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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by zinya on October 22, 2003, at 13:54:51
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » yawnbob, posted by KimberlyDi on October 22, 2003, at 12:22:08
hi Kim
long time no cross paths... When you say Strattera is "not a controlled substance" in what sense did you mean that? What specific S-E(s) was the reason for your taking it? (or do i recall that you were taking it all along??)You refer to your withdrawal symptoms but not specifically ... What exactly are you going thru on the offramp?
As i mentioned some time back, my reason for quitting including a variation on yours - the no-longer-tenable rapid heart beats (which had turned normal gardening into a scarily aerobic exercise) ... as well as the sweating-without-end...
Both of those things have stopped - first the rapid heart beat was gone again by the time i got from 150 down to 75... It's only this week that -- in our inordinate heat wave here in LA - temps upwards of 100 deg. -- i know for sure the sweating that had come to rule my life while on Effexor for 3 months is now past. It had started at 37.5 and sure enough it's now that i'm below 37.5 again that it has ended (knock on wood) -- I've been at 25 mg (75 divided in thirds) for 6 nights now and probably staying at this level at least another 3 nights before the next step down and not sure whether that will be 18 (37.5 div by 2) or maybe 15 (75 divided in fifths) .. probably the latter ... and then maybe i'll go from there to 15 every other day and then every third day and then quit.
But part of me wants to hasten this so i do have to keep all the learnings from others' experience here over past 6 months pounded into my head, so to speak... I know it was at this lower level that i had the weight gain which had only gone away after a while on 150 again and that indicator of "down metabolism" may be adding to what right now is my chief problem: The low energy which never went away as much as my doctor had thought it would (and the reason for choosing Effexor) now seems lower than ever. So Effexor wasn't the answer, but the offramp ain't a picnic either. I do get enough occasional dizziness that that keeps me from accelerating the offramp -- plus I fell last week -- something i hadn't done as an adult except for living on ice in treacherous Illinois winters in the 90's... And when I slipped and went down, i had a very eerie sensation upon falling that made my md. want to take blood tests - which i had drawn yesterday a.m.
The other thing that may or may not be coincidence - and you may have seen my post about it last Sat. (i believe it was Sat) -- that just a week ago Monday i got a recurrence of carpal tunnel... And knowing it is tied to hormones - and that Effexor is meddlign with those too - makes me wonder about this timing...
SO, while the heat, the fall, and the carpal could all be contributing to this worsened energy level and feeling totally back to square one (without the depression - EXCEPT, critically -- and maybe this was always the case -- that the lack of energy itself makes me depressed) ... Craving the wherewithall to follow through on the energy i HAD just 10 days ago (while at about 50 mg Effexor or so and scaling down to 37.5) and had been building for a couple of weeks -- which SEEMED to be a sign that going off Effexor was a boon -- well, now it's all up for grabs again. I guess that's what the E-ticket ride is all about here, eh?
(thinking of Disney, maybe cryogenics is the answer? :) sorry - weird brain leap there - totally nonsense attempt at lame joke)
My chiropractor/guru has been a blessing for both the effects of the fall and the carpal tunnel (bandaged here as we "speak" but knowing from my prior dose of it in 2000 that it lingered for a couple months of lightning strikes and wincings) but the energy ... ah, the energy.. my seemingly eternal quest since roughly hitting the big 4-0 about 16, getting on 17 years ago... There's a friend's 40th bd party to drive with another friend to this weekend, friends i used to party like crazy with, and all i can do is realize i need a miracle between now and then (another chiro visit this afternoon is a candidate) cuz i'm not the me i crave to be again... alaaargh and alack... yet no doubts about staying the E-offramp course...
SO, there's my big nutshell. Curious to hear more about yours if you're so disposed to elaborate any...
and sending you warm good wishes,
zinya
Posted by Sufferfromeffexor on October 22, 2003, at 14:25:37
In reply to Re: Class-action Lawsuit / Lawfirm Name, posted by Francois on October 22, 2003, at 11:56:16
I know your anger...but this wasn't a way it should have been vented, I don't think. It was good information you passed along but I am scared to think that these 2 posts of yours will ban you from being able to provide us with further good information. Sorry it had to result to such low blows on both your ends.
> Hey John,
>
>
> I forgot: GO FUCK YOURSELF.
>
>
> Haaa.. sorry ... that must be Effexor
> again playing with my mood.
>
> :-)
>
> Francois
Posted by KimberlyDi on October 22, 2003, at 14:29:50
In reply to Effexor on- and offramp, and greetings » KimberlyDi, posted by zinya on October 22, 2003, at 13:54:51
> hi Kim
Hello Zinya!
> long time no cross paths... When you say Strattera is "not a controlled substance" in what sense did you mean that?
Ritilin is a controlled substance used to treat ADD/ADHD. Controlled because it has the high potential for abuse, I assume, and also has a street market value. It's speed. Strattera isn't. It works like an Anti-Depressant.
What specific S-E(s) was the reason for your taking it? (or do i recall that you were taking it all along??)
I wasn't taking Strattera all along. I was having difficulty at work. Concentration was impossible on Effexor but it worked for my anxiety so I didn't want to stop it. My son has ADHD and I noticed similarities between us. I asked my pdoc if we could try the Strattera along with Effexor. Fantastic improvement for about 1.5 months now.
>
> You refer to your withdrawal symptoms but not specifically ... What exactly are you going thru on the offramp?
>
Strange tummy sickness that comes and goes quickly. I'll lose my lunch, then I'm fine. Zero appetite. The worst, waves or shivers of dizziness that pass through my brain. I'm off-balance alot. I've slowed my offramp speed drastically. Pdoc is just going to have to understand.> As i mentioned some time back, my reason for quitting including a variation on yours - the no-longer-tenable rapid heart beats (which had turned normal gardening into a scarily aerobic exercise) ... as well as the sweating-without-end...
>
> Both of those things have stopped - first the rapid heart beat was gone again by the time i got from 150 down to 75... It's only this week that -- in our inordinate heat wave here in LA - temps upwards of 100 deg. -- i know for sure the sweating that had come to rule my life while on Effexor for 3 months is now past. It had started at 37.5 and sure enough it's now that i'm below 37.5 again that it has ended (knock on wood) -- I've been at 25 mg (75 divided in thirds) for 6 nights now and probably staying at this level at least another 3 nights before the next step down and not sure whether that will be 18 (37.5 div by 2) or maybe 15 (75 divided in fifths) .. probably the latter ... and then maybe i'll go from there to 15 every other day and then every third day and then quit.
>
> But part of me wants to hasten this so i do have to keep all the learnings from others' experience here over past 6 months pounded into my head, so to speak... I know it was at this lower level that i had the weight gain which had only gone away after a while on 150 again and that indicator of "down metabolism" may be adding to what right now is my chief problem: The low energy which never went away as much as my doctor had thought it would (and the reason for choosing Effexor) now seems lower than ever. So Effexor wasn't the answer, but the offramp ain't a picnic either. I do get enough occasional dizziness that that keeps me from accelerating the offramp -- plus I fell last week -- something i hadn't done as an adult except for living on ice in treacherous Illinois winters in the 90's... And when I slipped and went down, i had a very eerie sensation upon falling that made my md. want to take blood tests - which i had drawn yesterday a.m.
>
> The other thing that may or may not be coincidence - and you may have seen my post about it last Sat. (i believe it was Sat) -- that just a week ago Monday i got a recurrence of carpal tunnel... And knowing it is tied to hormones - and that Effexor is meddlign with those too - makes me wonder about this timing...
>
> SO, while the heat, the fall, and the carpal could all be contributing to this worsened energy level and feeling totally back to square one (without the depression - EXCEPT, critically -- and maybe this was always the case -- that the lack of energy itself makes me depressed) ... Craving the wherewithall to follow through on the energy i HAD just 10 days ago (while at about 50 mg Effexor or so and scaling down to 37.5) and had been building for a couple of weeks -- which SEEMED to be a sign that going off Effexor was a boon -- well, now it's all up for grabs again. I guess that's what the E-ticket ride is all about here, eh?
>
> (thinking of Disney, maybe cryogenics is the answer? :) sorry - weird brain leap there - totally nonsense attempt at lame joke)
>
> My chiropractor/guru has been a blessing for both the effects of the fall and the carpal tunnel (bandaged here as we "speak" but knowing from my prior dose of it in 2000 that it lingered for a couple months of lightning strikes and wincings) but the energy ... ah, the energy.. my seemingly eternal quest since roughly hitting the big 4-0 about 16, getting on 17 years ago... There's a friend's 40th bd party to drive with another friend to this weekend, friends i used to party like crazy with, and all i can do is realize i need a miracle between now and then (another chiro visit this afternoon is a candidate) cuz i'm not the me i crave to be again... alaaargh and alack... yet no doubts about staying the E-offramp course...
>
> SO, there's my big nutshell. Curious to hear more about yours if you're so disposed to elaborate any...
>
> and sending you warm good wishes,
> zinyaFrom 300 daily I was down to 150 within 1 week. Didn't work. I'm trying to stabilize at 225 daily before contemplating the next drop. I'm at a loss at what to do when I stop. The depression returns. I had a vague hope that the depression was from trying to deal unsuccessfully with ADD symptoms all my life.
Thanks for your warm wishes, and wishing you many right back.
KDi in Texas
Posted by BrentonB1 on October 22, 2003, at 14:35:38
In reply to Re: Anyone TAKE EFFEXOR XR AT NIGHT?, posted by KIMMMIE on October 22, 2003, at 10:47:28
> I TOOK MY FIRST EFFEXOR XR 75MG LAST NIGHT.I HAVE NOT HEARD OF ANYONE ELSE WHO TAKES IT AT BEDTIME. IS THERE ANYONE ELSE WHOSE DOCTOR PRESCRIBED IT TO BE TAKEN AT BEDTIME? WHAT KIND OF RESULTS ARE YOU GETTING AND HOW LONG BEFORE YOU COULD TELL THAT IT WAS WORKING? I CAN NOT TELL ANYTHING YET. I CAN'T TELL THAT I HAVE TAKEN ANYTHING. IS THAT NORMAL?
I just started taking Effexor 2 days ago. I have experienced dry mouth, blurred vision, shortness of breath, cramping, tunnel vision, itching sensation around my mouth, insomnia, and to tell you the truth, I feel more suicidal then I did before I went on the medication. Are these normal side effects and when will they go away? I can't go to work like this...
Posted by nickm on October 22, 2003, at 15:21:47
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Cindy W on January 11, 2000, at 22:18:51
Please be aware of Serzone's banning in Europe and Canada, and the Black Dot on the US's Physician Referral Manual indicating the drug to potentially cause liver damage, and even kill you.
My wife took Serzone for six weeks, and by week four, when she was up to 150 mg twice a day, she developed a tremendous halitosis, a bad breath I could smell three feet away. Halitosis is a symptom of liver problems.
I would think ten times before taking Serzone.
Nickm
Posted by omegon on October 22, 2003, at 15:41:20
In reply to Re: Anyone TAKE EFFEXOR XR AT NIGHT?, posted by KIMMMIE on October 22, 2003, at 10:47:28
I'm taking half in the morning and half in the evening (75mg each). It makes me drowsy for the first couple of hours, then has a more stimulating effect later; don't usually have trouble getting to sleep.
Working well so far, though it's only my third week, and first week at this dose.
Can't give a balanced view on how long it takes 'cos I switched from another AD (paroxetine) but I felt some effects from (a few hours after) the first dose (75mg 1x daily, morning) - mood lift, relaxation.
I find that by the time I wake up, the remaining effects are mild - so you might take a few days to notice become aware of even the immediate effects (let alone the useful AD effects) if you take it at night. The morning dose kicks in rather dramatically for me - I feel a bit "messed up".
> I TOOK MY FIRST EFFEXOR XR 75MG LAST NIGHT.I HAVE NOT HEARD OF ANYONE ELSE WHO TAKES IT AT BEDTIME. IS THERE ANYONE ELSE WHOSE DOCTOR PRESCRIBED IT TO BE TAKEN AT BEDTIME? WHAT KIND OF RESULTS ARE YOU GETTING AND HOW LONG BEFORE YOU COULD TELL THAT IT WAS WORKING? I CAN NOT TELL ANYTHING YET. I CAN'T TELL THAT I HAVE TAKEN ANYTHING. IS THAT NORMAL?
Posted by Brad_HNL on October 22, 2003, at 16:49:39
In reply to Re: Anyone TAKE EFFEXOR XR AT NIGHT? » KIMMMIE, posted by omegon on October 22, 2003, at 15:41:20
Howzit -- yeah, I have been taking it at night, but having trouble sleeping. I am on 225 mg, and I take 150 a.m. and 75 p.m. (07:00 a.m. and 19:00 p.m.) My doc has suggested that I need to be very careful about the timing of my doses.I have no "bump" or noticeable affect on my mood in the short term, though over the long term it sure has helped even out my moods. When I can't sleep, it's not to do with fatigue -- I feel very tired but my feet twitch, sometimes pretty violently.
Hope this helps!
Brad
Posted by MamaCindy2000 on October 22, 2003, at 17:26:50
In reply to Re: Anyone TAKE EFFEXOR XR AT NIGHT?, posted by KIMMMIE on October 22, 2003, at 10:47:28
IS THERE ANYONE ELSE WHOSE DOCTOR PRESCRIBED IT TO BE TAKEN AT BEDTIME? >>
Your DR probably prescribed it to be taken @ night so you do not feel your side effects as strong. I started @ night too now my p-doc wants me to take all 225 @ once, in the morning.
WHAT KIND OF RESULTS ARE YOU GETTING AND HOW LONG BEFORE YOU COULD TELL THAT IT WAS WORKING?>>Effexor is not right for me. So I cant say. I only started to feel ~better~ after my p-doc added wellbutrin. She is weaning me off of effexor.
I CAN NOT TELL ANYTHING YET. I CAN'T TELL THAT I HAVE TAKEN ANYTHING. IS THAT NORMAL?>>YES!!!!! It will take at the very least 2 weeks. Then youll probably have to add more till you get to your "Theraputic" dose. Have you ever taked ADs before??
My best advise is to see a psychiatrist rather than your regular general physician, when taking these medications, P-DOCs have way more expierence than GP. Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!
My best to you,
Cindy
Posted by KIMMMIE on October 22, 2003, at 17:45:32
In reply to Re: Anyone TAKE EFFEXOR XR AT NIGHT? » KIMMMIE, posted by MamaCindy2000 on October 22, 2003, at 17:26:50
> IS THERE ANYONE ELSE WHOSE DOCTOR PRESCRIBED IT TO BE TAKEN AT BEDTIME? >>
>
> Your DR probably prescribed it to be taken @ night so you do not feel your side effects as strong. I started @ night too now my p-doc wants me to take all 225 @ once, in the morning.
>
>
> WHAT KIND OF RESULTS ARE YOU GETTING AND HOW LONG BEFORE YOU COULD TELL THAT IT WAS WORKING?>>
>
> Effexor is not right for me. So I cant say. I only started to feel ~better~ after my p-doc added wellbutrin. She is weaning me off of effexor.
> I CAN NOT TELL ANYTHING YET. I CAN'T TELL THAT I HAVE TAKEN ANYTHING. IS THAT NORMAL?>>
>
> YES!!!!! It will take at the very least 2 weeks. Then youll probably have to add more till you get to your "Theraputic" dose. Have you ever taked ADs before??
>
> My best advise is to see a psychiatrist rather than your regular general physician, when taking these medications, P-DOCs have way more expierence than GP. Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!
> My best to you,
> Cindy
>
> NO, I HAVE NEVER TAKEN AD'S BEFORE. MY DOCTOR PRESCRIBED THIS FOR ME BECAUSE OF DEPRESSION AND FOR ANGER THAT I HAVE HAD SINCE MY HUSBAND AND I SEPERATED. (WHICH I AM HAPPY ABOUT, BUT HE'S NOT....AND HE MAKES ME ANGRY ON PURPOSE)I STARTED SMOKING 3 MONTHS AGO AND MY DOCTOR SEEMS TO THINK IF I TAKE THIS IT WILL HELP MY NERVES AND I WILL QUIT SMOKING. (I HAVE KEPT BRONCHITIS SINCE I HAVE BEEN SMOKING.) NONE OF THIS MAKES SENSE TO ME, BECAUSE I HAVE NEVER HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH DEPRESSION OR THESES BURST OF ANGER THAT I GET EVERY SO OFTEN. I AM ONLY HOPING THE EFFEXOR HELPS FOR MY SAKE AND FOR MY CHILDREN.
Posted by rhoda on October 22, 2003, at 17:48:05
In reply to Re: please be civil » Sufferfromeffexor, posted by Dr. Bob on October 22, 2003, at 2:16:55
I have been off Effexor since Sunday. Some of you have mentioned having "shocks." I am having a very painful time with my neck. Have a doctor's appt. tomorrow. It feels like an electrical shock and I have noticed even if I keep my head still, but move just my eyes, I get the same reaction. Those of you who have had shocks, could you describe it? Is it constant or once in a while? Thanks
Posted by Salty_dog on October 22, 2003, at 19:23:24
In reply to For Salt_dog, posted by Music on October 14, 2003, at 8:29:49
I am still maintaining 600 mg Effexor XR. I have noticed a drain in my lifeforce during the afternoon, so I am going to begin taking it in the evening and see what plays out. I am currently taking it as soon as I wake up. With my new job, I don't need any SE's that block the way to getting the work done. How are you doing Music ?
We can exchange direct e-mails if you want, but with my new job, it might be awhile before I can reply to any e-mail outside of work. I am also begining a fresh journey in the spiritual realm, one day at a time.
Posted by Dr. Bob on October 22, 2003, at 20:33:47
In reply to Re: Class-action Lawsuit / Lawfirm Name, posted by Francois on October 22, 2003, at 11:56:16
> I forgot: GO F*CK YOURSELF.
The idea here is to be supportive. Please be sensitive to the feelings of others (and don't use language that could offend them). Thanks,
Bob
PS: Follow-ups regarding posting policies, and complaints about posts, should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration; otherwise, they may be deleted.
Posted by clb149 on October 22, 2003, at 23:05:18
In reply to anyone had weight gain?, posted by nocalmaggie on July 23, 2003, at 10:39:59
> Has anyone gained significant (over 20 pounds) after being on effexor for 1+ years.
> I've been on effexor for 1+ years. Gained 40+ pounds though I have an eating disorder that undercurrents this effect. (That was the whole reason behind seeking help) I have found I am depressed as before but now possibly more so as my weight is so elevated I am entering the morbidity phase. I have decided to "fire" my latest "psycho-guru" and get off the effexor. At 300 mg per day I was starting to get the brain and body "shocks" on my regular dose. Now I am weaning myself off perhaps too quickly but I do want to get this over with. Effexor is physically adictive. If you don't take it, you suffer physical withdrawal symptoms. I'm down to 75 mg after 5 days of 150. The brain shocks are almost contant at times also some nausea and diarhea. I had this same situation when I got off another seratonin acting drug. My vote is NO on effexor--and am running out of confidence in anti depressants. I am also running out of time with elevated weight and its consequences. Obesity is a disease that I inherited from my genetic past. I feel there is not yet a solution and I am running out of options resigned to accept my destiny.
Posted by lovemybabies on October 23, 2003, at 9:51:59
In reply to Re: anyone had weight gain?, posted by clb149 on October 22, 2003, at 23:05:18
Maybe Effexor isn't the right one for you right now. I read that Wellbutrin works on both serotonin/norepinephrine but with less-severe withdrawal.
Don't quit trying. I also deal w/food/weight 'issues.' Effexor has been a lifesaver, in that regard. But everybody's different. Are you in psychotherapy on a regular basis? Healthy diet/exercise? Genetics is huge but there are things that work to change your 'destiny.' Or create a new destiny.
Posted by ktmwife on October 24, 2003, at 17:23:55
In reply to Re: anyone had weight gain?, posted by lovemybabies on October 23, 2003, at 9:51:59
Hi. I am glad I found this site. I have had spells of depression for the last 2 years, since my mom died. I have finally realized that I can not get out of this slump by myself. I went to the doctor today and he prescibed Effexor XR 37.5mg for 7 days, then 75mg from then on. I guess my question is.....What should I really expect? And if I take this, am I going to have to take it forever? This is the first time I have ever taken meds to help me. Any advice would be helpfull....I would really like to know what I am getting myself into here....
Thanks,
KTMWIFE
Posted by BJL on October 24, 2003, at 17:58:32
In reply to Advice on taking Effexor XR, posted by ktmwife on October 24, 2003, at 17:23:55
ktmwife, hello and welcome! By experience and by what I've read from others on this website, I don't think we could actually tell you what you will experience because each person is different. If it's not a chemical reaction causing your problem, then the medication may do nothing; if so, you may find incredible improvement in your spirits. However, please be aware that these effects don't come overnight. It took me about a month before I noticed. Actually, it was my friends and family that noticed the difference before I was aware of it. I was no longer as anxious and nervous in public.
BUT....I gained over 60 pounds in the 3+ years that I was on Paxil and Effexor, both are terrible for that! I guess it's not that way for everyone, but I've seen quite a few that have gained weight. I felt tired all of the time and ended up taking wellbutrin to offset that (another $150 a month). Also, when you go off Effexor, it's horrible...and I mean horrible! I had two weeks of severe dizziness and off and on nausea. It's been over a month, and I still feel occasional "zaps" in my body (kind of like an electrical shock).
I won't knock Effexor or Paxil, because they did work for me, but they also have their side effects, and I want you to be aware of them beforehand. I know that there are many other medications out there, and you may have another option. Just research and be sure before you jump into anything.
I wish you a ton of luck and hope that you are feeling perky and happy soon!
-Bobbi-
Posted by awatts on October 24, 2003, at 19:54:09
In reply to Advice on taking Effexor XR, posted by ktmwife on October 24, 2003, at 17:23:55
I didn't feel a benefit until 150mg/day. Then it was great, except for the side effects.
Since yours is situational depression, my guess is that you will not need it for more than 6 months to a year. I may take it for the rest of my life since I have always been depressed and Effexor is the only thing that has ever helped.
Posted by ktmwife on October 24, 2003, at 20:14:44
In reply to Re: Advice on taking Effexor XR, posted by awatts on October 24, 2003, at 19:54:09
I am hoping that it will work in the lower doses....maybe it will be easier to get off of it when that time comes. I don't like what I am reading about the "offramp" !!!!
Thanks for the help...
KTMWIFE
Posted by day8602 on October 24, 2003, at 22:37:33
In reply to effexor xr seems to have stopped working, posted by dandelion on August 11, 2003, at 14:31:03
I have been on effexor xr for 19 months. I started on 37.5 mg/day, now I'm at 150mg to 225mg/day. There are times I think it is no longer working. Those days that I used to have that I couldn't get out of bed seem to be creeping back. I'd like to try something else, but I've heard and read so many horror stories about many of the other anti-depressants that I don't know if they'd be much better. I'm not able to see my doctor because of working hours, and am not sure it would do much good. I think I need to get a new doctor, but jeez it's hard. It was hard enough going to a doctor the first time.
...there I go rambling...
Anyhoo...yes, I also think it seems to stop working.
Posted by day8602 on October 24, 2003, at 22:58:54
In reply to Re: Anyone TAKE EFFEXOR XR AT NIGHT?, posted by KIMMMIE on October 22, 2003, at 10:47:28
I also take effexor at night. My doctor told me to take it when it worked best for me, as long as it was about the same time each day. You probably won't feel the effects of it for a week or so. It's very unlikely to feel the effects after one dose. I hope it works out for you.
Posted by MamaB on October 25, 2003, at 8:01:39
In reply to Advice on taking Effexor XR, posted by ktmwife on October 24, 2003, at 17:23:55
Hi KTM,
Welcome and we are glad that you have found this site too! I think that you will find the folks here pretty much supportive. Take the information that pertains to you and don't be bothered by the rest.
As a slightly different voice in all of this, I will tell you that I experienced none of the withdrawal symptoms. I cut back over a duration of fourteen weeks. About seven weeks in to the "taper" I began a very small dose of Celexa 10mgm at bedtime. I cannot be sure if this helped or not. However, I work with people who take pscyotropic meds (antidepressants etc) and although I have not taken an official survey, Effexor XR SEEMS to be one of the most effective. Would I take it again? Yes. It did help. About the only other antidepressant that has worked well for me is Wellbutrin, which I am currently taking.
My depression has a strong genetic component, so I shall probably be on medication of one kind or another for the rest of my life.I do not know how old you are, but if you are anywhere close to 40 and have not begun menopause I hope that your physician has factored this in. If you do fit that catagory, and he/she has not addressed it with you, my advice it to see a GOOD gyencologist, preferably one who specialises in menopause. I did not know until WAY after the fact that my depression was at least influenced by the onset of menopause. ( I was 42 and every physician I saw told me that couldn't possibly be it.) I have never taken hormones and am now sixty two and I am fine. (As long as the depression is under control.) Also, if you fit the profile (menopause or peri-menopause) I suggest that before you allow your psychiatrist to either increase a lot, or change meds, that you have the GYN workup.
Just some suggestions, I shall pray for you. MamaB
Posted by ann33 on October 25, 2003, at 17:21:15
In reply to Re: Anyone TAKE EFFEXOR XR AT NIGHT? » KIMMMIE, posted by day8602 on October 24, 2003, at 22:58:54
my doctor said that I should not take at night.
When I take, I have problems to sleep...Is like my body is sleeping and my mind working at same time.
what is the advantage to take at night?
Posted by helenag on October 25, 2003, at 17:54:32
In reply to Advice on taking Effexor XR, posted by ktmwife on October 24, 2003, at 17:23:55
Hi there...I've been taking Effexor XR for over three years. Am currently on 300mg. It has been a good drug for me. Have tolerated it well. Only time I had trouble was when I ran out and didn't take it for two days. It felt like I was coming down with the flu. That was the notorious withdrawl stuff you read about here. I would guess your doctor will help you off the medicine when you are feeling better. Sounds like you have hit a "slump" and just need some help getting over it. That's not unusual at all. Everyone reacts differently to meds. Good luck and hope you feel better as you travel down the road. Helen.
Posted by yawnbob on October 25, 2003, at 21:23:22
In reply to Re: Advice on taking Effexor XR, posted by ktmwife on October 24, 2003, at 20:14:44
KTMWIFE,
My doc also started me on 37.5, then 75mg, then 150mg. The first week I was asking myself why I was doing this. I felt much worse than I had before I started taking. Then my body adjusted and things went pretty well. Hang in there!
As I've said in the past, I had all the side effects in the first two or three weeks. My favorite SE was being wide awake yet having longgg yawwwnns like I was tired. At night I would be tired yet not able to sleep. While I was taking Effexor I don't think I was sleeping very deeply. Since I've stopped taking it my snoring is back (yea says the wife).
Having just exited the "offramp", it's taken about me about a week to start feeling better. There's still a little dizziness but not bad. I took myself off pretty fast so that's my doing, my fault. Don't worry about that until you get to it. You may never want to stop taking it if you feel as good as I did.
Posted by clb149 on October 25, 2003, at 21:52:04
In reply to Re: anyone had weight gain?, posted by lovemybabies on October 23, 2003, at 9:51:59
To lovemybabies: Yes, I have "gone through" 2 psychologist and 2 psychiatrist almost continually for past 8 years. I have tried Wellbutrin, Celexia, Prozac, Topomax, Meridia, and Remeron to no avail. I have attended an MD supervised weight loss program that included "group therapy" that I felt was, for the most part, as waste of my time. I lost 82 lbs in the program and gained back 120. I was bulimic when at the lower weight purging through daily continuous exercise in order to maintain the "Madison Avenue look" to which I no longer aspire and was incapable of maintaining. There is a source for my perceived "hopelessness", I am want for future solutions and fall into a morose resignation that I am "destined" to a short life span and thus "check out" as comfortably as possible though not through suicide even given what goes into my mouth is slowly killing me. I do not choose the path of mutalation with gastric surgery as the answer lies not in being "Full" but in whatever biochemistry that ensues when one is emotionally satiated and the desire for food ceases to exist.
I continue to exercise at the level of one continually carrying around a 120 pound "Snugglie". Obviously it prevents me from "leaping buildings in a single bound." But I do try and walk and at my lower weights I enjoyed hiking, and biking, and sex (not all at once but there are memoris when they weren't mutually exclusive--and I'm not trying to be "kinky"--"It's just the facts ma'am".
I'm hungry after all this writing.
I guess the effexor must be waring off--I know it is, suffering through all these "Brain shocks" thanks for writing though. clb149
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