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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 9328 to 9352 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by jeminiwmn on November 10, 2005, at 18:58:22
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
Now that I'm reading this-I'm starting to wonder if I should be BACK on the Effexor-It did give me energy I must say. I went on welbutrin about ahhh a year ago and my energy is sapped=and I didn't loose weight from it either. I hear all this about welbutrin making you loose weight. Now I realize that the only reason I really went off the Effexor was because of the libido problems-I was able to get up in the morning though and have a productive day. Yes the beginning side effects are ugghgh-stomach prblms etc... but they do subside. I think if it's possible-to add a dietary suppliment and I'm sorry but I wish I could post what worked well for me in conjunction w/ the Effexor. FDA took it off the market and has now allowed for some to go back on in certain doses-pending final outcome. I never abused it though-only needed like 1 a day. I never took 6 or 8 thinking I was going to loose more weight that way. I wonder now. I know I can't be on nothing. I'm sorry to say, but MOST anti depressants DO cause weight gain and I'm glad that I'm reading it here to-because my dr. is a little sarcastic when I tell her how upset I am about the 30t+ pounds that I can't get off for the life of me. I wish they would get on some of these boards and just READ-there's an obvious problem here.
Posted by jeminiwmn on November 10, 2005, at 19:05:29
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
Well-I have said my piece on a lot of this. I know it ALL causes weight gain. I don't have a problem w/ overeating for the most part. It seems I have to work out and eat like a diet pro to get this right. I didn't have a weight prblm until I started the anti=depressant cycle. I only gained a lot during my pregnancy a thousand years ago-got it off and stayed thin-until i went on the roller coaster ride. I only know that eventually you do get more energy from the effexor. I know dr.s are doing a lot of "coctail" mixes w/ a little of this and that. Tompomax is supposed to aid in weightloss-NOT FOR ME. It helped mess up my memory though-LOL. I feel like a human guinea pig and my doc is frustrated w/ me because I can't stand the weight issues and I don't know where to turn next.
I hope it works for you-good luck.
Posted by spierson1253 on November 10, 2005, at 19:10:34
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain, posted by jeminiwmn on November 10, 2005, at 18:44:05
My doctor went ballistic when I told him I knew when it was 2 hours before the next dose. He says that's impossible because it's time-released. I wasn't in the mood to argue with him. I'm going to take the link and some prints of things users have said on this site and show them to him. I think we, as patients, sometimes need to educate our doctors.
Posted by spierson1253 on November 10, 2005, at 19:15:46
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by TinMan on November 10, 2005, at 18:48:00
I was taking 75mg at night, and feeling horrible all the next day. So, I had some 37.5mg leftover, and started taking one of those in the morning. It was great. Today was the first time in 3-1/2 weeks that I actually got up and started task AND finished it. I was so proud of myself. I flushed my Xanax down the toilet a little while ago. I hate it. I hate the way I feel when it wears off. He prescribed it for panic attacks, like when I have to drive somewhere. Now you tell me, why would he prescribe something that knocks me out for four hours to take before I drive?
Posted by sanny on November 10, 2005, at 19:31:27
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain » jeminiwmn, posted by spierson1253 on November 10, 2005, at 19:10:34
Darn tootin' you know your own body....I always know when it's near time to take the Effexor...I have those dizzy, weird buzzing feelings in my brain....feel lightheaded, etc...I cannot believe that an "educated dr." would not be able to believe reactions vary from person to person. Is this part of the "too many patients, too little time" syndrome? Do they not want to take the time to listen and do what's best for their patients? I've been lucky that my dr. does listen to me although there are times when I feel like I'm going to feel a giant automated hand push me out of the room because my time is up!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by spierson1253 on November 10, 2005, at 19:40:35
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain, posted by sanny on November 10, 2005, at 19:31:27
Thank you for that mental picture of the big metal hand pushing you out of the exam room. That was a good analogy.
Posted by 4wd on November 10, 2005, at 21:32:38
In reply to Re: Is there an anti-depressnt that WONT make me fat? » tlryan21, posted by spierson1253 on November 10, 2005, at 11:00:20
>
>
> 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?
>No suggestions, but I just wanted to let you know that Effexor turned me from a pack a day smoker to almost two packs a day. Don't let anyone tell you it's all in your head. I smoked a pack a day for 20 years and it was definitely the Effexor that upped the desire for nicotine.
Marsha
> 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 22:17:01
In reply to Re: Is there an anti-depressnt that WONT make me fat? » spierson1253, posted by 4wd on November 10, 2005, at 21:32:38
Okay, this may sound strange or completely off the wall to some of you, but please bear with me.
A long time ago, I was addicted to methamphetimines. I am noticing some of the same side effects from Effexor that I had while on meth. Most noticably, as I've already mentioned, is the intense need to smoke. There is also, the jaw clenching and sucking in the sides of my mouth, and even though my heartrate doesn't increase, sometimes I swear it feels like my heart is going to beat itself to death. If I take a Xanax to calm this effect, I have to sleep it off. Is this from too high a dose of Effexor, or will it go away as the dr. ups the dosage (which he did not do my last visit).
Posted by Mim on November 11, 2005, at 7:30:45
In reply to Re: Is there an anti-depressnt that WONT make me fat? » 4wd, posted by spierson1253 on November 10, 2005, at 22:17:01
None of it sounds strange!
I mentioned to my doctor that since he is experimenting and has up-ed my dossage to 300mg, divided over morning and evening(because it isn't time released),I wake up at 3am (and although I get back to sleep, it isn't ideal). I also said that I have lost my appetite and can go the whole day without eating without really noticing it. He looked it up in his computer and told me that those are not side effects of Effexor, and are probably due to my stress. I didn't even mention the locking of my jaw...which some of you also mention, I assumed that it was also due to my stress....wouldn't it be nice if doctors ever read this! (or do we all have stress-related symptoms which we wrongly attribute to Effexor???). I'm like the girl with the curl from the nursery rhyme: When I am good I am very good, but when I am bad I am horrid. Take care and keep writing
Posted by spierson1253 on November 11, 2005, at 9:55:43
In reply to Educating doctors, posted by Mim on November 11, 2005, at 7:30:45
I don't know why I didn't think of starting an independent thread about educating doctors, but thank you for thinking of it. I have been cutting and pasting comments about all the side effects and I'm taking it to my doctor next week. Doctors can't know everything. They aren't computers. So the more information we provide them with, the better they can help us.
The major problem is that some of them are so arrogant in their [imagined] supremacy, they don't think we can teach them anything. The minor problem is that they are so busy, they don't have the time to take the extended classes to keep them up-to-date with every new medical breakthrough.
Doctors, it appears, are reading old information on Effexor. You know the literature that's given out with the release of a new drug. I was on Strattera and it's so new there's almost no information out there about it. My doctor couldn't help me figure out how to dose it properly for me. Had to figure it out myself.
So, fellow patients, arise! Unite in our efforts to educate our doctors!!! And have a nice day.
Posted by jeminiwmn on November 11, 2005, at 12:12:19
In reply to Educating doctors, posted by Mim on November 11, 2005, at 7:30:45
Horray for you!!!! I thought I was "nuts" even though I'm told I'm not yet these "side effects" are not caused by anti-depressants. LOL-I KNOW MY BODY OK?? I know when it's me and I know when it's the anti-depresants. Is that why my cholesterol went sky high while on anti=dep?? I finally read somewhere and I wish I wrote it down where -years after I was insisting its from the anti dep. The weight gain is because I'm happy and eating more!!! OMG!!!! PLZ!!! Maybe there is something that makes you crave more sugar I don't know, but sometimes you don't evn have to overeat-you just seem to get a "bloated" extra 30 ugly pounds and your body seems disfigured. So they look in a book?? What about what us "live" people have to say. Ummm are you gonna tell me that you are the only patient complaining of this and they don't go to seminars and they don't talk about this info?? Otherwise, i say something is seriously wrong here. Why are they looking in a book at this point on a drug that has been given out for quite some time now. This stuff causes things that they will not admit to-and why? I don't understand. I can only guess, but that's not my place and only my opinion. I just don't like getting "told" how I should feel and that I'm not "complying" because I decide that I don't want to take something I feel is not beneficial to me.
Posted by jeminiwmn on November 11, 2005, at 15:52:23
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by TinMan on November 9, 2005, at 14:56:18
I'm sorry, but you have me a little confused. YOu said the combo seems to be a good mix for you and then you stated that you are having all this negativity? So I'm wondering is it good or not? I was just discussing this combo w/ someone else.
Now I read this and I'm a little confused. Are you saying that you were getting bad and the new combo is making you better???Thanks-and I hope it's all positive for you.
Posted by jeminiwmn on November 11, 2005, at 16:25:52
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain » jeminiwmn, posted by spierson1253 on November 10, 2005, at 19:10:34
I have to laugh at this point because I'm glad we are all talking here and possible beginning the see something here. We may suffer from depression, but it doesn't mean we are any less "intellegent" or "ignorant". One thing for sure is I think we may be a little more sensitive, even more so than others and with that, WE KNOW OUR BODIES-HELLLOOOO!!!!
NO-Don't argue w/ your dr. ever-you will insult them-there's a way to politely say things and as you say-copy and paste some of these-just don't give personal info-ie/emails etc...If that's ok w/ this site. I like your idea. I told my psych about "message boards" that are "monitered" and she couldn't disagree w/ me in that many, many people have the same "symptoms" as I have been telling her about for so long. So we may be on to something here. Good luck to you.
Posted by spierson1253 on November 11, 2005, at 17:25:32
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by jeminiwmn on November 11, 2005, at 15:52:23
Sorry -- the combo worked at first and then I started not feeling well with it. Part of the problem is my reaction to the Xanax. The Effexor is working wonderfully, put I still have the panic attacks when I have to leave the house or deal with something unpleasant. The Xanax worked on the anxiety at first, until the Effexor dose was increased. Now Xanax just knocks me out leaves me with a terrible hangover feeling. I tend to get resistant to drugs really easy, or will start to develop some physical problem with them, my system is that touchy (I'm a Type II diabetic on top of everything else.) Anything upsets my system, and especially drugs.
I only use the Xanax for nights I'm having trouble falling asleep, and I switched from taking the Effexor at night to taking it in the morning. After he doubled the dose, I couldn't sleep, because the higher dose actually energizes me.
We'll see how it's going in another week or two.
Posted by spierson1253 on November 11, 2005, at 17:32:12
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain, posted by jeminiwmn on November 11, 2005, at 16:25:52
No, I wouldn't ever use names or addresses. I just want specific statements from different people in their own words, so he can't tell me "it's all in my head" again. I really hate that.
Posted by tlryan21 on November 12, 2005, at 7:13:41
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain » jeminiwmn, posted by spierson1253 on November 11, 2005, at 17:32:12
I for one, am happy to comply. I have gotten so tired of hearing that 'these are not side effects of effexor' that i could scream. I now know that is not the case.
I started 2.5 years ago on effexor, slowly, 37.5-75-150. I stopped after 3-4 months because I was so ill and slightly dizzy. I thought that it was because I had just bought a new car and was not used to the difference in views, since I was told that the med was not making me sick. So I was switched to Paxil. This did not work at all for me, so I ended back on effexor with 150mg my top dose, on that for roughly 1.5 years. Twenty five pounds weight gain, and very difficult getting if off. I am now down to a 75mg dose. If I miss a dose, or even take it 6 hours later, I am dizzy, nauseous and am just plain sick-sick-sick. I vomit constantly and am pretty much non-functional. During this time, the world seems very surreal to me and it takes about three days to get back to normal. Someone had mentioned vertigo or seasickness as a comparable feeling. YES IT IS!! I had also experienced severe teeth grinding in the night, and from reading some other entries feel this is a reaction from the med too. I also have Rheumatoid Arthritis and take celebrex, methotrexate and plaquenil for that. Every eight weeks I get a dose of Remicade. I had been on these others meds long before the effexor, so no, it's not them. Also, I can not drink coffee anymore, within an hour of having a cup, the seasick feeling comes on.
I still feel that effexor has been a great help to me and don't know where I'd be now without it in my life. My emotions are in check, I still feel things and can actually cry if I need to. I was worried about just being 'happy all the time' which I did not want. I hope this helps and I am also going to talk to my doctor about this, since the entire office seems to think that I am imagining this. They haven't seen me on the side of the road puking my guts out. You can quote me and if you have any other questions, I'd be more than happy to answer them. I am just so glad I am not the only one.> No, I wouldn't ever use names or addresses. I just want specific statements from different people in their own words, so he can't tell me "it's all in my head" again. I really hate that.
Posted by Mim on November 13, 2005, at 8:11:10
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain » spierson1253, posted by tlryan21 on November 12, 2005, at 7:13:41
Hello,
I am so glad to hear about the collection of side effects. The little paper in the box has the side effects divided in three categories; ones that occure: often, sometime and seldom(I assume this is world wide, I am writing from Europe). Well, "often" include tense muscles, loss of appetite, and sleeplessness. "Seldom" included "de-regulating cycle" which is a vauge way to mention the menstral cycle...which everyone denies is possible. Well, I have been losing a little blood on and off for ages...no "cycle" whatsoever, and my delightful doctor reccomended I get a scan and find out why. He also told the gynocoligist that I was edgy about the constant loss of blood (like who wouldn't be??). Anyway, thanks for the information and support.
I am in a major dip again and all I can do is keep telling myself that it will pass one of these days. I just have to keep from making any major discisions (do not divorce,do not quite job, do not kill teenaged step-daughers or leave the country...just wait it out). It feels so good to know you understand this.
Please send me cyber patience and thanks for being yourselves!
Posted by SMMM on November 13, 2005, at 20:26:45
In reply to Re: Is there an anti-depressnt that WONT make me fat?, posted by hevvi1 on November 4, 2005, at 7:03:04
> I have been on Effexor xr for about 6 weeks now,and I must say it has killed my appetite and I have lost about 6 pounds already.People are starting to comment on the weight loss.I just don't pig out like I used to.I think its an effect of the drug rather than an effect of the way I feel now,as I can eat but only in very small portions.I feel full very quickly.I agree with the feelings about being happy to be alive.I too,feel that now for the first time in at least 3 years.I do have some side effects with Effexor,being the jaw clenching(I can deal with that now,its only right after I yawn,which is always when I wake up:same thing every morning, which is how I know its the Effexor),also I can't seem to reach orgasm as easily,I seem to get nearly there but can't quite get over the last bit,so to speak ,I CAN orgasm but it takes a lot of effort.I too wake up in the night.I take Effexor after my evening meal and I usually wake up around 2 or 3.I can relax and go back to sleep fairly easily.That said,although these might sound like a lot of problems,they are nothing in comparison to how much better I feel overall.Effexor has been a life saver for me,my family and my marriage.
I have the same problems with Effexor. I was constantly hot and wake up soaking wet. I had horrible headaches. I have the same trouble with sex and it's getting to the point that it's really affecting things. We're newlyweds!! I was extremely drowsy....actually I was exhausted. I also woke up during the night quite frequently even though I was on Trazadone (sleeping aid)!
Now, my doctor has put me on a lower dosage of the Effexor and started Wellbutrin. I've been friggin insane since I started the Wellbutrin. I have zero patience and my anxiety is out of control!!
Anyone have any suggestions???I recommend that you try taking the Effexor in the morning. You might sleep better at night.
Posted by hevvi1 on November 14, 2005, at 7:54:39
In reply to Re: Is there an anti-depressnt that WONT make me f, posted by SMMM on November 13, 2005, at 20:26:45
> > I have been on Effexor xr for about 6 weeks now,and I must say it has killed my appetite and I have lost about 6 pounds already.People are starting to comment on the weight loss.I just don't pig out like I used to.I think its an effect of the drug rather than an effect of the way I feel now,as I can eat but only in very small portions.I feel full very quickly.I agree with the feelings about being happy to be alive.I too,feel that now for the first time in at least 3 years.I do have some side effects with Effexor,being the jaw clenching(I can deal with that now,its only right after I yawn,which is always when I wake up:same thing every morning, which is how I know its the Effexor),also I can't seem to reach orgasm as easily,I seem to get nearly there but can't quite get over the last bit,so to speak ,I CAN orgasm but it takes a lot of effort.I too wake up in the night.I take Effexor after my evening meal and I usually wake up around 2 or 3.I can relax and go back to sleep fairly easily.That said,although these might sound like a lot of problems,they are nothing in comparison to how much better I feel overall.Effexor has been a life saver for me,my family and my marriage.
>
>
>
> I have the same problems with Effexor. I was constantly hot and wake up soaking wet. I had horrible headaches. I have the same trouble with sex and it's getting to the point that it's really affecting things. We're newlyweds!! I was extremely drowsy....actually I was exhausted. I also woke up during the night quite frequently even though I was on Trazadone (sleeping aid)!
> Now, my doctor has put me on a lower dosage of the Effexor and started Wellbutrin. I've been friggin insane since I started the Wellbutrin. I have zero patience and my anxiety is out of control!!
> Anyone have any suggestions???
>
> I recommend that you try taking the Effexor in the morning. You might sleep better at night.Thanks..I'm going to try taking it in the morning!!!!
Posted by spierson1253 on November 14, 2005, at 11:44:32
In reply to Re: Is there an anti-depressnt that WONT make me f, posted by SMMM on November 13, 2005, at 20:26:45
Now that I'm back on my HRT (girls only, sorry) I haven't had a problem with night sweats. However, I used to get cold really easy, and I would fight with S. over how hot it was (he would be dying). Now, I find myself turning off the heat and opening all the windows cuzz I'm so warm. Being unemployed with no income right now, keeping my electric/gas bill down is imperative, and this makes it so much easier. (People say, well, add more clothes. I hate winter because I hate being wrapped up in sweaters, and sweats, and long-sleeved anythings.)
As far as the appetite, I was told if I didn't put 2 lbs. on, I would be hospitalized with a tube down my throat. (I went from 179 lbs. to less than 110 lbs. in about 4 months.) I have no body fat now, and the doc says I'm living on my own body tissues now. The Effexor has actually given me an appetite. I get hungry and I want to eat. I only eat very small portions, but I eat like 6-8 times a day when I'm normal, because of non-insuling-dependent, Type II Diabetes.
In other words, Effexor works different on everyone. The side-effects all seem to fall into the same categories. The individual determines the "mix". It comes down to knowing your own body, and how to talk to your doctor (and they don't always know everything -- we've been talking about educating our doctors on the side effects they swear don't exist.)
Posted by TinMan on November 15, 2005, at 7:58:52
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by jeminiwmn on November 11, 2005, at 15:52:23
> I'm sorry, but you have me a little confused. YOu said the combo seems to be a good mix for you and then you stated that you are having all this negativity? So I'm wondering is it good or not? I was just discussing this combo w/ someone else.
> Now I read this and I'm a little confused. Are you saying that you were getting bad and the new combo is making you better???
>
> Thanks-and I hope it's all positive for you.I tried the Wellbutrin/Effexor combo. After about 4 weeks, I noticed that I was getting irritable and anything could set me off. NOT GOOD. And the more Wellbutrin I got into my system, the more irritable and "hair trigger" I got. I understand that Wellbutrin is not a good recommendation for those with PTSD. That is part of what I am dealing with. Soooo, now I can honestly say that for me, Wellbutrin added to counteract the side effects of Effexor was not good.
I am back on 225 mg of Effexor with 7.5 mg of Remeron to sleep at night. I take two Effexor in the a.m. and one just before going to bed.
A lot of this seems to be trial and error. Listening to your body and working with your Dr. Because, we all are different! But not alone.
Posted by Mim on November 16, 2005, at 7:00:31
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by TinMan on November 15, 2005, at 7:58:52
> > I'm sorry, but you have me a little confused. YOu said the combo seems to be a good mix for you and then you stated that you are having all this negativity? So I'm wondering is it good or not? I was just discussing this combo w/ someone else.
> > Now I read this and I'm a little confused. Are you saying that you were getting bad and the new combo is making you better???
> >
> > Thanks-and I hope it's all positive for you.
>
> I tried the Wellbutrin/Effexor combo. After about 4 weeks, I noticed that I was getting irritable and anything could set me off. NOT GOOD. And the more Wellbutrin I got into my system, the more irritable and "hair trigger" I got. I understand that Wellbutrin is not a good recommendation for those with PTSD. That is part of what I am dealing with. Soooo, now I can honestly say that for me, Wellbutrin added to counteract the side effects of Effexor was not good.
>
> I am back on 225 mg of Effexor with 7.5 mg of Remeron to sleep at night. I take two Effexor in the a.m. and one just before going to bed.
>
> A lot of this seems to be trial and error. Listening to your body and working with your Dr. Because, we all are different! But not alone.
>
What is PTSD?I take 150 mg in the am and 150 at 5 pm and I tend to wake up at 4am...but get back to sleep.
Does anyone notice an effect on the regularity or Irregularity of their menstral cycle?? (Or is that all stress again?).
This does make me feel less alone! thanks
Posted by TinMan on November 16, 2005, at 8:30:33
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Mim on November 16, 2005, at 7:00:31
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - it is from being traumatized by war, abuse, rape, happenings of a violent nature.
I also have irregular periods. Some of it, is due to periomenopause, and some, I am sure, due to the Effexor. And I am taking a lose dose BC pill as HRT. I feel like my hormones are all over the charts anyway. Some nights, I have the night sweats, some days I get hot flashes.
The Wellbutrin seemed to make me edgy and irritable. It was great getting a libido back but when one is irritable and cranky, the libido isn't much good anyway.
I have BPD; a more significant type of PTSD. Paxil and Wellbutrin seem to make my "symptoms" worse.
Effexor helps a lot BUT I just don't know what it is like to wake up feeling, well, happy. I haven't felt that in a long, long time.
Posted by nana on November 16, 2005, at 11:11:32
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by TinMan on November 16, 2005, at 8:30:33
Hey, I use to feel the same way about not waking up happy. I have been reading what other people say and decided to try taking it at night around 8:00. What a difference!! I am a different person in the morning. It worked for me. It took about 3 days for me to start seeing a difference. You might try it. Keep trying life is to short not to be happy. Take care!!
Posted by spierson1253 on November 16, 2005, at 11:27:23
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Mim on November 16, 2005, at 7:00:31
I don't know about it's effect on the menses cycle, as I've gone through menopause. (Skippee dippee doo!!!!) For those of you who are in the throes of menopause, or lucky like me to be done with it, make sure you are taking hormone replacement therapy. If not, the Effexor will worsen the symptoms. As soon as I got back on it, the night sweats and the restlessness went completely away. Now, if I could just sleep through the night. *sigh*
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