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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 9455 to 9479 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by CH on December 26, 2005, at 21:27:50
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain , posted by Marge on May 4, 2000, at 12:19:36
> I am thrilled to see the posts regarding weight gain. I have gained almost 40lbs over the past 1 1/2 years that I've been taking Effexor. I had no idea why I was gaining and have become more depressed by the weight gain than I was initially. I changed doctors recently and was told it could cause weight gain. My question now, has anyone ever gone just COLD TURKEY? How long did it last and was it unbearable?
>
>
> > >I am on 75 mg. Effexor XR a day. I have gained
> > 20 lbs. I exercise like a demon and nothing comes
> > off. I hate it. Can't wear any of my clothes,
> > but I refuse to go out and buy more. Help. I'm
> > thinking seriously about going on St. John's Wort.
> > Anyone ever do this? Everything I read says they
> > don't know how to dose this kind of switch. Any info
> > would be greatly helpful.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Just got sample of Effexor XR. I've been on Paxil 20mg. for 1 yr. I feel great and my panic attacks are gone. BUT --- I keep gaining weight. I told my dr. to give me something else. Did anyone gain weight on this stuff? Does anyone use this for panic attacks. My dr. told me I could go right from Paxil to Effexor XR, stopping one and starting the other with no withdrawl symptoms. ANyone try it. Thanks for any input.
> > > >
>
>I have been taking Effexor for 6 months. I am a physical fitness trainer. I exercise more than most people imagine. I have gained 20lbs. and cannot get them off. I quit taking one of my other meds thinking it was that one. It has not helped. Now I think I know which one is causing the weight gain. Does anyone know what my alternatives are?
Posted by CH on December 26, 2005, at 21:30:53
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain » Marge, posted by CH on December 26, 2005, at 21:27:50
> > I am thrilled to see the posts regarding weight gain. I have gained almost 40lbs over the past 1 1/2 years that I've been taking Effexor. I had no idea why I was gaining and have become more depressed by the weight gain than I was initially. I changed doctors recently and was told it could cause weight gain. My question now, has anyone ever gone just COLD TURKEY? How long did it last and was it unbearable?
> >
> >
> > > >I am on 75 mg. Effexor XR a day. I have gained
> > > 20 lbs. I exercise like a demon and nothing comes
> > > off. I hate it. Can't wear any of my clothes,
> > > but I refuse to go out and buy more. Help. I'm
> > > thinking seriously about going on St. John's Wort.
> > > Anyone ever do this? Everything I read says they
> > > don't know how to dose this kind of switch. Any info
> > > would be greatly helpful.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Just got sample of Effexor XR. I've been on Paxil 20mg. for 1 yr. I feel great and my panic attacks are gone. BUT --- I keep gaining weight. I told my dr. to give me something else. Did anyone gain weight on this stuff? Does anyone use this for panic attacks. My dr. told me I could go right from Paxil to Effexor XR, stopping one and starting the other with no withdrawl symptoms. ANyone try it. Thanks for any input.
> > > > >
> >
> >
>
> I have been taking Effexor for 6 months. I am a physical fitness trainer. I exercise more than most people imagine. I have gained 20lbs. and cannot get them off. I quit taking one of my other meds thinking it was that one. It has not helped. Now I think I know which one is causing the weight gain. Does anyone know what my alternatives are? BTW, I was taking 75mg per day.
Posted by BonnieK on December 27, 2005, at 7:26:24
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain, posted by CH on December 26, 2005, at 21:30:53
Hi....I've been on 150 mg. of Effexor XR for quite awhile..atleast 2 years. I also take Xanax, daily as I suffer from panic attacks.
I did gain weight on Effexor in the beginning...about 10-15 lbs., and it's still with me. For me, it definately changed my metabolism...but as long as I am really careful, and don't eat massive quantites of fritos, oreos etc., I seem to be maintaining my weight. I do drink a ton of water...Maybe that helps?
For me, the results from the med. definately are worth it...even if I do have a J-Lo derierre, now!
Best wishes...
Posted by Bets43 on December 27, 2005, at 11:50:36
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain » Marge, posted by CH on December 26, 2005, at 21:27:50
I have not gained weight on effexor, in fact I have lost a few pounds....Zoloft also did not make me gain but paxil did plus it made me bloat....Must be a body chemistry thing. Also, some people eat less when they are depressed. Maybe coming out of depression with effexors help gave you a better appetite??
Posted by Graceneeded on December 27, 2005, at 15:35:22
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain, posted by Bets43 on December 27, 2005, at 11:50:36
Here we go again first of all I am stopping Effexor again going to Lexapro. I just could not handle the headaches. Now my insurance company switched providers and my Pysch. meds doctor and talk doctor are not on the list. Starting Jan.1 I have to find new doctors while switching meds! Keep me in your prayers!!!!!! Danny
Posted by hevvi1 on December 28, 2005, at 22:18:39
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain, posted by Bets43 on December 27, 2005, at 11:50:36
> I have not gained weight on effexor, in fact I have lost a few pounds....Zoloft also did not make me gain but paxil did plus it made me bloat....Must be a body chemistry thing. Also, some people eat less when they are depressed. Maybe coming out of depression with effexors help gave you a better appetite??
I have lost about 10 pounds since starting effexor xr.so I definately think it depends on your metabolism,it effects different people in different ways.i no longer have any side affects either,they have all gone,as have my panic attacks..I haven't felt this good in years!!!I am on 75mg a day for the last 3 months..
Posted by 3djp on December 29, 2005, at 6:31:29
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain, posted by hevvi1 on December 28, 2005, at 22:18:39
> > I have not gained weight on effexor, in fact I have lost a few pounds....Zoloft also did not make me gain but paxil did plus it made me bloat....Must be a body chemistry thing. Also, some people eat less when they are depressed. Maybe coming out of depression with effexors help gave you a better appetite??
>
> I have lost about 10 pounds since starting effexor xr.so I definately think it depends on your metabolism,it effects different people in different ways.i no longer have any side affects either,they have all gone,as have my panic attacks..I haven't felt this good in years!!!I am on 75mg a day for the last 3 months..
>I have a question about the side effects I am about to start effexor xr 37.5 then up to 75mg I have read about the headaches, and sleepiness. My doctor recommended that I take it in the AM. Are there any problems about taking aspirin, and vitamins.
Posted by Bets43 on December 29, 2005, at 11:35:27
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain, posted by 3djp on December 29, 2005, at 6:31:29
>
> I have a question about the side effects I am about to start effexor xr 37.5 then up to 75mg I have read about the headaches, and sleepiness. My doctor recommended that I take it in the AM. Are there any problems about taking aspirin, and vitamins.
>None that I know of...I take multi-vitamins, calcium, other supplements and over the counter pain killers with no problems.
Posted by 3djp on December 29, 2005, at 11:52:58
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain, posted by Bets43 on December 29, 2005, at 11:35:27
>
> >
> > I have a question about the side effects I am about to start effexor xr 37.5 then up to 75mg I have read about the headaches, and sleepiness. My doctor recommended that I take it in the AM. Are there any problems about taking aspirin, and vitamins.
> >
>
> None that I know of...I take multi-vitamins, calcium, other supplements and over the counter pain killers with no problems.I understand that everyone is different, what kind of SE did you have? and when did they end?
Posted by BonnieK on December 30, 2005, at 1:21:37
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain, posted by 3djp on December 29, 2005, at 11:52:58
Initially, I was way too depressed to even notice any side effects, to tell you the truth. The only issue that I've really had with Effexor is the common sexual one, which I wrote about in a previous thread...So, to your supplements, I would most definately add Ginko. It's what my psych recommended,and it has helped.
Best wishes!
Posted by Glenn@Australia on December 31, 2005, at 22:14:50
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have been on xr for about a year.I have never had the sex side affects but i also smoke pot. i think this may help this.I dont think smoking a depressate whilst taking a anti depressate is a good idear though
Posted by 3djp on January 4, 2006, at 9:25:53
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain, posted by BonnieK on December 30, 2005, at 1:21:37
I am now on effexor started yesterday. I woke up about 1:30 am had trouble going back to sleep. I have been riding bikes, and had my on a trainer for a while. Been sleeping pretty good before I started this medications. Will this SE go away?
Posted by maggie2 on January 5, 2006, at 15:51:44
In reply to Re: Alternative Ways of dealing with Depression, posted by Kellie on May 28, 2000, at 9:41:20
> Depression is a chemical imbalance of the brain. I haven't found any natural substances that are strong enough and non medical methods absolutely do not work. Telling a depressive to "snap out of it"is insensative at best. My mother is a diabetic and I'd never dream of telling her she could meditate and get over it. So why would you want to tell me to try an alternative method to cure myself of depression. Believe me, before I finally admitted to myself that I had a serous illness, I tried!! Prayer,meditation,exercise,--nothing worked. This is not an emotional problem, it's a biological problem. Increase your knowledge and you might learn something.
Kellie, it's much later now (1/5/06) and I don't know how these things work, but had to reply. I've been working on depression, etc. for many years, since before the ADs were created. I saw many doctors with no anwers, so I began trying to help myself. I read all I could find that seemed relevant, and gradually learned about nutrition and health and the mind body connection. I gradually improved - almost one symptom at a time. Finally, I began to find alternative practitioners who were informed and willing to try if I was. It has been slow and frustrating, but I know I'm much better now than I would have been. This wasn't emotional treatment, it was biochemical - helping the body/mind to help itself by restoring chemical balance where it was unbalanced by stress or heredity or illness. Nutrition isn't like drugs - not a magic bullet, but restorative to the normal state. Good luck. Maggie2
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 6, 2006, at 1:05:16
In reply to Re: Alternative Ways of dealing with Depression » Kellie, posted by maggie2 on January 5, 2006, at 15:51:44
> Kellie, it's much later now (1/5/06) and I don't know how these things work, but had to reply. I've been working on depression, etc. for many years, since before the ADs were created. I saw many doctors with no anwers, so I began trying to help myself...
Welcome! And sorry if it's confusing here, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding alternative ways of dealing with depression to Psycho-Babble Alternative. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20051208/msgs/595703.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by 3djp on January 9, 2006, at 10:56:39
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Glenn@Australia on December 31, 2005, at 22:14:50
I have been on this medication for a week now. I am still having problems sleeping through the night. When I start to fall a sleep I've been having muscle spasm in my arm or my leg just enough to jerk my leg at times. I don't feel them when I am sleep. Has anyone encounter this type of SE. Tomrrow I begin my 75mg dosage.
Posted by Walker on January 9, 2006, at 15:09:58
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have social anxiety disorder. It comes on mostly at work, usually when I'm in a meeting or sometimes when I'm just having a discussion with a co-worker. I begin to blush and sweat. My doctor prescibed Effexor. I'm late in my 2nd week of Effexor and haven't noticed any results yet. Has anyone had success treating this disorder and what other methods or medications did you use?
Posted by nana on January 9, 2006, at 15:57:31
In reply to Anyone treating social anxiety disorder with Effex, posted by Walker on January 9, 2006, at 15:09:58
Hello, I have what they say is GAD Generalized Anxiety disorder. I had the same thing happen to me when I was in a meeting and would have to say something. I would get an adreniline rush, my face would flush, rapid breathing and I could hardly say what I needed to say.
I now after taking Effexor 75mg for approx 1 yr can go to meetings, say what I need to relate to them, I still get just a little twinge in my stomach but am able to handle my self. I do have 37.5 Effexor if a day is to much for me I can add this dose in the afternoon. I can tell when it is needed or major stress brings it on. I don't have to take the extra dose very often.Hang in there and keep trying to get it under control. It worked for me and it can work for you.
Posted by TinMan on January 10, 2006, at 7:59:36
In reply to Re: Anyone treating social anxiety disorder with Effex, posted by nana on January 9, 2006, at 15:57:31
I have been on Effexor (225 mg) for about 8 or so months. It did take about 3 weeks to kick in. It helps me with the SAD/GAD so much. Things that used to make me so anxious, ah, now I feel like "who cares?", I am just fine!
So hang in there and see how you do and feel after about three weeks or so.
BTW, for the first time in a couple of years, I can actually feel "happy".
~TinMan
Posted by 3djp on January 10, 2006, at 8:04:34
In reply to Re: Anyone treating social anxiety disorder with Effex, posted by TinMan on January 10, 2006, at 7:59:36
> I have been on Effexor (225 mg) for about 8 or so months. It did take about 3 weeks to kick in. It helps me with the SAD/GAD so much. Things that used to make me so anxious, ah, now I feel like "who cares?", I am just fine!
>
> So hang in there and see how you do and feel after about three weeks or so.
>
> BTW, for the first time in a couple of years, I can actually feel "happy".
> ~TinManI have been on this medication for a week now. I am still having problems sleeping through the night. When I start to fall a sleep I've been having muscle spasm in my arm or my leg just enough to jerk my leg at times. I don't feel them when I am sleep. Has anyone encounter this type of SE. Tomrrow I begin my 75mg dosage
Posted by kmm on January 10, 2006, at 15:17:06
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by 3djp on January 9, 2006, at 10:56:39
It took quite awhile for me to feel better on Effexor (about 4 - 6 weeks) and a dose of 150 mgs. I went all the way up to 225 but actually felt worse (exhausted during the day, zombie like, couldn't sleep at night and had no sex drive). I have been on 150 mgs of Effexor XR combined with 150 mgs of Wellbutrin XL for about 5 months and feel the best I have felt in years. The Effexor helps with my anxiety and the Wellbutrin for depression. I still have occasional tremoring in my leg or arm. The doctor told me that all of the medications will have some side effect(s) that you don't like, so you have to choose what you can deal with. Good Luck and hang in there. It took me 7 months to get the "correct" dose and combination of medication. However, even in the interim I felt markedly better.
> I have been on this medication for a week now. I am still having problems sleeping through the night. When I start to fall a sleep I've been having muscle spasm in my arm or my leg just enough to jerk my leg at times. I don't feel them when I am sleep. Has anyone encounter this type of SE. Tomrrow I begin my 75mg dosage.
Posted by Walker on January 10, 2006, at 21:13:38
In reply to Re: Anyone treating social anxiety disorder with Effex, posted by 3djp on January 10, 2006, at 8:04:34
> > I have been on Effexor (225 mg) for about 8 or so months. It did take about 3 weeks to kick in. It helps me with the SAD/GAD so much. Things that used to make me so anxious, ah, now I feel like "who cares?", I am just fine!
> >
> > So hang in there and see how you do and feel after about three weeks or so.
> >
> > BTW, for the first time in a couple of years, I can actually feel "happy".
> > ~TinMan
>
> I have been on this medication for a week now. I am still having problems sleeping through the night. When I start to fall a sleep I've been having muscle spasm in my arm or my leg just enough to jerk my leg at times. I don't feel them when I am sleep. Has anyone encounter this type of SE. Tomrrow I begin my 75mg dosage
I just finished my second week and did not have any of those problems. I've been sleeping fine and have not had any spasms.
Posted by jacobs on January 10, 2006, at 21:50:04
In reply to Anyone treating social anxiety disorder with Effex, posted by Walker on January 9, 2006, at 15:09:58
hi i just started taking effexor xr today and noticed tingling in my scalp, is that normal? i have horrible GAD and today is the first day in i dont know how long i have felt normal. other then the tingling thing.
Posted by 3djp on January 11, 2006, at 7:58:21
In reply to Re: Anyone treating social anxiety disorder with Effex, posted by jacobs on January 10, 2006, at 21:50:04
> hi i just started taking effexor xr today and noticed tingling in my scalp, is that normal? i have horrible GAD and today is the first day in i dont know how long i have felt normal. other then the tingling thing.
I had the tingling in my scalp before I started and still do at time; however it has slow down since i have been on this medication i am still only on my second week. I am hoping it will go away soon i think it will.
Posted by kmm on January 11, 2006, at 13:49:43
In reply to Re: Anyone treating social anxiety disorder with Effex, posted by 3djp on January 11, 2006, at 7:58:21
I absolutely had this symptom and it did go away after time.
Posted by cerebus on January 11, 2006, at 16:41:54
In reply to Re: Anyone treating social anxiety disorder with Effex, posted by kmm on January 11, 2006, at 13:49:43
I have been taking Effexor for over 3 years at 75mg then upped the dosage to 112.5mg last year. I also have GAD/SAD and it sucks. I recently went back to pdoc, and indicated I was only activating the serotonin at the above dosage, so he increased my dosage to 225mg. I hope it works because the next experiment will be an MAOI. The side effects everyone is inquiring about is unfortunately normal. The body aches,tingling around the scalp, constipation, sexual problems, and headaches. The only ting I can recommend is give the medication time, alot of these problems will subside, if you can handle it. Effexor is a very strong and good medication.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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