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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by realblonde48 on March 11, 2004, at 12:10:54
In reply to My tapering off update!!, posted by lacey2001 on March 11, 2004, at 12:03:22
How long did it take you to taper off to the 18mg? Is there an 18mg pill? I am on 37 1/2 for the start of the second week from 300mg. So far this whole experience has been a nightmare. I am looking for hope that this will soon be over and I can go on with my life.
Posted by lacey2001 on March 11, 2004, at 12:26:58
In reply to Re: My tapering off update!!, posted by realblonde48 on March 11, 2004, at 12:10:54
I just opened my capule up and poured half out and did it back up again. Now I know this wasn't a good idea. I couldn't get a hold of my Dr (weekend) and was feeling very sick as I tried to cut cold turkey under the advice from a crummy Dr here. But I took 37.5 again (to quit a different way my Dr told me) because I didn't like to open the capules but felt very sick so I had to go back to pouring half out again. Basically what I am trying to say is that my body is used to 18.75mg now b/c anything more makes me quite sick. I do not recommend opening caps but to talk to Dr. My advice from a another Dr was as follows:
to take 37.5 every second day for a week
then every third day if symtpoms are still bothering you. Then after a week to stop.Again, please don't listen to this advice but talk to a Dr. Everyone will be different.
Tanya
How long did it take you to taper off to the 18mg? Is there an 18mg pill? I am on 37 1/2 for the start of the second week from 300mg. So far this whole experience has been a nightmare. I am looking for hope that this will soon be over and I can go on with my life.
Posted by realblonde48 on March 11, 2004, at 13:02:16
In reply to Re: My tapering off update!!, posted by lacey2001 on March 11, 2004, at 12:26:58
That's what I was supposed to do. Take the 37 for 1 week, then every other day, then every 2 days. Like I said, I'm just ready to be off of the ride. I have gained twenty pounds in the last month and a half and the weight gain just adds insult to injury. A couple of weeks ago, after going cold turkey altogether, I thought I was absoutly losing my mind. I then started over and began the process of cutting back. I have a new perspective on the withdrawal process.
Thank you for taking the time to share.
Posted by kgirl on March 12, 2004, at 10:56:12
In reply to Re: My tapering off update!!, posted by realblonde48 on March 11, 2004, at 13:02:16
I'm reading everyone's threads for the first time with interest....I took 75 mg for almost a year then started feeling very anxious so I moved up to 150 mg a day. It has been three months on 150 mg and all of a sudden, I am feeling so nervous/anxious. Has anyone experienced this? I'm wondering if I should discuss with my doctor the possibility of increasing yet again. I should say that other than my weight gain (!), this pill has made such a great difference in my life. However, after reading all the posts about coming off them, I must admit to being a little nervous.
Posted by PoohBear on March 12, 2004, at 11:12:02
In reply to Re: My tapering off update!!, posted by kgirl on March 12, 2004, at 10:56:12
Kgirl:
Don't let the posts make you nervous. The vast majority of people that teake Effexor do so with great results and don't post here :)
I titrated up to 225mg with significant side effects, so we came back down to 75mg and held the doseage there for severasl months. I noticed a poop-out several weeks ago after having a recurrent severe depressive episode one day. Since increasing the dose to 150mg, I have had no side effects and am having control over depression and my thoughts as before. I now believe that if I had stayed at the higher doseage for awhile longer, the side effect would have moderated.
I personally hope that I can hold at 150mg, because the way this stuff is priced, all doseages cost the same, and going to 225mg or 300mg means taking two capsules, hence doubling the cost... In my case, insurance pays 90%, but that would still mean going from $25 per month for Effexor XR to $50. This on top of about $25 per month for Seroquel and and $25 or so for Adderall...
Ain't medications fun?
Good luck and look for the positive!
Tony
> I'm reading everyone's threads for the first time with interest....I took 75 mg for almost a year then started feeling very anxious so I moved up to 150 mg a day. It has been three months on 150 mg and all of a sudden, I am feeling so nervous/anxious. Has anyone experienced this? I'm wondering if I should discuss with my doctor the possibility of increasing yet again. I should say that other than my weight gain (!), this pill has made such a great difference in my life. However, after reading all the posts about coming off them, I must admit to being a little nervous.
Posted by JeremyNY on March 12, 2004, at 19:20:45
In reply to Re: My tapering off update!! » kgirl, posted by PoohBear on March 12, 2004, at 11:12:02
Hi guys/gals. this is my first post here, I've been browsing the site for a while. This is an excellent resource to have on the Internet. Thanks to Dr. Bob for making this available to us.
Tony - My pharmacist told me that if I need to go to 225 mg of Effexor XR (I'm on 150mg right now), I should ask my doctor to write the new prescription as 3x75mg capsules per day. That will still be considered a single prescription (since all pills are the same strength) and only a single co-pay. Ask your pharmacist if this how your insurance operates as well. They should know since they are the ones submitting to your insurance. I really hate to see people spending so much on drugs in this country. It's such a catch-22 in that the companies need the money to do research and create new drugs but it's ashame people have to pay so much money just to stay alive.
Jeremy
Posted by jbird on March 13, 2004, at 13:36:34
In reply to Re: bizarre dreams, drinking on effexor, sweats, posted by Lizzy7711 on March 10, 2004, at 22:24:17
Hi out there.
I've never posted before, but was looking for a site about effexor. I can't tolerate alcohol on effexor and I miss getting a slight buzz on every now and then. I've been taking 150 mg daily for almost a year now. A clueless "diet doctor" recommended I switch from prozac to effexor XR because he said prozac would keep me from losing the extra 25 pounds I wanted to lose. Well, I feel about the same as I did on the prozac but now I've gained ten more pounds, say stupid things after just two glasses of wine and have the occasional hot flash. I didn't dream about the effex causing my weight gain! I'm going to try to get off everything, but don't know how to go about tapering. Thoughts, suggestions anyone....
Posted by Spinxxie on March 13, 2004, at 15:05:47
In reply to Re: drinking and weight gain on effexor, posted by jbird on March 13, 2004, at 13:36:34
Unfortunately, most ani-depressants will cause some weight fluctuation.. as well.. as cravings, so you have to be careful what you eat. It also depends if you have any other medical issues, medications and activity level. I have been on enough of them to say they all are about the same that way.. just my two cents.. good luck Spinxxie
Posted by jbird on March 13, 2004, at 15:30:59
In reply to Re: drinking and weight gain on effexor » jbird, posted by Spinxxie on March 13, 2004, at 15:05:47
thanks spinxxie for your reply. I started on prozac at the end of a long and unhappy marriage and feel that my life is on the upswing now. good luck to you .
Posted by Malka on March 14, 2004, at 3:25:47
In reply to Re: My tapering off update!! » kgirl, posted by PoohBear on March 12, 2004, at 11:12:02
Do anyone know of another drug that works on both serotonin and norepinephrine (SSNRI) like Effexor? I have searched the net but can't seem to find anything. Effexor doesn't seem to agree with me but I've tried SSRIs like Prozac and Seroxat and they stop working very quickly. I need something!!!! Help!!
Posted by E-Lee on March 14, 2004, at 16:10:56
In reply to Re: Alternatives to Effexor XR?, posted by Malka on March 14, 2004, at 3:25:47
> Do anyone know of another drug that works on both serotonin and norepinephrine (SSNRI) like Effexor? I have searched the net but can't seem to find anything. Effexor doesn't seem to agree with me but I've tried SSRIs like Prozac and Seroxat and they stop working very quickly. I need something!!!! Help!!
What about Welbutrin? Have you spoken to your doctor?
Posted by Spinxxie on March 14, 2004, at 18:40:14
In reply to Re: Alternatives to Effexor XR?, posted by E-Lee on March 14, 2004, at 16:10:56
> > Do anyone know of another drug that works on both serotonin and norepinephrine (SSNRI) like Effexor? I have searched the net but can't seem to find anything. Effexor doesn't seem to agree with me but I've tried SSRIs like Prozac and Seroxat and they stop working very quickly. I need something!!!! Help!!
>
> What about Welbutrin? Have you spoken to your doctor?If you have a Dr. who is knowledgeable in psychopharmaceuticals, s/he should be able to help you. If not, find out if you can be referred to a psychiatrist, since that is their speciality. Wellbutrin can react badly with some people, I was on it for a about 2 months - I had anxiety attacks and was a bit bitchy... just keep a look out. best wishes, and be safe,
sincerely,
OO btw, there are other drugs like luvox, zoloft...which usually have a lifespan of 3-4 years.. just a fyi
Spinxxie
Spinxxie
Posted by E-Lee on March 15, 2004, at 6:11:42
In reply to Re: Alternatives to Effexor XR? » E-Lee, posted by Spinxxie on March 14, 2004, at 18:40:14
> > > Do anyone know of another drug that works on both serotonin and norepinephrine (SSNRI) like Effexor? I have searched the net but can't seem to find anything. Effexor doesn't seem to agree with me but I've tried SSRIs like Prozac and Seroxat and they stop working very quickly. I need something!!!! Help!!
> >
> > What about Welbutrin? Have you spoken to your doctor?
>
> If you have a Dr. who is knowledgeable in psychopharmaceuticals, s/he should be able to help you. If not, find out if you can be referred to a psychiatrist, since that is their speciality. Wellbutrin can react badly with some people, I was on it for a about 2 months - I had anxiety attacks and was a bit bitchy... just keep a look out. best wishes, and be safe,
> sincerely,
> OO btw, there are other drugs like luvox, zoloft...which usually have a lifespan of 3-4 years.. just a fyi
> Spinxxie
> Spinxxie
> Unfortunatley, everybody is different and what works with some may not work with others. When I first began treatment I was on Zoloft and I was having major anxiety attacks. I actually thought at times that I was having a heart attack. And where others have said they have gained weight from being on Zoloft - I was losing, which wasn't good considering I was only about 110 lbs as it was. Anyway, the point is that like I said everybody is different and therefore will react differently to different drugs. What were you on before Effexor?
>
Posted by DepNYer on March 15, 2004, at 14:08:07
In reply to Re: Alternatives to Effexor XR?, posted by Malka on March 14, 2004, at 3:25:47
Malka, if you're looking for a drug that affects both pathways as Effexor does, you may want to consider the older TCA's, such as imipramine.
Posted by sira on March 15, 2004, at 19:09:14
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I was recently put on Effexor XR to help with depression. The only problem I have is that even before the effexor I had a problem sleeping and tended to wake up at 12, 2, 4, 6 and 8am. Now I tend to sleep a few hours and then I am up till 6am and then sleep for a couple hours. I do find that when I do sleep I do have amazing dreams when I never use to dream. I take my effexor at 8am any help or suggestion greatly appreciated.
Posted by Minh in Vietnam on March 15, 2004, at 23:34:20
In reply to constant scratching, posted by jacques on March 7, 2004, at 12:19:01
> Has anyone experienced constant scratching on Efexor? My back is torn apart from scratching since I started it.
Reply:I am glad to hear I am not alone! I have taken Effexor (100mg bid) since it was first introduced to the US market. I itched like a mangy ape and had occasional skin eruptions - like a pubescent teenager.
I found relief by taking a Benadryl capsule each evening prior to bedtime.
Consult with your physician. Some of them recommend Allegra. A little $$$, though.
Good luck.
Posted by E-Lee on March 16, 2004, at 0:28:42
In reply to Re: constant scratching, posted by Minh in Vietnam on March 15, 2004, at 23:34:20
> > Has anyone experienced constant scratching on Efexor? My back is torn apart from scratching since I started it.
> Reply:
>
> I am glad to hear I am not alone! I have taken Effexor (100mg bid) since it was first introduced to the US market. I itched like a mangy ape and had occasional skin eruptions - like a pubescent teenager.
>
> I found relief by taking a Benadryl capsule each evening prior to bedtime.
>
> Consult with your physician. Some of them recommend Allegra. A little $$$, though.
>
> Good luck.Wow, that is strange because I too experienced severe itching to the point where I would be up all night scratching like crazy. I really thought it was just dry skin - never even thought it was a side effect of effexor. If it is any consolation though - I have been on effexor since September and my itching has finally subsided about a month ago. Hopefully it is gone for good. So maybe there is a light at the end of the tunnel for you as well. In the meantime, I was using Eucerin moisturizer and that seemed to help a great deal.
Good Luck!
>
>
Posted by muggins on March 16, 2004, at 4:02:12
In reply to Re: bizarre dreams, drinking on effexor, sweats » Skorpius60, posted by PoohBear on March 8, 2004, at 9:40:03
hi there....yes, i have been on 75mg of effexor for about a month and i am also having mega dreams. I usually dream anyway, but now I am dreaming alot and i remember them vividly. i am having difficulty remembering what is a dream and what is not, that is how real they are. in the last week, i have dreamt my dad was J R Ewing, i couldnt find a wet and dry vacuum cleaner (a whole dream), i was a child super star in a black and white scooby doo movie and was part of a hall of fame for scooby doo.....i dont mind.....would rather have weird dreams as a side effect rather than the sex problems......thats why i've changed and still waiting to see...
Posted by muggins on March 16, 2004, at 8:04:48
In reply to Re: bizarre dreams, drinking on effexor, sweats, posted by Skorpius60 on March 8, 2004, at 8:12:38
hi...fogot to mention that drinking on effexor does not seem to work for me......i've only been on it a month....went to an opera/musical on saturday night and fell asleep on my boyfriends shoulder after 2 glasses of wine.....that has never happened on such a small amount of drink. then got accidently drunk after the opera at my local.....luckily i had someone with me to look out for me, but i was surprised and how piddled I was. my mind was totally active and I remember everything, but i could not get my body to co-operate....having a few mates over for supper tonight so this will be another test to see the effects. hopefully I will not be eating couch by 9pm ! cheers
Posted by Spinxxie on March 16, 2004, at 8:25:29
In reply to Re: bizarre dreams, drinking on effexor, sweats, posted by muggins on March 16, 2004, at 8:04:48
I wouldnt recommend drinking whilst on Effexor - I hear the affects can be rather unpleasant. Be careful..at any rate. Started to get wicked hot flashes when the Doc upped it to 150, whoa.. but it is settling down now...but I was thinking, who needs menopause? lol..good luck Spinxxie
Posted by Minh in Vietnam on March 16, 2004, at 9:04:25
In reply to Re: drinking and weight gain on effexor, posted by jbird on March 13, 2004, at 13:36:34
Hello Effexor users-
There are many posts regarding drinking alcohol and taking Effexor.
Q: Why are you taking Effexor?
A: To treat your depression.Q: What is alcohol classified as?
A: A depressant.Q: Why would a depressed person deliberately consume a depressant?
A: Because he/she is either stupid or not serious about getting well.Sorry guys. You can't have your cake and eat it, too. I spent a decade drinking alcohol while taking antidepressants, and I was crazier than a shit-house rat. But once I quit drinking alcohol the medicine was allowed to work, and I got well.
Who would of thought?
Posted by PoohBear on March 16, 2004, at 9:31:47
In reply to Insomnia, posted by sira on March 15, 2004, at 19:09:14
Sira:
I too experienced amazing technicolor dreams when I first started taking Effexor. The dreams were very weird and VIVID. For someone who never really could remember his dreams, it was very disturbing, but it eventually moderated.
As for the insomnia, I never have been able to sleep that well, but I found that with the Effexor, I too was waking up every two hours. That drove me nuts and sent me and my pDoc on a 4 month search for a good sleep med. We tried Lorazopam, Trazodone, Remeron, Seroquel and Topamax. The only things that worked for me were the Lorazopam (habit forming) and Remeron (terrible weight gain...) I'm currently using Seroquel 100mg every night and while it doesn't knock me out, I do manage to sleep through the night, perhaps waking once to use the bathroom rather than 4 times or more.
Talk to your pDoc. Everyone reacts differently to meds so, your mileage may vary... Good luck!
Tony
> I was recently put on Effexor XR to help with depression. The only problem I have is that even before the effexor I had a problem sleeping and tended to wake up at 12, 2, 4, 6 and 8am. Now I tend to sleep a few hours and then I am up till 6am and then sleep for a couple hours. I do find that when I do sleep I do have amazing dreams when I never use to dream. I take my effexor at 8am any help or suggestion greatly appreciated.
Posted by PoohBear on March 16, 2004, at 10:16:07
In reply to Re: drinking and weight gain on effexor » jbird, posted by Minh in Vietnam on March 16, 2004, at 9:04:25
Minh:
I agree completely. For the life of me, I cannot understand why people would want to drink while taking these meds when most pharmacies (here in the U.S. at least...) place an extra label on the bottle that says alcohol is to be avoided.
I have been taking Effexor since this last October. In that time I have had perhaps three small glasses of wine, but feel no real urge to indulge. BTW, I tried a Becks non-alcoholic lager the other day and it was wonderful. Tasted just like the regular Becks lager. Highly recommended.
Tony
> Hello Effexor users-
>
> There are many posts regarding drinking alcohol and taking Effexor.
>
> Q: Why are you taking Effexor?
> A: To treat your depression.
>
> Q: What is alcohol classified as?
> A: A depressant.
>
> Q: Why would a depressed person deliberately consume a depressant?
> A: Because he/she is either stupid or not serious about getting well.
>
> Sorry guys. You can't have your cake and eat it, too. I spent a decade drinking alcohol while taking antidepressants, and I was crazier than a shit-house rat. But once I quit drinking alcohol the medicine was allowed to work, and I got well.
>
> Who would of thought?
>
Posted by heart centered on March 16, 2004, at 12:09:50
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Prescribed effexor for pain relief. (had cervical fusion/shoulder sx-need replacement) At 37mg felt great as far as feeling anxiety/depression about inactive status. Doc's increased to 225mg and wants to go higher for pain relief. After reading your messages petrified. Help?
Posted by Foobee on March 16, 2004, at 14:04:21
In reply to For Pain Relief?, posted by heart centered on March 16, 2004, at 12:09:50
I've never heard of Effexor being used to treat physical pain itself. Why Effexor and not a medication that deals specifically with pain?
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