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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 2302 to 2326 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by Reneb on June 24, 2002, at 13:19:25
In reply to Effexor XR Overall Synopsis, posted by BethB on June 23, 2002, at 15:54:40
> Wow-
>
> Nice to know I'm not alone. Here's my 2 cents.
>
> Going on the medicine initially gave me mild side effects like sleeplessness, middle of the night wakings (always 4am), loss of appetite, and dizziness. My doc put me on the meds in steps of 37.5.
>
> I have been on 150 mg for a year now. The first 4 months were successful. I was able to just exist as a normal person. Ahhhhhh....no hideous pits of despair.
>
> Then i started feeling restless and surprisingly SLEEPY. I feel...strangely heavy.
>
> I now crave sweets because I am always so tired and frustrated. Despite my best efforts of exercise and healthy eating I have gained 15 pounds!
>
> I still have ups and downs but BARELY. I CAN'T FEEL. Even when I get excited about something my body doesn't respond. No reactions. No excitement. No misery. Just irritability.
>
> My eyes are so dry that my contacts stick. I always feel thirsty. My lips and face are dry. I sweat much more now. I bruise easily (is this the meds?).
>
> If I miss two or more doses the withdrawal truly is horrendous! Flu-like symptoms including night(day)-sweats, hot flashes, aching muscles, intense nausea, dizziness, migraines beyond reason, severe power outages/surges in the brain, drunken visual effects, slowness in body as well as in thoughts and speech, and lots of irritability.
>
> Does anyone else find it difficult to pee? I know this sounds odd, but I have to really concentrate in order to find the correct peeing muscles!
>
> My psycho-doctor suggests a higher dosage, but that will just make the withdrawal symptoms that much worse!! Plus, when I tried to take higher doses I experienced more side-effects as well, which is not good for being a teacher!
>
> This is the only med I've tried and frankly I hate the idea of a lifetime of pills.
>
> HELP!?
>
> Sarah BSarah, you are not alone! I felt exactly how you feel. I was on it for ove a year. Started to feel nothing...just existing. I exercise everyday. I actually train in the spring and summer for races!!! I also started to gain weight. I told myself that is it. I weaned myself off. It took about 2 months to do it without those horrible withdrawals. It worked well, by the time I was taking my last 1/4 dose of effexor. I was feeling no side effects at all.
Yes, Peeing took forever...lol My husband used to knock on the door to see if I was alright. If I didnt sit there and concentrate it wouldn't happen.
take care,
Renee
Posted by Starwatcher on June 24, 2002, at 16:49:49
In reply to Re: Effexor XR Overall Synopsis, posted by Reneb on June 24, 2002, at 13:19:25
I am sure glad I read all of these threads here about Effexor! My doctor has recently put me on it for fibromyalgia chronic pain. I waited and started it at 75 mg. over the weekend to see what would happen - and it totally zonked me out! I could barely wake up and move around all weekend, and I felt totally shaky and weak, and my pupils were dilated big time. I cut the dose down last night to 37.5 mg. and I'm able to function and go to work today, although I feel kinda heavy and sedated. The pain, though, is basically gone - so that's a plus! I had a little nausea, but more like a loss of appetite, which may be a good thing. I'm going to see if the smaller dose works continuously because I don't see how I'll be able to function in the daytime on the higher dose! You're right, this is some powerful medication!
Posted by Reneb on June 24, 2002, at 19:19:32
In reply to Re: Effexor XR Overall Synopsis, posted by Starwatcher on June 24, 2002, at 16:49:49
> I am sure glad I read all of these threads here about Effexor! My doctor has recently put me on it for fibromyalgia chronic pain. I waited and started it at 75 mg. over the weekend to see what would happen - and it totally zonked me out! I could barely wake up and move around all weekend, and I felt totally shaky and weak, and my pupils were dilated big time. I cut the dose down last night to 37.5 mg. and I'm able to function and go to work today, although I feel kinda heavy and sedated. The pain, though, is basically gone - so that's a plus! I had a little nausea, but more like a loss of appetite, which may be a good thing. I'm going to see if the smaller dose works continuously because I don't see how I'll be able to function in the daytime on the higher dose! You're right, this is some powerful medication!
Hi, I think if you stay at a lower dose the side effects aren't as severe. The only problem I think will be when you get used to the dose you are on and feel that you need to up it???
hope it works out,
Renee
PS...I like your name!
Posted by Starwatcher on June 24, 2002, at 20:50:59
In reply to Re: Effexor XR Overall Synopsis » Starwatcher, posted by Reneb on June 24, 2002, at 19:19:32
Thanks, Renee!
I guess I'll decide and try upping it if and when the time comes that the lower dosage doesn't work. I do know that the 75 mg. dosage was definitely too much to start out on for me. Luckily, so far, I don't seem to need the Effexor to relieve depression, although I have had that problem in the past.
Posted by Luann on June 24, 2002, at 22:05:15
In reply to Re: Effexor XR Overall Synopsis » Starwatcher, posted by Starwatcher on June 24, 2002, at 20:50:59
I don't know if this is related to being on the medication - I'm on 150 mg a day. Just increased dosage 2 weeks ago but my eyes have been feeling sore and kind of "strained". Has anyone had this problem or something like it? Everything else has been great except for the insomnia. But my eyes are really sore.
Posted by BethB on June 24, 2002, at 22:57:06
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Noa on January 6, 2000, at 6:14:55
Hey Guys--
If you're interested in reading the latest "official" information on Effexor you can visit
www.effexor.com
If you would like to post your experiences where they will make the biggest impact visit
www.effexor-xr-side-effects-withdrawal.com
These are the sites that I believe will give our experiences (both positive and negative) the most appropriate audience. Check them out. Hopefully we can stimulate more research and improvements through our results.
Beth
Posted by spencer on June 25, 2002, at 7:18:30
In reply to Effexor - Anyone experience eye problems?, posted by Luann on June 24, 2002, at 22:05:15
I didn't experience sore eyes, but my visual acuity noticeably worsened during the first month or two after starting XR (150mg). The reason for the blurring was that my pupils were dilated so the effect was the same as when I have had eye tests where the opthamologist has dilated the pupils with drops. The side effects went away eventually.....thank goodness.
Posted by angeltalena on June 25, 2002, at 16:19:47
In reply to Re: Effexor XR Overall Synopsis, posted by Starwatcher on June 24, 2002, at 16:49:49
I'm up to 75 mg and the fact that the pain lessened helped my depression a lot. I can actually do some work around the house and my brain feels sharper now.
I think I notice the urinary thing too but in my case it's a good thing cause I went way too much before anyway since I had surgery 12 years ago so it's helped me. I am still drinking lots but I always have and I believe that's a very important thing. I drink the one can of Pepsi in the morning but that's all.
Angel
Posted by neocide on June 25, 2002, at 22:57:15
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I started week one on 37.5, then next week I moved to 75 and today I just started 150mg.
I am taking it for anxiety, confusion, and memory loss(I think)
I am on wellbutrin for depression.
I am curious if this drug has helped anyone in the confusion/memory area as I feel these two are related in my case. I would actually trade keeping the anxiety to regain my memory and be able to focus.
Im not sure if this is a side effect, but I have been feeling abnormally warm in waves for the past week.
Posted by LynnPerley on June 25, 2002, at 23:02:10
In reply to new user...questions., posted by neocide on June 25, 2002, at 22:57:15
It helped me more in the ability to focus area, but perhaps we are talking about the same thing. It helped my anxiety greatly, but helped the depression so-so.
Posted by lsp on June 26, 2002, at 8:54:36
In reply to going off, posted by Grace Coyote on June 2, 2002, at 5:39:20
Has anyone out there experienced heart palpitations and racing heartbeat from Effexor? I am taking 37.5 mg. per day to prevent migraine, and I've been trying to take this every other day in hopes of stopping it at some point. But recently I've been experiencing heart palpitations/skipping beats (which scare me)and also what I call "brain freeze" -- I can't seem to collect my thoughts. If I'm writing something, I forget how to spell it, or I put the letters in the wrong place, which is totally not me! I find myself having to stop and think before I talk because I can't get my thoughts together. Has anyone found Effexor to be helpful in migraine prevention?
Posted by angeltalena on June 26, 2002, at 11:08:30
In reply to Re: heart palpitations, posted by lsp on June 26, 2002, at 8:54:36
Well, I haven't had a migraine since I started taking mine. I take 75 mg a day. I've been on it about 2 months now. I used to get them every now and then but hadn't thought about it. Hope it does stop them. I ate something that used to give me migraines and felt fine so maybe it does!
I seem to be thinking sharper now. Try cutting down on your caffeine intake and see if that helps the palpitations.
Angel
Posted by Terri C. on June 26, 2002, at 11:12:02
In reply to Re: heart palpitations, posted by lsp on June 26, 2002, at 8:54:36
I experienced the same thing on Effexor in the early days and eventually experienced some pretty nasty side effects; blackouts of 24 hours or more, complete memory loss, hyperlibido (wanted to have sex all the time). After three months on the drug, I experienced a blackout that lasted for almost 48 hours, and I was told by family and friends that during the blackout, I acted somewhat "normal" but did some pretty horrible things. I'm certainly not saying everyone has these experiences, but I have corresponded to others who have had these similar experiences. Of course, some side effects are very temporary. My advice is to get family and friends involved and have an active dialogue about behaviors and changes they note. I did not know anything about these types of side effects until it was too late. Please understand that I'm only trying to provide one user's perspective in order to help in understanding and anticipating both good and bad effects of Effexor.
I wish I could help regarding the migraine issue. I've never experienced them but sympathize with your dilemma. I will say that most everyone I've talked with who've been on Effexor and want to get off (for one reason or another) have had a very hard time discontinuing this medication. There are severe withdrawal symptoms that people experience, and the safest way to do so is to do a very slow taper.
Hope only to provide information that helps you.
Posted by meg on June 26, 2002, at 12:16:46
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Debbie on April 17, 2000, at 16:53:21
I have nothing but positive things to say about effexor XR if taken in a completely controlled environment. I have been on effexor XR for over two years. This drug completely cleared me of my depression, bulimia and anxiety but I had to be extremely patient (as it took over a year) and continued to work with a psychiatrist in the meantime. It wasn't until I took 335 mg that I was completely symptomless. The process of increasing the doseage and decreasing the doseage was very slow and closely monitored. I am now at a dose of 150 mg and hope to be off of the drug in about 4 months. When origingally decreasing the doseage, I had symptoms reoccur (ie. low moods, lack of motivation etc.) and therefore, went back to my original doseage for another year. Now however, I am able to decrease the doseage SLOWLY!, without symptoms reoccuring. If I forget to take my meds for a few days, I notice widthdrawl symptoms (eg. I want and need to sleep all day, headaches, weird dreams, and dissiness). Unfortunately, effexor is not a quick fix, it does take time but it can be very effective (ofcourse, it is even more effective if you seek psychological therapy!). Hopefully, this long message helps those of you finding yourself longing for happiness, while having exhausted every avenue you can think of. As difficult as it is to believe, you will find a happier state of mind and you do not have to suffer as you are and have been. I hope this message touches someone.....
Posted by Newto This on June 28, 2002, at 14:21:15
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have had rather amazing success on Effexor XR even though the results are different than I expected and I have had side effects.
I admitted to being a "hoarder" and was perscribed this medication. My mother takes this medication also and that is probably why it was chosen even though it may not have officially been associated w/ OCD yet.
Initially I felt mostly "slowed down" in my thinking, which helped me slow down my speaking which was a bonus.
I swore that I was not depressed and did not suffer from "generalized" anxiety. I knew I had some "focused" anxiety though following a lay off at my job.
After taking the Effexor XR for almost 2 months though something beautiful was happening. I was realizing that the self-loathing thoughts that had been the constant background dialog of my mind were disappearing. It left me with some mental "vacancy" if you will, but that is perferable mental self-abuse that I've lived with most of my adult life.
I would like to stop stop taking this medication because the of side effects (lack of energy and libido), but I am a little bit afraid to because I don't want to give up this newly found peace of mind and sense of confidence and self esteem.
And on the other hand, I want to keep taking it to see if it will eventually help with the "hoarding" or if I might experience other new beautiful things that I didn't suspect.
Posted by Elin on June 29, 2002, at 0:38:12
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi, I am currently taking Effexor XR (75mg once a day)and it has helped me tremendously.
I have previously taken ciprimil (no efect), Paroxitine (became agressive and over-anxious), Prozac (was ridiculously highly energetic: couldn't sit down) and Lofeprimine (had a very negative effect, was very depressed and suicidal). However Effexor has been amazing, it began to take effect within the first week. I feel much calmer, my anxiety has almost dissapeared, and i am content - if not happy!
There has been no side effects (although I am still suffering with insomnia), with all the other medication i took my sex drive was adversly affected but this is not the case with effexor, I do not feel drowsy and my judgement doesnt seem to be affected.
I have drank alcohol whilst taking effexor (but only about 4/5 units) and I was fine.
I strongly recommend effexor to anyone who has tried other meds that haven't worked, I was getting to the point when I was ready to give up but I honestly feel as if I have got my life back.
Good Luck everyone, there is hope :)Love,
Elin
Manchester, England.> 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.
Posted by Sleepy Lizard on June 29, 2002, at 17:59:48
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Well, I'm on day 29 of Effexor XR. I've tapered up to 150 mg / day. It started to work about 4 days after starting the 150 mg dose. It has helped me to have the feeling of hopelessness. I am suffering from anxiety induced depression due to sexual drive differences in my 26 year marriage. I still feel sad, but I don't hit bottom. It allows me to get another perspective. My doctor said that the seretonin has the ability to let your brain make new connections and erase the old repetitive connectsions that are causing you to be in a rut. I hope this is true, but it will take 6 months to a year.
Posted by Sleepy Lizard on June 29, 2002, at 18:02:33
In reply to success on Effexor XR? , posted by Newto This on June 28, 2002, at 14:21:15
In the last post, I should have said Effexor XR has helped me to NOT have feelings of hopelessness.
Posted by cary 111 on June 29, 2002, at 21:32:59
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by Petezz on February 11, 2002, at 1:01:30
I have had chronic soft tissue pain in my feet for several years. I also have an arthritic hip joint. I was prescribed Effexor, starting at 37,5 and then up in a week to 75mg. Has anyone out there had an experience with effexor for the treatment of anxiety and depression, in connection with chronic pain?
As a side note: I met someone a few days ago who recommended I try a wheat, sugar, meat, and dairy free diet for my pain problems. Because I've tried almost everything, I figured I'd give it a shot. Wow!!! do I feel mentally clear and relaxed in comparison to just two days ago. However my pain is no better, although I do seem less overwhelmed because I feel so much better mentally. Now I'm wondering if I should even begin the Effexor.
Also, I have tried Serzone, and Nortriptyline, and began with Prozac (made me very anxious) a few years ago.
Anyone with suggestions, please respond!
Thank you in advance
Posted by zbdrums on June 29, 2002, at 21:52:39
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Lorraine » Lorraine, posted by Leo on March 1, 2001, at 13:01:09
I'm on my 3rd day without Effexor. I switched to Wellbutrin, but the symptoms are so bad (I don't know if it's the effexor w/d, the wellbutrin, or some other thing all together) that I have decided to get off head meds all together. This is really scary stuff. Every time I turn my head I hear a vacuum of sound. It's like a bad hang over, and I haven't had a drink in 2 years. I have nausea most of the time. I'm sleeping upwards of 16 hours a day, very poorly- lots of half-sleep, dreams and nightmares. TV and computer screens seem to trigger migraines. I don't know what I can and can't do- like drive to the store to pick up groceries or get up from a lying down position. I'm scaring my friends- they don't know what to do with me. I know these forums are to be taken with a grain of salt, but enough people are experiencing the same problems that I just don't want any part of the current anti-depressant experimentation. I don't believe that psychiatrists have enough information to work with regarding side-effects, long term problems, withdrawl symptoms, who can be helped in what ways by which drugs, what needs to be addressed in addition to the meds, etc. I've had some success with the Effexor. I tried Paxil and wound up in an emergency room in the middle of the night. I tried Celexa and had all kinds of bothersome sexual side effects, and I thought I found something pretty good with Effexor. When I began to experience significant joint pain that was hindering my ability to practice and perform(I'm a professional musician and music student studying with the most renowned living teacher of my instrument)I began to check out some of these forums. I explored many articles, one of which was an FDA report listing common(1/100 patients)side effects, of which arthralgia is one. I found that many of the problems I was experiencing were on that list: migraines, prostatitis, sleep problems, significant weight gain, . It is important to state that I had pain that was probably prostatitis as far back as 10 years ago. I have a history of sleep problems. I had a concussion about 6 months ago. And, I have had some joint pain (though always much less pain with much more strain). So, I can't discount my side-effects on Effexor. I did see doctors about all of these symptoms. Eventually the joint pain caused me to decide to taper off and stop taking Effexor. Particularly in the mornings I would wake up with intense pain in my wrists from clenching my fists and grabbing sheets tightly. This withdrawl has been so difficult and scary that I do not want anything to do with any drug that can do this to me (especially without warning before I take the drug). There is fear that without the anti-depressant I will return to a state of depression that renders me semi-dysfunctional. I have removed all illegal drugs and alcohol from the equation (2 years and 1 month with the help of NA and AA). Now I am going to remove the head meds. Because I can not afford periods of depression leading to the inability to perform the necessary work in my daily life, I intend to begin psycho-dynamic therapy. I can not afford an experienced and reputable psychiatrist. I have found a program through Southwestern medical center in Dallas, TX that offers medical students in training under supervision for $10-$40 per session, 2 sessions per week. I am applying for this program.
The scary thing that I'm dealing with now is that I'm experiencing these withdrawl symptoms and I have a trip that I am taking in 5 days. I will be traveling for 27 days. Much of the trip is business related, and much of the trip is through old running grounds from my pot-smoking days. I will go to meetings, and don't fear as much for my sobriety as for my mental health. These past few nights have found me crawling to the bed, or lying on the floor unable to make it to the bathroom. My journal entries look like this: "feel awful; nausea; faith week; head hurts so bad...", and these are the statements that sumarize many thoughts and are only consicely stated due to the difficulty of writing at these times. Honestly, this week has not been better than the worst of my drug days, depression and all. Last night I was balled up on the floor crying as hard as I ever have (which is a strong statement- I've cried a lot), with head pain that simply made me unable to move. Anyhow... that's my testimony. -Zach
Posted by cary 111 on July 1, 2002, at 11:41:44
In reply to Effexor Withdrawal - Zach's testimony, posted by zbdrums on June 29, 2002, at 21:52:39
Zach: I'm sorry to hear that you are going through this very difficult time. Much of what you describe I also experienced a few years ago, when I tried Prozac. Probabably the withdrawl from Effexor is causing your current anxiety. I would talk to your Doc about tapering off, and starting a new med simultaneously? Also you might look into Serzone, no sexual problems and very good for anxiety. I'm also a big believer in the connection between joint and soft tissue pain and chronic anxiety. If you could get yourself on track and find peace, the pain might go way down, if not entirely away. Stay positive, and have faith. And try not to worry too much about being the best, even if you are the best, being simply who you are, and not letting the hierarchical views of others be too important, will be helpful. I speak from personal experience.
Best of luck,
Cary
Posted by Jannbeau on July 1, 2002, at 17:51:10
In reply to Effexor and chronic pain, posted by cary 111 on June 29, 2002, at 21:32:59
>Hi, I AM NOT A DOCTOR NOR AM I AN EXPERT on any of the subjects upon which I expound below, but it sounds as if you could use a gastrointestinal specialist (gastroenterologist, GI specialist) before you do anything else. Some research seems to support a reduction in some types of pain with changes in diet. Example 1: gouty arthritis is relieved when one stops eating red meat. However, gouty arthritis is a genetic problem in which the body builds up uric acid in the blood from an amino acid that isn't metabolized properly. Uric acid deposited in the joints causes pain in those joints. The classic joint is that of the big toe, but others are probably affected, also.
Example 2. Some people are intolerant of lactose due to a deficiency of lactase, again a genetic problem. You can use "Lactaid" or some other source of the enzyme to replace the lactase that your body doesn't make.
Example 3: Some people are intolerant of gluten, a protein found in most, if not all wheat, products. ONE of the symptoms of gluten intolerance may be cognitive and memory dysfunction. To my knowledge, the only way to absolutely eliminate the effects of gluten intolerance is to avoid gluten. Some people have reduced their symptoms with the help of a med called "Gastrocrom" a form of cromyln sodium (I think), the same medication used to treat nasal allergies.
A gastroenterologist can tell you if you have any of these disorders. However, you should not stop your intake of wheat-containing products before seeing the GI specialist, as the effects of gluten intolerance are on the lining of the small intestine and the doctor needs to look at the intestine, check some enzymes, etc to diagnose the illness, if I am up to date (I probably am not, however).
But, with changes to diet, your pain hasn't diminished. Thoughts: (1) time- you may need to give the diet changes more time (2) you have cut out too many different foods at once. You won't know which is the culprit unless you cut out one at a time (3)Symptoms (e.g., pain)of each food-related illness may manifest at different times after eating the food and may disappear at different rates.
Finally, I had great success with Effexor-XR for pain, in conjunction with minimal doses of opiod pain relievers (I am allergic to aspirin, ibuprofen, Celebrex, etc). This effect is not, I don't believe, an antidepressant effect because it started sooner than the antidepressant effects are supposed to occur. When I stopped the Effexor, my pain meds no longer worked as well--the pain returned with a vengeance within days of stopping the medication and I am not depressed, but am fast going that way from the return of the pain.
BUT, Effexor is a really strange drug, not one to play about with. Some people have had problems discontinuing Effexor. I had no such difficulty, tapering over about 1 month. I did not like the insomnia followed by somnolence that I experienced with Effexor. Also, Effexor seems to have reduced my ability to control my emotions and my big mouth. Also lost all interest in sex and most in interacting with other people. Finally, I quit taking it. During discontinuation, I experienced dizziness and "brain shivers" but they weren't too bad.
Cheers,
jannbeauI have had chronic soft tissue pain in my feet for several years. I also have an arthritic hip joint. I was prescribed Effexor, starting at 37,5 and then up in a week to 75mg. Has anyone out there had an experience with effexor for the treatment of anxiety and depression, in connection with chronic pain?
> As a side note: I met someone a few days ago who recommended I try a wheat, sugar, meat, and dairy free diet for my pain problems. Because I've tried almost everything, I figured I'd give it a shot. Wow!!! do I feel mentally clear and relaxed in comparison to just two days ago. However my pain is no better, although I do seem less overwhelmed because I feel so much better mentally. Now I'm wondering if I should even begin the Effexor.
> Also, I have tried Serzone, and Nortriptyline, and began with Prozac (made me very anxious) a few years ago.
> Anyone with suggestions, please respond!
> Thank you in advance
Posted by cary 111 on July 1, 2002, at 18:49:21
In reply to Re: Effexor and chronic pain, posted by Jannbeau on July 1, 2002, at 17:51:10
Jannbeau;
Thank you for your caring, thoughtful, and lengthy response to my post.
I started taking Effexor 37.5 mg yesterday, and my pain seems to be somewhatimproved after only 2 doses. I have also continued to avoid completely the wheat, and dairy, so I'm not sure how much that has to do with my improvement. I do suspect that the Effexor is involved. My pain generally seems to be heightened beyond a resonable degree, and it makes me wonder how the anxiety I've been living with effects my pain level. I've also been taking Flax seed oil for the last month or so, and I think it has been helping loosen up my very tight muscles and tendons in my legs, as I can much more easily get into certain Yoga postures, which for a long time were almost impossible.
I'm curious about how much Effexor you took, for how long, when did the insomnia start, and how long after beginning did it take for you to loose interest in sex?.
I understand about the of the issue of not caring what you say to others while on an antidepressant. That is one of the reasons that I decided to stop taking Serzone, I was feeling like I didn't care very much anymore, about much. And I thought I'd be better off being more anxious, and more connected to my real feelings. However my pain kept getting worse as I went down in dose. My hope is that there is a chemical imbalance issue at the bottom of this, and eventually the balance will clear up, and I won't need drugs.
Thanks again for you concern.
Cary 111
Posted by jannbeau on July 1, 2002, at 23:30:54
In reply to Re: Effexor and chronic pain, posted by cary 111 on July 1, 2002, at 18:49:21
>Hi,Cary, I don't think all of my message even got there. I was attempting to edit it when I hit the wrong button. I, too have horrible chronic pain. I am managing mine right now with opiod analgesics and tylenol, only. This works as long as I remember to take the meds regularly.
The insomnia started almost immediately, but I had a confounding factor. My doctor changed three meds at one time and one of them, Ultram, interacts with Effexor-XR to result in some slight ''serotonin syndrome." My pain was decreased within a day or two, also, but again I was taking two new drugs. I dropped the Ultram and I've been ok since then. The loss of libido started within a couple of weeks of starting the Effexor, probably associated with serotonin receptors or something. I think the pain relief is through a different system, perhaps. Worked for me. I just didn't want the side effects. Good Luck to you in your trial of this medicine.
Jannbeau
Jannbeau;
> Thank you for your caring, thoughtful, and lengthy response to my post.
> I started taking Effexor 37.5 mg yesterday, and my pain seems to be somewhatimproved after only 2 doses. I have also continued to avoid completely the wheat, and dairy, so I'm not sure how much that has to do with my improvement. I do suspect that the Effexor is involved. My pain generally seems to be heightened beyond a resonable degree, and it makes me wonder how the anxiety I've been living with effects my pain level. I've also been taking Flax seed oil for the last month or so, and I think it has been helping loosen up my very tight muscles and tendons in my legs, as I can much more easily get into certain Yoga postures, which for a long time were almost impossible.
> I'm curious about how much Effexor you took, for how long, when did the insomnia start, and how long after beginning did it take for you to loose interest in sex?.
> I understand about the of the issue of not caring what you say to others while on an antidepressant. That is one of the reasons that I decided to stop taking Serzone, I was feeling like I didn't care very much anymore, about much. And I thought I'd be better off being more anxious, and more connected to my real feelings. However my pain kept getting worse as I went down in dose. My hope is that there is a chemical imbalance issue at the bottom of this, and eventually the balance will clear up, and I won't need drugs.
> Thanks again for you concern.
> Cary 111
Posted by Starwatcher on July 2, 2002, at 19:12:19
In reply to Effexor and chronic pain, posted by cary 111 on June 29, 2002, at 21:32:59
> I have had chronic soft tissue pain in my feet for several years. I also have an arthritic hip joint. I was prescribed Effexor, starting at 37,5 and then up in a week to 75mg. Has anyone out there had an experience with effexor for the treatment of anxiety and depression, in connection with chronic pain?
> As a side note: I met someone a few days ago who recommended I try a wheat, sugar, meat, and dairy free diet for my pain problems. Because I've tried almost everything, I figured I'd give it a shot. Wow!!! do I feel mentally clear and relaxed in comparison to just two days ago. However my pain is no better, although I do seem less overwhelmed because I feel so much better mentally. Now I'm wondering if I should even begin the Effexor.
> Also, I have tried Serzone, and Nortriptyline, and began with Prozac (made me very anxious) a few years ago.
> Anyone with suggestions, please respond!
> Thank you in advanceHi, cary.
I've been on 37.5 mg. of Effexor for fibromyalgia for about three weeks, and this dose seems to be working continuously! My doctor prescribed 75 mg., and I tried that on a weekend - but it was too much - I couldn't function and basically slept around the clock - so I decreased the dosage myself. I will stay at this dose as long as it works, and I'm experiencing minimal side effects - a little diziness now and then, and a kinda sleepy loaded feeling for awhile when I wake up in the morning.
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