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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Mark H. on September 14, 2000, at 18:35:34
In reply to Effexxor Side Affect - Horrible!!, posted by Martha Price on September 10, 2000, at 14:40:24
Hi Martha,
I don't have time at the moment to read through the other 50 responses, so please forgive me if I'm repeating things that others have already said.
Two things help me:
1.) DO NOT take the extended release version if you have these types of side effects. Rather, take your entire dose after breakfast and it will have gradually worn off (some) by the time you go to bed at night. DO NOT take Effexor after about 3 or 4 pm.
2.) Ask your doctor if it would be appropriate for you to try clonazepam. It is the least addictive of the benzodiazepines, helps with sleep, and HELPS WITH RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME, which is a lot like the Effexor side effects you describe. I take 1/2 of a 0.5mg tablet a night and have no trouble getting up the next morning.
Best of luck,
Mark H.
Posted by Lisa C. on September 14, 2000, at 19:19:28
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
> Hi there,
>
> I've been taking effexor about 1-1/2 weeks now and only had headaches for the first two days,
I've been feeling the best I've felt in a long time. I hope this one works for me. I've found it
works better for me to take it around 8:30-9:00pm just before bed. Never had much luck on any
others.
> please share your thoughts on this.
Posted by robinbird on September 20, 2000, at 23:42:21
In reply to Re: Lisa C who's about to start, posted by A on September 3, 2000, at 21:27:00
Have the "brain trying to catch up with the eyes" thing. Never thought about it 'til I read your submit. Bothersome but not a big concern...there are worse side effects. Though I agree it is frustrating and even scary.
robin
Posted by denisencalin on September 21, 2000, at 9:43:00
In reply to Effexxor Side Affect - Horrible!!, posted by Martha Price on September 10, 2000, at 14:40:24
Hi Martha.
I am currently taking 150 mg of Effexor daily. When I started out I had similar side effects. At times I though I might jump out of my skin. I was always dizzy. I had terrible limb tiking and jumpimg all the time. The side effects are very minimun now. My doctor had mentioned I would get use to it.
I have tried many anti-depressants Zoloft, Celexa ext., nothing has worked for me as well as Effexor has. I have been on it now for about 5 months and I feel like my life has just begun. Try to stick it out. Give it a try.
Denise
Posted by SKM on September 21, 2000, at 17:08:00
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I've been on Effexor for 2 1/2 years. Had tried a series of medications before settling on this one. After about 1 year, added Buspar to augment. Effexor definitely has helped. I was going through my 2nd serious depression when I began taking it.
Side effects were many: muscle spasms, loss of appetite for a long time, vision blur, etc. Those eventually subsided as I was told they probably would. The long-term side effect has been sexual. After 2 1/2 years I feel like I have almost a zero-level interest in sex. When I do have sex, generally I don't have an orgasm. I get an erection but just don't orgasm. My psychiatrist put me on Viagra to see if that would help and, I would say, it did help for awhile. But it's hard to create an interest that I don't feel. Of course, this can cause problems in relationships.
I was wondering if anyone else has sexual side effects from their Effexor. I take 375mg a day. I used to be on the regular stuff, now I'm on XR. It's certainly easier taking it all in one dose than having to spread it out through the day.
I usually take only 75mg on a day when my wife and I are planning (yes, have to plan that now) to have sex; this tends to create a more positive outcome. However, the withdrawal on that day always makes me feel like crap by the time we get around to lovemaking; very dizzy, unconnected, clumsy, blurred vision...overall rotten feeling.
For those who are beginning a course of medication, my doctor began slowly. Usually we increased my dosage every 2 wks until I was at a level that seemed to be working. If, in time, it was losing its effect, we increased slowly. The same plan should be followed when weaning; slowly.
I've actually had another long-term side effect; that has been in sleep disruption. So, every now and then I take ambien to get my pattern straightened out.
So, if anyone has any comments, I would be happy to hear.
Thanks,
SKM
Posted by Amie on September 22, 2000, at 13:08:13
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by maggie on April 13, 2000, at 14:32:34
< snip > BUT I have found - from missing doses - that the withdrawal effects are real. For me, they have included strange effects in my brain. A feeling of electricity or shocks, also vertigo when I move my head from side to side or up and down. Then it feels like my head has moved too fast and my eyes take a few seconds to catch up. This prohibits driving, makes me dizzy and feels very bizarre.
> Snip >
> Maggie
Maggie i have all the same stuff when i miss 2 dosses--i currently take 75 mg of the effexor xr...what bugs me most is i lost 35 pounds before i startedt aking it and i SWEAR the meds have made me gain almost all of it back...I tried paxil for 2 months w/no luck..i'm very sensetive and i can tell if they will work or not..and i tried remeron--made me worse than i was if i was not medicated....so far the effexor xr does good except the weight gain and i still feel sub normal though i'm able to function..i hate my dr. and i'm getting a new one next month bu ti have to have on last visit w/this one...sighthansk for letting me vent
amie
Posted by Amie on September 22, 2000, at 13:08:19
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by maggie on April 13, 2000, at 14:32:34
< snip > BUT I have found - from missing doses - that the withdrawal effects are real. For me, they have included strange effects in my brain. A feeling of electricity or shocks, also vertigo when I move my head from side to side or up and down. Then it feels like my head has moved too fast and my eyes take a few seconds to catch up. This prohibits driving, makes me dizzy and feels very bizarre.
> Snip >
> Maggie
Maggie i have all the same stuff when i miss 2 dosses--i currently take 75 mg of the effexor xr...what bugs me most is i lost 35 pounds before i startedt aking it and i SWEAR the meds have made me gain almost all of it back...I tried paxil for 2 months w/no luck..i'm very sensetive and i can tell if they will work or not..and i tried remeron--made me worse than i was if i was not medicated....so far the effexor xr does good except the weight gain and i still feel sub normal though i'm able to function..i hate my dr. and i'm getting a new one next month bu ti have to have on last visit w/this one...sighthansk for letting me vent
amie
Posted by pullmarine on September 24, 2000, at 3:07:48
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Amie on September 22, 2000, at 13:08:19
yup, those are normal withdrawal symptoms for effexor, and the weight gain while you're on it will go away when you stop taking the stuff. By the way, i gotta tell ya, there's no magic pill out there. they all have unpleasant side effect, and ultimately, your progress with the disease will depend a lot on how much effort you put into getting better. Life is painful and unpleasant. Happiness is scarce and fleeting. All I want in life is to be functional, and the pills help me get there.
Posted by smokingun35 on September 24, 2000, at 14:09:31
In reply to Re: effexor xr and side effects, posted by Cindy W on April 23, 2000, at 20:48:09
I started taking effexor xr 2 almost 2 weeks ago,my first anti-depressant(possibly last), and felt tired and terrible and dazed every waking hour of the day while taking it, headaches, cannot reach an orgasm at all. I took 37.5 mg aday for 7 days and 75 mg for 2 days and have now stopped cold turkey. I have yet to experience any side effects, been about 55 hours since last dose, still cannot reach an orgasm, wife is very upset and I'm not far behind her. Will this go away or could this be a pemanent development?
Posted by kdw on September 24, 2000, at 14:53:44
In reply to sexual side effect- effexor-xr, posted by smokingun35 on September 24, 2000, at 14:09:31
> I started taking effexor xr 2 almost 2 weeks ago,my first anti-depressant(possibly last), and felt tired and terrible and dazed every waking hour of the day while taking it, headaches, cannot reach an orgasm at all. I took 37.5 mg aday for 7 days and 75 mg for 2 days and have now stopped cold turkey. I have yet to experience any side effects, been about 55 hours since last dose, still cannot reach an orgasm, wife is very upset and I'm not far behind her. Will this go away or could this be a pemanent development?
I,too, have this problem. For me, it is weighing which is worse--the depression or lack of orgasm. I am now on 225mg. per day and I read a post somewhere that the higher dose could possibly help the situation because of increased dopamine. I certainly don't know about the long term effects. I have only been on this dose for two days.
Posted by shirl on September 24, 2000, at 15:47:50
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
> Have been taking 37.5 mg Effexor, pill form, for six weeks. After first dose have had minimal side effects, other than some sleepless nights and slight tremor in my hands. Dr. said my system not yet adjusted to the medication. Plan to stay on 37.5 mg. as long as it works for me.
Don't give up if you have just started on it. It takes awhile. It's amazing how much sweeter everyone else is since I started taking Effexor!!
Posted by Cindy W on September 25, 2000, at 9:27:15
In reply to Re: sexual side effect- effexor-xr » smokingun35, posted by kdw on September 24, 2000, at 14:53:44
> > I started taking effexor xr 2 almost 2 weeks ago,my first anti-depressant(possibly last), and felt tired and terrible and dazed every waking hour of the day while taking it, headaches, cannot reach an orgasm at all. I took 37.5 mg aday for 7 days and 75 mg for 2 days and have now stopped cold turkey. I have yet to experience any side effects, been about 55 hours since last dose, still cannot reach an orgasm, wife is very upset and I'm not far behind her. Will this go away or could this be a pemanent development?
>
> I,too, have this problem. For me, it is weighing which is worse--the depression or lack of orgasm. I am now on 225mg. per day and I read a post somewhere that the higher dose could possibly help the situation because of increased dopamine. I certainly don't know about the long term effects. I have only been on this dose for two days.smokingun35 and kdw, I take Effexor 375mg/day...it interferes a little with orgasm (but much less than Prozac, Luvox, and Zoloft, for me). When this gets frustrating, I just decrease the dose a little, and have no problem. Talk to your pdoc about the situation...a different antidepressant might help (e.g., Serzone); also remember that the effects are temporary, and after you have stopped Effexor-XR, this side effect should go away. Most of all, don't just get anxious about it (anxiety can interfere with sexual functioning a lot!). Hope this helps.--Cindy W
Posted by pullmarine on September 25, 2000, at 14:20:47
In reply to sexual side effect- effexor-xr, posted by smokingun35 on September 24, 2000, at 14:09:31
don't worry, your libido and your orgasms will return in a couple of weeks.
john
Posted by smokingun35 on September 25, 2000, at 20:50:07
In reply to Re: sexual side effect- effexor-xr, posted by pullmarine on September 25, 2000, at 14:20:47
> don't worry, your libido and your orgasms will return in a couple of weeks.
>
> john
THANKS for the re: I don't think I am depressed enough to take that crap anyway, it made me feel much worse than before,think maybe my problem is more stress and nerves anyway, 2 young boys at home,lots to do, almost too much at times, but the effects of that med convinced me that things could be much worse! Thanks to everyone who replied. Hope everyone finds what they need to help them out.
Posted by Wilkie on September 27, 2000, at 15:37:16
In reply to Re:Intractable Effexor Withdrawl , posted by cjl on August 23, 2000, at 21:07:19
I was on Effexor 75 mg a day for about 3 months for depression and to counter the extreme fatigue and lethargy brought on by Depakote. The biggest side effect was how it affected my dreams. I basically felt like I was tripping in my sleep every night, which I at first thought was pretty cool. But as time went by my dreams became more and more vivid and intense and sometimes a little too fucked up, and I was waking up in the mornings feeling exhausted from dreaming all night long. So I talked to my psychiatrist about this and she switched me to Serzone, taking me off of Effexor cold turkey. I thought nothing of it, trusting the MD behind her name. A day after stopping Effexor I became really sick, experiencing the whole multitude of withdrawal symptoms associated with Effexor. I called her and she thought I was experiencing side effects from Serzone so she told me to stop taking it. She had no idea that what I was experiencing was withdrawal. I didn't find out until I watched 20/20 one night and then got on the internet and looked up "effexor withdrawal" which is where I came across all of these threads. So needless to say I fired her and found a new psychiatrist. My point of all of this is to address everyone's concerns about withdrawal. There was obviously no weaning off of it for me. I went off it cold turkey. The first week was brutal -- vicious withdrawal. The second week wasn't as bad, much more bearable. Withdrawal effects lingered for an additional 2 weeks or so and now I don't feel anything from it. I just stuck it out and suffered through it, knowing that I wanted to be free from what I consider to be a horrible drug which I will never ever take again. I need antidepressants, so my new doc put me on wellbutrin which is supposed to have fewer side effects and no withdrawal associated with it. We'll see, but anything has to be better than Effexor. So for all of you trying to get off of Effexor, keep at it, and just stick it out as long as possible and I can promise from my experience that after the first 2 weeks or so it gets much better and WILL eventually go away.
Posted by Tammie on September 28, 2000, at 11:36:49
In reply to Quiting Effexor and Why, posted by Wilkie on September 27, 2000, at 15:37:16
I went to the doc due to occassional days of feeling blue, sad, emotional. This happens just a few times each year. And when it does, it tends to be around the time of my menstral cycle. She had me take Zoloft, which gave me headaches, then switched to Serzone, which did not help at all. Now she wants me to take Effexor XR. I am curious if anyone else was given this med for just having a few days of feeling sad a couple of times out of the year? I am hesitant to take it due to all the negative feedback about withdrawals. Thanks for any info you want to share...
Posted by StaceyLacy on September 28, 2000, at 13:42:00
In reply to Is Effexor XR the right pill?, posted by Tammie on September 28, 2000, at 11:36:49
I changed 4 weeks ago from 60mg of Paxil and 15 mg of Buspar per day to 37.5 mg of Effexor XR per day. Since the change over, I have had nothing but irritation/anger all day long which ends in explosive, hour long crying spells. When I explained this to my Dr. last week, she increased the dosage to 75 mg per day. Today is one week later and there has been no improvement. I am concerned and wondering if anyone else has experienced feelings of severe irritation, anger or crying while adjusting to this drug?
Posted by smokingun35 on September 28, 2000, at 19:27:04
In reply to Is Effexor XR the right pill?, posted by Tammie on September 28, 2000, at 11:36:49
> I went to the doc due to occassional days of feeling blue, sad, emotional. This happens just a few times each year. And when it does, it tends to be around the time of my menstral cycle. She had me take Zoloft, which gave me headaches, then switched to Serzone, which did not help at all. Now she wants me to take Effexor XR. I am curious if anyone else was given this med for just having a few days of feeling sad a couple of times out of the year? I am hesitant to take it due to all the negative feedback about withdrawals. Thanks for any info you want to share...
WOW, I hope you have read all the withdrawl side effect probs of this drug on here before considering it unless you REALLY need it. I'm definately no doc but it's obvious from what I've read and experienced that this stuff is the last resort. I know I have mild depression and anxiety, runs in the family, but that crap made me feel like a zombie!! I only took it 9 days and thank god had no withdrawls but am still dealing with a side effect, I feel much better off it than on, all I can tell you is research the hell out of it before you try it!! Good Luck....
Posted by Crazyhorse00 on September 29, 2000, at 0:42:04
In reply to Irritability/Crying a side effect of Effexor XR?, posted by StaceyLacy on September 28, 2000, at 13:42:00
I think this drug, Effexor stinks. I have taken Prozac, Zoloft, and Serzone for baseline depression. (symptoms being fatigue, feeling low, grumpy, loss of interest). Effexor made me a ZOMBIE all day long. I could not go to sleep, wanted NO SEX, and felt like I was in a FOG all day long for weeks. It also broke my face out in these huge boils. I took myself off of it and thre it away and got back on Zoloft. Feeling much much better, even back to my old hobbies and happy. Be careful with that drug, my friend is a pharmacist and she says the withdrawal can kill you.
Posted by stephen william on September 30, 2000, at 0:05:33
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
>hi there,
I have been on effexor xr ,225 mg per day , for about 6 weeks. Previously had tried a long list of antidepressants without any sucess. Effexor xr has certainly lifted my mood but also made me very very agressive. Has any one else had this problem ?
Stephen
Posted by Larry on September 30, 2000, at 20:33:02
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I wish to heck I knew how you post a follow-up to someone's subject: In any event I've been on this Effexor XR for 5 or 6 weeks now and I have no bad complaints. The side effects I regard as minor and care to do nothing about them. Prescribed so I could continue to function in a high stress job and it has changed my life so favorably. Everyone seems to react differently from what I have read here so you just have to plug along and when necessary put all your cards on the table with your doctor.
Posted by JH on October 1, 2000, at 19:37:35
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Larry on September 30, 2000, at 20:33:02
I've been on Effexor XR for 8 weeks and it is working wonderfully. I'm also in a high stress job and Effexor has gotten me back on track. I'm able to multi-task, make strategic decisions again, and lead a team of people without feeling overwhelmed. I feel like I'm back to my old self again.
Posted by Cindy W on October 2, 2000, at 8:42:10
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! » Larry , posted by JH on October 1, 2000, at 19:37:35
> I've been on Effexor XR for 8 weeks and it is working wonderfully. I'm also in a high stress job and Effexor has gotten me back on track. I'm able to multi-task, make strategic decisions again, and lead a team of people without feeling overwhelmed. I feel like I'm back to my old self again.
Larry, I've been on Effexor-XR for about l0 months now, at 375 mg/day currently, and it has really helped me (decreased depression, depressed social anxiety, ability to cope increased). The only problems I have had are insomnia and flattening of feelings.--Cindy W
Posted by Lisa B on October 2, 2000, at 14:08:03
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Cindy W on January 11, 2000, at 9:14:46
I was just wondering how an antidepressant can help with anxiety when it causes it? I have tried multiple antidepressants, and my doctor insisted I give this one a try. I take Remeron at night to help sleep. Does the side effect of anxiety ever go away and then it cuts it? My mouth is extremely dry too. I can't imagine gaining weight on it - it has caused me to lose weight. Please give me good stories on Effexor
Posted by CynJ on October 2, 2000, at 14:08:44
In reply to for Racer, posted by jp on October 26, 1999, at 4:13:49
Hi I just started taking Effexor XR a few days ago, and my DR Told me to take it in the morning, but it makes me so tired, I took it before going to bed lastnight and slept pretty well, I was just wondering why you should take in the morning, when bedtime seems to work better. Also since I started taking it I have had some aching on the lsft side of my body, mostly my wrist foot and leg, weird.
Thanks,
Cynthia
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