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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by PAT on September 29, 2001, at 3:36:08
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Nat A. on September 27, 2001, at 11:22:15
> Hi there,
>
> Just a question.
When i stopped Effexor ( forget one day for example), i'm, very bad.excuse me i'm French and my English language is'nt very good).
I take just one 37.5mg/day.
Is Anyone know this problem ?> please share your thoughts on this.
PAT
Posted by CLF on September 29, 2001, at 15:38:16
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by PAT on September 29, 2001, at 3:36:08
I've been on Effexor XR for about 4 mos mow, and the only real problem I ever had was when I first began taking it, I had nausea and vomiting real bad, then the vomiting stopped, and I just felt kinda weird for about 2 weeks. After that, no real side effects that make this drug worth stopping. Sexual problems are one area, and I've just had to learn how to adjust to that. i don't get headaches, or experience any problems from not taking it (although there were only 2 occasions where I did not take it for a day). For me, Effexor works. I can't take Wellbutrin, it speeds me up, I need the type of drug that calms me down (Serzone works for me also, this Dr. wanted me to try Effexor) and keeps me from getting anxious. My mood is better, I don't want to cry and I'm more social when taking it. Of course, I don't know how long I'll need to stay on Effexor, and I imagine the withdraw will be difficult from what I have read here, so I'm not looking forward to that. I've found this site to be very helpful in what to expect from the drug, even though it can react in different ways.
Posted by jay on October 2, 2001, at 6:48:37
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Nat A. on September 27, 2001, at 11:22:15
If any problems further arise, you may want to go back to 37.5mg, stay there until you feel *total* control, and try adding Ativan PRN for anxiety/insomnia. Treat this med with much respect, take it at the *same* time each day, never miss a dose, etc, and *really* work hard with changing your lifestyle and all, and you may be shocked at how well you can do. BUT, everyone is different, and some don't find this med good at all.
Give it a *good* shot, work hard and respect the med, see what happens.
All the best,
Jay
> > > I've been on 75 mg of Effexor XR for 2 weeks now, after 1 week of 37.5 mg. A doctor prescribed this to me after a suicidal episode...I've been severely depressed for nearly a year and have anxiety problems as well. At times it seems the effexor is helping and at other times I feel more hopeless and anxious than ever! Can't fall asleep at night, then can't wake up in the morning. How long does it take for this drug to kick in? Do any of you know of another drug that might help? Tried Paxil but hated it.
> > >
> > > Thanks in advance for your help and best wishes to all of you.
> >
> >
> >
> > I was on effexor for 9 months and I had a bad experience. It made me angry instead of sad and I had no sex drive.
> > Now I am on Wellbutrin. As soon as Ii switched to Wellbutrin my mood improved and I have a sex drive again. Effexor is an evil drug! You should get off of it. My mind doesn't work anymore because of it.
>
> Hi, I am starting effexor xr this morning. It is rather scarey to see how it works or doesn't work for different people. This is the first med that I have ever tried. I got it from my gp for anxiety
> and depression. I just feel so glad that i am not the only one with this.. it seems from what I am reading that it is not the "wonder drug" that I was hoping for. My gp also gave me some ativan to sleep
> at night.. from what I hear about that, it is horrible stuff and to stay away from it. She said to just take it at night durring the first two weeks as I start on the effexor xr. Anyone with any imput for
> me... I would be greatful. This is so scary and new to be taking something although I know I need something. I just want my life back and to be able to be "normal" in life. I am starting on 37.5 mg for the
> first week and then bump up to 75 for week two. Thanks!!
Posted by sweet_slider on October 3, 2001, at 21:17:29
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Nat A., posted by jay on October 2, 2001, at 6:48:37
I did the same as you are now doing, 1 week at 37.5 then up to 75mg, I am now at 150mg(75 twice a day) It does take about 3 weeks to get any real feeling of it working. Before then you are just thinking that it's working because you had a good day, but then the next day you have a crappy day and realize that it wasn't actually the drug.
As for the sleeping part, I take 20mg of amitriptyline each night and it puts me to sleep and helps me stay asleep until morning. I had more trouble staying asleep all night, I was waking up every hour, now I can usually sleep until morning. As someone else mentioned before you can take Ativan for the panic attacks(I do) and it is also used as a sedative for some people to go to sleep. The Effexor XR has worked for me in reducing my anxiety and panic attacks from 10-15 a day to none for almost 1.5 months now which is amazing for me!
Anyways, keep at it, it does take time to work and your only into your 3rd or 4th week now so don't give up yet!
~Sweet Slider~I've been on 75 mg of Effexor XR for 2 weeks now, after 1 week of 37.5 mg. A doctor prescribed this to me after a suicidal episode...I've been severely depressed for nearly a year and have anxiety problems as well. At times it seems the effexor is helping and at other times I feel more hopeless and anxious than ever! Can't fall asleep at night, then can't wake up in the morning. How long does it take for this drug to kick in? Do any of you know of another drug that might help? Tried Paxil but hated it.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks in advance for your help and best wishes to all of you.
Posted by Cinderbug on October 6, 2001, at 9:39:08
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
> Hi there,
>
I'm writing for my mother-in-law. She has recently quit taking Effexor. Her eyesight changed while she was on it. She experienced blurred vision while quitting Effexor and now is nearsighted for the first time ever. She also has itching and a little swelling around her eyes. Her doctor said these can be side effects of the Effexor. Has anyone else had eye trouble? Please let me know. Thank you.
Posted by bowflex man on October 7, 2001, at 7:18:12
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have been taking Effexor XR since Sept 1 at 150/mg a day and I can notice a big improvement in
my personality. I have tried Wellbutrin and Prozac but Effexor seems to be the best medication as of yet. I recommend it highly.
Posted by juliedealer on October 7, 2001, at 10:15:10
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by bowflex man on October 7, 2001, at 7:18:12
I started effexor 2 weeks ago. 37.5 mg the first week and 75 mg the second. My latest AD has been Welbutrin at 300 mg per day. My new pdoc has kept me taking the welbutrin, anyone else on this combination?
julie
Posted by DaveAAA on October 10, 2001, at 19:25:06
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by juliedealer on October 7, 2001, at 10:15:10
> I started effexor 2 weeks ago. 37.5 mg the first week and 75 mg the second. My latest AD has been Welbutrin at 300 mg per day. My new pdoc has kept me taking the welbutrin, anyone else on this combination?
>
> julieHi Julie,
My doctor just started me on Effexor and told
me to augment it with Remeron. So far I haven't
taken the Remeron, but maybe I will start. I
noticed someone else had augmented a tricyclic
with Wellbutrin (set augmentation thread below)
and they had success. I guess Remeron augmentation would be similiar to Wellbutrin,
But, now I'm thinking I should use Wellbutrin
instead.Bye
Dave
Posted by maribeth on October 11, 2001, at 14:24:39
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by martha on January 22, 2000, at 16:07:05
> > I have been tapering off EFFEXOR XR for 2 months now and am stuck at 75 mg, down from my high dose of 600 mg. When I try to cut down to 37.5 mg, I get terrible nausea. My doctor says just to stay on the 75 mg to prevent the nausea, but I'm not crazy about that idea. Anyone have any better ideas?
> > > > Just stopped taking Effexor this past weekend. Effexor made a definite improvement in my life. Just decided it was time to row my own boat for awhile and see what happens. The situation which produced the need for an AD has been mostly resolved anyway. My wife currently takes Effexor and had tried nearly everything else with absolutely no success. If you stick with it and give it a fair trial you may quite pleased with the results. Have to say though that going off of Effexor makes the minor initial side effects seem pretty tame. I knew going in that getting off Effexor would not be fun, and it hasn't been, but the benefit to my life certainly outweighs what I am now dealing with. Hope it helps you.
> > >
> > > For anyone who is interested I only lasted 5 1/2 days after stopping Effexor. Just before stopping Effexor I had taken the last bit of Vicoprofen (hydrocodone) and that didn't help things. Also dealing with a stomach virus and I assumed that all of the nausea, cramps, etc. was due to virus. This AM I felt like I was on the verge of shutdown. No sleep, leg cramps, stomach horrible, head buzzing constantly plus all the rest. Then my wife and the doc talked me into at least taking med till he can devise a plan to lessen withdrawal effects. Does weaning off Effexor make it easier?
> new post:
> I had been on Effexor XL 187.5 mg daily, from Dec 1 this was 150 mg daily, then over three weeks Christmas holidays/New Year I reduced down to 0 mg. I have had some real mood swings, plus tiredness to the point of exhaustion, plus intense sudden bouts of irritability. But I have persevered and now, nearly 3 weeks after no Effexor, am holding my own. I still feel slowed down a bit mentally, not as sharp or articulate, a bit forgetful. But I had this on the Effexor, too. Same goes for the exahustion. I'm going to persevere "rowing my own boat" for a while longer, as long as I can. End of Jan. early Feb is almost always a time when I get one of two "biggie" depressions per year. How I manage of this period will be an important indicator to determine if I can manage off Ads altogether. I want to reduce or discontinue ADs so I can reduce or discontinue lithium, as I am concerned about my kidneys. I am peeing great quanitities of urine, not concentrated. Have been on lithium for 9 years and understand after about a decade, kidneys changes may be permanent. Any info or sharing of your experience gratefully accepted.- MarthaOf all the psycho active meds that I have taken over the past twenty years Effexor puzzles me the most. It works the best for depression and yet it is the most difficult to stop! My family doc said that he felt that every one that he saw who stopped taking it had a "lowered immune reaction"! I quickly gave him my opinion ( that it was withdrawal from the damn drug) of course he laughed. Fortunatly we have a good relationship so I did not hit him! My personal experience was to get down to 150mgm XR and after one week at that dose (after three years at 300XR,the "flu like stuff set in. Just to set things straight, I am an MD myself -- (research, semi-retired) I don't mean that this is anything special, but I DO know from wence I speak. WONDERFUL DRUG IF YOU DONT MIND TAKING IT FOREVER.
Maribeth
Posted by becca boo on October 12, 2001, at 9:12:28
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by bowflex man on October 7, 2001, at 7:18:12
> I have been taking Effexor XR since Sept 1 at 150/mg a day and I can notice a big improvement in
> my personality. I have tried Wellbutrin and Prozac but Effexor seems to be the best medication as of yet. I recommend it highly.I have been taking effexor xr for about 4 months now 150 per day. I stopped three days ago due to the fact that I don't feel like "myself" anymore. Not that that was so great .......
The problem is this....I have awful buzzing in my head and in an electrical feeling in my arms and legs. I also cry almost nonstop. I will prob lose my job and am very worried about my sanity at this point.
Does anyone have any advice for me? I Will NOT start taking this evil drug again, but would love to have some help if it is available.
Thank you for listening...Becca
Posted by NikkiT2 on October 13, 2001, at 14:58:43
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by becca boo on October 12, 2001, at 9:12:28
You should NEVER stop taking medication without the advice of your doctor. Effexor if not an evil drug as it as helped many many people *myself included). It does have harsh side affects if stopped cold turkey. You shouuld taper off it slowly, over a number of weeks. there is also some reports that some prozac taken in the last stage of coming off will help.
You must see you doctor and go off this drug under his care.
Nikki
Posted by Spencer on October 15, 2001, at 14:17:55
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » becca boo, posted by NikkiT2 on October 13, 2001, at 14:58:43
I got into deep depression about 2 months ago....I never realized a person could feel so desperate. I was prescribed Effexor 75mg for a few days and then up to 150mg. As I was warned, things got worse before they got better, but they have got a lot better and I have felt really good for about 3 weeks now. I've started going to gym and I'm seeing a therapist and that is helping too. The side affects I experienced for the first 4-6 weeks were difficulty in urinating and constipation, impotence, blurred vision and loss of memory and concentration (although neither has ever been great). The side effects have largely disappeared, but I am disturbed by the difficulty people have in stopping the drug. I've been told that no antidepressant is easy to stop, so is Effexor any worse than the others?
Posted by Spencer on October 17, 2001, at 3:03:18
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Spencer on October 15, 2001, at 14:17:55
By the way, as a demonstartion of my poor memory, I forgot to say in my previous message that I am finding it very difficult to sleep. I seem to drift in and out of shallow sleep all night. I'm pretty sure it is a side effect of the Effexor.
Posted by Dana Lynne on October 17, 2001, at 3:36:04
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? Nat A., posted by sweet_slider on October 3, 2001, at 21:17:29
I have also just been increased to 75mg 2 times a day. I am unable to sleep and have gained 10 lbs. (That's really bummin me out big time)
Dana
Ps.. Anyone loose their sex drive?
Posted by Kattis on October 17, 2001, at 19:05:24
In reply to Public Service Request, posted by DGHIFI on September 10, 2001, at 18:49:21
> Just a request to everyone out there; When posting about Effexor, please be specific as to whether it is regular Effexor, or Effexor XR that you are posting about. They are two different meds and I'd like to keep them separated.
> Regards,DGHIFIWHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE? I have just been prescribed regular Effexor but noticed all posts are about Effexor XR? HELP!!!
Posted by Cam W. on October 18, 2001, at 8:52:04
In reply to Re: Public Service Request, posted by Kattis on October 17, 2001, at 19:05:24
> WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE? I have just been prescribed regular Effexor but noticed all posts are about Effexor XR? HELP!!!
Kattis - The biggest difference between Effexor™ and Effexor XR (besides some differences in side effects - generally more nausea and tiredness with the XR, during the 1st 2 weeks) is the half-life of each of these brand names of venlafaxine. The half-life (in general, the time it takes for half of the dose to leave the body) of Effexor is approx. 5 hours and for Effexor XR is approx. 15 hours.
This means that you will probably have to take Effexor 3 times daily, but most people can get away with taking Effexor XR once daily (some people have to take it twice daily).
There is a bigger issue, that deserves it's own paragraph; that being the incidence of withdrawl syndrome. The shorter the half-life, the more likely one may experience withdrawl symptoms. I have seen a couple (and read about several other people) sho experienced withdrawl from regular Effexor within 8 hours of a missed dose.
The two people in whose case I was directly involved were two geriatrics, who coincidentally had the same doctor and used the same pharmacy. I was brought in because they were sweating and feeling sick every night. This was regardless of whether they had taken their evening meds or not. It didn't take long to discover (actually one phone call to the pharmacy) to find out what was going on. The were both taking 37.5mg of regular Effexor in the morning only. I called the pharmacy to make sure that it was the regular Effexor on the drug list, and not a typo.
These two elderly people were going through mini-withdrawls every night. In each case I was able to call the doctor and have the prescription changed to Effexor XR.
Could I ask you if it was a psychiatrist or family doctor (or some other doctor) that started you on regular Effexor? I would ask your doc if you could be switched to the XR version, if at all possible. There is no harm in taking the regular version, except that you will have to be more diligent and compliant. You do run a higher risk of accidental withdrawl symptoms with the regular Effexor than with Paxil™ (paroxetine). Luvox™ (fluvoxamine), Zoloft™ (sertraline), Celexa™ (citalopram), or Effexor XR.
Most people are able to switch from regular to XR dose for dose, with no need of any wash-out (ie. finish up what you have left of Effexor one day (at 3 times daily) and the next day take the whole Effexor XR dose in the morning.
If you have any other questions, just ask. - Cam
Posted by lrc on October 18, 2001, at 17:27:38
In reply to Effexor vs. Effexor XR » Kattis, posted by Cam W. on October 18, 2001, at 8:52:04
> > WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE? I have just been prescribed regular Effexor but noticed all posts are about Effexor XR? HELP!!!
>
> Kattis - The biggest difference between Effexor™ and Effexor XR (besides some differences in side effects - generally more nausea and tiredness with the XR, during the 1st 2 weeks) is the half-life of each of these brand names of venlafaxine. The half-life (in general, the time it takes for half of the dose to leave the body) of Effexor is approx. 5 hours and for Effexor XR is approx. 15 hours.
>
> This means that you will probably have to take Effexor 3 times daily, but most people can get away with taking Effexor XR once daily (some people have to take it twice daily).
>
> There is a bigger issue, that deserves it's own paragraph; that being the incidence of withdrawl syndrome. The shorter the half-life, the more likely one may experience withdrawl symptoms. I have seen a couple (and read about several other people) sho experienced withdrawl from regular Effexor within 8 hours of a missed dose.
>
> The two people in whose case I was directly involved were two geriatrics, who coincidentally had the same doctor and used the same pharmacy. I was brought in because they were sweating and feeling sick every night. This was regardless of whether they had taken their evening meds or not. It didn't take long to discover (actually one phone call to the pharmacy) to find out what was going on. The were both taking 37.5mg of regular Effexor in the morning only. I called the pharmacy to make sure that it was the regular Effexor on the drug list, and not a typo.
>
> These two elderly people were going through mini-withdrawls every night. In each case I was able to call the doctor and have the prescription changed to Effexor XR.
>
> Could I ask you if it was a psychiatrist or family doctor (or some other doctor) that started you on regular Effexor? I would ask your doc if you could be switched to the XR version, if at all possible. There is no harm in taking the regular version, except that you will have to be more diligent and compliant. You do run a higher risk of accidental withdrawl symptoms with the regular Effexor than with Paxil™ (paroxetine). Luvox™ (fluvoxamine), Zoloft™ (sertraline), Celexa™ (citalopram), or Effexor XR.
>
> Most people are able to switch from regular to XR dose for dose, with no need of any wash-out (ie. finish up what you have left of Effexor one day (at 3 times daily) and the next day take the whole Effexor XR dose in the morning.
>
> If you have any other questions, just ask. - CamI've been reading a lot of posts about the Effexor and Effexor XR. I've wondered if people omit the XR and I'm actually reading the horrible withdrawal or side effects of Effexor. How good is the XR? I was on Paxil and am leary of taking anything that causes the short term memory loss, zaps and sexual side effects like Paxil. Just would like some input on what you think about the XR. Thanks, lrc
Posted by Katey on October 18, 2001, at 17:38:31
In reply to Re: Effexor vs. Effexor XR/ Cam, posted by lrc on October 18, 2001, at 17:27:38
ive heard a lot of support for the drug from a lot of people....and theres the logic that it wouldnt be prescribed if it didnt help....but my personal experience (all five days) was living as a zombie. by the time i was at the end of the effexor XR roller coaster (started monday ended friday) i was convinced that it was satan incarnate in the pill form. but thats just me. a lot of people seem to have good results with it.
Posted by Kristi on October 18, 2001, at 23:41:34
In reply to well..., posted by Katey on October 18, 2001, at 17:38:31
> ive heard a lot of support for the drug from a lot of people....and theres the logic that it wouldnt be prescribed if it didnt help....but my personal experience (all five days) was living as a zombie. by the time i was at the end of the effexor XR roller coaster (started monday ended friday) i was convinced that it was satan incarnate in the pill form. but thats just me. a lot of people seem to have good results with it.
I have to totally agree with Katey.... I'll be honest.... it was the worst drug I have ever taken (xr)... side effects were sooo bad.. zombie describes it pretty well.... and the withdrawal effects, after being on it only 2 months... were absolutely horrible. I still(8 months later) get those brain zaps people talk about. There is a ton of stuff in the archives about this.... I usually stay out of anything on this board, but read along, because everyone is so different... but this drug has been so awful to myself, and so many people I know personally, and even more in the archives...I decided to speak up. knowledge is power! Good luck
Posted by Cam W. on October 18, 2001, at 23:58:35
In reply to Re: Effexor vs. Effexor XR/ Cam, posted by lrc on October 18, 2001, at 17:27:38
LRC - I do believe that a lot of people who talk about having problems with Effexor were using the regular version. There is quite a bit of problems with the XR version, too. This mostly happens when one is not titrated off of the drug properly, or in those who have not had the withdrawl problems dealt with properly (eg. people who have had proper weaning and still can't come off a low dose, should have tried to taper again using Prozac - sometimes a month or two or Prozac use is needed).
I do believe that people who do have problems with getting off of the Effexor (or XR), even after weaning, may be "fast metabolizers". Many, many people do not have a problem with stopping Effexor or Effexor XR cold turkey, even from relatively high doses. It is just that we do not have those people searching the internet and posting non-problems on bulletin boards. Several on this board have said they have had no problem stopping Effexor cold turkey (personally, I would not want to risk a cold turkey stoppage, though).
- Cam
Posted by NikkiT2 on October 19, 2001, at 11:43:25
In reply to Effexor vs. Effexor XR » Kattis, posted by Cam W. on October 18, 2001, at 8:52:04
I, personally, found the half life of stndard Effexor too short, and had relly bad side affects from it (didn't sleep for 10 days) so switched the XR and ahve found this OK, but i do have to take mine in two doses... its strge cos I have a really slow metabalism!!
If it works for you, i wouldn;t owrry too much about which one you are on.
Nikki
> > WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE? I have just been prescribed regular Effexor but noticed all posts are about Effexor XR? HELP!!!
>
> Kattis - The biggest difference between Effexor™ and Effexor XR (besides some differences in side effects - generally more nausea and tiredness with the XR, during the 1st 2 weeks) is the half-life of each of these brand names of venlafaxine. The half-life (in general, the time it takes for half of the dose to leave the body) of Effexor is approx. 5 hours and for Effexor XR is approx. 15 hours.
>
> This means that you will probably have to take Effexor 3 times daily, but most people can get away with taking Effexor XR once daily (some people have to take it twice daily).
>
> There is a bigger issue, that deserves it's own paragraph; that being the incidence of withdrawl syndrome. The shorter the half-life, the more likely one may experience withdrawl symptoms. I have seen a couple (and read about several other people) sho experienced withdrawl from regular Effexor within 8 hours of a missed dose.
>
> The two people in whose case I was directly involved were two geriatrics, who coincidentally had the same doctor and used the same pharmacy. I was brought in because they were sweating and feeling sick every night. This was regardless of whether they had taken their evening meds or not. It didn't take long to discover (actually one phone call to the pharmacy) to find out what was going on. The were both taking 37.5mg of regular Effexor in the morning only. I called the pharmacy to make sure that it was the regular Effexor on the drug list, and not a typo.
>
> These two elderly people were going through mini-withdrawls every night. In each case I was able to call the doctor and have the prescription changed to Effexor XR.
>
> Could I ask you if it was a psychiatrist or family doctor (or some other doctor) that started you on regular Effexor? I would ask your doc if you could be switched to the XR version, if at all possible. There is no harm in taking the regular version, except that you will have to be more diligent and compliant. You do run a higher risk of accidental withdrawl symptoms with the regular Effexor than with Paxil™ (paroxetine). Luvox™ (fluvoxamine), Zoloft™ (sertraline), Celexa™ (citalopram), or Effexor XR.
>
> Most people are able to switch from regular to XR dose for dose, with no need of any wash-out (ie. finish up what you have left of Effexor one day (at 3 times daily) and the next day take the whole Effexor XR dose in the morning.
>
> If you have any other questions, just ask. - Cam
Posted by jml on October 19, 2001, at 13:05:10
In reply to Re: Effexor vs. Effexor XR » Cam W., posted by NikkiT2 on October 19, 2001, at 11:43:25
I posted awhile ago about my experiences with Effexor. I didn't specify, however, that I am on Effexor XR and not regular Effexor. As I said in my previous post, I have had very good results with this medication. While it obviously isn't for everyone, I think it's a good option to consider.
Posted by lesslee on October 21, 2001, at 10:53:10
In reply to Re: im trying to quit, im losing my mind, posted by RL on August 13, 2000, at 16:38:47
> > > > how can i get off this med, without losing my mind?
> > >
> > > James here....
> > >
> > > Taper then take Prozac for a few days. The prozac will slowly leave your body and end the problems you are having. I'm glad you found this space because we mention this trick often. Sorry your doc does not know about it, many do.
> > >
> > > james
> >
> > It sounds like the Effexor was really helping with anxiety. If the Prozac plan doesn't appeal to you maybe have your doc put your on Wellbutrin or Buspar for the panic until you are totally off the Effexor or as a med instead of the effexor to control anxiety. I was first on buspar but even at half a dose I felt drugged out so I switched to Wellbutrin for the anxiety. You also might try cutting out all forms of caffiene, I find that even having a chocolate bar will increase my chances of having an attack that day (and I have gone to the emergency room several times for "heart attacks" LOL).
> > Gerri
>
> I stopped taking Effexor 16 days ago after using it for two and a half years. I had to take a week off work because I was too "drugged" to deal with people. The only remaining side effects are that I am stupid (I have a great deal of difficulty thinking), as well as those bizarre "head rush" feelings.
> I recently read in another website about a drug called ONDANSETRON, which can transition you off of Effexor. The Website is http://www.effexorfx.freeuk.com/webdoc8.htm
>
> Some Background. I tried Prozac, Paxil, Luvox, Anafranil, Nortriptaline, and many others. All worked spetacularly in eliminating (not reducing, eliminating) depression, anger and aggitation. They all also had sexual side effects. Since they all had sexual side effects and all worked, it didn't seem to matter which one I took. I picked Effexor and used it with just the one side effect. However, recently it hasn't been working as well and I was feeling sleepy, even though I was getting plenty of sleep. Because of these factors, along with the desire to find an antidepressant without the sexual side effects (Serzone and Remeron did not work for me) I decided to go off of Effexor, Unfortunately, when I stopped taking the Effexor, the depression, irritability and anger returned. I started Wellbutrin 5 days ago.
> > > I am goimg to call my doctor and request that he call in a prescription for Ondansetron. I will post my results.i've had great sucess with effexor xr, after my divorce, breakdown and other rx drugs effexor did the trick. But my new life is great after a year, and i feel like i wanted to get off of it.
I'm so glad to read about the "head rush" thing..it is so bizarre!!..i've had trouble explaining what it feels like.
I was only on .37 mg then my doc put me on the effexor immediate release to wean me off...i was able to cut that tablet in half after a awhile then in half again...yesterday was the first no med day...i've had trouble sleeping since i've cut down and eventually i give in to klonapin to help me relax and fall alseep,,but my head is still rushing and last night i cried most of the night.
now i remember is was hard to get adjusted to effexor but i finally did (after many frantic calls to my doctor) i stuck with it and what a miracle it has been.
my question is: is there anyone out there that has sucessfully got off effexor??...can anyone give me hope or a time frame of when these side effects will leave??
thank you..
Posted by dave40252 on October 22, 2001, at 16:40:32
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? Nat A., posted by Dana Lynne on October 17, 2001, at 3:36:04
> I have also just been increased to 75mg 2 times a day. I am unable to sleep and have gained 10 lbs. (That's really bummin me out big time)
> Dana
> Ps.. Anyone loose their sex drive?Effexor XR works GREAT for me, at only 75mg per day. One big problem though is that it kills me sexually - not desire, physically. If only i could find something that works as well for depression w/o the sexual side effects!
Posted by Peter T on October 22, 2001, at 20:21:12
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I'm having success w/ Effexor XR, but not enough, and I'm already at 375mg... has anybody out there exceeded this amount? If so, what happened? THere is no clinical data for dosages this high or above, and I'm concerned about the safety of going higher.
PT
> Hi there,
>
> Anyone care to comment on the use of Effexor? Anyone
> "happy" with it? I have tried Prozac (too much anxiety),
> Serzone (too sedating). I am currently on Buspar for anxiety.
>
> Been reading many different reports... Effexor seems
> to have a lot of success...
>
> please share your thoughts on this.
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