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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Mykidsmom on July 10, 2002, at 10:47:17
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I am new here and would like to know if anyone else has had this problem with Effexor. I started taking 37.5 dose and did just fine. Then after a week I was moved up to the normal low dose of 75 mg. day. I had been taking this for about 5 wks. (including the one wk @ 37.5) Then I couldn't get my refill for 3 days, so I was off the med. for that time. The third night was a nightmare, LITERALLY! When I went to bed, I started having these really strange and scary dreams! I woke up several times very confused and disoriented. After about an hour of that, the dreams were so "real" that I was unable to tell if I was dreaming or awake. At one point I woke up my husband to ask him if I was asleep or awake. Is this normal when you miss a couple of doses? If so this is very scary to me! Any help or info you can give would be very appreciated and hopfully "settling!"
Posted by Reneb on July 10, 2002, at 19:01:32
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain , posted by Gabbi on July 9, 2002, at 22:02:05
> > > Just got sample of Effexor XR.
> > I've been on Paxil 20mg. for 1 yr.
> > I feel great and my panic attacks are gone.
> > BUT --- I keep gaining weight. I told my dr.
> > to give me something else.
> > Did anyone gain weight on this stuff?
> > Does anyone use this for panic attacks.
> > My dr. told me I could go right from Paxil
> > to Effexor XR, stopping one and starting the
> > other with no withdrawl symptoms. ANyone try it. Thanks for any input.
> > > >
> >
> > I was on Paxil for one year also, and it worked
> > GREAT for me for the severe PMS mood swings and
> > depression I was experiencing. At first I had
> > no weight gain, then after about 6 months, I
> > suddenly gained 35 pounds in 4 months! The web
> > info sites on depression and meds say that the
> > SSRI's (Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft) are more apt to
> > cause weight loss than weight gain, but I know
> > a LOT of people who take them or have taken
> > them, and they had the same thing I experienced --
> > about 6 months with no problem, then BAM -- a
> > big weight gain in 4-6 months without changing
> > their eating habits or decreasing their activity
> > levels.
> >
> > I switched to Wellbutrin SR a few weeks ago.
> > We'll see how it goes.
>
> I originally was on 80mgs of Prozac, and had also tried Paxil, and I did gain weight on both of them, these were prescribed by my family Dr.
> They did help with the depression but my anxiety level skyrocketed.
> I was admitted to hospital (I am getting to the point here) and luckily was treated by a brilliant Psychopharmacologist, it was a fluke, he was "on tour" but it made me realize just how much of a difference a specialist can make. Anyways the point... He reduced my Prozac to 20mgs and supplemented it with a t4 thyroid hormone. I don't have low thyroid but what it does is increase the antidepressent affects of the SSRI without the side effects of a larger dose, and additionally I ended up losing weight! Surprisingly it did not increase my anxiety. Apparently this works with most SSRI drugs obviously everyones chemistry is different but If you can find a knowledgeble Doctor willing to try it I would definately suggest it.Hi Gabbi, YEs, I did gained weight on effexor. What really suprised me is that I do exercise everyday. I didnt see it coming... I was told by someone and it does make sense that if you tend to use food as comfort you will probably gain weight. My friend is on effexor and is losing weight food is not an issue for her.
That is very interesting about the thyroid hormone
Is that what it is called t4?I am also on 400mg of wellbutrin, have been for awhile. I have no problems at all. I like it.
Renee
Posted by Reneb on July 10, 2002, at 19:09:30
In reply to Scary!, posted by Mykidsmom on July 10, 2002, at 10:47:17
> I am new here and would like to know if anyone else has had this problem with Effexor. I started taking 37.5 dose and did just fine. Then after a week I was moved up to the normal low dose of 75 mg. day. I had been taking this for about 5 wks. (including the one wk @ 37.5) Then I couldn't get my refill for 3 days, so I was off the med. for that time. The third night was a nightmare, LITERALLY! When I went to bed, I started having these really strange and scary dreams! I woke up several times very confused and disoriented. After about an hour of that, the dreams were so "real" that I was unable to tell if I was dreaming or awake. At one point I woke up my husband to ask him if I was asleep or awake. Is this normal when you miss a couple of doses? If so this is very scary to me! Any help or info you can give would be very appreciated and hopfully "settling!"
Hi, You are not alone, If you look back on the archives you will see many posters with the same or similar experiences. I was on it for over a year. I had to get off the stuff. I couldn't take it anymore. The withdrawals is horrible.. Did your Doctor tell you about the withdrawal effects before he put you on it?
Renee
Posted by Gabbi on July 10, 2002, at 19:17:08
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain » Gabbi, posted by Reneb on July 10, 2002, at 19:01:32
Hi Renee
The thyroid hormone is actually a T3 (I think)
But as my medication has destroyed my memory, (isn't playing with medication fun? heavy sarcasm-and to think some people think we're taking the easy way out.... Just to be on the safe side the brand name I know for sure is Cytomel I'm now up to 75mcg as opposed to the original 25 mcg, and still no increase in anxiety which I really find amazing. Good luck
and no hyper-thyroid symptoms either.
Posted by LynnPerley on July 10, 2002, at 20:52:52
In reply to Scary!, posted by Mykidsmom on July 10, 2002, at 10:47:17
Your problem wasn't necessarily a bad drug or bad dosage, it was a sudden stopping when you did not refill the prescription. The pharmacy information you got with your prescription certainly advised, and your doctor should have also, that you cannot suddenly stop taking Effexor XR without risking withdrawal symptoms like you described. I forgot to take my dose once and within 14 hours I started feeling bad, and by 18 hours I had an incapacitating headache. Effexor has a very short half life, in other words, your body does not store it for a long time like it does Paxil, Prozac, or other drugs.
Next time make sure you don't run out of it. If its due to insurance hassles tell your doc and they should have samples to tide you over between refills. It does not mean the drug will not work for you. When you do stop taking it with your doctor's approval, he/she will put you on a gradual decreased dosage to minimize the risk of these effects. You may have adverse effects despite tapering off slowly.
Posted by zoey73 on July 11, 2002, at 10:31:56
In reply to Re: just started and getting off fast, posted by donna on July 4, 2002, at 6:11:39
I just started EffexorXR a week ago and increased to 75mg two days ago. I immediately developed a sore, puffy, itchy rash on my fingers and toes. I cannot find this listed as a side-effect though so maybe it's a heat rash or something. Has anyone else had this? I don't want to go off it yet because Prozac, Paxil, Celexa don't work.
Posted by Kat26 on July 11, 2002, at 10:58:18
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain » Gabbi, posted by Reneb on July 10, 2002, at 19:01:32
Have you heard that to be true about all ADs, or just Effexor?
I think use food as comfort... but it hasn't happened to me.(Just saying this to maybe make some others feel better too)
Kat26
Posted by jannbeau on July 11, 2002, at 11:42:47
In reply to Has anyone else had a rash?, posted by zoey73 on July 11, 2002, at 10:31:56
>No rash that I can discern. However, my feet and especially my hands DO itch, sometimes unbearably. This effect is definitely associated with Effexor or with an interaction between Effexor and some other medication I take because the itching disappeared when I went off Effexor-XR for three weeks. Within days of returning to 37.5 mg Effexor-XR, the itching had returned.
A rash with a medication, even one confined to a certain part of the body, bears watching. It could be a harbinger of a more serious drug reaction. I would contact my physician with this one.
Cheers,
Jannbeau> I just started EffexorXR a week ago and increased to 75mg two days ago. I immediately developed a sore, puffy, itchy rash on my fingers and toes. I cannot find this listed as a side-effect though so maybe it's a heat rash or something. Has anyone else had this? I don't want to go off it yet because Prozac, Paxil, Celexa don't work.
Posted by jannbeau on July 11, 2002, at 11:49:16
In reply to Re: Use food as comfort = weight gain on ADs?, posted by Kat26 on July 11, 2002, at 10:58:18
> Tricyclic AD's are infamous for causing weight gain. I've heard some folks gain on Prozac and some on Paxil. I think Wellbutrin has a better profile for weight, but that's hearsay again as I haven't researched the issue.
jannbeau
Have you heard that to be true about all ADs, or just Effexor?
> I think use food as comfort... but it hasn't happened to me.
>
> (Just saying this to maybe make some others feel better too)
> Kat26
Posted by sly on July 11, 2002, at 16:14:24
In reply to Re: Use food as comfort = weight gain on ADs?, posted by Kat26 on July 11, 2002, at 10:58:18
I seem to be having the opposite to everyone on this. While depressed I gained weight, ate for comfort, I hated my body but didn't have the energy to diet or exercise. Soon after starting Effexor I became obsessed with weight and my body, stopped eating, and lost 20 lbs. I'm trying to eat normally but it's hard, now I'm caught in a vicious cycle of bingeing and fasting. I don't know if Effexor caused this or if this part of my personality was masked by the depression? Since taking Effexor my depression has definitely improved, I don't want to stop taking it despite the unpleasant side effects.
Posted by Kat26 on July 12, 2002, at 12:21:09
In reply to Re: Use food as comfort = weight gain on ADs?, posted by sly on July 11, 2002, at 16:14:24
It seems very likely that the binging and fasting cycle has been caused by that initial period of not eating... I just know as a former anorexic that not eating makes you obsessed with food and weight, usually. Is your eating behavior interfering with your life? Does it feel like hte beginning of an eating disorder?
Kat26
Posted by sly on July 12, 2002, at 15:52:06
In reply to Re: Use food as comfort = weight gain on ADs? Sly, posted by Kat26 on July 12, 2002, at 12:21:09
Yes, it's hell, if I eat normally I feel guilty, then I'll fast for 2 days. I hate parties and family functions b/c everyone watches what I eat. I've started using laxatives after a big meal to help keep the weight down. I know it's beginning to be a real problem, but I don't know how to break the cycle, I can't stand the thought of eating "normally" and gaining weight.
Posted by jannbeau on July 12, 2002, at 16:01:13
In reply to Re: Use food as comfort = weight gain on ADs? Sly, posted by sly on July 12, 2002, at 15:52:06
> Sly, WHAT are you DOING? Is this behavior new in your repertoire or a recurrence? I worry that you are WELL on your way to an eating abnormality and I predict I predict bulemia (binging and purging, just as you describe). Can you start dealing with this right now? Eating disorders are treatable, especially if detected early. GOOD for you for recognizing the serious nature of this behavior. Perhaps cognitive-behavioral therapy would be useful. Or, if it is medication-related, a change in meds??
God Bless,
jannbeauYes, it's hell, if I eat normally I feel guilty, then I'll fast for 2 days. I hate parties and family functions b/c everyone watches what I eat. I've started using laxatives after a big meal to help keep the weight down. I know it's beginning to be a real problem, but I don't know how to break the cycle, I can't stand the thought of eating "normally" and gaining weight.
Posted by Reneb on July 12, 2002, at 20:39:09
In reply to Re: Use food as comfort = weight gain on ADs? Sly, posted by jannbeau on July 12, 2002, at 16:01:13
> > Sly, WHAT are you DOING? Is this behavior new in your repertoire or a recurrence? I worry that you are WELL on your way to an eating abnormality and I predict I predict bulemia (binging and purging, just as you describe). Can you start dealing with this right now? Eating disorders are treatable, especially if detected early. GOOD for you for recognizing the serious nature of this behavior. Perhaps cognitive-behavioral therapy would be useful. Or, if it is medication-related, a change in meds??
>
> God Bless,
> jannbeau
>
> Yes, it's hell, if I eat normally I feel guilty, then I'll fast for 2 days. I hate parties and family functions b/c everyone watches what I eat. I've started using laxatives after a big meal to help keep the weight down. I know it's beginning to be a real problem, but I don't know how to break the cycle, I can't stand the thought of eating "normally" and gaining weight.Sly, have you ever thought about exercising? If you want to take the weight off...start running. It will fall right off you!!! I agree completely with jannbeau. You are heading for big trouble
Renee
Posted by Noelle on July 14, 2002, at 22:13:59
In reply to Re: Use food as comfort = weight gain on ADs? Sly » jannbeau, posted by Reneb on July 12, 2002, at 20:39:09
Ok, slow down
Lets look at the root of this, Wellbutrin is good for bingers as long as you don't purge or you are not anerexic, when I take Wellbutrin all the urges for reckless eating go away, but make sure you don't have axiety I had to go off Wellbutrin because it seems thats my underlying problem and it will make you worse. As for the person that said Effexor made them better, its not an SSRI it effects mostly a neuroepinefforin not Seritonin which seems to be the principle issue with weight gain
Posted by Cybertao on July 14, 2002, at 22:39:46
In reply to I am new at this and Effexor XR, posted by valenphy on March 27, 2002, at 14:47:32
My doctor prescribed Effexor XR 150mg. The first day was like hell. I felt hot and cold sensations, a lot of sweating... Just like in a bad flu. I felt my wrists very painful. Also my jaw seemed to be stiff, and I would yawn involutarialy. I also felt dizzy. However, the most terrible side effect was urinary rentention.... No matter how hard I tried, I could barely leak just a few drops... I tried to drink a lot of water, but it also did not work well...
I never had so many side effects with a drug in its first day of use!! Has anyone ever gone through this? Should I continue taking it?!
Cybertao
Posted by sly on July 15, 2002, at 7:42:21
In reply to Re: Use food as comfort = weight gain on ADs? Sly » jannbeau, posted by Reneb on July 12, 2002, at 20:39:09
I do exercise, but it's not about that, at first it was about a fear of gaining weight, so many people reported problems with that I was terrified. Now it's about control, I'm a perfectionist, that's the root of my problems. With depression and anxiety I felt like my life was in chaos, controlling my food and weight became something I could excel at and master. I lost a lot of weight, 20 lbs, I'm 5ft 5in, 109 lbs. and people started bugging me about my size and watching me, so I had to eat "normally" which caused more fear and guilt. I started fasting and taking laxatives to keep the weight off - it's not easy to stop.
Posted by jannbeau on July 15, 2002, at 11:12:32
In reply to Effexor and Urinary Retention? , posted by Cybertao on July 14, 2002, at 22:39:46
>Hi, Most docs start people out on much lower doses of Effexor-XR. 37.5 mg/day for one week, then 75 mg/day for one week, then going up from there.
Urinary retention is a listed side effect of Effexor. Has it gone away? Urinary retention may be a medical emergency. You should immediately notify your physician of this effect.
Other things that you describe are also known side effects of this medication. These effects MAY disappear with time or with an adjustment of your dose. Yawning, dizziness, alternating chills and feeling of warmth, etc.
lso, Effexor should not be taken with some other medications because it can induce "serotonin syndrome". Your doctor should know all the medications that you are taking.
Cheers,
jannbeauIt seems possible that 150 mg/day to start may have been too much for you?
My doctor prescribed Effexor XR 150mg. The first day was like hell. I felt hot and cold sensations, a lot of sweating... Just like in a bad flu. I felt my wrists very painful. Also my jaw seemed to be stiff, and I would yawn involutarialy. I also felt dizzy. However, the most terrible side effect was urinary rentention.... No matter how hard I tried, I could barely leak just a few drops... I tried to drink a lot of water, but it also did not work well...
>
> I never had so many side effects with a drug in its first day of use!! Has anyone ever gone through this? Should I continue taking it?!
>
> Cybertao
Posted by Kat26 on July 15, 2002, at 16:18:04
In reply to Re: Use food as comfort = weight gain on ADs? Sly, posted by sly on July 15, 2002, at 7:42:21
Sly,
I am approximately the same size as you and people tell me I am too skinny so you know that says the same thing about you.Kat26
Posted by LynnPerley on July 15, 2002, at 21:18:50
In reply to Re: Use food as comfort = weight gain on ADs? Sly, posted by sly on July 15, 2002, at 7:42:21
Sly, have you talked to your doc or counselor about this? I don't want to belabor the point, but I'm 5'5" and at 114 pounds I looked like death warmed over. The low end of the healthy body weight range is in the low 120's. I'm glad you understand their is a problem, and I wish you the best of luck. I have not been frequenting this board for too long, but I've seen your good advice before and I hope you will not take this advice in a negative way.
Posted by Reneb on July 16, 2002, at 22:43:11
In reply to Re: Use food as comfort = weight gain on ADs? Sly » sly, posted by LynnPerley on July 15, 2002, at 21:18:50
> Sly, have you talked to your doc or counselor about this? I don't want to belabor the point, but I'm 5'5" and at 114 pounds I looked like death warmed over. The low end of the healthy body weight range is in the low 120's. I'm glad you understand their is a problem, and I wish you the best of luck. I have not been frequenting this board for too long, but I've seen your good advice before and I hope you will not take this advice in a negative way.
Sly, I agree. Obviously you know what you are doing is not healthy. If it's the meds that are making you feel this way maybe you should consider going on something else.
Posted by sly on July 17, 2002, at 8:43:57
In reply to Re: Use food as comfort = weight gain on ADs? Sly » LynnPerley, posted by Reneb on July 16, 2002, at 22:43:11
I don't know if the meds are causing this - I think they might be. Before the Effexor I was severely depressed, but eventually I thought I was starting to feel better, I was having "good days". But now I'm beginning to think the sense of calm I have is really anhedonia, a complete loss of pleasure. It's not that I don't feel depressed, I feel nothing. Yesterday I broke up with my boyfriend, we've been together for one year, I cried for about 10 mins., and then nothing, I felt empty. I couldn't eat, couldn't sleep, I put on a pair of shorts this morning, zipped them up, and they fell off, I've lost 2 more lbs. But who cares? I still feel nothing, like I'm more invisible than ever.
Posted by jannbeau on July 17, 2002, at 11:35:54
In reply to Re: weight loss anhedonia, posted by sly on July 17, 2002, at 8:43:57
> Sly, it is no longer an option! You MUST go to your doctor immediately about this problem!! For whatever reason, you are NOT getting better, whether it's meds or for other reasons. Please go! "Who Cares?" is not an appropriate response to the things that are happening to you!
jannbeau
I don't know if the meds are causing this - I think they might be. Before the Effexor I was severely depressed, but eventually I thought I was starting to feel better, I was having "good days". But now I'm beginning to think the sense of calm I have is really anhedonia, a complete loss of pleasure. It's not that I don't feel depressed, I feel nothing. Yesterday I broke up with my boyfriend, we've been together for one year, I cried for about 10 mins., and then nothing, I felt empty. I couldn't eat, couldn't sleep, I put on a pair of shorts this morning, zipped them up, and they fell off, I've lost 2 more lbs. But who cares? I still feel nothing, like I'm more invisible than ever.
Posted by abc123 on July 20, 2002, at 12:49:49
In reply to Re: Effexor and Urinary Retention? , posted by jannbeau on July 15, 2002, at 11:12:32
I have tried every anti-depressant on the market starting as far back as the early 80s. Recently, my shrink decided to switch me from Prozac (and Remeron) to Effexor. I have always had problems with exagerated side effects from anti-depressants and Effexor is no different. Although I am on a VERY low dose (12.5 mg per day) - that's 1/2 the lowest dose, I am experiencing nausa, disorientation and insomnia. I have been on effexor approx. 2 weeks. I feel like hell and am not sure where to turn. Prozac helps me for a while (at 10 mg. a day), but I always end up having to go off it because of hand tremors. Does anyone have any suggestions for an anti-depressant with minimal side-effects? Remeron helps, but I've gained 30 pounds.
Posted by fairnymph on July 20, 2002, at 14:57:02
In reply to new to Effexor, posted by abc123 on July 20, 2002, at 12:49:49
Have you considered these AD's: trazadone, wellbutrin, reboxetine, nefazadone?
Do you prefer a sedating or a stimulating AD?
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