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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by wildcard on September 18, 2005, at 10:14:49
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor, posted by graceneeded on September 18, 2005, at 7:01:28
Posted by HelenR on September 21, 2005, at 20:51:23
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I started on effexor in july 2004 after struggling with depression for about six months. I waited till my son was born first and decided enough was enough. took 75 mg a day and by nov/dec 04 was feeling good. by jan05 started weaning off. big mistake, depression returned so started again in mar05 and had to up by may05 to 150 mg/day....took what seemed like forever to kick in but by jul/aug 05 much better. now feel great
just wondered if anyone else found that after having gone off, then subsequently required more of the drug to feel better. needless to say I won't try weaning off again for a long if time if ever at all
thanks
Posted by LynnPerley on September 21, 2005, at 23:06:53
In reply to had to up the dose after withdrawal, posted by HelenR on September 21, 2005, at 20:51:23
I tried tapering off of Effexor at the end of 2004 following nearly 3 years on the drug. At the peak I was taking 300 mg. I was able to taper to 37.5 mg daily without too much problem but I could never go off completely. I ended up having a relapse of my depression. I worked back up to 225 mg Effexor and then talked to my doc about side effects - so I've been taking Prozac with the Effexor for about a month now. I am now taking 40 mg Prozac daily in addition to the 225mg Effexor and I feel better than I have in a long time. I am hoping that I can cut back on the Effexor in a few weeks, on a gradual basis, because of the Prozac. (I initially tried Prozac but had to discontinue due to side effects, but I am willing to try again due to a better ability to handle side effects).
Posted by HelenR on September 22, 2005, at 6:19:00
In reply to Long time user of Effexor » HelenR, posted by LynnPerley on September 21, 2005, at 23:06:53
LynnP, thanks
if you don't mind me asking, what were side effects?
Posted by HelenR on September 22, 2005, at 6:22:45
In reply to Long time user of Effexor, posted by LynnPerley on September 11, 2005, at 22:26:02
sorry LynnP
just read your previous entries re side effects
fortunately I haven't had any side effects other than some minor weight gaingood luck
Posted by LynnPerley on September 22, 2005, at 22:47:41
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor-sideeffects, posted by HelenR on September 22, 2005, at 6:22:45
The side effect that caused me to switch from Prozac to Effexor initially was bruxism (jaw clenching). The side effect that caused me to want to wean off of Effexor was general lack of motivation and tiredness. Effexor kept me functional for a long time when I really needed it, and I do not regret taking it. I've come to the conclusion that I need something else. I can't take Wellbutrin due to a seizure history. Taking 15 mg of Ritalin twice a day helps me concentrate, and Buspar helped me work through the jaw clenching apsect when it bothered me before.
I feel weird taking the Ritalin. I can mail order a 90 day prescription to my insurance company, so I don't have the hassle of going to the doc's office once a month to pick up a new prescription, but I find myself skipping it on the days I don't need to focus on details. I would probably do better if I took it daily twice a day - but the difference is so subtle it is hard for me to appreciate it. I'm content to laze back and ignore the fact that I am sticking my head in the sand about my responsibilities and I waste a lot of time when I do not take it because I am easily distracted.
It is so hard to determine mental side effects of meds versus symptoms of the depression itself. I've discovered that the depression itself will cause me to ignore or not recognize side effcts of medication. Outside events such as a close friend or relative's comment, or messing up some responsibility like paying bills on time. cause me to *wake up* and realize that Effexor alone is no longer the best drug treatment for me.
Posted by JaneB on September 23, 2005, at 11:34:00
In reply to Long time user of Effexor » HelenR, posted by LynnPerley on September 22, 2005, at 22:47:41
If you don't mind my asking--what is your age range? I have been researching use of Ritalin for the "more mature" age group. Thanks
Posted by rory on September 24, 2005, at 1:54:35
In reply to had to up the dose after withdrawal, posted by HelenR on September 21, 2005, at 20:51:23
I have been on Effexor XR 150 mg's for around 8 years for anxiety/depression. I must say that Effexor saved my life, and its a good drug compared to others I have tried. But I will also say it IS A DRUG. And getting off of it was hard. Ive been off of it for around 3 weeks now. I tapered off over 2 weeks, and the hardest part was the first week on zero. HOWEVER, it is do-able. Everyone is different, and will detox differently. I did want to take more, even considered licking the pills, when it got bad. But I didnt, and it worked. The side effects are gone! There is a lot of advice and specifics that Id love to share if anyone wants it. Oh, and I am not fixed, or cured. I am starting the process of seeking help. Anxiety is a son of a b*tch, and it haunts me still.
Posted by LynnPerley on September 24, 2005, at 7:46:34
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor » LynnPerley, posted by JaneB on September 23, 2005, at 11:34:00
> If you don't mind my asking--what is your age range? I have been researching use of Ritalin for the "more mature" age group. Thanks
I'm 43.
Posted by TinMan on September 24, 2005, at 7:50:18
In reply to Long time user of Effexor » HelenR, posted by LynnPerley on September 22, 2005, at 22:47:41
You know, I had the same experience. I paid a bill late and didn't care. (Trust me when I tell you this is so not me!!) It *woke* me up when I got a call from the creditor wondering where their money was. I was tired of being so lethargic, not caring and wanting to sleep all the time. Plus, the sexual side effects were causing a strain on my already strained marriage.
I had to get pushy, but I finally got the message through to my Psychiatrist that Effexor alone was not working for me. Now I am trying the Wellbutrin 150 mg and Effexor 150 mg combo. I have been on it for almost a week and feel much better, less lethargic and sleepy.
I do get headaches though. I don't know if it because of the taper from 225 mg of Effexor to 150 mg or the Wellbutrin. Plus, sometimes I can feel my heart beating so fast in my chest (see, I do have a heart!)for no reason other than the meds.
Good luck to you that are getting off the meds. I have been reading a lot and going to therapy and marital counseling. It helps A LOT!
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 24, 2005, at 18:01:16
In reply to Actually seems to be working, posted by rory on September 24, 2005, at 1:54:35
> I tapered off over 2 weeks...
Welcome! And sorry if it's confusing here, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding tapering off to Psycho-Babble Withdrawal. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20050822/msgs/559094.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by NicknameRay on September 27, 2005, at 11:21:21
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi there. I'm new to this board - my first post. I was doing some research on Effexor XR and came across this board. I started seeing a therapist a couple months ago for what we've decided is very mild depression. I wanted to stay away from all medication if possible, however, she has led me to believe that a small dose of something might help. So I went to my dr last week and he started me on Effexor XR. (My mom and grandmother take it for anxiety and do well with it - so he thought genetically, it might help me.)
I started it Thursday and only 37.5 mg a day. I feel SO tired - worse than I did before (and the fatigue was one of my earliest complaints). I am constantly yawning.
After reading these posts, I'm scared to death to continue this medication and have decided to do this on my own. I don't have any anxiety and don't think this med is going to help me. Not only that but I already suffer from an extremely low libido - I don't need it to be worse.
My question is, after reading all the horrible withdrawal symptoms people have had - I'm wondering if I'm ok to stop it. I totally understand that the majority of the people withdrawing from it have been on it (and at a higher dose) for a long time, so I may not have any problem at all. Just curious for opinions (I have a call in to my dr and meet with my therapist in an hour) - do you think I can just stop taking it?
Thanks so much!
Posted by HelenR on September 27, 2005, at 11:45:59
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by NicknameRay on September 27, 2005, at 11:21:21
hi nickname Ray
I'm not an expert of course, just another taker of Effexor, but it sounds like you just started taking meds few days ago? I really don't think you need to worry about stopping them, I have always found that it takes several weeks for them to take effect
good luck
Posted by canuck22 on September 27, 2005, at 15:58:51
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by NicknameRay on September 27, 2005, at 11:21:21
I do n ot want to try to influence you because you have already seemed to make your mind up, but you should really try to keep with the effexor for at least 3 weeks. You will not notice any difference in yourself feeling better before then, it takes awhile for it to start working and teh side effects to ear off so it is unfortunate that you are writing it off.
I like you was going to a therapist who suggested I go see a doctor (and she is not an advocate of AD's at all and told me she wouldn't have suggested it unless she really thought it would help). I , also like you was very against the idea of going on an anti-depressant and being tired was the worst symptom I had as well. After about 2 weeks on 37.5 mg of the effexor and 200mg of Wellbutrin (I think it helps with the tiredness, it gives you energy) I felt a world of difference and I am glad I stuck with it. I also had very mild depression which I believe has been present for a number of years and I only got help when it got worse. I just want you to know you do not have to feel even mildly depressed for one day longer, it isn't any way to really experience your life. Hope you don't go through any withdrawls. I went from 75 mg to 37.5 mg without any problem and am hoping it will stay that way. Good Luck
> Hi there. I'm new to this board - my first post. I was doing some research on Effexor XR and came across this board. I started seeing a therapist a couple months ago for what we've decided is very mild depression. I wanted to stay away from all medication if possible, however, she has led me to believe that a small dose of something might help. So I went to my dr last week and he started me on Effexor XR. (My mom and grandmother take it for anxiety and do well with it - so he thought genetically, it might help me.)
>
> I started it Thursday and only 37.5 mg a day. I feel SO tired - worse than I did before (and the fatigue was one of my earliest complaints). I am constantly yawning.
>
> After reading these posts, I'm scared to death to continue this medication and have decided to do this on my own. I don't have any anxiety and don't think this med is going to help me. Not only that but I already suffer from an extremely low libido - I don't need it to be worse.
>
> My question is, after reading all the horrible withdrawal symptoms people have had - I'm wondering if I'm ok to stop it. I totally understand that the majority of the people withdrawing from it have been on it (and at a higher dose) for a long time, so I may not have any problem at all. Just curious for opinions (I have a call in to my dr and meet with my therapist in an hour) - do you think I can just stop taking it?
>
> Thanks so much!
Posted by wildcard on September 27, 2005, at 16:25:45
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by NicknameRay on September 27, 2005, at 11:21:21
Hey there and welcome! I am on Effexor XR and it is the only one to help me. I however, have severe anxiety,severe depressive d/o and PTSD. You said u do not have anxiety but mild depression w/ an already low libido. Although ur doc is correct about the family issue, it may not be the right med. for u BUT, it does take time. The side effects do ease up or go away and then u begin to feel better. Just to let u know, i recently had my doc add Wellbutrin XL along w/ the Effexor b/c it increases energy a good bit and i have been so fatigued lately BUT it is also known to up ones libido quite a bit. U may want to ask about this and also google it. Just some info. that i hope helps. Take care ; )
Posted by LynnPerley on September 27, 2005, at 21:55:29
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by NicknameRay on September 27, 2005, at 11:21:21
Ray - Yawning is a common side effect of Effexor XR and many other antidepressants. It does go away with time. I had it when I took my first antidepressant (Prozac) and between it and the jaw clenching effect I wanted something else - thus I ended up on Effexor.
Are you prescribed Effexor by a primary care physician or a psychiatrist? Psychiatrists have more experience medicating depression, and if your circumstances will allow it, get to one sooner rather than later. Personally, I think I waited too long to switch to a psychiatrist.
If you search this forum using keywords for your particular side effect you will find posts from many people who found different ways to relieve those side effects. Example: I found that Buspar (buspirone) is a cheap and effective medication to decrease the jaw clenching side effect - I took it in the evenings and it helped me sleep better. It did not give me any "hangover" type effect, either. Eventually, this side effect went away. The Buspar was recommended by a psychiatrist. When I complained about this side effect to the family doc who initially gave me a prescription for antidepressants, his solution was to switch to a different medication.
I would think you could give up the Effexor now without feeling much worse than you already do because it does not stay in your system for long, but a professional already thinks you need something in addition to therapy. If you are talking to a family doc now, I suggest you make an appointment with a psychiatrist to continue the process of finding the right medication.
Posted by hevvi1 on September 29, 2005, at 8:01:34
In reply to Effexor and Tiredness?, posted by Ezra666 on September 11, 2005, at 22:41:52
I have just started taking Effexor xr and am currently on 75mg.I have a lot of sweating and can't sleep properly,also i have the jaw clenching thing going on...I was relieved to read that it was not only me who had these side effects.I was wondering if what time of day you take it makes a difference to anything,particularly the sleeplessness,as I take mine in early evening after dinner.Does anyone think I should take it in the morning instead?would this eleviate the sleeplessnes???any input would be helpful....thanks...
Posted by LynnPerley on September 29, 2005, at 8:22:35
In reply to Re: Effexor and Tiredness?, posted by hevvi1 on September 29, 2005, at 8:01:34
> I have just started taking Effexor xr and am currently on 75mg.I have a lot of sweating and can't sleep properly,also i have the jaw clenching thing going on...I was relieved to read that it was not only me who had these side effects.I was wondering if what time of day you take it makes a difference to anything,particularly the sleeplessness,as I take mine in early evening after dinner.Does anyone think I should take it in the morning instead?would this eleviate the sleeplessnes???any input would be helpful....thanks...
I recall having these issues early on and by the time I ramped up to 150mg the tiredness took over and I had no issues sleeping. I switched from taking Effexor in the morning to taking it in the evening.
To more directly answer your question - if you just started and you are ramping up your dose these side effects may only be temporary. If you decide to change the time of day you take it, do so gradually. If you suddenly switch by failing to take it at night you will get the awful symptoms that occur when you forget to take it at all. Gradually take it earlier and earlier in the day rather than just skipping a dose with the intent to take it in the morning.
Posted by gadman on September 29, 2005, at 8:40:43
In reply to Time of day to take Effexor » hevvi1, posted by LynnPerley on September 29, 2005, at 8:22:35
I take mine in the A.M. as early as possible... This seems to help the sleeplessness.
Posted by Britt on September 29, 2005, at 8:55:28
In reply to I'm so glad I finally did this!, posted by Melinda on April 27, 2000, at 14:02:39
I hate taking medications. But, I have an inner saddness that won't go away. I get irritable and tired...I sometimes obsess over work problems, I feel ugly most of the time even though I know I'm not. Paxil helped, but I gained weight and had a serious libido decline (I married a young man and NEED my libido!). I'd almost rather live with the symptoms I have than lose my libido again. It's really the only thing that makes me feel alive sometimes. Does anyone know an antidepressant that does NOT come with sexual dysfunction?
Posted by haddsl on September 29, 2005, at 8:59:21
In reply to Re: Effexor and Tiredness?, posted by hevvi1 on September 29, 2005, at 8:01:34
It is hard to say, I used to take mine in the morning after breakfast, I still couldn't sleep, and had jaw clenching all day, and would grind my teeth in my sleep. I also had the sweating problem, it goes away soon after you get used to the medicine. By The Way... If the sweating thing is really a problem, I use Certain Dry, it comes in a box in the deoderant section. I get mine at Rite-Aid. You put it on at night like a deoderant, and it helps to stop the sweating under your arms at least. I know I used to pour down sweat from everywhere, but this does help, and I use it for heat waves and everything.
> I have just started taking Effexor xr and am currently on 75mg.I have a lot of sweating and can't sleep properly,also i have the jaw clenching thing going on...I was relieved to read that it was not only me who had these side effects.I was wondering if what time of day you take it makes a difference to anything,particularly the sleeplessness,as I take mine in early evening after dinner.Does anyone think I should take it in the morning instead?would this eleviate the sleeplessnes???any input would be helpful....thanks...
Posted by Britt on September 29, 2005, at 9:05:36
In reply to Re: Effexor/ info re: libido » NicknameRay, posted by wildcard on September 27, 2005, at 16:25:45
Wow. Wellbutrin really is a hard medication for those who suffer PTSD (to include agitation). I also am being treated for PTSD (along with anxiety and depression) and I asked about the Wellbutrin because I wanted my libido back after losing it to Paxil. My doc said no. No, he would never prescribe Wellbutrin to those with PTSD because the anger already present due to war and grief would be further agitated. Please research the Wellbutrin to see if this would be true for you. As I asked before, does anyone know of an anti-depressant (besides one that heightens agitation) that does not give us the "salt-peter" effect? LOL.
Posted by haddsl on September 29, 2005, at 9:16:26
In reply to Re: I'm so glad I finally did this!, posted by Britt on September 29, 2005, at 8:55:28
How about a different Med to help you be happier. I am having trouble being happy. I love my life and stuff, I just can't seem to get myself in a good mood, or happy outwardly. Any Suggestions are welcome!> I hate taking medications. But, I have an inner saddness that won't go away. I get irritable and tired...I sometimes obsess over work problems, I feel ugly most of the time even though I know I'm not. Paxil helped, but I gained weight and had a serious libido decline (I married a young man and NEED my libido!). I'd almost rather live with the symptoms I have than lose my libido again. It's really the only thing that makes me feel alive sometimes. Does anyone know an antidepressant that does NOT come with sexual dysfunction?
Posted by wildcard on September 29, 2005, at 9:23:30
In reply to Re: Effexor/ info re: libido, posted by Britt on September 29, 2005, at 9:05:36
Unfortunately, I have not heard of one or taken one except Wellbutrin that did not have that s/effect. I take Effexor Xr and Klonopin. I have severe fatigue and residual depression/anxiety and PTSD as well. I am currently (3rd day) taking 150mg Wellbutrin XL w/ the other two meds.. When i took WButrin alone, I was overagressive and angry so i see where ur doc is coming from BUT everyone reacts differentely to meds. and if the libido issue bothers u that much, maybe approach ur doc about WButrin and an anti anxiety as well? There have been some that have had success w/ an Effexor and Wellbutrin combo along w/ a benzo(xanax,valium,klonopin). Wellbutrin tripled my *normal* libido and now i have a 10 month old beautiful baby boy!! ; ) Just FYI! Take care.
Posted by wildcard on September 29, 2005, at 9:26:30
In reply to Re: I'm so glad I finally did this!, posted by haddsl on September 29, 2005, at 9:16:26
Hey there! It sounds like it cld. be ur serontonin?? What have u tried? I'll try to offer help any way i can! (((hugs)))
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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