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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by gabbie on October 20, 2006, at 13:30:20
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I went to the doctors today. He suggested we up the dose since my body is tolerating the medicine. I figure there is no harm in trying because what happens if I say screw it and then nothing works because I was supposed to up the dose. So now I take two of the 75mg pills together. I'm supposed to do this for a week and see if I can tolerate it or feel anything different. I'm at my witts end. I'm even about to mess things up with my boyfriend because I'm getting confused and letting my thoughts get carried away with me. ehhh. I just want to stop with this.
Posted by corafree on October 21, 2006, at 16:05:01
In reply to Up the dosage, posted by gabbie on October 20, 2006, at 13:30:20
Sounds like UR expecting it to work and it's not, so it's frustrating and causing havoc in your life.
The big E @ 75mg 'extended release' never extended 'through a whole day' for me Gabbie!
Good luck.
cf
Posted by lymom3 on October 22, 2006, at 20:06:39
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? - Gabbie, posted by Carolyne on October 6, 2006, at 9:49:23
MAP is a GREAT program....I highly recommend it to anyone with anxiety and panic problems. After 30 years of agoraphobia I am able to drive, fly, take trips...all the things I couldn't do for years.
Posted by Mr MM on October 23, 2006, at 8:50:50
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I went to see my Dr because the littlest things could set me off and I'd start crying. He asked some questions and said I was depressed and wanted to try to treat me.
Let me cut to the chase: The yawning, the sweating, and the lack of appetite I experience on Effexor is exactly the same as what happens when I've taken Ecstasy. I will mention that while I've tried other drugs none of them do anything for me and I don't like them.
Also, I notice that effects come in cycles. Again, just like Ecstasy.
I spent 6 days on 37.5 and now have been on 75 for 5 days for those that want to know.
I wonder the long term side effects of Effexor on the brain. Anyone know of a site where I can read up on this?
Posted by mlgrw on October 23, 2006, at 15:19:15
In reply to Effexor XR reminds me of Ecstasy, posted by Mr MM on October 23, 2006, at 8:50:50
I just started Effexor XR 37.5 mg four days ago after I told my doctor I have been feeling fatigued and overwhelmed. I feel like I am on a low dose of E too. I am yawning, clenching my teeth, sweating or getting chills (in cycles), having wierd visual distubances and I feel high. I haven't come across any research about it what it does to your brain long term, but I will look some more. Let me know if you come across anything. I've also read people say that you have brain shivers on this stuff. That scares me.
Posted by Mr MM on October 24, 2006, at 1:10:51
In reply to Re: Effexor XR reminds me of Ecstasy, posted by mlgrw on October 23, 2006, at 15:19:15
Give it time. I had fun getting used to the feeling but after 4 or 5 days I've settled. Its been 13 days and i'm doing better. and i've lost 5 or 6 lbs too.
the odd effects will go away. relax!
-M
> I just started Effexor XR 37.5 mg four days ago after I told my doctor I have been feeling fatigued and overwhelmed. I feel like I am on a low dose of E too. I am yawning, clenching my teeth, sweating or getting chills (in cycles), having wierd visual distubances and I feel high. I haven't come across any research about it what it does to your brain long term, but I will look some more. Let me know if you come across anything. I've also read people say that you have brain shivers on this stuff. That scares me.
Posted by Dr. Bob on October 24, 2006, at 1:33:34
In reply to Re: Withdrawl, posted by shelby11 on October 17, 2006, at 16:31:54
> These withdrawl symptoms are somewhat unbearable.
Sorry to interrupt, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding withdrawl symptoms to Psycho-Babble Withdrawal. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20061010/msgs/697192.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by rfs on October 25, 2006, at 17:06:37
In reply to Up the dosage, posted by gabbie on October 20, 2006, at 13:30:20
> I went to the doctors today. He suggested we up the dose since my body is tolerating the medicine. I figure there is no harm in trying because what happens if I say screw it and then nothing works because I was supposed to up the dose. So now I take two of the 75mg pills together. I'm supposed to do this for a week and see if I can tolerate it or feel anything different. I'm at my witts end. I'm even about to mess things up with my boyfriend because I'm getting confused and letting my thoughts get carried away with me. ehhh. I just want to stop with this.
Hi
I have been on effexor for almost 10 years. I started and quickly went up to 225mg. then a few years later 300mg. Now after almost 10 years my Pdoc, has me on 450mg. I feel much much better. Weight gain is about the only S.E. I also do not think coming off of it will ever be possible. I am just greatful that it keeps working after suffering for 30 years.
Ray
Posted by corafree on October 25, 2006, at 19:53:46
In reply to Re: Up the dosage, posted by rfs on October 25, 2006, at 17:11:31
Hi rfs!
Glad you've found healing!
Pls share answer couple ??, if want.
Do U have 2 take something 2 sleep? What time do you usually awaken?
tks, cf
Posted by gabbie on October 28, 2006, at 16:24:00
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Okay so the doctor gave me a week of the 150 mg and I was feeling real good... not AMAZING, but better than before. I know it can improve. But my last pill was taken and I called the doctor the doctor the next day so that I could have it ready by the time I take it, but the prescription was not ready until the following day and I could see the difference with my mood not on the medicine. Today I took the 150 again, but I still feel pretty crappy and the anxiety is there again. I figure it could be because my body needs to get back into the groove of things since I didn't have effexor in me yesterday. It could also be a problem that I think I'm getting sick, coughing... runny nose... ear aches... and I am PMSing haha. Who knows, but I had a really good week on the uped dose and I hope it kicks back in because it felt nice not to feel bad.
Posted by cristyleigh on October 28, 2006, at 16:48:56
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by gabbie on October 28, 2006, at 16:24:00
> Okay so the doctor gave me a week of the 150 mg and I was feeling real good... not AMAZING, but better than before. I know it can improve. But my last pill was taken and I called the doctor the doctor the next day so that I could have it ready by the time I take it, but the prescription was not ready until the following day and I could see the difference with my mood not on the medicine. Today I took the 150 again, but I still feel pretty crappy and the anxiety is there again. I figure it could be because my body needs to get back into the groove of things since I didn't have effexor in me yesterday. It could also be a problem that I think I'm getting sick, coughing... runny nose... ear aches... and I am PMSing haha. Who knows, but I had a really good week on the uped dose and I hope it kicks back in because it felt nice not to feel bad.
GABBIE...I have been reading along on this site for quite a while now and I have noticed that you don't seem to be feeling better very fast. I certainly don't have a medical degree or anything but, do you think that maybe you just need to give a different type of med a try? Please don't take offense at this, it is just that all of the people that I know (myself included) who have tried multiple meds have had almost immediate success with the one specific one that works best with their particular body chemistry.
I started out on Lexapro and I could feel a difference the second day I was taking it!!! I gained about 15 lbs and since I have a history of bulimia the doctor thought it wise to try something that was more of a stimulant. I started taking Effexor...37.5...75...112.5...150...and I felt a little bit better but nothing like the effects of the Lexapro. Anyway, needless to say, I wanted my Lex back so yesterday I talked to my doc and we decided that I would quit taking the Effexor. So far I haven't felt the effects of the withdrawl but I am hoping that the good feelings from the lexapro will outweigh the bad from the effexor.
I guess I am just wondering when the right time for you to say ok, this isn't working I need to try something else? I know for me, I had set in my head that 150 was all I was going to on the effexor before I couldn't take the anxiety and depression anymore. Plus, I just didn't think that it was wise FOR ME to keep upping the dose. I am certainly not against meds but the fewer and least amount I have to take the better!
I hope that I didn't offend you with any of this. Ultimately, the decision is yours and you know what is best for your body!!
Cristy
Posted by KristiVegas on October 29, 2006, at 15:42:41
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » gabbie, posted by cristyleigh on October 28, 2006, at 16:48:56
> > Okay so the doctor gave me a week of the 150 mg and I was feeling real good... not AMAZING, but better than before. I know it can improve. But my last pill was taken and I called the doctor the doctor the next day so that I could have it ready by the time I take it, but the prescription was not ready until the following day and I could see the difference with my mood not on the medicine. Today I took the 150 again, but I still feel pretty crappy and the anxiety is there again. I figure it could be because my body needs to get back into the groove of things since I didn't have effexor in me yesterday. It could also be a problem that I think I'm getting sick, coughing... runny nose... ear aches... and I am PMSing haha. Who knows, but I had a really good week on the uped dose and I hope it kicks back in because it felt nice not to feel bad.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> GABBIE...I have been reading along on this site for quite a while now and I have noticed that you don't seem to be feeling better very fast. I certainly don't have a medical degree or anything but, do you think that maybe you just need to give a different type of med a try? Please don't take offense at this, it is just that all of the people that I know (myself included) who have tried multiple meds have had almost immediate success with the one specific one that works best with their particular body chemistry.
>
> I started out on Lexapro and I could feel a difference the second day I was taking it!!! I gained about 15 lbs and since I have a history of bulimia the doctor thought it wise to try something that was more of a stimulant. I started taking Effexor...37.5...75...112.5...150...and I felt a little bit better but nothing like the effects of the Lexapro. Anyway, needless to say, I wanted my Lex back so yesterday I talked to my doc and we decided that I would quit taking the Effexor. So far I haven't felt the effects of the withdrawl but I am hoping that the good feelings from the lexapro will outweigh the bad from the effexor.
>
> I guess I am just wondering when the right time for you to say ok, this isn't working I need to try something else? I know for me, I had set in my head that 150 was all I was going to on the effexor before I couldn't take the anxiety and depression anymore. Plus, I just didn't think that it was wise FOR ME to keep upping the dose. I am certainly not against meds but the fewer and least amount I have to take the better!
>
> I hope that I didn't offend you with any of this. Ultimately, the decision is yours and you know what is best for your body!!
>
> Cristy
>
I have been working my way up with Effexor slowly. I am just now getting into 225mg after having been on 150mg for about 45 days. I don't notice any difference in my mood, any relief to the fatigue but am experiencing muscle twitching and jerking at night prior to going to bed. I've never experienced this before and wondered if anyone else out there has.
Posted by corafree on October 29, 2006, at 17:32:06
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » cristyleigh, posted by KristiVegas on October 29, 2006, at 15:42:41
Think I have an increase in 'tremor' on Eff-XR.
cf
Posted by chante on October 31, 2006, at 13:35:05
In reply to Re: Effexor XR reminds me of Ecstasy, posted by Mr MM on October 24, 2006, at 1:10:51
Hey,, me too when I took it last year at same dose as you , I was having same things, teeth clenching, tremor a little at first more , I took it for 5 months... love that it work for my depression but i'm more of a probleme of social phobia, help at first and then bang...stop got more anxious inside was starting feel like paranoid little bit.. meaning about the social phobia was getting worst seam like and felt could control my anger that usually much better was weird... maybe too sensitive you guys you think I should try paxil something more sedatif?? or welleburtin with something like a combo?? I'm going to see my doc tomorrow but just want to make sure he doesn't give me a bad one for me. How do you feel now today still with tremor and anxious?
Posted by chante on October 31, 2006, at 13:48:29
In reply to Re: Effexor XR reminds me of Ecstasy, posted by chante on October 31, 2006, at 13:35:05
Hi Everyone , love that site very helpful.
Is anybody know like I was mentioning I'm going to my doc tomorow for been very anxious so much I have problem working , fonctionning I think is social phobia or something like that. and all this made me depresse because it's been going on for since i'm a child... it run in the family my mom as it. anyway anyone have tryed antidepressant for social phobia and would let me know if paxil from what I'm reading seem the best but a little sedatif?? wellburtin or cymbalta.. let me know I apreciate... and I don't care about gaining weight I could use some. just want to have a little motivation but not jerki or tremor stuff like that. I'm just scared of the med, sorry i'm confuse....
Posted by corafree on October 31, 2006, at 14:30:38
In reply to Re: Effexor XR reminds me of Ecstasy, posted by chante on October 31, 2006, at 13:48:29
Dunno 4sure, could your P prescribe Klonopin or Ativan alongside Effexor-XR for social anxiety -or- heard recently Cymbalta is more sedating. I have family that say Paxil helps them, though they are pretty high-functioning peeps (not that you aren't); I'm the little black (actually more of a purple shade) sheep. Good luck w/ your P visit.
friend, cf
Posted by gabbie on October 31, 2006, at 20:07:24
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » KristiVegas, posted by corafree on October 29, 2006, at 17:32:06
I am not offended at all. I was thinking that I would just keep going and if I didn't feel anything AT ALL I would try something else. I guess I am just making myself think this could work. I was feeling better, but I missed that one day and now I feel crappy again. Who knows. I'll stay on the 150mg for a month because I got that refilled and payed a good amount for it and I'll see what happens... if nothing, I'll talk to the doctor. Wish me luck, and I will do the same for you.
Posted by KristiVegas on October 31, 2006, at 22:04:14
In reply to Re: Effexor XR reminds me of Ecstasy, posted by chante on October 31, 2006, at 13:48:29
I don't blame you for being scared - you never know how your body is going to react. Klonopin is a good anti-anxiety as well as Xanax. I've taken Klonopin but not in combo w/an anti-dep. There is a med out there for you - tell your Doc.
Good luck,
Kristi
Posted by chante on October 31, 2006, at 22:20:46
In reply to Re: Effexor XR reminds me of Ecstasy » chante, posted by corafree on October 31, 2006, at 14:30:38
Hey cf, thank for your info , I will ask my doc about that. When you say your family took paxil and was good , you mean too that it was a upper paxil instead of sedatif? Witch one are you on or tried? thank you
Posted by cristyleigh on November 1, 2006, at 7:32:49
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by gabbie on October 31, 2006, at 20:07:24
> I am not offended at all. I was thinking that I would just keep going and if I didn't feel anything AT ALL I would try something else. I guess I am just making myself think this could work. I was feeling better, but I missed that one day and now I feel crappy again. Who knows. I'll stay on the 150mg for a month because I got that refilled and payed a good amount for it and I'll see what happens... if nothing, I'll talk to the doctor. Wish me luck, and I will do the same for you.
Definately! So far I have been off of the Effexor XR for 5 days and absolutely NO side effects!!! YEA!! Hopefully you find something fast that works for you...I know the waiting is the worst part. God bless
Cristy
Posted by labdi01 on November 4, 2006, at 10:51:55
In reply to Re: Effexor XR reminds me of Ecstasy, posted by Mr MM on October 24, 2006, at 1:10:51
> Give it time. I had fun getting used to the feeling but after 4 or 5 days I've settled. Its been 13 days and i'm doing better. and i've lost 5 or 6 lbs too.
>
> the odd effects will go away. relax!
>
> -M
>
>
>
>
>
> > I just started Effexor XR 37.5 mg four days ago after I told my doctor I have been feeling fatigued and overwhelmed. I feel like I am on a low dose of E too. I am yawning, clenching my teeth, sweating or getting chills (in cycles), having wierd visual distubances and I feel high. I haven't come across any research about it what it does to your brain long term, but I will look some more. Let me know if you come across anything. I've also read people say that you have brain shivers on this stuff. That scares me.
>
>
I just took my 5th does of Effexor this morning (37.5 mg). I have to be honest and say that I haven't had any adverse reactions. I feel like I'm less irritated and less sad and a little bit more motivated - but for now, I'm going to attribute those things to "new-med placebo." I'll move up to 75 mg next week and stay there for one month. I was told that this plan is recommended, since it can take up to a month to feel the full effects of AD medications - and considering the withdrawal syndrome that's associated with it, if I do experience adverse reactions, it'll be easier to wean from 75 than say, 150 or higher. For now, though I'd have to say that I like it. I even lost 6 lbs in 4 days. That could also be because I'm aware of some people that are taking it are gaining weight and I'm being subconsciously cautious. I gained 30 lbs as my depression worsened - so mabye I'll lose when this kicks in completely and I feel myself again.
Posted by fredwb on November 4, 2006, at 14:02:03
In reply to Re: Effexor XR reminds me of Ecstasy, posted by labdi01 on November 4, 2006, at 10:51:55
Hi. My wife just took her first dose of effexor xr last night, 75 mg. She also take Wellbutrin, all for extreme depression. Within about 5 min she was extremely flushed and had an intense headache all night. She experienced some tightness in her chest as well we attributed to her GERD issues (takes Protonix for that). At about 4 AM, 5 hrs later, she has some severe tremors mostly in her right arm and upper body. Those lasted about an hr. Today she's like a zombie and still has some shakes. We can't get in touch with her Dr. and I'm not sure if she should continue with this tonight or try to split the dose, if that's possible. Maybe she should take a day off and then try a half dose sunday night given her experience with this. Can anyone comment? Thanks
Posted by KristiVegas on November 4, 2006, at 19:29:11
In reply to Re: Effexor XR reminds me of Ecstasy, posted by fredwb on November 4, 2006, at 14:02:03
> Hi. My wife just took her first dose of effexor xr last night, 75 mg. She also take Wellbutrin, all for extreme depression. Within about 5 min she was extremely flushed and had an intense headache all night. She experienced some tightness in her chest as well we attributed to her GERD issues (takes Protonix for that). At about 4 AM, 5 hrs later, she has some severe tremors mostly in her right arm and upper body. Those lasted about an hr. Today she's like a zombie and still has some shakes. We can't get in touch with her Dr. and I'm not sure if she should continue with this tonight or try to split the dose, if that's possible. Maybe she should take a day off and then try a half dose sunday night given her experience with this. Can anyone comment? Thanks
>
> I've been on Effexor for about 3 months now, starting on 37mg per day and working up to 225mg per day. I had started on Wellbutrin but a month into it my GERD went off the scale. Pdoc switched me to Effexor and I had the tremors about 2 weeks ago that lasted for a few weeks. If your Effexor is a capsule, you shouldn't split it. Effexor comes in a 37 mg-maybe start out on that until her system gets used to it. My Pdoc advised me to wait a day then take another pill if I were to have some weird happenings. Did she take it with food? Sometimes the meds wreak havoc with people who have stomach issues (like me). It may be the combo of the two meds. How long has she been on Wellbutrin? Meds are exasperating to get used to sometimes. I have been on Paxil, Zoloft and Wellbutrin with bad results. Hope today was a better day.
KRISTI
Posted by Phillipa on November 4, 2006, at 19:39:28
In reply to Re: Effexor XR reminds me of Ecstasy, posted by fredwb on November 4, 2006, at 14:02:03
I say get ahold of the pdoc or his covering one and let them know what happened as age etc. may be a factor. Sounds too stimulating to me. But that's only my opinion. Love Phillipa
Posted by fredwb on November 5, 2006, at 15:30:34
In reply to Re: Effexor XR reminds me of Ecstasy » fredwb, posted by Phillipa on November 4, 2006, at 19:39:28
> I say get ahold of the pdoc or his covering one and let them know what happened as age etc. may be a factor. Sounds too stimulating to me. But that's only my opinion. Love Phillipa
I did finally talk to the pdoc in the evening and today as well. Turns out he gave her two samples. The one she was supposed to take had 7 samples of the half dose and 7 of the full. The one she opened had all the 75 mg full dose and she forgot that he told her to start with the half dose. So she didn't take it last night and symptoms and slowly lessening. She's going to try the 37.5 mg dose tonight along with a 6.25mg ambien, which she did take last night.
Yes I agree age might have something to do with this as we're in our late 50's. And we just got back from a trip to Paris (1st time there) and have yet to get over the most severe jet lag I've ever experienced. Thanks for your advice.
Fred
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