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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by jim hawthorn on September 24, 2002, at 6:44:16
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor, posted by pregnant on September 14, 2002, at 4:47:35
I'd like to share my experiences;
I was emitionally shut down for 10 years and emotionally abusing my wife. She had an affair with my room mate from university, I found out about it, and I had a nervous breakdown. I discovered the affair in Feb 2002, it is now Sept 2002.
To reduce my anxiety about everything going on in my life, my doc prescribed Effexor- starting at 37.5, for 2 weeks, moving to 75mg, then up to 150's where I stayed for about 2 months. I have slowly weened myself down to 37.5, then started emptying half of the 37.5 capsules. 5 days ago I quite cold turkey. Since then I have had brain shocks like never before. SOmetimes I feel disoriented, I get the cold sweats and I get very forgetful. I also have a savage appetite, and eat anything I see.
Here is a very interesting point: before I started on Effexor, I never drank wine. After I started on Effexor I started drinking wine- something I had never/ever done before in my life. I have been drinking 1-3 bottles per week.
What's even worse, is that I am now a bit paraniod. I am now wondering if my wife is having an affair agian. I have very little support, as I do not trust my wife, and few of my friends do not know I was on an anti-depressant (I have a therapist and I am in group therapy).
Currently the electrical shocks in my head making day to day functioning almost impossible. I can only hope that they go away soon.
thank you for listening- I'll keep you updated.
Jim
Posted by lucky on September 24, 2002, at 13:04:40
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Golf4 on September 20, 2002, at 16:40:37
I just started as well, actually this is my 8th day and just moved up to 75mg in the morning. I was extremely tired after taking it and can't stop yawning. After a couple of hours it seems to go away. I get a lull in the late afternoon as well. I take mine around 8:00am. I haven't noticed much change, but from what i've read it could take 4-8 weeks to notice a difference. this is the first AD i've ever take so it is all new to me. Best of luck!!
> such messages are so encouraging for those like me being just 2 weeks already on this med.Thanks!
> Now,what is the dose you are on and how much time did it take you to start feeling a significant improvement?
> ===========
>
>
> > i have been on effexor for 3 years and to me, it is the miracle drug. my depression, well, is gone. i almost never even get down anymore. it helps with the anxiety too. yes, i do know that the withdrawl symptoms when trying to come off of it are horrible, but it isn't if you do it the right way.. i came off of effexor twice, once cold turkey, which didn't work at all, i hit rock bottom with my depression. the other time was with prozac.. i started decreasing my dosage of effexor while taking prozac and never had a bit of problem. i was off of effexor for 3 months and then started back after a panic attack and depressed episode. it is wonderful if you truly need help for depression and anxiety. different medicnes work different for different people, but i would personally recommend effexor to anyone. as far as the sexual side effects, it is kind of funny because at first, it was like i kept feeling like i was going to orgasm and almost never did, it was very frustrating, but after a couple of months, that didn't happen anymore and now my orgasms are more powerful and wonderful than they ever were, i don't know if that is effexor related, but anyways, the sexual thing will subside, if you even have that side effect, a lot of people i've talked with don't have a sexual side effect. i really never had drowsiness that bad, maybe a little at first and then it subsided also. i get constipation from time to time ever since taking the effexor, but to me, it is worth it, if you aren't depressed.
>
>
Posted by kitkat on September 24, 2002, at 15:47:21
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Redula on September 23, 2002, at 13:54:19
Red, you really have to talk to your doctor, the sooner the better. Just take one step at a time, call her/him, tell them exactly what your symptoms are, and that you have days when you can't get out of bed. If you can't make the call yourself, ask a friend or family member to call.
A friend of mine was also sexually abused as a child and had numerous problems and diagnoses. She finally started to get well when she went to a partial hospitalization program funded by our county.
This was a daytime program that included intensive group therapy, a psychiatrist on staff to prescribe the right medications, and case workers to help with financial problems if any.
Maybe you could look in the Human Services section of your phone book to see what services your area offers, or ask your doctor what is available.
I think it's really important that you get additional help, no drug is a wonder pill that can cure emotional trauma immediately.
Good luck, please let us know how you're doing. People really do care, even though when you're depressed and anxious it might seem like nobody does.
Posted by jannbeau on September 24, 2002, at 16:35:15
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Redula on September 23, 2002, at 13:54:19
>Red, I've noticed a couple of responses to your post. Will you get back to us to tell us whether you are trying to get the help you need. We DO care what becomes of you!
God Bless,
jannbeauI have currently been taking the Effexor for at least 8 to 12 months, I not sure what month that I started, but I am up to taking 2, 75 mg a day, plus 1, Xanax 0.5 mg three times a day. I also hve trouble sleeping. I have a good Dr, but I've never asked her what I was diagnosed with. I was sexually abused as a child. I had at one time put this behind me, but now (to make a long story short), things have been kind of throwed back at me. I had surpressed alot of my child hood. It's been rough, and there are days I'm not even able to get out of bed due to pain, numbness, or unable to move.
>
> I still have anxiety attacks, and my body just jerks all over and I went from have a full time job, attending college, raising my two little girls, to being affrain of doing anything.
>
> Some times I feel over medicated, and there are times I feel that I couldn't live with out it.
>
> Please, help me to under stand why I am taking the Effexor ER.
>
> Red
Posted by pregnant on September 24, 2002, at 23:39:08
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor, posted by jim hawthorn on September 24, 2002, at 6:44:16
>Hi Jim,
Maybe you went cold turkey to fast. I found out that my husband had a relative that perscribes effexor to his patients and that is what he told me when I explained the same symptoms that you are having. To help, I went back on the 37.5 for five days and then took half of that dose for five days I think. (I am forgetting alot as well) and today is the first day I didn't take anything. I noticed it has been 10 days since my post so the number of days is about right. Today I felt sleepy, dizzy, and very few of the zips in my brain. Before I thought I was dying and like you felt I could not function at all. I want to see what tommorrow brings. I really want to be off of this now. I am short tempered again, but I don't feel depressed. I think some of my anxiety came back, like when driving, but definately not as bad as before. My husband cheated on me, and my aniety was very bad. I wonder some at times now, but I don't feel that same anxiety that didn't allow me to function. I hope you all the best, and hope my information helps. P.s I also have the savage appetite. Pregnant
I'd like to share my experiences;
>
> I was emitionally shut down for 10 years and emotionally abusing my wife. She had an affair with my room mate from university, I found out about it, and I had a nervous breakdown. I discovered the affair in Feb 2002, it is now Sept 2002.
>
> To reduce my anxiety about everything going on in my life, my doc prescribed Effexor- starting at 37.5, for 2 weeks, moving to 75mg, then up to 150's where I stayed for about 2 months. I have slowly weened myself down to 37.5, then started emptying half of the 37.5 capsules. 5 days ago I quite cold turkey. Since then I have had brain shocks like never before. SOmetimes I feel disoriented, I get the cold sweats and I get very forgetful. I also have a savage appetite, and eat anything I see.
>
> Here is a very interesting point: before I started on Effexor, I never drank wine. After I started on Effexor I started drinking wine- something I had never/ever done before in my life. I have been drinking 1-3 bottles per week.
>
> What's even worse, is that I am now a bit paraniod. I am now wondering if my wife is having an affair agian. I have very little support, as I do not trust my wife, and few of my friends do not know I was on an anti-depressant (I have a therapist and I am in group therapy).
>
> Currently the electrical shocks in my head making day to day functioning almost impossible. I can only hope that they go away soon.
>
> thank you for listening- I'll keep you updated.
> Jim
>
>
Posted by Princess on September 27, 2002, at 19:46:50
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor, posted by pregnant on September 14, 2002, at 4:47:35
Hi Jim;
I am going to slowly go off the effexor starting tomorrow. I have made it through the tough emotional times I was having back in March. I feel ready and and do not like the side effects.
I hope you are doing better now. I understand the feelings of betrayal no matter what the circumstances were. It takes many things to heal from that hurt. Especially time....Princess
Posted by lilsis on September 27, 2002, at 23:30:16
In reply to Re: Effexor and Alcohol, posted by sjb on September 9, 2002, at 9:23:30
i am drunk as a skunk right now. it was the cheapest dunk ever
Posted by Kai on September 28, 2002, at 19:58:38
In reply to Re: Effexor and Alcohol, posted by lilsis on September 27, 2002, at 23:30:16
Beware what may happen to you after drinking while on effexor. It is a depressant; you may severly "crash" and become very depressed. I learned my lesson the hard way. I do not drink at all. In order to maintain my mental health I can not drink alcohol. I really do not think that it is a good idea to mix other drugs with alcohol.
Posted by Noelle on September 29, 2002, at 9:30:55
In reply to Re: Effexor and Alcohol, posted by Kai on September 28, 2002, at 19:58:38
I am having a horrible experience when I first started taking effexor it was great I got totally euphoric and now I can't take two drinks without getting horribly depressed and sick. Its really unbearable
Posted by legallybrunette on September 29, 2002, at 11:30:53
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
ok, after 2 years of my shrink persuading me to try an antidepressant (haven't til now as i can't stand the thought of any freaky mind-altering side-effects or just...depending on a PILL to feel 'normal'; although, at this pt, feeling 'normal' would be nice), i will start effexor today. knock on wood. god willing.
as i do with everything pharmaceutical i'm about to swallow, i come on here and do my two-bit amateur investigation on the drug.
anyway. point being. what a scary - somewhat discouraging - board this is. why are 95% of the folks on here so negative about effexor???
it's freaking me out.
Posted by Geezer on September 29, 2002, at 14:19:59
In reply to discouraging bunch of mssgs, posted by legallybrunette on September 29, 2002, at 11:30:53
Hi,
Don't let the board scare you. Hypothetically, 70% of the people using ADs get some degree of relief for a period of time (none of the ADs work forever). The other 30% of us are here looking for answers and sharing experience. If we had the right drugs to give us relief (or we found a way to avoid the side effects) we wouldn't be here anymore - we would have better things to do.
Best of luck
Posted by Nigel99 on September 29, 2002, at 15:43:54
In reply to discouraging bunch of mssgs, posted by legallybrunette on September 29, 2002, at 11:30:53
Hi! I just joined this group and I hope my message can cheer you a bit. I have been on Effexor XR for 3 1/2 weeks now and I can say with all honesty it is a true miracle drug for me. Within three days my anxiety attacks stopped. Within six I was smiling and relaxed in a way I haven't felt since childhood (I am 36). I have been on Paxil, Serzone before and never ever had somthing that works this well.
My only advice is to start Metamucil now!! Constipation is a major side effect for me.
> ok, after 2 years of my shrink persuading me to try an antidepressant (haven't til now as i can't stand the thought of any freaky mind-altering side-effects or just...depending on a PILL to feel 'normal'; although, at this pt, feeling 'normal' would be nice), i will start effexor today. knock on wood. god willing.
> as i do with everything pharmaceutical i'm about to swallow, i come on here and do my two-bit amateur investigation on the drug.
> anyway. point being. what a scary - somewhat discouraging - board this is. why are 95% of the folks on here so negative about effexor???
> it's freaking me out.
Posted by jeanhamlin on September 29, 2002, at 18:34:52
In reply to Re: sexual side effect- effexor-xr, posted by smokingun35 on September 25, 2000, at 20:50:07
i have started effexor xr and have experienced low libido and inability to reach orgasm. I took 37.5mg for 2 weeks and 75mg for half a week. I feel great but these sexual side effects are worrying me. When and if will they go away, and what can I do to help it in the meantime?
Posted by DebraA. on September 29, 2002, at 19:08:42
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor, posted by jim hawthorn on September 24, 2002, at 6:44:16
> I have been off Effexor for about 5 weeks now and I am doing okay - finally! The brain tremors do finally subside. However, I'm feeling some real feelings now that I'm not so numbed out from Effexor. Why did you go off of it so soon after finding out about the affair? It takes a long time to rebuild trust in a relationship after trust has been broken. I don't think you're being paranoid right now - you just haven't had enough time to develop a sense of trust with your wife. That's going to take a long time, so don't be down on yourself if you're not completely trusting yet. In fact, be real good and understanding with what you're going through right now.
Posted by legallybrunette on September 29, 2002, at 20:28:01
In reply to Re: discouraging bunch of mssgs, posted by Nigel99 on September 29, 2002, at 15:43:54
hey geezer and nigel - thank you for responding.
i didn't intend to sound negative or critical;
you're right: if everyone on the board were feeling
fantastic about effexor, they wouldn't be here.well, my first 37.5mg dose and i don't feel as ill
& demented as i thought i would (though i do feel
that nausea coming on).
hopefully things'll stay relatively ok when i
double the dose in 3days.ps: i am just wondering: what is the average dose
people are on in here? judging by my sensitivity to
drugs in general, i doubt i'll get past the 75mg
stage.
have folks on here felt relief just being on 75?
& how long before side-effects dissipate?
thanks again!
Hi! I just joined this group and I hope my message can cheer you a bit. I have been on Effexor XR for 3 1/2 weeks now and I can say with all honesty it is a true miracle drug for me. Within three days my anxiety attacks stopped. Within six I was smiling and relaxed in a way I haven't felt since childhood (I am 36). I have been on Paxil, Serzone before and never ever had somthing that works this well.
>
> My only advice is to start Metamucil now!! Constipation is a major side effect for me.
>
>
> > ok, after 2 years of my shrink persuading me to try an antidepressant (haven't til now as i can't stand the thought of any freaky mind-altering side-effects or just...depending on a PILL to feel 'normal'; although, at this pt, feeling 'normal' would be nice), i will start effexor today. knock on wood. god willing.
> > as i do with everything pharmaceutical i'm about to swallow, i come on here and do my two-bit amateur investigation on the drug.
> > anyway. point being. what a scary - somewhat discouraging - board this is. why are 95% of the folks on here so negative about effexor???
> > it's freaking me out.
>
>
Posted by Geezer on September 29, 2002, at 21:12:57
In reply to Re: discouraging bunch of mssgs, posted by legallybrunette on September 29, 2002, at 20:28:01
Didn't sound negative at all to me. Glad you have a good start and wish you the very best with your treatment.
Geezer
Posted by johnlund on September 29, 2002, at 22:14:57
In reply to Re: sexual side effect- effexor-xr, posted by jeanhamlin on September 29, 2002, at 18:34:52
> i have started effexor xr and have experienced low libido and inability to reach orgasm. I took 37.5mg for 2 weeks and 75mg for half a week. I feel great but these sexual side effects are worrying me. When and if will they go away, and what can I do to help it in the meantime?
I wish I could give you some good news, but I can't. I have found that over time the side affects lessen, but still remain. Because I am a man, I take Viagra to help, but it cost a lot of money. There is other ADs, but non is as good as Effexor at releaving my depression. So as people live with cronic pain, I live with cronic sexual disfunction. However, I could go back to being clinically depressed and have an organism once in a while, but that would mean I would loose my life as I know it, and I cannot let that happen.
Posted by jannbeau on September 30, 2002, at 10:52:53
In reply to Re: Effexor and Alcohol, posted by Noelle on September 29, 2002, at 9:30:55
>Hello, Noelle, why do you need to feel "euphoric"--that's not a normal state of mind. And what is "unbearable?"-not drinking alcohol? Perhaps you need to see a therapist or go to Alcoholics' Anonymous or both!
To the rest of you who don't like the effects of alcohol with Effexor. If alcohol mixed with physician-prescribed medications makes you feel bad, then choose whether you would rather have the alcohol or the psychoactive medication. You don't have to mix them!
Re-read your posts! You ALL sound like spoiled brats, wanting your cake (Effexor) and wanting to eat it at the same time (alcohol)--you can't always have it both ways!
Jannbeau
I am having a horrible experience when I first started taking effexor it was great I got totally euphoric and now I can't take two drinks without getting horribly depressed and sick. Its really unbearable
Posted by jannbeau on September 30, 2002, at 11:13:16
In reply to Re: discouraging bunch of mssgs » legallybrunette, posted by Geezer on September 29, 2002, at 14:19:59
> Geezer,
You said it so very well! He's right, Legallybrunette!Cheers,
jannbeauHi,
>
> Don't let the board scare you. Hypothetically, 70% of the people using ADs get some degree of relief for a period of time (none of the ADs work forever). The other 30% of us are here looking for answers and sharing experience. If we had the right drugs to give us relief (or we found a way to avoid the side effects) we wouldn't be here anymore - we would have better things to do.
>
> Best of luck
Posted by John W. on September 30, 2002, at 17:49:12
In reply to Re: discouraging bunch of mssgs, posted by jannbeau on September 30, 2002, at 11:13:16
> > Geezer,
> You said it so very well! He's right, Legallybrunette!
>
> Cheers,
> jannbeau
>
> Hi,
> >
> > Don't let the board scare you. Hypothetically, 70% of the people using ADs get some degree of relief for a period of time (none of the ADs work forever). The other 30% of us are here looking for answers and sharing experience. If we had the right drugs to give us relief (or we found a way to avoid the side effects) we wouldn't be here anymore - we would have better things to do.
> >
> > Best of luck
>
>Hello! This is my first message here. I have been on Effexor XR for about four months now and have mainly good things to say about it. It was prescribed to me after a panic attack. The best things that have happened by using it have been that I'm overall less anxious than I was before. Also, things generally bother me less. I no longer become intensely angry at the drop of a hat. I'm very grateful for this as I would have these 'anger attacks' as well, and my poor eleven year old son would usually pay for them. This alone has made taking Effexor worth it and I only wish I'd had it sooner. However, I was expecting to feel "happy" once I started it, and this hasn't happened. I do feel better, calmer, more relaxed and content, but not exactly happy. I've realized that this is also part of my conditioning and how my thinking patterns have been all my life. Negative thinking, etc. So there's a part of myself that's also the conscious part that has to build new patterns for myself. That's aside fromthe chemical part that Effexor is helping. But there have been the side effects. Mainly the lack of sex drive and the different ejaculations. At first, it took forever to reach that point, and then when it finally happened, it would happen a little earlier than I'd expected it to. Later this got more normal. But still there's a definite decline in sex drive. I think it helps to start out early, before getting down to sex. Prime the pump, if you will. :) And take your time and not get anxious or worried about not finishing. I still also have mild night sweats. I have also basically stopped drinking alcohol since starting it, which is also good.
Posted by Geezer on September 30, 2002, at 18:34:15
In reply to Re: An Encouraging One!, posted by John W. on September 30, 2002, at 17:49:12
Hi John W.
I am very glad you are here and commend you for your positive attitude. Seems you have already recognized the importance of the benefit you receive from your AD and you are "reasonable" about dealing with SEs. Hope you stick around!
Geezer
Posted by Nigel99 on September 30, 2002, at 18:48:02
In reply to Re: discouraging bunch of mssgs, posted by legallybrunette on September 29, 2002, at 20:28:01
Glad to help in some way Legal. The nausia didn't get to me much at all but the other side effects have not gone away much (dry mouth and eyes, constipation, reduction in libedo, and a little forgetful from time to time). I find them minor compared to the good it's done for me though.
Best of luck to you - you may have a few rough days in store while you adjust if it's your first time on AD's. I really hope it works well for you!!
> hey geezer and nigel - thank you for responding.
> i didn't intend to sound negative or critical;
> you're right: if everyone on the board were feeling
> fantastic about effexor, they wouldn't be here.
>
> well, my first 37.5mg dose and i don't feel as ill
> & demented as i thought i would (though i do feel
> that nausea coming on).
> hopefully things'll stay relatively ok when i
> double the dose in 3days.
>
> ps: i am just wondering: what is the average dose
> people are on in here? judging by my sensitivity to
> drugs in general, i doubt i'll get past the 75mg
> stage.
> have folks on here felt relief just being on 75?
> & how long before side-effects dissipate?
> thanks again!
>
Posted by h20surfer1 on September 30, 2002, at 22:39:56
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Too many negative posts on this site!
I have been on Effexor for 3 months. It works GREAT!!! I wish I went in for help years ago, thanks to my wife I finally did in June. I had to ramp up slowly (side effects at first were not enjoyable), 37.5 mg to 75mg ect. up to my present dose of 187mg which works well. I feel great, no thoughts of doom and gloom, death, and that "dark cloud" always looming over you. Anxiety dropped way down, things that used to bother me don't now. I have no side effects with alcohol(actually alcohol feels better now and I can drink a couple of glasses of wine without getting a "hangover" in the morning like before). I was diagnosed with CFS 12 years ago and usually fight 2 days a week of symptoms but since taking Effexor I have not had one down day in two months. I have a greater appreciation for life and the things around me. I am happy and focused. My one and only side effect is a reduction in Libido.
This is a great drug and I will continue taking it for as long as I need to.
Posted by juanantoniod on October 1, 2002, at 1:48:33
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by h20surfer1 on September 30, 2002, at 22:39:56
I have tried almost all the antidepressants (including Effexor) without much success, except for Wellbutrin, which got me activated, but did not take away the feelings of not wanting to live.
I have been on Effexor for 2 months now; it and Provigil have turned my life around. I relied on the POSITIVE information I read on this board for encouragement to keep going on Effexor, even during the first 6 weeks, when I could barely get up to go to the bathroom because of the fatigue. I was hopeful because of what I read here, and the fact that, even at the starting dosage of 37.5mg, it took away some of my anxiety and the constant feeling of wanting to die. Also, my (new) PDoc was smart enough to ramp up my dosage slowly (I stayed at 37.5 for the first month). He told me that the effect on the norepinephrine neurotransmitters -- those responsible for energy and motivation -- would not be achieved until the dosage went over 100mg, so that made me patient as well.
Last week my PDoc gave me Provigil to counter the side effect of the Effexor which was making me unmotivated and without energy. I am currently at 112.5mg of Effexor, scheduled to go up to 150mg in a few days and then stay there. I also have been taking 100mg of Provigil daily since last week, but did not take it yesterday and I still had a lot of energy. I don't know if it was the Effexor working, or the little bit of Provigil still in my system from the previous day.
Either way, Effexor and Provigil have changed my life. I have had depression since 1995 and this is the best that medication has ever worked on me. I think that if I feel much better, I will either be manic or euphoric (hopefully the latter).
I hope this helps someone as you all have helped me.
Take good care,
Antonio
P.S. A big THANK YOU to Dr. Bob for providing this forum!
Posted by h20surfer1 on October 1, 2002, at 8:22:10
In reply to Re: Effexor and Alcohol, posted by lilsis on September 27, 2002, at 23:30:16
I posted yesterday (9/30) but wanted to follow up on this alcohol issue. We are all different but I started on Paxil (two days) and could not handle it (put me thru the roof), went to Serzone (one month) and found it too sedating and I Could not drink alcohol-I did not like the feeling (I am a social drinker)After adjusting to the Effexor @ 187.5mg I have absolutely no problems with drinking up to 3-4 glasses of wine and the hangover the next morning is non-existent.
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