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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by TinMan on June 30, 2005, at 12:45:24
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by Jdresa on June 30, 2005, at 12:33:56
The sexual side effects that I have noticed on Effexor is that I don't think about it at all during the waking hours but I do have explicit sexual dreams. It is strange. I enjoy sex as much without problems there.
I don't have the nervous legs. I just clench so hard. The other side effects are lessening. I have gained weight, and would like to get it off.
I feel like my mind has slowed down and I can focus better on what is going on around me. I know this is a drug used for Adult ADD. It has certainly helped me.
Please let me know what y'all have done for the teeth clenching (besides night guards). Has anyone tried anti-seizure medication for that? Please let me have your feedback.
Still hollow,
The TinMan
Posted by haddsl on June 30, 2005, at 12:50:43
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by TinMan on June 30, 2005, at 12:45:24
I am also VERY interested in the help provided to teeth clenchers. My Boyfriend woke me up sevral times last night telling me I was grinding my teeth so hard he thought they would break. I never notice it but can feel the pain in my jaw in the morning. I would just get a mouth guard but my jaw hurts so bad I would rather just get rid of the problem all together. if anyone has ANY suggestions, I am up for anything!
> The sexual side effects that I have noticed on Effexor is that I don't think about it at all during the waking hours but I do have explicit sexual dreams. It is strange. I enjoy sex as much without problems there.
>
> I don't have the nervous legs. I just clench so hard. The other side effects are lessening. I have gained weight, and would like to get it off.
>
> I feel like my mind has slowed down and I can focus better on what is going on around me. I know this is a drug used for Adult ADD. It has certainly helped me.
>
> Please let me know what y'all have done for the teeth clenching (besides night guards). Has anyone tried anti-seizure medication for that? Please let me have your feedback.
>
> Still hollow,
> The TinMan
Posted by redjr on June 30, 2005, at 12:53:07
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by Jdresa on June 30, 2005, at 12:33:56
Jdresa,
Getting an orgasm while on Effexsor is challenging at best and impossible at worst. I know. That's the primary reason I went off the drug. I can't live without my good sex! I'm not sure if it will pass in time or not. Many of the side-affects do go away with time, but many remain as well. It's just hard to know if they will continue in your case without the passage of time. Try to stick it out for a few weeks if you can. But I know it's hard.
Another negative side-affect you mentioned is feeling the need to constantly urinate. This is related to a condition called Prostatitis. It's an enlargement of the prostate that puts pressure on the urethra - thus the symptoms you are experiencing. Most Urologists don't give much credance to this being a side affetc of the effexor, but it is clearly stated on the Effexor website. Once I got off Effexor it went away. Wonders never cease!
But the biggy for me was insomnia. I even went on Lunesta, but it could not compete with Effexor. Basically it didn't help. I am using it by itself now and it does help. Glad to hear you had something strong to knock you out. I still believe I have some sort of sleeping disorder, but at least I'm getting 6+ hours without interruption.
Hang in there if you can, and see if the side affects subside gradually.
Good luck,
redjr...
Posted by compguy on June 30, 2005, at 13:02:07
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by Jdresa on June 30, 2005, at 12:33:56
I have benn on effexor for three months and the ejaculate problem is still here. This drug only helps one or two days a week with my anxeity other in that I think it is useless. I am seeing my doc tomorrow and i am going to get off it good luck to you hope it helps you
Posted by jaamey76 on June 30, 2005, at 14:25:43
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by haddsl on June 30, 2005, at 12:50:43
>>I would just get a mouth guard but my jaw hurts so bad I would rather just get rid of the problem all together. if anyone has ANY suggestions, I am up for anything!
I have always had a problem with grinding, at one time it had gotten so bad that I had trouble eating due to soreness...my dentist suggested to me to take Robaxicet (muscle relaxant) for 1-2 weeks to give my mouth a break. It tends to make you drowsy during the day, so chew gum during the day and take Robaxicet at night, and you should find yourself, and your mouth, feeling better. You should be able to find it OTC at any pharmacy.
Hope this helps.
Posted by haddsl on June 30, 2005, at 14:50:11
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by jaamey76 on June 30, 2005, at 14:25:43
You can get the Robaxicet at any pharmacy, OTC in CA?
I was just talking to my boyfriend and he said that I was grinding my teeth in my sleep before starting the Effexor. So, I guess it has always been a problem. But Taking a muscle relaxer at night would be the best for me anyway as it seems I grind at night mostly. Cause if I can that would be best. I don't want to have to wear a mouth guard everynight... I just wouldn't remember or fall asleep first.
> >>I would just get a mouth guard but my jaw hurts so bad I would rather just get rid of the problem all together. if anyone has ANY suggestions, I am up for anything!
>
> I have always had a problem with grinding, at one time it had gotten so bad that I had trouble eating due to soreness...my dentist suggested to me to take Robaxicet (muscle relaxant) for 1-2 weeks to give my mouth a break. It tends to make you drowsy during the day, so chew gum during the day and take Robaxicet at night, and you should find yourself, and your mouth, feeling better. You should be able to find it OTC at any pharmacy.
>
> Hope this helps.
>
Posted by TinMan on June 30, 2005, at 18:17:03
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by haddsl on June 30, 2005, at 14:50:11
>>You can get the Robaxicet at any pharmacy, OTC in CA? <<
Yes, is this available OTC in the U.S.? I am trying a low dose of Clonazepam. So far, it is helping quite a bit with the jaw/teeth clenching! I do feel a bit 'out of it'. I have only just started and will see how my body reacts to and tolerates the drug.
It is a prescription anti-seizure drug and you should talk to your Doctor or Dentist about the other medications that you are taking. It may react to certain MAOI's.
I can move my jaw! And crying only caused me to rust anyway,
TinMan
Posted by jaamey76 on June 30, 2005, at 21:19:38
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by TinMan on June 30, 2005, at 18:17:03
I know that Robaxicet is available OTC in Canada, I am not sure about the US. I was on Clonazepam for a month, but when I got the new doc, she wouldn't prescribe any more, due to its addictive nature. I guess that is ok...I don't need to be on 2 drugs that are addictive...it's funny, they don't say that Effexor is addictive...hmmmmmmmmmmm.
Posted by 4WD on June 30, 2005, at 22:10:30
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by Jdresa on June 30, 2005, at 12:33:56
> Hi,
> On my third week now. Im still at 75mg. I seem to have a lot of the pre listed side effects as well. The dry mouth has been awful espeacily being a smoker. The constant feeling of needing to urinate was deffinetly anoying. I even took meds for a bladder infection before I knew it was just a side effect. I also feel the constant twitch of my feet & legs. The two worst problems I've had though were the insomnia & and not being able to ejaculate at all. I want to feel better but I also want to sleep and be able to enjoy the sex. The insomnia was taken care of by the risperdal they perscribed me. That knocks me out cold. I have no dreams, no thoughts, no nothing now when I sleep. What I really want to know though is, if the problem with ejaculating subsides. This is perticulary difficult because My Wife and I are both on effexor. She is having similar problems but has a much better success rate than I have had. Also I wanted to know if anyone here is Bi-polar and taking this drug. From what I've read it doesn't seem like a good drug for that & that was what my wife was perscribed it for. Im lucky enough to just be irritated with everyone I don't know and not wanting any of them to interact with me. Depression and Anxiety are just so fun. No wait, not fun but certinatly make things interesting.
Hi. For me, the sexual side effects did lessen with time but never went completely away. The dry mouth lessened with time also but never went away. The restless legs thing did eventually go away completely except for very occasionally.Effexor never caused me insomnia. In fact it relieved the insomnia I had been having on Prozac. It took a couple of weeks to do that, though.
Good luck.
Marsha
Posted by 4WD on June 30, 2005, at 22:14:56
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by haddsl on June 30, 2005, at 12:50:43
> I am also VERY interested in the help provided to teeth clenchers. My Boyfriend woke me up sevral times last night telling me I was grinding my teeth so hard he thought they would break. I never notice it but can feel the pain in my jaw in the morning. I would just get a mouth guard but my jaw hurts so bad I would rather just get rid of the problem all together. if anyone has ANY suggestions, I am up for anything!
>
>
>
> > The sexual side effects that I have noticed on Effexor is that I don't think about it at all during the waking hours but I do have explicit sexual dreams. It is strange. I enjoy sex as much without problems there.
> >
> > I don't have the nervous legs. I just clench so hard. The other side effects are lessening. I have gained weight, and would like to get it off.
> >
> > I feel like my mind has slowed down and I can focus better on what is going on around me. I know this is a drug used for Adult ADD. It has certainly helped me.
> >
> > Please let me know what y'all have done for the teeth clenching (besides night guards). Has anyone tried anti-seizure medication for that? Please let me have your feedback.
> >
> > Still hollow,
> > The TinMan
>
>I had something similar. I didn't clench my teeth - instead I tightened the muscles in my neck and shoulders, causing intense, chronic pain. This happens on Prozac, Celexa, Lexapro and Zoloft. I was on Prozac for 8-9 years and it never went away. I didn't know it was from the AD or I'd have stopped the Prozac long before I did.
The weird thing is, when I switched to Effexor it completely stopped. Also, Paxil didn't cause this effect for me.
Marsha
Posted by MtnMama on July 1, 2005, at 10:14:55
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor » haddsl, posted by 4WD on June 30, 2005, at 22:14:56
does anyone know when Effexor XR becomes generic?? Meds stay brand name for 7 years. When is that up?
Posted by haddsl on July 1, 2005, at 12:46:30
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by TinMan on June 30, 2005, at 18:17:03
Ok, I am going to give the robaxicet a try I will keep you posted. thanks!!!
> >>You can get the Robaxicet at any pharmacy, OTC in CA? <<
>
> Yes, is this available OTC in the U.S.? I am trying a low dose of Clonazepam. So far, it is helping quite a bit with the jaw/teeth clenching! I do feel a bit 'out of it'. I have only just started and will see how my body reacts to and tolerates the drug.
>
> It is a prescription anti-seizure drug and you should talk to your Doctor or Dentist about the other medications that you are taking. It may react to certain MAOI's.
>
> I can move my jaw! And crying only caused me to rust anyway,
> TinMan
Posted by isella on July 2, 2005, at 11:33:20
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by TinMan on June 29, 2005, at 11:11:22
SandiDee,
I hope you have not begun effexor yet. TinMan has eyes wide open and is digging past the surface here. Hormone fluctuation has a tremendous impact on us, men and women alike. Have you had your hormone levels tested? Not once, not twice, but more?
Let us examine one of the latest Hollywood episodes, that of Brooke Shields' response to Tom Cruise's statements about her post-partum depression. She was immediately offensive and defensive, but most importantly, she unknowingly gave us the incredible insight to the real insanity... her doctor's response to her post-partum depression.
" Shields said she considered swallowing a bottle of pills or jumping out the window at the lowest point of her depression following the birth of her daughter, Rowan Francis, in 2003. A doctor later attributed her feelings to a plunge in her estrogen and progesterone levels and prescribed the antidepressant Paxil." --- (Shields Rips Cruise's 'Ridiculous Rant'
By Associated Press).
Now why in the world would a doctor prescribe antidepressants (something to treat the psyche) when he/she attributed her feelings to a plunge in her estrogen and progesterone levels???!!!! Doctors can (and do) treat hormone imbalances through such things as HRT. If I have a broken leg, should a cast be placed on my arm? Maybe, if I go to the same quack Brooke entrusted.Best Wishes,
Isella> Yes, it could be perimenopausal and/or menopausal. Like all "female problems", this one is so UNDER researched, misunderstood and swept under the rug. WHY? This is such a hard, difficult time in a woman's life! Hormones are changing, going haywire and off the charts.
>
> Post-partum depression is another area that is ignored. WHY?
>
> Because females are viewed as "hysterical" and "emotional". It is all "controllable" by the female. Right?!?!?
>
> I think a LOT of women who are in their mid to late 30's and 40's struggle with depression, anxiety, stress and the like. And I think a lot of it can be attributed to hormones fluctuating. What if men went through a "phase" in their lives where they lost their "potency"? Do you think that would be researched? Can you say VIAGRA?!?
>
> OK, I will get off my soapbox now. So now, instead of giving "hysterical" women laudlum, they are given Effexor. The side effects: the jury is still out for me on whether taking Effexor is worth it. Paxil sure as hell didn't help me!!
>
> > Hi everyone, I am new to this, so please bear with me. I have gone through alot of turmoil in my life over the last 3 years, and the past 4 months have been incredibly bad. I have always suffered with anxiety, but always "dealt with it", as expected. Today I finally broke at the dr's office. She decided to try me on effexor, starting at 37.5 mg for a week, then 75 mg. I am very worried about starting this med, I don't want to lose all emotion, I have stuff going on that I need to be emotional about, (recent death of a parent), I am 42 years old, so I guess I could be menopausal, but the dr. has not discussed this and there have been no symptoms of it. Any thoughts on what I should do? My plan is to start the effexor tomorrow.
>
>
Posted by larisa on July 3, 2005, at 11:42:50
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by isella on July 2, 2005, at 11:33:20
i recently started effexor xr again after being off for 2 months. it has been 4 days and i am feeling very anxious, especially in the a.m. last time on this drug i felt good almost immediately. anyone else have any similar experiences or suggestions.
Posted by carolina on July 4, 2005, at 12:41:12
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by larisa on July 3, 2005, at 11:42:50
ive been on effexor for 8 months now and have had 2 aggravating side effects. #1 is sexual and #2 is the awful migraines every day. i hav tried all the well known meds for depression and anxiety and effexor is the only one that has worked and i havnt had weight gain w/ it. i havnt felt anxious at all but the klonopin im on prob counteracts that. im not sure if the migraines r related though so i hav to see a neuro in 2 weeks that ive been putting off for some time now. any feedback?
Posted by compguy on July 4, 2005, at 13:04:45
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by carolina on July 4, 2005, at 12:41:12
I have both side effects that yoy have as well, i am know tapering my dose down it is not the klonopin or at least not for me i used klonopin before effexor and did not have that problem.My neur, had nothing to get rid of the migranes or at least nothing worked.
Posted by carolina on July 4, 2005, at 14:15:05
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by compguy on July 4, 2005, at 13:04:45
> I have both side effects that yoy have as well, i am know tapering my dose down it is not the klonopin or at least not for me i used klonopin before effexor and did not have that problem.My neur, had nothing to get rid of the migranes or at least nothing worked.
yeah i realized that it wasnt the klonopin back when i was on wellbutrin and the sex was better than ever. i really hope this neuro can help me b/c the mig. r awful as u know. my doc wants me on 225mg of effex and 3mg of the klon but i stayed at 150effex and really only take the klon to leave the house or if i get really stressed(which is pretty much every day :))
Posted by java874 on July 4, 2005, at 17:59:22
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by compguy on July 4, 2005, at 13:04:45
Hello,
I am on day #5 of Effexor XR. I suffer from double depression and finally decided it was time to take control of my life. Unlike a lot of people that have posted responses, I noticed the effects IMMEDIATELY. I am still on the 37.5mg dose and am supposed to take 75mg in two days. I am having so much success with the lower dose, I am contemplating staying on it...why take a higher dose if it is unnecessary? The two side effects I've had are fatigue and headache; I also felt "spacey" the first two days. I got smart and began to take 2 motrin along with my dose...this prevents the headache. If it makes a difference to anyone, I take my dose in the morning WHILE I'm at work and can function just fine. The fatigue only seems to hit once I get home. Officially as of day five, I have absolutely NO side effects, I feel GREAT! I am not emotionless, but can bypass the anxious thoughts that once riddled me. What a joy it is to be able to concentrate on myself and the things AT HAND vs. other anxieties.
Posted by TinMan on July 4, 2005, at 20:51:33
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by jaamey76 on June 30, 2005, at 14:25:43
Chewing gum helps a little with the clenching. Clonazepam helps quite a bit but it is in the diazapine family and can be addictive.
I have been on Effexor 225 mg for about a month now. Wow! Depression, anxiety are pretty much a thing of the past. I can concentrate on a task and think without other thoughts crowding my train of thought out. If my problems stem from hormone fluctuations and peri-menopause, I think this is a quick fix and not a long term solution. Effexor may work for me, while not for others.
There needs to be a lot more study done on hormone fluctuations and what they can do to a woman's mind, emotions and body. I think that by studying the source is the best way to find a solution. I have heard that depression causes much more difficult peri-menopause for women. Personally, I think difficult peri-menopause IS the cause of depression.
Perhaps the Wizard can help us?!?
TinMan
Posted by carolina on July 5, 2005, at 0:34:42
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by java874 on July 4, 2005, at 17:59:22
> Hello,
> I am on day #5 of Effexor XR. I suffer from double depression and finally decided it was time to take control of my life. Unlike a lot of people that have posted responses, I noticed the effects IMMEDIATELY. I am still on the 37.5mg dose and am supposed to take 75mg in two days. I am having so much success with the lower dose, I am contemplating staying on it...why take a higher dose if it is unnecessary? The two side effects I've had are fatigue and headache; I also felt "spacey" the first two days. I got smart and began to take 2 motrin along with my dose...this prevents the headache. If it makes a difference to anyone, I take my dose in the morning WHILE I'm at work and can function just fine. The fatigue only seems to hit once I get home. Officially as of day five, I have absolutely NO side effects, I feel GREAT! I am not emotionless, but can bypass the anxious thoughts that once riddled me. What a joy it is to be able to concentrate on myself and the things AT HAND vs. other anxieties.i agree about why up the dose when ur doing well b/c in some people ur body adjusts to 1 level after time and the med doesnt work as well and then u may hav 2 go up im glad ur doing better i know how it is to feel so depressed its hard to function i have severe depressive disorder along w/ PTSD and 150 has been working 4 me so i said why up the dose i completely know how u feel
Posted by jesica on July 5, 2005, at 10:44:12
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi there,
I've been on Effexor for 4 weeks now. The first 3 were terrible but then I started to feel allot better. This weekend all of a sudden I started to feel really bad again, like if I was a different person. I gave up... on Sunday I stopped taking my pill and now I feel terrible. I know you are supposed to gradually get off it but I thought I would just try. Now I am a mess. I can't seem to focus on anything, I've been sleeping like no tomorrow and I can't seem to remember much. What should I do? Should I keep taking it? But I'm afraid I'll feel worst or will this go away in a few days?
Posted by carolina on July 5, 2005, at 11:27:54
In reply to what should I do? HELP, posted by jesica on July 5, 2005, at 10:44:12
> Hi there,
> I've been on Effexor for 4 weeks now. The first 3 were terrible but then I started to feel allot better. This weekend all of a sudden I started to feel really bad again, like if I was a different person. I gave up... on Sunday I stopped taking my pill and now I feel terrible. I know you are supposed to gradually get off it but I thought I would just try. Now I am a mess. I can't seem to focus on anything, I've been sleeping like no tomorrow and I can't seem to remember much. What should I do? Should I keep taking it? But I'm afraid I'll feel worst or will this go away in a few days?
>
hey im def. not a dr. but i know that stopping any meds cold turkey can cause serious reactions and cause awful side effects. within 2 weeks, the effexor is usually in ur body at a stable level and by stopping ur body is adjusting to the difference. i would get in touch w/ my doc IMMEDIATELY about this. maybe effexor wasnt right for u but stopping any anti depressant can cause u to hit bottom and feel worse than u did b4. i have stopped different meds several x's and each x i fell back into that dark hole and felt so bad i didnt even want to get out of bed much less call my doc but u have 2 for ur safety and well being. please let me know how things go. there are many other meds out that may be better 4 u depending on what ur dr says. please dont wait it may just get worse-abb
Posted by julish on July 5, 2005, at 12:04:12
In reply to Re: what should I do? HELP, posted by carolina on July 5, 2005, at 11:27:54
DEFINITELY...call your Doc.!
There's a solution for you...just keep trying! The effects of suddenly stopping a med are difficult, at best... I certainly wouldn't want you to experience the worst.
Call your doc and get advice.
Julie
Posted by baby girl on July 5, 2005, at 12:04:21
In reply to Re: what should I do? HELP, posted by carolina on July 5, 2005, at 11:27:54
> > Hi there,
> > I've been on Effexor for 4 weeks now. The first 3 were terrible but then I started to feel allot better. This weekend all of a sudden I started to feel really bad again, like if I was a different person. I gave up... on Sunday I stopped taking my pill and now I feel terrible. I know you are supposed to gradually get off it but I thought I would just try. Now I am a mess. I can't seem to focus on anything, I've been sleeping like no tomorrow and I can't seem to remember much. What should I do? Should I keep taking it? But I'm afraid I'll feel worst or will this go away in a few days?
> >
> hey im def. not a dr. but i know that stopping any meds cold turkey can cause serious reactions and cause awful side effects. within 2 weeks, the effexor is usually in ur body at a stable level and by stopping ur body is adjusting to the difference. i would get in touch w/ my doc IMMEDIATELY about this. maybe effexor wasnt right for u but stopping any anti depressant can cause u to hit bottom and feel worse than u did b4. i have stopped different meds several x's and each x i fell back into that dark hole and felt so bad i didnt even want to get out of bed much less call my doc but u have 2 for ur safety and well being. please let me know how things go. there are many other meds out that may be better 4 u depending on what ur dr says. please dont wait it may just get worse-abb
>
I tried to get my self off of effexor... GO TO YOUR DOC NOW!!!!!!!!!! I almost found mtself in a mental hospital. My husband did not know what I was doing. I was having some rare side effects, extream pelvic pain, bone pain, and arthritic symptoms. The best orthapedic doc in WNC. could not find any thing wrong with me. Had MRIs, Bone Scans, and CT scans. The pain was making the dep.worse so med doc uped the dose to 225mg a day which made the pain worse. I did some digging in the American Journal of Med. and found the rare side effects. Be careful on this drug!! I'm not saying that it is a bad drug but it cacused more problems for me than cures. I am now on wellbutrin, happy as a lark, pain free, and dropping the weight I gained while on effoxor. I learned the hard way to read all the fine print!!!
Posted by jaamey76 on July 5, 2005, at 12:38:55
In reply to what should I do? HELP, posted by jesica on July 5, 2005, at 10:44:12
Hey jesica...like you, I have been on Effexor for just under 4 weeks, and seeing your post makes me feel a bit better. It was awful when I started, then I woke up one day, and was feeling much better. That lasted for a couple of days, and then all of a sudden, it was like starting over again. My anxiety is back, I am shakey again, and afraid to leave the house. I don't know if that is an indication that the dosage needs to be increased, or that we just need a little more time. I am going to hang in there for another week, and see what happens. I will be visiting my doc soon, for a refill. Keep taking it, and see what happens.
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