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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by weaubleaumo on March 3, 2006, at 20:44:43
In reply to responses re: interactions with alcohol, posted by Aim on February 24, 2006, at 13:22:49
I like Effexor. But, I do not take it as perscribed. I live pretty much a normal life but, do get lethargic about once a month - I take 1 37.5 (and rantidine (Zantac)for the stomach) early in the day. I too experience the wired sleepiness & short term spaciness- but usually I'm ok the next day and able "carpe diem" with the best of them.
I quit drinking at age 45 ( 2002) - was in a "non-drinking environment" for a while and was planning to catch-up once I was able.
I'd started Effexor about a week before (37.5 bid). I took the first long awaited drink and it was completely satisfying - little voice said "That's enough" and it has been.
The compulsion, desire etc was gone- This may be totally unrelated to the drug- It's what happened to me. No meetings, no experts-
Posted by destruksean on March 4, 2006, at 7:13:55
In reply to Re: responses re: interactions with alcohol, posted by weaubleaumo on March 3, 2006, at 20:44:43
i just started taking effexor 3 days ago, tonite at work was the first i noticed any effects from it which were, feeling disconnected and kinda "high", forgetfull and basically not very sharp witted. i dont want to take this if its going to effect my work. has anyone else experienced anything like this. thx in advance
Posted by Aim on March 4, 2006, at 9:53:37
In reply to Re: responses re: interactions with alcohol, posted by destruksean on March 4, 2006, at 7:13:55
I too felt kind of "high" and out of sorts day 2, 3, and 4...at times I was a little speedy and aloof...I stuck with it and those feelings subsided. I now feel "normal" (sounds funny to write that). But, my mood has leveled out. I was quite depressed before crying on a whim and having a difficult time dealing with life responsibilities...I laugh more and have my light-hearted personality back, you could say the black cloud of doom has found someone else to bother.
Stick it out, let your body adapt a little, if it doesn't go away by the next few days or gets worse contact your doctor. Just give your body an opportunity to try it out before stopping it completely.
Best of luck!
Posted by beaubeau on March 4, 2006, at 10:42:24
In reply to Re: responses re: interactions with alcohol, posted by Aim on March 4, 2006, at 9:53:37
its my 6th day on effexo xr...i've been sleeping like a baby for the past 2 nights. it felt so good to be able to sleep again I just didnt wanna get up till noon. The bitter taste, headache and nausea subsided but is it normal to sleep so comfortably that i just cant get up in the morning? or i'm just making up what i've lost b4? i feel more calm but the afternoon drowziness's def affecting the graduation exam preparation...
hows everyone doing?
Posted by destruksean on March 5, 2006, at 6:36:42
In reply to Re: responses re: interactions with alcohol, posted by beaubeau on March 4, 2006, at 10:42:24
my doctor prescribed this to me for anxiety and says its caused from anger and depression.... well maybe some anger but i dont feel depressed, after reading about the side effects and eventuall withdraw i will prbly experience i dont think this is the right choice for me. i just take half of a .5mg xanax when im feeling ready to blow and im cool
Posted by Aim on March 5, 2006, at 11:35:06
In reply to Re: responses re: interactions with alcohol, posted by destruksean on March 5, 2006, at 6:36:42
you have to make your own decisions, but xanax is very addictive
Posted by luckday on March 6, 2006, at 7:30:26
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I love Effexor XR. This drug has changed my life. I am happy and not impulsive. Before I was on this drug and refused to accept I was depressed and would not take anything except a tranquilizer or wine because it had an immediate effect. I especially loved the rush alcohol gave me and once I started to drink found it hard to stop. Effexor has given me impulse control. I can do everything now that I did before but I don't have the extreme highs and lows that I used to experience. I am not a zombie and I can still feel stress, but somehow I can take a minute to think of an appropriate response rather than allowing my feelings to develop into full blown anxiety attacks. The side effects have been minimal. I experienced a lot a weird dreams at first and sometimes sweating. That has all subsided and I feel very normal and in control. I cannot say enough goods things about this drug, but I weant to point out that everyone is different. Fortunately, I was monitored closely for the first few years I was taking Effexor. That is very important.
Good luck to everyone who contemplates taking Effexor.
Posted by TinMan on March 6, 2006, at 9:17:44
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by luckday on March 6, 2006, at 7:30:26
> I love Effexor XR. This drug has changed my life. I am happy and not impulsive. Before I was on this drug and refused to accept I was depressed and would not take anything except a tranquilizer or wine because it had an immediate effect. I especially loved the rush alcohol gave me and once I started to drink found it hard to stop. Effexor has given me impulse control. I can do everything now that I did before but I don't have the extreme highs and lows that I used to experience. I am not a zombie and I can still feel stress, but somehow I can take a minute to think of an appropriate response rather than allowing my feelings to develop into full blown anxiety attacks. The side effects have been minimal. I experienced a lot a weird dreams at first and sometimes sweating. That has all subsided and I feel very normal and in control. I cannot say enough goods things about this drug, but I weant to point out that everyone is different. Fortunately, I was monitored closely for the first few years I was taking Effexor. That is very important.
>
> Good luck to everyone who contemplates taking Effexor.Wow, my response with Effexor has been pretty much as you describe yours. The longer I am on it, the happier and more "even keeled" I seem to be. I "respond" now rather than "react" as it slows my thinking.
Alcohol and Effexor for me do not mix that well. I drank three glasses of wine the other night at a party and suffered the "Effexor Headache" the next day. Not good. I would rather be on Effexor than drink. Not that I can't drink, but I sure do think about how much I have had before reaching for some more!
Everyone is different. Monitor yourself and have your Dr. and those you trust help monitor you.
Paxil was a nightmare for me! I became an impulsive, mean, depressed person who drank way too much on Paxil. Because I wasn't seeing a Psychiatrist, I wasn't being monitored that closely and was "out of it" to monitor myself. My life was a nightmare while I was on Paxil - for about one year and 1/2.
So...IF you are taking any prescription AD, SSRI, Tricyclic, please take care, monitor yourself, communicate with the prescribing Dr. They can and do make a difference in your life although with some, it may not be a mostly positive one.
~TinMan
Posted by demon_child_cin-666 on March 6, 2006, at 12:21:44
In reply to Re: responses re: interactions with alcohol, posted by destruksean on March 5, 2006, at 6:36:42
> my doctor prescribed this to me for anxiety and says its caused from anger and depression.... well maybe some anger but i dont feel depressed, after reading about the side effects and eventuall withdraw i will prbly experience i dont think this is the right choice for me. i just take half of a .5mg xanax when im feeling ready to blow and im cool
See if the Effexor works for you at a small dose 37.5 mg. It may take a month or more to figure out if it is helping you or not. You'll hear this over and over again "drugs don't effect all people the same way, only you know how it is effecting you."
I sorry to everyone else but, I've never had any problems stopping medication. If it's not working for me, I just stop taking it. I AM NOT RECOMMENDING THIS TO ANYONE ELSE!! I don't mean to yell, I just cannot express that enough. That's just always been the way that I have done things, and for me it works (no matter what the drug).
For instance, I completely stopped taking my Effexor the day that I ended up in the ER. It was sending me into rapid-cycling with severe manic episodes. More severe than I had ever experienced in my life. It scared the hell out of me. That was the day that I stopped taking it, and I was taking 2x75mg twice a day. On the same day, I stopped taking the sleeping pills that were prescribed for me because of the insomnia, from the Effexor. In the 2 days after I stopped both meds I slept for about 2.5 hrs. Just nature's way of telling me that I'd done something wrong in the first place.
If your doctor thinks that you are also suffering from depression, ask him "how he is treating the depression, if he's using the Effexor to treat the anxiety?"
Like I said before, Effexor does work for some people. Most of the side effects will start to go away as your body gets used to the drug being in your system. That is, as long as you stay at one dosage, and don't increase the dose until you know for sure how you are reacting to the one you're already at. Use a journal to see how your moods are changing. People tell me this over and over again (but I still don't do it). The whole memory and concentration thing. You may be able to though.
Posted by luckday on March 7, 2006, at 6:18:49
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by TinMan on March 6, 2006, at 9:17:44
To Tinman:
I am so glad you are having a positive experience on Effexor. I have asked my doctor how to get off the drug and she says "Why"? It is working for you. I am still being monitored so continue to take it and live happily. I don't have the impulsive urges I used to have or the depression when I did or said something really stupid. I am concerned when I read some of the posts here that people are mixing their prescriptions. That can be very bad.
Posted by demon_child_cin-666 on March 8, 2006, at 11:20:07
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by luckday on March 7, 2006, at 6:18:49
Many of us mix medications because just one doesn't work for us. Personally, the last time that I was feeling "normal" (no such thing), I was on 3 mood stabilizers and 1 anit-depressant.
Have you had any medical training, that would make you think it was ok for you to be making a judgement like that?
I, for one, found that comment very offensive!To Tinman:
>
> I am so glad you are having a positive experience on Effexor. I have asked my doctor how to get off the drug and she says "Why"? It is working for you. I am still being monitored so continue to take it and live happily. I don't have the impulsive urges I used to have or the depression when I did or said something really stupid. I am concerned when I read some of the posts here that people are mixing their prescriptions. That can be very bad.
Posted by grandma on March 12, 2006, at 12:20:09
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Our daughter is six months pregnant and has been on Effexor XR for about 1 year. The results have been great and her OB says there are no known side effects to unborn babies. However there was a warning on our local T.V. news the other night about Effexor XR and pregnancy. We have not told our daughter of this news release so as to not frighten her, but we are feeling confused and frightened. Is there anybody out there that has gone through pregnancy and delivery while on Effexor XR. We would apperciate some feed back if possible.
Posted by demon_child_cin-666 on March 12, 2006, at 14:45:52
In reply to Pregnancy and Effexor XR?, posted by grandma on March 12, 2006, at 12:20:09
I have been on drugs for bipolar (manic depression)for 12 years and I have heard many views on this subjet. Personally, I feel that if drinking and smoking throughout your pregnancy can harm a baby, then a pill you take everyday for a chemical imbalance could also do just as much harm.
I guess that it will take a few decades and alot of babies being used as research, for doctors to realize that anything strong enough to change a persons mood is certainly strong enough to have an effect on an unborn baby.
I don't mean to scare you, but just remember the past few decades, and look at the things that doctors didn't think would harm an unborn child (alcohol, smoking). I don't believe that there is enough evidence for a doctor to confidently tell anyone that Effexor...or any other drug used to treat a mood disorder, is ok to take while pregnant.
You may want to check with her doctor and see what kind of statistics he has seen to say that taking the Effexor is safe for the baby. Gather as much information as you can and see what the research tells you. Then decide if you should speak to your daughter about it.
I may be wrong, but I know that if I were ever to get pregnant, the first thing that I would cut out of my life would be all of my medications (no matter what the doctor said). It may be more dangerous for me because of relapse, but I couldn't put my child through the threat of not knowing what the drug would do to them.
> Our daughter is six months pregnant and has been on Effexor XR for about 1 year. The results have been great and her OB says there are no known side effects to unborn babies. However there was a warning on our local T.V. news the other night about Effexor XR and pregnancy. We have not told our daughter of this news release so as to not frighten her, but we are feeling confused and frightened. Is there anybody out there that has gone through pregnancy and delivery while on Effexor XR. We would apperciate some feed back if possible.
Posted by wildcard11 on March 12, 2006, at 15:20:50
In reply to Pregnancy and Effexor XR?, posted by grandma on March 12, 2006, at 12:20:09
actually i know of 3 women that were on effexor xr the entire pregnancy and their children are healthy and happy. 2 were also on benzo's. i have never known of anyone on any a/d or benzo that resulted in problems with the baby. i hope that helps ease your mind some. take care
Posted by grandma on March 12, 2006, at 21:18:14
In reply to Re: Pregnancy and Effexor XR? » grandma, posted by wildcard11 on March 12, 2006, at 15:20:50
Thanks for responding to my question...
Demon child... I agree that the first thought is to discontinue all meds. This was also my daughter's first thought. But after much discussion with both her OB and her psychiatristit it was decided that the risk to her would also endanger the baby ,so I guess we went with what at the time we viewed as the "lesser of two evils" and pray that the doctors are right.Wild child...Thanks for such positive feed back. Yes it does help to ease my mind. This is a very scary time for us all.It is wonderfull that our daughter is healthy enough to start a family and it would seem so cruel to think that the very thing that gave her this freedom could be harmfull to her little one.We pray all goes well.
Posted by antigua on March 13, 2006, at 20:15:52
In reply to Pregnancy and Effexor XR?, posted by grandma on March 12, 2006, at 12:20:09
I had a safe pregnancy on Effexor. My baby was born prematurely, but totally healthy. He's eight now and shows no ill effects. Prematurity was early labor, NOT the Effexor.
antigua
Posted by jiggityboo69 on March 16, 2006, at 12:30:17
In reply to Re: scared of effexor and withdrawal, posted by sandra booth on February 3, 2006, at 15:28:26
I too have been on Effexor for the past 5 years (37.5mg) and have started weaning off it over the past 3 weeks. For 2 weeks I was taking a pill every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Nothing on the weekends. I was finding by Sunday afternoon I could barely function due to the side effects. I have been 5 days now without taking anything, and the side effects don't seem to be going away. I find that there's a lot of pressure in my head. I'm dizzy all the time (even when I'm sleeping if that makes sense). When I consulted my dr. about going off Effexor he told me that I wouldn't experience any side effects. I'm hoping that they go away soon. I was on a very small dose (37.5mg). I can't imagine what the effects are coming off of this medication on a higher dose.
Good luck to everyone who is coming off of this medication.
Posted by gardenergirl on March 16, 2006, at 14:22:58
In reply to Re: scared of effexor and withdrawal, posted by jiggityboo69 on March 16, 2006, at 12:30:17
Welcome to Babble. I'm sorry you're struggling with effexor. I redirected your thread to our Withdrawal board, where I think you'll find lots of info about effexor withdrawal and how folks have tried to deal with it.
Here is a link to your post there. [http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20060228/msgs/621955.html]
Good luck!
gg
Posted by hopkins on March 16, 2006, at 16:09:34
In reply to Side effects and withdrawal, posted by John on April 29, 2000, at 20:57:09
I took Effexor XR one day at 12:30 in the afternoon I felt fine most of the day a little weird in the head but it was managable. That night I went to bed at around 11:30pm now I dont know how to explain it but I will do my best...once I closed my eyes and no matter how long they were closed for it was like I wasnt sleeping at all more like my eyes were just closed then at 2:30am I got up because I still felt like my body wasnt sleeping the whole time my eyes were closed, I felt crazy and I started to panic because I wasnt getting any sleep and that is one of my favorite things to do is sleep. My heart started to pound and my mouth was really dry I felt so weak I almost couldnt move and I was really hot...my husband was able to calm me down a little bit but I still layed in bed with my eyes close still feeling like I was wide awake inside. The next morning I felt like crap, I was exausted. I called my phychiatrist and talked to the front desk lady and told her what happened and she said not to take the Effexor anymore until she would talk to my doctor and call me back but then I never received a call. So I didnt take it that day and I felt fine all day but that night once again I couldnt sleep at all my eyes were closed but I felt wide awake inside and I felt crazy. I dont know what to do I only took the Effexor for one day and I havent been able to sleep now for 2 days is this normal? did anyone else experience this insomnia like I did?
Posted by LynneDa on March 16, 2006, at 16:23:07
In reply to Re: Side effects and withdrawal, posted by hopkins on March 16, 2006, at 16:09:34
Insomnia is definitely a side effect of many ADs, including Effexor! I take 150mg. in the morning. I wake up at 2:30am and am wide awake til about 4am. I have to either take Melatonin or Benadryl or cough medicine so I can sleep -- even then I sometimes wake up. My advice would be: Take something to help you sleep tonight (although the effect should've worn off by now!) so you will feel more rested and sane! Then, keep calling your pdoc til you can reach him!
The biggest thing to remember is that sometimes the insomnia abates after a couple of weeks. Good luck and hang in there!!
~ Lynne
****************************************I took Effexor XR one day at 12:30 in the afternoon I felt fine most of the day a little weird in the head but it was managable. That night I went to bed at around 11:30pm now I dont know how to explain it but I will do my best...once I closed my eyes and no matter how long they were closed for it was like I wasnt sleeping at all more like my eyes were just closed then at 2:30am I got up because I still felt like my body wasnt sleeping the whole time my eyes were closed, I felt crazy and I started to panic because I wasnt getting any sleep and that is one of my favorite things to do is sleep. My heart started to pound and my mouth was really dry I felt so weak I almost couldnt move and I was really hot...my husband was able to calm me down a little bit but I still layed in bed with my eyes close still feeling like I was wide awake inside. The next morning I felt like crap, I was exausted. I called my phychiatrist and talked to the front desk lady and told her what happened and she said not to take the Effexor anymore until she would talk to my doctor and call me back but then I never received a call. So I didnt take it that day and I felt fine all day but that night once again I couldnt sleep at all my eyes were closed but I felt wide awake inside and I felt crazy. I dont know what to do I only took the Effexor for one day and I havent been able to sleep now for 2 days is this normal? did anyone else experience this insomnia like I did?
Posted by SaraNicole on March 17, 2006, at 4:04:41
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by Shel on July 18, 2000, at 1:35:45
I have been taking effexor XR for 6 months and most of the time I beleive that it has helped me emensly. Ive gained self esteem and become an independent person, I left my husband and I now have a great job all because of my new demeanor. Most of the time I feel numb. The problem is if I miss a dose even by an hour the side effects are SCARY! Extreme anxiety, sometimes very strong suicidal feelings! I left my husband of 8 years and while my meds are in my sytem I feel it was the right choice but when they arnt it was the worst decision I could have ever made!!!
Has anyone else experienced feelings like this?
Am i going to be dependent on something so scary for the rest of my life?
Are my feeling really my own when the drugs are in my system?
Has anyone else had these questions while on Effexor XR?
Posted by crxsi on March 17, 2006, at 10:10:53
In reply to Re: Side effects and withdrawal, posted by hopkins on March 16, 2006, at 16:09:34
Hi the insomnia is normal considering it is a stimulant. Everytime my Dr increased my dose I would experience insomnia for about three to four weeks until my body ajusted to it. I did have to take a mild sedative during these times for sleep but now am off them.
I can totally relate to your eyes being shut and the time passing but feeling like you have not slept. I functioned like that for weeks until I could not move I was so lethargic. Anyways as soon as I went to the Dr. and starting taking Ativan 0.5mg at hs when needed It I was fine. Good Luck and it will go away!!
Posted by crxsi on March 17, 2006, at 10:20:12
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by SaraNicole on March 17, 2006, at 4:04:41
Hi I have been on effexor for about four months it has changed my life in a positive way. However I know what you mean about having different feelings on the medication. I have been married for nine years and we never wanted kids. Now that I am feeling great that is all I can think about. We have decided to try this summer.
However when anything goes wrong and I become extrememly anxious I think how could I be so silly to think I could have a child with this illness. Anyways this is where counsilling is very important to help you think through these issues. Did you see a cousillor before you made the desicion? I also find on effexor that it has taken away alot of my inhibitions. Something that makes me nervous at times. However I do feel more myself on the medication.
I guess my big challange will be trying to wean off it in a couple months to become pregnant. Take care!
Posted by demon_child_cin-666 on March 17, 2006, at 11:51:58
In reply to Re: Side effects and withdrawal, posted by hopkins on March 16, 2006, at 16:09:34
I felt that reaction from the Effexor as well, except that I started taking it in the morning and by lunch I couldn't eat, and eating is one of my favourite things to do. I also experienced the dry mouth and weakness, sometimes I had to hold on to the wall to keep from collapsing. For me the insomnia didn't start right away but once it did staying up for 2 or 3 days in a row was no problem. Just remember there is no need to panic, these are all side effects of the medication. You and your doctor will have to figure out a way to let you have a restful nights sleep even if it takes some time. For me the answer was trazadone to help me stay asleep (about 5-6 hrs.) and valium to help me fall asleep. That's just what worked for me.
Posted by demon_child_cin-666 on March 17, 2006, at 12:12:56
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by SaraNicole on March 17, 2006, at 4:04:41
Did you ever have thoughts of leaving your husband before you started on the Effexor, even when you were feeling a little bit well?
The side effects of Effexor can be very scary. Sometimes they get worse, sometimes they get better. If the side effects of taking your dose late are that scary, do you really want to take it?
Maybe you should take a mental health day and go somewhere quiet, like a library or a park, depending on where you live, and think about these things. Make a pros and cons list. eg. my husband - pro - he's stuck by me for 8 years. - con - ?
Just slow down aand think! I know the Effexor made everything about me speed up.
Take a few slow deep breathes, in through your nose and out through your mouth. Try to clear your mind and then when your ready, tackle the important issues one at a time.
Take care.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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