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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by sam61 on October 27, 2003, at 18:19:27
In reply to Re: Question for thread, posted by KimberlyDi on October 10, 2003, at 14:58:09
When coming off Paxil and going onto Effexor, my doctor prescribed 0.5 mg/day of Clonazepam. I only used the Clonazepam for those days I felt that I really needed the help. It really made a difference during the switch. Something like Clonazepam may help you coming off of the Effexor. Just a thought.
Sam61
> You might get a ton of responses to that one, for and against. The granuals are different size so try to split them proportionately. If you don't have enough capsules, someone said you could mix it in a spoonful of applesauce to swallow. I've got 150mg and 75mg capules that i'll have to break down soon. See if you can get your pdoc to prescribe some of the Immediate Release Effexor. When you cut down too severely and feel sick, you can break a tiny piece of the pill off and get relief rather quickly.
>
> KDi in Texas
>
> > Today I was planning on reducing my effexor dose from 75 mg to 37.5 mg, but am afraid it is too much of a jump for me to handle well. Does anyone know how many granuals are in the 75 mg capsule? I thought I could reduce by 1/3 or 1/4. That might be more tolerable for me.
> > Thanks!
> > Lioness
>
>
Posted by Dr. Bob on October 27, 2003, at 21:41:25
In reply to New to list and wanted to say hello, posted by crazy ass canadian on October 26, 2003, at 20:31:05
> I have been on effexor for 4 years, I suffer from depression and anxiotie...
Welcome! Sorry to be such a prude, but could you re-register under a different name? The idea is not to use language here that could offend others:
file:///Bang/pages/babble/faq.html#civil
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by DeNovo on October 28, 2003, at 8:02:13
In reply to effexor and alcohol, posted by crazy ass canadian on October 26, 2003, at 20:33:23
> The day after I have 4 or 5 beers I am a GRUMPY A$$ HOLE... I have no tollerence or patience. I am on 175mg of Effexor XR. Does anyone else have a simmilar problem?
>
> To my friend to the north. Effexor and alcohol won't work. You need to stop drinking for at least six months or you won't now how much of your depression is alcohol induced. It is tough but unless you do it your Doctor will most likely increase your dosage without knowledge if you need it. I talked to the chief pharmacologist at the National institute of Mental Health about my dosage 375 Mg XL daily. He is mixing other drugs to enhance the effexor. Alcohol changes the reaction. I was also drinking before seeing a psychiatrist. Men tend to use alcohol to kill the pain. Stop the drinking and I’ll bet your pain starts to subside in three months. Long, but this disease takes more time to repair than I ever imagined.
Posted by awatts on October 28, 2003, at 10:17:14
In reply to effexor and alcohol, posted by crazy ass canadian on October 26, 2003, at 20:33:23
> The day after I have 4 or 5 beers I am a GRUMPY A$$ HOLE... I have no tollerence or patience. I am on 175mg of Effexor XR. Does anyone else have a simmilar problem?
>
Yes, I used to have a glass or two of wine with dinner. Now that I'm on 225 mg of Effexor XR, I find that I feel worse the next day if I have even one glass of wine. Doctor said drinking in moderation was probably OK on Effexor - WRONG! (at least for me)
Posted by charlie29 on October 28, 2003, at 16:33:51
In reply to Re: effexor and alcohol -NO!, posted by awatts on October 28, 2003, at 10:17:14
When I was on Effexor (225mg) I could drink like a horse and had no hangovers at all..I usually drink vodka or other spirits.. When I had beer or wine it used to zonk me out. I assume that beer or wine do not go well with Effexor.
Posted by crazy canadian on October 28, 2003, at 20:14:17
In reply to Re: please re-register » crazy *ss canadian, posted by Dr. Bob on October 27, 2003, at 21:41:25
> Welcome! Sorry to be such a prude, but could you re-register under a different name? The idea is not to use language here that could offend others:I will now be know as "Crazy Canadian"
Posted by crazy canadian on October 28, 2003, at 20:20:52
In reply to Re: effexor and alcohol, posted by DeNovo on October 28, 2003, at 8:02:13
> > To my friend to the north. Effexor and alcohol won't work. You need to stop drinking for at least six months or you won't now how much of your depression is alcohol induced. It is tough but unless you do it your Doctor will most likely increase your dosage without knowledge if you need it. I talked to the chief pharmacologist at the National institute of Mental Health about my dosage 375 Mg XL daily. He is mixing other drugs to enhance the effexor. Alcohol changes the reaction.
Thats what I "assumed" I don't know how I'm going to go 3 days let alone 3 months with drinking...
I will try and keep you all posted.... The idea of no beer or wine scares me. My wife is my "anger-meter" and she definetly notices a mood swing when I have been drinking, say 4 beers Friday and 6 beers Saturday Night. Sunday I am a total MONSTER.
My depression comes out as anger and frustration. 2 beers or more seems to bring out the worst in me the day after.
Thanks again
Posted by crazy canadian on October 28, 2003, at 20:27:53
In reply to Re: Sexual, other side effects , posted by loolot on October 15, 2003, at 14:04:20
Been on Effexor for 2 to 3 years
Sex drive... What SEX DRIVE... The depression after college stopped my sex drive dead in its tracks. The Effexor isn't helping.
I belive back pain is direclty related to stress, Non Drinkers always have a bad back. Drunks have a back that could lift an elephant. (this is a generality).
Depression ==> Stress ==> Back Pain
Effexor stops the Depression and addresses the Stress.
Just my .02 cents
Crazy
>
> >
> > One positive side effect has related to pain -- not sure if it is coincidence or if Effexor actually had an impact. I have chronic low back pain. I've tried physical therapy, drugs, etc. and nothing has provided permanent relief. Over the past few weeks however, the pain has decreased significantly -- to the point I am forgeting about having the back problem -- does this sound familiar???? >>
>
> Effexor cured my asthma after nothing else worked. It was amazing. I think it may be because it acts as an anti inflammatory. Thats my guess.
>
Posted by crazy canadian on October 28, 2003, at 20:36:13
In reply to Just started Effexor XR, posted by Missme on October 26, 2003, at 9:52:38
When I started taking effexor I did not sleep for one entire week. I was up for 5 days plus. I was exhausted, my bodie was dead but my brain would not slow down. My head was on fire, like a squirrel with a short attention span. After the first week things got a bit better. It took a month or two for the side effects to wear off. Sleep initially for me was very difficult.
Crazy Canadian
> Guess I should have added that I am now on 20mg of Prozac, 75mg of Effexor XR and building up to 100 mg of Lamictal. The side effects are great. My vision is about shot I went from having trouble falling asleep but atleast I slept through the night to now waking up for 2-3 times during the night. Will this level out?!
Posted by Salty_dog on October 28, 2003, at 21:22:28
In reply to Re: effexor and alcohol , posted by crazy canadian on October 28, 2003, at 20:20:52
> > > To my friend to the north. Effexor and alcohol won't work. You need to stop drinking for at least six months or you won't now how much of your depression is alcohol induced. It is tough but unless you do it your Doctor will most likely increase your dosage without knowledge if you need it. I talked to the chief pharmacologist at the National institute of Mental Health about my dosage 375 Mg XL daily. He is mixing other drugs to enhance the effexor. Alcohol changes the reaction.
>
> Thats what I "assumed" I don't know how I'm going to go 3 days let alone 3 months with drinking...
>
> I will try and keep you all posted.... The idea of no beer or wine scares me. My wife is my "anger-meter" and she definetly notices a mood swing when I have been drinking, say 4 beers Friday and 6 beers Saturday Night. Sunday I am a total MONSTER.
>
> My depression comes out as anger and frustration. 2 beers or more seems to bring out the worst in me the day after.
>
> Thanks again
>I have not had a drink for 15 years now, but it is still one day at a time. I have to admit that after a year it gets much better. Drinking and Effexor do not mix. Is your Dr. trying to treat your alcohol induced depression ? My long and vast experience is that no drug outside of Naltrexone will help (of course you would need to stop drinking alltogether).
Good Luck
Posted by john b stevens on October 28, 2003, at 21:36:02
In reply to Re: Class-action Lawsuit / Lawfirm Name, posted by Francois on October 22, 2003, at 11:43:05
> > This is the kind of thing that makes the world a sorry place. I'm glad to see Canadians can be as annoying as Americans. STOP your complaining you CRYBABY. Effexor did not work for you. You had some withdrawal--boo hoo. Deal with it. Don't screw up the world for the rest of us, those of us who have had great success with Effexor. The world ain't perfect; suing someone isn't going to make it better. Next time work more closely with your doctor: take 3 months to get off of it.
>
>
> First of all, I am French (from France) and not Canadian. Second of all, I have 3 degrees from the top 3 best US universities and run a successful IT company for the past 10 years throughout North America that would make you be a crybaby if you would see what I have achieved even under the influence of a pseudo medicine that fucks with your brain.
>
> Thirdly, your post probably represents greatly your level of intelligence and I am sure the rest of this community will realize it.
>
> :-)
>
> FrancoisGot me, I am quite dumb; and you are right, right, right. You go boy, you win that law suit! Make someone pay for your booboo. Pleurnicheur; bon debarras pour la France.
Posted by Dr. Bob on October 28, 2003, at 21:37:35
In reply to Re: please re-register, posted by crazy canadian on October 28, 2003, at 20:14:17
Posted by Dr. Bob on October 28, 2003, at 21:48:14
In reply to Re: Class-action Lawsuit / Lawfirm Name, posted by john b stevens on October 28, 2003, at 21:36:02
> Got me, I am quite dumb; and you are right, right, right... Make someone pay for your booboo. Pleurnicheur; bon debarras pour la France.
Please be sensitive to the feelings of others and don't be sarcastic or post anything that could lead them to feel accused or put down. I've already asked you to be civil, so now I'm going to block you from posting for a week.
Bob
PS: Follow-ups regarding posting policies should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration; otherwise, they may be deleted.
Posted by TT40 on October 29, 2003, at 12:45:59
In reply to Re: Sexual, other side effects , posted by crazy canadian on October 28, 2003, at 20:27:53
I am a drinker so the logic doesn't seem to relate as to the back pain, etc., but I do understand the logic.
On the sex drive, you're telling me that between depression and then the drug, you have no sex drive? Do you do anything sexual or have you just given it up? There has to be a better way to get help without eliminating the ability to have sex.
> Been on Effexor for 2 to 3 years
>
> Sex drive... What SEX DRIVE... The depression after college stopped my sex drive dead in its tracks. The Effexor isn't helping.
>
> I belive back pain is direclty related to stress, Non Drinkers always have a bad back. Drunks have a back that could lift an elephant. (this is a generality).
>
> Depression ==> Stress ==> Back Pain
>
> Effexor stops the Depression and addresses the Stress.
>
> Just my .02 cents
>
> Crazy
>
> >
> > >
> > > One positive side effect has related to pain -- not sure if it is coincidence or if Effexor actually had an impact. I have chronic low back pain. I've tried physical therapy, drugs, etc. and nothing has provided permanent relief. Over the past few weeks however, the pain has decreased significantly -- to the point I am forgeting about having the back problem -- does this sound familiar???? >>
> >
> > Effexor cured my asthma after nothing else worked. It was amazing. I think it may be because it acts as an anti inflammatory. Thats my guess.
> >
>
Posted by dancr5678 on October 29, 2003, at 14:47:33
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR EFFECTS, posted by lovemybabies on October 18, 2003, at 1:42:17
Hello:
I'm new to this board. Good info in this site.
I'm on Day 3 of Effexor XR (37.5mg) after being on 10mgs/day of Lexapro for 4 months. I gained 8 lbs over 4 months on Lex and had a very very low Libido.
My doc has switched me to Effexor XR. So far the side effects I've had are painful burps. I don't know if anyone has experienced this but it's wierd. Today, my third day, the burps seem to be getting better, not so painful.
The other side effect which I just noticed last night is rining in the ears. I noticed it when I went to bed. Hasn't bothered me today at all but it may start up again tonight when the house is silent.
Other than that, I do feel better. I wake up feeling great and ready to attack the day. I'm not agitated. I feel good. I think my doc wants me to go up to 75 mgs a day, but I want to stay at 37.5 mgs.
-Dancer
Posted by willie on October 30, 2003, at 6:55:07
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I've been on effexor for about a year now. The first while was fantastic..no more GAD and I could handle stress more effectively. Lately I've been tired all the time. I wake up exhausted after a 8 or 9 hour sleep. I've also had the pleasure of gaining 20lbs this past year which has depressed me. It's not like my eating habits have changed and I do 2 excercise classes a week without any decrease in weight.
I've only been on the 37.5 dosage this past year. What I need to know from others who have stopped this drug is how to do it. Would you suggest taking the dose every other day for a week and then taking it once every 3 days, etc until I'm down to taking it once a week? Or would you somehow suggest cutting the pills and taking half a pill and backing off that way.
Any input would be greatly appreciated, I plan beginning my exit from effexor this weekend.
Thanks, Willie
Posted by KimberlyDi on October 30, 2003, at 7:15:59
In reply to Going to try to stop taking effexor...need advice, posted by willie on October 30, 2003, at 6:55:07
I would suggest cutting the pills in halve rather than skipping a dosage. those missed dosages are awful.
> I've been on effexor for about a year now. The first while was fantastic..no more GAD and I could handle stress more effectively. Lately I've been tired all the time. I wake up exhausted after a 8 or 9 hour sleep. I've also had the pleasure of gaining 20lbs this past year which has depressed me. It's not like my eating habits have changed and I do 2 excercise classes a week without any decrease in weight.
>
> I've only been on the 37.5 dosage this past year. What I need to know from others who have stopped this drug is how to do it. Would you suggest taking the dose every other day for a week and then taking it once every 3 days, etc until I'm down to taking it once a week? Or would you somehow suggest cutting the pills and taking half a pill and backing off that way.
>
> Any input would be greatly appreciated, I plan beginning my exit from effexor this weekend.
>
> Thanks, Willie
Posted by Harley66 on November 1, 2003, at 22:37:14
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I just found this and have been reading posts...learning things my doc never told me. I didn't realize this was addictive. Guess that's why I went into a very depressed attitude when I ran out of my script and didn't take it for a couple days. The low scared me..like I wanted to give up. I have also noticed a lack of wanting to eat but the weight gain is getting depressing. I don't eat enough to be overweight and don't understand. So I'll keep checking back here and try to understand more..since my doc wants to up me to 100mg. She doesn't want to discuss the weight gain which I try telling her is depressing me. She brushes it off as my depression needs a stronger dose. Anyone else have this problem??
Posted by clb149 on November 1, 2003, at 23:17:40
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Harley66 on November 1, 2003, at 22:37:14
I believe the medical community is ignorant to the fundamental causes of eating disorders. Also there is a callous attitude that the person with the weight/eating problem should "just" exercise and eat less and that will solve the problem. Inability to comply demonstrates weakness and obstinence on the part of the patient.
I "fired" my last psychiatrist because I went there for help with an eating disorder and then gained 40 pounds. I got tired and frustrated of trying to explain my "symptoms" to someone (slender) who was preconceivably dead set with blaming it on some etherial unrelated behavior abnormality.
I don't see any of them volunteering to wear a 100 lb sack of sand around for a week just to sample the suffering of their patients during the low impact exercise of walking (or standing, or getting out of a chair).
Being heavy is depressing. That in turn causes one to eat to experience some form of pleasure. The pleasure connection and its ensuing biochemistry are one key element (that is not understood) in solving this dilema. Of course the pleasure causes guilt and weight gain which in turn causes you to feel bad and round and round it goes.
I wish I had the answer as I stare at my little pile of hershey kiss wrappers wishing now that I never consumed them and relieved that, at this moment I don't crave eating them.
Effexor was just another expensive failed experiment. One that I questioned from the outset but was rammed down the preverbial pharmaceutical pipeline. I have quit taking it outright for 2 days after weaning myself for the past two weeks. I was experiencing the brain and body "shocks" on my regular dosage and to miss a day was hell. Now, the shocks are here somewhat continually but they are lessening in intensity and frequency. It will pass. And eventually so will I, probably "prematurly" from the "side effects" of obesity. At least the cravings and related physical ailments will be gone. I am not going to rush it by mechanical means (ie suicide) though, in reality, that is precicely what I am doing, with food.
Sorry, I am not the harbinger of good cheer or hope. Best of fortune in your search.
Posted by Harley66 on November 2, 2003, at 12:06:52
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Harley66, posted by clb149 on November 1, 2003, at 23:17:40
I also have problems with acid reflux where they have to stretch my esphogus. So I don't eat alot ..maybe once a day and don't have a sweet tooth. I don't go to a phych..my internist put me on the effexor.I have tried to go to a phych and they tell me I have my head on my shoulders. Problem is I don't...or just get so depressed. I am only 5'1 235lbs and beg my doc to help me get this weight off and the meds keep putting more on. She says"get your health under control first" Well damn I can barely get my socks on as is..and it's embarrassing so I get more depressed! I want to lose weight and get off the anti depressant but the second I try I get real low. Scares me to be off it.
Posted by yawnbob on November 2, 2003, at 20:22:56
In reply to Re: effexor and alcohol , posted by crazy canadian on October 28, 2003, at 20:20:52
I was drinking a six pack a day before I started Effexor just to "take the edge off". After I started I found the edge wasn't there anymore and I nearly stopped drinking altogether. I have to push myself to have a beer with my inlaws. I look at the bottles of bourbon and vodka in my kitchen and wonder when I'll ever finish them off.
Posted by Sadgurl on November 2, 2003, at 20:59:48
In reply to Re: effexor xr seems to have stopped working, posted by day8602 on October 24, 2003, at 22:37:33
I have been on Effexor XR for 3 years and a bit. I think it has stopped working but it is hard to tell because I am so used to feeling crappy. I tried to come off at the end of the summer and crashed hard. I went back on to my usual dose of 150mg and could function, but not feel particularly great or anything. I have been on 225mg for a week now and feel the same, but with the added bonus of anxiety. I don't know what to do. My doctor suggested the possibility of adding Welbutrin perhaps later on. I was wondering if anyone else has had it stop working, if this is common or what. Also, if anyone has also combined it with Welbutrin.
Thanks,
Lara
Posted by crazy canadian on November 3, 2003, at 0:42:48
In reply to Re: effexor and alcohol , posted by yawnbob on November 2, 2003, at 20:22:56
> I look at the bottles of bourbon and vodka in my kitchen and wonder when I'll ever finish them off.
>Guest dropped by over the weekend and brought wine and Vodka. I had one glass of wine and told them to take the vodka back home with them. I told them polielty that they can drink all they want and that I was trying to stop drinking.
I feel good... First weekend in a while I did not get in a fight with the wife.
Crazy...
Posted by HS on November 3, 2003, at 7:50:25
In reply to Re: effexor and alcohol , posted by crazy canadian on November 3, 2003, at 0:42:48
My psychiatrist put me on Effexor which made me EXTREMELY unwell (increased anxiety, manic episodes, insomnia, weight gain, constipation, etc) at 150 mg, then tried to tell me I was bipolar and wanted to put me on litium.
Finally went to see a really nice psycologist who immediately sent me to a neurologist - turns out I have temporal lobe epilepsy, which gives many of the same symptoms as GAD and tends to lead to depression. Turns out the Effexor had been making it worse, as all anti-depressents lower your seizure threshold.
Now, don't get me wrong, I am all in favour of antidepressants and certainly do not belong to the "sue them" fraternity we've been seeing here lately. The problem for me was a psychiatrist who didn't listen properly.
I am now on Topomax, which is an antiepileptic, but also works as a mood stabiliser. I am finding it extremely hard to cut out the last 9 mg of Effexor (I have to cut the tablets into quarters), but then I found Seroxat difficult as well. With Seroxat, I had to go on taking a miniscule dose for a couple of months before I could stop completely.
Obviously, I'm over the moon about a correct diagnosis after 33 years. And one of Topomax's side-effects is weight LOSS.
During this and previous depressions (all associated with traumatic events) I really needed medication, but I would have been totally lost without a good psyclogist.
Anyway, don't just allow the psychiatrist to put you down - you are the expert on you!
HS
Posted by Zellie on November 3, 2003, at 8:22:47
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Harley66 on November 2, 2003, at 12:06:52
Wellbutrin does not have the side-effect of weight gain.
Also, anyone coming off Effexor must wean down extremely slowly to prevent nasty side-effects.
Effexor can be extremely helpful for some. For others, it's Wellbutrin that does it.
When titrating up in dose with an AD, it is common to feel worse at certain stages. Hang with it until the optimum dosage is reached. Many come off too soon because they think it's not working or they are getting worse. Keep with it, and at a higher dosage it may work wonders.
Once you are feeling well, you need not necessarily ever come off it. Too many physicians have a goal of getting their patients off the AD as soon as possible. For some, it ought to be a life-long regime, especially if the Depression has been ongoing, and if the initial onset was early in life (i.e. not necessarily circumstance-related depression). The Mayo Clinic on Depression is a book that may be a good resource.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]
Script revised: February 4, 2008
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