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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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?
Posted by jesstam on March 9, 2004, at 14:46:28
In reply to Re: bizarre dreams, drinking on effexor, sweats » jesstam, posted by Shyla on March 9, 2004, at 13:50:07
I have been on Effexor for a month and 150mg for 2 weeks, once he put my on 150mg is when I started feeling a lot better!!
> I'm not complaining about the weight loss. I feel terrific! How long have you been on Effexor Jesstam?
Posted by KimberlyDi on March 9, 2004, at 14:56:21
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Sad Panda on March 8, 2004, at 5:11:54
Panda,
300mg was the best dosage for me, until my blood pressure skyrocketed. I wish you luck.
KDi in TX
200mg x 2 Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
100mg of Trazadon and Imipramine b4 bedtime
Posted by KimberlyDi on March 9, 2004, at 15:12:36
In reply to Re: bizarre dreams, drinking on effexor, sweats, posted by Skorpius60 on March 8, 2004, at 8:12:38
I had wonderful vivid dreams mostly while on Effexor. A few pretty intense *fantasy* dreams also, which I'm glad I got to experience a dream orgasm since I wasn't having any in real life! Bewarned... when coming off of Effexor, the dreams turn to nightmares and are frighteningly real. I physcially fought in those dreams, kicking and punching.
As to menopause, I seem to recall some women being prescribed Effexor to lessen menopause symptoms. There's a hormonal connection somewhere.
And drinking on Effexor? Effexor seemed to kill the buzz, a real kill-joy. Goes from nothing to numb to pass-out with nothing pleasant inbetween. Plus having a sick hangover is dangerous when it comes to not being able to keep anything down, INCLUDING YOUR NEXT EFFEXOR DOSAGE. Then you have Effexor withdrawal, plus hangover sick, and possible suicidal thoughts. Don't do it. Finally, DO NOT DRINK while weaning off Effexor. From one who did, and had her first and only suicide attempt... I'm alive by the grace of God and my own high tolerance to sedatives.
Good luck to you & everyone
KDi in TX
> 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 noa on March 9, 2004, at 16:03:48
In reply to Re: constant scratching, posted by jacques on March 8, 2004, at 12:59:15
Are you scratching because it itches, or just having the scratching behavior?
Posted by Lizzy7711 on March 9, 2004, at 18:48:29
In reply to Re: bizarre dreams, drinking on effexor, sweats, posted by Shyla on March 9, 2004, at 10:05:18
> 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. >>
Have you tried taking it at different times in the day? If I take it after about 2-3pm I have the same problem you're talking about. But if I take it around noon i'm fine. I also have to stay up till 11 to sleep through to 6:30.
I like it too so far...calmer, more peaceful, and less depressed. Good luck!
Liz
Posted by Malka on March 9, 2004, at 23:27:48
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Malka, posted by GradPsychStudent on March 9, 2004, at 2:36:17
> 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!!
>
>I have taken Prozac and Seroxat in the past and they didn't work which is why I wanted to try this class of drugs. is Effexor the only SSNRI then?
Posted by E-Lee on March 10, 2004, at 2:41:47
In reply to Re: bizarre dreams, drinking on effexor, sweats » Skorpius60, posted by KimberlyDi on March 9, 2004, at 15:12:36
> I had wonderful vivid dreams mostly while on Effexor. A few pretty intense *fantasy* dreams also, which I'm glad I got to experience a dream orgasm since I wasn't having any in real life! Bewarned... when coming off of Effexor, the dreams turn to nightmares and are frighteningly real. I physcially fought in those dreams, kicking and punching.
>
> As to menopause, I seem to recall some women being prescribed Effexor to lessen menopause symptoms. There's a hormonal connection somewhere.
>
> And drinking on Effexor? Effexor seemed to kill the buzz, a real kill-joy. Goes from nothing to numb to pass-out with nothing pleasant inbetween. Plus having a sick hangover is dangerous when it comes to not being able to keep anything down, INCLUDING YOUR NEXT EFFEXOR DOSAGE. Then you have Effexor withdrawal, plus hangover sick, and possible suicidal thoughts. Don't do it. Finally, DO NOT DRINK while weaning off Effexor. From one who did, and had her first and only suicide attempt... I'm alive by the grace of God and my own high tolerance to sedatives.
>
> Good luck to you & everyone
> KDi in TX
>
>
> > 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.
> >
> >
>
> I have been on antidepressants for the last 10 yrs. I am now on Effexor and have been for about 6 months now. I noticed that many people have questions and/or concerns about the side effects. When I first started taking effexor I had major anxiety. I was happy - the depression was gone, but I couldn't sleep nights. Anyhow, for those days that I felt too anxious to function or for those nights I couldn't sleep, my doctor gave me xanax which seemed to at least lessen the anxiety. You can also try tylonel PM's when absolutely necessary. The good news is - those symptons usually disappear with time. I also noticed that when I missed a dose that I would have terrible night sweats (wake up drenched and cold from sweat) to the point where I would have to sometimes shower in the middle of the night, change my clothes and at times my sheets as well. I also have very weird dreams alot - good dreams most of the time, but terribe, frightening nightmares when I miss a dose and it only takes missing one dose. I know its not menopause because I am only 30. As far as drinking on effexor. I was told that it is ok, (NOT RECOMENDED) in moderation, however I have been known to overdo it from time to time and have had blackouts due to it. Scary and not worth the consequences. Anyway, for those of you who are on effexor and can't tolerate the side effects - have you tried prozac. I was on it for 9 yrs and it did wonders for me with no side effects whatsoever. Unfortunately, after 9 yrs it pooped out on me which my doctor says it has been known to do. Anyway, for me, the effexor seems to be working for now as far as the depression goes so I am willing to deal with the side effects. Small price I have to pay to be happy. Good Luck to all of you!!!!!!!E-Lee
Posted by Spinxxie on March 10, 2004, at 3:40:34
In reply to Re: bizarre dreams, drinking on effexor, sweats, posted by E-Lee on March 10, 2004, at 2:41:47
I am willing to live with the side effects, if I know it will remove the depression - except I am most annoyed with forgetfulness that the Buspar has caused. It has been 8 days since I started, which was at 75 mgs, and I see my Dr in the morning, and hopefully the dose will get upped. Thankfully in Canada, they don't charge outrageous amounts for life sustaining medications.. Has anyone been diagnosed with Dysthesia? I guess it is a more of a mood disorder then just depression.. anyone have thoughts? thanks Spinxxie
Posted by Shyla on March 10, 2004, at 8:43:25
In reply to Re: bizarre dreams, drinking on effexor, sweats, posted by Lizzy7711 on March 9, 2004, at 18:48:29
> > 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. >>
>
> Have you tried taking it at different times in the day? If I take it after about 2-3pm I have the same problem you're talking about. But if I take it around noon i'm fine. I also have to stay up till 11 to sleep through to 6:30.
>
> I like it too so far...calmer, more peaceful, and less depressed. Good luck!
> LizHi Liz, I used to take my Effexor at noon, but now take it in the morning, so I'm not so wired at night when it's time to go to sleep. I had talked to my doc about it and she recommended the time switch. It's amazing stuff isn't it.
Shyla
Posted by E-Lee on March 10, 2004, at 13:04:39
In reply to Re: bizarre dreams, drinking on effexor, sweats, posted by Shyla on March 10, 2004, at 8:43:25
> > > 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. >>
> >
> > Have you tried taking it at different times in the day? If I take it after about 2-3pm I have the same problem you're talking about. But if I take it around noon i'm fine. I also have to stay up till 11 to sleep through to 6:30.
> >
> > I like it too so far...calmer, more peaceful, and less depressed. Good luck!
> > Liz
>
> Hi Liz, I used to take my Effexor at noon, but now take it in the morning, so I'm not so wired at night when it's time to go to sleep. I had talked to my doc about it and she recommended the time switch. It's amazing stuff isn't it.
> Shyla
Definately try taking it in the morning - it makes a big difference. I take 150mg and if I forget to take it in the morning and have to take it late afternoon or early evening - I am up all night. Good LuckE-Lee
Posted by Shyla on March 10, 2004, at 14:28:59
In reply to Re: bizarre dreams, drinking on effexor, sweats, posted by E-Lee on March 10, 2004, at 13:04:39
> > > > 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. >>
> > >
> > > Have you tried taking it at different times in the day? If I take it after about 2-3pm I have the same problem you're talking about. But if I take it around noon i'm fine. I also have to stay up till 11 to sleep through to 6:30.
> > >
> > > I like it too so far...calmer, more peaceful, and less depressed. Good luck!
> > > Liz
> >
> > Hi Liz, I used to take my Effexor at noon, but now take it in the morning, so I'm not so wired at night when it's time to go to sleep. I had talked to my doc about it and she recommended the time switch. It's amazing stuff isn't it.
> > Shyla
>
>
> Definately try taking it in the morning - it makes a big difference. I take 150mg and if I forget to take it in the morning and have to take it late afternoon or early evening - I am up all night. Good Luck
>
> E-Lee
>Another question for you: Do you sometimes suffer from a feeling of over heating during the daytime? On some days, this goes on for hours with no breaks.
Posted by gooses_2 on March 10, 2004, at 17:04:56
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Malka on March 9, 2004, at 23:27:48
I dont know about anyone else, but the scratching i do have, i also get the brain fizzys and the dreams suck. after a few years of titration and med switching i have found a great combination of four different meds and they have changed my life. i was on the effexor and trying to get off, but the withdrawals were too bad. i now take abilify 10 mg, effexor 150mg , lithium 900 mg, and ativan 3 mg. i think that the minor annoyances that i get if i take the effexor *on the dot* daily are minimal. thanks to the meds that i take i can leave my house again, mail letters and answer the phone. the sad thing is that there is so much that i am on, i dont know what does what. if anyone has any insight, let me know! :)
Posted by Spinxxie on March 10, 2004, at 18:26:09
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by gooses_2 on March 10, 2004, at 17:04:56
Well.. as long as you can cope.. but as many know.. and this sucks.. you have to do your own share of the work.. meds arent a quick fix.. but an aid for overall health, dont you think?
My own fog is just lifting, I had a seriously rough day on monday, and I was seriously considering hospitalization, I was having a serious "fail to cope" day. as my partner calls em. After 8 days on Effexor, the fog is finally not so thick! I went to see my Dr today, and am now on 150mg, and we are going to see how that goes... the side effects compared to Luvox are nada.. no room spins, nausea, trots and trembles.!! Hope everyone is doing alright,
tc Spinxxie
Posted by Lizzy7711 on March 10, 2004, at 22:24:17
In reply to Re: bizarre dreams, drinking on effexor, sweats, posted by Shyla on March 10, 2004, at 14:28:59
>
> Another question for you: Do you sometimes suffer from a feeling of over heating during the daytime? On some days, this goes on for hours with no breaks.
>I think I've had that happen a couple times...a weird kind of hot...not the normal like it's hot outside hot. But it does'nt happen often enough for me to get a handle on what's causing it.
Regarding alcohol...the last time I tried to just have a drink, the next day I felt like I was coming down with an illness...hot, headache etc., but not like a hangover. Now I think it was just a reaction from the effexor. I don't drink often at all...and never get drunk, but I would like to at least be able to have the occasional drink! I'll try it one more time to make sure it was the drug.
I definitely feel that my current improvement in mental health is worth these side effects. My psychologist took effexor for 3 years at 150mg, and she said when she tapered off she had absolutely no problems. SO, I know if i ever go off, there's that risk of withdrawal, but I'm on it now and from what i've heard, it doesn't make a difference how long you take it, some people who only took it for a month have had terrible withdrawal. I've been on for 3 months, so i'll stick it out till it isn't working anymore.
Anyway, good luck to everyone here!
Liz
Posted by lacey2001 on March 11, 2004, at 12:03:22
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I am taking just 18 mg every three days now so I am doing extremely well. I do not have any withdrawls in those three days except just before my body knows that I need to take it again. But the feeling isn't as bad as before.
So I am happy! I will wait a month before I start to get pregnant again. I cannot wait.
As for coming back on Effexor XR after my pregnancy, I think I may try Wellbutrin because my low sex drive is a bad problem. How has that med? Anyone try it? And most importantly, did it help your sex drive? Mine is non existent and it isn't fair for my husband or myself.Tanya
Posted by Shyla on March 11, 2004, at 12:10:46
In reply to My tapering off update!!, posted by lacey2001 on March 11, 2004, at 12:03:22
Both my partner and I tried Wellbutrin. It did have a negative effect on our libido so we got off of that. I'm convinced after trying a few SSRIs that none are perfect, and they all have negative sexual side effects. I can only speak for myself and my partner as we have gone down the same paths together. I'm sorry I couldn't respond with more heartening news. I wish you a lot of luck on getting pregnant!
Posted by realblonde48 on March 11, 2004, at 12:10:54
In reply to My tapering off update!!, posted by lacey2001 on March 11, 2004, at 12:03:22
How long did it take you to taper off to the 18mg? Is there an 18mg pill? I am on 37 1/2 for the start of the second week from 300mg. So far this whole experience has been a nightmare. I am looking for hope that this will soon be over and I can go on with my life.
Posted by lacey2001 on March 11, 2004, at 12:26:58
In reply to Re: My tapering off update!!, posted by realblonde48 on March 11, 2004, at 12:10:54
I just opened my capule up and poured half out and did it back up again. Now I know this wasn't a good idea. I couldn't get a hold of my Dr (weekend) and was feeling very sick as I tried to cut cold turkey under the advice from a crummy Dr here. But I took 37.5 again (to quit a different way my Dr told me) because I didn't like to open the capules but felt very sick so I had to go back to pouring half out again. Basically what I am trying to say is that my body is used to 18.75mg now b/c anything more makes me quite sick. I do not recommend opening caps but to talk to Dr. My advice from a another Dr was as follows:
to take 37.5 every second day for a week
then every third day if symtpoms are still bothering you. Then after a week to stop.Again, please don't listen to this advice but talk to a Dr. Everyone will be different.
Tanya
How long did it take you to taper off to the 18mg? Is there an 18mg pill? I am on 37 1/2 for the start of the second week from 300mg. So far this whole experience has been a nightmare. I am looking for hope that this will soon be over and I can go on with my life.
Posted by realblonde48 on March 11, 2004, at 13:02:16
In reply to Re: My tapering off update!!, posted by lacey2001 on March 11, 2004, at 12:26:58
That's what I was supposed to do. Take the 37 for 1 week, then every other day, then every 2 days. Like I said, I'm just ready to be off of the ride. I have gained twenty pounds in the last month and a half and the weight gain just adds insult to injury. A couple of weeks ago, after going cold turkey altogether, I thought I was absoutly losing my mind. I then started over and began the process of cutting back. I have a new perspective on the withdrawal process.
Thank you for taking the time to share.
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