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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by corafree on September 23, 2004, at 21:13:01
In reply to Thanks, posted by Louoicu81 on September 23, 2004, at 20:35:19
L, it is possible that it could have changed your brain chemistry, and then again maybe .... it didn't. Either way, I would take part in any class action lawsuit which you find on the Internet just to be on the safe side. Guess we're sort of guinea pigs right now. It is wise to be concerned about how a drug may effect your future health. I'm more...give it to me now...live for the day, ya' know. But, I admire your forethought about your health. Sorry, don't know of lawsuit, but I'm sure there is one out there. Maybe you could let us know if your find one. CF
> Thank you, everyone! Just to let you know a little about myself. I am almost 23 years old and have had anxiety and I guess depression all of my life. I have also always been a high achiever. I was the valedictorian in high school and will have my Bachelor's degree in nursing in May. I love to learn about the body and the mind, but it just seems weird that I am a victim of depression/anxiety. I have worked at CVS in the pharmacy for about four and a half years and know a great deal about drugs, depression, and the many drugs people take for depression/anxiety. Two years ago, I got accepted into the Pharmacy program at Purdue University in Indiana. I had extreme anxieties about leaving home and family so once again, anxieties took away what could have been a great job with great income. When I came home, I had a nervous breakdown....I let my family down and myself down and couldn't seem to stay sane any longer...not to mention I was suffering from bulemia, which I have been free from for two years. That is why I had to turn to medicine for help. For two years, I was wonderful. Effexor helped me through a time when I couldn't seem to help myself. I took XR 75mg once a day. I am a student so I will not have my parent's insurance when I turn 23 in one month-the medicine is wayyyyyyyy too expensive to pay cash for. I am also engaged and plan to have a baby within the next couple of years. I didn't want my baby to have any birth defects because of the Effexor-it is still unknown what Effexor does to a baby. So, even though my life was good while on Effexor, other unmanagable obstacles prove to be in the way of my happiness. It seems like I start off the day feeling sad/anxious and things slowly get better as the day progresses, BUT I never feel completely normal. Thank all of you once again for your concern. If you know of any class action law suits with Effexor please let me know. I believe that it is the medicine that has messed my brain chemistry and chemicals up even more. Yes, I have suffered from anxiety/depression my whole life, but never this bad. It just doesn't make sense. Please respond if you have any advice.
> ~Linda
Posted by corafree on September 24, 2004, at 1:53:36
In reply to Questions about Effexor, posted by Sondi on September 23, 2004, at 21:11:49
Hi. I keep seeing posts like yours and thinking, why aren't you on a second follow-up dose during the day???????? I do not believe XR lasts all day, at least it certainly does not for me. If I take 150mg upon awakening, around 3p and on I would be a basket case. It's all about metabolizing the med. We are all different and some people 'use up that drug so fast it's gone in five hrs.' Try type in Effexor-XR slow metabolizer in Internet and see what you find. good luck cf
Posted by tassh on September 24, 2004, at 10:22:01
In reply to Re: Scared of Effexor, posted by jtc on February 18, 2003, at 21:54:18
Hello! I am new to this message boared. I would really like some advice. I recently started counseling/therapy (I've only gone twice) and on my second visit my counselor suggested that I go on antidepressants (effexor xr). The reason I went to counseling is I have trust issues with my boyfriend. I don't trust him at all! I believe he is cheating on me with his co-worker or any pretty girl for that matter. He has contributed to this by lying to me many times over our 6 year relationship. He says he lies to me because he knows how jealous I am and would rather avoid an arguement and feels that he cannot have a female that is just a FRIEND! To get to the point I am scared to go on this drug because I've read on these message boards all the side effects and withdrawl symptoms and they are very scary. My counselor feels that I have low self esteem,and am very insecure but who isn't from time to time. I know that I am obbessesed with the thought that he is cheating on me and can't get the negative thoughts out of my head when it comes to trusting him.I don't feel that I am depressed. I know that I'm not 100% happy in my life right now,but I dont' think I'm depressed. I was in a slight depression about 3 years ago so I know what it feels like. I have been struggeling with this trust issue with my boyfriend for a long time and I am desperate to fix it if not it's over for us. So I'm desperate to save my relationship to the point of even going on this medication, but dont' know if I really need it. Please any adivce...! Thanks
Posted by jujube on September 24, 2004, at 10:42:06
In reply to Re: Scared of Effexor, posted by tassh on September 24, 2004, at 10:22:01
I think that going on Effexor XR for the issues you are dealing with is a bit extreme (that is my personal opinion only and based on the little bit of information you provided in your message). I don't know, but continuing with the therapy to deal with your trust and self-esteem issues and doing some cognitive behaviour therapy may be all you need. You might even consider having your boyfriend participate in the therapy at some point once you have made some progress (his feeling that he has to lie to you certainly isn't helping you). Effexor, and any other anti-depressant, can help bring a person who is in a depressive and/or extremely agitated/anxious state to a level where they can start dealing with issues. But, as other people have said here at Psycho-Babble, it is only a bandaid. I would encourage you to discuss this further with your therapist before you start on any medication. I apoligize if I have crossed the line with my opinions, but I just don't understand how Effexor is going to address your self-esteem/trust issues and fix your relationship with your boyfriend.
> Hello! I am new to this message boared. I would really like some advice. I recently started counseling/therapy (I've only gone twice) and on my second visit my counselor suggested that I go on antidepressants (effexor xr). The reason I went to counseling is I have trust issues with my boyfriend. I don't trust him at all! I believe he is cheating on me with his co-worker or any pretty girl for that matter. He has contributed to this by lying to me many times over our 6 year relationship. He says he lies to me because he knows how jealous I am and would rather avoid an arguement and feels that he cannot have a female that is just a FRIEND! To get to the point I am scared to go on this drug because I've read on these message boards all the side effects and withdrawl symptoms and they are very scary. My counselor feels that I have low self esteem,and am very insecure but who isn't from time to time. I know that I am obbessesed with the thought that he is cheating on me and can't get the negative thoughts out of my head when it comes to trusting him.I don't feel that I am depressed. I know that I'm not 100% happy in my life right now,but I dont' think I'm depressed. I was in a slight depression about 3 years ago so I know what it feels like. I have been struggeling with this trust issue with my boyfriend for a long time and I am desperate to fix it if not it's over for us. So I'm desperate to save my relationship to the point of even going on this medication, but dont' know if I really need it. Please any adivce...! Thanks
Posted by invisiblemanpa on September 24, 2004, at 11:31:43
In reply to Questions about Effexor, posted by Sondi on September 23, 2004, at 21:11:49
I have been on effexor xr at different doses for about 1 1/2...initially it seemed to work well for me with little side effects. I started to feel all of the depression and anxiety symptons coming back and she added Remeron...after a few weeks I felt fantastic for the first time in years...the change was unreal....but..after 2 months...the depression starting coming back so she increased both and the Effexor up ro 225.....and the depression keeps getting worse.....and yes....I have gone from a very sexual being to no desire at all...I don't even dream about it and I always used to! And alcohol and Effexor don't mix.....at least not more than one or two beers....anymore than that and your memory will be wiped clean for the entire night.....quite bizarre...and dangerous.......
Posted by Sondi on September 24, 2004, at 12:33:17
In reply to Re: Questions about Effexor, posted by invisiblemanpa on September 24, 2004, at 11:31:43
So do you think it's possible that for some people effexor can make depression worse in the long run?
Posted by wildbean on September 24, 2004, at 18:48:41
In reply to Questions about Effexor, posted by Sondi on September 23, 2004, at 21:11:49
Sondi - Effexor makes me totally sleepy, so I too am confused as to why it would be prescribed for chronic fatigue syndrome. Also, although the package says to avoid alcohol, I too am a moderate drinker and have not had any problems while on the effexor.
Posted by wildbean on September 24, 2004, at 18:58:26
In reply to Re: Scared of Effexor, posted by tassh on September 24, 2004, at 10:22:01
My counselor said to always trust your instincts. What does your gut say about your boyfriend? Write down any evidence of or reasons why you think your boyfriend is cheating. Are your feelings rationale or are they based on your own deep-seated insecurities? I find that I'm often paranoid that my boyfriend is lying or cheating and I've been on effexor for 5 years. Effexor won't fix all of your or our issues. I wouldn't go on effexor unless you really needed it to function in life and take care of yourself.
Posted by jennyb on September 25, 2004, at 13:28:10
In reply to Re: Scared of Effexor, posted by wildbean on September 24, 2004, at 18:58:26
DON'T DO IT! Effexor will ruin your life! I URGE you, DO NOT GIVE IN, to your counselor....you are right to be afraid of it. I wasn't and I wish I had been. The doctors that prescribe these medicines to messed up people like us are all a part of the conspiracy. You know, the docs get a kickback from the rx companies, each time they get someone on these drugs...and the rx companies are making a fortune off of these drugs. Think back to the times when the world was a better place...people did not need anitdepressants...people were fine without counseling or thereapy. In this day and age, it's rare to find someone who is NOT in therapy or on meds. It a conspiracy...our socitety's collective sickness is manufactured by our docs and the drug companies. For example, if a new product hits the stores, let's say relaxation products...magnetic bracelets and relaxation stones etc...there is a huge market for these products...why??? because people buy them...one person gets sucked in, swears to everyone they know that the product they bought changed thier life...then everyone they tell goes to buy it. Whether or not the product really works does not matter...we have to have it because everyone says it worked for them...its a vicious cycle. Think about it.
Posted by Cybele on September 25, 2004, at 13:42:44
In reply to Re: Scared of Effexor, posted by tassh on September 24, 2004, at 10:22:01
I agree with Wildbean. Are you in your 20s? Boyfriend issues do get easier to deal with as you go into your 30s. My 20s were one big heartbreak after another. I think it's all just part of growing up and learning from experience. I can't imagine Effexor-XR would help you to deal with a concrete issue like this, and I also can't believe it would be any doctors first choice AD.
Just my two cents...
Posted by jennyb on September 25, 2004, at 13:57:49
In reply to Thanks, posted by Louoicu81 on September 23, 2004, at 20:35:19
Hey you guys...someone mentioned class action lawsuits against effexor...check out the link to a website I found...I already filed my complaint and apparently tons of other people have too. http://www.bigclassaction.com/
Posted by jennyb on September 25, 2004, at 14:45:06
In reply to Re: Success on Effexor XR Thanks for comments and, posted by fork on September 18, 2004, at 4:08:03
Fork,
I have tried over the counter sleep aids as well as rx aids...OTC aids worked just as well for me as ambien did. One major difference between the two was that with ambien I often woke up in the a.m. feeling groggy and stoned. That doesn't happen with the OTC stuff, at least not to me. Hope this helps.
Posted by jadasam on September 26, 2004, at 19:03:03
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I was taking Paxil and my doctor put me on Effexor because of sexual problems. I love my wife but don't want to have sex. I am taking 150mg of Effexor and I find that I have a hard time ejaculating and reaching orgasm when I masturbate. Although when I do climax it feels very strong and satisfying. I masturbate about 3 times a day and the other 2 times I find that I am having more of a dry orgasm with not too much semen coming out. I s this normal and is anyone feeling the same. I pratice something called powergasm.
Thanks
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 26, 2004, at 19:38:43
In reply to Re: Scared of Effexor, posted by jennyb on September 25, 2004, at 13:28:10
If you or others have questions about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
Follow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above post(s), should of course themselves be civil.
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by april8 on September 27, 2004, at 22:44:31
In reply to Effexor XR and orgasm, posted by jadasam on September 26, 2004, at 19:03:03
you can go off of effexor for 24 hours and it goes out of your system and you can have an orgasm. You can also add wellbutrin and stay on that during your drug "holiday" and it will hold your depression at bay and increase your libido.
I don't even take wellbutrin myself but have done that in the past. I am on effexor and go on 24 hour holidays (just did yesterday) and orgasm fine after that short of a break. The first time I went on the day holiday I had mild side effects of withdrawel, but after a couple of times i have none.
Anyway best to you!> I was taking Paxil and my doctor put me on Effexor because of sexual problems. I love my wife but don't want to have sex. I am taking 150mg of Effexor and I find that I have a hard time ejaculating and reaching orgasm when I masturbate. Although when I do climax it feels very strong and satisfying. I masturbate about 3 times a day and the other 2 times I find that I am having more of a dry orgasm with not too much semen coming out. I s this normal and is anyone feeling the same. I pratice something called powergasm.
> Thanks
Posted by saw on September 28, 2004, at 4:44:08
In reply to Effexor XR and orgasm, posted by jadasam on September 26, 2004, at 19:03:03
I see two problems. 1) not wanting to have sex with your wife, and 2) long time in reaching orgasm with masturbation.
Are these two problems related? Do you battle to reach orgasm when having sex aswell?
In a past relationship, I encountered a similar situation. I gently (and provocatively) asked this man to masturbate a bit less and suggested that it may help in reaching orgasm during sex. Though it still took him long (which I loved!) he was at least able to achieve his orgasm that he couldn't whilst masturbating a couple of times a day.
I hope this frustrating problem comes right for you.
Take care
Sabrina
Posted by Shyla on September 28, 2004, at 8:56:44
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and orgasm, posted by april8 on September 27, 2004, at 22:44:31
I have tried the drug holiday, and now I'm also taking 300 mgs of Wellbutrin daily. I still have absolutely no libido, and very rarely reach orgasm. I've tried Zoloft, Remeron, Wellbutrin, and now I'm on 75 mgs. of Effexor XR. Next I'm going to try testosterone cream. If that doesn't work, then I'm going to consider seeing a sex therapist. That's the last possible solution I can think of. I feel like I'm running out of options, and it is frustrating and scarey.
> you can go off of effexor for 24 hours and it goes out of your system and you can have an orgasm. You can also add wellbutrin and stay on that during your drug "holiday" and it will hold your depression at bay and increase your libido.
> I don't even take wellbutrin myself but have done that in the past. I am on effexor and go on 24 hour holidays (just did yesterday) and orgasm fine after that short of a break. The first time I went on the day holiday I had mild side effects of withdrawel, but after a couple of times i have none.
> Anyway best to you!
>
>
>
> > I was taking Paxil and my doctor put me on Effexor because of sexual problems. I love my wife but don't want to have sex. I am taking 150mg of Effexor and I find that I have a hard time ejaculating and reaching orgasm when I masturbate. Although when I do climax it feels very strong and satisfying. I masturbate about 3 times a day and the other 2 times I find that I am having more of a dry orgasm with not too much semen coming out. I s this normal and is anyone feeling the same. I pratice something called powergasm.
> > Thanks
>
>
Posted by jujube on September 28, 2004, at 9:33:18
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and orgasm » april8, posted by Shyla on September 28, 2004, at 8:56:44
I've read a lot of good things about a natural product called "MACA". It is an adaptagen that is supposed to work by balancing all the endocrine glands, including the ovaries, testes, adrenals, thyroid and pancreas. It is supposed to help with loss of libido and promote healthy sexual functioning in men and women. It, apparently, has been used in Peru for thousands of years. It is sometimes referred to as the natural viagara. I recently bought some (Royal MACA through Wholeworld Botanicals), but have only started using it so can't say as yet whether or not it is effective. There is, however, a lot of information on the net about MACA. Anyways, just thought I would throw it out there as a natural option to a frustrating problem.
Tamara> I have tried the drug holiday, and now I'm also taking 300 mgs of Wellbutrin daily. I still have absolutely no libido, and very rarely reach orgasm. I've tried Zoloft, Remeron, Wellbutrin, and now I'm on 75 mgs. of Effexor XR. Next I'm going to try testosterone cream. If that doesn't work, then I'm going to consider seeing a sex therapist. That's the last possible solution I can think of. I feel like I'm running out of options, and it is frustrating and scarey.
>
>
>
>
>
> > you can go off of effexor for 24 hours and it goes out of your system and you can have an orgasm. You can also add wellbutrin and stay on that during your drug "holiday" and it will hold your depression at bay and increase your libido.
> > I don't even take wellbutrin myself but have done that in the past. I am on effexor and go on 24 hour holidays (just did yesterday) and orgasm fine after that short of a break. The first time I went on the day holiday I had mild side effects of withdrawel, but after a couple of times i have none.
> > Anyway best to you!
> >
> >
> >
> > > I was taking Paxil and my doctor put me on Effexor because of sexual problems. I love my wife but don't want to have sex. I am taking 150mg of Effexor and I find that I have a hard time ejaculating and reaching orgasm when I masturbate. Although when I do climax it feels very strong and satisfying. I masturbate about 3 times a day and the other 2 times I find that I am having more of a dry orgasm with not too much semen coming out. I s this normal and is anyone feeling the same. I pratice something called powergasm.
> > > Thanks
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by Shyla on September 28, 2004, at 9:59:58
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and orgasm » Shyla, posted by jujube on September 28, 2004, at 9:33:18
Thanks for the info Tamara. I ordered bio-identical testosterone cream. It is supposed to be identical to what our bodies produce and abosorb. I haven't received it yet, but if anyone is interested, I'll provide a follow-up to let you know if it is effective. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will be!!!!
> I've read a lot of good things about a natural product called "MACA". It is an adaptagen that is supposed to work by balancing all the endocrine glands, including the ovaries, testes, adrenals, thyroid and pancreas. It is supposed to help with loss of libido and promote healthy sexual functioning in men and women. It, apparently, has been used in Peru for thousands of years. It is sometimes referred to as the natural viagara. I recently bought some (Royal MACA through Wholeworld Botanicals), but have only started using it so can't say as yet whether or not it is effective. There is, however, a lot of information on the net about MACA. Anyways, just thought I would throw it out there as a natural option to a frustrating problem.
>
>
> Tamara
>
> > I have tried the drug holiday, and now I'm also taking 300 mgs of Wellbutrin daily. I still have absolutely no libido, and very rarely reach orgasm. I've tried Zoloft, Remeron, Wellbutrin, and now I'm on 75 mgs. of Effexor XR. Next I'm going to try testosterone cream. If that doesn't work, then I'm going to consider seeing a sex therapist. That's the last possible solution I can think of. I feel like I'm running out of options, and it is frustrating and scarey.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > > you can go off of effexor for 24 hours and it goes out of your system and you can have an orgasm. You can also add wellbutrin and stay on that during your drug "holiday" and it will hold your depression at bay and increase your libido.
> > > I don't even take wellbutrin myself but have done that in the past. I am on effexor and go on 24 hour holidays (just did yesterday) and orgasm fine after that short of a break. The first time I went on the day holiday I had mild side effects of withdrawel, but after a couple of times i have none.
> > > Anyway best to you!
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > > I was taking Paxil and my doctor put me on Effexor because of sexual problems. I love my wife but don't want to have sex. I am taking 150mg of Effexor and I find that I have a hard time ejaculating and reaching orgasm when I masturbate. Although when I do climax it feels very strong and satisfying. I masturbate about 3 times a day and the other 2 times I find that I am having more of a dry orgasm with not too much semen coming out. I s this normal and is anyone feeling the same. I pratice something called powergasm.
> > > > Thanks
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by jujube on September 28, 2004, at 10:02:57
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and orgasm » jujube, posted by Shyla on September 28, 2004, at 9:59:58
Good luck to you. Take care.
Tamara
> Thanks for the info Tamara. I ordered bio-identical testosterone cream. It is supposed to be identical to what our bodies produce and abosorb. I haven't received it yet, but if anyone is interested, I'll provide a follow-up to let you know if it is effective. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will be!!!!
>
>
>
> > I've read a lot of good things about a natural product called "MACA". It is an adaptagen that is supposed to work by balancing all the endocrine glands, including the ovaries, testes, adrenals, thyroid and pancreas. It is supposed to help with loss of libido and promote healthy sexual functioning in men and women. It, apparently, has been used in Peru for thousands of years. It is sometimes referred to as the natural viagara. I recently bought some (Royal MACA through Wholeworld Botanicals), but have only started using it so can't say as yet whether or not it is effective. There is, however, a lot of information on the net about MACA. Anyways, just thought I would throw it out there as a natural option to a frustrating problem.
> >
> >
> > Tamara
> >
> > > I have tried the drug holiday, and now I'm also taking 300 mgs of Wellbutrin daily. I still have absolutely no libido, and very rarely reach orgasm. I've tried Zoloft, Remeron, Wellbutrin, and now I'm on 75 mgs. of Effexor XR. Next I'm going to try testosterone cream. If that doesn't work, then I'm going to consider seeing a sex therapist. That's the last possible solution I can think of. I feel like I'm running out of options, and it is frustrating and scarey.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > > you can go off of effexor for 24 hours and it goes out of your system and you can have an orgasm. You can also add wellbutrin and stay on that during your drug "holiday" and it will hold your depression at bay and increase your libido.
> > > > I don't even take wellbutrin myself but have done that in the past. I am on effexor and go on 24 hour holidays (just did yesterday) and orgasm fine after that short of a break. The first time I went on the day holiday I had mild side effects of withdrawel, but after a couple of times i have none.
> > > > Anyway best to you!
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > > I was taking Paxil and my doctor put me on Effexor because of sexual problems. I love my wife but don't want to have sex. I am taking 150mg of Effexor and I find that I have a hard time ejaculating and reaching orgasm when I masturbate. Although when I do climax it feels very strong and satisfying. I masturbate about 3 times a day and the other 2 times I find that I am having more of a dry orgasm with not too much semen coming out. I s this normal and is anyone feeling the same. I pratice something called powergasm.
> > > > > Thanks
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by BethL on September 29, 2004, at 17:27:07
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi.
Couple of questions...What dosage (75mg-112mg-150 or higher) do you usually start feeling benefits from this drug? I am currently on 37.5 for two weeks and didn't feel anything except the first day. I'm about to increase to 75 mg this weekend. I've heard alot of people complain about weight gain...anyone here loose weight or at least NOT gain weight on effexor? Those of you that did gain weight, do you think it was an increase in appetite or decrease of metabolism caused by this drug.
thanx,
beth
Posted by Shyla on September 29, 2004, at 19:22:56
In reply to Dosage? weight gain? weight loss?, posted by BethL on September 29, 2004, at 17:27:07
I actually lost weight. But I'm on the Atkins diet, have been for a few years, and have found that I eat less because I get full sooner. Plus, I do try to always be aware of what and how much I'm eating. As soon as I begin to feel satisfied, I stop eating. However, I also think the Effexor XR has helped, because it seems a lot easier to control food intake since I've been on it, and I think it speeds up my metabolism. Everyone is different though, and may respond differently to meds. I have been taking 75 mgs for about 8 mos. now. I hope this helps.
Posted by Reece's Mom on September 29, 2004, at 19:32:49
In reply to Dosage? weight gain? weight loss?, posted by BethL on September 29, 2004, at 17:27:07
I have been on the drug for two months. I started out slowly and at the end of two weeks was up to 75 mg. Then the depression seemed to come back. Dr. doubled my dose to 150 mg. Now I am so sleepy and can not motivate myself to do anything. I called the Dr. today. He said take 150 one night and 75 the next night. Anyone else do this?
I have been on 150 mg for 3 weeks. How long should I wait to see if the sleepiness will decrease????
I take meds at night. Should I try am?
Thanks for the help.
Marsha
Posted by Shyla on September 29, 2004, at 19:41:36
In reply to Uping the dose....problems?, posted by Reece's Mom on September 29, 2004, at 19:32:49
You have to be a little patient with these meds. Some take a while to have their full effect. My doc told me to take it in the morning to help me sleep better at night. Do what your doc suggests, try it for a little while, see what happens. If you still have problems, tell your doc. I can't stress enough how important it is to be open with your doc. Mine has always worked with me. But I had to take responsibility for myself and make myself aware of how the med was affecting me and tell my doc. We keep trying. I also take Wellbutrin. I read that it gives one more energy. If the 150/75 alternating doesn't make much difference, you might want to mention Wellbutrin to your doc. Good luck!
Posted by Cybele on September 30, 2004, at 7:49:41
In reply to Dosage? weight gain? weight loss?, posted by BethL on September 29, 2004, at 17:27:07
I took 37.5 for a week then upped to 75mg. I started noticing a difference after about 4 weeks on 75mg. It just occurred to me one day that I was no longer haiving "down" days. I took it June through mid-September and gained about 15 pounds. I was eating more carbs, but I was also exericising more. Normally I should have gained at most 2-3 lbs eating the calories I did in and exercising the amount I did over this period, so my metabolism was definitely slowed by the Effexor. I had no desire to up my dosage because 75mg seemed to help, but it also made me dehydrated while it was metabolising. If I had a single alcoholic beverage in the evening (I took my Effexor at bedtime) then I'd get terribly dehydrated. Between that and the weight gain, the benefits weren't worth it to me. I wasn't *that* depressed to begin with.
If you've had bad luck or no luck with other ADs and you're feeling pretty low, I think Effexor is definitely worth it. If you start gaining weight, then I'd think you'd have to cut back on calories by 10-15% to maintain your weight.
I ramped down in dose for 10 days, and have been totally off now for two days. I have a little dizziness and irritability which might be due to withdrawal, but that's it.
Just my two cents :)
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