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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by thelder on November 24, 2003, at 1:17:51
In reply to Re: Anone having good results from Effexor XR?, posted by camel on November 23, 2003, at 12:33:42
My experience has been bad and I'm afraid it's only going to get worse.
I started Effexor XR due to insomnia and possible depression. I don't think it was real depression, just a few bad events in a row that would get anyone a little down.
I didn't feel any changes, positive or negative, as I went on Effexor so the Dr increased my dosage several times up to 150 with no results other than "sexual side effects". For me, sexual side effects meant I had trouble achieving orgasm and when I did it was weak (I'm male).
Because I had no positive benefits and I was skeptical about the need for Effexor in the first palce, I told the Dr I wanted off it. I went from 150 to 75, 37.5 to taking capsuls apart and pouring out half or more. Every time I have gone below about 16, I started to feel light headed, dizzy, strange sensations in my face and lips, irritation and trouble concentrating. When I started taking Effexor again the symtoms went away.
I've been off of Effexor for 3 days and have felt aweful most of the time. I hoped the symptoms would disappear quickly, but after reading other posts it looks like withdraw may get worse for quite a while before it gets better.
Bottom line - before you start Effexor, read as much as you can about withdraw. Unless you plan to be on it for the rest of your life, you'll eventually have to face whatever problems withdraw causes in your particular case.
Posted by theBlacksword on November 24, 2003, at 10:58:05
In reply to Re: Anone having good results from Effexor XR? NO!, posted by thelder on November 24, 2003, at 1:17:51
I started Effexor XR due to anxiety that was causing insomnia. I had insomnia since I was in high school, its been about 6 years. Now I'm 21 and in university. I've been failing my courses due to fatigue and trouble concentrating because of insomnia.
I didn't feel any changes, positive or negative changes when my dosage was up to 150. But when the dosage was at 225mg, I felt much better but still had trouble sleeping because I think the effect of Effexor had diminish at night because I take the pills in the morning. Now I take Effexor maybe at around 5 p.m. . I still sleep lightly but im trying to improve that by doing a lot of sports, exercises and maybe trying to meditate. I try to clear my mind and not have any expectations in whatsoever.
The good thing is that I don't have any side effects at all even when I increased my dosage to 300. Ive been taking effexor for 1 month and a half.
The doctor never warned me about withdrawal... But im thinking about taking effexor for about another 3 months and stop directly like I did with paxil last year when i took 20 mg for about 2 months(didnt work at all!). The other doctor that gave me paxil said it wasnt addictive at all! haha
Posted by MamaCindy2000 on November 24, 2003, at 11:29:38
In reply to Feeling not like myself, posted by lacey2001 on November 22, 2003, at 12:47:17
I felt the same way. Couldnt sleep at night. Napped daily. Extreme tiredness. I live very close to work. At lunch I would go home to sleep.
It took everything to stay awake durring the day. When I started napping in the bathroom (at work), I should have known it was the wrong med for me. DUH!!!
Best Wishes,
Cindy
Posted by gt7997a on November 24, 2003, at 12:53:18
In reply to Re: Anone having good results from Effexor XR? NO!, posted by theBlacksword on November 24, 2003, at 10:58:05
Back in January, I was put on Effexor XR to try to overcome anxiety, that had just entered my life. I too had horrible insomnia, to the point where I was completely exhausted.
Anyway, I found that the effexor did not initially help. What helped more than anything else, has been a small dosage of Zyprexa. Zyprexa at larger doses is used for schizoprehnia and so is labeled an anti-pyschotic. If this scares you, then you are like me.
I was very nervous about this. But, keep in mind that some docs prescribe this at small doses for obsessing and for sleeping. I would recommend you look into taking this drug until you've caught up on sleep. Essentially, it will slow your brain down at night. Once you fall asleep (which can be the hard part) it will keep you asleep. I first took it with a small dose of ambien to put me asleep.
Anyway, best of luck.
Posted by jayt243 on November 24, 2003, at 16:26:35
In reply to Re: Anone having good results from Effexor XR? NO!, posted by gt7997a on November 24, 2003, at 12:53:18
Has anyone here had success taking effexor for social anxiety disorder? I have had social phobia my whole life, but it got alot worse the past 2 years. this has also caused some depression which is getting worse the past few weeks. i just got a perscription for effexor, but after reading alot of the experiences here i'm a little afraid to take it, especially with the withdrawal symptoms... i don't want to be on this drug forever. i'm really not into taking drugs to fix my problems... i was on wellbutrin 2 times in 1999 and 2001 and it worked the first time but i hated it the 2nd time. i guess i'm just a little wary about trying another drug.
Posted by maxx44 on November 24, 2003, at 17:11:15
In reply to Re: Break Through Panic Attacks?, posted by pekostar on November 21, 2003, at 21:38:04
youe dr. is following the recent track on benzos. wish my 'harvard hot-shot' had that wisdom 10 years ago. it's apparenently still harvard's position that librium is safe, even daily--bs, unless they've changed their mind very recently. a key factor seems duration of use. i think .5 mg xanax=10 of valium. as you don't mention frequency of use, key factor, i would think your dr. is considering the duration. 10 years=long time, and benzos do effect each client both similarly and uniquely---i know some that use .5/month, seems safe---some recovered long-term use people carry a small dose---this seems to help them forestall panic. years before being put on librium i was on .5/day for a year---sudden cessation gave me 5 days of insomnia, but sleep was restored by a few mellaril only, no subsequent use, and panic did not resume for 6 years, under severe stress. for a year i had frequent 'disabling' attacks that left me a 'vibrating' immobile person, sometimes for hours. so i was dxd 'chronic' and put on 50-75mgs librium/day. looking back, i wish i had taken the panic over the cure. i've always had periodic anxiety and when young suffered a hiatal hernia and cardiac (esophogeal?) sphincter trauma from a surfing accident. these seem to make panic more intense. in sum, i think your dr. wise. benzos are so insidious, and drs. so erudite, depending on 'the book' and drug co. hype vs. 'personally experienced' data, she probably just wants to watch you a bit. smart move. you may wish to search dr. heather ashton's sites, her address to the british guv on the benzo problem in britain is very interesting. best wishes
Posted by KimberlyDi on November 24, 2003, at 17:12:03
In reply to effexor for social anxiety disorder?, posted by jayt243 on November 24, 2003, at 16:26:35
Jayt:
I've been shy my entire lifetime. Perhaps an undiagnosed social phobic. I did notice that (while on Effexor) I smiled more at strangers and took an interest in the people around me. I started conversations while waiting in line at stores (unheard of previously) and enjoyed it. I didn't feel isolated in crowds. I actually felt like I belonged to the same species.It was a wonder-drug for me except that it raised my blood pressure. I would still be on it today, if it weren't for that fact.
I would try Paxil or Lexapro before Effexor though. Effexor withdrawal can take some serious planning to keep your work and home-life responsibilities fulfilled.
Good Luck!
KDi in TX> Has anyone here had success taking effexor for social anxiety disorder? I have had social phobia my whole life, but it got alot worse the past 2 years. this has also caused some depression which is getting worse the past few weeks. i just got a perscription for effexor, but after reading alot of the experiences here i'm a little afraid to take it, especially with the withdrawal symptoms... i don't want to be on this drug forever. i'm really not into taking drugs to fix my problems... i was on wellbutrin 2 times in 1999 and 2001 and it worked the first time but i hated it the 2nd time. i guess i'm just a little wary about trying another drug.
Posted by sasha71 on November 24, 2003, at 18:15:33
In reply to ------------------Sleeping in the bathroom at work » lacey2001, posted by MamaCindy2000 on November 24, 2003, at 11:29:38
LOL! OMG! I thought I was the only one who had this experience!
I fell asleep on the toilet and almost fell off the seat!!
I was so embarrassed when I realized I'd been in there for over 20 minutes and this particular bathroom was in a classroom so when i came out, I got all these weird looks for how long I'd been in there.
oh well.
Posted by Lynn O on November 24, 2003, at 23:00:23
In reply to Re: From Wellbutrin for Dep. and ADD to Effexor XR, posted by Sara T. on April 16, 2000, at 12:17:40
Hi,
Wellbutrin will not help the ADD much, and Effexor even less, but Effexor works very well for depression. It just may take away your desire for sex. - They all do that though, except Wellbutrin. I had NO problems coming off of Effexor slowly. Ritalin works better for me than any other meds. I've tried for ADHD-primarily inattentive.
Posted by camel on November 25, 2003, at 7:18:47
In reply to Re: From Wellbutrin for Dep. and ADD to Effexor XR, posted by Lynn O on November 24, 2003, at 23:00:23
I have to say that neither the Paxil nor the Effexor has diminished my desire for sex...actually quite the opposite! I have attributed that to my feeling better about myself...but the sex is great and I can't get enough!!! LOLOL
Posted by relax on November 25, 2003, at 9:00:57
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have depression and want to go on Effexor. What dosage should I start with? Should I go on the regular or extended release? Is there an on-line pharmacy that offers great prices?
Relax
Posted by camel on November 25, 2003, at 9:05:35
In reply to Effexor - Dosage and Lowest Price, posted by relax on November 25, 2003, at 9:00:57
I started at 75 mg and after three weeks bumped it up to 150mg. This seems to be the perfect does for me. No noticeable side effects and relief of my depression.
Posted by jayt243 on November 25, 2003, at 9:47:18
In reply to Re: Effexor - Dosage and Lowest Price, posted by camel on November 25, 2003, at 9:05:35
and I think it made me feel worse :-( I've been feeling great the past couple days without any drugs but now I have a headache and I'm really tired and irritable and just want to get in bed and cry. Is it the effexor already or is it all psychological because I'm stressing about taking it? Is it ok for me not to want to take it anymore? Or should I just stick with it...
Posted by KimberlyDi on November 25, 2003, at 9:51:14
In reply to Effexor - Dosage and Lowest Price, posted by relax on November 25, 2003, at 9:00:57
The regular should be cheaper than the XR version. Also, the withdrawal problems seem to be mainly with the XR version.
I never had any withdrawal problems with Effexor Regular or (IR) Immediate Release as some folks call it.
KDi in TX
> I have depression and want to go on Effexor. What dosage should I start with? Should I go on the regular or extended release? Is there an on-line pharmacy that offers great prices?
>
> Relax
Posted by Salty_Dog on November 25, 2003, at 12:53:23
In reply to ------------------Sleeping in the bathroom at work » lacey2001, posted by MamaCindy2000 on November 24, 2003, at 11:29:38
> I felt the same way. Couldnt sleep at night. Napped daily. Extreme tiredness. I live very close to work. At lunch I would go home to sleep.
> It took everything to stay awake durring the day. When I started napping in the bathroom (at work), I should have known it was the wrong med for me. DUH!!!
> Best Wishes,
> Cindy
Sorry to hear your extreme tiredness. You could switch the time you take the meds by 12 hours, in step if you wish, then wait a few days and see if it makes a difference. The 'burn' curve for Efexor XR is not as flat as they led you to beleive.Good luck
Posted by Salty_Dog on November 25, 2003, at 13:02:02
In reply to Re: Anone having good results from Effexor XR? NO!, posted by gt7997a on November 24, 2003, at 12:53:18
> Back in January, I was put on Effexor XR to try to overcome anxiety, that had just entered my life. I too had horrible insomnia, to the point where I was completely exhausted.
>
> Anyway, I found that the effexor did not initially help. What helped more than anything else, has been a small dosage of Zyprexa. Zyprexa at larger doses is used for schizoprehnia and so is labeled an anti-pyschotic. If this scares you, then you are like me.
>
> I was very nervous about this. But, keep in mind that some docs prescribe this at small doses for obsessing and for sleeping. I would recommend you look into taking this drug until you've caught up on sleep. Essentially, it will slow your brain down at night. Once you fall asleep (which can be the hard part) it will keep you asleep. I first took it with a small dose of ambien to put me asleep.
>
> Anyway, best of luck.
I take Zyprexa 7.5 mg when needed to stop mania. The drug is also prescribed for Bi-Polar which has depression as a component of the disorder.How much do you take ?
Posted by Zellie on November 25, 2003, at 23:46:02
In reply to took my first effexor this morning..., posted by jayt243 on November 25, 2003, at 9:47:18
It is normal to feel worse at first, until your body adjusts to the medication. Each time your dose is increased until you reach the optimum dosage, you will likely experience a few side-effects. I found that these subsided almost entirely over time. It is helpful if your doc has you titrate up very slowwwwwly (my doc had me go 4 weeks on the lowest dose, then about 5 or 6 weeks on the next level, then about 8 weeks, and so on. I have been at 150 mg for many months now).
You may also experience an increase in depression at certain doses. I found for me that this was true, because the med seemed to work on my anxiety first. I discovered that, once the anxiety was reduced, it no longer was there to prod me through the depression. The anxiety had actually served a purpose previously. Once the Effexor reached 150 mg, I found that the anxiety, depression, and in my case, also the ADHD, were all substantially improved.
Everyone's body and experience is different. Some love Effexor (as I do), others hate it. For me, it is the first time in 42 years that I have been given my life. I am happier, more fun to be with, calmer, contented, not high-strung and rattled, less annoyed or irritable....I am very grateful.
Good luck. P.S. Utilize the net to gather as much info on your meds and on your condition as you can. Read recommended books on the matter. Get yourself as educated as you can. It will help tremendously for you to learn about what to expect. Moreover, be patient with the Effexor. It does not work right away, and may be months before it works optimally. My advice is, if you have no unbearable side-effects, then stick with it.
> and I think it made me feel worse :-( I've been feeling great the past couple days without any drugs but now I have a headache and I'm really tired and irritable and just want to get in bed and cry. Is it the effexor already or is it all psychological because I'm stressing about taking it? Is it ok for me not to want to take it anymore? Or should I just stick with it...
Posted by Zellie on November 26, 2003, at 0:01:53
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin?, posted by mdb1224 on November 20, 2003, at 12:29:58
I have now been on Effexor XR for over 6 months, and now that the doc is satisfied that my anxiety and depression are well controlled, he has taken steps to work more on my ADHD (Effexor helps somewhat with ADHD, but not a whole lot).
We tried Concerta first, but my body didn't like it at all (it is a methylphenidate product...a Ritalin base...and it made me very irritable, anxious and shakey). So I came off that, and he has now started me on Wellbutrin. Although it is not as effective as Ritalin or Dexadrine for ADHD, it does not make me agitated or anxious. It is too low a dose to discern whether it is helping the ADHD yet, but the only side-effects from it so far have been a slight headache and nausea, but only for the first day. It is too early yet to know how it will impact on the sex drive. I still take the Effexor XR (150 mg), which is very, very helpful to me. So far, taking Wellbutrin with it is not a problem.
Kindest regards,
Zellie
> > Has anyone tried this Wellbutrin alone without anything else? Did it help with your sex drive? And did it help with any of the symptoms of depression? What was the cost compared to Effexor XR?
> >
> > I am still having sleeping problems even with trying some of the ideas posted on here. I will ask my Dr if I should take Trazadone.
> >
> > I appreciate any input about Wellbutrin.
> >
> > Tanya
>
>
> I just started Effexor as stated above and did take Wellbutrian a couple of years ago. I asked the Dr to go back on Wellbutrin and he said to try this.
> I'm not sure about the sex issues with this stuff yet, but I will say that I was on Prozac for a little bit and asked the Dr. for a change, because of sexual dysfunction and Wellbutrin really helped. The only side effect for me was breaking out on my back and shoulders. This, effexor stuff is really weird and I'm not sure what to think of it yet.
>
Posted by jayt243 on November 26, 2003, at 14:09:17
In reply to Re: took my first effexor this morning... » jayt243, posted by Zellie on November 25, 2003, at 23:46:02
thanks alot for the reply :) I decided not to take it again this morning because yesterday I could barely get out of bed all day and when I did I just wandered around in a daze feeling really drugged. I've got a really busy few weeks with school right now and I figure it's not a great time to be adjusting to a new medicine... maybe I'll start taking it once the semester is over.
Posted by mdb1224 on November 26, 2003, at 14:28:28
In reply to Re: From Wellbutrin for Dep. and ADD to Effexor XR, posted by camel on November 25, 2003, at 7:18:47
> I have to say that neither the Paxil nor the Effexor has diminished my desire for sex...actually quite the opposite! I have attributed that to my feeling better about myself...but the sex is great and I can't get enough!!! LOLOL
Is Camel Boy or Girl? It seems to me to matter. As far as desire I think it is fine and ok for everyone, but the Big "O" is tougher than before as a male on E xr.
Posted by camel on November 26, 2003, at 14:39:59
In reply to Re: From Wellbutrin for Dep. and ADD to Effexor XR » camel, posted by mdb1224 on November 26, 2003, at 14:28:28
I am a woman.....camel is a play on my initials!LOLOL......I can't speak for a man(who would try to anyway!!!LOLOL) but for me I have had no sexual side effects whatsoever...the BIG "O" is even bigger! I wish it was so for everyone....but these drugs seem to effect each person differently.
Posted by Sooty on November 27, 2003, at 9:21:24
In reply to Re: From Wellbutrin for Dep. and ADD to Effexor XR » camel, posted by mdb1224 on November 26, 2003, at 14:28:28
> > I have to say that neither the Paxil nor the Effexor has diminished my desire for sex...actually quite the opposite! I have attributed that to my feeling better about myself...but the sex is great and I can't get enough!!! LOLOL
>
> Is Camel Boy or Girl? It seems to me to matter. As far as desire I think it is fine and ok for everyone, but the Big "O" is tougher than before as a male on E xr.As a female on Effexor XR, I'd have to say that Effexor XR has increased my sexual desire. Formerly, Zoloft decreased it somewhat...but I considered that a good thing at the time because at my age (53) it was good to not be thinking about it so much. Now I am married...and it would still be good to not think about it so much because hubby is older and not as interested. :o)
Posted by barbie2000 on November 29, 2003, at 17:03:07
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by lg on November 7, 1999, at 19:11:05
i started taking effexor 3 days ago. I have been completely out of it since then. I have slept all day everyday and have had zero interests in eating or anything else, including conversations or leaving the house. I don't think I'm going to take another dose - Did anyone else feel this way when they started? If so, when does it go away?
Posted by maxx44 on November 29, 2003, at 17:59:30
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by barbie2000 on November 29, 2003, at 17:03:07
i feel this should be reported to your dr. asap.
not an easy thing on a holiday---but any good dr. remains reachable for crisis, etc. i know zip on effexor, but all ssris knock me out, as you discribed. i do know many anti-ds have made me sleepy at first. 3 days should not harm anything, but that's why your dr. needs to know, golfing or not. you come first. maybe he's working in a free clinic on holidays. who knows? my oldest daughter is allergic to penicillen---she turned red as a beet and was hospitalized just in time. most drugs carry 'allergy warnings'---your dr. should know from speaking with you. my med records show up-front---allergic reaction to wellbutrin. 2 doses landed me in the er. please call your dr.
Posted by biogurl on November 29, 2003, at 18:12:50
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by barbie2000 on November 29, 2003, at 17:03:07
> i started taking effexor 3 days ago. I have been completely out of it since then. I have slept all day everyday and have had zero interests in eating or anything else, including conversations or leaving the house. I don't think I'm going to take another dose - Did anyone else feel this way when they started? If so, when does it go away?
I started effexor xr about 2 weeks ago, for the first 5 days I took 37.5 mg then up to 75. It made me really jittery and wired and I also lost my appetite. The shakes are gone and my appetite is back although, I feel slightly queasy after I eat, especially when I eat too much. It has alleviated my anxiety almost completely and my depression has slightly lifted. I hope your symptoms go away soon too but it's different for everyone. Here's some info from the effexor website:
EFFEXOR XR may cause side effects in some people. In clinical studies, few people had to stop taking EFFEXOR XR because of side effects.In clinical studies, the most common side effects included:
Nausea,Dizzyness, Sleepiness, Abnormal ejaculation, Sweating, Dry mouth, Gas,
Abnormal vision, Nervousness, Insomnia,
Anorexia, Constipation, Confusion/agitation,
Tremor, Yawning, Palpitation.
Tell your doctor right away if you have
increases in heart rate.
extreme confusion or seizures, which may indicate very low levels of sodium in the blood.
abnormal bleeding or bruising.
sudden, unexpected eye pain, eye redness, or changes in vision, which may indicate increased eye pressure.
symptoms of mania or hypomania, such as persistently elevated or irritable mood, a decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, hyperactivity, and rapid, excessive speech.
I hope this helps!
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