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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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
Posted by jesstam on March 20, 2004, at 17:11:02
In reply to Re: got FAT?, posted by Emma Smith on March 20, 2004, at 13:39:33
Emma,
How long did it take for you to start gaining on Effexor? I have been on it for a little over a month now.
Thanks
> 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 romeyjuju on March 20, 2004, at 17:27:05
In reply to Re: STAY OFF EFFEXOR IF YOU CAN, posted by on-the-wave on February 3, 2004, at 9:31:27
I weaned off Effexor about 7 months ago because the side-effects including severe short term memory problems, lack or energy of desire to get off my couch and the usual sexual side-effects had become too cumbersome to ignore anymore. The memory problems and lack of motivation were the two that I finally couldn't take anymore. Weaning was no cake walk, but I've been on a quest for supplements to get me through the depression and anxiety that came back, the memory loss that never completely corrected itself, and the problems with energy and focus that had been a constant part of my post-antidepressant life. I've been taking a series of amino acids including GABA, L-Phenylalanine, L-Taurine, L-Tyrosine. Also taking grape seed extract, 5-HTP, Phosphatidylserine, St. John's Wort, Ginkgo Biloba, an Omega 3 6 9 oil supplement, and GHR15 (supposed to boost growth hormone). This is all in addition to the usual vitamins minerals and regular antioxidants. It all amounts to a mountain of pills through the day, but I'm keeping my job and functioning as someone who will always have depression and anxiety but needs to keep my job and be a good (single) mom. I think something is working, but I'm still looking for that magic bullet. I haven't tried SAMe yet but would love to hear from someone who has.
You say that your journey is almost complete. Have you used supplements too or strictly therapy for your improvement? Has anyone else had luck with OTC supplements after being burned on antidepressants? Are there other supplements that I haven't tried yet that others would recommend? Let me know.
Posted by Emma Smith on March 20, 2004, at 18:57:06
In reply to Re: got FAT?, posted by jesstam on March 20, 2004, at 17:11:02
Hi Jesstam,
I started taking Effexor XR in July of 2003. It worked wonders (and really is fine now, I just don't like the weight gain and want to try life drug-free....I posted awhile back entitled "Should I begin the weaning process?")
Maybe I'm looking for a "cause" for the weight gain, but around 4 months into taking the drug, I noticed slight weight gain. I could blame it on the holidays, but I was sick with the flu and did not partake in the normal holiday treats. Since then it has been increasing. I'm up 15-20 pounds since July. Who knows? All I know is that the weight gain is what is on my mind now.........
Hope you are doing well... :)
Posted by realblonde48 on March 20, 2004, at 21:59:05
In reply to Re: got FAT? To Jesstam:, posted by Emma Smith on March 20, 2004, at 18:57:06
I have been trying to wean off of this medicine for a month and have found it to be very difficult. After finding this website however, I have found some comfort. I, too, have gained 25 pounds. One day I was fine and the next day nothing fit. My doctor checked my hormones and even did a cat scan to make sure there was nothing else going on. After taking the effexor xr since the end of November, I truly believe that this is the cause. It was my idea to get off it completely. The weight gain is worse than any other type of depression. It has made me cry on a daily basis. I can deal with the rest of the "stuff" if I can get rid of the weight! How long did it seem to take for the weight to come off after getting off of the medication completely - if anyone else has a hopeful story????? I have gone from 300mg to 18mg. The weaning seems to be such a slow process!
Posted by Emma Smith on March 21, 2004, at 15:00:20
In reply to Re: got FAT? To Jesstam:, posted by realblonde48 on March 20, 2004, at 21:59:05
Hi,
I agree with you that the weight gain is most depressing. So sad that this has to be one of the "side effects."
When I lost weight in the beginning, I thought "Yes!!! I must be one of the lucky ones who won't gain!" I didn't expect to lose weight, but I was hoping that eating right and exercising would help me maintain. Ugh.
Can you tell me a bit more about your weaning strategy? This week I decided to take my 75mg dose every other day. Didn't really bother me that much. However, my body knew when it needed the next dose. Should I stay here for awhile? Or should I go every 3rd day? Or should I cut back the dose every other day? Of course the doctor would rather I wait a couple of more months. But, I feel my stressors and triggers are gone right now and I'd like to try and "handle" it.
Any suggestions? I, too, would love to hear from others who took off the weight after discontinuing the Effexor. Good luck to you!
Posted by Emma Smith on March 21, 2004, at 15:01:12
In reply to Re: got FAT? To Jesstam:, posted by realblonde48 on March 20, 2004, at 21:59:05
Hi,
I agree with you that the weight gain is most depressing. So sad that this has to be one of the "side effects."
When I lost weight in the beginning, I thought "Yes!!! I must be one of the lucky ones who won't gain!" I didn't expect to lose weight, but I was hoping that eating right and exercising would help me maintain. Ugh.
Can you tell me a bit more about your weaning strategy? This week I decided to take my 75mg dose every other day. Didn't really bother me that much. However, my body knew when it needed the next dose. Should I stay here for awhile? Or should I go every 3rd day? Or should I cut back the dose every other day? Of course the doctor would rather I wait a couple of more months. But, I feel my stressors and triggers are gone right now and I'd like to try and "handle" it.
Any suggestions? I, too, would love to hear from others who took off the weight after discontinuing the Effexor. Good luck to you!
Posted by Beta on March 21, 2004, at 19:14:25
In reply to Effexor Newbie, posted by ljfordrbob on March 18, 2004, at 17:16:25
I am on week 2 of 75mg of effexor XR, started out at 37.5 mg for a week. I was 25 lbs. underweight when I began, have gained almost 10 lbs, may be due to the effexor XR, or my attempts to eat more. I was initially prescribed Zoloft for depression, but quickly re-diagnosed with PTSD so effexor was evidently more recommended. I am on a new found crash course with antidepressents and traumatherapy. Any insight is greatly appreciated. Thanks. =)
Posted by Draisy on March 21, 2004, at 23:15:09
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin to Effexor, posted by dtsd on March 19, 2004, at 18:46:39
hey guys, it's Draisy. has anyone tried Buspar? i'm going to talk to my doctor about it tomorrow. Could that be my alternative to effexor? i hear if your depression is mostly anxiety based Buspar is great and has fairly innocuous side effects.
I agree that not being able to orgasm and packing on the pounds won't help depression.
apparently .02% of the population of wellbutrin users are prone to seizures. i'm no statistician but i'm wondering if this is somehow a gross underestimation. I’m not saying that everyone will seizure or anything but out of 3 people I have met who have taken wellbutrin, 2 of us have seizured.
I know this isn't a reliable means of gathering stats but it doesn't seem right. and seizures are no minor side effect. i lost two front teeth when i had mine (on with the veneers!), a large chunk of my top lip and that’s not to mention the physical trauma to my head that went a bit deeper than my vanity. and i know that i'm lucky.
my boyfriend is a doctor and when i was in the hospital he went through my apartment and followed the blood to try to recreate what happened (it looks like i might have had more than one). He says that it looks like my head just missed the corner of the kitchen table, and here we are all just glad i wasn't driving.
One more thing. I was asking my boyfriend and a friend of ours why my doctor didn’t suggest buspar and paxil when I refused to take the effexor he was pushing on me because of the side effects. apparently there are anti-depressants out there that don’t have seizure, weight gain and sexual dysfunction side effects. they said that pharmaceutical companies push doctors to sell their particular drugs. I guess that means that we have to do our own research to try to find out what is best for us. …I guess that’s why this site makes sense ;)
So can anyone tell me anything about buspar and paxil or any of the antidepressants/anti-anxiety meds that don’t have the above mentioned side effects?
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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