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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by jannbeau on July 5, 2002, at 15:43:21
In reply to Re: New to Effexor, posted by Christina333 on July 3, 2002, at 23:19:59
> Christina, first, let me tell you that I am NOT a physician, so anything that I suggest is just a layman's thoughts. Anxiety, insomnia, and labile emotions (mood swings?) can certainly be linked to hyperthyroidism. However, in addition to the anxiety and depression, people with hyperthyroidism usually display many physical symptoms/signs, including, but not limited to, the following: fine tremor, especially in the hands; fatigue (often described as tired from the neck down) even after a night's sleep; insomnia; increased sweating; weight loss; warm, dry "velvety" soft skin; goiter (swelling of thyroid-in neck-not invariable); sometimes, but not always, a patient will have "bulging" eyes-the eyes become more prominent than usual and sometimes an observer can see "white of the eye" all around the iris, not just at the sides--, gritty eyes, painful eyes; red, injected conjunctiva. The hyperthyroidism with eye signs are due to a condition called Graves" Disease, but you do NOT have to have Graves Disease to be hyperthyroid. A family history of thyroid disorders (not only hyperthyroidism) may be present.
Have you discussed this possibility with your internist or family practice physician? You may wish to do so as hyperthyroidism cam be a serious medical problem.
Hi Lynn. The 150mg has taken care of most anxiety also. I haven't had any anxiety attacks. Like you said, the depression is still there. I do have to see a counselor in order to see the doctor. I go to a clinic that goes by your income. I'm sure it can't hurt. I read that sometimes depression symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and mood swings can be linked to your thyroid. Have you heard of that?
Posted by cary 111 on July 5, 2002, at 16:43:47
In reply to Off for 2 days, posted by mommy on July 2, 2002, at 19:43:09
I just started taking Effexor 37.5mg 5 days ago. I seem to have quite a bit of nervousness on and off. Has anyone out there experienced this? Is it likely to pass? Also I am having difficulty concentrating.
I had been taking Serzone for about 8 months for anxiety and depression related to a chronic pain problem. It was much easier for me to tolerate, but I was feeling like I didn't care about anything, so I decided to try to come off the Serzone. I liked the feeling of my real self coming back, but unfortunately I felt my pain worsening, and my anxiety coming back in waves quite strongly, so I with my Doc decided to try Effexor. Unfortunately I'm really having trouble getting on this stuff.
Anyone had this kind of experience, and can offer some feedback?
Thanks for your help
Posted by LynnPerley on July 5, 2002, at 17:36:04
In reply to Just started effexor/anxiety, posted by cary 111 on July 5, 2002, at 16:43:47
You are on a very low dose. Give it a week or so and talk to your doc. You may need a higher dose.
Posted by flower on July 7, 2002, at 16:49:52
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by marlene on February 6, 2002, at 8:47:13
I am 24 and have beed perscribed Effexor for anxiety. I was givin Paxil first, took it twice and hated the way I felt, (vomiting, insomnia). I have guilty feelings about taking medicine because I feel that we have to work through our problems, and learn from them to become a stronger person. However, after a month of severe anxiety attacks, I asked to try medication. I am very nervous about taking meds, in fact for days after buying the drugs, I couldn't bring myself to take them, I would just look at the bottle and contimplate. I finally decided to give it a try. This is day two for me. I plan to take them temporarily, them stop(with doctors supervision). My fear is this: I don't want to become dependant on drugs to "fix-it". I don't want to feel drugged up, I just want the anxiety to stop. I fear withdraws. I don't want a false reality. Am I giving up on myself by taking the easy way out? Honestly, I'm sick of the entire issue, everyone seems to be messed up these days, and the solution is, "Here, take these drugs and come back in three weeks." Shouldn't we look inside ourselves and to God for strenth. I would love to have some words of advice.
Posted by spencer on July 8, 2002, at 1:40:52
In reply to nervous about drugs, posted by flower on July 7, 2002, at 16:49:52
Obviously I don't know what is actually causing your anxiety, but if it is a chemical imbalance in the brain then you will find it hard to find "normality" just by trying to think through it. I can understand what you are going through, but antidepressants can help you back to a state of "normality" so you can start dealing with the underlying issues.
From a state of almost suicidal depression and anxiety, Effexor helped me back to where I was able to make the most of cognitive therapy and to undertand the destructive powers of negative and irrational thinking. But you have to be prepared to deal with the side effects as your body adjusts (but they will largely go away) and then you may have a few withdrawal symptoms if you try to go off too quickly. I stopped taking Effexor last week after a year's treatment. I tapered off over about a 2 month period and apart from feeling dizzy for the first two days everything went very well. Strangely enough the feeling of dizziness went away during a strenuous session at gym and it hasn't come back.
You don't have to feel guilty about taking AD's. If you had a bad infection I'm sure you would take antibiotics and if you had a bad heart you would also take medication. Depression and anxiety can in large part be physiological conditions which prevent us from thinking rationally. AD's can put you back on track. In the long term if you have the energy to exercise regularly and fairly vigorously you may be able to naturally generate the chemicals that help keep your brain functioning correctly.
Posted by Starwatcher on July 8, 2002, at 16:38:30
In reply to Re: Effexor and chronic pain, posted by Cary 111 on July 3, 2002, at 8:28:52
Hi, Cary 111. I take my 37.5 mg. about an hour or so or right before I go to bed, along with two other prescribed meds - Etodolac ( an anti-inflammatory) and a Tagamet for my stomach (this can increase Effexor's effects, and cause it to be eliminated from the system more slowly, so maybe that's why I can get by on the smallest dose). Since my condition that it is prescribed for is NOT depression, but chronic fibromyalgia pain - I felt and feel totally safe reducing the dosage down from 75 mg. to 37.5 mg. If a lesser dose will relieve the pain, and I have less side effects, why not? I am still finding that I'm sometimes still a little tired, loaded and fuzzy headed feeling for about an hour in the morning after I wake up, but it goes away - and I've been on it now for almost a month, with no missed doses. The pain stays gone until the evening.
Starwatcher:
> Thanks for your message. What time of day do you take that 37.5mg? Was your tiredness greater when you first began taking the medication. Does it seem to be getting better as you adjust? I hope all continues to go well for you.
> Best, Cary 111
>
> > > I have had chronic soft tissue pain in my feet for several years. I also have an arthritic hip joint. I was prescribed Effexor, starting at 37,5 and then up in a week to 75mg. Has anyone out there had an experience with effexor for the treatment of anxiety and depression, in connection with chronic pain?
> > > As a side note: I met someone a few days ago who recommended I try a wheat, sugar, meat, and dairy free diet for my pain problems. Because I've tried almost everything, I figured I'd give it a shot. Wow!!! do I feel mentally clear and relaxed in comparison to just two days ago. However my pain is no better, although I do seem less overwhelmed because I feel so much better mentally. Now I'm wondering if I should even begin the Effexor.
> > > Also, I have tried Serzone, and Nortriptyline, and began with Prozac (made me very anxious) a few years ago.
> > > Anyone with suggestions, please respond!
> > > Thank you in advance
> >
> > Hi, cary.
> >
> > I've been on 37.5 mg. of Effexor for fibromyalgia for about three weeks, and this dose seems to be working continuously! My doctor prescribed 75 mg., and I tried that on a weekend - but it was too much - I couldn't function and basically slept around the clock - so I decreased the dosage myself. I will stay at this dose as long as it works, and I'm experiencing minimal side effects - a little diziness now and then, and a kinda sleepy loaded feeling for awhile when I wake up in the morning.
Posted by jannbeau on July 8, 2002, at 17:00:17
In reply to Re: Effexor and chronic pain, posted by Starwatcher on July 8, 2002, at 16:38:30
> Starwatcher, I have had the very same experience. I take 37.5 mg at night, no antiinflammatory (I am allergic to aspirin-asthma-and other NSAIDs; no tagamet because no NSAIDs). The medication works very well-in conjunction with very low doses of opiod analgesics-to control my pain (arthritis and fibromyalgia). Similar side effects: fatigue; somnolence for part of the day.
Cheers,
jannbeauHi, Cary 111. I take my 37.5 mg. about an hour or so or right before I go to bed, along with two other prescribed meds - Etodolac ( an anti-inflammatory) and a Tagamet for my stomach (this can increase Effexor's effects, and cause it to be eliminated from the system more slowly, so maybe that's why I can get by on the smallest dose). Since my condition that it is prescribed for is NOT depression, but chronic fibromyalgia pain - I felt and feel totally safe reducing the dosage down from 75 mg. to 37.5 mg. If a lesser dose will relieve the pain, and I have less side effects, why not? I am still finding that I'm sometimes still a little tired, loaded and fuzzy headed feeling for about an hour in the morning after I wake up, but it goes away - and I've been on it now for almost a month, with no missed doses. The pain stays gone until the evening.
>
> Starwatcher:
> > Thanks for your message. What time of day do you take that 37.5mg? Was your tiredness greater when you first began taking the medication. Does it seem to be getting better as you adjust? I hope all continues to go well for you.
> > Best, Cary 111
> >
> > > > I have had chronic soft tissue pain in my feet for several years. I also have an arthritic hip joint. I was prescribed Effexor, starting at 37,5 and then up in a week to 75mg. Has anyone out there had an experience with effexor for the treatment of anxiety and depression, in connection with chronic pain?
> > > > As a side note: I met someone a few days ago who recommended I try a wheat, sugar, meat, and dairy free diet for my pain problems. Because I've tried almost everything, I figured I'd give it a shot. Wow!!! do I feel mentally clear and relaxed in comparison to just two days ago. However my pain is no better, although I do seem less overwhelmed because I feel so much better mentally. Now I'm wondering if I should even begin the Effexor.
> > > > Also, I have tried Serzone, and Nortriptyline, and began with Prozac (made me very anxious) a few years ago.
> > > > Anyone with suggestions, please respond!
> > > > Thank you in advance
> > >
> > > Hi, cary.
> > >
> > > I've been on 37.5 mg. of Effexor for fibromyalgia for about three weeks, and this dose seems to be working continuously! My doctor prescribed 75 mg., and I tried that on a weekend - but it was too much - I couldn't function and basically slept around the clock - so I decreased the dosage myself. I will stay at this dose as long as it works, and I'm experiencing minimal side effects - a little diziness now and then, and a kinda sleepy loaded feeling for awhile when I wake up in the morning.
Posted by oracle on July 8, 2002, at 17:27:22
In reply to nervous about drugs, posted by flower on July 7, 2002, at 16:49:52
Food for thought:
Would you have a different view if you had Diabetes and took insulin ?
Posted by flower on July 8, 2002, at 17:53:10
In reply to Re: nervous about drugs, posted by oracle on July 8, 2002, at 17:27:22
I am still having second thoughts about the medication. I have been experiencing stiffness in my jaw and a difficulty speaking clearly. Is this a normal side effect? Will it go away? Today I feel weak. Yes, I would feel differently about taking medication for a physical problem, beccause the mind is so delicate...
Posted by Starwatcher on July 8, 2002, at 19:14:44
In reply to Re: Effexor and chronic pain » Starwatcher, posted by jannbeau on July 8, 2002, at 17:00:17
Hi, jann. Thanks for your reply. I've really watched what I take in conjunction with Effexor, since it seems to be such a high powered med. I have taken 1 ea. #3 codeine before for relief, but I've never done so at the same time. I've only done it once or twice during the day when the Effexor wore off and it wasn't time to take that again yet, but I made sure and waited at least six hours before taking the Effexor. What very low dose opioids do you take at the same time?
> > Starwatcher, I have had the very same experience. I take 37.5 mg at night, no antiinflammatory (I am allergic to aspirin-asthma-and other NSAIDs; no tagamet because no NSAIDs). The medication works very well-in conjunction with very low doses of opiod analgesics-to control my pain (arthritis and fibromyalgia). Similar side effects: fatigue; somnolence for part of the day.
>
> Cheers,
> jannbeau
>
> Hi, Cary 111. I take my 37.5 mg. about an hour or so or right before I go to bed, along with two other prescribed meds - Etodolac ( an anti-inflammatory) and a Tagamet for my stomach (this can increase Effexor's effects, and cause it to be eliminated from the system more slowly, so maybe that's why I can get by on the smallest dose). Since my condition that it is prescribed for is NOT depression, but chronic fibromyalgia pain - I felt and feel totally safe reducing the dosage down from 75 mg. to 37.5 mg. If a lesser dose will relieve the pain, and I have less side effects, why not? I am still finding that I'm sometimes still a little tired, loaded and fuzzy headed feeling for about an hour in the morning after I wake up, but it goes away - and I've been on it now for almost a month, with no missed doses. The pain stays gone until the evening.
> >
> > Starwatcher:
> > > Thanks for your message. What time of day do you take that 37.5mg? Was your tiredness greater when you first began taking the medication. Does it seem to be getting better as you adjust? I hope all continues to go well for you.
> > > Best, Cary 111
> > >
> > > > > I have had chronic soft tissue pain in my feet for several years. I also have an arthritic hip joint. I was prescribed Effexor, starting at 37,5 and then up in a week to 75mg. Has anyone out there had an experience with effexor for the treatment of anxiety and depression, in connection with chronic pain?
> > > > > As a side note: I met someone a few days ago who recommended I try a wheat, sugar, meat, and dairy free diet for my pain problems. Because I've tried almost everything, I figured I'd give it a shot. Wow!!! do I feel mentally clear and relaxed in comparison to just two days ago. However my pain is no better, although I do seem less overwhelmed because I feel so much better mentally. Now I'm wondering if I should even begin the Effexor.
> > > > > Also, I have tried Serzone, and Nortriptyline, and began with Prozac (made me very anxious) a few years ago.
> > > > > Anyone with suggestions, please respond!
> > > > > Thank you in advance
> > > >
> > > > Hi, cary.
> > > >
> > > > I've been on 37.5 mg. of Effexor for fibromyalgia for about three weeks, and this dose seems to be working continuously! My doctor prescribed 75 mg., and I tried that on a weekend - but it was too much - I couldn't function and basically slept around the clock - so I decreased the dosage myself. I will stay at this dose as long as it works, and I'm experiencing minimal side effects - a little diziness now and then, and a kinda sleepy loaded feeling for awhile when I wake up in the morning.
Posted by LynnPerley on July 8, 2002, at 21:34:19
In reply to Re: nervous about drugs, posted by flower on July 8, 2002, at 17:53:10
Jaw tension (bruxism) is a side effect of many AD meds. I found it to be less so on Effexor compared to generic Prozac, and it did go away to the point it does not happen every day and it is not painful. Do I notice it, sure, sometimes.
If you review the positive experiences with Effexor posted in this forum - and I admit they are in the minority, because I think people who have good experiences often do not choose to seek out forums like this - Effexor's side effects seem to wax and wane over several weeks, perhaps more so than other meds because its half life is very short (it gets out of your system in a matter of hours rather than days). For some individuals, side effects decrease after an increased dosage. For others, they increase.
I can understand your concern about taking meds that affect the brain. I share your concern. It kept me from seeking help for a long time. I was never suicidal or anything, but I had no idea how much depression and anxiety was affecting my quality of life until I had been taking this medication for three months.
Posted by jannbeau on July 9, 2002, at 10:34:56
In reply to Re: Effexor and chronic pain, posted by Starwatcher on July 8, 2002, at 19:14:44
>Star: I take 2 tablets of propoxyphene with acetaminophen at night with the 37.5 mg of Effexor. During the day, I take 1 to 2 5 mg tablets of hydrocodone, as necessary, for pain. There appears to be very little, if any, interaction between the propoxyphene and the Effexor or between Effexor and hydrocodone. This is NOT the case with ULTRAM, however. My pain specialist put me on Ultram, Topamax and Effexor all at the same time. The Ultram, which appears to have significant effects on serotonin receptors or NE or DA receptors, in conjunction with the Effexor caused me much grief. I stay completely away from Ultram as a result.
Hope this information is helpful.
Jannbeau
Hi, jann. Thanks for your reply. I've really watched what I take in conjunction with Effexor, since it seems to be such a high powered med. I have taken 1 ea. #3 codeine before for relief, but I've never done so at the same time. I've only done it once or twice during the day when the Effexor wore off and it wasn't time to take that again yet, but I made sure and waited at least six hours before taking the Effexor. What very low dose opioids do you take at the same time?
>
> > > Starwatcher, I have had the very same experience. I take 37.5 mg at night, no antiinflammatory (I am allergic to aspirin-asthma-and other NSAIDs; no tagamet because no NSAIDs). The medication works very well-in conjunction with very low doses of opiod analgesics-to control my pain (arthritis and fibromyalgia). Similar side effects: fatigue; somnolence for part of the day.
> >
> > Cheers,
> > jannbeau
> >
> > Hi, Cary 111. I take my 37.5 mg. about an hour or so or right before I go to bed, along with two other prescribed meds - Etodolac ( an anti-inflammatory) and a Tagamet for my stomach (this can increase Effexor's effects, and cause it to be eliminated from the system more slowly, so maybe that's why I can get by on the smallest dose). Since my condition that it is prescribed for is NOT depression, but chronic fibromyalgia pain - I felt and feel totally safe reducing the dosage down from 75 mg. to 37.5 mg. If a lesser dose will relieve the pain, and I have less side effects, why not? I am still finding that I'm sometimes still a little tired, loaded and fuzzy headed feeling for about an hour in the morning after I wake up, but it goes away - and I've been on it now for almost a month, with no missed doses. The pain stays gone until the evening.
> > >
> > > Starwatcher:
> > > > Thanks for your message. What time of day do you take that 37.5mg? Was your tiredness greater when you first began taking the medication. Does it seem to be getting better as you adjust? I hope all continues to go well for you.
> > > > Best, Cary 111
> > > >
> > > > > > I have had chronic soft tissue pain in my feet for several years. I also have an arthritic hip joint. I was prescribed Effexor, starting at 37,5 and then up in a week to 75mg. Has anyone out there had an experience with effexor for the treatment of anxiety and depression, in connection with chronic pain?
> > > > > > As a side note: I met someone a few days ago who recommended I try a wheat, sugar, meat, and dairy free diet for my pain problems. Because I've tried almost everything, I figured I'd give it a shot. Wow!!! do I feel mentally clear and relaxed in comparison to just two days ago. However my pain is no better, although I do seem less overwhelmed because I feel so much better mentally. Now I'm wondering if I should even begin the Effexor.
> > > > > > Also, I have tried Serzone, and Nortriptyline, and began with Prozac (made me very anxious) a few years ago.
> > > > > > Anyone with suggestions, please respond!
> > > > > > Thank you in advance
> > > > >
> > > > > Hi, cary.
> > > > >
> > > > > I've been on 37.5 mg. of Effexor for fibromyalgia for about three weeks, and this dose seems to be working continuously! My doctor prescribed 75 mg., and I tried that on a weekend - but it was too much - I couldn't function and basically slept around the clock - so I decreased the dosage myself. I will stay at this dose as long as it works, and I'm experiencing minimal side effects - a little diziness now and then, and a kinda sleepy loaded feeling for awhile when I wake up in the morning.
Posted by Gabbi on July 9, 2002, at 22:02:05
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain , posted by newgirl on April 18, 2000, at 10:46:14
> > 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.
> > >
>
> I was on Paxil for one year also, and it worked
> GREAT for me for the severe PMS mood swings and
> depression I was experiencing. At first I had
> no weight gain, then after about 6 months, I
> suddenly gained 35 pounds in 4 months! The web
> info sites on depression and meds say that the
> SSRI's (Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft) are more apt to
> cause weight loss than weight gain, but I know
> a LOT of people who take them or have taken
> them, and they had the same thing I experienced --
> about 6 months with no problem, then BAM -- a
> big weight gain in 4-6 months without changing
> their eating habits or decreasing their activity
> levels.
>
> I switched to Wellbutrin SR a few weeks ago.
> We'll see how it goes.I originally was on 80mgs of Prozac, and had also tried Paxil, and I did gain weight on both of them, these were prescribed by my family Dr.
They did help with the depression but my anxiety level skyrocketed.
I was admitted to hospital (I am getting to the point here) and luckily was treated by a brilliant Psychopharmacologist, it was a fluke, he was "on tour" but it made me realize just how much of a difference a specialist can make. Anyways the point... He reduced my Prozac to 20mgs and supplemented it with a t4 thyroid hormone. I don't have low thyroid but what it does is increase the antidepressent affects of the SSRI without the side effects of a larger dose, and additionally I ended up losing weight! Surprisingly it did not increase my anxiety. Apparently this works with most SSRI drugs obviously everyones chemistry is different but If you can find a knowledgeble Doctor willing to try it I would definately suggest it.
Posted by Mykidsmom on July 10, 2002, at 10:47:17
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I am new here and would like to know if anyone else has had this problem with Effexor. I started taking 37.5 dose and did just fine. Then after a week I was moved up to the normal low dose of 75 mg. day. I had been taking this for about 5 wks. (including the one wk @ 37.5) Then I couldn't get my refill for 3 days, so I was off the med. for that time. The third night was a nightmare, LITERALLY! When I went to bed, I started having these really strange and scary dreams! I woke up several times very confused and disoriented. After about an hour of that, the dreams were so "real" that I was unable to tell if I was dreaming or awake. At one point I woke up my husband to ask him if I was asleep or awake. Is this normal when you miss a couple of doses? If so this is very scary to me! Any help or info you can give would be very appreciated and hopfully "settling!"
Posted by Reneb on July 10, 2002, at 19:01:32
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain , posted by Gabbi on July 9, 2002, at 22:02:05
> > > 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.
> > > >
> >
> > I was on Paxil for one year also, and it worked
> > GREAT for me for the severe PMS mood swings and
> > depression I was experiencing. At first I had
> > no weight gain, then after about 6 months, I
> > suddenly gained 35 pounds in 4 months! The web
> > info sites on depression and meds say that the
> > SSRI's (Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft) are more apt to
> > cause weight loss than weight gain, but I know
> > a LOT of people who take them or have taken
> > them, and they had the same thing I experienced --
> > about 6 months with no problem, then BAM -- a
> > big weight gain in 4-6 months without changing
> > their eating habits or decreasing their activity
> > levels.
> >
> > I switched to Wellbutrin SR a few weeks ago.
> > We'll see how it goes.
>
> I originally was on 80mgs of Prozac, and had also tried Paxil, and I did gain weight on both of them, these were prescribed by my family Dr.
> They did help with the depression but my anxiety level skyrocketed.
> I was admitted to hospital (I am getting to the point here) and luckily was treated by a brilliant Psychopharmacologist, it was a fluke, he was "on tour" but it made me realize just how much of a difference a specialist can make. Anyways the point... He reduced my Prozac to 20mgs and supplemented it with a t4 thyroid hormone. I don't have low thyroid but what it does is increase the antidepressent affects of the SSRI without the side effects of a larger dose, and additionally I ended up losing weight! Surprisingly it did not increase my anxiety. Apparently this works with most SSRI drugs obviously everyones chemistry is different but If you can find a knowledgeble Doctor willing to try it I would definately suggest it.Hi Gabbi, YEs, I did gained weight on effexor. What really suprised me is that I do exercise everyday. I didnt see it coming... I was told by someone and it does make sense that if you tend to use food as comfort you will probably gain weight. My friend is on effexor and is losing weight food is not an issue for her.
That is very interesting about the thyroid hormone
Is that what it is called t4?I am also on 400mg of wellbutrin, have been for awhile. I have no problems at all. I like it.
Renee
Posted by Reneb on July 10, 2002, at 19:09:30
In reply to Scary!, posted by Mykidsmom on July 10, 2002, at 10:47:17
> I am new here and would like to know if anyone else has had this problem with Effexor. I started taking 37.5 dose and did just fine. Then after a week I was moved up to the normal low dose of 75 mg. day. I had been taking this for about 5 wks. (including the one wk @ 37.5) Then I couldn't get my refill for 3 days, so I was off the med. for that time. The third night was a nightmare, LITERALLY! When I went to bed, I started having these really strange and scary dreams! I woke up several times very confused and disoriented. After about an hour of that, the dreams were so "real" that I was unable to tell if I was dreaming or awake. At one point I woke up my husband to ask him if I was asleep or awake. Is this normal when you miss a couple of doses? If so this is very scary to me! Any help or info you can give would be very appreciated and hopfully "settling!"
Hi, You are not alone, If you look back on the archives you will see many posters with the same or similar experiences. I was on it for over a year. I had to get off the stuff. I couldn't take it anymore. The withdrawals is horrible.. Did your Doctor tell you about the withdrawal effects before he put you on it?
Renee
Posted by Gabbi on July 10, 2002, at 19:17:08
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain » Gabbi, posted by Reneb on July 10, 2002, at 19:01:32
Hi Renee
The thyroid hormone is actually a T3 (I think)
But as my medication has destroyed my memory, (isn't playing with medication fun? heavy sarcasm-and to think some people think we're taking the easy way out.... Just to be on the safe side the brand name I know for sure is Cytomel I'm now up to 75mcg as opposed to the original 25 mcg, and still no increase in anxiety which I really find amazing. Good luck
and no hyper-thyroid symptoms either.
Posted by LynnPerley on July 10, 2002, at 20:52:52
In reply to Scary!, posted by Mykidsmom on July 10, 2002, at 10:47:17
Your problem wasn't necessarily a bad drug or bad dosage, it was a sudden stopping when you did not refill the prescription. The pharmacy information you got with your prescription certainly advised, and your doctor should have also, that you cannot suddenly stop taking Effexor XR without risking withdrawal symptoms like you described. I forgot to take my dose once and within 14 hours I started feeling bad, and by 18 hours I had an incapacitating headache. Effexor has a very short half life, in other words, your body does not store it for a long time like it does Paxil, Prozac, or other drugs.
Next time make sure you don't run out of it. If its due to insurance hassles tell your doc and they should have samples to tide you over between refills. It does not mean the drug will not work for you. When you do stop taking it with your doctor's approval, he/she will put you on a gradual decreased dosage to minimize the risk of these effects. You may have adverse effects despite tapering off slowly.
Posted by zoey73 on July 11, 2002, at 10:31:56
In reply to Re: just started and getting off fast, posted by donna on July 4, 2002, at 6:11:39
I just started EffexorXR a week ago and increased to 75mg two days ago. I immediately developed a sore, puffy, itchy rash on my fingers and toes. I cannot find this listed as a side-effect though so maybe it's a heat rash or something. Has anyone else had this? I don't want to go off it yet because Prozac, Paxil, Celexa don't work.
Posted by Kat26 on July 11, 2002, at 10:58:18
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain » Gabbi, posted by Reneb on July 10, 2002, at 19:01:32
Have you heard that to be true about all ADs, or just Effexor?
I think use food as comfort... but it hasn't happened to me.(Just saying this to maybe make some others feel better too)
Kat26
Posted by jannbeau on July 11, 2002, at 11:42:47
In reply to Has anyone else had a rash?, posted by zoey73 on July 11, 2002, at 10:31:56
>No rash that I can discern. However, my feet and especially my hands DO itch, sometimes unbearably. This effect is definitely associated with Effexor or with an interaction between Effexor and some other medication I take because the itching disappeared when I went off Effexor-XR for three weeks. Within days of returning to 37.5 mg Effexor-XR, the itching had returned.
A rash with a medication, even one confined to a certain part of the body, bears watching. It could be a harbinger of a more serious drug reaction. I would contact my physician with this one.
Cheers,
Jannbeau> I just started EffexorXR a week ago and increased to 75mg two days ago. I immediately developed a sore, puffy, itchy rash on my fingers and toes. I cannot find this listed as a side-effect though so maybe it's a heat rash or something. Has anyone else had this? I don't want to go off it yet because Prozac, Paxil, Celexa don't work.
Posted by jannbeau on July 11, 2002, at 11:49:16
In reply to Re: Use food as comfort = weight gain on ADs?, posted by Kat26 on July 11, 2002, at 10:58:18
> Tricyclic AD's are infamous for causing weight gain. I've heard some folks gain on Prozac and some on Paxil. I think Wellbutrin has a better profile for weight, but that's hearsay again as I haven't researched the issue.
jannbeau
Have you heard that to be true about all ADs, or just Effexor?
> I think use food as comfort... but it hasn't happened to me.
>
> (Just saying this to maybe make some others feel better too)
> Kat26
Posted by sly on July 11, 2002, at 16:14:24
In reply to Re: Use food as comfort = weight gain on ADs?, posted by Kat26 on July 11, 2002, at 10:58:18
I seem to be having the opposite to everyone on this. While depressed I gained weight, ate for comfort, I hated my body but didn't have the energy to diet or exercise. Soon after starting Effexor I became obsessed with weight and my body, stopped eating, and lost 20 lbs. I'm trying to eat normally but it's hard, now I'm caught in a vicious cycle of bingeing and fasting. I don't know if Effexor caused this or if this part of my personality was masked by the depression? Since taking Effexor my depression has definitely improved, I don't want to stop taking it despite the unpleasant side effects.
Posted by Kat26 on July 12, 2002, at 12:21:09
In reply to Re: Use food as comfort = weight gain on ADs?, posted by sly on July 11, 2002, at 16:14:24
It seems very likely that the binging and fasting cycle has been caused by that initial period of not eating... I just know as a former anorexic that not eating makes you obsessed with food and weight, usually. Is your eating behavior interfering with your life? Does it feel like hte beginning of an eating disorder?
Kat26
Posted by sly on July 12, 2002, at 15:52:06
In reply to Re: Use food as comfort = weight gain on ADs? Sly, posted by Kat26 on July 12, 2002, at 12:21:09
Yes, it's hell, if I eat normally I feel guilty, then I'll fast for 2 days. I hate parties and family functions b/c everyone watches what I eat. I've started using laxatives after a big meal to help keep the weight down. I know it's beginning to be a real problem, but I don't know how to break the cycle, I can't stand the thought of eating "normally" and gaining weight.
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