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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by StellaAnn on September 30, 2004, at 13:36:35
In reply to Re: Dosage? weight gain? weight loss? » BethL, posted by Cybele on September 30, 2004, at 7:49:41
I haven't gained while taking Effexor. But I tend to lose weight when depressed. As far as sex goes, I am just not interested anymore. I take meds for diabetes, cholestrol and water weight. I would like to be able to get off of some of these as I feel like a walking science experiment not to mention the monthly costs. UGGH
Posted by lorily on September 30, 2004, at 17:16:23
In reply to Any side effects from withdrawing from Effexor Xr?, posted by Eric C on September 30, 2004, at 13:08:07
Eric, that's definately a side effect. When I would turn my head or eyes even it felt like the elevator made a short stop. LOL
Posted by lorily on September 30, 2004, at 17:20:03
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and orgasm » jujube, posted by sunny10 on September 30, 2004, at 10:57:56
Sonny, Your weight gain is probably from the depakote. It has something that makes the appetite like crazy. Everything tasted toooo good. I'd be eating one thing and conjuring up the next (immediate) snack.
I tried Viagra for the lack of response (yes, I'm female) and it worked very well.
Posted by lorily on September 30, 2004, at 17:24:08
In reply to Re: Dosage? weight gain? weight loss? » BethL, posted by Shyla on September 29, 2004, at 19:22:56
Atkins worked for me with depakote too. Once I started taking effexor and my depression actually was relieved, I was better able to control my eating. I'm off effexor 2-1/2 months and have had no weight change.
Posted by terrics on September 30, 2004, at 17:31:50
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and orgasm, posted by april8 on September 27, 2004, at 22:44:31
Hi, I am on a ton of meds including effexor. One of my other meds is wellbutrin. Wellbutrin is a wonder drug for your sex life. Not only does it increase your libido, it also increases the length of orgasm by lord knows how much. I am female so I cannot speak for the men. My pdoc said it works like this for about 75% of patients. terrics (I am NOT kidding!).
Posted by catheirne on October 1, 2004, at 9:26:08
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by Shel on July 18, 2000, at 1:35:45
I started taking Effexor XR 8 days ago and I can't believe how much better I feel already! My Dr. started me at 75mg. and wants to get me up to 150. He wanted me to add 37.5 after the 3rd day and I did but it was too much too soon so I will stay at 75 for a while longer. From what I have read on this site (such great info) you need to increase this drug very slowly. I thank God for this drug! I was in a severe depression for over a year and nothing worked (tried Zoloft and Paxil) but Effexor had me feeling better by the 4th day. The side effects for me were dry mouth, tummy ache and I couldn NOT get to sleep but these have pretty much gone away and the trade off to feel better is worth it. YES, I have had great success with Effexor XR!
Posted by fork on October 1, 2004, at 10:03:31
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by catheirne on October 1, 2004, at 9:26:08
> I started taking Effexor XR 8 days ago and I can't believe how much better I feel already! My Dr. started me at 75mg. and wants to get me up to 150. He wanted me to add 37.5 after the 3rd day and I did but it was too much too soon so I will stay at 75 for a while longer. From what I have read on this site (such great info) you need to increase this drug very slowly. I thank God for this drug! I was in a severe depression for over a year and nothing worked (tried Zoloft and Paxil) but Effexor had me feeling better by the 4th day. The side effects for me were dry mouth, tummy ache and I couldn NOT get to sleep but these have pretty much gone away and the trade off to feel better is worth it. YES, I have had great success with Effexor XR!
Congratulations on finding the right medication. Today I have been on Effexor for 1 month (75mg) and I also felt better within the first few days at 37mg. The few negative side effects are gone with the exception being, I am still waking very early in the morning, but I have plenty of energy. I am still at 75mg with no plans to bump it up any higher. For me this medication has been a lifesaver. It may not be for every body, but I am very happy with it. Good Luck and Continued Success
Posted by Sinnielou on October 1, 2004, at 10:23:55
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by fork on October 1, 2004, at 10:03:31
Congrats to you both of your success with Effexor. I have been on it for a year and I have also had great success with it. I take mine late at night just before bed and I also take a smaller dosage mid afternoon it seems to be working very well for me. Good luck to you!!!
Shannon
Posted by sunny10 on October 1, 2004, at 11:54:08
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and orgasm, posted by terrics on September 30, 2004, at 17:31:50
Terrics,
I suffer with unipolar depression and GAD. I am only taking Effexor XR, and it has done WONDERFUL things for my outlook, but troubling side-effects are causing me to re-think the meds.
I am new to the board so I probably missed something in another thread that covers this question, but is it possible to REPLACE E with W, instead of having to take BOTH just to increase my libido? My live-in boyfriend and I miss the old me ! Brain says yes, body won't follow.And I HATE the idea of taking two meds when one handles the depression and anxiety...
Any ideas??
Posted by sunny10 on October 1, 2004, at 11:57:15
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and orgasm, posted by lorily on September 30, 2004, at 17:20:03
Lorily,
I haven't touched a Depakoate in eight months... the weight gain, for me, has to be from the Effexor XR.
Thanks for the Viagra tip- I am attempting to only use one med at a time, though...everything has too many side-effects.
See my reply to Terrics.
Posted by Napolis on October 1, 2004, at 13:23:59
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and orgasm, posted by terrics on September 30, 2004, at 17:31:50
HI. . .
I am on effexor XR . . .I started taking it last February. . . at first i was gaining about 10 pounds a month. . . .I think I gained about 35 pounds. . .but that was actually ok. . because I am a triathlete and I was working out a lot. . .and before I weighed 150 and now I weight about 185. . .
The other problem I have is that if I forget to take the pill, basically it takes me 3-4 days to get back on schedule and during the time that I have forgotten. . .I get woozy. . .almost faint. . .so I am kinda on a tether I feel sometimes. . .
The other side effect is the sexual. Before taking the drug I have a very powerfull sex drive. . .I am only 29 and male. . . and sex was of coursre enjoyable to me. But now i can't even get aroused and if I try it doesn't stay up :( I almost feel like it is smaller now too. . . .so I am not really sure what to do. . .I mean I don't have a girl friend now. I am concerned about taking more drugs. . .too. . .but I am not sure what to do. . .I want to be sexually active but it is pretty hard to get out there for me. . .especially when I am unsure that I could "produce" results. . .at the same time I feel stupid asking my doctore for a solution when I don't have a girl friend to use it on. . .I would feel stupid taking viagra just for the purpose of self stimulation. . . .but right now it is pretty lame. . .I can't even get myself off. . .haven't done anything for some time :((
Later-- Napolis
> Hi, I am on a ton of meds including effexor. One of my other meds is wellbutrin. Wellbutrin is a wonder drug for your sex life. Not only does it increase your libido, it also increases the length of orgasm by lord knows how much. I am female so I cannot speak for the men. My pdoc said it works like this for about 75% of patients. terrics (I am NOT kidding!).
Posted by mrs1104 on October 1, 2004, at 13:29:27
In reply to Any side effects from withdrawing from Effexor Xr?, posted by Eric C on September 30, 2004, at 13:08:07
I took Effexor 37.5 for about 3 months (after trying 2 others) back in 2001. Like other people have said, everyone is different but...
I was definitely in withdrawal. Even though I "weaned" myself off as directed by my GP and psychologist, I felt like my brain was bouncing around in my skull. If I turned my head quickly, I felt like I was drunk. I had the shakes, felt dizzy, had upset appetite...you get the idea.
I guess the point is, regardless of the dose I think some people experience withdrawal symptoms while others may not. I certainly did. It sucked and all I wanted to do was start taking pills again. But everything subsided within a week or so.
I took Effexor for depression on-set from an event and experienced full recovery (or maybe remission??) I am now taking Effexor XR again (for past 5 months) because of chemical imbalance and have no plans of discontinuing anti-depressants. Depression (although I am the only one to admit it) is very prevalent through multiple generations in my family, so I figure why "be a hero." It's no different than taking drugs for high cholesterol.
I was taking 75 mg, but with continued fatigue was bumped up to 150 mg. Emotionally I feel fine. Physically, I am still tired all of the time. I don't know if it's the drug, or just me. Anyone else have continued problems with intense fatigue while taking Effexor?
P.S. Sorry the post was so long, but it's my first time here.
Posted by jujube on October 1, 2004, at 13:57:02
In reply to side effects from withdrawing/fatigue, posted by mrs1104 on October 1, 2004, at 13:29:27
I was on Effexor XR for 6 months (dose went up to 225 mg then reduced (at my request) to 150 mg). I have to say that the whole time I was on it I felt somewhat lethargic and apathetic (like nothing really mattered). I also continued to have underlying anxiety (I was mostly taking it for anxiety). I couldn't stand the unmotivated way I felt. But, everybody is different, and you are likely just experiencing start-up side effects. There are a lot of people who have had extremely positive experiences on Effexor.
Because of the problems I was having with the drug, I asked the doctor if I could supplement with Sam-e. He did not know enough about Sam-e to agree to it, so he switched me to Celexa. It has only been three weeks on Celexa and three weeks off Effexor (weaned off a period of two weeks), so it's too soon to tell if the Celexa will be effective. Also, I am suffering the side effects of my first (and now only) Depo Provera shot (extreme nausea and throwing up, fatigue, cramps, mood swings, depression, etc.), so I am hoping that the Celexa will help with at least the mood related side effects until the shot wears off.
Good luck to you.
> I took Effexor 37.5 for about 3 months (after trying 2 others) back in 2001. Like other people have said, everyone is different but...
>
> I was definitely in withdrawal. Even though I "weaned" myself off as directed by my GP and psychologist, I felt like my brain was bouncing around in my skull. If I turned my head quickly, I felt like I was drunk. I had the shakes, felt dizzy, had upset appetite...you get the idea.
>
> I guess the point is, regardless of the dose I think some people experience withdrawal symptoms while others may not. I certainly did. It sucked and all I wanted to do was start taking pills again. But everything subsided within a week or so.
>
> I took Effexor for depression on-set from an event and experienced full recovery (or maybe remission??) I am now taking Effexor XR again (for past 5 months) because of chemical imbalance and have no plans of discontinuing anti-depressants. Depression (although I am the only one to admit it) is very prevalent through multiple generations in my family, so I figure why "be a hero." It's no different than taking drugs for high cholesterol.
>
> I was taking 75 mg, but with continued fatigue was bumped up to 150 mg. Emotionally I feel fine. Physically, I am still tired all of the time. I don't know if it's the drug, or just me. Anyone else have continued problems with intense fatigue while taking Effexor?
>
> P.S. Sorry the post was so long, but it's my first time here.
Posted by marcy on October 1, 2004, at 18:19:54
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by fork on October 1, 2004, at 10:03:31
HI everyone,
I too am happy so far. I started at 37.5 for one week, this week it will be 75, next it will b 37.5 + 75 and then at 150 for the rest. I take it at bedtime. I have a lot of dreaming, but the dreams are not near as stressful as before.
Take care
Posted by maa on October 2, 2004, at 5:02:13
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hello, I have just started taking Effexor XR (37.5mg/day) for anxiety. I have been on it for a week now and been on the edge of vomiting for most of this week. Do any of you know a good way of dealing with the continuous nausea? I have found eating very dry food seems to help for short term relief, but this problem is really starting to bother me and is preventing me from sleeping at night or getting any work done.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Posted by Hayduke on October 2, 2004, at 18:27:31
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have been on Effexor 150mg for about a month and half now, and can unequivicably say that it has helped me.
Some background info: I am a biology doctoral student who has suffered from depression on and off for about ten years. Soon after entering grad school a year and a half ago, I went into the most severe depression of my life. I completely lost interest in my research, and came very close to getting kicked out of grad school because of an inability to do my work. I resisted going on meds because I had previously found non-pharmacological ways to help myself, but out of desperation I finally went to the health center at my university and was prescribed Effexor. To be honest, I wasn't expecting it to be very helpful, due to the lack of effect of a few SSRIs that I tried ten years ago.
Well, the last few weeks have been absolutely amazing for me. I keep asking myself if it is just the placebo effect, but I've concluded that there is simply too stark a difference to be that - it's like night and day. I have regained the confidence, clearheadedness, and interest in life that has been lacking for over a year.
I seem to have avoided many of the side effects that other people experience. The only side effects for me have been jitteriness (which has subsided somewhat, though not completely), dehydration, and the sexual stuff (not a complete inability to orgasm - it just takes longer). I am also having the most vivid dreams of my life!
I know I sound like a walking advertisement for Effexor, but I have read so many disaster stories about it on this website that I just wanted to add my own positive experience.
Posted by terrics on October 2, 2004, at 19:59:36
In reply to nausea problems, posted by maa on October 2, 2004, at 5:02:13
Hi Maa, I found the nausea eventually just went away. If it doesn't tell your MD. terrics
Posted by terrics on October 2, 2004, at 20:14:37
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and orgasm » terrics, posted by sunny10 on October 1, 2004, at 11:54:08
Sometimes it is hard to tell which drugs are doing what because I take so many, probably too many, But I do know that the wellbutrin bettered my outlook and sex life. I think I said in my last post that 75% of persons taking wellbutrin have greater libido ( and as I said better orgasms). terrics good luck in your choices.
Posted by ShannonC on October 3, 2004, at 8:31:13
In reply to Effexor and pregnancy, posted by ChristinaG on October 23, 2000, at 16:10:39
I was up to 275 mg of Effexor XR when I found out I was pregnant. My doctor took me off the medication because there haven't been enough tests proving that it does not cause harm to the baby, yet. Here's a link to what they DO know: http://www.perinatology.com/exposures/Drugs/Venlafaxine.htm ... If the only thing stopping you from switching to a safer drug (my doctor put me on Sertraline) is that you are scared of the withdrawal effects, I will tell you, my dear, that the pregnancy effects can MORE than mask the withdrawal effects. About 50% of pregnant women experience nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headaches, and so on and so forth, and I was and still am among the lucky 50% that experience(d) this. So, even though I quit my Effexor XR cold turkey, I was already too nauseous to care. I would recommend getting a "second opinion" on whether you should keep using Effexor XR. I can understand that your doctor feels your depression is too severe to warrant taking you off of Effexor, but I do feel that with proper supervision (IF you have not already gone through all the other medications and found they were NOT succesful), you may get more PEACE OF MIND switching to a drug that you can rest assured is not potentially harming the baby. This is all in my humble opinion, though, and only applies if you are planning on continuing the pregnancy. If you are planning to terminate the pregnancy, then there is no problem with you staying on the Effexor.
Posted by Jubilee on October 3, 2004, at 17:45:11
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by Shel on July 18, 2000, at 1:35:45
> I too have had problems with depression for the last 7 years. Crying for no reason, could not sleep, couldn't eat, feeling out of control of my life, turning mole hills into mountains.
>
> I first on Zoloft for about a year was just fine, then quit (thought I could handle life without "having to take drugs" and slowly went down hill over the next 6 months.
>
> Went back on and was on it for a couple more years, felt great and decided I was all better and went off of it and crashed again- this time in 3 months. Tried Zoloft again, this time-no relief. Then tried Wellbutrin for a month, felt a little better, but not like before. Then tried Efferox XR.
>
> Started slow and built up to 150mg per day. Wonder drug! I love it! Have been on it over a year. No side effects to speak of. During the last 9 months I have managed to survive a move from Indiana to Austria (no kanagroos here) for a 3 years ISP assignment with my husband's company. We had to sell our house, cars, leave family, friends, my job and our horse behind with less than a 2 month notice. Stranger in a strange land and they don't speak much English in these parts. Yes I have had to learn German. Sprechen sie Deutsch?
>
> I have survived! Have had some down days over the last 9 months that I attributed to more of loneliness and boredom and winter blahs than from depression. Summer's here and I am great!
>
> Work with your doctor for the right level- give it time to build up in your system- a month prehaps and you should see positive results as I have.
withdrawal;you can do
Its me, Jubilee just saying slow is the way to go . Almost died last time from a stroke going too fast. I posted on another thread a "You can do" and I dont know my way around here too good as I just joined. Had plenty in reserve as was always cutting back which gave me enough to go off slow. I save all I pour out and use a cap for a measurment now with all my extra. Went from 300 to a 75 am and a 37.5 PM in 2 months and a ways to go. Few side affects and also ended up with 60 prozacs witch I take for 5 days every time I drop a dose. Trying to drop every 3 weeks. Going to make it last long as possible. Going for 5 months. Take it easy and don't forget to pray.Jubilee
Posted by lisataho on October 3, 2004, at 20:47:42
In reply to I gained 20 pounds BLAH, posted by Kazza on February 26, 2001, at 1:01:00
Hi. I'm having a terrible time & a wonderful time on Effexor XR. I do feel better. I don't cry all the time & I deal with life better than before. I am also very upset about the 30 lbs. I've gained in the last 2 1/2 years. I have no idea what to do. Sometimes I overeat, but mostly I just eat as I always have. I'd appreciate any advice or comments. Thanks
Posted by Sondi on October 4, 2004, at 0:49:11
In reply to Re: I gained 20 pounds BLAH » Kazza, posted by lisataho on October 3, 2004, at 20:47:42
I am coming off effexor after taking it for only about 2 months. It was originally prescribed to me to help me sleep better because I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. However, it didn't really help, so I decided I would prefer to not be on medication since it wasn't doing anything for the fatigue. Anyway, now that I am coming off it, I am starting to feel suddenly very depressed and unmotivated (I wasn't depressed before starting this drug!) Also, I feel extremely dizzy and woozy most of the time. Does anyone know.....is this normal and will it pass?
Thanks.
Posted by S.Bartel on October 4, 2004, at 3:04:08
In reply to Re: Long-term effects, posted by stjames on July 8, 2000, at 23:15:07
I have been taking Effexor for seven years and it seemed like a miracle drug. Now I have fatty liver disease, high cholestrol (345),and high triglycerides (470). I have only been taking 75mg. all this time. I have just found out that this can be one of the side effects. Anyone else have this problem??
Posted by Shyla on October 4, 2004, at 9:13:03
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and orgasm, posted by Napolis on October 1, 2004, at 13:23:59
I am having exactly the same problem as you, only I'm a girl. I have tried many things to offset this frustrating side effect, but so far no success. I'm not giving up however. But what I learned, most SSRIs have this effect. Wellbutrin is considered the one with the least side effect. But I have added that to my Effexor XR and no difference. Do your own research, and talk to your doc. That's very important. Good luck.
Posted by catheirne on October 4, 2004, at 19:11:32
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by Shel on July 18, 2000, at 1:35:45
Effexor XR has made such a wonderful change in how I feel. I have only been on it for 11 days however I feel better every day. I am @ 75mg and I added 37.5 today. My Dr. wants me up to 150 however I feel good at 75. Any suggestions about dose? I don't take any other medication...if 75mg is working and it has been less than 2 weeks why should I increase? Thanks for any input.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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