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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by gare on May 14, 2002, at 15:00:23
In reply to Gare, no sexual s.- effects ?, posted by Butterfly on May 14, 2002, at 14:48:46
I think there is a transition phase for everyone that may involve different things. I certainly never lost my desire to want to have sex but I was affected in what could be taken as a positive thing.
I use to yawn and just felt that I had an orgasm. Now it only happens in the evening. When I yawn, I don't think of sex and I am not "hard" per se. So that was the awesome thing about taking it at the beginning - yawning and feeling as if I had just come.
During my zombie phase, I did find it much more time consuming to have an orgasm on my own (my partner is overseas and thus I haven't had a chance to really try sex with my baby). Time of day didn't matter, whether it be morning, noon, or night. I had to spend about twenty to thirty minutes to achieve the same effect that spending seven to ten before. And this wasn't good especially if I expected to have an orgasm before hitting the shower in the morning to go to work. It was either that or breakfast!
But now, I am back to normal during the afternoon to night. In other words, I don't have a delay response any longer in the evening, but if I chose to have an orgasm in the morning, I must have some time to do it.
So I don't see this as a problem with Effexor XR.
When I was on regular Effexor, I couldn't come and I didn't even think about sex. So it's odd that there is a difference in taking the XR and regular version for me.
I am happy to report that my libido is in tact, I can please myself and I can't wait to please my partner without worrying if I will take longer.
Sex just isn't about the orgasm in the end.
Gare
Posted by renelso1 on May 14, 2002, at 15:10:03
In reply to Re: Gare, no sexual s.- effects ?, posted by gare on May 14, 2002, at 15:00:23
gare, you are so inspiring. i'm in my third week of exfexxor XR and want to start adjusting when i take it. I'm currently taking it around 8 or 9 at night but right around NOW (3pm) i want to crash. yesterday this lasted until about 7 when i got my second wind. so now my question is, which way should i adjust? earlier in the day, or later?
Posted by gare on May 14, 2002, at 15:26:40
In reply to time of day, posted by renelso1 on May 14, 2002, at 15:10:03
hi
my experience of the zombie phase:
i am not necessarily sleepy or tired but i am ready to go to bed and close my eyes and sleep, even if i desire to be outside rollerblading, being a couch potato, or writing a nove.during my week 3 through 8, i was constantly in bed as soon as I got home from work, through the weekend, and I would wake up refreshed and ready to go to work by 8 am.
so i don't know if you are experiencing getting sleepy in that sense or just that we have no other way to describe a zombie phase - you still want to do things but for some reason just can't and really don't care much that you're not but hope that you won't be in zombie phase forever.
the only concern my therapist had in moving my time from 6 pm to early morning was that I would get sleepy during the day. so that is why I guess you have to move the dosage time little by little - also another reason is that if you move it in big time increments, then you sort of distrurb the drug and how it is making friends with your synaptic vessicles and other neurochemical transmitters.
i don't know what dosage you are up to many other things that would come into play as to what time would be best for you. but as i said, perhaps you too are going thru a zombie phase in your own way and that eventually it does cease.
i would say hang in there for another week or so and know that it is an adjustment.
talk with your prescribing physician and address your concerns. discuss the possibility of chaning the time until you find yourself with a time that works for you.
also, i am not sure if you experienced an immediate effect when you started taking Effexor XR that you may be able to tell if the time you changed the dosage is better or worse immediately.
for example, I feel Effexor XR (as well as Effexor) the first day I took them - the orgasmic sensation upon yawning - so the day I switched from 6 pm to 2 pm, I noticed that same evening, I was able to sleep and the next day function swell
so I didn't bother to continue to change the time.Don't be afraid to be a zombie, as many people have experienced this and it's not great because no one ever told you may be going through that. but it does end, and perhaps adjusting your time of dosage will be beneficial.....
gare
Posted by gare on May 14, 2002, at 15:36:14
In reply to Getting off, posted by Butterfly on May 11, 2002, at 11:12:59
in particular to butterly first...
oddly enough, i too believe that i am affected by the winter so that is how I was introduced to Effexor, but my other complaint was constant worrying - perhaps to the point of being an obsessive worrier.i was on regular effexor for winter 2000 and that was for a period of 4 months.
i loved being on it to the extent that yes, for me too, my sexual desires and functioning was no longer my own that that contributed to my getting off the drug.
i stopped cold - not gradually. funny that you mention the shock like effects as those for me lasted about three months. it's like all of a sudden you feel that you put your hand in the electrical socket and "jolt"! this would occur about three times a day for three months. the other side effect i had after terminating my first honeymoon with Effexor was horrible, vivid nightmares. luckily, this lasted only a few weeks. all i can say is that i have more scary things in my dream than the movie, "naked lunch"
why am i back on effexor, and this time effexor XR?
because I had the best winter of my life....i wasn't depressed and i certainly enjoyed being with my family more than ever.
I came back to Effexor and was given Effexor XR, so this addresses the original email, that at least from my experience, there is a difference.
I did have more of an intense adjustment period with Effexor XR but now everything feels fine. No more worries that haunt me in the morning or at night and I can be that happy little boy I had wanted to be.
I can't tell you why there is a difference in effect, but it must have something to do with the time release formulation vs. just having it all in your system at one time or several times a day.
Posted by kpo2002 on May 14, 2002, at 15:37:57
In reply to Re: Gare, no sexual s.- effects ?, posted by gare on May 14, 2002, at 15:00:23
Hi. I was on Lithim for 6 years for misdiagnosed manic depression. I was just plain unhappy. I never had any bad side effects from it, except that it kept me depressed. Lithium usually is only very effective against the "highs". I was unable to cry even when I wanted to. I was able to hold back tears during most stressful events when I normally wouldn't have been able to. oh yeah--you have to have blood-work done regularly too. Every 4 months after you've been on it awhile.
Posted by kpo2002 on May 14, 2002, at 15:58:44
In reply to Re: Gare, no sexual s.- effects ?, posted by gare on May 14, 2002, at 15:00:23
I have been on Effexor Xr 37.5 for 7 weeks and I like it. I am suffering from Neuropathic Pain and am on many other meds. The first 4 weeks were great. I got immense pain relief and had an energy burst for a few hours every day. (I was also high as a kite during the energy bursts so I guess you could say I was in a good mood!) Also I was not very hungry during the day and I lost 5 lbs. in a month. Sadly, after one month I am only getting 20% of the original pain relief, no energy bursts, no party-mode, and I gained back the 5 lbs. that I had lost. (I am on Remeron and gained 40 lbs. 2 years ago.) However, I do not desire sweet things very much with the exception of my beloved Pepsi. After the first 4 frenetic weeks a calm set in. I love to swim and I swim almost every day. The Effexor hasn't impaired my ability to exercise--if anything it has enhanced it because of the pain relief.
Posted by Sherrie on May 14, 2002, at 20:55:03
In reply to Re: Please help!, posted by gare on May 14, 2002, at 14:40:26
> As with anything - promotions, getting fit, getting happy, working thru your relationships, even taking any medication takes time.
>
> I think Effexor XR is great for me. I have been on it since March 8 and had a couple of problems with sleep - about weeks 3 through 8, I turned into a functioning zombie and then thereafter I couldn't sleep at all!
>
> I was taking Effexor XR, 150 mg starting week 3, which I attribute to making me zombie like. My time of dosage was at 6 pm.
>
> After not being able to sleep, my psychiatrist thought it best to take it in the morning but she recommended to switch the time slowly from 6pm to 2 pm then to 12 pm then to 9 am and then to first thing in the morning.
>
> Well on the first move to 2 pm, I slept like a baby and functioned fine the next day that I decided to keep it at 2 pm until it needed to be moved again.
>
> I am pleased to say that my body best works well with Effexor XR at 150 mg by taking it at 2pm.
>
> So I am proof that the drug can work without side effects if you find the right dosage and time for you, as we are all different.
>
> I suggest being a little bit patient and also to do your part in working through whatever issues may be present that brought you to Effexor's door in the first place.....Effexor certainly won't solve those but the feelings that are produced by your own brain chemical factory.
>
> It's been about 2 months and 2 weeks and I love my life.
>
> Also don't think that taking more Effexor may work faster or that a dosage of 150 mg won't work. I am a tall boy, 5'11'' and weigh 195 pounds so it's not like I need 375 mgs either.
>
> If you want to succeed, you will.
I have been working on my issues for the past 35 years and Effexor is far from being my first anti-depressant. Also, I certainly don't think taking more Effexor will make it work faster. That doesn't make sense. I don't control the dosage amounts; I leave that up to my doctor. The reason I don't think it will work is because of the headaches, dizziness and stomach distress it's causing, which keeps getting worse as the dosage is increased. Also, it's not a matter of whether I want it to work or not. I wouldn't have taken it in the first place if I didn't want it to work. So please don't tell me if I want to succeed, I will! Evidently, you don't know what you're talking about when it comes to chronic depression and/or other psychiatric disorders. Sherrie
Posted by supergirl on May 14, 2002, at 22:19:59
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by GwenDee on May 10, 2002, at 19:33:16
I've been reduced to 75 mg for almost a week now, I am just getting back my coordination, getting over sickness, shocks, the works, but I also calmed down almost immediately as soon as i dropped to 75. I want off, but my body still hasn't adjusted to half of my usual dose.
My doctor had me go to a consultation with a counselor and basically what we found out is that my depo shot, which I took for the first time at the end of April, along with the Effexor already causing me to be a little manic just completely tripped me up. This is a warning to any women out there on or thinking about birth control and taking effexor. the normal pill I dealt with just fine, but the combo of Effexor with the depo shot made me rage so bad that I could not go anywhere or talk to anyone without blowing up at them. Good thing I live alone otherwise I would be now anyways.
But things are better and I am able to go back to work tomorrow as long as withdrawal symptoms are down. I hope no one else has to go through what I did, I am a really nice person! I would never scream at anyone like I was.supergirl
Posted by supergirl on May 14, 2002, at 22:38:25
In reply to Side effects started day 2 and 3, posted by SandraDee on May 11, 2002, at 10:46:47
> Well yesterday I posted stating no side effects yet, and that evening they started. Not just tingling electric signals to my face, but arms as well. It doesn't hurt, it's sort of like a minor shock (like when you touch someone). Also noticing major dry mouth - trying to increase my water intake lots. Not much of a water drinker anyhow. Still only day 3 now (37.5 mg)... no nausea, and cheerios on the floor (from my kids) don't look like boulders. Sort of worried about going up in dose when I already am feeling better. Especially after hearing all the other comments about side effects and withdrawls coming off of it. Is Effexor XR really so different from plain old Effexor?
My mother always taught me if you don't feel good, take something for it, but if you feel good now, that might be all you need. All you can do is wait and see, it is still early yet, but if it helps you get your mind together, its worth the pain to get off of it.
I had to take Effexor SR for a month when the doctor's office screwed up my Rx and I didn't realize it until it was time to take it. I couldn't afford, nor did I have the time to fix it, so I continued without the extended release. The whole month I experienced withdrawal effects that would start about 5 hours until it was time to take it again. That went away once I got back on the extended, but it didn't work the same afterwards and now I need to get off of itsupergirl
Posted by supergirl on May 14, 2002, at 22:57:06
In reply to Re: Please help!!, posted by shannon331987 on May 12, 2002, at 21:17:01
> hi my name is shannon and im 15 years old. i am just getting off 375 mg a day of effexor after about 3 months of it not working at all. my doctor told me nothing about withdrawal, so i had to find out by my self. well what i was wondering was since effexor is approved for adults only has anyone seen it used in people under 18 before?? please help i am very worried
From what i have read, they have NOT studied Effexor on people under 18 and therefore suggest not giving it to anyone under 18. It's too rough of a drug. They also don't say anything about the withdrawal, all the proffesionals I've seen had not heard of it and it says nothing on the Effexor information about withdrawals. All it says is to ease on and off of it.Effexor has not been around long and the people that make it do not have enough information about it and the doctors out there know even less... That is the danger of taking a drug like Effexor, we are the test subjects, but we are not able to tell anyone high up enough what is happening to us.
I have received back pain while taking Effexor, it started a couple of months after I started taking it despite of my active lifestyle. So far, nothing has been tied in, but the FDA does list things like osteoperosis and pelvic pain as rare side effects. It would be years before they could ever link backpain with Effexor.
supergirl
Posted by gare on May 15, 2002, at 6:35:52
In reply to Re: Please help! » gare, posted by Sherrie on May 14, 2002, at 20:55:03
hi sherri:
sometimes when things don't work as fast as we want to, we end up impatient and begin taking other things. the same is true in how the world works: people don't put up with stuff in relationships because it isn't as rosey as thought possible, people switch jobs because they are not making enough money fast enough, and well same thing goes for losing weight, having or not having orgasms, etc.
as far as having chronic depression, i've been dealing with it since i was a teenager, being in a family of six, where i was the youngest and the one abused mentally, physically, and sexually by many of the members in the family, including my mother, who was an alcoholic.
i have tried to commit suicide when i was 12 and then again at 16.
i became an alcoholic at 17 until i was 19, which i had abnormal liver functions in my blood.
i became hiv positive when i was 19, which is also how i found out about my liver.
i thought i was going to die when i was 21 and didn't want to finish college. i couldn't tell
anyone in my family and i had basically no support.things didn't get much better from then on.
but i am now 31 going on 32 this summer and i think that i am fed up with begin chronically depressed, having doctors tell me that i am going to die if i don't take hiv medication that causes me more side effects that effexor ever will, and i have to work to support myself as i don't have rich family or friends.
i live alone with a cat.
i went on to get a degree in psychology with a minor in accounting.
i am now a meeting planner and a certified massage therapist that volunteers at the local aids organization.
i finally found someone who could accept me for who i was, with baggage and all, and he's not hiv positive.
i have been on other antidepressants before: imipramine and prozac back in the early 90's.
aren't you tired of being chronically depressed?
i am.
i think there is more to life than how i react to some external situation. i think there is more to life than making money, trying to make others happy when i need to make myself happy - it's great that i am at my happiest though when i do please and serve others - and i do want to believe that i will live on for a long time - not what scientific fact has limited my lifespan to a 15 years - that would mean i have only 2 years left to live.
i don't think so.
so please becareful what you write when you don't really know who you are writing to or about.
i know it's hard to fight depression among other things that everyone else has in their life.
i hope you are not upset as i didn't mean to cause anyone to be upset over my own experience and outlook.
as it is said, dreams do come true. believe and it shall be. ask God and you shall receive..stuff like that...so if you want to succeed, you will.
maybe your success isn't limited to effexor, so keep trying. i didn't write that statement as a 100% factoid for everyone and if effexor isn't working for you, then you have failed.
the secret is in keep trying and you will find what works for you and don't be discouraged about setbacks as they will occur.
gare
Posted by gare on May 15, 2002, at 6:44:06
In reply to Re: Please help!!, posted by supergirl on May 14, 2002, at 22:57:06
Actually Supergirl, there is a couple of paragraphs that is stated within the pharmacological insert that the manufacturer includes in the sample pack as well as it's normal packaging.
There is advice that when getting off of Effexor/Effexor XR, that you must gradually do so. It doesn't say how and that is when it is important to be under the guidance of your doctor to do so safely.
It also goes on to explain some of the withdrawal effects that are quite scary to read about since you are beginning to take the medication.
However, as with any drug that you take for an extended period of time, there are always withdrawal effects and adjustments. There is nothing exceptional about Effexor/Effexor XR.
Even when I go to my plain old CVS to get a refill, I get an attachment with my Effexor XR about what happens if I stop taking the drug.
So it is all about wanting to get more information - be proactive and ask for the pharmacological insert that the manufacturer spends money on to write for your benefit, or consult with your pharmacist any concerns that you may have as you could with your prescribing physician.
PLEASE DO THIS WITH ALL MEDICATIONS YOU DECIDE TO TAKE, EVEN IF YOU THINK IT IS HARMLESS.
Posted by renelso1 on May 15, 2002, at 8:55:18
In reply to watch out girls, posted by supergirl on May 14, 2002, at 22:19:59
okay supergirl, you've scared me. i've been on depo for a year and a half and compared to the pill i love it. less mood swings (no period) and i was comfortable not using a second form of bc with my long term boyfriend. since we are broke up i really don't NEED birth control anymore, but am hoping in the future i will and don't want to jump on and off stuff. i hated the pill. tried 7 different ones i think over past years. yuck. but now i'm scared. i just started effexor 2 1/2 weeks ago. on 150mg. what should i do?
Posted by gare on May 15, 2002, at 9:01:49
In reply to Re: watch out girls, posted by renelso1 on May 15, 2002, at 8:55:18
hi:
don't be scared.
talk with your doctor.
what works or not works for one person, necessarily doesn't mean that it will produce the same effects in others.
as long as you are feeling okay today that is
what matters.remember, adding Effexor in your life means that it should enhance it in a positive way and not affect the things you like to do.
however, you need to at least let it work in your system for a couple of months to really let it help you.
as i am not a physician, i would suggest not changing your dosage anytime soon during this break in period so that you can adjust to it.
see how the depo shot works for you along with Effexor.
and i hope that your breakup isn't causing you too much grief. i know that i can be devastated when a relationship ends but there is a point where it becomes a memory, whether good or bad, and you begin to blossom or resurrect again and take life as you have always wanted to have it.
all i can recommend is for you to read up on Effexor, read up on Depo, and as you only know yourself the best, feel your intuition.
it all works out well.
gare
Posted by Sherrie on May 15, 2002, at 10:58:28
In reply to Re: Please help!, posted by gare on May 15, 2002, at 6:35:52
Hello Gare,
I apologize for sounding off. I did take offense at your telling me to work through my problem that brought me to Effexor. Since I've been off the Paxil (2 weeks), I've been overreacting to everything and everybody. This is not like me at all and I'm ashamed of myself every time I turn around because of my behavior. When I read your statement about working through my problems and about succeeding if I wanted to, I felt like you were being smart with me. Sorry, I'm just overly sensitive also.
Your life sounds like a replica of mine. (I too live alone with a cat.) Besides the depression, I have D.I.D. As you know, this developed when I was very little. I normally have a handle on it, but all these med changes and losing my only brother and 2 grandmothers in less than a year is causing a lot of commotion, especially with the younger ones. My brother died on the 17th anniversary of our mother's death. She was alcoholic.
I'm 54 yrs. old and normally, I'm happier than I've ever been. I've worked very hard at getting better, but I contribute the majority of my healing to God. I certainly wouldn't be here today without Him!
I do hope you will accept my apologies. I don't get out much and really need friends. I use to be very outgoing and social, but that changed about 12 years ago. Not many people out there are understanding of my condition, which has been painful. I hope we can be friends.
God bless you,
Sherrie
Posted by gare on May 15, 2002, at 13:25:06
In reply to Re: Please help! » gare, posted by Sherrie on May 15, 2002, at 10:58:28
hi sherri:
no offense taken. if i could, i would make you some chocolate chip cookies and get acquainted with you and your cat.
cats are the best. not to offend anyone.
i just took my Effexor XR dose at 2 pm.
make every breath count today!
smiles,
gare
Posted by Sherrie on May 15, 2002, at 14:30:49
In reply to it's all good sherri, posted by gare on May 15, 2002, at 13:25:06
How sweet, Gare! Chocolate chip cookies, home baked that is, are my favorite.
I think cats are the best too. I have a 17.5 lbs cat that's nothing but mush! He's 14 yrs. old and my baby. My friends are all the time wanting to set me up and I tell them I already have a man! LOL! I'm afraid he's about all I can handle! LOL!! You'd love him. He looks like a small pinto pony with a Burmese shape, if that makes sense. Spoiled rotten! But I guess they're supposed to be. If you'd like, email me sometime, wakeme@bellsouth.net. If I'm not eating, sleeping, or running errands, I'm on this computer. I'm so addicted!
Today is my first day of increasing the Effexor to 150 mg. I feel like I'm floating, yet very heavy. Mentally, it's very pleasant. I want this to work so badly. I'm sick of the depression and all that goes with it. Most of the time, I can accept it. I've said a lot of prayers and worked so hard on acceptance. I think that is the beginning of getting better. I certainly couldn't work on the other things until I accepted that this is the way things are right now.
You've made my day, believe me! Small acts of kindness go so such a long way.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Sherrie
Posted by JANNBEAU on May 15, 2002, at 15:09:25
In reply to watch out girls, posted by supergirl on May 14, 2002, at 22:19:59
>Supergirl, Hi! I just wanted to say that I noticed this behavior when I was taking Provera (the pill form of Depoprovera). I was NUTS!! It made me depressed, agressive, tearful, and many other things. I wasn't even taking any psychotropic medication. Upshot of these feelings was that I decided to forego the progestational agent that should be combined with estrogen for treatment of symptoms of menopause and prevent osteoporosis--so, I may be at some increased risk of endometrial cancer (hope I never get that!), but I just cannot tolerate the Provera. Not a really unusual situation, since it is probably the progesterone that makes us nuts during the premenstrual time, anyway.
Cheers,
JannbeauI've been reduced to 75 mg for almost a week now, I am just getting back my coordination, getting over sickness, shocks, the works, but I also calmed down almost immediately as soon as i dropped to 75. I want off, but my body still hasn't adjusted to half of my usual dose.
>
> My doctor had me go to a consultation with a counselor and basically what we found out is that my depo shot, which I took for the first time at the end of April, along with the Effexor already causing me to be a little manic just completely tripped me up. This is a warning to any women out there on or thinking about birth control and taking effexor. the normal pill I dealt with just fine, but the combo of Effexor with the depo shot made me rage so bad that I could not go anywhere or talk to anyone without blowing up at them. Good thing I live alone otherwise I would be now anyways.
> But things are better and I am able to go back to work tomorrow as long as withdrawal symptoms are down. I hope no one else has to go through what I did, I am a really nice person! I would never scream at anyone like I was.
>
> supergirl
Posted by bdc on May 15, 2002, at 20:43:53
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I don't take Effexor...found this website doing research to help me decide whether or not to fill my first prescription.
You might want to check out www.effexor-xr-side-effects-withdrawal.com/
You have all helped me decide "NO". Thanks.
Posted by supergirl on May 15, 2002, at 23:48:06
In reply to Re: watch out girls, posted by renelso1 on May 15, 2002, at 8:55:18
I didn't want to scare anyone, its just that it took almost 3 weeks to figure out what was wrong with me. Effexor and Depo both have bad side effects, but in most cases, its better than the alternative? I could never go through a pregnancy while I'm still trying to get my head together, let alone raising a child.
I have been on Effexor for 2 1/2 years and it was starting to not work properly anyways. I think that had something to do with my reaction. Don't stop taking Effexor unless it isn't working for you. Thats the trouble with all these different drugs; they don't all work the same on everybody.
How has Effexor been working for you so far? Don't be afraid of it because of what you hear or read, all that matters is that you feel better.Always remember to tell your doctor everything you feel, no matter how hard it is. And remind him what you are taking and of possible side effects. Doctors won't know anything unless they are informed.
Don't get yourself down in the dumps over a guy, no matter how good of a relationship it was, they will keep coming in and out of your life. The last guy you date is always the one that hangs around. Until you find that man, MEN ARE ALL PIGS! :) no offense to any guys... Thats just relationships for you.
Good luck to you
supergirl
Posted by gare on May 16, 2002, at 7:08:23
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by bdc on May 15, 2002, at 20:43:53
> I don't take Effexor...found this website doing research to help me decide whether or not to fill my first prescription.
>
> You might want to check out www.effexor-xr-side-effects-withdrawal.com/
>
> You have all helped me decide "NO". Thanks.The Web site mentioned above is quite informative but doesn't really add on to what is printed in the pharmacological insert that comes with the sample "introduction" pack.
If you haven't had a moment to read the insert when you first began taking Effexor or Effexor XR, then you could have either made a better informed decision as to whether you would even want to take this medication rather than just going on your prescribing physician's best medical guess or experience.
As a person who had taken plenty of experimental drugs, I have learned to read almost everything about a drug or drug regimen before I take it so that I won't be surprised of what may or may not occur.
In the case of the original post, the consumer was able to do some research before filling his/her first prescription and make a better informed decision about his health and situation.
When you do this, take a proactive stance in your therapy, you will feel much better and I believe more mentally prepared to accept the treatment that YOU and YOUR doctor have chosen.
Again, the Web site referenced above is full of information that is practically lifted off the pharmacological insert that comes with Effexor/Effexor XR and if you haven't had a chance to read it, I recommend it.
The more knowledge you have, the better prepared you are. That makes you a better advocate for your own health care and choices.
But to answer the question of has anyone had success on Effexor/Effexor XR, yes, I have, even after reading the insert, I was willing to go on therapy and I am happy to say that I didn't really experience most of those side effects during or after discontinuation.
Clinical trials observe all possible effects, which may be small in number, not an average reaction, in addition to those that are common and quite adverse, so that you may be informed of what may or may not occur within your own body.
Posted by SandraDee on May 16, 2002, at 11:23:23
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by bdc on May 15, 2002, at 20:43:53
I'm sort of sorry to hear you decided against it. I did that too (after 4 days of taking it 37.5mg) but then everything went back to how it was right away... anxiety/snapping at my daughter for little things, etc. So I talked to my doctor and she said she likes this one above all the others... and she always weens off. I'm only "scheduled" to be on it for 3 months, due to the stress of buying this house, being an at home mom trying to pack... By Sept my daughter will be in preschool 2x a week and that will help my attitude tremendously I am sure of it. What dose where you prescribed and why? If I can ask... :)
I hope you find something that works for you if you stick with your decision to not do take it... for me, it's worth a little dry mouth (I need to drink more water anyhow!) That's really the only side effect I've noticed.> I don't take Effexor...found this website doing research to help me decide whether or not to fill my first prescription.
>
> You might want to check out www.effexor-xr-side-effects-withdrawal.com/
>
> You have all helped me decide "NO". Thanks.
Posted by Spencer on May 17, 2002, at 1:45:36
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by bdc on May 15, 2002, at 20:43:53
The information we get from these chat groups and web sites is invaluable in indentifying the side effects and the problems associated with Effexor. I read this site almost every day, but I think the number of contributions are heavily biased towards those who have serious problems rather than those who have had success, simply because the success stories probably won't even try to find sites like this.
I'm one of the lucky ones......I have had tremendous success with Effexor. I had lots of side effects at the beginning, but they went away after a couple of months. I was in a state of deep depression and intense anxiety before taking Effexor and it took about 4-6 weeks before I really started feeling the benefits. My anxiety led to all sorts of irrational thoughts about the drug and this site scared the hell out of me. Still I was in such a state that I felt that Effexor was the only thing that could help me (in the short to medium term).
Maybe you shouldn't be too heavily influenced by what you read. You may not have made the right decision not to take Effexor. I started weaning off 150mg XR yesterday and I may or may not suffer bad withdrawal symptoms. I'm prepared to go through them if they happen because of the benefits the drug has given me. Without Effexor, I'm not sure where I would have ended up......probably committing suicide the way I was feeling. And if I find myself slipping back into depression, I will go back onto Effexor if necessary.
I'm not a doctor, but there are clearly many causes of depression and anxiety. Effexor may be effective only with some of them and anyway not everyone responds to medication in the same way. So we can't just condemn the drug outright because it doesn't work with everyone.
I just want say that I am extremely grateful to everyone who has contributed to this site. It has helped me better understand my condition and the effects of Effexor.
Posted by Butterfly on May 17, 2002, at 9:49:18
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » bdc, posted by Spencer on May 17, 2002, at 1:45:36
Spencer
thanks for your testimony, which makes a lot of sense to me.
As you say, those who are not experiencing bad side-effects or who see improvement of their condition probably don't come here to share their bad experiences.
It can be really scary to read some of the posts made here when you first begin the treatment.
For me, I have discontinued taking Effexor XR although it was really helping on both the depression and anxiety sides, because of some bothersome side-effects (for me).
I will talk to my physician and see what other alternatives I have.
All the best,George
Posted by Lilypad on May 17, 2002, at 21:15:33
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Good Evening all! I started taking Effexor XR a week ago. Was on 150mg for 2 days then went to 150mg morning and evening. So far, so good. I've been on every SSRI the pharmaceutical companies make. Was taking Paxil until the day I was switched to Effexor XR. I feel fine. No side effects except I'm not particularly hungry. I've had bi-polar disorder for about 40 years. Lithium and the tricyclics didn't work for me. The depression was so bad it's' a wonder I'm still alive. I recently had to quit my job for medical reasons and undergo two surgeries in one month. I was told I had about 2-3 years before I become a "cardiac cripple". The Paxil just couldn't deal with all the bad news and I got severly depressed. I recognized the warning signs of severe depression and sought medical treatment and hospitalization before I could do something really stupid. The Effexor seems to be doing the trick.
I realize I'm fortunate not to have the side effects that some of you have mentioned. I can empathize. I had VERY serious side effects with Wellbutrin.
Here's to all of us trying to cope with depression......
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