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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by bear38 on February 25, 2007, at 17:33:54
In reply to Re: Anyone tried the generic Effexor XR?, posted by KristiVegas on February 20, 2007, at 22:09:38
I was told by the doctor that the patten ran out on exffexor,,,so other companys can make it now,,,no difference
Posted by SandyWeb on March 3, 2007, at 9:54:44
In reply to Re: Anyone tried the generic Effexor XR? » KristiVegas, posted by bear38 on February 25, 2007, at 17:33:54
Hi all,
My brain chemistry problems don't seem to be related to serotonin. We have tried almost every SSRI without success or very weird results to my thinking process. I have tried other meds as well, but am really in need of something with an AD effect. (Jeepers, even a stimulant would be acceptable to me now....as long as it didn't increase my anxiety and insomnia).
I had tremendous success on Remeron at a HIGH dose. I called it my "anti-suicide" drug. It worked wonders. I was on it for two years, but after gaining about 70 pounds and reaching an all-time high of 200 pounds (WOOZY!!!!!!), I just had to quit the medication. I'm happy to say that I'm back down to 130 pounds now (phew!). I am still on clonazepam (3 mg per day) and Lopressor SR (100 mg twice per day) for anxiety. But I need something to help with the depression and suicidal ideation.
I tried Effexor XR (starting at 75 mg daily), and I had high hopes because it's basically in the same class as Remeron. But, of course, the first neurotransmittor it starts impacting is serotonin....and I was going weird in the head again, not to mention having intolerable insomnia that even the clonazepam wasn't helping. I just couldn't handle being "psycho", so I had to quit it after a short time.
I would like to know at what dosage do we get away from the major impact being on serotonin and instead being upon norepinephrine?? As I said, it was a HIGH dose of Remeron that worked so incredibly well for me. I need to stay as far away from serotonin impact as I can. Do you know if Effexor XR at 150 mg or 225 mg is at the dosage I'm trying to locate?
Thanks so much.
Sandy
Posted by Hagbard on March 3, 2007, at 19:16:44
In reply to XR: What Dosage Passes Serotonin Impact?, posted by SandyWeb on March 3, 2007, at 9:54:44
Hi -
For me, 225mg/day is best during most of the year and though sleep disturbances really suck initially, they seem to lessen after 4-8 weeks. Of course, that's 4-8 weeks after building up to that dosage with sleep disturbances throughout. I moderated those best with plenty of walking (my dog loved it) phasing out caffeine and alcohol and as much exposure to the sun as I could get. My body mass is twice yours so 150mg may be about right.Suicide ideation is an ongoing struggle for me, even when I'm at my ideal dosage - so I began looking for other coping methods and if medication alone doesn't seem to help you, I encourage the same. Talk to your therapist about Cognitive Behavior therapy and meditation. If you want to know more and would like details about therapists who have studied (and are continuing to study) that approach, please respond. I'll repost the info in a different thread and attempt to link to it from here.
Best of luck,
Hagbard
Posted by Phillipa on March 3, 2007, at 19:20:22
In reply to XR: What Dosage Passes Serotonin Impact?, posted by SandyWeb on March 3, 2007, at 9:54:44
Sandy have you inquired about cymbalta same classification as effexor but I think not sure that the norepenephrine may be more dominant? Love Phillipa
Posted by SandyWeb on March 3, 2007, at 23:19:58
In reply to Re: XR: What Dosage Passes Serotonin Impact? » SandyWeb, posted by Phillipa on March 3, 2007, at 19:20:22
> Sandy, have you inquired about cymbalta same classification as effexor but I think not sure that the norepenephrine may be more dominant?<
------------------Sorry to say that Cymbalta is not available in Canada. It takes awhile after meds are approved in the US for them to become approved in Canada....we have to do our own testing, which could take a few more years. *sigh*
Thanks for the advice. All the best to you, hon.
Sandy
Posted by SandyWeb on March 3, 2007, at 23:40:11
In reply to Re: XR: What Dosage Passes Serotonin Impact? » SandyWeb, posted by Hagbard on March 3, 2007, at 19:16:44
> For me, 225mg/day is best during most of the year<
---------------------Well, jeepers, I almost felt like crying when I read your message. I had only been on Effexor XR 75 mg for a little over a week, and I just *couldn't* continue.....even though I knew it was basically my last option. But the serotonin impact was just TOO much for me. I need to get past that point and start targeting the other neurotransmittors. Not only was my insomnia way over the top, but I was focusing on events that had happened in the past (playing them over and over in my mind, day and night, like I'm reliving each step....such as a airline crash that I assisted in the morgue with and the times I slit my wrist), I start imagining fake incidents (like a plane crashing in the ballfield by my apartment or a car wreck down the road from me....things that haven't happened, but walking through them step by step....and NOT being able to STOP), my startle reflex is back with a vengence, I tense when I hear someone walking down the outside hallway (couldn't tell you why), my tummy is scared.......and all this even when I'm still taking anti-anxiety and beta blockers. DANG! So I stopped taking the 75 mg, and my brain said, "Thank you!!".
But now.....I really know that I can't just leave it at that. I can feel the depression wanting to make an entrance again, and I've got to DO something. And you mentioned 225 mg. Oh, I just want to cry. And that is actually one of the doses that the doctor told me that he thought I would have a response at. *sigh*
So.....I took 75 mg again tonight. I'm going to take another 75 mg tomorrow morning. The following day, I'm going to take a whole 150 mg at one dose. I know that is ramping up fast, but I'll dump the whole darn bottle of clonazepam down my throat if it will keep me calm during this (just an exaggeration, but you know what I mean). I'll wait at least 4 days on the 150 mg to see if my brain starts being busy and talking and thinking....and if it still is reacting like serotonin, I'll up it to 225 mg. From there, I'll just hold on until I either throw the pills away or go see the doctor.
As for therapy, I'm waiting to hear from a counsellor who would come to my own home to conduct therapy. I have social anxiety and agoraphobia, so it's rather difficult for me to get out to any appointments. The pdoc at the hospital said that he would get this set up for me if he could......so I'm waiting. But right now I've just got to grind my teeth, hope the insomnia doesn't put my anxiety through the roof, and hang on for good results.
Thanks for the input. I appreciate it.
God bless,
Sandy
Posted by exquilter on March 3, 2007, at 23:52:49
In reply to XR: What Dosage Passes Serotonin Impact?, posted by SandyWeb on March 3, 2007, at 9:54:44
Sandy,
I have had good luck with atypical antipsychotics at very low doses for rumination and suicidal ideation. Might be worth discussing with your doc.
Exquilter
Posted by Hagbard on March 4, 2007, at 2:36:43
In reply to Re: XR: What Dosage Passes Serotonin Impact?, posted by exquilter on March 3, 2007, at 23:52:49
Sandy,
I'm very concerned about you ramping up that quickly. I always increased to 150mg/day in 37.5mg increments (a week of each) before jumping a whole 75 mg to 225mg.
Are you, by chance, bipolar II? If you are, the insomnia you're describing may actually be the effexor pushing you into a manic phase. that can be moderated with antipsychotics and/or some anti-convulsants (like Neurontin). Please hold on and wait to dig into effexor until you talk to your doctor in person.
Also, read the following links: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=62706
lower left below where it says "Find out now" in pink.
http://www.webmd.com/content/pages/18/103362.htm?z=7777_00000_4045_hm_04this one is about Omega-3 fatty acids (like in fish and flax)
http://epic4health.stores.yahoo.net/depbipdisand.htmlAnd since your tone worries me, I'm going to step outside the thread topic for a moment and suggest you read this next bit. Its about mindfulness meditation and cognitive behavior therapy and how, with practice and commitment, a person can change the way their brain is working. I'm not suggesting it can replace medication for everyone, but some people have moved away from psychopharmacology to treat their depression. Anyway, please read it and give it consideration. If you're not open to buddhism, I'll be willing to help you find another philosophical paradigm within which you would feel comfortable.
http://www.dalailama.com/news.112.htmHang in there,
Hagbard
> Sandy,
>
> I have had good luck with atypical antipsychotics at very low doses for rumination and suicidal ideation. Might be worth discussing with your doc.
>
> Exquilter
>
Posted by SandyWeb on March 4, 2007, at 20:48:47
In reply to Re: XR: What Dosage Passes Serotonin Impact?, posted by exquilter on March 3, 2007, at 23:52:49
> I have had good luck with atypical antipsychotics at very low doses for rumination and suicidal ideation.<
----------------Thanks for responding. Actually, the only time I have problems with rumination is when chemicals are messing with my serotonin levels. Lol. Normally, my brain is pretty normal in its thinking process. But once I start interfering with the serotonin, all sorts of my thoughts can go really strange.....including hearing a man talking in my head (and I'm a woman!). It wasn't until after 2 years of trying almost all the SSRIs, and then experimenting with other meds, that I figured out that it was best to leave my serotonin just the way it is! Lol. So I'm very happy to say that I don't have a rumination problem unless it's chemically induced. (That being said, I *do* also have PTSD and there are times when I think about events for a little while....but certainly not obsessively).
As for the suicidal ideation, I'm not really sure how that came to be part of my make-up. I had a breakdown about 2.5 years ago from a lot of different stressors that seemed to all be happening around the same time, and I slit my wrist open. Since that time, I've found that suicide is a much easier option for me. I think maybe because I've already gone through MOST of it, and it is something that I've found that I can do. But it's not an easy decision and your soul really fights you for all it's worth, but.....it just seems easier now. And when the stress becomes overwhelming to me now, I tend to become despondant. Thus the need for an AD.
I've tried two different antipsychotics. One was Seroquel, but I honestly found that it didn't do a thing for me at 100 mg per night (it didn't help me sleep one bit). I raised it to around 300-400 mg one time, slowly, to see if it could help me....but it made me feel scared, almost. I can't remember exactly, but I was so glad to get that level out of my system. Antipsychotics impact dopamine, don't they? I think my problem is norepinephrine. I've also tried Nozanon (an old antipsychotic), but it wasn't great and certainly wasn't worth getting EPS from.
Thanks for all your help.
God bless,
Sandy
Posted by SandyWeb on March 4, 2007, at 21:12:11
In reply to Re: XR: What Dosage Passes Serotonin Impact?, posted by Hagbard on March 4, 2007, at 2:36:43
> I'm very concerned about you ramping up that quickly. I always increased to 150mg/day in 37.5mg increments (a week of each) before jumping a whole 75 mg to 225mg.<
------------------Oops, I mustn't have explained myself very well. I'm great at that! I always say that I'll be describing an apple to someone, and they will think I was talking about an orange!! LOL.
I'm not going to jump from 75 mg straight to 225 mg. Gosh, I'd probably end up in a padded room, for sure! Lol. My starting dose was 75 mg XR (I was never given anything lower), and it only takes 3 days to reach steady state. So, TECHNICALLY, I could increase by another 75 mg every 4th day. I know that's not the easiest thing due to trying to keep the side effects to a minimum, BUT.....I need to get past the serotonin impact that causes my brain to go completely bonkers on me. Once the norepinephrine is the neurotransmittor that is being affected more so than the others, THEN I should be safe from going kookoo. *smile*
I took 75 mg last night and then I took another 75 mg this morning. So far, so good. I feel fine. No side effects whatsoever, and my brain still feels like me. I haven't decided if I'm going to take another 75 mg tonight or not, but tomorrow morning I'm going to take the 150 mg in one dose. I'll do that for another 2 days.....see how my mind and body are reacting....and then add another 75 mg to make it to 225 mg. I'll stay at that dose if it works. I'm not expecting miracles, but I do have some hope in this med since it is so much like my wonder drug, Remeron.
As for being Biplar II, I've never been told that. But I've had insomnia for years....long before my introduction to psych meds 4 years ago....and it's just a part of my life (that I hate, let me add! Lol). I don't think the Effexor is making me manic at all. I think it's just a side effect that will PLEASE subside with time. I generally only get about 2 hours of straight sleep per night, and I just can't afford to lose out on any more. The more tired I get, the higher my anxiety goes. Ugh. Oh, and yes, I've tried Neurontin for over a year. I never found it to make me sleepy (I know, I'm just weird. Meds don't like me!). At the very beginning, I found it to relieve my anxiety VERY SLIGHTLY....but that stopped working ages and ages ago. I was taking 3200 mg per day (high dose, BUT you would need a whole factory of these pills in order to OD on them!!!!). It was just such an extremely mild med for me. But I really appreciate the suggestions.
And please don't worry about my tone. I'm not suicidal or feeling hopeless. I'm just trying so hard to find something that will HELP, not neccessarily CURE. All I ever did was research medications when I first began this whole process 4 years ago, and it is exhausting! It has been nice to be free from that researching for the past 2 years. But now it looks like I have to go back to it again. And I'm still waiting to hear from a therapist that will visit me in my home. I think that CBT would be absolutely terrifying, but I sure would give it a shot!
Thanks for all the links. I'll look into them and let you know what I think. Thanks again for all your time.
God bless,
Sandy
Posted by SandyWeb on March 6, 2007, at 10:25:30
In reply to Re: XR: What Dosage Passes Serotonin Impact? » Hagbard, posted by SandyWeb on March 4, 2007, at 21:12:11
I just wanted to mention that this is my 3rd day of being on 150 mg XR, bypassing the 75 mg/daily that I was supposed to begin with....and had such a HORRIBLE time with the first time around. I have to say that I am doing sooooooooo much better on this dose. I don't even have any side effects. I'll stay on this dose for a few days more, and then move on to the 225 mg. I want to move as far away from the serotonin impact as I can get. I still have great hopes that Effexor XR will work as well as the Remeron did. WooHoo!! I just need to find the stable dose for me, and I'm on my way!
Thanks for your suppport!!
God bless,
Sandy
Posted by dreamboat_annie on March 6, 2007, at 12:19:39
In reply to Re: XR: What Dosage Passes Serotonin Impact?, posted by SandyWeb on March 6, 2007, at 10:25:30
I had read on Crazymeds that at about 225 (if I am remembering right), Effexor XR works on norephedrine. And, at some point (300mg?), it also hits dopamine. If the Effexor XR doesn't work, have you considered one of the TCAs that works most specifically on norephedrine, rather than serotonin? I think Desipramine might be an option, although the side effects from TCAs can be disheartening from what I hear.
I hope you continue to have success with Effexor XR as you continue to raise the dose. Good luck to you, Sandy.
P.S.: Just wanted to let you know that I am a fellow Canadian.
> I just wanted to mention that this is my 3rd day of being on 150 mg XR, bypassing the 75 mg/daily that I was supposed to begin with....and had such a HORRIBLE time with the first time around. I have to say that I am doing sooooooooo much better on this dose. I don't even have any side effects. I'll stay on this dose for a few days more, and then move on to the 225 mg. I want to move as far away from the serotonin impact as I can get. I still have great hopes that Effexor XR will work as well as the Remeron did. WooHoo!! I just need to find the stable dose for me, and I'm on my way!
>
> Thanks for your suppport!!
>
> God bless,
> Sandy
Posted by SandyWeb on March 6, 2007, at 15:50:55
In reply to Re: XR: What Dosage Passes Serotonin Impact? » SandyWeb, posted by dreamboat_annie on March 6, 2007, at 12:19:39
Hi there Dreamboat Annie. Nice to meet another Crazy Canuck!!
--------------------->I had read on Crazymeds that at about 225 (if I am remembering right), Effexor XR works on norephedrine.<
-------------------
Yes, that's why I'm trying to get up to the higher doses as quickly as my body will tolerate it. I was not doing well at all on 75 mg....I was just so "not myself", and even though I tried to stay with it, it just was making me whacko. Serotonin is not my friend. Lol.
------------------------------>And, at some point (300mg?), it also hits dopamine.<
----------------------Hmmmm....dopamine is not too friendly with me either. It tends to shoot my heart rate way up....tachycardia time! But I'm on an anti-anxiety plus a beta blocker, so maybe it'll keep me safe from that.
---------------------------
>If the Effexor XR doesn't work, have you considered one of the TCAs that works most specifically on norephedrine, rather than serotonin?<
----------------------------
I've intentionally stayed away from both TCAs and MAOIs. They are just too dangerous, in my opinion. One can cause irreversible physical side effects, and the other you have to be so extremely aware of all the foods you eat....and knowing me, I'd eat cheese or something without thinking! I just find them too scary.
------------------------------> I hope you continue to have success with Effexor XR as you continue to raise the dose.<
----------------------------Thank you, thank you. I'll probably stay on the 150 mg for another 2 days, and then I'll increase to 225 mg. That may turn out to be the perfect dose. If not, I have permission to go to 300 mg....but I'm hoping that I won't need to be lugging these huge prescription bottles home from the pharmacy all the time!! LOL.
Take care and God bless,
Sandy
Posted by SandyWeb on March 9, 2007, at 14:31:43
In reply to Re: XR: What Dosage Passes Serotonin Impact? » dreamboat_annie, posted by SandyWeb on March 6, 2007, at 15:50:55
Hi there,
This is my second day at 225 mg XR. Absolutely no side effects. I am going to stay on this dose unless I find myself slipping into the pit, but I think this dose will probably hold me for quite a while....as long as I also have my Lopressor SR and clonazepam.
Thanks, everyone, for your input and support. I really appreciate it. I've never been a fan of Effexor because of hearing how difficult it is to come off it, but if it works as well as Remeron (without the weight gain) then I'll be quite happy to stay on it.
We actually have the sun shining out today. Amazing. And the rest of the week is supposed to be above the freezing mark. What more could you ask for? I hope you all are having a lovely day!
God bless,
Sandy
Posted by workinonit on March 14, 2007, at 3:39:40
In reply to Re: XR: What Dosage Passes Serotonin Impact? » Hagbard, posted by SandyWeb on March 3, 2007, at 23:40:11
I have been taking Effexor for 4 years and only recently have come off it because it seems it has lost its effectiveness. I was up to 375/day. Just starting out the dreams and nite sweats and sleepiness happened to me too. They went away (unless I missed a dose- don't do it, especially when your dose gets high. The effects are magnified and it is actually difficult to function). The decreased libido and inability to orgasm- not so good. That never went away. Where previously I could orgasm once a day if not more, it just didn't happen, except maybe once every few weeks, and that is after really working at it. I accepted this as a payoff for feeling so much better on effexor.
Regarding withdrawl. It has taken me 6 weeks to go from 375 to Zero. Last dosage was 37.5 for a week. When I hit 0 mg (2 weeks ago), I had a week or so of the mind flashes/dizziness, crying spells and sadness. I had started 20 mg of Prozac concurrently. I still don't feel as well as I did but I think I need to get the Prozac dose up.
So:
For starting people, keep with it. The dreams/sweats/tiredness/ went away, esp at higher dosages. Unfortunately, the sexual side effects did not, even at higher doses. Don't worry about withdrawl. On a sensible, long term program you can do it.
For newbies, Give the med a while to kick in. Most of my side effects went away within a few weeks and when we upped my dosage to 150/dayBest of luck
Posted by SandyWeb on March 14, 2007, at 16:36:14
In reply to effexor- stay with it for newbies and withdrawl » SandyWeb, posted by workinonit on March 14, 2007, at 3:39:40
Thanks for the response. I'm glad you had such good results with the Effexor over the long run, discounting the sexual side effects, of course.
I Have been taking 225 mg XR for maybe a week now in the morning, and I feel fine. I really only have two side effects. I seem to need to take a 2-hour nap about four hours after I've taken the Effexor XR (I curl up in my livingroom chair with a blanket so that I don't get TOO comfy....I would hate to sleep longer than 2 hours!). And I also find that it doesn't help my pre-existing insomnia, either in falling asleep or staying asleep (even when I occassionally will take 2 mg of clonazepam to help me sleep, when I'm only supposed to take 1 mg at bedtime). Other than those two side effects (oh, and a lose of appetite), I am extremely happy with this med. I can't even feel the edges of depression or suicidal ideation, nor do I have a "busy brain" (constantly ruminating about real and imagined events). Unfortunately, I don't have these dreams that everyone seems to talk about. Dang! I would like to have some interesting dreams!
Anyways, I can say that my combination of Effexor XR (225 mg daily), clonazepam (1 mg 3x daily), and Lopressor SR (100 mg 2x daily) works wonders for my anxiety and depression. I'm still agoraphobic, but give me time, give me time. *smile*
I hope you do well without the Effexor. Isn't it wonderful not to be a walking pharmacy? Lol.
God bless,
Sandy
Posted by Mr MM on March 18, 2007, at 23:21:19
In reply to sexual side effects effexor xr (male)?, posted by bjoj on January 15, 2007, at 12:34:55
Yep. I can go as long as 2 hours. 30-40 is average most times. Its frustrating to take so long to climax.
> Just started on the 37.5 mg of this medication, to be stepping up pretty rapidly I think. However, just like with the Celexa I was on last year, when I first started I had some sexual side effects, specifically that I could not achieve orgasm.
>
> However, with this med, although it took a loooong time getting there and a bunch of concentration, I was able to get there...and it was mindblowingly good. Anyone else get this?
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 24, 2007, at 16:07:25
In reply to Effexor Withdrawal Solution, posted by Jouezmoi on February 22, 2007, at 16:55:51
> All .... I have great news. A solution that has worked and I am finally Effexor free.
Sorry to interrupt, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding Effexor Withdrawal to Psycho-Babble Withdrawal. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20061224/msgs/743738.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by vanni on April 9, 2007, at 13:05:25
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
For a year now I have been taking 75mg of the Effexor XR for anxiety that worsened at menopause. It has been such a relief to feel "normal" but I am finding lately that my mood is flat and I have lost the energy and optimism that I was feeling. Has anyone had to increase their dosage after being quite stable for a year?
Vanni
Posted by KristiVegas on April 9, 2007, at 14:13:12
In reply to One year on Effexor XR, posted by vanni on April 9, 2007, at 13:05:25
Hi Vanni,
I haven't been on the site for awhile but saw your post today and thought I would respond. My depression and anxiety got worse during menopause too but I wasn't quite sure what it was then. I've been on Effexor for almost a year but was gradually worked up to 300 mg. per day. I am experiencing loss of memory and weight gain but am sleeping better. What do you trade? I don't like the loss of memory (short term) but I'm sleeping better than I have in years. My mood is flat also and I still have no motivation. I've been told (and have read) that some meds stop working after a while and I'm wondering if that's what I'm experiencing. Have you talked to your Doc yet?
Kristi
Posted by vanni on April 9, 2007, at 15:43:16
In reply to Re: One year on Effexor XR, posted by KristiVegas on April 9, 2007, at 14:13:12
Hi Vanni,
>
> I haven't been on the site for awhile but saw your post today and thought I would respond. My depression and anxiety got worse during menopause too but I wasn't quite sure what it was then. I've been on Effexor for almost a year but was gradually worked up to 300 mg. per day. I am experiencing loss of memory and weight gain but am sleeping better. What do you trade? I don't like the loss of memory (short term) but I'm sleeping better than I have in years. My mood is flat also and I still have no motivation. I've been told (and have read) that some meds stop working after a while and I'm wondering if that's what I'm experiencing. Have you talked to your Doc yet?
>
> Kristi
>
>
Thanks Kristi,I will check with my doctor. I take Trazadone at night to sleep and it works really well. I too am sleeping better than I have in years. My short term memory also sucks but I think that might be a function of age!...53.
Vanni
Posted by KristiVegas on April 9, 2007, at 19:40:00
In reply to Re: One year on Effexor XR, posted by vanni on April 9, 2007, at 15:43:16
>
> Hi Vanni,
> >
> > I haven't been on the site for awhile but saw your post today and thought I would respond. My depression and anxiety got worse during menopause too but I wasn't quite sure what it was then. I've been on Effexor for almost a year but was gradually worked up to 300 mg. per day. I am experiencing loss of memory and weight gain but am sleeping better. What do you trade? I don't like the loss of memory (short term) but I'm sleeping better than I have in years. My mood is flat also and I still have no motivation. I've been told (and have read) that some meds stop working after a while and I'm wondering if that's what I'm experiencing. Have you talked to your Doc yet?
> >
> > Kristi
> >
> >
> Thanks Kristi,
>
> I will check with my doctor. I take Trazadone at night to sleep and it works really well. I too am sleeping better than I have in years. My short term memory also sucks but I think that might be a function of age!...53.
>
> Vanni
>Hi Vanni,
I saw my PDoc today and he doesn' believe Effexor is causing any of my side effects. I'm going to elicit some feedback from everyone on the website and prove to him that this med causes side effects. I was told by a lot of women that short-term memory loss was part of menopause but I don't remember it being this bad when I was in the throes (I started when I was 48-I'm 56 now and over it). My PDoc has added 150mg of Wellbutrin XL to my daily dosage of Effexor to see if that will sharpen up the senses a bit and give me a kick in the butt. So we'll see. If you don't mind sharing any experiences with me while you've been on the med, I would appreciate it.
Thanks and good luck,
Kristi
Posted by Crystal_clear on April 11, 2007, at 9:27:48
In reply to Re: Effexor xr and drowsiness/sleep,insomnia, posted by Cindy W on October 6, 2000, at 22:21:40
I've been taking Effexor XR for 2 weeks now. I started on 75 mg and now on 150 mg. The first 2 days I felt extreamly anxious and jittery. But ever since then I've felt very very sleepy all the time. I've tried taking it at different times of the day, but I'm still always tired no matter when I take it. My mood does feel a little better, but what's the point if I'm so tired that I don't feel like doing anything? Not to mention the sexual side effects. My interest in sex has completely gone away. I'm not sure how much longer I'll be able to take Effexor if these side effects don't go away. Good luck to everyone else!
Posted by SandyWeb on April 11, 2007, at 10:08:20
In reply to Re: Effexor xr and drowsiness/sleep,insomnia, posted by Crystal_clear on April 11, 2007, at 9:27:48
I started out on Effexor XR at 75 mg, and had to quit after a little over a week. I was soooo lethargic and sleepy. I had absolutely no motivation, and my brain was "busy". Plus I tried taking it at night, and it gave me terrible insomnia. And my anxiety just would not go away, even with clonazepam.
Well, 75 mg is only impacting your serotonin...and my problem is with norepinephrine. I knew I needed to get to a higher dose in order to get past that dang serotonin impact. Remeron is in the same class as Effexor XR, and it worked wonders except that it made me FAT (I had to quit it, and happily have lost that weight!!). I figured the Effexor XR would help in the same way as Remeron, so I HAD to give it a try again.
This is what I did, but I'm not suggesting that you do it the same way. I'm just saying that it worked for me. I began the med again. I took 75 mg at night, and when I got up the very next morning I took another 75 mg. Then, because I wanted my dosing to be done in the mornings because of the insomnia it causes, I waited until the next morning and then took 150 mg. I had absolutely no side effects from that dose other than some sleepiness each afternoon. I would end up taking a 2-hour nap. Then 3 days after being on that dose, I increased it to 225 mg. I felt soooo much better, and the only side effect again was the afternoon sleepiness (which I would take a 2 hour nap, then it was down to a 1 hour nap, and then it was down to just resting my eyes but never falling asleep, down to not getting sleepy at all!!!). It took about 2 or maybe 3 weeks for the transition from a 2-hour nap to no nap to occur. And I feel great. People are recognizing the old Sandy again. I really do feel quite good. But I can still feel "the pit" just on the outer edges of my world. I'm certainly not depressed anymore and my anxiety is much better, but I know that I'm not quite safe if I can feel that blackness on the edge of my thoughts.
I stayed on 225 mg for 5 weeks. This morning I increased it to 300 mg, and so far....no side effects, not even any sleepiness. I feel fine so far.
You may need to get to a higher dose to get rid of those side effects that you are talking about. You may not have a serotonin problem, either. Maybe, like me, it's epinephrine. You've been on 75 mg to 150 mg for 2 weeks, and it only takes 3 days for the med to reach a steady state in your system. It wouldn't hurt to increase your dose to 225 mg now. Just ask your doctor if he agrees with you, which I don't know why he wouldn't. I have felt my best so far on 225 mg, and now I'm just waiting to see what happens at 300 mg. If it's not as helpful, I know that I can always go back down to 225 mg. Many people are on 375 mg for anxiety and depression. You've still got some room to experiment with dosing. But just call your doctor and see if you can increase to 225 mg, and hopefully that will help any epinephrine problems you might be having. And, like I said, my side effects went away after 2-3 weeks. Good luck.
God bless,
Sandy
Posted by Phillipa on April 11, 2007, at 19:35:29
In reply to Re: Effexor xr and drowsiness/sleep,insomnia » Crystal_clear, posted by SandyWeb on April 11, 2007, at 10:08:20
Sandy I don't think effexor is the same class of meds as remeron. Remeron is in it's own class. The only other SSNRI I know of is cymbalta. Correct me if you google it and I'm wrong. It won't bother me heck I'm wrong a lot of the time. Love Phillipa
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