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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by xena on July 28, 2002, at 9:31:17
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
On my fifth day of taking Effexor, I noticed that I was back to feeling my "normal" saddened state. It became worse after the sixth day. Now, going on my seventh day of taking this pill, I wonder if it is worth it. My doctor instructed me to take 37.5 mg for the first 7 days, and then 75 mg for the following 7. My worry is that after 5 or more days of taking 75 mg, I will be back to my melancolic state. Could I really have built a resistance to this drug already?
I go back to see her on Thursday, and I will tell her what happened, but I am feeling very discouraged right now. Is this something that has happened to many people?
I just don't understand how I could feel great just a couple of days ago, and now I feel "normal" again.
Posted by LynnPerley on July 28, 2002, at 18:16:17
In reply to melancholy, posted by xena on July 28, 2002, at 9:31:17
Of course, talk to your doctor about it. However, I had similar experiences while taking the sample pack. I would try to stick it out at least until you've been on 150mg or higher for a few weeks. I started with the sample pack too. It took me until the second 30 days of my 150 mg prescrip for me to feel continual good effects, then I increased to 225 mg and I think it has finally settled in.
Posted by Gabbi on July 28, 2002, at 22:39:08
In reply to Re: melancholy » xena, posted by LynnPerley on July 28, 2002, at 18:16:17
I think I mentioned this in my "peppermint post". But I would agree with Lynn Perley
During my earlier trials with medications, I would tend to blame everything on my medication, and now realize, that I'm going to have mood swings regardless, the ups and downs may be in spite of the medication not necessarily because of it. In your case its still really early to know what's what.
I know how long and how scary it seems,but with many anti-depressents the side effects show up before the benefits, and it would be doubtful that an up and down mood change would happen this early because of the medication.
It usually takes 4-6 weeks to know, and its an awful minute by minute wait, especially when the tendency (for me anyway) is to constantly "check" my mood.Unless you feel your mood is consistantly worse than it was pre-effexor I would definately wait it out.(of course with your doctors approval)It
is so much easier said than done, but I think it would be better than going off it waiting and then trying something else.I think "trying out" medication is the single most difficult thing I've ever voluntarily put myself through. Physical side-effects are awful but at least somewhat logical. Inexplicable down emotions are hell because they come across as "reality" not as "I'm depression and I'll leave in a while"
Best of luck
Thinking of you
Gabbi.
Posted by jannbeau on July 29, 2002, at 12:58:03
In reply to Re: Antihistamines Effexor, posted by Starwatcher on July 26, 2002, at 18:44:08
I have recently noticed some bleeding that seems to be right at the back of my nose. I think nosebleeds is a listed side effect of Flonase. Did you start a different corticosteroid spray when you stopped Flonase? I've also noticed some decreased efficacy of Flonase, as has a friend of mine. I thought that was curious.
Thanks for any info on other nasal steroid sprays.
Jannbeau
> > Lynne, Xena: Same here. I use Flonase, 2 sprays at night and usually don't need the antihistamines.
> >
> > I've had no problem with Allegra when taking Effexor XR. I mainly use a cortizone nasal spray now, and just add the Allegra-D when it's realy bad.
> >
> >
>
> Be careful when using Flonase. I had to stop using it because it was giving me frequent anterior nosbleeds (nosebleeds that are at the back of your sinuses) Since I've stopped using it, they've basically stopped....
Posted by kpo2002 on July 29, 2002, at 19:54:40
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? Jenny15, posted by JAMMER on May 23, 2001, at 13:04:31
Jammer, Are you a poet/cook?
Posted by Starwatcher on July 29, 2002, at 22:17:45
In reply to Re: Antihistamines Effexor, posted by jannbeau on July 29, 2002, at 12:58:03
> I have recently noticed some bleeding that seems to be right at the back of my nose. I think nosebleeds is a listed side effect of Flonase. Did you start a different corticosteroid spray when you stopped Flonase? I've also noticed some decreased efficacy of Flonase, as has a friend of mine. I thought that was curious.
>
> Thanks for any info on other nasal steroid sprays.
>
> Jannbeau
>
> > > Lynne, Xena: Same here. I use Flonase, 2 sprays at night and usually don't need the antihistamines.
> > >
> > > I've had no problem with Allegra when taking Effexor XR. I mainly use a cortizone nasal spray now, and just add the Allegra-D when it's realy bad.
> > >
> > >
> >
> > Be careful when using Flonase. I had to stop using it because it was giving me frequent anterior nosbleeds (nosebleeds that are at the back of your sinuses) Since I've stopped using it, they've basically stopped....
>
>No, Jann. I never started using another corticosteroid nose spray. I still use Flovent for asthma and take allergy shots, so usually that's enough. I used to use Beconase (before I used Flovent), though, for my nose, and never noticed having the anterior nosebleeds with that. The first time it happened, I got so scared - I thought I was having a brain hemmorrage or a stroke or something, and I raced to the emergency room - I've never been prone in the past to nosebleeds of any kind!
-Starwatcher
Posted by sillyhead on July 30, 2002, at 9:50:56
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hello Everyone,
I have been taking Effexor XR for about a month. I started at 37.5 mg and after each week, I have increased this dose by 37.5 mg. Now I am on day 8 of my recommended dose: 150 mg.
At first I felt no real side effects, but now I am noticing that since I started, I have not been able to have an orgasm, which is really frusterating b/c this has never been a problem for me.
Also, since I increased by dosage, I have been waking in the night, thrashing around in bed, talking in my sleep, and having bizarre and vivid dreams that are generally too intense, making them unpleasant. I am going to wait this one out, b/c I think once things stabalize this will go away, but it is hard b/c the lack of sleep is making me tired! And I never had that problem before either! I could sleep anywhere before the effexor!
I am also very concerned about the inorgasmia as I have a boyfriend of 2 1/2 years and we are not used to this. And what is worse, is that finally my sex drive has come back, only to find out I can't climax!!!!!!!!!!!
Please, Please share your experiences with insomnia/inorgasmia with me. Does this go away?
Thanks a ton,
Sillyhead
Posted by jannbeau on July 30, 2002, at 10:11:50
In reply to Re: Antihistamines Effexor, posted by Starwatcher on July 29, 2002, at 22:17:45
> > I have recently noticed some bleeding that seems to be right at the back of my nose. I think nosebleeds is a listed side effect of Flonase. Did you start a different corticosteroid spray when you stopped Flonase? I've also noticed some decreased efficacy of Flonase, as has a friend of mine. I thought that was curious.
> >
> > Thanks for any info on other nasal steroid sprays.
> >
> > Jannbeau
> >
> > > > Lynne, Xena: Same here. I use Flonase, 2 sprays at night and usually don't need the antihistamines.
> > > >
> > > > I've had no problem with Allegra when taking Effexor XR. I mainly use a cortizone nasal spray now, and just add the Allegra-D when it's realy bad.
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > Be careful when using Flonase. I had to stop using it because it was giving me frequent anterior nosbleeds (nosebleeds that are at the back of your sinuses) Since I've stopped using it, they've basically stopped....
> >
> >
>
> No, Jann. I never started using another corticosteroid nose spray. I still use Flovent for asthma and take allergy shots, so usually that's enough. I used to use Beconase (before I used Flovent), though, for my nose, and never noticed having the anterior nosebleeds with that. The first time it happened, I got so scared - I thought I was having a brain hemmorrage or a stroke or something, and I raced to the emergency room - I've never been prone in the past to nosebleeds of any kind!
>
> -StarwatcherThanks, Star! I need to call my allergist, I suppose re these two problems: reduced efficacy and bleeding--
Cheers,
jannbeau
Posted by awake at last on July 30, 2002, at 11:23:46
In reply to Help: Insomnia/Inorgasmia, posted by sillyhead on July 30, 2002, at 9:50:56
> Hello Everyone,
>
> I have been taking Effexor XR for about a month. I started at 37.5 mg and after each week, I have increased this dose by 37.5 mg. Now I am on day 8 of my recommended dose: 150 mg.
>
> At first I felt no real side effects, but now I am noticing that since I started, I have not been able to have an orgasm, which is really frusterating b/c this has never been a problem for me.
>
> Also, since I increased by dosage, I have been waking in the night, thrashing around in bed, talking in my sleep, and having bizarre and vivid dreams that are generally too intense, making them unpleasant. I am going to wait this one out, b/c I think once things stabalize this will go away, but it is hard b/c the lack of sleep is making me tired! And I never had that problem before either! I could sleep anywhere before the effexor!
>
> I am also very concerned about the inorgasmia as I have a boyfriend of 2 1/2 years and we are not used to this. And what is worse, is that finally my sex drive has come back, only to find out I can't climax!!!!!!!!!!!
>
> Please, Please share your experiences with insomnia/inorgasmia with me. Does this go away?
>
> Thanks a ton,
> Sillyhead
***********************************************
Yes, I've had the same experience with Effexor, but at higher doses. I did okay at 150mgs but it wasn't making me any better, when they upped the dosage to 225 mg I thought I was going to go crazy. One of my major complaints was fatigue, and with effexor I couldn't sleep at all. I stayed at 150 mgs for several months and found that nothing changed. Forewarning, my worst withdrawal symptoms came with this one... backing off of this medicine even at the recommended dosage was miserable - major headaches.
Posted by Beth B on July 30, 2002, at 13:43:36
In reply to Re: Help: Insomnia/Inorgasmia, posted by awake at last on July 30, 2002, at 11:23:46
Hello all-
I have been on 150mg for 13 months now and it has helped me work through some serious baggage. I've just started to reduce my dosage (with consent from therapist) slowly so that I can go on my first "drug holiday." The meds have made me soooo extra sleepy, which wasn't a problem before. I'm trying to see how i respond without them.
I was taking two 75mg caplets every night. This past week I took 1 1/2 75mg caplets each night (dumping out half of one). So far the effects haven't been *too* bad. I've had kind of a mild steady headache and I've been just a little agitated. I feel hot and restless at night when I'm trying to sleep. I'm going to stay on this dosage for another week to let things even out before I reduce it another step.
Here's my projected schedule:
(1 year: 150mg)
2 weeks: 112.5mg
2 weeks: 75mg
2 weeks: 37.5mgI want to keep the list posted with my results so that others can see how this plan works.
Cheers!
Beth B
Posted by LeeLou on July 30, 2002, at 18:56:01
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I stopped taking the medicine cold!! JUST QUIT. I hated it. It made me feel tired and just different...NOT better.....it just gave me NEW things to worry about if that makes any sense. Now I feel like I'm going crazy. I am hot one minute and cold the next. I am having flashes or waves of emotions, I really can't explain. I'm really very aggrivated to the point of wanting to kill someone at times!! HOW LONG IS THIS GOING TO LAST? It's been a week already!
Posted by Starwatcher on July 30, 2002, at 19:11:41
In reply to I did what I shouldn't have!!!, posted by LeeLou on July 30, 2002, at 18:56:01
> I stopped taking the medicine cold!! JUST QUIT. I hated it. It made me feel tired and just different...NOT better.....it just gave me NEW things to worry about if that makes any sense. Now I feel like I'm going crazy. I am hot one minute and cold the next. I am having flashes or waves of emotions, I really can't explain. I'm really very aggrivated to the point of wanting to kill someone at times!! HOW LONG IS THIS GOING TO LAST? It's been a week already!
Some people have said that taking benedryl somehow helps with withdrawal side effects. I would possibly call your doctor and see if you could get some Prozac - it's been written that taking it also helps with withdrawal side effects.
I can't speak from personal experience - I only take 37.5 mg. and have made it an important point to never to miss a dose.
Hope you feel better soon!
Posted by kpo2002 on July 30, 2002, at 20:42:28
In reply to Effexor - Changed my life!, posted by Luann on June 19, 2002, at 17:00:48
Maybe you need to decrease or increase your dosage.
Maybe you are tired during the day because you are not getting enough sleep.
A mild sedative may be what you need to get to sleep. I use a sedative-hypnotic call Restoril; a neighbor of mine uses Tylenol PM.
Posted by colin wallace on July 31, 2002, at 4:56:07
In reply to Re: Help: Insomnia/Inorgasmia, posted by awake at last on July 30, 2002, at 11:23:46
Hi there,
>> I am also very concerned about the inorgasmia as I have a boyfriend of 2 1/2 years and we are not used to this. And what is worse, is that finally my sex drive has come back, only to find out I can't climax!!!!!!!!!!!
I can't help wondering if the problem has something to do with your boyfriend's age.
At 2 1/2 years, he can't have accumulated much experience, really.He's obviously precocious, but I reckon if you gave it another try in 15yrs or so, things would improve.
The best things in life are always worth the wait!!! *_-Col
Posted by spencer on July 31, 2002, at 9:01:51
In reply to Dosage Reduction, posted by Beth B on July 30, 2002, at 13:43:36
That's about what the rate I went off from 150mg XR. I couldn't get 37.5mg XR here (only normal release) but that didn't seem to matter very much. I just suffered from exactly what you mentioned and I had too dizzy days after I stopped completely. By that time I was on a heavy exercise routine and that seemed to help. I've been very well ever since with no relapse into depression or anxiety.
I hope you have the same "luck" as I did.
Posted by JaneB on July 31, 2002, at 10:11:43
In reply to Re: Dosage Reduction » Beth B, posted by spencer on July 31, 2002, at 9:01:51
> That's about what the rate I went off from 150mg XR. I couldn't get 37.5mg XR here (only normal release) but that didn't seem to matter very much. I just suffered from exactly what you mentioned and I had too dizzy days after I stopped completely. By that time I was on a heavy exercise routine and that seemed to help. I've been very well ever since with no relapse into depression or anxiety.
>
> I hope you have the same "luck" as I did.I have tried going off Celexa and always start back up because of the dizziness. When I exercise the dizziness is worse. But exercise helps the mood so how do you exercise while dizzy? Also, while on Celexa I am too tired to exercise so it seems like a vicious cycle.
Thanks,
JaneB
Posted by jrbecker on July 31, 2002, at 16:38:08
In reply to Re: Dosage Reduction/dizziness, posted by JaneB on July 31, 2002, at 10:11:43
I have the same problem (I'm a guy though). The problem of a delayed ejaculation only got worse with AD's. If your inorgasmia still persists after reducing meds or exploring other options, then you might want to give a supplement called L-Arginine a try. It's an amino acid that's a precursor to making nitric oxide (which is responsible for achieving orgasm). Unlike Viagra and other meds, this is one of the best and only therapies that helps for delayed orgasm/delayed ejaculation. According to my urologist, most women get more benefits than guys from taking it (although most guys will see a small or moderate improvement) see attached link http://www.arginineresearch.com/
Posted by sillyhead on July 31, 2002, at 17:11:46
In reply to Re: L-Arginine, posted by jrbecker on July 31, 2002, at 16:38:08
Hey jr, thanks for the info. about L-Arginine. I checked out the article. It is pretty comprehensive. I am going to ask my doctor about L-Arginine or about Niacin (also helps women).
On the plus side, my insomnia and crazy dreams actually seem to be lessening, so for now I am going to stay on 150 mg of the effexor. If things persist, then my Dr. said to consider switching to another AD. But, I am pretty new to this, so I am not sure what options are best.
I'll keep you posted.
Anyone have other related experiences?
sillyhead
Posted by swingsnroundabouts on July 31, 2002, at 17:14:16
In reply to Help: Insomnia/Inorgasmia, posted by sillyhead on July 30, 2002, at 9:50:56
> Hello Everyone,
>
> I have been taking Effexor XR for about a month. I started at 37.5 mg and after each week, I have increased this dose by 37.5 mg. Now I am on day 8 of my recommended dose: 150 mg.
>
> At first I felt no real side effects, but now I am noticing that since I started, I have not been able to have an orgasm, which is really frusterating b/c this has never been a problem for me.
>
> Also, since I increased by dosage, I have been waking in the night, thrashing around in bed, talking in my sleep, and having bizarre and vivid dreams that are generally too intense, making them unpleasant. I am going to wait this one out, b/c I think once things stabalize this will go away, but it is hard b/c the lack of sleep is making me tired! And I never had that problem before either! I could sleep anywhere before the effexor!
>
> I am also very concerned about the inorgasmia as I have a boyfriend of 2 1/2 years and we are not used to this. And what is worse, is that finally my sex drive has come back, only to find out I can't climax!!!!!!!!!!!
>
> Please, Please share your experiences with insomnia/inorgasmia with me. Does this go away?
>
> Thanks a ton,
> Sillyhead
Yes have had both of these side effects each and every time I have been on efexor. It has worked much better for me than other antidepressants so far as far as mood is concerned - in other words it does the job it is supposed to do.HOWEVER my sleep was wrecked and I got to the point where the ONLY way I could sleep on efexor was by using sleeping tablets, e.g. zimovane / zopliclone (had to have a high dose of all of these to get any effect at all). I also experienced sexual side effects - strange weak orgasms which although tolerable, not as fulfilling.
I have just stopped taking efexor and have started on mirtazapine (zispin / remeron). It is so wonderful to sleep without the sleeping tablets. However I am wiped out and sleeping too much (hope this will wear off as it has only been a week) and the orgasms - well ;^)- I say no more.
A WORD OF WARNING Do not let your doc convince you to stop taking efexor abrubtly I have a seriously bad withdrawal syndrome - this drug should be tapered off gradually.
Posted by sillyhead on July 31, 2002, at 18:48:37
In reply to Re: Help: Insomnia/Inorgasmia, posted by swingsnroundabouts on July 31, 2002, at 17:14:16
> I have just stopped taking efexor and have started on mirtazapine (zispin / remeron).
What other meds have you tried and what were they like?
I have heard about the withdrawal symptoms, which scares me. But, I guess these are the chances we take in hopes of getting over the depression or anxiety.>and the orgasms - well ;^)- I say no more.
Is that a good face or a bad face?
Have you experienced inorgasmia on every med that you have been on?On effexor, the percentage of women in the test group that had "sexual problems" was only 2%!!! But on this chat group, it seems more common. Isn't that strange?
Thanks for the advice-I am such a newbie!
Posted by cybercafe on August 1, 2002, at 2:08:02
In reply to Re: Help: Insomnia/Inorgasmia, posted by sillyhead on July 31, 2002, at 18:48:37
> On effexor, the percentage of women in the test group that had "sexual problems" was only 2%!!! But on this chat group, it seems more common. Isn't that strange?
on spontaneous-reporting tests patients rarely bring up their sexual problems, whereas on multiple-choice tests sexual side effects are reported much more accurately ...
... the thing to do... is find out what method of testing is employed
Posted by Mark Parson on August 1, 2002, at 9:13:55
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by care on December 18, 2001, at 22:08:19
I have been using Effexor XR 75 mg for 2 weeks. It seems to work well, reducing stress and anxiety and the "knot" that you get in your stomach in these situations. It has also slowed me down (calmed me) internally. At first, I was more sleepy - and would go to bed 2 hrs earlier because I was exhausted, but that is slowly going away. It has also reduced my internal "cravings" for food, sex and alcohol. Overall it seems to work well, but my biggest concern is the male sexual disfunction (cannot orgasm). I know different people experience different side effects, but once it effects sexual disfunction, is this temporary (how long) or permenant?
I am also worried that several people have indicated do not quit cold turkey that the withdrawl symtoms are dibilitating and you may have to be hospitalized (severe headaches & dizziness - inability to function). Please advise with your experiences with this dosage. Thanks.
Posted by swingsnroundabouts on August 1, 2002, at 11:54:19
In reply to Re: Help: Insomnia/Inorgasmia, posted by sillyhead on July 31, 2002, at 18:48:37
> > I have just stopped taking efexor and have started on mirtazapine (zispin / remeron).
>
> What other meds have you tried and what were they like?
> I have heard about the withdrawal symptoms, which scares me. But, I guess these are the chances we take in hopes of getting over the depression or anxiety.
>
> >and the orgasms - well ;^)- I say no more.
>
> Is that a good face or a bad face?
> Have you experienced inorgasmia on every med that you have been on?
>
> On effexor, the percentage of women in the test group that had "sexual problems" was only 2%!!! But on this chat group, it seems more common. Isn't that strange?
>
> Thanks for the advice-I am such a newbie!That was definitely a happy face!! It has always been suspected that the sexual side effects were underreported, particularly in women. The reporting on this site is not surprising - its easy to say it on here, but how many women would say so to their (often male) psychiatrist ??
Psychiatrist - "So how are you doing?"
Female patient - "well the depression's much better but my orgasms just don't feel quite right"I have not had the inorgasmia or similar on any other meds - just the efexor.
Re other meds - dothiepin or prozac have not worked - efexor was the first antid to work for me - hopefully mirtazapine will do to as it works on serotonin plus noradrenaline systems
Posted by sillyhead on August 2, 2002, at 8:48:53
In reply to What are your side effects using Effexor XR 75mg? , posted by Mark Parson on August 1, 2002, at 9:13:55
>I know different people experience different side effects, but once it effects sexual disfunction, is this temporary (how long) or permenant?
>
Hello Mark (and everyone else), I am new at this too and I certainly am not a big fan of the inorgasmia. My Psychiatrist said that it will probably not go away. But, I do have another friend who is on 75mg (whereas I am on 150) who said that she got over the inorgasmia. Her exact words were: "It just takes longer now and is more work". Check out the website on an earlier post about a supplement you can take that may help. I am going to stay with the effexor for another month or so and then I am going to consider switching to something else if I am still not having orgasms.good luck and let's keep in touch about this or any news we here,
Sillyhead
Posted by jrbecker on August 2, 2002, at 9:40:46
In reply to Re: What are your side effects using Effexor XR 75mg? , posted by sillyhead on August 2, 2002, at 8:48:53
let me preface this by saying that between the two (effexor and celexa), I had a much better treatment efficacy with effexor. however, in terms of the sexual dysfunction department, celexa is definitely the most tolerable. You might even want to look out for lexapro due out this month (an isomer remodeling of celexa). It's supposed to have better side effects tolerability than even Celexa. The pharm company is really touting these side effects (e.g., sexual dysfunction, increased appetite, somnolescence) as fairly improved, however, from what I've read up on so far, the critics believe that there might be only a slight -- who knows, possibly even negligible --significant difference between lexapro and celexa. And even with less side effects, they might find the same loss in treatment efficacy though.
I'm always the skeptic though, so you never know.
There's plenty of posts about this on this site if you want to research more. good luck sillyhead.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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