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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Liz1977 on April 7, 2005, at 12:14:58
In reply to loss of appetite?, posted by garnet on April 2, 2005, at 20:25:48
Hello, I was on Effexor for 10 months. I lost my appetite right away and lost 30 pounds. I also had lots of hot flashes (not menopause I'm only 27 :)) if I cried I would get these major pains in my head. But I hardly cried cause Effexor made me pretty damn happy. I also had a bit of my ocd come back that I had as a child). I'm feeling quite BLAH lately(actually blah for about 10 month and really bad, I am always sad and never want to do anything) though and going to see my doctor about trying it again. I tried Zoloft but that didn't work for me. I know Effexor had worked for me and at least I know the side effects I may get again. OH and I also talked a mile a minute on it. Hmm I think I'm talking myself out of it again. Anyone else have these or simular side effects? Also do you think these side effects would be worth it to go through again knowing I would be happier? Would like some opinions. Such a hard decission figuring out if medication is the right way to go. I'm too scared to take something I'm not familiar with. Thank YOu in advance.
Posted by geno69 on April 8, 2005, at 9:11:52
In reply to Re: loss of appetite? cf » garnet, posted by Corafree on April 3, 2005, at 13:48:47
Hello all, this is my first post. I recently started taking effexor and Ambien. Has anyone else taken these two medications together and if so, how did they interact with each other? I have only been on them for 2 days so I really do not know what to expect. One more question, I was wondering if I should tell my employer I have been diagnosed with Depression? Any help would be appreciated
Posted by Maxime on April 8, 2005, at 10:30:40
In reply to Re: loss of appetite? cf, posted by geno69 on April 8, 2005, at 9:11:52
Ambien can be taken with just about anything. Of course you shouldn't take ambien with another sleep med. Ambien is also not meant to be taken every night. You should only take it for a couple of nights until your normal sleep pattern returns.
DON'T TELL YOUR EMPLOYER! There is still too much stigma attached to depression. They are not allowed to discrimate against you but they will. I once told an employer and then I had to go into hospital for two weeks. When I returned I was dopey from my new meds. My employer had HR write up a letter saying that I showed signs of being unstable ... I was really just stoned from a new med. Anyhow they put me on sick leave without pay so I had to quit.
Now had I been feeling better I would have fought it. But I was still working out a new meds etc.
Just don't say anything. I hope one day there stigma will be gone, but until then just don't tell anyone.
Maxime
> Hello all, this is my first post. I recently started taking effexor and Ambien. Has anyone else taken these two medications together and if so, how did they interact with each other? I have only been on them for 2 days so I really do not know what to expect. One more question, I was wondering if I should tell my employer I have been diagnosed with Depression? Any help would be appreciated
>
Posted by Maxime on April 8, 2005, at 10:36:28
In reply to Re: loss of appetite?, posted by Liz1977 on April 7, 2005, at 12:14:58
Hi, Effexor did the same thing to me. Well it made me hypomanic which is what it sounds like you were. Effexor also raises your blood pressure which is why you would get the headaches. Your doctor should have been monitoring your BP. With all the other meds out there, it might be best to try something else. Maybe Cymbalta would work? You just have to try and see.
I hope you feel better.
Maxime
> Hello, I was on Effexor for 10 months. I lost my appetite right away and lost 30 pounds. I also had lots of hot flashes (not menopause I'm only 27 :)) if I cried I would get these major pains in my head. But I hardly cried cause Effexor made me pretty damn happy. I also had a bit of my ocd come back that I had as a child). I'm feeling quite BLAH lately(actually blah for about 10 month and really bad, I am always sad and never want to do anything) though and going to see my doctor about trying it again. I tried Zoloft but that didn't work for me. I know Effexor had worked for me and at least I know the side effects I may get again. OH and I also talked a mile a minute on it. Hmm I think I'm talking myself out of it again. Anyone else have these or simular side effects? Also do you think these side effects would be worth it to go through again knowing I would be happier? Would like some opinions. Such a hard decission figuring out if medication is the right way to go. I'm too scared to take something I'm not familiar with. Thank YOu in advance.
>
Posted by geno69 on April 8, 2005, at 10:41:30
In reply to Re: loss of appetite? cf » geno69, posted by Maxime on April 8, 2005, at 10:30:40
Thanks Maxime for the info. I have been reluctant to tell anyone about this. I am hoping this forum will help me talk with others about depression and understanding it.
Posted by Liz1977 on April 8, 2005, at 14:59:01
In reply to Re: loss of appetite? cf, posted by geno69 on April 8, 2005, at 10:41:30
Hi, Thanks for the recomendation Maxime. I actually found a very helpful forum on taking St' John's Wort and there's other herbal remedies there that seem to be working great for people. I really don't want to go thru the symptoms again of the Antidepressants so I'm trying the herbal way. Worth a shot!
Doctor's here in Canada don't monitor you very well if at all. If you don't make an appointment and keep it they won't even call you. I'm sure there are some that might but for the most part they have too many patients and just don't. When you're living alone and dealing with this on your own it's probably not a great idea to be trying all sorts of these drugs. When I was on Effexor I was living with someone at the time. Which was good because I fainted a few times, once in the shower!
ANyway I agree not to tell your employer! People don't really get what it is.. the less people that know is better for you. Always good for people close to you to know but not everyone as they will treat you funny maybe :)
Posted by Maxime on April 8, 2005, at 15:55:24
In reply to Re: loss of appetite? cf, posted by Liz1977 on April 8, 2005, at 14:59:01
You don't have to tell me about the state of health care here in Canada, let alone mental health care. I was lucky when I lived in Calgary because I had a pdoc who cared and took the time to do things right. She was overly cautious, but I appreciated it. When I was on effexor she checked my BP every week. It ended up making me manic so that was the end of that med. She knew I lived on my own and a couple of times she called me at home to tell me that I was going to get better and to hang in there. I didn't get better but it was nice of her to call. :-)
Maxime
>
> Hi, Thanks for the recomendation Maxime. I actually found a very helpful forum on taking St' John's Wort and there's other herbal remedies there that seem to be working great for people. I really don't want to go thru the symptoms again of the Antidepressants so I'm trying the herbal way. Worth a shot!
> Doctor's here in Canada don't monitor you very well if at all. If you don't make an appointment and keep it they won't even call you. I'm sure there are some that might but for the most part they have too many patients and just don't. When you're living alone and dealing with this on your own it's probably not a great idea to be trying all sorts of these drugs. When I was on Effexor I was living with someone at the time. Which was good because I fainted a few times, once in the shower!
> ANyway I agree not to tell your employer! People don't really get what it is.. the less people that know is better for you. Always good for people close to you to know but not everyone as they will treat you funny maybe :)
>
Posted by Rhonda Jo on April 9, 2005, at 18:53:22
In reply to Re: loss of appetite? cf » geno69, posted by Maxime on April 8, 2005, at 10:30:40
> Ambien can be taken with just about anything. Of course you shouldn't take ambien with another sleep med. Ambien is also not meant to be taken every night. You should only take it for a couple of nights until your normal sleep pattern returns.
>
> DON'T TELL YOUR EMPLOYER! There is still too much stigma attached to depression. They are not allowed to discrimate against you but they will. I once told an employer and then I had to go into hospital for two weeks. When I returned I was dopey from my new meds. My employer had HR write up a letter saying that I showed signs of being unstable ... I was really just stoned from a new med. Anyhow they put me on sick leave without pay so I had to quit.
>
> Now had I been feeling better I would have fought it. But I was still working out a new meds etc.
>
> Just don't say anything. I hope one day there stigma will be gone, but until then just don't tell anyone.
>
> Maxime
>
>
>
> > Hello all, this is my first post. I recently started taking effexor and Ambien. Has anyone else taken these two medications together and if so, how did they interact with each other? I have only been on them for 2 days so I really do not know what to expect. One more question, I was wondering if I should tell my employer I have been diagnosed with Depression? Any help would be appreciated
> > hi there,
I take effexor and sometimes I take ambien. I have no problem with the two. I have ebeen on effexor since 02 -150mg- and it works well but almost took my body a year to get used to it. now I am feeling good but I was still a scatter brain and could not sit and read a book or study -real estate-so now I take ritalin. This has changed my life. I am on top of the world and getting things done, reading all the books that I have bought and I am able to study. You have to give effexor a while. My doctor explained how it has to build factories and then start to work.......
good luck to you and it is none of your employers business!rj
Posted by Liz1977 on April 9, 2005, at 20:57:48
In reply to Re: loss of appetite? cf » Liz1977, posted by Maxime on April 8, 2005, at 15:55:24
Awwe what a great Doctor! Nova Scotia isn't so blessed! :)
Posted by geno69 on April 10, 2005, at 10:58:18
In reply to ADD, posted by Rhonda Jo on April 9, 2005, at 18:53:22
Thanks RJ, I believe that I can already feel the difference since taking the effexor.I know it has only been 4 days but I have more energy and not as irritable. Taking Ambien Friday night I got the best sleep I had in Years. I have had problems with talking to my self in my head all the time so it felt like I never slowed down. I am working on stopping that. I found a few good web sites that gave me some ideas to try. Thanks again. http://www.lessons4living.com/mindstorms.htm
Posted by BarbaraD on April 13, 2005, at 9:03:24
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Noa on May 7, 2000, at 12:11:34
I have been on Wellbutrin, prescribed for depression (150MG once a day in the A.M.) for the last 5 years. A year or so ago, my doc prescribed Effexor XR to treat menopausal irritability and anxiety attacks. He wants me to continue taking the Wellbutrin along with the Effexor XR to (supposedly) help with decreased sexual appetite. After being on Effexor XR (75MG once a day in the A.M.)nearly all of my side effects are gone...the fuzziness in concentration and overall view of the world around me; the uncontrollable yawning; the constant thirstiness. My anxiety attacks are gone and my mood is very stable. In addition, the pain I had most of the time as the result of a damaged disc in my lower back nearly disappeared. Figured that the Effexor eliminated stress. This is Great!!! Still sweating often but I contribute that to menopause. Two things are still bothering me...still no desire for sex (I'd rather sleep but my body responds well once my husband and I get started) and REALLY disturbing and vivid dreams. I often wake up my husband (and the cats) by yelling and flinging my arms around. The doc gave me Temazepan (15MG) to help me sleep but it looks like that dose is too low now. I sure don't want to increase it but I find myself waking up unrested and need a nap in the afternoon. Not to mention the somewhat depressed mood I wake up with as an aftereffect of the bad dreams. I'd love to get off of "something" to go back to restful sleep but don't know if it's possible. Has anyone else found a solution to the "bad dreams" issue? I hate this need to take meds to counteract the side effects of other meds. Where does it all end?
Posted by lnevi on April 13, 2005, at 20:00:06
In reply to Effexor vs. Lexapro, posted by zinya on November 23, 2002, at 15:26:46
I'm restarting antidepressants(was originally on paxil) and lately I've talked to quite a few people on lexapro who've felt good about it. My dr wants to prescribe me effexor though... any thoughts on one or the other? Thanks
Posted by Rhonda Jo on April 13, 2005, at 21:19:59
In reply to Re: Effexor vs. Lexapro, posted by lnevi on April 13, 2005, at 20:00:06
> I'm restarting antidepressants(was originally on paxil) and lately I've talked to quite a few people on lexapro who've felt good about it. My dr wants to prescribe me effexor though... any thoughts on one or the other? Thanks
Hi there,
I have been on effexor for over 2 years. It took a long time to get used to it. Not wanting to eat and just not feeling well....my doctor explained to me the meds had a lot of work to do (setting up shop and then going to work)and that was why I felt bad. When I did get over that, I was much better. Had a better grip on my emotions, did not seem like such a big job to get dressed and go to the store, or run do the running around that needed to be done. I do not cry for no reason at all. My husband can tell if I have missed a dose!
I am going to a shrink next week to talk about adult ADD. I took some of my 10 year olds ritalin so I could study, WOW!! I could read a whole chapter and not fall asleep. I used to read and have another conversation going on in my head at the same time. At the end of a chapter I had no idea what I just read. The effexor help me stop the conversations in my mind but I still fell asleep- or got bored and would change articles or go to another book. I have read half of hundreds of stories!
I don't know a thing about lexapro, maybe someone else will have some info.
good luck
Rhonda Jo
Posted by Priss on April 13, 2005, at 21:40:39
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by BarbaraD on April 13, 2005, at 9:03:24
Please help- I found this message board on a Google search for the new medication I was prescribed yesterday. I went to a clinic at the urging of friends- I have been depressed & almost suicidal lately- The Dr prescribed Effexor XR 75mg and Xanax- but the pharmacy said they refused to carry Xanax anymore because it was too addictive, so they replaced it with Lorazepam .5mg. I am supposed to take one Effexor XR 75 PA in the morning & .5 Lorazepam 3 times a day. The Dr told me to take it like that, but the pharmacist told me to only take it when I felt like I needed it because it was addictive. I took a Lorazepam last evening when I got home, but did not notice a difference really. This morning I took a Effexor XR 75mg and almost right away felt something. I started to feel almost wired & I took a Lorazepam. It is later in the evening now & I have been sleeping for hours. I tried to eat a few crackers & cheese, but I feel so nauseous. I am going to take another Lorazepam now. I would like to chat with someone who is familiar with these things. The doctor said he is treating me for anxiety, but I am feeling anxious about the meds....thanks
Posted by Phillipa on April 13, 2005, at 22:36:41
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » BarbaraD, posted by Priss on April 13, 2005, at 21:40:39
I have never heard of anything so ridiculous! Why didn't you go to another pharmacy? They're all addictive, but only if you abuse them. I know the AD's are supposed to help anxiety but if they even do it's after weeks of use in most cases. In the meanwhile a lot of pdocs Rx a Benzo to help you. Personally I think ativan is better than xanax. Although they both have a short half-life ativan seems to last longer and is used in the hospital IM to calm down an out of control pt. I'm so sorry you feel so bad. Give your pdoc a call. He may want you to start on the Effexor more slowly, or Rx a less activating AD. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Priss on April 14, 2005, at 6:34:08
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Priss, posted by Phillipa on April 13, 2005, at 22:36:41
Thanks for your response Phillipa~ I wondered why Larazepam sounded familiar- its Ativan- I have taken that after the several deaths in my family this past year- I remember I was still emotional- just not the out of control sobbing emotional-
So what is your opinion of taking the 2 drugs together? Effexor XR 75 and Ativan .5?
They act like I am stupid- but I really don't understand- and I am horrible with taking pills- I am very ADD also- Should I take the Effexor XR in the morning same time as the first dose of Ativan? Do I wake up & take my first of 3 doses of Ativan for the day & then take the Effexor later? Do I take the Effexor and then take an Ativan if I feel too wired again?
I woke up to find my phone disconnected this morning- I did not panic & cry as usual, but I do feel sick to my stomache & sad- I am really bad at paying bills & everything is always getting shut off.
If you like Ativan better than Xanax, I will stick with the Lorazepam for now- I tried a Xanax from my friend before and I just remember falling asleep fast.
Any suggestions for the sickening nausea? I always get sick with pills if I don't take it with food- but since starting yesterday I have NO appetite. I hope this is how it continues in that respect because I already need to lose weight-not gain- I heard everyone gains weight on anti-depressants.
I could not go to another pharmacy- this pharmacy was part of the clinic- since I lost my job because of my depression- I can only afford to go to a state clinic :(- they gave me free Effexor- they said it was samples that the company gives out for needy people, but I had to sign some papers for it- and they charged me $5 for the ativan- if I went to another pharmacy they would charge me full price.
I remember ordering glucophage online from New Zealand- I really should be on that also for PCOS but I could not afford it- but maybe I will look into ordering meds online again since I have a prescription.
> I have never heard of anything so ridiculous! Why didn't you go to another pharmacy? They're all addictive, but only if you abuse them. I know the AD's are supposed to help anxiety but if they even do it's after weeks of use in most cases. In the meanwhile a lot of pdocs Rx a Benzo to help you. Personally I think ativan is better than xanax. Although they both have a short half-life ativan seems to last longer and is used in the hospital IM to calm down an out of control pt. I'm so sorry you feel so bad. Give your pdoc a call. He may want you to start on the Effexor more slowly, or Rx a less activating AD. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on April 14, 2005, at 18:02:46
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Priss on April 14, 2005, at 6:34:08
Type in Effexor in the Google search. There are so many Threads on it. And a lot of people with experience on the med. I really am not an expert on Effexor. But that's what xanax ended up doing to me. Just putting me to sleep. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by heather3781 on April 15, 2005, at 10:35:16
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » BarbaraD, posted by Priss on April 13, 2005, at 21:40:39
Hi all - first just wanted to say thanks for all the information on this site, I have learned a lot - and while I am not glad other people feel like this, I am glad knowing I am not alone.
My question is this - I moved to a new state, new job, got a fiance, had two major illnesses in my family, and am in the the middle of a major custody battle all within the last 3 months. While I have had panic attacks in the past, as well as some anxiety issues, I let it go away naturally. But all this additional stress really got to me.
My doctor perscribed 37.5 mg Effexor for one week (which I have done), followed by 3 weeks of 75mg (I'm on day 3)...the first week at the lower dose was fine, I guess I was noticeably calmer, but I could only sleep a max of 4 hours a night. Then when I moved up to 75 mg, I have not been able to fall asleep (2 nights in a row so far). In addition, I also have this horrible restlessness - I just cannot stop moving (legs shaking, etc at computer all day long). I just wonder whether this is even worth taking - the doctor said to try it for a month, and by then I may not need it anymore. But if the withdrawal/side effects are this bad...maybe I'd be better off without it...
Thanks and sorry for the abundance of words.Heather
Posted by geno69 on April 15, 2005, at 11:17:58
In reply to Effexor = No sleep, posted by heather3781 on April 15, 2005, at 10:35:16
Heather,
I just started taking Effexor as well. Just this week started on the 75mg dose. I have noticed I am clamer and not crying for no reason. I am sorry to hear about the problems you are having. I could not sleep very much through the night before I went to the doctor he gave me ambien. Seems like I have always had problems getting to sleep and waking up all through the night.The ambien works.I have never taken any kind of medice like this so it is all new to me. Hang in there things will get better...
Posted by BarbaraD on April 15, 2005, at 12:38:57
In reply to Effexor = No sleep, posted by heather3781 on April 15, 2005, at 10:35:16
I have also been helped alot by this site. It's comforting to have all of you out there to help me put things into perspective. I've experienced quite a few side effects from Effexor XR but, so far, nearly all have gone away with the exception of sleep disturbances and dehydration. For me, the positive effects outweigh the negative (so far). Most of my problems appear to have to do with entering menopause and perhaps the Effexor intensifies some of my physical problems. Sure has helped my mood though. I had no idea that it was such a powerful drug until I found this site. The withdrawal sounds like a nightmare. I don't plan on attempting that for a while.
Posted by Rhonda Jo on April 15, 2005, at 14:29:19
In reply to Re: Effexor = No sleep, posted by BarbaraD on April 15, 2005, at 12:38:57
> I have also been helped alot by this site. It's comforting to have all of you out there to help me put things into perspective. I've experienced quite a few side effects from Effexor XR but, so far, nearly all have gone away with the exception of sleep disturbances and dehydration. For me, the positive effects outweigh the negative (so far). Most of my problems appear to have to do with entering menopause and perhaps the Effexor intensifies some of my physical problems. Sure has helped my mood though. I had no idea that it was such a powerful drug until I found this site. The withdrawal sounds like a nightmare. I don't plan on attempting that for a while.
welcome to the club!!!
all of this will get better!!! take the ambien. It works! the restlessness:
1. you can walk in the afternoon, it helps
2. take a calcium suppliment, that helps with restless leggs- I have that and I take a parkinson drug for it.
3. Know that you will get better. I went throught the custody battle also and I had to finally go to 150mg. but I am on an even course now. I am going to this site for a ADD problem and have found a lot of people on a combo of Effexor EX and ritalin.
oh how the body goes as it ages, but I like getting older. I know more, and I know myself better. as my husband says.......this too shall pass, and life will continue. enjoy!!
good luck, Heather!!
RJ
Posted by Colleen D. on April 16, 2005, at 14:26:25
In reply to Re: Effexor = No sleep, posted by BarbaraD on April 15, 2005, at 12:38:57
I too had difficulty sleeping when I first started Effexor, but I had insomnia before taking anyway which is apparently one of my symptoms of depression and anxiety. Effexor has been wonderful for me. I switched to Cymbalta for a couple of months just to try it (also a SNRI) but Effexor does way more for me than Cymbalta. I had no problem switching over to Cymbalta either. I guess I exprected some kind of negative physical response from myself after all the horror stories I've read here, but I was fine. Perhaps you'll find the same thing when and if you discontinue it.
:-) Colleen
Posted by Jen2 on April 16, 2005, at 16:15:00
In reply to Effexor = No sleep, posted by heather3781 on April 15, 2005, at 10:35:16
Hi all,
I started Effexor last January and have had good success with it, but I've had to put up with a whole series of side effects. If you like, go back and read some of my old posts - and those of others too. Effexor seems to have some common effects on most people, but some people get really wacky effects. So it's good to know that almost anything can happen, and at almost any time throughout your treatment.
I most recently have been experiencing late menstrual periods - last month was 4 days late, and this month was 5. My pdoc says the 'big book of medications' doesn't list this as a side effect of Effexor, but she also says that it's not completely out of the question that Effexor causes it - perhaps it's just underreported.
In my experience, the side effects do come and go. So if you have something now - like sleeplessness - it will likely be relatively temporary. Although, YMMV.
Jen
Posted by Jen2 on April 16, 2005, at 16:25:18
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » BarbaraD, posted by Priss on April 13, 2005, at 21:40:39
Hi Priss,
I was started at 75mg Effexor and found it extremely problematic - the first 12 days I was a f*cking mess. The side effects threw me for a vicious loop.
I would definitely suggest that you take it as easy as possible and book off as much as you can for at least a week. Don't worry - you will feel better - you will feel better - YOU WILL FEEL BETTER - but it will take a little while. So just sit on the couch, go for walks if you can, take it easy. Your body is getting used to the medication, and it could take a little while.
Personally, I don't like Lorazepam because it makes me feel kind of dead inside. But I never thought of taking the two together - now that I think about it, the Lorazepam might take the edge off the side effects of the Effexor that you'll experience for that first while.
You might consider taking your Effexor at night before you go to bed. There's lots of debate about which is better, but I prefer it.
Anyway, all the best. My best advice is to just take it easy and give yourself lots of time. And be prepared to feel worse before you feel better.
Jen
Posted by winddancer on April 16, 2005, at 23:07:27
In reply to ADD, posted by Rhonda Jo on April 15, 2005, at 14:29:19
So where is the site for the ADD and Effexor?? My daughter (now 27) was diagnosed when in 3rd grade - at my suggestion - since she exhibited signs of the symptoms. Now my counselor thinks that I may also have this, since I'm so easily destracted and perhaps I need meds for that and not needing anti-depressents. (I just finished weaning off Effexor and glad to be rid of all the side-effects)
winddancer
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