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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Alara on September 6, 2002, at 8:29:12
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares, posted by DebraA. on September 5, 2002, at 9:16:56
> I haven't had any desire to drink in the last few days - I chalked it off to the bad withdrawal symptoms, but maybe you're on to something here. I am truly hoping that once I'm past this, I can return to enjoying wine socially, but not as something I feel compelled to have every night.
>
> Thanks so very much for your input!!
Debra, don't mention it. I realise now that I wrote that post as much for myself as for anyone else; it was exactly the kind of catharsis that I needed. Hopefully you won’t mind too much if I talk some more. All this is really helping to sort out the thoughts in my head.To be honest, I was already a binge drinker even before I started Effexor. I don't hold Effexor responsible for my alcoholic tendencies at all. Yet I do know that my drinking became much worse, progressing from a twice-weekly binge to a nightly occurrence after I started the drug.
This is my theory: If Venlafaxine (Effexor) has a shorter half-life than SSRIs, then you will probably hit a serotonin low later in the day. Alcohol provides a quick serotonin fix, although it depletes serotonin stores in the long run. I was on Effexor XR, which apparently has a more sustained release, but I noticed a definite drop in my mood around the late afternoon - right about the time that the nightly cravings started! In hindsight, I wonder if I should have taken my dose at night instead of during the morning.
I wonder if my moods have become more stable since coming off Effexor because I'm not suffering from that daily afternoon withdrawal low! Maybe this has something to do with my reduced craving for alcohol. I need to be really honest here and say that, at the moment, my alcohol cravings have returned to some extent, because I did feel like a drink tonight. Still, the craving was not strong enough to send me over to the bottle shop! I realise that I still need to work hard to stop myself from slipping.
You see, here's another thing: Before I came off Effexor, I wouldn't have had enough strength or determination to stay away from alcohol. On Effexor, I would have been at the bottle shop by 6pm tonight...
There's also a huge psychological factor in my sudden ability to abstain: Coming off Effexor was so **** awful that I kept thinking: "If I can come off this, I can come off alcohol!" (I have withdrawn from alcohol a few times before and, funnily enough, have never suffered from any withdrawal symptoms other than mild anxiety for a day or so.) Then again, the quantities that I was drinking each night were probably not so great.
I remember telling myself as I lay there withdrawing from Effexor: "I am myself again; I feel like myself. I'm going to wipe the whole slate clean and quit alcohol too." Ironically, going through the agony of Effexor withdrawal may have saved me from my own worst habit. :-)
Debra, my own honest feeling is that the Effexor played a huge part in my drinking but that I already had a predisposition to drink. I know that I still need to be very careful. Wednesday night’s slow glass of champagne was an encouraging sign but still…You may be very different. (I hope, for your sake, that you are!) If you like, I’ll keep you posted to let you know whether the cravings are still less frequent/intense over the next few weeks. Meanwhile, keep strengthening your resolve! And yes, “this agony will eventually cease”, as you rightly said. I’ll be thinking of you.
Alara
Posted by J200 on September 6, 2002, at 13:40:04
In reply to Sex life and Effexor...Help!!, posted by Hoss on September 6, 2002, at 1:21:22
Hoss,
I have tried most every SSRI or related anti-depressant including Effexor, and experienced precisely the symptoms you describe (lack of sensation, working forever for an orgasm I could barely feel, etc.). I finally simply gave up on those medications entirely, opting for a low-dose TCA (Sinequan) instead, which has worked for me in the past. My sex life returned to normal within a few weeks of quitting the SSRI routine, and has remained so, to my great relief. Now if I could only make my wife younger and cuter..... ;-)
Posted by Pariah on September 6, 2002, at 13:42:05
In reply to Sex life and Effexor...Help!!, posted by Hoss on September 6, 2002, at 1:21:22
> Hello Everyone,
>
> Would like to know from the men who are on Effexor..have any of you had a problem reaching orgasm? I am currently taking 150 mg a day...migrated from taking 40 MG of Celexa which ceased to work in treating my depression and have been on this dose for about 2 months.
> What really stinks about this is the fact that I have always had great stamina when it comes to maintaining errections and delaying climax. My wife has always bragged about this but now it seems like I can't reach climax without a very focused effort. It has put a serious cramp on our sex life...it's almost like I have "lost" the sensitivty in my penis although I am aroused and still as crazy about my wife as I was when I first met her ( we've been married for seven years).
> Originally, I was on 75 mg of Effexor XR and felt fine. My doc had said that the 150mg would eventually needed..in addition to the libidio issue, I have also experienced some dizzy spells..I am happy with the med overall but think I'm on too high of a dose. I think two months is plenty of time to allow side effects to subside..overall it's been three months since my migration.
>
> My wife is a trooper but the "marathon's" it's been taking her to bring me to climax is taking it's toll on the both of us. Any serious feedback would be appreciated.
>
> Sincerely,
> Hosf
>
>
> I started taking 150mg a day of Effexor about two months ago and have had the same problem lately. It takes me a long time to reach orgasm and sometimes i dont think i can reach it at all. I can still be aroused but having to have "marathon" sex with my girlfriend is making her think i'm not sexually attracted to her anymore. which is not true. i explained to her that i just increased my effexor dose and she tries to understand, but it's still a problem. i wish there was some cure for this side-effect. the only way i've found to make it better is to not have sex as often so when i do have sex with my girlfriend i REALLY want it.
Posted by Pariah on September 6, 2002, at 13:59:29
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 for 5 months now. it is the only medication i have taken that has the least amount of side-effects (unlike paxil, zoloft, celexa, buspar all which gave me terrible side-effects). actually the only side-effect i have from Effexor is delayed-orgasm. i'm taking it for severe, chronic panic attacks. As soon as i started taking 112.5mgs (one 37.5mg and a 75mg) i felt awesome for a month and a half. no panic attacks what so ever and a normal life back. after that period i had a weeks worth of multiple panic attacks a day. so my doctor increased my dose to 150mgs, which i hace been on for a month now. was fine for that whole month but the past two days have been terrible, multiple attacks. i'm also on Xanax but i dont take them much since i'm in college and really want to remember what i study. Should i increase my effexor dose again? has anyone had this problem of having a good month then several bad days? it's a lot better than without medication but it's real hard to be in class and have to leave on account of panic attacks and be miserable for the whole day waiting for the next one.
Posted by 123 on September 6, 2002, at 14:12:47
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
My neurologist has prescribed Effexor XR for a daily medication for prevention of my migraines. She recommended starting with 37.5 milligrams once a day for two weeks, the increasing it to 75 milligrams every day after that. But I'm very worried after reading the numerous negative postings on the medication. I just went off Verapamil because of weight gain, but research shows that you don't gain weight on Effexor XR, but these postings say otherwise. Help!
Posted by Kat on September 6, 2002, at 14:45:16
In reply to Anyone use Effexor XR for prevention of migraines?, posted by 123 on September 6, 2002, at 14:12:47
Effexor XR never did anything to help my migraines. I've gotten migraines since 1973, and my doctor never mentioned Effexor to prevent them. If I were you, I'd try something not so addictive.
Posted by 123 on September 6, 2002, at 14:47:20
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
My neurologist has prescribed Effexor XR for a daily medication for prevention of my migraines. She recommended starting with 37.5 milligrams once a day for two weeks, the increasing it to 75 milligrams every day after that. But I'm very worried after reading the numerous negative postings on the medication. I just went off Verapamil because of weight gain, but research shows that you don't gain weight on Effexor XR, but these postings say otherwise. Help!
Posted by sulaf98 on September 6, 2002, at 15:00:19
In reply to should i increase my dose?, posted by Pariah on September 6, 2002, at 13:59:29
> i have been on effexor for 5 months now. it is the only medication i have taken that has the least amount of side-effects (unlike paxil, zoloft, celexa, buspar all which gave me terrible side-effects). actually the only side-effect i have from Effexor is delayed-orgasm. i'm taking it for severe, chronic panic attacks. As soon as i started taking 112.5mgs (one 37.5mg and a 75mg) i felt awesome for a month and a half. no panic attacks what so ever and a normal life back. after that period i had a weeks worth of multiple panic attacks a day. so my doctor increased my dose to 150mgs, which i hace been on for a month now. was fine for that whole month but the past two days have been terrible, multiple attacks. i'm also on Xanax but i dont take them much since i'm in college and really want to remember what i study. Should i increase my effexor dose again? has anyone had this problem of having a good month then several bad days? it's a lot better than without medication but it's real hard to be in class and have to leave on account of panic attacks and be miserable for the whole day waiting for the next one.
I would speak with your doctor right away. I've seen several people up to 225 MG, but I wouldn't think anything about that would be beneficial from what I've read.
Posted by Dinah on September 6, 2002, at 16:53:09
In reply to Anyone use Effexor XR for prevention of migraines?, posted by 123 on September 6, 2002, at 14:12:47
Well, I don't know about weight gain, but during the utterly miserable weeks I was on Effexor, I only had one migraine. Truly amazing considering how little I was sleeping.
So I would say it works well on migraines. At least for me.
Posted by Starwatcher on September 6, 2002, at 17:06:31
In reply to Anyone use Effexor XR for prevention of migraines?, posted by 123 on September 6, 2002, at 14:47:20
I use 37.5 mg. for fibromyalgia pain at night. It does seem to help relieve the muscle pain, and does help me sleep (too far into the morning sometimes!) - but it's done absolutely nothing to help my headaches - in fact, it may have increased them. I use butalbital (Fiorinal) for my headaches in conjuction with 800 mg. ibuprofen and that usually seems to work fine. I try not to take it at the same exact time I take the Effexor, but take it a few hours earlier. I seem to end up getting headaches in the afternoon or early evening a lot, or sometimes I wake up with them.
Posted by jannbeau on September 6, 2002, at 17:37:34
In reply to Anyone use Effexor XR for prevention of migraines?, posted by 123 on September 6, 2002, at 14:12:47
> Believe it! You COULD gain weight on Effexor! That is not to say that you WILL gain weight on this medication. I didn't gain, but, then, neither did I lose weight (I am rather fat, so I could have done with losing! : ) I took up to 150 mg per day for a about three months.
Cheers,
jannbeauMy neurologist has prescribed Effexor XR for a daily medication for prevention of my migraines. She recommended starting with 37.5 milligrams once a day for two weeks, the increasing it to 75 milligrams every day after that. But I'm very worried after reading the numerous negative postings on the medication. I just went off Verapamil because of weight gain, but research shows that you don't gain weight on Effexor XR, but these postings say otherwise. Help!
Posted by jannbeau on September 6, 2002, at 17:47:44
In reply to Re: Anyone use Effexor XR for prevention of migraines?, posted by Kat on September 6, 2002, at 14:45:16
>To my knowledge, Effexor isn't, in the classical sense at least, "addictive." Although I am neither a doctor nor an expert on Effexor or other AD's, I think most people who post about their experiences getting off Effexor are describing is the so-called "discontinuation syndrome." Going off Effexor can be troublesome, but most people accomplish it by tapering their dose over a period of weeks with or without the help of other medications. Despite my contention that Effexor is not classically "addictive," I think the writer's suggestion is probably a good one: perhaps you would like to try other meds for migraines before taking on this heavy-weight drug.
Jannbeau
Effexor XR never did anything to help my migraines. I've gotten migraines since 1973, and my doctor never mentioned Effexor to prevent them. If I were you, I'd try something not so addictive.
Posted by Ritch on September 6, 2002, at 23:39:08
In reply to Anyone use Effexor XR for prevention of migraines?, posted by 123 on September 6, 2002, at 14:12:47
> My neurologist has prescribed Effexor XR for a daily medication for prevention of my migraines. She recommended starting with 37.5 milligrams once a day for two weeks, the increasing it to 75 milligrams every day after that. But I'm very worried after reading the numerous negative postings on the medication. I just went off Verapamil because of weight gain, but research shows that you don't gain weight on Effexor XR, but these postings say otherwise. Help!
Hi,
Check out this link: http://www.fpnotebook.com/NEU118.htm
You will find that topiramate(Topamax) is one of the top four meds for migraine prophylaxis effectiveness. It tends to cause weight loss and might be a good switch. Talk to your neuro.
Mitch
Posted by karla on September 7, 2002, at 14:31:22
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares, posted by DebraA. on September 5, 2002, at 9:16:56
I am trying to get off of effexor and having a very hard time. I was on 225mg and had no problem going to 75 mg. However, going lower I experience really bad anxiety attacks. I am sweating very bad. I have also noticed the desire to drink. I haven't drank in 10 years and have noticed a desire to drink alcohol. I didn't relate it to the effexor until I read these posts.
Posted by karla on September 7, 2002, at 14:37:29
In reply to Re: Anyone use Effexor XR for prevention of migraines? » 123, posted by Ritch on September 6, 2002, at 23:39:08
I have migraines and cluster headaches. I have been on effexor at 75mg - 225mg for depression and have found it did not effect my migraines and cluster headaches in the slightest way. I wouldn't bother with it not worth the risk of withdrawl. I am having a terrible time getting off the stuff now.
Posted by sleepy lizard on September 8, 2002, at 5:37:16
In reply to Re: Sex life and Effexor...Help!!, posted by J200 on September 6, 2002, at 13:40:04
To make your wife younger and cuter may require the use of a psychedelic.
Posted by sleepy lizard on September 8, 2002, at 5:49:35
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares, posted by karla on September 7, 2002, at 14:31:22
I have gone from 225 mg to 150 mg and then to 75 mg with not much difficulty. I was then able to go to 0 mg this last week. I did not get the horrible Stephen King nightmares like I have on drug holidays. But I do get the sweats and shocks and dizziness. The desire to drink may be due to the deficiency of neurotransmitters that were being supplied by the Effexor. It takes a month approximately for those adjustments to be made (adding or discontinuing). Sorry you are so miserable.
Posted by FredPotter on September 8, 2002, at 16:32:38
In reply to Re: Effexor and Alcohol, posted by Alara on September 6, 2002, at 8:29:12
Have you considered taking 50mg Naltrexone per day? It relieves craving and stops the euphoria from drinking
Posted by DebraA. on September 8, 2002, at 17:30:04
In reply to Re: Anyone use Effexor XR for prevention of migraines? » 123, posted by Ritch on September 6, 2002, at 23:39:08
It's not true that effexor won't put weight on you. I gained some weight and it's been impossible to get it off. I can't imagine why anyone would prescribe effexor for migraines - while on the drug, my neck and jaw were extremely tight all the time (I had to get a teeth guard for the grinding I did at night). Plus, if you ever go on this stuff be warned that this is the nastiest withdrawal you can ever imagine. I think a migraine would be a better predicament to be in right now. I've been in withdrawal for a week now and I feel anxious, paranoid, nauseated, depressed, and I have had diarrhea, sweats, and brain tremors (with accompanying swishing noises in my head) that remind me of being an experiment in a Frankenstein lab. Don't do it, man, if you've got some alternatives. Keep reading some of these posts and you'll see. I also failed to mention that effexor killed my libido - orgasm went right out the window on this stuff.
Posted by DebraA. on September 8, 2002, at 17:55:26
In reply to Re: should i increase my dose? » Pariah, posted by sulaf98 on September 6, 2002, at 15:00:19
Instead of increasing effexor, ask your doc to perhaps "enhance" its effect. My doc added serzone to the mix, so I was taking 375 mg of effexor and 200 mg of serzone daily. I'm sorry to hear you're only finding relief with the effexor. It's a terrible alternative in my opinion. Good luck.
Posted by DebraA. on September 8, 2002, at 18:02:28
In reply to Re: Sex life and Effexor...Help!! » Hoss, posted by Pariah on September 6, 2002, at 13:42:05
Effexor KILLED my sex life with my husband. I had no feelings in my genitalia - it took my husband lots of time and effort for me to achieve ANY satisfaction. I've been off effexor for a week now (God help me with this withdrawal!) and the only good news I've got is that I actually achieved 4 orgasms this a.m. with very little help at all. This has been a great problem in our relationship and it was the main reason I want off this nasty drug. If you decide to quit, be warned. The withdrawal is close to psychosis. The good new is that you'll get your sex life back (along with a fair amount of your personality too that's been robbed by this drug). I truly wish you much luck with this.
Posted by DebraA. on September 8, 2002, at 18:19:06
In reply to Re: Effexor and Alcohol, posted by Alara on September 6, 2002, at 8:29:12
Alara, thanks for your insight and sharing. I believe that most of us that are plagued with depression have many tendencies to reach out for whatever will help medicate how we're feeling. Looking back, I think you're right about the "lull" in the afternoon from the effexor. I took my doses in the a.m. and then again right before bedtime, so I experienced that lull in the afternoons too and would look for something to "medicate" that feeling (withdrawal as I see it now). I have had a long history with an eating disorder and I compare that obsession to one similiar to alcoholism. You see, we all reach for something. Unfortunately, the things we reach for (food, drugs, drink, etc) end up being a big part of our problem (as if things weren't bad enough!). To deal with my future without SSRIs, I understand that I'm going to have to find alternatives to handle those underlying tendencies of depression (which ultimately trigger my negative behavior). For a start, I picked up one of those books by a group of doctors who are recommending a low carb diet. Their research has shown that there may be a direct link between a person's ability to handle refined carbs and mood disorders. I know. My shrink just rolled his eyes when I told him that I wanted to give it a shot with this way of eating (along with a few other supplements) to help manage my depression. Some of these "rogue docs" also mention that these unique people also needed more calcium and magnesium to manage mood. Needless to say, I'm going for it. I've spent many years doing what the AMA and APA prescribes and I'm not happy with what they think they know. I believe these "rogue docs" are on to something - God forbid, we should be healthy individuals and no longer dump billions of dollars into the health system to maintain the status quo!!!! So, again, I'm going for it. What's to lose? If it doesn't work, there'll always be another generation of SSRIs to work with, right?
My withdrawal at 7 days now is still pretty bad. I went to a wine tasting last night, and the wine started making me feel ill. I spent today with increased anxiety and almost paranoia. I think the alcohol contributed. I'm going to avoid it until I get a better grip during this withdrawal. I'd love to be medicating these symtoms right now, but I feel worse when I do. I guess I'll just keep talking to you.
Thanks again, so much, for your input!!
Posted by DebraA. on September 8, 2002, at 18:21:52
In reply to Re: Long term effects of Effexor/permanent, posted by jay60 on September 6, 2002, at 7:09:16
I think that's wonderful. I think your experience is the exception, and not the rule though.
Posted by Linear on September 8, 2002, at 20:09:13
In reply to Re: withdrawal?????, posted by Grace Coyote on June 10, 2002, at 17:28:10
I am currently up to 300 mgs of Effexor XR a day
with no results! I am chronically tired, and I
have some sort of rash on my face which is either
stress or from the Effexor. I was also taking
a neuroleptic short term but stopped because of
side effects. I am becoming convinced that the
only relief for me is the natural way; through
exercise. For years I have struggled with depression
but at least I had the energy to exercise, and
the natural endorphins served to elevate my mood,
at least temporarily. Anyone else in this
predicament? My doctor strongly advises me not
to cease taking the medication but this is MY
body not his. I really would appreciate some
support and/or feedback. We all know how difficult
a disease this can be, and I'm sure I'm not the
only one who isolates from others. Thanks.
Posted by FredPotter on September 8, 2002, at 20:27:12
In reply to Re: withdrawal?????, posted by Linear on September 8, 2002, at 20:09:13
I'm not a doctor, but if you've given a drug a good shot at increasing dosage and for sufficient time without good results, it seems only logical to try something else. Something that on the face of it does the opposite to reuptake inhibition, like Tianeptine, might be a good choice.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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