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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by KSA on April 10, 2003, at 13:53:27
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I WAS JUST WONDERING IF ANYONE HAS HAD A REAL PROBLEM WITH WEIGHT GAIN ON EFFEXOR XR. MY DR. PUT ME ON THIS MEDICATION BUT I HAVE YET TO START TAKING IT. I WANTED TO RESEARCH AND READ WHAT EXPERIENCES OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD FIRST. I DON'T SEE MUCH MENTIONED REGARDING WEIGHT GAIN. HAS ANYONE BEEN ABLE TO STAY ON THIS MED. AND MAINTAIN THEIR WEIGHT OR LOSE WEIGHT THEY MIGHT HAVE GAINED. THANKS!
Posted by melley on April 10, 2003, at 14:36:09
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by KSA on April 10, 2003, at 13:53:27
Hi there,I have gained 20 pounds in the year I have been taking it (now at 225 mg) but leveled off at my current weight a number of months ago. Have been working out at a gym for about 6 weeks. Feel a bit better in that arena. Some people on here have said they have lost weight. However, weighing everything (no pun intended), I have gotten myself fairly used to the gain as I feel SO much better mentally. Hope this helps.
mel
> I WAS JUST WONDERING IF ANYONE HAS HAD A REAL PROBLEM WITH WEIGHT GAIN ON EFFEXOR XR. MY DR. PUT ME ON THIS MEDICATION BUT I HAVE YET TO START TAKING IT. I WANTED TO RESEARCH AND READ WHAT EXPERIENCES OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD FIRST. I DON'T SEE MUCH MENTIONED REGARDING WEIGHT GAIN. HAS ANYONE BEEN ABLE TO STAY ON THIS MED. AND MAINTAIN THEIR WEIGHT OR LOSE WEIGHT THEY MIGHT HAVE GAINED. THANKS!
Posted by jack smith on April 10, 2003, at 15:04:12
In reply to 8 Week Update, posted by humbly72 on April 10, 2003, at 11:28:17
If I were you, I would get a new doctor, if Effexor is working for you, there is NO reason to switch to paxil. I can see no reason why Paxil would be better for you than effexor. Both are ssris (effexor is also affects the reuptake of norepinephrine). As far as I am concerned, your doctor is just plain wrong. Stick with what works, trust me, it's hard to find something that does.
JACK
Hi all,
> Most of you probably don't remember me, since I last posted four weeks ago. I had been documenting my side effects and improvements in a journal. Well, I finally got to see the psychiatrist today, except she didn't tell me the whole diagnosis directly, it's in a form with some numbers (codes). What she did tell me was that I had depression/obsessive compulsive disorder/social anxiety disorder. And she switched me from Effexor to Paxil. I loved the Effexor, since many of the side effects subsided within four to six weeks--tiredness being the longer lasting. But it did make me extremely disinhibited. It also, I think, made me want to drink alcohol more often (don't know how or why).
> Does anybody have any suggestions or comments about the Paxil, and why I may have been switched?
> Thanks in advance, and sorry for the long post.
>
Posted by Napaba on April 10, 2003, at 15:22:11
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by KSA on April 10, 2003, at 13:53:27
I've been on Effexor for about 8 weeks. Over the past two years I've gained 50 pounds. Sense I started taking Effexor I've lost over 20 pounds. I'm not sure if it's the Effexor or just feeling better. But I'm greatful for the weight loss.
I WAS JUST WONDERING IF ANYONE HAS HAD A REAL PROBLEM WITH WEIGHT GAIN ON EFFEXOR XR. MY DR. PUT ME ON THIS MEDICATION BUT I HAVE YET TO START TAKING IT. I WANTED TO RESEARCH AND READ WHAT EXPERIENCES OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD FIRST. I DON'T SEE MUCH MENTIONED REGARDING WEIGHT GAIN. HAS ANYONE BEEN ABLE TO STAY ON THIS MED. AND MAINTAIN THEIR WEIGHT OR LOSE WEIGHT THEY MIGHT HAVE GAINED. THANKS!
Posted by melley on April 10, 2003, at 19:27:59
In reply to Alcohol??, posted by jb07 on April 10, 2003, at 13:10:30
Do you mean you have the desire to drink alcohol? It is unwise to drink with an antidepressant. There is one that it doesn't interact with but effexor isn't it. My dr. was telling me that it is like drinking twice as many drinks as you have. I have pretty much stopped drinking and never, absolutely never, have a drink and drive, not even one glass of wine.> I to have begun to drink alcohol in the evenings?
> I take my pill prior to bed, can anybody help me or have experienced this?
>
> Is there a correlation with taking the pill @ night and drinking prior to ingestion of my pill?
>
>
Posted by Napaba on April 11, 2003, at 7:27:12
In reply to Re: Alcohol?? » jb07, posted by melley on April 10, 2003, at 19:27:59
When my doctor perscribed Effexor he asked if I drink. I told him I usually have a couple glasses of wine on Friday and Saturday. He said that was OK. I have not noticed any increase in it's effect. What I did notice was that the wine I always choose tasted slightly different.
A few years a go I was on Prozac. I was told not to drink, but I did occasionally. When I did I was basically drunk after two drinks. I had to limit myself to one drink and I would feel depressed the next day and very tired.
> Do you mean you have the desire to drink alcohol? It is unwise to drink with an antidepressant. There is one that it doesn't interact with but effexor isn't it. My dr. was telling me that it is like drinking twice as many drinks as you have. I have pretty much stopped drinking and never, absolutely never, have a drink and drive, not even one glass of wine.
>
> > I to have begun to drink alcohol in the evenings?
> > I take my pill prior to bed, can anybody help me or have experienced this?
> >
> > Is there a correlation with taking the pill @ night and drinking prior to ingestion of my pill?
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by Paco on April 11, 2003, at 7:27:42
In reply to Alcohol??, posted by jb07 on April 10, 2003, at 13:10:30
Taking a depressant (alcohol) with an antidepressant (Effexor) seems to defeat the purpose of taking an antidepressant.
I know from experience that drinking doesn't help depression.
======================================================
> I to have begun to drink alcohol in the evenings?
> I take my pill prior to bed, can anybody help me or have experienced this?
>
> Is there a correlation with taking the pill @ night and drinking prior to ingestion of my pill?
>
>
Posted by melley on April 11, 2003, at 8:01:25
In reply to Re: Alcohol?? » melley, posted by Napaba on April 11, 2003, at 7:27:12
My dr said the same thing, and I noticed the same thing you did. That is tastes different. I wonder why that is? I confess that when I went to dinner with my bookgroup the other night I couldn't resist having half a glass of white wine....cadged from someone else's glass (like it doesn't count then). Anyway, as you can see I made it home in one piece. But certainly don't want to make a habit of that.
> When my doctor perscribed Effexor he asked if I drink. I told him I usually have a couple glasses of wine on Friday and Saturday. He said that was OK. I have not noticed any increase in it's effect. What I did notice was that the wine I always choose tasted slightly different.
>
> A few years a go I was on Prozac. I was told not to drink, but I did occasionally. When I did I was basically drunk after two drinks. I had to limit myself to one drink and I would feel depressed the next day and very tired.
>
>
>
> > Do you mean you have the desire to drink alcohol? It is unwise to drink with an antidepressant. There is one that it doesn't interact with but effexor isn't it. My dr. was telling me that it is like drinking twice as many drinks as you have. I have pretty much stopped drinking and never, absolutely never, have a drink and drive, not even one glass of wine.
> >
> > > I to have begun to drink alcohol in the evenings?
> > > I take my pill prior to bed, can anybody help me or have experienced this?
> > >
> > > Is there a correlation with taking the pill @ night and drinking prior to ingestion of my pill?
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by PuraVida on April 11, 2003, at 10:34:18
In reply to Re: Alcohol?? » melley, posted by Napaba on April 11, 2003, at 7:27:12
Exact same for me:
> Effexor - that the wine I always choose tasted slightly different.
>
> Prozac - I was basically drunk after two drinks.PV
Posted by fairnymph on April 12, 2003, at 13:53:05
In reply to Re: Effexor Q's--PLEASE ANSWER, posted by jack smith on April 9, 2003, at 15:34:09
>
> Taking it for depression/anxiety. I am at 150, got there in about two weeks of ramping up and sedation kicked in at that dose, been on that dose for about a week. Pretty intense daytime sedation. I am going to give it a month before I conclude that it is here to stay. How high did you get? Did you like it? Withdrawls?I got up to 450 (the max dose)...it evetnually pooped out for me, but until then I loved it. I did work up to higher levels (it didn't start working for me at all until 300 mg) then I would stay at that dose for a while utnil it stopped working then ramp up etc. I had withdrawal but it was manageable and I just handled it with a slow taper. It wasn't agonizing or anything -- more just annoying.
> Did you take all the IR at once? So, did your sedation only end once you switched to IR??Yep, I took it all at once. And the sedation did end only when I switched to the IR, but I wasn't at that high of a dose (maybe around 150 or 200 mg?) when I switched, so I don't know if that might have been a factor in my dose (i.e. higher doses were less sedating).
Hope that answers your questions, sorry abotu the late response.
Julia
>
Posted by Paco on April 12, 2003, at 20:32:57
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I keep seeing all of these horror stories about Effexor withdrawl, and I got to thinking "what about after withdrawl?".
Even if it is a difficult experience, don't things eventually get better? I've had bad experiences with other medications that have lasted two to three weeks each, and life has gone on. They were medications that didn't work out for me in the first place, so my attitude toward them was "good riddance". But Effexor is working quite well for me. I really don't know what to expect if and when I taper off, and I really don't care if it's hard to do because I am SO much better off now than I was before. As far as effectiveness goes, I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. This is the fifth medication that I've tried, and I'm very glad I kept trying and didn't give up.
Good luck everyone.
Posted by SpaceKace on April 12, 2003, at 23:43:44
In reply to What about life AFTER withdrawl?, posted by Paco on April 12, 2003, at 20:32:57
> I keep seeing all of these horror stories about Effexor withdrawl, and I got to thinking "what about after withdrawl?".
>
> Even if it is a difficult experience, don't things eventually get better? I've had bad experiences with other medications that have lasted two to three weeks each, and life has gone on. They were medications that didn't work out for me in the first place, so my attitude toward them was "good riddance". But Effexor is working quite well for me. I really don't know what to expect if and when I taper off, and I really don't care if it's hard to do because I am SO much better off now than I was before. As far as effectiveness goes, I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. This is the fifth medication that I've tried, and I'm very glad I kept trying and didn't give up.
>
> Good luck everyone.I have been on Effexor for about 6 months now after getting off of Paxil. I thought I liked it too but try missing one dose and see how that makes you feel. I missed a dose last night and have had these brain shivers all day. It's not the first time that this has happened either. I fear getting off of this drug now just because of what I'm experiencing today. I have also been having nightmares lately about dead people, in particular babies with black alien like eyes. I'll be calling my doctor this week to discuss the option of getting off of this brain poison. Good luck to you and be careful - I don't think this drug should be on the market.
Posted by worryir on April 13, 2003, at 6:54:44
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 for 6 months and while I don't feel bad anymore I don't feel good either - in fact I feel nothing!! Sex Drive totally gone as well - I just want to shut everyone out and be on my own. I am afraid of coming off of the drug as the side effects of withdrawl seem to be frightening. I would welcome any help anyone can offer.
Posted by fanni on April 13, 2003, at 14:25:58
In reply to Re: Alcohol?? » jb07, posted by Paco on April 11, 2003, at 7:27:42
i found out the hard way drinking alcahol with anti depressants is a bad idea,it just couteracts all the good the medikation is doing and brings you right back down its vile!its mad when i was talking to my shrink he actually said taking e isnt as harmful as drinking when you suffer vrom depression.
Posted by Kevin123 on April 13, 2003, at 15:02:25
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Cindy W on April 11, 2000, at 21:36:26
I've been on Effexor XL for a few weeks and feel pretty bad, not sure if its the drugs or my depression has got worse as i've had GAD for the last 3 years it makes me more nervous and on edge but i'm not sleeping properly so maybe I need some sleeping pills and this will improve my mood. I need help anyone got any ideas?
Kev
Posted by melley on April 13, 2003, at 15:49:29
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Cindy W, posted by Kevin123 on April 13, 2003, at 15:02:25
I take a sleeping pill, 10mg of ambien, that helps counteract the "awakeness" I feel from the effexor....
> I've been on Effexor XL for a few weeks and feel pretty bad, not sure if its the drugs or my depression has got worse as i've had GAD for the last 3 years it makes me more nervous and on edge but i'm not sleeping properly so maybe I need some sleeping pills and this will improve my mood. I need help anyone got any ideas?
>
> Kev
Posted by Cosmic on April 13, 2003, at 17:56:38
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Kevin123, posted by melley on April 13, 2003, at 15:49:29
Just started EXR a couple of weeks ago and am supposed to increase one more 37.5 starting tomorrow but afraid to. Have been sick as a dog for two weeks. Stomach cramps, headaches, insomnia (even /w xanax), tremors. Have lost 18 lbs and I'm a light weight to begin with. Wife says I look like I came out of a German concentration camp. Anyone else with these problems. Really thinking of just quiting these damn things. And the memory sucks!! Walk into a room and forget why. They're messing me up big time. Be careful ppl. Any help??
Posted by lovemybabies on April 13, 2003, at 20:19:41
In reply to What about life AFTER withdrawl?, posted by Paco on April 12, 2003, at 20:32:57
I'm with you, Paco. It's my first antidepressant/antianxiety and it's changed my life. I'm going on three months and have no plans to quit anytime soon. Most of the side effects are gone and I feel great. My marraige is better, the kids are happier...I have a whole new perspective on life. Don't let the naysayers sway you. I'm not worried about withdrawal. It's temporary. :)
Jen
Posted by lovemybabies on April 13, 2003, at 20:21:54
In reply to Re: What about life AFTER withdrawl? » Paco, posted by SpaceKace on April 12, 2003, at 23:43:44
It's weird. Twice, I've missed a dose. No ill effects at all. I actually started to panic when I realized it was 9pm and I forgot to take it. But nothing happened. How long did you go before taking another dose? Did the brain shivers start immediately? What exactly do those feel like? I've read many postings regarding this. Thanks.
Jen
Posted by lovemybabies on April 13, 2003, at 20:24:57
In reply to Having horrible side effects!!, posted by Cosmic on April 13, 2003, at 17:56:38
Yes, yes. The first two weeks are crazy. It's like walking around in somebody else's body. They do go away, though. SOmetimes it takes a month or two to start really feeling good. I think, though, if it's completely intolerable, talk to your doctor. Maybe there's another one that's better for you. I also lost weight--about seven pounds the first week! No vomiting or pain, just anorexia. It all came back, though. Good luck and keep us posted.
Posted by lovemybabies on April 13, 2003, at 20:28:40
In reply to Re: What about life AFTER withdrawl?, posted by lovemybabies on April 13, 2003, at 20:21:54
I've read several posts from people who say Effexor just stopped working. Have many people experienced this? Did you have to keep upping the dose? I'm wondering if this is very common. What's the longest that anyone's been on it? Does it help long-term? Just wondering. Thanks.
Posted by SpaceKace on April 13, 2003, at 22:24:04
In reply to Re: What about life AFTER withdrawl?, posted by lovemybabies on April 13, 2003, at 20:21:54
The first time I missed a dose, I didn't realize it was because I missed it that I was getting a strange dizzy sensation when I turned my head. I had drank the night before (which is why I forgot to take the medication) and thought maybe it was just a hangover. The second time was Friday night, and I had to work Saturday so couldn't take another one til I got home because I didn't have them with me. I took it around 8:30 p.m. and was better within an hour or so. It is a strange sensation that most people, including me, describe as turning your head and then your brain takes a second or two to catch up with you. My whole body would also feel numb for a second. It is very different from being dizzy. I'm on 75 mg so if you're on a lower dose, you probably won't have the effects yet. I think I skipped one on 37.5 and didn't notice any problems. I've been taking it for 6 months now after being on Paxil for almost 2 years. When I got home last night, I got on the internet and learned that I was not the only one experiencing this symptom. Just do a search on Brain Shivers and you will find various sites that associate Brain Shivers with Effexor.
Posted by SpaceKace on April 13, 2003, at 22:28:08
In reply to Does Effexor lose effectiveness?, posted by lovemybabies on April 13, 2003, at 20:28:40
I went from 37.5 to 75 in just six months because I had an anxiety attack probably a month or two after starting the drug. I was on 10mg of Paxil for a long time and then when I went to 20mg, I started have strange muscle cramps in my left arm and chest and would panic because I would think it was a heart attack - and I'm only 31. That's why I went on Effexor but I hope to God I don't have to increase my dose, I just want off of this ride. And from what I've read, that is not going to be pleasant - God help us.
Posted by jturner795 on April 14, 2003, at 13:16:10
In reply to Having horrible side effects!!, posted by Cosmic on April 13, 2003, at 17:56:38
I know exactly how you feel. I was having horrific stomach cramps, low energy ect. (even though I am also on Adderall for ADD) Then a couple of days ago I started feeling better. Im now at 150mg per day and divide the doses up. 75mg in the morning and 75mg at noon. Seems to have helped. Still having some headache and cramping late in the afternoon. (Been on the med for 4 wks now) I am pissed that my Doc didnt discuss these side-effects with me when she perscribed them! Hang in there it will get better. Keep us posted. ,Jared
Posted by Katia on April 14, 2003, at 14:23:10
In reply to Re: Alcohol??, posted by fanni on April 13, 2003, at 14:25:58
It's so hard though. I mean for me all these years i've been self-medicating with alcohol and other (yet healthy) things. I've been on this "finding the right AD" ride since July 02 and have not gotten any closer. I've been on Zoloft for three months and the first five weeks I quit drinking (talking about 2-3 glasses of wine 2-3x per week). And I actually felt more depressed. (maybe b/c the zoloft was doing nothing for me except making me a zombie). I know that I have to learn to re-structure how I work in this world without the alcohol and it's a process. But in the past three weeks, I've started having a few glasses of wine again simply b/c the AD is doing nothing for me and I can now see why I've subconsciously medicated with alcohol over the years. I feel better. And that's sad, but right now it really feels like my life boat carrying me over until the right AD. The combo of inertia, apathy, but overwhelming sadness and pain is making me not be able to function at all. And I have huge bills to pay each month and am single with no help financially and live in a very expensive part of the USA. And i live in USA which basically provides no support financially/disability in this illness.
I know it's ridiculous to drink on ADs and unhealthy and it cancels it out somewhat, but what can one do anymore to function??????
any similar input would be appreciated.
thanks for letting me ramble.
Katia
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