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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Tristen on November 5, 2005, at 19:36:01
In reply to Re: JUST STARTED TAKING EFFEXOR XR, posted by Dean on April 15, 2000, at 16:41:13
I'm on the 5th day of taking Effexor. I have been getting sleepy, nausiated,dizzy,blurred vision and some anxiety. The first few days were the worst but it's starting to fade off. I was kinda scared about taking it at first but my doctor told me to tuff it out because the side effects should go away and it will benefit me in the long run. From what I hear the drug has helped some people to have a normal life and for me I've never known what that could feel like. So I am going to stick it out and see where it takes me.
Posted by hevvi1 on November 6, 2005, at 14:11:55
In reply to Re: Is there an anti-depressnt that WONT make me fat?, posted by cablegirl on November 4, 2005, at 12:01:27
I was on 37.5mg for first 4 days and then doubled it to 75mg which I take in the evening now.I have never really been fat but I have a hell of an appetite and before starting the effexor I was kindof chubbyish,I am 5 ft 8 and weighed 160 so I was filled out, but because I was tall I could carry it off.I was starting to get depressed about my size though as I used to be a lot smaller.I am now shedding pounds as the effexor kills my appetite.That on its own makes me feel better..don;t give it up,I feel like a new person.
Posted by cablegirl on November 7, 2005, at 13:58:23
In reply to Re: Is there an anti-depressnt that WONT make me fat?, posted by hevvi1 on November 6, 2005, at 14:11:55
> I was on 37.5mg for first 4 days and then doubled it to 75mg which I take in the evening now.I have never really been fat but I have a hell of an appetite and before starting the effexor I was kindof chubbyish,I am 5 ft 8 and weighed 160 so I was filled out, but because I was tall I could carry it off.I was starting to get depressed about my size though as I used to be a lot smaller.I am now shedding pounds as the effexor kills my appetite.That on its own makes me feel better..don;t give it up,I feel like a new person.
>
Hi there,
Thanks for the encouragement! I will hang in there. On 75 mg I felt really tired and didn't notice a change in my appetite, but on 150 mg. I don't feel sleepy and don't have much of an appettite. I am also 5' 8" and was 175 before starting Lexapro in July and am now up to 189....hopefully the Effexor will help keep me happy and get those extra pounds off!!!
Thanks again for the positive feedback & good luck to you too!!!
Cablegirl
Posted by SandiDee on November 7, 2005, at 17:52:36
In reply to Re: Is there an anti-depressnt that WONT make me fat?, posted by cablegirl on November 7, 2005, at 13:58:23
Hi Everyone :) I just wanted to add my 2 cents worth on the Effexor side effects. Last Fri. my Dr. and I decided I needed an increase in my Effexor, I am currently taking 225 mg. (was at 150 mg.) effexor, and 150 mg. of wellbutrin. The dry mouth is ANNOYING the heck out of me, I have noticed some jaw clenching, but nothing major, I sleep great with the aid of 2 tylenol pm, and 2 very troubled foster children. My life is chaotic at best, with many personal heartbreaks that don't seem to be ending. I have lost some weight, about 6 lbs., I feel better about it. Back in June when my Dr. suggested effexor I had serious hesitations, but once I found this board I felt much better about what I needed to do. I am glad I started the effexor, and the wellbutrin to counter the side effects, it has definately helped me through some very difficult times, with more to come. Effexor may not be right for everyone, I got lucky the first time, and for that I am greatful. I only hope others can find the help they need, when they need it. This board has also been a healer for me, knowing I'm not alone, reading others feelings, it has helped so much, and for that I say Thank You to all of you.
Sandi
Posted by Cynicho on November 8, 2005, at 13:25:00
In reply to Is there an anti-depressnt that WONT make me fat?, posted by cablegirl on November 3, 2005, at 13:22:37
I'm so relieved to read others who stuggle with weight gain and ad's. I too gained a quick 18 unwanted pounds from Lexapro. Prozac had the same effect. I finally found a doctor who didn't try to convince me that ad's don't cause weight gain (%^&*#$, they DO for some people). She put me on 37.5 effexor, to go to 75mg within 2 weeks. I've been on it one week and feel sooo much better. I think I have a shot at no weight gain, as my appetite has fallen off, and I am not obsessing about food. The things I've read about getting off of Effexor are kind of scary though.
Hey there.....
>
> Doctor just switched me to 75 mg Effexor XR yesterday. After taking 10 mg Lexapro for 3 months and gaining 12 VERY UNWANTED pounds!!! I felt absoultely wonderful on the Lexapro and am a bit hesitant about switching to the Effexor, but the doctor wanted to see if it would keep me happy without the extra pounds!!! I've read that one of the "side effects" of Effexor could be weight loss and/or loss of appetite.....I sure hope so....
>
> Has anyone experienced weight loss from any anti-depressant. I want to be happy.....NOT fat & happy!!!!!!!
Posted by Gertrude on November 8, 2005, at 19:10:51
In reply to Re: Is there an anti-depressnt that WONT make me fat?, posted by Cynicho on November 8, 2005, at 13:25:00
> I'm so relieved to read others who stuggle with weight gain and ad's. I too gained a quick 18 unwanted pounds from Lexapro. Prozac had the same effect. I finally found a doctor who didn't try to convince me that ad's don't cause weight gain (%^&*#$, they DO for some people). She put me on 37.5 effexor, to go to 75mg within 2 weeks. I've been on it one week and feel sooo much better. I think I have a shot at no weight gain, as my appetite has fallen off, and I am not obsessing about food. The things I've read about getting off of Effexor are kind of scary though.
>
> Hey there.....
> >
> > Doctor just switched me to 75 mg Effexor XR yesterday. After taking 10 mg Lexapro for 3 months and gaining 12 VERY UNWANTED pounds!!! I felt absoultely wonderful on the Lexapro and am a bit hesitant about switching to the Effexor, but the doctor wanted to see if it would keep me happy without the extra pounds!!! I've read that one of the "side effects" of Effexor could be weight loss and/or loss of appetite.....I sure hope so....
> >
> > Has anyone experienced weight loss from any anti-depressant. I want to be happy.....NOT fat & happy!!!!!!!
>
> Has anyone gained a large amount on Effexor? I was on Paxil for 9 years and gained a very unwanted 35 lbs...now trying to take off and doc says that this should help...anyone know anything about this? THANKS!
Posted by spierson1253 on November 8, 2005, at 20:40:13
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Okay, I got my come-uppance yesterday. I've been reading what all of you have been writing, and I've been horried at times, of all the other drugs you have to take because of and/or in conjuction with, the Affexor. I was telling the doctor how I could tell when I was close to the next does because anxiety would start to set it. He harrumphed and told me it was time-released, and that the anxiety was not from the that. And he wrote me an additional Rx for Xanax. Which he then informs me is very addictive. I am feeling better on the Effexor, as it doesn't turn me into a veritable zombie by damping all of my emotions. It still allows me to think and feel, but without all the emotional "acting out" (screaming at inanimate objects, crying for hours and hours and hours, feeling under attacke if someone tried to question me about something trifling, etc etc etc). But I still cannot quell the particular anxiety that leads to panic attacks.
I saw an EAP (Employee Assistance Program) person the other day, although I was fired. I wanted to strangle this woman. She was only a trained counselor. I heard things like "now you know, we must live in the now, as yesterday no longer has a hold on us." I finally had to tell me that if she didn't stop talking to me like a pre-school teacher, I'd get up and leave. She complied. It was still a colossal waste of time. There's not anything she can do to assist me. I'm already fired.
They are weaning me off medical marijuana for sleeping. I have such a hard time sleeping, that this really scares me. Chemical sleep aids either work two hours and I'm awake the rest of the night, or the side-effects are worse than the lack of sleep. Marijuana isn't addictive, has no side affects, you can't overdose on it, and I get 4-6 uninterrupted hours of sleep. Pure heaven. But I want to get better, I despise me this way, so I'll do what I have to to get there. If I find that the sleep thing isn't resolving, I'll be going back to the marijuana. You cannot heal emotionally, mentally, or spiritually if your mind is too exhausted all the time.
I went to a psychologist for a psychological evaluation this morning (four exhausting hours!!). As the guys in the little white coats didn't show up to take me away, I'm assuming I'm not totally insane and a danger to others??? I wish they weren't the bubble fill-in types because some of those questions just begged a response. ("Do you consider Hitler to be a hero of the people?") I kid you not. I laughed out loud. There was a guy in there taking his test for the police dept., and he said quietly over his shoulder "I don't blame you."
For right now, I'm trying to figure out a way to keep from sucking my cheeks in and clenching my teeth (this can cause me to chew the inside of my mouth into bleeding sores.) We aren't sure yet what's causing it, as it was really bad before the Affexor. I don't clench them until they lock shut, but I hold my jaw so rigid the muscles will start to spasm and I have to hold my jaw closed to keep from being embarrassed if I'm in public. Any suggestions on that one?
~~Sherry~~
Posted by Bets43 on November 8, 2005, at 22:04:00
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by spierson1253 on November 8, 2005, at 20:40:13
I found myself sucking my tongue. Chewing gum helps alot for me.
I slept better last night then I had for several days and I am not so keyed up (just started my 3rd week).
Biggest problem now, when I am not chewing gum, is this awful taste I have in my mouth <yuck>
I feel much better!!
Posted by TinMan on November 9, 2005, at 14:56:18
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Bets43 on November 8, 2005, at 22:04:00
After being on and adding Wellbutrin to the Effexor, I am beginning to think that it is not a good mix for me.
I am feeling my "hair trigger" come back, plus the "over reacting". And I am feeling more depressed. Today, I cried for most of the morning and couldn't stop it.
Part of that was my spouse telling me that "people like me are Monsters masquerading as Human Beings" and there are websites about people like me.
Well, I have thought that my self-esteem or lack of one was a big part of my problem. I also have a very hard time opening up to people because I feel like someone "worthless" and, maybe even "rotten to the core".
Wow, I don't even know what to think anymore.
Posted by spierson1253 on November 9, 2005, at 17:35:58
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by TinMan on November 9, 2005, at 14:56:18
I'm sorry dear, but have you ever heard of something called "verbal abuse"? Your husband is the monster, not you. I would suggest you get some counseling for your depression, and that you include your husband in it. I had a husband like him once. I had to leave in order to get better and feel like a whole useful person again. He would say the same things to me your husband says to you. You don't need that. If he can't be supportive, he'll tear down any progress you make. Although I know that now is not a good time for you to try to concentrate and make the right decisions, you're going to need to do it soon. Get some counseling. The first step is always the hardest, and getting counseling is an easier task, and again, a prerequisite for healing.
Posted by nana on November 9, 2005, at 17:37:40
In reply to Re: Is there an anti-depressnt that WONT make me fat?, posted by Gertrude on November 8, 2005, at 19:10:51
I am sorry to burst your bubble but my doctor said the same thing to me and I have put on 35 lbs. Working on getting that under control. I do have a new problem that I think is the result of the Effexor xr 75mg which I take in the morning and if needed for stress I can take 37.5 mg in the afternoon, I try not to do that very often it makes me very anxious. But my problem is that I seem to be having dizziness / vertigo just all of a sudden. I get up from a sitting position and start walking down a hallway and suddenly the world will start to spin and I have to stop or sit down until it stops. 10 seconds maybe. It is like being on a ride at the fairgrounds. Does anybody else have any problems like this. I keep thinking maybe I need more medicine because it sounds almost like withdrawls. Help!!!
Posted by RichardB on November 9, 2005, at 18:30:45
In reply to Re: Is there an anti-depressnt that WONT make me fat?, posted by hevvi1 on November 6, 2005, at 14:11:55
Life is unpredictable. Sometimes you can't even count on failure!!! Just when you realize that ALL medications have SOME kind of annoying or dangerious side effects, you learn about CES. Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation. The FDA says (Quietly) that the Alpha-Stim SCS unit is "Substantially equivalent" to drugs. Without the side effects of drugs. In fact, without ANY lasting or dangerous or debilitating side effects. Call Bio Health Technolgoies (BHT-US.com) toll free at 1-877-202-4419. Life is unpredictable. You can't even count on failure!
Posted by spierson1253 on November 9, 2005, at 22:16:45
In reply to Re: Is there an anti-depressnt that WONT make me fat?, posted by nana on November 9, 2005, at 17:37:40
Oh my goodness! I thought it was just me!!!! I took a bath this morning, pulled the plug and turned on the shower to rinse of the residual soap. Next thing I know, I'm sitting in the tub, bent forward, all the water has drained out and the shower is ice cold. I was so shakey after that, I had to crawl to my bed and just lie down until it passed. Scared the crap out of me, to put it mildly. Does anyone out there know why this happens?
Posted by RichardB on November 10, 2005, at 3:39:36
In reply to Re: Is there an anti-depressnt that WONT make me fat? » nana, posted by spierson1253 on November 9, 2005, at 22:16:45
Please read the message from richardB on Nov 9th.
Posted by tlryan21 on November 10, 2005, at 6:12:43
In reply to Re: Is there an anti-depressnt that WONT make me fat? » nana, posted by spierson1253 on November 9, 2005, at 22:16:45
I don't know why we get that feeling of vertigo-dizziness. I get this too, but only if I miss a dose of Effexor. I try very hard to take it at the same time every day-and always at night, this seems to have helped my problem. I'm currently on 75mg. Someone had the nerve to tell me it's all in my head, but I believe in my case that it's like a withdrawal when I don't take it.
Posted by sanny on November 10, 2005, at 8:06:43
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi, I, too, take Effexor ER at 75 mg. ...I was told my dr. to take in the evening...I find that a few hours before I am due to take again I am extremely tired, dizzy, etc. I have considered breaking into and taking half in the morning and half mid-afternoon...has anyone done this? I also have the teeth/jaw clenching syndrome. There are times when I am totally aware of what I am doing and then other times my husband will gently say "please stop clenching" I do wear a retainer at night to help...S
Posted by cablegirl on November 10, 2005, at 10:55:34
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by sanny on November 10, 2005, at 8:06:43
Wow....just goes to show how everyone is affected differently!!! I have been taking 150 mg Effexor for a week now, and have had no side effects. I was a little tired the first couple days, but that has passed. I take my dose in the morning between 6 and 7 am. I feel that I have more evergy (hence better workouts at the gym) and less of an appetite. I have lost 3 pounds so far and hope it continues, so I can lose the other 10 pounds I gained on Lexapro. I also have been sleeping great and waking up refreshed! It's a miracle!!!!
***Just another example of how everyone is affected different my medications***Good Luck to Everyone!!!
Posted by spierson1253 on November 10, 2005, at 11:00:20
In reply to Re: Is there an anti-depressnt that WONT make me fat?, posted by tlryan21 on November 10, 2005, at 6:12:43
I was telling my doctor I could tell 2 hours before it was time for my next dose of Affexor. He told me it was all in my head, as it is time-released and you always have the same amount in your system at all times. I just looked at him. I'm 51 yrs. old and I'm getting so tired of being treated like an idiot child. I have an illness. I am not retarded!!!
I try to take mine at the same time, but I'm not good about things like that. I hate pills for one thing. And I abhor being tied to a clock. My way around that, is I have a permanent alarm set on my iPAQ and it chimes to remind me it's "that time again!!!"
Something strange that I'm noticing. I quit smoking 3 years ago. And now I crave cigarettes so bad I can hardly stand it. It will get so bad I have to take a Xanax, and that's a guaranteed wasted five hours sleeping it off. Any suggestions anyone?
Yes, I know, I'm a mess. And I apologize to you all for sounding so needy. This is all new to me, and I feel like I'm just floundering around helplessly and making no headway.
Posted by spierson1253 on November 10, 2005, at 11:03:58
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by sanny on November 10, 2005, at 8:06:43
Have you found that dividing the dosage to twice a day helps? I'm on 75mg and I take it at night.
Posted by Graceneeded on November 10, 2005, at 11:10:22
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » sanny, posted by spierson1253 on November 10, 2005, at 11:03:58
I have been off Effexor a month now. I crashed once all meds got out of my system and just started on Symbyax (Prozac & Zyprexa) last night. Little bit of a hangover but not bad. This after a week of plain Prozac. I now remember what it was like off meds and it were not fun.
Posted by tlryan21 on November 10, 2005, at 11:19:37
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Graceneeded on November 10, 2005, at 11:10:22
> I have been off Effexor a month now. I crashed once all meds got out of my system and just started on Symbyax (Prozac & Zyprexa) last night. Little bit of a hangover but not bad. This after a week of plain Prozac. I now remember what it was like off meds and it were not fun.
I'm curious what you mean by crashed. Did all the previous feelings come back or was it a withdrawal. I tried Paxil after Effexor made me ill the first time, and it didn't help me, so I went back on the Effexor. I feel so much better on it despite some side effects. Why did you stop the Effexor?
Posted by sanny on November 10, 2005, at 11:27:46
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Graceneeded, posted by tlryan21 on November 10, 2005, at 11:19:37
I haven't started taking 37.5 in the morning and 37.5 in the afternoon....Maybe I should be just taking it every morning...does that guarantee more daytime energy????? I just hate having that downward spiral about mid-day...I feel I just don't have the energy to do anything...NOTHING!!!!
Afternoons are when I usually get out and run errands, volunteer, or go to Barnes & Noble(my favorite place) and now I've gotten to the point where I can't even summon up the energy and then I feel I've wasted the day....then the dizziness, etc kicks in and I start the process all over...take my meds about 5 p.m. ...My dr. seems to prefer that I take in the evening, but my point is if the morning works..do it!!!! Am I correct?????????????/
Posted by tlryan21 on November 10, 2005, at 11:33:14
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by sanny on November 10, 2005, at 11:27:46
I do think that we are all different and need to find the best way to take our meds. There are a lot of other variable factors to be figured in. I think that you're right, whatever works for you, do it!
Just to let you all know, I have been very happy with this message board and feel I am not alone. It's been a big help to me to find other people that are like me.
Posted by haddsl on November 10, 2005, at 11:37:08
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by tlryan21 on November 10, 2005, at 11:33:14
> I do think that we are all different and need to find the best way to take our meds. There are a lot of other variable factors to be figured in. I think that you're right, whatever works for you, do it!
> Just to let you all know, I have been very happy with this message board and feel I am not alone. It's been a big help to me to find other people that are like me.
Your right! It has sure helped me and I have even referred friends here for support. It really does help you to know that you are not just crazy! Which is what I thought of me before this posting board. Now I know that it is not just me... and all of you must know how refreshing and hopeful that is!
Posted by spierson1253 on November 10, 2005, at 11:56:38
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by sanny on November 10, 2005, at 11:27:46
It seems to work different for everyone. I take 75mg at night. However, about an hour after getting up in the morning, I start climbing the walls. I just took a half an Rx of 37.5mg to see how I feel today. If I feel better, then I'll halve my Rx and take 37.5 a night and again in the morning.
He gave me Xanax for the extreme anxiety that leads to panic attacks. They give me a hangover headache, and end up making me feel worse than I did before I took them. So I pretty much save them for acute nights of non-sleepiness. And I found out it's highly addictive. That's scarey for me, as I have what's called an "addictive personality" or some such nonsense (I may not have the term exactly correct.) Well, it's not nonsense, it's the truth.
The fun part is, after you figure out what works for you, then you have to go convince your doctor, who will chew you out for having the audacity to "self-medicate". It's my opinion that they don't have to live with us everyday, so please take pity on the person who does have to live with us. (Or in my case, when my boyfriend comes down to visit.) However, at the same time, I do not condone self-medicating and don't advise it.
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