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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by CG on July 11, 2000, at 20:39:00
In reply to I am scared of this medicine, HELP ME!, posted by ToddfromPhoenix on July 8, 2000, at 0:06:12
> I have never posted to any bulletin board, but I really feel alone on this one. I took Prozac 40mg for nearly 8 years for depression. About six months ago, I decided that it was time to try and "be normal" and stop taking the medicine. These past six months have been awful and I have been very depressed.
>
> I finally took my wife's advice and went to a Psychiatrist to get re-evaluated. He said that Effexor was "the answer" and dropped a sample box into my lap. I have been taking it for about 3 weeks and am up to 150mg a day. So far I can say it has made an improvement, but I can't say it is the answer for what is going on with me right now.
>
> My concern is that I stumbled onto this sight and it seems like a bunch of people have had a bad time with this medicine, both taking it and getting off of it. I have always struggled with psych meds because I feel I lose some of my control of how I truly feel about things being masked in the medicine's "cloak of apathy" so to speak. I am worried that I might be taking this stuff for life and that just isn't how I would like to see myself forever.
>
> I am also finding a rather embarrassing side effect. It seems my libido has taken a vacation and doesn't know when it is coming back. Also, the literature talks about "abnormal ejaculation". My experience is it's very hard to have an orgasm with this medicine. Has anyone else experienced this? I am serious about this and it is starting to become problematic.
>
> Hi Todd! This is my first time posting a follow up, but have been reading the messages here for a couple of weeks now. I started taking Effexor Xr a couple of weeks ago and was very scared at first but now I am very comfortable with it. I take 150mg a day too. The only side affect I can complain about is the sweating. But with all the good things that have been happening to me I just bear with it. And just like you I am scared that I will need this medication forever. But the thing that reasures me that if I do need it forever is that at least I feel like a normal person again. I am not crying over nothing or angry at all the wrong people. I just started seeing a psychiatrist so I don't really know what my future holds for me as far as taking anti depressants but just have some patience. I definately don't feel "numb" or emotionless on this medication. In fact, I swear that I have developed a back bone. I noticed myself not being so passive when I normally was and on the flip side I am easier going with people who I used to be sort of aggitated with (especially at work!). I also don't dwell on the things don't need to be worried about like before. I have found that my libido is not what it should be too, but I feel more affectionate than I did- so go figure. Best of luck to you and thanks to all the people who post messages here-they have really helped me!!!
Posted by Gary on July 13, 2000, at 20:04:51
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
> I have been on 225mg per day of Effexor for the last 5 years or so. I also take 1 to 1.5 mg per day of Xanax. I am curious if anyone else has been perscribed Xanax along with Effexor by their doctor. I am finding it very difficult to get off the Effexor because of the withdrawl symtoms. The eye crunches and severe anxiety have prevented me from being able to even slowly reduce the daily dosage. Would appreciate hearing from anyone who has been successful. The more information you can give me the better.
Thanks
Posted by Shel on July 18, 2000, at 1:35:45
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I too have had problems with depression for the last 7 years. Crying for no reason, could not sleep, couldn't eat, feeling out of control of my life, turning mole hills into mountains.
I first on Zoloft for about a year was just fine, then quit (thought I could handle life without "having to take drugs" and slowly went down hill over the next 6 months.
Went back on and was on it for a couple more years, felt great and decided I was all better and went off of it and crashed again- this time in 3 months. Tried Zoloft again, this time-no relief. Then tried Wellbutrin for a month, felt a little better, but not like before. Then tried Efferox XR.
Started slow and built up to 150mg per day. Wonder drug! I love it! Have been on it over a year. No side effects to speak of. During the last 9 months I have managed to survive a move from Indiana to Austria (no kanagroos here) for a 3 years ISP assignment with my husband's company. We had to sell our house, cars, leave family, friends, my job and our horse behind with less than a 2 month notice. Stranger in a strange land and they don't speak much English in these parts. Yes I have had to learn German. Sprechen sie Deutsch?
I have survived! Have had some down days over the last 9 months that I attributed to more of loneliness and boredom and winter blahs than from depression. Summer's here and I am great!
Work with your doctor for the right level- give it time to build up in your system- a month prehaps and you should see positive results as I have.
Posted by Cindy W on July 18, 2000, at 8:26:16
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by Shel on July 18, 2000, at 1:35:45
> I too have had problems with depression for the last 7 years. Crying for no reason, could not sleep, couldn't eat, feeling out of control of my life, turning mole hills into mountains.
>
> I first on Zoloft for about a year was just fine, then quit (thought I could handle life without "having to take drugs" and slowly went down hill over the next 6 months.
>
> Went back on and was on it for a couple more years, felt great and decided I was all better and went off of it and crashed again- this time in 3 months. Tried Zoloft again, this time-no relief. Then tried Wellbutrin for a month, felt a little better, but not like before. Then tried Efferox XR.
>
> Started slow and built up to 150mg per day. Wonder drug! I love it! Have been on it over a year. No side effects to speak of. During the last 9 months I have managed to survive a move from Indiana to Austria (no kanagroos here) for a 3 years ISP assignment with my husband's company. We had to sell our house, cars, leave family, friends, my job and our horse behind with less than a 2 month notice. Stranger in a strange land and they don't speak much English in these parts. Yes I have had to learn German. Sprechen sie Deutsch?
>
> I have survived! Have had some down days over the last 9 months that I attributed to more of loneliness and boredom and winter blahs than from depression. Summer's here and I am great!
>
> Work with your doctor for the right level- give it time to build up in your system- a month prehaps and you should see positive results as I have.Shel, glad to hear it's worked so well for you! Doing so many changes in a short time must have been a challenge.
Posted by noa on July 18, 2000, at 15:20:47
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by Cindy W on July 18, 2000, at 8:26:16
Yes, I have had success on it. It has caused some unwanted effects at higher doses, but I lowered the dose and augmented with several other meds, and this seems to work.
Posted by Moni on July 18, 2000, at 18:30:25
In reply to Re: I am scared of this medicine, HELP ME!, posted by CG on July 11, 2000, at 20:39:00
Hi.. this is my first time posting, following up, etc. I have been on effexor xr for the past 10 weeks. I am up to a 75mg and a 37.5mg together. My doctor didn't want to put me at 150mg yet. I have to call next week to let him know how this works out. I understand what you mean about your libido. I have the same problem. It's definitely almost impossible for me to have an orgasm and the feeling of wanting to have sex is nearly gone. My doctor told me to relax more. I tried that.. I have an orgasm rarely. I'm trying to balance out in my mind that I could be worse off. I don't know if this is the right medicine but it has helped me with the depression a great deal. I'm more social, less angry at everyone, no crying, stopped all the excessive worrying, eating and sleeping again. But yes, as you stated.. no libido. Is this the price we have to pay for being sane?? It may be.
> > I have never posted to any bulletin board, but I really feel alone on this one. I took Prozac 40mg for nearly 8 years for depression. About six months ago, I decided that it was time to try and "be normal" and stop taking the medicine. These past six months have been awful and I have been very depressed.
> >
> > I finally took my wife's advice and went to a Psychiatrist to get re-evaluated. He said that Effexor was "the answer" and dropped a sample box into my lap. I have been taking it for about 3 weeks and am up to 150mg a day. So far I can say it has made an improvement, but I can't say it is the answer for what is going on with me right now.
> >
> > My concern is that I stumbled onto this sight and it seems like a bunch of people have had a bad time with this medicine, both taking it and getting off of it. I have always struggled with psych meds because I feel I lose some of my control of how I truly feel about things being masked in the medicine's "cloak of apathy" so to speak. I am worried that I might be taking this stuff for life and that just isn't how I would like to see myself forever.
> >
> > I am also finding a rather embarrassing side effect. It seems my libido has taken a vacation and doesn't know when it is coming back. Also, the literature talks about "abnormal ejaculation". My experience is it's very hard to have an orgasm with this medicine. Has anyone else experienced this? I am serious about this and it is starting to become problematic.
> >
> > Hi Todd! This is my first time posting a follow up, but have been reading the messages here for a couple of weeks now. I started taking Effexor Xr a couple of weeks ago and was very scared at first but now I am very comfortable with it. I take 150mg a day too. The only side affect I can complain about is the sweating. But with all the good things that have been happening to me I just bear with it. And just like you I am scared that I will need this medication forever. But the thing that reasures me that if I do need it forever is that at least I feel like a normal person again. I am not crying over nothing or angry at all the wrong people. I just started seeing a psychiatrist so I don't really know what my future holds for me as far as taking anti depressants but just have some patience. I definately don't feel "numb" or emotionless on this medication. In fact, I swear that I have developed a back bone. I noticed myself not being so passive when I normally was and on the flip side I am easier going with people who I used to be sort of aggitated with (especially at work!). I also don't dwell on the things don't need to be worried about like before. I have found that my libido is not what it should be too, but I feel more affectionate than I did- so go figure. Best of luck to you and thanks to all the people who post messages here-they have really helped me!!!
Posted by Dakota on July 18, 2000, at 19:51:19
In reply to Re: JUST STARTED TAKING EFFEXOR XR, posted by Dean on April 15, 2000, at 16:41:13
Hi...
I am new to Effexor XR. I have been taking it for 4 days. I have been struggling with panic attacks, agoaphobia, and depression for over 7 years now. My question to anyone that would like to respond is have any of you out there been prescribed this for all of these disorders and did you get any relief? I take Xanax .25mg 3x a day. Sometimes more if I feel really anxious. I would really appreciate any input from anyone. I havent experienced any side effects. Normally, do you notice them right from the beginning? Please help!!!!!!!
Posted by kimi on July 18, 2000, at 20:10:21
In reply to Re: Anyone have success getting off effexor?, posted by Gary on July 13, 2000, at 20:04:51
> I started taking effexor a year ago with adipex to lose weight. I love the effexor, so I continued to take it. I had no idea that so many folks experienced the same things as I did. Like the eye twitching. Also, I've tried to quit a few times and I just feel wrong. No other description, my brain farts and I just feel wrong. I kicked a hole in the bathroom wall, and I'm not at all violent. Oh yeah, I'm always having weird, novel quality dreams. I only take 150 mg. Neither of my prescribing doctors told me any of this stuff, and the original Dr. put me straight on 150 to start with. Zombie. I do like me better though when I'm taking it.
Posted by noa on July 19, 2000, at 7:24:55
In reply to love and hate, posted by kimi on July 18, 2000, at 20:10:21
Starting slowly and titrating up slowly is often the key for going on effexor, either the regular of the xr.
I am fortunate to have a pdoc who is cautious when starting me on meds, starts with the smallest possible dose.
Posted by riverrock on July 19, 2000, at 20:59:45
In reply to Re: JUST STARTED TAKING EFFEXOR XR, posted by Dakota on July 18, 2000, at 19:51:19
> I would really appreciate any input from anyone. I havent experienced any side effects. Normally, do you notice them right from the beginning? Please help!!!!!!!
Hi Dakota,
I have been building up on effexor for about 3 weeks now and take just under 150mgs. I am feeling some wonderful relief from the depression and also some lessened anxiety. I nver had panic attacks, just general anxiety, but I am actually having moments of feeling happy and relaxed...I am experiencing some side effects, but I heard that after a couple of months they may disappear. After 6 months, if they are still there, they aren't going away. I am hot and seem to sweat more, but am also having some chills. The hardest part right now is the sexual side effects. Plenty of desire, but I am anorgasmic. Have read that exercise and possibly Ginko Biloba will help with that...need to check with my Pdoc about that....Don't get anxious about the meds, if they don't work for you, I'm sure your doc will move you onto something else...Good luck!
River
Posted by Louie on July 20, 2000, at 1:54:53
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Donna Odom on May 23, 2000, at 12:08:42
I've been on effexor for about a year and a half, my dosage to date was 150 mg daily. Last week I decided to finally get off the drug, it has been now 4 days since I took my last pill and the withdrawals have been extremely severe. I realize that getting off it suddenly was not the smartest thing to do but I am tired of taking it and I'll be damned if I'm going to let this pill control my life. Today however I felt much better, I still have all the withdrawals feelings, but have become bearable. I must say I'm on vacation and I would have not being able to give it up so sudden otherwise. I have been home doing nothing but watch tv, but I finally started to feel more myself than I have before since I began taking this dreadful drug. I hope things get better now, I'll keep you posted.
Posted by Libby on July 20, 2000, at 9:56:04
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Louie on July 20, 2000, at 1:54:53
Louie, please post your progress. I start tapering off today, should be off in two weeks. I'm hopeful about getting off it, but also a little afraid. I had no problem tapering down for dose adjustment, but I have had terrible experiences when taking a dose late. It would be very helpful for me to read about someone else who's going through it (and hopefully will make it)... Thanks. L.
Posted by tlc on July 23, 2000, at 11:17:06
In reply to Long-term effects, posted by Jillie on July 8, 2000, at 20:10:26
Posted by nico on July 25, 2000, at 4:20:23
In reply to love and hate, posted by kimi on July 18, 2000, at 20:10:21
im down to 75mg. of effexor. i was on 225.
i did it. i didnt leave bed for 2 weeks, but i made it through and i feel so much better.
ive forgotten what its like to be able to think clearly.
hopefully i wont have too much trouble getting of the rest.
Posted by Gerri_mww on July 25, 2000, at 17:33:09
In reply to Re: I am more nervous about this cr*p than ever!!, posted by Gerri_mww on July 9, 2000, at 20:53:38
..... It won't matter to anyone if I disappear.
> >
> > Goodbye and good luck.
Todd,
Are you still checking in on this site??Does anyone know Todd? or if he's ok?
Hoping if he reads this he will let us all know how he's doing and if he's
still giving life a shotGerri
Posted by Moose on July 28, 2000, at 9:50:04
In reply to Re: Long-term effects, posted by tlc on July 23, 2000, at 11:17:06
HI
My dr gave effexor xr to me about 4 weeks ago. I struggled with taking it because I just thought that taking something is a cop out,lol. I am having sever mood swings and I am angry and depressed a lot. I will pick fights with my oldest child..now 18 and my dh is confused because I swing in moods so quilckly. anyways, I took the first pill yesterday.....at 1 pm after another senseless blow out with my son. I felt fine all day maybe a bit nauses and could not fall asleep last night and right now I am feeling a bit edgy.....I have been reading alot of the posts and now I am so scared to takes this stuff!! I don't want the side effects or the withdraws.....I feel like I am having a hard tome breathing something i never had before......could it be this stuff already!!
HELP,LOL
Posted by Libby on July 28, 2000, at 11:35:28
In reply to Re: Long-term effects, posted by Moose on July 28, 2000, at 9:50:04
>I have been reading alot of the posts and now I >am so scared to takes this stuff!!
My experience with Effexor has been more good than bad... but there are certain things I had to learn about it that made it much easier to live with. For example, it is EXTREMELY important to take every dose on time! When I was the slightest bit late taking a dose, terrible mood swings moved in FAST and I sometimes found myself raging out of control over nothing... After two or three marathon arguments with my daughter, I learned to take my Effexor ON TIME every day! Since then, rages haven't been a problem for me. Inderal is another option if you're experiencing agitation on a regular basis... Might be worth asking your doctor about... Inderal helped me with agitation, muscular tension, etc.
The hard time breathing could be a number of things... panic, anxiety, Effexor... I would caution against not taking a drug simply because of something you read here. However, if you read something here and are truly concerned... OR if what you read seems to match what you're experiencing, then that's something I'd encourage you to talk to your doctor about! There are so many different kinds of antidepressants available! No sense in taking one that doesn't work for you...
On the other hand, give the trials a fair shot... Just because I post about a particular side-effect doesn't mean you'll experience that same effect... Even though I had terrible "withdrawal" symptoms when I didn't take my regular dose of Effexor on time, I seem to have tapered off in about a week (from 150 mg/day) without a problem... That's faster than my doc expected, but he told me to keep stepping down the dose a little each day, based on how I felt that day... Today is my second day totally OFF Effexor and aside from a slight "heart pounding" sensation, which to me feels more like anxiety than a purely physical thing, I feel great. I took Benedryl, like the kind people here advised - and it's working... YAY! 'Course, I won't soncider myself TRULY "off" Effexor until the thumping heart sensations stop... but at least I'm not the screaming demon I expected to be... :)
Hope this helps a bit... Take care of yourself...
L.
Posted by elizabeth777 on August 1, 2000, at 17:57:00
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by Cindy W on July 18, 2000, at 8:26:16
> > I too have had problems with depression for the last 7 years. Crying for no reason, could not sleep, couldn't eat, feeling out of control of my life, turning mole hills into mountains.
> >
> > I first on Zoloft for about a year was just fine, then quit (thought I could handle life without "having to take drugs" and slowly went down hill over the next 6 months.
> >
> > Went back on and was on it for a couple more years, felt great and decided I was all better and went off of it and crashed again- this time in 3 months. Tried Zoloft again, this time-no relief. Then tried Wellbutrin for a month, felt a little better, but not like before. Then tried Efferox XR.
> >
> > Started slow and built up to 150mg per day. Wonder drug! I love it! Have been on it over a year. No side effects to speak of. During the last 9 months I have managed to survive a move from Indiana to Austria (no kanagroos here) for a 3 years ISP assignment with my husband's company. We had to sell our house, cars, leave family, friends, my job and our horse behind with less than a 2 month notice. Stranger in a strange land and they don't speak much English in these parts. Yes I have had to learn German. Sprechen sie Deutsch?
> >
> > I have survived! Have had some down days over the last 9 months that I attributed to more of loneliness and boredom and winter blahs than from depression. Summer's here and I am great!
> >
> > Work with your doctor for the right level- give it time to build up in your system- a month prehaps and you should see positive results as I have.
>
> Shel, glad to hear it's worked so well for you! Doing so many changes in a short time must have been a challenge.> I have been on effexor xr for a month and a half.I love it. I feel great. I take mine at night and it helps me get to sleep and I don't feel hung over in the morning. So far I thing
this drug is a mircle!
Posted by Hazel on August 2, 2000, at 10:22:12
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! » Cindy W, posted by elizabeth777 on August 1, 2000, at 17:57:00
I'm about to start on this drug and its reassuring
to read about it working for so many people.I have been suffering from depression for a few
years and so far nothing has worked so I am hoping
this will. I cannot wait until I feel "normal"
again.Any tips or anything I should know before starting?
More importantly, are you allowed to drink alcohol
on these tablets?
Posted by DJR on August 2, 2000, at 21:01:53
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
My doctor just prescribed 37.5 a day of effexor, to be advanced to 3 pills daily. My question is, what's the difference in effexor and effexorXR? Also my doctor prescribed this to help me sleep. I have Fibromyalgia and I"m sure I have some depression. However my doctor prescribed it for the fibromyalgia and sleep problem.
Has anyone heard of using it primarily for these problems? Or am I making a mistake taking this medicine? I'm slighty scared after reading what i've read here today.
Any comments would help.
Posted by tbucko on August 2, 2000, at 21:15:47
In reply to Re: New to Effexor, posted by DJR on August 2, 2000, at 21:01:53
> My doctor just prescribed 37.5 a day of effexor, to be advanced to 3 pills daily. My question is, what's the difference in effexor and effexorXR? Also my doctor prescribed this to help me sleep. I have Fibromyalgia and I"m sure I have some depression. However my doctor prescribed it for the fibromyalgia and sleep problem.
> Has anyone heard of using it primarily for these problems? Or am I making a mistake taking this medicine? I'm slighty scared after reading what i've read here today.
> Any comments would help.XR is just extended release. Often used to reduce some of the side effects. For instance, I was given XR to reduce the chance of incresing my blood pressure. Effexor has changed my life. I am a new person, better and happier than I can EVER remember.
Only problem? For me it is the sexual side effects. I am being switched to Wellbutrin to see if it helps and I stil stay the real me. If not, I guess I stay on Effexor and stay happy but "less active"
Posted by kd on August 2, 2000, at 23:49:35
In reply to Re: effexor xr and side effects, posted by Judy on April 23, 2000, at 22:43:54
> Sweating - is anyone having problems with excessive sweating from taking Effexor, 75 mg, the time released version? I can't decide if it's the med or menopause......
KD: I am also having problems with excessive sweating! I am 19. I have been on 300mg of Effexor XR for almost 8 months. Despite the exceptional help with my depression, I find this problem to be embarassing and unbearable! Does someone have a solution to this? Help! Please respond if you do!
Posted by KD on August 3, 2000, at 0:02:04
In reply to Re: effexor xr and side effects, posted by Judy on April 23, 2000, at 22:43:54
> Sweating - is anyone having problems with excessive sweating from taking Effexor, 75 mg, the time released version? I can't decide if it's the med or menopause......
KD: I also have problems with excessive sweating! I am 19 and have been on 300mg of Effexor XR for 8 months. Despite the exceptional success with my depression, I find this problem to be embarrassing and unbearable! Does anyone have a solution to this problem? Please help and respond if you do!
Posted by Cindy W on August 3, 2000, at 9:19:00
In reply to Re: effexor xr and side effects, posted by KD on August 3, 2000, at 0:02:04
> > Sweating - is anyone having problems with excessive sweating from taking Effexor, 75 mg, the time released version? I can't decide if it's the med or menopause......
>
> KD: I also have problems with excessive sweating! I am 19 and have been on 300mg of Effexor XR for 8 months. Despite the exceptional success with my depression, I find this problem to be embarrassing and unbearable! Does anyone have a solution to this problem? Please help and respond if you do!You might want to ask Cam...but for me, the sweating has decreased to nonnoticeable (after 8 months on Effexor-XR 375 mg/day).
Posted by DJR on August 4, 2000, at 15:06:50
In reply to Re: New to Effexor, posted by tbucko on August 2, 2000, at 21:15:47
Has anyone had any success with depression only taking 75mg a day?
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