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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by roobie on May 27, 2004, at 9:56:15
I read some passages prior to 2004, so this is a restart of a previously discussed topic... but I'd still like some feedback:
I was on Paxil for about 3 years. I knew I needed SOMETHING because I was soooo uptight... always wanting to yell, snap, 'kick the dog'... just felt mean. Shortly after I started Paxil, I felt really good; Like 'wow' LIFE... what a great thing.
I noticed I didn't cry everytime my husband said something snitty (of course, prior to that 'it was all ME')or cry at Hallmark commercials. However, after a year or so, the weight packed on... 20 pounds and I was no longer able to achieve orgasm. I had ONE and it was like 'hip-hip-hooray!', but did it take WORK to achieve!
I went to my doc and got everything tested, thyroid, sugar... nothing wrong. Even though weight can be dependant on age and genes, I couldn't get the scale lower. Even though I made time to exercise and watch what I ate, I found myself always wanting just to lay around and sleep, sleep, sleep.
A friend told me about Effexor, so I inquired. My doc cut me a prescription and said stop Paxil (20mg) and take Effexor (37.5mg 2x daily). I'm sure it's a placebo affect, but I was UP and about, organizing things, not napping... just more mobile & perky. However, I also noticed (now it's only been about 1 week), that the mean, irritability is back... sarcasm, snapping. And I also feel a bit drowsy.
SO:
1. did anyone experience the Paxil-pounds and lazieness?
2. did you ever go from Paxil to Effexor?
3. how did the Effexor work for you?
4. did you experience any weight loss with Effexor?I'd appreciate any pos/neg feedback, to get an idea of what's to come. Love the Paxil 'numb', but what good is being fat and not having orgasms?? :)
Posted by partlycloudy on May 27, 2004, at 10:50:58
In reply to Switching from Paxil to Effexor XR, posted by roobie on May 27, 2004, at 9:56:15
I went from Paxil to Effexor XR. I found an immediate boost to my mood and gradually increased my dosage until the depression and anxiety (I get mad and snippy too) improved. I have put on weight with effexor, too. My p-doc had advised me not to focus on that aspect until I am stabilized on the meds. We did add Wellbutrin XL to the mix. It suppressed my appetite, improved my libido (yahoo!) but it agitated me greatly at first.
Good luck.
Posted by meds4life on May 28, 2004, at 0:06:50
In reply to Re: Switching from Paxil to Effexor XR » roobie, posted by partlycloudy on May 27, 2004, at 10:50:58
I made this switch too, due to the weight gain on Paxil. I lost the wait when off Paxil and when I had to go back on an AD, I chose Effexor. Unfortunately, it causes weight gain also. It is extremely effective for depression and anxiety, but I am 20 lbs plus. I feel great, but am considering going off because I don't want to have to lose 40 lbs. again. I don't know what to do? I have recurrent depression and would just like to stay on ADs to avoid the deep pit of depression. Good luck!
> I went from Paxil to Effexor XR. I found an immediate boost to my mood and gradually increased my dosage until the depression and anxiety (I get mad and snippy too) improved. I have put on weight with effexor, too. My p-doc had advised me not to focus on that aspect until I am stabilized on the meds. We did add Wellbutrin XL to the mix. It suppressed my appetite, improved my libido (yahoo!) but it agitated me greatly at first.
>
> Good luck.
Posted by roobie on June 1, 2004, at 7:54:26
In reply to Re: Switching from Paxil to Effexor XR, posted by meds4life on May 28, 2004, at 0:06:50
Thanks - both of you... I feel like the snippy-ness has subsided quite a bit. However, as I said I take two doses (am/pm 37.5mg). A have really felt good, not wanting to lay around all of the time, but if I go to take a nap, I am out for like TWO hours! I don't know if it's the meds, weather or if I've been more mobile and am getting tired out.
I am STILL HOPING that I can shed some pounds now that I am off Paxil. :) Maybe this new-found motivation will help.
Thanks for writing!!!
Posted by smeegle on June 3, 2004, at 15:18:50
In reply to Sleepy? - Re: Switching from Paxil to Effexor XR, posted by roobie on June 1, 2004, at 7:54:26
I have been on Effexor XR for several years (currently 300mg). My psy indicated to me when I started taking it that it should help with my energy level (motivation) a little. Last year I started taking Provigil because I have absolutely ZERO energy. It's more like I never get enough sleep, no matter what. (I always get my minimum 8 hours, prefer 10-12). If I sit still for more than five minutes I am also out for several hours. I have been through two sleep studies, but have always wondered if it wasn't the Effexor affecting my sleep/energy levels. I also have ZERO motivation to do anything, even when my depression is alleviated.
Smeegs
Posted by roobie on June 3, 2004, at 18:31:55
In reply to Re: Sleepy? - Re: Switching from Paxil to Effexor XR, posted by smeegle on June 3, 2004, at 15:18:50
Yikes - oh no. I guess I'll have to see it out. If I can get past the drowsies to my next dose, I think I am ok. But true, it's more like feeling like you didn't sleep enough.
I'm only on 37.5mg 2x a day; I guess I'll see as time goes. Thanks for your input!
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