![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1270 to 1294 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by Craftnkidz on August 7, 2001, at 19:06:34
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by BacktoNormal on May 31, 2001, at 13:52:52
> > Thanks so much for writing- i too am coming off of effexor without much success. I was just diagnosed bi-polar (at 30?) and switched from effexor ( thought maybe it may be induceing some manic eppisodes) onto serzone at 200mg a day. I went down on effexor slowly but continue to have serious dizziness, unable to focus and deep deep depression. I have considered being hospitalized to keep myself and children safe, but find that too demorilizing. I have already missed almost two weeks worth of work, and am in jepordy of losing my job. How do people survive with this kind of depression and withdrawal issues? I will not quit fighting (or so I keep telling myself)
Posted by Bernadette on August 8, 2001, at 0:12:42
In reply to Re: This is scarier than I thought , posted by Noa on April 26, 2000, at 13:21:51
> Jennifer, please don't make your decisions based upon a few people's bad experiences with Effexor XR. Many of us have reacted badly to one or another medication, but done well on others. And the sensationalism of some authors really doesn't help matters at all.
>
> I have been taking Effexor XR for a few years, at 375 mg/day. I take it all in the morning. I think many of the medications have labels warning against operating heavy machinery, etc. The most important thing is to see how it affects YOU. For some people, effexor can make them a bit drowsy. When I first heard this, I laughed because it was hard for me to believe that, given that it is quite activating for me and makes sleep harder. Each of us responds differently. Negative effects for me have been, difficulty falling asleep, and fidgetiness, and possibly some bladder problems. But these are dose related, it seems.
>
> My most important advice about Effexor is to taper up gradually, starting at 37.5 mg/day. That way, the initial side effects will be minimal to nonexistent, hopefully. Same with going off of it, if that comes up. Go slow.
>
> My understanding is that it is not addictive, per se, but does cause withdrawal symptoms, especially if you have been on higher doses for a long while. But it is not addictive in the sense that you will crave more and more of it.
>
> BTW, how has your first day on it been so far? Keep us postedThanks to everyone who has contributed. This is all scary since my state of mind isn't what I'm used to in the first place. I hope everything went okay with Jennifer. I just started my first dose at 37.5 mg of Effexor XR and took it in the evening. It sounds like mornings will be better. I was on Paxil and switched to Celexa on the advice of a friend. I liked it much better, but my depression got worse and now that I've maxed out at 60 mg/day of Celexa, my doc suggested we add Effexor. I'm very nervous about it. Has anyone else taken this combo? My depression is "situational" in a lot of ways and I just need to keep it together for the sake of my young children, my marriage, and to get me through this rough point in my life. Any feedback would be appreciated! I do look forward to a med-free life some day, but in reading all the postings realize that may not be a reality. Thanks for making me not feel alone!
Bernadette
Posted by Marlane on August 8, 2001, at 15:28:06
In reply to Re: Discontinuing Effexor, posted by msaxon on August 6, 2001, at 23:42:09
> > >Has anyone experienced erectile dysfunction after coming off effexor. I am a 33 yr. old man. I'm in good physical condition. I was on effexor for approximately 3-4 months and I could not stand the side effects: sweating and erectile dysfunction (ED) being the two main problems. I quit cold-turkey contrary to the advice of my psychiatrist. I have been off of it for approx 3 months. I have mild-medium depression and can, on most days, make do without the meds. Since my ED has not gotten better, I called my psych. and explained the situation. He immediately handed me a script for Wellbutrin. I can't decide if I should take it or not. I have never had problems of this nature in the past and I am becoming scared that this could be permanent. My psych. even told me that Wellbutrine could up my sex drive. How upsetting that could beto have the drive and no "car". Any info at all would be very appreciated.
> Msax
>
>
>
>
> I would first like to thank everyone for your e-mail responses to my threads. I have read thru most of the Effexor notes and the pattern of experiences that I have read are all basically the same. For those of you who are taking the drug and having success.........fantastic!!! I hope you continue getting and feeling better.
> > >
> > > Many of us have been prescribed this medication to help overcome the debilitating effects of depression and/or anxiety. We all know how we were feeling when we started taking the effexor. I to, started feeling better.....in the beginning. The positive effects of the drug lasted about six months and then what I found, as I look back on it now, was what seemed to be some sort of relapse of the depressive state. This lasted until I started taking a real hard look into the side effects of the drug. Thru your own experiences with effexor and your discussion I now feel confident that I'm not going insane.
> > > I have been off the effexor completely for 5 days but it was months, and I mean months of withdrawal effects before reaching this point. Here's how I did it. I was taking 37.5mg a day which was nothing compared to what some of you are currently taking. Nine months ago I cut that dose in half, literally. I actually broke the pill in half. I stayed at this dose for 2 months. In the beginning I suffered severe side effects. I the middle of the third month, I broke that dose in half. I was down to a qaurter of a pill a day. On a quarter of a pill a day I wasn't having any of the withdrawl effects. I then started spreading out the dosage to a quarter of a pill every other day. Withdrawal effects again became severe. But I was determined to get off this drug. It stayed like this for almost 6 months. The process of getting off the effexor started almost a year ago. I am still having "flashes" of all the side effects. Some so bad that I am forced to lay on my back for hours just to deal with the withdrawl. When this isn't happening I'm up, out and feeling really good. Here's the bad news, I have been in touch with several ex-effexor med patients. One in particular has been off the drug for almost two years. He still has severe flashbacks of the side/withdrawl effects although now occuring with less frequency than they have in the past. He believes through his investigative research that there may be a possiblity that he, as will all of us, will suffer with these effects for the rest of our lives. Almost everyone I have been in contact with feel that the effexor has permenantly and negitvely effected their lives and vow never to use it again.
> > > There are some people on this sight who challenge this, requiring "scientific proof" of this fact.
> > > To you I say, your proof is coming. Effexor has now been on the market long enough for post-trial studies of the side effects of this drug to begin. These preleminary studies are not at all good or positive. Some can be seen and read by going to Pubmed. A case report on the long term neurological effects of effexor as well as all SSRI's can be found at Psychiatry Online.
> > >
> > > I ecourage all of you to look into these studies. I think you will find that the drugs we have been taking create entirely new and equaly debilitating effects that may very well cause that unexplained relapse back into depression. My feeling is that long term use of this drug (1 year or more) creates a vicious cycle of effects, mentally and physically, that do nothing more than worsen what is already a bad situation. The longer you are on this stuff the worse the side effects and withdrawal become. If your on effexor and feeling the "blahs" or that miserable depressed state, get to your doctor. It could be, and most likely is, the effexor.
> >
> > HI I was wandering if you still have depression and anxiety since you quit taking the effexor or are you on something else. Or could the side effects be anxiety and depression from not tahing the pill.Hello All, I have not posted lately, but wanted to update you on my weaning off EffexorXR. The other posts in this thread hit home for me and I wanted to encourage some of you. I have finally come off this drug after being on it for several years. Paxil wasn't working, and I was still depressed and hated the side effects, mostly, the inorgasmia! Do drs. who prescribe these drugs ever take them themselves? Would they, knowing what they do to one's quality of life? My depression is also situational, but they say you need to be in counseling also when taking these, and that I can't afford. I found that I was gaining weight, mostly in my abdomen, and I was depressed anyway. So the dr. said to up the amount, that in turn gave me a terrible rash on my face! I was still very depressed all winter, which was not unfounded by any means. When I researched what would help my serotonin levels, and also asked a biochemist about what to do, I decided to reduce the dosage slowly and supplement with 5-htp, which goes right to the brain and makes serotonin! I have had terrible dizziness, especially whenever I would postpone or miss a dose of the effexor. When I tried to get off this before, I would cry at the drop of a hat! The thing is, on these anti-depressants, one doesn't truly feel emotions, and I was beginning to feel like some kind of Zombie, just going through the motions of life and not moving forward because I was still depressed anyway! What purpose does that serve?? I did have a rough time after weaning off for about 2 months, and I cried through church, and I cried at everything, but it has been healing and cathartic. Having not been able to cry when I should have for several years, I think this was needed. The 5-htp, along with St. John's Wort, has helped tremendously, and I am now totally Effexor free!!! I am deeply concerned that this drug has permanent effects, because I still have no sex drive, and I have extreme difficulty reaching an orgasm. It became progressively worse from Paxil to Effexor, and now that I am off of both, have to wonder, like some of you, are we going to soon be a nation of Zombies, taking elaborate cocktails of psychotropic drugs just to get us through life? What is that going to do to our children? And when is the govt., the FDA, and the public going to tell the huge drug manufacturers that this is enough?!!? They make me sick, how they invade dr. offices, selling their wares, giving out free samples. I have to tell you, my dr. has a closet FULL of samples, and since I haven't any medical, she has been supplying me with Effexor for years! That is wrong! I now take nutritional supplements that are the best made, and I am feeling like myself again! I still have overwhelming difficulties in my life, but I feel better and more in control than I ever did on anti-depressants. I hope to soon stop taking the St. John's Wort also, but I don't want to push it. It has taken 2 months to not get the dizzy spells. Every once in a while I get a twinge, but nothing like it was before! So you all keep trying, and I know you, too can get off these potentially harmful drugs. Take care. Marlane
Posted by Richster on August 10, 2001, at 16:03:44
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have been using Effexor on and off for at least 3 years for depression. I had tried many other meds including Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft and Wellbutrin unsuccessfully. I have tapered myself off at least twice and probably went "cold turkey" at least once. Although I found the withdrawal effects striking (mild to moderate lightheadedness and/or dizziness, very mild headache), actually I considered them an annoyance and they subsided relatively quickly. By the posts on this board I can see that the side effects of use/withdrawal of this (and likely all) drug(s) varies greatly from patient to patient.
I took myself off of Effexor for nearly one year, hoping to be drug-free. However, I decided that my symptoms of depression outweighed any side effects of Effexor I had experienced. In fact, my side effects ON Effexor are almost zero. I should state that on initiating the med, I did experience some mild to moderate sexual dysfunction (including abnormal ejaculation which someone else had mentioned) but which subsided within I would say 2 weeks. I now have no problems with respect to sexual function. The only symptoms that I do experience are if I miss a dose, then after several hours I do begin to experience mild lightheadedness or dizziness. I have never had any sleep-related side effects. Interestingly, one side-effect of Effexor use that I have noticed is significant appetite suppression and/or weight LOSS. Fortunately for me this has not been an issue.
Effexor has really allowed me to cope with my depression and really lessens the "lows". I still absolutely feel like "myself" and have never ever felt like "a zombie" or "unable to feel normal emotions". Without question if I ever felt that way on any medication I would stop.
I decided to post my experiences in the hope of providing some balance in view of the (many!) fear-inducing reports I have read on this board and hopefully to reduce the fears of persons looking for solutions for their depression who may, like me, have tried other medications without success.
Posted by alec on August 11, 2001, at 12:14:20
In reply to Fear Factor?, posted by Richster on August 10, 2001, at 16:03:44
> I have been using Effexor on and off for at least 3 years for depression. I had tried many other meds including Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft and Wellbutrin unsuccessfully. I have tapered myself off at least twice and probably went "cold turkey" at least once. Although I found the withdrawal effects striking (mild to moderate lightheadedness and/or dizziness, very mild headache), actually I considered them an annoyance and they subsided relatively quickly. By the posts on this board I can see that the side effects of use/withdrawal of this (and likely all) drug(s) varies greatly from patient to patient.
>
> I took myself off of Effexor for nearly one year, hoping to be drug-free. However, I decided that my symptoms of depression outweighed any side effects of Effexor I had experienced. In fact, my side effects ON Effexor are almost zero. I should state that on initiating the med, I did experience some mild to moderate sexual dysfunction (including abnormal ejaculation which someone else had mentioned) but which subsided within I would say 2 weeks. I now have no problems with respect to sexual function. The only symptoms that I do experience are if I miss a dose, then after several hours I do begin to experience mild lightheadedness or dizziness. I have never had any sleep-related side effects. Interestingly, one side-effect of Effexor use that I have noticed is significant appetite suppression and/or weight LOSS. Fortunately for me this has not been an issue.
>
> Effexor has really allowed me to cope with my depression and really lessens the "lows". I still absolutely feel like "myself" and have never ever felt like "a zombie" or "unable to feel normal emotions". Without question if I ever felt that way on any medication I would stop.
>
> I decided to post my experiences in the hope of providing some balance in view of the (many!) fear-inducing reports I have read on this board and hopefully to reduce the fears of persons looking for solutions for their depression who may, like me, have tried other medications without success.
Thanks for that post! I have types 2,3,& 5 adult ADD. I have been on effexor XR 10 days now. Day1 37.5 mg, day2, 75mg , day3, 112.5mg, and since then 150mg per day. Within 8 hours my anxiety and depressive tendancies were gone! It was amazing. I have never had the ability to experience life without the ever present anxiety, anxiousness, and depression (not all at the same time)that influenced my every thought and action. My side effects so far are the following. Dry mouth, supressed apetite,sweating easier than usual,and sexual disfunction as described by all you other guys. Also I had been sleepy during the day but at night I have never slept better.I felt somewhat numb and cloudy and had a long visit with my doctor two days ago. He is a specialist in Behavioral Disorders and the first thing I told him was "Please don't let me go back to the way I was".We spoke at length about my first week on this stuff, side effects etc. My doctor wants me to stay with 150mg effexor XR every morning and asked me to start taking Wellbutrin SR 100mg. once in the morning and once late in the day if I think I need it. He told me that it should relieve me of that cloudy-foggy feeling and should help the sexual disfunction.This is my third day with the Wellbutrin and it seemed to start working the first day.Yesterday I was a little disoriented when driving and don't know why but maybe the new medication had a little to do with it.I really am feeling a lot clearer today and I think I am getting back my get up and go.There are certain aspects of my behavior that I think will have to be RE-Learned,For example,My motivation or drive to get things done,(including exercise)was always initiated by what I think was an abnormal anxioness or worry that I have to get this thing done (hope this makes sense).I seem to have lost my drive to get things done because those feelings that drove me have all but disapeared. I feel different than I have ever felt in my life, I feel good pretty much all the time and think I may be able to be like some people I have admired for their ability to take life "With a grain of salt" and not let the "small stuff get to them" I think I will have to find a more "normal" motivation to get things done like maybe "I like doing it ", now there is a novel idea! any way I need to fill all of you on what is going on with me and my course of treatment. I for one am very grateful to my doctor and the drug companies that make this stuff. I am sorry about the people that have had all those nasty side effects and want to run out and get a lawyer but it works for me, hope it lasts....any questions,comments ?.....Alec
Posted by Bobsher on August 12, 2001, at 7:01:28
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
my wife has been on various depression medications
but Effexor XR has produced the best results.She
now has her life back after 4 years of searching
for the right medication.
Posted by Bobsher on August 12, 2001, at 7:02:56
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
my wife has been on various depression medications
but Effexor XR has produced the best results.She
now has her life back after 4 years of searching
for the right medication.
Posted by Nwysca on August 15, 2001, at 9:51:39
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Bobsher on August 12, 2001, at 7:02:56
Does anyone here take Effexor XR for PTSD? Does anyone know it it is effective in helping with PTSD??
Posted by Iris on August 15, 2001, at 21:58:23
In reply to Effexor and PTSD, posted by Nwysca on August 15, 2001, at 9:51:39
Hi,I've been taking Effeor XR -75mg- for about four months now and decided to quit. I took my last pill five days go and other then feeling a little lightheaded I'm fine.Does that mean I'm one of the lucky ones or could I still get some of those awful withdrawal symptoms? Anyone out there who quit cold turkey also and haven't had any withdrawal symptoms? Iris
Posted by ksc on August 16, 2001, at 11:33:37
In reply to Fear Factor?, posted by Richster on August 10, 2001, at 16:03:44
I am someone who has never been very good about taking my medications properly (i.e. not at the same time every day, and sometimes missing my doses all together. I am also one who had all the nasty side affects with Effexor XR.
My question is: How many people who had side affects on the drug took their pills on a regular basis (same time every day, not missing a dose)? And how many people DID miss doses but did NOT have side affects?
I'm just curious to see if not taking the meds on a consistant basis might be what's causing the problems.
KSC
Posted by jotho on August 16, 2001, at 12:02:23
In reply to A little survey, posted by ksc on August 16, 2001, at 11:33:37
I would say, over the course of 6-7 months, I missed maybe two or three doses. I had no noticable side-effects when i missed a dose. I always took effexor in the a.m. and the time probably varied 2-3 hours on occassion, but not too frequently. It took me approximately two months to get through withdrawal after slowly weaning off, symptoms being: leg twitching and jerking in p.m., itchiness all over the body (usually in p.m. also) clenching teeth, inability to fall asleep without other meds., and worst of all, the whooshing, low-voltage electrical feeling in my head...that was the last symptom to leave.
Posted by Nwysca on August 16, 2001, at 12:32:54
In reply to A little survey, posted by ksc on August 16, 2001, at 11:33:37
> I am someone who has never been very good about taking my medications properly (i.e. not at the same time every day, and sometimes missing my doses all together. I am also one who had all the nasty side affects with Effexor XR.
> My question is: How many people who had side affects on the drug took their pills on a regular basis (same time every day, not missing a dose)? And how many people DID miss doses but did NOT have side affects? > >
>
> I'm just curious to see if not taking the meds on a consistant basis might be what's causing the problems.
>
> KSC
I just started effexor xr a few weeks ago and I take it at exactly the same time every day. (within 15 minutes) The side effects I am experiencing are: drowsiness, constipation, nausea, dry mouth. I got over the nausea after the second week but the rest of the side effects are still here. They aren't too bad except the goddamn drowsiness! I could literally sleep all day, and actually I have been on the weekends!
Nwysca
Posted by Bobsher on August 16, 2001, at 13:01:38
In reply to Re: A little survey, posted by Nwysca on August 16, 2001, at 12:32:54
To the best of my knowledge,Effexor dosage has
to be maintained on a regular basis.If not,the
body starts to with withdraw when a dose is missed.
This causes ups and downs.
Posted by Richster on August 16, 2001, at 19:15:30
In reply to Re: A little survey » ksc, posted by jotho on August 16, 2001, at 12:02:23
Wow, I could never quite describe the feeling but Jotho, your description of "whooshing, low-voltage electrical feeling in my head" describes it pretty much to the tee! It's a strange feeling, and I get it if I miss a dose or forget it for more than a couple of hours.
Posted by jotho on August 16, 2001, at 23:11:04
In reply to Re: A little survey » jotho, posted by Richster on August 16, 2001, at 19:15:30
Yeah...really an odd sensation...and the one that used to freak me out the most. Difficult to describe, but when you have it, man it is eerie! Weird though, instead of the intensity decreasing in time, it was the frequency that changed, meaning, i'd still get that feeling..just as intense, but it happened less and less frequently till finally, after about 8 weeks, it stopped altogether.
....jotho
Posted by Emme on August 17, 2001, at 7:29:01
In reply to A little survey, posted by ksc on August 16, 2001, at 11:33:37
Hi. I think it's pretty common to miss a dose once in a while, especially if your schedule is disrupted. I know I do, although I'm really very compliant and missing doses is unusual for me. I was nicely compliant on Effexor but did ultimately quit because of the side effects. BUT, in with the side effects I had some beneficial effects and those glimpses of improved mood were good, and a nice reminder of what I might feel like with the right meds. Lots of people have had bad experiences with Effexor, but I also know it's a great drug for other people. If you try taking it regularly, have waited long enough to see if the side effects die down, and still don't feel well on it, then it's not right for you. Taper of REALLY slowly, and get back to your doctor to work out a new game plan. Good luck and don't give up hope.
Emme> I am someone who has never been very good about taking my medications properly (i.e. not at the same time every day, and sometimes missing my doses all together. I am also one who had all the nasty side affects with Effexor XR.
>
> My question is: How many people who had side affects on the drug took their pills on a regular basis (same time every day, not missing a dose)? And how many people DID miss doses but did NOT have side affects?
>
> I'm just curious to see if not taking the meds on a consistant basis might be what's causing the problems.
>
> KSC
Posted by nwysca on August 17, 2001, at 8:22:29
In reply to Re: A little survey, posted by Emme on August 17, 2001, at 7:29:01
Hi,
How do you know when you should stop taking effexor? Or do you need it for life?
nwysca
Posted by mila on August 17, 2001, at 13:18:34
In reply to How Long?, posted by nwysca on August 17, 2001, at 8:22:29
hi,
my doctor told me 6 months after full remission, which altogether means about a year on medication. after that stop and see what happens. I did just that, and after emotionally and physically bumpy withdrawal phase which lasted about 2 months I am alright. I've been off medication for 4 months now and feel normal.
mila
Posted by triedit on August 18, 2001, at 22:25:22
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Cam W. on April 12, 2000, at 19:27:33
Hi All-- Here is my story. In 1987 I was diagnosed bipolar and put on Lithium and Xanax. Lithium is a salt, NOT a narcotic, by the way. Anyway, it crystalized in my gall bladder and I had to have surgery. A few years later I divorced my alcoholic abusive husband and voila! No more anxiety, depression, or mania. I credit psychotherapy.
Four years later I had a bout of real chemical depression. My (new) doctor put me on prozac and I felt amazing. I quit smoking, lost 100 pounds (which I desperately needed to do) and it was amazing. Until I realized the prozac was causing anorexia and that is why I was losing the weight. The doc took me off the prozac and I did well on nothing at all for about 3 years. Again, I credit the therapy because I learned what depression is and what the warning signs are and what I can do.
Then I injured my back and the doctor put me on Morphine or something (I dont even remember what, but it knocked me WAY out for a LONG time) and when I finally convinced the Workers Compensation folks I needed another doctor, the new doc put me of Vioxx and Xanax and Paxil. Yep all at once. I had to have the vioxx to get out of bed. I took the xanax for about a week then stopped it. About three weeks later I forgot my dose of Paxil. I ended up in the ER needing CT scans because I had no short-term memory whatsoever. My fiance was terrified. I knew who he was and where we were but I couldnt even remember the drive to the hospital. Needless to say I never took another dose.
Last month one of our dear friends, starting his third week of Paxil, suddenly pulled his car off the road and jumped off a highway bridge, killing himself.
I had a baby in February and the post-partum depression really was tough. But because I knew what it was, I survived. Well Im now tired of just surviving. I know what feeling 'right' feels like and this isnt it. So yesterday I started the Effexor XR. Already I'm tired and weak, but I know that psych meds will pretty much all do that for awhile. So I will stick to it because I don't want to feel grouchy and anxious and scared all the time.SOooooo...In My Humble Opion....
Don't take any psych meds without first going to therapy UNLESS you are in a dangerous place (wanting to hurt yourself or others)
Don't start or stop or alter doses AT ALL without talking to your doctor.
Don't take anything--I mean not even advil--without talking to at least your pharmacist about interaction.
Don't give up
Don't blame anyone or anything--just get what you need for you and grow
Don't let yourself feel inadequate or stupid or ugly or whatever because you have to take drugs. Diabetic need drugs and depression is a chemical problem too!Ok that's all for me.
Robin
Posted by ksc on August 20, 2001, at 7:25:23
In reply to Re: How Long?, posted by mila on August 17, 2001, at 13:18:34
My doc told me that I needed to give it a full year long commitment (in combination with counseling). Unfortunately I had to stop after about 8 months because the side affects were too much for me. I spent about a month wiening myself down from a 112.5mg dosage. That was about a month ago, and I'm now starting to feel a lot better, as long as I get enough rest. I had to use a sleep aid for a while, because my body was having serious trouble with the dreams, but a few weeks of sleep aids allowed my body time to catch up. I'm now off the sleep aids and can sleep through "most" of the night. I'm thinking another month or so, and I should be right as rain.
ksc.
Posted by nwysca on August 21, 2001, at 5:04:29
In reply to Re: How Long?, posted by ksc on August 20, 2001, at 7:25:23
Hi everyone!Is it true that if you drink more than 2 beers a week, Effexor loses its effectiveness?
What about caffeine? weed? sugar? Anything?!?!
Hope someone can help,
nwysca
Posted by Marie on August 21, 2001, at 21:21:42
In reply to Re: Fear Factor? » Richster, posted by alec on August 11, 2001, at 12:14:20
> > I have been using Effexor on and off for at least 3 years for depression. I had tried many other meds including Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft and Wellbutrin unsuccessfully. I have tapered myself off at least twice and probably went "cold turkey" at least once. Although I found the withdrawal effects striking (mild to moderate lightheadedness and/or dizziness, very mild headache), actually I considered them an annoyance and they subsided relatively quickly. By the posts on this board I can see that the side effects of use/withdrawal of this (and likely all) drug(s) varies greatly from patient to patient.
> >
> > I took myself off of Effexor for nearly one year, hoping to be drug-free. However, I decided that my symptoms of depression outweighed any side effects of Effexor I had experienced. In fact, my side effects ON Effexor are almost zero. I should state that on initiating the med, I did experience some mild to moderate sexual dysfunction (including abnormal ejaculation which someone else had mentioned) but which subsided within I would say 2 weeks. I now have no problems with respect to sexual function. The only symptoms that I do experience are if I miss a dose, then after several hours I do begin to experience mild lightheadedness or dizziness. I have never had any sleep-related side effects. Interestingly, one side-effect of Effexor use that I have noticed is significant appetite suppression and/or weight LOSS. Fortunately for me this has not been an issue.
> >
> > Effexor has really allowed me to cope with my depression and really lessens the "lows". I still absolutely feel like "myself" and have never ever felt like "a zombie" or "unable to feel normal emotions". Without question if I ever felt that way on any medication I would stop.
> >
> > I decided to post my experiences in the hope of providing some balance in view of the (many!) fear-inducing reports I have read on this board and hopefully to reduce the fears of persons looking for solutions for their depression who may, like me, have tried other medications without success.
> Thanks for that post! I have types 2,3,& 5 adult ADD. I have been on effexor XR 10 days now. Day1 37.5 mg, day2, 75mg , day3, 112.5mg, and since then 150mg per day. Within 8 hours my anxiety and depressive tendancies were gone! It was amazing. I have never had the ability to experience life without the ever present anxiety, anxiousness, and depression (not all at the same time)that influenced my every thought and action. My side effects so far are the following. Dry mouth, supressed apetite,sweating easier than usual,and sexual disfunction as described by all you other guys. Also I had been sleepy during the day but at night I have never slept better.I felt somewhat numb and cloudy and had a long visit with my doctor two days ago. He is a specialist in Behavioral Disorders and the first thing I told him was "Please don't let me go back to the way I was".We spoke at length about my first week on this stuff, side effects etc. My doctor wants me to stay with 150mg effexor XR every morning and asked me to start taking Wellbutrin SR 100mg. once in the morning and once late in the day if I think I need it. He told me that it should relieve me of that cloudy-foggy feeling and should help the sexual disfunction.This is my third day with the Wellbutrin and it seemed to start working the first day.Yesterday I was a little disoriented when driving and don't know why but maybe the new medication had a little to do with it.I really am feeling a lot clearer today and I think I am getting back my get up and go.There are certain aspects of my behavior that I think will have to be RE-Learned,For example,My motivation or drive to get things done,(including exercise)was always initiated by what I think was an abnormal anxioness or worry that I have to get this thing done (hope this makes sense).I seem to have lost my drive to get things done because those feelings that drove me have all but disapeared. I feel different than I have ever felt in my life, I feel good pretty much all the time and think I may be able to be like some people I have admired for their ability to take life "With a grain of salt" and not let the "small stuff get to them" I think I will have to find a more "normal" motivation to get things done like maybe "I like doing it ", now there is a novel idea! any way I need to fill all of you on what is going on with me and my course of treatment. I for one am very grateful to my doctor and the drug companies that make this stuff. I am sorry about the people that have had all those nasty side effects and want to run out and get a lawyer but it works for me, hope it lasts....any questions,comments ?.....AlecHi...I started taking effexor XR 150mg 3weeks ago for major depression. I tried celexa for 2 weeks and had nose bleeds with severe migraines, couldn't do that one, migraines are a problem for me as well as seizures (topamax 200mg daily). When I began taking the celexa it wasn't for depression it was to help with the migraines/seizures (bad idea)in the mean time I didn't realize I was depressed and me and my life were out of control. I was in therapy but still not really seeing what was wrong until I hit my emotional bottom. My therapist referred me to a outpatient hospital I began seeing a psychiatrist, he started me on effexor XR 150 mg and I have told you all this to let you know that because of effexor XR...I have my life back, I am now playing with my children again, I haven't screamed, yelled, cussed or fussed in the weeks that I have been taking effexor XR...I have not thrown a temper tantrum like a 3 year old and I'm 36 years old. I was way out of control and I for one am very grateful for this medication I've read so many of these threads from as far back as 1999 since yesterday (8/20/2001) only because I just happened to inquire about effexor and this site came up...I am more informed, however, no one has convinced me to stop taking effexor XR. I have experienced several of the side effects, dry mouth, vivid dreams, sleepy during the day and insomnia at night...but to be able to play with my kids, for them not to be afraid I'm going to explode at the slightest thing or at nothing at all, to be able to smile/laugh again, to just have my life back...those side effects are bearable. Effexor XR makes my life worth living!
Posted by jml on August 22, 2001, at 15:06:54
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I've had pretty good luck on Effexor. I started taking it a year ago for
moderate depression with symptoms including crying spells, no
appetite, and feelings of hopelessness. I had some somewhat distressing
side effects during the first two to three weeks on the medication (37.5
mg per day for one week and then to 75 mg per day). The side effects
included insomnia, drowsiness during the day, and hearing a buzzing noise
in my head. These side effects went away, except for the drowsiness,
which I continued to experience to some extent. I went up to 150 mg/day
(taken in the morning) after about 5 months of being on Effexor due to
some of my symptoms coming back (although they were less severe than
before I began Effexor). I decided in May of this year that I wanted to
see if I still needed to be on an antidepressant. My doctor advised me
about how best to discontinue my use of Effexor. I decreased my dosage very gradually and
also took 10 mg of Prozac while I was decreasing my Effexor dose. I didn't experience very
many side effects while I was decreasing my dosage (some slight nausea),
but I did find that I didn't feel very well for about a week after I took
my last dose. I felt kind of nauseous and tired and a
little bit dizzy at times. I was able to go to work and get done what I
needed to despite these withdrawal symptoms. I was off of the medication
for about 2 months when I started to get the symptoms back in full force.
I really believe this is due to my chemical make-up (and family history of
depression) rather than to getting off of Effexor. I decided to go back
on Effexor. I began taking 37.5 mg again and worked up to 150 mg. I
think at this time I just need an antidepressant, although I do hope that
at some point I will be able to go off of the medication again. Overall,
I would recommend Effexor since I have found it extremely helpful for
depression symptoms, and I have not been bothered by the side effects or
the withdrawal symptoms.
> Hi there,
>
> Anyone care to comment on the use of Effexor? Anyone
> "happy" with it? I have tried Prozac (too much anxiety),
> Serzone (too sedating). I am currently on Buspar for anxiety.
>
> Been reading many different reports... Effexor seems
> to have a lot of success...
>
> please share your thoughts on this.
Posted by Kristie on August 22, 2001, at 15:22:39
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jml on August 22, 2001, at 15:06:54
I just got off of Effexor XR 75 mgs after about a year and it really helped me alot. Today is my first day off and I feel like crap! My head feels really heavy and I can't think straight. I will never again try an anti-depressent/anti-anxiety for my problems. I cannot stand the side effects from withdrawal. But then again some people need medicine to help them; my depression and anxiety wasn't as bad as some people have. If at all possible I would recommend other alternatives instead of medicine to help deal with depression just because they are very easy to become dependent upon. If someone knows of something to help me deal with these withdrawal symptoms please let me know. Thanks!
> I've had pretty good luck on Effexor. I started taking it a year ago for
> moderate depression with symptoms including crying spells, no
> appetite, and feelings of hopelessness. I had some somewhat distressing
> side effects during the first two to three weeks on the medication (37.5
> mg per day for one week and then to 75 mg per day). The side effects
> included insomnia, drowsiness during the day, and hearing a buzzing noise
> in my head. These side effects went away, except for the drowsiness,
> which I continued to experience to some extent. I went up to 150 mg/day
> (taken in the morning) after about 5 months of being on Effexor due to
> some of my symptoms coming back (although they were less severe than
> before I began Effexor). I decided in May of this year that I wanted to
> see if I still needed to be on an antidepressant. My doctor advised me
> about how best to discontinue my use of Effexor. I decreased my dosage very gradually and
> also took 10 mg of Prozac while I was decreasing my Effexor dose. I didn't experience very
> many side effects while I was decreasing my dosage (some slight nausea),
> but I did find that I didn't feel very well for about a week after I took
> my last dose. I felt kind of nauseous and tired and a
> little bit dizzy at times. I was able to go to work and get done what I
> needed to despite these withdrawal symptoms. I was off of the medication
> for about 2 months when I started to get the symptoms back in full force.
> I really believe this is due to my chemical make-up (and family history of
> depression) rather than to getting off of Effexor. I decided to go back
> on Effexor. I began taking 37.5 mg again and worked up to 150 mg. I
> think at this time I just need an antidepressant, although I do hope that
> at some point I will be able to go off of the medication again. Overall,
> I would recommend Effexor since I have found it extremely helpful for
> depression symptoms, and I have not been bothered by the side effects or
> the withdrawal symptoms.
>
>
> > Hi there,
> >
> > Anyone care to comment on the use of Effexor? Anyone
> > "happy" with it? I have tried Prozac (too much anxiety),
> > Serzone (too sedating). I am currently on Buspar for anxiety.
> >
> > Been reading many different reports... Effexor seems
> > to have a lot of success...
> >
> > please share your thoughts on this.
Posted by DGHIFI on August 22, 2001, at 22:52:05
In reply to Foods/Alcohol/Weed Depression, posted by nwysca on August 21, 2001, at 5:04:29
>
> Hi everyone!
>
> Is it true that if you drink more than 2 beers a week, Effexor loses its effectiveness?
>
> What about caffeine? weed? sugar? Anything?!?!
>
> Hope someone can help,
>
> nwysca
Been on EFXR for a few months now, a 'sub-thereputic' 37.5 is doing the trick for me. I'm a big fan but I am aware that, for me, I have to watch my partying. I just don't enjoy getting real wasted like before. I have a couple of theories; first, as my depression has lifted, I just don't feel the need to numb myself out like I used to. I also do think the EFXR has an interaction effect like the often-mentioned caffiene sensitivity (switching to 25% decaf in the mix took care of that problem)and I feel really crappy the next day of I over-indulge. I have just about never drank to the excess of being hung-over (well, maybe a few times back in college 25 years ago!)but if I drink more than a couple of glasses of wine I'll feel a bit crummy the next day. Mix it with a joint and it's not so good. I guess moderation is best for me; I'm trying to see if sticking to only smoking or only drinking in any given evening is easier on me. Remember that alcohol is a depressent so it stands to reason that if we're all trying to rid ourselves of mental depression we should try and avoid ingesting depressing alcohol.
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