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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by charlie mac on January 8, 2003, at 17:20:55
In reply to Effexor and appeitite/weight loss, posted by jes on January 8, 2003, at 14:52:59
i have lost 10 pounds since being on effexor, and it does suppress my appetite. since i noticed the weight loss i have started to eat smaller meals more frequently. it seems to be working for me.
Posted by soblue1 on January 8, 2003, at 18:32:53
In reply to Effexor and appeitite/weight loss, posted by jes on January 8, 2003, at 14:52:59
I have been on Effexor for about 5 months now. I, too wanted to loose weight and did while on it. For me the lack of appetite seemed to let up as time went by but the medicine seemed to help just a little bit with my cravings, also when I have a real bad bout of depression (caused by my family and environment), I don't run to food as I would have done before the Effexor. I still had a hard time over the holidays but hope now that they are over I can get back on a healthy eating routine and also hope the Effexor will continue to help me in that regard.
Good luck to you.
Posted by h.e. on January 9, 2003, at 10:19:34
In reply to Re: DON'T go Cold Turkey!! » M. Lee, posted by mxgirl13 on January 8, 2003, at 11:35:55
Definitely do not quit cold turkey! I did once just off of the 75mg dose (I'm not on the 150mg dose) and my depression rushed back terribly one morning. I felt out of my mind! After a couple of hours of uncontrollable sobbing and vomitting I calmed down but was HORRIBLY nausious and exhasted for several days even though I began taking my medication again. So be careful! It's worth taking the time to phase off of it.
Posted by h.e. on January 9, 2003, at 10:44:53
In reply to Splitting Effexor XR capsules and Carb Cravings, posted by mxgirl13 on January 3, 2003, at 12:58:46
I've been taking Effexor for about 6 months and haven't known anyone else on it, or who had even heard of it. Of course, I'm the only person I know w/ diagnosed depression, too, so I have not had the support of people who understand what I'm going through! Just wanted to thank all the posters for sharing their experiences!
My experience all in all has been good. The drug has definitely made a MAJOR dent in my depression and anxiety, helped w/ a food addiction and these changes have led to much less chaos in my life! I do have some complaints, sweaty hands, eye twitches, trouble having orgasms, and it sounds weird maybe, but feeling disconnected from my old depressed self sort of contributes to my feeling of lonliness that has never ceased. Over all I am thankful for it, but I'm not "cured."
H
Posted by TLove on January 9, 2003, at 11:54:34
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I'be been on effexor 75mg for about 3 months, it never made me sick or anything else for that matter. I'm not sure if it has done me any good or not. I guess I feel ok, but I still get depressed. I'm not sure what to think about it.
Posted by EGR on January 9, 2003, at 12:03:24
In reply to i'm not sure how i feel, posted by TLove on January 9, 2003, at 11:54:34
Sounds like you need the dosage increased. Talk to your doc.
Posted by h.e. on January 9, 2003, at 12:14:16
In reply to Re: i'm not sure how i feel » TLove, posted by EGR on January 9, 2003, at 12:03:24
I still get depressed sometimes, too, but if you aren't noticing any changes at all, definitely talk to you doctor about increasing your dosage. The first changes I noticed were that I had an easier time doing simple things like saying hi to someone in the hall, or taking a shower. It took me a while to pick up on the subtle ways in which the depression was affecting every little thing about my life and how it was slowly changing. I hope that helps!
H
Posted by sly on January 9, 2003, at 12:35:20
In reply to i'm not sure how i feel, posted by TLove on January 9, 2003, at 11:54:34
I've been on Effexor for 11 months now, still 75mg. In my experience the first few months I didn't really notice any difference, I still got depressed, but it wasn't as severe. It's the small things that made me feel I was getting better. And actually, it was the people around me who started noticing the most difference in my mood. Things really turned around for me at 5-6 months.
Since you're not having any problems stick with it for a while longer, it couldn't hurt.
Posted by M. Lee on January 9, 2003, at 13:54:46
In reply to i'm not sure how i feel, posted by TLove on January 9, 2003, at 11:54:34
> I'be been on effexor 75mg for about 3 months, it never made me sick or anything else for that matter. I'm not sure if it has done me any good or not. I guess I feel ok, but I still get depressed. I'm not sure what to think about it.
Is this the first time that you have ever taken antidepresants? It took quite a while when I first started meds before I noticed anything. My friends and family noticed a major difference after about three months, but it took longer for me to notice those same things, and to really feel that it was making a difference.
After taking medication for a few years now, it takes less time for me notice the positive effect that a change in dosage can cause, and I find it easier to decide if the change in meds is working or not.
I would ask close friends if they have noticed a change, and then discuss it with your doctor.
It's hard to say. It might just take a little more time for the benefits to be as obvious to you, or it might take a increase to get there.
Posted by h20surfer1 on January 9, 2003, at 20:17:50
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Again, a monthly update to help those who are starting AD's.
This is the seventh month I have been on Effexor and three months on Remeron combined. 225mg/day Effexor, 15mg/day Remeron.
My depression is gone and has been gone for some time. My GAD is also completely under control. Side effects are gone including lack of libido.
The drugs have worked well for me.
I hope this helps those of you starting out and going through the nightmare of the initial side effects, they go away with time, I had them all.
Posted by disney4 on January 11, 2003, at 11:30:03
In reply to Monthly Positive Update, posted by h20surfer1 on January 9, 2003, at 20:17:50
I am new to the effexor XR and it is soothing to see your positive update. I also take Neurontin. I was wondering how long it takes for libido to return with effexor. Also the stories about people trying to discontinue it are scaring me. What is your take on it?
Thanks,
Elsie
Posted by CJo on January 11, 2003, at 12:36:00
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have been on Effexor XR 150mg for about 3 months. I have such a hard time waking up in the morning that I've even missed several days of work and now my job may be in jeopardy. I have to at least lower my dosage, or try to get off of it. Since I have the capsules, can i just take one pellet out each day... and do it like that... like 1 today... 2 tomorrow... 3 next, etc. I am really scared to go off... I felt what the brain shivers were like when I had missed a few doses before.... I don't want to go thru that, I could BARELY function... walking into walls... Please, I really need someone to see me thru this, and I really need some advice on going off... talking to my doc (fam doc btw) isnt an option... I dont think he knows anything about this DRUG. Thank all of u again who had to go thru this already and have posted... you are all my heros :-)
P.S. Gosh I'm gunna miss the dreams!!
Posted by Sioux on January 11, 2003, at 15:56:56
In reply to Re: Monthly Positive Update, posted by disney4 on January 11, 2003, at 11:30:03
> I am new to the effexor XR and it is soothing to see your positive update. I also take Neurontin. I was wondering how long it takes for libido to return with effexor. Also the stories about people trying to discontinue it are scaring me. What is your take on it?
>I'm on Neurontin, too. The Effexor was added as an adjunct for pain control. (There is a research group in Israel that published Effexor for pain control.) I'm on 35.5 mg Effexor - just increased to 75 mg - and 800 mg of Neurontain. Higher doses of Neurontin don't increase pain control, rather it makes me sleep walk and eat houseplants. (No joke)
Posted by jlove on January 11, 2003, at 20:31:31
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I've been on 75mg for 2 months and I am doing great. I don't yell at my 3 yr. old anymore; we play all the time, I am now happy again,I'm not tired anymore, I feel like a totally different person and I have lost some weight. I love this stuff. Nothing was working for my mother, now she is taking it also.
Posted by lucky on January 12, 2003, at 1:13:51
In reply to Re: Effexor and appeitite/weight loss, posted by soblue1 on January 8, 2003, at 18:32:53
I've been on effexor xr for about 3 months and have gained 10lbs, but i don't think it's related. I've been on 150mg, but i am in the process of working up to 225mg's. Perhaps, that will curb my appetite :)
Posted by lucky on January 12, 2003, at 1:18:12
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jlove on January 11, 2003, at 20:32:10
Good for you!!! It worked for me for awhile, but I started drinking a couple of beers a night and i think that may have dialuted its effectiveness.
Posted by CJo on January 12, 2003, at 12:17:03
In reply to Going off, have some questions........ Please Help, posted by CJo on January 11, 2003, at 12:36:00
My Response to another msg board that may be of some help to anyone (on it, or that would like to help me):::::
1st, thank you to everyone for responding, it's nice to know that you are not alone....
Well, a psychiatrist is almost completely out of the picture... the pdocs around here don't have ANY appointments till late March, early April... I can't wait that long. I would get the 75-37.5 but, I am so scared of the withdrawl... I cannot afford to miss 1 more day of work and I know I will if I have withdrawl.
I have been taking it in the morning, however, Fri night I took it at night to change it around to see if it would help... Sat, around 3pm, I took a 4 hour nap.. needless to say I took my pill this morning, haha.
I know that I am on a pretty low dose compared to what others say they are on which is great... it has worked wonders for me (I'm taking it for anxiety) and I love my dreams, so I am reluctant to go off. Maybe I'll talk to my fam doc and just lower myself back to the 75... it does seem like the sleepiness came only when I really raised the dosage up to 150.
Maybe we can figure something out.
Posted by sweetpeamom on January 12, 2003, at 20:13:37
In reply to Re: Going off, have some questions........ Please Help, posted by CJo on January 12, 2003, at 12:17:03
I'm currently going off of Effexor, and I feel like CRAP! A nurse at my doc's office had the nerve to tell me that I'm not having withdrawals from going off! I wish I had some words of hope for all of you enduring this experience, too. I guess its just a matter of time and patience. You are not alone. Hang in there. I'll be praying for all of you.
Posted by charlie mac on January 12, 2003, at 20:40:07
In reply to Re: Going off, have some questions........ Please Help, posted by sweetpeamom on January 12, 2003, at 20:13:37
> I'm currently going off of Effexor, and I feel like CRAP!
is this what i have to look forward to? are there any people out there that have not had a bad time getting off effexor? lovely. cause i need and want more problems...
Posted by LynnPerley on January 12, 2003, at 21:58:45
In reply to i'm not sure how i feel, posted by TLove on January 9, 2003, at 11:54:34
I agree with the others. It took me 6 mos to really feel good. I also needed a higher dose. They say the typical maintenance dose is 150 mg. I settled in at 225 mg. I still have down days, but the downs aren't as extreme, and my family has really noticed a difference. Ask your doc, and good luck.
Posted by M. Lee on January 13, 2003, at 10:18:36
In reply to Re: Going off, have some questions........ Please Help, posted by CJo on January 12, 2003, at 12:17:03
Hi,
I posted a message about a bad experience that I had going off my meds. I was taking a rather high dose (300mg) and stopped cold. If I had to do it again, I would go off much more slowly. Something like reducing 75mg per week.
> Well, a psychiatrist is almost completely out of the picture... the pdocs around here don't have ANY appointments till late March, early April... I can't wait that long. I would get the 75-37.5 but, I am so scared of the withdrawl... I cannot afford to miss 1 more day of work and I know I will if I have withdrawl.
>I suspect that I would not have had such a downturn, if I had done it slowly.
As far as appointments go. Tell them it is an emergency. That you really need to see someone right away. (and don't feel guilty about saying that, it really _is_ true)
After going off my meds the doctor told me that I should never hesitate to call in a situation like that. My reluctance to call caused me to go through a worse time. If I had only explained what was going on they could have helped me.
Posted by M. Lee on January 13, 2003, at 10:27:14
In reply to Going off, have some questions........ Please Help, posted by CJo on January 11, 2003, at 12:36:00
> I have been on Effexor XR 150mg for about 3 months. I have such a hard time waking up in the morning that I've even missed several days of work and now my job may be in jeopardy. I have to at least lower my dosage, or try to get off of it. Since I have the capsules, can i just take one pellet out each day... and do it like that... like 1 today... 2 tomorrow... 3 next, etc. I am really scared to go off... I felt what the brain shivers were like when I had missed a few doses before.... I don't want to go thru that, I could BARELY function... walking into walls... Please, I really need someone to see me thru this, and I really need some advice on going off... talking to my doc (fam doc btw) isnt an option... I dont think he knows anything about this DRUG. Thank all of u again who had to go thru this already and have posted... you are all my heros :-)
>I had been having some trouble with sleep. The doc added 15mg Remeron to the Effexor. I take the Effexor XR in the morning, and then the Remeron at bedtime. I sleep much better. About an hour after taking it I get very sleepy, and wake up feeling rested the next day.
Let me know how things go for you. Whatever you decide, I hope you feel better.
Feel free to ask me any other questions.
Posted by M. Lee on January 13, 2003, at 10:42:21
In reply to Re: Going off, have some questions........ Please , posted by charlie mac on January 12, 2003, at 20:40:07
> > I'm currently going off of Effexor, and I feel like CRAP!
>
> is this what i have to look forward to? are there any people out there that have not had a bad time getting off effexor? lovely. cause i need and want more problems...
>
>I'm curious about that also. I know that I felt awfull, but I also realize that I went off the Effexor the wrong way - I stopped taking it too fast. I really believe that if I had done it slowly it would not have been so bad. Has anyone gone off it slowly and not had difficulty?
And as a postscript to my earlier post (about going off the meds cold turkey and having such a hard time)
I am now back on Effxor, and after going to a higher dose I am feeling much better. It is a really dramatic improvement.
Posted by Joel Maxuel on January 13, 2003, at 12:13:08
In reply to Re: Going off, have some questions........ Please, posted by M. Lee on January 13, 2003, at 10:42:21
> > > I'm currently going off of Effexor, and I feel like CRAP!
> >
> > is this what i have to look forward to? are there any people out there that have not had a bad time getting off effexor? lovely. cause i need and want more problems...
> >
> >
>
> I'm curious about that also. I know that I felt awfull, but I also realize that I went off the Effexor the wrong way - I stopped taking it too fast. I really believe that if I had done it slowly it would not have been so bad. Has anyone gone off it slowly and not had difficulty?I went cold turkey yesterday, and this is day two, and i still don't feel any side-effects. If anything, I'm sleeping less now (waking up at 13:00 instead of 16:00), but thats just a day's difference. I have no idea what will happen next. I had a small headache about half an hour ago, but that was probably just mind over matter.
Something tells me that my body never ever absorbed this darn stuff anyways. If my body didn't absorb this, what is the possibility that my body didn't absorb any of my other meds? I'll keep you posted. Btw, i was on effexor XR 225mg before i went cold turkey.
--
Joel Maxuel
ShamelessPlug(http://www.maxuel.ca);
Posted by lam on January 13, 2003, at 13:19:48
In reply to Re: Effexor and appeitite/weight loss, posted by lucky on January 12, 2003, at 1:13:51
I have been on effexor xr 225 for about 2 months, my appetite seems to grow each day. Though one of my depression symtoms is to eat, and I am beginning to feel as if the effexor is no longer working. Has anyone been on a higher dosage than 225? I started out at 37.5 then went to 75 then 150 and now 225 in the period of 4 months. I am so tired and late any motivation. Help !!!!!!
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