![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 4225 to 4249 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by zinya on June 10, 2003, at 18:24:40
In reply to Re: double double quotes » zinya, posted by Dr. Bob on June 10, 2003, at 18:09:03
Dr. Bob -- I didn't realize there was such a feature, probably never referred to a book before, but i have no reason not to use it so i'll repeat here doing so. I'll use this occasion to say i guess it's kind of a comforting reminder that you are indeed monitoring what we say and presumably would be also chiming in if we were relaying any info you thought was invalid or inappropriate?
So, to Cher, once more with feeling re book rec:
By the way, there's a great book by Christiane Northrup called "Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom", that i learned a lot from which you might like too. She's an md. who specializes particularly in post-menopausal but treats the entirety of hormonal factors and she's also a big believer in the underlooked role of the adrenal system which also starts to show signs of age and peter out in many folks beginning in the 40's which, for some women, it can compound the effects of menopause, surgical or natural, because the adrenal glands are our bodies one other site for hormone production. She also highly promotes natural routes of hormone replacement.
Posted by CherC68 on June 10, 2003, at 18:44:08
In reply to Re: book recommendation to Cher » Dr. Bob, posted by zinya on June 10, 2003, at 18:24:40
Dear Dr. Bob and Zinya,
Thank you Dr. Bob for being there and monitoring. It does make me feel better knowing that you are there. The double quote feature is quite awesome actually. Thanks.And Zinya, as always thank you so very much. You are indeed such a help to me, as I wish I could be for you. I will be reading up on the book and will probably purchase it also.
Update. Last night wasn't so bad, but again I slept too much this morning. I work tomorrow and I will be up on time! (going to repeat it over and over to myself)
I talked to two of my cousins today and found out - one is on Zoloft the other on ....(you guessed it) Effexor XR. Pretty funny that nobody in my family had the courage to talk openly about it, but I did today. NEITHER has any bad side effects. Crazy or what!
I do repeat often (after I'm done complaining) that - Just because its not right for me, doesn't mean it may not be right for you. Even in my own family (first cousins), we have experienced different side effects and, two had none! Please, when you read the negative side effects keep it mind, that just because its bad for one doesn't mean it will be bad for another! Take Care Everyone. Cher
Posted by zinya on June 10, 2003, at 18:48:12
In reply to Re: Off Effexor - Day 2 and carpal tunnel » zinya, posted by CherC68 on June 10, 2003, at 10:38:40
hi Cher,
your optimism is nice to hear. I've always been an optimist/idealist except for these times when i've gotten to a point where i wound up trying an anti-dep, but none of those times lasting quite as long or being quite as profound as this one. Surely cuz the loss and grief has left me kind of defenseless this time against it. Losing my mom, who I'd bought this house for, the sole reason being to care for her as I wanted to do and thinking she'd have five years or so when in fact she only had five months, with doctors assuring me the house and moving her to live with me sounded wise even while they were obliviously failing to take the one test that should have been taken and would have at least let me make informed decisions, given that she already had full-blown ovarian cancer that no one had diagnosed despite her months of pain and taking her to 5 different docs. Because of her Alzheimer's, she couldn't describe the symptoms for them directly and despite all my insistence, they took her pains too lightly -- falsely assured me it couldn't be cancer or she'd be feeling more pain (oblivious to how Alzheimer's interferes with pain memory or perception) -- and insisted things that are just laughable, if only there was anything to laugh about -- that it was gas or irritable bowel or some other dismissive diagnosis... They checked for ulcers and kidney stones but that was it, even one night when she wound up in the ER in crisis...
Well, i don't mean to go into long saga here, but she was my hedge against depression, it seems, and now it's rather paralyzing. I can't seem to get out of a hole which has been a downhill slide these past 10 months, to the point that i had to consider the need for something as 'interventionist' as this effexor route.
If you feel inspired to keep writing here, that'd be great... Hoping you're having a better day!
hugs,
zinya
Posted by Capri on June 10, 2003, at 19:03:48
In reply to Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain , posted by Louise on March 14, 2000, at 23:35:34
> Just got sample of Effexor XR. I've been on Paxil 20mg. for 1 yr. I feel great and my panic attacks are gone. BUT --- I keep gaining weight. I told my dr. to give me something else. Did anyone gain weight on this stuff? Does anyone use this for panic attacks. My dr. told me I could go right from Paxil to Effexor XR, stopping one and starting the other with no withdrawl symptoms. ANyone try it. Thanks for any input.
I was on Paxil for a year and gained weight. I'm now on Effexor after not trying anything for a few years and I've lost weight in a short time on Effexor. I may have to stop it because it has changed my appetite (I eat very little)
> >
>
Posted by bgbham on June 10, 2003, at 22:04:18
In reply to Effexor XR? , posted by mynok5 on April 7, 2003, at 12:36:58
I think the alcohol does have an effect on recovery and feeling better as soon an possible. I have been gradually increasing my XR per my doc's advise and was feeling good. Then prepared a nice dinner with the fam on the veranda last nite, and had 2 pretty stiff glasses of wine. Didn't get buzzed, but did go to bed earlier than usual. When I woke, I wanted to to down for coffee and a cig, but I stayed in bed till noon or so, and after bathing and getting some things together to take to my mom in hospital, I realized I really didn't feel goog inside like I have been feeling in previous days. So I do think there is a bad relationship especially early on, My feeling bad today i am holding myself resp for having the wine with dinner, I just think for me it is not a combo I can handle right now, my goal should be to be getting better, not my cake adn eating it too.
Brian
Posted by sierra1 on June 10, 2003, at 22:16:01
In reply to Re: Effexor XR? » mynok5, posted by bgbham on June 10, 2003, at 22:04:18
hey brian, im realy glad to see you here again. I was getting worried.....
so drinking is not advisable on effexor? I play softball and then go back to the bar and I have coke because im scared to have a beer. (not knowing how it will affect me). I miss the drinking part though.....
so, other than the wine are you feeling good?
lynn
Posted by bgbham on June 10, 2003, at 23:14:17
In reply to Re: drinking?, posted by sierra1 on June 10, 2003, at 22:16:01
Lynn, it's not that there was a hangover. I just knew that I was more depressed than the day before. As a matter of fact, it's not been a completely rosy ride. i had been at 300mg for over a week now, today i took 375. normally i would have been a little manic, over happy, you know by increasing it that much. At least, in the hosptial when he bumped it up, he had to lower it back because I was too happy too soon. so i am thinking is new dose of 375 will be safe, i am just going to call dr. hurst tomorrow to see if he can squeeze me in. i am sure after a week of not talking to him, there will be plenty to get off my mind.
I really appreciate your concern, I was crying earlier, being distraught over feeling blue. I let my fam know I wasn't feeling real good upstairs, just so they would know. you know how you can sometimes get, feeling how much it hurts and wanting it to be different. I am my own worst enemy sometimes, but then again, I have to remember that I am still sick, and probably not expected to make the best decision in every case. it's just so hard sometimes.
B
Posted by Ev on June 11, 2003, at 3:27:46
In reply to Re: effexor and drinking, posted by Ev on March 16, 2003, at 21:58:56
So like I promised, here is my follow after having been on Eff for several months. It has continued, that upon drinking, I usually feel lousy the next day, sometimes lasting for 2 days. Thats it, and my only complaint with effexor. I am very satisfied with it.
> > I started taking effexor about 4 weeks ago (and still have the side effects of nausea, sleepiness, headaches and loss of appetite). I've tried aropax and zoloft (both which made me really sick) and doxepin for about a year (which didn't make me sick but didn't actually help_
> > Just wondering if anyone knows about the effects of drinking and taking certain drugs when on effexor. Is it too risky?
> > I drank the other weekend and just felt a bit worse than usual.
> > Thanks if anyone can help
>
> To start off, I am a young guy in college, and I have a hard time with refraining from alcohol while taking antidepressants. I drink about once a week, and admittedly, it is usually 10 or more drinks.
>
> I once took paxil, 20 mg for about a year. It worked great with my depression and anxiety. No side effects other than sleepiness and sexual dysfunction. When I drank alcohol with paxil, I think it did seem to increase my inebriation (manic?). But as far as the benefits of the drug, I noticed no changes after drinking. So Paxil worked great for me. However, I stopped taking it for about a year and then decided I needed to go back on it. This time Paxil did not work anymore, even at a higher dosage.
>
> Then I switched to wellbutrin. It did not work.
>
> So, I asked my doctor for something that will help with anxiety like Paxil once had, and she recommended Effexor. I started taking effexor xr a month and a half ago. First week being 37.5 mg, then increased to 75 mg. I noticed no negative side effects at all. And the benefits I noticed within the week. I was feeling great! So far it seemed to be a miracle drug for me. However, I had my first night at the bars, and the next day I was not feeling too great, which continued for several days after. I then slowly began to feel better again. For me, the alcohol seems to counteract the Effexor, and it takes a couple days to recooperate... every time I drink, a few days will go by, and then I will start to feel better again. However, it has only been a month and a half, and so it is too early to really say if this is the case, or something else is going on. I will let you know after more time has passed.
Posted by Napaba on June 11, 2003, at 8:26:29
In reply to Re: drinking?, posted by sierra1 on June 10, 2003, at 22:16:01
I had no problem having a couple of drinks while taking Effexor 150 mgs. I thought it tasted different, but still enjoyed having a couple beers or glasses of wine when I was out. I told my doctor when he prescribed it, that I drink a couple glasses of wine or a couple of beers with dinner on the weekends. He said it was fine.
hey brian, im realy glad to see you here again. I was getting worried.....
>
> so drinking is not advisable on effexor? I play softball and then go back to the bar and I have coke because im scared to have a beer. (not knowing how it will affect me). I miss the drinking part though.....
>
> so, other than the wine are you feeling good?
>
> lynn
Posted by Shari H. on June 11, 2003, at 8:30:54
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain , posted by Capri on June 10, 2003, at 19:03:48
I have been taking Effexor for 15 months and I gained 28 lbs!! The whole reason I was put on the effexor to begin with was to treat depression brought on by Anorexia. How ironic! My friend is on Paxil and she has gained even more weight then me. I did lots of research and spoke to my doc. The weight gain is not because you are eating more than before, it is because you metabolism has slowed shown dramatically. There is an enzyme in our bodies called Liptin. All anti depressents cause this specific enzyme to be low and as a result your metabolism shuts down. In resonse to someone elses comment about having lost weight, I also lost weight in the first few months of taking effexor.(about 5 lbs). After my body got used to it, the pound started piling on very very quickly. I decided just for this exact reason, to taper off the pills. I went from 75mg to 19mg in about 3 months. This takes time to avoidsevere side effects. This week I will try cutting my pills in quarters (9mg) and see how I handle it. My doctor told me that when I am off the pills I should go back to my "ideal" weight. Despite the fact that I gained so much weight I was quite under weight when I started (110lbs). She said that I should very easily lose about 15lbs once fully off the drug which would bring me to about 120. I don't plan to go back on any AD's because the circumstances at the time I suffered from depression no,longer exists. I hope this helps you!
Posted by KimberlyDi on June 11, 2003, at 10:51:21
In reply to Re: Effexor XR? » mynok5, posted by bgbham on June 10, 2003, at 22:04:18
I tried a marguarita w/dinner not too long ago and it left me feeling pretty weird. Effexor and Drinks doesn't appear to mix very well. I didn't get the happy/relaxed feeling from the alcohol, instead I felt uneasy and restless. Don't think I'll try that again. Others may have a different experience.
Kim> I think the alcohol does have an effect on recovery and feeling better as soon an possible. I have been gradually increasing my XR per my doc's advise and was feeling good. Then prepared a nice dinner with the fam on the veranda last nite, and had 2 pretty stiff glasses of wine. Didn't get buzzed, but did go to bed earlier than usual. When I woke, I wanted to to down for coffee and a cig, but I stayed in bed till noon or so, and after bathing and getting some things together to take to my mom in hospital, I realized I really didn't feel goog inside like I have been feeling in previous days. So I do think there is a bad relationship especially early on, My feeling bad today i am holding myself resp for having the wine with dinner, I just think for me it is not a combo I can handle right now, my goal should be to be getting better, not my cake adn eating it too.
> Brian
Posted by KimberlyDi on June 11, 2003, at 11:41:18
In reply to Re: Effexor XR?, posted by KimberlyDi on June 11, 2003, at 10:51:21
Days are OK. I'm functioning, I've dropped a few pounds because my appetite decreased, and I don't want to die anymore. That's all good. But I hate the nights. I can't sleep. Well, I can sleep briefly, then I wake up, WIDE AWAKE, and totally restless. First it was 4:00 am, now 3:00 am. I move to the couch when i wake up in an effort to avoid freaking out my husband. I toss & turn. I was rubbing my feet together once without being aware of it until hubby pointed it out. I guess the rythmic motion was soothing to me. I am finally having those vivid dreams. They are very long, detailed, and strange. So, I'm less suicidal, but apparently more weird now. Rocking is very soothing to me. I'm also starting to crave salty foods. Go Figure. I'm seeing my new PDoc next week. I think I'm going to ask her about Lexapro. If she wants me to stay on Effexor, I'll try it longer. P.S. I routinely take Benedryl, without it, I can't even briefly get to sleep.
Posted by mercedes on June 11, 2003, at 15:26:23
In reply to Re: effexor and drinking, posted by Ev on June 11, 2003, at 3:27:46
I'm on 300 mgs of effexor xr and like drinking. However, I didn't crave drinking for over a month and when I did drink on my birthday, it knocked me on my butt, literally ! I ended up in the hospital with a strained back. I'm 54. The only thing bad about that is that I haven't been able to dance. I love dancing too. Anyway, since falling on my b-hind I haven't drank in about 5 weeks, scared to & no urge....until this past Saturday. I had 3 shots of whisky with a side of diet coke, felt good and I slept till 11:00 am! I haven't had that much sleep in a long time. It felt great! But I did feel fuzzie brained, confused, loss of memory, more than ususual, for about 3 days after. I think I'll stay off the drinking but I'm glad to hear comments relating to this subject, cause now I know I'm not alone.
Thanks everyone.
Posted by sierra1 on June 11, 2003, at 16:28:36
In reply to Re: effexor and drinking, posted by mercedes on June 11, 2003, at 15:26:23
yes thank you guys.....i think i will wait until the weekend just in case i need a few days to recover....all i want is 1 or maybe 2 beers.....
Posted by kalypsa on June 11, 2003, at 17:06:29
In reply to Alternative Ways of dealing with Depression, posted by BJ on April 26, 2000, at 23:02:33
I have had depression/anxiety most of my life. I've been in traditional therapy for many years and was even hospitalized once. I've tried hypnosis (relaxing, but that's about it), acupuncture (also relaxing and makes you feel really good, but effects seem temporary), mood elevating herbs (also temporary) and relaxation techniques like yoga, deep breathing, etc.
After trying Prosac about five years ago and hating it (made me a total insomniac and gave me night terrors), I was hesitant for many years to try any other meds. But basically, I feel like I am at the end of my rope. So, when my therapist recommended Effexor, I decided to do it.
I've only been on it for 2 1/2 weeks and so far I can tell I'm much less anxious, but I still feel depressed. So, I'm hoping that gets better the longer I'm on it. I am worried about gaining weight (since I used to be anorexic) and I'm also worried about it causing bruxism becauase I already have a major problem with that (my teeth are grinded down to little stubs). So, if anyone knows anything about these things, please post me back. Thanks!
> Has anyone here tried (consistently) any other methods for alleviating depression/ocd/other related before you started taking the Effexor? If so, what have you tried?
> It makes me wonder, too, how many psychiatrists, upon meeting a patient for the first time, ask them what methods (if any) they've tried first.
>
> This whole dialogue really makes it crystal clear how INCOMPETENT many psychiatrists are and that we, as consumers, need to look at other means to help ourselves, before we start putting stuff in our bodies.
> It is painfully obvious too many psychiatrists don't even both to tell us the withdrawal effects.
> If they did, would we still take the drug, and if not, then they are out of a job basically?
>
> These are real questions we need to be asking ourselves before we submit to any drug. Especially one that has not had long-term studies to determine any lasting negative affects. If you read the July 97 article in the Washingtonian, you will see what I mean. It's on-line at:
> www.washingtonian.com -- check it out.
>
> KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
Posted by CherC68 on June 11, 2003, at 19:29:08
In reply to Re: Off Effexor - Day 2 and carpal tunnel » CherC68, posted by zinya on June 10, 2003, at 18:48:12
Dear Zinya,
I worked today so I am very behind on reading all of these posts.I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your mother.
I do have some experience with Alzheimers. My grandmother had Alzheimers and my mom get's tested for it, because she has a short-term memory problem.
My grandmother moved in with my parents for nine years(who live a few blocks away) and was bedridden for seven years. Seven years my mother, myself, even my father changed diapers, and took care of my grandmother until she had another stroke and was hospitalized and while hospitalized she ended up with a huge bedsore that was as big as a basketball. Even though for seven years she was bedridden, she never got bedsores. This was very hard on my mother. I was very close with my grandmother and she was such a strong women until the Alheimer's took over.
The one thing I do know though, is that it was harder on my mom, I believe, than it was on my grandmother. My mother's memory problem seemed to worsen as my grandmother got sicker, but....she took such great care of my grandmother and never forgot anything when it came to her. When my grandmother passed it did take a piece of my mother away. She was extremely depressed, which didn't help my depression, because its hard to help someone that is depressed.
Zinya, I know you did everything you could for your mother and your mother loved you so very deeply. You did everything you could. Please remember that. It's hard for someone else to tell you, well, be strong for your mother's memory, but, trying to be positive now, and trying to pull yourself out of the depression with medicine or counseling or whatever is something that your mother surely would have wanted for you.
You are, to me, one of the most sympathetic, compassionate, intelligent women I have ever encountered (besides my mother) and for some odd reason I see a lot of my mother in you.
My mom is a caregiver and I think you probably are too. Your need to care for your mother, who you loved, and even me - who you don't even know - makes you such a special person. Please do not lose sight of what a wonderful person you are. I'm sure you have read up on Alzheimer's and know that most caretakers of loved ones with Alzheimer's suffer deeply because of the helplessness of the disease, the guilt of not being able to do enough, and the guilt of the pressures of taking care of someone and the shear fact that the love you had for your mother, as did my mother for grams.
There were times my mother cried hysterically while my grandmother was alive when she first was diagnosed with Alheimers because she was tired of trying to get my grandmother to walk, or getting her to the bathroom and her not going potty and getting her back to bed and one minute later, my grandmother would poop all over. She sometimes was so upset with my grandmother and the guilt she felt when my grandmother was dying was so extreme. She wanted to do anything to keep her alive, even not going with the Living Will for Life Support and ordering it. (I had to go in front of the Hospital Board to rescind, which basically, I pretty much let my grandmother die - they took her off life support).
My mother suffered because of that too and she wasn't happy that I did this, but...my grams was suffering too much.
I really do feel for what you are going through. Most of my depression has always been because of losing someone (2 best friends 5 and 7 died in a fire (right next door to my house when I was 7). My cousin Dale, who was the same age, and my best friend, who was the light of my world growing up died at the age of 14 in a car accident, my dog, my grandfathers, my grandmother passed one year ago in January, that and other traumatic things (rape, tumors, miscarriages) - really can pull you down.
I hope you know that I am praying for you and know you will make it through this hell.
Take Care and big hugs, Cher
Posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2003, at 20:31:43
In reply to Re: book recommendation to Cher » Dr. Bob, posted by zinya on June 10, 2003, at 18:24:40
> I didn't realize there was such a feature, probably never referred to a book before, but i have no reason not to use it so i'll repeat here doing so. I'll use this occasion to say i guess it's kind of a comforting reminder that you are indeed monitoring what we say and presumably would be also chiming in if we were relaying any info you thought was invalid or inappropriate?
Thanks, but just to be clear, you should *not* assume that I endorse everything that's posted here. It's one thing to monitor for book titles (and incivility), quite another to assess the validity and appropriateness of information. From the consent form:
> Posts may not be supportive or accurate... Dr. Bob and deputy administrators (group members he selects and supervises) monitor the group and intervene if they see such messages. Because so many messages are posted, however, every line of every message cannot be screened. Do not necessarily believe everything you read. The only messages Dr. Bob takes responsibility for are his own.
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/consent.htmlAlso, regarding what (or whom) to trust, please see:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#trust
Bob
Posted by Angelnmikey on June 11, 2003, at 21:06:51
In reply to Re: Alternative Ways of dealing with Depression, posted by kalypsa on June 11, 2003, at 17:06:29
I am curious about this as well. Anyone tried 5-HTP? It's supposed to increase serotonin lvl in your brain right? Does it really work? Can anyone tell me? Thks!
Angel
> I have had depression/anxiety most of my life. I've been in traditional therapy for many years and was even hospitalized once. I've tried hypnosis (relaxing, but that's about it), acupuncture (also relaxing and makes you feel really good, but effects seem temporary), mood elevating herbs (also temporary) and relaxation techniques like yoga, deep breathing, etc.
>
> After trying Prosac about five years ago and hating it (made me a total insomniac and gave me night terrors), I was hesitant for many years to try any other meds. But basically, I feel like I am at the end of my rope. So, when my therapist recommended Effexor, I decided to do it.
>
> I've only been on it for 2 1/2 weeks and so far I can tell I'm much less anxious, but I still feel depressed. So, I'm hoping that gets better the longer I'm on it. I am worried about gaining weight (since I used to be anorexic) and I'm also worried about it causing bruxism becauase I already have a major problem with that (my teeth are grinded down to little stubs). So, if anyone knows anything about these things, please post me back. Thanks!
>
> > Has anyone here tried (consistently) any other methods for alleviating depression/ocd/other related before you started taking the Effexor? If so, what have you tried?
> > It makes me wonder, too, how many psychiatrists, upon meeting a patient for the first time, ask them what methods (if any) they've tried first.
> >
> > This whole dialogue really makes it crystal clear how INCOMPETENT many psychiatrists are and that we, as consumers, need to look at other means to help ourselves, before we start putting stuff in our bodies.
> > It is painfully obvious too many psychiatrists don't even both to tell us the withdrawal effects.
> > If they did, would we still take the drug, and if not, then they are out of a job basically?
> >
> > These are real questions we need to be asking ourselves before we submit to any drug. Especially one that has not had long-term studies to determine any lasting negative affects. If you read the July 97 article in the Washingtonian, you will see what I mean. It's on-line at:
> > www.washingtonian.com -- check it out.
> >
> > KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
>
>
Posted by Capri on June 11, 2003, at 21:13:56
In reply to Effexor-Day 13 (Night-time is the worst), posted by KimberlyDi on June 11, 2003, at 11:41:18
> Days are OK. I'm functioning, I've dropped a few pounds because my appetite decreased, and I don't want to die anymore. That's all good. But I hate the nights. I can't sleep. Well, I can sleep briefly, then I wake up, WIDE AWAKE, and totally restless. First it was 4:00 am, now 3:00 am. I move to the couch when i wake up in an effort to avoid freaking out my husband. I toss & turn. I was rubbing my feet together once without being aware of it until hubby pointed it out. I guess the rythmic motion was soothing to me. I am finally having those vivid dreams. They are very long, detailed, and strange. So, I'm less suicidal, but apparently more weird now. Rocking is very soothing to me. I'm also starting to crave salty foods. Go Figure. I'm seeing my new PDoc next week. I think I'm going to ask her about Lexapro. If she wants me to stay on Effexor, I'll try it longer. P.S. I routinely take Benedryl, without it, I can't even briefly get to sleep.
I know exactly how you feel!! I have the same problem. Fall asleep and every night up at 2:00 a.m. to the minute it seems wide awake!!! I've been taking Effexor for 5 weeks. I am so tired when I wake up because I never get a good night sleep. My doc wanted to add another med but I didn't feel comfortable with that. I will see him on Fri. I have very little appetite also. Plus I'm getting depression from this med which I'm taking because of anxiety. Go figure. Good luck to you!
Posted by CherC68 on June 11, 2003, at 21:34:23
In reply to Re: Effexor-Day 13 (Night-time is the worst), posted by Capri on June 11, 2003, at 21:13:56
A post by Paul Mokeski on April 25, 2002. Its in the section "Long Term Side Effects of Effexor XR - it descrbes exactly the feelings I'm having and I was only on it for 6 days - and been off for 3/4 days - I cannot remember. He talked about the vertigo, electricity in the head, etc. but the most important thing is the heavy feeling in the forehead and behind my eyes. Its very uncomfortable, but to me, being sensitive nowadays is that its almost painful. It makes me sick to my stomach. Like something inside the forehead or brain pushing out. Its horrid. I cannot think and now I'm staring a lot too! Anyone experience this feeling? Thanks, Cher
Posted by kalypsa on June 12, 2003, at 12:53:50
In reply to Re: Effexor-Day 13 (Night-time is the worst), posted by Capri on June 11, 2003, at 21:13:56
Have your dr. prescribe Trazedone to help you sleep. My dr. gave it to me when I started Effexor at a very low dose and I love it. I've had horrible insomnia for years and now I sleep like a baby and wake up feeling great (no hangover like traditional sleeping pills because it's actually just a low dose of an antidepressant that has a sleepiness side effect.
By the way, I've been on Effexor XR for almost 3 weeks and have virtually no side effects so far. Feel a little less anxious, but i'm hoping I feel more benefits the longer I'm on it.
Try the Trazedone. Good luck!
> > Days are OK. I'm functioning, I've dropped a few pounds because my appetite decreased, and I don't want to die anymore. That's all good. But I hate the nights. I can't sleep. Well, I can sleep briefly, then I wake up, WIDE AWAKE, and totally restless. First it was 4:00 am, now 3:00 am. I move to the couch when i wake up in an effort to avoid freaking out my husband. I toss & turn. I was rubbing my feet together once without being aware of it until hubby pointed it out. I guess the rythmic motion was soothing to me. I am finally having those vivid dreams. They are very long, detailed, and strange. So, I'm less suicidal, but apparently more weird now. Rocking is very soothing to me. I'm also starting to crave salty foods. Go Figure. I'm seeing my new PDoc next week. I think I'm going to ask her about Lexapro. If she wants me to stay on Effexor, I'll try it longer. P.S. I routinely take Benedryl, without it, I can't even briefly get to sleep.
>
> I know exactly how you feel!! I have the same problem. Fall asleep and every night up at 2:00 a.m. to the minute it seems wide awake!!! I've been taking Effexor for 5 weeks. I am so tired when I wake up because I never get a good night sleep. My doc wanted to add another med but I didn't feel comfortable with that. I will see him on Fri. I have very little appetite also. Plus I'm getting depression from this med which I'm taking because of anxiety. Go figure. Good luck to you!
>
>
Posted by kalypsa on June 12, 2003, at 13:04:10
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain , posted by Capri on June 10, 2003, at 19:03:48
I've just been reading all the posts about weight gain and am freaking out now. I've been on Effexor XR for almost 3 weeks and haven't gained any weight, but I'm worried that it's only because I haven't been on it very long.
One poster said it slows down your metabolism - does it do this for everyone or does it depend on the person? Help!
Posted by kalypsa on June 12, 2003, at 13:26:33
In reply to Everyone's different, but..., posted by Racer on October 24, 1999, at 22:14:55
Posted by Sabina on June 12, 2003, at 15:05:49
In reply to Re: Alternative Ways of dealing with Depression, posted by kalypsa on June 11, 2003, at 17:06:29
I have used 5-HTP and SAM-e. I believe they were beneficial, but not enough for my individual needs.
Posted by kalyb on June 12, 2003, at 15:17:55
In reply to Does everyone on Effexor gain weight?, posted by kalypsa on June 12, 2003, at 13:04:10
> I've just been reading all the posts about weight gain and am freaking out now. I've been on Effexor XR for almost 3 weeks and haven't gained any weight, but I'm worried that it's only because I haven't been on it very long.
>
> One poster said it slows down your metabolism - does it do this for everyone or does it depend on the person? Help!Not everyone, no. I've been on it 5 weeks and have lost about 6 pounds.
Please do not take everything on this board about Effexor as gospel. This is not to undermine or demean any of the other posters, but Effexor has highly individual effects and I believe the only truth about it is how it works with and affects YOU.
Kalyb xx
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