Posted by Megan on June 4, 2000, at 21:04:15
In reply to Re: Effexor side effects vs Effexor XR side effects, posted by Noa on June 4, 2000, at 12:56:22
> Both forms of effexor have made it hard for me to sleep. Somehow, taking the XR version in the morning lessened the effect a bit. BUT, I still need something to help me sleep. It was trazodone for a while, now it is Serzone. And, yes, caffiene just adds to the sleep problems.
--I haven't noticed an inability to sleep on a regular basis. I suppose it's possible that the medication causes me to get agitated and restless more easily when something is bothering me. I'm thinking that when I do have too much caffeine, my system is more sensitive, same with alcohol. My doctor never mentioned that having alcohol is particularly bad. I don't have a tendency to over do it, just noticed when I'm out with my friends it affects me much more, and more quickly, than it used to.
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> Some people find Effexor makes them drowsy. For me it is very activating, and when combined with caffeine, I get agitated.--Sometimes I feel agitated, sometimes I feel tired. I think the tiredness has a lot to do with my diet.
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> I had terrible sweating on the regular Effexor, when at higher doses. On the XR, I don't notice this problem. I do "run hot" now but it is hard to tell if this is from the Effexor or the thryoid hormone replacement. It isn't a problem except when sharing space with someone who wants to turn off the AC when I am comfortable.--I only sweat at night.
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> I agree about going slow to get used to this med, at least for some people.
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> And, I agree about taking extreme precaution when drinking any alcohol.--Now I know. I would've thought it would've been marked on the bottle.
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> Do you notice more relief from the depression at your current dose? Would you consider lowering it to a point where you wouldn't have the side effects, and adding a second med to augment the antidepressant effects and also help you sleep?--I honestly wasn't aware that you could do that.
I upped the dose because I felt like the medication wasn't working to the same degree as it had been, so no, I wouldn't decrease my dose at this time. The side effects are tolerable. I try to get as much exercise as possible to help me sleep.Overall, I think my body must be more sensitive to caffeine and alcohol. Also, I'm generally happy with this medication.
poster:Megan
thread:5473
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000603/msgs/36036.html