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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by PoohBear on June 21, 2004, at 10:57:55
In reply to Re: Tell me about starting Effexor XR -PoohBear, posted by 7dwarves on June 21, 2004, at 3:55:31
> whoa, "brain zaps"?!? you mean like the sensation like something in your neck has just snapped and is now oozing a very hot liquid under the skin? sorry, a tad irelevant I know, but it caught my attention<
No.....
"Brain Zaps" are when you get a very brief swimming sensation with a slight "buzz", like some mad scientist just passed a small electrical current through your head.
I personally don't find them that unpleasant; jut odd, and I don't have them now unless I increase or decrease dosage.
Tony
Posted by LynnM. on June 21, 2004, at 10:59:39
In reply to Re: Everyone's different, but..., posted by 7dwarves on June 21, 2004, at 3:48:27
YES, YES, YES! I had never been so sleepy in my life. I would lay down in the afternoons, and as you said, it was a "have to" thing. Then, setting an alarm clock did no good...I slept for HOURS, then still felt exhausted at bedtime. This past year, I overslept at least 4 times, and that had never happened to me before. I nodded at my workplace, at church (that is, if I could wake up enough to make it on time), in the car...I slept anywhere and everywhere, as you said. And, although I've cut down my dosage to 37.5 mg. every other day (I'm slowly weaning myself off of it), I still get sleepy.
I can relate, I thought I was becoming narcoleptic, too. There is comfort in knowing you're not the only one. As I said in an earlier post here, I thought I was going nuts with all the side effects, thinking it was just me. Now....if only the brain zaps will subside (they're coming very frequently), I think I might actually live!
Posted by PoohBear on June 21, 2004, at 11:07:25
In reply to Re: Everyone's different, but..., posted by 7dwarves on June 21, 2004, at 3:48:27
> I haven't had time to read everybody;s posts, but let me say something, when I miss my dose, I KNOW IT, cuz man do I ever get sick. Nausea, trembling, dizziness, the works... Although, that can happen when I take the stuff too, so I'm kinda between a rock and a hard place. I was put on effexor right off the bat when I was diagnosed,but then again, it was that or the padded room at the psych ward. Sometimes I wonder if it's worth it, but then again, being alive with side effects is better than dead.
>
> But I'm curious if anybody out there has experience with major sleep disorders along with their depression. My docs think I'm narcoleptic (I've got the full range of symptoms. If it's nap time, it's NAPTIME, no if's and's or but's. when you can take a nap outside on a bench in the middle of an edmonton winter, you know something's up...), but from what I've read, Effexor can cause sleepiness, although it's listed as an anti-cataplectic drug. Anybody with advice or stories, please share. I'm totally lost and the medical bureaucracy hasn't been much help so far (combine that with university bureacracy and you can imagine how much fun I'm having right now).
Your experience with the CA healthcare system is the reason why many of us would like to keep what we have here ;)Regarding sleep on Effexor...
I noticed that when I started I'd get these yawns that just would not go away, like I was unbelieveably tired, yet I found it hard to sleep at night. That put my pDoc and I on a 4 month course of trying to find something that would help my sleep, compliment the Effexor and not add too many side effects. After trying Ativan, Trazadone, Remeron and Seroquel, we finally settled on 100mg of Seroquel each night. It's WONDERFUL. It evens my moods and helps me to generally sleep through the night, which is something I've NEVER been able to do.
Take care,
Tony
Posted by Harlock on June 21, 2004, at 12:19:44
In reply to Re: Everyone's different, but..., posted by 7dwarves on June 21, 2004, at 3:48:27
Hi. I've symptoms like to described. My fatigue was severe and was caused my the depakote I was taking, and just from standard depression.
Effexor was a nightmare drug for me. I missed a dose here and there and MAN that was insane for me. I was also like a zombie when I was on the medication. I lasted 2-3 weeks with it, that's all.
Anyway, Wellbutrin XL seems to be the best thing for my fatigue. I'm actually awake now during the day. When I stop taking it, my fatigue comes back. I was thought to be narcoleptic as well, but it was the depression that *mainly* causes it.
I'm still unhappy, but generally fatigue-free.
I'm still looking for the right mix.
Some people have seemed to get energy from provigil as well. I tried it, but it works as well as a placebo for me.
Good luck to you.
> I haven't had time to read everybody;s posts, but let me say something, when I miss my dose, I KNOW IT, cuz man do I ever get sick. Nausea, trembling, dizziness, the works... Although, that can happen when I take the stuff too, so I'm kinda between a rock and a hard place. I was put on effexor right off the bat when I was diagnosed,but then again, it was that or the padded room at the psych ward. Sometimes I wonder if it's worth it, but then again, being alive with side effects is better than dead.
>
> But I'm curious if anybody out there has experience with major sleep disorders along with their depression. My docs think I'm narcoleptic (I've got the full range of symptoms. If it's nap time, it's NAPTIME, no if's and's or but's. when you can take a nap outside on a bench in the middle of an edmonton winter, you know something's up...), but from what I've read, Effexor can cause sleepiness, although it's listed as an anti-cataplectic drug. Anybody with advice or stories, please share. I'm totally lost and the medical bureaucracy hasn't been much help so far (combine that with university bureacracy and you can imagine how much fun I'm having right now).
Posted by starlight on June 21, 2004, at 12:49:30
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Val on April 12, 2000, at 11:31:27
I'm liking effexor. No weight gain, definite anxiety improvement although not much improvement mood wise, but it's very early still - only two weeks. I accidentally started at 75 mgs instead of the 37.5 and had some initial sexual side effects but they're gone now, I'm happy to report. I'm looking forward to seeing how it effects me long term.
starlight
Posted by starlight on June 21, 2004, at 12:51:24
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by starlight on June 21, 2004, at 12:49:30
I do have vivid dreams and am able to remember them more easily, but I enjoy dreaming, so that's cool.
starlight
Posted by PoohBear on June 21, 2004, at 13:18:52
In reply to Re: Everyone's different, but..., posted by Harlock on June 21, 2004, at 12:19:44
"I lasted 2-3 weeks with it, that's all..."
That's too bad, because it takes longer than that for the full benefit of Effexor to kick in. In essence, you weren't able to give it a fair shake.
Glad that WB is working for you.
Tony
Posted by NatureGirl on June 22, 2004, at 18:46:51
In reply to Success so far; don't ever run out; and drinking., posted by oceanwolf on June 14, 2004, at 4:52:50
I'm on day 5 of Effexor and so far it's been good and bad. I've noticed a huge improvement in my mood ...My anxiety is finally starting to get better...I am sleeping so much better (way cool dreams)...and I'm motivated to do absolutely everything for a change.
On the down side...I've been really dizzy and nauseous. Can't wait for that to go away. The worst of it happened last night. I was at a friend's and started feeling kind of dizzy and decided to go home -- by the time I got to the car my head was spinning out of control. I had this really strange feeling like I had just drank a case of beer by myself and could barely put one foot in front of the other. I had no alcohol whatsoever, but I felt like I was really drunk. I was super nervous to drive. Dizzy spells are one thing -- when you feel like you're so out of it that you can't walk or drive -- it's a bit scary. Anyone had any of these crazy drunken feelings?
Posted by Rayce on June 22, 2004, at 23:10:28
In reply to Re: Everyone's different, but..., posted by PoohBear on June 21, 2004, at 13:18:52
I have been on Effexor XR for about 2 years, over the last month I crashed bad again, I took some time off from work and got up a bit, I took two 75 mg in one day and it seemed to really help, I am wondering if this is a low dose for most people and whether I should get it increased?
Rayce
Posted by awatts on June 23, 2004, at 7:17:14
In reply to Is 75mg a day enough?, posted by Rayce on June 22, 2004, at 23:10:28
> I have been on Effexor XR for about 2 years, over the last month I crashed bad again, I took some time off from work and got up a bit, I took two 75 mg in one day and it seemed to really help, I am wondering if this is a low dose for most people and whether I should get it increased?
>
> Rayce
75 mg is right for a few people, but too low for most. I am happy with 150 mg. Been on 150 mg of Effexor XR for months.
Posted by Shyla on June 23, 2004, at 8:13:50
In reply to Re: Is 75mg a day enough?, posted by awatts on June 23, 2004, at 7:17:14
I've been on 75 mg for 6 mos now. It has been working fine for me. The issues I deal with are 1.) sleeplessness, and 2.) lack of libido. I think with Effexor, the higher the dose, the side effects go up proportionately. I would suggest you speak with your doctor or therapist. You shouldn't have to suffer needlessly. Good luck!
> > I have been on Effexor XR for about 2 years, over the last month I crashed bad again, I took some time off from work and got up a bit, I took two 75 mg in one day and it seemed to really help, I am wondering if this is a low dose for most people and whether I should get it increased?
> >
> > Rayce
>
> 75 mg is right for a few people, but too low for most. I am happy with 150 mg. Been on 150 mg of Effexor XR for months.
>
Posted by jenemi on June 24, 2004, at 18:48:12
In reply to Re: Everyone's different, but... » 7dwarves, posted by LynnM. on June 21, 2004, at 10:59:39
I just started taking 37.5 of Effexor xr and want to know if it's okay to drink alcohol moderately on this dosage? Anybody with experiences??
Posted by 7dwarves on June 26, 2004, at 2:24:53
In reply to Re: Is 75mg a day enough?, posted by Shyla on June 23, 2004, at 8:13:50
I think 75 mg might be a little low, I did really well on 150 mg/day. but be careful. you should definitely talk to your doc, but listen to what your body says. my shrink decided to put me on 300 mg/day (gradual increase mind you) and it was awful. i've ended up off my meds completely. i figured doc knows best, but a gut feeling is not something to ignore.
Posted by husschick on June 26, 2004, at 10:40:48
In reply to Re: Everyone's different, but..., posted by jenemi on June 24, 2004, at 18:48:12
Everyone is different but for me drinking even moderatly on the med made me feel awful. I had blackouts, felt like I was brain dead for 2-3 days afterwards, and also my toleraence changed dramatically. But like I said everyone is different, just be careful.
Posted by husschick on June 26, 2004, at 10:46:49
In reply to Is 75mg a day enough?, posted by Rayce on June 22, 2004, at 23:10:28
I have been taking effexor xr 75 mg once a day for months, my awful anxiety attacks are gone but my mode is awful. I have no patience and feel like I am going to go off the edge. Any advice
Posted by Geekgirl on June 28, 2004, at 0:51:00
In reply to Re: Efferox side effects, posted by megamufn on March 14, 2003, at 6:12:47
> I am considering switching from Effexor because of problems with motivation. I'm wondering if it helps with my depression (dysthymia) and anxiety (not panic) by making me just not care as much. I feel better, but I'm not getting anything done! I still have some anxiety about certain things. For me it seems to be a fine line--too much anxiety and I'm immobilized, not enough and I'm not motivated. Aaugh! Maybe I'm just lazy.
I'm on Effexor and I am experiencing problems with not caring about stuff and not getting things done. I have actually been on the web looking for resources about procrastination and anxiety disorders when I accidently came across this site. I never considered that I could be having more problems than usual because of the Effexor.
I seem to be frozen much of the time until the super important deadlines get really close and then I work like crazy to meet them. After which I slump into the frozen state. Quite a few of the mostly important deadlines I just ignore. And self-imposed deadlines... I don't even notice them as they fly by. And the weirdest part is the not caring. Some of the things I'm not doing are pretty important to me. At least they should be. But I just kind of have a blank feeling about them.
Anyone else getting this? Or as megamufn said, maybe I'm just lazy?
Posted by Shyla on June 28, 2004, at 8:17:17
In reply to Re: Efferox side effects - motivation, posted by Geekgirl on June 28, 2004, at 0:51:00
> > I am considering switching from Effexor because of problems with motivation. I'm wondering if it helps with my depression (dysthymia) and anxiety (not panic) by making me just not care as much. I feel better, but I'm not getting anything done! I still have some anxiety about certain things. For me it seems to be a fine line--too much anxiety and I'm immobilized, not enough and I'm not motivated. Aaugh! Maybe I'm just lazy.
You didn't mention how long you have been taking Effexor. I actually found the opposite. I used to take Remeron, and that made me feel sluggish during the day. When Effexor kicked in, I felt so much more energetic. I was very happy about that. However, after 6 mos. I'm still having lack of sleep issues.
>
> I'm on Effexor and I am experiencing problems with not caring about stuff and not getting things done. I have actually been on the web looking for resources about procrastination and anxiety disorders when I accidently came across this site. I never considered that I could be having more problems than usual because of the Effexor.
>
> I seem to be frozen much of the time until the super important deadlines get really close and then I work like crazy to meet them. After which I slump into the frozen state. Quite a few of the mostly important deadlines I just ignore. And self-imposed deadlines... I don't even notice them as they fly by. And the weirdest part is the not caring. Some of the things I'm not doing are pretty important to me. At least they should be. But I just kind of have a blank feeling about them.
>
> Anyone else getting this? Or as megamufn said, maybe I'm just lazy?
>
Posted by anxiously fedup on June 29, 2004, at 20:12:50
In reply to Re: Efferox side effects - motivation » Geekgirl, posted by Shyla on June 28, 2004, at 8:17:17
Hi,
I am at a point where I am ready to give up on this medication junk and just go back to being filled with anxiety and obsessive compulsive thinking. I don't have any rituals but constantly worry.
I have been on 120mg or prozac for like 6 months this time, gained weight, constantly tired, it sucks but the anxiety is better.
I have tried celexa, no luck, luvox no luck, zoloft side effects, paxil very bad side effects, serzone with no luck a long time ago, and I tried effexor for like 2 weeks but I was drinking alot and wound up getting drunk and into a car accident. I don't know if it would have helped but one thing I notice everywhere is that people seem to say effexor has a huge amount of serious side effects. Is it really even safe, I am trying to get back to the gym and in shape after gaining 30 pounds by bouncing around all these meds and with the things I read about effexor I am afraid to have a heart attack. Sometimes-I like to smoke a little pot and how bad is that to do with effexor? I don't mind not drinking much, I don't generally, the accident was just me going through a bad time so if I had to quit drinking i wouldn't care. any help?
Posted by KaraS on June 30, 2004, at 1:06:48
In reply to Help-any ideas from anyone, been around the block, posted by anxiously fedup on June 29, 2004, at 20:12:50
> Hi,
> I am at a point where I am ready to give up on this medication junk and just go back to being filled with anxiety and obsessive compulsive thinking. I don't have any rituals but constantly worry.
> I have been on 120mg or prozac for like 6 months this time, gained weight, constantly tired, it sucks but the anxiety is better.
> I have tried celexa, no luck, luvox no luck, zoloft side effects, paxil very bad side effects, serzone with no luck a long time ago, and I tried effexor for like 2 weeks but I was drinking alot and wound up getting drunk and into a car accident. I don't know if it would have helped but one thing I notice everywhere is that people seem to say effexor has a huge amount of serious side effects. Is it really even safe, I am trying to get back to the gym and in shape after gaining 30 pounds by bouncing around all these meds and with the things I read about effexor I am afraid to have a heart attack. Sometimes-I like to smoke a little pot and how bad is that to do with effexor? I don't mind not drinking much, I don't generally, the accident was just me going through a bad time so if I had to quit drinking i wouldn't care. any help?I was on Effexor for a few years for depression only. I had virtually no side effects and it did help with my depression - but only partially. Now I'm in the process of withdrawal from it which I'm doing very slowly so there's been minimal trouble there (but it's still a drag).
A lot of people who post on this board are taking "cocktails" of several medications esp. when dealing with more than one issue. Unfortunately the process can take a long time to find the right medicine or combination of medicines. So many of the posts contain the frustration people have while going through this process. The upside is that if you follow along you'll find that many of them hit bottom but did eventually find that drug (or combination of drugs) that helped them to lead much happier lives. So hang in there!!!!
Just an aside... I have a friend who is suffering from severe depression and anxiety. The doctors said that he has a thought disorder which is a form of OCD. It sounds like what you're describing in terms of obsessive compulsive thinking - also without any rituals. He has been on SSRIs which only made the situation worse - as did a special program on thought control. His doctors were baffled so he went to a very top doctor in the field who said that my fried was misdiagnosed - that he really has a form of ADHD. That surprised him and his other doctors to no end. Anyhow, now they've started to treat him completely differently. This just happened so it's too early to tell what the results will be. If the SSRIs tend to make you worse and your doctor doesn't know why, this might be worth looking into further. If so, let me know and I can get some information for you.
Posted by KaraS on June 30, 2004, at 1:21:31
In reply to Re: Efferox side effects - motivation, posted by Geekgirl on June 28, 2004, at 0:51:00
Effexor has done nothing for my motivation either though it has helped a bit with depression. I'm not sure if it has made my motivation worse but it certainly hasn't helped. The SSRIs do have that emotional leveling effect. I know that Effexor is supposed to have some noradrenergic activity but only at the much higher dosages and then not even that much. The way you described yourself is exactly how I feel - so sluggish and apathetic. I can make jokes and be very social so people don't know that I'm so unmotivated. I'm in the process of getting off of Effexor. I'm determined to find something else that will give me some energy and drive. The way I've been living is just not cutting it.
Posted by livingjuliet on June 30, 2004, at 3:06:05
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Has anyone had the experience of being hungrier than normal when going off of Effexor? I feel a little sick because I haven't taken the medicine in a week (I've been gradually reducing the dosage the past few months), and so it makes me feel slightly sick. Well, eating makes that sick feeling that I know is because of withdrawal go away, so I have found myself eating a LOT more than usual. I hate this... I'm hoping it goes away SOON.
Posted by Shyla on June 30, 2004, at 8:32:30
In reply to Re: Efferox side effects - motivation, posted by KaraS on June 30, 2004, at 1:21:31
> Effexor has done nothing for my motivation either though it has helped a bit with depression. I'm not sure if it has made my motivation worse but it certainly hasn't helped. The SSRIs do have that emotional leveling effect. I know that Effexor is supposed to have some noradrenergic activity but only at the much higher dosages and then not even that much. The way you described yourself is exactly how I feel - so sluggish and apathetic. I can make jokes and be very social so people don't know that I'm so unmotivated. I'm in the process of getting off of Effexor. I'm determined to find something else that will give me some energy and drive. The way I've been living is just not cutting it.
If you haven't tried it already, you might want to take Zoloft. I found at 150 mgs. I had more energy, than I knew what to do with. It made me extremely social too. The negative side of it was that I had difficulty focusing on doing my job.
Posted by Shyla on June 30, 2004, at 8:44:22
In reply to Re: Help-any ideas from anyone, been around the block, posted by KaraS on June 30, 2004, at 1:06:48
Kara, I have been on Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Remeron, now Effexor. It does take patience, and a willingness to give each med a chance to really find out if it works, and what the side effects are, and if you can live with those side effects. I have been on 75 mgs. of Effexor for 7 mos. now. I like it because it has greatly reduced my anxiety, stabilized my moods, and is really helping me enjoy life and laugh again. I don't take things so seriously. The couple of side effects I do experience are trouble sleeping, but Gabatril and Ambien have taken care of that, and sexual side effects. I'm now experimenting with a day off of Effexor coupled with Wellbutrin on a day of anticipating lovemaking. It has seemed to help part of the time, not always. So, the long and the short of it is that I'm overall happy with Effexor. I am very open and upfront with my doctor about my experiences and concerns, and together we experiment with alternatives to improve things. I hope this helped.
Posted by KaraS on June 30, 2004, at 18:21:53
In reply to Re: Efferox side effects - motivation » KaraS, posted by Shyla on June 30, 2004, at 8:32:30
I was on Zoloft for over 2 years. It did nothing for me besides make me an emotional zombie and ensure no panic attacks. Thanks though.
Posted by KaraS on June 30, 2004, at 18:50:09
In reply to Re: Help-any ideas from anyone, been around the block » KaraS, posted by Shyla on June 30, 2004, at 8:44:22
> Kara, I have been on Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Remeron, now Effexor. It does take patience, and a willingness to give each med a chance to really find out if it works, and what the side effects are, and if you can live with those side effects. I have been on 75 mgs. of Effexor for 7 mos. now. I like it because it has greatly reduced my anxiety, stabilized my moods, and is really helping me enjoy life and laugh again. I don't take things so seriously. The couple of side effects I do experience are trouble sleeping, but Gabatril and Ambien have taken care of that, and sexual side effects. I'm now experimenting with a day off of Effexor coupled with Wellbutrin on a day of anticipating lovemaking. It has seemed to help part of the time, not always. So, the long and the short of it is that I'm overall happy with Effexor. I am very open and upfront with my doctor about my experiences and concerns, and together we experiment with alternatives to improve things. I hope this helped.
Shyla,
I have been on many meds for adequate periods of time but unfortunately none has been great for me so far. The tricyclics have helped me sleep and totally gotten rid of my panic disorder/agoraphobia several years ago but none of these meds has adequately addressed my depression. Effexor has been the best so far (with virtually no side effects) but I know that I could be doing a lot better. I feel that I'm moving in the right direction though. I know that I need some serotonin assistance to protect against panic attacks but mostly I need NE and dopamine for energy, motivation and zest for life. My quest for the right medication or combination of medicines is at least going to be more intelligently targeted going forward.I hope you have continued success on the Effexor. Have you tried Ginkgo for the sexual side effects? A lot of people have had great success with that!
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