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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Bubblebear on June 23, 2006, at 21:30:54
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR XR is great but the excess WEIGHT is NOT, posted by jealibeanz on June 3, 2006, at 0:55:10
Hi I'm an Australian mum who was diagnosed with post-natal depression and anxiety last July. I was prescribed Lexapro (20mg) and felt instantly better - I was fine until about 2 months ago when I relapsed. I have now been taking Effexor (225mg) for about 3 weeks (and I'm yet to notice a real improvement). My question is regarding pregnancy - we'd like to try for another baby in about 6 months. Has anyone else heard whether Effexor (or any other ADs) are safe to use during pregnancy? I've heard that Prozac is considered ok, is it easy to switch from Effexor to Prozac? I know I should ask my doctor but I won't be seeing him for a month as he is away on holidays! Thanks in advance.
Posted by BiPolar Mama on June 30, 2006, at 2:10:49
In reply to Re: Effexor Newbie, posted by renecoston on June 23, 2006, at 8:33:53
Good Morning,
I am new to Efferol XR http://www.healthsquare.com/newrx/eff1153.htm. I just started taking it yesterday. I realize it is too soon to show any side effects or relief. I am starting out on 37.5 mg 1 time a day. I am also using Zoloft 200mg 1 time daily and 3mg of Melatonin at nite to try to sleep. I tried Klonopin but it made me feel like a zombie. I am unable to use Prozac *adverse side effects- 60 lbs gained in one months time, nausea, "speed" effect*. I am unable to use Wellbutrin because I have a history of seizures.
I do realize that these same drugs do not cause the same reactions in other people. So the "scary Stories" I have read on these threads do not scare me though I know that other people may be experiencing them. They enlighten me as to what to look for as "Side Effects". I do want to know though, is one of the side effects the feeling that your head is 'floating in the ocean'? Because I just started experiencing that weird sensation today 5 hrs after my first dose. *just wondering*My Family Doctor placed me on a No Carb/Low Carb diet that has helped me to lose 22 lbs in the past 3 mos while on the Zoloft. She prescribed the Effexor on my visit day before yesterday because the panic attacks, depression, fear and despair are becoming increasingly disabilitating.
Does any one know if this combination of medicines is helpful with BiPolar/Agoaphobia? That is the diagnosis I have received. I hate the fact that once I loved to go to concerts and be in huge crowds, now I cry when I have to leave my house. I also hate the fact that all I want to do is sit at my computer and cry. The dark ideas that sift into my mind, I have to constantly push to the side.Looking Hopelessly for Hope!
BiPolar Mama
Posted by Lorissa on July 5, 2006, at 15:04:29
In reply to Re: effexor and drinking, posted by maggie on April 17, 2000, at 19:18:38
I started with a week of 37.5 and now a few month of 75. I held off drinking for a bit, then on a night I wasn't driving, had a few. The only real effect I noticed was a big hot flash with the first drink.
Overall I have noticed I sweat more while on Effexor. So does a friend of mine who's on a much higher dose for bi-polar/schizo. Anyone else?
> I drink moderately while on 150mg of effexor xr
> and have no problems with it at all.
>
>
>
> I started taking effexor about 4 weeks ago (and still have the side effects of nausea, sleepiness, headaches and loss of appetite). I've tried aropax and zoloft (both which made me really sick) and doxepin for about a year (which didn't make me sick but didn't actually help_
> > Just wondering if anyone knows about the effects of drinking and taking certain drugs when on effexor. Is it too risky?
> > I drank the other weekend and just felt a bit worse than usual.
> > Thanks if anyone can help
>
>
Posted by summersky on July 8, 2006, at 14:00:31
In reply to Re: responses re: interactions with alcohol, posted by Aim on March 4, 2006, at 9:53:37
I started taking Effexor about 6 months ago, recently I went out with some friends and had a few drinks-about 4 or 5. The next day i had horrible panic attacks. I was having difficulty breathing and felt extremely suicidal. I considered going to the hospital but there is really not much they can do. It was the worst feeling imaginable. Has anyone else had any similar effects?
Posted by oznjerz on July 10, 2006, at 1:51:15
In reply to Re: interactions with alcohol/ suicide, posted by summersky on July 8, 2006, at 14:00:31
I have been on 150mg of XR for about a month.
At first I noticed increased panic attacks, physical tension (clenched jaw), weight loss (not complaining), heightened disturbed sleep patterns and my behavior was quite manic, very gregarious nad obnoxious.I have stopped drinking last week and have not had any of the physical effects like panic, tension. I am no longer manic and am not depressed but I do not feel quite myself (ennui).
I am still over/under sleeping, and have lack of energy.I am taking it for 3 more weeks before I report to my prescriber. I will let the dicussion know any changes I experience.
No suicidal thoughts at all. Actually I have thought of this in the past, not so much suicide but wishing life was over. Never thought of being proactive. Since on this med I have not wished I were dead. Nice.
Posted by earth on July 10, 2006, at 12:46:24
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I'm worried - been on Effexor (then to Effexor XR) since 1997 and to be honest, apart from first 6 to 12 months not really recognised any benefit. I take for GAD but found I've developed compulsive behaviour, hitherto not as pronounced. Don't want to go through withdrawel as I'd previously been on tranquilizers for anxiety since 1982 to 1997 and had really bad bad experience. Not sure I should stay on Effexor XR for this long though. Anyone else had long term experience of Effexor XR. Be interesting to know whether like me you get involuntry muscle movement at night - I have quite strong shudders, thks.
Posted by CharlieRza on July 10, 2006, at 17:22:32
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have been taking 225mg of Effexor for about 3 months now and it works great. There is a side effect though. I am a college student and drink way more than I should. I am drinking much less since I am working this summer which helps a lot but I get WASTED on the weekends. My tollerence use to be crazy high but since ive been taking I get very intoxicated VERY quick. I blackout every night, remember nothing and go to bed VERY early without even knowing it. I use to be able to drink and have fun all night. My question is if i can not take my medication on the weekends. Will it still work or will skipping 2 days a week totally screw up how the drug works? What about taking only 75 or 150mg? I am hoping if I do this I will be able to drink like I use to and have more safe fun. I know everyone will say stop drinking immediatly. Thats not going to happen, but any advice about my questions would really be appriciated. This is my first post and thanks for the help.
Posted by oznjerz on July 10, 2006, at 22:13:35
In reply to Problems with alcohol and Effexor, posted by CharlieRza on July 10, 2006, at 17:22:32
Why is it impossible to stop drinking?
Isn't your sanity worth it?
Posted by detroitpistons on July 11, 2006, at 5:20:28
In reply to Problems with alcohol and Effexor, posted by CharlieRza on July 10, 2006, at 17:22:32
I've been in your exact position before. Do NOT stop taking or reduce your dose on hte weekend. It won't do any good.
For me, the drinking tolerance/ blackout thing passes after a few months. As we speak, I'm on 225 mg of Effexor and I can drink a lot with no problems. The first few months, however, were a problem. Just wait it out and you should be fine.
> I have been taking 225mg of Effexor for about 3 months now and it works great. There is a side effect though. I am a college student and drink way more than I should. I am drinking much less since I am working this summer which helps a lot but I get WASTED on the weekends. My tollerence use to be crazy high but since ive been taking I get very intoxicated VERY quick. I blackout every night, remember nothing and go to bed VERY early without even knowing it. I use to be able to drink and have fun all night. My question is if i can not take my medication on the weekends. Will it still work or will skipping 2 days a week totally screw up how the drug works? What about taking only 75 or 150mg? I am hoping if I do this I will be able to drink like I use to and have more safe fun. I know everyone will say stop drinking immediatly. Thats not going to happen, but any advice about my questions would really be appriciated. This is my first post and thanks for the help.
Posted by detroitpistons on July 11, 2006, at 12:26:02
In reply to Re: Problems with alcohol and Effexor, posted by oznjerz on July 10, 2006, at 22:13:35
I'm not speaking for Charlie (is that right?) but I'd like to give my opinion on this because I can relate....Good or bad, if you're in college, the culture revolves around drinking for the majority of kids. It's just a given. If I were still in college, I'd be scared to quit drinking simply because people would wonder why and start questioning me. You'd either have to lie or tell people that you are on an antidepressant. Of course, most of us don't go around trumpeting our mental health issues. It's unfortunate, but the stigma is very strong.
This drinking while on Effexor should not affect your sanity. It's really not that bad of an issue IMO. You can just drink less for a while until your body gets used to the drug.
It's kind of sad, but quitting drinking while in college kind of effects your whole social network. For me, withdrawing socially would affect my sanity more than the side effects of drinking while on Effexor.
> Why is it impossible to stop drinking?
>
> Isn't your sanity worth it?
Posted by Jason1972 on July 12, 2006, at 16:22:47
In reply to Re: OK now I am afraid » Bonnie_CA, posted by Elroy on May 6, 2006, at 12:22:45
Hi,
I am currently on Effexor.
When I was 18 I was diagnosed with prostatitus, probably caused by an STD. It was never confirmed though as test results always came back negative.
At 22 I had a procedure that cured about 70-80% of prostatitus symptoms.
At 31 I was put on effexor for anxiety and depresion.
It took a couple of years but I developed a severe case of prostatitus that has lasted 2 years. It wasn't until I read this site that I learned of that others taking effexor have had prostatitus. I talked to my doctor but he said it is unrelated...
I don't know what to think. The effexor has done an ok job of relieving my anxiety and other symptoms...
jm
Posted by Elroy on July 12, 2006, at 17:13:55
In reply to Re: OK now I am afraid, posted by Jason1972 on July 12, 2006, at 16:22:47
> Hi,
>
> I am currently on Effexor.
> When I was 18 I was diagnosed with prostatitus, probably caused by an STD. It was never confirmed though as test results always came back negative.
> At 22 I had a procedure that cured about 70-80% of prostatitus symptoms.
> At 31 I was put on effexor for anxiety and depresion.
> It took a couple of years but I developed a severe case of prostatitus that has lasted 2 years. It wasn't until I read this site that I learned of that others taking effexor have had prostatitus. I talked to my doctor but he said it is unrelated...
> I don't know what to think. The effexor has done an ok job of relieving my anxiety and other symptoms...
> jmYour doctor is completely wrong. My very short experiment with Effexor - and Cymbalta also - both severely increased my anxiety, but specifically caused prostatitis type symptoms which disappeared after I stopped the two meds.
Both of the warning packets in each of the two meds SPECIFICALLY indicated that "prostatitis type symptoms" were a possible side effect in men.
See:
This is from an official web site:
http://www.rxcarecanada.com/Effexor.asp?prodid=654
Urogenital: Frequent: dysuria, anorgasmia - female*, erectile dysfunction*, metrorrhagia*, prostatic disorder (includes prostatitis and enlarged prostate)*, vaginitis*. Infrequent: albuminuria, amenorrhea*, cystitis, hematuria, leukorrhea*, menorrhagia*, nocturia, abnormal orgasm-female*, bladder pain, breast pain, polyuria, pyuria, urinary incontinence, urinary retention, urinary urgency...
If you have anxiety then why is your doctor treating you with an anti-depressant medication? Why? Because he doesn't know any better and is getting his education from
drug company sales reps who are pushing the AD drugs.
Get on an anti-anxiety medication (Xanax XR or Klonopin, something that has a longer half-life) and watch your anxiety syumptoms AND your prostatitis symptoms get much better.Also, get your hormone levels checked (Total Testosterone, Free Testosterone, DHEA, Estradiol, Total Estrogens - yes, I know that you are a male, but they are still important tests; your anxierty and prostatitis symptoms could be caused by elevated estrogen levels, LH and FSH). You could have a male hormone deficiency or imbalance issue.
Finally, get your cortisol levels tested via a "24-hour Urinary Free Cortisol Test" to accurately measure whether or not you might have elevated cortisol levels (not "somewhat high levels"... but truly "above range" type numbers).
Posted by MDGIRL on July 12, 2006, at 19:25:55
In reply to Re: Problems with alcohol and Effexor, posted by oznjerz on July 10, 2006, at 22:13:35
> Why is it impossible to stop drinking?
>
> Isn't your sanity worth it?THANK YOU!
Posted by Susana M on July 16, 2006, at 10:15:40
In reply to Re: Quitting Effexor XR - and off of all other med, posted by rfs on June 4, 2006, at 17:26:18
Posted by BiPolar Mama on July 17, 2006, at 23:41:51
In reply to Re: Problems with alcohol and Effexor, posted by MDGIRL on July 12, 2006, at 19:25:55
Good evening,
I have now been on Effexor XR for a lil over 3 weeks. At first I was having leg spasms that were incredibly intense. I would wake up screaming. Now those have stopped. I am continuing the Low Carb/ No Carb diet prescribed by my physician. I am slowly losing weight. I was still having panic attacks that would cause me to lose hours of work. The "dark" thoughts were just on the verge of my mind. Last week my doctor upped my Effexor XR to 75 mg instead of 37.5 mg 1x per day. I don't know if this is what they call the "placebo' effect but I have had a WONDERFUL day today! This was the best I have felt since March when I was diagnosed. She also put me on 2.5 mg of Klonopin 1x daily. Those are both taken together at 8am. My Nighttime meds are : 200 mg Zoloft & 3 mg Melatonin.
I have 3 really important questions if anyone would care to answer me. *I notice my first question went completely unanswered*.1) What are the effects of Caffeine and Nicotine on the drugs I am taking? I am a coffee drinker and smoker.
2) Does any know of anyone that has taken this combination of drugs for BiPolar/Agoraphobia? Was it successful?
3) How do you make someone else understand what you are going through such as a boss or spouse, when you can't explain it to yourself?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by renecoston on July 18, 2006, at 8:08:45
In reply to Just wondering if the Doc prescribed correctly, posted by BiPolar Mama on July 17, 2006, at 23:41:51
Wow, that is a huge dose of Klonopin! Does it knock you out cold? I feel sleepy from just 0.5mgs of it!
Posted by CrimsonClover on July 19, 2006, at 15:11:53
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dos, posted by Jubilee on November 1, 2004, at 2:39:03
I have been taking Effexor Ex 300mg a day for about 4 years now. My doctore NEVER told me any of what I know now about Effexor. I had to send a letter to my doctor to send to the maker of Effexor because I don't have a job and I can NOT be without my EFFEXOR. I have a 6 year old child, no family to help me when I go thru the withdrawls. I would NEVER harm myself or have thoughts of harming myself. BUT I CAN"T even order a hamburger or carry a conversation without Effexor. I can't even DRIVE my car if I am without my Effexors. I HATE this more than anything and I wish I was told or investigated the ENTIRE TRUTH about Effexor Ex before I took the medication. My doctor is keeping me up on my Effexor even though I don't have insurance. I went to the local MHMR and was told they could not help me get my medication because I would not say I wanted to kill or harm myself. They could only help people who would say " I WANNA KILL MYSELF" So ... now I am waiting to see if Wyeth will sponser me... which means give me the pills because now I can not funtion without them. ANd I can't go thru withdrawls for 13weeks or longer. I have a child to raise and some what of a life to pick up. Just wanted to put my 2 cents in because I am new to the group.
Posted by renecoston on July 19, 2006, at 16:16:49
In reply to Effexor Ex, posted by CrimsonClover on July 19, 2006, at 15:11:53
I feel for you - and I've been there, except with Paxil and not Effexor. My doctors decided a few months back after I'd been off meds for some time and had gone through AWFUL DEBILITATING withdrawals from Paxil that Effexor would be great for me to try and that, no, it didn't cause withdrawals like Paxil. HAH! I looked up info online and found this board. It warned me. I can say I never would have researched it had I not already gone through hell on Paxil. I wish more people were told the real truth, not a faction of it that the doctors and the drug companies tell us. They want to make money, and that's that. It is sad. If you need someone to talk to, you can always email me. [email protected]
I'll pray for you....
-Rene
Posted by buzzy on July 21, 2006, at 23:47:18
In reply to Re: Effexor Ex, posted by renecoston on July 19, 2006, at 16:16:49
I have been on effexor for a year. I have been as high as 225MGs. It is great for stopping the Hampster in the wire wheel. Erections were pretty damn good. At 225 I was too drugged up. Too fogged up. Can't remember crap or names that happened 5 minutes ago. Began to think my mind wasn't working right. Went to 150 the wheel was stopped but my brain was still mush and my mood wasn,t getting any better so I decided to stopp and try something else. NOW THE SH*T STARTS,BEWARE<BEWARE BEWARE. Went down to 75 and took Prilosec for the heartburn at the same time as my dosage in the am which shut down my absorption to zero. I became extremely agitated, screamed at my M.D. in his office that he was worthless and he should never put his patience on this sh*t. This was the day after i was in the ER With Chest pains (2x). As soon as I told them I was depressed they sent for a psych social worker and the suggestion for ECT was made. Now I,m really spooked.Next day see my GP bring in all my meds he looks at them says nothing of course i am biting his head off and he tells me to see my psychai. I get squeezed in tell him whats going on he looks at my meds and immediately catches the Prilosec and has me take my diff. meds 12 hrs apart. It worked. Be CAREFUL with other meds and XR.NOW on 75mg I start to get the shocks once in a while. Go to 75 every other day. The shocks get a little more frequent. Got down to 37.5 daily, more shocks. 37.5 every other day more noticable shocks Feel my body and brain are not co-ordinated. WENT TO ZEROmg body shocks and buzzes every 5 sec. Went backi to 37.5 daily PLUS 5 mg Lexapro Weaned myself down again off the ER to 5mg Lex to zero. The ER or the Lex will stop the shocks/buzzes/rushes but I have been off all for 2 days and I am a buzzin' away. BOTTOM LINE-----THIS SH*T IS A BITCH TO GET OFF. May see neurogist and typing this has been a real bitch cause my brain wont speel for crap.
Posted by AAA88 on July 22, 2006, at 21:28:23
In reply to Just wondering if the Doc prescribed correctly, posted by BiPolar Mama on July 17, 2006, at 23:41:51
sorry i cant answer the first 2, but i can try to help you come up with an answer to the third. im just not sure what you are trying to understand about what youre going through. do you mean symptoms and why youre experiencing it?
i understand it could be difficult to put into words exactly what youre feeling. if you went through the same stuff as me, you must have experienced a lot of little and big things which seemed very strange, making it tough to explain in words to someone else or even in your own mind.
try to take time to think about the symptoms you feel and why you might be feeling certain things. if you can do that, then just keep asking why and dig deeper until you cant figure out more. that should help your own understanding of what is going on and will be easier to explain to someone else, if youve already explained it to yourself.
if you cant figure anything out, the internet is a great research tool plus we can work together on this forum, as some of us must have similar experiences.
> Good evening,
> I have now been on Effexor XR for a lil over 3 weeks. At first I was having leg spasms that were incredibly intense. I would wake up screaming. Now those have stopped. I am continuing the Low Carb/ No Carb diet prescribed by my physician. I am slowly losing weight. I was still having panic attacks that would cause me to lose hours of work. The "dark" thoughts were just on the verge of my mind. Last week my doctor upped my Effexor XR to 75 mg instead of 37.5 mg 1x per day. I don't know if this is what they call the "placebo' effect but I have had a WONDERFUL day today! This was the best I have felt since March when I was diagnosed. She also put me on 2.5 mg of Klonopin 1x daily. Those are both taken together at 8am. My Nighttime meds are : 200 mg Zoloft & 3 mg Melatonin.
> I have 3 really important questions if anyone would care to answer me. *I notice my first question went completely unanswered*.
>
> 1) What are the effects of Caffeine and Nicotine on the drugs I am taking? I am a coffee drinker and smoker.
>
> 2) Does any know of anyone that has taken this combination of drugs for BiPolar/Agoraphobia? Was it successful?
>
> 3) How do you make someone else understand what you are going through such as a boss or spouse, when you can't explain it to yourself?
>
> Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by stargazer on July 22, 2006, at 22:00:03
In reply to Re: Just wondering if the Doc prescribed correctly » BiPolar Mama, posted by AAA88 on July 22, 2006, at 21:28:23
BPMama: Those meds seem unusual for BiPolar, usually you would be on a mood stabalizer (Lamictal, Lithium, Depakote) and perhaps either Effexor or Zoloft, not both, especially with Bipolar. Many people with BP can't take an AD since it causes them to get too energized so some of your symptoms may be related to that. I can't recall the all of the symptoms of Serotonin syndrone (SS) but spasms may be from too much Serotonin in your system from both Effexor and Zoloft. Look up Serotonin Syndrone see what the side effects are and see if spasms are listed. Is your MD a psychiatrist? If not, I would not mess around with someone other than a psych MD who can manage BP properly.
Good luck.
SG
Posted by stargazer on July 22, 2006, at 22:44:31
In reply to Meds do not sound correct to me/ Anyone else?, posted by stargazer on July 22, 2006, at 22:00:03
http://www.anxiety-and-depression-solutions.com/serotonin-syndrome.htm
This explains Serotonin Syndrome and your symptoms sound like you may have it. Call your MD and say that's what you think you have and if she won't see you immediately, you may have to go to the ER. The condition can be life threatening. And you should not be increasing your medication no matter what your MD says. If she says that, I would find a new MD ASAP!
I took both Effexor and Zoloft (separately) years ago and one of the 2 made my depression worse (suicidal). Even though my doctor said it was not a side effect and was my depression I refused to increase the dosage like he said to do. Today we know that suicide is a side effect of many of the AD's.
SG
Posted by SmSpts on July 23, 2006, at 2:16:49
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have just started taking Effexor XR 75 mg once
a day with food and 50mg of Zoloft. It's been
about four days since I started and I have
noticed I tend to get really hot and sweat a
lot. Also have felt dizzy twice. I still feel
anxiety, haven't seen much of a change with that.
Posted by SLS on July 23, 2006, at 5:37:57
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by SmSpts on July 23, 2006, at 2:16:49
Sweating is not an unusual side effect of Effexor.
Were you taking Zoloft before you started Effexor?
Good luck!
- Scott
> I have just started taking Effexor XR 75 mg once
>
> a day with food and 50mg of Zoloft. It's been
>
> about four days since I started and I have
>
> noticed I tend to get really hot and sweat a
>
> lot. Also have felt dizzy twice. I still feel
>
> anxiety, haven't seen much of a change with that.
Posted by soma on July 24, 2006, at 12:05:26
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » SmSpts, posted by SLS on July 23, 2006, at 5:37:57
I've been on Effexor XR for about a month and I feel wonderful.The terrible anxiety is gone,the sense of hopelessness has lifted but best of all I don't feel like maybe today I will kill my self.
I have a lot more energy and interest in things I used to enjoy.
Side effects? A bit zoomy and I've lost about 15 lbs,which is not a bad thing.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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