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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Spinxxie on March 7, 2004, at 1:39:19
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Malka on March 7, 2004, at 0:45:52
I am on day 6 - don't give up ! Like most of thses drugs, it takes time! OMG I have wanted to graze..I have my stomach stapled so I can't thankfully, but I can't stop eating those crispy mini rice cakes. As far as I know it is a couple of weeks before things settle down.. give it a chance.. hugs Spinxxie
Posted by jacques on March 7, 2004, at 12:19:01
In reply to Re: Sudden descent into Efexor hell, posted by shadows721 on January 19, 2004, at 19:48:54
Has anyone experienced constant scratching on Efexor? My back is torn apart from scratching since I started it.
Posted by Spinxxie on March 7, 2004, at 16:39:15
In reply to constant scratching, posted by jacques on March 7, 2004, at 12:19:01
IMHO I think you have an allergy, consult your pharmacist and Dr regarding this - yikes.. have you tried benedryl or anything like that to ease it? Sorry to hear of your woes.. tc Spinzzie
Posted by Sad Panda on March 8, 2004, at 5:11:54
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Malka, posted by Spinxxie on March 7, 2004, at 1:39:19
Hi All,
I am still doing OK on Effexor. It has done a great deal for me, I can talk to people about my problems, I feel more sociable, I feel I am moving up & best of all is I don't feel so worthless anymore. :) I am going to the docs tomorrow to ask for increase from 225mg to 300mg to help with drive & motivation.
Cheers,
Panda.
Posted by Skorpius60 on March 8, 2004, at 8:12:38
In reply to bizarre dreams, posted by bluestar on March 21, 2003, at 13:01:40
Yes, I too, have had very weird and vivid dreams (I take 75 mg. Effexor XR a day) The weirdest one was about a curly haired (prehistoric type) baby elephant walking through my house opening the doors with his nose! lol Also, I have come to the realization that I don't think I can drink on Effexor. Once I start drinking I seem to lose all sense of moderation, end up drinking way too much, immediately start vomiting (not the next day, same night) and then I pass out, with very vague recollections of the previous night. And then I feel like I want to die for 2 or 3 days afterwards. And another weird thing is that my whole body feels like it's been run over by a semitruck -- even my skin seems to hurt -- never had that as part of a hangover before Effexor. But as far as my depression, the Effexor has helped tremendously (before I started on it I wouldn't leave the house, wouldn't come my hair for days on end, didn't clean, didn't cook, I was just a mess, so I guess if I have to quit drinking so be it. Or if I can manage to just have one or two glasses of wine or a mixed drink without going bananas that would be great, too. But that's where the biggest problem seems to be -- I have a glass or two and then it's like I'm a teenager again -- no sense whatsoever. Oh, and I read a thread about hot flashes/night sweats -- I've been getting that, too, but I also had it (although not as bad) before the Effexor. I can't remember if the post was written by a man or woman, but if it was a woman it could just be perimenopause or menopause starting to kick in and maybe Effexor exacerbates those symptoms. I think that's what's going on with me. So, anyhow, I am so glad I found this website. And I would love to hear from anybody else about drinking and Effexor. Thanks!
> Since I started taking effexor, I've been haved a series of incredibly vivid and strange dreams. Is anyone else experiencing this too? It seems like I'm in a constant dream state when asleep. I guess that's due to not sleeping deeply. The weirdest one yet was about talking to cheetahs and eating live eels.
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 8, 2004, at 8:57:53
In reply to Re: medical school » Dr. Bob, posted by Doctor Feel Good on March 6, 2004, at 3:56:45
> I've been thinking of changing my name to avoid misunderstandings.
I think that would be best. Here are the steps involved:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#names
Thanks for being flexible,
Bob
Posted by PoohBear on March 8, 2004, at 9:40:03
In reply to Re: bizarre dreams, drinking on effexor, sweats, posted by Skorpius60 on March 8, 2004, at 8:12:38
Ya know...
Most pharmacies put a little label on the bottle that says something to the effect of "Avoid Alcohol" when taking Effexor (or any other antidepressant for that matter...) It's just *not* a good idea, nor very smart. I'm glad that all you suffered was the mother of all hang-overs, and not something worse. People die doing stuff like that... The label the pharmacy put on my Wellbutrin prescription said: "Do not use alcohol while taking this medication, may cause DEATH". I'm not making this up.
As for night sweats, these drugs *do* seem to mess up one's body temperature regulation. I woke up the other night, my side of the bed was *SOAKED* with sweat and when I got up to use the bathroom, the sweat was literally *dripping* off me as I stood there taking a leak. VERY weird, and definitely *NOT* something I've ever experienced in my life, short of when I've been sick and had a fever break. I can't attribute it to the Effexor however. It could just as well have bee the Seroquel.
Good luck and please avoid drinking. The risk is just not worth it while on these drugs.
Tony
Posted by Skorpius60 on March 8, 2004, at 10:05:41
In reply to Re: bizarre dreams, drinking on effexor, sweats » Skorpius60, posted by PoohBear on March 8, 2004, at 9:40:03
>
Thanks Tony, for the info. I never knew that about Wellbutrin either -- and I was on it for years and drank -- and I never had one of those notices put on my bottle -- wish I had!!! Also, my doctors have never mentioned I shouldn't drink, either with the Wellbutrin or the Effexor. I think when I go see my doctor again I will let her know what happened to me so that she can counsel other patients to not drink and take Effexor either. Thank God nothing happened to me but a hangover. And so it also seems the worsening of my sweats is NOT just my menopause -- from your post ("standing to take a leak" :) you are not a female. Yee Hah for me -- now I get to break out with these sweats due to 2 causes instead of one. Oh, well, better than being depressed, that's for damn sure! Joan> Most pharmacies put a little label on the bottle that says something to the effect of "Avoid Alcohol" when taking Effexor (or any other antidepressant for that matter...) It's just *not* a good idea, nor very smart. I'm glad that all you suffered was the mother of all hang-overs, and not something worse. People die doing stuff like that... The label the pharmacy put on my Wellbutrin prescription said: "Do not use alcohol while taking this medication, may cause DEATH". I'm not making this up.
>
> As for night sweats, these drugs *do* seem to mess up one's body temperature regulation. I woke up the other night, my side of the bed was *SOAKED* with sweat and when I got up to use the bathroom, the sweat was literally *dripping* off me as I stood there taking a leak. VERY weird, and definitely *NOT* something I've ever experienced in my life, short of when I've been sick and had a fever break. I can't attribute it to the Effexor however. It could just as well have bee the Seroquel.
>
> Good luck and please avoid drinking. The risk is just not worth it while on these drugs.
>
> Tony
Posted by jacques on March 8, 2004, at 12:59:15
In reply to Re: constant scratching » jacques, posted by Spinxxie on March 7, 2004, at 16:39:15
Thanks. Been to the doc, scratching he said is not from Efexor. I am on it some months and it wouldn't have lasted too long. It is wonderfully reassuring to read other peoples symptoms and know I am not alone. The sweating is most horrible on Efexor. It feels like hot flushes they describe in Menopause and can attack any time during the day. The evening is a nightmare. I often wake up in a lather of sweat. At least I know that it is the Efexor causing it. Thank you all of you!
Posted by Spinxxie on March 8, 2004, at 21:26:49
In reply to Re: bizarre dreams, drinking on effexor, sweats, posted by Skorpius60 on March 8, 2004, at 8:12:38
I have been getting weird dreams too, though I am suprised because I have only been on it for a week. I have had my dose upped from 75, to 112.5 which I am happy about. I just want to be stable, and it has affected my relationship to the point we may split.. sad.. and bad timing, but it shows what the person is about. tc all Spinxxie
Posted by Salty_Dog on March 8, 2004, at 22:58:55
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by newgirl on March 5, 2004, at 13:15:52
> Has anyone had success losing weight AFTER going off of Effexor XR? As a whole, Effexor XR worked for me. My depression is gone. I've gained weight, and lost my desire for sex, along with other side effects. This made me decide it was time to quit. I'm on day 2 with no Effexor - and I'm doing OK I guess. Aside from the dizziness, occassional nausea, hot/cold chills, it hasn't been nearly as bad as I feared. I'm just looking for hope that this weight will go away as quickly as it came.
Yes, I have had great success losing weight. I tappered down from 600mg Effexor XR to 150mg in two weeks. I had initially gained 20 lbs on Effexor XR, but, I have lost 60 lbs tapering down.
I now need a new wardrobe of cloths (XL > L) and I have had to add new knotches to my belt. Like every thing else Effexor XR effects every one differently (going on and off).Good luck
Posted by Salty_Dog on March 8, 2004, at 23:03:22
In reply to Re: hypomania » Spinxxie, posted by PoohBear on March 5, 2004, at 10:21:06
> > I guess people don't realize what ssri's are, they all affect brain chemistry.. so ya will get weird withdrawals.. but.. yeah.. I am trying to be patient, there are no miracles cures... just taking it one day at a time.. thanks so much for your support.. Spinxxie
>
> No problem, and by the way, Effexor is NOT an SSRI; it's more of a modified tricyclic, working on BOTH seritonin and neopinephrine (as well as dopamine...)
>
> Tony
>
>
I believe they call it an SSNRI. The term tricyclic refers to the chemistry (Structure) of the compound not to what it affects.
Posted by Malka on March 8, 2004, at 23:48:50
In reply to Re: bizarre dreams, drinking on effexor, sweats » Skorpius60, posted by Spinxxie on March 8, 2004, at 21:26:49
I decided to stop taking Effexor as I couldn't cope with the side effects. Does anyone know of another drug that's in the same group i.e SSNRI or whatever it is, that doesn't have such extreme side effects? I've heard Celexa mentioned, any input would be welcome please!!
Posted by GradPsychStudent on March 9, 2004, at 2:36:17
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Malka on March 8, 2004, at 23:48:50
I don't know why Effexor was prescribed to you. It is possible to start with an SSRI like Celexa, Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro, etc., and if you are having no luck, or are way to sleepy and drowsy for awhile, your doctor may prescribe Wellbutrin as an adjunt(combination) to it (for more motivation, less sleepiness). Definitely talk to your Doctor to see what he/she says. If anxiety was a major issue, it could be the reason you were given effexor, so your Doc may think of Buspar.
.-=GradPsychStudent=-. Formerly known as Doctor Feel Good/DFG
> I decided to stop taking Effexor as I couldn't cope with the side effects. Does anyone know of another drug that's in the same group i.e SSNRI or whatever it is, that doesn't have such extreme side effects? I've heard Celexa mentioned, any input would be welcome please!!
Posted by Althea8869 on March 9, 2004, at 8:12:06
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
According to all published and available studies - most people have success on effexor. Certainly more than any of the ssri's by comparison.
Posted by Sad Panda on March 9, 2004, at 8:58:52
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Althea8869 on March 9, 2004, at 8:12:06
> According to all published and available studies - most people have success on effexor. Certainly more than any of the ssri's by comparison.
>
>That's the impression that I get. The only thing that stops it from being first choice is withdrawl problems.
Cheers,
Panda.
Posted by newgirl on March 9, 2004, at 9:09:46
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » newgirl, posted by Salty_Dog on March 8, 2004, at 22:58:55
Thanks for the encouragement. I guess it can be done. I've only been off Effexor for about a week - so I guess I can't expect to loose all the weight overnight. How quickly did you loose those 60 lbs??????
Posted by Shyla on March 9, 2004, at 10:06:17
In reply to Re: bizarre dreams, drinking on effexor, sweats, posted by Skorpius60 on March 8, 2004, at 10:05:41
I take 75 mgs of Effexor daily. Because I would consistantly awaken after 2 hours of sleep, I now have to take 6 mls of Gabatril, and 5 mgs of Ambien. This combo works for me. I sleep very well now. I too suffer from prolonged hot flashes. I don't know if it is perimenopause, because this overheated sensation can last all day long. I think my metabolism has been raised by the Effexor. I have lost weight! I drink wine on weekends, with no apparent problem. I was taking Remeron before, and always felt dopey. Effextor gave me back my energy, and sense of humor! So far I love its effects.
Posted by Spinxxie on March 9, 2004, at 10:46:40
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Malka, posted by GradPsychStudent on March 9, 2004, at 2:36:17
I am currently taking Buspar as well as the Effexor - It is a good combo - It has taken the edge off without sedating effects, only gripe I have is, my short term memory is shot.. and as a friend told me, I have the memory of an elephant, I never forget anything, now I have to jot things down a lot.. thank god for post it notes lol.. hope all are well.. Spinxxie
Posted by GradPsychStudent on March 9, 2004, at 11:03:47
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » GradPsychStudent, posted by Spinxxie on March 9, 2004, at 10:46:40
BuSpar helped me from killing my roomates. :) My memory is shot, but I think it's because of my past history of substance abuse. I just got back from my doctor for a refill and increase of Effexor from 150mg to 225. It is the only med I am on now besides trazadone for sleep. I am just starting to remember all the things I wanted to bring up like difficulty taking notes at school, mind drifting, all sorts of attention problems. Of couse, I'm going to have to buy a journal so I can write them down for my next meeting next month with him. Good luck :)
> I am currently taking Buspar as well as the Effexor - It is a good combo - It has taken the edge off without sedating effects, only gripe I have is, my short term memory is shot.. and as a friend told me, I have the memory of an elephant, I never forget anything, now I have to jot things down a lot.. thank god for post it notes lol.. hope all are well.. Spinxxie
Posted by jesstam on March 9, 2004, at 12:47:10
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Malka on March 7, 2004, at 0:45:52
I felt the same when I first started taking Effexor, now that I'm on 150mg, I'm not as tired and have more energy. Good luck!
> Can anyone tell me how long the side effects
last for? I have been taking it for 5 days and whilst I haven't felt any positive effects yet I am feeling nauseous, light-headed and tired all the time and am constantly hungry although can't eat some foods coz of the nausea. I am considering stopping taking it coz am fed up of being this zombie!!
Posted by jesstam on March 9, 2004, at 12:49:35
In reply to Re: bizarre dreams, drinking on effexor, sweats, posted by Shyla on March 9, 2004, at 10:06:17
Shyl,
I have the same thing. I have weird dreams and sweat every night, sometimes where I have to change my clothes. I to have lost weight on Effexor, I'm never hungry and have to make myself eat. Good luck!!
> I take 75 mgs of Effexor daily. Because I would consistantly awaken after 2 hours of sleep, I now have to take 6 mls of Gabatril, and 5 mgs of Ambien. This combo works for me. I sleep very well now. I too suffer from prolonged hot flashes. I don't know if it is perimenopause, because this overheated sensation can last all day long. I think my metabolism has been raised by the Effexor. I have lost weight! I drink wine on weekends, with no apparent problem. I was taking Remeron before, and always felt dopey. Effextor gave me back my energy, and sense of humor! So far I love its effects.
Posted by Shyla on March 9, 2004, at 13:50:07
In reply to Re: bizarre dreams, drinking on effexor, sweats, posted by jesstam on March 9, 2004, at 12:49:35
I'm not complaining about the weight loss. I feel terrific! How long have you been on Effexor Jesstam?
Posted by omegon on March 9, 2004, at 14:37:04
In reply to Re: bizarre dreams, drinking on effexor, sweats » Skorpius60, posted by PoohBear on March 8, 2004, at 9:40:03
The night sweats could well be the efexor. I had the same problem most nights for the whole time I was on it, at various dosages (about 3 months). Sheets literally soaked from sweating, had to get up and towel myself dry. Ick. Seemed to go hand-in-hand with the dreams - I would wake up from a weird dream, and find myself drenched in sweat! They weren't nightmares or scary (except during the withdrawal), just weird.
The sweats stopped within a few days after I came off efexor; after a month or so on fluoxetine, they started again!
> As for night sweats, these drugs *do* seem to mess up one's body temperature regulation. I woke up the other night, my side of the bed was *SOAKED* with sweat and when I got up to use the bathroom, the sweat was literally *dripping* off me as I stood there taking a leak. VERY weird, and definitely *NOT* something I've ever experienced in my life, short of when I've been sick and had a fever break. I can't attribute it to the Effexor however. It could just as well have bee the Seroquel.
Posted by jesstam on March 9, 2004, at 14:44:35
In reply to Re: bizarre dreams, drinking on effexor, sweats » jesstam, posted by Shyla on March 9, 2004, at 13:50:07
I feel better! And I'm not complaining about the weight loss either!! The only thing that bugs me is the night sweats and some of the dreams, other than that I am doing a lot better. I go to the doc tomorrow to see if he wants to up my dose any more.. I'm so glad you are feeling good also!!
> I'm not complaining about the weight loss. I feel terrific! How long have you been on Effexor Jesstam?
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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