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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Mim on November 16, 2005, at 7:00:31
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by TinMan on November 15, 2005, at 7:58:52
> > I'm sorry, but you have me a little confused. YOu said the combo seems to be a good mix for you and then you stated that you are having all this negativity? So I'm wondering is it good or not? I was just discussing this combo w/ someone else.
> > Now I read this and I'm a little confused. Are you saying that you were getting bad and the new combo is making you better???
> >
> > Thanks-and I hope it's all positive for you.
>
> I tried the Wellbutrin/Effexor combo. After about 4 weeks, I noticed that I was getting irritable and anything could set me off. NOT GOOD. And the more Wellbutrin I got into my system, the more irritable and "hair trigger" I got. I understand that Wellbutrin is not a good recommendation for those with PTSD. That is part of what I am dealing with. Soooo, now I can honestly say that for me, Wellbutrin added to counteract the side effects of Effexor was not good.
>
> I am back on 225 mg of Effexor with 7.5 mg of Remeron to sleep at night. I take two Effexor in the a.m. and one just before going to bed.
>
> A lot of this seems to be trial and error. Listening to your body and working with your Dr. Because, we all are different! But not alone.
>
What is PTSD?I take 150 mg in the am and 150 at 5 pm and I tend to wake up at 4am...but get back to sleep.
Does anyone notice an effect on the regularity or Irregularity of their menstral cycle?? (Or is that all stress again?).
This does make me feel less alone! thanks
Posted by TinMan on November 16, 2005, at 8:30:33
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Mim on November 16, 2005, at 7:00:31
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - it is from being traumatized by war, abuse, rape, happenings of a violent nature.
I also have irregular periods. Some of it, is due to periomenopause, and some, I am sure, due to the Effexor. And I am taking a lose dose BC pill as HRT. I feel like my hormones are all over the charts anyway. Some nights, I have the night sweats, some days I get hot flashes.
The Wellbutrin seemed to make me edgy and irritable. It was great getting a libido back but when one is irritable and cranky, the libido isn't much good anyway.
I have BPD; a more significant type of PTSD. Paxil and Wellbutrin seem to make my "symptoms" worse.
Effexor helps a lot BUT I just don't know what it is like to wake up feeling, well, happy. I haven't felt that in a long, long time.
Posted by nana on November 16, 2005, at 11:11:32
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by TinMan on November 16, 2005, at 8:30:33
Hey, I use to feel the same way about not waking up happy. I have been reading what other people say and decided to try taking it at night around 8:00. What a difference!! I am a different person in the morning. It worked for me. It took about 3 days for me to start seeing a difference. You might try it. Keep trying life is to short not to be happy. Take care!!
Posted by spierson1253 on November 16, 2005, at 11:27:23
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Mim on November 16, 2005, at 7:00:31
I don't know about it's effect on the menses cycle, as I've gone through menopause. (Skippee dippee doo!!!!) For those of you who are in the throes of menopause, or lucky like me to be done with it, make sure you are taking hormone replacement therapy. If not, the Effexor will worsen the symptoms. As soon as I got back on it, the night sweats and the restlessness went completely away. Now, if I could just sleep through the night. *sigh*
Posted by spierson1253 on November 16, 2005, at 11:33:27
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by TinMan on November 16, 2005, at 8:30:33
Is it just my imagination, or does it seem that every poster who is taking Welbutrin along with Effexor seem to have problems with anger issues. The Effexor seems to be excellent at reducing if not eliminating the anger issues, but then the Wellbutrin seems to bring them right back again. (I'm not on Welbutrin, but I read all the postings. I want to make sure I'm on the right course with this theory, in case my dr. tries to prescribe it for me. He tends to look at me like I'm an idiot when I try to tell him that Effexor has side-effects, so I to have my facts straight before I go nose-to-nose with him.)
Posted by TinMan on November 16, 2005, at 12:18:20
In reply to Wellbutrin and Effexor, posted by spierson1253 on November 16, 2005, at 11:33:27
Tell your Dr. to go get his PDR off the shelf, dust it off and look up the 'Side Effects' of Effexor. (Physicians Desk Reference = PDR) They are all in there: the bruxism, dry mouth, insomnia, sweating, weight gain, weight loss, constipation, loss of libido, etc.
I had hoped that adding the Wellbutrin to my mix would help. It did to some degree but then I got so edgy, irritable, prone to rage. (Which, for those of you who know about BPD and PTSD, adding fuel to the rage fire can be a bit ugly.)
Also, there are many helpful websites that can give some sort of guidance as far as what drugs may work for you and your symptoms. I would use them as simply a reference.
Posted by spierson1253 on November 16, 2005, at 12:42:29
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin and Effexor, posted by TinMan on November 16, 2005, at 12:18:20
If all of this is in the PDR, then why in the heck does my doctor argue with me about my side effects? He swears up and down Effexor has none.
Posted by SandiDee on November 16, 2005, at 12:45:41
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin and Effexor, posted by TinMan on November 16, 2005, at 12:18:20
Just wanted to add my 2 cents worth about the Wellbutrin. I added Wellbutrin to combat the side effects of the effexor, it worked well, but I did have problems with my temper, explosions over little things. I wound up going back to my Dr. and asked for an increase in my effexor, she agreed. I am now on 225 effexor, and 150 wellbutrin, I take them both in the a.m., and tylenol pm at bed to sleep. This combo seems to be working well for me, though there are still some side effects that are annoying, the dry mouth, some headaches, and such. I also have the sweats, this is the worst of my side effects right now, I sweat horribly at times, mostly around my head and neck, often soaking my hair. Not sure what to do about that, I am 42, so this could possibly be peri-menopause, I don't know. Oddly enough, I sweat more when I am holding my 3 month old grandson, not gonna give that up though! :)
Posted by Mim on November 17, 2005, at 12:00:38
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin and Effexor, posted by TinMan on November 16, 2005, at 12:18:20
I assume BPD is borderline personality disorder and not bronchopulmonale dysplasie! (language issues). There is a more open culture about anti-depresive medication in the US than in Europe. I keep feeling like I have to defend my choice to continue on medication. The doctor I am seeing says that if I got a calmer job and had more free time....etc. pretty much ignoring the herreditary side of things (the family memebers who are all depressed of whom two have commited suicide...I guess they also had stressful jobs)
Posted by spierson1253 on November 17, 2005, at 13:15:53
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin and Effexor, posted by Mim on November 17, 2005, at 12:00:38
Finally! We've been discussing the side effects of Effexor and how our doctors (or mine at least) swear up and down there are no side effects. I had my presciption upped (75mg in the morning, 37.5mg at night, and Ambien CR 5.0-10.0mg at night), and this time the pharmacy at the Clinic printed me out an info sheet on the Effexor.
It listes the side effects THAT MY DOCTOR SWEARS UP AND DOWN DON'T EXIST. The are listed as follows:
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, nausea, decreased appetite, dry mouth, constipation, change in sexual function, increased sweating, nervousness, or tremor. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you experience: severe nervousness or anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, feelings of irritability or hostility, impulsive behavior or other unusual changes in behavior, severe restlessness, worsening feeliings of depression, thoughts of hurting yourself, or any other mental or mood changes.
AND . . . I have problems with sleeping aids as I can only sleep for two hours on them, and then I wake up -- for the rest of the night. Without them I don't sleep at all, as I have one of those brains that never ever shuts down. Ambien now has a time-released capsule (Ambien CR) than may help those of you who can't sleep through the night. I'll be trying it for the first time tonight and will let you all know how it works.
Hope this helps . . . . .
Posted by spierson1253 on November 17, 2005, at 13:20:44
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin and Effexor, posted by Mim on November 17, 2005, at 12:00:38
Now that's just wrong. Why do people treat depression like it's a weakness instead of an illness? You stick to your guns and make sure you take care of you. I don't have a job right now, have plenty of spare time, and golly! the anxiety, depression, anger, and fear are still there. (The Effexor keeps me from acting out on this by screaming, crying, pacing, etc.)
Have you asked them to set you up with counseling to help? The meds don't work all by themselves. There is a reason for what's wrong (usually). Being pro-active in your own recovery is one good step towards good health.
Posted by Mim on November 18, 2005, at 2:16:22
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin and Effexor » Mim, posted by spierson1253 on November 17, 2005, at 13:20:44
Thank you!
Is there always a reason? I was getting counseling in the past, but actully there was no great major insight. I was a happy kid, and began getting depressed and destructive at around 18. I finally got on meds 7 years ago and all was fine, then my new doctor changed me over to effexor last year and all hell broke loose again (same job, same home etc.). I wish I COULD pinpoint a reason or an event, but I am beginning to think it is just a biochemical quirk in the system. It would probably make sence to get counseling though...in any event to learn not to act on the destructive impuses. Thanks again..and take care of yourself!
Posted by lostinazeroth on November 18, 2005, at 8:31:05
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by nana on November 16, 2005, at 11:11:32
I've been taking effexor xr for about 2 and a half years. When i was prescribed it, I was 13 years old and i didn't think I was depressed. I still don't think that I should be taking this. When I first started taking it, I couldn't sleep at all, so they gave me sleeping pills. F*cking sleeping pills! According to the company website for effexor xr, teenagers run a very high risk of trying to kill themselves when they start taking it, especially if they are bipolar or someone in their family is. My mom is bipolar. and they gave me sleeping pills. I could have killed myself because of them. BUT, fortunately, I didn't try. I think it was because i wasn't depressed in the first place. whatever. Anyways, lately, I have been waking up with headaches and dizziness, the same way i felt when i hadn't taken my medicine, but i have been taking it. I really really hate it. another thing, I'm not a depressed person. Credit the medicine if you want, but I don't think it did any good.
Posted by spierson1253 on November 18, 2005, at 8:39:59
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin and Effexor, posted by Mim on November 18, 2005, at 2:16:22
If nothing else, counseling will help you recognize "triggers", those things will set off depression, anxiety, panic attacks. "Know thyself."
I found that Effexor does nothing against the shock of losing a friend. A friend of mine is a medically retired CHP officer, her husband is an active CHP officer. The CHP shot through the head during a routine traffic stop in Woodland, CA yesterday was a friend of ours. I didn't sleep all night. It was such a shock. I still have anxiety sitting on my chest this morning like a brick house. My [dumb] sister somehow became a sheriff's deputy, and I am now so scared for her. She's one of those who thinks a badge makes her impervious, and a gun always makes her right.
Posted by TinMan on November 18, 2005, at 19:01:51
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin and Effexor, posted by Mim on November 18, 2005, at 2:16:22
> Thank you!
>
> Is there always a reason? I was getting counseling in the past, but actully there was no great major insight. I was a happy kid, and began getting depressed and destructive at around 18. I finally got on meds 7 years ago and all was fine, then my new doctor changed me over to effexor last year and all hell broke loose again (same job, same home etc.). I wish I COULD pinpoint a reason or an event, but I am beginning to think it is just a biochemical quirk in the system. It would probably make sence to get counseling though...in any event to learn not to act on the destructive impuses. Thanks again..and take care of yourself!As far as Borderline Personality Disorder goes, clinical trials have been and are being performed. Apparently, it is both biological (genetic) and psychological. Something in the brain does not develop as it should. (The trials I read gave the technical name, I don't remember it.) Interesting, huh?
It is a lot like High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Asthma, High Cholesterol - yes, there are some lifestyle choices that can be made differently to help with HBP, Diabetes, Asthma, HC, etc. HOWEVER, these diseases are physiological and can be helped dramatically by various medications. Right? There is no cure as of yet for these diseases.
NOW, we are fortunate to be in a time when phobias, anxiety/panic attacks, mental health disorders and diseases are being researched instead of being locked up and away in a "loony bin" somewhere. Sure, there is still a lot of stigma, but it is getting better.
And wouldn't it be so great if there was something that you, I and all could pinpoint?!?
I am still looking for the man behind the curtain!
~TinMan
Posted by HollyQuest on November 19, 2005, at 8:29:40
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin and Effexor, posted by TinMan on November 18, 2005, at 19:01:51
Has anyone had experience with moving from a low dose of Effexor (37.5) back to 20 mg Paxil? My teen switched from Paxil to Effexor and had terrible side effects so we are moving back to Paxil. Both the dr. and pharm. said that it's fine - but we are very worried about side effects (which were horrible with Effexor when we found out that even a few hours difference in taking it produced days of virtual immobility). I hope to hear that because the Effexor dose is so low that the switch should be a non-event in terms of Effexor w/d . . . but I am probably dreaming . . right?
Posted by ed_uk on November 19, 2005, at 8:39:53
In reply to Withdrawal from Effexor to Pacil, posted by HollyQuest on November 19, 2005, at 8:29:40
Hi Holly
Paxil should block the worst of Effexor's withdrawal symptoms :-) Unfortunately, Paxil itself can have bad withdrawal symptoms! Fluoxetine (Prozac) is usually relatively easy to withdraw from in comparison to the other SSRIs. Has your son/daughter tried Prozac? What is s/he being treated for? Depression? Anxiety? What side effects did s/he have on Effexor?
Kind regards
Ed
Posted by HollyQuest on November 19, 2005, at 10:14:27
In reply to Re: Withdrawal from Effexor to Pacil » HollyQuest, posted by ed_uk on November 19, 2005, at 8:39:53
My teen suffers from depression. The w/d symptoms from Effexor were extreme nausea, "brain rush," shaking and anxiety. Several intermittent days of school were lost before we really knew what was happening (blamed it on a virus). We were then told that the real problem is that the dose of Effexor is way too low and that we should go up to 75 - but I think we will go back to good old Paxil. It was working fine - just needed a little more of something to bring the mood up a level - so our choices were to go to 30 Paxil or try Effexor. Well, Effexor is just too agitating . . .
Thanks for the comment - I hope this will relieve some fears for the switch. (Oh what a vicious circle - nervous when you're late on meds, nervous if the dose is too low, nervous to switch back . . . we thank God for His help in all this!)
Posted by 3mom on November 20, 2005, at 20:41:47
In reply to Withdrawal from Effexor to Pacil, posted by HollyQuest on November 19, 2005, at 8:29:40
Hi. i'm a mom of three small kids. i was a relaxed, great mom of two, and a mom that yelled a lot of three. i started effexor 75 and have been a relaxed mom of three and very pleased with the med. i have never been depressed or taken any other ad. i was just getting a little too upset about the little things kids do, and i didn't want that for my family. my obgyn put me on this like it was no big deal. i have been on it about 5 months now with really no side effects. i was bored tonight and started surfing the web and found this sight. now i am petrified that i am going to become addicted to effexor and scared that when i decide to come off of it, it will be terrible. can't you take one little bead out of the capsule everyday until you get down to no beads and thus have little or no withdrawals? it seems like you could ween yourself off of slow enough, but I haven't read that anyone has been able to come off of it without being nonfunctional and terribly sick. Has anyone come off of this with a good experience? does anyone use this drug for just a little anxiety? it seems that everything i have read has been stuff more severe than me just getting a little upset about kids spilling milk. is this medicine too serious for me? help!!
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 21, 2005, at 21:39:30
In reply to scared of effexor and withdrawal, posted by 3mom on November 20, 2005, at 20:41:47
> now i am petrified that i am going to become addicted to effexor and scared that when i decide to come off of it, it will be terrible...
Welcome! And sorry if it's confusing here, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding coming off of it to Psycho-Babble Withdrawal. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20051018/msgs/581038.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by kissprinciple on November 21, 2005, at 22:57:51
In reply to High Cholesterol and Effexor???, posted by Sufferfromeffexor on October 20, 2003, at 14:41:22
Well, this is wonderful to hear and terrible at the same time. I have always been healthy. I am 34 and I eat well, salad, fruit, few fast food meals if any, no beer, etc. My cholesterol is 300 now. I just don't get it. Here I am eating garlic tablets, fish oil, and taking otehr things (Niacin) to get it back down. What an idiot I am - my Dr. is a guy named Martin Kafka. He is the all time expert on this stuff and he knows of lots of side effects and warned me of high blood pressure and a bunch of other stuff. Now I see that there are lots of people who have figured out that Effexor xr probably reacts with your liver. The liver converts saturated fat into cholesterol among other things. Guess what, I am sure that the liver is fighting to clean our bodies of effexor and doesn't have what it takes to do much else. Or we put it to sleep. All I know for sure is taht Effexor is a liver heart attack. I am going to decrease it immmediately and find something else. I may try some natural remedy now that I am understanding how all of this works. Besides, while I feel good and I like Effoxor a lot, it hasn't solved my original reason for taking it - ask me if you're interested but it has to do with sex.
> Does anyone have high cholesterol because of taking Effexor?? I had mine checked last week and just got my results this morning and they are through the roof. My triglycerides are at 533 (normal being below 150). I wonder if this has anything to do with being on Effexor??? I have to go back to the doc tomorrow to see what they want to do. I will probably take medication to lower it temporarily and than have to make some changes in my diet. I am only turning 30 in December and can't believe I am faced with this already.
Posted by TinMan on November 22, 2005, at 7:54:42
In reply to Re: High Cholesterol and Effexor???, posted by kissprinciple on November 21, 2005, at 22:57:51
Thanks for your post about cholesterol. I had no idea. I will be getting my checked. I have not had a problem with it before. I have noticed on Effexor that I am hungrier than usual and I crave sweets. Does this have something to do with the way Effexor effects the liver? Is this part of the reason for the weight gain in different areas?
Posted by spierson1253 on November 22, 2005, at 9:52:52
In reply to Re: High Cholesterol and Effexor???, posted by TinMan on November 22, 2005, at 7:54:42
Well this is certainly scarey. I had my cholesterol checked about 6 months ago and it was at 283. Went on this diet that would have killed a small bird. (Yes, I ate.) Checked it again in 3 mos, and it had jacked up to 293. And now I'm hearing Effexor will jack it up. Great. Just great. What is so really really really scarey, is my mom has the same thing. It's hereditary. If my mom never ever ate another morsel of food, her liver would still over-produce cholesterol. She had to have stents placed in the some of the major arteries/vessels around her heart, as they are all blocked (as is her carotoid, but her frickin' HMO says she's not near enough death yet to put a new stent there.) It is so bad, that within 6 months the stents were being blocked. They found a new way or irradiating the stents every so many months, at miracle of all miracles, it keeps the platelets from sticking to the walls of the stents. But I now face the same future and now I'm doubly worried. Plus, since I was terminated, I have no insurance to continue paying for the Zocor I was taking for the cholesterol. I can't take the Prempro (HRT) for the same reason and now I have night sweats. I can't take my Prilosec (I'll give you 3 guesses) and my acid reflux is returning. But Workers Comp only cares that I'm not screaming in anger or crying abysmally.
Posted by hevvi1 on November 22, 2005, at 13:15:13
In reply to Re: High Cholesterol and Effexor??? » TinMan, posted by spierson1253 on November 22, 2005, at 9:52:52
I have to say I am 36 and a mom of 4 kids.I walk a little at night but thats about all.I eat normally,drink wine at the weekends and have fast food maybe 2wice a month.i have been on Effexor xr for 2 months now and have just beeen to the Dr's today for check-up and refill.My cholesterol hasn't changed,my side-effects have gotten less and I have now lost 10 pounds so i just want to reassure new posters/readers that effexor effects different people in different ways..I am still its #1 fan as I feel like myself again after 10 years...don't be too scared ,just because things have happened to some people doesn't mean its gonna happen to you...
Posted by Mim on November 23, 2005, at 2:29:34
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin and Effexor » Mim, posted by spierson1253 on November 18, 2005, at 8:39:59
I am so sorry you lost a friend, and was confronted with the fear of losing your sister. There is no medication for that! I think it is totally normal! I agree that learning to recognize triggers is important. I tend to shut down when it all gets to be too much. I shut out all emotions and really don't care about anyone or anything.
Would you believe I am working on a logistics project at a nut-house?? (a.k.a a psychiatric hospital) kind of confrontational. One of the Dr's there says "impression without expression leads to depression" which is prehaps true. Take care of yourself.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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