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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by muggins on March 26, 2004, at 0:31:03
In reply to Re: Effexor newbies, posted by KennyBingo on March 23, 2004, at 11:31:41
hi guys.....brilliant to read posts and know all in the same boat....started 37.5mg for a week and zoloft (trying to get off zoloft)then 75mg effexor only.....total shock.....boyfriend of over a year dumped me in the middle of my personal hell.....was not at all expected.....now having problems figuring out what is heartbreak and what is new meds. boyf got new stressful job, shifts, mum died all in the sapce of a month and I wobbled as well. all too much for the poor manam also on anti anxiety pills for when i need (alzam)....someone here suggested getting something to counteract the anxiety side effects (i dont usually have anxiety)...now 3 weeks into 75mg and saw pDoc yesterday.......suicide trailer in my head, but have a beautiful 4 year old daughter (single mum) who i could not bear to leave...pDoc suggested clinic yesterday....but that wold be admitting defeat....am now going up to 150mg today....you can get homeopathic pills for water retention, will buy, eating like a bird but feel fat (am 60kgs)...will have to hit the gym........thanks guys....make me feel sane !
> For Beta, ljfordrbob, PoohBear, et al.:
>
> I was struck by lj's post, finding numerous biographical parallels. I too am now slipping into mid-adulthood. Life changes (eg divorce, grad school) brought about crushing and enveloping depressive episodes not felt since adolescence. I don't believe it's an overstatement to say that Effexor, combined with smart choices and a good therapist, has been a lifesaver.
>
> So for those discouraged by weightgain, among other unsavory side-effects (you can ditto everything in PoohBear's report about side-effects for me)and the hazards of tapering off, take heart. It is not always simply a chemical cross to bear.
>
> True, I did gain a little weight once starting Effexor. It has given me a heretofore never experienced craving for chocolate, of all things. But changing my eating habits a bit and exercise have made this manageable. Plus, I think a lot of it is simply water retention. (Yes, guys get this too.)
>
> True, the initial technicolor dreams and hypo-mania were a little exhausting. But they have subsided. Exercise has helped counter this as well.
>
> True, there are still episodes of downward, blue moods occasionally. But I am able to "bracket" these with the knowledge that they are transient, under my control, and that they will soon pass. Effexor's no auto-happy panacea, but it is one hell of a shot in the arm. I no longer drown.
>
> Hope my response is somehow useful to some of you. Good luck for all those just starting and just ending their treatment.
>
> K
Posted by DirtyLowDown4 on March 26, 2004, at 8:31:44
In reply to My first time on anything ever!, posted by Hez on March 25, 2004, at 16:28:27
It is truly remarkable that you would get such positive results so quickly. I think your positive attitude helps. The drug will not work unless you have confidence that it will work. Most drugs have a plesibo effect based on a patient's attitude. It usually takes up to 8 weeks to get the full effect. If you are happy with the results you might want to hold off on upping your dosage. The side effects may change with increased dosage. Women on this medication generally report loss of labido and anorgasmia. You might want to consider that possibility when increasing your dosage. I started out at 37.5 and increased to 75 mg and then increased to 150 mg. I did not like how I felt at 150 and backed it down to 75 mg and feel pretty good and will stay at 75 mg unless I start feeling low again. This is just a suggestion so take it for what it's worth. You have to decide what's best for you. Good luck for this med!
> Well, I have read just about every post on this site (I have lot's of time on my hands at work) and its definitely interesting.
>
> I started taking Effexor XR yesterday. I have been moderate to severely depressed for about 6 months and just going further and further down. I lost me, I lost my boyfriend (only temporarily I hope!) and I needed to do something. I am on the 37.5mg dose for 7 days and then if my side effects lessen or disappear I can bump myself to the 75mg a day.
>
> A small dose, yes, but OMG! Yesterday at work was the first day in a long time I was actually productive before 2pm! I felt like I was on speed and not in a bad way! I felt manic is what I felt.
>
> Anyway, I passed out at about 9pm and woke up to pee and I felt like I had been sleeping for hours and it had only been two. Then I went right back to sleep and slept straight thru to 5:30am (which is early for me).
>
> My appetite is so surpressed that I can barely tell that I am hungry. Some things taste weird and I have a metallic taste in my mouth as well as my teeth and tongue feeling numb-ish...like when you get a buzz from drinking a beer.
>
> I just hope I don't gain weight...but thank god that I am on Effexor because if I wasn't and I was reading all those posts about huge weight gains I would've had a panic attack!
>
> At any rate, I feel better. I love that it is calming my mild OCD tendencies and my craving for ciggies. I can't believe that this drug would work that fast but dang! Reading everyone's contrubutions has been really informative. Thanks a lot..I'll be lurking!
>
> Best,
> Hez
Posted by realblonde48 on March 26, 2004, at 11:29:29
In reply to Re: Effexor newbies, posted by muggins on March 26, 2004, at 0:31:03
After reading your post, I hope you take the advice of the doctor and seek some help with all of the other "baggage" you are having to deal with. Don't be afraid to ask someone for help. You are right in that your four year old needs you more than you will ever know. Suicide is not even an option. As a mother and a counselor, there are alternatives. Give your self time but also keep a support network open.
Posted by Davez on March 26, 2004, at 20:27:31
In reply to Re: sexual side effect- effexor-xr, posted by jal on September 13, 2002, at 14:53:11
I'm on 75mg dose right now and have what I could explain as an increase in sexual stamina (staying power so to speak). It does sort of feel like a numbness in a way but I can get past it to climax. I looked on the NET and they say "abnormal ejaculation" is a side effect. That sounds to me like cats and dogs shooting out of your penis or something weird like that. I have heard from others that Prozac and other similar drugs can prevent a person from climaxing. I found that I just require faster sex to get off and that slower sex will last all night. I would think though if I went up to 225mgs I might not be able to climax at all. I would talk to your doctor about it and maybe you could switch to another brand. That sometimes works.
> I've been on effexor xr for the past 4 months, went from 37.5mgs up to 225mgs now and the only thing I feel is numbness in my penis and my sex drive is way down from where it was before effexor xr.Is this common for men to feel this?
> Any men out there have the same numbness down there? Whats the cure ? Help my girlfriend thinks its her but I'm telling her its my meds.
Posted by scullycat on March 27, 2004, at 1:43:21
In reply to My first time on anything ever!, posted by Hez on March 25, 2004, at 16:28:27
It is "my first time on anything ever" (at the 4 week mark) although it should have probably happened a long time ago. I can't believe that I went from completely bawling my eyes out hysterically every single day for 2 years to not at all beginning with the first dose. I'm only taking the 75mg and I feel like I'm actually able to get through the day and communicate with my poor husband without having my emotions constantly running over the top. I can actually talk about things and not freak out. Nice for him. Nice for me.
I do seem to have a lot of side effects that I'm still hoping will go away. Nausea, the metal taste thing (glad to hear I'm not the only one using that description), the constant sweating and chills, fatigue and the headache that just won't go away. But I can deal with that 'cause I feel so much better.
I'm also having some concerns about my eyesight that I noticed only last week (I am not able to read some things that I could very recently). I know that I am a candidate for narrow angle glaucoma, and I have vision in only one eye so I'm a bit concerned after reading the FDA report of possible side effects. Of course I will see my opthamologist, but I'm wondering if anyone experienced this type of thing or read info about it anywhere else other than the effexor web site?
Thanx!
Posted by pekostar on March 27, 2004, at 18:36:40
In reply to I'm getting off Effexor (if I can) READ!!!, posted by kataklysm on January 18, 2003, at 5:32:11
I have been on medication for years, also for anxiety. Effexor really worked for me....but I gained weight and its time to see if I can handle life without it. I weened myself off of it. (over a months time) And even then it has some terrible withdrawls. HORRIBLE. I am finding now that I am emotional but i am determined to get though this. Has anyone else succeeded in becoming drug free? Did you lose weight? Did you end up on something else?
Posted by Davez on March 28, 2004, at 10:12:29
In reply to Re: I'm getting off Effexor (if I can) READ!!! » kataklysm, posted by pekostar on March 27, 2004, at 18:36:40
I quit smoking a year ago and that was pure hell. Felt like someone was jumping on my chest. I couldn't imagine Effexor withdrawl could compare. I hope not because I just started taking it.
> I have been on medication for years, also for anxiety. Effexor really worked for me....but I gained weight and its time to see if I can handle life without it. I weened myself off of it. (over a months time) And even then it has some terrible withdrawls. HORRIBLE. I am finding now that I am emotional but i am determined to get though this. Has anyone else succeeded in becoming drug free? Did you lose weight? Did you end up on something else?
>
>
>
Posted by mary rose on March 28, 2004, at 20:51:35
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I like Effexor XR alot. I've been on it since they introduced the XR and it helps me to concentrate, gives me energy and puts me in a better mood.
However, it doesn't help anxiety like Paxil does. I was taking both and they worked great together except I had to stop taking Paxil due to the excessive weight gain.
How does Buspar work for anxiety? Maybe the two together would be a good combination.
Posted by mary rose on March 28, 2004, at 21:01:42
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin to Buspar, posted by Draisy on March 21, 2004, at 23:15:09
Paxil is the anti depressant that causes the most weight gain of any of the anti-depressants.
I had to get off it because I just kept gaining more and more weight on it.
I haven't tried Buspar yet, but am going to ask my doctor for it next time I see her.
Posted by PoohBear on March 29, 2004, at 9:31:13
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin to Buspar, posted by mary rose on March 28, 2004, at 21:01:42
> Paxil is the anti depressant that causes the most weight gain of any of the anti-depressants.
Actually, I would disagree with this statement...From personal experience I can tell you that Remeron caused me to gain 12 pounds in two weeks... It gave me the best sleep I've ever had, but the weight gain issue made me drop it and go to Seroquel instead.
Tony
150mg Effexor XR
20mg Adderall XR
100mg Seroquel
Posted by DirtyLowDown4 on March 29, 2004, at 9:50:54
In reply to Re: sexual side effect- effexor-xr » jal, posted by Davez on March 26, 2004, at 20:27:31
I started on 75 mg of Effexor a few months ago noticed not only was there a little less sensation that made it take longer to reach climax but also that my sex drive kicked up a notch or two. I was concerned about kicking up the dosage to 150 mg thinking it might completely impair my orgasms altogether but that did not happen when I increased the dosage. As time goes on the sensation I initially lost seems to be coming back and I my sex drive is still in overdrive. My sex life has never been better and I don't ever want to stop taking this stuff. Good luck!
> I'm on 75mg dose right now and have what I could explain as an increase in sexual stamina (staying power so to speak). It does sort of feel like a numbness in a way but I can get past it to climax. I looked on the NET and they say "abnormal ejaculation" is a side effect. That sounds to me like cats and dogs shooting out of your penis or something weird like that. I have heard from others that Prozac and other similar drugs can prevent a person from climaxing. I found that I just require faster sex to get off and that slower sex will last all night. I would think though if I went up to 225mgs I might not be able to climax at all. I would talk to your doctor about it and maybe you could switch to another brand. That sometimes works.
>
>
> > I've been on effexor xr for the past 4 months, went from 37.5mgs up to 225mgs now and the only thing I feel is numbness in my penis and my sex drive is way down from where it was before effexor xr.Is this common for men to feel this?
> > Any men out there have the same numbness down there? Whats the cure ? Help my girlfriend thinks its her but I'm telling her its my meds.
>
>
Posted by E-Lee on March 29, 2004, at 14:12:01
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin to Buspar » mary rose, posted by PoohBear on March 29, 2004, at 9:31:13
> > Paxil is the anti depressant that causes the most weight gain of any of the anti-depressants.
>
>
> Actually, I would disagree with this statement...
>
> From personal experience I can tell you that Remeron caused me to gain 12 pounds in two weeks... It gave me the best sleep I've ever had, but the weight gain issue made me drop it and go to Seroquel instead.
>
> Tony
>
> 150mg Effexor XR
> 20mg Adderall XR
> 100mg SeroquelMy doctor actually prescribed me Remeron knowing that I was trying to gain weight, but it made me feel drugged. I only took it once but I was out of it for 2 days. I didn't like that feeling. I am on Effexor and have been for 8 months and my weight has been steady - no loss and no gain. I do feel like I have big time mood swings though not where I am depressed but just really tired and mellow and then all of a sudden I will be bouncing off the walls. I don't like the inconsistency. Another thing is my memory and concentration is terrible. Anybody have any suggestions on how to improve that.
Lee
>
>
Posted by PoohBear on March 29, 2004, at 14:18:27
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin to Buspar, posted by E-Lee on March 29, 2004, at 14:12:01
"My doctor actually prescribed me Remeron knowing that I was trying to gain weight, but it made me feel drugged. I only took it once but I was out of it for 2 days."
You might want to try it again. 1 day is not enough time. The feelings you describe tend to moderate or go away with time. You can add Remeron to Effexor. Many do it at night to help with sleep...
Tony
Posted by Spinxxie on March 29, 2004, at 14:54:15
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin to Buspar » E-Lee, posted by PoohBear on March 29, 2004, at 14:18:27
I agree.. the side effects are generally temporary, you have to give a drug a few days to really see how it will work.. many drugs, and in my case Effexor, made me really tired at first, but it does wear off. I have been on it for about a month now and I am so pleased that it works quite well, no real hot flashes any more. I find that my appetite has gone down a bit, it was bad at first with the Effexor, I wanted to eat anything and everything! The Buspar helps with the anxiety, though I have noticed it has screwed with my short term memory, will have to discuss that with my shrink. I think I still need to up my dose of Effexor, still not where I want to be yet.. but better then suicidal right?
I think on any of the drugs, you have to give them time, and you have to have a Dr. who knows what s/he is talking about, not just reading what their drugs rep has given them.. so ask a lot of questions, research it a lot yourselves.. be informed! I used to hear a lot of bad things about Effexor, but after doing a lot of research, the good outweighs the bad by a ton! Hang in their, hugs to all!
Posted by MP on March 29, 2004, at 16:32:25
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and weight gain , posted by PAD702 on April 21, 2000, at 4:57:08
I have been taking Effexor XR since Jan '01. I was taking 75mg twice a day and lost weight like crazy the first few months and then stabilized. Then my doctor changed my prescription from taking 2 pills twice a day to taking just 1, 150 mg, once a day. Since the change I have gained 20+ lbs in a 6 month period. Has anyone lost weight by quitting the Effexor XR or by decreasing the dosage?
Posted by MP on March 29, 2004, at 16:44:20
In reply to Re: got FAT?, posted by Shyla on March 22, 2004, at 8:41:39
Shyla I am happy for you. Effexor (75mg 2x's a day) did the same for me and has continued except for the weight problem. The first few months I lost weight, alot of weight and I felt great. Well it has been 2 (1 pill 150mg 1x a day)years and I still feel great but I have gained weight drastically. I don't mean to put a damper on the outlook, but just thought you should know what to expect if you continue for awhile. Who knows maybe you will be the lucky one! Keep me posted.
Posted by KennyBingo on March 30, 2004, at 1:05:54
In reply to Give the Meds time to work, posted by Spinxxie on March 29, 2004, at 14:54:15
Hi Folks,
Just here with my two cents' (if that) worth on the matters of increased weight and decreased libido. I've gained a little weight. Can't quite figure out if it's the Effexor or just the usual mid-thirties pile-up. It occurs to me that, since starting the Effexor (37.5 to 75, then 150 mg/day) a year ago, I really get a kick out of EATING much more than before. Never before has food been so enjoyable. Perhaps depression was just making me sick to my stomach all those years...
As for sexual dampening. Well, again--is it age or is it pharmacologically induced phrigidity? [sic] Likely the latter, which for me isn't so bad. See, my partner has also been on the stuff (300mg/day, no less)for years. It's therefore rather convenient, if kind of sad, to see my sexual sensitivity and sensibility take a nosedive. And I'm sure she appreciates the respite from my solicitations. Still, this priest-like existence is weird.
Any reflections on the above?
k
Posted by PoohBear on March 30, 2004, at 10:50:07
In reply to Ah, food and whoopee..., posted by KennyBingo on March 30, 2004, at 1:05:54
> Hi Folks,
>
> Just here with my two cents' (if that) worth on the matters of increased weight and decreased libido. I've gained a little weight. Can't quite figure out if it's the Effexor or just the usual mid-thirties pile-up. It occurs to me that, since starting the Effexor (37.5 to 75, then 150 mg/day) a year ago, I really get a kick out of EATING much more than before. Never before has food been so enjoyable. Perhaps depression was just making me sick to my stomach all those years...
>
> As for sexual dampening. Well, again--is it age or is it pharmacologically induced phrigidity? [sic] Likely the latter, which for me isn't so bad. See, my partner has also been on the stuff (300mg/day, no less)for years. It's therefore rather convenient, if kind of sad, to see my sexual sensitivity and sensibility take a nosedive. And I'm sure she appreciates the respite from my solicitations. Still, this priest-like existence is weird.
>
> Any reflections on the above?
>
> k
I would second the thing about food tasting good. I've always loved to eat and have been deeling with getting my excess weight off over the past two years. I was almost at my Weight Watchers goal when I started on Effexor. I wouldn't say that it's *made* me gain weight, but it certainly has made it more enjoyable to eat and harder to take off the weight.As regards the sexual issues, I'm 47 and my wife is 52. I've always been more interested in sex than she. The decline in my desire while on Effexor for the past few months was good for us because at the same time I started treatment for depression she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, had surgery and spent the next 4 months recovering before she could even think of sex.
I have noted that while at first I needed to augment the Effexor with Wellbutrin to achieve an erection and reach climax, the sexual side effects of Effexor have moderated and gone away with time. My orgasms are much more intense than they were without meds. I'm taking Seroquel as well, so it's hard to know what med is contributing which effect, but for me at least, this is no longer and issue.
I must reiterate the importance of sticking with a med long enough to really get a feel for the effects and to let side effects subside. In almost all instances they will to some extent.
I also want to second the opinion regarding taking notes about your meds and their effects on your system. I keep notes in my PDA on each med that I can refer to with my pDoc so that we can gauge where we're going and what's working and what's not. She mentioned the other day that she really appreciated me doing this. It makes her job soooooo much easier.
Tony
Posted by Spinxxie on March 30, 2004, at 14:35:56
In reply to Ah, food and whoopee..., posted by KennyBingo on March 30, 2004, at 1:05:54
I have to agree, my partner is just coming off Wellbutrin and going to Celexa, so yes, I feel rather nun-like(been a year)which weirdly doesnt bother me that much. Oddly though, like you, perhaps the depression really changed my outlook. Things smell diffrent, I never noticed the beautiful scent of cherry blossoms, or how reallllly good chocolate tastes...rather be 20lbs heavier then lighter.. and everything is bland.. thanks for your post.. spinxxie
Posted by Stryker88 on March 30, 2004, at 16:29:09
In reply to Re: Ah, food and whoopee... » KennyBingo, posted by Spinxxie on March 30, 2004, at 14:35:56
Effexor has been a good and bad thing for me, I take 150mg every morning however the daytime drowsiness sometimes gets to me, so I might start taking it at night or lower the dosage. My sexual function has been very good, you might want to try taking caffiene or drinking coffee, it helps your sex drive, just drink alot of water after. I have been able to achieve powerful orgasms, and more enjoyable. The sugar cravings for me are present I am getting hooked on soda, like Coke and Pepse were as before I never drank it. Everyone here who is gaining weight should try to eat better, fruits, veggies, protein, you cant blame the drug for gaining wieght.
Posted by effexed on March 30, 2004, at 17:58:43
In reply to Re: Ah, food and whoopee..., posted by Stryker88 on March 30, 2004, at 16:29:09
dont blame the med well then if it is not the med I guess starveing my self is the next step cause if I ate any better my name would be jane fanda my diet is excellent I manage to keep my body in motion even on a 845 cal diet so it is not what I am eating and a mother of 2 I keep verry active some days I dont even eat at all and still I gain wait so perhaps stareving my self would be ideal I guess I get sick of all the well if you ate better you might slim down eat an apple or some veggies bla bla bla sure there are some out there who eat badly but there also are those of us who are eating well and cause of this drug as crazy as it might seeme to those who have yet to experience the symptoms we have we are gaining in sise from this med and would like to at the verry least be able to bi*** to one another about it and not here just eat a veggie tray and you would be a sise 2 sorry not to bite your head off but a little frustrated at this point the med dose cause wait gain wish people would stop and listen it is a sideefect just like there is no with draw symptoms either right
just felt like speaking out on this one
hope I did not piss anyone off.
Posted by semi-conscious on March 30, 2004, at 18:32:03
In reply to it is the med stryker88, posted by effexed on March 30, 2004, at 17:58:43
This message is to support "effexed". I've posted before about my weight gain that I can attribute to Effexor and I am not a junk food eater. I'm not very active though. I'm still depressed. The Dr. just upped my dose to 300mg of the sustained release and it felt Okay almost good for about 10 days and then I had an episode that felt like overdose. I was angry almost seething and I wanted to pull my hair out, I almost felt homocidal. I was 'spun' with alternate bouts of sobbing and rage. I take ulcer medication which isn't good with antidepressants and I have a compromised liver, so I think it WAS overdose. It was too much for my liver to deal with and metabolize at once. I didn't take any the next day, tried the dosage again on the 3rd day and the same thing happened. I thought I was really insane. I went without the next day and WAS really insane. Now, I'm supposed to take 1 150mgSR in the morning and the same again in the afternoon. I take 3 nite time antidepressants as well. IS IT WORTH IT? OR is someone just making alot of money off me? I've been taking some kind of antidepressant for 10 years. My HMO won't pay for the kind that seemed to be working for me without side effects. That was prozac. I don't know what to do, except sit and wait until the next shoe drops. I'm scared waiting to see if this morning and noon dosing is going to cause another episode. I've proven to myself that I can't just go without. That was just a little less rage, more sobbing. When do I get to be my old self again? Taylor
Posted by Jas on March 30, 2004, at 22:35:20
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by shan on January 6, 2000, at 4:38:49
Saw my doctor today and have been diagnosed with mild depression. He is starting me on 25mg of Zoloft daily for three days and then increase it to 50mg daily. My question is, I read many good things and also bad things about Zoloft. Is there anyone out there that has had bad side effects from either Zoloft or Effexor XR?
Posted by sira on March 30, 2004, at 23:49:48
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I understand everyones concern about the weight gain. I have not had it yet but if I do I will welcome it. Since for me a few extra pounds compared to spending my days in misery is a good trade off. I am now on 75mg and will go to 150mg in a week and a half. I must say that I have been doing good on it. I missed a dose, and I found that my mind went numb and I felt very angry. Has anyone had problems when they just miss one dose.
Sira
Posted by Spinxxie on March 31, 2004, at 0:27:54
In reply to Which Is Better For Depression Effexor or Zoloft, posted by Jas on March 30, 2004, at 22:35:20
I was on Zoloft for over 5 years, good drug, but I found I have the type of depression with a lot of the physical symptoms; tired, withdrawn and the like. If you have those, you may want to look at another drug, but it is a good one. I have been on 2 SSRI's and they both poop out after about 3-4 years, I stayed on it far too long. Just my opinion.. hope you find it helps you, or switch to another one soon, the withrawal can be tough.. tc Spinxxie
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