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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by gillian on August 27, 2002, at 13:22:15
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
>I was diagnosed with "Free floating anxiety" and panic attacks - which to my horror seemed to occur for no apparent reason. I was put on Effexor XL (UK version) and found it made a marked difference....the intial side effects were not much fun ie body tingles, loss of concentration, nervousness and weakness but after a couple of weeks these wore off and I really felt things getting back to normal. I feel however lifestyle change is required alongside medical intervention. I found both aromatherapy and Bach Flower remedies effective..and most importantly making time for myself to relax...in this day and age it seems impossible to take time for yourself but SO important in helping with a healthy mind.
Posted by beth b on August 27, 2002, at 15:17:48
In reply to Re: Love Effexor!!! » gatitapurrrrrs, posted by Sulaf98 on August 26, 2002, at 20:25:41
hey y'all-
i posted a couple of weeks ago about weaning myself down from 150 mg for my first drug holiday. i've been at 75 mg for just over a week. next week i drop to 37.5. so far i've had mild nausea and occasional head aches. over all, it's not near as bad as missing a dose! emtionally i feel pretty stable. we'll see soon enough i guess.
hugs-
beth
Posted by simone on August 27, 2002, at 18:40:12
In reply to Re: Long term effects of Effexor/permanent , posted by Sahara on February 27, 2001, at 19:29:58
I started Effexor XR last December. After gaining nearly 15 pounds, feeling tired and constipated all the time I decided to discontinue this medication with the help of my doctor. I gradually tapered off like I was told. Now that I haven't taken anything in two days I feel very sick. Can anyone tell me how long these flu like symptoms may last? I'm almost tempted to break open a 150mg and take half of it to feel better. No one told me this was like heroin withdrawls!!
Posted by gatitapurrrrrs on August 27, 2002, at 19:39:27
In reply to Re: Love Effexor!!! » gatitapurrrrrs, posted by jannbeau on August 27, 2002, at 13:19:26
Hello all!
Hope you are doing fine. Not two people are alike and I am just sharing my experience with you.
As you know, all medications have side effects. When you start taking a new medication, it takes a little while for your body to get used to it. The same is true for EFFEXOR XR.Before starting EFFEXOR XR, tell your doctor about any medicines you're taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements. Pregnant or nursing women shouldn't take any antidepressant without consulting their doctor. People taking MAO inhibitors should not take EFFEXOR XR.
When you first start taking EFFEXOR XR, you may experience nausea, but this lessens in most people and usually goes away within 2 weeks of starting treatment. You may also experience dizziness, sleepiness, delayed ejaculation, sweating, dry mouth, nervousness, insomnia, anorexia, and constipation.
If nausea does not lessen within the first few weeks, or if serious side effects occur, talk to your doctor. EFFEXOR XR may raise your blood pressure; therefore, regular monitoring of blood pressure is recommended. Because EFFEXOR XR may impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills, you should use caution until you have adapted to therapy.
I did feel nauseated, dizzy, and lost my appetite. All side effects were gone after 2 months. I am not saying you ALL will experience what I did, but make it a little fair after reading so much negative reactions.I started taking Effexor XR in January 2002 and it sure has worked for me like it has with people I know personally. If people email me and ask me how am I doing, I will sure tell them for ME has been the miracle drug! After 12 years of chronic depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic attacks and a little paranoia, Effexor opened up for me, a whole new life...
Bless you allFor more information visit:
http://www.effexor.com
Posted by Reneb on August 27, 2002, at 20:48:38
In reply to Re: Long term effects of Effexor/permanent » Sahara, posted by simone on August 27, 2002, at 18:40:12
> I started Effexor XR last December. After gaining nearly 15 pounds, feeling tired and constipated all the time I decided to discontinue this medication with the help of my doctor. I gradually tapered off like I was told. Now that I haven't taken anything in two days I feel very sick. Can anyone tell me how long these flu like symptoms may last? I'm almost tempted to break open a 150mg and take half of it to feel better. No one told me this was like heroin withdrawls!!
Hi, Don't do it!!!! Hang in there...It does get better. I took 2 months myself to withdraw from effexor. I did it very,very slow. I promise it will get better soon.good luck,
Renee
Posted by sly on August 28, 2002, at 8:17:26
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
In the last month or so I've developed a new side effect. During the day I'm fine, but at night I sweat like crazy, I wake up several times a night soaked, even my sheets are wet, it's disgusting.
I've never experienced this before, I know it's not the air temperature, it's cool outside at night and I have air conditioning, I sleep practically naked with only a top sheet. Both my family doc and my psyc say it's the medication, but neither has any remedies - did anyone else have this problem and have any suggestions?
Posted by Bob ,RN on August 28, 2002, at 13:18:52
In reply to Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares, posted by Seraphim on May 4, 2001, at 9:03:58
I'm an RN who has been taking effexor 75mg daily (about 1 year) and noticed gradual lessening of libido. I decided to wean myself from effexor, since I've seen postings on the net attributing this side effect to the drug. The drug and dosage were prescribed post back injury/surgery for tx of chronic depression associated with chronic back pain. The only other drug I take daily is Gemfibrozil(w/o side effects or complications for several years). Considering the 75mg daily dosage rather mild by current prescription standards, I thought weaning would be a rather painless procedure. WRONG!!! I have never experienced such VIVID, CINEMATIC NIGHTMARES in my life!!! If they weren't so frightening, they would probably be entertaining. They are similar to the late '70's disaster movies i.e., "The Towering Inferno", "Airport'75", "Poisedon Adventure",(recent hits like the "Die Hard" series would qualify). The only problem is these close calls with DEATH aren't conducive with a decent nights sleep!
I'm going to double the recommended weaning schedule and see if the movies go away. Good luck and try to keep smiling.
Posted by jannbeau on August 28, 2002, at 13:49:10
In reply to I can't stop sweating - can anyone help?, posted by sly on August 28, 2002, at 8:17:26
> Hello, Sly,
I experienced the night sweats off and on during the whole time I took Effexor-XR. I had to get up and change my nightgown. I have no other suggestions.
Hope this side effect goes away for you very soon.
Cheers,
Jannbeauthe last month or so I've developed a new side effect. During the day I'm fine, but at night I sweat like crazy, I wake up several times a night soaked, even my sheets are wet, it's disgusting.
>
> I've never experienced this before, I know it's not the air temperature, it's cool outside at night and I have air conditioning, I sleep practically naked with only a top sheet. Both my family doc and my psyc say it's the medication, but neither has any remedies - did anyone else have this problem and have any suggestions?
Posted by selena on August 28, 2002, at 14:36:20
In reply to Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares, posted by Seraphim on May 4, 2001, at 9:03:58
Hi I stopped taking effexor xr 300 mg cold turkey after 3 years (because of insurance reasons). I'm happy to report after a week and a half and with the help of Benedryl(which someone previously on this site said had helped them) my symptoms are just about gone. I still have a few crying jags here and there but the benedryl helps with the brain shocks and eye things. The only thing I can't get rid of are the nightmares, I had some ambien sleeping pills, which my doctor prescribed a long time ago in case i had trouble sleeping, which normally I do not:). Anyway, I have taken one a night for the last week and a half. I've tried to stop twice just to see and both times were horrible ( the dreams are so intense and real) both times I had to get up and get a pill and then I would be fine. While I know switching from one pill to another is not good. I'm going to continue to take the Ambien. The dreams are gone with this. So for a short term sollution, because I have no idea how long the dream part lasts,It WORKS! I have two kids to chase all day and I need every ounce of energy I can get. Hope this helps a little
Posted by LynnPerley on August 28, 2002, at 22:23:18
In reply to I can't stop sweating - can anyone help?, posted by sly on August 28, 2002, at 8:17:26
Sly, I can't remember what dosage you are at now. This is a side effect that has either lessened somewhat for me or else I am used to it :) It decreased over time and also with increased dosage. I'm at 225 mg now, and have been for over 60 days. Otherwise, are you doing OK?
Posted by Ritch on August 28, 2002, at 23:37:59
In reply to I can't stop sweating - can anyone help?, posted by sly on August 28, 2002, at 8:17:26
> In the last month or so I've developed a new side effect. During the day I'm fine, but at night I sweat like crazy, I wake up several times a night soaked, even my sheets are wet, it's disgusting.
>
> I've never experienced this before, I know it's not the air temperature, it's cool outside at night and I have air conditioning, I sleep practically naked with only a top sheet. Both my family doc and my psyc say it's the medication, but neither has any remedies - did anyone else have this problem and have any suggestions?
Sly,I have had pronounced sweating experiences with Celexa and Effexor and Wellbutrin (only feet sweating). I didn't notice it near as much with Prozac, Luvox, Paxil, or Zoloft. It always seems to be about 2-8hrs post-dosing, however, when the blood level is probably peaking. I can be in an air-conditioned environment (at 72F), with short sleeves (sitting-no physical activity) and have my underarms dripping slowly and coworkers remarking about *feeling* the HEAT coming off of my body on *their skin*. It has got to be excess autonomic nervous system activation from serotonin reuptake inhibition. If you are taking a dose of Effexor at bedtime-that could be the problem.
Mitch
Posted by Sunnely on August 29, 2002, at 1:02:03
In reply to I can't stop sweating - can anyone help?, posted by sly on August 28, 2002, at 8:17:26
Try a small dose of benztropine (Cogentin) such as 0.5 mg twice a day. Other drugs that may help include clonidine and atenolol.
The exact cause of sweating from antidepressants is unknown. Sweating is a relatively common side effect of SSRIs (7% to 11%) and Effexor (12%).
> In the last month or so I've developed a new side effect. During the day I'm fine, but at night I sweat like crazy, I wake up several times a night soaked, even my sheets are wet, it's disgusting.
>
> I've never experienced this before, I know it's not the air temperature, it's cool outside at night and I have air conditioning, I sleep practically naked with only a top sheet. Both my family doc and my psyc say it's the medication, but neither has any remedies - did anyone else have this problem and have any suggestions?
Posted by butterfly58 on August 30, 2002, at 8:30:58
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Has anyone taken both Effexor ER and Zoloft together. Have you had success and what have you found in the way of side effects?
My doctor prescribed both Effexor ER and Zoloft to be taken together. Zoloft by itself did not seem to help so he added Effexor ER 75mg. After over 2 weeks on effexor I don't feel any better but I have many side effects. I have Insomnia, difficulty waking up, extreme tiredness, "spacy" feeling shakiness, dry mouth, vision disturbances, absolutly no motivation, sometimes hyperness and other minor symptoms. Will these side effects go away? Actually I feel worse than before the meds. I feel no anxiety but I don't feel life is worth living.
Posted by denise528 on August 30, 2002, at 12:07:46
In reply to Effexor ER and Zoloft combination, posted by butterfly58 on August 30, 2002, at 8:30:58
Hi,
I don't have experience of taking Zooloft and effexor long term. However, I have been on zooloft for about six weeks and it doestn't seem to help and sometimes makes me really agitated. Prior to that I was taking effexor which helped me concentrate and didn't cause anxiety but made me very apathetic and sometimes more depressed. I'm continuing to take zooloft at 100mg a day and I find that when I get really agitated if I take 37.5mg of effexor it seems to calm me down. I'm supposed to take zyprexa for the agitation (this helps more than anything) but thought I'd try other things. Maybe you should speak to your doctor about reducing the dose of effexor to start with. 75mg of Effexor made me feel like a complete zombie.
We're all different though so it's probably best if you take advice from someone who has been on them both longterm.
Denise
Posted by seweryn on August 30, 2002, at 15:38:57
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares, posted by selena on August 28, 2002, at 14:36:20
Effexor- terrible-low mood, anxiety and suicidal thinking
Posted by DebraA. on August 30, 2002, at 16:42:46
In reply to Re: Long term effects of Effexor/permanent , posted by Sahara on February 27, 2001, at 19:29:58
Hi There! I have been in the process of weaning off of Effexor. Actually, I tried to do it myself (without Dr assistance) and I thought I was plunging into psychotic episodes!). Right now,I'm at my 3rd week with a prescribed schedule to cut down by 75 mg every other week (I was taking 375 mg/day). In addition, my doc added serzone (I'm at 300 mg a day) to help ease me off the effexor. I'm furious that I have to be taking ANOTHER anti-depressant because this one is so incredibly difficult to get off of!). However, I plan to stop the serzone once this process is finished.
I've been on several anti-depressants throught the years, but not one of them compares to this nightmare. Even with the serzone, I've got stuff floating around in my peripheal vision - freaks me out like I'm paranoid, major tiredness all the time (but can't unwind enough to actually nap), my obsessive-like thinking has been in control a bunch, diarrhea, irritability, and hopelessness. Last week my entire body ached all the time, like I've been mountain-climbing;I kickbox 4 times a week (so I know I'm not really exerting my muscles and bones!) I can't concentrate, and I can't remember stuff - I honestly am feeling anxiety when someone asks me to remember something. I walk around like I'm on cocaine without the euphoria.
I'm glad to have found this website. Everybody else thinks I'm going crazy.
Thanks so much for the input!!
Posted by sleepy lizard on August 30, 2002, at 18:07:41
In reply to Re: Long term effects of Effexor/permanent , posted by DebraA. on August 30, 2002, at 16:42:46
Yes, getting off of Effexor is nasty. I know about those nightmares, and shocks, and I have experienced these things on a two day drug holiday. I have read that after two to four weeks of your last dose you will be free. Sorry to hear you are having such a bad time with it.
Posted by Alara on September 2, 2002, at 6:17:11
In reply to Re: Long term effects of Effexor/permanent » Sahara, posted by simone on August 27, 2002, at 18:40:12
Hang in there! I stopped taking my daily 75mg of Effexor almost two weeks ago and am only just staring to feel `normal' again. Yes, I went cold turkey, and I wouldn't recommend that anyone else tries this without first consulting his/her doctor.
Two days after my last dose, I rushed home early, convinced that I was having some kind of unprecedented attack of psychosis. (Have never been psychotic before and yet I was feeling so paranoid and anxious at work, that I thought that they were labeling me as `mad'.) I headed straight to bed with feelings of severe nausea and anxiety. I called in sick the next day and divided my weekend time between the toilet and the bucket under my bed...:-) One minute I was sweating, the next I was so cold that I couldn't get warm under my continental quilt.
Five days after my last dose, I started to feel like my true self again. The nausea became more intermittent and I was regaining some of my appetite. The electric shock feelings were the worst: They started in nerves located at my extremities (mainly fingers) and shot through my body, culminating in a yawning kind of sensation in my ears. Still, I knew by then that I was getting better and this gave me the courage to get through,
Tomorrow is the two-week anniversary of my last Effexor dose. I feel that I am finally regaining contact with the person that I was before I started this drug. The electric shocks are the only aspect of the withdrawal that bother me now - and they are becoming less and less troublesome each day.
Hang in there. Many of us know exactly how you feel. You will be OK.
Posted by Alara on September 2, 2002, at 6:24:12
In reply to Re: Long term effects of Effexor/permanent, posted by Alara on September 2, 2002, at 6:17:11
BTW: Forgot to mention that Codral Night cold and flu tablets (similar to Benadryl) really eased the symptoms. I only took these for the first 4 or 5 days.
Posted by simone on September 2, 2002, at 8:59:45
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
> 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.Effexor XR eased my depression/anxiety but I gained nearly 15 pounds in eight months, was always constipated and tired. With the help of my doctor I decided to discontinue Effexor XR. I tapered off the medication gradually following my doctor's instructions. Two days after my last dose I developed severe anxiety, flu like symptoms, vivid dreams and basically I felt more depressed than before I ever started taking Effexor XR. This drug worked for me, but the withdrawls of this medication was hell. I never experienced this with other antidepressants. Good luck to all thinking about taking Effexor XR.
Posted by andrearenee on September 2, 2002, at 16:29:42
In reply to Re: Long term effects of Effexor/permanent, posted by Alara on September 2, 2002, at 6:24:12
Hi, first I'm Bi-Polar, I 've been taking a high dose of this very addictive medication (I wish I would have known in the beginning). And basically...I feel like I'm going to die.
After complaining to my ECT doctor and reducing my dose twice, it's been about a week with no Effexor. I'm starting to feel fine but now, a few days later I feel worse (HORRIBLE). I went into a 2-day terrible depression, and it has been at least 8 months, since I have been that depressed.
I've had all of your same withdrawal symptoms; nausea, irritability, head spinning, body pains, nightmares, sweating, worse than any flu I've had, so bad that I just cry. I hope I lose weight like some of you, heh. I wish you all the luck! If you've never taken Effexor before, then research it before you take it. There are no words for the "sick" feeling that a person could feel. Good Luck!
Andrea
Posted by Kat on September 2, 2002, at 18:08:56
In reply to Re: Long term effects of Effexor/permanent, posted by andrearenee on September 2, 2002, at 16:29:42
I've been on Effexor for about 3 years. I tried to wean myself off 2 times, going down to a 37.5 mg's every other day. It took over 4 months. But I get so sick, and the swishing in my head is a nightmare. I was totally off Effexor for 6 weeks, and the swishing or electrical current that runs through my head every coupls seconds, never stopped. I talked to my doctor about it, and I think she thought it was crazy to have that noise. I guess the company that puts this stuff out, failed to let docors know this. 2 weeks ago I went back on the Effexor just so the noise would stop. If I miss a dose, it all starts up again. Does anyone else have the same problem? I really want to get off this stuff.
Posted by rumbera on September 2, 2002, at 18:40:36
In reply to Re: I gained 20 pounds BLAH » Kazza, posted by MarkinBoston on February 26, 2001, at 12:50:04
> I was on Effexor Xr for about a year. This was my last choice after trying every SSRI out there. At first I loved it I thought I found the right medication. My panic attacks decreased and my depression was lifted. That was until I gained 25 pounds very quickly. I was bothered since I was always very thin ,but suprisingly not as bothered as my friends and family were. Then I noticed after a few months the intial high that I felt decreased into a almost sedated mode. I was sleeping more and tired all the time. I also cared less about things. I knew that this is not what I wanted but felt content not having the panic attacks and was scared to death of withdrawl. Well last week I went to the doctor and he advised me to go from my 150 daily(which I told him for the last month I was taking every other day against his advise) to 37.5 every day for a week and then that is it. This is my fourth day and I feel okay. I have the almost electrical sensations in my head and some of my anxiety has returned but I have been keeping a positive attitude and hoping to lose some of my effexor weight. If anyone has lost all of their weight please let me know.
Posted by Mr.Scott on September 2, 2002, at 20:25:16
In reply to Re: I gained 20 pounds BLAH, posted by rumbera on September 2, 2002, at 18:40:36
Your experience is probably standard rather than unique. It certainly mirrors mine and many others I know. Psychiatric drugs generally suck.
Posted by Angel1 on September 3, 2002, at 15:15:55
In reply to Re: I gained 20 pounds BLAH » rumbera, posted by Mr.Scott on September 2, 2002, at 20:25:16
i weaned myself off of Effexor against my Dr.'s
knowledge because of the exact same things you have experienced. The weight gain was less than
25lbs., but I am just now(six months later) feeling back to normal. I too became very sedated and all I did was sleep and work. The sedation doesn't help with the weight gain at all.
With perseverence and regular exercise, it will come off slowly. I'm sorry you had to go through this. My Dr. told me hardly anyone gains weight with Effexor. They just don't get it!
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