Posted by emilyann20 on October 14, 2003, at 13:48:04
In reply to Sexual, other side effects , posted by TT40 on October 14, 2003, at 13:12:07
Dear TT40, I just joined this group and I thought I'd give you my experience. I started Effexor almost 3 months ago. The Dr. orginally perscribed 75 mg/day and then an increase to 150 mg after 2 days and another increase to 225 if I wanted after 2 weeks....WELL...75 mg proved to be WAY TOO MUCH for me--I am very small--110 pounds, 5 feet 2--and 75 mg turned me into a complete zombie, completely out of it and major leg twitching and shaking. I called the DR. right away and told her about the side effects--she said it would be o.k. to decrease to 37.5 mg a day and then gradually increase to 150 as I felt more comfortable. Well, 37.5 proved to be plenty for the first 2 months. I began feeling better IMMEDIATELY. I've been happy and extremely energetic. I guess my appetite has decreased slightly and I've lost a little weight but nothing major. My sex drive has INCREASED, although now that you mention it, it does take me longer to reach orgasm. After 2 months, the effects seemed to be wearing off slightly so I increased to 55.5 mg/ day (one and a half pills). This is MORE than enough (sometimes I think this is TOO much because it makes me VERY hyper after I take it). I can't forsee increasing the dosage again. The other side effects that I have experienced are jaw-clenching and leg shaking, but these ususally only happen in the morning, on an empty stomach, and AMAZINGLY vivid dreams. My dreams have been EPIC, detailed...good and bad. I've had incredible nightmares, have woken up shaking, kicking, punching, angry--very intense. The only other side effect that I've experienced is the withdrawl syptoms when I've missed a day of pills--very weak, cloudy, dizzy, etc. I will be VERY careful not to miss a day ever again. In conclusion, I am very pleased with the effects..the depression is Gone and I'm planning on staying on 55.5 mg per day.
poster:emilyann20
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031010/msgs/269336.html