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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Grace Coyote on June 10, 2002, at 15:07:22
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I had my last dose of Effexor on Friday...after tapering I also began Wellbutrin on Friday 100mg. I felt ok on Friday, a bit more energy , which I serious needed and was able to do some long over due work. By Sunday (yesterday) I was feeling more tired and nauseous, achy and lethargic. Today I feel like I haven't slept in weeks (although I have). Am I experiencing the withdrawal from the Effexor or the beginning effect of the Wellbutrin. I had thought that the Wellbutrin gave more of an up. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Oh, I am also getting this zapping feeling...what the hell is that?
Posted by JANNBEAU on June 10, 2002, at 15:24:56
In reply to withdrawal?????, posted by Grace Coyote on June 10, 2002, at 15:07:22
Hard to tell, what with two meds = confounding variable. However, the "zapping" or "brain zaps" or "brain shivers" have been described with the "discontinuation" syndrome associated with some AD's, including that of Effexor
Cheers,
jannbeau
Posted by supergirl on June 10, 2002, at 15:47:54
In reply to withdrawal?????, posted by Grace Coyote on June 10, 2002, at 15:07:22
> I had my last dose of Effexor on Friday...after tapering I also began Wellbutrin on Friday 100mg. I felt ok on Friday, a bit more energy , which I serious needed and was able to do some long over due work. By Sunday (yesterday) I was feeling more tired and nauseous, achy and lethargic. Today I feel like I haven't slept in weeks (although I have). Am I experiencing the withdrawal from the Effexor or the beginning effect of the Wellbutrin. I had thought that the Wellbutrin gave more of an up. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Oh, I am also getting this zapping feeling...what the hell is that?
I have also just stopped Effexor, taking the last dose (hopefully) on saturday. I was on 150 mg. When I went down to 75 mg, i had more energy, was in better spririts, all around feeling good. As soon as I went down to 37 mg, two weeks ago, I have been very tired. I can't get myself out of bed until I absoulutely have to in order to get to work, sleeping 10 or 12 hours a night. I am also on Prozac 20 mg to help me with withdrawal. That really has helped with the zapping feeling your getting, a withdrawal symptom not widely known until you go through it, but I have no ambition whatsoever on it, and I can't wait to be able to discontinue the Prozac, too.
From my experience, and seeing it in others, withdrawal usually starts getting unbearable on the 2nd day it isnt taken. It SOUNDS like you are going through withdrawal, but don't count out the Welbutrin... read the info to know the side effects. Whatever the case may be, you should talk to your doc. You might just need to tapper off of the Effexor a little more slowly.supergirl
Posted by Grace Coyote on June 10, 2002, at 17:28:10
In reply to Re: withdrawal?????, posted by supergirl on June 10, 2002, at 15:47:54
Thanks for the feedback. I am very sensitive to these AD's and I had only been on the Effexor for 6 weeks on a low dose (75mg), I tapered to 37.5 for about 4 days and then half of that for 3 or 4 more days then nothing and onto Wellbutrin. I have been taking a small dose of Ativan for the zaps and this seems to relax my brain for awhile anyway. How long does this usually last? This is getting to be ridiculous.
Posted by spu on June 11, 2002, at 5:29:43
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hey folks. Just thought we needed to see some positives around here for a change. I posted back on 5/13, the day I started this crazy ride, and have actually been doing better this past month! I am up to 75mg/d with no, check it, NO, side effects to speak of (knock on wood). I can't say this episode has past, I am about 40% these days. Some good, some bad days. It sure beats the 4 years it took me to pull myself out of the last episode with no help. To bad the first relationship I got into afer that turned out to be a dishonest disaster with a friend of three years. But everyone comes into our lives for a reason, and I'm glad it forced me to get some help. Tomorrow is my 27th birthday, and I am actually excited about the many years and adventures that lay ahead, regaurdless of this condition. I don't post often, but read everyday, and will continue to do so. I hope we all find what we need to make things better for ourselves. I am glad to know I am not alone.....
Posted by Butterfly on June 11, 2002, at 8:26:30
In reply to Some good news for a change..., posted by spu on June 11, 2002, at 5:29:43
> Hey folks. Just thought we needed to see some positives around here for a change. I posted back on 5/13, the day I started this crazy ride, and have actually been doing better this past month! I am up to 75mg/d with no, check it, NO, side effects to speak of (knock on wood). I can't say this episode has past, I am about 40% these days. Some good, some bad days. It sure beats the 4 years it took me to pull myself out of the last episode with no help. To bad the first relationship I got into afer that turned out to be a dishonest disaster with a friend of three years. But everyone comes into our lives for a reason, and I'm glad it forced me to get some help. Tomorrow is my 27th birthday, and I am actually excited about the many years and adventures that lay ahead, regaurdless of this condition. I don't post often, but read everyday, and will continue to do so. I hope we all find what we need to make things better for ourselves. I am glad to know I am not alone.....
Thanks for sharing Spu. Glad to see you seem to be doing OK. Looks like you are on the right track, and getting the right lessons from life
keep going
Butterfly
Posted by angeltalena on June 11, 2002, at 11:32:31
In reply to Re: Some good news for a change..., posted by Butterfly on June 11, 2002, at 8:26:30
I also love good news and have been on Effexor 37.5 for about a month now. I just went up to the 75 in the last few days and feel so much more like myself. It's a good feeling. I had been depressed and having anxiety problems since an auto accident in the spring. I am thirsty but like drinking a lot of water and my appetite is less which is good. I am interested in any and all other good reports. I recently got in touch with a girl who is still happy with this medicine after three years!
Angel
> > Hey folks. Just thought we needed to see some positives around here for a change. I posted back on 5/13, the day I started this crazy ride, and have actually been doing better this past month! I am up to 75mg/d with no, check it, NO, side effects to speak of (knock on wood). I can't say this episode has past, I am about 40% these days. Some good, some bad days. It sure beats the 4 years it took me to pull myself out of the last episode with no help. To bad the first relationship I got into afer that turned out to be a dishonest disaster with a friend of three years. But everyone comes into our lives for a reason, and I'm glad it forced me to get some help. Tomorrow is my 27th birthday, and I am actually excited about the many years and adventures that lay ahead, regaurdless of this condition. I don't post often, but read everyday, and will continue to do so. I hope we all find what we need to make things better for ourselves. I am glad to know I am not alone.....
>
>
>
> Thanks for sharing Spu. Glad to see you seem to be doing OK. Looks like you are on the right track, and getting the right lessons from life
> keep going
> Butterfly
Posted by Collier on June 12, 2002, at 15:38:02
In reply to Re: Some good news for a change... » Butterfly, posted by angeltalena on June 11, 2002, at 11:32:31
WOW.. Is really all I can say.. I was just messing around the net, typed in Effexor and found this chat group.. Wonderfull.. I've been on Effexor now for about 6-7 months.. Gradually moved to the average dose.. (The Red pills) and I'm doing great.. Within those six months I have lost my father, had brain surgery, and just started my divorce.. So tough times to say the least, but you know what everything happens for a reason and I can deal with it without that pain in my chest from the anxiety, and without those bouts with depression.. It's just so incredibly wonderfull.. I've never really had any side effects other than getting better.. I always take it with food, and never felt any nausea.. If anyone out there is in need of some help and reading this, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it.. It took me about 2 months to start, simply because of my preconcieved notions of taking an anti-depressant. But I am so very glad I did..
Posted by angeltalena on June 12, 2002, at 15:49:35
In reply to Re: Some good news for a change..., posted by Collier on June 12, 2002, at 15:38:02
Thank you so much, Collier. This is the kind of response that helps so much. I feel better just hearing good reports. There are far too many scary ones out there but I think the ones that have bad reports can find another type of pill that will help them if this one doesn't.
Thanks,
Angel
Posted by glacon on June 12, 2002, at 18:10:09
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by Shel on July 18, 2000, at 1:35:45
Hello,
I have been on almost all of the SSRI's and had to discontinue them because they have caused me extreme hypersomnia (sleepyness.) I tried choripramime (sp?) which also had this effect. Now I am on Effexor XR (for about a week and a half) and have the same effect. Does anyone else have this problem? It never went away with the other meds, any chance it wil subside with this one?
Thank you
Posted by LynnPerley on June 12, 2002, at 19:16:01
In reply to Hypersomnia , posted by glacon on June 12, 2002, at 18:10:09
What dose are you on? What time of day do you take it? I found that this side effect imroved when I started taking it at night, after I was already sleepy, at bedtime. It took about 4 weeks of being on 150 mg before it improved for me.
Posted by LynnPerley on June 12, 2002, at 19:23:50
In reply to Re: Some good news for a change..., posted by Collier on June 12, 2002, at 15:38:02
I also have had a good experience so far. I liked Prozac better, but the side effects were worse. I see the doc Friday for a review. Not sure if he will suggest increasing the dose or not.
One caution - do NOT forget a dose of this medicine. I take it at bedtime now and apparently I forgot to take it one night. I started getting a headache about 12 hours after my usual dose time, and by 18 hours after the usual dose time I had one of the worst headaches, ever, was nauseous, etc. I suddenly realized I may have forgotten the previous dose, so I took a dose and the headache went away. I guess this is what sudden withdrawal would be like.
I think most of the negative posts here about Effexor XR have to do with withdrawal symptoms. When I do go off it I will ask for some Prozac as so many have recommended. I can tolerate the Prozac side effect I had (bruxism) but I cannot tolerate those kind of headaches!
Posted by glacon on June 12, 2002, at 22:15:03
In reply to Re: Hypersomnia » glacon, posted by LynnPerley on June 12, 2002, at 19:16:01
This is my third day at 75mg in the morning every day. Last week I was on 37.5mg a day also in the morning.
I tried taking the other SSRI's and tricyclics in the evening to see if it lessened the effects, and it never did.
thank you
Posted by mara talamaur on June 13, 2002, at 1:27:04
In reply to Hypersomnia , posted by glacon on June 12, 2002, at 18:10:09
Greetings,
and how long did you give each of your past medications before trying the next? Sometimes your body can be wierd about adjusting to steady-state levels of an anti-depressent. However, the clomipramine is a tri-cyclic antidepressent, which are known for their sedative activity.
Cheers,
Mara
Posted by mara talamaur on June 13, 2002, at 1:39:56
In reply to Re: Hypersomnia, posted by glacon on June 12, 2002, at 22:15:03
Greetings
> This is my third day at 75mg in the morning >every day. Last week I was on 37.5mg a day >also in the morning.
and so there you go! Although the length of time you've been on Effexor may not be the only factor, you certainly haven't give the medication the time it needs to really begin treating your probable main reason for taking it! It can take many weeks for the side effects to level off or completely disappear and since you just increased your doseage, you're probably going to have to wait for your body to react to this new dose in a positive way.Try to compensate for the sleepiness by not allowing yourself to stay in bed all day or finding some amusing activity if you begin to feel tired at an odd time of the day. If I begin to get sleepy mid-day, I try to take a trip to the gym as soon as possible...getting your heart pumping is a real energizer.
Good luck! And give it some time....
Cheers,
Mara
p.s. and even though I said clomipramine (anafranil) is a TCA, it's structually similar but I think it also works on serotonin reuptake and norepinephrine uptake which I don't think other TCAs do, but I could be wrong about that. =)
Posted by JessieLynn on June 13, 2002, at 12:13:43
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hello,
I have just started taking Effexor XR going on 5 weeks now.
I seemed to have fallen into a depression and anxiety state a few months ago. I have never been through anything like this before so it is really hard for me to describe.
I have read all of your posts for the past couple of years - and I must say A LOT of them scare me.
I have so far had no side effects from this drug other than being really drowzy and lack of appetite. It scares me to think that everybody taking this drug WILL gain weight! Is this true? I am currently not overweight - I am 115 pounds normally but have since dropped down to 105 - because of my lack of appetite.
I have not realy felt to much of a change other than being really angry at my finace - I feel so good about putting him down - which is not like me at all.
Does anybody else have these feelings as well?
Any help would be appreciated.
Posted by Collier on June 13, 2002, at 12:37:25
In reply to New to taking Effexor, posted by JessieLynn on June 13, 2002, at 12:13:43
Wow again... There are no absolutes.. Everyone reacts differently.. I guess I have a couple points.. First talk to your doctor about these things, were just a bunch of laymans.. But never just stop these medications.. It's horrible, you have to step down, no cold turkey, you'll feel like a train hit you, backed up and hit you again for about a week or two if you stop cold turkey.. If you wind it down, taking progressively smaller doses things will be fine.. As to gaining weight or losing your appetite? I've not suffered anything like that.. In fact I am a male 6'2", just over 200 lbs, with very little body fat.. And the reason is that I don't have that anxiety over being in the gym and having to get done in a certain amount of time, or the anxiety around other people.. It's wonderfull, absolutley wonderfull, I think I'm in the best shape of my life.. I sleep better, eat better, and really like myself.. It's crazy how good this stuff is.. I feel like I should be paid for these ads!! But this is close to a miracle drug for me.. It's wonderfull, I really don't see a downside, unless theirs some long term health effects... And you know what, if you are getting some adverse affects to your medication, try something else.. And you'll find that medication that fits your brain.. The doctors don't know, they can just try something else until you tell them that you're fine.. Just keep hammering away, because it's just so good on the other side..
Posted by jannbeau on June 13, 2002, at 12:41:55
In reply to New to taking Effexor, posted by JessieLynn on June 13, 2002, at 12:13:43
>Jessie Lynne, Since I am neither a physician nor a neuroscientist, anything I say here is merely an opinion or a thought meant to help and is NOT to be taken as the gospel truth about drug effects.
Not everyone who takes this medication will gain weight. Looks like you are amongst those who might lose weight, whether you need to or not or who might maintain after an initial period of anorexia. The drowsiness is very likely a side-effect of Effexor (assuming that's the only thing you are taking) and may go away, as might the appetite suppression-or one or both side effects may continue.
The anger you are feeling could possibly result from a drug-mediated (Effexor, again assuming this is your only med) disinhibition of the normally inhibitory neurotransmitter systems in the brain that exert control over feelings and allow us to inhibit any behaviors. These effects may be dose-related and may cease with adjustments in dosage (the dose-effect curve may NOT be linear) or with your understanding and increased vigilence over your behavior since you know it is destructive. I had this happen with Prozac; basically could NOT control my emotions at all while on that medication. If you are receiving psychotherapy, these feelings may result from the things you are discovering about yourself and your relationship with your fiance, as well. If you are not in therapy, perhaps this would be something you would wish to consider, especially if your relationships are suffering, for whatever reason.
jannbeau
Hello,
>
> I have just started taking Effexor XR going on 5 weeks now.
> I seemed to have fallen into a depression and anxiety state a few months ago. I have never been through anything like this before so it is really hard for me to describe.
> I have read all of your posts for the past couple of years - and I must say A LOT of them scare me.
> I have so far had no side effects from this drug other than being really drowzy and lack of appetite. It scares me to think that everybody taking this drug WILL gain weight! Is this true? I am currently not overweight - I am 115 pounds normally but have since dropped down to 105 - because of my lack of appetite.
> I have not realy felt to much of a change other than being really angry at my finace - I feel so good about putting him down - which is not like me at all.
> Does anybody else have these feelings as well?
> Any help would be appreciated.
Posted by sly on June 13, 2002, at 12:51:50
In reply to Hypersomnia , posted by glacon on June 12, 2002, at 18:10:09
I had the exact same problem, but around week 5 I started to see and feel a major difference, now I'm sleeping normally and have more energy. Exercising in the afternoon also helps keep me energized.
Posted by LynnPerley on June 13, 2002, at 16:34:23
In reply to New to taking Effexor, posted by JessieLynn on June 13, 2002, at 12:13:43
I have gained a few pounds but I attribute it to lack of exercise, not the medication.
Posted by lyuba on June 13, 2002, at 16:48:51
In reply to Re: New to taking Effexor » JessieLynn, posted by LynnPerley on June 13, 2002, at 16:34:23
I'm into week 5 now at 150mg., and this morning I was waiting for the toaster at work, so I could eat before taking my next dose, when it occurred to me that I felt good. I was on Prozac for a while years ago, and stopped taking it because I was feeling nothing. I like this feeling. My body seems to be making the adjustments to the dose, and my stomach is settling down. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
Posted by glacon on June 13, 2002, at 20:38:03
In reply to Re: Hypersomnia , posted by mara talamaur on June 13, 2002, at 1:27:04
I was on Prozac for over a year. I was on Paxil for about 6 months. I did not stay on the other medications as long as these once the hypersomnia started up, but long enough to give it a chance to ware off.
thank you
> Greetings,
>
> and how long did you give each of your past medications before trying the next? Sometimes your body can be wierd about adjusting to steady-state levels of an anti-depressent. However, the clomipramine is a tri-cyclic antidepressent, which are known for their sedative activity.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Mara
Posted by supergirl on June 13, 2002, at 21:24:41
In reply to New to taking Effexor, posted by JessieLynn on June 13, 2002, at 12:13:43
Sounds like you shouldn't worry about gaining weight, some might be good for you :). As long as you have a lack of appetite, you probably won't gain anything. I am around the same weight, I only gained 10 pounds from Effexor which has all come off since decreasing and discontinuing it this last month. I wouldn't spend too much time worrying about it, but if you feel it becomes an issue, talk to your doctor.
supergirl
Posted by SandraDee on June 15, 2002, at 23:23:20
In reply to Some good news for a change..., posted by spu on June 11, 2002, at 5:29:43
I have been off Effexor for almost a week now. I was really doing well on it... much less anxious and snappy... just all 'round much better attitude... don't even remember crying on it... was on it for 3-4 weeks, and now I'm off. I ran out. Right in the middle of moving to our new house. I'm a wreck. I was only on 75mg a day. I feel the zapping everyone talks about, and the depression and the laziness/tired feeling.
I was happy on it as you said, but good luck getting off of it. I didn't wean off, wish I would have.
Posted by angeltalena on June 16, 2002, at 5:06:13
In reply to I was also pro-Effexor XR... til now... » spu, posted by SandraDee on June 15, 2002, at 23:23:20
Call your old doctor and get another refill until you can find a new one where you are now. I did that when I moved from one state to the other and it worked fine. I did that for about 3 months till I got settled in. If you were feeling that well, no reason to go off.
Angel
> I have been off Effexor for almost a week now. I was really doing well on it... much less anxious and snappy... just all 'round much better attitude... don't even remember crying on it... was on it for 3-4 weeks, and now I'm off. I ran out. Right in the middle of moving to our new house. I'm a wreck. I was only on 75mg a day. I feel the zapping everyone talks about, and the depression and the laziness/tired feeling.
> I was happy on it as you said, but good luck getting off of it. I didn't wean off, wish I would have.
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