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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by April8 on October 4, 2006, at 12:13:02
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by bon on September 29, 2006, at 22:40:54
I have been on it for two years, I take it with wellbutrin. It works great for my depression and anxiety but zaps my sex drive. I have to take a "drug holiday" go off of it for 1-2 days to have any sex drive at all. That part sucks. Plus I think it made me gain belly weight over time, but I work out alot to help with that. And that could just be me getting older!
The good thing about it is that it does goes out of your system quickly so you could go off for a day and have sex! Some of the other ones stay in your system too long and you cannot do that. The bad thing is that it has terrible terrible withdrawal. You adjust and can off it for one day without those, but I dread the day I go off this med. You get brain zaps (i have experienced them and they are horrifying)
I don't know if you have tried wellbutrin but if that is an option try that first would be my advice. I can't take wellbutrin alone or I would (I get a rare side effect from wellbutrin that effexor takes away) but I have two good friends who are on wellbutrin alone and have lost weight, and it increases your sex drive. If I could take it alone I would be so happy! But I settle for my effexor and Wellbutrin combo because it does work and my depression is so bad I am joyous to be happy at this time. There is a cost (sex drive) but sometimes you have to remind yourself your mental health comes first and depression is such a painful terrible illness that helping yourself heal from it and feel better comes first. The side effects can be usually managed.
Best wishes to you and boy did this turn out long!
If you want to write me individually and talk let me know!
Posted by prasnhym on October 4, 2006, at 13:17:29
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by gabbie on October 3, 2006, at 8:45:57
Hi
I am pretty sure i read somewhere that it could take up to 2 weeks to begin working effectively - try to hang in there a few more days and see if that is the case with you...my prayers are with you....
Posted by frankie2120 on October 4, 2006, at 14:12:15
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by gabbie on October 3, 2006, at 8:45:57
you need to take it for at least 4-6 weeks... most people don't see any changes until about that time.... Mine hit about the 5th week and like i said before it was great... like my eye's had been opened in a world that i've been living in... I have wayyyy more energy to do things now... i'm way more talkative and i don't shun away from conversations.... It helped with the depression just like the laxepro did... and with the added bonous.. out of no where my cravings to smoke due to stress... all gone and after smoking for 7 years i havn't smoked not one in the past 3-4 weeks.... very strange... but i'll take it.... Think positive too... there is so much negetive thinking on this site... I know we're all depressed... but u gotta have some positive thoughts.... It's not going to work over night... give it time....
my only negative complaint... is this drug costs me about 30 dollars more a month than Laxepro did on my perscription plan... haha.....
Posted by corafree on October 4, 2006, at 15:17:10
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by frankie2120 on October 4, 2006, at 14:12:15
I'm sorry, but I've a question maybe someone can answer.
Why do I see 'Lexapro' alongside 'Effexor-XR' so often in this thread?
tks4time, cf
Posted by tonya tarter on October 4, 2006, at 16:47:28
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?..corafree, posted by tonya tarter on October 3, 2006, at 7:26:36
hi, was wondering if anyone else had where they could lay down and feel theyre heart beat when starting effexor? thanks
Posted by BB1969 on October 4, 2006, at 20:12:02
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » BB1969, posted by prasnhym on October 1, 2006, at 23:17:29
If you didn't have restless legs before, it is most likely caused from the Effexor. My doctor put me on Neurontin, which is used for seizures and pain, and Ultram, which is a pain medication, but the combination a little while before bedtime helps a lot. Just be sure not to try to take the med and drive, etc., because it will really put you to sleep. If I take it and sit down to watch TV for a while, when I try to stand up, it is all I can do to walk sometimes, but I sleep and I don't care about my legs jumping around, my toes drawing or the feeling that things are crawling on my legs. Good luck. Effexor is great for depression - I just want people to be aware of the side effects. I am trying to get off Effexor now because I feel it is doing me more harm than good.
Posted by vanni on October 4, 2006, at 22:10:50
In reply to Re: Effexor and Hives, posted by Carolyne on October 4, 2006, at 8:20:23
> Hi Vanni,
>
> Yes I am experiencing the same thing. I have had then for the last three weeks every morning. I am starting to connect the effexcor xr. I have found posting of people who start hives any where from 5 months to 5 years. I have seen my doctor three times and she hasn't made the connection yet. I am going back to see her next week and will demand she take me of these. I am not sure what is worst, anxiety or hives! let me know if your gettting better
>
>Thanks for your response. It's been almost a month and I still have the hives. I stopped the Trazadone at night and it didn't make a bit of difference. I see an allergist tomorrow so I'll let you know what he says. I really hope I don't have to go off the EffexorXR because other than the hives I haven't felt this good emotionally in years!
Posted by Carolyne on October 5, 2006, at 7:17:22
In reply to Re: Effexor and Hives, posted by vanni on October 4, 2006, at 22:10:50
Hi Vanni,
Let me know what the allergist says. I have an appointment with one in January! I am sure I will have scratched off all my skin by then....
This morning is my worst day, I am starting to have them on my face. I have only had them on my legs, amrs...not it seems to be going everywhere. I also have been feeling great with the effexor but I cannot put up with these hives. You can go to this link and see other people who have begun the hives with these meds.
http://depression.about.com/b/a/054481.htm
check out the comments...Anyhoooo wishing you luck, cause I know what you are going through.
Posted by frankie2120 on October 5, 2006, at 12:04:18
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by BB1969 on October 4, 2006, at 20:12:02
I've been on Effexor XR for about 2 months now and no I've never felt like i could feel my heart beating through my chest at all. I guess everyone is different though. I had only one side effect and that was being a lil tired for the first 2 weeks but that went away and now i have more energy than i know what to do with. Well pretty much normal energy that i was never used to having before.
Someone asked why they see Lexapro and Effexor together... well me I was on lexapro for two years for depression. Worked great for that. NOt for the anxietys. So I asked my doctor to try somthing else that he recomended. So now on the Effexor XR it is doing a fantastic job of taking care of both the depression and the social anxiety. I am so happy that he recomended this medication.
Some of the urges and cravings to do some of my old routines are still there a little. What I feel now is more control over my mind. I am aware of these thoughts now and I can tell my mind to stop and it's like it listens. I'm once again the boss of my mind. It's an amazing feeling.... :)
After two months no side effects. Effexor XR is working great for me... :) I couldn't be happier with the results thus far.
Posted by dkl on October 5, 2006, at 15:27:08
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by frankie2120 on October 5, 2006, at 12:04:18
It has been four days, and it is doing something. Depression is much more manageable, anx might be slightly less. I am only on 37.5 for another 4 days, than up to 75. Dry mouth is certainly something that happens. It also has a fairly strong stimulant effect, but maybe I should watch the caff while on this. I am feeling more balanced, but the "highs" seem to have left along with the "lows". As someone else said, I dont like that, but it IS better than crying all the time. Does anyone else experience lower back discomfort? That has me a little concerned.
Posted by Phillipa on October 5, 2006, at 20:16:02
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by frankie2120 on October 5, 2006, at 12:04:18
Have you been on long term benzo use? As I wonder if these meds don't work if you have been. Love Phillipa
Posted by vanni on October 5, 2006, at 21:55:14
In reply to Re: Effexor and Hives, posted by Carolyne on October 5, 2006, at 7:17:22
Hi Carolynne,
(For anyone who is not a woman in midlife I apologize for the long post...just skip this!!)
The allergist said the hives have nothing to do with the Effexor or the Trazadone! I was relieved. He ruled out any food or environmental allergans, thyroid, liver or other issues. It is apparently fairly common for women in their 50's (like me) to get hives for awhile and they don't know why. The hives will go away, he just doesn't know when! In the meantime he has prescribed a stronger antihistamine to take for two weeks (Reactine 20 mg/1x day). He has also asked me to get tested for the bacteria that can contribute to ulcers because that can sometimes cause hives. (I take Nexium for stomach pain.) Just one more wacky change that happens......
Thanks for listening. Hope you are doing better.Vanni
Posted by Carolyne on October 6, 2006, at 7:30:42
In reply to Re: Effexor and Hives » Carolyne, posted by vanni on October 5, 2006, at 21:55:14
Hi Vanni,
I went to see a naturopath yesterday and she also believes it is the effexcor. Since I am only 24 I don't think I am getting the hives for the same reason as you. However if you look at the fine print of side effects of effexor there is a chance of having hives. I am going to begin to taper myself off effexor and hopefully the hives will begin to go away when the medication is out of my system. I do have a hard time to believe it's not the medication though, I have never had any health issues and I have never had an allergy in my life. The naturopath also said she has never heard of this but she says it takes months before you get a built up of this medication in your system. My body might just be telling me it has had enough. Anyways good luck with your hives and I'll give you an update if the hives begin to disappear. Wish me luck in coming off effexor...I know it's gonna be hard!
Posted by gabbie on October 6, 2006, at 9:39:59
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
is it possible that this medication could be making the anxiety seem worse? i'm starting my second week today, but the past week i've felt like i was getting worse. me and my boyfriends one year was yesterday and i was doing good with forgetting how sh*tty i felt, and then at night when i left his house... i started bawling my eyes out for no reason. i just feel really miserable (more than i did before)... so i'm wondering if maybe it's a side effect to go through more anxiety and bad feelings in the beginning.. and i was also wondering if this will go away because i really don't want to ruin my relationship with my boyfriend or friends or family. they can only handle so much of my crying and bad days.... any feedback is appreciated. please don't be negative. it gets me in a worse mood about all of this.
Posted by Carolyne on October 6, 2006, at 9:49:23
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by gabbie on October 6, 2006, at 9:39:59
Hey Gabbie,
I would give it another week or so. I was starting to feel great on the third and forth week. I was getting no more anxiety attacks and was finally eating and sleeping again. I am really glad I began taking effexor cause it took me out of this really terrible place. However effexor is a temporary treatment and you really need to learn to cope with the attacks. I took a 14 week therapy and wow what a difference. They gave me this book "Mastery of Your Anxiety and Panic (MAP-3): Client Workbook for Anxiety and Panic". I would recommend it to anyone who is suffering from panic disorder. Hang in there girl it will get better!
Posted by vanni on October 6, 2006, at 11:46:56
In reply to Re: Effexor and Hives, posted by Carolyne on October 6, 2006, at 7:30:42
Yes, we are in different places in the life cycle! Thanks again for that website re: hives and effexor. Best of luck in finding the source of the hives and with the change in medication. I'd be interested in knowing how you do with both. The good news is we have access to health care and even though it isn't perfect we have some options! Take care.Vanni
Posted by chickey on October 6, 2006, at 12:58:11
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? - Gabbie, posted by Carolyne on October 6, 2006, at 9:49:23
Hey Gabbie! You need to give the meds some time. My doctor told me at least a month. The first week I was on the med I felt much better and then went down hill for a week. I would cry at the drop of a hat. My doctor said I will have ups and downs until I am up to a proper dose. By the way I am feeling much better these days. Give yourself a couple of more weeks and I am sure you will see a difference. It took me a while before I got ride of the sideeffects and started to feel better. All the best!!
Posted by gabbie on October 6, 2006, at 15:22:09
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? - Gabbie, posted by chickey on October 6, 2006, at 12:58:11
thank you both for that... i'm really getting scared. i don't know if effexor is right for me because i was on it before for a month and 2 weeks and didn't really feel that much a difference... so i decided to try it again. started my second week today and feel really bad. i'm getting bad anxiety and it's scaring me. i just want it to go away.
Posted by corafree on October 6, 2006, at 15:44:49
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? - Gabbie, posted by gabbie on October 6, 2006, at 15:22:09
It feels like time for me to once again take Effexor-XR.
My mood is 'very very complacent'.
I have an 'I don't give a *uck' attitude.
Best start makin' phone calls.
Phillipa: No prob' taking benzos alongside it, afa I know. In fact, in me, it lessened need for them, although I was always on one alongside the big E!
bestwishes, cf
Posted by tofuemmy on October 8, 2006, at 14:46:09
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? - Gabbie, posted by gabbie on October 6, 2006, at 15:22:09
Gabbie - Effexor save my life once, umm...1999 it was, I think. I just started taking it again. Need it to work wicked bad.
I wish you much success with this and all things. Keep me posted.
Hugs, em
Posted by gardenergirl on October 8, 2006, at 20:37:33
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? - Gabbie » gabbie, posted by tofuemmy on October 8, 2006, at 14:46:09
I'm glad you're giving it another good. I wish you speedy relief.
gg
Posted by gabbie on October 9, 2006, at 9:50:50
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? - Gabbie, posted by gabbie on October 6, 2006, at 15:22:09
I wish you all the best, too. I had a really good weekend, but today seems off. I don't know if it's just my mood, or the medicine. We will see. Good luck. Keep me posted as well.
- Gab
Posted by tommysangel on October 11, 2006, at 7:32:15
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by Racer on October 25, 1999, at 19:54:13
I was on Effexor XR a long time ago and stopped taking it. I'm beginning to feel my depression is getting out of my control. I've started taking it again. I have a Panic Disorder also, but haven't had any attacks. Does Effexor work well for depression? I use to take Paxil, which worked great for the panic attacks but did nothing for the depression. Has anyone taken Cymbalta? I saw a commercial for that yesterday and was wondering if that had better results than Effexor.
Posted by prasnhym on October 11, 2006, at 8:43:03
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I am on effexor xr 75s going thru the grieving process of losing my sister. I was suffering badly from insomnia and lack of sleep. My doc put me on Vistaril to help that. I either have insomnia or horror movie like nightmares if i do go to sleep. I do not know if it is the drugs or my grief or what. Amyone know what to do?
Posted by TKaz on October 11, 2006, at 11:56:18
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by tommysangel on October 11, 2006, at 7:32:15
I have been on EffexorXR now for about five weeks. I feel 200% better. And it has not affected my sex life. The only problem is I have so much energy now that I don't want to stop doing things. So I get a little exhausted just doing so much. I advise anyone to give it a try, work on getting past the side effects (dry mouth, sleeplessness, loss of appetite) and see how it works. I would give it a couple of months to see how it begins to work. I am so happy my doctors recommended this. I have been on Celexa and Lexapro before and both worked for me at the time. I give Effexor a thumbs up. Don't let anyone tell you to "snap out of it" or to try to help you "fix" your life. That's not it. I agree with someone else who said, if I had diabetes, I'd take my insulin for ever, and if this works for keeping me sane and content, then there is no "side effect" to taking it. It is well worth it.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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