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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by mvaureen on May 13, 2001, at 1:38:01
In reply to Any one with good/bad exp. w/ Wellbutrin?, posted by hf on May 12, 2001, at 11:24:53
Hi!
I just went off Effexor, and I know what you mean about withdrawal. I never want to go through this again. This is my seventh day, and I am only now feeling like I can someday become normal. Here's what my doctor made me do to lessen the withdrawal: start Wellbutrin [first 150 mgs, then 300 mgs]; remain on Effexor at 225 mgs [my dose] for one week, then taper down to 37.5 mgs by the fourth week; stop Effexor; take as many natural stimulants as possible; he prescribed a stimulant for me [a diet pill; then, he suggested I stop smoking [believe it or not! I thought he was crazy].
Well, Welbutrin made me feel some joy for the first time in the couple of years on Effexor. For me, Effexor was a neccessary evil: an induced stupor. The withdrawal symptoms were almost unimaginably horrid for five days, and now are tolerable. I found that if I could just get out of the bed long enough to get stimulants in, I could break the cycle of excess sleep and lethargy. I felt terribly depressed because I realized that while Effexor probably saved my life, I am quite fat now. I also realized that I was quite detached from my emotions for these couple of years and a flood of them came back by the 5th day off of Effexor. I regretted some of the things I tolerated because of the detachment created by Effexor.
However!! I am laughing at the silliness of my withdrawal horror on this, the 7th day. I find that the vertigo, brain shivers, shock sensations, fatigue, etc. created a hilarious set of experiences. I walked into a glass door. I fell over my own shoes. I cried for three days. I vomitted at embarassing and unexpected times.
As for Wellbutrin, I feel that it is a gentle mood changer. It is what I need now, and while I was flooded with emotions for a week -- it was natural after sustaining an enforced evenness for over 2 years. I feel some happiness. HERE IS AN IMPORTANT TIP: my doctor was right about not smoking with Wellbutrin. By the time the Effexor wore off, I was only taking Wellbutrin and vitamins. I forgot to take the stimulants to stop me from sleeping too much. What I thought was depression disappeared when I added the stimulants to Wellbutrin. ABOUT THE SMOKING: what I didn't realize for a day or two was that I was experiencing grotesque sensations every time I smoked. I thought the sensations were part of the already ghastly Effexor withdrawal. The cigarettes were making me sicker. At one week off of Effexor, I thank Wellbutrin from preventing me from succumbing to depression because of the withdrawal symptoms. I also realize that my doctor was right to prescribe stimulants. Until I took them, I was feeling like I was depressed. It's a side affect AND withdrawal symptom of Effexor. I hope that you avoid depression and can find success with a drug that won't leave you with the double rebound of bad side effects and withdrawal when you stop taking it. Wellbutrin, I hear, does not have those effects. According to my doctor it will stop food cravings once the withdrawal ends, permit a free range of emotions, allow more energy, and make cigarette smoking disagreeable. I didn't believe much of that. I am starting to, though! Good luck and I hope Wellbutrin works out well for both of us.
Posted by N.P. on May 13, 2001, at 1:52:43
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I started having vertigo, sleepiness and nausea the next day I started 37.5 XR. Is it even possible. Is the drug wrong for me? Plus I have mussles shaking in my arms and legs, which I've never experienced before. Any comments are appreciated.
N.P.
Posted by Ann NY on May 13, 2001, at 2:09:36
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by N.P. on May 13, 2001, at 1:52:43
My Dr. told me these are common initial side effects. THerefore don't read it as an immediate sign that it is not right for you. But it should be a sign that you might need an itial lower dose.
I was started on 25 mg of the immediate release tablets and was told to cut it in half if I got the symptoms you decribed. This way you start with the drug at lower doses and it stays in you body for a much shorter duration. Personally, I always think it is good to start with traditional immediate release tablets for ANY drug. What if you have an allergic reaction and the stuff is trapped in your body for 20 hours?
Ask your Dr. to phone in a week of 25 mg tablets. I got them free, part of my starter package, sorry to hear you didn't.
I hope Effexor works for you. Its been great for me but it took several months and slow increases in the dosage. (Read my post "Effexor: My psitive experience")
Good luck and good health.
> I started having vertigo, sleepiness and nausea the next day I started 37.5 XR. Is it even possible. Is the drug wrong for me? Plus I have mussles shaking in my arms and legs, which I've never experienced before. Any comments are appreciated.
> N.P.
Posted by N.P. on May 13, 2001, at 10:54:11
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » N.P. , posted by Ann NY on May 13, 2001, at 2:09:36
Thank you Ann for your feedback. Too bad my doctor didn't tell me all this. He also didn't tell me that what he prescribed was antidepressant. :-) I'm thinking about quitting it, since I do not like the withdrawal effects almost everyone describes. What's the point of taking it if then you have month of torture going off and then some wind up on different medication. I for sure do not have clinical depression. Might (!) have chronical. But still not sure. But before quitting I'm going to call dr. and tell him that. See what he says. Thanks againg for your posting.
N.P.> My Dr. told me these are common initial side effects. THerefore don't read it as an immediate sign that it is not right for you. But it should be a sign that you might need an itial lower dose.
>
> I was started on 25 mg of the immediate release tablets and was told to cut it in half if I got the symptoms you decribed. This way you start with the drug at lower doses and it stays in you body for a much shorter duration. Personally, I always think it is good to start with traditional immediate release tablets for ANY drug. What if you have an allergic reaction and the stuff is trapped in your body for 20 hours?
>
> Ask your Dr. to phone in a week of 25 mg tablets. I got them free, part of my starter package, sorry to hear you didn't.
>
> I hope Effexor works for you. Its been great for me but it took several months and slow increases in the dosage. (Read my post "Effexor: My psitive experience")
>
> Good luck and good health.
>
> > I started having vertigo, sleepiness and nausea the next day I started 37.5 XR. Is it even possible. Is the drug wrong for me? Plus I have mussles shaking in my arms and legs, which I've never experienced before. Any comments are appreciated.
> > N.P.
Posted by Cindylou on May 13, 2001, at 12:42:25
In reply to Re: Any one with good/bad exp. w/ Wellbutrin? » Cindylou, posted by hf on May 12, 2001, at 23:20:28
Hi again, HF ...
Funny, we are on the exact same regimen it seems -- I am also taking Klonapin (for anxiety), and I am trying to only take it when I really need it ... I only take about 1/2 or even 1/4 pill at a time, sometimes twice a day, sometimes once, sometimes every other, etc ...Anyway, you're right, it is kind of comforting to know that someone else out there is going through the same things at the same time; can understand how it feels to go through WITHDRAWAL :(, etc.
Let me know how things are going for you, and how it goes Tuesday with your pdoc!
-cindy
> Thanks, Cindy! I decided today, after reading some of the archive posts, to go back on to the Wellbutrin. I am starting with one 175 mg in the morning and will do that for a week and then go back to the 2x/day routine. I am also on Klonopin (although "they" have talked about putting me on Dilantin instead) for muscle spasms due to some rather serious injuries in the past (car, horse, snow mobile wrecks). It has helped quite a bit with the anxiety, too, and I can decide how much to take from a part of to three pills/day depending on how I am doing. I usually just use 1 per day. I will see how the "just" Wellbutrin goes and if I need any different routine with the Klonopin.
>
> It's sort of a weird feeling, I guess, but it helps to know someone else was going through The Withdrawal at the same time. Not that I would wish that on ANYONE, but, if you were going to be going through it anyways, then, at least we did it together (sort of :D )
>
> I am supposed to see my pdoc this coming Tuesday and plan to tell him what I've decided about the NO EXR!!! and to try the Wellbutrin solo. Will be interesting....
>
> Thanks, again!
>
> HF
Posted by Cindylou on May 13, 2001, at 14:12:15
In reply to Re: Any one with good/bad exp. w/ Wellbutrin?, posted by mvaureen on May 13, 2001, at 1:38:01
> I also realized that I was quite detached from my emotions for these couple of years and a flood of them came back by the 5th day off of Effexor. I regretted some of the things I tolerated because of the detachment created by Effexor.
Your comment here is so insightful -- I have been feeling the same way since I've been off of Effexor; like I let everything just roll off my back while on the drug, and now when I think about some of those things, all these emotions well up inside of me ... It's almost a scary feeling to "feel" again, but it also means I'm a living human being and not a detached zombie anymore.Glad to hear the Wellbutrin is working for you. It's not enough for me alone; my depression has been coming back. I just started St. John's Wort to see what might happen -- I'm not optimistic, but who knows?
Also, did you know that Wellbutrin is also "Zyban" -- the medication they're marketing to stop smoking? So, no wonder it made you feel horrible while you smoked! Guess that's why it helps people quit...
Take care!
cindy
Posted by hf on May 13, 2001, at 18:56:21
In reply to Re: Any one with good/bad exp. w/ Wellbutrin?, posted by mvaureen on May 13, 2001, at 1:38:01
> Well, Welbutrin made me feel some joy for the first time in the couple of years on Effexor. For me, Effexor was a neccessary evil: an induced stupor. The withdrawal symptoms were almost unimaginably horrid for five days, and now are tolerable. I found that if I could just get out of the bed long enough to get stimulants in, I could break the cycle of excess sleep and lethargy. I felt terribly depressed because I realized that while Effexor probably saved my life, I am quite fat now. I also realized that I was quite detached from my emotions for these couple of years and a flood of them came back by the 5th day off of Effexor. I regretted some of the things I tolerated because of the detachment created by Effexor.
>
> As for Wellbutrin, I feel that it is a gentle mood changer. It is what I need now, and while I was flooded with emotions for a week -- it was natural after sustaining an enforced evenness for over 2 years. I feel some happiness. HERE IS AN IMPORTANT TIP: my doctor was right about not smoking with Wellbutrin. By the time the Effexor wore off, I was only taking Wellbutrin and vitamins. I forgot to take the stimulants to stop me from sleeping too much. What I thought was depression disappeared when I added the stimulants to Wellbutrin. ABOUT THE SMOKING: what I didn't realize for a day or two was that I was experiencing grotesque sensations every time I smoked. I thought the sensations were part of the already ghastly Effexor withdrawal. The cigarettes were making me sicker. At one week off of Effexor, I thank Wellbutrin from preventing me from succumbing to depression because of the withdrawal symptoms. I also realize that my doctor was right to prescribe stimulants. Until I took them, I was feeling like I was depressed. It's a side affect AND withdrawal symptom of Effexor. I hope that you avoid depression and can find success with a drug that won't leave you with the double rebound of bad side effects and withdrawal when you stop taking it. Wellbutrin, I hear, does not have those effects. According to my doctor it will stop food cravings once the withdrawal ends, permit a free range of emotions, allow more energy, and make cigarette smoking disagreeable. I didn't believe much of that. I am starting to, though! Good luck and I hope Wellbutrin works out well for both of us.******
You know, I didn't realize how much of a stupor I was in until I read this post. Now that I think (ouch!) back on the last three years, I realize that, indeed, I was totally numbed emotionally. I started forgetting to take my EXR when I started working with a volunteer program last summer mainly because of the early and late hours. I got off schedule and just kept forgetting. The pain and other withdrawal symptoms kind of came and went with when I remembered to take my EXR but I didn't notice the correlation and I was totally uninformed. What I do see is that, during this period of on and off taking EXR I started getting angry with how my husband had not been working for most of our married life and how things had been a real nightmare with him and his undisciplined brat teenagers. I filed for divorce and kept working with the volunteer program which means I kept forgetting the EXR. To make a long story shorter, I quit taking alot of things and had honest emotions about them and did something about the situation. Thankfully, it woke up the ex, who's now the hubby again, and the kids were made to move out and grow up (both had physically threatened me - one had threatened to kill me - guess brat is a mild word :) ). Now, when I consciously decided to go off the EXR, I know more what's going on and why due to this list. No, it's no fun but the withdrawals are a necessary thing to get my life back and I am definitely willing to go the distance. Things are getting better! Your post helps because I see the reason why I have been feeling some of the emotions I have the last week or so. It had sort of been scaring me as I thought, oh, no, what's happening now?! My temper was on edge as was my emotions. But I can see them as "delayed reactions" that should have happened when I was numbed out. I started taking the Wellbutrin again yesterday starting with the 175 mg/day and will go up to the 2x/day next week and I am still on the Klonopin. My life has turned around in so many ways - mostly due to the coming to as I started off the EXR. I made decisions that I have needed to and decided to do something that I really enjoy and quit listening to those who really shouldn't have had any say in the first place. I truly believe that my pdoc kept medicating side effects and adding more of the culprit - EXR - which just made things worse. A defeating cycle, for sure!! That is over. I hope it was ignorance and not negligence on his part. I will have a better idea on this when I see him this Tuesday as I plan to tell him NO MORE EXR!!! Wellbutrin and Klonopin, YES!Oh, and the weight!! I had kept gaining weight - about 30 pounds - and hadn't been hardly eating a thing and working hard physically (the volunteering was training horses for a youth ranch). I had been perplexed! I am hypothyroid but that is being medicated and shouldn't be the problem. Hopefully, my metabolism will get back on track once the EXR is out of my system and the Wellbutrin starts kicking in.
One thing that I have found to be helpful is Gatorade and salt. The potassium, sodium, electrolyte balance seems to be important. One of the things I noticed when I started withdrawals is that my blood pressure was staying very low so I started pushing the above and I have felt quite a bit better. That and Immodium and Zantac or Prevacid to counter some of the other effects. I will try some natural stimulants like your doctor suggested. What are you taking?
Sorry so long winded but it seemed that some things clicked when I read your post. I am very thankful for the people on this list as it helps to hear "the rest of the story".... :)
HF
Posted by N.P. on May 13, 2001, at 22:49:32
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain , posted by mvaureen on May 13, 2001, at 1:09:03
I'm new to that stuff, but I have a BIG problem with sugar. My cravings were totaly gone the very next day I started Effexor. But maybe it's only in the beginning. It also made me so sleepy that I wouldn't lose any weight even not eating sugars. I decided to not to get on it (particulary after reading everything that people write about it) and didn't take it today. The sugar craving are back. Too bad.
> Hi! I just went off of Effexor, partially because I was no longer depressed and partially because I had a tremendous weight gain over 2.5 years, accompanied by extreme lethargy. I have started Wellbutrin, which is supposed to have the opposite effect according to my doctor. He tells me that Effexor is known for causing weight gain. My experience is proof enough for me. 75 pounds worth of proof.
> >
>
> I have been on Paxil for about two months now. Like everyone else, it's working BUT the weight gain is horrible. Has anyone lost the weight after switching to Effexor?
Posted by mstar on May 14, 2001, at 11:21:35
In reply to Re: Effexor and advil? » mstar, posted by Ann NY on May 11, 2001, at 20:31:43
Ann,
Actually, I found another anti-inflamatory which doesn't give me an upset stomach or extra hot flashes: alleve (naproxen sodium). So I am very excited. I need to take an anti-inflamatory for TMJ and tension headaches and now I have terrible back pain from an injury. I have had such a past with cronic muscle tension and pain that I usually took large doses (600) but now I am so used to the pain that I only take it when it is really, really bad.
Posted by sl on May 14, 2001, at 21:46:50
In reply to Any one with good/bad exp. w/ Wellbutrin?, posted by hf on May 12, 2001, at 11:24:53
> Has anyone had any good/bad experiences with Wellbutrin? I am now off of EXR for 3 weeks and am sort of getting over the withdrawls however, I am noticing that I am also having some of the depression coming back. I was on 375 mg of EXR plus 175 mg Wellbutrin 2x/day. I stopped both but now am wondering if I should stay on the Wellbutrin for a while by itself.
I'd suggest. If nothing else, it'd probably be easier to go gradually instead of cold turkey. (gradually to "drug-free", I mean)
>After the AWFUL withdrawls from EXR, I don't want to get back into something that will do the same thing to me.
Not a chance. I took it for a long time, Occasionally I'd run out and have to go on half-doses or even NONE for a day or two or four, I never noticed the difference other than being down. I was never worse than I'd been before I'd started Wellbutrin.
>Does anyone have any experience as to what WB's side effects are and any problem with withdrawl from it? And how it has helped them? Or not?
It was wonderful. I took it for upwards of 5 years. I felt normal, I woke up in the morning and was able to get out of bed and do things I wanted to do, it was like a dream. My family all noticed the difference, they could tell when I'd missed a dose or two...it was night and day difference. I started keeping my apartment clean, cooking, going places...doing all the things I always looked out the window at and said "if only...".
And now....I switched to Wellbutriin-SR, and then after 6 months or a year, it wasn't affecting me like it was in the beginning. So I started the search for something that'd work. And here I am, still looking. :( I'm starting to think that even at reduced effectiveness Wellbutrin was better than anything else.
sl
Posted by hf on May 15, 2001, at 1:12:20
In reply to Re: Any one with good/bad exp. w/ Wellbutrin? » hf, posted by sl on May 14, 2001, at 21:46:50
> I'd suggest. If nothing else, it'd probably be easier to go gradually instead of cold turkey. (gradually to "drug-free", I mean)
I am now taking the Wellbutrin 175 mg/day and will go back to the 2x/day next week. I am seeing my pdoc tomorrow and will see what he suggests - however, NO EXR!
>
> Not a chance. I took it for a long time, Occasionally I'd run out and have to go on half-doses or even NONE for a day or two or four, I never noticed the difference other than being down. I was never worse than I'd been before I'd started Wellbutrin.That's what I've been hearing and why I decided to go on and try the Wellbutrin without the EXR.
> And now....I switched to Wellbutriin-SR, and then after 6 months or a year, it wasn't affecting me like it was in the beginning. So I started the search for something that'd work. And here I am, still looking. :( I'm starting to think that even at reduced effectiveness Wellbutrin was better than anything else.
>
> sl
I hope you find the right "one" or combination. I have gone through several: Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil, EXR, Trazadone (I slept through that one), Buspar, and the Wellbutrin and Klonopin combo. So far, Wellbutrin and Prozac (seperately) have done the best but the Prozac fizzled out. That has been 4 years ago so I don't know if it would work again or not. I think I will stick with the Wellbutrin and see how that goes. I am curious what my pdoc is going to suggest (and say about my NO EXR stand)....guess I'll find out tomorrow.Thanks for your suggestions!
HF
Posted by mstar on May 15, 2001, at 12:20:21
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
for a while I thought the FXR was working. I have been at 150 now for almost a month. I have had some good days but lately I have had some physical pain (a back ache) and now it seems the depression is taking over again. I feel tired most of the time, sad and have violent thoughts. I don't want to do anything. Has this happened with anyone else? My depression isn't as bad as it was, and I did seem to get better. I've only been on FXR for a total of 8 weeks. Do things get better and then worse if you aren't at the right dose? Is it situational? Do you think my pdoc is going to up my dose when I see her next week? Any advise on this would be great.
best,
m
Posted by Sunie on May 15, 2001, at 21:22:13
In reply to feelin bad again, posted by mstar on May 15, 2001, at 12:20:21
sounds familiar...
2 months is about all the usefulness I got out of FXR. Only I didn't realize at the time that I was sliding...I stayed on it a year with no further benefits except weight gain (some benefit!). My doc and I did play with dosage some at the end, but by then my attitude was "screw this, I can do better on my own."
Needless to say, I stayed depressed.
Trying Wellbutrin now.for what it's worth,
Sunie
Posted by SalArmy4me on May 16, 2001, at 0:32:21
In reply to feelin bad again, posted by mstar on May 15, 2001, at 12:20:21
Effexor has dose-dependent effects on the uptake pumps for serotonin and then norepinephrine. At 75-150 mg/day, venlafaxine is predominantly a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) like the SSRIs. At 300 mg/day, it produces comparable norepinephrine uptake inhibition to an NSRI such as desipramine...Your depressed brain may be lacking that norepinephrine boost gained only by a higher dose of Effexor {thus, this may be why the Effexor does not work for you right now}.
Posted by wen on May 16, 2001, at 12:40:46
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by kate on April 13, 2000, at 9:26:23
Hi i have just started taking effexor xr its the first anti depression medication i have tried, i have had side effects such as dizzyness and dry mouth and sleeplessness but i am hoping these will go away. i have been reading all of the above comments and trying to get a better understanding of the drug, if anyone has any more negative or positive feedback i would be very interested, also how successful is lithium in treating depression, is it an uplifter or a downer drug and is is dangerous??
wen
Posted by SalArmy4me on May 16, 2001, at 13:09:06
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by wen on May 16, 2001, at 12:40:46
Dry Mouth: This effect is most commonly seen with antidepressants that block the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor, but may also occur with norepinephrine uptake inhibitors (like Effexor). While it is frequently considered a trivial adverse effect, it can result in increased tooth decay and gum disease due to the loss of the bacteria-fighting effects of saliva. You should practice excellent dental hygiene, including brushing after every meal, avoiding snacks (particularly those which are sweet), and flossing. Chewing sugarless gum can be helpful.
For the sleeplessness, you may want to move your dose to earlier in the day.
Here's what Dr. Preskorn says about the dizziness:
"The dizziness caused by 5-HT1A stimulation is most likely centrally mediated. It can occur early in treatment with antidepressants which inhibit serotonin uptake (eg, SSRIs and Effexor)... There are no cardiovascular changes associated with it. Balance and coordination are subjectively, but not objectively, affected. **Tolerance commonly develops within days to a week..."
http://www.preskorn.com/books/omd_s11.htmlI agree with the Dr. that tolerance does develop to some Effexor symptoms.
Posted by kid47 on May 16, 2001, at 15:46:30
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by wen on May 16, 2001, at 12:40:46
Hi. I was taking FXR xr@ 300mg/day for about a year. The dry mouth never resolved but was a great motivator to drink lots a water. The dizziness I experienced went away after the first week. I took my meds in the a.m. & had very little problem with sleep, but when I did I found 1mg of Klonopin OR a dose of Ambien to take care of it.
Lithium has been shown to be effective as monotherapy for depression, but I would try the newer AD's with more benign side fx profiles before ever considering Lithium. Unless you have a difficult to treat condition I think FXR, or one of the SSRI's, should bring you relief. Hope this helps. Take care.
PS -Effexor xr was the only AD out of 7 I tried to resolve my treatment resistant depression.
> Hi i have just started taking effexor xr its the first anti depression medication i have tried, i have had side effects such as dizzyness and dry mouth and sleeplessness but i am hoping these will go away. i have been reading all of the above comments and trying to get a better understanding of the drug, if anyone has any more negative or positive feedback i would be very interested, also how successful is lithium in treating depression, is it an uplifter or a downer drug and is is dangerous??
>
> wen
Posted by newby on May 18, 2001, at 17:36:47
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by wen on May 16, 2001, at 12:40:46
Started Effexor XR five days ago. Withdrawal posts are frightening. Only other medications I've ever taken are vitamins and aspirin. Dr. prescribed Effexor for insomnia and related anxiety. Feeling jittery during the day since taking the med and drowsy at night, but still can't sleep more than three hours. Anyone take this for sleep disorder?
Posted by N.P. on May 18, 2001, at 20:02:09
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by newby on May 18, 2001, at 17:36:47
Hm.. Effexor made me reeeeeealy sleepy. I slept for three days and nights and then quit it.
But mine was prescribed for depression. They recommend to hang on for couple of weeks when majority of the side effects should dissapear. Take care
N.P.>
> Started Effexor XR five days ago. Withdrawal posts are frightening. Only other medications I've ever taken are vitamins and aspirin. Dr. prescribed Effexor for insomnia and related anxiety. Feeling jittery during the day since taking the med and drowsy at night, but still can't sleep more than three hours. Anyone take this for sleep disorder?
Posted by sunny2001 on May 19, 2001, at 22:57:33
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi Everybody!
First of all: sorry for mi English. I decided to share my own experience about two years on Effexor XR. I've been suffering depression and anxiety for about 18 years. I was obssesive about suicide for all this time. I felt there was something missing in my brain. Obviously: serotonin. Every night I was thinking on death. After a severe emotional crisis I was prescribed with Effexor XR.
I improved so much. I felt I was almost normal. I didn't think about death anymore. But... After 2 years I am considering quit off Effexor XR because I am so depressed again: I gained 23 pounds and I hate myself for it. I can't stop eating. I starve for candies and bread. I'm an obssesive person about weight because I had lost 35 pounds over 2 years and I was proud about my look because I was so fatty. It was a great sacrifice and now I can't keep any diet.
By another hand, I'm tired because sometimes I'm crying like an histeric crazy and when I get angry to my boyfriend I'm afraid about it because I feel so, so bad. I can't control myself. I become an horrible rude person. That's not me !!!!.... I can't stop to blame him. Too much obsessive. I hate myself to be so rude and stupid but I can't control this feeling. It's hard to live like this.
Another withdrawal effects: It's funny: sometimes I forget to take my dosis because I feel so fine but I noticed it because I feel so dizzy or I had headache. At night: my jaw is tight. Sometimes I wake up: I'm sweating. I can stand anything except overweight and that mood of anger.
I don't know what is going to be with me. I simply don't know. I don't like to take medicines all my life. I hate that idea. But I'm sure I'm a depressive person and I need help to deal with this.
sunny
Posted by mvaureen on May 20, 2001, at 1:47:14
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by wen on May 16, 2001, at 12:40:46
> Hi i have just started taking effexor xr its the first anti depression medication i have tried, i have had side effects such as dizzyness and dry mouth and sleeplessness but i am hoping these will go away.
Wen, I must tell you that if your depression is life-threatening, Effexor will save you. It is not a lightweight treatment for depression. If your depression is serious, it will work and it will be worth the wait through the initial side effects. If your depression is less than life-threatening, then you may consider asking your p-doc for a gentler treatment. Down the road, re-entry to the world after treatment is difficult when you are speaking of Effexor. But, if it is the way to save your life -- hold on! You will find it a source of stregnth. Are you seeing a psychiatrist? maureen
Posted by AnneL on May 20, 2001, at 12:37:37
In reply to After two years on Effexor XR 75 mg., posted by sunny2001 on May 19, 2001, at 22:57:33
> Hi Everybody!
>
> First of all: sorry for mi English.
Welcome Sunny. Your English is great and very understandable! I'am glad you decided to post your experiences with your depression and your response to Effexor. My first question to you is are you seeing a psychiatrist who is monitoring your medication and your depression? If not, I suggest you see your doctor immediately. You are on a fairly low dose of Effexor at 75 mg. daily and your doctor may want to increase your dose. It sounds like you are having a recurrence of your depression and that your dose needs to be adjusted accordingly. I take 150 mg. daily and this is not a very big dose from all the people on the message board who post and take Effexor. Some people are on 375 mg. daily! Again, most important is to see your doctor soon! Hysterical crying, hating yourself for how you act with your boyfriend and how you look (weight gain) are all symptoms of depression. Remember, this is a treatable illness! I too, lost 42 pounds and was very proud of how I looked. I have gained back approximately 10 pounds, but I honestly cannot blame the Effexor. My eating habits have changed because of my depression and I think Effexor in some people may cause a "I don't care if I eat that extra piece of candy or cake" attitude. This is just my opinion. I seem to have less will-power to say "No" to foods that I know will cause weight gain. Another reason why I have gained weight is that I am not an exercise-fanatic that I was before starting Effexor. I just feel a lot more "lazy" or "laid-back". Let's think why we allowed ourselves to get overweight in the first place - probably some depression, an "i don't care about myself" attitude and poor eating/exercise habits. All of those life-long habits are still there, don't blame it on Effexor. So get to your doctor, discuss honestly how you are feeling and I think with a dosage increase and possibly adding another medication to might be helpful as well to help with motivation/energy. Keep your faith, don't be discouraged, this is a treatable illness that may come and go through the years. Some of us may have to be on meds for the rest of our lives. Do not miss doses of Effexor, your experiences with dizzyness and headache are signs of withdrawal effects. Discuss this with your doctor as well and keep reading this message board. I will be thinking good thoughts for you,
AnneL
Posted by sunny2001 on May 20, 2001, at 18:02:56
In reply to Re: After two years on Effexor XR 75 mg. » sunny2001, posted by AnneL on May 20, 2001, at 12:37:37
Dear Anne:
I appreciate your advice!. I'm so happy now because I feel better. Last night I was so sad: I felt empty and you are right: I think I need an increased dosage and I have to see my doctor and tell him about it. I was reading about Celexa. I'm interested on it.
Thanks again!. This site is great. It's so hard to be alone and depresive on weekend night. Specially, thanks for your support. I needed it so, so much. Your words make me feel better.
Take care and best regards !
sunny
Posted by newby on May 20, 2001, at 18:13:03
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by N.P. on May 18, 2001, at 20:02:09
Thanks. N.P I'll try to stick it out. Still can't figure out if I feel better or worse....
What did you switch to when you quit Effexor?> Hm.. Effexor made me reeeeeealy sleepy. I slept for three days and nights and then quit it.
> But mine was prescribed for depression. They recommend to hang on for couple of weeks when majority of the side effects should dissapear. Take care
> N.P.
>
> >
> > Started Effexor XR five days ago. Withdrawal posts are frightening. Only other medications I've ever taken are vitamins and aspirin. Dr. prescribed Effexor for insomnia and related anxiety. Feeling jittery during the day since taking the med and drowsy at night, but still can't sleep more than three hours. Anyone take this for sleep disorder?
Posted by newby on May 20, 2001, at 18:23:37
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by mvaureen on May 20, 2001, at 1:47:14
I've just started taking it for anxiety, but feel more anxious. On 37.5 now, starting 75 tomorrow. What I can't understand, is how an antidepressant can treat anxiety. Don't feel depressed, just antsy and my heart is racing all the time. Will these side affects level off?
> > Hi i have just started taking effexor xr its the first anti depression medication i have tried, i have had side effects such as dizzyness and dry mouth and sleeplessness but i am hoping these will go away.
>
> Wen, I must tell you that if your depression is life-threatening, Effexor will save you. It is not a lightweight treatment for depression. If your depression is serious, it will work and it will be worth the wait through the initial side effects. If your depression is less than life-threatening, then you may consider asking your p-doc for a gentler treatment. Down the road, re-entry to the world after treatment is difficult when you are speaking of Effexor. But, if it is the way to save your life -- hold on! You will find it a source of stregnth. Are you seeing a psychiatrist? maureen
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