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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 293 to 317 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by Sheryl on October 16, 2000, at 9:35:44
In reply to I'm a newie to Effexor XR, posted by CKT on April 27, 2000, at 14:12:52
> I just started on the effexor xr a few days ago,and an wondering if it's even what I need. I have never been to a psychiatrist, but my regular Dr, gave me the starter kit when I explained my feelings to him. The only side effect I have noticed is drowsiness, and decrease in my sex drive which worries me. Im 23 in a new relationship and can't even stand for my boyfriend to touch me now. Is this normal. I would really like to talh with someone about this that is also on this medication for depression. Im scared, my life is pretty bad right now, and it hasn't been a bed of roses since I can remember. Im ready to give up, and I hsve children so I know this feeling isnt a good one. Can someone please help me and talk to me. I have know one to talk to. Thanks....My email is SLeitner246@aol.com or simply instant message me to chat. Please someone help me..Screenname is SMleitner246.....Thank you
Posted by KARIN C. on October 20, 2000, at 7:59:16
In reply to withdrawal, posted by jeanette on April 12, 2000, at 16:31:48
> Does anyone out there have any idea how long the withdrawal from Effexor XR lasts?
I'M WITH YOU! I'M ON DAY THREE OF MY ATTEMPT TO RID MY BODY OF EFFEXOR AND I'M GOING NUTS!! THE DIZZINESS AND TREMORS ARE MAKING ME CRAZY AND EVERY ONCE IN AWHILE I HAVE SOMEONE PLAYING THE MORROCCOS IN MY BRAIN !!I HOPE THIS ENDS SOON! I WOULD LOVE TO CHAT WITH OTHERS GOING THROUGH WITHDRAWEL AND ALSO ABOUT WELLBUTRIN KARIN C.
KARIN C.
Posted by Liz from Phoenix on October 20, 2000, at 9:20:16
In reply to I've had success. Why won't you print that?, posted by A on August 18, 2000, at 9:02:04
Posted by RNC2119 on October 20, 2000, at 19:15:25
In reply to Re: I am scared of this medicine, HELP ME!, posted by CG on July 11, 2000, at 20:39:00
My doctor just gave me this med two days ago. I hate it, I have been SO sleepy and felt like I was going to throw up ALL the time. I do not even know why my doctor gave me this med- I have just found out that I have ADD- and this is what my GP gave me for it. I have no signs of depression. My doctor told me to keep taking them even when I told him how bed I felt. I am stopping NOW after reading all the effects people have had. I am wondering if he is crazy--why would he put me on this medication?
Posted by Janie on October 21, 2000, at 10:22:16
In reply to Re: Effexor xr and drowsiness/sleep,insomnia, posted by Cindy W on October 6, 2000, at 22:21:40
> >
> > I've just worked up to 225 grams of effexor xr and can't figure out whether it's better to take bigger dose during the day or at night? Please give feedback if this drug causes you daytime drowsiness or nightime insomnia. Do these side effects wear off? I'm also taking 500mg depakote bid, wellbutrin 100mg am and afternoon, topomax 25 mg at night, and klonopin (clonazepam)1 - 2 mg at night and prn for anxiety and panic attacks (about .25 mg occaisionally during the day.) I also am experimenting with ambien and sonata along with the klonopin to see how I'll get the best night's sleep with no side effects. pdoc doesn't want me to take any more antidepressants for fear I may go into a hypomania.
> > Thankyou, Mary
>
> Mary, I take all 375 mg of Effexor-XR first thing in the morning...I couldn't remember to take it twice a day, and haven't had any problems taking it once in the early morning. It helps to take it early, for me, since it makes me feel more energetic and not sleepy (and makes it harder to sleep at night I think; the Seroquel and Serzone I take help me sleep). Hope this helps.--Cindy WHi. I have just the opposite problem. I can't get up in the mornings and feel lethargic all day. I'm starting today on a wean from 75mg to 37.5mg. It's nice to have the anxiety controlled, but what good does it do if you're too apathetic to get dressed and go out?--Janie
Posted by Janie on October 21, 2000, at 10:41:34
In reply to Effexor withdrawal FYI, posted by Ishmael on October 15, 2000, at 13:43:40
> I have been on Effexor XR for just over one year, @ 300 mg/day. I decided to stop taking it and went cold turkey. Big mistake, I had severe withdrawal symptoms. So, I went back on it am on now going off slowly. I open the capsules, weigh out the dose, and then refill the capsule with the amount I’m after. I’m a chemist so this is easy for me. I thought the following information might help those of you also trying to go off this stuff.
>
> Each 150 mg capsule of Effexor XR contains 500 mg of white beads (so, the beads are 30 % by weight Effexor). 25 beads contain 11 (+/-2) mg of Effexor. All you need to do is open the capsules, pour out the beads, count out how many you need, and then put the lowered dose back in the capsule. Do not swallow the beads directly, be sure to put them back in the capsule. I do a bunch of pills at once, first emptying several capsules into a vial or envelope, then measuring what I want back into the empty capsules. You will notice that the Effexor beads are fairly uniform in size, but there will be some smaller ones as well as some that are fused together. Try to count out the beads randomly, don’t go for just the large one or just the small.
>
> Hope this helps, seems to be going ok with me. I am experiencing uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms but they are nothing compared to the first time and I can easily control the symptoms with the dosage size and length time I am at that dose before decreasing further.
>
> Good luck
>
> IshmaelIshmael, would you please mail me privately at oboeeee@aol.com. I have some questions. Thanks--Janie
Posted by Noa on October 21, 2000, at 13:16:27
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal FYI » Ishmael, posted by Janie on October 21, 2000, at 10:41:34
The thing about this drug is that some poeple find it activating (restlessness, insomnia) and others find it sedating. So, timing of doses would depend on your particular reaction.
Posted by stjames on October 21, 2000, at 19:37:52
In reply to What is my doctor doing-is this for ADD, posted by RNC2119 on October 20, 2000, at 19:15:25
> My doctor just gave me this med two days ago. I hate it, I have been SO sleepy and felt like I was going to throw up ALL the time. I do not even know why my doctor gave me this med- I have just found out that I have ADD- and this is what my GP gave me for it. I have no signs of depression. My doctor told me to keep taking them even when I told him how bed I felt. I am stopping NOW after reading all the effects people have had. I am wondering if he is crazy--why would he put me on this medication?
James here....
Because Effexor is effective for some with ADD.
james
Posted by KellyG on October 22, 2000, at 14:25:44
In reply to Effexor withdrawal FYI, posted by Ishmael on October 15, 2000, at 13:43:40
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR POSTING ALL THIS! I have been on Effexor for 5 months and didn't like some of the side effects I had - the trembling, and the how my "parts" didn't work during intimacy with my husband. After that long, I wanted to have fun again. I told this to the doctor and he had me start zoloft and go cold turkey off the Effexor! What a jerk. Now that I see y'all had the same problems, I know it isn't just me! YEAH! Glory be to God that I had some pills left over. I just split one and took it with some chocolate milk (chocolate makes everything better) and am SO thankful to see that this is a common side effect and not merely my brain disintregrating into a primordeal mass of jelly.
Thanks again!
Posted by Janie on October 23, 2000, at 10:27:20
In reply to Effexor Withdrawal, posted by KellyG on October 22, 2000, at 14:25:44
> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR POSTING ALL THIS! I have been on Effexor for 5 months and didn't like some of the side effects I had - the trembling, and the how my "parts" didn't work during intimacy with my husband. After that long, I wanted to have fun again. I told this to the doctor and he had me start zoloft and go cold turkey off the Effexor! What a jerk. Now that I see y'all had the same problems, I know it isn't just me! YEAH! Glory be to God that I had some pills left over. I just split one and took it with some chocolate milk (chocolate makes everything better) and am SO thankful to see that this is a common side effect and not merely my brain disintregrating into a primordeal mass of jelly.
> Thanks again!
_______Hi. This is my third day of reducing my dosage of Effexor from 75mg to 37.5mg per day. So far, so good. I actually feel more energized and the yawning has stopped. My problems centered around lethargy, sedation and the inability to get up in the morning until about 11 a.m. Perhaps 37.5 mg will turn out to be the best dosage for ME. Has anyone else taken such a low dose with success?--Janie
Posted by ChristinaG on October 23, 2000, at 16:10:39
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I just found out that I am pregnant and I am taking Effexor 150mg. My doctor has advised me to stay on the medicine because of the severity of my depression. I am scared of the effects this might have on my unborn child. I also know how bad the withdrawl symptoms can be from this medicine. If anyone knows what the side effects might be on my child or has any suggestions please help.
Posted by KellyG on October 23, 2000, at 23:50:34
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal, posted by Janie on October 23, 2000, at 10:27:20
In my second day since I began reading and posting, I only took one quarter of my 75 mg tablet. Although I felt little waves of nausea in the morning before the medication took effect, it's now 15 hours later and I have no nausea at all!
BTW - I'd left an urgent message for the doctor who'd switched my medications about those miserable symptoms, and he was surprised when he called first thing this morning, as if he'd never heard of adverse withdrawal before. Sigh. I suggested as politely as possible that he add that to his notes, considering so many of y'all have had the same symptoms. Considering he's about as informative as Sergeant Schultz, I do believe I'll find a replacement.
Posted by kenney minter on October 29, 2000, at 19:13:07
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have recentlly started taking efexxor for depression my wife is talking about divorceing me and the problem i have is since i have been taking this medication its like my testosterone has shot thru the roof i am constantlly horny i get blue balls once a day. My wife acts like there might be a chance of us getting back together but says it will take a long time to decide and work things out in her own head. So that means i cant just go out and get laid to relieve my self i could but i also have to twin daughters that i dont want to be a bad example for and i also dont want them to suffer through the pain of a divorce .But i feel like if i dont have sex soon im seriouslly going to die or something.is this hormone problem a normal thing on efexxor and does it go away or will i have to be horny between now and when my wife decides what she wants to do? Im sorry this letter seems so crude but i really need to know about this problem.
Posted by R.Anne on October 29, 2000, at 22:52:22
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by kenney minter on October 29, 2000, at 19:13:07
> I have recentlly started taking efexxor for depression my wife is talking about divorceing me and the problem i have is since i have been taking this medication its like my testosterone has shot thru the roof i am constantlly horny i get blue balls once a day. My wife acts like there might be a chance of us getting back together but says it will take a long time to decide and work things out in her own head. So that means i cant just go out and get laid to relieve my self i could but i also have to twin daughters that i dont want to be a bad example for and i also dont want them to suffer through the pain of a divorce .But i feel like if i dont have sex soon im seriouslly going to die or something.is this hormone problem a normal thing on efexxor and does it go away or will i have to be horny between now and when my wife decides what she wants to do? Im sorry this letter seems so crude but i really need to know about this problem.
*****
I thought I posted an answer to this already but apparently it did not go through. I take effexor xr, too, and am very happy with it. I think you should consult your doctor about your sex drive problem and maybe he or she will do something with the doseage or something else. In the meantime, I'll be blunt here-try masterbation. It's the best answer for now! Good luck!
Posted by BD on November 3, 2000, at 14:25:15
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I found Effexor XR to work well on keeping my
depression at bay, but be very careful about the
side effects. I have taken other anti-depressants
before, with some side effects, but I had terrible
ones with this drug. Extremely exhausted, shakiness
when I woke up, sweatiness (unable to wear more
than a T-shirt, even in winter), but the worst was
the high blood pressure. I am a 21-year-old female
with no other health problems and no history of
heart problems in my family, but my blood pressure
jumped from 120/80 to 145/95, especially once I
increased the dosage to 2x75 a day. So now I am off
the drug and going through some really bad withdrawal
symptoms (ugh), but my blood pressure has dropped
almost back to normal.I'm not saying don't take this drug because of
course it works wonders for some people, especially
my sister who has also tried other drugs but this
being the only one that has worked. Just be on the
watch for the side effects. Good Luck!*BD
PS My doctor is switching me to Celexa, any
experiences with that out there?> Hi there,
>
> Anyone care to comment on the use of Effexor? Anyone
> "happy" with it? I have tried Prozac (too much anxiety),
> Serzone (too sedating). I am currently on Buspar for anxiety.
>
> Been reading many different reports... Effexor seems
> to have a lot of success...
>
> please share your thoughts on this.
Posted by maribeth on November 3, 2000, at 17:17:10
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by BD on November 3, 2000, at 14:25:15
> I found Effexor XR to work well on keeping my
> depression at bay, but be very careful about the
> side effects. I have taken other anti-depressants
> before, with some side effects, but I had terrible
> ones with this drug. Extremely exhausted, shakiness
> when I woke up, sweatiness (unable to wear more
> than a T-shirt, even in winter), but the worst was
> the high blood pressure. I am a 21-year-old female
> with no other health problems and no history of
> heart problems in my family, but my blood pressure
> jumped from 120/80 to 145/95, especially once I
> increased the dosage to 2x75 a day. So now I am off
> the drug and going through some really bad withdrawal
> symptoms (ugh), but my blood pressure has dropped
> almost back to normal.
>
> I'm not saying don't take this drug because of
> course it works wonders for some people, especially
> my sister who has also tried other drugs but this
> being the only one that has worked. Just be on the
> watch for the side effects. Good Luck!
>
> *BD
>
> PS My doctor is switching me to Celexa, any
> experiences with that out there?
>
>
>
> > Hi there,
> >
> > Anyone care to comment on the use of Effexor? Anyone
> > "happy" with it? I have tried Prozac (too much anxiety),
> > Serzone (too sedating). I am currently on Buspar for anxiety.
> >
> > Been reading many different reports... Effexor seems
> > to have a lot of success...
> >
> > please share your thoughts on this.Hi Ya'll ----
I Have been on Effexor XR 300mgm for about ten months now and the only side effect that I am aware of is
difficulty in losing weight --although I have not GAINED any more. My BP this morning was 112/62,
no dry mouth, constipation or blurry vision. I had all of the above and a few even MORE
unpleasant side effects over the years of my dancing with various AD's. So I guess you would say I think
Effexor (at least the XR variety) is pretty cool. Sure beats the others! Maribeth
Posted by Miguy on November 3, 2000, at 18:40:42
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by maribeth on November 3, 2000, at 17:17:10
I started at 37.5 for a couple weeks. Ok on all fronts, but only minimal benefit. (I started at such a low dose due to side effects on every other TC and SSRI I tried.) When I went to 75mg I had the shakes, agitation, incessant yawning, dry eyes, sore jaw and occasional insomnia. After reading posts on this board I decided to stick with it for a while hoping these would go away. At about 6 weeks, every one of them was gone. I didn't even realize it until I read another post here. I got to thinking and realized that they had all gone away. It was just so gradual I didn't even notice it.
So far I love Effexor. Who knows. Maybe one of the others would have done well for me had I stuck it out. But, this works so I'm not changing! :)
I've actually been losing weight. I eat a good amount, but it still seems to go off. I have tremendous stress and take care of two little ones by myself, so I'm sure that has something to do with it!
I actually just bumped my dose up to 112.5mg because of a bad week. I think my dose is just marginal. Actually I've never heard of anyone on such a low dose. I like its effect for depression, and it seems to have eliminated my panic attacks, which were my primary reason for trying the drug. (Although that's not an indication for Effexor.)
Anyway, with the increased dose I'm experiencing some side effects again, but I figure it's worth it for the benefit. I'll just keep on up the ladder, pausing at every dosage increase when the side effects go away to see how it feels. Once I find a good level, I'll stop.
Hope something I said was helpful to you. Hang in there.
Scott
Posted by R.Anne on November 3, 2000, at 19:55:28
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Miguy on November 3, 2000, at 18:40:42
> I started at 37.5 for a couple weeks. Ok on all fronts, but only minimal benefit. (I started at such a low dose due to side effects on every other TC and SSRI I tried.) When I went to 75mg I had the shakes, agitation, incessant yawning, dry eyes, sore jaw and occasional insomnia. After reading posts on this board I decided to stick with it for a while hoping these would go away. At about 6 weeks, every one of them was gone. I didn't even realize it until I read another post here. I got to thinking and realized that they had all gone away. It was just so gradual I didn't even notice it.
>
> So far I love Effexor. Who knows. Maybe one of the others would have done well for me had I stuck it out. But, this works so I'm not changing! :)
>
> I've actually been losing weight. I eat a good amount, but it still seems to go off. I have tremendous stress and take care of two little ones by myself, so I'm sure that has something to do with it!
>
> I actually just bumped my dose up to 112.5mg because of a bad week. I think my dose is just marginal. Actually I've never heard of anyone on such a low dose. I like its effect for depression, and it seems to have eliminated my panic attacks, which were my primary reason for trying the drug. (Although that's not an indication for Effexor.)
>
> Anyway, with the increased dose I'm experiencing some side effects again, but I figure it's worth it for the benefit. I'll just keep on up the ladder, pausing at every dosage increase when the side effects go away to see how it feels. Once I find a good level, I'll stop.
>
> Hope something I said was helpful to you. Hang in there.
>
> Scott********
r.anne here:
I've been on Effexor for a few months and it's okay. I have been able to take off some weight with it as I'm not very hungry very often. I'm on a low dose of 75mg now. I can't take high doses of anything. My BP was okay last I checked. I've had the sweats thing too when I changed doses but didn't find it too bad to tolerate. Overall, it's okay by me.
Posted by Missy on November 3, 2000, at 22:41:45
In reply to Was This A Side Affect?, posted by Sis on August 12, 2000, at 16:57:20
I started Effexor XR mid Sept. I started on 75mg and increased to 150mg. I've been at 150 for almost a month. My mood and anxiety have really improved. The problem I have is that I am tired ALL the TIME. I can sleep for 12 hours, wake up for 2 or 3 hours and then take another nap. I don't have the motivation to get out of my bed, no less out of my house and to the gym. Has anyone else eperienced this fatigue? Will it diminish or go away after a while? My dry mouth didn't last very long. I would really appreciate your input so I don't sleep my life away. Thanks.
Posted by R.Anne on November 4, 2000, at 15:18:36
In reply to I'm so sleepy, posted by Missy on November 3, 2000, at 22:41:45
Speaking from my own experience with Effexor XR-I can only take between 75 mg. and 112.5. I have to take lower doses of medicines because I get sedated on higher ones (that most people take). Some people, like me, just cannot take higher doses. Maybe you are the same way? Are you taking anything else in addition to it? When I was also taking risperdal I couldn't take more than 75 mg. because the interaction effect made me very sedated. I'm not on the risperdal now and can take between 75 and 112.5 mg which isn't much but it helps. If you've had that effect for a month I'm not so sure it will go away. You might want to talk to your doctor about the sedation and what can be done-possibly lowering the dose? Good luck.
****
> I started Effexor XR mid Sept. I started on 75mg and increased to 150mg. I've been at 150 for almost a month. My mood and anxiety have really improved. The problem I have is that I am tired ALL the TIME. I can sleep for 12 hours, wake up for 2 or 3 hours and then take another nap. I don't have the motivation to get out of my bed, no less out of my house and to the gym. Has anyone else eperienced this fatigue? Will it diminish or go away after a while? My dry mouth didn't last very long. I would really appreciate your input so I don't sleep my life away. Thanks.
Posted by Erinn on November 4, 2000, at 20:56:23
In reply to Re: I'm so sleepy, posted by R.Anne on November 4, 2000, at 15:18:36
I also am very sensitive to medications. When I started taking Effexor XR it took me almost 2 months (including the time working up to the 225 mgs I take daily) for me to get over the sleepiness. The same thing happened when I added the Neurontin almost 2 months ago but I'm finding that I'm adjusting to that also, even if it is very slowly. My pdoc keep encouraging me to give each of them more time and I am glad I did now.
Posted by Larry on November 4, 2000, at 21:44:24
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Yes, I have had success with this Effexor XR. I had a history of hypertension and had been on med for that; a check two weeks ago revealed it was too low so we've cut that down and that's good. The only side effects I've experienced are minor to me. Some drymouth so you take a drink. No big deal. Impotence, yes, but I found out a while ago that no one is really interested in sex with a 51 year old man, so that's no big deal. They want all these young friskies in their 20's & 30's - - like I used to be. So the medication along with good nutrition, hard work which I think is a good thing, relaxation, exercise, and positive thoughts to the head, yes, I am doing quite fine. I hope that you will too along with anyone else who is prescribed this medication.
Posted by JH on November 5, 2000, at 8:30:46
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Larry on November 4, 2000, at 21:44:24
Hi Larry, I was doing really good on Effexor XR 225mg but began feeling more anxiety as the Christmas selling period was approaching. I work for a Direct Merchant where Christmas sales add up to a large percentage of the business. My doctor bumped up the Effexor XR to 300mg. But the combination of the increase in Effexor XR and the stress of my job overwhelmed me. I also started taking Ambien again to sleep at night. So last week he changed the Effexor XR back to 225mg and added Celexa 20mg. It seems to be working so far. I need to give a few weeks to know for sure.
Jean
> Yes, I have had success with this Effexor XR. I had a history of hypertension and had been on med for that; a check two weeks ago revealed it was too low so we've cut that down and that's good. The only side effects I've experienced are minor to me. Some drymouth so you take a drink. No big deal. Impotence, yes, but I found out a while ago that no one is really interested in sex with a 51 year old man, so that's no big deal. They want all these young friskies in their 20's & 30's - - like I used to be. So the medication along with good nutrition, hard work which I think is a good thing, relaxation, exercise, and positive thoughts to the head, yes, I am doing quite fine. I hope that you will too along with anyone else who is prescribed this medication.
Posted by Christina on November 8, 2000, at 15:25:21
In reply to I'm so sleepy, posted by Missy on November 3, 2000, at 22:41:45
I've been on many ADs, including Effexor XR. I was at 225 mg/day.
The main side effect was intense fatigue. So i agumented with Lithium.
My depression and moods were greatly improved, but I couldn't handle being so tired.
I tried dosing at different times, but nothing helped. I had to discontinue it.
Remember everyone responds differently to ADs.Good luck!
> I started Effexor XR mid Sept. I started on 75mg and increased to 150mg. I've been at 150 for almost a month. My mood and anxiety have really improved. The problem I have is that I am tired ALL the TIME. I can sleep for 12 hours, wake up for 2 or 3 hours and then take another nap. I don't have the motivation to get out of my bed, no less out of my house and to the gym. Has anyone else eperienced this fatigue? Will it diminish or go away after a while? My dry mouth didn't last very long. I would really appreciate your input so I don't sleep my life away. Thanks.
Posted by trobyn on November 13, 2000, at 16:14:00
In reply to Re: effexor xr and side effects, posted by elizabeth777 on August 5, 2000, at 13:48:59
> > i am on effexor up to 75mg for one week and i have noticed that i am so jumpy that i am waking up in the middle of the night and just about jumping out of my bad with anxiety. Is this at all related. I am not eadger to start another anti depressant as theI am afraid i don't have it in me to wait for another one to start working, any words of wisdom >
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