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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by italianchk on June 8, 2006, at 17:08:49
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I'm starting on Effexor this weekend. I've been on Zoloft & Lexapro for depression following a heart attack. My Dr. says depression is not uncommon following a heart attack, especially in my case, I'm pretty young. Zoloft worked, Lexapro didn't. Unfortunatly, Zoloft caused a really weird & annoying side effect...I can't stop grinding my teeth. I've been dealing with it by chewing gum constantly. I also experienced weight gain, this after losing 45lbs.! Saw a neurologist who recommended Effexor. This site is very informative.Dr. stated weight gain was not a concern on Effexor, but I see from the postings that it is. The problem with weaning off is also a concern, as I don't foresee having to be on it long term.I am presently on Cymbalta, and I feel myself slipping back into episodes of not caring, or what I like to call "I really just don't give a #$&*!" and hopelessness. I'm hoping the Effexor will get me back to where I want to be, however this site definately gave me some good questions to discuss with my Dr.
Just curious, has anyone else out there ever had teeth grinding as a side effect from any of these RX's? I know it may not sound like a big deal, but it can really take over your life!
Thanks for any info. & suggestions.
Posted by pulse on June 8, 2006, at 19:51:56
In reply to Re: This is not worth the risk, posted by Vegas girl on June 8, 2006, at 12:20:39
even tho you want no more drugs, what problem can you (or ANYONE ) possibly have with having a gp prescribe 2 weeks worth of 10 mg. prozac - thus ridding yourself/ themselves of all withdrawal symptoms, especially the scary electric shocks in head bit?!! most plain ole gps now know of this very tried and true trick because it works.
note: do this after down to & stopped the lowest dosage (37.5 mg.), where you already are.
kids take their own bitter pill - cough medicine - even when they hate being sick, and hate the taste...BECAUSE they no longer want to be on the evil cough mediciine ...and they want to get WELL.
prozac is energizing at first for most, so you'd likely also not have this lethargy. then, since prozac's half-life is around 5 days, you are then done. POOF! all problems solved and that simply.
(over my many yrs. reading here, i've ONLY seen 1-2 ppl have a problem stopping prozac cold.)
so, what is 2 more weeks out of your's or anyone's life, in the grand scheme of things? rational answer: nothing.
Posted by pulse on June 8, 2006, at 19:59:55
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by italianchk on June 8, 2006, at 17:08:49
>>Just curious, has anyone else out there ever had teeth grinding as a side effect from any of these RX's? I know it may not sound like a big deal, but it can really take over your life!>>
zoloft is quite notoroius for teeth-clenching. it's no small thing! imo, zoloft is the very worst of all ads, all classes, for this side-effect. good luck!
Posted by tizza on June 8, 2006, at 22:45:30
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » italianchk, posted by pulse on June 8, 2006, at 19:59:55
never tried zoloft but cipramil/celexa gave me the worst jaw grinding, I cracked 2 teeth down to the gum line from citalopram. Efexor xr just made me terribly sick when I came off it and yes I did it very slowly. Efexor didn't help me much at all and ended up causing me total hell on earth to come off.
Posted by DuckyFlorida on June 9, 2006, at 10:33:01
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi all, I am new to this blog and am really pleased at all of the information I have learned. I recently lost my job went to the Dr's, had all my systems checked and was diagnosed with an anxiety problem. I am now on Effexor XR (just finished my 2nd week) along with Ambien CR (to help me sleep) and Xanax ( 0.5 mg).
These all seem to be working for me, but I do have my periods when things are not bad.I researched and found a great tool: "Panic Away"
It's a book and fully downloadable. Basically it teaches you to identify the anxiety, observe, welcome it and befriend it.
Used this method for 2 days and seems to work for me.
But of course, everything whether meds or books affects people in different ways. Just thought I would share my experience.
Posted by da on June 9, 2006, at 12:04:23
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by DuckyFlorida on June 9, 2006, at 10:33:01
Anyone take Wellbuterin by itself? I take Effexor 75mg now and am going to ask my doctor about switching. My reasons are the withdrawls, weight gain, and low sex drive.
Posted by Vegas girl on June 9, 2006, at 14:42:21
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by DuckyFlorida on June 9, 2006, at 10:33:01
Thank you for the info on the book 'Panic Away'. I am going to check into this, since I am determined to find ways to deal with my stress, anxiety, and depression without medication. P.S. Thought I would let you all know that I have decided to join an all women's peer group (12 step) here in Vegas, since I am weening off of 4-1/2 years of Xanax and because my Effexor experience now has me absolutely TERRIFIED to try ANY new drug. I have decided not to go to a psychiatrist, as my gp has referred, because he would probably just try to put me on more stuff.
> Hi all, I am new to this blog and am really pleased at all of the information I have learned. I recently lost my job went to the Dr's, had all my systems checked and was diagnosed with an anxiety problem. I am now on Effexor XR (just finished my 2nd week) along with Ambien CR (to help me sleep) and Xanax ( 0.5 mg).
> These all seem to be working for me, but I do have my periods when things are not bad.
>
> I researched and found a great tool: "Panic Away"
>
> It's a book and fully downloadable. Basically it teaches you to identify the anxiety, observe, welcome it and befriend it.
>
> Used this method for 2 days and seems to work for me.
>
> But of course, everything whether meds or books affects people in different ways. Just thought I would share my experience.
>
>
Posted by thorthena on June 9, 2006, at 19:35:31
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by tizza on June 8, 2006, at 22:45:30
could someone detail for me the "total hell on earth to come off of"?
Posted by Elroy on June 9, 2006, at 23:36:16
In reply to Anxiety Issues, posted by DuckyFlorida on June 9, 2006, at 10:31:58
Link to the site???
> Hi all, I am new to this blog and am really pleased at all of the information I have learned. I recently lost my job went to the Dr's, had all my systems checked and was diagnosed with an anxiety problem. I am now on Effexor XR (just finished my 2nd week) along with Ambien CR (to help me sleep) and Xanax ( 0.5 mg).
> These all seem to be working for me, but I do have my periods when things are not bad.
>
> I researched and found a great tool: "Panic Away"
>
> It's a book and fully downloadable. Basically it teaches you to identify the anxiety, observe, welcome it and befriend it.
>
> Used this method for 2 days and seems to work for me.
>
> But of course, everything whether meds or books affects people in different ways. Just thought I would share my experience.
Posted by Dr. Bob on June 10, 2006, at 2:05:30
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by thorthena on June 9, 2006, at 19:35:31
> could someone detail for me the "total hell on earth to come off of"?
Welcome! And sorry if it's confusing here, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding coming off to Psycho-Babble Withdrawal. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20060602/msgs/655129.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by detroitpistons on June 10, 2006, at 10:44:16
In reply to Re: This is not worth the risk, posted by pulse on June 8, 2006, at 19:51:56
I second that.
> even tho you want no more drugs, what problem can you (or ANYONE ) possibly have with having a gp prescribe 2 weeks worth of 10 mg. prozac - thus ridding yourself/ themselves of all withdrawal symptoms, especially the scary electric shocks in head bit?!! most plain ole gps now know of this very tried and true trick because it works.
>
> note: do this after down to & stopped the lowest dosage (37.5 mg.), where you already are.
>
> kids take their own bitter pill - cough medicine - even when they hate being sick, and hate the taste...BECAUSE they no longer want to be on the evil cough mediciine ...and they want to get WELL.
>
> prozac is energizing at first for most, so you'd likely also not have this lethargy. then, since prozac's half-life is around 5 days, you are then done. POOF! all problems solved and that simply.
>
> (over my many yrs. reading here, i've ONLY seen 1-2 ppl have a problem stopping prozac cold.)
>
> so, what is 2 more weeks out of your's or anyone's life, in the grand scheme of things? rational answer: nothing.
>
>
Posted by MDGIRL on June 23, 2006, at 8:29:59
In reply to Effexor Newbie, posted by lissamed on June 7, 2006, at 12:21:52
I STARTED A WEEK AGO AND I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO WAS SLEEPY ALL THE TIME , SOMETIMES I WANT TO EAT A LOT THEN THERE ARE TIMES WHEN I WON'T EAT ALL DAY EXCEPT WHEN I TAKE MY PILL. THE DOC SAID IT SHOULD TAKE A FEW WEEKS FOR IT TOOK KICK IN BUT I FEEL PRETTY GOOD, JUST TIRED. I FEEL LIKE MY VISION IS BLURRED AT TIMES AND THAT SCRARES ME. I DON'T SAY ANYTHING TO ANYONE ,CAUSE IF YOUR NOT ON THE MEDS YOU HAVE KNOW IDEA THE WAY IT MAKES YOU FEEL AND YOU SOUND A LITTLE CRAZY. >
Hi,
>
> I just started Effexor XR yesterday. I have been sleeping 16 hours a day and eating like a pig for the few hours I was up...has anyone had sucess with Effexor XR who had those sorts of syptoms. (it seems like the opposite is more common)
>
> One other question, I was wondering if anyone has noticed extra side effects with caffiene and Effexor XR. I felt great yesterday and today (placebo, I know) until I drank some Dr. Pepper, and I don't know if the side effects randomly kicked in then, or if it was related to the caffiene.
>
> Thanks
Posted by renecoston on June 23, 2006, at 8:33:53
In reply to Re: Effexor Newbie, posted by MDGIRL on June 23, 2006, at 8:29:59
I am now taking Nortriptyline and am in heaven. NO side effects at all, no drowsiness, nothing! It is a medication that is called a Tricyclic and it is working WONDERS for me!
Posted by Bubblebear on June 23, 2006, at 21:30:54
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR XR is great but the excess WEIGHT is NOT, posted by jealibeanz on June 3, 2006, at 0:55:10
Hi I'm an Australian mum who was diagnosed with post-natal depression and anxiety last July. I was prescribed Lexapro (20mg) and felt instantly better - I was fine until about 2 months ago when I relapsed. I have now been taking Effexor (225mg) for about 3 weeks (and I'm yet to notice a real improvement). My question is regarding pregnancy - we'd like to try for another baby in about 6 months. Has anyone else heard whether Effexor (or any other ADs) are safe to use during pregnancy? I've heard that Prozac is considered ok, is it easy to switch from Effexor to Prozac? I know I should ask my doctor but I won't be seeing him for a month as he is away on holidays! Thanks in advance.
Posted by BiPolar Mama on June 30, 2006, at 2:10:49
In reply to Re: Effexor Newbie, posted by renecoston on June 23, 2006, at 8:33:53
Good Morning,
I am new to Efferol XR http://www.healthsquare.com/newrx/eff1153.htm. I just started taking it yesterday. I realize it is too soon to show any side effects or relief. I am starting out on 37.5 mg 1 time a day. I am also using Zoloft 200mg 1 time daily and 3mg of Melatonin at nite to try to sleep. I tried Klonopin but it made me feel like a zombie. I am unable to use Prozac *adverse side effects- 60 lbs gained in one months time, nausea, "speed" effect*. I am unable to use Wellbutrin because I have a history of seizures.
I do realize that these same drugs do not cause the same reactions in other people. So the "scary Stories" I have read on these threads do not scare me though I know that other people may be experiencing them. They enlighten me as to what to look for as "Side Effects". I do want to know though, is one of the side effects the feeling that your head is 'floating in the ocean'? Because I just started experiencing that weird sensation today 5 hrs after my first dose. *just wondering*My Family Doctor placed me on a No Carb/Low Carb diet that has helped me to lose 22 lbs in the past 3 mos while on the Zoloft. She prescribed the Effexor on my visit day before yesterday because the panic attacks, depression, fear and despair are becoming increasingly disabilitating.
Does any one know if this combination of medicines is helpful with BiPolar/Agoaphobia? That is the diagnosis I have received. I hate the fact that once I loved to go to concerts and be in huge crowds, now I cry when I have to leave my house. I also hate the fact that all I want to do is sit at my computer and cry. The dark ideas that sift into my mind, I have to constantly push to the side.Looking Hopelessly for Hope!
BiPolar Mama
Posted by Lorissa on July 5, 2006, at 15:04:29
In reply to Re: effexor and drinking, posted by maggie on April 17, 2000, at 19:18:38
I started with a week of 37.5 and now a few month of 75. I held off drinking for a bit, then on a night I wasn't driving, had a few. The only real effect I noticed was a big hot flash with the first drink.
Overall I have noticed I sweat more while on Effexor. So does a friend of mine who's on a much higher dose for bi-polar/schizo. Anyone else?
> I drink moderately while on 150mg of effexor xr
> and have no problems with it at all.
>
>
>
> I started taking effexor about 4 weeks ago (and still have the side effects of nausea, sleepiness, headaches and loss of appetite). I've tried aropax and zoloft (both which made me really sick) and doxepin for about a year (which didn't make me sick but didn't actually help_
> > Just wondering if anyone knows about the effects of drinking and taking certain drugs when on effexor. Is it too risky?
> > I drank the other weekend and just felt a bit worse than usual.
> > Thanks if anyone can help
>
>
Posted by summersky on July 8, 2006, at 14:00:31
In reply to Re: responses re: interactions with alcohol, posted by Aim on March 4, 2006, at 9:53:37
I started taking Effexor about 6 months ago, recently I went out with some friends and had a few drinks-about 4 or 5. The next day i had horrible panic attacks. I was having difficulty breathing and felt extremely suicidal. I considered going to the hospital but there is really not much they can do. It was the worst feeling imaginable. Has anyone else had any similar effects?
Posted by oznjerz on July 10, 2006, at 1:51:15
In reply to Re: interactions with alcohol/ suicide, posted by summersky on July 8, 2006, at 14:00:31
I have been on 150mg of XR for about a month.
At first I noticed increased panic attacks, physical tension (clenched jaw), weight loss (not complaining), heightened disturbed sleep patterns and my behavior was quite manic, very gregarious nad obnoxious.I have stopped drinking last week and have not had any of the physical effects like panic, tension. I am no longer manic and am not depressed but I do not feel quite myself (ennui).
I am still over/under sleeping, and have lack of energy.I am taking it for 3 more weeks before I report to my prescriber. I will let the dicussion know any changes I experience.
No suicidal thoughts at all. Actually I have thought of this in the past, not so much suicide but wishing life was over. Never thought of being proactive. Since on this med I have not wished I were dead. Nice.
Posted by earth on July 10, 2006, at 12:46:24
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I'm worried - been on Effexor (then to Effexor XR) since 1997 and to be honest, apart from first 6 to 12 months not really recognised any benefit. I take for GAD but found I've developed compulsive behaviour, hitherto not as pronounced. Don't want to go through withdrawel as I'd previously been on tranquilizers for anxiety since 1982 to 1997 and had really bad bad experience. Not sure I should stay on Effexor XR for this long though. Anyone else had long term experience of Effexor XR. Be interesting to know whether like me you get involuntry muscle movement at night - I have quite strong shudders, thks.
Posted by CharlieRza on July 10, 2006, at 17:22:32
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have been taking 225mg of Effexor for about 3 months now and it works great. There is a side effect though. I am a college student and drink way more than I should. I am drinking much less since I am working this summer which helps a lot but I get WASTED on the weekends. My tollerence use to be crazy high but since ive been taking I get very intoxicated VERY quick. I blackout every night, remember nothing and go to bed VERY early without even knowing it. I use to be able to drink and have fun all night. My question is if i can not take my medication on the weekends. Will it still work or will skipping 2 days a week totally screw up how the drug works? What about taking only 75 or 150mg? I am hoping if I do this I will be able to drink like I use to and have more safe fun. I know everyone will say stop drinking immediatly. Thats not going to happen, but any advice about my questions would really be appriciated. This is my first post and thanks for the help.
Posted by oznjerz on July 10, 2006, at 22:13:35
In reply to Problems with alcohol and Effexor, posted by CharlieRza on July 10, 2006, at 17:22:32
Why is it impossible to stop drinking?
Isn't your sanity worth it?
Posted by detroitpistons on July 11, 2006, at 5:20:28
In reply to Problems with alcohol and Effexor, posted by CharlieRza on July 10, 2006, at 17:22:32
I've been in your exact position before. Do NOT stop taking or reduce your dose on hte weekend. It won't do any good.
For me, the drinking tolerance/ blackout thing passes after a few months. As we speak, I'm on 225 mg of Effexor and I can drink a lot with no problems. The first few months, however, were a problem. Just wait it out and you should be fine.
> I have been taking 225mg of Effexor for about 3 months now and it works great. There is a side effect though. I am a college student and drink way more than I should. I am drinking much less since I am working this summer which helps a lot but I get WASTED on the weekends. My tollerence use to be crazy high but since ive been taking I get very intoxicated VERY quick. I blackout every night, remember nothing and go to bed VERY early without even knowing it. I use to be able to drink and have fun all night. My question is if i can not take my medication on the weekends. Will it still work or will skipping 2 days a week totally screw up how the drug works? What about taking only 75 or 150mg? I am hoping if I do this I will be able to drink like I use to and have more safe fun. I know everyone will say stop drinking immediatly. Thats not going to happen, but any advice about my questions would really be appriciated. This is my first post and thanks for the help.
Posted by detroitpistons on July 11, 2006, at 12:26:02
In reply to Re: Problems with alcohol and Effexor, posted by oznjerz on July 10, 2006, at 22:13:35
I'm not speaking for Charlie (is that right?) but I'd like to give my opinion on this because I can relate....Good or bad, if you're in college, the culture revolves around drinking for the majority of kids. It's just a given. If I were still in college, I'd be scared to quit drinking simply because people would wonder why and start questioning me. You'd either have to lie or tell people that you are on an antidepressant. Of course, most of us don't go around trumpeting our mental health issues. It's unfortunate, but the stigma is very strong.
This drinking while on Effexor should not affect your sanity. It's really not that bad of an issue IMO. You can just drink less for a while until your body gets used to the drug.
It's kind of sad, but quitting drinking while in college kind of effects your whole social network. For me, withdrawing socially would affect my sanity more than the side effects of drinking while on Effexor.
> Why is it impossible to stop drinking?
>
> Isn't your sanity worth it?
Posted by Jason1972 on July 12, 2006, at 16:22:47
In reply to Re: OK now I am afraid » Bonnie_CA, posted by Elroy on May 6, 2006, at 12:22:45
Hi,
I am currently on Effexor.
When I was 18 I was diagnosed with prostatitus, probably caused by an STD. It was never confirmed though as test results always came back negative.
At 22 I had a procedure that cured about 70-80% of prostatitus symptoms.
At 31 I was put on effexor for anxiety and depresion.
It took a couple of years but I developed a severe case of prostatitus that has lasted 2 years. It wasn't until I read this site that I learned of that others taking effexor have had prostatitus. I talked to my doctor but he said it is unrelated...
I don't know what to think. The effexor has done an ok job of relieving my anxiety and other symptoms...
jm
Posted by Elroy on July 12, 2006, at 17:13:55
In reply to Re: OK now I am afraid, posted by Jason1972 on July 12, 2006, at 16:22:47
> Hi,
>
> I am currently on Effexor.
> When I was 18 I was diagnosed with prostatitus, probably caused by an STD. It was never confirmed though as test results always came back negative.
> At 22 I had a procedure that cured about 70-80% of prostatitus symptoms.
> At 31 I was put on effexor for anxiety and depresion.
> It took a couple of years but I developed a severe case of prostatitus that has lasted 2 years. It wasn't until I read this site that I learned of that others taking effexor have had prostatitus. I talked to my doctor but he said it is unrelated...
> I don't know what to think. The effexor has done an ok job of relieving my anxiety and other symptoms...
> jmYour doctor is completely wrong. My very short experiment with Effexor - and Cymbalta also - both severely increased my anxiety, but specifically caused prostatitis type symptoms which disappeared after I stopped the two meds.
Both of the warning packets in each of the two meds SPECIFICALLY indicated that "prostatitis type symptoms" were a possible side effect in men.
See:
This is from an official web site:
http://www.rxcarecanada.com/Effexor.asp?prodid=654
Urogenital: Frequent: dysuria, anorgasmia - female*, erectile dysfunction*, metrorrhagia*, prostatic disorder (includes prostatitis and enlarged prostate)*, vaginitis*. Infrequent: albuminuria, amenorrhea*, cystitis, hematuria, leukorrhea*, menorrhagia*, nocturia, abnormal orgasm-female*, bladder pain, breast pain, polyuria, pyuria, urinary incontinence, urinary retention, urinary urgency...
If you have anxiety then why is your doctor treating you with an anti-depressant medication? Why? Because he doesn't know any better and is getting his education from
drug company sales reps who are pushing the AD drugs.
Get on an anti-anxiety medication (Xanax XR or Klonopin, something that has a longer half-life) and watch your anxiety syumptoms AND your prostatitis symptoms get much better.Also, get your hormone levels checked (Total Testosterone, Free Testosterone, DHEA, Estradiol, Total Estrogens - yes, I know that you are a male, but they are still important tests; your anxierty and prostatitis symptoms could be caused by elevated estrogen levels, LH and FSH). You could have a male hormone deficiency or imbalance issue.
Finally, get your cortisol levels tested via a "24-hour Urinary Free Cortisol Test" to accurately measure whether or not you might have elevated cortisol levels (not "somewhat high levels"... but truly "above range" type numbers).
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.