Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 13249

Shown: posts 1 to 13 of 13. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Effexor XR Kick-in?

Posted by Judy on October 16, 1999, at 11:12:07

I've read many posts about Effexor and several people have used the exact words: "You'll know when it kicks in." What I need to know is at what dose and after how long is this likely to occur? What I'm feeling right now makes me wonder if I'm anywhere near close.

I started Effexor XR three weeks ago and have been at 150 mg for ten days now. Since the beginning, I've suffered flu-like symptoms - joint and muscle aches, headache, pains in my lower back in the kidney area. The aches and pains aren't constant, but are always present in some area of my body (one night I thought I would cry with the pains in my collar bones!). Constantly present is a low-grade buzzing type of tremor in all my muscles - my handwriting doesn't look like mine, I have trouble zeroing in on the computer screen with the mouse, and I sometimes have trouble walking downstairs because the trembling in one leg is too much to support me until I get the other foot down to the next step. Finally, my stomach is killing me. Within a half hour of taking Effexor, my lower intestines start to churn and cramp and diarrhea is always a distinct possibility. I'm having no sleep problems - all I want to do is sleep! I can't take Xanax for the tremors because it adds to the sedation.

I had been taking the full 150 mg dose first thing in the morning, but in an effort to alleviate some of the side effects, I started splitting the dose four days ago into 75 mg at 6 AM and 75 mg at 6 PM. I'm not sure how this XR thing works, so I'm wondering if I'm sabotaging myself by splitting the dose. (No remarkable changes in side effects BTW).

Incidentally, I took 'regular' Effexor several years ago for ten months and don't remember anything like this. My main complaint at that time was sweating. Also, I weaned off Effexor back then in less than a week and had no withdrawal whatsoever. Recently I forgot to take Effexor XR in the morning and within six hours, I was shaking, seeing flashing lights and felt like my head was going to explode. Is XR that much different, or has my chemistry changed over the years?

My doctor has been on vacation so I'm turning to you for advice - Is what I'm experiencing 'normal'? Should I expect to feel something beneficial at this point? Should I not split my dosage? Should I gut this out, or does it sound like I'm barking up the wrong AD tree altogether?

Judy

 

Re: Effexor XR Kick-in?

Posted by Noa on October 16, 1999, at 11:40:54

In reply to Effexor XR Kick-in?, posted by Judy on October 16, 1999, at 11:12:07

This doesn't sound like a good med for you, unless you coincidentally have the flu or something. I also had bad sweating on regular effexor, but not on the xr. I don't know much about how it works, but it would seem to me that taking the xr in split doses defeats the purpose and ends of distributing the med into your body at wierd times. How quicly did you go up to 150? My pdoc always has me do increases, especially on a new med, VERY GRADUALLY. Does your doc have someone covering for him or her? Must have. YOu should definitely be seen. I wouldn't mess with all those aches, pains, tremors, etc.

 

PS

Posted by Judy on October 16, 1999, at 11:46:25

In reply to Effexor XR Kick-in?, posted by Judy on October 16, 1999, at 11:12:07

Sorry - as if my first post wasn't long enough! It's been a long time since I've posted here, so I guess I should add that my DX is major depression which only seems to respond to MAOI, the side effects of which don't allow me to take them anymore. Also, augmenting with a SSRI doesn't seem to be a possibility. I've run the gamut of the SSRI's and all were so sedating that I couldn't function. A trial with Serzone was a disaster.

 

Re: PS

Posted by Cindy on October 16, 1999, at 11:59:21

In reply to PS, posted by Judy on October 16, 1999, at 11:46:25

> Sorry - as if my first post wasn't long enough! It's been a long time since I've posted here, so I guess I should add that my DX is major depression which only seems to respond to MAOI, the side effects of which don't allow me to take them anymore. Also, augmenting with a SSRI doesn't seem to be a possibility. I've run the gamut of the SSRI's and all were so sedating that I couldn't function. A trial with Serzone was a disaster.

Judy, why was Serzone a disaster? I'm taking it now and am pretty happy with it (some dizziness, some strange visual things, but nothing I can't live with...compared to the SSRI's and their sexual side effects, it is wonderful, and my depression has really lifted.--Cindy

 

Re: PS

Posted by dj on October 16, 1999, at 12:23:50

In reply to PS, posted by Judy on October 16, 1999, at 11:46:25

What about Wellbutrin -- which is a modern AD, non-SSRI which has an energizing effect. I've noticed little in the way of side effects on a spit dose of 150 mgs, twice a day, having started at 75mgs, twice a day. I had experienced various doping effects with SSRIs but nothing to the degree that you do.

>.. I've run the gamut of the SSRI's and all were so sedating that I couldn't function. A trial with Serzone was a disaster.

 

Re: PS

Posted by Judy on October 16, 1999, at 12:32:40

In reply to Re: PS, posted by Cindy on October 16, 1999, at 11:59:21

Cindy - Serzone was so sedating for me that trying to wake up every day was like coming out of anesthesia and, even if I did get up and start moving, I never felt like I was fully conscious. I think I spent five weeks in that semi-coma until my PDoc finally agreed I had given it my best shot. I was so depressed during those weeks that I was truly scared! Probably the most dangerous drug I've ever taken for my mental health.

I think part of my problem is that I'm *not* a rookie with AD's. After more then 15 years of disasterous trials with AD's that failed and their sometimes awful side effects, PLUS being told "you haven't given it enough time" when I wanted off of them, I think I've come to expect that I'll feel terrible until I feel better or I'm granted a reprieve and allowed to discontinue the drug.

One more irony: after months of MAOI-induced anorgasmia, I can now respond sexually - I just don't give a damn! ~ Judy


> Judy, why was Serzone a disaster? I'm taking it now and am pretty happy with it (some dizziness, some strange visual things, but nothing I can't live with...compared to the SSRI's and their sexual side effects, it is wonderful, and my depression has really lifted.--Cindy

 

Re: PS

Posted by Aylse on October 16, 1999, at 14:38:04

In reply to Re: PS, posted by Judy on October 16, 1999, at 12:32:40

> Cindy - Serzone was so sedating for me that trying to wake up every day was like coming out of anesthesia and, even if I did get up and start moving, I never felt like I was fully conscious. I think I spent five weeks in that semi-coma until my PDoc finally agreed I had given it my best shot. I was so depressed during those weeks that I was truly scared! Probably the most dangerous drug I've ever taken for my mental health.
>
> I think part of my problem is that I'm *not* a rookie with AD's. After more then 15 years of disasterous trials with AD's that failed and their sometimes awful side effects, PLUS being told "you haven't given it enough time" when I wanted off of them, I think I've come to expect that I'll feel terrible until I feel better or I'm granted a reprieve and allowed to discontinue the drug.
>
> One more irony: after months of MAOI-induced anorgasmia, I can now respond sexually - I just don't give a damn! ~ Judy
>
>
> > Judy, why was Serzone a disaster? I'm taking it now and am pretty happy with it (some dizziness, some strange visual things, but nothing I can't live with...compared to the SSRI's and their sexual side effects, it is wonderful, and my depression has really lifted.--Cindy

Judy, is it possible that you are going through withdraw from your last drug? How long ago was your last dose and what was it?

 

Re: PS

Posted by Judy on October 16, 1999, at 14:56:26

In reply to Re: PS, posted by Aylse on October 16, 1999, at 14:38:04

Aylse, I don't think so. I was taking Marplan and weaned off of it over a two-week period. I then spent two "clean" weeks exactly before taking my first 37.5 mg dose of Effexor SR. I then upped the dosage every fourth day, as prescribed, until I reached 150 mg. ~ Judy

> Judy, is it possible that you are going through withdraw from your last drug? How long ago was your last dose and what was it?

 

Re: Effexor XR Kick-in?

Posted by saint james on October 16, 1999, at 23:21:55

In reply to Effexor XR Kick-in?, posted by Judy on October 16, 1999, at 11:12:07

> I had been taking the full 150 mg dose first thing in the morning, but in an effort to alleviate some of the side effects, I started splitting the dose four days ago into 75 mg at 6 AM and 75 mg at 6 PM. I'm not sure how this XR thing works, so I'm wondering if I'm sabotaging myself by splitting the dose. (No remarkable changes in side effects BTW).
>


James here...

Provided you are taking whole capsules and not breaking any capsules open to get 75 mgs it should not be a problem.

james

 

Re: Effexor XR Kick-in?

Posted by diane on October 17, 1999, at 18:58:16

In reply to Effexor XR Kick-in?, posted by Judy on October 16, 1999, at 11:12:07

> I've read many posts about Effexor and several people have used the exact words: "You'll know when it kicks in." What I need to know is at what dose and after how long is this likely to occur? What I'm feeling right now makes me wonder if I'm anywhere near close.
>
> I started Effexor XR three weeks ago and have been at 150 mg for ten days now. Since the beginning, I've suffered flu-like symptoms - joint and muscle aches, headache, pains in my lower back in the kidney area. The aches and pains aren't constant, but are always present in some area of my body (one night I thought I would cry with the pains in my collar bones!). Constantly present is a low-grade buzzing type of tremor in all my muscles - my handwriting doesn't look like mine, I have trouble zeroing in on the computer screen with the mouse, and I sometimes have trouble walking downstairs because the trembling in one leg is too much to support me until I get the other foot down to the next step. Finally, my stomach is killing me. Within a half hour of taking Effexor, my lower intestines start to churn and cramp and diarrhea is always a distinct possibility. I'm having no sleep problems - all I want to do is sleep! I can't take Xanax for the tremors because it adds to the sedation.
>
> I had been taking the full 150 mg dose first thing in the morning, but in an effort to alleviate some of the side effects, I started splitting the dose four days ago into 75 mg at 6 AM and 75 mg at 6 PM. I'm not sure how this XR thing works, so I'm wondering if I'm sabotaging myself by splitting the dose. (No remarkable changes in side effects BTW).
>
> Incidentally, I took 'regular' Effexor several years ago for ten months and don't remember anything like this. My main complaint at that time was sweating. Also, I weaned off Effexor back then in less than a week and had no withdrawal whatsoever. Recently I forgot to take Effexor XR in the morning and within six hours, I was shaking, seeing flashing lights and felt like my head was going to explode. Is XR that much different, or has my chemistry changed over the years?
>
> My doctor has been on vacation so I'm turning to you for advice - Is what I'm experiencing 'normal'? Should I expect to feel something beneficial at this point? Should I not split my dosage? Should I gut this out, or does it sound like I'm barking up the wrong AD tree altogether?
>
> Judy

when i get side effects like this from a drug, i give up quick. when i HAVEN'T, i've regretted it later. the drugs i've had success with had mild side effects or nagging side effects for awhile, but i didn't feel like i was sick. when i did (with wellbutrin, i felt sick), i just gave up and tried something else. i didn't quit remeron right away, and i did feel sick and achy and weird and i didn't quit and eventually i gained 35 pounds without even looking. i wish i had just quit right away. diane

 

Re: Effexor XR Kick-in?

Posted by Will on October 19, 1999, at 16:37:11

In reply to Re: Effexor XR Kick-in?, posted by diane on October 17, 1999, at 18:58:16

JUDY:

I have been wrestling with the 75mg pink/orange pentagonal effexor at 150mg/day for the past 3 months. I HATE it. I sweat (think 325# couch potato being forced to run stairs at gunpoint in a 107 degree Florida summer humidity) However, I am a physically active 5'7 135# male. That was week one, and it got worse.

Add to it, shakes, queasiness, loose bowels, uncoordinated movements like running into tables, bumping against walls, narrowing of vision, and "electrical shock-like Blasts" to my head....I have said enough. I titrated down over a 3.5 week period...75 am / 75 pm for 6 days...75 am / 37.5 pm 6 days / 37.5am/37.5pm 6days / 37.5 am 6 days / NONE !!! That was last thursday 10-14. Friday was ok until evening...unnerving side effects had me take another 37.5. I was ok until midday sunday some 36 hours later, i took another 37.5. Monday met with Psychopharmacologist: said the symptoms described were inline with removal. bear with it. Monday went downhill, i left work early, wife picked me up and i went directly to sleep. Tuesday am, was lightheaded,and shocky pickly sweat...held the course most of the day, It is now 537pm and the last 2 hours have been worst yet. Called MD, and Family GP. Both said let it go for 4 more days no effexor. If still symptomatic, call, but both believe this will pass.

I hate this shit and strongly suggest you reconsider, I have tried to endure not wanting it to get the best of me...And have found it was nothing but self-inflicted discomfort that lasted much longer than needed

If anybody has any suggestions on how to soften these feelings, I'm game. So far the only thing I found is dark, quiet and horizontal.

 

Re: Effexor XR *Withdrawal* Kick-in?

Posted by Judy on October 19, 1999, at 20:06:46

In reply to Re: Effexor XR Kick-in?, posted by Will on October 19, 1999, at 16:37:11

Thank you all for your advice. My psychopharm returned from vacation yesterday (Monday) and agreed that Effexor isn't the AD for me. So I'm officially out of the Effexor frying pan and into the withdrawal fire; and I'm scared to death because I've cleared the AD shelf - there's nothing left that I haven't tried. I asked my pdoc what I would do next and he said, "Let's get you off Effexor first." Not too encouraging.

Some specific responses:

dj - I've tried Welbutrin - way too energizing (worse for me than Effexor has been)

saint james - Pdoc confirmed your post that splitting dosage is fine (full capsules only!) as long as you get your full dosage in at regular times during each 24-hour period. Also a question - given my batting average with Welbutrin and Effexor, does this mean Reboxetine is probably out of the question for me?

Diane - Sounds like neither of us is easily treatable! LOL Regarding your other post about Prozac, if you do respond to certain drugs like I do, don't even consider Serzone! For some people (I am one of them), it seems to encourage rage and hostility out of nowhere. Don't chance that right now if you have other options. Also, your Sue Grafton quote moved me - for what it meant to me and what it might mean to you. ( BTW, I love her books - I got as far as "J" and had to stop reading - couldn't concentrate anymore because of AD's or side effects. I miss reading a lot.)

Will - Hang tough! I hope you don't even need the four more days they gave you. I'll be thinking of you - please post again with an update. Hint from my pdoc - try Benadryl (over-the-counter antihistimine tablets) to alleviate some of the withdrawal symptoms. I don't think it will hurt to try. Luck to both of us!

Again, thanks to all
~ Judy

 

Re: Effexor XR *Withdrawal* Kick-in?

Posted by saint james on October 29, 1999, at 3:38:15

In reply to Re: Effexor XR *Withdrawal* Kick-in?, posted by Judy on October 19, 1999, at 20:06:46


>
> saint james - Pdoc confirmed your post that splitting dosage is fine (full capsules only!) as long as you get your full dosage in at regular times during each 24-hour period. Also a question - given my batting average with Welbutrin and Effexor, does this mean Reboxetine is probably out of the question for me?
>

James here....

No, not really. Just because they effect the same neuro transmitters they are still very different chems. I don't think the side effects of Effexor have anything to do with nor-e, but are unique to effexor. Same thing with the SSRI's, but not including the weight and sex issues, is that one may have a side effect that the others don't.

Other possibilities for the W/D from Effexor are a dose or 2 of Prozac or some Atavin...check with your doc if what the sugested did not work.

j


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