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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by napaba on February 28, 2003, at 11:32:26
In reply to Re: unusual weight loss on effexor? » napaba, posted by KrissyP on February 28, 2003, at 11:07:46
> I take mine at night. When I took it in the morning I was tired all day and didn't sleep well at night. Sence I made the switch I no longer yawn all day and feel like I'm in fog and my sleep is very restfull. I sleep between 6 - 7 hours. Good luck I hope the Effexor helps with your appetite.
I am so happy for you! Not only because your depression and anxiety has lifted but that the Effexor at 75mg has seemed to help with your weight. That is great:) As I went back ON Effexor 4 days ago,I hope this feeling of no appetite continues, I find myself, also, just not reaching for food lately. Do you take the Effexor XR? At night or in the morning?
> Kristen--------------------------------------------------------------------------------->I gained 50 pounds over the past two years. I was reaching for food everytime stress or dispare took over. I started taking Effexor 6 weeks a go and have lost alomost 10 pounds. I'm no longer depressed and my anxiety is much better. I am now able to stay on a diet, because I am no longer over whelmed with those feelings constently, I'm not eating nonstop. I take 75 mg's.
>
Posted by Badger on February 28, 2003, at 12:31:03
In reply to Re: unusual weight loss on effexor?, posted by napaba on February 28, 2003, at 11:32:26
I've been taking Effexor for the past 4 months, starting off at 75mg/day and for the last three months at 150mg/day (XR formulation). Although I had some loss of appetite for the first few days, I got over this and have since put on 15 to 20 pounds, which I definitely didn't need. However, I'm not going to worry about the extra weight right now, preferring to concentrate on feeling better and getting my life in order.
I started seeing a therapist 2 months ago, and something seems to be working - whether it's the medication, the therapy, or just the fact that the days are finally getting longer I'm not sure. In any event, I'm planning to stay on the Effexor for the probably the next year or so and then reevaluate my options.
I'm lucky that my medical insurance from work pays 80% of the drug costs. They also pay 80% of the therapist costs, but unfortunately only up to the first $1000 of treatment. At $130/hour, that's not very many sessions. While I'm very happy with my therapist, I'm afraid that I will have to give up seeing her fairly soon.
The points I wanted to emphasize for those who are new to this drug (and to this message board) are that:
1) Many (not all) side effects do go away in time, either in a matter of days or weeks - unless they are really debilitating, don't let the initial effects deter you from giving this medecine time to do its work.
2) Although I had a brief period of relief after about two weeks on the drug, I fell back into depression, although not as bad as before I started. I would say that it took at least 2 months on my current dosage before I started to feel significantly better (and as noted earlier, it's hard to tell if other factors are also responsible).
3) This drug affects everybody differently. Some people lose weight while others gain it; some suffer from insomnia and become hyper, while others sleep much more than usual and are tired all day; some (most?) lose interest in sex, while others (lucky ones) actually seem to have an increased sex drive. These are all real, legitimate side effects, whether your doctor believes you or not.
4) Finally, while I haven't experienced it yet, it seems fairly obvious from posts here that discontinuing Effexor can be very difficult for some people. Still, I think it's important to recognize that those who have no problems are unlikely to seek out, or post to, sites like this. I've seen the same phenomenon on other message boards related to computer hardware and software. If one were to judge solely from them, one might conclude that the products were useless or worse. In fact, if that were the case, those products (and this drug) wouldn't be on the market for very long. I think that people need to be aware and be cautious, but not panic. There are ways to reduce withdrawal symptoms - e.g., cut back *very* slowly, and possibly take Prozac or an antihistamine when you first eliminate the drug altogether. You should always talk to your doctor first, and if they don't acknowledge or understand your situation, try to find another doctor who will.
I don't know why I've rambled on so long, but I've been lurking here for some time, and thought I'd finally try to contribute something back.
Best wishes to all -
Badger
Posted by justyourlaugh on February 28, 2003, at 13:07:32
In reply to Re: no withdrawal here..., posted by Tabitha on February 27, 2003, at 0:17:21
i stopped effexor suddenly.
i have the stranges"brain zapps"as i seen them being called here,for about a month.
they felt really cool....
pleasurable...
?
jyl
Posted by napaba on February 28, 2003, at 15:31:33
In reply to Re: unusual weight loss on effexor?, posted by Badger on February 28, 2003, at 12:31:03
I agree with what your saying it's important to give the medication a chance. I no longer have the side effects I had the first month I took Effexor XR. I never experienced a loss of appetite though. I could only wish for a drug that would reduce my appetite. But the weight will come off with time. But back to the real point. I know the reason I first came to this site was to find out if others peope were having the same side effects I was and if the side effects would either lesson or go away. And I've found they have.
I'm not going to worry about going of Effexor XR until the time comes. It's so nice to feel normal that I could take it indeffently.
Thanks for postive comments.
I've been taking Effexor for the past 4 months, starting off at 75mg/day and for the last three months at 150mg/day (XR formulation). Although I had some loss of appetite for the first few days, I got over this and have since put on 15 to 20 pounds, which I definitely didn't need. However, I'm not going to worry about the extra weight right now, preferring to concentrate on feeling better and getting my life in order.
>
> I started seeing a therapist 2 months ago, and something seems to be working - whether it's the medication, the therapy, or just the fact that the days are finally getting longer I'm not sure. In any event, I'm planning to stay on the Effexor for the probably the next year or so and then reevaluate my options.
>
> I'm lucky that my medical insurance from work pays 80% of the drug costs. They also pay 80% of the therapist costs, but unfortunately only up to the first $1000 of treatment. At $130/hour, that's not very many sessions. While I'm very happy with my therapist, I'm afraid that I will have to give up seeing her fairly soon.
>
> The points I wanted to emphasize for those who are new to this drug (and to this message board) are that:
>
> 1) Many (not all) side effects do go away in time, either in a matter of days or weeks - unless they are really debilitating, don't let the initial effects deter you from giving this medecine time to do its work.
>
> 2) Although I had a brief period of relief after about two weeks on the drug, I fell back into depression, although not as bad as before I started. I would say that it took at least 2 months on my current dosage before I started to feel significantly better (and as noted earlier, it's hard to tell if other factors are also responsible).
>
> 3) This drug affects everybody differently. Some people lose weight while others gain it; some suffer from insomnia and become hyper, while others sleep much more than usual and are tired all day; some (most?) lose interest in sex, while others (lucky ones) actually seem to have an increased sex drive. These are all real, legitimate side effects, whether your doctor believes you or not.
>
> 4) Finally, while I haven't experienced it yet, it seems fairly obvious from posts here that discontinuing Effexor can be very difficult for some people. Still, I think it's important to recognize that those who have no problems are unlikely to seek out, or post to, sites like this. I've seen the same phenomenon on other message boards related to computer hardware and software. If one were to judge solely from them, one might conclude that the products were useless or worse. In fact, if that were the case, those products (and this drug) wouldn't be on the market for very long. I think that people need to be aware and be cautious, but not panic. There are ways to reduce withdrawal symptoms - e.g., cut back *very* slowly, and possibly take Prozac or an antihistamine when you first eliminate the drug altogether. You should always talk to your doctor first, and if they don't acknowledge or understand your situation, try to find another doctor who will.
>
> I don't know why I've rambled on so long, but I've been lurking here for some time, and thought I'd finally try to contribute something back.
>
> Best wishes to all -
>
> Badger
Posted by lovemybabies on February 28, 2003, at 17:38:38
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi, everyone,
I've been on 75mg for 5 weeks. I get little 'twitches' all over...sometimes during the day but mostly before I fall asleep. It's like the 'jerks' one gets sometimes before falling asleep only not as intense. I also have very minor tremors in my fingers, though this seems to be lessening w/time. Does this sound familiar to anyone? These side effects are really trippy. Esp. the WILD dreams. OMIGOD. I've never been on an antidepressant before but am kind of enjoying this in a weird way. My doc. wants me to up my doseage to 150mg to help my anxiety. Anybody out there have relief from anxiety at only 75mg?
Thanks,
Jen
Posted by KrissyP on February 28, 2003, at 18:23:40
In reply to twitching/tremors on Effexor?, posted by lovemybabies on February 28, 2003, at 17:38:38
Hi, Yep I have had relief for my anxiety on just 75mg of Effexor-XR. I have gone on and off Effexor over the course of 4 years. I'm famous for going off my meds because I feel better. Um, that's the #1 reason I shouldn't go off. I just started back about 5 days ago. Anyway, YES I have experienced everything you state here. My twitches lessened, but I think that the med works along with that stage right before we fall asleep that makes us "twitch", I read this in a medical journal. I am getting weird dreams too but I don't remember them well. In fact, this morning, I actually remembered having a dream about my puppy "dumping" huge amounts of poop-please don't think I'm corny-but it's true-so I know what you mean about WEIRD dreams?! Aren't the side effects trippy?! Yes, I also get the tremors and remember that going away also. Effexor has just been, personally, one of my "wonder" drugs. Your doctor is the best one to converse with regarding the increase. My advice, however, is that if, after 5 weeks, you feel that this med is helping you, try to hold off on increasing it- BUT....I am NOT a doctor.
May I ask what your diagnosis is and if you are on any other meds? I wish you the best and hope that Effexor is as successful for you as it has been for me.
Kristen
**************************************************************************************************
Hi, everyone,
I've been on 75mg for 5 weeks. I get little 'twitches' all over...sometimes during the day but mostly before I fall asleep. It's like the 'jerks' one gets sometimes before falling asleep only not as intense. I also have very minor tremors in my fingers, though this seems to be lessening w/time. Does this sound familiar to anyone? These side effects are really trippy. Esp. the WILD dreams. OMIGOD. I've never been on an antidepressant before but am kind of enjoying this in a weird way. My doc. wants me to up my doseage to 150mg to help my anxiety. Anybody out there have relief from anxiety at only 75mg?
Thanks,
Jen
Posted by Stamper on February 28, 2003, at 18:28:40
In reply to Re: twitching/tremors on Effexor? » lovemybabies, posted by KrissyP on February 28, 2003, at 18:23:40
I too have had tremors. They started out very strong. For instance, I had one very bad period where they would wake me up and a couple times I had actually fallen off the bed. My husband started to sleep in the guest room because I was moving too much. But now after about 4-5 months, they have simmered down a lot. Now only my legs twitch occassionally. Mostly it seems, when I am sitting watching television or reading. Hang in there and hopefully yours will lessen also.
Posted by fairnymph on February 28, 2003, at 18:39:52
In reply to unusual weight loss on effexor?, posted by fayeroe on February 27, 2003, at 15:54:10
About 15 lbs, too, and I was 125 lbs to start with (I'm female, 5'5", and no that wasn't an unhealthy weight for me). I've been on it two different times and both times I had a reduced appetite and lost weight. Not uncommon at all from what Ive heard.
I couldn't sleep on it either if I took it too late in the day. Have you tried taking it in the morning or around lunchtime?
-fn
Are you worried about the weight loss?
Posted by fayeroe on February 28, 2003, at 18:45:09
In reply to I lost weight on Effexor! » fayeroe, posted by fairnymph on February 28, 2003, at 18:39:52
yes, the weight loss is worrying me. i looked at my body today and i look anorexic. i'm five feet tall and weigh just over 100 lbs. but, as i said, it's the only drug that stopped the anxiety attacks....and they were waking me up and i had one as soon as i woke up in the morning!! i had just put my dog to sleep and at first i thought the attacks were from that but they continued for a long time and then i went on effexor xr and they immediately stopped. so.........medicine is a two-edged sword!! thanks....
Posted by supersleepy on February 28, 2003, at 21:03:35
In reply to twitching/tremors on Effexor?, posted by lovemybabies on February 28, 2003, at 17:38:38
Yes, I definitely had the twitchy things going on, especially right before sleep. That seems to have subsided. My son experienced hand tremors and other twitches on Prozac (he's 16), and the doc cut his dose back, which helped. I've been on 75 mg of Effexor/day for 7 months or so. I feel no need to increase my dose. The anxiety, which was the more acute problem, has definitely been taken care of, and my long-term moderate depression is also delightfully absent from my life. All the things that were ever rotten about my life are still rotten, but I haven't had such a sustained positive outlook within my adult memory. Yes, it's a scary drug in some ways, and I fret a little about withdrawal, but when it's the right thing, it's really great. Good luck, and don't increase your dose unless you really feel it's not working.
Posted by lovemybabies on February 28, 2003, at 23:39:41
In reply to Re: twitching/tremors on Effexor?, posted by supersleepy on February 28, 2003, at 21:03:35
Thanks for you input. It's so nice to talk to other people going through the same thing! I wish the docs who prescribe this knew a little more about the side effects; my GP actually orderen an EMG(involves sticking needles in muscles--not a fun time) to assess the muscle twitching. I think I'll print out these posts for her to read! :)
PS My Mom stopped taking this after about six weeks due to some of the side effects. She said the withdrawal wasn't that bad--kind of like going through all the stuff when she first started. She said the weirdest withdrawal was 'numb lips.' Hey, that's not so bad.Jen
Posted by lovemybabies on February 28, 2003, at 23:47:17
In reply to Re: twitching/tremors on Effexor?, posted by Stamper on February 28, 2003, at 18:28:40
Oh, my--you actually twitched yourself right out of bed? Ouch! My husband freaked out one time because when he curled up next to me my muscles were jumping and twitching like crazy. It's kind of a wild ride, this adjustment period. Thanks for your input.
Jen
Posted by lovemybabies on February 28, 2003, at 23:53:25
In reply to Re: twitching/tremors on Effexor? » lovemybabies, posted by KrissyP on February 28, 2003, at 18:23:40
My GP prescribed this without giving me an official diagnosis--I guess it would be primarily anxiety but also significant depression. I've been a 'worrier' all my life and lately it just seemed to take over my life. I do feel better after only five weeks(although I'm ashamed to admit I DID go out and buy three rolls of duct tape and all the plastic sheeting I could find. :) I'm also somewhat of a hypochondriac and these side-effects make it tough to not keep thinking I have some weird, horrible disease. Thanks so much for your input--It's comforting to hear from other people going through similar stuff.
Jen
Posted by KrissyP on March 1, 2003, at 0:32:16
In reply to Re: twitching/tremors on Effexor?, posted by lovemybabies on February 28, 2003, at 23:53:25
You sound exactly like me. I worry a lot and I used to act like a hypochondriac because I always felt bad. I got severe abdominal pain had EGD's scopes, etc. not a thing was wrong just resolving colitis. Isn't the word psychosomatic a real hoot? Take care of you :)
All the best,
Kristen
> My GP prescribed this without giving me an official diagnosis--I guess it would be primarily anxiety but also significant depression. I've been a 'worrier' all my life and lately it just seemed to take over my life. I do feel better after only five weeks(although I'm ashamed to admit I DID go out and buy three rolls of duct tape and all the plastic sheeting I could find. :) I'm also somewhat of a hypochondriac and these side-effects make it tough to not keep thinking I have some weird, horrible disease. Thanks so much for your input--It's comforting to hear from other people going through similar stuff.
>
> Jen
Posted by KrissyP on March 1, 2003, at 0:42:21
In reply to Re: I lost weight on Effexor! » fairnymph, posted by fayeroe on February 28, 2003, at 18:45:09
try not to let it worry you I know easier said than done. Do you take anything for sleep? Seroquel, for me, added a little weight and if you're concerned about the weight loss, of course talk to your doc, but if you need something Seroquel is a weight gainer, but I am definately NOT trying to say "here, take a drug that will make you gain some weight" by ANY means. Just trying to help.
I have to share this and I hope this lasts.....I went out to dinner ordered a salad, prime rib, a baked potato with a roll. I am on day 6 of Effexor-XR and out of all that I ate 4 bites of the prime rib, 1 bite of the potato, and 1 bite of the roll, even rice pudding didn't appeal to me. I know no one is interested in what I tried to eat, but I had to make a point. Effexor is a great AD if you don't want an added side effect of weight gain-just my opinion:)
Kristen
yes, the weight loss is worrying me. i looked at my body today and i look anorexic. i'm five feet tall and weigh just over 100 lbs. but, as i said, it's the only drug that stopped the anxiety attacks....and they were waking me up and i had one as soon as i woke up in the morning!! i had just put my dog to sleep and at first i thought the attacks were from that but they continued for a long time and then i went on effexor xr and they immediately stopped. so.........medicine is a two-edged sword!! thanks....
Posted by lovemybabies on March 1, 2003, at 1:04:43
In reply to Re: twitching/tremors on Effexor? » lovemybabies, posted by KrissyP on March 1, 2003, at 0:32:16
Yep. I remember getting horrible stomach aches in third grade--all from stress. Kind of sad, huh? I wish more doctors were into the mind-body connection. It almost makes me want to start going exclusively to a Naturopath. I read your post about only being able to eat a few bites at the restaurant--I went to this great restaurant with my Dad for lunch during the first week on Effexor. The menu was full of all my favorite things and all I could order was chicken noodle soup! And then I was done after a couple of sips. My three year old ended up slurping the rest of it.
Posted by fayeroe on March 1, 2003, at 7:14:20
In reply to Re: twitching/tremors on Effexor? » lovemybabies, posted by KrissyP on March 1, 2003, at 0:32:16
jen, you mentioned it is good to know that others go through the same things as you. i lived in New Mexico for 10 years and had not seen my high school friends for 30 years. we had a small reunion. after telling what i had been through in my life, one friend said "and here we all thought you were living the perfect life".........as REM sings "everybody hurts".........
Posted by KrissyP on March 1, 2003, at 13:56:59
In reply to Re: twitching/tremors on Effexor? » KrissyP, posted by fayeroe on March 1, 2003, at 7:14:20
Can I please share this, I am constantly comparing myself to my friends in high school who were fortunate to not have some chemical imbalances, but also were able to handle things that came their way that would have and did really put me into depression. I am corresponding with a guy I have known since 5th grade-and oh is he a cutie-nice, smart, and just great. He has asked me out and I am making all kinds of excuses, because I am scared-scared of what he is going to think after almost 15 years-how do I explain that I am not working? I am not blowing him off-he wants to go do karaeoke-I love that. Yesterday I almost got the guts to go see him but didn't. What is wrong with me??? When I moved back "home", I just can't get the guts to see this guy-let alone do anything that will help my self-esteem. I have been hurt by some guys-and I do understand it takes "two to tango" but I have a great opportunity here and it means nothing-just a visit and going out to have some fun-Why am I so scared?-it's ridiculous! I hear you when you said "one friend said "and here we all thought you were living the perfect life".........as REM sings "everybody hurts".........-A neighbor who has known me since I was a little girl, told me-that you never know what burdens people carry-and I have struggled with the thought that I was the ONLY one-I hope this doesn't sound self-centered-it's just how I really feel-It bums me out. What can I do?
Kristenjen, you mentioned it is good to know that others go through the same things as you. i lived in New Mexico for 10 years and had not seen my high school friends for 30 years. we had a small reunion. after telling what i had been through in my life, one friend said "and here we all thought you were living the perfect life".........as REM sings "everybody hurts".........
Posted by lovemybabies on March 1, 2003, at 15:09:47
In reply to Re: twitching/tremors on Effexor? » fayeroe, posted by KrissyP on March 1, 2003, at 13:56:59
Krissy,
I hear you, sister. Are you a perfectionist? Are you fearful of going out with this guy because it MIGHT not work out and you might 'fail?' That's held my sister and me back from so much in life. It's a fight, truly, to overcome the thought process. But you can do it. Instead of jumping in your mind from point A to point Z, try to just live in the MOMENT and enjoy what's happening--don't worry about what might or might not happen.
Do you feel like your brain needs an off-switch to stop the worrying and self-analysis/introspection? It's a faulty thought-process but it can be conquered. Therapy is very helpful, along with medication. I'm at the point now(thanks to Effexor) where I can stop, mid-anxiety attack, and say, 'ENOUGH! What I'm worrying about is NOT the reality and I need to change my thought process NOW.'
Good Luck and be strong. You can do it. Sometimes it really is one step forward two steps back but keep going!
Jen
Posted by KrissyP on March 1, 2003, at 17:29:20
In reply to Re: twitching/tremors on Effexor?, posted by lovemybabies on March 1, 2003, at 15:09:47
Thanks so much-I needed to hear this:) Oh yeah-I am a perfectionist alright, but far from perfect or my life being anywhere near it. Things like this have held me back from a lot in life and I feel like i just sit on the side lines watching and as I have watched, many years have gone by. College keeps me busy, which is good, and I have a few friends and family who care and who I talk to, but that is limited. It is time for me to go out, on my own again, and work at achieving a happy, productive life-one which I haven't had in about 10 years. I was in a serious relationship with a guy that ended in 1992-I'm like telling myself-GET OVER IT ALREADY and I think that is part of what is inhibiting me to get close to guys. I have dated-but nothing really, truly, special. You ask(Do you feel like your brain needs an off-switch to stop the worrying and self-analysis/introspection?) Yes! I do and all I can do is work on it. I have had a lot of therapy and It's time to fall back on that which I have learned, but yes-you're right-it's a fight. Thank you for your wishes, I pray I just shut the hamster wheel in my head and go for it, and accept the outcome. I am definately taking your advice.
Thanks again,
Kristen*******************************************************************************************
Krissy,
I hear you, sister. Are you a perfectionist? Are you fearful of going out with this guy because it MIGHT not work out and you might 'fail?' That's held my sister and me back from so much in life. It's a fight, truly, to overcome the thought process. But you can do it. Instead of jumping in your mind from point A to point Z, try to just live in the MOMENT and enjoy what's happening--don't worry about what might or might not happen.
Do you feel like your brain needs an off-switch to stop the worrying and self analysis/introspection? It's a faulty thought-process but it can be conquered. Therapy is very helpful, along with medication. I'm at the point now(thanks to Effexor) where I can stop, mid-anxiety attack, and say, 'ENOUGH! What I'm worrying about is NOT the reality and I need to change my thought process NOW.'Good Luck and be strong. You can do it. Sometimes it really is one step forward two steps back but keep going!
Jen
Posted by sbh on March 1, 2003, at 21:20:57
In reply to Re: Help: Insomnia/Inorgasmia, posted by sillyhead on July 31, 2002, at 18:48:37
the low percentage in the literature is due to the fact that the side effect info was volunteered and not elicited. People often dont volunteer sexual side effect info w/out being asked. Ive used Buspar in conjunction with SSRI's and it has helped with both libido and anorgasmia. I just started Lexapro and am hoping it wont have the effects so I can stick to just one med. What about other folks and Lexapro?
Posted by noa on March 1, 2003, at 22:27:13
In reply to Re: twitching/tremors on Effexor?, posted by lovemybabies on February 28, 2003, at 23:39:41
I have written about the muscle twitching a lot here at babble. I currently take Effexor Xr, and at higher doses I had the twitches, called myoclonus. I also had this with Paxil. It is no longer much of a problem. What my pdoc and I decided was to lower the effexor dose and add serzone, which supposedly blocks the 5HT2 receptors, which activate the muscles, and also to add more antidepressant effect since I had lowered the effexor. This strategy works pretty well. Of course, even with the myoclonus gone, I still have a lot of activation from effexor, and in addition to the serzone, I need a small dose (quarter of a mg) of ativan to help me fall asleep. Otherwise, I am fidgety and have restless legs, which is not the twitching, but the uncontrollable urge to move my legs. The difference is that the restless legs is somewhat volitional--the urge feels irrepressible, but it can in fact be suppressed for a few moments, although it is extremely uncomfortable to do so. The twitching, or myoclonus, is completing involuntary and random. I couldn't purposely flex some of the muscles that flex from myoclonus--random little muscles all over the body.
Sorry you had to go through all that invasive testing for this SE.
Posted by noa on March 1, 2003, at 22:29:36
In reply to Re: twitching/tremors on Effexor?, posted by lovemybabies on February 28, 2003, at 23:53:25
Just curious, had you tried any other meds before Effexor? Effexor has been the best AD for me so far, but I don't tend to think of it as a first med becasue it does have a number of side effects.
Posted by RealTim on March 2, 2003, at 0:41:02
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Amazing. I thought I had the 24 hour flu TWICE in the same month, but thanks to Dr. Bob's site and all of you, now I realize I probably missed a dose of Effexor. I'm on my 3rd "flu" now but this time it's on purpose: I'm ready to quit.
Effexor helped me through an awful period a few months ago when I was having severe work-related anxiety problems. Immediate side effects included sexual dysfunction (difficult to ejaculate), appetite gain, minor yawning, and some minor digestion problems. Sexual issue faded away after a month or so, as did yawns. I had the urge to um, flatulate more often, but since no one else seems to have posted that one here maybe I need to check my diet instead (or is everyone just too embarrassed to mention that one??)
I think I am ready to go off it. Skipped the usual morning dose today, and I found the strong urge to nap by 3PM. Slept 2 hours (bad sleep).
Been dizzy and a little nausea since. A little thirsty too. Oddly enough, even with the nausea I still have an appetite...I suspect I am in for a long night of vivid dreams and frequent waking. I've put off going to sleep for hours, but it's 1:30AM and I can't hold out much longer.
If the withdrawal gets bad, I will try Benadryl and/or the other suggestions (tapering, talk to Dr., get some Prozac samples, etc).
I remember the 2nd time I had these symptoms, I searched the internet for a couple of hours and tried to figure out why I had the vivid dreams with the flu. The dream thing, like the "brain zap" phenomenon has been documented here by dozens of people for 3+ years, but somehow my Dr, didn't know to discuss them with me? I don't get it. I'm not gonna fire him, but I am going to suggest that as a Psychiatrist he needs to get on this site and read what patients say...
Posted by lovemybabies on March 2, 2003, at 8:50:02
In reply to Re: twitching/tremors on Effexor?, posted by noa on March 1, 2003, at 22:27:13
Thanks, Noa. I'm cancelling the EMG. The myoclonus IS getting better. And you know, it's kind of fun in a wacky way. :) I think doctors can be a little(lot) overkill in trying to diagnose something FAST. Perhaps it's fear of lawsuits? Sometimes TIME is just needed to sort it all out. I'm surprised mine hadn't heard about the twitching side effect.
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