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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Ezra666 on September 11, 2005, at 3:12:33
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor, posted by ct79 on September 10, 2005, at 16:54:19
I take my Effexor in the morning. My first side effects were tiredness and feeling sick. Feeling sick only lasted a few days but I slept for two hours every afternoon for nearly a year and at least twelve hours a night. That was nasty for someone who use to sleep only eight hours a day. Side effects changed and started with higher dosages.
I use to write and read a lot but I can't concentrate long enough to do either.
With the mutilation, when I want to do that I start pulling my hair out from underneath and that takes my mind off the cutting. It works most of the time. I hoping that will stop with the loss of Effexor.
I've cut back as of today. Down to 375mg. I'll to that for a few days and then drop another 75mg. I'm hoping that even with the brain buzzes I will feel better physically at least.
Posted by TinMan on September 11, 2005, at 11:47:23
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor » TinMan, posted by Ezra666 on September 11, 2005, at 3:01:08
Lately, I have been taking 150 mg of Effexor in the morning and then another 75 mg at noon. Even though I feel lethargic, I cannot go to sleep without the 7.5 mg of Remeron. I am no longer a "morning person". I sleep 10+ hours sometimes. I don't like that.
I guess I keep going back to the idea of taking Wellbutrin.
I do love what Effexor does for me with social, generalized anxiety and the panic attacks. I also like that I can "sit" with my feelings no matter how painful. I don't self mutilate or cut BUT I do other self destructive things, especially in relationships with others. The Effexor slows my thinking down so I can focus on my behavior.
I don't like to drink on Effexor (unlike the Paxil!). The next day, I feel headachy and hung over. Not good.
Anyway, getting off the Paxil and trying something different has worked so far for me. -TinMan
Posted by LynnPerley on September 11, 2005, at 22:26:02
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor, posted by TinMan on September 11, 2005, at 11:47:23
I have been taking Effexor for over three years now. I have been on doses ranging from 75 mg to 300 mg. It is wonderful for anxiety and worry. The trouble is, it makes me feel like I don't care about anything. I can see a big problem coming up and be powerless to respond. It kept me functional for the most part when my husband was deployed in Iraq, but the inability to concentrate and constantly mellow effect is not good. My doctor added Ritalin to help the concentration, which helped a great deal - when I took it - but the I don't care attitude led me not to take it on as regular a basis as I should have. I also gained 30 pounds and stopped exercising altogether. I started drinking a lot more on a regular basis. It is very hard to tell the side effects of a particular medication from telling when your depression is getting worse. I finally decided I wanted off of the Effexor for good but past tries had not been succesful due to discontinuation syndrome.
About a month ago, after describing these problems in a forceful manner to my doctor, and determining I could not take Wellbutrin due to a seizure history, we decided to add 20 mg Prozac to the 225 mgEffexor/15 mg Ritalin combination. The first week was not good, because the old jaw clenching Prozac side effect came back. The second and third weeks were much better as far as side effects, and I felt more energized and almost "normal". We increased the dose of Prozac to 40 mg for another month and then we will try tapering down on the Effexor.
I find Prozac much more energizing than Effexor. I'm hoping to cut back on the Effexor dosage soon. Exercise was my natural antidepressant for several years and I want to be my old self again.
Posted by Ezra666 on September 11, 2005, at 22:41:52
In reply to Long time user of Effexor, posted by LynnPerley on September 11, 2005, at 22:26:02
I can't understand why Doctors would medicate people with depression with a drug that may cause them to become more lethargic. I find that the more tired I am the more depressed I am.
Is anyone else more depressed when they are tired and lethargic???
Posted by Nervous Rob on September 11, 2005, at 23:02:18
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor, posted by TinMan on September 11, 2005, at 11:47:23
I have been taking 75mg effexor with 3mg klonopin and 2 mg xanax XR for about two weeks now. Prior to that it was just xanax then klonopin and the AD just made me jump out of my skin. My anxiety level has decreased significantly. My problem is GAD with panic and phobia. It is the first time in my life that I beginning to feel comfortable with myself. But that's me and I feel very lucky.
I think alot has to do with a vigorous exercise routine that my doctor recommended (of course be careful of this with some medications and conditions), a complete change in diet where I am eating very healthy foods, no junk and meditate for up to 30 minutes a day with breathing exercises that are on my doctor's web site.
My point is that we all are NOT created equal as far as the efficacy of medicine or the side effects. Doing good things for yourself and even more importantly others (I do as much volunteer work as I can handle) creates all kinds of benefits.
Sometimes we all need some help with some medication, and myself being diabetic with a heart condition understand that you can't do it all without medication.
Controlled breathing for a short time each day and helping others when possible can't hurt and can certainly help. Focusing on your illness never cures it and worrying can't make you well. We all know that, but there is something that doesn't let us believe it deep inside. Acting it out helps me and maybe all of you will find it's worth a try.
Just my point of view and trying to help.
Rob
Posted by AngelMyth on September 13, 2005, at 19:58:49
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor, posted by TinMan on September 11, 2005, at 11:47:23
I am brand new to all of this so I thank all of you that have provided me with some information to discuss with my doctor. I started on the 37.5 for a week and will be going up to 75 tomorrow. Having phobias isnt helping starting a new drug, as a first time drug user. I am not sure if the feeling I have are side effects or just me. Well I know I dont have the desire to eat anything and am never hungry, and that really isnt me, but I seem to be having more panic attacks this past week than ever. Is this normal??
Posted by Phillipa on September 13, 2005, at 22:28:37
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor, posted by AngelMyth on September 13, 2005, at 19:58:49
That's what always happened to me on SSRI's or effexor. I always quit after about a week and I was on xanax also at the time. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Nervous Rob on September 14, 2005, at 0:05:34
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor, posted by AngelMyth on September 13, 2005, at 19:58:49
I started just about every anti-depressant with the same phobia and I don't know if my phobia caused the panic attacks or like you suggest that the side effect of the drug may be causing the side effect.
My experience was that I tried to stick it out as long as possible because many side effects subside in a week or two or so. You'll know if you're feeling better or worse, but unless you are having very bad symptoms you may be better sticking with it. Talk to your doctor, even if you call him/her every couple of days. Your body tells you pretty much everything you need to know. Eventually you should feel more like yourself not a zombie and not in a constant state of panic. I had bad side effects with prozac, paxil, tofranil and others I cant name. Effexor is the first one that does not make me feel anxious, but I am taking it with Klonopin and Xanax, which I plan to taper off (everyone plans on going off). My main side effects are the lack of sex drive and appetite. I'm not going to put up with the lack of sex drive much longer, but it isn't a dangerous side effect, so I am sticking with the effexor. The appetite problem is also not a problem. I can stand to lose a few pounds so I've turned it into an opportunity to lose some weight which I have done with the help of regular exercise.
Everyone is different, but I thought you might like to hear some other thoughts. But believe me you are NOT alone!
Not-so-nervous Rob
Posted by SandiDee on September 14, 2005, at 6:37:53
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor » AngelMyth, posted by Nervous Rob on September 14, 2005, at 0:05:34
Just an update regarding starting Welbutrin to combat the side effects of Effexor xr. I have been on the Effexor since June and the side effects I experienced were a total loss of interest in sex, dry mouth, and a few other minor ones. I started the Welbutrin about 3-4 weeks ago and WOW what a difference! I believe I have found the right dosage, and combination of meds to help me, and I feel so much better than I have in a very long time! I was a doubting thomas when my Dr. prescribed the Effexor, and I was also afraid to start it because of the side effects, but I am so glad I did. I read alot here from people who try the meds for only a few days, and I think they are not truly giving it a chance to get into their systems. I know I'm glad I continued with mine!
Posted by sad1 on September 14, 2005, at 13:55:59
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor, posted by SandiDee on September 14, 2005, at 6:37:53
What dosages of Effexor and Wellbutrin are you taking and what side effects has it improved? I was only taking Effexor (since June) and had a total loss of interest in sex as well. I started taking the Wellbutrin a few weeks ago because of that (150mg/day), and have just started decreasing my Effexor to every other day now since last week. The only difference I've noticed so far is that I'm less tired. No improvement on the sex drive yet, but I'm trying to be patient.
Posted by SandiDee on September 14, 2005, at 19:03:19
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor » SandiDee, posted by sad1 on September 14, 2005, at 13:55:59
I am currently on 150 mg. of each, the welbutrin and the effexor xr. I started the effexor xr in june also, and the welbutrin about 3 weeks ago. The sexual side effect, (not wanting any), is pretty much gone, thank goodness, and I'm not sure if the dry mouth is gone, or if I just don't notice it as much anymore. I have lost alot of my appetite also, but that started with the effexor, and the constipation is still a pain in the butt, (literally), but I also started a little higher fiber diet, oh so yummy all bran for breakfast. I am truly thankful for this med combination, I think that if I hadn't done something I would be a total basket case right now. I do understand that some meds don't work for some people, and also that some people hate all meds, and they have that right, all I know is what works for me.
Posted by Sibleygal on September 16, 2005, at 20:16:36
In reply to just started effexor xr today, posted by scaredofmeds on September 7, 2005, at 20:19:23
> I just started this today and already i don't know if i like the way it makes me feel. It knocked me out for 4 hours midday. I suffer from ptsd & depression. I have tried several meds but don't like the way i feel when i'm on them. I have also noticed that my jaw is almost always clinched- which is going to give me a horrible headache. Any suggestions from anyone will be welcome. Also.....I have the worst case of nausea that i have ever had in my life. Can't even think of food i want to hurl.
>
> Thank You!!!
I know some time has gone by, I hope you've adjusted to the Effexor. It can be tough to adjust to any med, but worth it. I, too, suffer from PTSD (for last 5 years) and depression (for at least 25 years). The panic attacks became crippling as I started fearing the night and I was afraid to sleep. My anxiety made me so tense that my shoulders hurt from wearing them on my earlobes, if you know what I mean :)
Talk therapy was useless so I was referred to a therapist for EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). This procedure saved my life!! Go to EMDR.com and see if this can help you too. And discuss it with your therapist.
The EMDR brought back my ability to live life and Effexor kept me from wanting to end it.Good luck! -Sibleygal
Posted by LynnPerley on September 16, 2005, at 23:10:58
In reply to just started effexor xr today, posted by scaredofmeds on September 7, 2005, at 20:19:23
> I just started this today and already i don't know if i like the way it makes me feel. It knocked me out for 4 hours midday. I suffer from ptsd & depression. I have tried several meds but don't like the way i feel when i'm on them. I have also noticed that my jaw is almost always clinched- which is going to give me a horrible headache. Any suggestions from anyone will be welcome. Also.....I have the worst case of nausea that i have ever had in my life. Can't even think of food i want to hurl.
>
> Thank You!!!You should stay on Effexor for at least two weeks to a month before you decide it is not for you. It takes a while for the side effects to settle down. I had the constipation and the nausea too, but it goes away. You will have nausea if you miss a dose, eventually. I increased my fiber intake and also took some Metamucil for that. The dry mouth is a good thing if you look at it this way - you should drink lots of water anyway!
Posted by toggle on September 17, 2005, at 3:15:38
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
k lots of posts already but...i suffered from depression after a mild traumatic brain injury-i have had success 300mg...got rid of the depresssion leaving me pretty numb and like i'm unable to feel joy...which makes me want to try to overcome my depression without the meds so i can feel my own true authentic feelings and not this median baseline the drug has reduced me to...also i feel effexor is somewhat overperscribed - the withdrawal doesn't look too good
Posted by badfish37 on September 17, 2005, at 3:41:22
In reply to Effexor and Tiredness?, posted by Ezra666 on September 11, 2005, at 22:41:52
I have been trying to get off Effoxor for 4 days, which was directed by my doctor. I went off of it gradually and now I feel like a crack addict missing my drug. I have been having these hollow headaches that I'v had before when I forgot to take my med, I have been throwing up and I have panic attacks. I'm freaking out and they seem to get worse everyday. I cant call my doc cause its Saturday and hes not in till Monday, but I cant handle these side effects anymore. I dont know what to do about it, if anyone has any feedback let me know, cause I seriously am thinking about taking them just to ease the pain and I know I shouldnt.
Posted by gardenergirl on September 17, 2005, at 16:00:17
In reply to cant get off this effexor!!!, posted by badfish37 on September 17, 2005, at 3:41:22
Hi,
Just wanted to let you know that I redirected your post to the Withdrawal board, where I think you might find more responses.Here is a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20050822/msgs/556018.htmlgood luck,
gg
Posted by canuck22 on September 18, 2005, at 0:31:24
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor, posted by SandiDee on September 14, 2005, at 6:37:53
Haven't written for awhile since I last wrote about my effexor/wellbutrin combo and I am SO happy that you stuck with it and didn't go off right away like alot of people on this website seem to do. I had to give it time too and it was the best thing I ever did in my life. Haven't felt this good in so long..it may have taken insomnis for a couple of months to get to this point, but it was worth it. I was on 75 of Effexor and 200 of Wellbutrin and recently I have reduced my effexor to 37.5 and my wellbutrin to 300 a day. My doctor wanted me to try this combo to see if it was any different. So far I have felt a bit light headed but it is really only minor and like you I am going to give it a couple of weeks and I am sure things will normalize. Everyone who complains about the side effects here...please just try to get past the first 3-4 weeks, it really does take awhile for your bosy to get used to it...just like it takes 3-4 weeks for it to work...give it a chance
> Just an update regarding starting Welbutrin to combat the side effects of Effexor xr. I have been on the Effexor since June and the side effects I experienced were a total loss of interest in sex, dry mouth, and a few other minor ones. I started the Welbutrin about 3-4 weeks ago and WOW what a difference! I believe I have found the right dosage, and combination of meds to help me, and I feel so much better than I have in a very long time! I was a doubting thomas when my Dr. prescribed the Effexor, and I was also afraid to start it because of the side effects, but I am so glad I did. I read alot here from people who try the meds for only a few days, and I think they are not truly giving it a chance to get into their systems. I know I'm glad I continued with mine!
Posted by wildcard on September 18, 2005, at 0:46:00
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor, posted by canuck22 on September 18, 2005, at 0:31:24
I take 225 effexor xr and am so fatigued it is horrid. i plan on asking my doc to add wellbutrin to boost my energy and help w/ the residual depression. did u have increased energy?
Posted by graceneeded on September 18, 2005, at 7:01:28
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor » canuck22, posted by wildcard on September 18, 2005, at 0:46:00
I will be off Effexor totally in 4 days. It was a great ride while lasted. Time to take off the safety wheels and see what I have learned. Watch out in front!
Posted by wildcard on September 18, 2005, at 10:14:49
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor, posted by graceneeded on September 18, 2005, at 7:01:28
Posted by HelenR on September 21, 2005, at 20:51:23
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I started on effexor in july 2004 after struggling with depression for about six months. I waited till my son was born first and decided enough was enough. took 75 mg a day and by nov/dec 04 was feeling good. by jan05 started weaning off. big mistake, depression returned so started again in mar05 and had to up by may05 to 150 mg/day....took what seemed like forever to kick in but by jul/aug 05 much better. now feel great
just wondered if anyone else found that after having gone off, then subsequently required more of the drug to feel better. needless to say I won't try weaning off again for a long if time if ever at all
thanks
Posted by LynnPerley on September 21, 2005, at 23:06:53
In reply to had to up the dose after withdrawal, posted by HelenR on September 21, 2005, at 20:51:23
I tried tapering off of Effexor at the end of 2004 following nearly 3 years on the drug. At the peak I was taking 300 mg. I was able to taper to 37.5 mg daily without too much problem but I could never go off completely. I ended up having a relapse of my depression. I worked back up to 225 mg Effexor and then talked to my doc about side effects - so I've been taking Prozac with the Effexor for about a month now. I am now taking 40 mg Prozac daily in addition to the 225mg Effexor and I feel better than I have in a long time. I am hoping that I can cut back on the Effexor in a few weeks, on a gradual basis, because of the Prozac. (I initially tried Prozac but had to discontinue due to side effects, but I am willing to try again due to a better ability to handle side effects).
Posted by HelenR on September 22, 2005, at 6:19:00
In reply to Long time user of Effexor » HelenR, posted by LynnPerley on September 21, 2005, at 23:06:53
LynnP, thanks
if you don't mind me asking, what were side effects?
Posted by HelenR on September 22, 2005, at 6:22:45
In reply to Long time user of Effexor, posted by LynnPerley on September 11, 2005, at 22:26:02
sorry LynnP
just read your previous entries re side effects
fortunately I haven't had any side effects other than some minor weight gaingood luck
Posted by LynnPerley on September 22, 2005, at 22:47:41
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor-sideeffects, posted by HelenR on September 22, 2005, at 6:22:45
The side effect that caused me to switch from Prozac to Effexor initially was bruxism (jaw clenching). The side effect that caused me to want to wean off of Effexor was general lack of motivation and tiredness. Effexor kept me functional for a long time when I really needed it, and I do not regret taking it. I've come to the conclusion that I need something else. I can't take Wellbutrin due to a seizure history. Taking 15 mg of Ritalin twice a day helps me concentrate, and Buspar helped me work through the jaw clenching apsect when it bothered me before.
I feel weird taking the Ritalin. I can mail order a 90 day prescription to my insurance company, so I don't have the hassle of going to the doc's office once a month to pick up a new prescription, but I find myself skipping it on the days I don't need to focus on details. I would probably do better if I took it daily twice a day - but the difference is so subtle it is hard for me to appreciate it. I'm content to laze back and ignore the fact that I am sticking my head in the sand about my responsibilities and I waste a lot of time when I do not take it because I am easily distracted.
It is so hard to determine mental side effects of meds versus symptoms of the depression itself. I've discovered that the depression itself will cause me to ignore or not recognize side effcts of medication. Outside events such as a close friend or relative's comment, or messing up some responsibility like paying bills on time. cause me to *wake up* and realize that Effexor alone is no longer the best drug treatment for me.
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