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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Sarah on January 15, 2001, at 3:06:25
I started taking Efexor today at lunch time. I am only on 37.5mg once a day. Though after taking my first dose today for an hour afterwards I was extremely sick, tired, dizzy, light headed and I experienced severe pins and needles sensation all over my face and head.
After the first hour I wasn't as sick anymore just a little 'lost' in the head, with memory and a loss of thought train. I am still dizzy, I have a headache and a really weird feeling all over my head.
Now I am scared of what other side effects I will incur especially the weight gain!!!!!
All this scaring me, I'd just like to know if it is all worth it and whether anyone has felt those symptons too?
Posted by Alli on January 15, 2001, at 9:22:04
In reply to Started taking EFEXOR today-worried, posted by Sarah on January 15, 2001, at 3:06:25
Sarah ~ Could it have been like a mini-panic attack you were feeling? I started Effexor two years ago at 37.5 mg. in the morning and it "worked"; after a year I was waking up with a panicked feeling and diarrhea and sometimes even vomiting. The doctor suggested I start taking one at night also so that there wasn't a "lapse" (withdrawal - my words). That's when the weight started coming on SLOWLY. Now a year later I'm up 12#, have had to buy new jeans and feel helpless because I've always exercised and eaten right.
I'm in the process of weaning myself off. I got myself down to 37.5 mg. about two weeks ago, and now I'm taking 37.5 mg. EVERY OTHER DAY along with Kava-Kava in the morning and St. John's Wort at night. I'm pretty much a mess. Right now as I write, I have to use the restroom for the third time today (if you know what I mean) and my heart is racing and I feel like crying.
I dont' know why you began taking Effexor, but I would be very careful with it. It's not a short-term "fix" and SOMEDAY you'll go off of it... YUK! A friend of mine takes Stress Tabs three times a day and says she can't live without them. I may add those into the equation, too.
Good luck, and keep posting! I want to hear how things go with you. Alli.
> I started taking Efexor today at lunch time. I am only on 37.5mg once a day. Though after taking my first dose today for an hour afterwards I was extremely sick, tired, dizzy, light headed and I experienced severe pins and needles sensation all over my face and head.
> After the first hour I wasn't as sick anymore just a little 'lost' in the head, with memory and a loss of thought train. I am still dizzy, I have a headache and a really weird feeling all over my head.
> Now I am scared of what other side effects I will incur especially the weight gain!!!!!
> All this scaring me, I'd just like to know if it is all worth it and whether anyone has felt those symptons too?
Posted by Cam W. on January 15, 2001, at 11:23:27
In reply to Started taking EFEXOR today-worried, posted by Sarah on January 15, 2001, at 3:06:25
Sarah - The start-up side effects and the withdrawl side effects seem cruel, but the drug is very effective for depression, anxiety and panic disorder. The start-up side effects do dissipate in a couple of weeks. If the dizziness, etc continue, consider taking your dose at bedtime.
Also, I am assuming that you are taking Effexor XR (the long acting form). If you are taking the regular Effexor, I would consider asking your doctor if you could split the tablet and take 1/2 in the morning and 1/2 at night, since the regular kind has such a short half-life. Most people will not have effective blood levels for the entire day if the regular Effexor is taken once daily.
Not everyone gains weight while taking Effexor, especially if diet and exercise are done. Even so, some people do gain weight. It might be a good idea to keep a diet log; a book to record everything that you eat, to make sure that you keep eating sensibly. Weight gain with Effexor is usually a lot less than is seen with Paxil or Zoloft.
Hope this helps - Cam
Posted by Kaarina on January 15, 2001, at 15:59:33
In reply to Started taking EFEXOR today-worried, posted by Sarah on January 15, 2001, at 3:06:25
I'm slowly losing weight on Effexor XR.
Nothing dramatic though, probably from increased activity?!
Posted by tme on January 16, 2001, at 11:37:51
In reply to Started taking EFEXOR today-worried, posted by Sarah on January 15, 2001, at 3:06:25
> I started taking Efexor today at lunch time. I am only on 37.5mg once a day. Though after taking my first dose today for an hour afterwards I was extremely sick, tired, dizzy, light headed and I experienced severe pins and needles sensation all over my face and head.
> After the first hour I wasn't as sick anymore just a little 'lost' in the head, with memory and a loss of thought train. I am still dizzy, I have a headache and a really weird feeling all over my head.
> Now I am scared of what other side effects I will incur especially the weight gain!!!!!
> All this scaring me, I'd just like to know if it is all worth it and whether anyone has felt those symptons too?hi,
personally, after just getting off of effexor, i wouldnt take it. but.......that is if youve tried other "old" drugs. drugs that have been around awhile. like 10 or more years. research them and dont end up feeling like a "guinea pig". effexor worked great for me, so it does work, but, if there is another drug out there that would work for you, and not give you the side effects, from either going on or going off (which was HELL) then i would take that. skip the effexor if you can. just my opinion.
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