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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by wildcard on October 6, 2005, at 2:59:40
In reply to Ringing in ears from Effexor anyone?, posted by 4wd on October 5, 2005, at 22:22:25
No ringing in the ears but yes, i have apathy! I had my doc just add Wellbutrin last week to see if that helps?? I just don't enjoy life. I know exactly what u mean! When i quit Effexor temporarily, I had more emotion than i knew what to do with. I started bk after 45 days when those *bad* thoughts crept in and i promised myself, never again. I know we are not alone w/ that side effect. Take care.
Posted by LynnPerley on October 6, 2005, at 21:21:03
In reply to Ringing in ears from Effexor anyone?, posted by 4wd on October 5, 2005, at 22:22:25
> Has anyone ever experienced ringing in the ears from Effexor?
>
> And do you notice a sort of apathetic feeling, like you don't really enjoy anything, everything is just sort of the same?
>
> MarshaNo ears ringing, but the apathy I get from Effexor is kind of a mellow feeling, and a tendency to ignore things I should pay attention to. A lack of motivation.
Posted by chrispy_85 on October 7, 2005, at 17:16:17
In reply to Ringing in ears from Effexor anyone?, posted by 4wd on October 5, 2005, at 22:22:25
> Has anyone ever experienced ringing in the ears from Effexor?
>
> And do you notice a sort of apathetic feeling, like you don't really enjoy anything, everything is just sort of the same?
>
> Marshahello there. i've only been on effexor for about a month now, but i'm definately experiencing that feeling. half the time i feel like all i'm doing is just simply 'being'. it feels like my emotions are suppressing themselves. things that i would normally have emotional problems with just don't seem to bother me anymore. i guess that's what the pills are supposed to do? but it still feels kind of strange. does that make any sense?
Posted by 4wd on October 7, 2005, at 20:28:54
In reply to Re: Ringing in ears from Effexor anyone?, posted by chrispy_85 on October 7, 2005, at 17:16:17
> > Has anyone ever experienced ringing in the ears from Effexor?
> >
> > And do you notice a sort of apathetic feeling, like you don't really enjoy anything, everything is just sort of the same?
> >
> > Marsha
>
> hello there. i've only been on effexor for about a month now, but i'm definately experiencing that feeling. half the time i feel like all i'm doing is just simply 'being'. it feels like my emotions are suppressing themselves. things that i would normally have emotional problems with just don't seem to bother me anymore. i guess that's what the pills are supposed to do? but it still feels kind of strange. does that make any sense?
I think that's pretty typical with Effexor, along with the inability to cry. I stopped Effexor about six months ago because it had quit working for depression (I had been on it for about 4-5 years). Now I am experiencing all the emotional upsets that I didn't experience before. What I mean is that every bad feeling, every bit of anxiety and fear that I didn't have while I was on Effexor is hitting me now. I don't think this happens to most people but it;s happening to me.It's possible there's more involved than just the Effexor but I know that every time I tried to switch from Effexor to a different AD, I started getting panicky and terrified within a couple of weeks and I'd have to go back on. I finally decided to live through it and get off it. It could just be that the Effexor was treating anxiety that I would have had anyway but I've never been as badly scared as I have been the last six months. I hope it gets better soon.
The lack of emotion might lessen if you were on a lower dose.
Marsha
Posted by chrispy_85 on October 10, 2005, at 10:44:24
In reply to Re: Ringing in ears from Effexor anyone?, posted by 4wd on October 7, 2005, at 20:28:54
> > > Has anyone ever experienced ringing in the ears from Effexor?
> > >
> > > And do you notice a sort of apathetic feeling, like you don't really enjoy anything, everything is just sort of the same?
> > >
> > > Marsha
> >
> > hello there. i've only been on effexor for about a month now, but i'm definately experiencing that feeling. half the time i feel like all i'm doing is just simply 'being'. it feels like my emotions are suppressing themselves. things that i would normally have emotional problems with just don't seem to bother me anymore. i guess that's what the pills are supposed to do? but it still feels kind of strange. does that make any sense?
>
>
> I think that's pretty typical with Effexor, along with the inability to cry. I stopped Effexor about six months ago because it had quit working for depression (I had been on it for about 4-5 years). Now I am experiencing all the emotional upsets that I didn't experience before. What I mean is that every bad feeling, every bit of anxiety and fear that I didn't have while I was on Effexor is hitting me now. I don't think this happens to most people but it;s happening to me.
>
> It's possible there's more involved than just the Effexor but I know that every time I tried to switch from Effexor to a different AD, I started getting panicky and terrified within a couple of weeks and I'd have to go back on. I finally decided to live through it and get off it. It could just be that the Effexor was treating anxiety that I would have had anyway but I've never been as badly scared as I have been the last six months. I hope it gets better soon.
>
> The lack of emotion might lessen if you were on a lower dose.
>
> Marsha
>hey marsha,
thanks for all of your input on that. i really hope that things get better for you soon. it must be really awful to have all of that anxiety come back after so long. do you think the drugs are worth the lack of emotion? i figure since you were on them for so much longer then i've been you might be able to tell me. i just can't tell now. i just don't feel like myself anymore and it's beginning to scare me. but then on the other hand, the thought of having that anxiety and panic attacks also scares me. i don't know. anyways, i really hope you start feeling better soon.
chris
Posted by Jedi on October 10, 2005, at 11:01:25
In reply to Ringing in ears from Effexor anyone?, posted by 4wd on October 5, 2005, at 22:22:25
> And do you notice a sort of apathetic feeling, like you don't really enjoy anything, everything is just sort of the same?
>
> MarshaHi Marsha,
When I took Effexor, it had a good partial affect on my depression but the apathy and anhedonia was unbearable. Tried augmentation with various meds but in the end, I went back to Nardil. I need that bump in dopamine and gaba that Nardil gives.
Wishing you success,
Jedi
Posted by Roanypony on October 10, 2005, at 20:49:00
In reply to Re: Ringing in ears from Effexor anyone?, posted by 4wd on October 7, 2005, at 20:28:54
I have just started on Effexor XR, x3 days now. I am on 75mg once a day, I started taking it for anxiety. So far now on top of the anxiety, I have nausea, light headedness, I woke up this morning with one of the worse headaches I've ever had, and now I have increased feelings of anxiety!!
I had terrible side affects and withdrawl from Paxil 4 years ago, and I swore I wouldn't try Psychotropic drugs again, but my level of anxiety was becoming so overwhelming and I was not truely able to function, I work a full time job, run my own business and I have about 3 other things on my plate as well. But I have to wonder if this will be worth it even for the short term...
I stumbbled across this list by accident, but I'm so glad that I have found it... I will be checking back within the next few days...
Posted by 4wd on October 10, 2005, at 22:48:05
In reply to Re: Ringing in ears from Effexor anyone?, posted by chrispy_85 on October 10, 2005, at 10:44:24
> > > > Has anyone ever experienced ringing in the ears from Effexor?
> > > >
> > > > And do you notice a sort of apathetic feeling, like you don't really enjoy anything, everything is just sort of the same?
> > > >
> > > > Marsha
> > >
> > > hello there. i've only been on effexor for about a month now, but i'm definately experiencing that feeling. half the time i feel like all i'm doing is just simply 'being'. it feels like my emotions are suppressing themselves. things that i would normally have emotional problems with just don't seem to bother me anymore. i guess that's what the pills are supposed to do? but it still feels kind of strange. does that make any sense?
> >
> >
> > I think that's pretty typical with Effexor, along with the inability to cry. I stopped Effexor about six months ago because it had quit working for depression (I had been on it for about 4-5 years). Now I am experiencing all the emotional upsets that I didn't experience before. What I mean is that every bad feeling, every bit of anxiety and fear that I didn't have while I was on Effexor is hitting me now. I don't think this happens to most people but it;s happening to me.
> >
> > It's possible there's more involved than just the Effexor but I know that every time I tried to switch from Effexor to a different AD, I started getting panicky and terrified within a couple of weeks and I'd have to go back on. I finally decided to live through it and get off it. It could just be that the Effexor was treating anxiety that I would have had anyway but I've never been as badly scared as I have been the last six months. I hope it gets better soon.
> >
> > The lack of emotion might lessen if you were on a lower dose.
> >
> > Marsha
> >
>
> hey marsha,
>
> thanks for all of your input on that. i really hope that things get better for you soon. it must be really awful to have all of that anxiety come back after so long. do you think the drugs are worth the lack of emotion? i figure since you were on them for so much longer then i've been you might be able to tell me. i just can't tell now. i just don't feel like myself anymore and it's beginning to scare me. but then on the other hand, the thought of having that anxiety and panic attacks also scares me. i don't know. anyways, i really hope you start feeling better soon.
>
> chris
>
Well, it was worth it for me. I hated it, though, and kept trying to get off Effexor, partly because of that. When Effexor quit working and I had to start searching for someting else tolerable, I really began to appreciate what Effexor had done for me in the past. If I could get back to that, I would. It's a lot better than being in intolerable emotional pain or terror. In fact, I keep thinking I'll try Effexor again.What dose do you take?
Marsha
Posted by 4wd on October 10, 2005, at 22:58:20
In reply to Re: Ringing in ears from Effexor anyone? » 4wd, posted by Jedi on October 10, 2005, at 11:01:25
> > And do you notice a sort of apathetic feeling, like you don't really enjoy anything, everything is just sort of the same?
> >
> > Marsha
>
> Hi Marsha,
> When I took Effexor, it had a good partial affect on my depression but the apathy and anhedonia was unbearable. Tried augmentation with various meds but in the end, I went back to Nardil. I need that bump in dopamine and gaba that Nardil gives.
> Wishing you success,
> JediHow on earth did you ever manage to get through the washout period? I'm terrified at the thought.
Marsha
Posted by Britt on October 11, 2005, at 7:42:45
In reply to Re: Ringing in ears from Effexor anyone?, posted by Roanypony on October 10, 2005, at 20:49:00
> I have just started on Effexor XR, x3 days now. I am on 75mg once a day, I started taking it for anxiety. So far now on top of the anxiety, I have nausea, light headedness, I woke up this morning with one of the worse headaches I've ever had, and now I have increased feelings of anxiety!!
>
> I had terrible side affects and withdrawl from Paxil 4 years ago, and I swore I wouldn't try Psychotropic drugs again, but my level of anxiety was becoming so overwhelming and I was not truely able to function, I work a full time job, run my own business and I have about 3 other things on my plate as well. But I have to wonder if this will be worth it even for the short term...
>
> I stumbbled across this list by accident, but I'm so glad that I have found it... I will be checking back within the next few days...
>
> I started 3 days ago also...the side effects are pretty much the same as yours, nausea, light headache, I get really sleepy within the hour that I take it with a detached sort of feeling like when one takes antihistimines....I almost feel when the nausea hits..like in my younger days when I drank and the bed would spin. LOL. I've been told that those side effects lessen or go away all together with time. I suppose we will both see, but it is comforting to know I am not going through this alone. I'll be thinking of you with tonights nausea...aren't you lucky? LOL. Seriously, let me know how you are! Hang in there!
Posted by mainjump on October 11, 2005, at 16:31:27
In reply to Re: Ringing in ears from Effexor anyone? » Roanypony, posted by Britt on October 11, 2005, at 7:42:45
So I have read 100's of the posts and have read the redirecet page for withdrawal....What is the absolute best way to get off? I have been on 75 mgs a day for one month and I want off!
I feel like I am zoned out most of the time....it does come and go but the main thing has been my libido. I am a 31 year old male and I am single. It is killing me that I don't have the desires that I did about a month ago.
I did excperience the delayed ejaculation for a week or two but now that is back to normal. Now, aside from the libido being decreased, my erections don't seem to be as strong as before. They are a little, how do I say this, spongey. Just not as rock hard as before.
Do you think I will have an easier time coming off since I have only been on for a month? Thanks for your input and woul dlove to hear your recommendations for getting off this drug.
Matt
Posted by ed_uk on October 11, 2005, at 16:39:05
In reply to Effexor Sexual Side effects, posted by mainjump on October 11, 2005, at 16:31:27
>They are a little, how do I say this, spongey. Just not as rock hard as before.
I've been on antidepressants for 7 years. I'm wondering whether I'll have spongy erections for the rest of my life. Long time since I was rock hard.~ed
Posted by TinMan on October 11, 2005, at 18:53:33
In reply to Re: Effexor Sexual Side effects » mainjump, posted by ed_uk on October 11, 2005, at 16:39:05
From my own experience, and for what that counts for, I must say that the Wellbutrin has certainly helped with the sexual side effects of Effexor. I.E., the libido and the orgasm. Being single on Effexor: Hmmmm...for the OCD (for me) and the social anxiety, great! The sexual side effects, would be a big no! Can you add Wellbutrin? Would Wellbutrin by itself be effective for you? Questions for your prescribing Dr., I am sure.
And now, for the record, I know what others mean when they talk of the "brain buzzing". Weird sensation, not wholly unpleasant, not pleasant, just weird.
Posted by Britt on October 11, 2005, at 20:28:26
In reply to Re: Effexor Sexual Side effects, posted by TinMan on October 11, 2005, at 18:53:33
Wow. Fellas this might seem strange to you. But some women like their men...say...a little spongey ;). Not trying to be sexual, what I mean is that everyone likes something a little different. The Wellbutrin may, in fact, help that, if you don't like it. But I say first, a woman that is genuinely interested in YOU, the REAL you, can find something to do with a little bit flacid erection. You have to be happy. You have to be loved for YOU. Sex is much more than rock hard intercourse! Heck, if I weren't a married woman I'd take ya!
About the brain buzzing...it is definitely a trip. Funny I have never done drugs because I don't like the feeling of being "drugged". And now I walk around with this buzzy detached feeling...especially in the several hours after I take the capsule. I'll just pretend like it's the 60's and giggle at it :).
Posted by Green Willow on October 11, 2005, at 22:10:03
In reply to Ringing in ears from Effexor anyone?, posted by 4wd on October 5, 2005, at 22:22:25
> Has anyone ever experienced ringing in the ears from Effexor?
>> Marsha
A few years ago, I took Effexor for a few months, and had the most horrible ringing in my ears that one can imagine. I did not make the connection to Effexor because I had many health problems and many prescriptions, but now that you mention it . . . . Hmmmmmm
Posted by Graceneeded on October 12, 2005, at 7:57:46
In reply to Re: Ringing in ears from Effexor anyone?, posted by Green Willow on October 11, 2005, at 22:10:03
Been off for a month now. Feel good. Tend to get upset easy but at least now I can feel. Buzzing in head when eyes move finally ended. Sex drive coming back and food taste better again. My wife loves me off meds and my 16 hates it. The meds work good but side effects and withdrawel were hell.
Posted by Chrispy_85 on October 12, 2005, at 9:55:33
In reply to Re: Ringing in ears from Effexor anyone? » chrispy_85, posted by 4wd on October 10, 2005, at 22:48:05
> > > > > Has anyone ever experienced ringing in the ears from Effexor?
> > > > >
> > > > > And do you notice a sort of apathetic feeling, like you don't really enjoy anything, everything is just sort of the same?
> > > > >
> > > > > Marsha
> > > >
> > > > hello there. i've only been on effexor for about a month now, but i'm definately experiencing that feeling. half the time i feel like all i'm doing is just simply 'being'. it feels like my emotions are suppressing themselves. things that i would normally have emotional problems with just don't seem to bother me anymore. i guess that's what the pills are supposed to do? but it still feels kind of strange. does that make any sense?
> > >
> > >
> > > I think that's pretty typical with Effexor, along with the inability to cry. I stopped Effexor about six months ago because it had quit working for depression (I had been on it for about 4-5 years). Now I am experiencing all the emotional upsets that I didn't experience before. What I mean is that every bad feeling, every bit of anxiety and fear that I didn't have while I was on Effexor is hitting me now. I don't think this happens to most people but it;s happening to me.
> > >
> > > It's possible there's more involved than just the Effexor but I know that every time I tried to switch from Effexor to a different AD, I started getting panicky and terrified within a couple of weeks and I'd have to go back on. I finally decided to live through it and get off it. It could just be that the Effexor was treating anxiety that I would have had anyway but I've never been as badly scared as I have been the last six months. I hope it gets better soon.
> > >
> > > The lack of emotion might lessen if you were on a lower dose.
> > >
> > > Marsha
> > >
> >
> > hey marsha,
> >
> > thanks for all of your input on that. i really hope that things get better for you soon. it must be really awful to have all of that anxiety come back after so long. do you think the drugs are worth the lack of emotion? i figure since you were on them for so much longer then i've been you might be able to tell me. i just can't tell now. i just don't feel like myself anymore and it's beginning to scare me. but then on the other hand, the thought of having that anxiety and panic attacks also scares me. i don't know. anyways, i really hope you start feeling better soon.
> >
> > chris
> >
>
>
> Well, it was worth it for me. I hated it, though, and kept trying to get off Effexor, partly because of that. When Effexor quit working and I had to start searching for someting else tolerable, I really began to appreciate what Effexor had done for me in the past. If I could get back to that, I would. It's a lot better than being in intolerable emotional pain or terror. In fact, I keep thinking I'll try Effexor again.
>
> What dose do you take?
>
> Marsha
>hey marsha,
i'm taking 150mg/day right now, but i have a doctor's appt later today about upping it. i'm not sure if i should, but he said for anxiety and panic attacks it usually takes a higher dose to work. i really hope it works. i can't take the panic attacks anymore. the anxiety is down a bit, but it could be a lot more forsure. thanks for listening marsha, it's nice to have a person to talk to about this stuff. if i talk to my friends about it i feel like they'll think i'm crazy or something. if there's anything i can do to help you, just let me know. if i can do it, i'd be happy to.
Posted by Yesenia on October 12, 2005, at 12:28:13
In reply to Re: Effexor Sexual Side effects » mainjump, posted by ed_uk on October 11, 2005, at 16:39:05
As for my experience, i have being with Effexor XR for one year and I have side effects on sexual intercourse. I have had many times that i feel frustruated because i'm in the action and i can't come, it's very frustruated!!!!! but, also there are days that i can come but mostly of the time i'm not in the moon.
Posted by ed_uk on October 12, 2005, at 14:15:18
In reply to Re: Effexor Sexual Side effects » TinMan, posted by Britt on October 11, 2005, at 20:28:26
LOL Britt, you're too sweet!
~Ed
Posted by 4wd on October 12, 2005, at 15:14:35
In reply to Re: Ringing in ears from Effexor anyone?, posted by Green Willow on October 11, 2005, at 22:10:03
> > Has anyone ever experienced ringing in the ears from Effexor?
> >
>
> > Marsha
>
> A few years ago, I took Effexor for a few months, and had the most horrible ringing in my ears that one can imagine. I did not make the connection to Effexor because I had many health problems and many prescriptions, but now that you mention it . . . . Hmmmmmm
>
>Thanks for your response. If is an unusual side effect but it drove me crazy. Now I have to decide whether I'd rather have severe neck pain and stiffness and residual anxiety from Celexa (positives = energy and motivation and no anhedonia) or go back to Effexor and have the ear ringing and apathy and anhedonia (positives = no neck pain, what a relief, less anxiety). What a decision.
Posted by 4wd on October 12, 2005, at 15:21:02
In reply to Re: Ringing in ears from Effexor anyone?, posted by Chrispy_85 on October 12, 2005, at 9:55:33
>> hey marsha,
>
> i'm taking 150mg/day right now, but i have a doctor's appt later today about upping it. i'm not sure if i should, but he said for anxiety and panic attacks it usually takes a higher dose to work. i really hope it works. i can't take the panic attacks anymore. the anxiety is down a bit, but it could be a lot more forsure. thanks for listening marsha, it's nice to have a person to talk to about this stuff. if i talk to my friends about it i feel like they'll think i'm crazy or something. if there's anything i can do to help you, just let me know. if i can do it, i'd be happy to.
>
Hi. Well, upping the dose may increase that feeling of detachedness. Is it unpleasant? Or is it nice to feel less upset about stuff? It was weird for me that I couldn't cry at the saddest stuff. Also remember that as the dose gets higher it will be more likely to cause bad effects if you accidentally miss a dose. You might want to give it another week or two at your current dose to see if the anxiety continues to improve.Are you ahveing other side effects? ARe you male or female?
marsha
Posted by Mim on October 15, 2005, at 1:20:44
In reply to Re: Anybody else have rage or anger attacks????, posted by eeyorena on January 25, 2005, at 21:47:16
I had anger attacks forever until I was on amitriptyline for 6 years. My doctor switched me over to effexor recently because it is a more modern drug. Well, this week I just about quit my job, divorced my husband and sold my huse: can you say distructive? I am so greatful to read this, it makes me feel less crazy. Thank you.
Posted by Dr. Bob on October 16, 2005, at 9:21:10
In reply to Effexor Free, posted by Graceneeded on October 12, 2005, at 7:57:46
> Been off for a month now...
Sorry to interrupt, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding being off to Psycho-Babble Withdrawal. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20050822/msgs/567538.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by nmb33 on October 17, 2005, at 22:05:56
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I used to have serious panic and anxiety attacks! My doctor prescribed me to Effexor. I started at 37.5mg and am now up to 75mg. I started taking them about 2 1/2 months ago. I was also prescribed Zanax in the case of a panic attack. She told me to take one of those if I felt one coming on. Since I've been on Effexor, I have not had one panic attack (Knock on wood!!!) At first I had naseau, and headaches. I also would feel really sick if I didn't eat when I was hungry. But now...I'm fine. I don't have much of my old appetite, alot of the time when I eat, I'm not even hungry, I'm just eating out of boredom or going out with friends. I have gained weight, however I don't know if it's from the Effexor or not. I started gaining weight before taking the pills. Last year I was on a very strict diet and was very much in shape. I then stopped dieting and no longer cared. And out of depression just started eating anything I wanted. So i don't really know if its from the effexor or not. But overall, effexor HAS worked for me!
Posted by hevvi1 on October 18, 2005, at 20:39:22
In reply to I feel great!, posted by nmb33 on October 17, 2005, at 22:05:56
I feel great too...I started around the same time as you and i am on the same dose.I haven't felt this good in years..I have a decreased appetite ,which is always a help!!i only have a couple of side effects,none of them bad at all,I occasionally clench my jaw,especially in the mornings when i yawn and clench a couple of times and some nights I wake up a couple of times but I can go back to sleep again...overall Effexor xr has been a godsend for me..no more panic attacks or anxiety,depression completely gone..I love it!!!
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