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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by EmmaL on September 12, 2003, at 23:52:44
In reply to Re: anyone had weight gain? cathyhil, posted by willie on September 12, 2003, at 7:07:06
Yes, yes, yes! After 2 years and 4 months on Effexor XR, I gained approximately 30 pounds. Two doctors (my primary and my new-found, thank goodness! for her!!!) cannot understand why I may have gained weight on a med that I was, supposedly, supposed to lose weight on. Go figure! Our bodies are all very different. Some doctors do not understand this, from my experience. This med just played a major game with my metabolism. I had the same reaction when I took Paxil 8 years ago (for about 6 months). I am currently going off Effexor XR (1 week on 75 mg and 1 week on 37.5 mg). It has not been bad so far. I had the white noise in my ears (gone, now), but am now at the point where I am weak and a bit disoriented. I am not hungry, at all. As a result, I have lost some weight (10 pounds), but I am eating like a bird! However, my sleeping patterns are in total disarray. I find it very difficult to get to sleep at night, or should I say, in the morning?? I am in serious danger of losing my job right now, which is probably helping me with weight loss. Just put it this way, I slept in a too few many times. Effexor is definitely not my friend. So, I am losing some of the gained weight I had on Effexor XR, but it is all due, I think, to anxiety. Take care, and let me know how you, and anyone else following this thread, are doing.
Sincerely,
EmmaL
Posted by EmmaL on September 13, 2003, at 3:22:36
In reply to For Zinya, posted by Music on September 12, 2003, at 12:04:12
Dear Music,
Since I have been following this thread for some time for information about Effexor XR, I have read your messages. I feel your sadness and hope that you will soon feel better. I am presently being weened off of Effexor and hope that I will find something better for myself. It made me way too tired, although it did take care of the anxiety. Also, I am still sweating buckets. Hopefully, this, too, shall pass. Take care! I am thinking of you and praying for you. Sincerely,
EmmaL
Posted by Salty_dog on September 13, 2003, at 3:53:25
In reply to Anyone Had Success on Effexor XR?Message For Music, posted by EmmaL on September 13, 2003, at 3:22:36
To All on this BB,
I am still here. Saw my Dr. today (Yesterday) and all is as planed. I am taking 600mg Effexor XR each day with Nuerontin at 1800 - 2400 and last but not least, Zyprexa 15mg avg. I have been on this dosage a little more than a week.I have already lost everything due to my Bi-Polar: My marrige, My home, My job. My Children moved to NC from NJ putting a huge distance on my relationship with them (5 and 7 years old). I am looking for work and need to be at the top of my game. Every time I get a 'snag' I go through a 'technical interview' which is done on the phone and lasts for hours. I am not currently depressed, nor am I manic. I was awakened at this time due to a Fire alarm (which was false but loud). I fixed the Fire alarm and had a compulsion to check my e-mail. I have started to integrate Omega III into my regime. I have questions about the dosage of Omega III (the bottle say 1-2 three times a day - 1000 mg capsuls). I am trying the Omega III as a subsitute for the Effexor XR. I will be hard to compete with 600 mg of Effexor XR. I wish all of you a speedy and happy recovery.
> Dear Music,
> Since I have been following this thread for some time for information about Effexor XR, I have read your messages. I feel your sadness and hope that you will soon feel better. I am presently being weened off of Effexor and hope that I will find something better for myself. It made me way too tired, although it did take care of the anxiety. Also, I am still sweating buckets. Hopefully, this, too, shall pass. Take care! I am thinking of you and praying for you. Sincerely,
> EmmaL
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 13, 2003, at 16:12:26
In reply to Re: AT MY WITS END!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! » J9, posted by zinya on September 12, 2003, at 12:48:49
> Are you going to see your husband's pdoc again? If so, I would tell him/her that your husband is threatening you with having an affair. *That* is something HE needs to work on, badly...
Sorry to interrupt, this is a good discussion, but since it doesn't have to do with medication, I'd like to redirect it to Psycho-Social-Babble. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030913/msgs/259707.html
Bob
Posted by ShelbyLane on September 14, 2003, at 5:21:43
In reply to Anyone Had Success on Effexor XR?Message For Music, posted by EmmaL on September 13, 2003, at 3:22:36
wow, your not kidding about the sweats! Although i am not quiting effexor, i have just started taking it!!....Is this a normal side effect? gosh i hope it goes away, lol it is a bit embarrassing! I also have a question about taking effexor.... If i started taking effexor say at 6:30 each morning, should i continue taking it at the same time? I have noticed a bit of a change but nothing drastic... how long before i notice a difference?
ShelbyLane
Ontario, Canada
Posted by BJL on September 14, 2003, at 8:57:59
In reply to Excessive Sweating, and Effexor... is this normal?, posted by ShelbyLane on September 14, 2003, at 5:21:43
Yeah, the doctor stressed that I take it at the same time each day...if you decide that time of day isn't going to work for you then I was told to move it an hour either direction each day until the desired time is reached. Good luck!
Posted by Angelina on September 14, 2003, at 14:17:11
In reply to For Angelina, posted by Music on September 12, 2003, at 12:28:47
> A,
>
> Hey I am looking forward to getting a post from you when you get back. I am going to my therapist in about hour. She wanted to see me 2 times this week, because of my dark thoughts. Of course you know I not have seen her much the last 3 weeks because her mom died so she was out of the office. I hate having to go back to work after a session because usually I have an appointment after work where I can go straight home afterward. Oh well, I plan on for this weekend going and getting a massage my husband bought me a 90 minute one and I am very excited about the massage. I need it after the week I have had. Anyway, post me soon. Maybe we could exchange e-mails if you want too, just let me know.
>
> Music> I only have a second-running out the door to a birthday party. Since I've bendadryl'd myself off Effexor, I probably shouldn't post here anymore. Feel free to email me: abogart99@aol.com.
More later,
Angelina
Posted by EmmaL on September 14, 2003, at 16:45:25
In reply to Excessive Sweating, and Effexor... is this normal?, posted by ShelbyLane on September 14, 2003, at 5:21:43
Re the sweating phenomenon with Effexor: apparently some people do have excessive sweating from what I have read and heard about. For me, it never did go away or improve. C'est la vie, I guess.
Posted by soccermom on September 14, 2003, at 20:08:34
In reply to Redirect: AT MY WITS END!, posted by Dr. Bob on September 13, 2003, at 16:12:26
To all who helped with their thoughts thanks a bunch. I went to the doctor Friday and he decreased the Effexor to try to wean me off of it and added Klonopin to it and increased my Lexapro. So far as long as I take the Effexor once a day I don't have as bad withdrawls but still don't feel right and the bp is still high. The Klonopin seems to work as long as I take it enough time before I have to be somwhere that make the anxiety and panic worse. It doesn't relieve it all the way and I still feel bad. I questioned my psy doc about the side effects of withdrawl from Effexor and he said that they don't exist and that what I was feeling was just the result of high blood pressure. I told him that I had read a lot of research on it and he said no that just wasn't true. So,how do you tell him he is wrong? Well, hope all is feeling! Thanks again and hope to hear from you again! Brenda
Posted by Snorpes on September 15, 2003, at 3:08:17
In reply to withdrawl and anxiety from effexor » Dr. Bob, posted by soccermom on September 14, 2003, at 20:08:34
Sometimes I think Drs. should try to switch themselves instead of reading so much of the pharmacudical literature! I just switched from Effexor to Lexapro, about a week ago. I felt awful - nausea, dizziness, a little panicky. I thought it was the Lexapro and that possibly I couldn't take it --- I'm hoping to loose some wt. that I have gained on other anti-depressants over the years. Anyway, my dr. told me that it wasn't the Lexapro side effects I was feeling, that it was coming off of the Effexor (225 mg). A week later, I feel much much better, since my body has adjusted to the Lexapro.Without getting chemical about it, my dr. says that Effexor does have more "stuff" in it that makes one hold on to weight--- so why wouldn't it have other side effects like the ones you are experiencing? I never had sweating with Effexor, however, I am really hot all the time! I just don't happen to sweat much!
> To all who helped with their thoughts thanks a bunch. I went to the doctor Friday and he decreased the Effexor to try to wean me off of it and added Klonopin to it and increased my Lexapro. So far as long as I take the Effexor once a day I don't have as bad withdrawls but still don't feel right and the bp is still high. The Klonopin seems to work as long as I take it enough time before I have to be somwhere that make the anxiety and panic worse. It doesn't relieve it all the way and I still feel bad. I questioned my psy doc about the side effects of withdrawl from Effexor and he said that they don't exist and that what I was feeling was just the result of high blood pressure. I told him that I had read a lot of research on it and he said no that just wasn't true. So,how do you tell him he is wrong? Well, hope all is feeling! Thanks again and hope to hear from you again! Brenda
Posted by willie on September 15, 2003, at 7:23:20
In reply to Re: hi Willie » willie, posted by zinya on September 12, 2003, at 9:26:37
Hi Zinya...glad to see you again. Other than the weight gain which I believe is drawing me into a bit of depression, I'm doing well. I've emailed my doctor and explained the situation and advised we will discuss my either going off effexor or increasing the dosage at my next appointment (October). I don't want to change anything yet as my husband and I are going away with friends in early October to Florida so I want to wait until after I return.
How is the coming off of Exexor going? Are you experiencing any side effects?
Good to talk with you...Willie
Posted by Music on September 15, 2003, at 9:00:35
In reply to Anyone Had Success on Effexor XR?Message For Music, posted by EmmaL on September 13, 2003, at 3:22:36
Thank you for your prayers and support. I had a pretty good weekend I guess. My husband bought me a 90 minutes massage on Saturday. That was really needed. And church went well on Sunday. Not only am I the pastor's wife but I also lead the praise singers. My PsyDoc upped my dose of Effexor XR to 300mg and I hope and pray that it helps relieve my depression. And bring me some normality back into my life. I went to the Christian Bookstore on Staurday and I bought myself a silver ring that has the word "Peace" on it this mentor that I had in my life use to tell me to do this relaxation techniqe "Breath in PEACE and breath out Distress..." It actually does help some so that is why a bought this ring to remind me of that.
P.S. Angelina I will e-mail you at your personal e-mail AOL box today. Okay. Thanks and have a great day!
Posted by laughingisgood on September 15, 2003, at 11:03:56
In reply to withdrawl and anxiety from effexor » Dr. Bob, posted by soccermom on September 14, 2003, at 20:08:34
I am currently withdrawing from effexor. It really helps to know that the symptoms I'm experiencing are similar to other people's. It's too bad that doctors who prescribe them are not aware of it! I weaned myself down for about a month and have not taken any for a week! Each day gets a little better. Headache is gone, nausea is almost gone, "brain buzz" or "brain shivers" are less frequent and less intense. I have set aside this time for this purpose, and am taking things really easy and am avoiding stressful situations . I'm spending most time with my dog, who has unconditional love for me and I for her. I just keep telling myself that these are uncomfortable sensations, but I CAN do it , and I'm worth it. The withdrawal symptoms SUCK, but I am happy to be getting my emotions back. The meds mask the problems, the meds don't cure them. I intend to deal with "social anxiety" and the ensueing depression by non drug means.
Posted by Jeb on September 15, 2003, at 11:08:02
In reply to Re: withdrawl and anxiety from effexor » soccermom, posted by Snorpes on September 15, 2003, at 3:08:17
Pardon while I jump in here. I took Effexor XR for 5 years. It worked wonders for my anxiety. I also lost 40 lbs during the first 4 months I took it, although that is probably the result of the "anxiety eating" I do. After 5 years of taking it, it didn't seem to work for me anymore... my anxiety was back up and I was becoming depressed. Curiously, when I was going throught withdrawl, my anxiety dropped...go figure. The withdrawl was not too bad after the first month or so :) lightheadedness, dizziness... But I swore I'd never go back on it just because I didn't like the withdrawl effects. (yes, I tapered off -can't imagine going "cold turkey"). Well, here I am, 3 years without any antidepressants and I am starting to feel overwhelming sadness. My doctor thinks this is part of menopause, and has put me on Evista for calcium uptake, and Lexapro for the emotional end of menopause. (HRT didn't seem to help) Has anyone taken Lexapro and then gone off? Is the withdrawl the same as Effexor? I have to say that I am feeling not as weepy as I did before I started, but I do seem to have a motivation problem that has developed over the two weeks I've been on it. Like I sit and read all day. On the up side, I don't eat as much -not that it has resulted in any weight loss as of yesterday. Is this lack of energy/motivation typical with Lexapro? Does it go away after a while? If you take Effexor for years, then go off because it doesn't seem to work any more, will it work after a few years of abstinence? (I would consider going back on it, if this is the case...but the Lexapro just doesn't seem to be doing anything much for me.)
I would appreciate any comments you all may have.
Posted by BJL on September 15, 2003, at 16:40:35
In reply to Re: withdrawl and anxiety from effexor, posted by laughingisgood on September 15, 2003, at 11:03:56
Laughing.....how soon after your last dose did you start experiencing withdrawal symptoms? Since I am weaning off, I want to make sure that I semi-sort of plan for the "just in case" scenario and make sure I have some down time if I do experience withdrawals. Any advice is greatly appreciated. BTW, did you try Benadryl for your withdrawal symptoms?
Posted by Alabama on September 15, 2003, at 22:22:09
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi. I've been on ADs since I was 10 and have been on every kind there is out there. Right now I'm on just effexor xr because I told my doc that I wanted my meds simplified and she put me on effexor xr. I've been takin it for over a year. When I forget to take it I have the brain pauses, nausea, edginess and most everything mentioned here so far. But I have one side effect that noone has mentioned and I was wondering if I'm the only one who has it. Anyways, if I skip my meds for more than a day I can't sleep lying down. When I go to sleep I have these weird kinda nightmares where I can't breathe, my jaws spasm and twitch, and I have to fight to come out of it. I wake up 5 mins after I go to sleep. I can feel my jaws spasming and I asked my sis to sit and watch me fall asleep like this and she said my mouth really was twitching and I looked kind of like I was having a seizure. I figured out that if I sleep propped up, I don't do this. I find this very bizarre. Has anyone else experienced anything similar?
Posted by Alabama on September 15, 2003, at 22:23:14
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi. I've been on ADs since I was 10 and have been on every kind there is out there. Right now I'm on just effexor xr because I told my doc that I wanted my meds simplified and she put me on effexor xr. I've been takin it for over a year. When I forget to take it I have the brain pauses, nausea, edginess and most everything mentioned here so far. But I have one side effect that noone has mentioned and I was wondering if I'm the only one who has it. Anyways, if I skip my meds for more than a day I can't sleep lying down. When I go to sleep I have these weird kinda nightmares where I can't breathe, my jaws spasm and twitch, and I have to fight to come out of it. I wake up 5 mins after I go to sleep. I can feel my jaws spasming and I asked my sis to sit and watch me fall asleep like this and she said my mouth really was twitching and I looked kind of like I was having a seizure. I figured out that if I sleep propped up, I don't do this. I find this very bizarre. Has anyone else experienced anything similar?
Posted by Snorpes on September 16, 2003, at 9:54:45
In reply to Re: withdrawl and anxiety from effexor, posted by Jeb on September 15, 2003, at 11:08:02
I would think that going back on Effexor might help. It does seem that your body does build up an immunity over time - I did the same on Prozac, and had to switch after 5 yrs. So far, the Lexapro seems to be working fine and I'm hopeful that I might be no so resistant to loosing weight on it.> Pardon while I jump in here. I took Effexor XR for 5 years. It worked wonders for my anxiety. I also lost 40 lbs during the first 4 months I took it, although that is probably the result of the "anxiety eating" I do. After 5 years of taking it, it didn't seem to work for me anymore... my anxiety was back up and I was becoming depressed. Curiously, when I was going throught withdrawl, my anxiety dropped...go figure. The withdrawl was not too bad after the first month or so :) lightheadedness, dizziness... But I swore I'd never go back on it just because I didn't like the withdrawl effects. (yes, I tapered off -can't imagine going "cold turkey"). Well, here I am, 3 years without any antidepressants and I am starting to feel overwhelming sadness. My doctor thinks this is part of menopause, and has put me on Evista for calcium uptake, and Lexapro for the emotional end of menopause. (HRT didn't seem to help) Has anyone taken Lexapro and then gone off? Is the withdrawl the same as Effexor? I have to say that I am feeling not as weepy as I did before I started, but I do seem to have a motivation problem that has developed over the two weeks I've been on it. Like I sit and read all day. On the up side, I don't eat as much -not that it has resulted in any weight loss as of yesterday. Is this lack of energy/motivation typical with Lexapro? Does it go away after a while? If you take Effexor for years, then go off because it doesn't seem to work any more, will it work after a few years of abstinence? (I would consider going back on it, if this is the case...but the Lexapro just doesn't seem to be doing anything much for me.)
> I would appreciate any comments you all may have.
Posted by Snorpes on September 16, 2003, at 10:03:13
In reply to Re: AT MY WITS END!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! » J9, posted by zinya on September 12, 2003, at 12:40:04
When I was on Effexor I was told to take 75mg in the a.m. and 75mg in the evening. My dr. asked me if I was weepy or out of sorts in the a.m., and I said yes -- then he suggested splitting the dosage to sort of "even" out the 24 hr. period. Hope this helps!
Posted by Music on September 16, 2003, at 10:39:25
In reply to Re: AT MY WITS END!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! » zinya, posted by Snorpes on September 16, 2003, at 10:03:13
That is what my PsyDoc says to do as well split the doseage 150mg in Am and 150mg at 3:00 p.m. Is anyone on that high of a dose? If so, please post me back.
Music
Posted by KimberlyDi on September 16, 2003, at 11:17:08
In reply to Splitting Doseage, posted by Music on September 16, 2003, at 10:39:25
I take 150mg Effexor XR at 6:00 a.m., and 150mg at 2:00 p.m. 300mg daily isn't *that* high a dose, but it's as high a dose as my insurance will cover. ^(*&#(!?@!#$ <bleep> <bleep> insurance!! just kidding. I'm doing very well on the 150mg twice daily.
KDi in Texas
> That is what my PsyDoc says to do as well split the doseage 150mg in Am and 150mg at 3:00 p.m. Is anyone on that high of a dose? If so, please post me back.
>
> Music
Posted by Music on September 16, 2003, at 12:42:12
In reply to Re: Splitting Doseage, posted by KimberlyDi on September 16, 2003, at 11:17:08
Hey K,
How long have you been on 300mg XR per day? My PsyDoc just upped my doseage last week. How long does it take to feel relief? I am pretty stressed out right now. Let me know.
Music
Posted by Tomar on September 16, 2003, at 15:35:21
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Posted by KimberlyDi on September 16, 2003, at 15:41:06
In reply to Re: Splitting Doseage For KimD, posted by Music on September 16, 2003, at 12:42:12
Music,
I switched from 300mg Immediate Release (IR) to 300mg Extended Release (XR). So, I'm not sure how long it will take for you to notice any relief on the XR version alone. I do know that 300mg worked fine for my anxiety but left me lacking somewhat on help with depression.
I also take Trazadone at night, and started taking Strattera so I have a few more variables to consider than just Effexor alone.
Sorry I couldn't be more help. I would give it a few weeks at least, cut down on caffeine, get plenty of sleep... you know. back to basics. take care of yourself. therapy also helped me deal with anxiety.
Good luck!
KDi in Texas
> Hey K,
>
> How long have you been on 300mg XR per day? My PsyDoc just upped my doseage last week. How long does it take to feel relief? I am pretty stressed out right now. Let me know.
>
> Music
Posted by delna on September 16, 2003, at 17:19:16
In reply to Excessive Sweating, and Effexor... is this normal?, posted by ShelbyLane on September 14, 2003, at 5:21:43
hi
sadly the sweating is a side effect and doesnt go in time. i know about the embarrasment.....
i have been looking for a really good antiperspirant and even someting for the face. i believe such things do exist. i sweat on allthe ssri's except proxac, and anyway effexor is the only AD that had really made any difference.
for me it kicked in quite soon- couple of weeks but took a while to find the best dose and timings. first started on 300mg when i was hospitalised but now i only need 75mg.
d
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