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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by ed_uk on October 11, 2005, at 16:39:05
In reply to Effexor Sexual Side effects, posted by mainjump on October 11, 2005, at 16:31:27
>They are a little, how do I say this, spongey. Just not as rock hard as before.
I've been on antidepressants for 7 years. I'm wondering whether I'll have spongy erections for the rest of my life. Long time since I was rock hard.~ed
Posted by TinMan on October 11, 2005, at 18:53:33
In reply to Re: Effexor Sexual Side effects » mainjump, posted by ed_uk on October 11, 2005, at 16:39:05
From my own experience, and for what that counts for, I must say that the Wellbutrin has certainly helped with the sexual side effects of Effexor. I.E., the libido and the orgasm. Being single on Effexor: Hmmmm...for the OCD (for me) and the social anxiety, great! The sexual side effects, would be a big no! Can you add Wellbutrin? Would Wellbutrin by itself be effective for you? Questions for your prescribing Dr., I am sure.
And now, for the record, I know what others mean when they talk of the "brain buzzing". Weird sensation, not wholly unpleasant, not pleasant, just weird.
Posted by Britt on October 11, 2005, at 20:28:26
In reply to Re: Effexor Sexual Side effects, posted by TinMan on October 11, 2005, at 18:53:33
Wow. Fellas this might seem strange to you. But some women like their men...say...a little spongey ;). Not trying to be sexual, what I mean is that everyone likes something a little different. The Wellbutrin may, in fact, help that, if you don't like it. But I say first, a woman that is genuinely interested in YOU, the REAL you, can find something to do with a little bit flacid erection. You have to be happy. You have to be loved for YOU. Sex is much more than rock hard intercourse! Heck, if I weren't a married woman I'd take ya!
About the brain buzzing...it is definitely a trip. Funny I have never done drugs because I don't like the feeling of being "drugged". And now I walk around with this buzzy detached feeling...especially in the several hours after I take the capsule. I'll just pretend like it's the 60's and giggle at it :).
Posted by Green Willow on October 11, 2005, at 22:10:03
In reply to Ringing in ears from Effexor anyone?, posted by 4wd on October 5, 2005, at 22:22:25
> Has anyone ever experienced ringing in the ears from Effexor?
>> Marsha
A few years ago, I took Effexor for a few months, and had the most horrible ringing in my ears that one can imagine. I did not make the connection to Effexor because I had many health problems and many prescriptions, but now that you mention it . . . . Hmmmmmm
Posted by Graceneeded on October 12, 2005, at 7:57:46
In reply to Re: Ringing in ears from Effexor anyone?, posted by Green Willow on October 11, 2005, at 22:10:03
Been off for a month now. Feel good. Tend to get upset easy but at least now I can feel. Buzzing in head when eyes move finally ended. Sex drive coming back and food taste better again. My wife loves me off meds and my 16 hates it. The meds work good but side effects and withdrawel were hell.
Posted by Chrispy_85 on October 12, 2005, at 9:55:33
In reply to Re: Ringing in ears from Effexor anyone? » chrispy_85, posted by 4wd on October 10, 2005, at 22:48:05
> > > > > Has anyone ever experienced ringing in the ears from Effexor?
> > > > >
> > > > > And do you notice a sort of apathetic feeling, like you don't really enjoy anything, everything is just sort of the same?
> > > > >
> > > > > Marsha
> > > >
> > > > hello there. i've only been on effexor for about a month now, but i'm definately experiencing that feeling. half the time i feel like all i'm doing is just simply 'being'. it feels like my emotions are suppressing themselves. things that i would normally have emotional problems with just don't seem to bother me anymore. i guess that's what the pills are supposed to do? but it still feels kind of strange. does that make any sense?
> > >
> > >
> > > I think that's pretty typical with Effexor, along with the inability to cry. I stopped Effexor about six months ago because it had quit working for depression (I had been on it for about 4-5 years). Now I am experiencing all the emotional upsets that I didn't experience before. What I mean is that every bad feeling, every bit of anxiety and fear that I didn't have while I was on Effexor is hitting me now. I don't think this happens to most people but it;s happening to me.
> > >
> > > It's possible there's more involved than just the Effexor but I know that every time I tried to switch from Effexor to a different AD, I started getting panicky and terrified within a couple of weeks and I'd have to go back on. I finally decided to live through it and get off it. It could just be that the Effexor was treating anxiety that I would have had anyway but I've never been as badly scared as I have been the last six months. I hope it gets better soon.
> > >
> > > The lack of emotion might lessen if you were on a lower dose.
> > >
> > > Marsha
> > >
> >
> > hey marsha,
> >
> > thanks for all of your input on that. i really hope that things get better for you soon. it must be really awful to have all of that anxiety come back after so long. do you think the drugs are worth the lack of emotion? i figure since you were on them for so much longer then i've been you might be able to tell me. i just can't tell now. i just don't feel like myself anymore and it's beginning to scare me. but then on the other hand, the thought of having that anxiety and panic attacks also scares me. i don't know. anyways, i really hope you start feeling better soon.
> >
> > chris
> >
>
>
> Well, it was worth it for me. I hated it, though, and kept trying to get off Effexor, partly because of that. When Effexor quit working and I had to start searching for someting else tolerable, I really began to appreciate what Effexor had done for me in the past. If I could get back to that, I would. It's a lot better than being in intolerable emotional pain or terror. In fact, I keep thinking I'll try Effexor again.
>
> What dose do you take?
>
> Marsha
>hey marsha,
i'm taking 150mg/day right now, but i have a doctor's appt later today about upping it. i'm not sure if i should, but he said for anxiety and panic attacks it usually takes a higher dose to work. i really hope it works. i can't take the panic attacks anymore. the anxiety is down a bit, but it could be a lot more forsure. thanks for listening marsha, it's nice to have a person to talk to about this stuff. if i talk to my friends about it i feel like they'll think i'm crazy or something. if there's anything i can do to help you, just let me know. if i can do it, i'd be happy to.
Posted by Yesenia on October 12, 2005, at 12:28:13
In reply to Re: Effexor Sexual Side effects » mainjump, posted by ed_uk on October 11, 2005, at 16:39:05
As for my experience, i have being with Effexor XR for one year and I have side effects on sexual intercourse. I have had many times that i feel frustruated because i'm in the action and i can't come, it's very frustruated!!!!! but, also there are days that i can come but mostly of the time i'm not in the moon.
Posted by ed_uk on October 12, 2005, at 14:15:18
In reply to Re: Effexor Sexual Side effects » TinMan, posted by Britt on October 11, 2005, at 20:28:26
LOL Britt, you're too sweet!
~Ed
Posted by 4wd on October 12, 2005, at 15:14:35
In reply to Re: Ringing in ears from Effexor anyone?, posted by Green Willow on October 11, 2005, at 22:10:03
> > Has anyone ever experienced ringing in the ears from Effexor?
> >
>
> > Marsha
>
> A few years ago, I took Effexor for a few months, and had the most horrible ringing in my ears that one can imagine. I did not make the connection to Effexor because I had many health problems and many prescriptions, but now that you mention it . . . . Hmmmmmm
>
>Thanks for your response. If is an unusual side effect but it drove me crazy. Now I have to decide whether I'd rather have severe neck pain and stiffness and residual anxiety from Celexa (positives = energy and motivation and no anhedonia) or go back to Effexor and have the ear ringing and apathy and anhedonia (positives = no neck pain, what a relief, less anxiety). What a decision.
Posted by 4wd on October 12, 2005, at 15:21:02
In reply to Re: Ringing in ears from Effexor anyone?, posted by Chrispy_85 on October 12, 2005, at 9:55:33
>> hey marsha,
>
> i'm taking 150mg/day right now, but i have a doctor's appt later today about upping it. i'm not sure if i should, but he said for anxiety and panic attacks it usually takes a higher dose to work. i really hope it works. i can't take the panic attacks anymore. the anxiety is down a bit, but it could be a lot more forsure. thanks for listening marsha, it's nice to have a person to talk to about this stuff. if i talk to my friends about it i feel like they'll think i'm crazy or something. if there's anything i can do to help you, just let me know. if i can do it, i'd be happy to.
>
Hi. Well, upping the dose may increase that feeling of detachedness. Is it unpleasant? Or is it nice to feel less upset about stuff? It was weird for me that I couldn't cry at the saddest stuff. Also remember that as the dose gets higher it will be more likely to cause bad effects if you accidentally miss a dose. You might want to give it another week or two at your current dose to see if the anxiety continues to improve.Are you ahveing other side effects? ARe you male or female?
marsha
Posted by Mim on October 15, 2005, at 1:20:44
In reply to Re: Anybody else have rage or anger attacks????, posted by eeyorena on January 25, 2005, at 21:47:16
I had anger attacks forever until I was on amitriptyline for 6 years. My doctor switched me over to effexor recently because it is a more modern drug. Well, this week I just about quit my job, divorced my husband and sold my huse: can you say distructive? I am so greatful to read this, it makes me feel less crazy. Thank you.
Posted by Dr. Bob on October 16, 2005, at 9:21:10
In reply to Effexor Free, posted by Graceneeded on October 12, 2005, at 7:57:46
> Been off for a month now...
Sorry to interrupt, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding being off to Psycho-Babble Withdrawal. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20050822/msgs/567538.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by nmb33 on October 17, 2005, at 22:05:56
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I used to have serious panic and anxiety attacks! My doctor prescribed me to Effexor. I started at 37.5mg and am now up to 75mg. I started taking them about 2 1/2 months ago. I was also prescribed Zanax in the case of a panic attack. She told me to take one of those if I felt one coming on. Since I've been on Effexor, I have not had one panic attack (Knock on wood!!!) At first I had naseau, and headaches. I also would feel really sick if I didn't eat when I was hungry. But now...I'm fine. I don't have much of my old appetite, alot of the time when I eat, I'm not even hungry, I'm just eating out of boredom or going out with friends. I have gained weight, however I don't know if it's from the Effexor or not. I started gaining weight before taking the pills. Last year I was on a very strict diet and was very much in shape. I then stopped dieting and no longer cared. And out of depression just started eating anything I wanted. So i don't really know if its from the effexor or not. But overall, effexor HAS worked for me!
Posted by hevvi1 on October 18, 2005, at 20:39:22
In reply to I feel great!, posted by nmb33 on October 17, 2005, at 22:05:56
I feel great too...I started around the same time as you and i am on the same dose.I haven't felt this good in years..I have a decreased appetite ,which is always a help!!i only have a couple of side effects,none of them bad at all,I occasionally clench my jaw,especially in the mornings when i yawn and clench a couple of times and some nights I wake up a couple of times but I can go back to sleep again...overall Effexor xr has been a godsend for me..no more panic attacks or anxiety,depression completely gone..I love it!!!
Posted by chrispy_85 on October 19, 2005, at 12:34:45
In reply to Re: Ringing in ears from Effexor anyone? » Chrispy_85, posted by 4wd on October 12, 2005, at 15:21:02
> >> hey marsha,
> >
> > i'm taking 150mg/day right now, but i have a doctor's appt later today about upping it. i'm not sure if i should, but he said for anxiety and panic attacks it usually takes a higher dose to work. i really hope it works. i can't take the panic attacks anymore. the anxiety is down a bit, but it could be a lot more forsure. thanks for listening marsha, it's nice to have a person to talk to about this stuff. if i talk to my friends about it i feel like they'll think i'm crazy or something. if there's anything i can do to help you, just let me know. if i can do it, i'd be happy to.
> >
>
>
> Hi. Well, upping the dose may increase that feeling of detachedness. Is it unpleasant? Or is it nice to feel less upset about stuff? It was weird for me that I couldn't cry at the saddest stuff. Also remember that as the dose gets higher it will be more likely to cause bad effects if you accidentally miss a dose. You might want to give it another week or two at your current dose to see if the anxiety continues to improve.
>
> Are you ahveing other side effects? ARe you male or female?
>
> marsha
>
>
Hey marsha,sorry i took so long to get back to you. i am very, very forgetful and i'm sometimes convinced that i've done something when i haven't, so i'm sorry. well, i guess it's been about a week since we last talked and my anxiety is down a lot more, but i am still having serious panic attacks which is kind of weird because i thought the anxiety was what was causing them. I had one of the worst ones of my life a few days ago. i just lost my mind completely. i really feel like something is very wrong with me. they put me on zanax to try and control the panic attacks and it's been working so far, but i think it's only because it makes me so out of it. i feel like a total space case now. and you're absolutely right about it being strange not having emotions. i used to get so excited about my birthday...it's today actually. but now i just don't feel anything. i just feel like i'm a burden to everything and it would be better off if i just ended it all. i don't know what to think actually. i hope that i don't end up on these pills for a long time. i'm just not me anymore but at the same time i remember before i took the meds the anxiety was just too much. i'm sorry to be rambling on so much. oh, and the side effects that i have are waking up in the middle of the night every night, my hands and lower jaw shake a lot, i can't control my leg's constant shaking, and i think my pupils are taking over the rest of my eyes. that's about it. oh and i'm male, i think you asked right? well yeah, i'm 20 years old and i've lost my marbles...pretty attractive features huh? haha, just joking. i just feel totally screwed up today. oh well, i guess that's just the way it goes. anyways, thanks again for listening, it helps.
chris
Posted by Graceneeded on October 22, 2005, at 9:33:04
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Just got off Effexor and now starting Topamax. Any body have any thoughts. I amy really depressed and anxious. Danny
Posted by TinMan on October 22, 2005, at 9:52:37
In reply to Any one using Topamax, posted by Graceneeded on October 22, 2005, at 9:33:04
Hey Danny! Thanks for keeping us posted on how you are doing. I am not familiar with Topomax and am wondering if it is an AD, SSRI or what?
The depression and anxiety: did they come back in full force after stopping the Effexor? If I remember correctly, you were going to try to be "drug free" for a while. How has it been for you without the Effexor?
Sometimes I wonder; there is so much about the human mind, hormones and chemistry that is unknown and misunderstood. Is our depression and anxiety an outcome of our "nurturing" or is it "nature" like diabetes, asthma, hypertension? Combo of both? Am I being niave and optimistic thinking that I don't need to take an AD or SSRI?
Where and Who is that man behind the curtain?!? ~Tinman
Posted by Graceneeded on October 22, 2005, at 10:22:12
In reply to Re: Any one using Topamax, posted by TinMan on October 22, 2005, at 9:52:37
I was able to stay off the meds for a month and was really happy. I laughted alot but I also had almost uncontrolable rage after comming off the Effexor. I know it can be a side affect of the Effexor but this post. Everything was going well then I had a rough argument with the wife and a teenager failing classes and it was like boomb. The great feeling was gone, the rage was gone and clininal depression and anxiety hit like they were never gone. The aregument or what ever was enough to throw off the brain chemistry. I started of Topamax a SSRI on Thursday and sure wish it would kick in. I guess I will never go meds free but I hope I never have to go back on Effexor. Right now I am pretty sad. Do not know if I should lie down and rest or keep moving fighting the depression in hope something will click? Danny
Posted by corafree on October 22, 2005, at 13:46:15
In reply to Re: Any one using Topamax, posted by Graceneeded on October 22, 2005, at 10:22:12
Hey .. it's Saturday.
Thought Topomax was a mood stabilizer; tks for education.
I do have a friend that said it was a very good drug for her.
If you are tired .. I'd think rest. While resting, try make a plan on how you will accomplish any NECESSARY errands of your day.
bestwishes cf
Posted by Graceneeded on October 22, 2005, at 13:58:03
In reply to Re: Any one using Topamax, posted by corafree on October 22, 2005, at 13:46:15
I am on Lexapro not Topamax. Sorry
Posted by Phillipa on October 22, 2005, at 17:44:12
In reply to My Mistake not Topramax but Lexapro, posted by Graceneeded on October 22, 2005, at 13:58:03
That makes more sense since Topamax is a mood stabalizer. But lexapro is an antidepressant. I tried it but it made me too anxious. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by TinMan on October 22, 2005, at 18:19:55
In reply to My Mistake not Topramax but Lexapro, posted by Graceneeded on October 22, 2005, at 13:58:03
When my sister took Lexapro, after about 2 weeks nothing seemed to bother her. She was in too much of a "whatever" mode. My husband is on Lexapro and seems to like it although it doesn't seem to effect him too much. When my sister-in-law took it, she was so dizzy and tired that she couldn't get out of bed. It is different experience for everyone, I am sure.
I am sorry to hear about your argument and teen not doing well in classes. Did the argument come on while you were feeling "enraged"? Was there something legitimate that happened for you to feel that way? I am trying to get a feel about what to expect when I go off the Effexor. I don't need the "raging" side effects!
If you feel tired, lie down for a while. Take care of yourself. Hopefully, the Lexapro will kick in and you will feel more like yourself. (I think I have forgotten what it is to feel like me - I mean, on the Effexor, my mood is blah. All the time. Blah.)
Posted by Graceneeded on October 22, 2005, at 21:04:54
In reply to Re: My Mistake not Topramax but Lexapro, posted by TinMan on October 22, 2005, at 18:19:55
The arugument was justified but in poor timing. I took the lexapor and it made me very sleepy all day. I took one of my wifes Mededates and it went away. That might be the combo for me. Danny
Posted by Graceneeded on October 24, 2005, at 20:53:19
In reply to Re: My Mistake not Topramax but Lexapro, posted by Graceneeded on October 22, 2005, at 21:04:54
Having a rough time. The Lexapro has a sedation affect on me and with depression thats not good.
Danny
Posted by Bets43 on October 25, 2005, at 17:46:22
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor, posted by TinMan on October 5, 2005, at 18:52:06
Hi All! I am a 43 year old mother of 4. I have just started Effexor. I have been on Zoloft for a couple of years....I am starting the effexor and dropping the zoloft. Zoloft wasn't to bad especially compared with the paxil I was on for about a year. It made me a ZOMBIE! However, the zoloft seemed to lose it's affectiveness with me and lately I have been extremely anxious, have had some obsessive type symptoms and inability to concentrate in some situations. I was even thinking about suicide MAYBE being a viable option. Luckily, I didn't seriously consider it. I often wonder if my problems have anything to do with the large amount of drugs I took as a teenager and into my early 20's...alcohol too. I do none of that stuff now and haven't for many years but can't help but think I did some harm to myself.....
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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