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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by ace11 on January 14, 2006, at 9:10:08
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I've been on Effexor for 4 weeks now. The first week the medication worked well for me and gave me a sort of numb, zombie type feeling. i had less obsessive thoughts, my anxiety lessened tenfold, and my depression was a lot better. The first 3 days I was on 37.5 mg, and after that I took 75 mg. Unfortunately, since then, this medication isn't doing much for me. I'm back to the same old, depressed and anxious me. I'm wondering if I start to increase my dosage, whether I'll start to feel better again, because I can't go on like this. The worst part is, I don't even have a psychiatrist or even a family doctor with which to discuss my dosage with - though I'm in the process of getting one.
Anyone on this medication have any insights into this?
Thank you
Posted by sanny on January 14, 2006, at 9:33:09
In reply to help asap - effexor dosages, posted by ace11 on January 14, 2006, at 9:10:08
How were you able to get your meds without a dr? It's important that you have a physician who can monitor you...you need to monitor yourself because you're the only one who can relate what it does to you, but the physician should advise you...I'm not censuring you, I'm just concerned..
Posted by animama on January 14, 2006, at 9:40:50
In reply to help asap - effexor dosages, posted by ace11 on January 14, 2006, at 9:10:08
I have only been on effexor for two days at 37.5 mg. I did have a strict warning from my doctor not to miss a dose, stop taking it without notifing him or needing emerengcy care due to extreme side effects. He said that for the first two weeks, I could suffer anixety attacks, but if I could just get through them it would be much better the thrid week.
My suggestion to you is to start back at the 37.5 for a week then up it to the 75mg.
This is so scarry for me, I am taking effexor xr for migraines, or headache that are physical manifestation of my depression. This is just an effort to stop some very sever headaches. I am glad that we are on a path, instead of still searching for something.
I hope that you find a doctor soon. I was diagonosed about 4 years ago with severe depression and was only going to counsuling. I lost insurance and stop counsuling as well. Although the counsuling did help quite a bit, I really think the med with help even more.
Posted by kmm on January 14, 2006, at 13:20:08
In reply to help asap - effexor dosages, posted by ace11 on January 14, 2006, at 9:10:08
My recommendation is to stick with it until you get a doctor. Most of all, please try to see a psychiatrist over a G.P. The extent of my psychiatrist's experience with patient response to various medications has been invaluable to me. If you can find a good one, they can help tremendously. Good Luck!
Posted by steve3590 on January 14, 2006, at 18:22:41
In reply to help asap - effexor dosages, posted by ace11 on January 14, 2006, at 9:10:08
It would be amazing that in the first week of effexor dosing you would experience that dramatic a reversal of symptoms. My feeling is that you had a placebo effect that waned, then you went back to your normal self. It took a good 5 weeks for me to get any relief with effexor. Around the 5th week I started to feel REALLY GOOD. My sleep returned to normal (after 20 years of insomnia). The really good feeling left and now I just feel normal for the first time in many years. I sleep. Using AD's is nothing but a crap shoot. One may work for you, one may not. You are able to get the effexor without a doc, so play with the dose. Run it up to 225 for a few weeks and see how you feel. That's all the MD's are going to do. If you get no relief titrate it down, use some prozac at the end for the slow taper and try another one. Only you can tell if it works. Psych docs are not doing nothing but magic. They have no more idea than you do what will work.
Posted by spierson1253 on January 14, 2006, at 22:25:51
In reply to Re: Anyone treating social anxiety disorder with Effex, posted by sanny on January 13, 2006, at 8:56:03
ah, yes . . . the ever-threatening headache
Posted by paulbowden on January 19, 2006, at 19:54:59
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Has anyone had the experience, while on Effexor, that your lips tingle?
Posted by 4WD on January 19, 2006, at 20:35:31
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by paulbowden on January 19, 2006, at 19:54:59
> Has anyone had the experience, while on Effexor, that your lips tingle?
Nope. But the highest dosage I've ever been on was 75 (and that was brief). It does make my ears ring, though.
Marsha
Posted by jacobs on January 19, 2006, at 21:55:00
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by paulbowden on January 19, 2006, at 19:54:59
yes when i first started taking it it made my lips and head tingle, the dr said that that was normal and would go away after time. was wondering myself if anyone on here has been on this for awhile and did it help anxiety for them? take care all!
Posted by 3djp on January 20, 2006, at 6:11:13
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by 4WD on January 19, 2006, at 20:35:31
> > Has anyone had the experience, while on Effexor, that your lips tingle?
>
> Nope. But the highest dosage I've ever been on was 75 (and that was brief). It does make my ears ring, though.
>
> MarshaI'm on 75mg right now. Been on it for 18 days now. Yes my ears ring too. The DR informed me that it takes 2-4 weeks for this med to work. Can anyone tell me if this true.
Posted by fairy princess on January 20, 2006, at 8:41:03
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by 3djp on January 20, 2006, at 6:11:13
Hiya
yeah it took around 3 weeks for the meds to work for me.
And yeah my lips do tingle but I didnt know that was a side-effect and never put it down to the meds. Most side effects do disappear after a few weeks though I still suffer from sweating and really strange dreams. good luck> > > Has anyone had the experience, while on Effexor, that your lips tingle?
> >
> > Nope. But the highest dosage I've ever been on was 75 (and that was brief). It does make my ears ring, though.
> >
> > Marsha
>
> I'm on 75mg right now. Been on it for 18 days now. Yes my ears ring too. The DR informed me that it takes 2-4 weeks for this med to work. Can anyone tell me if this true.
>
Posted by Bets43 on January 20, 2006, at 9:45:10
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain, posted by 3djp on December 29, 2005, at 11:52:58
My side effects were waking at night, clenching of the mouth. Some cramps in legs occasionally. These have pretty much have subsided. I do have problems sexually but not impossible (thank God). NO weight gain here.... I take 150mg in am.
Recently have had problems getting out of bed, depression has come back a little because of personal issues. My anxiety remains gone though so maybe I need another med or just good kick in the *rse <BG>
Posted by kmm on January 20, 2006, at 14:27:07
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by jacobs on January 19, 2006, at 21:55:00
I have been on Effexor for 9 months and found that it has greatly reduced my anxiety. I started off taking Wellbutrin only and found it very agitating but, when I added the Effexor the anxiety improved greatly. It takes a while so hang in there. My primary symptom of depression was crushing chest pain, which has largely subsided. However, there are some very stressful days when I still need to take an ativan or valium in the evening.
Posted by steve3590 on January 20, 2006, at 19:58:57
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
It took about four weeks for it to work on me. I take 150mg and am going to try going up another 37.5. It's worked great so far. I can sleep again, after 20+ years of insomnia. The only side effect I've had is a twelve pound weight loss. Can't get better than that!
Posted by 4WD on January 20, 2006, at 21:15:27
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by 3djp on January 20, 2006, at 6:11:13
> > > Has anyone had the experience, while on Effexor, that your lips tingle?
> >
> > Nope. But the highest dosage I've ever been on was 75 (and that was brief). It does make my ears ring, though.
> >
> > Marsha
>
> I'm on 75mg right now. Been on it for 18 days now. Yes my ears ring too. The DR informed me that it takes 2-4 weeks for this med to work. Can anyone tell me if this true.
>Please tell your doctor it makes your ears ring. My doctors all acted like I was crazy when I mentioned that as a side effect (except the one I have now). I think too many patients don't report all the side effects they have and so doctors aren't aware that those side effects are taking place in so many patients. They need to know so that the next time some one tells them somthing weird is happening, they'll know it's not just you - that it's not that uncommon.
Marsha
Posted by spierson1253 on January 21, 2006, at 12:05:36
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » 3djp, posted by 4WD on January 20, 2006, at 21:15:27
> > > > Has anyone had the experience, while on Effexor, that your lips tingle?
> > >
> > > Nope. But the highest dosage I've ever been on was 75 (and that was brief). It does make my ears ring, though.
> > >
> > > Marsha
> >
> > I'm on 75mg right now. Been on it for 18 days now. Yes my ears ring too. The DR informed me that it takes 2-4 weeks for this med to work. Can anyone tell me if this true.
> >
>
> Please tell your doctor it makes your ears ring. My doctors all acted like I was crazy when I mentioned that as a side effect (except the one I have now). I think too many patients don't report all the side effects they have and so doctors aren't aware that those side effects are taking place in so many patients. They need to know so that the next time some one tells them somthing weird is happening, they'll know it's not just you - that it's not that uncommon.
>
> MarshaMy pharmacy includes a printout containing all the information on the drug that has been prescribed. Including Effexor. The new information being included, lists all of the symptoms we complain about. If I've learned correctly, Effexor was first touted as being non-addictive, with no side-effects. This is why our doctors don't believe us. So, when I have to talk to a new doctor, and start getting the poo-poo attitude from him, I pull out the last info sheet I got from the pharmacy on Effexor, and make him/her read it. They seem to listen after that. Doctors get lazy, like the rest of us. The problem is that they can't know every drug, so they use their PDR (Physicians Desk Reference), which is only as accurate as the laste updated version they possess. :-)
Take the time to inform yourself, and then armed with this knowledge (in printed form), educate your doctor. If you educate him, he can better care for you.
Posted by bangersgirl on January 21, 2006, at 14:43:07
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » 4WD, posted by spierson1253 on January 21, 2006, at 12:05:36
I've been taking effexor for several months now. Much weight gain, sweats, ZERO sex drive, major exhaustion, and more. Should I ask doc about something different?
Posted by uneeq1 on January 21, 2006, at 16:57:25
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by paulbowden on January 19, 2006, at 19:54:59
Posted by wanttobhappy on January 22, 2006, at 23:50:05
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » 4WD, posted by spierson1253 on January 21, 2006, at 12:05:36
I am so glad to hear i am not the only one with jaw flexing (or whatever you want to call it). This was not one of the symptoms my doc told me about. I have only been on effexor for 5 days, slept away the first 3. I think the fact that i had'nt been on anything for three years and having to admit i needed something might have contributed to the sleeping(if your sleeping you don't have to deal right)I wish evryone the best, i know from past experience it can be very hard to find the right dosage/combo on any meds.
Posted by jacobs on January 23, 2006, at 6:24:44
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by wanttobhappy on January 22, 2006, at 23:50:05
hi, well it has been 2 weeks here on the effexor xr. the first week was the 37.5 and last week started the 75. i have noticed a bit of a difference with this. not crying all the time and the panic isnt as bad as it was. notice now if i do take a xanax when feeling anxious it knocks me out. think maybe the effexor intenifies the effects of the xanax some. i hate taking any kind of meds but was at the end of my rope and didnt know what else to do because not only did i have the panic so bad i couldnt leave my home by myself i started getting depressed and crying all the time. i can now go arround town as long as someone is with me. and working on driving by myself again. this all happened to me in a 2 month period. so would have to say i think the effexor is working for me.
Posted by spierson1253 on January 23, 2006, at 9:06:18
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by wanttobhappy on January 22, 2006, at 23:50:05
> I am so glad to hear i am not the only one with jaw flexing (or whatever you want to call it). This was not one of the symptoms my doc told me about. I have only been on effexor for 5 days, slept away the first 3. I think the fact that i had'nt been on anything for three years and having to admit i needed something might have contributed to the sleeping(if your sleeping you don't have to deal right)I wish evryone the best, i know from past experience it can be very hard to find the right dosage/combo on any meds.
The sleeping was good. The first step to any recovery is rest. You have been stressing your body for three years. I'd say it deserved that nice long relaxing restful sleep. Bet YOU felt a lot better. You'll find the jaw flexing will go away as you adjust to your dosage. Warning: it comes back if you titrate up in your dosage. Also, there may be nights you don't sleep. Do not let this upset you. Use it is a quiet time in the dark, all to yourself, to relax and think clearly of things that make you happy, plan things, even work out issues. As long as you let your body rest that night, you'll be okay.
Just remember to be patient with the drug. Changing a dosage can take from 7-30 days to adjust to. You will still have feelings, you'll just be better able to manage the outward manifestation of these feelings (crying, screaming, drinking, sleeping, etc.)
Good luck ~~Sherry~~
~~Sherry~~
Posted by spierson1253 on January 23, 2006, at 9:10:16
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by jacobs on January 23, 2006, at 6:24:44
> hi, well it has been 2 weeks here on the effexor xr. the first week was the 37.5 and last week started the 75. i have noticed a bit of a difference with this. not crying all the time and the panic isnt as bad as it was. notice now if i do take a xanax when feeling anxious it knocks me out. think maybe the effexor intenifies the effects of the xanax some. i hate taking any kind of meds but was at the end of my rope and didnt know what else to do because not only did i have the panic so bad i couldnt leave my home by myself i started getting depressed and crying all the time. i can now go arround town as long as someone is with me. and working on driving by myself again. this all happened to me in a 2 month period. so would have to say i think the effexor is working for me.
Hi. I had the same problem with the Xanax when I was put on Effexcor. Xanax is wonderful for the panic attacks, I kekep in mind, however, that it is highly addictive and keep it's use to extreme need :) What I've found, is that halving or quartering the dosage works best. Enough to quell the anxiety the heralds the onset of a panic attack, but not enough to knock you out. My Rx is for 0.5 mg of Xanax. On a really really really bad sleep night, I take a whole one. To drive when I'm feeling that welling of anxiousness in my chest, I take 1/4. And, of course, anything in between is a half.
~~Sherry~~
Posted by kmm on January 23, 2006, at 9:57:54
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by bangersgirl on January 21, 2006, at 14:43:07
Yes, yes, yes!! I was in your same shoes last summer - had all the same symptoms! The doctor had me reduce the Effexor down to 150 and add 150 Wellbutrin. Adding the wellbutrin has helped curve the carb cravings, give me a normal sex drive and relieved the exhaustion. I still need an afternoon nap, which is unusual for me. Everyone is different, though, and it took me 9 months to get the correct med and dosage but, I wouldn't "settle" for these side effects so soon. Best wishes to you..I remember only too well how trying a time this phase of your life can be but, hang in there, there is light at then end of the tunnel!
Posted by wanttobhappy on January 23, 2006, at 10:41:52
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » wanttobhappy, posted by spierson1253 on January 23, 2006, at 9:06:18
Thanks for the comments sherry. i never really thought of it as rest (sound stupid it's sleep right) i always thought of it as not functioning avoiding life ect. the last 2 days i have'nt slept during the day which is encouraging. i was having a hard time telling my son to clean his room while mines a mess and i'm zoncked on the couch. does anyone have ideas on taking effexor xr day vs night? i've been taking it at night and thought maybe i'm wasting all my happy time sleeping?
Posted by sanny on January 23, 2006, at 11:24:59
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by wanttobhappy on January 23, 2006, at 10:41:52
I, too, was taking the med at night and wanted to sleep most of the day...I started taking every morning at the same time with a light breakfast and I feel much better. There are still some days that I'm drowsy much of the day but I think it more just being tired from traveling or having company. I don't have the desire to really see anyone on those days...thank goodness they are few and far between....and when I do have a day...I've learned not to fight it...just like the not being able to sleep at night..use the time to rest...think really good things...make plans in your mind for when you have more energy...just don't give into too much...if it continues for several days with not relief, call your doctor..
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