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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by TinMan on October 26, 2005, at 20:57:51
In reply to Re: Effexor Sexual Side effects » Zinger, posted by 4wd on October 26, 2005, at 15:08:36
When I first started Effexor, I got horrible "night sweats" and doing any sort of physical work caused me to sweat in a most embarassing way. Now, after being on Effexor for almost 5 months, the sweating is not at bad, at least not at night.
Previously, I used to like a warmer room rather than a cold one. Now, I like the cold room. The oncoming winter and colder weather is, for the first time in my life, a good thing. Is this menopause? The Effexor? For me, I really don't think that Effexor would work for hot flashes.
My appetite has increased and I have gained weight. The Citrucel is a must and sometimes, it doesn't work that well, for me.
And no, on this board, I really don't think anyone will tell you "to get over it" or to "just deal with it". One thread we may all have in common is that our own hardships have made us aware that it is not simply a moral weakness, a thought to wish away or a feeling to discard and replace with something more "appropriate".
I, too, have had the angry, ragings and feel so guilty afterwards. Effexor definitely helps there. Paxil, for me, made the ragings more frequent and violent. PTSD? Anyway, if a side effect of getting off Effexor is rage attacks, well, then I don't think I will be getting off Effexor anytime soon.
My rusted two cents worth...-TinMan
Posted by SandiDee on October 27, 2005, at 6:34:29
In reply to Re: Effexor Sexual Side effects, posted by TinMan on October 26, 2005, at 20:57:51
I also suffer from hot flashes since starting the effexor in june. I am warm quite a bit, and sleeping has become difficult because of the sweats. The constipation continues to be a battle, I have had to increase my fiber intake greatly. I haven't gained any weight since starting effexor, I have actually lost 6 lbs. since july, and some might say I don't need to, but I feel better with the weight off. The sexual side effects have lessened dramatically since I started wellbutrin, it really helped alot. This thread has been a great place for me, although I don't know anyone here, I feel comfortable, and understood when I am here. It's hard to find that feeling otherwise, which is truly sad.
Posted by spierson1253 on October 27, 2005, at 19:03:42
In reply to Re: Effexor Sexual Side effects, posted by SandiDee on October 27, 2005, at 6:34:29
I felt the same way less than a week ago. There are some wonderful people here. It hasn't made all the issues go away, but it has made things a lot easier to deal with.
Posted by Mim on October 28, 2005, at 6:30:04
In reply to Re: Effexor Sexual Side effects » SandiDee, posted by spierson1253 on October 27, 2005, at 19:03:42
> I felt the same way less than a week ago. There are some wonderful people here. It hasn't made all the issues go away, but it has made things a lot easier to deal with.
It is really great to read this, it makes me feel less alone and less crazy. TinMan, I am glad to hear about the rage and anger and guilt, I thought I was the only one in the world who was that distructive. I wish I COULD just "deal with it" or "not overreact" but I can't. It isn't a choice, and I think I will probably be on something forever.
I wish all of you lots of strength in dealing with everything, thank you thank you thank you
Posted by TinMan on October 28, 2005, at 18:33:09
In reply to Re: Effexor Sexual Side effects, posted by Mim on October 28, 2005, at 6:30:04
Yes, thank you thank you thank you to all who post here! It has honestly been a Godsend for me; to know that I am not alone in these kinds of struggles and battles with myself.
I hate my "hair trigger" and my "flying off the handle" traits. Some of you can relate to how most difficult it is to change them.
Honestly, if it were only as simple as going to see "the Wizard"...or taking a pill...but it isn't. That does not mean I will stop trying to change; it just means that I recognize how terribly difficult it is.
Life is messy. It just is. And that is okay.
I do have a heart I do I do! -TinMan
Posted by IvyxClash on October 30, 2005, at 3:52:49
In reply to Re: Effexor Sexual Side effects, posted by Zinger on October 26, 2005, at 11:36:54
I assure you, it's much better to have hot flashes than to be on a medication for anti-depressants. Effexor is expensive and has very unpleasant side effects for some people. The withdrawal symptoms that you will experience will be worse than what you started with.
It blows my mind that any doctor would give someone an anti-depressant for hot flashes. It sounds like more than a few doctors have done that. If I were you, I would SERIOUSLY consider getting a second opinion.
Posted by IvyxClash on October 30, 2005, at 4:00:54
In reply to Re: Effexor Sexual Side effects » Zinger, posted by 4wd on October 26, 2005, at 15:08:36
> Hi. I wasn't taking Effexor specifically for hot flashes and I didn't really notice it helping. HOWEVER...when I stopped Effexor my hot flashes got noticeably worse, so I guess it really was helping.
>
> Marshathe hot flashes got worse due to withdrawel i'm sure, and not necessarily because the effexor was helping that. i would think that you would notice an improvement when taking it, and then a decline, if it was helping after all.
Posted by spierson1253 on October 30, 2005, at 19:33:21
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Tomorrow I go back in for my first week follow-up after taking Effexor (37.5 mg). It frightens me that it appears to be next impossible to ever stop taking without a drastic return of the symptoms. I'm not sure if this is from the med itself, but I've noticed that around 11am-1pm anxiety starts to set in. Starts with the knotting stomach and sweaty palms. By late afternoon I'm close to panic attacks. Is this effect just a symptom of the med wearing off, or is it still a symptom of the illness that put me on the med in the first place? Anyone have a theory for this? Thanks . . .
Posted by tlryan21 on November 1, 2005, at 6:46:18
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I've been taking effexor for almost three years now and have found it to be very helpful. I don't suffer any panic attacks or anxiety and my emotions have become stable. My only problem is forgetting to take my med and finding the next day to be violently ill. I am nauseous and dizzy, feeling as though there are little pins being stuck in my body. I have recently gone from a full dose (150mg) to half of that (75mg). I am almost afraid to completely go off of it due to the feelings I get forgetting a dose. It doesn't seem as though my doctor believes me, that this is coming from the meds and not from something else. Does anyone else get these symptoms?
Posted by SMMM on November 1, 2005, at 9:59:19
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by tlryan21 on November 1, 2005, at 6:46:18
I've been on Effexor for about a month and a half now and I feel a little better, however I cannot sleep. The doc put me on Trazodone to help sleep, which it does, but that's about it. I sleep, but I am ridiculously exhausted all day. This is sooo frustrating. I also have a permanent headache. It's more like a pressure headache. Does anyone else have these symptoms? Any advice?
Posted by Chrispy_85 on November 1, 2005, at 11:06:44
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by SMMM on November 1, 2005, at 9:59:19
> I've been on Effexor for about a month and a half now and I feel a little better, however I cannot sleep. The doc put me on Trazodone to help sleep, which it does, but that's about it. I sleep, but I am ridiculously exhausted all day. This is sooo frustrating. I also have a permanent headache. It's more like a pressure headache. Does anyone else have these symptoms? Any advice?
>hey there,
when i started taking effexor, i had, and still have the sleeping problem. but apparently, according to my doctor, i can't take the sleeping pills because i am also on zanax. i never have headaches, but i am constantly exhausted, most likely from lack of sleep. anyways, i don't know if this helps at all, but anyways, there it is.
-chris
Posted by Mim on November 1, 2005, at 15:26:28
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by SMMM on November 1, 2005, at 9:59:19
> I've been on Effexor for about a month and a half now and I feel a little better, however I cannot sleep. The doc put me on Trazodone to help sleep, which it does, but that's about it. I sleep, but I am ridiculously exhausted all day. This is sooo frustrating. I also have a permanent headache. It's more like a pressure headache. Does anyone else have these symptoms? Any advice?
> What time of day do you take your meds? I have found that if I take them at night I am up at 4am sharp every day. If I take them in the morning I am fine...really fine. At the moment I am on a super high dossage and have to take it morning and evening...so I know I will wake up way too early. Advise? Go to bed early, try to relax about being awake..just lie in bed and rest. Your body needs the rest even if your mind is already up and going. Be good to yourself. Lots of luck!!
Posted by TinMan on November 2, 2005, at 7:41:43
In reply to Re: Effexor Sexual Side effects » Zinger, posted by IvyxClash on October 30, 2005, at 3:52:49
Was the Effexor prescribed just for hot flashes?
Gosh, the "things" my Mom forgot to tell me about periomenopause and menopause! The depression, the mood swings, the irritability, the anxiety, the weight gain, the hot flashes, the night sweats...I could go on. Not to mention that old, nagging thing: losing one's youth and "productiveness". Personally, I think it is a big deal that has been overlooked in the past.
It took a while for the Effexor to "kick in" for me. It helps a little with the hot flashes and night sweats. It does help immensely with the mood swings and irritability.
No, it doesn't make wrinkles or gray hair go away, at least not yet.
~Tin"Man"
Posted by TinMan on November 2, 2005, at 7:53:11
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by SMMM on November 1, 2005, at 9:59:19
After about 2 months of being on Effexor (225 mg.), I became sleepy all the time! I could sleep 24/7. I had absolutely no motivation and was so lethargic. I was also taking 15 mg. of Remeron at night. I was also hungry most of the time.
Now, after talking to my prescribing Dr., I take 75 mg. of Effexor with Wellbutrin in the a.m. and 75 mg. of Effexor with 7.5 mg. of Remeron at night. The Wellbutrin helps me with the sexual side effects, the sleepiness (lethargic), and the hunger.
I am thinking about not taking the Remeron at night to see if now I can sleep without it.
No, I didn't have any significant side effects from dropping from 225 mg. to 150 mg. of Effexor. BUT, I find that I do obsess more about "things" on the lesser dose. You know, like: "What did he/she mean by that?!?" kind of stuff. If I find myself doing that sort of thing too much, I take an extra 75 mg. of Effexor in the morning instead of the Wellbutrin.
Anyway, I hope this helps.
~TinMan
Posted by spierson1253 on November 2, 2005, at 10:10:47
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by TinMan on November 2, 2005, at 7:53:11
Gosh. Listening to you guys rattle off drug names, dosages, etc. makes me feel like such a baby. Right now, I'm just thankful the doctor gave me something that actually appears to be working.
I think I said this somewhere before . . . Women: have your hormones checked, even if you think you're too young to need them -- HRT can help wonders, if that is indeed the problem!
The thing I'm having problems with is teeth-clenchinig. To the point my jaw will lock closed -- or the muscles/nerves around the jaw joint will spasm and I have to hold my jaw in place until it passes. It's something I've always had a mild problem with, now it's chronic. Any theories/suggestions?
Posted by stormieRN on November 2, 2005, at 17:25:00
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » TinMan, posted by spierson1253 on November 2, 2005, at 10:10:47
Hi new to the board and new to effexor XR. Just stopped prozac, what a nightmare, in more ways then one. Comforting to hear others experience the same things. Some times I feel my family thinks I'm crazy....also gives me a different perspective on my past patients that I thought wee just "drug seekers" and hopefully the understanding for future patients. Very sorry for that. Higher Powers have a way of humbling people. Look forward to more postings and not feeling alone.
Posted by Graceneeded on November 2, 2005, at 20:48:47
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by stormieRN on November 2, 2005, at 17:25:00
Why did you stop Prozac? Why are you taking Effexor?
Posted by 4wd on November 2, 2005, at 21:46:38
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » TinMan, posted by spierson1253 on November 2, 2005, at 10:10:47
> Gosh. Listening to you guys rattle off drug names, dosages, etc. makes me feel like such a baby. Right now, I'm just thankful the doctor gave me something that actually appears to be working.
>
> I think I said this somewhere before . . . Women: have your hormones checked, even if you think you're too young to need them -- HRT can help wonders, if that is indeed the problem!
>
> The thing I'm having problems with is teeth-clenchinig. To the point my jaw will lock closed -- or the muscles/nerves around the jaw joint will spasm and I have to hold my jaw in place until it passes. It's something I've always had a mild problem with, now it's chronic. Any theories/suggestions?
I've heard Buspar can help with the jaw clenching but I've never tried it. I've read where others on this board successfully treated it with low doses of Klonopin at bedtime. For me, it's not jaw clenching, it's shoulder and neck muscle clenching. I guess it's approximately the same thing, though. Dividing my doses of Celexa has helped a bit - taking half a dose twice a day instead of all at once.Marsha
Posted by TinMan on November 2, 2005, at 22:08:13
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » TinMan, posted by spierson1253 on November 2, 2005, at 10:10:47
For the jaw clenching, I have taken Clonazepam (anti-seizure drug related to Valium). That helps quite a bit but I don't like the "spacey" feelings while on it. Also, getting off of the drug was a little hard for me. I do understand that it can be addictive because it does belong to the Valium group. I didn't care for the "out of it" feeling or the headaches when getting off the drug.
I didn't know too much about different prescriptions. I still don't, but want to be an informed consumer and patient as to what I am being prescribed and how it might affect me. This is after having a truly horrible period of time while on Paxil. (Because what works for me may not work for the next person.)
-TinMan
Posted by TinMan on November 2, 2005, at 22:24:25
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by stormieRN on November 2, 2005, at 17:25:00
Hi StormieRN and welcome. What happened while on Prozac? So far, how are you doing on Effexor? You are not alone. Hopefully, this Board will be as helpful to you as it is for me.
Posted by WendyC79 on November 2, 2005, at 23:30:26
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain , posted by newgirl on April 18, 2000, at 10:46:14
I was just put on Effexor XR today. I was on Elavil but it was not working. Before that I was on Lexapro, it was doing good for about a week but my insurance didnt cover it. Right now they have me on Effexor RX 75 mg. How long does it take to notice the change? My dr said I can take it either at night or during the day. What would be better. I took it tonight but I have read that sometimes it keeps people up. I have alot of trouble sleeping as it is. Any info would help. Thanks
Posted by Mim on November 3, 2005, at 3:26:42
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain, posted by WendyC79 on November 2, 2005, at 23:30:26
> I was just put on Effexor XR today. I was on Elavil but it was not working. Before that I was on Lexapro, it was doing good for about a week but my insurance didnt cover it. Right now they have me on Effexor RX 75 mg. How long does it take to notice the change? My dr said I can take it either at night or during the day. What would be better. I took it tonight but I have read that sometimes it keeps people up. I have alot of trouble sleeping as it is. Any info would help. Thanks
Hi Wendy,Welcome to the site!! I would take it in the morning, I found that I couldn't sleep when i took it at night. I think it will take 6 weeks before you really can judge the effect. A number of people have mentioned a stiff jaw...I have that too, but I have no idea what to do about it (perhaps chew gum?). I am a heck of alot less informed than I should be...but I am reasonably stable and really can't complain.
All the best!
Posted by Bets43 on November 3, 2005, at 7:58:37
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain, posted by Mim on November 3, 2005, at 3:26:42
I hated Paxil...It did make me gain weight and made me puffy. When I look at pictures taken of me during the time I was on Paxil I look wiped out. It made me a zombie...I had no feelings.
Then I later got on Zoloft which I liked. NO lethargy problems :} However, I seemed to develop a tolerance. I did not want to go up a dose. I think I do better on smaller doses, just enough to cut through and give me a little help.
I have been on the effexor a little over a week. Just got on 75 mg 2 days ago...Found myself awake at 2:30 for about an hour :} I agree with what someone else said, just relax-I did fall back asleep. Another symptom I have is yucky taste in my mouth!
I am thinking if I keep waking up that I will switch to morning instead of dinner time for my dose. Does anyone know if it will cause a problem to switch? I will have to affectively double my dose one day and go back to one dose the next....
Posted by stormieRN on November 3, 2005, at 8:23:11
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain, posted by Bets43 on November 3, 2005, at 7:58:37
Prozac, after a month, the symptoms got worse daily, i.e. dry mouth, NO sexual desire (and I'm a newly wed), tremors of the extremities, anxiety even w/ my xanax....I could go on but they were very unpleasent. But, everyone is different. Medicene is all trail and error, unfortuantely. Dr's or nurse's are not perfect, they just try different things to see what will work right with your chemical make up. Hopefully, educating you at the same time on what to look for in the event it's not right for you. This support group is wonderful. Different insights and opinions are interesting and helpful. I look forward to more postings.
Posted by tlryan21 on November 3, 2005, at 9:03:16
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain, posted by stormieRN on November 3, 2005, at 8:23:11
When I started Effexor, I didn't have any sleeping problems, in fact, before I started it I did. I have been taking mine in the evening and have not had any of the waking up in the night as have others. I do know, if I miss a dose, I have some disturbing dreams that night. I was taking it during the day for a bit, but for some reason, didn't like the way I felt (i.e., nausea, headaches), so I changed back to the evening. I tried Zoloft, but it didn't help me at all. From what I understand, and you may want to double-check this, Effexor works on two chemicals in the brain, and others, like Zoloft, work only on one. In all actuality, I have been happy with Effexor and the results that I have had. Yes, it did take a while before I felt better, (3-4 weeks), but knowing that every day I was one step closer made it worth it. I did gain about 10 pounds on Effexor, but I know I can get rid of that if I really try. And I have also had sexual side effects (not really wanting to). I was told these would ease up in time but I haven't found that to be true for me. I'm not happy havng to take any kind of meds (I also have Rheumatoid Arthritis), but I need all that I take to be functional. I don't want to go back to where I was before. I was taking 150mg Effexor for about a year, and went down to 75mg recently. I have noticed some things different, but not so that I want to go back up. Also, I understand that when you are going off Effexor, you need to do it very slowly.
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