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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 3945 to 3969 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by Bcookie on May 5, 2003, at 21:17:37
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR SIDE EFFECTS!!!!!, posted by Napaba on May 5, 2003, at 9:39:21
I am new so I don't know if this has been discussed yet. I have been taking Effexor XR for about two months now. After trying Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Serezone,(sp)and Paxil, I thought I had FINALLY found the right medication to treat my depression/anxiety combo. However, the last week and a half I have wanted to drink constantly, had absolutly no appetite, and been depressed and weepy. I don't know if the Effexor is causing this or not. I am also taking Provigil 200mg a day for energy. I am ALWAYS tired and have the worst time trying to get out of the bed in the morning. I am a freshman college student and this lack of energy has really taken a toll on my grades this semester. My doc says that lack of appetite and energy can be side effects of the Effexor. He doesn't know what to make of the increased craving for alcohol. Has anyone else experienced this or have any advice for me about what to do. I feel like both the Provigil and the Effexor have just abrubtly quit working after initial promising effects just like the Wellbutrin. I am getting so sick of starting a new medication, having failure on it, and then quiting and starting something new. Please help
Posted by Maureen17 on May 5, 2003, at 21:39:11
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR SIDE EFFECTS!!!!!, posted by Bcookie on May 5, 2003, at 21:20:20
Hey Hon!
You're not alone about the increased drinking. I knew my drinking was getting heavier and everynight instead of just a few on weekends with my pizza, but just until recently when I read the "Alcohol?" posting on this site, it clicked that my increase could be the Effexor. I'm trying to ween myself off now (down to 1/2 of the 37.5ml per day) and I no longer want to drink everynight PLUS I've lost 5 lbs already! Not as tired all the time either. My brother-in-law takes Celexia and he seems to be doing okay on it with no weight gain but he still drinks alot.
Good Luck with school.
Posted by angeltalena on May 6, 2003, at 0:34:03
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR SIDE EFFECTS!!!!!, posted by Napaba on May 5, 2003, at 9:39:21
It's sad that so many have bad side effects. I am on 150 mg and have been for nearly a year now and doing fine. I have sweats in the night sometimes but if I sleep with the ceiling fan on I am fine. Otherwise no problems. Most of my side effects left after about 4 months. I have taken Metamucil when I need it for years. I can put up with being hot at night sometimes more than severe depression and panic when driving. I also take a small dose of Xanax before bed to help me sleep. By the way, generally I love the dreams. I wish I had them more often.
Angel
Posted by Maureen17 on May 6, 2003, at 11:29:12
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR SIDE EFFECTS!! Not all bad, posted by angeltalena on May 6, 2003, at 0:34:03
Hi Angel,
I'm glad you're doing good on effexor. Just keep an eye on your female functions. Mine were the picture perfect, book example until I started on effexor. 2-1/2 years ago after I started taking EXR, my cycle started varing, then got to the point that I would have them for 2 weeks (heavy), off a week then get it for 2 weeks, off a week, etc. At 40 I thought I was too young for menopause but my family Dr. said I was starting peri-men. Went to my gyno and he said it could be possible but I should get a DNC. This worked for about 6 mo. but my cycle was still off-kilter (not heavy and lasted 5 days). Then the heavy came back and went into 6 weeks straight, Only to make an emergency appt. with my gyno. Guess what! I had a tumor (cyst) the size of a 6 mo pregnancy! It's been 8 weeks since my hysto. now and after reading the side effects on a website that was referred to from this site, I down loaded it 'pdf' format to take to my lawyer.
Adverse effects (just to name a few)
"Urogenital system - Frequent: metrorrhagia,* prostatitis,* urination impaired, vaginitis*; Infrequent: albuminuria,
amenorrhea,* cystitis, dysuria, hematuria, female lactation,* leukorrhea,* menorrhagia,* nocturia, bladder pain,
breast pain, polyuria, pyuria, urinary incontinence, urinary retention, urinary urgency, vaginal hemorrhage*; Rare:
abortion,* anuria, breast engorgement, breast enlargement, fibrocystic breast, calcium crystalluria, cervicitis,*
ovarian cyst,* prolonged erection,* gynecomastia (male),* hypomenorrhea,* kidney calculus, kidney pain, kidney
function abnormal, mastitis, menopause,* pyelonephritis, oliguria, salpingitis,* urolithiasis, uterine hemorrhage,*
uterine spasm.*
*Based on the number of men and women as appropriate."
Jusy be careful and really take an interest in your health while you're on this.
I hope it works for you...
God Bless,
Maureen
Posted by Napaba on May 6, 2003, at 11:58:29
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR SIDE EFFECTS!! Not all bad » angeltalena, posted by Maureen17 on May 6, 2003, at 11:29:12
Please provide the name of the web site you got your information from. Sense starting EXR my cycle has been totally messed up. Before EXR, it was every 28 days, three days long. I've also had feelings in my breast that remind me of when I was breast feeding. Did you have a lot of hot flashes while on EXR?
I've started cycling down on my dose of EXR. Today was my first day at 75 instead of 150. Can anyone say if this is too large a reduction at one time? I don't see my doctor for another month. I have a script for 75 and 150, so I thought I'd start getting off it now.
I don't want to take this *&^% anymore.
Hi Angel,
> I'm glad you're doing good on effexor. Just keep an eye on your female functions. Mine were the picture perfect, book example until I started on effexor. 2-1/2 years ago after I started taking EXR, my cycle started varing, then got to the point that I would have them for 2 weeks (heavy), off a week then get it for 2 weeks, off a week, etc. At 40 I thought I was too young for menopause but my family Dr. said I was starting peri-men. Went to my gyno and he said it could be possible but I should get a DNC. This worked for about 6 mo. but my cycle was still off-kilter (not heavy and lasted 5 days). Then the heavy came back and went into 6 weeks straight, Only to make an emergency appt. with my gyno. Guess what! I had a tumor (cyst) the size of a 6 mo pregnancy! It's been 8 weeks since my hysto. now and after reading the side effects on a website that was referred to from this site, I down loaded it 'pdf' format to take to my lawyer.
> Adverse effects (just to name a few)
> "Urogenital system - Frequent: metrorrhagia,* prostatitis,* urination impaired, vaginitis*; Infrequent: albuminuria,
> amenorrhea,* cystitis, dysuria, hematuria, female lactation,* leukorrhea,* menorrhagia,* nocturia, bladder pain,
> breast pain, polyuria, pyuria, urinary incontinence, urinary retention, urinary urgency, vaginal hemorrhage*; Rare:
> abortion,* anuria, breast engorgement, breast enlargement, fibrocystic breast, calcium crystalluria, cervicitis,*
> ovarian cyst,* prolonged erection,* gynecomastia (male),* hypomenorrhea,* kidney calculus, kidney pain, kidney
> function abnormal, mastitis, menopause,* pyelonephritis, oliguria, salpingitis,* urolithiasis, uterine hemorrhage,*
> uterine spasm.*
> *Based on the number of men and women as appropriate."
> Jusy be careful and really take an interest in your health while you're on this.
> I hope it works for you...
> God Bless,
> Maureen
Posted by Jack Smith on May 6, 2003, at 13:46:05
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR SIDE EFFECTS!! Not all bad » angeltalena, posted by Maureen17 on May 6, 2003, at 11:29:12
Are you seriously implying that Effexor caused a cyst that led you to have a hystorectmy (sp)? I am not being insensitive, I just think that is a pretty extreme claim.
By the way, why are bringing the side effects list to your lawyer? Who are you contemplating suing, the doctor or the drug company or both? The side effect list by the way is meant to insulate the company from liability because it shows that you are on notice of adverse effects. That is why they list effects that have NEVER happenned so they can insulate themselves from liability if those occurrences do happen.
Good luck with your recovery and I hope you get better soon.
JACK
Posted by melley on May 6, 2003, at 13:51:34
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR SIDE EFFECTS!! Not all bad » angeltalena, posted by Maureen17 on May 6, 2003, at 11:29:12
I am curious about this website, too. I was on effexor when I was 40 and then went off and went into menopause. The gyn couldn't understand it since there was no family history of it. Makes me wonder now.> Hi Angel,
> I'm glad you're doing good on effexor. Just keep an eye on your female functions. Mine were the picture perfect, book example until I started on effexor. 2-1/2 years ago after I started taking EXR, my cycle started varing, then got to the point that I would have them for 2 weeks (heavy), off a week then get it for 2 weeks, off a week, etc. At 40 I thought I was too young for menopause but my family Dr. said I was starting peri-men. Went to my gyno and he said it could be possible but I should get a DNC. This worked for about 6 mo. but my cycle was still off-kilter (not heavy and lasted 5 days). Then the heavy came back and went into 6 weeks straight, Only to make an emergency appt. with my gyno. Guess what! I had a tumor (cyst) the size of a 6 mo pregnancy! It's been 8 weeks since my hysto. now and after reading the side effects on a website that was referred to from this site, I down loaded it 'pdf' format to take to my lawyer.
> Adverse effects (just to name a few)
> "Urogenital system - Frequent: metrorrhagia,* prostatitis,* urination impaired, vaginitis*; Infrequent: albuminuria,
> amenorrhea,* cystitis, dysuria, hematuria, female lactation,* leukorrhea,* menorrhagia,* nocturia, bladder pain,
> breast pain, polyuria, pyuria, urinary incontinence, urinary retention, urinary urgency, vaginal hemorrhage*; Rare:
> abortion,* anuria, breast engorgement, breast enlargement, fibrocystic breast, calcium crystalluria, cervicitis,*
> ovarian cyst,* prolonged erection,* gynecomastia (male),* hypomenorrhea,* kidney calculus, kidney pain, kidney
> function abnormal, mastitis, menopause,* pyelonephritis, oliguria, salpingitis,* urolithiasis, uterine hemorrhage,*
> uterine spasm.*
> *Based on the number of men and women as appropriate."
> Jusy be careful and really take an interest in your health while you're on this.
> I hope it works for you...
> God Bless,
> Maureen
Posted by jtc on May 6, 2003, at 21:01:05
In reply to Re: Please provide website » Maureen17, posted by Napaba on May 6, 2003, at 11:58:29
>Hi, in response to your question of tapering from 150 to 75. I did the same thing and it wasn't bad. I took 75 for about 2 months then went to 37.5 every other day for about 2 weeks and then just stopped alltogether. At first I had dizziness and feelings of unreality. I am now off of Effexor for about six weeks. Thank the Lord I got off of it. Now I need to get my eight year old daughter off of it. I hope she does alright. I will never forgive myself if she doesn't. She is taking it for anxiety. She also just started Adderall. I have been told by her psychologist that she does not have ADD, that she is just very anxious for her age. She is actually very intelligent but her teachers say she cannot concentrate on her school work so her psychiatrist and I decided to give Adderall a try. Does anyone know anything about it? I am afraid she is going to get more anxious and nervous on Adderall because it is a stimulant. I just want her to have a good quality of life and her anxiety is affecting her functioning greatly. May God help us. Take care, jc
Please provide the name of the web site you got your information from. Sense starting EXR my cycle has been totally messed up. Before EXR, it was every 28 days, three days long. I've also had feelings in my breast that remind me of when I was breast feeding. Did you have a lot of hot flashes while on EXR?
>
> I've started cycling down on my dose of EXR. Today was my first day at 75 instead of 150. Can anyone say if this is too large a reduction at one time? I don't see my doctor for another month. I have a script for 75 and 150, so I thought I'd start getting off it now.
>
> I don't want to take this *&^% anymore.
>
>
>
> Hi Angel,
> > I'm glad you're doing good on effexor. Just keep an eye on your female functions. Mine were the picture perfect, book example until I started on effexor. 2-1/2 years ago after I started taking EXR, my cycle started varing, then got to the point that I would have them for 2 weeks (heavy), off a week then get it for 2 weeks, off a week, etc. At 40 I thought I was too young for menopause but my family Dr. said I was starting peri-men. Went to my gyno and he said it could be possible but I should get a DNC. This worked for about 6 mo. but my cycle was still off-kilter (not heavy and lasted 5 days). Then the heavy came back and went into 6 weeks straight, Only to make an emergency appt. with my gyno. Guess what! I had a tumor (cyst) the size of a 6 mo pregnancy! It's been 8 weeks since my hysto. now and after reading the side effects on a website that was referred to from this site, I down loaded it 'pdf' format to take to my lawyer.
> > Adverse effects (just to name a few)
> > "Urogenital system - Frequent: metrorrhagia,* prostatitis,* urination impaired, vaginitis*; Infrequent: albuminuria,
> > amenorrhea,* cystitis, dysuria, hematuria, female lactation,* leukorrhea,* menorrhagia,* nocturia, bladder pain,
> > breast pain, polyuria, pyuria, urinary incontinence, urinary retention, urinary urgency, vaginal hemorrhage*; Rare:
> > abortion,* anuria, breast engorgement, breast enlargement, fibrocystic breast, calcium crystalluria, cervicitis,*
> > ovarian cyst,* prolonged erection,* gynecomastia (male),* hypomenorrhea,* kidney calculus, kidney pain, kidney
> > function abnormal, mastitis, menopause,* pyelonephritis, oliguria, salpingitis,* urolithiasis, uterine hemorrhage,*
> > uterine spasm.*
> > *Based on the number of men and women as appropriate."
> > Jusy be careful and really take an interest in your health while you're on this.
> > I hope it works for you...
> > God Bless,
> > Maureen
>
>
Posted by MaxTex on May 7, 2003, at 0:07:12
In reply to Effexor and Anxiety, posted by Scorch on May 1, 2003, at 13:27:50
Snoozy -- don't know if my observation will be any comfort, but taking 5 years + to complete a "3 year PhD" doesn't sound so bad. I don't know your specifics, but most PhDs (especially in the social sciences and humanities) typically take considerably more than 3 years.
I took 6 years to get my PhD from the time I completed coursework. I was unhappy about that, BUT most people NEVER finish, and 6 years was still better than average! That's because most have to work fulltime while trying to work on the PhD. So, unless yours should be brief for particular reasons, don't the 5 years get you down.
Best wishes,
MaxTex
> Has anyone else been prescribed Effexor for anxiety and panic disorder? [...]. I've not been able to function for 2 YEARS - I have no concentration span and have taken 5 years (so far) to complete a 3 year PhD. Any advice would be helpful.
Posted by MaxTex on May 7, 2003, at 0:29:35
In reply to Re: Please provide website » Maureen17, posted by Napaba on May 6, 2003, at 11:58:29
Napaba -- my own non-professional suggestion is that stepping down by 75MG might well be too much, if you were previously maintaining on 150. I'd suggest splitting the dose and going first to 112.5 for a couple of weeks.
However, you might just be fine until you drop from the final dose to zero. With any luck, you'll be fine anyway, but I would reduce your withdrawal risks, based on my own and others experiences.
Good luck!
MaxTex
> I've started cycling down on my dose of EXR. Today was my first day at 75 instead of 150. Can anyone say if this is too large a reduction at one time? I don't see my doctor for another month. I have a script for 75 and 150, so I thought I'd start getting off it now.
Posted by catri on May 7, 2003, at 6:26:43
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR SIDE EFFECTS!! Not all bad » Maureen17, posted by melley on May 6, 2003, at 13:51:34
hello, after about six months on 75/day, I want to come off it. I'm seeing the doc tomorrow, and I would really like help in deciding what withdrawal/tapering programme people have found that works best. Please help....
Posted by Napaba on May 7, 2003, at 8:45:02
In reply to Re: Please provide website, posted by jtc on May 6, 2003, at 21:01:05
Good luck getting your daughter off Effexor.
How long has she been on it? How long were you taking EXR?
Sorry about all the questions. I really want as much invformation as I can find about EXR and it's side effects (short and long term), depression, and anxiety.
My son is also one of those anxious kids. He's 15 and has always been a worrier. After researching natural remedies he has started taking St. Johns Wart and a couple other natural vitamins. I'm hoping it will help him. Also like your daughter he's very smart. He's a straight A student and takes all advanced and accelerated classes. I've read anxiety is a trait that goes hand in hand with the smart over-achiver type personalities. Are you a single parent and is your daughter a first born? I’ve read those kids have more anxiety then other children. The son I’m referring to, is my eldest and I’m also an oldest child.Hi, in response to your question of tapering from 150 to 75. I did the same thing and it wasn't bad. I took 75 for about 2 months then went to 37.5 every other day for about 2 weeks and then just stopped alltogether. At first I had dizziness and feelings of unreality. I am now off of Effexor for about six weeks. Thank the Lord I got off of it. Now I need to get my eight year old daughter off of it. I hope she does alright. I will never forgive myself if she doesn't. She is taking it for anxiety. She also just started Adderall. I have been told by her psychologist that she does not have ADD, that she is just very anxious for her age. She is actually very intelligent but her teachers say she cannot concentrate on her school work so her psychiatrist and I decided to give Adderall a try. Does anyone know anything about it? I am afraid she is going to get more anxious and nervous on Adderall because it is a stimulant. I just want her to have a good quality of life and her anxiety is affecting her functioning greatly. May God help us. Take care, jc
>
>
>
> Please provide the name of the web site you got your information from. Sense starting EXR my cycle has been totally messed up. Before EXR, it was every 28 days, three days long. I've also had feelings in my breast that remind me of when I was breast feeding. Did you have a lot of hot flashes while on EXR?
> >
> > I've started cycling down on my dose of EXR. Today was my first day at 75 instead of 150. Can anyone say if this is too large a reduction at one time? I don't see my doctor for another month. I have a script for 75 and 150, so I thought I'd start getting off it now.
> >
> > I don't want to take this *&^% anymore.
> >
> >
> >
> > Hi Angel,
> > > I'm glad you're doing good on effexor. Just keep an eye on your female functions. Mine were the picture perfect, book example until I started on effexor. 2-1/2 years ago after I started taking EXR, my cycle started varing, then got to the point that I would have them for 2 weeks (heavy), off a week then get it for 2 weeks, off a week, etc. At 40 I thought I was too young for menopause but my family Dr. said I was starting peri-men. Went to my gyno and he said it could be possible but I should get a DNC. This worked for about 6 mo. but my cycle was still off-kilter (not heavy and lasted 5 days). Then the heavy came back and went into 6 weeks straight, Only to make an emergency appt. with my gyno. Guess what! I had a tumor (cyst) the size of a 6 mo pregnancy! It's been 8 weeks since my hysto. now and after reading the side effects on a website that was referred to from this site, I down loaded it 'pdf' format to take to my lawyer.
> > > Adverse effects (just to name a few)
> > > "Urogenital system - Frequent: metrorrhagia,* prostatitis,* urination impaired, vaginitis*; Infrequent: albuminuria,
> > > amenorrhea,* cystitis, dysuria, hematuria, female lactation,* leukorrhea,* menorrhagia,* nocturia, bladder pain,
> > > breast pain, polyuria, pyuria, urinary incontinence, urinary retention, urinary urgency, vaginal hemorrhage*; Rare:
> > > abortion,* anuria, breast engorgement, breast enlargement, fibrocystic breast, calcium crystalluria, cervicitis,*
> > > ovarian cyst,* prolonged erection,* gynecomastia (male),* hypomenorrhea,* kidney calculus, kidney pain, kidney
> > > function abnormal, mastitis, menopause,* pyelonephritis, oliguria, salpingitis,* urolithiasis, uterine hemorrhage,*
> > > uterine spasm.*
> > > *Based on the number of men and women as appropriate."
> > > Jusy be careful and really take an interest in your health while you're on this.
> > > I hope it works for you...
> > > God Bless,
> > > Maureen
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by Dysfunk on May 7, 2003, at 9:43:48
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR SIDE EFFECTS!!!!! » Dysfunk, posted by Napaba on May 5, 2003, at 13:22:41
I switched to Lexapro. I am still taking 40 mgs of Prozac, and 20 mg of Lexapro. It took almost 9 weeks to feel any positive effects. I was about to give up, then suddenly it kicked in.
Posted by Dysfunk on May 7, 2003, at 9:47:04
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Cheri on May 5, 2003, at 18:37:19
Withdrawak for me from Effexor was as bad as being on the medication. I dropped 37.5 mgs each week and as I did, the aches and pains increased. I also had anger with the medication. It wasn't until a couple weeks after the medication was completely out of my system that I felt better.
Posted by stlouisdude on May 7, 2003, at 9:50:46
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR SIDE EFFECTS!! Not all bad » Maureen17, posted by melley on May 6, 2003, at 13:51:34
I really like the effexor. This is my first and only experience with an AD or anything even close. I was having some issues and went on the 75 mg, and was doing okay on that. I seemed to lose focus sometimes, so i went to the 150's and then i started seeing the side effects. I was constipated, couldn't lose weight, sweats, and very jittery. Since that episode, I have been on the 75's for a little bit and as time goes on, I get better and better. The only side effects from the 75's are severe gas in the morning..(cause I take them before i go to bed) and very vivid dreams. Both of those things I can handle. I'm not sure my gf can handle the gas in the morning tho. lol. So my experience has been.. the higher the dosage, the more side effects. After another month or two, i plan on dropping to 37.5 and seeing if that works too. Hope this helps.
Mark
Posted by Snoozy on May 7, 2003, at 13:02:35
In reply to I'm going off- please help!, posted by catri on May 7, 2003, at 6:26:43
Hi -
I wish I had had a chance to find a good taper schedule! I wasn't warned about withdrawl and went off cold turkey - miserable experience.
I didn't have a chance to try this either, but I have heard of small amounts of Prozac being used to help withdrawl, because of its very long half-life. Part of what makes Effexor withdrawl so bad is its short half-life.
Go slowly and listen to your body. Hopefully someone here has had an ok experience coming off Effexor and can tell you what they did!
Good luck to you.
> hello, after about six months on 75/day, I want to come off it. I'm seeing the doc tomorrow, and I would really like help in deciding what withdrawal/tapering programme people have found that works best. Please help....
Posted by Maureen17 on May 7, 2003, at 18:34:17
In reply to Re: Please provide website » Maureen17, posted by Napaba on May 6, 2003, at 11:58:29
Here's the site. Sorry it took me awhile to find it again.
www.effexorfx.freeuk.comI'd say try the 75ml each day and if you start to feel funky take a 150ml at your next dose. Then go back to the 75 and keep doing this until you don't have to take the 150 anymore. Then try to drop to half the 75 and do the same as above only with the smaller doses. Then half of 37.5 and so on. Eventually you'll be able to get off this stuff. I'm now taking half of the 37.5 every other day. seems to be working with minimal withdrawl.
Posted by Maureen17 on May 7, 2003, at 18:44:57
In reply to Effexor causing hysterectomy? Seriously?? » Maureen17, posted by Jack Smith on May 6, 2003, at 13:46:05
I don't think you're being insensitive. But it did seem awefully strange that all my trouble started after taking effexor. Before that, I was the textbook female specimen of health. Never had any trouble before.
As far as the lawyer end of it, mine wanted to see the info from this website: www.effexorfx.freeuk.com. Apparently there is a class action lawsuit against the makers of Paxil for withdrawl symptoms and even suicide cases.
And, thanks I'm doing GREAT.
Posted by Maureen17 on May 7, 2003, at 18:47:04
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR SIDE EFFECTS!! Not all bad » Maureen17, posted by melley on May 6, 2003, at 13:51:34
Melly,
Here's the site!
www.effexorfx.freeuk.com
Posted by lia mason on May 7, 2003, at 21:47:54
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR SIDE EFFECTS!!!!!, posted by Napaba on May 5, 2003, at 9:39:21
Hi,
I'm confused. After a month at 150 I have severe tension headaches. I have had these TEMPORARILY when I raise the dose, but I haven't raised the dose. Anyone? I'm mystified.
Lia
Posted by LeeLee on May 7, 2003, at 23:14:07
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain , posted by Kathy on April 19, 2000, at 0:16:56
Responding to Kathy's message:
> I have just started on the Effexor XR and am really hoping I don't gain weight from it. I have gained about 35 pounds in the last few months I think from Celexa. I started the Wellbutrin for 2 weeks and did lose about 5 pounds because I felt so nauseous all the time. I broke out in hives the second week and was taken off the Wellbutrin and that's why I'm now on Effexor. Gaining weight from an antidepressant is so depressing! Kathy
(This is my first time here, so I hope I post this right!)
I did well with the Paxil for a little while, then the weight just seemed to come all at once. My doctor then prescribed Meridia, which made me stop eating and therefore lose weight, but I began having awful hallucinations that scared the pants off me. (I saw smoke coming out of my bathroom, felt spiders and things crawling on me, etc.) I quit both medicines and was switched to Effexor, which is working much better. I haven't gained weight, and I've been working hard to drop what I did gain. I came here in search of other people taking this medicine because some days, like today, I feel so down. It never occurred to me that it was from skipping a dosage. Anyway, good luck to all! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.LeeLee (75 mg)
Posted by Maureen17 on May 7, 2003, at 23:39:46
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR headache?, posted by lia mason on May 7, 2003, at 21:47:54
Go back to the next lower dose. Headaches should subside.
Posted by melley on May 8, 2003, at 6:58:18
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain , posted by LeeLee on May 7, 2003, at 23:14:07
Hello,Since I have been on effexor I have gained 30 pounds. I have tried losing it to no avail. I am thinking of asking my dr to switch me to wellbutrin. Sounds like you didn't have a good experience with it, but I have talked with several people who are happy with it. Thought I could give it a try at least.
mel
> Responding to Kathy's message:
>
> > I have just started on the Effexor XR and am really hoping I don't gain weight from it. I have gained about 35 pounds in the last few months I think from Celexa. I started the Wellbutrin for 2 weeks and did lose about 5 pounds because I felt so nauseous all the time. I broke out in hives the second week and was taken off the Wellbutrin and that's why I'm now on Effexor. Gaining weight from an antidepressant is so depressing! Kathy
>
> (This is my first time here, so I hope I post this right!)
> I did well with the Paxil for a little while, then the weight just seemed to come all at once. My doctor then prescribed Meridia, which made me stop eating and therefore lose weight, but I began having awful hallucinations that scared the pants off me. (I saw smoke coming out of my bathroom, felt spiders and things crawling on me, etc.) I quit both medicines and was switched to Effexor, which is working much better. I haven't gained weight, and I've been working hard to drop what I did gain. I came here in search of other people taking this medicine because some days, like today, I feel so down. It never occurred to me that it was from skipping a dosage. Anyway, good luck to all! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
>
> LeeLee (75 mg)
Posted by catri on May 8, 2003, at 7:00:08
In reply to Re: I'm going off- please help! » catri, posted by Snoozy on May 7, 2003, at 13:02:35
Hi, Snoozy - saw the doc today and he's making me drop down to 37mg/day - I have already taken a lower doasge, and I'm feeling totally weird - my eyes are going slightly mental and I'm feeling dizzy and sick! Its amazing the total lack of knowledge about this drug - I questioned my pharmacist, and he seemed to think that the only side effects from the withdrawal were going to be restlessness at night!!!!! My doc didn't seem to think that I would get all that much either, because I've only been on it for half a year. Does anyone know of any advice to help with the withdrawal symtoms?
Posted by Napaba on May 8, 2003, at 7:52:03
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain , posted by LeeLee on May 7, 2003, at 23:14:07
I've lost over 30 pounds in the 4 months I've been taking EXR. I have 20 to go. I'd gained 50 pounds over the past 2 years. I'm not sure if the weight lose is a side effect from the EXR or because I eat when I'm stressed, depressed, and anxious and EXR has helped that. For whatever reason I'm greatful for the weight lose. But I am trying to get off EXR, I can't take the side effects. Good luck to you I hope it works for you.
Responding to Kathy's message:
>
> > I have just started on the Effexor XR and am really hoping I don't gain weight from it. I have gained about 35 pounds in the last few months I think from Celexa. I started the Wellbutrin for 2 weeks and did lose about 5 pounds because I felt so nauseous all the time. I broke out in hives the second week and was taken off the Wellbutrin and that's why I'm now on Effexor. Gaining weight from an antidepressant is so depressing! Kathy
>
> (This is my first time here, so I hope I post this right!)
> I did well with the Paxil for a little while, then the weight just seemed to come all at once. My doctor then prescribed Meridia, which made me stop eating and therefore lose weight, but I began having awful hallucinations that scared the pants off me. (I saw smoke coming out of my bathroom, felt spiders and things crawling on me, etc.) I quit both medicines and was switched to Effexor, which is working much better. I haven't gained weight, and I've been working hard to drop what I did gain. I came here in search of other people taking this medicine because some days, like today, I feel so down. It never occurred to me that it was from skipping a dosage. Anyway, good luck to all! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
>
> LeeLee (75 mg)
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