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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 12 of 12. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by gloria on March 16, 2000, at 17:19:46
Hi, I had my first visit with a pdoc today. I liked him. He says I have low level energy chronic depression. He has prescribed Effexor. I tried Celexa(weight gain and lethargy) Prozac, Buspar, Zoloft (to weird side effects) So my question is will I get bad side effects and will I have weight gain and be just a couch potoato. Pdoc said no, but I am leary. I did not want to make a fuss on the first visit. I follow these posts all the time. So is Effexor a crap drug or a keeper. I know everyone is different! Just want to hear stories good or bad. Thanks Gloria
Posted by michael on March 16, 2000, at 18:25:24
In reply to Effexor CamW,Noa Or Anyone Taking Effexor, posted by gloria on March 16, 2000, at 17:19:46
>
> Hi, I had my first visit with a pdoc today. I liked him. He says I have low level energy chronic depression. He has prescribed Effexor. I tried Celexa(weight gain and lethargy) Prozac, Buspar, Zoloft (to weird side effects) So my question is will I get bad side effects and will I have weight gain and be just a couch potoato. Pdoc said no, but I am leary. I did not want to make a fuss on the first visit. I follow these posts all the time. So is Effexor a crap drug or a keeper. I know everyone is different! Just want to hear stories good or bad. Thanks Gloria
Like you said, everyone is different. For me, effexor made me slightly less withdrawn/more outgoing - like I used to be. Didn't mind or avoid talking to people (in stores, etc.) and would even start conversations. Previously, hoped nobody would start a conversation with me, just wanted to be left alone. Not a very big change, but I noticed it.Other than that, it made me pretty sleepy, a little less so as I increased the dose. As for side effects, a little tinnitus (sp?) as the dose increased. More so at the higher doses, I would occassionally wake up in the middle of the night soaked in sweat (through what I was wearing, to even the sheets) - uncomfortable and very annoying.
As for weight, if anything, I may have lost a couple pounds. Oh yeah, main drawback was difficulty with orgasm. Impossible in the beginning, close to impossible later.
Aside from that last point, not a real big impact pro or con for me. I started @ 75mg/day and went up to 225mg/day - also taking wellbutrin, which doesn't really do anything for me related to psych stuff, but helps w/reducing (hopefully stopping) smoking.
Might someday go back to a low dose, (for the "more outgoing" aspect) as part of a cocktail, if I can also find something to counter the anorgasmia.
Not terribly interesting, but you asked for it. (btw, I've got similar symptoms - dysthymic)
Posted by Cindy W on March 16, 2000, at 20:26:17
In reply to Re: Effexor CamW,Noa Or Anyone Taking Effexor, posted by michael on March 16, 2000, at 18:25:24
> >
> > Hi, I had my first visit with a pdoc today. I liked him. He says I have low level energy chronic depression. He has prescribed Effexor. I tried Celexa(weight gain and lethargy) Prozac, Buspar, Zoloft (to weird side effects) So my question is will I get bad side effects and will I have weight gain and be just a couch potoato. Pdoc said no, but I am leary. I did not want to make a fuss on the first visit. I follow these posts all the time. So is Effexor a crap drug or a keeper. I know everyone is different! Just want to hear stories good or bad. Thanks Gloria
>
>
> Like you said, everyone is different. For me, effexor made me slightly less withdrawn/more outgoing - like I used to be. Didn't mind or avoid talking to people (in stores, etc.) and would even start conversations. Previously, hoped nobody would start a conversation with me, just wanted to be left alone. Not a very big change, but I noticed it.
>
> Other than that, it made me pretty sleepy, a little less so as I increased the dose. As for side effects, a little tinnitus (sp?) as the dose increased. More so at the higher doses, I would occassionally wake up in the middle of the night soaked in sweat (through what I was wearing, to even the sheets) - uncomfortable and very annoying.
>
> As for weight, if anything, I may have lost a couple pounds. Oh yeah, main drawback was difficulty with orgasm. Impossible in the beginning, close to impossible later.
>
> Aside from that last point, not a real big impact pro or con for me. I started @ 75mg/day and went up to 225mg/day - also taking wellbutrin, which doesn't really do anything for me related to psych stuff, but helps w/reducing (hopefully stopping) smoking.
>
> Might someday go back to a low dose, (for the "more outgoing" aspect) as part of a cocktail, if I can also find something to counter the anorgasmia.
>
> Not terribly interesting, but you asked for it. (btw, I've got similar symptoms - dysthymic)
Gloria, I'm taking Effexor-XR 375 mg/day for OCD and depression. It has really helped to "quiet" my mind and I feel a lot less depressed. It isn't as good for social anxiety as Serzone was. It doesn't make me anorgasmic (like Prozac, Luvox, and Zoloft did; Serzone is touted as not interfering with sex, for most people). The frequency of my orgasms has declined a little, but the quality is dramatically better (takes a little longer to get there but is much more intense!). For me, I think Effexor-XR is a keeper. At times, I have some dizziness but am not aware of any other side effects, except for feeling "hot" a lot (and I'm perimenopausal probably so it's hard to tell if it's the Effexor).
Posted by Annie on March 16, 2000, at 20:34:01
In reply to Effexor CamW,Noa Or Anyone Taking Effexor, posted by gloria on March 16, 2000, at 17:19:46
With effexor I did not have weight gain but I did have the effect of staring at the wall for very long periods of time-hours!! I enjoyed that too much so I needed something to make me do something, too. I've tried 'em all!
Posted by Mark H. on March 16, 2000, at 22:03:25
In reply to Effexor CamW,Noa Or Anyone Taking Effexor, posted by gloria on March 16, 2000, at 17:19:46
To Michael's brilliant summary, I'd add that Effexor is potentiated by Ritalin and either potentiated or concentrated by Pindolol, a beta-blocker. My latest drug book now states that taking Pindolol and Effexor together is not recommended. However, it works well for me. Caveat emptor!
I eat like a horse on Effexor, and I have gained weight for the first time in my 50-year life. I have two friends who stopped taking Effexor because they couldn't stand the weight gain.
I found Effexor by itself to require ever-higher doses to remain effective. By the time I was taking more than the highest recommended in-patient dosage (as an outpatient), I would start getting withdrawal symptoms within six hours of my last dose. When I quit, I had flu symptoms for six weeks and initial rebound that was truly amazing. It takes some people literally months to get off of it. Do not go lightly into Effexor-land!
For me, the true miracle was in the combination of medications -- methylphenidate (generic Ritalin) and pindolol both seem to make a relatively small about of Effexor (150mg/day with breakfast) as effective or even more effective than a much higher dosage of Effexor alone. I haven't had to increase the amount of Effexor I take in almost 3 years now.
I want to have a long, serious, detailed and completely honest discussion of the sexual side-effects with Michael and others at some point, but we should save that for another thread.
It took more than 20 different antidepressants and adjunctives before I found the combination that worked for me. At this time, I know of no way to block the increased appetite/weight gain problem if you have it.
One other odd side effect: when I was taking Effexor alone, I found that I tended to say everything two or three times, especially in meetings if the subject animated me. When I quit taking it, I once again usually said things only once. On this lower, potentiated dosage, I don't think I repeat myself as often, or perhaps people are just more polite to me now having known me longer!
Posted by Cindy W on March 16, 2000, at 22:31:43
In reply to Re: Effexor CamW,Noa Or Anyone Taking Effexor, posted by Mark H. on March 16, 2000, at 22:03:25
> To Michael's brilliant summary, I'd add that Effexor is potentiated by Ritalin and either potentiated or concentrated by Pindolol, a beta-blocker. My latest drug book now states that taking Pindolol and Effexor together is not recommended. However, it works well for me. Caveat emptor!
>
> I eat like a horse on Effexor, and I have gained weight for the first time in my 50-year life. I have two friends who stopped taking Effexor because they couldn't stand the weight gain.
>
> I found Effexor by itself to require ever-higher doses to remain effective. By the time I was taking more than the highest recommended in-patient dosage (as an outpatient), I would start getting withdrawal symptoms within six hours of my last dose. When I quit, I had flu symptoms for six weeks and initial rebound that was truly amazing. It takes some people literally months to get off of it. Do not go lightly into Effexor-land!
>
> For me, the true miracle was in the combination of medications -- methylphenidate (generic Ritalin) and pindolol both seem to make a relatively small about of Effexor (150mg/day with breakfast) as effective or even more effective than a much higher dosage of Effexor alone. I haven't had to increase the amount of Effexor I take in almost 3 years now.
>
> I want to have a long, serious, detailed and completely honest discussion of the sexual side-effects with Michael and others at some point, but we should save that for another thread.
>
> It took more than 20 different antidepressants and adjunctives before I found the combination that worked for me. At this time, I know of no way to block the increased appetite/weight gain problem if you have it.
>
> One other odd side effect: when I was taking Effexor alone, I found that I tended to say everything two or three times, especially in meetings if the subject animated me. When I quit taking it, I once again usually said things only once. On this lower, potentiated dosage, I don't think I repeat myself as often, or perhaps people are just more polite to me now having known me longer!
Mark, I found it interesting that you said things two or three times, with Effexor (I say them once now, instead of 2-3x). Also, when you discuss sexual side effects, please let us all know (as someone taking Effexor-XR who has had problems with various SSRI's, I'd be interested in knowing peoples' reactions to various meds).
Posted by Cam W. on March 16, 2000, at 23:05:12
In reply to Effexor CamW,Noa Or Anyone Taking Effexor, posted by gloria on March 16, 2000, at 17:19:46
Gloria - This board is wonderful. Well, the above, except for some other short term side effects, is Effexor in a nutshell. Two side effects that (usually) don't go away are sexual dysfunction and dry mouth. Sedation and stomach upset are big annoyances for the first couple of weeks. Give it a try for 6 to 8 weeks (adequate trial) or sometimes longer if some effect is seen. Ya gotta put your time in with these drugs (damn time!). Also, the withdrawl syndrome can be nasty. Taper off of the Effexor slowly, when and if you stop it. Taper over a 4 week period. Some say this is too long, but if you have ever experienced the withdrawl symptoms, you'll wish you had come off of it slower. Withdrawl symptoms include: Flu-like symptoms, Lightheadedness, Unsteadiness, Sweating and Headache - or FLUSH). Hope this helps as much as all the others. You guys amaze me and are making me a much better pharmacist. Thanks everyone - Cam W.
Posted by michael on March 17, 2000, at 3:08:17
In reply to Re: Effexor CamW,Noa Or Anyone Taking Effexor, posted by michael on March 16, 2000, at 18:25:24
> >
> > Hi, I had my first visit with a pdoc today. I liked him. He says I have low level energy chronic depression. He has prescribed Effexor. I tried Celexa(weight gain and lethargy) Prozac, Buspar, Zoloft (to weird side effects) So my question is will I get bad side effects and will I have weight gain and be just a couch potoato. Pdoc said no, but I am leary. I did not want to make a fuss on the first visit. I follow these posts all the time. So is Effexor a crap drug or a keeper. I know everyone is different! Just want to hear stories good or bad. Thanks Gloria
>
>
> Like you said, everyone is different. For me, effexor made me slightly less withdrawn/more outgoing - like I used to be. Didn't mind or avoid talking to people (in stores, etc.) and would even start conversations. Previously, hoped nobody would start a conversation with me, just wanted to be left alone. Not a very big change, but I noticed it.
>
> Other than that, it made me pretty sleepy, a little less so as I increased the dose. As for side effects, a little tinnitus (sp?) as the dose increased. More so at the higher doses, I would occassionally wake up in the middle of the night soaked in sweat (through what I was wearing, to even the sheets) - uncomfortable and very annoying.
>
> As for weight, if anything, I may have lost a couple pounds. Oh yeah, main drawback was difficulty with orgasm. Impossible in the beginning, close to impossible later.
>
> Aside from that last point, not a real big impact pro or con for me. I started @ 75mg/day and went up to 225mg/day - also taking wellbutrin, which doesn't really do anything for me related to psych stuff, but helps w/reducing (hopefully stopping) smoking.
>
> Might someday go back to a low dose, (for the "more outgoing" aspect) as part of a cocktail, if I can also find something to counter the anorgasmia.
>
> Not terribly interesting, but you asked for it. (btw, I've got similar symptoms - dysthymic)I was reminded of another side effect for me while reading another post about a different med. That side effect was really vivid dreams. Not at all bad, actually kind of neat/entertaining. Not all the time, but sometimes. This also seemed to diminish w/inreases in dosage.
One last note - I've read some posts from some pretty miserable people about weaning off effexor. I'd keep that in mind, but just to throw a little contrary info out there, lest we think we're starting to understand these meds... I tapered off from 225mg/day to 0 in roughly a week, w/no misery whatsoever.
The side effects for me, in general, were pretty minor - the sweating and anorgasmia were a drag, but might've been tolerable if had more of a positive response overall.
Posted by jenna on March 18, 2000, at 14:05:33
In reply to one more thing..., posted by michael on March 17, 2000, at 3:08:17
I have received some real help from this group.
I had been on paxil, zoloft, prozac and celexa
with horrible anorgasmia, although they all
helped tremedously with my mood. I read posts
from several women that stated effexor was not as
bad on the orgasm/sex drive. My psychiatrist
felt very doubtful and was reluctant to switch me.
I have been on the effexor for several weeks now
and my mood is the same, maybe a bit better, but
the sex stuff is much, much better. I don't feel
quite as good as when I am on no meds but much
better than I could have hoped. It makes me feel
like I don't have to choose between being happy
and being a sexual person. I just want to share
this because I finally found something that works
for me and I really feel it is worth persevering
until you find medication that is satisfactory.
Thanks to racer and others who shared their stories
on this rather 'intimate' topic!!
Posted by Cindy W on March 18, 2000, at 19:40:20
In reply to Re: one more thing..., posted by jenna on March 18, 2000, at 14:05:33
> I have received some real help from this group.
> I had been on paxil, zoloft, prozac and celexa
> with horrible anorgasmia, although they all
> helped tremedously with my mood. I read posts
> from several women that stated effexor was not as
> bad on the orgasm/sex drive. My psychiatrist
> felt very doubtful and was reluctant to switch me.
> I have been on the effexor for several weeks now
> and my mood is the same, maybe a bit better, but
> the sex stuff is much, much better. I don't feel
> quite as good as when I am on no meds but much
> better than I could have hoped. It makes me feel
> like I don't have to choose between being happy
> and being a sexual person. I just want to share
> this because I finally found something that works
> for me and I really feel it is worth persevering
> until you find medication that is satisfactory.
> Thanks to racer and others who shared their stories
> on this rather 'intimate' topic!!Jenna, I'm so glad Effexor is working for you in that department, as it is for me also!
Posted by Cindy W on March 18, 2000, at 22:43:09
In reply to Re: one more thing..., posted by Cindy W on March 18, 2000, at 19:40:20
> > I have received some real help from this group.
> > I had been on paxil, zoloft, prozac and celexa
> > with horrible anorgasmia, although they all
> > helped tremedously with my mood. I read posts
> > from several women that stated effexor was not as
> > bad on the orgasm/sex drive. My psychiatrist
> > felt very doubtful and was reluctant to switch me.
> > I have been on the effexor for several weeks now
> > and my mood is the same, maybe a bit better, but
> > the sex stuff is much, much better. I don't feel
> > quite as good as when I am on no meds but much
> > better than I could have hoped. It makes me feel
> > like I don't have to choose between being happy
> > and being a sexual person. I just want to share
> > this because I finally found something that works
> > for me and I really feel it is worth persevering
> > until you find medication that is satisfactory.
> > Thanks to racer and others who shared their stories
> > on this rather 'intimate' topic!!
>
> Jenna, I'm so glad Effexor is working for you in that department, as it is for me also!P.S. check out the post by Kevin, above (entitled "Effexor/libido warning")! There are worse things than having good libido, I would think. 8)
Posted by michael on March 19, 2000, at 2:23:51
In reply to Re: one more thing..., posted by jenna on March 18, 2000, at 14:05:33
> I have received some real help from this group.
> I had been on paxil, zoloft, prozac and celexa
> with horrible anorgasmia, although they all
> helped tremedously with my mood. I read posts
> from several women that stated effexor was not as
> bad on the orgasm/sex drive. My psychiatrist
> felt very doubtful and was reluctant to switch me.
> I have been on the effexor for several weeks now
> and my mood is the same, maybe a bit better, but
> the sex stuff is much, much better. I don't feel
> quite as good as when I am on no meds but much
> better than I could have hoped. It makes me feel
> like I don't have to choose between being happy
> and being a sexual person. I just want to share
> this because I finally found something that works
> for me and I really feel it is worth persevering
> until you find medication that is satisfactory.
> Thanks to racer and others who shared their stories
> on this rather 'intimate' topic!!
Hey!Good for you! Didn't pan out for me, but I'm glad it does for some of us! Just goes to show, none of us can rely on how another one of us responds to a particular med or cocktail...
But I'll keep looking to you guys for suggestions, on this quest... haven't found anywhere else as nearly as congenial nor as well informed!
This is the end of the thread.
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