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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Annie57 on June 26, 2005, at 12:56:56
In reply to Re: Effexor XR Side Effects, posted by TinMan on June 26, 2005, at 9:41:35
I am on 225 mg/day and am wondering if that may be too much. Any comments?
>
> Now where did I put my oil can?
> TinManI am on 225 mg/day. And I am still know at work for my big month, snappy combacks and getting overly excited about little things. I don't know how they guage the dose: weight? amount of depression?--Annie
Posted by Meri-Tuuli on June 26, 2005, at 14:51:47
In reply to Re: Effexor and energy/motivation » Meri-Tuuli, posted by Annie57 on June 26, 2005, at 12:52:04
Huh? Whats sleep apneia?????
Never heard of it. I think that I'm going to go back to the celexa (cipramil) because I have been feeling pretty rough these last two days on the effexor. Celexa seems to work fine, but not great - doesn't address the energy/motivation, but maybe thats something that drugs won't/can't solve....
Meri.> Are you sure you don't have sleep apneia, too. Annie
Posted by Annie57 on June 26, 2005, at 15:55:09
In reply to Re: Effexor and energy/motivation, posted by Meri-Tuuli on June 26, 2005, at 14:51:47
Sleep apneia is when you stop breathing in the night and so do not get enough oxygen and do not get enough rest even though you sleep 12 hrs. I did not know I stopped breathing. Alot of people wake up when they stop breathing gasping for air but I would just start breathing again without waking up. When I was tested at a sleep clinic I stopped breathing 210 times in the first hour. Then they woke me up and put a mask on me that kept me breathing. I still wear it every night after two years.
Posted by 4WD on June 26, 2005, at 21:55:27
In reply to Re: Bruxism Re: Effexor - Exercise - Better Experience, posted by TinMan on June 26, 2005, at 9:48:37
> I find myself clenching my teeth - sometimes very hard. Fortunately, I do not clench at night but think that is because I take Remeron.
>
> Do some of you find yourselves clenching while on Effexor? Any recommendations? My therapist seems to think I clench because of unresolved issues. (Not a psychiatrist.) I am not so sure and am afraid I am going to break a tooth.
>
> Someone, please oil my jaw!I know a bunch of people on various SSRIs who have this side effect. It happened to me on Cymbalta. To my friend on Paxil. To others on Celexa. I also get muscle spasms and pain in my neck and shoulders from Prozac, etc. from clenching my muscles. So it's probably from the meds. You CAN break a tooth. You can wear a mouth guard at night but that won't help since you clench during the day.
Marsha
>
>
Posted by Meri-Tuuli on June 27, 2005, at 3:06:45
In reply to Re: Effexor and energy/motivation, posted by Annie57 on June 26, 2005, at 15:55:09
Thanks for that Annie. I doubt I have that sleep apenia because I'm usually out cold when I'm asleep and always wake up feeling refreshed. Plus I live in the UK and although we have free healthcare (which is a good thing) my doc would probably not put me in a sleep lab.
Posted by blue downunder on June 27, 2005, at 5:07:21
In reply to Re: Effexor and energy/motivation, posted by Meri-Tuuli on June 27, 2005, at 3:06:45
I have been watching this site for some time now and decided it was time I put my experiences down with Effexor XR hoping it may help others on this drug. It has been two years now, started with 150mg. Two hours after taking first capsule it hit me like a Mac truck, totally spaced out, high as a kite, walking on thin air. Coupled with this I had waves of nausea and splitting headaches but the high was so good it overrode the negatives. For two weeks this feeling waned slowly but for three days I could not drive a car as it was too dangerous. I drove to work after day three but it was like driving while drunk, very scary. The following side-effects have continued throughout; dry mouth and lips, excessive sweating, occaisional wheezing and shortness of breath, fidgity (keep shaking my right leg), tightly clenching my jaw, very tired and sleepy by early afternoon, (may have triggered sleep apnea which I will be assessed for shortly), vivd, powerful, clourful dreams, often sexual in nature and able to contiune them if woken up, ravinous apetite especially for sweets (stacked on 7kg in two years), forgetful, touble thinking of words at times, little if any motivation with no sense of urgency for anything,(she'll be right mate do it tomorrow attitude), no sex drive and when it happens it seems to take forever. It may sound bad but if it was not the drugs I would be in a box 6ft under the ground by now. Over the two years I have had a couple of depressive relapses after the medication was dropped to 75mg. The drug seems to take the edges off the downs and the highs off the ups and very little worries me like it used to. I am more self centred than I used to be which is a negative cause I don't realise it.
One of the side effects which is a real positive is my hair has gone about three shades lighter (nearly blonde again) and grey hair deminished. For the first month urinating was difficult and the urge frequent with dribbling at the end a real issue. This is no longer a problem but Idon't wear light pants anymore. At times when the dose is lowered I end up with severe headaches for 10 days and have to have an afternoon sleep. I suppose I will have other effects when I come off the drug completely as described by others in this forum.
Overall though, I have a lot to thank for this drug giving me the reason to keep going
Posted by haddsl on June 27, 2005, at 9:29:13
In reply to Re: Bruxism Re: Effexor - Exercise - Better Experience, posted by TinMan on June 26, 2005, at 9:48:37
I do find that I clench my teeth a lot. I have to concentrate on unclenching. At night my boyfriend says I grind my teeth pretty bad, but I have never noticed. I was wondering if there was a way to get rid of the clenching as my jaw hurts quite often.
> I find myself clenching my teeth - sometimes very hard. Fortunately, I do not clench at night but think that is because I take Remeron.
>
> Do some of you find yourselves clenching while on Effexor? Any recommendations? My therapist seems to think I clench because of unresolved issues. (Not a psychiatrist.) I am not so sure and am afraid I am going to break a tooth.
>
> Someone, please oil my jaw!
> TinMan
>
>
Posted by maine girl on June 27, 2005, at 11:31:24
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi! I'm new to this group. I started Effexor about 2 weeks ago and felt like I was stoned out of my head! I was a complete airhead and, actually it wasn't completely unpleasant! :) Anyway, the most annoying thing for me was uncontrollable yawning! I bet I yawned a thousand times those first few days! I also don't feel hungry at all, which is very nice. Previously I was a binge eater and would make frenzied trips to the grocery store and fill my basket with sweets and stuff, but since I started taking this, I have to remind myself to eat 3 meals a day. Needless to say, I've lost 10 pounds in 2 weeks and am very happy about that.
But, I'm only on 75mg and go for a checkup with my doctor tomorrow. I feel the same apathy and lethargy coming back as if I got used to this dose and need more. I also have a short temper again and the anxiety is coming back. What is the average dose? How does the doctor determine the dosage? Does anyone know?
Just thought I'd share some of the side effects I've noticed. Hope this helps someone!
Posted by TinMan on June 27, 2005, at 15:05:36
In reply to Re: Effexor and energy/motivation/side-effects » Meri-Tuuli, posted by blue downunder on June 27, 2005, at 5:07:21
Yes, I too feel "spacy", out of it, and lose my train of thought. I am not depressed, at all, though. Anxiety? Nope. Temper? Nope. I feel calm and being in a social situation that in the past would have caused me minor panic no longer does. (Job interview.)
I have gained weight around my mid-line, feel constantly hungry, crave sweets, get afternoon headaches sometimes (almost migraine), get a dry mouth, clench my teeth very hard (headaches from that?). I don't crave alcohol like I did with Paxil. I do keep my alcohol consumption to a minimum as I don't seem to have much tolerance for it.
Excercise? Well, I haven't tried that yet but I did notice that I do get more short winded.
Do the benefits outweigh the side effects? So far. I, like most, want to eventually get to the point where I don't need any SSRI/drug.
If I only had a heart,
TinMan
Posted by compguy on June 27, 2005, at 17:26:14
In reply to Re: Strange side effects with Effexor?, posted by maine girl on June 27, 2005, at 11:31:24
I have been on 75 mg effexor for three months and it work good at first now i am having bad headaches, sweating all the time muscles hurt, dizzy, tired,short of breath, wake up in the mourning shaking, my anxeity is back times 2 i dont know why it has quit working anyone have any sugestions
Posted by Phillipa on June 27, 2005, at 18:07:39
In reply to Re: Strange side effects with Effexor?, posted by compguy on June 27, 2005, at 17:26:14
Hey all you guys there is an effexor thread that goes way back since the board opened I think. But search the archives. You're mostly new so many people have had problems on this drug both starting and the worst it seems coming off it. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by blue downunder on June 27, 2005, at 20:08:06
In reply to Re: Effexor and energy/motivation/side-effects, posted by TinMan on June 27, 2005, at 15:05:36
> Yes, I too feel "spacy", out of it, and lose my train of thought. I am not depressed, at all, though. Anxiety? Nope. Temper? Nope. I feel calm and being in a social situation that in the past would have caused me minor panic no longer does. (Job interview.)
>
> I have gained weight around my mid-line, feel constantly hungry, crave sweets, get afternoon headaches sometimes (almost migraine), get a dry mouth, clench my teeth very hard (headaches from that?). I don't crave alcohol like I did with Paxil. I do keep my alcohol consumption to a minimum as I don't seem to have much tolerance for it.
>
> Excercise? Well, I haven't tried that yet but I did notice that I do get more short winded.
>
> Do the benefits outweigh the side effects? So far. I, like most, want to eventually get to the point where I don't need any SSRI/drug.
>
> If I only had a heart,
> TinManThanks TinMan, I too feel that I do not have a heart anymore with difficulty feeling emotions. You summed up how I feel most of the time no heart. Now I know it is not only me that feels that way and is due I hope mostly to the drugs
Cheers blue downunder
Posted by kt8 on June 27, 2005, at 21:56:24
In reply to Prescribed for hot flashes, posted by Church Sec on June 17, 2005, at 8:19:19
hi everyone...well i have just started using effexor for the last 4 days....and i was prescribed this medicine for anxiety and mild depression...so far the side effects for me have been dizziness and a bit shakeness...i still have the anxious/panic feeling...i am hoping this medicine will help me to fuction normally w/ out any more anxiety problems...i wanted to know if anyone has any suggestions as to what medicine has helped them w/ the same problem i have...i have tried different medicines and my body seems to be very senseitive to medicine...for instance i have tried Zoloft 50 mg and Trazodone 50mg and both medicines gave me bad side effects...i would really appreciate any suggestions
Posted by 4WD on June 27, 2005, at 22:22:34
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by kt8 on June 27, 2005, at 21:56:24
> hi everyone...well i have just started using effexor for the last 4 days....and i was prescribed this medicine for anxiety and mild depression...so far the side effects for me have been dizziness and a bit shakeness...i still have the anxious/panic feeling...i am hoping this medicine will help me to fuction normally w/ out any more anxiety problems...i wanted to know if anyone has any suggestions as to what medicine has helped them w/ the same problem i have...i have tried different medicines and my body seems to be very senseitive to medicine...for instance i have tried Zoloft 50 mg and Trazodone 50mg and both medicines gave me bad side effects...i would really appreciate any suggestions
Hi KT8 and others,
Effexor did really help me with my anxiety for years. It took a couple of weeks to kick in though. I'm also med sensitive and took only 37.5 -50 mg. My main side effects were dry mouth, some constipation at first, anorgasmia at first, tinnitus (ringing in the ears, which never went away). My appetite was lower but I still gained weight around my midsection, mostly in the lower abdomen. I'd probably still be on Effexor if it hadn't pooped out after 4-5 years. Getting off it has been awful. The anxiety returned much worse than it had EVER been before. I'm still struggling with that and it's been three months now.
When I was on Effexor, my emotions were much blander. I couldn't cry. No intense highs or lows. But it was worth it for the 4-5 years it helped me.
Hope this helps.
Marsha
Posted by jaamey76 on June 28, 2005, at 14:02:56
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by 4WD on June 27, 2005, at 22:22:34
I have now been on Effexor for 2 weeks, and I am slowly starting to see improvement. I really struggled during the first week, so much so that I almost said forget it. I went for a pep talk with my Doc, and she said to hang in there, as it will get better. I believe anyone with anxiety will be sensitive to meds and the side effects they cause, even more so than depression alone, as we are always constantly aware of how we feel physically, and become anxious about it. 75mg is the recommended dosage for Anxiety, and I have been at that level for 10 days now. The shakiness has gone away, I am not feeling as tired, although it could be better. I still have some anxiety, which I've been told should be extremely improved in another couple of weeks, so I am looking forward to finally getting out of the house, panic-free. Other side effects that are getting better were Nausea, bladder irritation, hot flashes, skin tingling, and headaches. Hang in there kt8.
Posted by haddsl on June 28, 2005, at 14:08:13
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by jaamey76 on June 28, 2005, at 14:02:56
And how embarrassing are those hot flashes. I would be just walking down the hall at work and break out in a drench of sweat. Pretty embarrassing. That has stopped for me as well, and I am very much improved. I just have trouble sleeping a little, the jaw clenching (and grinding in my sleep), And a little restless sometimes. As in I will be sitting in my chair and my leg has to be moving, or something.
> I have now been on Effexor for 2 weeks, and I am slowly starting to see improvement. I really struggled during the first week, so much so that I almost said forget it. I went for a pep talk with my Doc, and she said to hang in there, as it will get better. I believe anyone with anxiety will be sensitive to meds and the side effects they cause, even more so than depression alone, as we are always constantly aware of how we feel physically, and become anxious about it. 75mg is the recommended dosage for Anxiety, and I have been at that level for 10 days now. The shakiness has gone away, I am not feeling as tired, although it could be better. I still have some anxiety, which I've been told should be extremely improved in another couple of weeks, so I am looking forward to finally getting out of the house, panic-free. Other side effects that are getting better were Nausea, bladder irritation, hot flashes, skin tingling, and headaches. Hang in there kt8.
Posted by julish on June 28, 2005, at 14:30:29
In reply to Re: Effexor and energy/motivation, posted by Meri-Tuuli on June 27, 2005, at 3:06:45
Hey all... so glad you are here! Day 2 on Effexor XR for me. I've been sooo tired--extremely fatigued--for months now. Finally occurred to me that it may be another round of depression.... Docs have also been asking me "are you depressed?"... I always said no. I thought it was my thyroid (I'm hypo)..but it was not. Anyways, finally started to recognize that if may be depression, and Doc. started me on effexor along with counseling.
My main concern is this darn fatigue! I shiver at the thought of the chance that this med might make it worse.... Although, I noticed that it can also do the opposite. Guess I'll just wait and see....
Anyone out there start this med having had extreme fatigue as a symptom of your depression?Thanks!
Posted by MtnMama on June 28, 2005, at 14:51:20
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by haddsl on June 28, 2005, at 14:08:13
Boy, I thought it was just me! Hot flashes, trouble sleeping, clenched teeth, fatigue, weight gain, lack of emotion (except anger, of course!). I haven't been able to cry for months, and have really tried hard. I want to get these emotions OUT of me, not pent up inside! I used to write poetry often. Now I can't tap into that part of me to make the words come out and make sense. The only thing that seems to work is "timeouts", and exercise. For me, it's working in the yard. It takes my mind off things and I do feel much better afterwards. Excess sweating is just something you learn to deal with. Wear looser clothing in the summer. Drink plenty of fluids. This seems to help with the headaches and the fatigue a bit. And know this medicine is not perfect. But for what it DOES help me with, I'm willing to suffer with the rest. I would like to have a really good crying session, though. Oh yeah, and forgetfulness sucks!
One small note: all of the above symptoms are also symptoms for "peri", or "pre-", menopause. Think on that.
This too shall pass,
Mtn Mama
> And how embarrassing are those hot flashes. I would be just walking down the hall at work and break out in a drench of sweat. Pretty embarrassing. That has stopped for me as well, and I am very much improved. I just have trouble sleeping a little, the jaw clenching (and grinding in my sleep), And a little restless sometimes. As in I will be sitting in my chair and my leg has to be moving, or something.
>
Posted by haddsl on June 28, 2005, at 15:01:12
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by MtnMama on June 28, 2005, at 14:51:20
No, your not the only one. I am only 24 so, I don't think it is menopause, although I feel like it with the sweating. The sweating has gone down a lot for me, and I started using this stuff called Certain Dri, or something like that. You put it on like a deoderant at night and it helps to keep you from sweating as much. I used to cry at everything and now I don't, that is the extent of my emotion problems. The most annoying thing in my opinion is the jaw clenching and grinding in my sleep. I don't want to have to wear a mouth guard at night, but It is looking like that is the only option. Does anyone have ANY suggestions on the teeth grinding thing?
> Boy, I thought it was just me! Hot flashes, trouble sleeping, clenched teeth, fatigue, weight gain, lack of emotion (except anger, of course!). I haven't been able to cry for months, and have really tried hard. I want to get these emotions OUT of me, not pent up inside! I used to write poetry often. Now I can't tap into that part of me to make the words come out and make sense. The only thing that seems to work is "timeouts", and exercise. For me, it's working in the yard. It takes my mind off things and I do feel much better afterwards. Excess sweating is just something you learn to deal with. Wear looser clothing in the summer. Drink plenty of fluids. This seems to help with the headaches and the fatigue a bit. And know this medicine is not perfect. But for what it DOES help me with, I'm willing to suffer with the rest. I would like to have a really good crying session, though. Oh yeah, and forgetfulness sucks!
>
> One small note: all of the above symptoms are also symptoms for "peri", or "pre-", menopause. Think on that.
>
> This too shall pass,
>
> Mtn Mama
>
> > And how embarrassing are those hot flashes. I would be just walking down the hall at work and break out in a drench of sweat. Pretty embarrassing. That has stopped for me as well, and I am very much improved. I just have trouble sleeping a little, the jaw clenching (and grinding in my sleep), And a little restless sometimes. As in I will be sitting in my chair and my leg has to be moving, or something.
> >
>
>
Posted by TinMan on June 28, 2005, at 15:36:28
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by MtnMama on June 28, 2005, at 14:51:20
Yeah, I had the horrible night sweats - waking up drenched. It seems to be much better now, although I still sweat a lot.
I am trying the gum chewing to see if that helps with the clenching. Also, has anyone tried Botox shots to help with that?
Do SSRI's make us a "passionless" lot?
Definitely feeling a bit hollow inside,
TinMan
Posted by MtnMama on June 28, 2005, at 16:16:49
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by TinMan on June 28, 2005, at 15:36:28
That's the word. If there is one thing I miss, it's my passion for life. It's that part of me that's spontaneous and creative. I have to work at being creative now. The benefit with taking my meds is that I finish my projects now instead of leaving 10 different things half done. I have "follow through". But I do miss the passionate, spontaneous (manic?) side of me, it was what I loved most about myself and it's missing that what makes me want to stop these cold turkey sometimes. Ya know?
>
> Do SSRI's make us a "passionless" lot?
>
> Definitely feeling a bit hollow inside,
> TinMan
Posted by SandiDee on June 28, 2005, at 18:14:01
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by MtnMama on June 28, 2005, at 16:16:49
Hi everyone, I am new to this, so please bear with me. I have gone through alot of turmoil in my life over the last 3 years, and the past 4 months have been incredibly bad. I have always suffered with anxiety, but always "dealt with it", as expected. Today I finally broke at the dr's office. She decided to try me on effexor, starting at 37.5 mg for a week, then 75 mg. I am very worried about starting this med, I don't want to lose all emotion, I have stuff going on that I need to be emotional about, (recent death of a parent), I am 42 years old, so I guess I could be menopausal, but the dr. has not discussed this and there have been no symptoms of it. Any thoughts on what I should do? My plan is to start the effexor tomorrow.
Posted by MtnMama on June 28, 2005, at 18:34:28
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor » MtnMama, posted by SandiDee on June 28, 2005, at 18:14:01
Start your medication. If anything, Effexor has blown away the clouds in my mind so that I can think things out more clearly. I've had several traumas in my life as well, and I've just recently, since being on Effexor, had the patience and the wherewithall to work these situations through in my head without losing it or having an anxiety attack. It gives me the chance to <aaaahhhhh>, take a breath and work through it. For that, it's worth it all. I'm finally cleaning the skeletons out of the closet and approaching liberation. YAH! That's what it does for me, at least.
> Hi everyone, I am new to this, so please bear with me. I have gone through alot of turmoil in my life over the last 3 years, and the past 4 months have been incredibly bad. I have always suffered with anxiety, but always "dealt with it", as expected. Today I finally broke at the dr's office. She decided to try me on effexor, starting at 37.5 mg for a week, then 75 mg. I am very worried about starting this med, I don't want to lose all emotion, I have stuff going on that I need to be emotional about, (recent death of a parent), I am 42 years old, so I guess I could be menopausal, but the dr. has not discussed this and there have been no symptoms of it. Any thoughts on what I should do? My plan is to start the effexor tomorrow.
Posted by goldenslumbers on June 29, 2005, at 10:16:26
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor » SandiDee, posted by MtnMama on June 28, 2005, at 18:34:28
Here's something that may help:
When you start this medication there will be some side effects. Most are short in duration and intensity, plus they usually fade after 2 or 3 weeks as your body adjusts. Everyone is different so I can't tell you exactly what effects you will have. Don't fight them, roll with it, find the positive - especially if your anxiety is feeling better.
Keep your doctor informed of how you feel. You will still have good days and bad days but the bad days will not be as intense. Once you feel things are looking up and you feel better don't change a thing. Keep taking the same dose of medication at the same time each day.
Most treatments last 6 to 12 months. Hopefully you will start to feel better in 3 or 4 weeks and the rest of the time can be used for your body to heal and allow you to address some of the issues that cause your anxiety or depression.
This medication helps most people, especially those that give it time to work.
All the Best
Posted by shirtface on June 29, 2005, at 11:10:48
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by goldenslumbers on June 29, 2005, at 10:16:26
A friend of mine gave me four 75mg Effexor XR pills. I do not suffer from depression or anxiety. I took one a day for four days and by the third day I was no longer ejaculating prematurely and I was having the most powerful orgasms I had ever had. I didn't experience any other side effects besides some real intense yawning. Premature ejaculation is ruining my life and I desperately want more pills. Is there any danger here? If I get some should I go with the regular 35mg pills? Will that still stop me from climaxing to quickly? Would this miraculous side effect last or would I adjust? Is it even possible to buy these without a prescription? I'm desperate. My girlfriend is only going to stick around for so long and I've tried all the natural exercizes but these pills could just give me that edge. Has anyone else had similar side effects? Thanks for any replies.
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