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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by demon_child_cin-666 on March 29, 2006, at 13:53:13
In reply to OK now I am afraid, posted by unknown_usr on March 29, 2006, at 11:05:46
I was also on Wellbutrin and Effexor, when my doctor put me on the effexor he increased the wellbutrin. The effexor did not end up working for me but I am still on the wellbutrin. Not everyone has a hard time getting off of effexor. I didn't, I stopped taking it when I ended up in the hospital because it was making my mania spin out of control. For me it was safer to just stop taking it than to try and ween myself off. I wanted to hurt myself on it and during the withdrawal the thought never even crossed my mind.
If your scared tell your doctor that you want to increase it very slowly. Maybe wait 4-6 weeks before you do the increase, instead of 1 week. Everyone reacts differently going onto or coming off of any med. It's ok (even good) to be scared, it will keep you more alert to the changes in your body.
> I just started this Effexor stuff. I have been taking Welbutrin 150mg for a long time, but its success has been minimal, leaving me feeling foggy. Before that, it was Prozack which made me robotic. Before that Norpramine, which also had minimal results.
>
> The passed 2 days I have been on 37.5 mg of Effexor and 150 mg of Welbutrin XL. The plan is to take a week at 37.5 with the Welbutrin. Go up to 75 for two weeks and take the Welbutrin every other day, and then go to 150 and drop the Welbutrin altogether.
>
> This seems like a logical plan. But now I hear about the horrors of quitting this med. I am scared. I am also having funky side-effects from this stuff, but nothing unexpected. Like I experienced my first ever bout of insomnia last night, but I'm not surprised since both Effexor and Welbutrin have insomnia as a possible side-effect. I also feel like my heart is racing a little, but I think that's from the coffee and lack of sleep.
>
> Is it worth the risk of withdrawal problems to take this? Does it work well?
>
Posted by detroitpistons on March 29, 2006, at 14:47:00
In reply to OK now I am afraid, posted by unknown_usr on March 29, 2006, at 11:06:16
> Is it worth the risk of withdrawal problems to take this? Does it work well?
Hi,
Don't be scared off by the horror stories. Keep in mind that there are also plenty of people who have come off of Effexor without incident, but you don't hear about those people. Don't let this kind of stuff hold you back from a possibly effective treatment.
Like anything else, you have to weigh the pros and cons. In my case, I had to start taking Effexor again. It was either that or constant misery, no appetite, etc. Effexor has been a great help to lots of people, especially for some who SSRI's don't work for. I don't know how severely depressed you are, so ultimately you have to be the judge.
Some of the SSRI's have easier withdrawals (Paxil is the next worst thing to Effexor though), so you may want to try something like Lexapro. I weaned myself off of Lexapro, however, it still took months to do it, and at the end, I was still having to take 2.5 mg (a tiny dose) every 4 days in order to avoid the symptoms. Lexapro is probably easier than Effexor, but none of these drugs are easy to come off of for most people.
However, you said you didn't like Prozac because it made you feel robotic. Different SSRI's like Lexapro will very likely have a similar effect on you.
>Like I experienced my first ever bout of insomnia last night, but I'm not surprised since both Effexor and Welbutrin have insomnia as a possible side-effect.
While you're starting up on Effexor, insomnia is not uncommon. If it's really bad, your doctor can give you something temporarily to help you sleep. I also have a rapid heartbeat while starting Effexor, and it raises my blood pressure, but not by much.
I think you will eventually find a good solution. Just don't stress yourself out too much with the things you read on the internet.
Posted by jacobs on March 29, 2006, at 22:31:06
In reply to Re: OK now I am afraid, posted by amberlee on March 29, 2006, at 11:15:06
hi i just dropped from 75 to 37.5. but the way i did it was start opening the pills and start taking about 15 to 20 beads out at a time. like the first 3 days i removed 20 beads then the next 3 days i removed 20 more beads till i have gotten down to 37.5(there are about 100 beads in a 37.5)i tried to just drop like my dr said from 75 to 37.5, and the withdraws were just to hard. so havent had it to bad doing it this way. i'm working my way off this med. it worked when i needed it but for me the side effects were not worth it for me. but i think it is just different for everyone, got friends who swear by it. and like i said it worked when i needed it. just got to take it slow getting off it.
Posted by LisaH817 on March 30, 2006, at 16:38:25
In reply to Re: OK now I am afraid, posted by amberlee on March 29, 2006, at 11:15:06
> I'm so happy I found this site!!! I have spent many many years on Effexor and I thought I was the only one in the world who had brain zaps!! Thank God for you all!!! They are the worst...I don't have a good doc so I have to kinda figure this out on my own. My Effexor was upped in Jan because of a severe bout with depression. I am now trying to go back to my regular dosage, but hte withdrawals drive me mad. I was on 75ml and then I started taking an extra 37.5 a day....I wanna go back to 75ml, but even trying to decrease by 37.5ml gives my brain zaps!! Anyone got any ideas how to avoid or lessen the severity!!!Thanks
I was on 150 mg a day and a week ago dropped to 112.5 mg a day. The very first day, I woke up early and had a headache and feeling like I was having withdrawl effects. I took my next dose and started to feel better within about an hour. Every day since it's been getting better. It's been a week now and today I feel pretty good. I have taken some benedryl some days and this other medication I have that's a tranquilizer on occassion that have helped.
Posted by tizza on March 30, 2006, at 23:35:41
In reply to Re: OK now I am afraid, posted by LisaH817 on March 30, 2006, at 16:38:25
benadryl does help a little to get you through the really rough patches, all the best Paul
Posted by CWN266 on April 2, 2006, at 17:46:24
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
My doctor took me off Effexor (37.5mg x 3 daily) on Tuesday of last week, March 28th. I have had the worst 5 days you can imagine. Brain zaps, dizziness, and headaches are the problems. I am able to spend about 2 hours up, and then back to bed for 2 hours. My appetite is fine. I also take 300mg of Wellbutrin daily. I won't go back on this monster. Good luck, my fingers are crossed for you.
Posted by renecoston on April 3, 2006, at 14:17:15
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by lg on November 7, 1999, at 19:11:05
I was given Effexor XR by my doc (in the trial packs) and started it - taking it for 8 days total. I stopped only because I found information online that said it was worse than Paxil to wean off of - and I went through living hell trying to stop taking Paxil.
I want to find out more on Effexor XR before taking it. It was doing wonders for me during the short time I was taking it. I didn't want to sit on my butt all day like usual, as a matter of fact I was constantly looking for more to do and never felt more energized! I know they say it takes like up to 8 weeks to work, but I saw a difference in 2-3 days!
Can anyone give me some cold hard facts about this stuff? I want to know what you take it for and what it has done for you...and if anyone knows first-hand what it is like to stop taking it, I'd love to hear it!
Posted by Aim on April 4, 2006, at 13:20:30
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by renecoston on April 3, 2006, at 14:17:15
I have had much success so far. I take effexor xr for depression. I have maintained on 37.5 mg for about 1 1/2 to 2 months now and still feel really good. The only bad thing is I have noticed weight gain. My weight does fluctuate so I am uncertain if it is directly due to the effexor or my eating habits. Anyway, life is no longer gloomy for me and I have mroe energy than before. Effexor did not change my "laziness" and the fact that I enjoy plopping in front of the tv, but now if there isnt anything "good" on I look for something else to do, (unlike before).
I have never been on anything else, nor have I tried to get off the effexor yet. Reading these entries scared me at first too. I decided to take it slow and allow my body to tell me if my dose was adequate. My dr at first did not agree with the 37.5 mg and wanted to increase me to 75mg, but I held out and I am glad I did. Good luck with it all!
Posted by Manicpanic on April 4, 2006, at 18:30:42
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by Aim on April 4, 2006, at 13:20:30
Hi everyone,
I am new to this thread and have read most of the messages here.
I have dealt with depression and anxiety for most of my life; since I was sixteen. I an now 36 years old and have tried Xanax Alprozalam,
which worked wonders for me for years until I changed doctor's and found out that Xanax is very old and an addictive type of drug. I should have never been on it for 5 years straight.
He put me on Zoloft which caused horrible side effects such as impotence, incredible happiness
which was uncontrollable. I would find myself laughing and giggling for no apparent reason!
Friends and family always asked "what the hell are you laughing about and giggling under your breath all the time for?
I felt stupid afterwards because 15 minutes later I would be so docile and unresponsive that people thought I was strange.
Anyways, After ten years of battling all this I finally took my doctor's advise and visited a
Pyschaitrist. He prescribed me Effexor XR at 37.5mg. I felt the effects immediately! The first few days were amazing! Calm, relaxed, thinking clear and speaking properly. But after a week a started experiencing something my doctor never heard of. It was the opposite of impotence. I had a constant erection and heightened sexual urges for 4 days! Also the sexual activities mu wife and I engaged in went on forever because I could not ejaculate until an hour into it. Not that my wife was complaining though! But it was very frustrating for me because the erection would be back an hour later. It was very hard to sleep with and go through my normal daily duties.
I explained this to my doctor and he felt that perhaps it wasn't working properly due to the dose. He started me on 75mg then on 112.5 mg a day and I have been on this dosage for 3 weeks.
Everthing is fine now, My social interaction is still not there yet. I still find myself avoiding certain social gathering with friends outside of their home or mine.
I feel generally happier and have started to enjoy the things I lost so much interest in before. The anxiety attacks are nonexistant and
I am sleeping better. My energy level is still not there since Exxefor still makes me feel very Lethargic sometimes.
I wanted to quit it after the first month but I am glad I stuck with it because I am now feeling the advantages of it.
Hopefully It carries on this way and I don't need to change drugs again.
a day.
Posted by demon_child_cin-666 on April 4, 2006, at 18:40:38
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by Aim on April 4, 2006, at 13:20:30
Good for you!!!!!! I'm glad you stood up for yourself, and that you are having so much success!!!! For the weight gain, I suggest armchair aerobics...from one couch potato to another. :) During the commercials you pick a muscle group, and concentrating on those muscles do some slow motions to make them work. You may not lose weight, but after a little while you will notice a difference. Keep up the good work!!
> I have had much success so far. I take effexor xr for depression. I have maintained on 37.5 mg for about 1 1/2 to 2 months now and still feel really good. The only bad thing is I have noticed weight gain. My weight does fluctuate so I am uncertain if it is directly due to the effexor or my eating habits. Anyway, life is no longer gloomy for me and I have mroe energy than before. Effexor did not change my "laziness" and the fact that I enjoy plopping in front of the tv, but now if there isnt anything "good" on I look for something else to do, (unlike before).
>
> I have never been on anything else, nor have I tried to get off the effexor yet. Reading these entries scared me at first too. I decided to take it slow and allow my body to tell me if my dose was adequate. My dr at first did not agree with the 37.5 mg and wanted to increase me to 75mg, but I held out and I am glad I did. Good luck with it all!
Posted by texasangel32 on April 4, 2006, at 23:08:20
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dos » Aim, posted by demon_child_cin-666 on April 4, 2006, at 18:40:38
I have been on effexor xr 75 mg's for 1 week now, and has anyone out there on this medication seemed to have lost taste?I cant taste anything anymore,I have lost my appetite (which is a good thing) but was curious to see if anyone has the symptom as well..I also feel very withdrawn in my own world, is this normal?
Posted by texasangel32 on April 4, 2006, at 23:09:05
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dos » Aim, posted by demon_child_cin-666 on April 4, 2006, at 18:40:38
I have been on effexor xr 75 mg's for 1 week now, and has anyone out there on this medication seemed to have lost taste?I cant taste anything anymore,I have lost my appetite (which is a good thing) but was curious to see if anyone has the symptom as well..I also feel very withdrawn in my own world, is this normal?
Posted by CEK on April 5, 2006, at 0:14:23
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dos, posted by texasangel32 on April 4, 2006, at 23:08:20
I never felt this way on Effexor. Just the opposite. Food tasted so darn good! Too good. Hang in there, it might get better. Sometimes it takes a while. Good luck, CEK
Posted by beaubeau on April 5, 2006, at 0:16:21
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dos, posted by texasangel32 on April 4, 2006, at 23:09:05
hey! I've been on effexor 75mg for 2 months... in my case,, all the adverse effects, the lost interests in appetite, sex, and nausea were gone after a month. there's one thing still bothers me, the sleepiness...but if i were busy i could fight it off...besides this everything's been great!
Posted by nana on April 5, 2006, at 12:04:53
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dos, posted by texasangel32 on April 4, 2006, at 23:09:05
Hello, I also found on 75mg that alot of time I was in my own world and had lost the intense feelings I use to have. I have cut back to 37.5 in the morning and if it is a real stressful day I can take another 37.5 in the afternoon. But lately I have been able to maintain on just one dose. Life is good and I am enjoying it. Hang in there. It is different for everybody.
Posted by beaubeau on April 5, 2006, at 12:44:32
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dos, posted by nana on April 5, 2006, at 12:04:53
hey...i have been on 75mg for 2 months...everything's great now...i've come passed the adverse effects!! ANYWAY I'll be going to beijing for a yr NEXT WEEk..everything's going so well that i totally forgot about EFFEXOR!!! what am i gonna do for the prescription!!! i have an apt with my femily doc next monday...but a yr prescription? i dont think so...and as far as i know there's no the same effexor xr in beijing...what am i gonna do? has anyone accountered similar situation?
Posted by digger on April 6, 2006, at 10:43:41
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dos, posted by beaubeau on April 5, 2006, at 12:44:32
This is my first post to this subject but I have been taking Effexor XR (75mg) for about 2 mos. I started with the half dose for a couple of weeks and didn't really have any effects good or bad. I maybe did feel a little less anxious but could possible attribute that to an initial placebo effect (It was the first time I was taking anything for depression in 15 years so I was very conscious of my mood and myself.
The first 2-3 days after increasing the dosage were rough. The first night I could not fall asleep or when I did would immediately be awakened by a nightmare of people screaming at me.
Since those first few days I have been doing great...No more paranoia and greatly reduced anxiety and depression. The only side effect that remains is difficulty reaching a climax (cmming).
I feel as though the elation has diminished but I don't think I need a stronger dose. I probably have just leveled out now after the initial euphoria of having reprieve from the depression.
Posted by Creed on April 7, 2006, at 8:38:34
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi everyone. I just want to tell you about my short time with Effexor XR. I felt like it was working for me within the first week but that could have been the placebo effect! Every side effect that I have is tolerable except for the heart palpatations. I went back to the doctor and asked him if I could stay at 37.5 until the palpatations subside a little more. He agreed. How long will the palpatations last?? The other side effects from taking Effexor are: I found myself talking alot and fast (I'm normally a pretty quiet person), my feet are constantly on the move, insomnia, heart palpatations and my pupils are dialated. I have read many of the posts and no one has said anything about thier pupils being dialated?? Is this normal??
Thank, Creed
Posted by digger on April 7, 2006, at 9:56:17
In reply to My experience with Effexor XR, posted by Creed on April 7, 2006, at 8:38:34
I've been taking Effexor XR (75) for about 10 weeks. After becoming acclimated to it, the only side effect I still have is the difficulty reaching a climax. I occationally have some nightmares and restless sleep remeniscent of the nightmares I had when I first started the higher dosage. (just last night as a matter of fact)
Overall I seem to be having an easier time of it than I am reading about on this thread. My relationships with wife and friends have improved dramatically. Greatly reduced depression, anxiety and paranoia. I am a little concerned now about what it will be like if I ever try to discontiue E -XR though. My doctor lead me to believe I might be able to do so after about one year of treatment. But he did not warn me of any difficulty in slowly reducing until the treatment is elliminated....I am reading through this thread for info from people who have had similar results as I am who have since discontinued treatment.
Posted by Aim on April 7, 2006, at 13:31:30
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dos, posted by texasangel32 on April 4, 2006, at 23:09:05
Stick it out for a bit...my side effects pretty much went away after about 1 week of taking it. They say weight loss or weight gain can be a side effect...unfortunately for me i think i am dealing with the gain...However, my mood is so uch better overall I am taking it with stride =)
Posted by Aim on April 7, 2006, at 13:39:08
In reply to My experience with Effexor XR, posted by Creed on April 7, 2006, at 8:38:34
I HAD ALL OF WHAT YOU ARE REPORTING AND ALSO A "SPEEDY" FEELING...TEETH GRINDING/CLENCHING, HEADACHES...I also requested to remain at 37.5. After about 1 week or so my side effects went away. I am still at 37.5 and have been on it for about 2months or so. My doctor was surprised I felt good after the first few days, and didnt think that remaining at 37.5 was advisable, but I stuck it out and still feel good.
I started a log to see what side effects I was feeling each day and noticed that eventually they were getting better. YOU have to be the judge, if you feel really uncomfortable dont hesitate to call your doctor, but stick it out a bit and they should subside. Remember your body is adjusting to the meds.
BEST OF LUCK!
> Hi everyone. I just want to tell you about my short time with Effexor XR. I felt like it was working for me within the first week but that could have been the placebo effect! Every side effect that I have is tolerable except for the heart palpatations. I went back to the doctor and asked him if I could stay at 37.5 until the palpatations subside a little more. He agreed. How long will the palpatations last?? The other side effects from taking Effexor are: I found myself talking alot and fast (I'm normally a pretty quiet person), my feet are constantly on the move, insomnia, heart palpatations and my pupils are dialated. I have read many of the posts and no one has said anything about thier pupils being dialated?? Is this normal??
>
> Thank, Creed
Posted by digger on April 7, 2006, at 15:33:10
In reply to effexor XR interactions with alcohol, posted by Aim on February 23, 2006, at 13:18:21
> One more question, I have read lots of information on effexor and everything seems to state: Avoid Alcohol, with no further explanation.
>
> Does anyone have experiences to share about this?
>
> I going out occassionally and will have a few drinks with friends, or going out to dinner, etc.
> I wanted some insight on what AVOID alcohol actually MEANS....
>
> Is it that the drug increases the effects of the alcohol, you could get very sick, what?
>
> Any help/thoughts would be appreciated. I am going out this weekend with some friends to a local bar/restaurant and would like to know what to expect...I am looking through old postings for info on Effexor XR and found your question about alcohol and Effexor. I may be way late in getting this to you but here ya go.....I'm taking 75mg and had two bears one evening within a couple of hours had a horrible migraine/like headache. I don't know if it is because of the mixing or because it flushed the Effexor out of my system and I was experiencing the dreaded withdrawal that I am reading about on this thread. Just so you know I have learned to like N/A beer (and I like to drink) I think this stuff could be a cure for an alcoholic if it consistently results in the headache I had....I wouldn't risk it...but then not everyone has the same effects from this drug or it's withdrawal.
Posted by Aim on April 10, 2006, at 14:10:45
In reply to Re: effexor XR interactions with alcohol » Aim, posted by digger on April 7, 2006, at 15:33:10
> > One more question, I have read lots of information on effexor and everything seems to state: Avoid Alcohol, with no further explanation.
> >
> > Does anyone have experiences to share about this?
> >
> > I going out occassionally and will have a few drinks with friends, or going out to dinner, etc.
> > I wanted some insight on what AVOID alcohol actually MEANS....
> >
> > Is it that the drug increases the effects of the alcohol, you could get very sick, what?
> >
> > Any help/thoughts would be appreciated. I am going out this weekend with some friends to a local bar/restaurant and would like to know what to expect...
>
> I am looking through old postings for info on Effexor XR and found your question about alcohol and Effexor. I may be way late in getting this to you but here ya go.....I'm taking 75mg and had two bears one evening within a couple of hours had a horrible migraine/like headache. I don't know if it is because of the mixing or because it flushed the Effexor out of my system and I was experiencing the dreaded withdrawal that I am reading about on this thread. Just so you know I have learned to like N/A beer (and I like to drink) I think this stuff could be a cure for an alcoholic if it consistently results in the headache I had....I wouldn't risk it...but then not everyone has the same effects from this drug or it's withdrawal.THANKS FOR GETTING BACK TO ME! I DRINK LESS FREQUENTLY. I HAVE FOUND THAT DRINKING IN MODERATION IS FINE FOR ME. A FEW BEERS HERE OR THERE.
I USED TO HAVE BEER CRAVINGS MUCH MORE FREQUENTLY AND I DEFINITELY THINK IT WAS TO HAVE THAT "HAPPY BUZZ" DUE TO THE INTERNAL GLOOM I WAS FEELING...BUT, NOW NOT SO MUCH...
I GO OUT WITH FRIENDS AND HAVE THE OCCASSION BEER OR SO, BUT I HAVE YET TO EXPERIENCE ANY HORRIBLE THINGS LIKE THE OTHERS HAVE SAID...
IT MIGHT BE B/C I AM ONLY ON 37.5MG OF EFFEXOR XR OR IT RESPONDS TO MY BODY DIFFERENTLY, WHATEVER THE CASE IS, I AM TAKING IT ALL IN STRIDE,,,
BUT AGAIN THANKS!
Posted by bart on April 11, 2006, at 17:14:53
In reply to Re: effexor XR interactions with alcohol, posted by Aim on April 10, 2006, at 14:10:45
VERY SIMPLE, DON'T DRINK A LOT IN EFFEXOR
IF YOU DO YOU WILL FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENS
Posted by unknown_usr on April 13, 2006, at 13:10:37
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by CWN266 on April 2, 2006, at 17:46:24
So far I started with staying on the Welbutrin and taking 37.5mg. Then I went to every other day with the Welbutrin and went to 75mg of Effexor. After a week and a couple of days on the 75mg I have no energy. I can barely drag my butt out of bed and my moods have gone down the tube. I left a message for my Doc and everything, but i wonder if anyone else had this experience, and if it got better.
I find it weird that I am tired and depressed. On the 35.5mg with the 150mg of Welbutril I was feeling great. I even had insomnia for 2 days. But now I am completely drained. At least my appetite is still low.
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