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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by agr1233 on August 18, 2003, at 21:05:45
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Has anyone been given Effexor for addictions?
I'm a 46 yr old male with 28 yr >+ hard-core alcoholic tendancies.
I talked to my Dr. about Topiramte and he gave me this instead.
Nothing bad so far....any comments or shared knowledge?
Posted by lovemywife on August 19, 2003, at 3:49:34
In reply to Re: effexor is ruining my life!, posted by floating_head on August 18, 2003, at 11:55:58
My wife started on effexor xr about a month ago. She takes 150 mg. once a day. It makes her a little tired, so she takes it late afternoon or early evening. It has worked wonders for her. She is back to her normal self again...with one big exception...it is now very difficult or practically impossible for her to achieve an orgasm. This has never been a problem in the past and I am concerned about this. Has anyone else had a similiar experience and if so, can it be overcome.
My wife is so much happier and at ease since she started this drug...but the no O thing is bothering her and I also.
Posted by sassy ward on August 19, 2003, at 3:58:34
In reply to Re: Effexor discontinuation, posted by SusanG on February 15, 2002, at 13:37:59
I just want to say that i was told to stop effexor 150mg suddenly by my doctor after being on them for 5mths, upon first stopping them i thought that i was ok and had read some of the stories on this site and thought i had got of lightly but with a bang i was hit with everything said it has now been six days and i still have nausea and dizziness but not as much i went to a herbal shop and got drop that i put in water they are crab apple and the 2nd one is walnut i find that when i start feelin ill if i take these it eases the symptoms, what i would advise that if you are strong enough to go through all these withdrawal symptoms then why put yourself back through it and go on anti-depressants again i have decided that i am returning to the herbal shop to get something safe for myself and will not be going on these again i just want to to thank Eamonn for everything he helped me through this weekend without you i would have been lost THANK-YOU. For anyone whos trying to come of them just be persistant and everything will work itself out........Goodluck!!!
Posted by willie on August 19, 2003, at 7:13:11
In reply to Why no O?, posted by lovemywife on August 19, 2003, at 3:49:34
I too had difficulty achieving Orgasm when I first began taking effexor. My dosage is much lower than your wife. Give it some time and a lot of patience. It took me over a month at 37.5 to begin to feel any sexual sensation so it may take your wife longer. When she does start to feel sensation, it may take a long time of touching for her to achieve orgasm. But is will get better in time...Willie
Posted by DSCH on August 19, 2003, at 7:22:21
In reply to Why no O?, posted by lovemywife on August 19, 2003, at 3:49:34
[disclaimer]My own non-degreed take[/disclaimer]
If she has not had a history of asthma, hayfever, or allergies to pollen, mold, pet dander, and the like, trying out a L-histadine amino acid supplement might be worth a shot. If she tries it, I would recommend starting with a low dose (taken soon after waking up) and gradually increasing until "O" is coming along. ;-) If rashes, hives, sneezing, or itchy skin happen first, discontinue.
Histamine (made from L-histadine) is an important neurotransmitter involved in sexual response and circadian rythyms as well as the immune system.
Hope that helps.
Posted by BSHO on August 19, 2003, at 9:33:33
In reply to Why no O?, posted by lovemywife on August 19, 2003, at 3:49:34
I'm a guy, and it effected my sexual experience too, but it got better over time.
Posted by Salty_dog on August 19, 2003, at 10:16:40
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by agr1233 on August 18, 2003, at 21:05:45
I have heard Effexor XR has been used to assist smokers in stopping.
I am a recovering alcoholic (14 year) and once upon a time I was prescribed Naltrexone HCL 50mg per day.
Studies sugest Naltrexone HCL was very useful in stopping alcoholic obsesion and complusion on a long term basis. Naltrexone is used to prevent Opiate users from getting high after and only after a long period of withdrawl from opiates (heroin, percocet, ...). If it is used while there is still traces of opiates in the User, if will cause immediate withdwawl which is very unconfortable.
A short term form of Naltrexone is used in overdose (herion) patients to bring the patient back to life. Boy, are they pissed when they wake up.
Posted by Dr. Bob on August 19, 2003, at 17:19:06
In reply to Re: effexor is ruining my life!, posted by floating_head on August 18, 2003, at 20:36:20
> God I want off this sh*t!!
I'm sorry it's been a problem, but please don't use language that could offend others -- which I'm currently taking to include words and phrases considered often or usually disparaging, obscene, offensive, or vulgar by Merriam-Webster OnLine:
Thanks,
Bob
PS: Follow-ups regarding posting policies, and complaints about posts, should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration; otherwise, they may be deleted.
Posted by Jenneh on August 19, 2003, at 17:39:56
In reply to Why no O?, posted by lovemywife on August 19, 2003, at 3:49:34
Yes that completely happened ot me too. I pretty much gave up on it. I am currently weaning myself off of the drug (for other reasons) so I hope that goes back to normal too. I wish you both luck
Posted by zoobie on August 19, 2003, at 21:33:44
In reply to Re: Why no O?, posted by Jenneh on August 19, 2003, at 17:39:56
I can totally relate to you. When I first started EffexorXR I was fine for the first week, but I noticed over time that my orgasms were less and less, until I couldn't have them anymore.
I did some research and too found out that it's a common side effect with the drug.
Don't worry though, it's been day 7 since I've been coming off EffexorXR and they've started to come back - although they are very weak.
My friend suggested using a vibrator, that helped her (she's on Effexor). Sorry if I'm being to explicit.
Take Care.
Posted by lucylucy on August 19, 2003, at 21:55:55
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I've been on Effexor XR for about five months, with fantastic results. Then about ten days ago, it just seemed to quit working. Is this poop out? Is a higher dose the answer?
My doctor's office suggested moving from my current 75 mg to 150 mg, but they seemed sort of vague about it. I hate to double my dosage if this is just a bad week.
Any advice?
Posted by sjb on August 20, 2003, at 9:06:37
In reply to Re: Withdrawl Advice? » Jenneh, posted by zoobie on August 18, 2003, at 12:25:44
Hi,
I found your post very interesting. I'm now in a depressed period and anxious about an upcoming race. I run and lately it is not going well. I had entered the race because my husband told me it was a race he'd love to do if he wasn't injured. I have an athletic background but took up his lifestyle when I met him. Before that, I took up the lifestyle of my last boyfriend, which was 180 degrees from what I do now: flash and ritz including expensive dinners, clothes, makeup, nightclubs (lots of drinking), travel to exotic places, etc.
I never have asked myself, What do I want to do? Well, I guess I have but I don't have an answer.
BTW - currently on Effexor (75mg) and Wellbutrin (150mg twice daily)
Posted by zoobie on August 20, 2003, at 12:20:47
In reply to Re: Withdrawl Advice? for Jenneh, posted by sjb on August 20, 2003, at 9:06:37
If you break it down, you'll see a trend why people become depressed/anxious.
My story is somewhat similar.
My mother always told me I'd be nothing, that I wasn't smart enough...so in turn I decided to go to school for Computer Networking. I wanted to prove to her that I could enter a male dominated field (I'm a woman) and beat the odds.
In turn she was very impressed and bragged to anyone who would listen. Upon graduation, I felt very lost and upset for I didn't really want to work for the rest of my life in this industry.
Earlier this year I was looking for a new job and I found that everytime I set up an interview, I felt sick at the thought of going. It was to the point I became extremely anxious and I would have to leave my interview. It manifested from there and I developed agrophobia. In turn I became depressed and went to see a Psychologist.
I realized that all the decisions I had made were for other people and not for myself. I didn't even know who I was. I became anxious because my body was trying to tell me something, and it got worse and worse until I had no choice but to listen.
I've left my career, moved to a different city, gone back to school and am becoming the person I AM, and not the person everyone else expects from me.
I'd rather live a simple life without the luxuries of money and be happy, then try and keep up with the "Jones'" and live an unfulfilling life.
Posted by Jenneh on August 20, 2003, at 13:34:48
In reply to Re: Withdrawl Advice? for Jenneh, posted by sjb on August 20, 2003, at 9:06:37
I am really starting to see a pattern here. A good friend of mine has experienced severe anxiety and depression as well. One day she was at work and she said "she felt she had to lay on teh floor". So she left her desk and laid down right in the middle of the floor because she felt anxious and her muscles wouldn't work. They rushed her to the hospital and they put her on zoloft. Now she's off them and fine but still experiences depression and anxiety. The kicker? She's still in the same job that she hates, and has always hated but is driven by the need to impress other people.
Posted by lucylucy on August 20, 2003, at 13:45:24
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
does that mean the exact same time? Within an hour window? 15 minute window? Three hours?
Seems to me if I don't take it pretty much at exactly 8:30-8:45, I get a screaming headache, but that could be coincidence. If I can stretch that out to taking it somewhere between 8 and 9, say, it sure would make the mornings less of a rush to make sure I eat breakfast by a certain time to take that pill.
Anybody have any thoughts on timing of dosage?
Posted by Emmy333 on August 20, 2003, at 13:56:08
In reply to Re: Withdrawl Advice? for Jenneh » sjb, posted by zoobie on August 20, 2003, at 12:20:47
this is my first time posting on this message board...but i have been reading up on the effexor for a while now. my story is very similar to zoobie--i recently graduated from college with a terrific degree but i work myself into a complete panic attack at every interview--so i am too nervous to enter the "real world" only now it's even worse--i am afraid to go nearly anywhere for fear of a panic attack. and i used to be the most outgoing person that i knew...i cannot believe that my life has amounted to a fear of society!!! at any rate, i have tried paxil (made me too tired), zoloft , and lexapro (made me feel really loopy) . but i have been on the effexor for 2 weeks now--i am really going to give this a fair shot. i almost quit after the first week of side effects, but i am glad that i stuck it out, b/c they are nearly gone now. i am feeling ok, but only time will tell w/ the effexor. i'll keep you posted. thanks for your time!
Posted by zoobie on August 20, 2003, at 14:17:53
In reply to Re: Withdrawl Advice? for Jenneh, posted by Emmy333 on August 20, 2003, at 13:56:08
Emmy333, getting a good drug perscription and seeing a good psychologist is a must. The drugs help you deal with the chemical reactions you're feeling, but a psychologist will solve the underlying problem you're experiencing.
With me, I was on Effexor for 4 days and had a breakthrough with my psychologist. Instantly my depression and most of my anxiety was GONE! I wanted to get off Effexor because I knew I could help myself in the end, but my family doctor told me to stay on them for six months (at least) so I don't have another episode.
That's fine, I did stay on them, but you HAVE to solve the underlying issue to rid of your anxiety forever.
I'm actually studying to be a psychologist and enjoy learning about philosophy which helps give meaning to my life.
The best form of therapy I can suggest to you is HUMANISTIC therapy (more on the Gestault and Existential side of it). It will help you sit back and realize what motivates you to do what you do, and find out who you really are.
If anyone would like to email me privately, I can help with more advice. zoobie@shaw.ca
Take care
Posted by chewy on August 20, 2003, at 15:10:19
In reply to Re: Withdrawl Advice? » Emmy333, posted by zoobie on August 20, 2003, at 14:17:53
I swallowed my first Effexor XR this morning following the advice of my primary care md. to help relieve employment and relationship anxiety and hopelessnes. I seem to want something beyond talk therapy which continues.
Now I am wondering whats the difference between Effexor and Effexor XR if any?
From reading many posts, it sounds like this drug has about 6 months of legs before it looses it's "umph" Is that about right?I enjoy this little chat space. I feel less alone!
Posted by Emmy333 on August 20, 2003, at 15:18:35
In reply to Effexor down the hatch, posted by chewy on August 20, 2003, at 15:10:19
i feel less alone too~ i was also wondering what the difference is between the effexor and the effexor xr--i am on 75 mg. of the xr. anyone out there w/ info would be appreciated...
Posted by lucylucy on August 20, 2003, at 15:28:41
In reply to Effexor down the hatch, posted by chewy on August 20, 2003, at 15:10:19
Really? Other people find that it looses its ooomph after about 6 months?
I have been so incredibly pleased with what it's done for me, but it did seem to sort of fizzle out recently, about five months into it. But I felt immediate changes when I first started taking it. I'm a huge fan.
And my understanding is that XR is just the time released version, so you can take just one pill a day.
Posted by chewy on August 20, 2003, at 15:36:49
In reply to Re: Effexor down the hatch, posted by lucylucy on August 20, 2003, at 15:28:41
Thanks for the info, Lucy.
I have been surfing around the past couple of days gathering general Effexor info. The six month thing seems to pop up quite often. Most people appear to get their dosage increased about then. Of course we all respond differently and I'm taking this ride one day at a time.
I am happy to hear about your success with this med. I will keep checking in here as the days pass.
Posted by Jenneh on August 20, 2003, at 15:49:05
In reply to Re: Withdrawl Advice? for Jenneh, posted by Emmy333 on August 20, 2003, at 13:56:08
I was like that too! I would get so worked up about having to do an interview that I was ABSOLUTELY dreading them! Then I went on effexor AND I always made sure to have zanex in my purse JUST IN CASE (I often went on interviews with a zanex in me). After a couple of interviews I was fine and now i wouldn't need zanex at all. I didn't get to the point of being afraid to go in public altogether but I came close to that, and I think I avoided it because I went right away to the doctor AND I got some zanex. Word to the wise: zanex can be HEAVILY addictive so if you do decide to keep it around just in case, only take it when absolutely necessary. It works miraccles though in curing anxiety attacks almost instantly. Keep me posted on your progress.
Posted by zinya on August 20, 2003, at 15:50:11
In reply to When they say take at the same time every day..., posted by lucylucy on August 20, 2003, at 13:45:24
hi
I've been on Effex since end of May and VERY slowly rising up to 150 mg now.
I take mine at night after dinner.
I'm TERRIBLE about pill taking and therefore for me it never even dawned on me to be exact down to the minute. It's a miracle that i remember it in +/- an hour, and that has not given me any problem I'm aware of. Twice in recent weeks at 150mg i fell asleep before taking my pill and awoke after about 5 hours in a pool of sweat -- which was the red alarm that kept me from going any longer.
I'd read here a couple of months ago that someone else's experience was even +/- 3 hrs, although i'm sure that's not ideal.
If you find that you have problems with even a half-hour of variation, I think you should mention that to your md. It could be a sign of inappropriateness, although i'm just speculating. It doesn't seem from what i've read that we should be <i>that</i> rigidly compelled by the clock and that "within the hour" should be okay.
It could also be your initial adaptation process that will "loosen up" after a couple of weeks.
Just my 2c's. Good luck.
zinya
Posted by Emmy333 on August 20, 2003, at 16:15:05
In reply to Re: Withdrawl Advice? for Jenneh, posted by Jenneh on August 20, 2003, at 15:49:05
i love hearing that others can relate to my own story--i have felt sooo alone for so long. my dr. gave me some zanex, but i have been too afraid to try one of them--do they really help you to feel relaxed?? i was first given the generic form of them and they did NOTHING for me!! i'm just afraid of trying one of them b/c i already am battling an addiction w/ alcohol!! but i know i would not drink if i took one. either way--let me know how they help, please.
Posted by KimberlyDi on August 20, 2003, at 16:53:03
In reply to Effexor down the hatch, posted by chewy on August 20, 2003, at 15:10:19
Hello there!
I don't know about the 6 months thing. I've heard lots of people talking about being on it for years before loosing the "umph". So many Effexor-newbies stop immediately because they are afraid of the negative posts about withdrawal.I've been on Effexor now for several months. It's carried me through marital problems, the recent death of my mother-in-law, and her funeral where my husband's ex-wife was given preferential treatment by all his family.
Most side effects have faded away. Some folks say that they feel emotionally numb on Effexor. I feel emotionally cushioned. Shuts up the anxious negative thoughts in my head. And I'm feeling real emotions again. True, some I don't like. After 5 days of stress due to death and funeral, I broke down that evening when it was all finished, and just couldn't stop crying. All the fears, insecurities, hurt feelings, and anger poured out of me the way it's supposed to. Thru the healing release of tears. I'm one who stopped crying years ago.
Give it a chance, never miss a dosage, and when you decided to stop, taper off gently.
Good Luck!
KDi in Texas> I swallowed my first Effexor XR this morning following the advice of my primary care md. to help relieve employment and relationship anxiety and hopelessnes. I seem to want something beyond talk therapy which continues.
>
> Now I am wondering whats the difference between Effexor and Effexor XR if any?
>
> From reading many posts, it sounds like this drug has about 6 months of legs before it looses it's "umph" Is that about right?
>
> I enjoy this little chat space. I feel less alone!
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