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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by KennyBingo on March 30, 2004, at 1:05:54
In reply to Give the Meds time to work, posted by Spinxxie on March 29, 2004, at 14:54:15
Hi Folks,
Just here with my two cents' (if that) worth on the matters of increased weight and decreased libido. I've gained a little weight. Can't quite figure out if it's the Effexor or just the usual mid-thirties pile-up. It occurs to me that, since starting the Effexor (37.5 to 75, then 150 mg/day) a year ago, I really get a kick out of EATING much more than before. Never before has food been so enjoyable. Perhaps depression was just making me sick to my stomach all those years...
As for sexual dampening. Well, again--is it age or is it pharmacologically induced phrigidity? [sic] Likely the latter, which for me isn't so bad. See, my partner has also been on the stuff (300mg/day, no less)for years. It's therefore rather convenient, if kind of sad, to see my sexual sensitivity and sensibility take a nosedive. And I'm sure she appreciates the respite from my solicitations. Still, this priest-like existence is weird.
Any reflections on the above?
k
Posted by PoohBear on March 30, 2004, at 10:50:07
In reply to Ah, food and whoopee..., posted by KennyBingo on March 30, 2004, at 1:05:54
> Hi Folks,
>
> Just here with my two cents' (if that) worth on the matters of increased weight and decreased libido. I've gained a little weight. Can't quite figure out if it's the Effexor or just the usual mid-thirties pile-up. It occurs to me that, since starting the Effexor (37.5 to 75, then 150 mg/day) a year ago, I really get a kick out of EATING much more than before. Never before has food been so enjoyable. Perhaps depression was just making me sick to my stomach all those years...
>
> As for sexual dampening. Well, again--is it age or is it pharmacologically induced phrigidity? [sic] Likely the latter, which for me isn't so bad. See, my partner has also been on the stuff (300mg/day, no less)for years. It's therefore rather convenient, if kind of sad, to see my sexual sensitivity and sensibility take a nosedive. And I'm sure she appreciates the respite from my solicitations. Still, this priest-like existence is weird.
>
> Any reflections on the above?
>
> k
I would second the thing about food tasting good. I've always loved to eat and have been deeling with getting my excess weight off over the past two years. I was almost at my Weight Watchers goal when I started on Effexor. I wouldn't say that it's *made* me gain weight, but it certainly has made it more enjoyable to eat and harder to take off the weight.As regards the sexual issues, I'm 47 and my wife is 52. I've always been more interested in sex than she. The decline in my desire while on Effexor for the past few months was good for us because at the same time I started treatment for depression she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, had surgery and spent the next 4 months recovering before she could even think of sex.
I have noted that while at first I needed to augment the Effexor with Wellbutrin to achieve an erection and reach climax, the sexual side effects of Effexor have moderated and gone away with time. My orgasms are much more intense than they were without meds. I'm taking Seroquel as well, so it's hard to know what med is contributing which effect, but for me at least, this is no longer and issue.
I must reiterate the importance of sticking with a med long enough to really get a feel for the effects and to let side effects subside. In almost all instances they will to some extent.
I also want to second the opinion regarding taking notes about your meds and their effects on your system. I keep notes in my PDA on each med that I can refer to with my pDoc so that we can gauge where we're going and what's working and what's not. She mentioned the other day that she really appreciated me doing this. It makes her job soooooo much easier.
Tony
Posted by Spinxxie on March 30, 2004, at 14:35:56
In reply to Ah, food and whoopee..., posted by KennyBingo on March 30, 2004, at 1:05:54
I have to agree, my partner is just coming off Wellbutrin and going to Celexa, so yes, I feel rather nun-like(been a year)which weirdly doesnt bother me that much. Oddly though, like you, perhaps the depression really changed my outlook. Things smell diffrent, I never noticed the beautiful scent of cherry blossoms, or how reallllly good chocolate tastes...rather be 20lbs heavier then lighter.. and everything is bland.. thanks for your post.. spinxxie
Posted by Stryker88 on March 30, 2004, at 16:29:09
In reply to Re: Ah, food and whoopee... » KennyBingo, posted by Spinxxie on March 30, 2004, at 14:35:56
Effexor has been a good and bad thing for me, I take 150mg every morning however the daytime drowsiness sometimes gets to me, so I might start taking it at night or lower the dosage. My sexual function has been very good, you might want to try taking caffiene or drinking coffee, it helps your sex drive, just drink alot of water after. I have been able to achieve powerful orgasms, and more enjoyable. The sugar cravings for me are present I am getting hooked on soda, like Coke and Pepse were as before I never drank it. Everyone here who is gaining weight should try to eat better, fruits, veggies, protein, you cant blame the drug for gaining wieght.
Posted by effexed on March 30, 2004, at 17:58:43
In reply to Re: Ah, food and whoopee..., posted by Stryker88 on March 30, 2004, at 16:29:09
dont blame the med well then if it is not the med I guess starveing my self is the next step cause if I ate any better my name would be jane fanda my diet is excellent I manage to keep my body in motion even on a 845 cal diet so it is not what I am eating and a mother of 2 I keep verry active some days I dont even eat at all and still I gain wait so perhaps stareving my self would be ideal I guess I get sick of all the well if you ate better you might slim down eat an apple or some veggies bla bla bla sure there are some out there who eat badly but there also are those of us who are eating well and cause of this drug as crazy as it might seeme to those who have yet to experience the symptoms we have we are gaining in sise from this med and would like to at the verry least be able to bi*** to one another about it and not here just eat a veggie tray and you would be a sise 2 sorry not to bite your head off but a little frustrated at this point the med dose cause wait gain wish people would stop and listen it is a sideefect just like there is no with draw symptoms either right
just felt like speaking out on this one
hope I did not piss anyone off.
Posted by semi-conscious on March 30, 2004, at 18:32:03
In reply to it is the med stryker88, posted by effexed on March 30, 2004, at 17:58:43
This message is to support "effexed". I've posted before about my weight gain that I can attribute to Effexor and I am not a junk food eater. I'm not very active though. I'm still depressed. The Dr. just upped my dose to 300mg of the sustained release and it felt Okay almost good for about 10 days and then I had an episode that felt like overdose. I was angry almost seething and I wanted to pull my hair out, I almost felt homocidal. I was 'spun' with alternate bouts of sobbing and rage. I take ulcer medication which isn't good with antidepressants and I have a compromised liver, so I think it WAS overdose. It was too much for my liver to deal with and metabolize at once. I didn't take any the next day, tried the dosage again on the 3rd day and the same thing happened. I thought I was really insane. I went without the next day and WAS really insane. Now, I'm supposed to take 1 150mgSR in the morning and the same again in the afternoon. I take 3 nite time antidepressants as well. IS IT WORTH IT? OR is someone just making alot of money off me? I've been taking some kind of antidepressant for 10 years. My HMO won't pay for the kind that seemed to be working for me without side effects. That was prozac. I don't know what to do, except sit and wait until the next shoe drops. I'm scared waiting to see if this morning and noon dosing is going to cause another episode. I've proven to myself that I can't just go without. That was just a little less rage, more sobbing. When do I get to be my old self again? Taylor
Posted by Jas on March 30, 2004, at 22:35:20
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by shan on January 6, 2000, at 4:38:49
Saw my doctor today and have been diagnosed with mild depression. He is starting me on 25mg of Zoloft daily for three days and then increase it to 50mg daily. My question is, I read many good things and also bad things about Zoloft. Is there anyone out there that has had bad side effects from either Zoloft or Effexor XR?
Posted by sira on March 30, 2004, at 23:49:48
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I understand everyones concern about the weight gain. I have not had it yet but if I do I will welcome it. Since for me a few extra pounds compared to spending my days in misery is a good trade off. I am now on 75mg and will go to 150mg in a week and a half. I must say that I have been doing good on it. I missed a dose, and I found that my mind went numb and I felt very angry. Has anyone had problems when they just miss one dose.
Sira
Posted by Spinxxie on March 31, 2004, at 0:27:54
In reply to Which Is Better For Depression Effexor or Zoloft, posted by Jas on March 30, 2004, at 22:35:20
I was on Zoloft for over 5 years, good drug, but I found I have the type of depression with a lot of the physical symptoms; tired, withdrawn and the like. If you have those, you may want to look at another drug, but it is a good one. I have been on 2 SSRI's and they both poop out after about 3-4 years, I stayed on it far too long. Just my opinion.. hope you find it helps you, or switch to another one soon, the withrawal can be tough.. tc Spinxxie
Posted by Davez on March 31, 2004, at 0:48:00
In reply to Missed a Dose, posted by sira on March 30, 2004, at 23:49:48
I get moody close to when I need to take Effexor XR and a bit angry if I miss it by a few hours. I'm just on 75mg. I went 6 hours past the time I need to take it at and felt a little weird. I had a bit of anxiety and moodiness. I haven't gone any longer than that. Maybe I need to go up to 150mg. Maybe that would stop the anxiety around pill time. Anyone had similar experiences?
Posted by DirtyLowDown4 on March 31, 2004, at 8:02:25
In reply to Missed a Dose, posted by sira on March 30, 2004, at 23:49:48
I have beeen reading thru all the posts on this message board since I discovered it on Dr Bob's web site, particularly the ones about withdrawal. I have to say that as a first time user of Effexor (and any anti-depressant) I was very concerned about the comments about withdrawal so I decided to see for myself what people were talking about. On a number of occassions I missed just one dose and that was all it took to experience the vicious side affects of withdrawal. Aside from feeling like my head was going to explode I had suicidal thoughts which I never had before. After resuming the medication again it took several days before I got back to feeling well again. As I mentioned before, this is my first time taking any anti-depressant so I can't speak about the withdrwal effects of other AD's but I have heard that almost all SSRI users go through withdrawal when they discontinue taking their meds.
> I understand everyones concern about the weight gain. I have not had it yet but if I do I will welcome it. Since for me a few extra pounds compared to spending my days in misery is a good trade off. I am now on 75mg and will go to 150mg in a week and a half. I must say that I have been doing good on it. I missed a dose, and I found that my mind went numb and I felt very angry. Has anyone had problems when they just miss one dose.
>
> Sira
Posted by Emma Smith on March 31, 2004, at 12:41:10
In reply to Re: Missed a Dose, posted by Davez on March 31, 2004, at 0:48:00
I've posted before about my personal experience with Effexor XR and my reasoning for wanting to wean myself off of it. Since there is always so much chat about withdrawl, I thought I would add yet another story.
I've been slowly weaning myself....breaking open the 75mg capsules and taking approximately 37.5mg every 3 days now. I should be have taken a dose yesterday; however, I've decided to see how long I can make it before I take one.
Here are my symptoms: Slight dizziness; a bit of nausea; increased irritability; and crying episodes. Luckily, I have the day off today and my husband is home to intervene with the little ones if I need a break.
I did notice one thing that helped me last night. I was feeling pretty dizzy and just overall tired, but I had already planned to attend my aerobics class. In the beginning, I thought I would have difficulty with it (because of the dizziness) but it was just the opposite. I felt so great afterward! Exercise always makes me feel great anyway, but I think I have found my personal key to getting through this withdrawl....EXERCISE. And with the weight gain I experienced while on Effexor....this can only be helpful, I'm sure!
Just wanted to share....
Posted by Emma Smith on March 31, 2004, at 12:47:26
In reply to Re: Ah, food and whoopee..., posted by Stryker88 on March 30, 2004, at 16:29:09
How long have you been taking Effexor?
Posted by MP on March 31, 2004, at 13:37:55
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by shan on January 6, 2000, at 4:38:49
I have been on Effexor since 2001. I have had zero side effects and I feel great. The only complaint is the weight gain I have recently encountered so I am searching for another avenue.
Good Luck
Posted by AngelDoe on March 31, 2004, at 13:54:16
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin to Effexor, posted by dtsd on March 19, 2004, at 18:46:39
Everyone has an opinon to all the drugs this is simply because everyones body is diffrent and drugs will of course do diffrent things to all of us.
You asked about Paxil and I will tell you my story with Paxil. I started taking paxil 3 years ago on 20 mg daily, I took it for 2 years and things seemed ok until a little over a year ago I had a personal crisis and my doctor uped my paxil to 50 mg. This was the beginning of a horrible time in my life. within 9 months i gained 65 lbs! It was like my metabolism stopped. I was so scared i treid to get off by weaning myself but I went crazy so I went back to the doctor who then put me on Lexapro to ease the edge but after 3 months of taking this i felt nothing and was still totally depressed, i then attempted to wean off and i did from lexapro after being 8 weeks free of drugs I could go No longer, I yelled daily at my kids , I fought my husband over everything imaginable including things like the blanket being messy on the bed, I went to the doctor and I am now on Effexor Xr, I wish i looked physically like I did 3-4 years ago before the weight gain. People say its the way you are eating but on this types of meds It DOES SLOW OR STOP some peoples metabolisms! So yea i would love to be 75lbs thinner but I am happy I am not biting everyones heads off and people can actually tolerate being around me so for that reason thank you antideppresents!
~
Posted by AngelDoe on March 31, 2004, at 14:03:28
In reply to Re: Ah, food and whoopee..., posted by Stryker88 on March 30, 2004, at 16:29:09
You know whats weird?.... When we are thinner, we dont eat as much obviously so we look physically better so we set our minds to think we look so great so therefor we have better sex because we are so sexy (mind set)but when we eat we set our minds to think we are fat and are unattractive therefor we do not want to have sex because we do not feel sexy.~ Fat people can have just as much great sex and look just as sexy, most everythiung in life takes effort including caring for yourself,sexy is a state of mind. I am fat and my husband is big but Not like really big he is 6'4" and 255, I am 5'9" and lets just say I outweigh him but after 7 years together we still think each other is super sexy and thats effort! It is easy to curl up in bed and not give a da*n, but you need to look in the mirror and say"I AM SEXY!" trust me you will feel it!~
Posted by Davez on March 31, 2004, at 14:53:22
In reply to My withdrawl...., posted by Emma Smith on March 31, 2004, at 12:41:10
I found that when I first started taking Effexor XR that I kind of felt buzzed at times, a bit dizzy and kind of out of it. I didn't want to go to the gym but I forced myself to. I also felt better after some exercise.
Posted by newgirl on April 1, 2004, at 9:28:32
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and weight gain, posted by MP on March 29, 2004, at 16:32:25
I guess I'm not alone. I was on Effexor for about a year and a half. I lost weight in the beginning, but overall I gained approx. 25 pounds in the time I was on it. I've been off for almost a month now. I was hoping the weight would come off as quickly as it went on. I've lost about 5 lbs in the past month - give or take. I've also started walking on the treadmill, pilates, and other physical activity to help get the weight off. I'm also watching what I eat. The weight went on almost overnight with no change in my lifestyle. I'm thinking it will be a little tougher to get it off!
I too would love to hear from anyone who has had success loosing weight after quitting Effexor.
Posted by ckkd on April 1, 2004, at 12:11:33
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares, posted by Alara on September 5, 2002, at 4:02:40
*** I am in tears ***
I decided to surf the net & see if there was any info on how to make this trasition easier.
I read Alara's response from 09/05/2002 and feel like I was looking in a mirror!
I have the electric shocks so bad I can't stand it. The hot flashes are making me nuts. I can't function unless I can time how long it will be until my next alcohol intake.
I have a high stress job where my actions may save (or put in peril) the lives of others. I cannot afford to have this space ace - confusion crap going on in my head!
I decided to quit because I am a newly wed with no sex drive and am tired of sweating the bed to drenched every night. My husband is a saint & I don't know how he can tolerate me, but these withdrawls may just drive him out.
I have managed to get down to 37.5mg every 49 hours.. yes I said 49.. when the 50th hour hits I am jonesing so bad I can't stand myself (and neither can anyone else). I have tried to be cold turkey now for 2 days, but am supplimenting my abuse with valume (and wine) to stave of the shocks and make the loss of balance seem justified.
Why didn't my doctor tell me about any of this!?!
I feel so stupid around the people who don't know what I am going through, but what do you say? "Hi, I am recovering from depression and now can't seem to convince my brain that it would like to be drug free?" Right.
What I really want is to be drug free and pregnant soon.
Someone please tell me that I am going to live through this.
Posted by Davez on April 1, 2004, at 12:20:17
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares, posted by ckkd on April 1, 2004, at 12:11:33
I started Effexor XR a little about a month ago and am up to 75mg a day. I've seen a lot of people posting that the withdrawl is really bad. I quit smoking a year ago and thought that was tough.
In comparison to other drugs, alcohol or whatever how is Effexor withdrawl?
Could supplements help like alpha lipoic acid, acetyl-L Carnatine, Choline, etc?
Posted by ckkd on April 1, 2004, at 12:47:33
In reply to Withdrawl comparison, posted by Davez on April 1, 2004, at 12:20:17
> I started Effexor XR a little about a month ago and am up to 75mg a day. I've seen a lot of people posting that the withdrawl is really bad. I quit smoking a year ago and thought that was tough.
>
> In comparison to other drugs, alcohol or whatever how is Effexor withdrawl?
>
> Could supplements help like alpha lipoic acid, acetyl-L Carnatine, Choline, etc?
Davez,
The message I posted today was really my reaction last night. I too quit smoking (5 years ago) I went from one pack a day cold turkey .. that was nothing.. I hate to make you leary.. Effexor did for me what it needed to: May of 2003 I was supposed to be an excited bride to be.. but could not get out of bed. My job is high stress and wedding planning - well try it.. anyway it helped me get back on my feet again :) However; in November I told my doctor I wanted off, but since I had just been switched to the night shift and was going to be on opposite schedules as my husband, she wanted me to stay on as I would be a prime candidate for SADD. So I stayed on the stuff 75mg a day. (ow am I fat 30 pounds in 6 months by the way.) With her approval I also started using tanning beds (in moderation) since I never get to see the sun.
I got frustrated because I know I am over the event that Effexor needed to help me with & for some reason was still taking it. So I weaned myself down to 1 - 75mg pill every 48 hours. Boy if I went beyond that though.. UGH the withdrawls just hit me full force: confusion, the shocking feeling, balance problems, hot flashes (at 29!) you name it.
The next time I went in I TOLD the Dr. that I was going to quit and would like her help. She gave me 14 sample pills for 37.5mg and a perscription for more. AND NOT ONE INSTRUCTION ON HOW TO DO IT!!!!
I used the 37.5mg pills everyother day without withdrawls *unless I went a millisecond over 48 hours. I got fidgety along with all the other junk. So I spent another 3 weeks extending that time by 1 hour (of misery) each dose. The withdrawls were just as severe each time period. I have been cold turkey now for about 3 days and am still miserable. I get a little relief by taking 5mg of Diazepam, but it only lasts 4-8hours and I am back to jittersville. The only thing that really numbs the effects FOR ME is alcohol (which I am now saving for special occasions as it seems to be and addictive withdrawl reliever)
Davez - This stuff is tough. I won't say it didn't help me, but if its an option, seek other treatments before becoming addicted to antidepressants; cuz coming down - wow, I have never felt anything this awful!Sorry so grim,
ckkd
Posted by Davez on April 1, 2004, at 15:29:52
In reply to Re: Withdrawl comparison, posted by ckkd on April 1, 2004, at 12:47:33
I'm not sure if missing days or extending the time between pills would really work. From what I understand XR stands for Extended Release. This means that over a given time it will gradually absorb into your system. Skipping days would be like going without a ciggarette for a day then smoking a pack the next day and repeating that cycle. I know from my experience quitting smoking that that would only make me feel worse. You should consult your doctor rather than self medicate. I think that your doctor woul tell you to take the 37.5mg dose daily for a while then, if there is an option, go down to a lower dose then quit all together. Your way gives you a roller coaster effect that can't be good for your system or your mind.
Posted by Putford on April 1, 2004, at 16:43:53
In reply to Re: My withdrawl...., posted by Davez on March 31, 2004, at 14:53:22
I read both messages about exercise helping.I have been off cold turkey from 37.5 mg. and I tried to go running yesterday,no way.I started to sweat and puff after about 15 min into my run.I hope it works for you,but I can't seem to find anything that will help.I can't believe the withdrawl effects these pills are dumping on me. The worst experience in my life so far.I don't know how long it will last? Anyone out there have an idea what one can expect?
Posted by Emma Smith on April 1, 2004, at 20:30:26
In reply to Re: My withdrawl...., posted by Putford on April 1, 2004, at 16:43:53
I'm so sorry to hear about your troubles. Did you quit from 37.5 immediately, or did you take it every other day, every 3rd day, and so forth. I'm on day 6 effexor free after taking 37.5 every 3rd day.
I am having a bit of trouble today with the dizziness, but my 2 mile run after work really helped.
Hang in there.....
Posted by Emma Smith on April 1, 2004, at 20:48:28
In reply to Re: Withdrawl comparison, posted by Davez on April 1, 2004, at 15:29:52
I see your point and agree with your reasoning. However, it has worked for me to go every other day (for about 2 weeks)and then every 3rd day for (about a week and a half). I don't know why other than I compare it to labor in child birth. I know sounds crazy, but in my experience with child birth, when my body went into labor by itself and opposed to being induced, I was able to build up a tolerance for the pain and make it through without any drug intervention for pain. I "got used" to the contractions and new what to expect. I knew I made it through the previous one and I could make it through the next one. I look at the withdrawal the same way. I've been allowing my tolerance for these symptoms to build and somehow make it through. I have only been "effexor-free" for 6 days now, but I am literally taking it hour-by-hour functioning with my part-time job and full-time job as wife and mother of 2 energetic boys.
I think withdrawal is going to affect everyone differently the same as the medication affects everyone differently.
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