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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Salty_Dog on March 17, 2004, at 17:16:32
In reply to For Pain Relief?, posted by heart centered on March 16, 2004, at 12:09:50
> Prescribed effexor for pain relief. (had cervical fusion/shoulder sx-need replacement) At 37mg felt great as far as feeling anxiety/depression about inactive status. Doc's increased to 225mg and wants to go higher for pain relief. After reading your messages petrified. Help?
I did notice a significant improvement in pain reduction when taking higher dosage Effexor XR and also noticed to reverse when I reduced the dosage. I was taking dosages as high as 600 mg for extended periods ( > 6 months ) but not for pain. It just was a pleasant surprise to be able to discontinue opiate pain relievers and not have the terible backlash.
It didn't make sense to take opiates and anti-depresants but there are circumstances where that sort of mixture works out at lower dosages than would have been otherwise posible.BTW opiates are much more difficult to withdrawl from than Effexor XR. You may want to consider the trade off. Opiates will cause depression eventually (Beyond your wildest dreams), so, if you can I would take any other avenue posible.
Good luck
Posted by Spinxxie on March 17, 2004, at 17:18:20
In reply to Re: Insomnia » sira, posted by Shyla on March 17, 2004, at 15:35:29
I have had sleep issues for most of my life.. ughs.. i have REM behavior disorder (not sure if that is the exact name) but I miss a step and go right into rem, without my body paralyzing, so I have been known to sleep eat/walk/talk/play guitar/move things around.. yadda yadda. So I would get really exhausted as well. With a combo of anti-depressants and imovane if it gets bad has helped.. though.. i find these new drugs help more then the imovane did.. I rarely did an nocturnal activities on zoloft, nor so far on Effexor.. but.. I do sometimes have a hard time falling asleep..but since I am new to effexor, I tend to find myself napping a lot anyways..
sorry.. if I was harsh earlier.. On zoloft, I could have the odd drink, got tipsy once, and omg the hangover was hell.. never never again.
Good luck.. tc..Spinxxie
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 17, 2004, at 22:58:27
In reply to Re: drinking and weight gain on effexor » jbird, posted by Minh in Vietnam on March 16, 2004, at 9:04:25
> I was crazier than a sh[*]t-house rat.
Sorry to be such a prude, but please don't use language that could offend others.
If you have any questions or comments about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
or redirect a follow-up to Psycho-Babble Administration.
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 17, 2004, at 23:03:22
In reply to Re: drinking and weight gain on effexor, posted by jbird on March 17, 2004, at 7:07:18
> I could make alot of smart [*]ss comments
Sorry to be such a prude, but please don't use language that could offend others.
If you have any questions or comments about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
or redirect a follow-up to Psycho-Babble Administration.
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by cpallen79 on March 18, 2004, at 14:58:11
In reply to Re: My tapering off update!!, posted by realblonde48 on March 11, 2004, at 12:10:54
Are you on the XR? Can you try opening the capsules and SLOWLY tapering that way? (i.e dump 5 to 10 pellets every 3 to 4 weeks...yes, THAT slow, I'm NOT kidding). Put the capsule back together, and then be sure to wipe the capsule with a dry cloth (something I didn't do but probably should have.) You need to do this VERY VERY VERY VERY slowly. If you went from 300 down to 37.5, that is way too fast in my opinion. Also, don't crush the pellets in the effexor capsule or anything. I'm not a doctor, but I tihnk this may help. Double chekc on this with your doc to see what he or she thinks. best of luck to you.
Posted by Clayton on March 18, 2004, at 16:26:39
In reply to Re: Alternatives to Effexor XR?, posted by Malka on March 14, 2004, at 3:25:47
REMARON works on both the neurotransmitters you mentioned. It is not an RI inhibibtor, though. Rather, it auguments the supply of both seratonin and norepinephrine.
I use Remarom in comination with Paxil. The combination has worked absolute wonders without sise-effects of any kind. Remaron and Paxil are synergististic with respect to seratonin as Remaron enhanched the supply and Paxil blocks its reuptake. I was on Paxil alone for two years and it did very little for me. Within 3 or 4 days of adding the Remaron, however, I felt better than I had in years.
I am diagnosed with depression (mood disorsder) and SAD. The depression has abated about 90% since starting this combination and I have not had a single SAD attack...not one... not even close.
Of course, this may all be due to the Remaron alone...who knows? But I don't want to mess with success.
Best of luck to you!
Posted by ljfordrbob on March 18, 2004, at 17:16:25
In reply to Effexor Newbie (nm), posted by ljfordrbob on March 18, 2004, at 17:13:03
Hello all, I had some pretty severe depression in my teens but came out of it in my mid-20's. I'm now officially 'middle-aged'. A few life-changing incidents in my life seemed to trigger some serious anxiety. My dr. originally prescribed prozac but that sent me off into a depression - my head felt like it was balancing an anvil.
I'm now just starting up on Effexor XR. I just completed week 2 (75mg/day). Today I took my dosage in the morning without breakfast, then had a kind of rotten setback at work, and BAM I went spiraling into kind of a depression. I had this overwhelming feeling that I wished I would just disappear, evaporate. I have a wonderful wife and super kids. I'm usually a go-getter and have always felt kind of lucky. The feeling that I've had today is reminiscent of my teenage depression - deep sorrow, serious suicidal thoughts. I hope you'll all be patient with my meandering here, this is the first time in my life I've taken meds for anxiety or depression. I'm just hoping that this is a bridge to getting back on track. Could the Effexor XR have caused such a problem?
Posted by effexed on March 18, 2004, at 18:04:45
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I started takeing effexor I guess around 3 months ago lost all kinds of weight now that I have started takeing my med at night not in the morning like at first I am putting on the FAT I had lost and then some dose this make sence to anyone I have not added any more food to my diet if any thing I starve my self NOT ON PERPOSE got 2 kids 1 job and full time student not much time to eat anyway if anyone has some info on why this might start hapening feel free to comment
Thanks Cindy TX
Posted by realblonde48 on March 18, 2004, at 20:39:40
In reply to Re: My tapering off update!!, posted by cpallen79 on March 18, 2004, at 14:58:11
I know that it has been a fast cycle for me. I can't believe that I have been going through this "coming off" nightmare for a month already. I have been splitting the dosage, trying to get through this. After being on 18 mg. with spltting the 37 1/2 mg. capsule in half, I thought maybe I was getting there. Today was the third day off completely and I gave in around noon and took 9 mg. I know, I am rushing it. I had the brain shocks and headaches all day yesterday just the same as a month ago and spent the evening crying. I know I have said it before, but this has to be one of the most difficult things I have ever done. I can also say I am rushing things because of the weight gain. The extra 25 pounds I have aquired are driving me mad. The other thing that really bothers me is the fact that I want to snack all of the time now. Where does the roller coster stop? Has anyone else been through this kind of thing and how did you get through it? What's really sad is that this is spring break and 80 degrees outside. I can't move off of the couch because if I move too fast, my head starts spinning.
Posted by steinbd on March 18, 2004, at 20:56:15
In reply to Re: Effexor Long term usage, posted by dee pop on May 31, 2001, at 16:28:31
Has anyone had any problems with excessive acne while on effexor? I've been on and off effexor and have had all of the above symptoms that are listed in the other posts, but this acne is horrible. When I go off the pill, the acne goes away. I haven't heard of anyone else having this problem and would like it if someone would respond with the same problem.
Posted by E-Lee on March 18, 2004, at 22:10:57
In reply to Effexor Newbie, posted by ljfordrbob on March 18, 2004, at 17:16:25
Depression is such a horrible and debilitatating disease. I too have suffered from depression throughout my teens and the first half of my twenties until I discovered that there is help and that having to take medicine doesn't make me a weak person. Anyway, maybe the effexor hasn't kicked in yet. It took a few weeks for it to begin to work for me. I take 150mg/day, but I am a small person only weighing 115 lbs. 75mg seems like such a low dose. Everyone is different. Perhaps you may even need a combination of two drugs. Have you thought about talking to a therapist while you are going through this trying time? Also, try and surround yourself with positive people. Maybe try working out - that always seemed to help with my depression. Please just always remember that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and that these feelings of despair are temporary. You will get better!
Good Luck!
Lee
Posted by Draisy on March 19, 2004, at 3:36:16
In reply to Re: Effexor XR » kellie323, posted by KimberlyDi on September 23, 2003, at 8:37:57
I love Wellbutrin but had a seizure on it, on 400 mg a day SR (another friend of a friend had aseizure on it too). my psychiatrist wants to change me to effexor but i'm freaking out about the possibility of weight gain and sexual dysfunction. I am going off wellbutrin rapidly (my doctor is scared of another seizure) and i am sinking into a colossal depression. can someone please give me advice about what to do?
I DON'T WANT TO GO OFF WELLBUTRIN! It has made such a difference in my life - isn't it possible for me to go on a lower dose and not have to deal with further possible seizures? (I woke up in a pool of blood on my floor after the seizure and I still don't want to go off wellbutrin - that's what a god-send this drug has been.)
Posted by Spinxxie on March 19, 2004, at 9:06:54
In reply to Wellbutrin to Effexor, posted by Draisy on March 19, 2004, at 3:36:16
If you are having seizures on wellbutrin.. it will only get worse... I have been on Effexor for about 2 weeks now, and no weight gain. Remember you are in control of what goes in your mouth. Seizures can be life threatening, I had 2 while being on Lithium(long gory story) and stopped the day after my second. Now that my depression is lifting, I am getting my libido back, so there is hope.. your life is more important then a few pounds. Hugs go out to you, sincerely
Spinxxie
Posted by newgirl on March 19, 2004, at 9:50:00
In reply to beginning to wean hopefully losing weight, posted by vanroni on March 21, 2001, at 20:37:32
I've been off of Effexor XR for 2 weeks now. The withdraw seems to be over - but I'm wondering if I'll be able to loose the 20 lbs I gained while on effexor.
I'd appreciate any success stories or words of encouragement!!!!!!!!
Posted by Dirtylowdown4 on March 19, 2004, at 12:43:39
In reply to Effexor Newbie, posted by ljfordrbob on March 18, 2004, at 17:16:25
I'm not sure it's the Effexor. Most people say this med works wonders for their depression. This is the first AD I have tried also although I have suffered from depression and anxiety since I was a child. I am now 49 years old. It took about 8 weeks for the Effexor to start to work for me. That is consistant with what the Company says about their drug. During that time my physician upped the dosage from 75 to 150 mg. Not every day has been a good day for me. I have days when the medication seems to do nothing for me and other days when I'm on top of the world. You might want to try taking it at different times during the day and find out what's best for you. Everyone seems to have their own preference. And you should try to always take with food. I take mine at dinner because I feel it zaps my energy and I work during the day and can't afford to fall asleep at my desk. Good luck with this med!
> Hello all, I had some pretty severe depression in my teens but came out of it in my mid-20's. I'm now officially 'middle-aged'. A few life-changing incidents in my life seemed to trigger some serious anxiety. My dr. originally prescribed prozac but that sent me off into a depression - my head felt like it was balancing an anvil.
>
> I'm now just starting up on Effexor XR. I just completed week 2 (75mg/day). Today I took my dosage in the morning without breakfast, then had a kind of rotten setback at work, and BAM I went spiraling into kind of a depression. I had this overwhelming feeling that I wished I would just disappear, evaporate. I have a wonderful wife and super kids. I'm usually a go-getter and have always felt kind of lucky. The feeling that I've had today is reminiscent of my teenage depression - deep sorrow, serious suicidal thoughts. I hope you'll all be patient with my meandering here, this is the first time in my life I've taken meds for anxiety or depression. I'm just hoping that this is a bridge to getting back on track. Could the Effexor XR have caused such a problem?
Posted by Dirtylowdown4 on March 19, 2004, at 12:55:51
In reply to got FAT?, posted by effexed on March 18, 2004, at 18:04:45
I have tried taking Effexor at all different times of day. I am currently taking my 150 mg dosage at dinner time. When my appetite increased tremendously I changed my snacking habits from higher to lower calorie snacks because I was afraid I'd gain weight based on comments I have read on this bulletin board. So far I have successfully maintained my weight within one or two pounds either way. I personally believe my calorie intake is about the same as before I started taking the Effexor so I don't believe my metabolism has changed at all. I eat more snacks to handle the increase in appetite but the individual snacks are lower in calores than before. Good luck with controlling your weight.
> I started takeing effexor I guess around 3 months ago lost all kinds of weight now that I have started takeing my med at night not in the morning like at first I am putting on the FAT I had lost and then some dose this make sence to anyone I have not added any more food to my diet if any thing I starve my self NOT ON PERPOSE got 2 kids 1 job and full time student not much time to eat anyway if anyone has some info on why this might start hapening feel free to comment
>
> Thanks Cindy TX
Posted by Dirtylowdown4 on March 19, 2004, at 12:59:47
In reply to Re: Effexor Long term usage, posted by steinbd on March 18, 2004, at 20:56:15
Yes, I too have experienced excessive acne plus terribly itchy skin since taking this medication and I am 49 years old and thought my acne days were over!
> Has anyone had any problems with excessive acne while on effexor? I've been on and off effexor and have had all of the above symptoms that are listed in the other posts, but this acne is horrible. When I go off the pill, the acne goes away. I haven't heard of anyone else having this problem and would like it if someone would respond with the same problem.
Posted by semi-conscious on March 19, 2004, at 14:38:58
In reply to Re: got FAT?, posted by Dirtylowdown4 on March 19, 2004, at 12:55:51
I eat less on purpose. Sometimes I starve mself, but I still gained weight on Effexor. I have no energy, so I'm more sedentary. That is the only other thing I can think of other than the Effexor. I wish more people would post if they've gained weight on Effexor because my Dr. says it does not cause weight gain.
Posted by gabbix2 on March 19, 2004, at 14:54:47
In reply to Re: got FAT?, posted by semi-conscious on March 19, 2004, at 14:38:58
I was told that if anything it would cause weight loss. (ha!)
I've never gained so much weight so quickly.
It scared me, my clothes would get tighter seemingly overnight.
I was only on the drug for maybe two months and I gained about 25 lbs in that time and I was NOT overeating.
Effexor didn't work for me (I'm putting that mildly)
I quit taking it and the weight did come off,
so I know it was the effexor. I think much of it was from water retention.
I really don't know what the answer would be if you need to stay on it and it's causing weight gain, because I know that for some it's not about food consumption.
I really wish I had some more uplifting news for you, and I'm sorry you have a Dr. who still believes everything in the drug package inserts, it's frustrating.
Posted by lacey2001 on March 19, 2004, at 17:55:58
In reply to Wellbutrin to Effexor, posted by Draisy on March 19, 2004, at 3:36:16
Now I am really worried about trying Wellbutrin from what I heard about seizures. I am slowly still tapering off Effexor. I want to get pregnant then try Wellbutrin afterwards if I still need it because my sex drive is at extremely low.
Tanya
> I love Wellbutrin but had a seizure on it, on 400 mg a day SR (another friend of a friend had aseizure on it too). my psychiatrist wants to change me to effexor but i'm freaking out about the possibility of weight gain and sexual dysfunction. I am going off wellbutrin rapidly (my doctor is scared of another seizure) and i am sinking into a colossal depression. can someone please give me advice about what to do?
>
> I DON'T WANT TO GO OFF WELLBUTRIN! It has made such a difference in my life - isn't it possible for me to go on a lower dose and not have to deal with further possible seizures? (I woke up in a pool of blood on my floor after the seizure and I still don't want to go off wellbutrin - that's what a god-send this drug has been.)
Posted by dtsd on March 19, 2004, at 18:46:39
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin to Effexor, posted by lacey2001 on March 19, 2004, at 17:55:58
The solution to your problem. Research what Wellbutrin does to your nervous system. Duplicate its action by way of natural chemicals that do not cause seizures. Science is better than trial and error. good luck
Posted by jesstam on March 19, 2004, at 19:37:40
In reply to Re: got FAT? » semi-conscious, posted by gabbix2 on March 19, 2004, at 14:54:15
I guess I have been lucky, I have been on Effexor XR for over a month, I am now on 225mg, I take when I get up in the am. I have no appetite on Effexor and have lost about 10 pounds so far. I hope it stays that way!
> I was told that if anything it would cause weight loss. (ha!)
> I've never gained so much weight so quickly.
> It scared me, my clothes would get tighter seemingly overnight.
> I was only on the drug for maybe two months and I gained about 25 lbs in that time and I was NOT overeating.
>
> Effexor didn't work for me (I'm putting that mildly)
> I quit taking it and the weight did come off,
> so I know it was the effexor. I think much of it was from water retention.
> I really don't know what the answer would be if you need to stay on it and it's causing weight gain, because I know that for some it's not about food consumption.
> I really wish I had some more uplifting news for you, and I'm sorry you have a Dr. who still believes everything in the drug package inserts it's frustrating.
>
Posted by sira on March 19, 2004, at 22:10:22
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
So I have been on Effexor XR for a week now and I am currently up to 75mg but I find that I am extremely thirsty and always drinking water. I have always drank lots but I am drinking even more now. Is this usual or not. I haven't found that I have been more hunger just more thirsty
Sira
Posted by Emma Smith on March 20, 2004, at 13:39:33
In reply to Re: got FAT?, posted by jesstam on March 19, 2004, at 19:37:40
I lost weight in the beginning too. I thought I would be one of the lucky ones too. I haven't changed eating habits and I exercise regularly too. Unfortunately, I've gained. I currently contemplating weaning myself off. Weight gain is depressing in itself.
Good luck to you! I truly hope you ARE the lucky one!!! :)
I guess I have been lucky, I have been on Effexor XR for over a month, I am now on 225mg, I take when I get up in the am. I have no appetite on Effexor and have lost about 10 pounds so far. I hope it stays that way!
>
>
>
> > I was told that if anything it would cause weight loss. (ha!)
> > I've never gained so much weight so quickly.
> > It scared me, my clothes would get tighter seemingly overnight.
> > I was only on the drug for maybe two months and I gained about 25 lbs in that time and I was NOT overeating.
> >
> > Effexor didn't work for me (I'm putting that mildly)
> > I quit taking it and the weight did come off,
> > so I know it was the effexor. I think much of it was from water retention.
> > I really don't know what the answer would be if you need to stay on it and it's causing weight gain, because I know that for some it's not about food consumption.
> > I really wish I had some more uplifting news for you, and I'm sorry you have a Dr. who still believes everything in the drug package inserts it's frustrating.
> >
>
>
Posted by Spinxxie on March 20, 2004, at 13:55:26
In reply to Thirsty, posted by sira on March 19, 2004, at 22:10:22
Ifind that I have been thirsty on all the drugs, and I get dry mouth .. make sure you have a lot of liquids... you get used to it.. I am the mint queen now.. and it is better to drink a lot then dry mouth.. I have a huge dentist bill now.. so.. drink away.. no harm in it! best of luck Spinxxie
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