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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by zinya on July 18, 2003, at 16:35:36
In reply to thinking about effexor - need advice, posted by bori on July 17, 2003, at 21:02:21
hi Bori,
an intriguing name!
I had essentially the same reaction as you when i first found this site, the night before i was planning last November to start on Effexor. The side effects i heard described made me very wary and i decided to at least wait. I tried a zillion other things (not drugs - i'd already tried several a-d's without help or with bad side effects i oculdn't tolerate).
Like you, the reason for Effexor for me is the added norepinephrine (adrenal system) effects since i have a pretty depleted adrenal system and also deal with chronic pain.
I finally decided after a few more months of getting nowhere and realizing it was more than just grieving (i lost my mom last year, who i'd bought a house for to live with me and the loss was profound) and i started the Effexor in late May.
I decided to take it really really slowing, even dividing capsules to start at half the usual dosage - 19 mg, then 37.5, then 56, then 75, and now up to 100, after what? i guess 7 weeks ...
I have had some side effects but so far they've been tolerable. I've felt some good benefits although i'm still waiting for "the biggie" in terms of the norepenephrine side. They say that that only kicks in at levels of 150 mg and higher, although i'm guessing that varies by individual like everything else.
What you need to know most of all is that there is absolutely NO WAY of knowing how your body is going to react until and unless you try it. More than any drug perhaps (but apparently like almost all a-d's) every person has a different reaction (Effexor makes some sleepy, some unable to sleep, some gain weight, other lose, etc. etc.)
I'm glad I am trying it. If anything at this point, i wish i'd started sooner. But i still don't know what the final upshot will be. Part of me wants to get to 150 mg level fast, but the bigger part wants to make sure i don't have a bad reaction i can't handle. It is a potent drug. And i decided to take it very very slowly so my body adjusts the best possible.
I don't want to either encourage or discourage you. It's kind of a gut thing, i think. And for me, my gut instinct at first said wait, but finally it said to start. But the only thing i can say is that the horror stories of some side effects here are not everyone's experience, only some people's, and it seems impossible to predict which effects you would have.
good luck and keep us informed what you decide!
zinya
> Hi,
>
> I am new to this site. I have been having increasing symptoms of anxiety and some OCD like (though not clinical level) symptoms. I also have a history of eating and body image issues. A few years ago I was on prozac and did well on it. My therapist suggested maybe trying it again. However, I also have a vulvar pain issue and some people are taking Effexor XR for that (I guess the part that works on the neuroepinephrine helps with chronic pain). So, I was thinking that if I tried Effexor it might possibly hit two birds with one stone. However, I have heard a lot on this site and my other one about strong side effects on effexor. I didn't have any when on prozac and so am wary to try effexor where prozac worked without all these side effects. Yet, as I said, Effexor could help with pain, and Prozac wouldn't. So, if my anxiety is not severe and it won't necessarily help with the pain, is it worth the risk of all the side effects? Any and all advice is really appreciated.
>
> Thanks!
> Bori
Posted by Bridget on July 18, 2003, at 16:47:18
In reply to Re: thinking about effexor - need advice » bori, posted by zinya on July 18, 2003, at 16:35:36
My doctor upped me to 150mg. I have six more days of 75mg though. What do you mean by the "biggie" change.
Now I am scared. Will I notice more side effects when the 150 begins? I am doing so well right now. Slept like a baby last night. Need some insight here...HELP!!1
Posted by Yankeegirl on July 18, 2003, at 17:29:38
In reply to thinking about effexor - need advice, posted by bori on July 17, 2003, at 21:02:21
> Hi,
>
> I am new to this site. I have been having increasing symptoms of anxiety and some OCD like (though not clinical level) symptoms. I also have a history of eating and body image issues. A few years ago I was on prozac and did well on it. My therapist suggested maybe trying it again. However, I also have a vulvar pain issue and some people are taking Effexor XR for that (I guess the part that works on the neuroepinephrine helps with chronic pain). So, I was thinking that if I tried Effexor it might possibly hit two birds with one stone. However, I have heard a lot on this site and my other one about strong side effects on effexor. I didn't have any when on prozac and so am wary to try effexor where prozac worked without all these side effects. Yet, as I said, Effexor could help with pain, and Prozac wouldn't. So, if my anxiety is not severe and it won't necessarily help with the pain, is it worth the risk of all the side effects? Any and all advice is really appreciated.
>
> Thanks!
> BoriHi Bori, I have been on Effexor for 3 weeks and have had no bad side effects at all. A very good side effect has been that I wake up in the morning wide awake; before Effexor I never felt any energy until 3pm. I take Eff for general anxiety and depression - first wk at 37, 2 wks at 75, today I started 75 + 37, although I probably would have been fine going up to 150.
Many people on this site have had problems with Prozac and you say you did not. That may make you more likely to be fine w/Effexor too.
I do not think you should let these posts keep you from trying effexor. I'm assuming that mostly people with side effect problems are going on the internet for info - people like me who are fine with it have less of a reason to be here. I've have read hundreds of posts here for the last 3 weeks, and I think it all boils down to:
1 Everybody has a different reaction to every drug. Many have minor side effects with effexor at first, but they are bearable compared to the depression or anxiety, and they go away as you get used to each dose level.
2 You have to increase effexor doses gradually.
3 If you miss a dose, you will probably have bad side effects within a few hours.
4 When going off effexor, you have to even-more-gradually reduce the dose level over several weeks time.Yankeegirl
Posted by zinya on July 18, 2003, at 17:55:52
In reply to Re: thinking about effexor - need advice, posted by Bridget on July 18, 2003, at 16:47:56
Bridget,
Please don't be alarmed. I put "biggie" in quotes cuz i don't know whether it will be that much either and surely varies for each of us. One woman here did recently say that during her first two weeks at 150, she had a hyper-energy level and suddenly became a very huggy, touchy-feely person with everyone in her life in a way she'd never been, but that it calmed down. What they SAY is that the Effexor works only on the serotonin system (SSRI) like prozac etc., up until 150 mg and then, for some reason, at that level, it starts to impact the adrenal system (via norepinephrine) as well and gives energy boosting -- which is what i personally am craving. I still have zero energy almost chronically. But the more i understand this drug, the more i'm sure that even that must be different for each individual as to at what level and how the secondary effects would be experienced.
Let us know what happens for you, okay? It should be mostly a good thing, I would think, especially if you haven't had problems at previous dosage levels.
good luck!
zinya
Posted by melley on July 18, 2003, at 18:24:37
In reply to Re: thinking about effexor - need advice » Bridget, posted by zinya on July 18, 2003, at 17:55:52
I went off of effexor after experiencing side effects I couldn't take. So weaned off of that and at the same time started wellbutrin. I loved wellbutrin. Didn't feel medicated at all, just felt better. However, I have been experiencing joint pain and itching (my lower legs). The dr thinks it might be an allergic reaction (serum sickness). So after tomorrow I will be off everything (started decreasing wed. Then after two weeks they will do a bloodtest and see if it is normal. Had an abnormal one (indicating rheumatoid stuff and inflamation). So I gather this is called a "washout." I am kind of nervous. Well very. At the thought of being on nothing. Any other meds people have tried that they have liked. If I make it through this month alive.
mel
Posted by Susy on July 18, 2003, at 19:16:39
In reply to Re: Effexor XR for menopause? » mercedes, posted by zinya on July 18, 2003, at 15:58:13
Hi Zinya, I do understand your point, I didn't tell you guys before but, my mother had diabetes, arteroescheloris, and high blood pressure, when the sugar was too low and the blood pressure too high she used to have bi-polar disorder episodes. Now, note, that this bi-polar term, is new. Back 8 or 10 years ago, they use to call it. Maniac-Depression, which is very different to the Sadness-Fatigue-Anxiety-Depression.
I remember that during this episodes, she didn't sleep for 3 or 4 days and she was always doing and talking a lot of different things at the same time. Now, I don't recall if she was taking something for these symptons. But I do remember that she didn't suffer that everyday, just two or three times per year, the last time I recall her having some of this Maniac-Depression period, the Doctors had to tied her =( .
Well, that is very sad for me to remember, just trying to see if clears up your confussion about what are this AD's used for.
P.S.Thanks a lot about Paula, I will call her next week. Promise. And I'll let you know.
Hugs, Susy
Posted by Yankeegirl on July 18, 2003, at 20:17:43
In reply to Re: Dentist the shakes » KimberlyDi, posted by mercedes on July 16, 2003, at 17:39:48
> Kim, I had a similar reaction last year at the dentist. No laughing gas though, I was going straight for the needle. Anyway, I've always enjoyed the dentist, at times falling asleep while they so thier thing. Anyway, this one time I went, I was on Depakote at the time and with Depakote, you have to tell the dentist you are taking this med. Anyway, he shot me and in 2 seconds, the left side of my body was shaking uncontrolably (gosh, wish they had spell check on here). Anyway, I think my eyes got as big as golf balls. The dentist asked if I was ok. Yea right! I just kept shaking, my hand, arm, leg, not trembling, I was shaking about 10 inches up, down & sideways..I thought I was going to die for sure.
>
> This shaking lasted what seemed to be about 5 min. He kept telling me to breath, easy for him to say. He told me it was a reaction to the novocain and the nerve he hit with the needle. My next visit, I was so scared, but nothing happened. I took my nap as usual.
>
> Pls keep sharing your stories. They are not boring at all. Luv to hear them.
> Mercedes in CA
> **********************
> Let me bore your ears with my ordeal today. The DENTIST. da da da dummmm. I have a phobia of dentists that I *thought* I had overcome... getting to the point of needing only laughing gas. There I was in the waiting room (they were behind schedule as usual), getting more agitated by the minute. When they gave me the laughing gas, it wasn't helping. By the time he gave me the shots of novacain, I was shaking, my heart was racing, and I could hardly breathe. I thought I was going to have a heart attack. It was awful because I couldn't control my body's panicked reaction. I couldn't even take deep slow breathes because I couldn't exhale correctly. It was ragged and that alone scared me. I need to talk to my pdoc about alternatives. She won't prescribe benzo's because I'm a non-practicing alcoholic. I survived the ordeal but it has taken me all day to calm down.
>
> Chin-up. There will always be trials and tribulations. Everyday presents new hurdles. We're here for ya! {{{{{hugs}}}}}}}
> KDi in Texas
>
>Hi, I was so glad to see the posts from KimberlyDi and Mercedes about the dentist. I had my only-ever panic attack in the dentist chair after having a crown. The panic progressed over the next 8 years to where I can't even bear the sound of the drill anymore. I have found a wonderful office finally where they understand that the attack was like a body memory of some traumatic surgery I had at 4 years old. I had gas at my consultation and it was great. I was going to have gas again on Monday when they do a crown, but I am afraid of what will happen if I hear the drill in another room, even if I am on gas. IV sedation sounds so much more serious, though. Can anybody share what they did and how IV sedation worked for them? Thanks so much. Yankeegirl
Posted by tmgirl on July 19, 2003, at 0:17:48
In reply to Re: thinking about effexor - need advice » bori, posted by zinya on July 18, 2003, at 16:35:36
hi....I too am thinking of being on effexor. I have alreadt started and now on day 4 at 37.5 and going to 75 in a few days. This is a little scarey for me because of all these post and to me I did not think I needed something of this kind of strength. I have "off days" and gripe at my kids and hubby alot, my self asteem has been shot because all the weight I have gained. My husband looks and lives like a 20 yr old. I say that because he plays sports and hangs out at church with all the teens. He is a youth minister and acts just like a kid. Besides all that he keeps a very active life, basketball, fishing, hunting, football....he stays busy all times of the year and me well....I feel like I am 60. Im ony 31 and I am the one who stays with the kids, keeps the house cleaned, clothes washed, homework & projects with kids for school, care for the bills and make dinner. I feel like I gave up my life years ago for my family and I would love to get intrested in something and start living like my husband is. Now with all that said....does it sound like to you that I need this? I am scared of the going off effects but I really do want to be happier than what I am. I do feel very blessed and love my role as mother/wife but just wish I felt like doing more and not being so ill with my family all the time. PLEASE advise!
Posted by sierra1 on July 19, 2003, at 0:33:05
In reply to PLEASE GIVE ADVICE, posted by tmgirl on July 19, 2003, at 0:17:48
to tm....e-mail me [email protected]
Posted by Susy on July 19, 2003, at 0:44:40
In reply to Re: to Suzy, personal, re local referral » Susy, posted by zinya on July 18, 2003, at 15:37:03
Hi Zinya, I am a little tired, it is late already but I couldn't wait no more to tell you.
Today I paid for an hour with a psychologist, (she couldn't give me any medicine) but it was a big relief to tell her everything, about my mother, about my ex, about the neihgbor I have, you remember I told you I was manager here but she always complained, and the owner is on her side and now she is the manager and she always maltreat my children? Well, I told this Dr. everything!
She told me two things new for me, first she told me that what I have is Post Traumatic Panic Disorder, (?) and then she told me that what this neighbor has been doing to me has a name, and it is Mobbing (?) I never knew about this thing before. But you seem to know about everything Zinya, she said something about moral harrasment and that is why I am suffering this Post Traumatic thing, among the other things, of course.
Well, if you know something about Mobbing, (because this word is new for me) please let me know.Hugs, Susy
Posted by NThompson on July 19, 2003, at 1:41:02
In reply to Re: Nyia , Susy, book et. al., posted by CherC68 on July 17, 2003, at 17:49:26
Hey there Cher,
It is so nice of you to be thinking of me. I am still here. I had a few set backs, the crying and just depressed and not wanting to do anything. But I think in part I might have been PMSing, too. I have told a good friend of mine what happened and she is keeping me busy. We are redecorating my house. The cheap inexpensive way of doing things. Since I don't have extra money to spend. So I have been busy. Also, I have been out of the house alot too. Visiting friends and family and helping out with my daughters school functions. Today was her last day of school. She is now a first grader. And her report card tells me how smart she is. In every subject she was above average except reading. In reading she was Advanced! I am so proud of her!
My husband is still a huge support for me. He helps me up and gets me moving. He hasn't yelled at me if the house isn't clean (he works 10-12 hours a day and drives 2 hours there and back). And I stay at home, I'm a housewife, and I take care of the house and kids. But he in encouraging and very supportive!
The finances are okay for now. We are making it. The ends meet anyway. And I really do think I am finally feeling better. I think the Effexor and Paxil and the Trazadone are finally starting to work for me. I am actually feeling good.
Thanks for thinking of me, Let me know how you're doing,
Love ya, Nyia
Posted by zinya on July 19, 2003, at 3:42:04
In reply to Re: Hey there Cher, it's me Nyia » CherC68, posted by NThompson on July 19, 2003, at 1:41:02
Gosh, Nyia,
I too am sooo glad to hear from you. I'd been concerned and written you a few weeks ago after the last time we heard from you, also eager to know how you were doing... I was afraid a bit that after you shared your dilemma and i'd offered my thoughts on the subject that maybe you'd backed off for some reason because of that. But i was also just concerned for your state of coping...It's great to hear from you again. And you sound like you're optimistic. It's great to hear you say you're starting to feel good. I don't think i'm quite there yet, but i'm getting there.
with hugs and love,
zinya
Posted by willie on July 19, 2003, at 9:43:19
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
How do you know when you should be taking a higher dosage of effexor? I've had my first experience of anxiety yesterday since being on this drug. It was not nearly as bad as prior to my taking effexor but now I'm concerned that maybe my body is becoming accustomed to this dosage? Does this make sense? If anyone can share advice, I'd appreciate it. Willie
Posted by CherC68 on July 19, 2003, at 14:56:00
In reply to Re: Hey there Cher, it's me Nyia » CherC68, posted by NThompson on July 19, 2003, at 1:41:26
Hi everyone,
Quick note - don't know if you all got the news but I live in Lansing, IL which got hit with a "Micro Burst" - screw it - to me it was several tornados. WE are doing fine - but our entire little Village was pretty much devasted with wind damage and hail damage - trees uprooted and driveways, etc. - houses damaged. We had no power from 5:30 p.m. on Thursday until Saturday morning at 6:30 a.m. Our basement flooded and we were up round the clock trying to bail into the sink. I went grocery shopping and lost all our meat, etc. BUT....NOBODY WAS HURT! Neighbor was helping neighbor and our Village is one of kind in Illinois.
I know we made National News and today the Governor Declared Lansing, Illinois a Disaster Area.
Thank god nobody was hurt and we got power back. My husband and my son left to visit my husband's parents today in MO and Monday - Tuesday my husband is out of town in MO for business and they will both be back on Wed night.
So, again, I'm alone with the beautiful crazy dog and two fat as* cats. We cleaned the trees in front of our house and the Village came and took everything away from our basement and trees etc. So today I cleaned the house and my best friend (manic one) called at 9:00 a.m. and said she would be here soon. It's 3:00 p.m. and of course, she's not here. I will try not to shut myself in the house and I will try to get out and do something so I'm not alone for the next five days. I don't work until Wed.
Enough of me crabbing like usual.....
Nyia - I'm so happy to hear from you. I have been thinking about you, and I'm happy that things are getting easier for you and your husband is continuing his support. Yahoo on your daughter's grades, that's awesome!
I'm doing okay - had 3 old fillings redone and my teeth deeped cleaned and was terrified because around 20 years ago I had trigeminal neuralgia which was something painful caused by a dentist. This wasn't too bad, I had an excellent doctor who gave me gas and it seems that dentistry progressed a lot.
As far as my hands I met with a surgeon at the clinic I go to on Thursday, and I have to go to a hand specialist. I have moderate to severe carpal tunnel in my right hand and very light carpal tunnel in my left. He thinks I have a circulation problem in both hands (Reyenolds Syndrome or something like that) and he thinks I have other things wrong besides the carpal tunnel. My wrists hurt so bad I can't write sometimes, so besides the carpal tunnel there is something else wrong and I need a specialist for hands. I have an appointment with Orthoepaedic Specialist on Saturday the 26th.
Susy, I'm glad you are going to call the Therapist that Zinya recommended. I hope that the therapist can help you with Mobbing. Mobbing - i'm not sure what it means - but, I think its just a person who is a complete as* and tries to be a big guy and intimidate others. Don't take crap from nobody, that's my motto and I will keep that motto until I die. I've been beaten, raped, abused, but I said no more. I'm still depressed and a bit crazy, but I torture myself enough I'm not taking crap from anyone else - i make myself miserable enough!
Well, I see there are new people posting. Please keep posting, someone on here is bound to find the right words, encouragement, understanding or help for you.
Hug and Lots of Love,
Cher
Posted by bookgurl99 on July 19, 2003, at 16:02:53
In reply to Re: thinking about effexor - need advice, posted by willie on July 18, 2003, at 7:10:19
I've been on 37.5 mgs Effexor XR for migraine prevention (and lowering anxiety a bit) since Tue. I am feeling more relaxed, less stressed already.
But, I am also feeling tired and dizzy, slightly physically out-of-balance much of the time. Because the type of migraines I get can also cause these symptoms, it's important to me to not have a drug cause them so I can know whether I'm having a migraine or not.
(My 'migraines' can be painless, but I shouldn't drive while they're happening -- I can be more confused than I think at these times!)Are these a normal side effect of Effexor; can they go away with time? Or am I having a migraine and don't know it?
experiences?
Posted by zinya on July 19, 2003, at 16:26:32
In reply to Effexor XR -- sleepy, dizzy, posted by bookgurl99 on July 19, 2003, at 16:02:53
For me, feeling dizzy and tired is indeed a side effect each time i move to a new dosage level and it seems to kick in strongest on not the first day but rather about the 2nd day until the 5th day or so. So what you're experiencing could very well be an Effexor effect. I waited until it went away for a few days before moving up to the next level each time, and it did go away after those initial days.
Keep letting us know how you're doing,
with good wishes,
zinya
Posted by bookgurl99 on July 19, 2003, at 16:30:54
In reply to PLEASE GIVE ADVICE, posted by tmgirl on July 19, 2003, at 0:17:48
TM,
What are your symptoms? Are they more physical than mental? If you're feeling physically tired, etc., then maybe you have a health condition underlying these feelings of low motivation.
I used to feel like that -- old before my time -- and got diagnosed with a thyroid disorder. Being treated for that helped my quality of life a lot.
I would get these things tested, just to be sure. If you ask about it, your dr. may behave as though you're a hypochondriac -- but go ahead, be a hypochondriac. That's how I got diagnosed.
books
Posted by theo on July 19, 2003, at 19:16:21
In reply to Effexor XR -- sleepy, dizzy, posted by bookgurl99 on July 19, 2003, at 16:02:53
Are you planning on staying with 37.5mg, is this what your doctor prescribed? I'm curious because my doctor prescribed me a low dose, 37.5mg for mild anxiety. I've been taking it for about 3 weeks now and the sleepy dizzy feeling went away for me in about 2 weeks. The reason I'm so curious is because 37.5mg is usually what you start with for 5 days and then go to 75mg. I would like to know what input you got from your doctor about taking just 37.5mg for anxiety.
Posted by bookgurl99 on July 19, 2003, at 19:19:33
In reply to Re: Effexor XR -- sleepy, dizzy » bookgurl99, posted by theo on July 19, 2003, at 19:16:21
> Are you planning on staying with 37.5mg, is this what your doctor prescribed? I'm curious because my doctor prescribed me a low dose, 37.5mg for mild anxiety. I've been taking it for about 3 weeks now and the sleepy dizzy feeling went away for me in about 2 weeks. The reason I'm so curious is because 37.5mg is usually what you start with for 5 days and then go to 75mg. I would like to know what input you got from your doctor about taking just 37.5mg for anxiety.
Theo,
My dr. is planning to bump me up to 70 mgs after I get used to the 37.5 mgs. I'm tempted to quit it for Lexapro, though.
books
Posted by Scooter1 on July 19, 2003, at 19:51:43
In reply to Re: Effexor XR -- sleepy, dizzy » bookgurl99, posted by theo on July 19, 2003, at 19:16:21
Hello everyone, I have been monitoring this site for a few days now. I was recently put on effexor xr for anxiety. Right now I am on 37.5mg been on it almost 7 days now. Side effects are there but o'kay. My doc also wants me to continue taken ST. Johns Wort for a little while til I get on board with the Effexor. I am taking 300mg of SJW. Has anyone done this before? All I read about is how its dangerous to mix seratonin drugs? I have talked to pharmacists and they seem to think its o'kay for a short while. Please advise? I have currently cut back to 150mg of SJW to possibly lower the SE affects of the Effexor. I need some encouragment, Please?
Posted by theo on July 19, 2003, at 20:08:54
In reply to Re: Effexor XR -- sleepy, dizzy, posted by bookgurl99 on July 19, 2003, at 19:19:33
I just quit 10mg Lexapro after 11 weeks do to sleepiness and it ramped up my anxiety to where I could hardly introduce myself in public without feeling panic and I'm in sales and marketing. I kept thinking the side effects would go away but I think 11 weeks was a fair trial. If you look at the Lexapro threads you'll see a large percent complain about tiredness and nausea, even after a month. I think Lexapro (Forest) did a great marketing job, "Well Tolerated," suurrre! That was just my experience.
Posted by mercedes on July 19, 2003, at 23:32:19
In reply to Re: Is there anyone else who is only taking 37.5? , posted by willie on July 17, 2003, at 18:26:13
Hi Willie, I am the one that drove to see my grandbaby be born. I wanted to respond to you back when you wrote but got sidetracked. I know how you feel about writing. I only started about a month and half ago and took me sometime to get the courage also.
I wrote sometime ago that I was on 37.5 mgs of Effexor for about a year (I also take xanex for anxiety, just a note). Anyway, I didn't seem to be getting better anxiety wise or depression wise. It took me moving, to be forced to find another pdoc. This new pdoc. thought my 37.5 dose was too low and was surprized that my previous pdoc had left me at that dose for that long. My new pdoc gradually increased my dose, 37.5 to 75 to 112.5 to 150 to 225 and now I am on 300mgs. Although I have some SE's, for the most part my depression lifted somewhere around the 225 level and I finally felt like laughing, I found myself smiling more and felt like there IS life after PTSD, Anx., Dep, Agoraph.
I have burst of energy and get alot done but don't chastise myself if I don't. AND it finally let me drive long distance which I hadn't done in 7 years. Remember, I also take xanex so the combination may have something to do with it. I also lost my appetite, and have lost about 11 lbs. I need to lose alot more but I'm not trying. I prefer to eat a salad w/tuna or hard boiled egg in am, just cuz I have to eat, instead of a big fat burrito or something heavy. My taste buds are not craving the pizza, pasta, mex. food or fast foods (except chinese food, I luv it!). I used to eat ice cream everynight. Now, about 2 times a month. I chew on ice which makes my dry mouth (1-SE) feel good.
I still have some down days, but I think the plus's of effexor, outway the minus's.
Welcome! & keep writing.
Mercedes
****************************> Well, I've been observing this website for quite some time now and finally got up the nerve to take part. I've been on Effexor for aprox. 8 months now. I started off at the 37.5 and my doctor has kept me at that dosage. I'm being treated for anxiety primarily although I do have a history of depression.
>
> Since I've been on this drug I've gained 12 pounds. This weight gain is actually what lead me to discover this site. Although not mentioned as one of the side effects of this drug I could not understand why I put this weight on so quickly and could not take it off. I had been to Weight Watchers 3 years ago and have successfully been able to remain at my target weight until I starting taking Effexor. I've also been getting bruises, some as large as a tennis ball which I can't explain. They look painful but aren't. Has anyone else experienced this??
>
> I have approached my doctor with these concerns but he atributes the weight gain to my "relaxed behaviour" from this drug. As for the bruises, he said he didn't feel there was any connection but if I develop any more that he'll run bloodwork.
>
> To be honest with you all, I'm terrified of the withdrawal symptoms people are having on this drug. Has anyone had serious withdrawal from the 37.5 dosage?
>
> I'm not even sure if I'll ever come off this drug to be honest. My life was a prison prior to Effexor. I was basically scared of everything and I believe I was on the path to becoming agoraphobic.
>
> I sympathize with the woman who drove to see her grandchild. Until recently I could only drive myself to and from work. Anywhere else would put me into an anxiety attack.
>
> Anyway, I just wanted to let you all that it was nice to discover people who are going through similar experiences and that there is information and support available.
>
> Willie
Posted by mercedes on July 20, 2003, at 0:15:54
In reply to Re: Is there anyone else who is only taking 37.5? » willie, posted by zinya on July 18, 2003, at 16:20:00
Zinya, regarding your comments on dividing capsules, I know you mentioned one time that you told you pdoc or doc? about this and he/she said it was okay. I've questioned this for some time now and according to the instructions on my Rx, it says:
"Each Effexor XR capsule should be swallowed whole with fluid and not divided, crushed, chewed, or placed in water."
I beleive taking the capsule whole, gives that extended release (XR) reaction to the body and/or brain so that it keeps on working thoughout the day.
If it works for you that's good, just wanted to put my 1 1/2 cents worth in here.
Mercedes
p.s. thanks for helping Suzy with referral. I knew we could count on you. (((HUGS))))
Posted by mercedes on July 20, 2003, at 0:53:47
In reply to Effexor XR -- sleepy, dizzy, posted by bookgurl99 on July 19, 2003, at 16:02:53
Books, I'm glad you are feeling more relaxed, less stressed on the 37.5 effexor. Just wanted to comment on your feeling tired and dizzy and that out-of balance feeling. When I first started effexor, I was so dep/anx. that the 37.5 really did nothing to improve my symtoms of anx/dep.
The only time I feel the way you mention, is after I've had one of my attacks (for those who read this, my attacks have nothing to do with effexor, so not to worry), which may be realted to that BAM (Basilar Artery Migraine). Since I had that terrible (BAM?)attack back on 07/09, I have felt very out-of-bal, and at times very tired, but not dizzy. Oh, I have had a headache most every day since then also. So it may be that you are still having the migranes but don't feel them? I mentioned to my brother that I walk around like I'm drunk. As of yesterday however, the out-of-balance has decreased and my headache seems to be decreasing as of this evening. I too, stay away from driving when this feeling comes on. Will keep you posted.
Oh, by the way, I called my neurologist annonymously, and asked if he new how to treat BAM, his receptionist asked him and he said no, and gave me another name. Unfortunatly, the new name doesn't take my insurance, my point being... that my neuro has performed all kinds of tests with neg results and he don't even know about BAM! Anyway, I did find another one that does know about it and am working on getting a referal from my primary. I may not be seen till Sept but I've lived with these attacks for 7 yrs so hopefully two months won't be too long. Another thing, I have this ringing in my right ear that won't go away. Have had it for about 1 month. At first I was approx. 90% deaf in that ear, now it's just an extreemly annoying sound, like the ocean sound in my ear. Have you expierenced this with your migranes? Gosh, didn't mean to make this so long.....
Mercedes
****************************************> I've been on 37.5 mgs Effexor XR for migraine prevention (and lowering anxiety a bit) since Tue. I am feeling more relaxed, less stressed already.
>
> But, I am also feeling tired and dizzy, slightly physically out-of-balance much of the time. Because the type of migraines I get can also cause these symptoms, it's important to me to not have a drug cause them so I can know whether I'm having a migraine or not.
> (My 'migraines' can be painless, but I shouldn't drive while they're happening -- I can be more confused than I think at these times!)
>
> Are these a normal side effect of Effexor; can they go away with time? Or am I having a migraine and don't know it?
>
> experiences?
Posted by geralyn on July 20, 2003, at 1:30:47
In reply to effexor, then wellbutrin, now nothing, posted by melley on July 18, 2003, at 18:24:37
I had the same thing on Prozac - itching and joint pain - allergic reaction. I was worried that I would have the same effect with any antidepressant but now I'm on Effexor and have not had the same thing. My doctor says that each one is different and you won't necessarily have an allergic reaction.
Good luck!
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