![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 3499 to 3523 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by Ev on March 16, 2003, at 21:58:56
In reply to effexor and drinking, posted by Jane on April 15, 2000, at 4:01:54
> I started taking effexor about 4 weeks ago (and still have the side effects of nausea, sleepiness, headaches and loss of appetite). I've tried aropax and zoloft (both which made me really sick) and doxepin for about a year (which didn't make me sick but didn't actually help_
> Just wondering if anyone knows about the effects of drinking and taking certain drugs when on effexor. Is it too risky?
> I drank the other weekend and just felt a bit worse than usual.
> Thanks if anyone can helpTo start off, I am a young guy in college, and I have a hard time with refraining from alcohol while taking antidepressants. I drink about once a week, and admittedly, it is usually 10 or more drinks.
I once took paxil, 20 mg for about a year. It worked great with my depression and anxiety. No side effects other than sleepiness and sexual dysfunction. When I drank alcohol with paxil, I think it did seem to increase my inebriation (manic?). But as far as the benefits of the drug, I noticed no changes after drinking. So Paxil worked great for me. However, I stopped taking it for about a year and then decided I needed to go back on it. This time Paxil did not work anymore, even at a higher dosage.
Then I switched to wellbutrin. It did not work.
So, I asked my doctor for something that will help with anxiety like Paxil once had, and she recommended Effexor. I started taking effexor xr a month and a half ago. First week being 37.5 mg, then increased to 75 mg. I noticed no negative side effects at all. And the benefits I noticed within the week. I was feeling great! So far it seemed to be a miracle drug for me. However, I had my first night at the bars, and the next day I was not feeling too great, which continued for several days after. I then slowly began to feel better again. For me, the alcohol seems to counteract the Effexor, and it takes a couple days to recooperate... every time I drink, a few days will go by, and then I will start to feel better again. However, it has only been a month and a half, and so it is too early to really say if this is the case, or something else is going on. I will let you know after more time has passed.
Posted by Krissy P on March 16, 2003, at 22:12:11
In reply to Re: effexor and drinking, posted by Ev on March 16, 2003, at 21:58:56
Posted by SpreadDaALoha on March 16, 2003, at 22:18:56
In reply to Re: effexor and drinking, posted by Ev on March 16, 2003, at 21:58:56
I can't be sure of anything. But I have never thought of drinking and driving. But after taking Zoloft for a bit, I started drinking more. I got a DUI. I would never blame this entirely on Zoloft, but it unquestionably encouraged my alcohol abuse (I think more education from my PDoc about the possible effects of AD's and drinking would have prevented my poor choices). It just wasn't like me at all! Too bad Zoloft pooped out because I sure felt like a different, happier person for a while.
Posted by Krissy P on March 16, 2003, at 22:30:24
In reply to Re: effexor and drinking, posted by SpreadDaALoha on March 16, 2003, at 22:18:56
When I drank a lot on my AD, AP's, and benzo, I didn't notice anything unusual, except the time I smoked laced pot and ended up in the ER room. I was on Seroquel then but.
I can't be sure of anything either with these meds sometimes.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------> I can't be sure of anything. But I have never thought of drinking and driving. But after taking Zoloft for a bit, I started drinking more. I got a DUI. I would never blame this entirely on Zoloft, but it unquestionably encouraged my alcohol abuse (I think more education from my PDoc about the possible effects of AD's and drinking would have prevented my poor choices). It just wasn't like me at all! Too bad Zoloft pooped out because I sure felt like a different, happier person for a while.
Posted by jtc on March 17, 2003, at 0:18:14
In reply to Re: Questions.....Pls help... tension headache, posted by Jewels on March 16, 2003, at 8:53:30
> In response to weight gain.....(even though not directed to me...) I have only been on 75mgs for 8 weeks and I have gained 20 pounds since going on Effexor....has anyone else experienced this? I have always heard they lose weight.....auckckck! Why me?!?! as if this wasn't enough? LOL Let me know if it's just temporary or what!
>
> JewelsHi Jewels,
I was on Effexor XR 75 mg and now am tapering off at 37.5 every other day in an effort to go off of it. I have gained about 10 or more pounds since going of Effexor about 10 months ago. I just want to eat all the time even when I am not hungry. I am a junk food junkie and a chocoholic. I am going to try to see how I do off of Effexor. I am also taking Klonopin, .5 mg a day. I have anxiety disorder and panic attacks as well as mild depression. I have been on and off of Luvox for about 5 years and my doc decided to try the Effexor on me. It helped me a great deal but I don't want to have to increase to 150 and 75 mg is no longer helping me so I am trying to stop because I think the weight gain is partly the effect of Effexor. Also I am worried about the side effects of this medication. When I tried to stop the 37.5 mg I had dizziness, lightheadedness, and feeling of not being inside my own body as well as headaches so I do not know how I am going to get off of the Effexor. My psychiatrist says to gradually taper down to 37.5 every other day for about a week and then just stop altogether. Sorry for the ramblin on. Good luck to you and keep us posted.
JC
Posted by jtc on March 17, 2003, at 0:24:18
In reply to Re: Questions.....Pls help... tension headache » Jewels, posted by Krissy P on March 16, 2003, at 12:02:04
> Hi Kristen,
Just curious about why you had to go back on Effexor after stopping it in December. I am currently trying to stop taking it and it is hard for me. I am starting to have withdrawal symptoms. I am down to 37.5 mg every other day and am going to stop the 37.5 in about a week. I don't know how long I will be able to function without any antidepressant. I have anxiety disorder and panic disorder and mild depression so I will probably have to take something sooner or later again. I also take Klonopin, .5 mg. I am going to continue that. Any advice about your experience would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks and take care, JC
Hi Jewels (BTW-love that user name) Anyway, I started Effexor 2 weeks ago after stopping it in December. I never noticed much of a weight gain with that, but the Seroquel, I took last night, and about a half hour later, I was gorging-in a totally zombie state-it has always done that to me. I do it, then feel sick in the morning. I ate a whole box of Girl Scout Cookies yesterday-god they are good. But, man, I'm payin for it this morning LOL.
> take care, kristen
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
>
> > In response to weight gain.....(even though not directed to me...) I have only been on 75mgs for 8 weeks and I have gained 20 pounds since going on Effexor....has anyone else experienced this? I have always heard they lose weight.....auckckck! Why me?!?! as if this wasn't enough? LOL Let me know if it's just temporary or what!
> >
> > Jewels
>
>
Posted by Napaba on March 17, 2003, at 7:59:19
In reply to Re: effexor and drinking, posted by Ev on March 16, 2003, at 21:58:56
When my Dr. perscribed Effexor XR he asked if a I drank. I said I usually had a couple glasses of wine or beer on the weekends. He said this was OK. The most I've had is three beers sense I started taking it 8 weeks a go. I felt fine the next day and didn't notice any difference in how I felt while I was drinking either.
I started taking effexor about 4 weeks ago (and still have the side effects of nausea, sleepiness, headaches and loss of appetite). I've tried aropax and zoloft (both which made me really sick) and doxepin for about a year (which didn't make me sick but didn't actually help_
> > Just wondering if anyone knows about the effects of drinking and taking certain drugs when on effexor. Is it too risky?
> > I drank the other weekend and just felt a bit worse than usual.
> > Thanks if anyone can help
>
> To start off, I am a young guy in college, and I have a hard time with refraining from alcohol while taking antidepressants. I drink about once a week, and admittedly, it is usually 10 or more drinks.
>
> I once took paxil, 20 mg for about a year. It worked great with my depression and anxiety. No side effects other than sleepiness and sexual dysfunction. When I drank alcohol with paxil, I think it did seem to increase my inebriation (manic?). But as far as the benefits of the drug, I noticed no changes after drinking. So Paxil worked great for me. However, I stopped taking it for about a year and then decided I needed to go back on it. This time Paxil did not work anymore, even at a higher dosage.
>
> Then I switched to wellbutrin. It did not work.
>
> So, I asked my doctor for something that will help with anxiety like Paxil once had, and she recommended Effexor. I started taking effexor xr a month and a half ago. First week being 37.5 mg, then increased to 75 mg. I noticed no negative side effects at all. And the benefits I noticed within the week. I was feeling great! So far it seemed to be a miracle drug for me. However, I had my first night at the bars, and the next day I was not feeling too great, which continued for several days after. I then slowly began to feel better again. For me, the alcohol seems to counteract the Effexor, and it takes a couple days to recooperate... every time I drink, a few days will go by, and then I will start to feel better again. However, it has only been a month and a half, and so it is too early to really say if this is the case, or something else is going on. I will let you know after more time has passed.
Posted by Napaba on March 17, 2003, at 8:07:52
In reply to Re: Questions.....Pls help... tension headache, posted by jtc on March 17, 2003, at 0:18:14
One of the reasons my Dr. prescribed Effexor instead of another antidepresent was I had major weight gain with prozac, paxil, and welbutrin. With the Effexor (I've been on it for 8 weeks) I've lost 13 pounds. My dose was just increased Friday and I don't feel like eating at all, but I think that will pass as I adjust to the higher dose.
This drug appears to help with my depression, but my anxiety has gotten a lot worse. Exspecially while I'm at work. I feel like I'm always waiting for something. I was given Zannex for this, but with the Effexor and Zannex I have a hard time staying awake.
I need to be awake, I work full time, have three children and go to school, taking excellerated classes.
> > In response to weight gain.....(even though not directed to me...) I have only been on 75mgs for 8 weeks and I have gained 20 pounds since going on Effexor....has anyone else experienced this? I have always heard they lose weight.....auckckck! Why me?!?! as if this wasn't enough? LOL Let me know if it's just temporary or what!
> >
> > Jewels
>
> Hi Jewels,
> I was on Effexor XR 75 mg and now am tapering off at 37.5 every other day in an effort to go off of it. I have gained about 10 or more pounds since going of Effexor about 10 months ago. I just want to eat all the time even when I am not hungry. I am a junk food junkie and a chocoholic. I am going to try to see how I do off of Effexor. I am also taking Klonopin, .5 mg a day. I have anxiety disorder and panic attacks as well as mild depression. I have been on and off of Luvox for about 5 years and my doc decided to try the Effexor on me. It helped me a great deal but I don't want to have to increase to 150 and 75 mg is no longer helping me so I am trying to stop because I think the weight gain is partly the effect of Effexor. Also I am worried about the side effects of this medication. When I tried to stop the 37.5 mg I had dizziness, lightheadedness, and feeling of not being inside my own body as well as headaches so I do not know how I am going to get off of the Effexor. My psychiatrist says to gradually taper down to 37.5 every other day for about a week and then just stop altogether. Sorry for the ramblin on. Good luck to you and keep us posted.
> JC
>
>
Posted by Napaba on March 17, 2003, at 9:51:48
In reply to Re: Questions.....Pls help... tension headache, posted by Jewels on March 16, 2003, at 8:53:30
I've lost weight since beginning Effexor about 8 weeks a go(13 lbs). I'm not sure if it's from the Effexor or because my eating habits involve eating when I'm under stress, drepressed, or having anxiety. Those things are some what under control with the Effexor, so I'm not eating as much.
In response to weight gain.....(even though not directed to me...) I have only been on 75mgs for 8 weeks and I have gained 20 pounds since going on Effexor....has anyone else experienced this? I have always heard they lose weight.....auckckck! Why me?!?! as if this wasn't enough? LOL Let me know if it's just temporary or what!
>
> Jewels
Posted by Napaba on March 17, 2003, at 9:53:40
In reply to Re: Questions.....Pls help... tension headache, posted by Jewels on March 16, 2003, at 8:53:30
I forgot something. Do you eat because of depression and anxiety or do you tend to over eat when your happy? This will make a difference in how you'll eat while on Effexor.
In response to weight gain.....(even though not directed to me...) I have only been on 75mgs for 8 weeks and I have gained 20 pounds since going on Effexor....has anyone else experienced this? I have always heard they lose weight.....auckckck! Why me?!?! as if this wasn't enough? LOL Let me know if it's just temporary or what!
>
> Jewels
Posted by Napaba on March 17, 2003, at 10:01:20
In reply to Re: Questions.....Pls help... tension headache, posted by jtc on March 17, 2003, at 0:24:18
Have you talked to your doctor about discontinueing your medication? I usually start feeling better and stop taking my meds and withing a year end up back on them. I don't want to take anything, but my children are too important to me to give up trying. I met my biolocigal father a couple of years a go and found out he suffers from bipolar manic depression. I've read depression is hereditary, so I was relieved, because my adoptive parents were always insistant that I didn't have a reason to be depressed.
> > Hi Kristen,
> Just curious about why you had to go back on Effexor after stopping it in December. I am currently trying to stop taking it and it is hard for me. I am starting to have withdrawal symptoms. I am down to 37.5 mg every other day and am going to stop the 37.5 in about a week. I don't know how long I will be able to function without any antidepressant. I have anxiety disorder and panic disorder and mild depression so I will probably have to take something sooner or later again. I also take Klonopin, .5 mg. I am going to continue that. Any advice about your experience would be greatly appreciated.
> Thanks and take care, JC
>
>
> Hi Jewels (BTW-love that user name) Anyway, I started Effexor 2 weeks ago after stopping it in December. I never noticed much of a weight gain with that, but the Seroquel, I took last night, and about a half hour later, I was gorging-in a totally zombie state-it has always done that to me. I do it, then feel sick in the morning. I ate a whole box of Girl Scout Cookies yesterday-god they are good. But, man, I'm payin for it this morning LOL.
> > take care, kristen
> > --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> >
> >
> > > In response to weight gain.....(even though not directed to me...) I have only been on 75mgs for 8 weeks and I have gained 20 pounds since going on Effexor....has anyone else experienced this? I have always heard they lose weight.....auckckck! Why me?!?! as if this wasn't enough? LOL Let me know if it's just temporary or what!
> > >
> > > Jewels
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by XiaoMafan on March 17, 2003, at 11:03:28
In reply to Re: Questions.....Pls help... tension headache, posted by Napaba on March 17, 2003, at 10:01:20
> I have been on Effexor 75mg for approx 8wks. I have heart palpatations and a bit of anxiety and some humming in my ears at night. Has any female had any problems with sexual dysfunction while on Effexor?
Posted by Napaba on March 17, 2003, at 11:12:55
In reply to Re: Has any female had sexual dysfunction?, posted by XiaoMafan on March 17, 2003, at 11:03:28
>I've had an increase in sexual desire. But I do have the rest of the symptoms you listed plus sweats!!! I think I know what menopause will be like.
> I have been on Effexor 75mg for approx 8wks. I have heart palpatations and a bit of anxiety and some humming in my ears at night. Has any female had any problems with sexual dysfunction while on Effexor?
Posted by megamufn on March 17, 2003, at 13:36:06
In reply to Re: Questions.....Pls help » megamufn, posted by Krissy P on March 16, 2003, at 12:24:40
I just take a store brand multivitamin. Ask your pharmacist for advice on which one to take.
Posted by Krissy P on March 17, 2003, at 14:47:31
In reply to Re: Questions.....Pls help... tension headache, posted by jtc on March 17, 2003, at 0:24:18
Hi JC:-)
Well, I was feeling GREAT, so in December, I just stopped Effexor cold turkey. After about 1 months of going off-I was having really bad mood swings, but I wasn't on a mood stabilizer either. I also had the severe depression aome back with-SI-and ended up hospitalized for 2 days. This was my experience. For you, all I can say is you'll have to see, I just hope you don't go through what I did when I decided to go off of the Effexor! Maybe a low dose of another AD would be better for you since you sated you had mild depression? What do you think?
Keep me posted :-)
Kristen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hi Kristen,
Just curious about why you had to go back on Effexor after stopping it in December. I am currently trying to stop taking it and it is hard for me. I am starting to have withdrawal symptoms. I am down to 37.5 mg every other day and am going to stop the 37.5 in about a week. I don't know how long I will be able to function without any antidepressant. I have anxiety disorder and panic disorder and mild depression so I will probably have to take something sooner or later again. I also take Klonopin, .5 mg. I am going to continue that. Any advice about your experience would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks and take care, JC
Hi Jewels (BTW-love that user name) Anyway, I started Effexor 2 weeks ago after stopping it in December. I never noticed much of a weight gain with that, but the Seroquel, I took last night, and about a half hour later, I was gorging-in a totally zombie state-it has always done that to me. I do it, then feel sick in the morning. I ate a whole box of Girl Scout Cookies yesterday-god they are good. But, man, I'm payin for it this morning LOL.
take care, kristen
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------In response to weight gain.....(even though not directed to me...) I have only been on 75mgs for 8 weeks and I have gained 20 pounds since going on Effexor....has anyone else experienced this? I have always heard they lose weight.....auckckck! Why me?!?! as if this wasn't enough? LOL Let me know if it's just temporary or what!
Jewels
Posted by Krissy P on March 17, 2003, at 14:59:30
In reply to Re: Questions.....Pls help... tension headache, posted by Napaba on March 17, 2003, at 10:01:20
Hi Napaba, I'm really proud of you on meeting your biological father. And to think you shouldn't be depressed? (according to your adoptive parents) wow. I think we all need to know what our genes carry, heredity plays a quite important role in mental ilnesses.
All the best:-)
kristen
Posted by Krissy P on March 17, 2003, at 15:03:13
In reply to Re: Has any female had sexual dysfunction?, posted by XiaoMafan on March 17, 2003, at 11:03:28
Hi, I have been on Effexor-XR for 2 weeks now. I get manic, but it helps the depression a lot. As far as sexual dysfunction-nope
Take it easy, Kristen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------> > I have been on Effexor 75mg for approx 8wks. I have heart palpatations and a bit of anxiety and some humming in my ears at night. Has any female had any problems with sexual dysfunction while on Effexor?
Posted by Jewels on March 17, 2003, at 16:07:02
In reply to Re: Questions.....Pls help... tension headache » Napaba, posted by Krissy P on March 17, 2003, at 14:59:30
Okay guys........I can't believe I'm about to say this...but I think the Effexor was helping me! I actually went on it to try helping my aching and soreness. The dr. said the nepenephrine in the brain can cause achiness when it's out of wack. I am so convinced I am actually considering going back on it! auckck....can anyone tell me if there are any long term side effects or worries. Also, has anyone heard if you can take this if you are pregnant (trying, not yet). My dr. said that people aren't too keen on testing their fetus thus there was no research as of yet. Just wondered if any of you had info on that.
Sigh...........thanks guys!
Jewels
Posted by lovemybabies on March 17, 2003, at 16:32:57
In reply to I have the ringing in my ears but........... » XiaoMafan, posted by Krissy P on March 17, 2003, at 15:03:13
Yep---a little bit of inorgasmia the first month but it seems to lessen over time.
Posted by Krissy P on March 17, 2003, at 23:37:42
In reply to Re: Questions.....Pls help... tension headache, posted by lovemybabies on March 16, 2003, at 6:53:31
Posted by PuraVida on March 18, 2003, at 10:36:40
In reply to Re: I have the ringing in my ears but..........., posted by lovemybabies on March 17, 2003, at 16:32:57
Has anyone noticed that wine tastes funny? I didn't drink at all the first few weeks, and when I tried some of my favorite wine, I found a funny aftertaste, which I've continued to find with other wines I try. Hard alcohol is OK, beer I haven't tried.
PV
Posted by Napaba on March 18, 2003, at 10:54:15
In reply to Effexor and drinking wine » lovemybabies, posted by PuraVida on March 18, 2003, at 10:36:40
>Yes I noticed that wine tasted different, but I haven't tried it sence the first or second week I started taking Effexor. Like you I ordered my favorite wine. I thought they had changed brands or the wine was old and had gone bad.
I haven't tried beer yet, maybe I'll pick some up this weekend. I'll let you know.
Has anyone noticed that wine tastes funny? I didn't drink at all the first few weeks, and when I tried some of my favorite wine, I found a funny aftertaste, which I've continued to find with other wines I try. Hard alcohol is OK, beer I haven't tried.
>
> PV
Posted by Krissy P on March 18, 2003, at 11:51:08
In reply to Effexor and drinking wine » lovemybabies, posted by PuraVida on March 18, 2003, at 10:36:40
*grin* I'm on Effexor, and last week I had a peach margarita. It tasted great lol I know I have heard that those taking Topomax, when they drink soda, it tastes like "metal" weird huh?
I wonder if the wine thing has something to do with, someting I heard, that red wine has a calming effect, maybe when you drank it it sensed the receptors working with the Effexor??
Just a weird thought LOL
Take care, Kristen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Has anyone noticed that wine tastes funny? I didn't drink at all the first few weeks, and when I tried some of my favorite wine, I found a funny aftertaste, which I've continued to find with other wines I try. Hard alcohol is OK, beer I haven't tried.
PV
Posted by Napaba on March 18, 2003, at 14:31:43
In reply to Effexor and drinking wine » lovemybabies, posted by PuraVida on March 18, 2003, at 10:36:40
What is the difference between Effexor XR and Effexor XL? Has anyone taken both? Which did you like more?
Posted by Krissy P on March 18, 2003, at 14:39:01
In reply to Effexor XR and Effexor XL, posted by Napaba on March 18, 2003, at 14:31:43
Hi, I take XR (Extended Release) which is approved for GAD too-that's why I like it-it works for me. I don't know where you are, but in the US, XR may be the same as XL???
Let me know if I'm wrong. What is the XL version?
Thanks, Kristen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------What is the difference between Effexor XR and Effexor XL? Has anyone taken both? Which did you like more?
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.