; serzone--great improvement in depression and social anxiety, but the first two weeks, had sudden mood changes, and had occasional visual "trails," and although i liked serzone a lot because it made me feel great, much more outgoing, with no
sexual dysfunction, it didn't decrease the ocd; Zoloft--more sexual dysfunction). people are all different. Consider what your options are (meds, psychotherapy), and talk with your pdoc, read all you can, and make an informed choice. i feel antidepressants have saved my life and given me back a normal existence (well, as normal as it gets, i guess!). if you do opt to try an antidepressant, be sure to start slow and increase the dose gradually, talk to your pdoc about any side effects, and stick with it, since many take 8-12 weeks to have an optimal effect; side effects usually go away after a brief time, except for sexual dysfunction. Best wishes and good luck!
Posted by quilter on July 6, 2000, at 22:40:03
In reply to Doc wants me to try Effexor XR, posted by neecy1014 on July 5, 2000, at 19:01:31
> > Hi all...I've been taking Xanax for years for anxiety and panic. Lately, I've been feeling tired and having trouble staying asleep at night. My GP says the blood work is great, but that I must be depressed and handed me the Effexor samples to start with. Well, my psych and I talked in April, and he said he didn't think I was depressed, just bored. My psychologist and I talked last week and she said she thinks the sleep problem is related to issues going on in my life. The GP doesn't know me like these other 2 docs do and I'm VERY hesitant about taking Effexor or any other AD...especially after reading about these side effects. I don't have suicidal tendencies, I'm a bit of a loner, single parent, not much social life. I'd really like to try to fix this "depression" if indeed I really am depressed by myself. Can anyone convince me that Effexor is truly the way to go?? Thanks! and God bless you all...
I think your caution is warranted. Effexor is not the usual thing to try first for depression. Your pdoc, if he feels you need an AD, would probably suggest one with fewer side effects and less of a chance of discontinuation (withdrawal) symptoms. Quilter
Posted by Stan F. on July 6, 2000, at 23:16:30
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by jeanette on April 14, 2000, at 6:58:11
Just found this site and am sure glad I did. I had been taking Effexor @ 150mg for about 6 months for depression caused by work related stress. Although it seemed to help with the depression it did nothing for the anger and anxiety. I had problems with side effects the most troublesome was sexaul disfunction which the doctor says he has never heard of. He cut me back to 75mg for 6 months which did not help with the side effects. Then he switched me to Wellbutrin and cut the Effexor back to 37.5mg for 2 weeks after which I was supposed to be done with it. After 2 or 3 days I experienced all the withdrawal symtoms explained by maggie and also experienced being very emotional (crying easily). The doctor gave me another 14 days worth and said he knows of no problems with quitting this medication. He has tried to convince me that I should have no problems but having experienced problems when missing doses I knew better. Now I don't feel so all alone and will print out several messages to bring back to the doctor when I need more of this medication. I would like to ask Cam W. where he/she got the information about using 10mg Prozac to assist with the withdrawal. If my doctor believes that there is no problem with withdrawal how can I convince him that what Cam said will work?
Posted by Stan F. on July 6, 2000, at 23:32:44
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by claire 7 on June 15, 2000, at 10:28:43
Try splitting that in half again for a week or so, then taking that amount (18mg approx)
Please explain your method of splitting a capsule in half. I've tried and all those little tiny beads go all over the place. I would certainly try it and would be able to do it for sure if this came in tablet form.
Posted by JohnL on July 8, 2000, at 4:56:54
In reply to I am scared of this medicine, HELP ME!, posted by ToddfromPhoenix on July 8, 2000, at 0:06:12
Todd,
How could anyone from Phoenix be depressed? I mean, all that sunshine, wide open skies? Hey...I'm just kidding. :-) I often wish I had your climate up here in Maine. But I know for a fact lots of sunshine never helped my depression at all.When the psychiatrist told you Effexor was 'the answer', I'm sure he must have known that the odds of it working aren't really much different than anything else. That is, about 70%. Perhaps he told you that hoping for the power of suggestion to help. Kind of like the placebo effect. The more we believe something will work the more likely it is to actually work. Our brains can play funny tricks on us. Actually, funny isn't a very good choice of words.
On the bright side, you came to the right place. There are wonderfully supportive people here, and impressively knowledgeable folks. You will read posts here by average people who are far more expert at depression and medications than most psychiatrists in Phoenix. You are among people just like you. Only some of them are real experts at all this stuff. If you want to learn more in a short amount of time, select the 'Tips' link at the top of the main page. When you get to Tips, leave the search box empty and just push the search button. You'll see a huge list of topics to explore. Some of them may interest you. For example, the ones on Effexor. Or anything to do with side effects. Stuff like that. You can make your search more specific by typing in what you want in the search box.
I have never been on a high dose of Effexor. But I have heard other people say that sometimes the side effects are actually less at the highest dose than at lower doses. That's because at the lower-mid doses most of the medication's action is on serotonin and somehwhat on norepinephrine, whereas at higher doses it also has action on dopamine. It is the increased dopamine that theoretically counteracts the side effects of increased serotonin. Just food for thought. It is possible that the Effexor will work better for you 1)At a higher dose, 2)Given longer than the current 3 weeks.
Possible solutions for the sexual side effects are: increase dose (I know that sounds ironic); change medications altogether (though just about any serotonin med is likely to do the same thing), or add a second medication specificially for the side effect, such as Ritalin, Adderall, Wellbutrin. But of course, all of these possible solutions are just that...possible solutions. They may or may not work. But they have worked for some people. It's possible for example you might add Wellbutrin, notice an improvement in sex and depression, and end up taking just Wellbutrin alone. Wouldn't be the first time that's happened.
There's no easy answer Todd. We all wish there was. But you'll find the support and the knowledge you need here to get over the humps. Hang in there. You will get well. It happens everyday. Keep fighting. And ask your psychiatrist a lot of questions. Make him work for his money.
JohnL
Posted by Cindy W on July 8, 2000, at 11:41:37
In reply to I am scared of this medicine, HELP ME!, posted by ToddfromPhoenix on July 8, 2000, at 0:06:12
> I have never posted to any bulletin board, but I really feel alone on this one. I took Prozac 40mg for nearly 8 years for depression. About six months ago, I decided that it was time to try and "be normal" and stop taking the medicine. These past six months have been awful and I have been very depressed.
>
> I finally took my wife's advice and went to a Psychiatrist to get re-evaluated. He said that Effexor was "the answer" and dropped a sample box into my lap. I have been taking it for about 3 weeks and am up to 150mg a day. So far I can say it has made an improvement, but I can't say it is the answer for what is going on with me right now.
>
> My concern is that I stumbled onto this sight and it seems like a bunch of people have had a bad time with this medicine, both taking it and getting off of it. I have always struggled with psych meds because I feel I lose some of my control of how I truly feel about things being masked in the medicine's "cloak of apathy" so to speak. I am worried that I might be taking this stuff for life and that just isn't how I would like to see myself forever.
>
> I am also finding a rather embarrassing side effect. It seems my libido has taken a vacation and doesn't know when it is coming back. Also, the literature talks about "abnormal ejaculation". My experience is it's very hard to have an orgasm with this medicine. Has anyone else experienced this? I am serious about this and it is starting to become problematic.
>
>
Todd, I take Effexor-XR 375 mg/day, and have found it mildly interferes with libido. It interferes less for me compared with Prozac, Luvox, and Zoloft; Serzone didn't interfere at all. Talk to your pdoc about your concerns; possibly you will "habituate" to the Effexor and not have the sexual side effect, or you might add Wellbutrin or one of the many things people have posted which can help. Or, you may need to change meds. Check out the article on medications for adults at www.ocfoundation.org by Michael Jenike, M.D.; he has a great discussion of how to deal with sexual side effects. Best wishes to you!
Posted by Gerri_mww on July 8, 2000, at 13:37:35
In reply to This is scarier than I thought , posted by Jennifer on April 25, 2000, at 23:10:39
> I know that we all react to things differently, but most of the things I have read here have scared me. I took my first dose of Effexor XR 75 mg tonight. The label said that I cannot operate heavy machinery with it, so I took it at night. My doctor told me to take it in the morning. Should I have done that? Do you get better results that way?? I am just wondering if I should deal with my symptoms without this medicine. Yikes.
Jennifer, I haven't read any posts past this one so if this reply is outdated for you, forgive me. Anyway just wanted to say you should take the med in the am like the MD (and others who answered this post ) told you. I have been on Effexor for a couple months now and I just started taking 225mg in the am. I had started on 75 and then increased to 150 when the effects of the 75mg started to wain. I have been on 225mg for about three days now and today I noticed "the change". I actually found myself doing things and *wanting* to do things instead of just xoning out (I have inattentive ADD--couch potato syndrome..LOL). I actually am looking forward to getting some housework done today (and I haven't done that in years!!!--I have lots of pathways to get around but LOTS of clutter). Please do not react hastily to this med. I, too, was very apprehensive at first. I have extreme panic attacks and could talk myself into dying if need be, but I decided to realize that my fears were in my head. Even some over-the-counter meds have warnings about operating machinery. This is a way the company protects itself against any liability. Years ago if someone had an accident they blamed it on the cold med they were taking so now companies put this warning on all products (also they warn against stomach upset i.e. take this with food--- just in case you are sensitive to the meds and it makes you vomit---this way they are protectig themselves).
Tell us if you are continuing with the effexor. I hope to read that you are. For me it is turning out to be a great asset in my life. I am sure as time goes on I will again need to increase the dose (I have heard that for ADD patients most times we need the very maximum of dosage to have an effect---which will be normal for me as I usually have to take double the dose of any meds).
Good luck in your treatments and remember needing med to help you control something isn't a bad thing. I know even by trying to re-train myself I would never be able to live a normal productive life without the help of meds to help me gain and keep control.Gerri
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