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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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.
Posted by spierson1253 on November 3, 2005, at 11:45:05
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » spierson1253, posted by 4wd on November 2, 2005, at 21:46:38
You mean -- okay, when I'm sitting and trying to relax, my whole body will knot up -- not tense up, mind you -- I can quite literally feel the muscles twist into knots. It starts in my legs, works up through my hips and back, and then into shoulders,arms and neck. Depending on how well I slept, my teeth may be clenched on waking, but in the past week, I can be up almost 15 minutes sometimes, before it starts. And my jaws aren't locking anymore, I can now feel the jaw muscles start their "thing" and I can try to relax it by sheer will. I will discuss this with my doc on Monday, now that I know it's not just me. Thank you.
Posted by tlryan21 on November 3, 2005, at 12:57:55
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by spierson1253 on November 3, 2005, at 11:45:05
It's funny, but I remember when I first started Effexor I'd be clenching my teeth and grinding them at night, something that I never did before, so I don't think it's just you. I've never had the muscle tension that you mentioned though. I thought at the time I was just stressed out at work. I'd even woke my boyfriend a number of times with the grinding, he said it was so loud. I haven't had this happen in a long time, I've been on the Effexor about 2 1/2 years now.
Posted by cablegirl on November 3, 2005, at 13:22:37
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by spierson1253 on November 3, 2005, at 11:45:05
>Hey there.....
Doctor just switched me to 75 mg Effexor XR yesterday. After taking 10 mg Lexapro for 3 months and gaining 12 VERY UNWANTED pounds!!! I felt absoultely wonderful on the Lexapro and am a bit hesitant about switching to the Effexor, but the doctor wanted to see if it would keep me happy without the extra pounds!!! I've read that one of the "side effects" of Effexor could be weight loss and/or loss of appetite.....I sure hope so....
Has anyone experienced weight loss from any anti-depressant. I want to be happy.....NOT fat & happy!!!!!!!
Posted by cablegirl on November 3, 2005, at 14:59:18
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain, posted by stormieRN on November 3, 2005, at 8:23:11
Hey there.....
Doctor just switched me to 75 mg Effexor after 3 months of being on 10 mg Lexapro and packing on 12 VERY UNWANTED pounds!!! I kinda hate to switch, because mentally I have felt absoulutely WONDERFUL on the Lexapro.....but I cannot handle the weight gain! HELP!!!
I want to be HAPPY....not fat & happy!!! Is there any anti-depressant that will decrease my appetite and not make me fat?????
Posted by TinMan on November 3, 2005, at 19:44:06
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain, posted by cablegirl on November 3, 2005, at 14:59:18
Well, AD's are different for every different person. While on Effexor and Remeron, I have gained weight. Some on here have lost weight with the Effexor. It depends on a lot of things.
Did you want to change AD's or did your Dr. recommend that you change? (Personally, I would rather be "fat and happy".)
One thing that I have noticed with the Effexor after being on it for a few months: I have a genuine happiness in being alive. Now, that may sound really weird, but I haven't felt that way for quite some time. I guess it is one of those things you don't notice it being gone until you get it back.
For what it is worth...
-TinMan
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