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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by lorily on July 23, 2004, at 8:18:02
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by starlight on July 22, 2004, at 13:12:21
Do you think you lost weight because of the effexor or was it from not "eating to feel better"?
Either way, good for you! I'm just curious. I also began to lose some weight when I first took it, but I also had discontinued Depoprovera shots (the birth control one), got my thyroid leveled out, and felt good, was more active et cetera.
Now for the past almost 2 mos I stopped depakote (which does make you gain weight only because you're hungry all the time if you take the ER, half the time on reg dose and everything tastes so good) I'm totally off effexor 9 days now, been eating chocolate like crazy and have not gained an ounce!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by lorily on July 23, 2004, at 8:48:08
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » corafree, posted by PoohBear on July 22, 2004, at 13:01:54
I can relate to the "what about my survivors?" facet of contemplating suicide. That, and being afraid that I would just suffer more and not succeed stopped me. Once I actually got in the tub with a box-cutter type razor, but when I opened it , it was the serated edge type and I couldn't cu tmyself. My cat was up at the side of the tub and I looked at him and what I was doing and called 911.
When I was suicidal about 2 years ago I was trying to figure out how to get it done quick. My thoughts did not seem irrational at all but it always lead to how it would effect someone else. Of course my mom and immediate family were in there, but I somehow thought they'd understand or something. If I took a bottle of pills, what would it do to my landlords when they found me? I pictured the look on the driver's face of the truck I considered jumping in front of. Then, I thought of an acquaintance who had shown me her gun (which I wouldn't even touch at that time) and wondered how could I get her to do that again and somehow leave me in the room alone with it?
I'd snap to it, sort of and just put it off for another time when I had a better plan, then proceed to drink a pint or two of whiskey. Here I wanted to do it quickly, but was torturing myself poisoning myself and killing myself slowly with alcohol.
And still I did not think I should HAVE to take medication, except the trazadone to help with the insomnia.
Finally, one drunken night in a moment of clarity I called someone to come get me into a hospital or come over because I was afraid I was going to die of alcohol poisoning or go into a seizure. After she called back saying she'd be there in 10 mins, I passed out, woke up 12 hours later in the ER, alcohol poisoning I was at 500 level.
That was when I changed my life agreeing to Effexor. That was 1-1/2 years ago. Today I am free. I'm off meds totally just over a week and keeping a close eye on myself :)
Wow, I really have come a long way!!!!!!
Posted by Atticus on July 23, 2004, at 9:21:55
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by lorily on July 23, 2004, at 8:48:08
lorily,
It's interesting you should mention box-cutters. Unfortunately, the blade of mine wasn't serated, and it cut all too well. I just posted a poem on the Psycho-Babble Writing page called "Spots" that I hope anyone considering suicide will give a once-over before going any further and stepping over the line that I did. It's not only about my actual suicide attempt, but also the ways it has left me changed, for better and for worse, despite the fact I survived. The enormity of the action, seen with eyes that have been at least partially cleared by meds and therapy, leaves me shaky and astonished when I think about it. Sorry I don't know how the link thing works on this site yet, or I'd have put one to the poem in this message. Atticus
Posted by lorily on July 23, 2004, at 9:49:20
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » lorily, posted by Atticus on July 23, 2004, at 9:21:55
Thanks, Atticus. Towards the end of writing this my partner called and said how tired I sounded. I just explained that I had been writing something that I'd explain later. It takes alot out of you bringing it out again. I'm glad I found this site, I don't share much in meetings. It is shocking looking back like.."How could I have thought those things?" I have to remember that no matter how far away from that I am, I'm still sooooo close.
Posted by starlight on July 23, 2004, at 11:31:46
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Leslie Elliott on July 23, 2004, at 6:06:44
You know, I have a hard time accepting that I need meds as well, and wish that I could do it on my own, especially because I'm very high functioning and recognize that I have a lot going for me. But when I look back through my life, I also recognize that throughout my childhood I suffered from major depression and just felt terrible about myself and life in general. Frankly, I just didn't want to be here. I always chalked it up to the fact that I was abused by my parents and rejected socially because I was too tall, awkward and overweight (which changed completely when I was in my early twenties - late bloomer), but it's hard to really blame it on that and I wonder if my chemistry is also responsible. Or maybe the abuse triggers the chemistry.
I play in a band and had a show last night. This was my second show after having been on effexor for about a month and a half - and it was great. The part I liked the most was that I had so much less anxiety than I normally do on the stage. It felt like home, which is how it should feel - a little bit of nervous energy, but it shouldn't feel overwhelming. I was so pleased with the result and am looking forward to playing more!
cheers,
starlight
Posted by starlight on July 23, 2004, at 11:42:49
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by starlight on July 23, 2004, at 11:31:46
I think it's really hard for the spiritual soul to live in the human body. The spiritual soul is used to limitless bliss, wisdom and light and then it enters this world and is squeezed into a physical body and it recalls the way it used to be. If it encounters pain, suffering and abuse later on, I think it longs to be free of all of this again. But - I also believe that a lot of us that suffer with this struggle are embued with tremendous gifts that we bring to the world, so our being here is needed for one reason or another. Maybe it's our compassion for others, or gifts like music, art, science, poetry or other things, but regardless it's painful for the spirit to be captured. But it also seems that if we remember that and connect to it, we can feel better about our earthly journey. In the end, we are only here for a tiny little miniscule antlike spot in eternity before we return to what we really are - energy. Connecting with that energy, through things like art, yoga, breathing, walking, writing, seems to help alot. Just remembering that we are all that energy - the whole earth is that energy, seems to help as well - just try to watch the journey like a movie, as it passes before your eyes, accepting all that you do and see - and hopefully the meds will enable us to feel better along the way. I hope that makes sense.
starlight
Posted by lorily on July 23, 2004, at 12:59:37
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by starlight on July 23, 2004, at 11:42:49
Starlight, that was truly beautiful. I've often thought along those lines, and it is comforting to believe there is something better to be striving for, makes the journey easier. Thanks.
Posted by lorily on July 23, 2004, at 13:02:46
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by starlight on July 23, 2004, at 11:31:46
Starlight I should have guessed you were a musician after your post about the spiritual soul being trapped in the physical body! :)
Posted by starlight on July 23, 2004, at 16:23:19
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? ? starlight, posted by lorily on July 23, 2004, at 13:02:46
There's a story about how the soul didn't want to enter the body at first, it had to be coaxed into it with music - I think it was a flute, or angels singing or something like that, but I recall specifically that it didn't want to be caged in a physical body, so far from its natural being. I think that's why I'm so attached to making/writing music - it's so much larger than us. And when I create or play with my band, it's even bigger - like four people jumping into a river of creative conciousness that's not bound by a physical body - takes me back to bliss.
starlight
Posted by Wil on July 23, 2004, at 23:33:43
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » dusty534, posted by corafree on July 22, 2004, at 11:44:28
Hello, I just started Effexor Xr 3 days ago. I started taking Zoloft (for only 10 days), but I was experiencing really bad side effects. I believe I have been depressed most of my life and have not trully been aware of it. It took the loss of a loved one to shove me into a deeper darkeness and from these depths and fail to see the light. I feel as if someone has been holding my head below murky water and I am finally beginning to drown. My anxiety is mostly gone. Specially when I keep busy. I have started to experience really bad, horrible dreams. Has anybody else experienced this?
My depression is slightly better, but I really do not know what to do. I am at a loss. Does Effexor XR really work?
Posted by pablo1 on July 24, 2004, at 0:26:44
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Wil on July 23, 2004, at 23:33:43
Effexor definitely worked on anxiety for me. I wonder about your saying that keeping busy keeps the anxiety at bay though. My guess is that's not the ultimate goal but if it's a new thing for you, that's interesting to explore. Folks with ADD will call that hyperfocusing and it's a miracle cure thanks to the power of procrastination and hyperfocusing (joke).
Effexor totally eliminated my dreams but I've heard it can have the opposite effect as well. I concur about not knowing I was depressed all my life.
Posted by lorily on July 24, 2004, at 7:10:46
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Wil on July 23, 2004, at 23:33:43
Wil, I gone into my experience with effexor in depth in my other posts. Short and Sweet Version:
EFFEXOR SAVED MY LIFE and enabled me to get my life together in other areas than depression.
Posted by corafree on July 24, 2004, at 15:51:10
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by lorily on July 23, 2004, at 8:48:08
Your messages are so helpful. Yes, I can identify with many of your thoughts, especially the one about people understanding. I think sometimes that my children know I am just not strong enough to go on and deserve peace. I called a crisis line two days ago and they sent out a team to talk with me. My only real support, my daughter, is going out of town and I'm getting scared. This team will help me get through the next few days or week. My counselor was notified and called me. She said that the next time I call the crisis line, ask them to talk me down. Where I was in my head was this quiet calm place where dying was playing over and over and over and over. I was so calm. That is what scared me. I know I have been unsuccessful in my past attempts, so feel capable of doing it right now. That scares me too. I'm okay today, Saturday. Took a couple day break from my computer. love cf
Posted by corafree on July 24, 2004, at 16:15:00
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by starlight on July 23, 2004, at 11:42:49
So many good writers here, such as you. I have a hard time getting a handle on my thoughts, but sometimes, if calm, can put them down. Yes we are missing the freedom we once had and I guess will always somewhat, but maybe you're right, that just knowing that, makes it easier to live on! Connecting here is very helpful. I am a higher functioning mentally ill person too, and shy away from some. Fear is hard on my spirit. Effexor-XR still working o.k. today....cf
Posted by lorily on July 24, 2004, at 17:40:49
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » lorily, posted by corafree on July 24, 2004, at 15:51:10
Corafree, It's a really good thing that you can take a look at your "calmness" and be afraid of it. I think fear is what sometimes just keeps us here. We know this. We know our pain, maybe not why it's there, but we know it. We don't know what's going to happen if we were to go through with the great escape. We don't know the pain it would cause others. And most importantly, we don't know about all the good things that are instore for us once we get through the pain. And, there ARE GOOD THINGS WAITING FOR US. If anyone had told me that back then, which they did, I'd not have believed them. Look where I am today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I would have missed out on all this. There is nothing on this earth that I can not overcome. Some things I would just have to deal with, there are things that could happen that I wouldn't be able to CHANGE, but I can deal with ANYTHING. I can't always do it on my own, like you, I need support for some things, but guess what? That's ok. And it's good that your support person is able to get away on a vacation, sure, you feel insecure about that but you have done what's good for you, you have other support available for you. That's progress, not a sign of weakness. Remember that. You are able to see that sometimes you can't do it alone and are not afraid to get that help you need and deserve. Good luck.
Posted by corafree on July 24, 2004, at 21:20:20
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » corafree, posted by lorily on July 24, 2004, at 17:40:49
Lorily - Thanks for your inspiration and insight. Just visited w/ some counselors that came to my home. We talked about alternatives when the thoughts keep resounding, when the doctors wait to hear the first word out of your mouth, and I've thought a lot about my daughter maybe needing me someday. Best wishes cf
Posted by Atticus on July 24, 2004, at 21:47:02
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Wil on July 23, 2004, at 23:33:43
I have been on Effexor XR about two months now, and while I think my dosage needs some fine-tuning at this point (it has started to fade in effectiveness toward the end of the day, leaving me jittery), overall this has really been an incredible med for me. Following eight years of disappointments and a real crash-and-burn early in June, it has turned my life around. I also have noticed the onset of incredibly vivid and stunningly intricate dreams since I started taking it, but they haven't been particularly nightmarish -- just exhausting. The same plotline, with a million complex twists, turns and challenges, seems to run all night long. It's a little like playing the hardest video game I've ever encountered for seven or eight straight hours, and I usually wake up drenched in sweat. Maybe there are frightening parts that I'm just not remembering. I'm not sure. This med definitely is screwing around with my REM sleep. In spite of that, though, I'd have to agree with lorily: the positives and gains have far outweighed any negatives at this point. Atticus
Posted by PoohBear on July 26, 2004, at 9:45:30
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? - Wil, posted by Atticus on July 24, 2004, at 21:47:02
> I have been on Effexor XR about two months now, and while I think my dosage needs some fine-tuning at this point (it has started to fade in effectiveness toward the end of the day, leaving me jittery), overall this has really been an incredible med for me. Following eight years of disappointments and a real crash-and-burn early in June, it has turned my life around. I also have noticed the onset of incredibly vivid and stunningly intricate dreams since I started taking it, but they haven't been particularly nightmarish -- just exhausting. The same plotline, with a million complex twists, turns and challenges, seems to run all night long. It's a little like playing the hardest video game I've ever encountered for seven or eight straight hours, and I usually wake up drenched in sweat. Maybe there are frightening parts that I'm just not remembering. I'm not sure. This med definitely is screwing around with my REM sleep. In spite of that, though, I'd have to agree with lorily: the positives and gains have far outweighed any negatives at this point. Atticus
Atticus:
Yes, you may need to play with the doseage; I did. However, just to let you know, some of what you're experiencing are normal side-effects of Effexor...
These include (and I've experienced each...):
- Extremely vivid technicolor dreams
- Night sweats
- Jitteriness/shakiness
- Orgasm or erectile dysfunction
- Dry mouth (cottom mouth)
- Extreme yawning/tiredness (all those dreams...)
- plus some that I've forgottenMy dreams have moderated somewhat, though I'd really prefer not to dream at all. I still get night sweats sometimes, though more infrequently than before. The erectile dysfunction (for males) is much better now, though Wellbutrin helped at the beginning. The dry mouth isn't as bad, but I still drink plenty of fluids. I don't yawn anymore like I did, etc.
I think you can see a pattern here: The side-effects tend to either go away or moderate with time.
My pDoc and I did, however, go on a 3 month side trip to find a good sleep med that didn't cause to many side-effects ( like Remeron that caused terrible weight gain). We finally managed to land on Seroquel at 100mg every night. I now can sleep through the night most nights or wake and go back to sleep, something I've never been able to do.
The biggest thing for me is that Effexor not only helps with the depression, but also help me to control my streaming thoughts.
There IS life after depression, or near misses like you experienced. Hang in there and continue on your road of improvement: it DOES get better.
Tony
Posted by lorily on July 26, 2004, at 12:00:03
In reply to Re: Effexor Side Effects Atticus, posted by PoohBear on July 26, 2004, at 9:45:30
IT GETS WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY BETTER. :)
Posted by starlight on July 26, 2004, at 12:59:07
In reply to Re: Effexor Side Effects Atticus, posted by PoohBear on July 26, 2004, at 9:45:30
I'm happy to report that I went to a party on Saturday night and my social anxiety was reduced so much it was impressive. Great drug.
starlight
Posted by corafree on July 26, 2004, at 14:47:27
In reply to Re: Effexor Side Effects Atticus » PoohBear, posted by lorily on July 26, 2004, at 12:00:03
I'm away from computer on and off for a couple weeks as am staying out near my children a bit, while my supportive daughter goes to CA for a vaca. Still hanging in there, but missed my appt with my DBT counselor this a.m. I can't seem to keep track of time....thought I had time. Looked at clock. Too late. Anyway, I've been getting some help here while she is gone. My energy level is so low tho', can really only do one errand a day, two if have a nap. cf
Posted by corafree on July 26, 2004, at 14:48:58
In reply to Re: Effexor Side Effects Atticus » PoohBear, posted by lorily on July 26, 2004, at 12:00:03
Oh, this is Effexor-XR, right Atticus? best wishes cf
Posted by corafree on July 26, 2004, at 14:55:02
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? - Wil, posted by Atticus on July 24, 2004, at 21:47:02
What's your dosage and regimen Wil? cf
Posted by carriejane on July 26, 2004, at 16:04:38
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by Shel on July 18, 2000, at 1:35:45
ive got the prescription in my hand but now ive read about all the side effects some of you have experienced, im worried. I cannot put any weight on, that would just feed this depression, and the sexual disfunction would do me in also, as i have a few probs in that area anyway. What should i do?
Posted by pablo1 on July 26, 2004, at 16:29:27
In reply to pretty scared of venlafaxine!, posted by carriejane on July 26, 2004, at 16:04:38
Well it effects people differently so I'd go ahead & give it a shot if you think it's the appropriate thing for your condition. If you never tried other SSRI's I'd probably suggest starting with Prozac first because it's easier to get off of. If you never tried anything before there are drugs like wellbutrin that are more likely to make you eat less and improve sex but those are generally not as effective on depression.... but might work for you so should be tried first. I don't know your situation & I'm not an expert but that's my advice.
For me the sexual side effects went away in a week and sex was better than before. Some people lose weight on it.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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