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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by BethB on June 23, 2002, at 15:54:40
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Rhonda on April 28, 2000, at 7:17:12
Wow-
Nice to know I'm not alone. Here's my 2 cents.
Going on the medicine initially gave me mild side effects like sleeplessness, middle of the night wakings (always 4am), loss of appetite, and dizziness. My doc put me on the meds in steps of 37.5.
I have been on 150 mg for a year now. The first 4 months were successful. I was able to just exist as a normal person. Ahhhhhh....no hideous pits of despair.
Then i started feeling restless and surprisingly SLEEPY. I feel...strangely heavy.
I now crave sweets because I am always so tired and frustrated. Despite my best efforts of exercise and healthy eating I have gained 15 pounds!
I still have ups and downs but BARELY. I CAN'T FEEL. Even when I get excited about something my body doesn't respond. No reactions. No excitement. No misery. Just irritability.
My eyes are so dry that my contacts stick. I always feel thirsty. My lips and face are dry. I sweat much more now. I bruise easily (is this the meds?).
If I miss two or more doses the withdrawal truly is horrendous! Flu-like symptoms including night(day)-sweats, hot flashes, aching muscles, intense nausea, dizziness, migraines beyond reason, severe power outages/surges in the brain, drunken visual effects, slowness in body as well as in thoughts and speech, and lots of irritability.
Does anyone else find it difficult to pee? I know this sounds odd, but I have to really concentrate in order to find the correct peeing muscles!
My psycho-doctor suggests a higher dosage, but that will just make the withdrawal symptoms that much worse!! Plus, when I tried to take higher doses I experienced more side-effects as well, which is not good for being a teacher!
This is the only med I've tried and frankly I hate the idea of a lifetime of pills.
HELP!?
Sarah B
Posted by NikkiT2 on June 23, 2002, at 18:57:54
In reply to Effexor XR Overall Synopsis, posted by BethB on June 23, 2002, at 15:54:40
I had terrible urinary retention on effexor.. just not being able to "start the flow"!! WHile on it I was only going for a wee about 3 times a day... it was quite a shock to get back to normal after coming off and at first I was going about 10 times a day as the slightest urge felt strange compared to no urge on effexor!!!
I loved Effexor at first, the first 3 months on it were great (after the initial side effects wore off), then my pdoc (the twat he was) took me off for 2 weeks before putting me back on it, and it never worked right again after that.. even up to 375mg...
Coming off it was the wirst thing I have ever known and neevr ever want to go through anything like that again in my life... its scared me off taking any meds, though I know I must take them else I'll kill myself...
Nikki xx
Posted by Timmy4 on June 23, 2002, at 19:52:40
In reply to Re: Effexor XR Overall Synopsis- peeing » BethB, posted by NikkiT2 on June 23, 2002, at 18:57:54
SarahB,
Thank you for sharing your experience with what truly seems to be Side Effexor. My advice (especially if you are a teacher!) is to listen to yourself and your body and wean off for the next few weeks-months. A higher dose sounds like the worst thing you can do. I would address it like walking down stairs, in 37.5 increments, and only when YOU feel secure on one step, inch down to the next until you rid yourself of this soon-to-be-memory.
Best of luck and lots of strength...
Posted by Mr Beev on June 24, 2002, at 7:06:07
In reply to Re: Bruxism , posted by angeltalena on June 22, 2002, at 21:17:01
> I had a bit of trouble in the beginning but found that cutting my caffeine intake way down helped a lot. It seems that the Effexor lifts me up enough by itself without the added caffeine which interferes with other medicines I take also anyway.
For what it's worth, I had a similar experience. I am a quite moderate coffee drinker, but I too found that eliminating caffeine helped with the Effexorisms. I also found that the bruxism diminished substantially after a few weeks, though after 1 1/2 months it's still present...
Best regards,
Mr Beev
Posted by BethB on June 24, 2002, at 10:27:30
In reply to Re: Effexor XR Overall Synopsis- peeing » BethB, posted by Timmy4 on June 23, 2002, at 19:52:40
thanks nikki and timmy4.
i know this is an important decision (To wean or not to wean). I'm just still trying to decide whether it is better to be physically and mentally "blah" or to be psychological depressive. according to some others if i stop taking the meds i'll find myself back in the pits of despair and going back on effexor will never be the same. hmmm....tough call.
i just don't want to jump the gun. and MAN, that peeing issue is such a strange side effect! lol
thanks again, your support is great-
BethB
Posted by Reneb on June 24, 2002, at 13:11:34
In reply to Effexor - Changed my life!, posted by Luann on June 19, 2002, at 17:00:48
> I have had tremendous results from Effexor (150mg). It has literally changed my life for the better! Although I suffer side effects of insomnia at night and fatigue during the day, it is a fair trade off for the quality of life which has improved drastically. I hope others feel the same!
Hi, I am so glad you are having a good experience with effexor. Can I ask how long you have been on it? I was on it for at least a year before I noticed the bad side.Renee
Posted by Reneb on June 24, 2002, at 13:19:25
In reply to Effexor XR Overall Synopsis, posted by BethB on June 23, 2002, at 15:54:40
> Wow-
>
> Nice to know I'm not alone. Here's my 2 cents.
>
> Going on the medicine initially gave me mild side effects like sleeplessness, middle of the night wakings (always 4am), loss of appetite, and dizziness. My doc put me on the meds in steps of 37.5.
>
> I have been on 150 mg for a year now. The first 4 months were successful. I was able to just exist as a normal person. Ahhhhhh....no hideous pits of despair.
>
> Then i started feeling restless and surprisingly SLEEPY. I feel...strangely heavy.
>
> I now crave sweets because I am always so tired and frustrated. Despite my best efforts of exercise and healthy eating I have gained 15 pounds!
>
> I still have ups and downs but BARELY. I CAN'T FEEL. Even when I get excited about something my body doesn't respond. No reactions. No excitement. No misery. Just irritability.
>
> My eyes are so dry that my contacts stick. I always feel thirsty. My lips and face are dry. I sweat much more now. I bruise easily (is this the meds?).
>
> If I miss two or more doses the withdrawal truly is horrendous! Flu-like symptoms including night(day)-sweats, hot flashes, aching muscles, intense nausea, dizziness, migraines beyond reason, severe power outages/surges in the brain, drunken visual effects, slowness in body as well as in thoughts and speech, and lots of irritability.
>
> Does anyone else find it difficult to pee? I know this sounds odd, but I have to really concentrate in order to find the correct peeing muscles!
>
> My psycho-doctor suggests a higher dosage, but that will just make the withdrawal symptoms that much worse!! Plus, when I tried to take higher doses I experienced more side-effects as well, which is not good for being a teacher!
>
> This is the only med I've tried and frankly I hate the idea of a lifetime of pills.
>
> HELP!?
>
> Sarah BSarah, you are not alone! I felt exactly how you feel. I was on it for ove a year. Started to feel nothing...just existing. I exercise everyday. I actually train in the spring and summer for races!!! I also started to gain weight. I told myself that is it. I weaned myself off. It took about 2 months to do it without those horrible withdrawals. It worked well, by the time I was taking my last 1/4 dose of effexor. I was feeling no side effects at all.
Yes, Peeing took forever...lol My husband used to knock on the door to see if I was alright. If I didnt sit there and concentrate it wouldn't happen.
take care,
Renee
Posted by Starwatcher on June 24, 2002, at 16:49:49
In reply to Re: Effexor XR Overall Synopsis, posted by Reneb on June 24, 2002, at 13:19:25
I am sure glad I read all of these threads here about Effexor! My doctor has recently put me on it for fibromyalgia chronic pain. I waited and started it at 75 mg. over the weekend to see what would happen - and it totally zonked me out! I could barely wake up and move around all weekend, and I felt totally shaky and weak, and my pupils were dilated big time. I cut the dose down last night to 37.5 mg. and I'm able to function and go to work today, although I feel kinda heavy and sedated. The pain, though, is basically gone - so that's a plus! I had a little nausea, but more like a loss of appetite, which may be a good thing. I'm going to see if the smaller dose works continuously because I don't see how I'll be able to function in the daytime on the higher dose! You're right, this is some powerful medication!
Posted by Reneb on June 24, 2002, at 19:19:32
In reply to Re: Effexor XR Overall Synopsis, posted by Starwatcher on June 24, 2002, at 16:49:49
> I am sure glad I read all of these threads here about Effexor! My doctor has recently put me on it for fibromyalgia chronic pain. I waited and started it at 75 mg. over the weekend to see what would happen - and it totally zonked me out! I could barely wake up and move around all weekend, and I felt totally shaky and weak, and my pupils were dilated big time. I cut the dose down last night to 37.5 mg. and I'm able to function and go to work today, although I feel kinda heavy and sedated. The pain, though, is basically gone - so that's a plus! I had a little nausea, but more like a loss of appetite, which may be a good thing. I'm going to see if the smaller dose works continuously because I don't see how I'll be able to function in the daytime on the higher dose! You're right, this is some powerful medication!
Hi, I think if you stay at a lower dose the side effects aren't as severe. The only problem I think will be when you get used to the dose you are on and feel that you need to up it???
hope it works out,
Renee
PS...I like your name!
Posted by Starwatcher on June 24, 2002, at 20:50:59
In reply to Re: Effexor XR Overall Synopsis » Starwatcher, posted by Reneb on June 24, 2002, at 19:19:32
Thanks, Renee!
I guess I'll decide and try upping it if and when the time comes that the lower dosage doesn't work. I do know that the 75 mg. dosage was definitely too much to start out on for me. Luckily, so far, I don't seem to need the Effexor to relieve depression, although I have had that problem in the past.
Posted by Luann on June 24, 2002, at 22:05:15
In reply to Re: Effexor XR Overall Synopsis » Starwatcher, posted by Starwatcher on June 24, 2002, at 20:50:59
I don't know if this is related to being on the medication - I'm on 150 mg a day. Just increased dosage 2 weeks ago but my eyes have been feeling sore and kind of "strained". Has anyone had this problem or something like it? Everything else has been great except for the insomnia. But my eyes are really sore.
Posted by BethB on June 24, 2002, at 22:57:06
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Noa on January 6, 2000, at 6:14:55
Hey Guys--
If you're interested in reading the latest "official" information on Effexor you can visit
www.effexor.com
If you would like to post your experiences where they will make the biggest impact visit
www.effexor-xr-side-effects-withdrawal.com
These are the sites that I believe will give our experiences (both positive and negative) the most appropriate audience. Check them out. Hopefully we can stimulate more research and improvements through our results.
Beth
Posted by spencer on June 25, 2002, at 7:18:30
In reply to Effexor - Anyone experience eye problems?, posted by Luann on June 24, 2002, at 22:05:15
I didn't experience sore eyes, but my visual acuity noticeably worsened during the first month or two after starting XR (150mg). The reason for the blurring was that my pupils were dilated so the effect was the same as when I have had eye tests where the opthamologist has dilated the pupils with drops. The side effects went away eventually.....thank goodness.
Posted by angeltalena on June 25, 2002, at 16:19:47
In reply to Re: Effexor XR Overall Synopsis, posted by Starwatcher on June 24, 2002, at 16:49:49
I'm up to 75 mg and the fact that the pain lessened helped my depression a lot. I can actually do some work around the house and my brain feels sharper now.
I think I notice the urinary thing too but in my case it's a good thing cause I went way too much before anyway since I had surgery 12 years ago so it's helped me. I am still drinking lots but I always have and I believe that's a very important thing. I drink the one can of Pepsi in the morning but that's all.
Angel
Posted by neocide on June 25, 2002, at 22:57:15
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I started week one on 37.5, then next week I moved to 75 and today I just started 150mg.
I am taking it for anxiety, confusion, and memory loss(I think)
I am on wellbutrin for depression.
I am curious if this drug has helped anyone in the confusion/memory area as I feel these two are related in my case. I would actually trade keeping the anxiety to regain my memory and be able to focus.
Im not sure if this is a side effect, but I have been feeling abnormally warm in waves for the past week.
Posted by LynnPerley on June 25, 2002, at 23:02:10
In reply to new user...questions., posted by neocide on June 25, 2002, at 22:57:15
It helped me more in the ability to focus area, but perhaps we are talking about the same thing. It helped my anxiety greatly, but helped the depression so-so.
Posted by lsp on June 26, 2002, at 8:54:36
In reply to going off, posted by Grace Coyote on June 2, 2002, at 5:39:20
Has anyone out there experienced heart palpitations and racing heartbeat from Effexor? I am taking 37.5 mg. per day to prevent migraine, and I've been trying to take this every other day in hopes of stopping it at some point. But recently I've been experiencing heart palpitations/skipping beats (which scare me)and also what I call "brain freeze" -- I can't seem to collect my thoughts. If I'm writing something, I forget how to spell it, or I put the letters in the wrong place, which is totally not me! I find myself having to stop and think before I talk because I can't get my thoughts together. Has anyone found Effexor to be helpful in migraine prevention?
Posted by angeltalena on June 26, 2002, at 11:08:30
In reply to Re: heart palpitations, posted by lsp on June 26, 2002, at 8:54:36
Well, I haven't had a migraine since I started taking mine. I take 75 mg a day. I've been on it about 2 months now. I used to get them every now and then but hadn't thought about it. Hope it does stop them. I ate something that used to give me migraines and felt fine so maybe it does!
I seem to be thinking sharper now. Try cutting down on your caffeine intake and see if that helps the palpitations.
Angel
Posted by Terri C. on June 26, 2002, at 11:12:02
In reply to Re: heart palpitations, posted by lsp on June 26, 2002, at 8:54:36
I experienced the same thing on Effexor in the early days and eventually experienced some pretty nasty side effects; blackouts of 24 hours or more, complete memory loss, hyperlibido (wanted to have sex all the time). After three months on the drug, I experienced a blackout that lasted for almost 48 hours, and I was told by family and friends that during the blackout, I acted somewhat "normal" but did some pretty horrible things. I'm certainly not saying everyone has these experiences, but I have corresponded to others who have had these similar experiences. Of course, some side effects are very temporary. My advice is to get family and friends involved and have an active dialogue about behaviors and changes they note. I did not know anything about these types of side effects until it was too late. Please understand that I'm only trying to provide one user's perspective in order to help in understanding and anticipating both good and bad effects of Effexor.
I wish I could help regarding the migraine issue. I've never experienced them but sympathize with your dilemma. I will say that most everyone I've talked with who've been on Effexor and want to get off (for one reason or another) have had a very hard time discontinuing this medication. There are severe withdrawal symptoms that people experience, and the safest way to do so is to do a very slow taper.
Hope only to provide information that helps you.
Posted by meg on June 26, 2002, at 12:16:46
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Debbie on April 17, 2000, at 16:53:21
I have nothing but positive things to say about effexor XR if taken in a completely controlled environment. I have been on effexor XR for over two years. This drug completely cleared me of my depression, bulimia and anxiety but I had to be extremely patient (as it took over a year) and continued to work with a psychiatrist in the meantime. It wasn't until I took 335 mg that I was completely symptomless. The process of increasing the doseage and decreasing the doseage was very slow and closely monitored. I am now at a dose of 150 mg and hope to be off of the drug in about 4 months. When origingally decreasing the doseage, I had symptoms reoccur (ie. low moods, lack of motivation etc.) and therefore, went back to my original doseage for another year. Now however, I am able to decrease the doseage SLOWLY!, without symptoms reoccuring. If I forget to take my meds for a few days, I notice widthdrawl symptoms (eg. I want and need to sleep all day, headaches, weird dreams, and dissiness). Unfortunately, effexor is not a quick fix, it does take time but it can be very effective (ofcourse, it is even more effective if you seek psychological therapy!). Hopefully, this long message helps those of you finding yourself longing for happiness, while having exhausted every avenue you can think of. As difficult as it is to believe, you will find a happier state of mind and you do not have to suffer as you are and have been. I hope this message touches someone.....
Posted by Newto This on June 28, 2002, at 14:21:15
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have had rather amazing success on Effexor XR even though the results are different than I expected and I have had side effects.
I admitted to being a "hoarder" and was perscribed this medication. My mother takes this medication also and that is probably why it was chosen even though it may not have officially been associated w/ OCD yet.
Initially I felt mostly "slowed down" in my thinking, which helped me slow down my speaking which was a bonus.
I swore that I was not depressed and did not suffer from "generalized" anxiety. I knew I had some "focused" anxiety though following a lay off at my job.
After taking the Effexor XR for almost 2 months though something beautiful was happening. I was realizing that the self-loathing thoughts that had been the constant background dialog of my mind were disappearing. It left me with some mental "vacancy" if you will, but that is perferable mental self-abuse that I've lived with most of my adult life.
I would like to stop stop taking this medication because the of side effects (lack of energy and libido), but I am a little bit afraid to because I don't want to give up this newly found peace of mind and sense of confidence and self esteem.
And on the other hand, I want to keep taking it to see if it will eventually help with the "hoarding" or if I might experience other new beautiful things that I didn't suspect.
Posted by Elin on June 29, 2002, at 0:38:12
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi, I am currently taking Effexor XR (75mg once a day)and it has helped me tremendously.
I have previously taken ciprimil (no efect), Paroxitine (became agressive and over-anxious), Prozac (was ridiculously highly energetic: couldn't sit down) and Lofeprimine (had a very negative effect, was very depressed and suicidal). However Effexor has been amazing, it began to take effect within the first week. I feel much calmer, my anxiety has almost dissapeared, and i am content - if not happy!
There has been no side effects (although I am still suffering with insomnia), with all the other medication i took my sex drive was adversly affected but this is not the case with effexor, I do not feel drowsy and my judgement doesnt seem to be affected.
I have drank alcohol whilst taking effexor (but only about 4/5 units) and I was fine.
I strongly recommend effexor to anyone who has tried other meds that haven't worked, I was getting to the point when I was ready to give up but I honestly feel as if I have got my life back.
Good Luck everyone, there is hope :)Love,
Elin
Manchester, England.> Hi there,
>
> Anyone care to comment on the use of Effexor? Anyone
> "happy" with it? I have tried Prozac (too much anxiety),
> Serzone (too sedating). I am currently on Buspar for anxiety.
>
> Been reading many different reports... Effexor seems
> to have a lot of success...
>
> please share your thoughts on this.
Posted by Sleepy Lizard on June 29, 2002, at 17:59:48
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Well, I'm on day 29 of Effexor XR. I've tapered up to 150 mg / day. It started to work about 4 days after starting the 150 mg dose. It has helped me to have the feeling of hopelessness. I am suffering from anxiety induced depression due to sexual drive differences in my 26 year marriage. I still feel sad, but I don't hit bottom. It allows me to get another perspective. My doctor said that the seretonin has the ability to let your brain make new connections and erase the old repetitive connectsions that are causing you to be in a rut. I hope this is true, but it will take 6 months to a year.
Posted by Sleepy Lizard on June 29, 2002, at 18:02:33
In reply to success on Effexor XR? , posted by Newto This on June 28, 2002, at 14:21:15
In the last post, I should have said Effexor XR has helped me to NOT have feelings of hopelessness.
Posted by cary 111 on June 29, 2002, at 21:32:59
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by Petezz on February 11, 2002, at 1:01:30
I have had chronic soft tissue pain in my feet for several years. I also have an arthritic hip joint. I was prescribed Effexor, starting at 37,5 and then up in a week to 75mg. Has anyone out there had an experience with effexor for the treatment of anxiety and depression, in connection with chronic pain?
As a side note: I met someone a few days ago who recommended I try a wheat, sugar, meat, and dairy free diet for my pain problems. Because I've tried almost everything, I figured I'd give it a shot. Wow!!! do I feel mentally clear and relaxed in comparison to just two days ago. However my pain is no better, although I do seem less overwhelmed because I feel so much better mentally. Now I'm wondering if I should even begin the Effexor.
Also, I have tried Serzone, and Nortriptyline, and began with Prozac (made me very anxious) a few years ago.
Anyone with suggestions, please respond!
Thank you in advance
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