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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Al_p on April 29, 2005, at 5:47:18
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have had excellent results with this med Side effects are low Was previously on Zoloft And was mistakenly Diagnosed was also on stelazine For 10
years
Posted by Corafree on April 30, 2005, at 0:53:44
In reply to Re: Permanently damaged!!!!!!!!! » Phillipa, posted by winddancer on April 28, 2005, at 21:06:36
Winddancer - I thought you were have epidural injections? I assume you had trigger point injections, as I don't believe cortisone is ever used in epidurals. I had TPIs that afforded 5 wks of relief. They were great. I would rather have been able to continue those than to be on a narcotic all the time. You don't feel the same way? My injury is in the 2-3, 3-4, 4-5, so the 2-3 is at the very base of my head and causes intolerable headaches. I put off my MRI; have to get abdominal surgery first. I am wondering what they will find in my head, as I was beaten pretty badly. best wishes, cf
Posted by tiredguy on May 2, 2005, at 10:05:38
In reply to starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by jp on October 25, 1999, at 12:01:53
I'm on 75 mg of XR. I also take 300 mg of Wellbutrin. I suffered from very high anxiety. It's now gone! I've been in a few very stressfull situations and have handled them well. The key for me is to see how long it will work for me. I tried a number of AD medications. Most worked for a few days and then stopped. I've been taking Effexor for about a month. The Jury is still out.
For side effects, I am tired all the time. I take Provigil which helps wake me up. If the tradeoff is tired vs anxious, I choose tired.
Posted by nancyb on May 2, 2005, at 15:40:34
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by tiredguy on May 2, 2005, at 10:05:38
I've been on Effexor for 5 days. So far, I can tell an amazing difference! I am starting with the 37.5 mg. and moving to 75 in the next day or so. I have more energy than I have in years. I don't dwell on bad things. I was wrapping up in a blanket and sleeping from the time I got home from work until the next morning. Now, I'm not sleepy at all. That is one of the side effects for me -- restlessness when I'm supposed to be sleeping. My heart does beat funny sometimes, like it's beating through my shirt. I'd rather be up and energized than sleeping all the time.
Posted by Wendigo on May 2, 2005, at 16:21:59
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dos, posted by nancyb on May 2, 2005, at 15:40:34
Hello all. I've taken Effexor XR for about a year (150 mg) and wondered if any of you noticed certain [for lack of better word] alcoholic tendencies while taking it; I mean, before taking antidepressants I was an occasional drinker, at most a weekend drinker (3-4 drinks [wine/beer]). Although I enjoyed drinking, and had a fairly high tolerance for alcohol, I never considered myself an alcoholic or someone with a "drinking habit" or problem. I am, however, a recovering anorexic/bulimic (no episodes in 8 years); I wonder if I have traded one disorder for another, or if taking Effexor (for depression, social anxiety) has anything at all to do with my recent excessive alcohol consumption. I know it could be coincidental, but I also know that my tolerance (without medication fairly high) is even greater while on Effexor (which I assumed was due to the antidepressant counteracting the depressant effects of alcohol). I find myself drinking more to achieve any effect (I'm aware that this could also indicate addiction). I've never been truly suicidal, but my recent lack of control with alcohol has caused great stress in my marriage--my lying and deceit (about purchase/consumption of alcohol) and my husband's accusations, spying/snooping (can't really blame him, although he is a rather controlling/paternal person) have left me with little sense of self...I feel irresponsible for having had kids, etc. Any insights? I only wonder whether my increased desire to drink has anything to do with the Effexor because while postpartum several years ago I took Prozac, and experienced a similar urge to drink, and to drink greater quantities, than when taking no medication.
I've read the warnings about drinking alcohol while taking antidepressants, which state that the alcohol increases drowsiness, dizziness, and that the antidepressant will intensify the effects of alcohol, but this doesn't seem to be the case for me.
I don't want to become an alcoholic, and have begun gradually to decrease my dosage of Effexor to see the effect on my urge to drink.Sorry if this is repetitive; I posted a similar message elsewhere in psycho-babble (I'm new to this).
Posted by nancyb on May 2, 2005, at 16:40:50
In reply to Effexor XR: Can ALCOHOLISM be a side effect?, posted by Wendigo on May 2, 2005, at 16:21:59
I know that I have a tendency to want to drink too. However, I wanted to do that before I was taking Effexor. I live by myself, so I was drinking to find some way to feel better about myself. That is to say, that if I didn't feel anything, I couldn't feel bad about myself or anything else. It was a lie. I felt really bad the next day! Depression makes me feel bad; I drink to feel good; I then feel bad again. Doesn't help. I was raised with a mother who didn't drink, but took drugs. We were given drugs, either OTC, or prescription, for practically everything. So, my mind set is -- feel bad, ingest something and you will feel better. I absolutely love taking drugs -- uppers, downers, alcohol, you name it. But, I have a low tolerance and feel really awful the next day. I'm trying to stay away from that, and I'm having some success. I'm not addicted because I can say no. I only do it when I'm bored. Effexor has given me the energy to get my butt up and do stuff. And, I'm actually smiling. So, as long as I'm feeling this way, I don't want to drink.
Posted by Corafree on May 2, 2005, at 18:08:49
In reply to Effexor XR: Can ALCOHOLISM be a side effect?, posted by Wendigo on May 2, 2005, at 16:22:43
When I was taking Effexer-XR (not plain Effexor), I noticed definitely noticed something. I felt it was 'a gift of sorts'. My tendencies to drink completely vanished. Opposite reactions, I believe, are out there. Best wishes, cf
Posted by Corafree on May 2, 2005, at 18:23:56
In reply to Re: Effexor XR: Can ALCOHOLISM be a side effect? » Wendigo, posted by Corafree on May 2, 2005, at 18:08:49
Sorry. Let me say this correctly.
I used to be on Effexor and drank beer every evening.
I used to be on Effexor-XR (discontinued in late March or early April this year) and had no desire to drank at all. The good ole favorite beer tasted awful!
After seeing your post, I guess that which I felt was 'a gift', may have been the Effexor-XR.
I believe we see 'opposite reactions' occur in all of us with different medications.
I noticed while many people who took Effexor-XR spoke of gaining weight, I either lost weight or my weight did not fluctuate at all
Now I can say best wishes, cf
Posted by redjr on May 2, 2005, at 21:49:05
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by tiredguy on May 2, 2005, at 10:05:38
> I'm on 75 mg of XR. I also take 300 mg of Wellbutrin. I suffered from very high anxiety. It's now gone! I've been in a few very stressfull situations and have handled them well. The key for me is to see how long it will work for me. I tried a number of AD medications. Most worked for a few days and then stopped. I've been taking Effexor for about a month. The Jury is still out.
>
> For side effects, I am tired all the time. I take Provigil which helps wake me up. If the tradeoff is tired vs anxious, I choose tired.Are you taking the Wellbutrin for anxiety or depression? I asked my doc about switching to Wellbutrin, but she said it had no anti-anxiety component. I've been on Effexor for about a month now. Taking 150mg daily. I've been experiencing urination problems since starting. Anyone else having this side effect? Also mild, negative sexual side effects(not good!). I've had very positive effects with the effexor and my mild depression. It's worked wonders - but at what expense? Seems there's always a trade off.
redjr...
Posted by redjr on May 3, 2005, at 8:11:25
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by StayceeIB on April 26, 2005, at 22:03:05
StayceeIB,
Find a way to take the Effexor - if you can get beyond the anxiety related to taking it. It will help you tremendously! Remember that it will more than lkely probably help you and not hurt you. There's no harm in trying it, and any negative side effects will be minimal and probably not noticeable.
Good luck,
redjr..
Posted by alexanderbb on May 3, 2005, at 10:39:19
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have had good/moderate succes with effexor. Recently I increased my dosage from 75mg to 112.5mg and had extreme dizziness and some nausea due to increased dosage. I could barely function for an entire day.
Has anyone else experienced this with effexor?
In the past I was on effexor and then later stopped, only to take it again now two years later. I have not had any side effects other than this recent incident, either starting, stopping, or during taking the medicine.
Posted by Phillipa on May 3, 2005, at 16:53:16
In reply to new post to effexor.........., posted by alexanderbb on May 3, 2005, at 10:39:19
Interesting how the effexor posts don't mention bad side effects like they did in the past. Evidently there are a lot of people who have great success on effexor. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Corafree on May 3, 2005, at 18:06:50
In reply to Re: new post to effexor.........., posted by Phillipa on May 3, 2005, at 16:53:16
You noticed that too, huh Phillipa? cf
Posted by alexanderbb on May 3, 2005, at 18:14:10
In reply to Re: new post to effexor.......... » Phillipa, posted by Corafree on May 3, 2005, at 18:06:50
Why do you think that is? Do you think Wyeth(the company that makes effexor) has changed it in any way?
I just found this site today after I had this terrible incident and wanted to do some investigating of this medicine that I am taking. I have been reading a lot of the posts and some of the older posts really had me concerned about the side effects/long term effects of this drug.
Posted by Phillipa on May 3, 2005, at 19:30:24
In reply to Re: new post to effexor.........., posted by alexanderbb on May 3, 2005, at 18:14:10
I hate to say this but it's one of two things. l. the side effects and withdrawal on the Withdrawal Board, or 2. a very anti Effexor poster was blocked for quite a while it seems a long time ago. Maybe she didn't return. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on May 3, 2005, at 19:32:53
In reply to Re: new post to effexor.......... » Phillipa, posted by Corafree on May 3, 2005, at 18:06:50
Corafree, do you think it has anything to do with what I just posted? I know you know who I mean. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Corafree on May 3, 2005, at 19:55:28
In reply to Re: new post to effexor.........., posted by alexanderbb on May 3, 2005, at 18:14:10
I may be wrong, but I think there was some drug bashing getting out of hand here. Some may have been on target. There was concern about long term effects after discontinuing it. I had to keep increasing Effexor-XR for it to be effective and also had to have it adjusted according to my metabolism, being that it is 'supposed' to be a one-a-day pills; it wasn't for me. I did have breakthrough anxiety and high panic attack at a high dose of Effexor-XR, combined with a rotation of Klonopin and Xanax. I had to be hospitalized. It was there that I chose to discontinue Effexor-XR. I am now on mood stabilizers and a benzodiazepine for anxiety. My emotions are more clear ... have to deal with more sadness and, hopefully, more happiness. I was beginning to feel a 'zombieness' on the AD. Who knows if this regimen is right on?! Lately I have lost control of emotions a couple times and that has some of my closest confidantes upset with me. I have wondered now if this is the right path. Most important - relationship with psychiatrist - I don't have one, a relationship that is. Just taking it day at a time. Have some physical issues I've been trying to attend to, so have not pursued change of psychiatrists. Think I need to drop off this post since I no longer take Effexor-XR. cf
Posted by absolute on May 3, 2005, at 23:43:38
In reply to Effexor XR: Can ALCOHOLISM be a side effect?, posted by Wendigo on May 2, 2005, at 16:21:59
Hi, yes I've noticed the same thing. I've been drinking more since taking Effexor XR. This was never a problem when I was on Wellbutrin or when not taking anything at all.
The Effexor seems to counteract the negative effects of alcohol- this is not really a good thing. Good to hear someone else has experienced this also. I've tapered down to the lowest dose, 37.5mg/day, and it seems to have gotten better.
Good luck
> Hello all. I've taken Effexor XR for about a year (150 mg) and wondered if any of you noticed certain [for lack of better word] alcoholic tendencies while taking it; I mean, before taking antidepressants I was an occasional drinker, at most a weekend drinker (3-4 drinks [wine/beer]). Although I enjoyed drinking, and had a fairly high tolerance for alcohol, I never considered myself an alcoholic or someone with a "drinking habit" or problem. I am, however, a recovering anorexic/bulimic (no episodes in 8 years); I wonder if I have traded one disorder for another, or if taking Effexor (for depression, social anxiety) has anything at all to do with my recent excessive alcohol consumption. I know it could be coincidental, but I also know that my tolerance (without medication fairly high) is even greater while on Effexor (which I assumed was due to the antidepressant counteracting the depressant effects of alcohol). I find myself drinking more to achieve any effect (I'm aware that this could also indicate addiction). I've never been truly suicidal, but my recent lack of control with alcohol has caused great stress in my marriage--my lying and deceit (about purchase/consumption of alcohol) and my husband's accusations, spying/snooping (can't really blame him, although he is a rather controlling/paternal person) have left me with little sense of self...I feel irresponsible for having had kids, etc. Any insights? I only wonder whether my increased desire to drink has anything to do with the Effexor because while postpartum several years ago I took Prozac, and experienced a similar urge to drink, and to drink greater quantities, than when taking no medication.
> I've read the warnings about drinking alcohol while taking antidepressants, which state that the alcohol increases drowsiness, dizziness, and that the antidepressant will intensify the effects of alcohol, but this doesn't seem to be the case for me.
> I don't want to become an alcoholic, and have begun gradually to decrease my dosage of Effexor to see the effect on my urge to drink.
>
> Sorry if this is repetitive; I posted a similar message elsewhere in psycho-babble (I'm new to this).
Posted by fuji on May 4, 2005, at 7:44:54
In reply to Alcoholism - side effect??, posted by absolute on May 3, 2005, at 23:43:38
Curious about this. Are you saying you have an increased urge to drink, or when you drink you have the compulstion to continue drinking or a combination of both. I was on effexor 300 mg for couple of years and I am sober from alcohol for over 20 years. i work in the drug & alcohol treatment field so this is interesting to me. I recently switched to Cymbalta and find that I have increased not necessarily my appetite, but my urge to eat and feel completely out of control with it (kind of like when you can't stop drinking or when you need to drink.)
fuji
Posted by Elroy on May 4, 2005, at 19:28:02
In reply to Re: Alcoholism - side effect??, posted by fuji on May 4, 2005, at 7:44:54
Some interesting info:
QUOTE: In his book, "Talking Back to Prozac" Peter Breggin, MD, says, "At my request, Bonnie Leitsch, then director of the national Prozac Survivors Support Group, summarized all the reports coming into the organization during 1991 & 1992. The information covered 288 individuals who had adverse reactions to Prozac during those two years." It continues, " The vast majority were related to violence against self or others (pages 138 & 139)." The book continues, " there were 133 cases of crime and violence, including 14 murders ( 6 by car), 39 violent actions (8 in cars), 54 violent preoccupations (5 in cars), " etc. .. Breggin goes on... "There were 14 cases of Alcohol abuse developing or worsening on Prozac... (The Physicians Desk Reference lists "alcohol craving" as an infrequent, but not rare side effect, for Paxil)... END QUOTE
http://www.betterway2health.com/DA-Violence.htm
QUOTE: PROZAC INCREASES CORTISOL OUTPUT 2-3 TIMES... DID YOU KNOW: Any anti-depressant drug (Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Lovan, Luvox, and more) contain as their chief ingredients MERCURY and CHLORINE! (Mercury is connected to Alzheimer's.)... If you take 1-1/2 pills of Prozac just ONE (1) time (never before and never again), you'll double your cortisol levels. To exercise 3 times a day is 8 times more effective than anti-depressants. A sugar pill is 20 times more effective than (many) anti-depressants. END QUOTE
Excellent article on effects of SSRIs and other anti-depressants in raising cortisol levels, and the problems that can be generated by elevated cortisol levels (including the infamous weight gain problems)
http://www.healinghorsesnaturally.com/p_cortisol.htmSome other links:
http://health-essentials.info/science/health-issues/ssri01.html
Just something to think about....
Posted by notfeelingthebest on May 4, 2005, at 22:16:41
In reply to Re: Alcoholism - side effect?? » fuji, posted by Elroy on May 4, 2005, at 19:28:02
I wouldn't discount it entirely. I every now and then get these never-before-had compulsions to consume a massive bag of potatoe chips, a few chocolate bars, a few packs of pretzels, etc... and then im like "what the hell?"
Nonetheless, I'm skeptical about people jumping to conclusions about prozac being responsible for murders, suicides, etc. I think people start taking SSRIs with absurdly high expectations, and then they go through that fake "its working! its working!" period before they realize that nothing is happening.
The ensuing breakdowns, suicides, etc. I suspect have more to do with dashed hopes and desperation than seratonin mania.
We have to accept that the pdoc patient society is full of whingers, attention seakers, and people constantly looking for someone to blame for the cards they've been dealt.
That said, is that really true about cortisol?
Posted by Corafree on May 4, 2005, at 22:22:39
In reply to Re: Alcoholism - side effect??, posted by notfeelingthebest on May 4, 2005, at 22:16:41
'I wouldn't discount it entirely. I every now and then get these never-before-had compulsions to consume a massive bag of potatoe chips, a few chocolate bars, a few packs of pretzels, etc... and then im like "what the hell?"'
Me Too, Big Time! It is awful to eat such junk, but it's like an addiction, a closet addiction. I wish this were looked at more closely as a big problem. I feel this should be listed among bad side effects.
bestwishes cf
Posted by Elroy on May 5, 2005, at 6:09:09
In reply to Re: Alcoholism - side effect??, posted by notfeelingthebest on May 4, 2005, at 22:16:41
Yes, it is true about the cortisol. That part has been backed up by numerous studies. After all it is easy to measure cortisol excretions, either hourly by serum tests or daily output through 24-hour UFC.
A lot of people don't realize it but excessive cortisol initially gives one a "euphoric effect" (very frequently experienced by Cushing's patients when their cortisol first climbs into the high ranges). Unfortunately though it doesn't last that long and then elevated cortisol begins doing its insidious "dirty work".
Is that how many of the SSRIs actually "work", possibly creating a "feel good" atmosphere through the boosting of the cortisol (boosting it into abnormally elevated levels), but then as the "euphoric effect" wears off, it appears that the medication "isn't working anymore"???
QUOTE: Excess Cortisol can:
- Increase blood sugar which in turn stimulates the production of excess insulin (excess insulin leads to body cell destruction and excess fat storage)
- Depress immune function, leading to frequent or prolonged sickness
- Cause loss of muscle mass
- Decrease bone density
- Osteoporosis
- Impair wound healing
- Slow thyroid function
- Increase and prolong appetite
- Encourage fat storage in the abdomen that may be associated with serious chronic health concerns
- Interfere with reproductive function
- Create feelings of anxiety
- Encourage depression
- Promote tumour growth
- Foster feelings of anger and frustration
Cortisol is known as the "death hormone". It prepares our body to die. While cortisol increases with age, growth hormones decrease, which causes us to age.
END QUOTEQUOTE: Cortisol activates fat-storage enzymes in cells. Researchers at the Sahlgren's Hospital in Sweden identified a direct link between cortisol levels and midsection obesity. The higher the cortisol level, the greater the fat accumulation and waist-to-hip ratio. According to National Institutes of Health scientists, "Fat storage is enhanced by an increase in activity of LPL, the activity of which is stimulated by prolonged exposure to high tissue levels of cortisol in combination with insulin."
Marin P, Cortisol secretion in relation to body fat distribution in obese premenopausal women. Metabolism. 1992 Aug;41(8):882-6 - Peeke PM, Chrousos GP. Hypercortisolism and obesity. Ann NY Acad Sci. 1995 Dec 29;771:665-76.
END QUOTEQUOTE: Cortisol & Impaired Memory
Researchers at the Bowman Gray School of Medicine of Wake Forest University in North Carolina validated the ability of cortisol on impairing memory and damaging brain cells.
University of Wisconsin researchers also linked stress-induced excess cortisol to brain damage.
They reviewed literature in which subjects with extremely high cortisol levels later developed psychiatric disorders and cerebral cortical atrophy observed in CT scans. - Kerr DS chronic stress-induced acceleration of electrophysiologic and morphometric biomarkers of hippocampal aging. J Neurosci. 1991 May;11(5):1316-24.
Jensen, Genefke, Hyldebrandt, Pedersen, Petersen and Weile, 1982. Uno H et al. Neurotoxicity of glucocorticoids in the primate brain. Horm Behav. 1994 Dec; 28(4):336-48.
END QUOTEQUOTE: Cortisol & SSRIs
Studies at the University of Colorado and Greenslopes Private Hospital in Brisbane, Australia, showed that Prozac (fluoxetine) increases both cortisol and ACTH levels. Research at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee, also documented the cortisol-boosting effects of Prozac. - Laudenslager ML, Clarke AS. Antidepressant treatment during social challenge prior to 1 year of age affects immune and endocrine responses in adult macaques. Psychiatry Res. 2000 Jul 24;95(1):25-34.
Torpy DJ et al. Diurnal effects of fluoxetine and naloxone on the human hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 1997 June; 24 (6):421-3
Meltzer H et al. Fluoxetine, but not tricyclic antidepressants, potentiates the 5-hydroxytryptophan-mediated increase in plasma cortisol and prolactin secretion in subjects with major depression or with obsessive compulsive disorder. Neuropsychopharmacology. 1997 Jul; 17(1):1-11. - PROZAC INCREASES CORTISOL OUTPUT 2-3 TIMES… DID YOU KNOW:
If you take 1-1/2 pills of Prozac just ONE (1) time (never before and never again), it's possible you'll double your cortisol levels. END QUOTESo it could very well be that the documented problems with Prozac, Paxil, etc., etc. have had to do not only with increasing serotonin levels in people who really don't need it (after all there's something like four major brain neurotransmitters, and what if your problem isn't low serotonin, in fact what if you have normal or even high serotonin and are deficient in something else?), but also in conjunction with the SSRI greatly elevating the cortisol levels? In one patient the elevation might be just enough to account for some serious weight gain and high blood pressure, but in another individdual the cortisol increase might be off the chart and account for serious psychological disordes, etc....
Then again, those are just my thoughts based on the quoted RESEARCH STUDIES....
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Posted by Wendigo on May 5, 2005, at 7:12:57
In reply to Re: Alcoholism - side effect??, posted by Corafree on May 4, 2005, at 22:22:39
Thank you, thank you for the responses to my alcoholism worries...I was certain that at least someone would respond, "Get to an AA meeting, stat!" All the "Are you an alcoholic?" quizzes I've found and taken on the internet confirm that I am indeed an alcoholic, but then (according to the quizzes) so is anyone who has ever felt remorse after drinking, has drunk more than they meant to, or has drunk as an attempt to relax...I don't doubt that I could easily slip into alcoholism without the Effexor side effect, but certainly with it I've shown a scary lack of control. Scary because it doesn't seem to scare me, just my husband. I'm striving for moderation, and it's absurd that after six beers (albeit "light/lo-carb") I'm thinking, hey, this is moderate drinking...I barely have a buzz.
Anyway, wanted to say I appreciate the nonjudgmental responses, even from those who are recovering alcoholics themselves celebrating x number of years' sobriety. I've been through the parallel 12-step program for eating disorders, beating my head against the wall, working steps and surrendering over and over to a higher power, but I have to say that the only thing that broke a ten-year cycle of binge/purge hell for me (and I did see a cognitive therapist at some point) was Effexor XR (75 mg). That was the first time I ever took anything for depression (as soon as I weaned my 11-month-old daughter from nursing). I also began taking oral contraceptives, which probably also helped in the hormone department. After some time I stopped taking Effexor to see how I'd do because we'd moved and I wasn't looking forward to finding another doctor...I was ok for a while but began feeling anxious about my eating and finally found a new doctor and explained my history and requested a prescription for an antidepressant. This time I asked to try Prozac, because I'd read about its efficacy with bulimics. I took it for about six months without problems, then decided to stop it and the birth control during Lent (a "born again" Catholic, you could say, although my spiritual walk/stumble is another story). I became pregnant with my son, found an ob/gyn and explained my history, but didn't get back on anything until my 6th month of pregnancy, when I panicked about my eating again. In case I didn't emphasize it before, the postpartum 11 months after my daughter was born (during which time I nursed her, without any medication) was a nightmarish. I hate that her first months are tainted in memory because of my illness but it's true; I was completely out of control and completely miserable. I can't imagine the quality of my breast milk because I would basically starve myself for days at a time and then binge, then starve and binge, also exercising like a madman. I only wish I had tried an antidepressant sooner, but that's hindsight. Anyway, I told my doctor I couldn't do that again, that I wanted to prepare in advance for the postpartum phase with my second child, so I began taking the Prozac during the six month of pregnancy and continued throughout postpartum. I can't remember the dosage, but I took it for about a year total, and that's when I first noticed the alcohol cravings/lessened alcohol effect. I was concerned because I was still nursing, but told myself it was okay if I drank a bit after I fed my son for the night... I stopped the Prozac and took nothing for a while, during which time I know I felt less of a desire to drink and consumed much less when I did drink.I began taking Effexor again because I had become more reclusive and depressed; didn't want it to adversely affect my kids (avoiding playdates, "fun" social activities). I also noticed some eating anxiety again and anytime that monster rears its head I'll do whatever necessary to knock it back down. I'd rather take Effexor for the rest of my life and wrestle with potential alcoholism than be consumed by the bulimia/bulimarexia again, but that's just me. I'm currently down to 75 mg (down from 150), and it seems better right now. I noticed that if I could just refrain from alcohol for about two or three days after drinking, it didn't seem to be so important to me, but during the first day or two I would feel like, oh no, I'm a total alcoholic, which means I should completely abstain from alcohol for the rest of my life or else who knows what could develop...I'm kidding myself if I think I can drink in moderation, etc. and that kind of thinking really depresses me because I don't WANT to give up the pleasure or freedom of moderate consumption, it's so black and white that way but I know it may be the only sane solution. The idea of abstinence in the eating twelve-step group never worked for me, giving up something only seemed to trigger a binge. Going to meetings seemed to trigger a binge. I don't know.
I do appreciate your support and am relieved to hear that someone else (absolute/fuji) has experienced this; the quotes from Elroy (I think) also helped. This has been my only real problem with either Effexor or Prozac, and as I said before, if I had to choose between the lesser of two evils (eating disorder vs. alcoholism) I'd take alcoholism.
Thanks again.
Posted by rainy on May 5, 2005, at 7:32:38
In reply to Re: Alcoholism - side effect??, posted by Wendigo on May 5, 2005, at 7:12:57
You know what has helped with me on both eating and alcohol has been Topamax. But it's slipping, or I am. I'm just now at 450 mg nefazodone (serzone) and 400 mgs Topamax and I'm having some bulimia probs again--also occasional 3 instead of 1 glasses of wine. This since increasing the nefazodone. But the Top seemed to whack both cravings for months. I'm b/p II.
Depressed, too. Need to go up on the AD again.rainy
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