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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Ezra666 on September 10, 2005, at 7:48:04
In reply to Was This A Side Affect?, posted by Sis on August 12, 2000, at 16:57:20
I have been using Effexor for about three years at the dose of 450mg a day and it has had both negative and positive effects although the negative list is a lot longer than the positive. Everything from gaining weight, lost use of the mind, to self mutilation. I have been thinking of no longer using it but worried about what I was like before but reading through these messages has helped me to decide to end this. I also take Xanax which would help, hopefully. At the moment I'm not too worried about side effects because I enjoy the brain buzzing as you guys call it (perfect description) but I'm going to be careful with it. It does help knowing that there are so many people out there who are feeling the same as I do. Almost makes me feel better.
Posted by TinMan on September 10, 2005, at 9:06:54
In reply to Long time user of Effexor, posted by Ezra666 on September 10, 2005, at 7:48:04
Hi Ezra666,
I don't have the "brain buzzing" as it has been described. I have gone to 150 mg but have found myself obsessing about things (OCD). So now I am back up to 225 mg. I do feel lethargic, low motivation, hungry, no sex drive and I sometimes "forget" things. (But I did that before, too.) My Dr. does not want to add Wellbutrin to the Effexor.You dose seems to me to be a little high. Were you self mutilating BEFORE the Effexor? Has it helped? If the negatives outweigh the positives, then, yes, you are wise to try something different.
Good luck and keep us posted on how you are doing!
Posted by Ezra666 on September 10, 2005, at 9:17:29
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor, posted by TinMan on September 10, 2005, at 9:06:54
Posted by Ezra666 on September 10, 2005, at 9:24:47
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor (nm), posted by Ezra666 on September 10, 2005, at 9:17:29
Sorry, my second message and I mess it up. That makes one feel stupid. Anyway as I said in the message that didn't show up. My GP put on the high dosage because the smaller ones made me worse. As for the self mutilation it was something I did sometimes but now it's something I think of and do a lot.
I have to say that writing to people likes makes me feel very anxious but I will stay in touch and hopefully I'll be able to give others advice.
Thanks for such a quick response!
Posted by wildcard on September 10, 2005, at 9:27:50
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor (nm), posted by Ezra666 on September 10, 2005, at 9:17:29
The only effect i had from effexor was the lethargy(sp) but now that im at 225 i have a lot more energy. i have never had the brain zaps and i have no appetite on effexor?? Weird how the med effects everyone so differently.
Posted by Ezra666 on September 10, 2005, at 9:39:40
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor » Ezra666, posted by wildcard on September 10, 2005, at 9:27:50
I understand what you mean because I read a lot of posts before posting myself. I was thin before going on effexor and didn't eat much at all but once I started it I started eating and haven't stopped. I get sick once I start feeling hungry and if I try to exercise I spend three days sleeping it off.
But I am glad that it works for a lot of people.
Posted by TinMan on September 10, 2005, at 9:53:16
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor, posted by Ezra666 on September 10, 2005, at 9:24:47
Ezra666, the one thing that Effexor has definitely helped me with is the GAD. I want to DO things that before, I was too anxious to even try. But I can really relate to the working out issue and then sleeping for 3 days!
Paxil did not HELP me; in fact, I wanted to and thought about drinking alcohol a lot. Normally, I am not a big drinker but on Paxil, wow. And I would drink and do very stupid things; impulsive things that I normally NOT do. So switching from Paxil to Effexor has been a good thing for me. Also, when it was clear to me that I had a problem with the Paxil, I found a new Dr., a Psychiatrist and a therapist. One of the best things that I have done for myself in a while. So, my recommendation to you is to find a Psychiatrist (who is much more attuned to these kind of meds). He/She should be able to find a drug or a combo of drugs that is much more helpful to you than the Effexor has been.
Just my 2 cents worth. -TinMan
Posted by wildcard on September 10, 2005, at 10:09:06
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor, posted by TinMan on September 10, 2005, at 9:53:16
That is very true indeed! Although it can be a PITA to switch meds until u can find one that works for u, when u do, it's worth it. And that is odd TinMan b/c I have never been a drinker until i was on Paxil as well...and i was very impulsive also! That was a bad med. for me, however it may help others. Ezra, just take ur time until u feel more comfortable posting. We all understand. Glad ur w/ us! Take care.
Posted by ct79 on September 10, 2005, at 16:54:19
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor » TinMan, posted by wildcard on September 10, 2005, at 10:09:06
I to was on Paxil before. It did nothing for me except give me side effects. I am on my fourth day with Effexor. I have yet to have any side effects except for some slight confusion at times. I think I am on the lowest dose 37.5MG . I am also on killonipin as well as Ambien. I am finding myself starting to not need these other meds as much. I was extremely dependent on them before. I know that the Effexor has not even gotten in my system yet, so maybe my feeling better has to do with the group therapy I am doing.
Are you missing doses at all ? Also what time are you taking the Effexor ? I take mine in the mornings and it seems to work out just fine for me. As for the self mutilations thoughts, I have never had that problem so I am not sure what kind of advice I can give you on that other than don't do it. Do you have a favorite hobby that you can do when those types of thoughts set in ? If not try sitting down and writing a letter to yourself to help take your mind off of the negative.
Posted by Ezra666 on September 11, 2005, at 3:01:08
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor, posted by TinMan on September 10, 2005, at 9:53:16
I have a good Doctor and I trust him. He sent me to see a Psychiatrist and it was the Psychiatrist who said to up my Effexor to 450mg and also suggested Epilim. The Epilim works for my depression though it hasn't taken it away. And the Effexor is for my Social Phobia.
I'm going to talk to my Doctor about trying the first medication I was on with the Epilim, (don't know the name of the first one).
I've dropped down to 375mg of Effexor today and so far so good.
Ezra666
Posted by Ezra666 on September 11, 2005, at 3:04:11
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor » TinMan, posted by wildcard on September 10, 2005, at 10:09:06
Thanks! I'm glad to be here and talk about this stuff with people who understand. Even though my Doctor says he knows what I'm going through it's not the same.
I have Social Phobia so I find it very hard to talk to people but knowing that the people on this list suffer a lot of the things I do helps.
Thanks for the welcome!
Posted by Ezra666 on September 11, 2005, at 3:12:33
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor, posted by ct79 on September 10, 2005, at 16:54:19
I take my Effexor in the morning. My first side effects were tiredness and feeling sick. Feeling sick only lasted a few days but I slept for two hours every afternoon for nearly a year and at least twelve hours a night. That was nasty for someone who use to sleep only eight hours a day. Side effects changed and started with higher dosages.
I use to write and read a lot but I can't concentrate long enough to do either.
With the mutilation, when I want to do that I start pulling my hair out from underneath and that takes my mind off the cutting. It works most of the time. I hoping that will stop with the loss of Effexor.
I've cut back as of today. Down to 375mg. I'll to that for a few days and then drop another 75mg. I'm hoping that even with the brain buzzes I will feel better physically at least.
Posted by TinMan on September 11, 2005, at 11:47:23
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor » TinMan, posted by Ezra666 on September 11, 2005, at 3:01:08
Lately, I have been taking 150 mg of Effexor in the morning and then another 75 mg at noon. Even though I feel lethargic, I cannot go to sleep without the 7.5 mg of Remeron. I am no longer a "morning person". I sleep 10+ hours sometimes. I don't like that.
I guess I keep going back to the idea of taking Wellbutrin.
I do love what Effexor does for me with social, generalized anxiety and the panic attacks. I also like that I can "sit" with my feelings no matter how painful. I don't self mutilate or cut BUT I do other self destructive things, especially in relationships with others. The Effexor slows my thinking down so I can focus on my behavior.
I don't like to drink on Effexor (unlike the Paxil!). The next day, I feel headachy and hung over. Not good.
Anyway, getting off the Paxil and trying something different has worked so far for me. -TinMan
Posted by LynnPerley on September 11, 2005, at 22:26:02
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor, posted by TinMan on September 11, 2005, at 11:47:23
I have been taking Effexor for over three years now. I have been on doses ranging from 75 mg to 300 mg. It is wonderful for anxiety and worry. The trouble is, it makes me feel like I don't care about anything. I can see a big problem coming up and be powerless to respond. It kept me functional for the most part when my husband was deployed in Iraq, but the inability to concentrate and constantly mellow effect is not good. My doctor added Ritalin to help the concentration, which helped a great deal - when I took it - but the I don't care attitude led me not to take it on as regular a basis as I should have. I also gained 30 pounds and stopped exercising altogether. I started drinking a lot more on a regular basis. It is very hard to tell the side effects of a particular medication from telling when your depression is getting worse. I finally decided I wanted off of the Effexor for good but past tries had not been succesful due to discontinuation syndrome.
About a month ago, after describing these problems in a forceful manner to my doctor, and determining I could not take Wellbutrin due to a seizure history, we decided to add 20 mg Prozac to the 225 mgEffexor/15 mg Ritalin combination. The first week was not good, because the old jaw clenching Prozac side effect came back. The second and third weeks were much better as far as side effects, and I felt more energized and almost "normal". We increased the dose of Prozac to 40 mg for another month and then we will try tapering down on the Effexor.
I find Prozac much more energizing than Effexor. I'm hoping to cut back on the Effexor dosage soon. Exercise was my natural antidepressant for several years and I want to be my old self again.
Posted by Ezra666 on September 11, 2005, at 22:41:52
In reply to Long time user of Effexor, posted by LynnPerley on September 11, 2005, at 22:26:02
I can't understand why Doctors would medicate people with depression with a drug that may cause them to become more lethargic. I find that the more tired I am the more depressed I am.
Is anyone else more depressed when they are tired and lethargic???
Posted by Nervous Rob on September 11, 2005, at 23:02:18
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor, posted by TinMan on September 11, 2005, at 11:47:23
I have been taking 75mg effexor with 3mg klonopin and 2 mg xanax XR for about two weeks now. Prior to that it was just xanax then klonopin and the AD just made me jump out of my skin. My anxiety level has decreased significantly. My problem is GAD with panic and phobia. It is the first time in my life that I beginning to feel comfortable with myself. But that's me and I feel very lucky.
I think alot has to do with a vigorous exercise routine that my doctor recommended (of course be careful of this with some medications and conditions), a complete change in diet where I am eating very healthy foods, no junk and meditate for up to 30 minutes a day with breathing exercises that are on my doctor's web site.
My point is that we all are NOT created equal as far as the efficacy of medicine or the side effects. Doing good things for yourself and even more importantly others (I do as much volunteer work as I can handle) creates all kinds of benefits.
Sometimes we all need some help with some medication, and myself being diabetic with a heart condition understand that you can't do it all without medication.
Controlled breathing for a short time each day and helping others when possible can't hurt and can certainly help. Focusing on your illness never cures it and worrying can't make you well. We all know that, but there is something that doesn't let us believe it deep inside. Acting it out helps me and maybe all of you will find it's worth a try.
Just my point of view and trying to help.
Rob
Posted by AngelMyth on September 13, 2005, at 19:58:49
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor, posted by TinMan on September 11, 2005, at 11:47:23
I am brand new to all of this so I thank all of you that have provided me with some information to discuss with my doctor. I started on the 37.5 for a week and will be going up to 75 tomorrow. Having phobias isnt helping starting a new drug, as a first time drug user. I am not sure if the feeling I have are side effects or just me. Well I know I dont have the desire to eat anything and am never hungry, and that really isnt me, but I seem to be having more panic attacks this past week than ever. Is this normal??
Posted by Phillipa on September 13, 2005, at 22:28:37
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor, posted by AngelMyth on September 13, 2005, at 19:58:49
That's what always happened to me on SSRI's or effexor. I always quit after about a week and I was on xanax also at the time. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Nervous Rob on September 14, 2005, at 0:05:34
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor, posted by AngelMyth on September 13, 2005, at 19:58:49
I started just about every anti-depressant with the same phobia and I don't know if my phobia caused the panic attacks or like you suggest that the side effect of the drug may be causing the side effect.
My experience was that I tried to stick it out as long as possible because many side effects subside in a week or two or so. You'll know if you're feeling better or worse, but unless you are having very bad symptoms you may be better sticking with it. Talk to your doctor, even if you call him/her every couple of days. Your body tells you pretty much everything you need to know. Eventually you should feel more like yourself not a zombie and not in a constant state of panic. I had bad side effects with prozac, paxil, tofranil and others I cant name. Effexor is the first one that does not make me feel anxious, but I am taking it with Klonopin and Xanax, which I plan to taper off (everyone plans on going off). My main side effects are the lack of sex drive and appetite. I'm not going to put up with the lack of sex drive much longer, but it isn't a dangerous side effect, so I am sticking with the effexor. The appetite problem is also not a problem. I can stand to lose a few pounds so I've turned it into an opportunity to lose some weight which I have done with the help of regular exercise.
Everyone is different, but I thought you might like to hear some other thoughts. But believe me you are NOT alone!
Not-so-nervous Rob
Posted by SandiDee on September 14, 2005, at 6:37:53
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor » AngelMyth, posted by Nervous Rob on September 14, 2005, at 0:05:34
Just an update regarding starting Welbutrin to combat the side effects of Effexor xr. I have been on the Effexor since June and the side effects I experienced were a total loss of interest in sex, dry mouth, and a few other minor ones. I started the Welbutrin about 3-4 weeks ago and WOW what a difference! I believe I have found the right dosage, and combination of meds to help me, and I feel so much better than I have in a very long time! I was a doubting thomas when my Dr. prescribed the Effexor, and I was also afraid to start it because of the side effects, but I am so glad I did. I read alot here from people who try the meds for only a few days, and I think they are not truly giving it a chance to get into their systems. I know I'm glad I continued with mine!
Posted by sad1 on September 14, 2005, at 13:55:59
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor, posted by SandiDee on September 14, 2005, at 6:37:53
What dosages of Effexor and Wellbutrin are you taking and what side effects has it improved? I was only taking Effexor (since June) and had a total loss of interest in sex as well. I started taking the Wellbutrin a few weeks ago because of that (150mg/day), and have just started decreasing my Effexor to every other day now since last week. The only difference I've noticed so far is that I'm less tired. No improvement on the sex drive yet, but I'm trying to be patient.
Posted by SandiDee on September 14, 2005, at 19:03:19
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor » SandiDee, posted by sad1 on September 14, 2005, at 13:55:59
I am currently on 150 mg. of each, the welbutrin and the effexor xr. I started the effexor xr in june also, and the welbutrin about 3 weeks ago. The sexual side effect, (not wanting any), is pretty much gone, thank goodness, and I'm not sure if the dry mouth is gone, or if I just don't notice it as much anymore. I have lost alot of my appetite also, but that started with the effexor, and the constipation is still a pain in the butt, (literally), but I also started a little higher fiber diet, oh so yummy all bran for breakfast. I am truly thankful for this med combination, I think that if I hadn't done something I would be a total basket case right now. I do understand that some meds don't work for some people, and also that some people hate all meds, and they have that right, all I know is what works for me.
Posted by Sibleygal on September 16, 2005, at 20:16:36
In reply to just started effexor xr today, posted by scaredofmeds on September 7, 2005, at 20:19:23
> I just started this today and already i don't know if i like the way it makes me feel. It knocked me out for 4 hours midday. I suffer from ptsd & depression. I have tried several meds but don't like the way i feel when i'm on them. I have also noticed that my jaw is almost always clinched- which is going to give me a horrible headache. Any suggestions from anyone will be welcome. Also.....I have the worst case of nausea that i have ever had in my life. Can't even think of food i want to hurl.
>
> Thank You!!!
I know some time has gone by, I hope you've adjusted to the Effexor. It can be tough to adjust to any med, but worth it. I, too, suffer from PTSD (for last 5 years) and depression (for at least 25 years). The panic attacks became crippling as I started fearing the night and I was afraid to sleep. My anxiety made me so tense that my shoulders hurt from wearing them on my earlobes, if you know what I mean :)
Talk therapy was useless so I was referred to a therapist for EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). This procedure saved my life!! Go to EMDR.com and see if this can help you too. And discuss it with your therapist.
The EMDR brought back my ability to live life and Effexor kept me from wanting to end it.Good luck! -Sibleygal
Posted by LynnPerley on September 16, 2005, at 23:10:58
In reply to just started effexor xr today, posted by scaredofmeds on September 7, 2005, at 20:19:23
> I just started this today and already i don't know if i like the way it makes me feel. It knocked me out for 4 hours midday. I suffer from ptsd & depression. I have tried several meds but don't like the way i feel when i'm on them. I have also noticed that my jaw is almost always clinched- which is going to give me a horrible headache. Any suggestions from anyone will be welcome. Also.....I have the worst case of nausea that i have ever had in my life. Can't even think of food i want to hurl.
>
> Thank You!!!You should stay on Effexor for at least two weeks to a month before you decide it is not for you. It takes a while for the side effects to settle down. I had the constipation and the nausea too, but it goes away. You will have nausea if you miss a dose, eventually. I increased my fiber intake and also took some Metamucil for that. The dry mouth is a good thing if you look at it this way - you should drink lots of water anyway!
Posted by toggle on September 17, 2005, at 3:15:38
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
k lots of posts already but...i suffered from depression after a mild traumatic brain injury-i have had success 300mg...got rid of the depresssion leaving me pretty numb and like i'm unable to feel joy...which makes me want to try to overcome my depression without the meds so i can feel my own true authentic feelings and not this median baseline the drug has reduced me to...also i feel effexor is somewhat overperscribed - the withdrawal doesn't look too good
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