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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 22 of 22. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Bob on January 7, 2001, at 21:59:58
Has anyone experienced an inablility to get themselves out of bed at a reasonable hour after 4 to 5 months of therapy on an SSRI? I noticed this on medicines like Paxil and Zoloft, but with Effexor it became serious enough as to hinder my ability to function at my job. I literally often wasn't able to wake up until 12 or 1 in the afternoon. Has anyone else ever had this happen???
Posted by Aubs on January 7, 2001, at 22:38:07
In reply to SSRIs and especially Effexor, posted by Bob on January 7, 2001, at 21:59:58
> Has anyone experienced an inablility to get themselves out of bed at a reasonable hour after 4 to 5 months of therapy on an SSRI? I noticed this on medicines like Paxil and Zoloft, but with Effexor it became serious enough as to hinder my ability to function at my job. I literally often wasn't able to wake up until 12 or 1 in the afternoon. Has anyone else ever had this happen???
Bob,
Did this have to do with not being able to sleep at a reasonable hour....i.e: insomnia? When during the day are you taking the effexor?
Posted by Bob on January 7, 2001, at 22:44:26
In reply to Re: SSRIs and especially Effexor, posted by Aubs on January 7, 2001, at 22:38:07
> > Has anyone experienced an inablility to get themselves out of bed at a reasonable hour after 4 to 5 months of therapy on an SSRI? I noticed this on medicines like Paxil and Zoloft, but with Effexor it became serious enough as to hinder my ability to function at my job. I literally often wasn't able to wake up until 12 or 1 in the afternoon. Has anyone else ever had this happen???
>
> Bob,
> Did this have to do with not being able to sleep at a reasonable hour....i.e: insomnia? When during the day are you taking the effexor?I'm not actually taking Effexor anymore, but when I did I was on it for about a year and a half. It had absolutely nothing to do with when I went to bed or how much sleep I got. Basically when I fell asleep, it was like a runaway train, and once REM sleep started, my body simply didn't want to wake up any more. I could go to bed at 9 at night, get to sleep by 9:30, and then not be able to wake up until 12 the next day.
Posted by Pandora on January 7, 2001, at 23:05:17
In reply to Re: SSRIs and especially Effexor, posted by Bob on January 7, 2001, at 22:44:26
> > > Has anyone experienced an inablility to get themselves out of bed at a reasonable hour after 4 to 5 months of therapy on an SSRI? I noticed this on medicines like Paxil and Zoloft, but with Effexor it became serious enough as to hinder my ability to function at my job. I literally often wasn't able to wake up until 12 or 1 in the afternoon. Has anyone else ever had this happen???
> >
> > Bob,
> > Did this have to do with not being able to sleep at a reasonable hour....i.e: insomnia? When during the day are you taking the effexor?
>
> I'm not actually taking Effexor anymore, but when I did I was on it for about a year and a half. It had absolutely nothing to do with when I went to bed or how much sleep I got. Basically when I fell asleep, it was like a runaway train, and once REM sleep started, my body simply didn't want to wake up any more. I could go to bed at 9 at night, get to sleep by 9:30, and then not be able to wake up until 12 the next day.I'm not sure if my sleep problems (hypersomnia) are primarily due to depression in general, my inert laziness (I've never been a "morning person") coupled with lack of motivation, or from the effexor, but I've been on it for about 2 yrs and have recently had a VERY difficult time getting out of bed in the morning... it's almost as if I'm drugged. Tried changing my bedtime, eating habits in the evening, the time I take my meds, etc, but nothing seems to help. Again, I seem to be suffering a bit of a setback where my depression is concerned and this may be the cause. I'd be interested to hear about anyone else's hypersomnia problems.
Posted by NikkiT2 on January 8, 2001, at 8:04:19
In reply to SSRIs and especially Effexor, posted by Bob on January 7, 2001, at 21:59:58
I came on to post this same message!! I've now been on Effexor for about 6 months, and I can hardly function now a days. I need at least 12 hours sleep a night, and there simply isn't time for me to do that. I can sleep through my alarm, and frequently sleep till 12 or 1pm. If anyone could help it would be wonderful.
Nikki
Posted by Bob on January 8, 2001, at 12:13:38
In reply to Re: SSRIs and especially Effexor, posted by Pandora on January 7, 2001, at 23:05:17
> > > > Has anyone experienced an inablility to get themselves out of bed at a reasonable hour after 4 to 5 months of therapy on an SSRI? I noticed this on medicines like Paxil and Zoloft, but with Effexor it became serious enough as to hinder my ability to function at my job. I literally often wasn't able to wake up until 12 or 1 in the afternoon. Has anyone else ever had this happen???
> > >
> > > Bob,
> > > Did this have to do with not being able to sleep at a reasonable hour....i.e: insomnia? When during the day are you taking the effexor?
> >
> > I'm not actually taking Effexor anymore, but when I did I was on it for about a year and a half. It had absolutely nothing to do with when I went to bed or how much sleep I got. Basically when I fell asleep, it was like a runaway train, and once REM sleep started, my body simply didn't want to wake up any more. I could go to bed at 9 at night, get to sleep by 9:30, and then not be able to wake up until 12 the next day.
>
>
>
> I'm not sure if my sleep problems (hypersomnia) are primarily due to depression in general, my inert laziness (I've never been a "morning person") coupled with lack of motivation, or from the effexor, but I've been on it for about 2 yrs and have recently had a VERY difficult time getting out of bed in the morning... it's almost as if I'm drugged. Tried changing my bedtime, eating habits in the evening, the time I take my meds, etc, but nothing seems to help. Again, I seem to be suffering a bit of a setback where my depression is concerned and this may be the cause. I'd be interested to hear about anyone else's hypersomnia problems.Pandora:
Judging from my experiences with SSRIs, your hypersomnia would almost undoubtedly be caused by the medecine. There is a tendency to think it is will power because the effects are gradual, but if you were to come off of Effexor, which is a hell unto itself, the sleep problems would go away. Of course, much more serious problems would then come back, I'm sure. My beef about all of this, is that so few people seem to exhibit this hypersomnia, or if they do, they don't really talk about it.
Posted by Bob on January 8, 2001, at 12:18:34
In reply to Re: SSRIs and especially Effexor, posted by NikkiT2 on January 8, 2001, at 8:04:19
> I came on to post this same message!! I've now been on Effexor for about 6 months, and I can hardly function now a days. I need at least 12 hours sleep a night, and there simply isn't time for me to do that. I can sleep through my alarm, and frequently sleep till 12 or 1pm. If anyone could help it would be wonderful.
>
> NikkiNikki:
I was on Effexor for well over a year awhile back, and had the same aggravating problems. I would often sleep right through any alarms (they would even appear in my dreams sometimes) and practically nothing would jar me from sleep. It was brutal and I was having trouble getting any doctors to even acknowledge that the drugs could be doing this - extremely frustrating!!! Anyway, looking back on it - I now have absolutely no doubt that it was the medecine. Effexor is a particularly nasty one for this in my case. Sounds like it is for you to. I never found a solution, and eventually had to start the long descent into the hell of Effexor withdrawal. If I were in your situation today, I would think about trying some of the stimulant type drugs people are talking about now, such as: amilusipride, adrafinil, or even some type of ephedra in the morning? It is an extremely tough problem, and my heart goes out to you.
Posted by Havenator on January 8, 2001, at 13:25:35
In reply to Re: SSRIs and especially Effexor, posted by Bob on January 8, 2001, at 12:18:34
> > I came on to post this same message!! I've now been on Effexor for about 6 months, and I can hardly function now a days. I need at least 12 hours sleep a night, and there simply isn't time for me to do that. I can sleep through my alarm, and frequently sleep till 12 or 1pm. If anyone could help it would be wonderful.
> >
> > Nikki
>
> Nikki:
>
> I was on Effexor for well over a year awhile back, and had the same aggravating problems. I would often sleep right through any alarms (they would even appear in my dreams sometimes) and practically nothing would jar me from sleep. It was brutal and I was having trouble getting any doctors to even acknowledge that the drugs could be doing this - extremely frustrating!!! Anyway, looking back on it - I now have absolutely no doubt that it was the medecine. Effexor is a particularly nasty one for this in my case. Sounds like it is for you to. I never found a solution, and eventually had to start the long descent into the hell of Effexor withdrawal. If I were in your situation today, I would think about trying some of the stimulant type drugs people are talking about now, such as: amilusipride, adrafinil, or even some type of ephedra in the morning? It is an extremely tough problem, and my heart goes out to you.Nikki: Please let me know how you won the battle with the Effexor XR withdrawl! Also, as to the sleeping...what dosage where you on? I know that when I first started the drug over 2 years ago, the lighter the dose the more sleepy I was and deep sleep was an understatement! Haven
Posted by NikkiT2 on January 8, 2001, at 15:56:54
In reply to Re: SSRIs and especially Effexor » Bob, posted by Havenator on January 8, 2001, at 13:25:35
Hi Bob & Havenator,
Well, I am still on effexor - so never learnt to beat the withdrawal!!!
Thing is, I tried so many ad's in my attempt to find one that helped, and effexor was the only one that helped at all, so I reAlly want to stick with it. Two months ago I had my dose reduced - pdoc said it wold help with the hyposomnia - but
it has made it so mch worse.And Bob - loved thre comment abot the alarm clock being in yor dreams, that happens to me!!! Which my manager would nderstand though :o(
Nikki
Posted by MarkinBoston on January 8, 2001, at 17:22:15
In reply to SSRIs and especially Effexor, posted by Bob on January 7, 2001, at 21:59:58
> Has anyone experienced an inablility to get themselves out of bed at a reasonable hour after 4 to 5 months of therapy on an SSRI? I noticed this on medicines like Paxil and Zoloft, but with Effexor it became serious enough as to hinder my ability to function at my job. I literally often wasn't able to wake up until 12 or 1 in the afternoon. Has anyone else ever had this happen???
What happened to me was that I'd wake too early, return to sleep, and wake at 11 am. I'm not experiencing that now with XR. I also take 20mg of Adderall upon waking, which helps start my day.
The worst for me was Remeron. Half a tablet, and I just wanted to sleep for the next two days, a lost weekend. Just like the mfgr. says: a potent histamine blocker. I didn't take any more.
Posted by elizabeth777 on January 8, 2001, at 20:21:03
In reply to Re: SSRIs and especially Effexor, posted by MarkinBoston on January 8, 2001, at 17:22:15
> > Has anyone experienced an inablility to get themselves out of bed at a reasonable hour after 4 to 5 months of therapy on an SSRI? I noticed this on medicines like Paxil and Zoloft, but with Effexor it became serious enough as to hinder my ability to function at my job. I literally often wasn't able to wake up until 12 or 1 in the afternoon. Has anyone else ever had this happen???
>> > >I have been on effexor xr for about 6 months and I do not have a problen with my sleeping patterns at all nor have they changed at all. I go to sleep at 9 or 10 pm and wake up no later then 8am even if I do not have to work. The only thing that I find different at all it the vivid dreams I have and I like that.I have no sweating any more and my moods have stablized.Peple are made up of differnt chemical balances and therefore each drug affects each persn differntly. I personaly think that effexor is getting a bad wrap. It has worked great for me so far I have lost 30 lbs which was needed and my I still like to eat.I had my liver tested and so far no change had been indicated from using effexor xr. So I really feel bad for those people that are having problems with this drug but it has been a wonder drug for me so far.
> What happened to me was that I'd wake too early, return to sleep, and wake at 11 am. I'm not experiencing that now with XR. I also take 20mg of Adderall upon waking, which helps start my day.
>
> The worst for me was Remeron. Half a tablet, and I just wanted to sleep for the next two days, a lost weekend. Just like the mfgr. says: a potent histamine blocker. I didn't take any more.
Posted by Kaarina on January 9, 2001, at 17:49:37
In reply to Re: SSRIs and especially Effexor » MarkinBoston, posted by elizabeth777 on January 8, 2001, at 20:21:03
I've posted inquiring about effexor and motivation. My problem is that I have a hard time to wake up and I've wondered if it is that I want to keep dreaming. My dreams are different on the effexor. Also, I find myself doing some heavy duty daydreaming.
I've considered stopping the medication, but I want to give it a chance. I've been on it now for three months. My doctor keeps uping the dose, I started at 37.5 and now am at 150.
I'm right now in a happy vegatative state. :)
Posted by Andre Allard on January 10, 2001, at 13:52:53
In reply to SSRIs and especially Effexor, posted by Bob on January 7, 2001, at 21:59:58
I have noticed that a lot of you taking effexor have experienced hypersomnia and have felt drugged and lazy all day. This could be a side effect from the effexor or it could be that your depression cycles between atypical (hypersomnia and increased appetite) and typical (insomnia and decreased appetite). This is the case with me. It took me a long time to figure this one out.
The first time I took effexor I slept normal. The second time around I slept 18 hours a day and had 0 energy. Now, the third time around I sleep normal once again.
The same thing occured during 2 trials with manerix. The first time I slept all day and the second time around I was the opposite.
Atypical depression is becoming much more common and I have read many reports about cycling depression.
Just something to think about
Posted by anita on January 10, 2001, at 19:51:40
In reply to Re: Effexor - hypersomnia, dreams ..., posted by Kaarina on January 9, 2001, at 17:49:37
Hi Kaarina,
I too have a very difficult time waking up, no matter how much I've slept. I also have vivid dreams and do a lot of daydreaming. I'm wondering if you've found anything, meds or otherwise, that has helped you wake up. It's really a huge problem with me.
thanks,
anita> I've posted inquiring about effexor and motivation. My problem is that I have a hard time to wake up and I've wondered if it is that I want to keep dreaming. My dreams are different on the effexor. Also, I find myself doing some heavy duty daydreaming.
>
> I've considered stopping the medication, but I want to give it a chance. I've been on it now for three months. My doctor keeps uping the dose, I started at 37.5 and now am at 150.
>
> I'm right now in a happy vegatative state. :)
Posted by Bob on January 10, 2001, at 20:09:32
In reply to Re: SSRIs and especially Effexor, posted by Andre Allard on January 10, 2001, at 13:52:53
> I have noticed that a lot of you taking effexor have experienced hypersomnia and have felt drugged and lazy all day. This could be a side effect from the effexor or it could be that your depression cycles between atypical (hypersomnia and increased appetite) and typical (insomnia and decreased appetite). This is the case with me. It took me a long time to figure this one out.
>
> The first time I took effexor I slept normal. The second time around I slept 18 hours a day and had 0 energy. Now, the third time around I sleep normal once again.
>
> The same thing occured during 2 trials with manerix. The first time I slept all day and the second time around I was the opposite.
>
> Atypical depression is becoming much more common and I have read many reports about cycling depression.
>
> Just something to think aboutAndre:
You've gone on and off Effexor and Manerix multiple times? That must have been hell! Anyway, you're saying that your response to the drugs was different each time you were on them?
Posted by Kaarina on January 10, 2001, at 20:15:26
In reply to Re: Effexor - hypersomnia -- for Kaarina, posted by anita on January 10, 2001, at 19:51:40
Anita
My daydreaming seems to be worse on the Effexor. I totally tune everything out when I start thinking. I know its normal to daydream, but this is like sleeping standing up.
Are you taking Effexor or anything else?
I'm going to ask the psychologist and family doctor about it next week. I'll let you know what their opinion is.
Posted by Bob on January 10, 2001, at 20:24:32
In reply to Re: Effexor - hypersomnia -- for Anita, posted by Kaarina on January 10, 2001, at 20:15:26
> Anita
>
> My daydreaming seems to be worse on the Effexor. I totally tune everything out when I start thinking. I know its normal to daydream, but this is like sleeping standing up.
>
> Are you taking Effexor or anything else?
>
> I'm going to ask the psychologist and family doctor about it next week. I'll let you know what their opinion is.This daydreaming - is it ocurring within 4 hrs of waking up in the mornings?
Posted by Kaarina on January 10, 2001, at 22:20:07
In reply to Re: Effexor - hypersomnia -- for Anita » Kaarina, posted by Bob on January 10, 2001, at 20:24:32
Bob
Kaarina here:
My daydreaming starts right from when I wake up. I need to be awoken by someone and it usually takes alot of prodding on their part. If I'm left alone I'll just fall back asleep even if I sit up. I've noticed the daydreaming happens whenever its quiet. I need to drive with the window open.It seems to be not as bad in the evening if I had a good sleep the night before. Suprisingly I wake up for brief moments as I turn over, fortunately I fall right back to sleep.
I also start dreaming just as I fall asleep, sometimes I'll be startled awake by the voices in my dreams just as I'm drifting off.
So do you have a cure?
Thanks in advance ...
Posted by lissy on January 11, 2001, at 7:42:25
In reply to Re: SSRIs and especially Effexor » MarkinBoston, posted by elizabeth777 on January 8, 2001, at 20:21:03
> > > Has anyone experienced an inablility to get themselves out of bed at a reasonable hour after 4 to 5 months of therapy on an SSRI? I noticed this on medicines like Paxil and Zoloft, but with Effexor it became serious enough as to hinder my ability to function at my job. I literally often wasn't able to wake up until 12 or 1 in the afternoon. Has anyone else ever had this happen???
> >
>
> > > >I have been on effexor xr for about 6 months and I do not have a problen with my sleeping patterns at all nor have they changed at all. I go to sleep at 9 or 10 pm and wake up no later then 8am even if I do not have to work. The only thing that I find different at all it the vivid dreams I have and I like that.I have no sweating any more and my moods have stablized.Peple are made up of differnt chemical balances and therefore each drug affects each persn differntly. I personaly think that effexor is getting a bad wrap. It has worked great for me so far I have lost 30 lbs which was needed and my I still like to eat.I had my liver tested and so far no change had been indicated from using effexor xr. So I really feel bad for those people that are having problems with this drug but it has been a wonder drug for me so far.
>
>
> > What happened to me was that I'd wake too early, return to sleep, and wake at 11 am. I'm not experiencing that now with XR. I also take 20mg of Adderall upon waking, which helps start my day.
> >
> > The worst for me was Remeron. Half a tablet, and I just wanted to sleep for the next two days, a lost weekend. Just like the mfgr. says: a potent histamine blocker. I didn't take any more.Elizabeth effexor is not getting a bad rap when it affects the majority of the people who take it horribly. I am glad it has worked wonders for you but you are one of very small minority that I have read or heard about that it works well for.
Posted by Bob on January 11, 2001, at 8:00:46
In reply to Re: Daydreaming Bob, posted by Kaarina on January 10, 2001, at 22:20:07
> Bob
>
> Kaarina here:
> My daydreaming starts right from when I wake up. I need to be awoken by someone and it usually takes alot of prodding on their part. If I'm left alone I'll just fall back asleep even if I sit up. I've noticed the daydreaming happens whenever its quiet. I need to drive with the window open.
>
> It seems to be not as bad in the evening if I had a good sleep the night before. Suprisingly I wake up for brief moments as I turn over, fortunately I fall right back to sleep.
>
> I also start dreaming just as I fall asleep, sometimes I'll be startled awake by the voices in my dreams just as I'm drifting off.
>
> So do you have a cure?
> Thanks in advance ...Kaarina:
Unfortunately... I don't have a cure. This problem plagued me also when I took Effexor. Do you take Effexor or the XR version? The only thing that took away the hypersomnia, was taking away the drug itself. It's a sad, but true fact about life with Effexor for me and some others, it seems.
Bob
Posted by Kaarina on January 11, 2001, at 14:38:07
In reply to Re: Daydreaming Bob » Kaarina, posted by Bob on January 11, 2001, at 8:00:46
"The only thing that took away the hypersomnia, was taking away the drug itself."
Bob
I'm taking the Effexor Xr, and have upped it in dosages of 37.5 about every two weeks. I'm upto 150 now, I take 75 twice a day, the sleeping is too much if I take it at the same time. And if I take it all at night the my sleep is too interrupted.
Unfortunately for me, the hypersomnia started in the spring of '96. Yes the Effexor makes it worse, but I started taking it for thinking problems, which it is helping.
I've tried many different antidepressants and the side effects of the Effexor are more tolerable than any of the others, and it seems to be the only one so far with a positive effect of any kind. My psychologist has said it can take six months to see the total positive effect that an AD will have.
Did you substitue another med for the Effexor, and if so what is it and has it helped you?
Posted by r.anne on January 11, 2001, at 19:04:55
In reply to Re: SSRIs and especially Effexor re:elizabeth, posted by lissy on January 11, 2001, at 7:42:25
r.anne: I take 2 capsules of effexor now. I had to cut it down but it works well for me. I also take other drugs and when other psychotropic medicines are taken it can have an added sedative effect. As a result, I have had to cut down on all the meds. I take. So now I take 25 mg.of seroquel, 30mgs.paxil and 75 mgs. of effexor xr. This has helped with the sedation but I also found that I have to set my clockradio for about 7 hours of sleep because if I don't my automatic wakeup doesn't work. I mean I will sleep forever-one day till 4 pm. But since then I have also cut down. This morning I wasn't as sleepy as I had been. I only got about 6 hrs. last night and feel fine today. This is my second time on effexor xr and I don't know why but the first time it did not agree with me. Now, with this combination I feel alright. Apparently there are many who do very well on effexor and many who do not do well on it. There's my 2 cents for whatever it's worth.
ooooooooooooooooooooooo
> > > > Has anyone experienced an inablility to get themselves out of bed at a reasonable hour after 4 to 5 months of therapy on an SSRI? I noticed this on medicines like Paxil and Zoloft, but with Effexor it became serious enough as to hinder my ability to function at my job. I literally often wasn't able to wake up until 12 or 1 in the afternoon. Has anyone else ever had this happen???
This is the end of the thread.
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