![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 2496 to 2520 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by Mr.Scott on August 19, 2002, at 20:30:07
In reply to Re: You people are scaring the hell out of me!, posted by Starwatcher on August 19, 2002, at 19:36:42
Is switch to a low dose of Celexa and taper off.
Posted by sly on August 20, 2002, at 8:11:48
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Thanks to everyone who responded, I really appreciated the help!
I spoke with my Dr. yesterday and he's happy with my progress, since things are going well there's no reason to mess with success, at least for a little while longer.
I'm going to continue as is for another two months and then we'll revisit the issue of tapering me off, slowly.
In the meantime, I will head all of your advice and do a little more research on how to make the withdrawal as painless as possible.
Take care and good luck to everyone out there.
Posted by IsoM on August 20, 2002, at 12:10:09
In reply to Thanks everyone for your help!, posted by sly on August 20, 2002, at 8:11:48
Sly, I've written about withdrawal help a number of times before but no one's made an answering comment, or said they ever thought it worth the try, so I've become cynical about telling anyone. But I'll try again.
When I stopped Luvox, I tapered off *very* slowly but still had a horrible time. It took months after stopping completely before the symptoms left. So when I later stopped Paxil, I anticipated another bad period. I had no idea how bad it would be. I was literally bed-ridden most of two months as movement of any sort made things unbearable. I had nausea, vertigo & dizziness (there's a bit of difference between the two), brain zaps (up to 5 or 6 a minute, I timed them), & general severe malaise.
Even four months after stopping completely, the symptoms hadn't completely left but remained at a low, constant level. I ended up adding 5 mg Paxil back to my Celexa to lessen the problems.
About a year later, I started adrafinil to see if it would help me with other problems. It did nicely. A few weeks after starting adrafinil, I ran out of my Paxil & didn't want to go downtown to pick up the refill that day. I thought I could bear one day of feeling horrible. But to my surprise, I felt fine the next day, so I let my refill go another day. My withdrawal symptoms never returned - not the slightest twinge!
Talking with a pharmacist in town, he thought my response interesting. Seeing the difficulty that most have coming off Effexor, Paxil, & Luvox, he suggested that it would be a good thing to let people know about. He was going to mention it to others.
When I ran out of adrafinil (from overseas), I expected the withdrawal symptoms to return but they never did. It seemed that adrafinil "fixed" whatever was wrong with my brain chemistry. I now take modafinil (Provigil in USA & Alertec in Canada) instead as I believe it superior to adrafinil.
Why not ask your doctor if you can have a (at least short-term) prescription for modafinil to help tide you over your tapering off? You may find that it has surprising benefits. It's done wonders for anhedonia & motivation too.
Posted by gatitapurrrrrs on August 20, 2002, at 18:28:30
In reply to Thanks everyone for your help!, posted by sly on August 20, 2002, at 8:11:48
Hello! I just want to share my experience with you. I suffer from chronic depression, panic attacks and obsessive compulsive disorder since 1990 and the only medication that has helped me has been Effexor. It has been 8 months now since I have a "new" life. My dosis is 225mg a day and I would not dare to miss a dose! I can say that since I started taking it, my days have been brighter and I see everything with a whole new perspective. I must say though, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, DO NOT drink alcohol because it can make you go completely nuts without you even realizing it. Twice (with 3 glasses of red wine) I went berserk, into some sort of "trance", lost all inhibitions and insulted half of my family... the worst part is, I don't even remember it. Wish you all well in your way of recovery!
xoxoxox
Posted by denise528 on August 21, 2002, at 4:27:02
In reply to Love Effexor!!!, posted by gatitapurrrrrs on August 20, 2002, at 18:28:30
Hi,
Did you feel better on a lower dose or did you have to go up to 225 before you got any relief? I felt lousy on 37.5 up to 150 and I was wondering if perhaps I just didn't go high enough.
Denise
Posted by Alf on August 21, 2002, at 20:09:14
In reply to riding out a wave..., posted by redape on August 19, 2002, at 0:06:55
I don't know about any plateaus. I've only been taking Effexor for 2 months presently at 112.5 mg. I suspect my pdoc is going to increase the dosage which was increased the last time. I didn't feel any benefits from Effexor for a minimum of 3 to 5 weeks after beginning treatment or increasing the dosage.
My therapist told me that Effexor will not stop you from feeling anything which is good in my opinion. I feel angry, frustrated, tired, lonesome, etc.,etc.. But it does stop my depression causality dead in it's tracks. And I also feel much less anxious around people. There are days in which
I feel absolutely great! Even with the side effects I feel fortunate to have Effexor.
Posted by jannbeau on August 22, 2002, at 13:18:36
In reply to Re: riding out a wave..., posted by Alf on August 21, 2002, at 20:09:14
>Hi, Alf,
On 75 mg/day Effexor-XR, I felt totally disengaged from my feelings! I didn't react to anything. My anxiety level was certainly lower, but I didn't feel happy or sad or anything else, not to mention absolutely NO interest in sex. I was taking the med for depression and pain relief. Different strokes for different folks, I suppose.
Jannbeau
I don't know about any plateaus. I've only been taking Effexor for 2 months presently at 112.5 mg. I suspect my pdoc is going to increase the dosage which was increased the last time. I didn't feel any benefits from Effexor for a minimum of 3 to 5 weeks after beginning treatment or increasing the dosage.
>
> My therapist told me that Effexor will not stop you from feeling anything which is good in my opinion. I feel angry, frustrated, tired, lonesome, etc.,etc.. But it does stop my depression causality dead in it's tracks. And I also feel much less anxious around people. There are days in which
> I feel absolutely great! Even with the side effects I feel fortunate to have Effexor.
Posted by Alf on August 24, 2002, at 20:42:28
In reply to Re: riding out a wave..., posted by jannbeau on August 22, 2002, at 13:18:36
I think I know what you mean but the feeling was temporary about 10 days in duration. It followed the physical side effects of anorexia, sleeplessness, and headaches. The benefits didn't occur until 5 weeks after beginning the medication. For me patience was the most important approach. I think it took that long for my body to get used to the sustained levels of serotonin and norepinephrine. If my pdoc increases my dosage, I hope it's the last time because I'd like to get past these transitions.
Posted by Sulaf98 on August 26, 2002, at 20:25:41
In reply to Love Effexor!!!, posted by gatitapurrrrrs on August 20, 2002, at 18:28:30
Hi! I'm on 150mg 1x day & have felt so good for quite a few months now. I started witht he 37.5 then up to 75 then the 150. How did you progress up to the 225mg? I noticed a big improvement over the first month, but each month has brought more improvement! Thanks for all the imput I've been able get from all of you. Sue
Posted by mr_chicago188 on August 27, 2002, at 3:59:43
In reply to Re: Love Effexor!!! » gatitapurrrrrs, posted by Sulaf98 on August 26, 2002, at 20:25:41
I've been on Paxil for 6 months, up to 40 mg per day, gained 35 pounds (Bad), then doc added welbutrin to offset weight gain and sleepyness. Welbutrin feels like I drank lots of coffee, but i'm losing weight. My Anxeity from GAD seems to be gone but still suffer from depression, lack of energy and motivation. Doc has now changed me from going off paxil over next two weeks and changing to Effexor XR over next two weeks. Will be interesting where this goes..... wish me luck, because I dispise changing meds.
Posted by gatitapurrrrrs on August 27, 2002, at 12:38:02
In reply to Re: Love Effexor!!!, posted by denise528 on August 21, 2002, at 4:27:02
Hi Denise!
Sorry I did not email you but it does not appear here. In reference to your questions, I started with 37.5 the first week, second week went up to 75, third week up to 150. I was taking 150 a day for 3 months when I started feeling not myself again for no apparent reason. I called my doctor and she told me Effexor is an extended realease treatment and I probably have not reached my ideal dose. I went up to 225 which is my perfect dose because I have been without any symptoms for the last 6 months, I am in my maintenace phase which it is to prevent a relapse. My doctor also prescribed Tranxene which only I take whenever I am extremely nervous or upset if a certain an external situation occurs (death, taking a plane, etc). Yes we all have our sad days but that is perfectly normal. You need to call your doctor because you might need a larger dose. The maxium dose of Effexor is 225. Wish you luck and let me know how things are going.
xoxoxox
Gatitapurrrrrs
Posted by gatitapurrrrrs on August 27, 2002, at 12:46:29
In reply to Re: Love Effexor!!!, posted by mr_chicago188 on August 27, 2002, at 3:59:43
Hi Mr_Chicago!
I just wanted to wish you luck and give you my support in these "changing" times
I can tell you a thing or two about Effexor and I hope you will like it!
One of the side effects of Effexor is lack of appetite, I literally had to force myself to eat since I lost 15 lbs during the first two months of treatment. This medication will do wonders for you as it did for me. Take it day by day and have faith. There is not one day in my life since I started taking it, I have not thanked God and blessed the people who created this medication. Effexor is a treatment and although they say it will probably take a few weeks to feel the effects, I can assure you I did feel the difference within 3-4 days. I have reached my perfect dose and had been taking 225mg for the past 6 months. You will start, as you already know, little by little. You will also have to let your doctor know if you aren't feeling well or start feeling depressed without no reason. Another important point is, your blood pressure has to be monitored in case you suffer from high blood pressure. We all have our sad days and that is perfectly normal, but you will KNOW when you are not yourself again. The doctor will give you a larger dose and this can happen a few times until you reach your ideal dose. Another thing I will tell you is, your sexual appetite will NOT be affected at all, on the contrary, you will find yourself a little frisky! Please feel free to contact me whenever you like.
I also noticed you have a yahoo account. I have Yahoo messenger and we can chat online or even see me cause I have a web cam!!! Feel free to add me as a friend in case you have it as well.
Wish you a wonderful and happy day!
Gatitapurrrrrs (='.'=) meow
Posted by Reneb on August 27, 2002, at 13:16:43
In reply to Re: Love Effexor!!!, posted by gatitapurrrrrs on August 27, 2002, at 12:46:29
> Hi Mr_Chicago!
>
> I just wanted to wish you luck and give you my support in these "changing" times
>
> I can tell you a thing or two about Effexor and I hope you will like it!
>
> One of the side effects of Effexor is lack of appetite, I literally had to force myself to eat since I lost 15 lbs during the first two months of treatment. This medication will do wonders for you as it did for me. Take it day by day and have faith. There is not one day in my life since I started taking it, I have not thanked God and blessed the people who created this medication. Effexor is a treatment and although they say it will probably take a few weeks to feel the effects, I can assure you I did feel the difference within 3-4 days. I have reached my perfect dose and had been taking 225mg for the past 6 months. You will start, as you already know, little by little. You will also have to let your doctor know if you aren't feeling well or start feeling depressed without no reason. Another important point is, your blood pressure has to be monitored in case you suffer from high blood pressure. We all have our sad days and that is perfectly normal, but you will KNOW when you are not yourself again. The doctor will give you a larger dose and this can happen a few times until you reach your ideal dose. Another thing I will tell you is, your sexual appetite will NOT be affected at all, on the contrary, you will find yourself a little frisky! Please feel free to contact me whenever you like.
> I also noticed you have a yahoo account. I have Yahoo messenger and we can chat online or even see me cause I have a web cam!!! Feel free to add me as a friend in case you have it as well.
> Wish you a wonderful and happy day!
>
> Gatitapurrrrrs (='.'=) meow
>Hi there, I was extremely shocked when I read your post. I am really glad you are having such a good result from effexor. I was on it over a year and I had a completely difference experience. I am not saying it didn't work. I think it worked to well. I didn't feel anything after awhile. No depression,sadness, happiness, ambition and especially not a sex drive. Oh, I also gained weight. I was on if for a year and a half. I was on 200mg. My pdoc put me on wellbutrtin along with the effexor when I complained of being to tired to do anything. It helped a bit, but I didn't feel better til I started to withdraw from effexor. I am on 400mg of wellbutrin now and off the effexor and I have gotten my life back!!!
Again, It's nice to hear that someone is having a positive experience from effexor. I would be interested in hearing if it continues.
Good Luck,Renee
Posted by jannbeau on August 27, 2002, at 13:19:26
In reply to Re: Love Effexor!!!, posted by gatitapurrrrrs on August 27, 2002, at 12:46:29
>Hello, Mr_Chicago:
I also wish you well with Effexor. Let me preface this post with the fact that I, like you, am just another participant in this bulletin board. I am not a physician and I don't claim to be an expert on this or any other medication. I am not writing to be "negative" but to pass on some info that I've read here and other places on the web and in print, including the manufacturer's own literature. I feel compelled to add following comments to Gittapurr's post below: 1) You may NOT lose weight with Effexor; you may actually gain weight or your weight may not change. 2)Your libido/sexual function may not be enhanced with Effexor; in fact, you could experience negative sexual side effects such as reduced libido or delayed ejaculation. Again, some people notice no differences in sexuality while others complain of negative side effects and still others, as with Gittapurrs, below, report enhancement. I would urge you to check other sources of information for efficacy and side effects of this medication, including, but not limited to, the physicians' package insert (not the patients' insert), the manufacturer's website, the FDA, other bulletin boards, to mention but a few resources. You might also wish to know that people report having difficulty stopping this medication and that they suffer what is referred to as "discontinuation syndrome"--not a permanent effect and not bad for many (I had little trouble stopping Effexor--slowly tapered from 150 mg/day to 0 mg/day).
Again, I don't mean to be a doomsayer, only to ad balance.
Cheers and good luck to you,
jannbeauHi Mr_Chicago!
>
> I just wanted to wish you luck and give you my support in these "changing" times
>
> I can tell you a thing or two about Effexor and I hope you will like it!
>
> One of the side effects of Effexor is lack of appetite, I literally had to force myself to eat since I lost 15 lbs during the first two months of treatment. This medication will do wonders for you as it did for me. Take it day by day and have faith. There is not one day in my life since I started taking it, I have not thanked God and blessed the people who created this medication. Effexor is a treatment and although they say it will probably take a few weeks to feel the effects, I can assure you I did feel the difference within 3-4 days. I have reached my perfect dose and had been taking 225mg for the past 6 months. You will start, as you already know, little by little. You will also have to let your doctor know if you aren't feeling well or start feeling depressed without no reason. Another important point is, your blood pressure has to be monitored in case you suffer from high blood pressure. We all have our sad days and that is perfectly normal, but you will KNOW when you are not yourself again. The doctor will give you a larger dose and this can happen a few times until you reach your ideal dose. Another thing I will tell you is, your sexual appetite will NOT be affected at all, on the contrary, you will find yourself a little frisky! Please feel free to contact me whenever you like.
> I also noticed you have a yahoo account. I have Yahoo messenger and we can chat online or even see me cause I have a web cam!!! Feel free to add me as a friend in case you have it as well.
> Wish you a wonderful and happy day!
>
> Gatitapurrrrrs (='.'=) meow
>
>
>
Posted by gillian on August 27, 2002, at 13:22:15
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
>I was diagnosed with "Free floating anxiety" and panic attacks - which to my horror seemed to occur for no apparent reason. I was put on Effexor XL (UK version) and found it made a marked difference....the intial side effects were not much fun ie body tingles, loss of concentration, nervousness and weakness but after a couple of weeks these wore off and I really felt things getting back to normal. I feel however lifestyle change is required alongside medical intervention. I found both aromatherapy and Bach Flower remedies effective..and most importantly making time for myself to relax...in this day and age it seems impossible to take time for yourself but SO important in helping with a healthy mind.
Posted by beth b on August 27, 2002, at 15:17:48
In reply to Re: Love Effexor!!! » gatitapurrrrrs, posted by Sulaf98 on August 26, 2002, at 20:25:41
hey y'all-
i posted a couple of weeks ago about weaning myself down from 150 mg for my first drug holiday. i've been at 75 mg for just over a week. next week i drop to 37.5. so far i've had mild nausea and occasional head aches. over all, it's not near as bad as missing a dose! emtionally i feel pretty stable. we'll see soon enough i guess.
hugs-
beth
Posted by simone on August 27, 2002, at 18:40:12
In reply to Re: Long term effects of Effexor/permanent , posted by Sahara on February 27, 2001, at 19:29:58
I started Effexor XR last December. After gaining nearly 15 pounds, feeling tired and constipated all the time I decided to discontinue this medication with the help of my doctor. I gradually tapered off like I was told. Now that I haven't taken anything in two days I feel very sick. Can anyone tell me how long these flu like symptoms may last? I'm almost tempted to break open a 150mg and take half of it to feel better. No one told me this was like heroin withdrawls!!
Posted by gatitapurrrrrs on August 27, 2002, at 19:39:27
In reply to Re: Love Effexor!!! » gatitapurrrrrs, posted by jannbeau on August 27, 2002, at 13:19:26
Hello all!
Hope you are doing fine. Not two people are alike and I am just sharing my experience with you.
As you know, all medications have side effects. When you start taking a new medication, it takes a little while for your body to get used to it. The same is true for EFFEXOR XR.Before starting EFFEXOR XR, tell your doctor about any medicines you're taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements. Pregnant or nursing women shouldn't take any antidepressant without consulting their doctor. People taking MAO inhibitors should not take EFFEXOR XR.
When you first start taking EFFEXOR XR, you may experience nausea, but this lessens in most people and usually goes away within 2 weeks of starting treatment. You may also experience dizziness, sleepiness, delayed ejaculation, sweating, dry mouth, nervousness, insomnia, anorexia, and constipation.
If nausea does not lessen within the first few weeks, or if serious side effects occur, talk to your doctor. EFFEXOR XR may raise your blood pressure; therefore, regular monitoring of blood pressure is recommended. Because EFFEXOR XR may impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills, you should use caution until you have adapted to therapy.
I did feel nauseated, dizzy, and lost my appetite. All side effects were gone after 2 months. I am not saying you ALL will experience what I did, but make it a little fair after reading so much negative reactions.I started taking Effexor XR in January 2002 and it sure has worked for me like it has with people I know personally. If people email me and ask me how am I doing, I will sure tell them for ME has been the miracle drug! After 12 years of chronic depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic attacks and a little paranoia, Effexor opened up for me, a whole new life...
Bless you allFor more information visit:
http://www.effexor.com
Posted by Reneb on August 27, 2002, at 20:48:38
In reply to Re: Long term effects of Effexor/permanent » Sahara, posted by simone on August 27, 2002, at 18:40:12
> I started Effexor XR last December. After gaining nearly 15 pounds, feeling tired and constipated all the time I decided to discontinue this medication with the help of my doctor. I gradually tapered off like I was told. Now that I haven't taken anything in two days I feel very sick. Can anyone tell me how long these flu like symptoms may last? I'm almost tempted to break open a 150mg and take half of it to feel better. No one told me this was like heroin withdrawls!!
Hi, Don't do it!!!! Hang in there...It does get better. I took 2 months myself to withdraw from effexor. I did it very,very slow. I promise it will get better soon.good luck,
Renee
Posted by sly on August 28, 2002, at 8:17:26
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
In the last month or so I've developed a new side effect. During the day I'm fine, but at night I sweat like crazy, I wake up several times a night soaked, even my sheets are wet, it's disgusting.
I've never experienced this before, I know it's not the air temperature, it's cool outside at night and I have air conditioning, I sleep practically naked with only a top sheet. Both my family doc and my psyc say it's the medication, but neither has any remedies - did anyone else have this problem and have any suggestions?
Posted by Bob ,RN on August 28, 2002, at 13:18:52
In reply to Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares, posted by Seraphim on May 4, 2001, at 9:03:58
I'm an RN who has been taking effexor 75mg daily (about 1 year) and noticed gradual lessening of libido. I decided to wean myself from effexor, since I've seen postings on the net attributing this side effect to the drug. The drug and dosage were prescribed post back injury/surgery for tx of chronic depression associated with chronic back pain. The only other drug I take daily is Gemfibrozil(w/o side effects or complications for several years). Considering the 75mg daily dosage rather mild by current prescription standards, I thought weaning would be a rather painless procedure. WRONG!!! I have never experienced such VIVID, CINEMATIC NIGHTMARES in my life!!! If they weren't so frightening, they would probably be entertaining. They are similar to the late '70's disaster movies i.e., "The Towering Inferno", "Airport'75", "Poisedon Adventure",(recent hits like the "Die Hard" series would qualify). The only problem is these close calls with DEATH aren't conducive with a decent nights sleep!
I'm going to double the recommended weaning schedule and see if the movies go away. Good luck and try to keep smiling.
Posted by jannbeau on August 28, 2002, at 13:49:10
In reply to I can't stop sweating - can anyone help?, posted by sly on August 28, 2002, at 8:17:26
> Hello, Sly,
I experienced the night sweats off and on during the whole time I took Effexor-XR. I had to get up and change my nightgown. I have no other suggestions.
Hope this side effect goes away for you very soon.
Cheers,
Jannbeauthe last month or so I've developed a new side effect. During the day I'm fine, but at night I sweat like crazy, I wake up several times a night soaked, even my sheets are wet, it's disgusting.
>
> I've never experienced this before, I know it's not the air temperature, it's cool outside at night and I have air conditioning, I sleep practically naked with only a top sheet. Both my family doc and my psyc say it's the medication, but neither has any remedies - did anyone else have this problem and have any suggestions?
Posted by selena on August 28, 2002, at 14:36:20
In reply to Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares, posted by Seraphim on May 4, 2001, at 9:03:58
Hi I stopped taking effexor xr 300 mg cold turkey after 3 years (because of insurance reasons). I'm happy to report after a week and a half and with the help of Benedryl(which someone previously on this site said had helped them) my symptoms are just about gone. I still have a few crying jags here and there but the benedryl helps with the brain shocks and eye things. The only thing I can't get rid of are the nightmares, I had some ambien sleeping pills, which my doctor prescribed a long time ago in case i had trouble sleeping, which normally I do not:). Anyway, I have taken one a night for the last week and a half. I've tried to stop twice just to see and both times were horrible ( the dreams are so intense and real) both times I had to get up and get a pill and then I would be fine. While I know switching from one pill to another is not good. I'm going to continue to take the Ambien. The dreams are gone with this. So for a short term sollution, because I have no idea how long the dream part lasts,It WORKS! I have two kids to chase all day and I need every ounce of energy I can get. Hope this helps a little
Posted by LynnPerley on August 28, 2002, at 22:23:18
In reply to I can't stop sweating - can anyone help?, posted by sly on August 28, 2002, at 8:17:26
Sly, I can't remember what dosage you are at now. This is a side effect that has either lessened somewhat for me or else I am used to it :) It decreased over time and also with increased dosage. I'm at 225 mg now, and have been for over 60 days. Otherwise, are you doing OK?
Posted by Ritch on August 28, 2002, at 23:37:59
In reply to I can't stop sweating - can anyone help?, posted by sly on August 28, 2002, at 8:17:26
> In the last month or so I've developed a new side effect. During the day I'm fine, but at night I sweat like crazy, I wake up several times a night soaked, even my sheets are wet, it's disgusting.
>
> I've never experienced this before, I know it's not the air temperature, it's cool outside at night and I have air conditioning, I sleep practically naked with only a top sheet. Both my family doc and my psyc say it's the medication, but neither has any remedies - did anyone else have this problem and have any suggestions?
Sly,I have had pronounced sweating experiences with Celexa and Effexor and Wellbutrin (only feet sweating). I didn't notice it near as much with Prozac, Luvox, Paxil, or Zoloft. It always seems to be about 2-8hrs post-dosing, however, when the blood level is probably peaking. I can be in an air-conditioned environment (at 72F), with short sleeves (sitting-no physical activity) and have my underarms dripping slowly and coworkers remarking about *feeling* the HEAT coming off of my body on *their skin*. It has got to be excess autonomic nervous system activation from serotonin reuptake inhibition. If you are taking a dose of Effexor at bedtime-that could be the problem.
Mitch
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.