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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Minh in Vietnam on March 15, 2004, at 23:34:20
In reply to constant scratching, posted by jacques on March 7, 2004, at 12:19:01
> Has anyone experienced constant scratching on Efexor? My back is torn apart from scratching since I started it.
Reply:I am glad to hear I am not alone! I have taken Effexor (100mg bid) since it was first introduced to the US market. I itched like a mangy ape and had occasional skin eruptions - like a pubescent teenager.
I found relief by taking a Benadryl capsule each evening prior to bedtime.
Consult with your physician. Some of them recommend Allegra. A little $$$, though.
Good luck.
Posted by E-Lee on March 16, 2004, at 0:28:42
In reply to Re: constant scratching, posted by Minh in Vietnam on March 15, 2004, at 23:34:20
> > Has anyone experienced constant scratching on Efexor? My back is torn apart from scratching since I started it.
> Reply:
>
> I am glad to hear I am not alone! I have taken Effexor (100mg bid) since it was first introduced to the US market. I itched like a mangy ape and had occasional skin eruptions - like a pubescent teenager.
>
> I found relief by taking a Benadryl capsule each evening prior to bedtime.
>
> Consult with your physician. Some of them recommend Allegra. A little $$$, though.
>
> Good luck.Wow, that is strange because I too experienced severe itching to the point where I would be up all night scratching like crazy. I really thought it was just dry skin - never even thought it was a side effect of effexor. If it is any consolation though - I have been on effexor since September and my itching has finally subsided about a month ago. Hopefully it is gone for good. So maybe there is a light at the end of the tunnel for you as well. In the meantime, I was using Eucerin moisturizer and that seemed to help a great deal.
Good Luck!
>
>
Posted by muggins on March 16, 2004, at 4:02:12
In reply to Re: bizarre dreams, drinking on effexor, sweats » Skorpius60, posted by PoohBear on March 8, 2004, at 9:40:03
hi there....yes, i have been on 75mg of effexor for about a month and i am also having mega dreams. I usually dream anyway, but now I am dreaming alot and i remember them vividly. i am having difficulty remembering what is a dream and what is not, that is how real they are. in the last week, i have dreamt my dad was J R Ewing, i couldnt find a wet and dry vacuum cleaner (a whole dream), i was a child super star in a black and white scooby doo movie and was part of a hall of fame for scooby doo.....i dont mind.....would rather have weird dreams as a side effect rather than the sex problems......thats why i've changed and still waiting to see...
Posted by muggins on March 16, 2004, at 8:04:48
In reply to Re: bizarre dreams, drinking on effexor, sweats, posted by Skorpius60 on March 8, 2004, at 8:12:38
hi...fogot to mention that drinking on effexor does not seem to work for me......i've only been on it a month....went to an opera/musical on saturday night and fell asleep on my boyfriends shoulder after 2 glasses of wine.....that has never happened on such a small amount of drink. then got accidently drunk after the opera at my local.....luckily i had someone with me to look out for me, but i was surprised and how piddled I was. my mind was totally active and I remember everything, but i could not get my body to co-operate....having a few mates over for supper tonight so this will be another test to see the effects. hopefully I will not be eating couch by 9pm ! cheers
Posted by Spinxxie on March 16, 2004, at 8:25:29
In reply to Re: bizarre dreams, drinking on effexor, sweats, posted by muggins on March 16, 2004, at 8:04:48
I wouldnt recommend drinking whilst on Effexor - I hear the affects can be rather unpleasant. Be careful..at any rate. Started to get wicked hot flashes when the Doc upped it to 150, whoa.. but it is settling down now...but I was thinking, who needs menopause? lol..good luck Spinxxie
Posted by Minh in Vietnam on March 16, 2004, at 9:04:25
In reply to Re: drinking and weight gain on effexor, posted by jbird on March 13, 2004, at 13:36:34
Hello Effexor users-
There are many posts regarding drinking alcohol and taking Effexor.
Q: Why are you taking Effexor?
A: To treat your depression.Q: What is alcohol classified as?
A: A depressant.Q: Why would a depressed person deliberately consume a depressant?
A: Because he/she is either stupid or not serious about getting well.Sorry guys. You can't have your cake and eat it, too. I spent a decade drinking alcohol while taking antidepressants, and I was crazier than a shit-house rat. But once I quit drinking alcohol the medicine was allowed to work, and I got well.
Who would of thought?
Posted by PoohBear on March 16, 2004, at 9:31:47
In reply to Insomnia, posted by sira on March 15, 2004, at 19:09:14
Sira:
I too experienced amazing technicolor dreams when I first started taking Effexor. The dreams were very weird and VIVID. For someone who never really could remember his dreams, it was very disturbing, but it eventually moderated.
As for the insomnia, I never have been able to sleep that well, but I found that with the Effexor, I too was waking up every two hours. That drove me nuts and sent me and my pDoc on a 4 month search for a good sleep med. We tried Lorazopam, Trazodone, Remeron, Seroquel and Topamax. The only things that worked for me were the Lorazopam (habit forming) and Remeron (terrible weight gain...) I'm currently using Seroquel 100mg every night and while it doesn't knock me out, I do manage to sleep through the night, perhaps waking once to use the bathroom rather than 4 times or more.
Talk to your pDoc. Everyone reacts differently to meds so, your mileage may vary... Good luck!
Tony
> I was recently put on Effexor XR to help with depression. The only problem I have is that even before the effexor I had a problem sleeping and tended to wake up at 12, 2, 4, 6 and 8am. Now I tend to sleep a few hours and then I am up till 6am and then sleep for a couple hours. I do find that when I do sleep I do have amazing dreams when I never use to dream. I take my effexor at 8am any help or suggestion greatly appreciated.
Posted by PoohBear on March 16, 2004, at 10:16:07
In reply to Re: drinking and weight gain on effexor » jbird, posted by Minh in Vietnam on March 16, 2004, at 9:04:25
Minh:
I agree completely. For the life of me, I cannot understand why people would want to drink while taking these meds when most pharmacies (here in the U.S. at least...) place an extra label on the bottle that says alcohol is to be avoided.
I have been taking Effexor since this last October. In that time I have had perhaps three small glasses of wine, but feel no real urge to indulge. BTW, I tried a Becks non-alcoholic lager the other day and it was wonderful. Tasted just like the regular Becks lager. Highly recommended.
Tony
> Hello Effexor users-
>
> There are many posts regarding drinking alcohol and taking Effexor.
>
> Q: Why are you taking Effexor?
> A: To treat your depression.
>
> Q: What is alcohol classified as?
> A: A depressant.
>
> Q: Why would a depressed person deliberately consume a depressant?
> A: Because he/she is either stupid or not serious about getting well.
>
> Sorry guys. You can't have your cake and eat it, too. I spent a decade drinking alcohol while taking antidepressants, and I was crazier than a shit-house rat. But once I quit drinking alcohol the medicine was allowed to work, and I got well.
>
> Who would of thought?
>
Posted by heart centered on March 16, 2004, at 12:09:50
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Prescribed effexor for pain relief. (had cervical fusion/shoulder sx-need replacement) At 37mg felt great as far as feeling anxiety/depression about inactive status. Doc's increased to 225mg and wants to go higher for pain relief. After reading your messages petrified. Help?
Posted by Foobee on March 16, 2004, at 14:04:21
In reply to For Pain Relief?, posted by heart centered on March 16, 2004, at 12:09:50
I've never heard of Effexor being used to treat physical pain itself. Why Effexor and not a medication that deals specifically with pain?
Posted by KennyBingo on March 16, 2004, at 16:55:56
In reply to Re: drinking and weight gain on effexor » jbird, posted by Minh in Vietnam on March 16, 2004, at 9:04:25
Hi All, esp Minh
Just a quick response to register my polite indignation at the post listed below. I humbly suggest that I am neither "stupid" nor un-serious about getting well.
I take Effexor. And I drink.
Why? Because the Effexor XR which I have been taking for a bit over a year(currently 150mg pd) has worked brilliantly in combination with some counseling and circumstance modification; I also enjoy drinking (not to excess, mind you). Having experimented with both abstinence and indulgence regarding alcohol, I find that moderate drinking (you know, the "no more than 2 drinks a day" regimen) seems to be quite manageable; and as far as I can tell, has had no compromising effects on my therapy. I feel grand.
So. That said, let's be kind and refrain from insults and generalizations. Everyone is indeed different, and thus has a different path to take.
KB
ps
Thanks to Dr. Bob for maintaining this site. It really is a godsend.pps
Who else has had blood pressure increases? My raised levels (up to 145/95 from 120-ish/75)can't possibly be due to my mischievious cats alone. Yeah, I know, alcohol can raise it too...touche!Thanks!
> Hello Effexor users-
>
> There are many posts regarding drinking alcohol and taking Effexor.
>
> Q: Why are you taking Effexor?
> A: To treat your depression.
>
> Q: What is alcohol classified as?
> A: A depressant.
>
> Q: Why would a depressed person deliberately consume a depressant?
> A: Because he/she is either stupid or not serious about getting well.
>
> Sorry guys. You can't have your cake and eat it, too. I spent a decade drinking alcohol while taking antidepressants, and I was crazier than a shit-house rat. But once I quit drinking alcohol the medicine was allowed to work, and I got well.
>
> Who would of thought?
>
Posted by Spinxxie on March 16, 2004, at 17:54:49
In reply to Re: drinking and weight gain on effexor » jbird, posted by Minh in Vietnam on March 16, 2004, at 9:04:25
Oh Ma God.. that was too funny.. and you hit the nail on the head!!! Brilliant.. and to the point! And to add to that.. more people commit suicide whilst under the influence of a depressant.. not a good combo eh?
Thanks for your commentary,
Spinxxie ^5
Posted by Spinxxie on March 16, 2004, at 17:59:53
In reply to For Pain Relief?, posted by heart centered on March 16, 2004, at 12:09:50
I suffer from chronic pain.. I have actually notice a fair drop in my pain levels, I am down to taking tylenol 1's - so it does help. I am on 150, and the Dr. is probably going to up it to 225,as long as it helps, don't worry!. The pain centre is in your brain.. good luck to you and hang in there,
Spinxxie
Posted by jbird on March 16, 2004, at 19:55:50
In reply to Re: drinking and weight gain on effexor » jbird, posted by Minh in Vietnam on March 16, 2004, at 9:04:25
I'm sorry you were "crazier than a shithouse rat" when you were drinking and taking antidepressants. I don't consider myself a "depressed person" and I just wanted to know if anyone else had the same desire for an occasional social drink. Geez. Excuse me for asking.
Posted by Spinxxie on March 16, 2004, at 23:30:47
In reply to Re: drinking and weight gain on effexor, posted by jbird on March 16, 2004, at 19:55:50
> I'm sorry you were "crazier than a shithouse rat" when you were drinking and taking antidepressants. I don't consider myself a "depressed person" and I just wanted to know if anyone else had the same desire for an occasional social drink. Geez. Excuse me for asking.
Erm....anyone given anti-depressants is suffering from depression, though you may be in remission.
It sounded by what you said, that you were testing your limits. The previous comments, were out of concern, no need to be snippy.
Posted by muggins on March 17, 2004, at 0:32:48
In reply to Re: drinking and weight gain on effexor » jbird, posted by Spinxxie on March 16, 2004, at 23:30:47
.....hi there.....drinking and socialising go together...(well in my country)....i relocated on my own with a one year daughter and knew one person in town 3 years ago. have built up friendships and now i feel comforted and know i have many friends to turn to. i know alcohol is a depressant (duh !) but the benefits i get from socialising with my mates counteract that. i know that if I dont socialise i am miserable. when i first relocated i was still breastfeeding for another year so no alcohol then. and that was the most miserable year of my life. probably will get an answer that you can socialise without drinking. yeah ...tried that, did the church thing.....but that aint my cup of tea ! I am 34, love motorbikes, like going to my local for a gab, like to shake my booty now and then, have a stressful life looking after my kid on my own and paying for our house, school etc so a few drinks and ciggies fit into my life. i am committed to leading a full life and not use meds as an excuse to not live life.
Posted by E-Lee on March 17, 2004, at 2:49:46
In reply to Re: drinking and weight gain on effexor » jbird, posted by Minh in Vietnam on March 16, 2004, at 9:04:25
> Hello Effexor users-
>
> There are many posts regarding drinking alcohol and taking Effexor.
>
> Q: Why are you taking Effexor?
> A: To treat your depression.
>
> Q: What is alcohol classified as?
> A: A depressant.
>
> Q: Why would a depressed person deliberately consume a depressant?
> A: Because he/she is either stupid or not serious about getting well.
>
> Sorry guys. You can't have your cake and eat it, too. I spent a decade drinking alcohol while taking antidepressants, and I was crazier than a shit-house rat. But once I quit drinking alcohol the medicine was allowed to work, and I got well.
>
> Who would of thought?
>
I agree with you but honestly we all just want to be able to live normal lives and that includes being able to have a drink or two now and then. Anyhow, I haven't had any major problems with drinking on any of my antidepressants, not that I am saying it is smart, but breathing in general these days is bad for your health. Life is too short and I plan to enjoy every minute of it and thanks to my doctor and some very close friends and family - I now can.Lee
Posted by E-Lee on March 17, 2004, at 2:54:58
In reply to Re: drinking and weight gain on effexor, posted by KennyBingo on March 16, 2004, at 16:55:56
Well said KB - couldn't have said it better myself!!!!!!!
Lee
Posted by jbird on March 17, 2004, at 7:07:18
In reply to Re: drinking and weight gain on effexor, posted by muggins on March 17, 2004, at 0:32:48
"Amen" to your comments Muggins and Lee.
Spinxxie I don't feel I was being snippy-just defending myself. I could make alot of smart ass comments about what people post myself, but I thought the whole purpose of this was for support not to judge each another
Posted by KimberlyDi on March 17, 2004, at 13:24:07
In reply to Re: Alternatives to Effexor XR?, posted by DepNYer on March 15, 2004, at 14:08:07
Malka,
I'll vouch for Imipramine. I'm on low doses of it at night. It combined with a mood stabilizer has done wonders. (I'm a rapid-cycler with ADHD/ADD inattentive symptoms) Is your diagnosis correct?KDi in TX
> Malka, if you're looking for a drug that affects both pathways as Effexor does, you may want to consider the older TCA's, such as imipramine.
Posted by semi-conscious on March 17, 2004, at 13:50:40
In reply to Re: drinking and weight gain on effexor, posted by jbird on March 16, 2004, at 19:55:50
> I'm sorry you were "crazier than a shithouse rat" when you were drinking and taking antidepressants. I don't consider myself a "depressed person" and I just wanted to know if anyone else had the same desire for an occasional social drink. Geez. Excuse me for asking.>
(My response) You don't have to apologize to anyone. Everyone handles the symptoms of their depression in their own way. I know they say not to drink with ant-depressants, they say that about all drugs. I'm not saying you should, I'm here to say that I have and do. Not a whole lot. But, sometimes the anxiety can quickly be calmed by a drink. Sometimes the anxiousness is exacerbated by the Effexor, sometimes not. Depends on what I have eaten or how much coffee or how much Iced tea I've drank. I have incredibly little energy and cannot even get off the couch without some kind of stimulant. Sometimes in my effort to accomplish at least ONE THING THAT DAY, I drink too much caffiene. So I have a drink or two. It doesn't get me hammered. In fact I really don't care to drink as much as I used to. Also, some people have a hard time sleeping on EFfexor. I find that I can fall asleep awhile after a couple drinks. I do a lot of thngs I shouldn't do while taking anti-depressants, but I hate to think what I'd be like if I did't take them because I use other chemicals now and then. Trial and error or trial and right, I think I've found MY right combination.
Posted by Shyla on March 17, 2004, at 15:10:41
In reply to Re: Insomnia » sira, posted by PoohBear on March 16, 2004, at 9:31:47
I take 4 mgs of Gabatril, with 5 mgs of Ambien. The Ambien is to get me to sleep, and the Gabatril kicks in to get me into delta sleep, the deep sleep needed in order to feel rested. I sleep like a rock!
Posted by sira on March 17, 2004, at 15:27:47
In reply to Re: Insomnia, posted by Shyla on March 17, 2004, at 15:10:41
Thanks for the suggestions to help sleep. I went to see my dr. and he gave me a sleeping pill that works for about four hours so that I can get up for work at 5 am. I think it is called Starnoc. But even with the sleep I still seem to have a horrid memory and no clarity of thought. But I have only been on Effexor for a week and I up the dose tommorow so hopefully I start to get better.
Sira
Posted by Shyla on March 17, 2004, at 15:35:29
In reply to Re: Insomnia, posted by sira on March 17, 2004, at 15:27:47
It takes 2-4 weeks for Effexor to really take effect. When it does, you'll know and hopefully feel better. I was on Remeron, and felt quite dopey. I feel more like my healty-self on Effexor. I have more energy, and my sense of humor has returned. Yay. Please keep me posted. I'd like to hear how you feel in a couple of weeks. I wish the best for you. S
Posted by Salty_Dog on March 17, 2004, at 17:16:32
In reply to For Pain Relief?, posted by heart centered on March 16, 2004, at 12:09:50
> Prescribed effexor for pain relief. (had cervical fusion/shoulder sx-need replacement) At 37mg felt great as far as feeling anxiety/depression about inactive status. Doc's increased to 225mg and wants to go higher for pain relief. After reading your messages petrified. Help?
I did notice a significant improvement in pain reduction when taking higher dosage Effexor XR and also noticed to reverse when I reduced the dosage. I was taking dosages as high as 600 mg for extended periods ( > 6 months ) but not for pain. It just was a pleasant surprise to be able to discontinue opiate pain relievers and not have the terible backlash.
It didn't make sense to take opiates and anti-depresants but there are circumstances where that sort of mixture works out at lower dosages than would have been otherwise posible.BTW opiates are much more difficult to withdrawl from than Effexor XR. You may want to consider the trade off. Opiates will cause depression eventually (Beyond your wildest dreams), so, if you can I would take any other avenue posible.
Good luck
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