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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by KristiVegas on August 24, 2007, at 22:05:19
In reply to Re: Effexor vs Prozac, posted by invisibleman15010 on August 24, 2007, at 18:12:30
I've been on 300 mg of Effexor for almost a year and I think I've flattened out. I'm grumpy and irritable all the time and I have numerous side effects plus a 25 lb. weight gain. I don't feel good most of the time but it has regulated my sleep which has been a God-send. My pdoc has added Topamax but the tablets aggravate my reflux. I haven't had a very good relationship with this doctor and am considering changing to someone who won't ignore me when I tell him what I'm experiencing with the med.
Posted by Hagbard on August 25, 2007, at 0:08:00
In reply to Re: Effexor vs Prozac, posted by invisibleman15010 on August 24, 2007, at 18:12:30
> KAREN. LIKE SO MANY OF THE NEW SSRI'S IT IS TIME RELEASED SO IT DOESN'T HIT YOU ALL AT ONCE...STAY AT THE MOST MINIMAL DOSGAE AS YOU CAN.....AS MY DEPRESSN PROGRESSED THEY KEPT BUMPING IT UP TIL NOW i AM AT THE MAX OF 300MG....i AM GOING TO START BACKING OFF ON MY OWN......AND SEE WHERE THAT LEADS.........IT HELPS, BUT IT IS NOT LIVING.....
> EHi Karen,
Effexor XR (300mg) works rather well for me once I have been on a steady dosage for 4-6 weeks. My size needs to be taken into consideration here as well I have an average sized frame for a man (5'11") but I weigh about #300. I feel rested after 5-6 hours of sleep, I can typically focus on specific tasks and I feel balanced. I seemed to function even better after adding Omega 3, B-Complex and Ca/Mg/Zn supplements. Compulsive eating diminished and I had less of a struggle to exercise.For the last 3 weeks, however, I have been without while I transition to having health insurance. In that time, I have found that I need 8-9 hours of sleep to feel rested, that I have much less patience with other people, am more easily frustrated, have difficulty concentrating on even simple tasks and am once more having a greater problem with premature ejaculation. While mega-doses (careful to avoid toxicity) of the aforementioned vitamins, daily exercise and a diet rich in fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains is beneficial, I am becoming anxious to once more have those pale pink pills.
E -
I have been forced to discontinue Effexor on many occasions over the 7 years I have used it. Most recently, I went cold turkey. Last winter, I weaned myself slowly from it. I won't go slowly again - the suicide ideation, extreme hostility and rapid mood swings were something I DO NOT want to experience again.I have more I'd like to share, but I'm falling asleep in my chair.
Best regards
Jeff
Posted by jhj on August 25, 2007, at 1:49:56
In reply to Re: Effexor vs Prozac, posted by Hagbard on August 25, 2007, at 0:08:00
I have been on Venlafaxine 300 MG for the past two years and i have experienced terrible stomach upset,constipation etc..Many times unbearable so,if you do not have stomach related side effect in the past,venlafaxine is okey.Thanks
Posted by KarenRB53 on August 25, 2007, at 8:13:17
In reply to Re: Effexor vs Prozac, posted by catri on January 24, 2003, at 5:17:16
> Hi, M
>
> I just wanted to say that I was on prozac for about 9 months - at the time I thought it was counteracting the depression, and indeed it did lift me out of the worst, but I still felt really anxious and irratable, and I also went abit irrational - constantly arguing with my mother etc. It wasn't until I was back at university that my (new) doctor suggest that I try effexor - things at the time seemed so bad and I guess I had 'plateaued' - and he seemed to think that things could be better. I started taking 75mg after a week of wash out from the prozac, and didn't really notice any side effects - i think that my body was already used to the neuro-chemicals from the prozac. I've been on it now for three months and it has had a very positive effect on my life: my motivation increased, I wasn't nervous or irratable anymore, and all those small things that seem difficult were so much easier to do. And I haven't really had any side effects either - sometimes I get a tingling neck if I turn my head too fast, and sometimes weird vivid dreams, but thats about it. Anyway, it really has made all the difference to me, much more than prozac ever did, and I would suggest talking to your doc about switching to effexor from prozac - i think it sounds as if you would benefit from it. All the best!
Are you on Effexor or EffexorXR?Thanks, Karen
Posted by Jeroen on August 26, 2007, at 13:10:16
In reply to Re: Effexor vs Prozac » invisibleman15010, posted by Phillipa on August 24, 2007, at 12:09:11
hi, phillipa, dont know you reading this
but thanks for some advice and support you give me and ed : )
tomorrow i am going to the hospital, it wont be happies times i think unless some good med kicks in
Posted by Phillipa on August 26, 2007, at 19:30:12
In reply to to phillipa, posted by Jeroen on August 26, 2007, at 13:10:16
Jeroen will be thinking of you and hope this time the right med will work for you. I wish you much success and relief of the symtoms you have so long endured. Phillipa
Posted by Clayton on August 29, 2007, at 11:57:06
In reply to Re: New to effexor and wondering about side effects » montecello, posted by chante on August 24, 2007, at 12:56:45
I take both effexor and welbutrin. They are both stimulating and I have never been more productive. I have no memory problems or any other side effects either. I am no longer depressed at all.
Everyone responds differenly to each medicine, but maybe one, the other or a combination would help you.
> what about wellbutrin or effexor..very sensative to medecine.. tryed zoloft before and at 25mg was ok after my doc put it up at 50mmg started to be less motivated and happy but not productive at all, now i'm starting a new carrer and have to move out with my 2 kids, divorcing... 2 years old and a 16 years old.... hard... I feel extremely stress, taking valium help a lot... but just notice i started to feel depress a little too.... so i know lot's people say wellbutrin is good but you forget everything completeley et disttacted??/ I wish i could just take litlte mini dose so and it would work so i don't have to feel all non-productive in the day , and just enough to elevate my mood a bit. any suggestion anybody?? please help...
Posted by Clayton on August 29, 2007, at 11:57:30
In reply to Re: New to effexor and wondering about side effects » montecello, posted by chante on August 24, 2007, at 12:56:45
I take both effexor and welbutrin. They are both stimulating and I have never been more productive. I have no memory problems or any other side effects either. I am no longer depressed at all.
Everyone responds differenly to each medicine, but maybe one, the other or a combination would help you.
> what about wellbutrin or effexor..very sensative to medecine.. tryed zoloft before and at 25mg was ok after my doc put it up at 50mmg started to be less motivated and happy but not productive at all, now i'm starting a new carrer and have to move out with my 2 kids, divorcing... 2 years old and a 16 years old.... hard... I feel extremely stress, taking valium help a lot... but just notice i started to feel depress a little too.... so i know lot's people say wellbutrin is good but you forget everything completeley et disttacted??/ I wish i could just take litlte mini dose so and it would work so i don't have to feel all non-productive in the day , and just enough to elevate my mood a bit. any suggestion anybody?? please help...
Posted by KarenRB53 on August 29, 2007, at 13:00:59
In reply to Re: for jp Effexor vs SR, posted by jo on October 27, 1999, at 11:05:39
> Phew. I refrained from taking a second dose
> of Effexor... it was just too trippy. I am moving
> countries to live with family, because I know I
> can get a proper decent psychiatric evaluation
> there... (I live in Europe). This GP and NHS stuff
> is just not working out. Since I have mood swings
> several times a day as well, I would probably
> benefit from Lithium with an AD. Who knows. I am
> taking a break from all this semi-self-medication
> for now...
>
> For now it's back to tryptophan, st.johns wort,
> and piracetam for mental energy...
>
> Thanks all for the advice. I will be back here in
> a few days or weeks. ;)
>I don't know if you're still around the area to get this email but if you are I was wondering if you're still taking the tryptophan and how its working for you?
Posted by Bandit on August 30, 2007, at 15:56:27
In reply to Re: New to effexor and wondering about side effects, posted by Clayton on August 29, 2007, at 11:57:06
You can take effexor and welbutrin? My doc just switched me today from welbutrin to effexor - makes me wonder why she just didn't add it. I'm most concerned about headaches as I am a migraine sufferer. Anyone else?
Posted by jhj on August 31, 2007, at 5:50:59
In reply to Re: New to effexor and wondering about side effects, posted by Bandit on August 30, 2007, at 15:56:27
I am on 300 MG venlafaxine and 150 MG bupropion.Previously i was on 300 MG of both Venlafaxine and Bupropion.It completely messed up my stomach.I have been troubled by severe acid reflux and stomach pain and feel like throwing out.So,My pdoctor has concluded that it is because of the combination of Venlafaxine and Bupropion,this thing is taking place.So,he has reduced bupropion from 300 MG to 150 MG and after a week i am asked to stop bupropion.I have been taking Venlafaxine for the past couple of years.I have not felt any benefit and it gives distressing side effects.I have asked my pdoctor to try duloxetine instead of Venlafaxine but,he seems to have special love for Venlafaxine so,i have decided that this time i will have to give him some firing and get the prescription for duloxetine written.Thanks.
Posted by KristiVegas on August 31, 2007, at 11:53:12
In reply to Re: New to effexor and wondering about side effects, posted by jhj on August 31, 2007, at 5:50:59
>
> I am on 300 MG venlafaxine and 150 MG bupropion.Previously i was on 300 MG of both Venlafaxine and Bupropion.It completely messed up my stomach.I have been troubled by severe acid reflux and stomach pain and feel like throwing out.So,My pdoctor has concluded that it is because of the combination of Venlafaxine and Bupropion,this thing is taking place.So,he has reduced bupropion from 300 MG to 150 MG and after a week i am asked to stop bupropion.I have been taking Venlafaxine for the past couple of years.I have not felt any benefit and it gives distressing side effects.I have asked my pdoctor to try duloxetine instead of Venlafaxine but,he seems to have special love for Venlafaxine so,i have decided that this time i will have to give him some firing and get the prescription for duloxetine written.Thanks.It sounds like you are experiencing very similar side effects as I am. The only benefit I have received from Effexor is an ability to go to bed and fall asleep without fighting with myself for 2-3 hrs. I, too, am experiencing MANY side effects. Effexor has not aggravated my reflux but Wellbutrin did. I seem to do better with capsules. Some of my side effects: skin peeling on thumb and forefinger, body spasms when tired & sleepy, chronic sleepiness, 25 lb. weight gain, neck and chest itching at night, hives on my tongue and inside my mouth, and excessive sweating. I am on 300 mg. per day. The side effects weren't bad until my pdoc upped the dosage to 300 mg. then my body went crazy. I'm changing pdocs next month and am going to attempt to change to another med. Good luck with your issues.
Kristi
Posted by jhj on August 31, 2007, at 23:27:41
In reply to Re: New to effexor and wondering about side effects, posted by KristiVegas on August 31, 2007, at 11:53:12
Effexor has not aggravated my reflux but Wellbutrin did. I seem to do better with capsules.
When you are taking combination of effexor and wellbutrin,how did you identify that wellibutrin and not effexor is making your reflux worse? Anyway good luck with your new pdoc.
Posted by AnneL on September 1, 2007, at 21:09:12
In reply to Everyone's different, but..., posted by Racer on October 24, 1999, at 22:14:55
7 years on Effexor XR 225 mg. daily. About 2 months ago, I tapered down very slowly from 225 mg. to 150 mg. to 75 mg. and finally down to 37.5 mg.
MISTAKE!!! I never knew how much Effexor XR was helping with anxiety/depression until I got to a sub-therapeutic (for me) level. The anxiety was not immediate - so it is not discontinuation effects - the anxiety kicked in about 2 months after getting down to 37.5 mg.
I am now back on 75 mg. daily and I will titrate up every 7 days to my old dose.
My only side effect (it sucks) is some anorgasmia from time-to-time. :) AnneL
Posted by Bandit on September 4, 2007, at 16:22:24
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I started Effexor 4 days ago. I feel like I have a sinus infection or maybe the flu. Feverish, sore throat, stuffy, achy, tired. Does this eventually go away? I read this happens in withdrawals but not at start up. Anyone else had these symptoms?
Posted by chickey on September 5, 2007, at 7:58:23
In reply to After 7 years on Effexor XR, posted by AnneL on September 1, 2007, at 21:09:12
I have never been on any medications for depression untill I started Effexor XR in July 2006. I started out with 37.5mg and topped out at 150mg. My doctor is now slowly taking my totally off the drug over the next 6 weeks. Does anyone know of anyone who actually was fine after going off the meds. I hate the thoughts of withdrawal and then having the starting side effects again if I have to go back to it.
Posted by Clayton on September 8, 2007, at 12:13:03
In reply to Going off Effexor XR, posted by chickey on September 5, 2007, at 7:58:23
I take 300 mg. of effexor each day. Shortly after reaching this dose I went on vacation and ran out of the med (very poor planning, I know). I went without it for two weeks and experienced absolutely no withdrawl symtoms. NONE!
When my doc first recommened effexor I declined to take it primarily because of the posts I read on this and other sites. When eventually I decided to give it a try it was a wonderful decision.
Everyone responds differently to medicines but it is my opinion that most people do not experience the extreme withdrawl symtoms that some describe.
So don't fear withdrawl. It might be very easy. My doc told me when I started the med that should serious withdrawl symtoms ever ooccur, there were pharmacological measures that could be taken to substantially ameliorate them. Why don't you discuss this with your doctor before you withdraw much further?
Best Wishes
> I have never been on any medications for depression untill I started Effexor XR in July 2006. I started out with 37.5mg and topped out at 150mg. My doctor is now slowly taking my totally off the drug over the next 6 weeks. Does anyone know of anyone who actually was fine after going off the meds. I hate the thoughts of withdrawal and then having the starting side effects again if I have to go back to it.
Posted by KristiVegas on September 8, 2007, at 13:49:13
In reply to Re: Going off Effexor XR, posted by Clayton on September 8, 2007, at 12:13:03
There are a few websites where you can go and post your complaints/issues and also get information from other posters.
http://drugs.healthdiaries.com/effexor-side-effects.html
http://depression.about.com/cs/venlafaxine/l/blsidefxvenlafa.htm
http://www.medications.com/drugs/effexor
There is also another website where you can go and rate the med on a scale of 1-5 and post your comments. I have learned a lot just by reading the ratings and posts.
Better Luck,
Kristi
Posted by invisibleman15010 on September 8, 2007, at 15:15:08
In reply to Re: Going off Effexor XR, posted by KristiVegas on September 8, 2007, at 13:49:13
You can get off, I did before and plan to know......I was on 300 mg for about 6 months....all the unwanted side effects, plus they added Lexapro and Geoden,,,,,,,to much, I want off all, but to start, I cut the Effoxor to one 150mg a day and that's where I am at now, plan on staying here about a week more than going to 75mg then 0....but I will take about a month for that two....too much med is as bad as to little or.......jeez maybe go all natural with a homepathic Dr...........that is my long term goal......sure each cut, you get a few days, a week of side effects, but it will be rich to be off one more med........good luck/////////////
Posted by invisibleman15010 on September 8, 2007, at 15:16:15
In reply to Re: Going off Effexor XR, posted by KristiVegas on September 8, 2007, at 13:49:13
You can get off, I did before and plan to know......I was on 300 mg for about 6 months....all the unwanted side effects, plus they added Lexapro and Geoden,,,,,,,to much, I want off all, but to start, I cut the Effoxor to one 150mg a day and that's where I am at now, plan on staying here about a week more than going to 75mg then 0....but I will take about a month for that two....too much med is as bad as to little or.......jeez maybe go all natural with a homepathic Dr...........that is my long term goal......sure each cut, you get a few days, a week of side effects, but it will be rich to be off one more med........good luck/////////////
Posted by KAYELEE on October 8, 2007, at 13:43:51
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Amy on May 4, 2000, at 19:52:15
> My experience with Effexor has not been pleasant. My gynecologist referred me to a psychiatrist after his “drug du jour" regimen for my menopause symptoms didn’t help my depression. I first saw the shrink in January and he immediately put me on Effexor, 37.5 for one week and then 75 mg. after that. I was on 75 mg. for one and a half months and got no relief from my depression. He gradually increased the dose to 300 mg., but I couldn’t handle the sleepiness side effects. (I wanted to sleep for 10 – 12 hours per day.) Even at the higher doses, my depression was not helped at all. I decided I wanted to go off of it. I was on 150 mg. for three weeks, 75 mg. for 5 days and 37.5 mg. for 7 days. I had my last dose on Monday, May 1. And by Tuesday afternoon I felt dizzy. (See Maggie’s posting of April 13, regarding missed doses. This describes my experience perfectly.) The dizziness has remained which led me to this web site today. Is there any way to get off this drug with out taking more of it? I can’t handle too much more of these symptoms.
IN RESPONSE TO RE: WITHDRAWAL, POSTED BY AMY ON MAY, 4, 2000, AT 19:51:15
I REALIZE THAT I AM A LATE COMER TO ALL OR MOST OF THESE POSTINGS, BUT I JUST WENT OFF OF 225MG,
EFFEXOR XR, AND THERE WILL BE NO MORE. OH, IT DID A FANTASTIC JOB, AS LONG AS I WAS ON IT. BUT, ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE WHEN I DECIDED TO QUIT TAKING IT. I CALLED MY DOCTOR FOR THE RIGHT WAY TO GO ABOUT GETTING OFF OF IT, TOO. WELL, LET ME TELL YOU, IT DID LITTLE GOOD AS FAR AS THE WITH-
DRAWAL GOES. I'VE NEVER EXPERIENCED WITHDRAWAL BEFORE, AND I DON'T WANT TO AGAIN. I AM IN THE MIDDLE OF IT RIGHT NOW. HAD I KNOWN THEN, WHAT I KNOW NOW, I NEVER, EVER WOULD HAVE STARTED TAKING IT. I AM EXPERIENCING EVERY SYMTEM MEMTIONED IN THESE POSTINGS. I, ALSO, AT TIMES THINK I HATE EVERYONE AROUND ME, INCLUDING MY WONDERFUL HUSBAND OF 38 YEARS. HE DOESN'T UNDERSTAND WHAT IS GOING ON, AND UNTIL TODAY, READING ALL OF THESE POSTINGS, I DIDN'T EITHER. BUT, NOW I WILL TRY TO GET THROUGH THIS IN A DIFFERENT AND MORE POSITIVE WAY, WITH HIS AND THE LORDS HELP. I PRINTED SEVERAL OF THE POSTINGS OFF, SO HE CAN SEE THAT I AM ACTUALLY GOING THROUGH WITHDRAWALS. I FELT, AS SO MANY OTHERS OF YOU, THAT I WAS ACTUALLY LOSING MY MIND.
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR GIVING ME, MY HOPE BACK. I HOPE I HAVE MADE SINCE IN THIS POSTING, AND I HOPE THAT EVERYONE CAN COME OUT OF THIS MESS ALRIGHT. AGAIN, THANK YOU.
Posted by clcty on October 10, 2007, at 23:13:08
In reply to After 7 years on Effexor XR, posted by AnneL on September 1, 2007, at 21:09:12
Just quit taking Effexor XR after 10 years. I started taking it after my doc suggested to me that I had postpartum depression. I had an unplanned pregnancy at 19 and life was pretty hard for a while. I'm not sure I had postpartum but I was definitely depressed. Took 37.5 Effexor for the first couple years then eventually started 75 XR and after about six years on that I started 150 mg. The doc and pharmacist said upping my dosage was normal as some people need to do that the longer they take it. I ended up taking it through my pregnancy (75 mg once daily), as my doc said it was better for me and the baby to stay on then go off. I never realized how little everyone knew about this drug 10 years ago and never dreamed I would still be on it.
Up until March of this year, I never considered stopping this medication. In March I never got a period and it is now October and I still have not had one. I'm wanting to have another baby and I'm not even ovulating. The doc says its because of the Effexor. Effexor can supposedly drive your prolactin levels up which causes the absence in menstruation and ovulation.
Also, did I mention that my breasts are now secreting milk.Desperate for another child, I decided to wean myself off of Effexor. I would never have taken it during my second pregnancy had I known the risks associated. I have now tapered from 150 to 75 over about a two month span and should have tapered to 37.5 but got impatient with my current sex drive (which is nil) and is not only due to the Effexor but has worsened with the increased prolactin levels. Now I'm in full scale withdrawal. I haven't taken Effexor in about a week and have no intentions of ever taking it again. I cry about four times a day (minimum), I'm very irritable and have zero patience with my children. I have experienced the nausea, lack of appetite and general melancholy but it's my children and husband that I am the most worried about. How long will this last? So many times I've almost taken another pill but I just can't let myself. I want another child more than anything and if I go back on Effexor how will I resolve the infertility issues I'm having. My job is a disaster as I feel so confused and unable to concentrate and I don't want anyone to know what a mess I'm in. I'm going to go see my new doc tomorrow and hopefully she can give me some advice. They warn about suicide when you take Effexor, how about getting off of it.
Posted by Fivefires on October 13, 2007, at 15:22:33
In reply to Re: After 10 years on Effexor XR, posted by clcty on October 10, 2007, at 23:13:08
Hey, RU okay there?
Just read your post and am concerned.
Don't know what to tell you for sure, but if your mood is very anxious and upsetting and bringing havoc upon your life, ... you need something ... maybe not an AD though, but talking about it might bring some answers.
Hope to hear from you.
5f
Posted by curiousone on December 12, 2007, at 20:27:07
In reply to Re: After 10 years on Effexor XR, posted by clcty on October 10, 2007, at 23:13:08
Thank you for sharing the information with regards to your period being affected by Effexor. I was on Effexor for 2 years and then suddenly my period stopped. My doctor ran a pregnancy test and a menopausal test - both came back negative. It's been 5 months and still no period, but at least I know what was the contributing factor. I'm now off Effexor and hopefully my body will return to it's regular cycle.
I'm just curious, do you notice constant bloating as a result of not having your period? That's the other side effect that's driving me crazy is my stomach feels so puffy, like it's the week before my period all month long.
Posted by Rebecca12345 on December 13, 2007, at 20:38:11
In reply to Re: After 10 years on Effexor XR, posted by curiousone on December 12, 2007, at 20:27:07
You don't have to live with depression your whole life. Jesus Christ heals if you will give your life over to Him!!!!
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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