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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by sly on May 28, 2002, at 8:13:43
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 5 weeks now and I'm happy to say the fog is starting to lift a little, yesterday I had my first good day in a long time. However, I am finding my lack of energy troubling.
I started taking Effexor at 6pm but it made my insomnia worse than ever! I switched to 2pm and my sleeping is definitely improving, I can actually fall asleep now and when I wake up in the middle of the night I can fall back asleep again no problem, this is a huge improvement for me. The problem is, I get tired much earlier, anytime around 4-5 pm I start feeling sleepy, by 8pm I'm completely exhausted and can't wait to crawl into bed. I'm afraid to move my meds up any earlier for fear I'll fall asleep at my desk (I'm having enough problems at work).
Does anyone have any suggestions?
Posted by kickink on May 28, 2002, at 13:49:06
In reply to Re: New to Effexor XR - Do I want to continue?, posted by supergirl on May 28, 2002, at 0:32:39
> I am now taking prozac to get off of Effexor after being stuck on 75 mg. It seems to be helping. Scientifically it makes sense, too, it also is an SSRI. Effexor has a very short half life, which means it gets out of your system faster, which means if you have been on it long enough, you could go through withdrawal. Prozac has a half life a lot longer than Effexor, so it stays in your body longer, and therefore not usually as dificult to get off of. That is one of the things the makers of Effexor suggest to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
I also am on Prozac now. I HAD to take it due to the HoRRENDOUS withdrawal, head buzzing, zings, severe mood swings, just to name a few. I WARN everyone to stay AWAY from Effexor unless it is your last resort. Once you get on, ity's hard to get off.
Posted by DJT on May 28, 2002, at 15:32:36
In reply to Re: Please help! » gare, posted by Sherrie on May 14, 2002, at 20:55:03
Hi all
Just started taking effexor XR, 37.5 mg once a day. Doc says 37.5 for three days, 75 for the next three, and, uh, 112.5 after that and then we'll see.
I'm on day three. So far the side effects are heavy drowsiness, feeling overly cold or hot, difficulty ejaculating (but not becoming erect), a little nausea (but I already have irritable bowel syndrome), anything painful seems intensified, unrestful sleep, some panic, dry mouth, and absolutely no appetite. In the last week, I've lost five pounds, which is kind of scary because I'm only 130 right now.
My psychiatrist says 90% of people who take effexor have no lasting side effects, and websites I have read (check medscape.com - it's really good) say only 19% of people stop taking it because of side effects. So why is it that there are so many negative comments on this board? Is it because many of you are more difficult cases than average?
I only ask this because almost everything else I have read was positive and made me feel less anxious about taking effexor. Then I get to this board and most people seem to not like it much.
I have to say typing this up makes me feel better somehow... like sharing, I guess!
Posted by renelso1 on May 28, 2002, at 16:04:52
In reply to just started, posted by DJT on May 28, 2002, at 15:32:36
I know, this board does seem negative, but mostly it is the withdrawal, not the actual side effects. I've been on effexor for 5 weeks now (150mg) and i don't know that i have any side effects remaining except maybe constipation (which is great for me anyhow since i have IBS). the first week was horrid. i felt like i had the flu and everything hurt. after that things gradually improved. After you have been on it for a few weeks i would recommend adjusting the time of day you take it - that seemed to really help with my sleep. don't give up! and remember, everyone is different. and also, people aren't as urged to write if things are going well. it's a lot easier to jump online and complain cos that's when people are thinking about it. i don't know. anyhow, good luck!!
rox.
Posted by JANNBEAU on May 28, 2002, at 16:25:09
In reply to Re: New to Effexor XR - Do I want to continue?, posted by Allen F. on May 28, 2002, at 0:41:20
> What is the half-life of Effexor and Prozac?
>
> Thanks.Allen, found the following, along with other info at:
http://www.socialaudit.org.uk/330withd.htm
This is a UK site, so references NHS, etc.
Generic Name Brand Name Half-lifeFluvoxamine: Faverin/Luvox) 17-22 hours
Fluoxetine Prozac 4-16 days
Sertraline Zoloft 22-36 hours
Paroxetine Paxil 21 hours, variable
Venlafaxine Effexor 5-11 hours
Citalopram Cipramil 1.5 days
Nefazodone Serzone Up to 24 hoursHope this is helpful to you.
Jannbeau
Posted by DJT on May 28, 2002, at 16:29:01
In reply to Re: just started, posted by renelso1 on May 28, 2002, at 16:04:52
Rox... any improvement in your IBS with the effexor other than less constipation? My stomach/intestines are all "bubbly" - do you take anything for the IBS, even over the counter?
Posted by kpo 2002 on May 28, 2002, at 21:33:04
In reply to Re: Effexor XR cold turkey, posted by ZeKingPrawn on January 5, 2002, at 17:33:57
I cold turkeyed off effexor xr with no withdrawal symptoms whatsoever, however I was on a very low dose, 37.5, and I had only been on it for 7 weeks.
Posted by kpo 2002 on May 28, 2002, at 22:34:42
In reply to Re: Recovered and Happy! No More Drugs for Me!! , posted by Dolphin on January 5, 2002, at 20:03:38
I cannot believe all the psycho-babble going on about Body Balance and Life Force. For one, she never put it out there until someone asked. So someone wanted the information, it was just there for everyone to read. Two, if she was just in it to "get free goodies", then it must be good for her or why else would she try to get more of it, and Three, you have a lot of nerve saying that a "sucker is born every minute" and it will only work like the placebo effect, blah blah--When you feel like shit and something makes you feel better-Who cares if it the placebo-effect or not? And then to talk about how frightening it is to take some questionable "natural substance" with "who knows what" ingredients are in it--that is the most bizarre statement of them all seeing that everyone posting on this site is taking extremely weird and unpredictable psychoactive compounds and many of you have taken many, many drugs over many, many years. Just because a doctor prescribes it doesn't make it any less dangerous. As I taught my little son from the age of 2 or 3 years old--ALL DRUGS ARE DANGEROUS DRUGS.
Posted by The New Ray on May 28, 2002, at 23:16:50
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have been on Effexor XR for about a year, maybe two. I do not recall any problems in starting, but I do get a dry mouth some times. I am taking 300mg once a day, along with 50mg of Elivil when going to bed, plus 20mg doses of ritalin four times a day (~every 3 hours). My depression has really gone down, and when I start going there, I can turn it around much more easily. My whole life has changed since being diagnosed with the ADHD and depression. The meds have given me a new life to live, and I was not discovered until I was 54!
Do Not Give Up, you have to work with YOUR life, it is the only one you get.
(PS, I do not recall a post with so many entries, and over such a long period of time. WOW)
Posted by supergirl on May 28, 2002, at 23:48:27
In reply to Re: New to Effexor XR - Do I want to continue?, posted by JANNBEAU on May 28, 2002, at 16:25:09
Thanks for the info. Interesting to see that Effexor by far has the shortest half-life of the bunch. Stay on it, kids, until you consult your docs. Chemicals leaving your body so quickly is not a nice thing to do.
supergirl
> http://www.socialaudit.org.uk/330withd.htm
>
> This is a UK site, so references NHS, etc.
>
>
> Generic Name Brand Name Half-life
>
> Fluvoxamine: Faverin/Luvox) 17-22 hours
> Fluoxetine Prozac 4-16 days
> Sertraline Zoloft 22-36 hours
> Paroxetine Paxil 21 hours, variable
> Venlafaxine Effexor 5-11 hours
> Citalopram Cipramil 1.5 days
> Nefazodone Serzone Up to 24 hours
Posted by renelso1 on May 29, 2002, at 9:47:17
In reply to Re: just started, posted by DJT on May 28, 2002, at 16:29:01
> Rox... any improvement in your IBS with the effexor other than less constipation? My stomach/intestines are all "bubbly" - do you take anything for the IBS, even over the counter?
think i mislead you. my problem with IBS was mad diarrhea. effexor has a side effect of constipation - which makes me more "normal." regarding what i take for IBS though is just fiber supplements. if i am good about taking it regularly, it helps.
Posted by JANNBEAU on May 29, 2002, at 10:24:14
In reply to just started, posted by DJT on May 28, 2002, at 15:32:36
>
>
> "So why is it that there are so many negative comments on this board? Is it because many of you are more difficult cases than average?"> Hi, DJT. I think you have hit the nail on the head. Most of us who post regularly on this site have noted the fact that most of the posts are negative in tone, although many of us also try to balance the pros and cons. Also, those who experience a negative side-effect of a medication have been shown to be more vocal about their problems than are those who do not experience any negative effects and are happy with their response to a drug (as with other situations in life, we complain when we are unhappy, but fail to give thanks when we are satisfied)! This means that there is probably some sort of "selection bias" occurring. Also, many of us report side effects that have already been reported in the literature and/or which are listed in the product information sheet that comes with the medication. I always ask for the "physician's insert" with my first Rx of anything. That way, I know ahead of time what the most common side effects are. Also, as more and more people take a drug, it is possible that rare side effects will surface that the drug studies are not designed to pick up (would need too many subjects, which would lead to longer times to development and marketing of good drugs as well as even steeper costs). Some such effects have led to withdrawal of certain medications, but most just lead to changes in labeling. Sometimes the side-effects even lead to studies for a new indication. Also doctors often use meds "off-label". If enough have success with such "off-label" use (which is NOT illegal in the US, by the way), the manufacturer will often do studies and ask for a "new indication" approval.
Hope this is helpful to you,
Cheers,Jannbeau
Posted by Grace Coyote on May 29, 2002, at 19:40:58
In reply to Re: just started, posted by JANNBEAU on May 29, 2002, at 10:24:14
Hello out there in cyber land...I just started Effexor about 4 weeks ago, I am new to the psychotropic meds. I had been on Serzone (100mg)for almost 2 years and never really noticed a difference except I didn't feel like my head was stuffed with cotten. I could at least have lucid moments. But during these last few months I could no longer shake the inner feeling of sadness. Most of the time it only lasts for a few days (hormonal) and then I can begin to sing in my car again and be more social with friends. Since I have been on the Effexor I want to be alone more and feel an inner silence. I am not dreaming, which bothers me. I also seem to be more forgetful than usual. No sex drive...and absolutely no motivation to do anything. I am holding my breath until my summer class is finished and I won't have to return to teaching until September. I dont't feel any better. I feel ambivalent about everything and could sleep round the clock if I could. I am going to see a real shrink next week (my GP prescribed this stuff) and maybe we can take a look at this. This zombie phase is lasting way too long for my liking. I am forgetting what I used to feel like. Most of the time even talking is a chore and since I am a college professor, I can not go to class with my brain in the clouds. I used to be able to go on for days about the subjects I teach with real interest, but now, I could care less. Is it me? Is it the medication? I can't tell anymore.
Posted by Beauty on May 29, 2002, at 22:01:31
In reply to New to Effexor XR - Do I want to continue?, posted by Beauty on May 27, 2002, at 14:34:41
Hi all, me again. Thought I'd check back in and let you know how I'm doing. Day 4 on Effexor: hellacious headache yesterday and today, remedied by Advil, for the most part, and some head massage. No getting to sleep at night, so am back on micro-amount of Trazadone in the pm. I feel some lethargy, and more apathy/complacency, than when on Wellbutrin. Appetite a little depressed, not a bad thing for me :-)). Thanks to everyone for your posts. Sorry about the duplicate initial message... wasn't sure I did it right the first time! (Try, try again?) Keep smiling!
Posted by Nat A. on May 29, 2002, at 23:10:34
In reply to Re: New to Effexor XR - Do I want to continue?, posted by Beauty on May 29, 2002, at 22:01:31
Hello everyone. I have been taking this med for almost a year now. I am up to 225mg daily. Well, I guess that was what I was up to. I am now down to 150 daily and scared to go lower for fear of w/d. The doc I have been seeing has really blown my trust lately and I wonder if she really has a clue or just wants me out of the office because her schedule is so booked. I am really not paranoid... i swear!! Well, at least not diagonosed! lol... Anyway, How slow do I need to step down. Should I go every other day 150 to 75 for a while? then 75 for a while then slowly go evey other day at that point? I am so sick of all of the side effects that I am getting and can't stand it any more. Please!! Send me some words of wisdom. Or at least some of your educated guesses.. I am tired of standing out here in left field by myself. Thanks for letting me ramble!!!
Nat
Posted by Allen F. on May 29, 2002, at 23:28:36
In reply to Effexor.... how slow 2 go off, posted by Nat A. on May 29, 2002, at 23:10:34
I was at 150mg and cut back to 75 the first week, 37.5mg in the morning and at night. Since then I have been decreasing the amount by about 10% per week by taking some of the granuals out of the capsules. I am down to about 20mg a day and will soon discontinue.
I did it this way based on advice I have received. I am not sure it is the best way to do it, or if I haven't just prolonged the agoney. But, I have not had any major problems with withdrawal and have avoided a relaps of depression.
Your PDoc should be able to give you a schedule to wein off, you should talk to her about it.
Hope this helps.
Posted by kickink on May 29, 2002, at 23:56:29
In reply to Effexor.... how slow 2 go off, posted by Nat A. on May 29, 2002, at 23:10:34
> Hello everyone. I have been taking this med for almost a year now. I am up to 225mg daily. Well, I guess that was what I was up to. I am now down to 150 daily and scared to go lower for fear of w/d. The doc I have been seeing has really blown my trust lately and I wonder if she really has a clue or just wants me out of the office because her schedule is so booked. I am really not paranoid... i swear!! Well, at least not diagonosed! lol... Anyway, How slow do I need to step down. Should I go every other day 150 to 75 for a while? then 75 for a while then slowly go evey other day at that point? I am so sick of all of the side effects that I am getting and can't stand it any more. Please!! Send me some words of wisdom. Or at least some of your educated guesses.. I am tired of standing out here in left field by myself. Thanks for letting me ramble!!!
> NatTHere are some other posts under "withdrawal" and "prozac" that you might want to take a look at to help you wean. Good luck.
Posted by LynnPerley on May 30, 2002, at 21:19:13
In reply to Re: just started, posted by Grace Coyote on May 29, 2002, at 19:40:58
Give it a few more weeks. Those feelings started to lift for me about the time I got my first refill of 150 mg 30 day supply (I had taken a sample pack with lower doseages before I got the 150 mg 30 day scrip).
Posted by Spencer on May 31, 2002, at 8:49:39
In reply to Effexor.... how slow 2 go off, posted by Nat A. on May 29, 2002, at 23:10:34
I contacted the local Effexor representative of Wyeth and asked about tapering off the drug because I'm doing it now.
She advised, and only as a guideline, for someone taking 225mg XR once a day for 6 months:
Week 1 - down to 150mg per day
Week 2 - down to 75mg per day
Week 3 - down to 75mg every 36 hours
Week 4 - down to 75mg every 48 hours
Then stop.I was taking 150mg XR for about 10 months. My psychiatrist suggested 112.5mg in the form of 75mg XR capsule and 37.5mg tablet. The tablet is not XR though. I've done this for three weeks now with no side effects. I'm going down to 75mg XR next week and the Wyeth rep. suggested taking half a 37.5mg tablet just to top up a bit if I start feeling effects. My psychiatrist also said she might just finish off with some Prozac.
I'll see how it goes.
Posted by mara talamaur on May 31, 2002, at 15:29:33
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Greetings,
I began taking Effexor XR in March to aid with depression and concentration problems (not ADD, more likely related to the depression). I am currently on the 150mg doseage.
It seems now that I'm having a lot of trouble orgasming...this is kind of disturbing considering I'm pretty young (21) and am used to being, well, rather an "easy-orgasm-er". LOL!
It takes far longer than it used to and when I do achieve an orgasm, it's far from the intensity that I'm used to (although my boyfriend and I do not mind working on this problem..hehe). I'm disappointed, although this isn't enough of a reason for me to discontinue anti-depressent useage.Has any female had similar effects? What have you done about it? Has this side effect gone away for you? Any suggestions and commentary would be most appreciated.
Cheers,Mara
Posted by Ed O`Flaherty on May 31, 2002, at 17:03:15
In reply to Female w/ Sexual Side Effects, posted by mara talamaur on May 31, 2002, at 15:29:33
Efexor is well-known for sexual side effects and certainly worse than the SSRIs such as Prozac.It is pretty good for depression though.
Posted by kickink on May 31, 2002, at 18:05:52
In reply to Re: Female w/ Sexual Side Effects, posted by Ed O`Flaherty on May 31, 2002, at 17:03:15
My personal experience included the EXACT same thing. Takes longer, less intense etc. I also had weight gain. Worked OK on my depression. I didn't cry much. I finally discontinued but went through bad withdrawal. Best Wishes to you and your BOYFRIEND!!! LOL
Posted by Sleepy Lizard on May 31, 2002, at 22:29:02
In reply to Re: Female w/ Sexual Side Effects, posted by Ed O`Flaherty on May 31, 2002, at 17:03:15
I found this information on www.medhelp.org forum. I hope it helps. I have the same problem (male) from Paxil and Celexa and am switching to Effexor.
Answer Posted By: HFHS-M.D.-HG on Saturday, May 13, 2000
Dear LC,
Medications such as Wellbutrin, Serazone, Trazodone, Remeron are used as antidepressants in the treatment of patients with depression associated with sexual dysfunction. Medications such as Amantadine, Cyproheptadine and Yohunbine are seen to be useful in patients with sexual dysfunction on antidepressants. Sexual dysfunction secondary to effexor is dose related (as the dose increases, this side effect worsens). About 12% of the population that uses effexor have either abnormal ejaculation or orgasm difficulties. If the sexual dysfunction is secondary to depression itself, it can get better once the depression is relieved by the medication. I would recommend that you talk to your doctor about your concerns.
Sincerely
HFHS-M.D
Posted by kpo2002 on June 1, 2002, at 17:05:37
In reply to Re: Female w/ Sexual Side Effects, posted by Sleepy Lizard on May 31, 2002, at 22:29:02
I am female and have had no side effects from taking Effexor xr. In fact it seemed to be the opposite, not because it affected my body, per se, but because I seemed to have less animosity towards my boyfriend because of aggravating circumstances that occurred over many years.
But PAXIL was another story. It was outrageously difficult to reach an orgasm on that stuff.
I am back on Effexor after having been off it for a couple of weeks. Today is day number 2 and I feel better already. I know this time that I have to discontinue it as soon as couch-potato-ism sets in.
Posted by Sleepy Lizard on June 1, 2002, at 23:49:15
In reply to Re: Female w/ Sexual Side Effects, posted by kpo2002 on June 1, 2002, at 17:05:37
Its good to hear that you are getting some relief with Effexor. Sorry it makes you feel so tired. I've just started Effexor so I don't have any side effects yet to report. I had the same experience as you did with the Paxil. I'm wondering about the reason that so many have delayed orgasm or anorgasmia when they have more Seretonin in their systems. Apparently the balance of Seretonin, Norepinepherin, and Dopamine must be exactly right to make the nervous system work correctly? From what I read, Effexor increases all three of these neurotransmitters, whereas Paxil increases only Seretonin.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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