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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Tina P on February 27, 2003, at 16:46:30
In reply to unusual weight loss on effexor?, posted by fayeroe on February 27, 2003, at 15:54:10
Were you already overweight to begin with? My weight is a real issue, and I started on theis stuff hoping it would help matters.
Posted by KrissyP on February 27, 2003, at 19:20:33
In reply to Re: unusual weight loss on effexor?, posted by Tina P on February 27, 2003, at 16:46:30
My weight is a real issue too, and I found I gained when I first started on an OCD med-ANAFRANIL in 1995-some just have the tendency to add excess poundage unfortunately. However, I am on day 3 of Effexor and I have had no appetite-it's weird. I kind of remember this when previously using it, but it didn't last, but out of all the AD I've tried, which include all of them Effexor has never made me gain as much as I did with Prozac or Luvox. Overall, I only gained about 13 pounds when on Effexor-the rest of my weight is emotional eating and not believing I deserve to be healthy as well as realizing it takes work and taking care of my body IS a full-time job. Sorry to Whine Whine-it's a tough one for me. hope this helps:)
Kristen -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- previous statement>>>>(Were you already overweight to begin with? My weight is a real issue, and I started on theis stuff hoping it would help matters.)
Posted by fayeroe on February 27, 2003, at 19:26:15
In reply to Re: unusual weight loss on effexor?, posted by KrissyP on February 27, 2003, at 19:20:33
i was not overweight before. i am underweight now. and absolutely no appetite. i force myself to eat. and only once a day. effexor is the only med that i take, so it has to be causing this. plus not sleeping like i used to. i am definitely going to talk to my doctor soon.
Posted by LyndaK on February 27, 2003, at 20:51:35
In reply to Re: unusual weight loss on effexor?, posted by fayeroe on February 27, 2003, at 19:26:15
> i was not overweight before. i am underweight now. and absolutely no appetite. i force myself to eat. and only once a day. effexor is the only med that i take, so it has to be causing this. plus not sleeping like i used to. i am definitely going to talk to my doctor soon.
Hi,
I just wanted to let you know that I also experienced weight LOSS and no appetite when on Effexor. It also gave me insomnia which I had to take Ativan to counteract. Definitely talk to your doc.
Lynda
Posted by KrissyP on February 27, 2003, at 23:02:37
In reply to Re: unusual weight loss on effexor? » fayeroe, posted by LyndaK on February 27, 2003, at 20:51:35
Oh my, I just got done saying I have no appetite, none and even though I need to lose a few, I literally just feel blah-I hope this will get better with time. Only after 3 days back on Effexor, I feel weird-and am just not hungry. I am also already experiencing the "hyperness" and I am hoping that the Lamictal counteracts this feeling-as I have never taken the 2 meds at the same time.
I hear you here
Thanks
Kristen
Posted by napaba on February 28, 2003, at 7:43:14
In reply to Re: unusual weight loss on effexor?, posted by Tina P on February 27, 2003, at 16:46:30
> I gained 50 pounds over the past two years. I was reaching for food everytime stress or dispare took over. I started taking Effexor 6 weeks a go and have lost alomost 10 pounds. I'm no longer depressed and my anxiety is much better. I am now able to stay on a diet, because I am no longer over whelmed with those feelings constently, I'm not eating nonstop. I take 75 mg's.
Were you already overweight to begin with? My weight is a real issue, and I started on theis stuff hoping it would help matters.
Posted by fayeroe on February 28, 2003, at 7:55:05
In reply to Re: unusual weight loss on effexor?, posted by napaba on February 28, 2003, at 7:43:14
i was not overweight before. so it's pretty distressing to lose so much weight and have no appetite. i am going to talk to my doctor next week.
Posted by Tina P on February 28, 2003, at 9:33:56
In reply to Re: unusual weight loss on effexor?, posted by napaba on February 28, 2003, at 7:43:14
Are you on any meds other than the 75mg of Effexor? Because I'm on the exact same dose, and I don't believe it's suppressing my appetite, however, the emotional eating is a bit more controlled.
Posted by napaba on February 28, 2003, at 10:02:57
In reply to Re: unusual weight loss on effexor?, posted by Tina P on February 28, 2003, at 9:33:56
>Effexor is the only medication I take. I've also given up sugar. I was getting a lot of headaches. I eat a low carb diet, you can still eat a lot of food and loss weight. I average between 1600 and 1800 calories a day, so I'm not hungry and the Effexor controls the anxiety and depression eating.
Are you on any meds other than the 75mg of Effexor? Because I'm on the exact same dose, and I don't believe it's suppressing my appetite, however, the emotional eating is a bit more controlled.
Posted by fayeroe on February 28, 2003, at 10:27:02
In reply to Re: unusual weight loss on effexor?, posted by Tina P on February 28, 2003, at 9:33:56
yes, i'm on 75mg....and yesterday i forced myself to eat more and today i'm miserable. i did have pneumonia in December and ended up being given THREE different very strong antibiotics. i caught the worst kind of pneumonia in the ER where I worked. i am wondering, after thinking of this, if those antibiotics tore my stomach up so much that it has caused the loss of appetite. i'm going to mention that to my doctor. whatever it is, i'm tired of it. i'm glad that the Effexor is working on the emotional eating that you were doing. i do think it is a good drug. i had horrible anxiety attacks before i started on it and they completely went away.
Posted by KrissyP on February 28, 2003, at 11:07:46
In reply to Re: unusual weight loss on effexor?, posted by napaba on February 28, 2003, at 7:43:14
I am so happy for you! Not only because your depression and anxiety has lifted but that the Effexor at 75mg has seemed to help with your weight. That is great:) As I went back ON Effexor 4 days ago,I hope this feeling of no appetite continues, I find myself, also, just not reaching for food lately. Do you take the Effexor XR? At night or in the morning?
Kristen--------------------------------------------------------------------------------->I gained 50 pounds over the past two years. I was reaching for food everytime stress or dispare took over. I started taking Effexor 6 weeks a go and have lost alomost 10 pounds. I'm no longer depressed and my anxiety is much better. I am now able to stay on a diet, because I am no longer over whelmed with those feelings constently, I'm not eating nonstop. I take 75 mg's.
Posted by napaba on February 28, 2003, at 11:32:26
In reply to Re: unusual weight loss on effexor? » napaba, posted by KrissyP on February 28, 2003, at 11:07:46
> I take mine at night. When I took it in the morning I was tired all day and didn't sleep well at night. Sence I made the switch I no longer yawn all day and feel like I'm in fog and my sleep is very restfull. I sleep between 6 - 7 hours. Good luck I hope the Effexor helps with your appetite.
I am so happy for you! Not only because your depression and anxiety has lifted but that the Effexor at 75mg has seemed to help with your weight. That is great:) As I went back ON Effexor 4 days ago,I hope this feeling of no appetite continues, I find myself, also, just not reaching for food lately. Do you take the Effexor XR? At night or in the morning?
> Kristen--------------------------------------------------------------------------------->I gained 50 pounds over the past two years. I was reaching for food everytime stress or dispare took over. I started taking Effexor 6 weeks a go and have lost alomost 10 pounds. I'm no longer depressed and my anxiety is much better. I am now able to stay on a diet, because I am no longer over whelmed with those feelings constently, I'm not eating nonstop. I take 75 mg's.
>
Posted by Badger on February 28, 2003, at 12:31:03
In reply to Re: unusual weight loss on effexor?, posted by napaba on February 28, 2003, at 11:32:26
I've been taking Effexor for the past 4 months, starting off at 75mg/day and for the last three months at 150mg/day (XR formulation). Although I had some loss of appetite for the first few days, I got over this and have since put on 15 to 20 pounds, which I definitely didn't need. However, I'm not going to worry about the extra weight right now, preferring to concentrate on feeling better and getting my life in order.
I started seeing a therapist 2 months ago, and something seems to be working - whether it's the medication, the therapy, or just the fact that the days are finally getting longer I'm not sure. In any event, I'm planning to stay on the Effexor for the probably the next year or so and then reevaluate my options.
I'm lucky that my medical insurance from work pays 80% of the drug costs. They also pay 80% of the therapist costs, but unfortunately only up to the first $1000 of treatment. At $130/hour, that's not very many sessions. While I'm very happy with my therapist, I'm afraid that I will have to give up seeing her fairly soon.
The points I wanted to emphasize for those who are new to this drug (and to this message board) are that:
1) Many (not all) side effects do go away in time, either in a matter of days or weeks - unless they are really debilitating, don't let the initial effects deter you from giving this medecine time to do its work.
2) Although I had a brief period of relief after about two weeks on the drug, I fell back into depression, although not as bad as before I started. I would say that it took at least 2 months on my current dosage before I started to feel significantly better (and as noted earlier, it's hard to tell if other factors are also responsible).
3) This drug affects everybody differently. Some people lose weight while others gain it; some suffer from insomnia and become hyper, while others sleep much more than usual and are tired all day; some (most?) lose interest in sex, while others (lucky ones) actually seem to have an increased sex drive. These are all real, legitimate side effects, whether your doctor believes you or not.
4) Finally, while I haven't experienced it yet, it seems fairly obvious from posts here that discontinuing Effexor can be very difficult for some people. Still, I think it's important to recognize that those who have no problems are unlikely to seek out, or post to, sites like this. I've seen the same phenomenon on other message boards related to computer hardware and software. If one were to judge solely from them, one might conclude that the products were useless or worse. In fact, if that were the case, those products (and this drug) wouldn't be on the market for very long. I think that people need to be aware and be cautious, but not panic. There are ways to reduce withdrawal symptoms - e.g., cut back *very* slowly, and possibly take Prozac or an antihistamine when you first eliminate the drug altogether. You should always talk to your doctor first, and if they don't acknowledge or understand your situation, try to find another doctor who will.
I don't know why I've rambled on so long, but I've been lurking here for some time, and thought I'd finally try to contribute something back.
Best wishes to all -
Badger
Posted by justyourlaugh on February 28, 2003, at 13:07:32
In reply to Re: no withdrawal here..., posted by Tabitha on February 27, 2003, at 0:17:21
i stopped effexor suddenly.
i have the stranges"brain zapps"as i seen them being called here,for about a month.
they felt really cool....
pleasurable...
?
jyl
Posted by napaba on February 28, 2003, at 15:31:33
In reply to Re: unusual weight loss on effexor?, posted by Badger on February 28, 2003, at 12:31:03
I agree with what your saying it's important to give the medication a chance. I no longer have the side effects I had the first month I took Effexor XR. I never experienced a loss of appetite though. I could only wish for a drug that would reduce my appetite. But the weight will come off with time. But back to the real point. I know the reason I first came to this site was to find out if others peope were having the same side effects I was and if the side effects would either lesson or go away. And I've found they have.
I'm not going to worry about going of Effexor XR until the time comes. It's so nice to feel normal that I could take it indeffently.
Thanks for postive comments.
I've been taking Effexor for the past 4 months, starting off at 75mg/day and for the last three months at 150mg/day (XR formulation). Although I had some loss of appetite for the first few days, I got over this and have since put on 15 to 20 pounds, which I definitely didn't need. However, I'm not going to worry about the extra weight right now, preferring to concentrate on feeling better and getting my life in order.
>
> I started seeing a therapist 2 months ago, and something seems to be working - whether it's the medication, the therapy, or just the fact that the days are finally getting longer I'm not sure. In any event, I'm planning to stay on the Effexor for the probably the next year or so and then reevaluate my options.
>
> I'm lucky that my medical insurance from work pays 80% of the drug costs. They also pay 80% of the therapist costs, but unfortunately only up to the first $1000 of treatment. At $130/hour, that's not very many sessions. While I'm very happy with my therapist, I'm afraid that I will have to give up seeing her fairly soon.
>
> The points I wanted to emphasize for those who are new to this drug (and to this message board) are that:
>
> 1) Many (not all) side effects do go away in time, either in a matter of days or weeks - unless they are really debilitating, don't let the initial effects deter you from giving this medecine time to do its work.
>
> 2) Although I had a brief period of relief after about two weeks on the drug, I fell back into depression, although not as bad as before I started. I would say that it took at least 2 months on my current dosage before I started to feel significantly better (and as noted earlier, it's hard to tell if other factors are also responsible).
>
> 3) This drug affects everybody differently. Some people lose weight while others gain it; some suffer from insomnia and become hyper, while others sleep much more than usual and are tired all day; some (most?) lose interest in sex, while others (lucky ones) actually seem to have an increased sex drive. These are all real, legitimate side effects, whether your doctor believes you or not.
>
> 4) Finally, while I haven't experienced it yet, it seems fairly obvious from posts here that discontinuing Effexor can be very difficult for some people. Still, I think it's important to recognize that those who have no problems are unlikely to seek out, or post to, sites like this. I've seen the same phenomenon on other message boards related to computer hardware and software. If one were to judge solely from them, one might conclude that the products were useless or worse. In fact, if that were the case, those products (and this drug) wouldn't be on the market for very long. I think that people need to be aware and be cautious, but not panic. There are ways to reduce withdrawal symptoms - e.g., cut back *very* slowly, and possibly take Prozac or an antihistamine when you first eliminate the drug altogether. You should always talk to your doctor first, and if they don't acknowledge or understand your situation, try to find another doctor who will.
>
> I don't know why I've rambled on so long, but I've been lurking here for some time, and thought I'd finally try to contribute something back.
>
> Best wishes to all -
>
> Badger
Posted by lovemybabies on February 28, 2003, at 17:38:38
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi, everyone,
I've been on 75mg for 5 weeks. I get little 'twitches' all over...sometimes during the day but mostly before I fall asleep. It's like the 'jerks' one gets sometimes before falling asleep only not as intense. I also have very minor tremors in my fingers, though this seems to be lessening w/time. Does this sound familiar to anyone? These side effects are really trippy. Esp. the WILD dreams. OMIGOD. I've never been on an antidepressant before but am kind of enjoying this in a weird way. My doc. wants me to up my doseage to 150mg to help my anxiety. Anybody out there have relief from anxiety at only 75mg?
Thanks,
Jen
Posted by KrissyP on February 28, 2003, at 18:23:40
In reply to twitching/tremors on Effexor?, posted by lovemybabies on February 28, 2003, at 17:38:38
Hi, Yep I have had relief for my anxiety on just 75mg of Effexor-XR. I have gone on and off Effexor over the course of 4 years. I'm famous for going off my meds because I feel better. Um, that's the #1 reason I shouldn't go off. I just started back about 5 days ago. Anyway, YES I have experienced everything you state here. My twitches lessened, but I think that the med works along with that stage right before we fall asleep that makes us "twitch", I read this in a medical journal. I am getting weird dreams too but I don't remember them well. In fact, this morning, I actually remembered having a dream about my puppy "dumping" huge amounts of poop-please don't think I'm corny-but it's true-so I know what you mean about WEIRD dreams?! Aren't the side effects trippy?! Yes, I also get the tremors and remember that going away also. Effexor has just been, personally, one of my "wonder" drugs. Your doctor is the best one to converse with regarding the increase. My advice, however, is that if, after 5 weeks, you feel that this med is helping you, try to hold off on increasing it- BUT....I am NOT a doctor.
May I ask what your diagnosis is and if you are on any other meds? I wish you the best and hope that Effexor is as successful for you as it has been for me.
Kristen
**************************************************************************************************
Hi, everyone,
I've been on 75mg for 5 weeks. I get little 'twitches' all over...sometimes during the day but mostly before I fall asleep. It's like the 'jerks' one gets sometimes before falling asleep only not as intense. I also have very minor tremors in my fingers, though this seems to be lessening w/time. Does this sound familiar to anyone? These side effects are really trippy. Esp. the WILD dreams. OMIGOD. I've never been on an antidepressant before but am kind of enjoying this in a weird way. My doc. wants me to up my doseage to 150mg to help my anxiety. Anybody out there have relief from anxiety at only 75mg?
Thanks,
Jen
Posted by Stamper on February 28, 2003, at 18:28:40
In reply to Re: twitching/tremors on Effexor? » lovemybabies, posted by KrissyP on February 28, 2003, at 18:23:40
I too have had tremors. They started out very strong. For instance, I had one very bad period where they would wake me up and a couple times I had actually fallen off the bed. My husband started to sleep in the guest room because I was moving too much. But now after about 4-5 months, they have simmered down a lot. Now only my legs twitch occassionally. Mostly it seems, when I am sitting watching television or reading. Hang in there and hopefully yours will lessen also.
Posted by fairnymph on February 28, 2003, at 18:39:52
In reply to unusual weight loss on effexor?, posted by fayeroe on February 27, 2003, at 15:54:10
About 15 lbs, too, and I was 125 lbs to start with (I'm female, 5'5", and no that wasn't an unhealthy weight for me). I've been on it two different times and both times I had a reduced appetite and lost weight. Not uncommon at all from what Ive heard.
I couldn't sleep on it either if I took it too late in the day. Have you tried taking it in the morning or around lunchtime?
-fn
Are you worried about the weight loss?
Posted by fayeroe on February 28, 2003, at 18:45:09
In reply to I lost weight on Effexor! » fayeroe, posted by fairnymph on February 28, 2003, at 18:39:52
yes, the weight loss is worrying me. i looked at my body today and i look anorexic. i'm five feet tall and weigh just over 100 lbs. but, as i said, it's the only drug that stopped the anxiety attacks....and they were waking me up and i had one as soon as i woke up in the morning!! i had just put my dog to sleep and at first i thought the attacks were from that but they continued for a long time and then i went on effexor xr and they immediately stopped. so.........medicine is a two-edged sword!! thanks....
Posted by supersleepy on February 28, 2003, at 21:03:35
In reply to twitching/tremors on Effexor?, posted by lovemybabies on February 28, 2003, at 17:38:38
Yes, I definitely had the twitchy things going on, especially right before sleep. That seems to have subsided. My son experienced hand tremors and other twitches on Prozac (he's 16), and the doc cut his dose back, which helped. I've been on 75 mg of Effexor/day for 7 months or so. I feel no need to increase my dose. The anxiety, which was the more acute problem, has definitely been taken care of, and my long-term moderate depression is also delightfully absent from my life. All the things that were ever rotten about my life are still rotten, but I haven't had such a sustained positive outlook within my adult memory. Yes, it's a scary drug in some ways, and I fret a little about withdrawal, but when it's the right thing, it's really great. Good luck, and don't increase your dose unless you really feel it's not working.
Posted by lovemybabies on February 28, 2003, at 23:39:41
In reply to Re: twitching/tremors on Effexor?, posted by supersleepy on February 28, 2003, at 21:03:35
Thanks for you input. It's so nice to talk to other people going through the same thing! I wish the docs who prescribe this knew a little more about the side effects; my GP actually orderen an EMG(involves sticking needles in muscles--not a fun time) to assess the muscle twitching. I think I'll print out these posts for her to read! :)
PS My Mom stopped taking this after about six weeks due to some of the side effects. She said the withdrawal wasn't that bad--kind of like going through all the stuff when she first started. She said the weirdest withdrawal was 'numb lips.' Hey, that's not so bad.Jen
Posted by lovemybabies on February 28, 2003, at 23:47:17
In reply to Re: twitching/tremors on Effexor?, posted by Stamper on February 28, 2003, at 18:28:40
Oh, my--you actually twitched yourself right out of bed? Ouch! My husband freaked out one time because when he curled up next to me my muscles were jumping and twitching like crazy. It's kind of a wild ride, this adjustment period. Thanks for your input.
Jen
Posted by lovemybabies on February 28, 2003, at 23:53:25
In reply to Re: twitching/tremors on Effexor? » lovemybabies, posted by KrissyP on February 28, 2003, at 18:23:40
My GP prescribed this without giving me an official diagnosis--I guess it would be primarily anxiety but also significant depression. I've been a 'worrier' all my life and lately it just seemed to take over my life. I do feel better after only five weeks(although I'm ashamed to admit I DID go out and buy three rolls of duct tape and all the plastic sheeting I could find. :) I'm also somewhat of a hypochondriac and these side-effects make it tough to not keep thinking I have some weird, horrible disease. Thanks so much for your input--It's comforting to hear from other people going through similar stuff.
Jen
Posted by KrissyP on March 1, 2003, at 0:32:16
In reply to Re: twitching/tremors on Effexor?, posted by lovemybabies on February 28, 2003, at 23:53:25
You sound exactly like me. I worry a lot and I used to act like a hypochondriac because I always felt bad. I got severe abdominal pain had EGD's scopes, etc. not a thing was wrong just resolving colitis. Isn't the word psychosomatic a real hoot? Take care of you :)
All the best,
Kristen
> My GP prescribed this without giving me an official diagnosis--I guess it would be primarily anxiety but also significant depression. I've been a 'worrier' all my life and lately it just seemed to take over my life. I do feel better after only five weeks(although I'm ashamed to admit I DID go out and buy three rolls of duct tape and all the plastic sheeting I could find. :) I'm also somewhat of a hypochondriac and these side-effects make it tough to not keep thinking I have some weird, horrible disease. Thanks so much for your input--It's comforting to hear from other people going through similar stuff.
>
> Jen
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