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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by CynJ on October 2, 2000, at 14:08:44
In reply to for Racer, posted by jp on October 26, 1999, at 4:13:49
Hi I just started taking Effexor XR a few days ago, and my DR Told me to take it in the morning, but it makes me so tired, I took it before going to bed lastnight and slept pretty well, I was just wondering why you should take in the morning, when bedtime seems to work better. Also since I started taking it I have had some aching on the lsft side of my body, mostly my wrist foot and leg, weird.
Thanks,
Cynthia
Posted by Cam W. on October 2, 2000, at 18:59:23
In reply to New to Effexor XR, posted by Lisa B on October 2, 2000, at 14:08:03
Lisa - The anxiety with Celexa™ (citalopram) usually lasts only a couple of weeks. Some serotonin receptors (5HT-1A) have to become less sensitive to the effects of the neurotransmitter, serotonin. This readjustment in the sensitivity of the receptor takes a couple of weeks. Then you should starting seeing some relief from anxiety.
Hope this helps - Cam
Posted by Shirley on October 2, 2000, at 20:12:12
In reply to Irritability/Crying a side effect of Effexor XR?, posted by StaceyLacy on September 28, 2000, at 13:42:00
> >I am concerned and wondering if anyone else has > >experienced feelings of severe irritation, anger or crying while adjusting to this drug?
StaceyLacey,
About three years ago, I was on Effexor and doing reasonably well. But due to my concentration problems, my psychiatrist thought Effexor SR might
be helpful. NOT!I had the exact same experience as you did. I knew it had to be a side effect because I had not experienced this problem with the regular effexor.
Also, it couldn't have been stress because I really liked the person I was working with that day. Thank god, she was real understanding.Just wanted to let you know that you weren't alone.
Shirley
Posted by RL on October 4, 2000, at 23:22:03
In reply to Re: sexual side effect- effexor-xr » smokingun35, posted by kdw on September 24, 2000, at 14:53:44
> > I started taking effexor xr 2 almost 2 weeks ago,my first anti-depressant(possibly last), and felt tired and terrible and dazed every waking hour of the day while taking it, headaches, cannot reach an orgasm at all. I took 37.5 mg aday for 7 days and 75 mg for 2 days and have now stopped cold turkey. I have yet to experience any side effects, been about 55 hours since last dose, still cannot reach an orgasm, wife is very upset and I'm not far behind her. Will this go away or could this be a pemanent development?
>
> I,too, have this problem. For me, it is weighing which is worse--the depression or lack of orgasm. I am now on 225mg. per day and I read a post somewhere that the higher dose could possibly help the situation because of increased dopamine. I certainly don't know about the long term effects. I have only been on this dose for two days.
Don't give up!! I had sexual side effects with everything that I took except for Serzone, and serzone didn't work. I started on Wellbutrin a couple of months ago, and it didn't cause sexual side effects, but it didn't work completely. Wellbutrin is believed to affect norepinephrine primarily. Since Effexor affects only Seratonin, I decided to take them together and they work! No sexual side effects!
I understand that taking Wellbutrin can actually reverse the sexual side effects of other antidepressants for some people. Another supplement that does not have sexual side effects is Busbar. Ask your doctor about giving these options a try. If your doctor isn't helpful, dump them and find someone who is helpful.
Don't give up. I have chronic depression. It began when I was 11 and continues still (I'm 42). My life began when I started taking antidepressants 5 years ago.
Best of luck to you.
Posted by Georgina on October 5, 2000, at 16:25:48
In reply to New to Effexor XR, posted by Lisa B on October 2, 2000, at 14:08:03
> I was just wondering how an antidepressant can help with anxiety when it causes it? I have tried multiple antidepressants, and my doctor insisted I give this one a try. I take Remeron at night to help sleep. Does the side effect of anxiety ever go away and then it cuts it? My mouth is extremely dry too. I can't imagine gaining weight on it - it has caused me to lose weight. Please give me good stories on Effexor
Hi,
I've been taking Effexor XR for several months for anxiety. I had tried Paxil and Prozac without success. I like Effexor XR. I am not anxious and am feeling better all the time. As to your question about taking something for anxiety that gives you anxiety...I understand that Effexor XR actually stimulates the anxiety sensors in the brain. It takes a few weeks for your brain to think "enough of this" and ignore the stimulant, thus relieving you of the anxiety for which you are taking the drug. I know that is a gross over simplification but its something like that : )I have had the dry mouth thing too. It passes and regarding sleep, to assure me a good deep sleep I sometimes take Lorazipam or Clorazipam before bed. Its great!!!!
Hope you are beginning to feel better.Regards,
Georgina
Posted by RL on October 6, 2000, at 1:49:10
In reply to Re: sexual side effect- effexor-xr, posted by RL on October 4, 2000, at 23:22:03
> > > I started taking effexor xr 2 almost 2 weeks ago,my first anti-depressant(possibly last), and felt tired and terrible and dazed every waking hour of the day while taking it, headaches, cannot reach an orgasm at all. I took 37.5 mg aday for 7 days and 75 mg for 2 days and have now stopped cold turkey. I have yet to experience any side effects, been about 55 hours since last dose, still cannot reach an orgasm, wife is very upset and I'm not far behind her. Will this go away or could this be a pemanent development?
> >
> > I,too, have this problem. For me, it is weighing which is worse--the depression or lack of orgasm. I am now on 225mg. per day and I read a post somewhere that the higher dose could possibly help the situation because of increased dopamine. I certainly don't know about the long term effects. I have only been on this dose for two days.
>
>
> Don't give up!! I had sexual side effects with everything that I took except for Serzone, and serzone didn't work. I started on Wellbutrin a couple of months ago, and it didn't cause sexual side effects, but it didn't work completely. Wellbutrin is believed to affect norepinephrine primarily. Since Effexor affects only Seratonin, I decided to take them together and they work! No sexual side effects!
> I understand that taking Wellbutrin can actually reverse the sexual side effects of other antidepressants for some people. Another supplement that does not have sexual side effects is Busbar. Ask your doctor about giving these options a try. If your doctor isn't helpful, dump them and find someone who is helpful.
> Don't give up. I have chronic depression. It began when I was 11 and continues still (I'm 42). My life began when I started taking antidepressants 5 years ago.
> Best of luck to you.Correction: I am taking Wellbutrin with Serzone, not Effexor.
Sorry for the confusion
Posted by Mary Jane M on October 6, 2000, at 16:15:52
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by Cindy W on October 2, 2000, at 8:42:10
Posted by Cindy W on October 6, 2000, at 22:21:40
In reply to Effexor xr and drowsiness/sleep,insomnia, posted by Mary Jane M on October 6, 2000, at 16:15:52
>
> I've just worked up to 225 grams of effexor xr and can't figure out whether it's better to take bigger dose during the day or at night? Please give feedback if this drug causes you daytime drowsiness or nightime insomnia. Do these side effects wear off? I'm also taking 500mg depakote bid, wellbutrin 100mg am and afternoon, topomax 25 mg at night, and klonopin (clonazepam)1 - 2 mg at night and prn for anxiety and panic attacks (about .25 mg occaisionally during the day.) I also am experimenting with ambien and sonata along with the klonopin to see how I'll get the best night's sleep with no side effects. pdoc doesn't want me to take any more antidepressants for fear I may go into a hypomania.
> Thankyou, MaryMary, I take all 375 mg of Effexor-XR first thing in the morning...I couldn't remember to take it twice a day, and haven't had any problems taking it once in the early morning. It helps to take it early, for me, since it makes me feel more energetic and not sleepy (and makes it harder to sleep at night I think; the Seroquel and Serzone I take help me sleep). Hope this helps.--Cindy W
Posted by Ishmael on October 15, 2000, at 13:43:40
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by shan on January 6, 2000, at 4:38:49
I have been on Effexor XR for just over one year, @ 300 mg/day. I decided to stop taking it and went cold turkey. Big mistake, I had severe withdrawal symptoms. So, I went back on it am on now going off slowly. I open the capsules, weigh out the dose, and then refill the capsule with the amount I’m after. I’m a chemist so this is easy for me. I thought the following information might help those of you also trying to go off this stuff.
Each 150 mg capsule of Effexor XR contains 500 mg of white beads (so, the beads are 30 % by weight Effexor). 25 beads contain 11 (+/-2) mg of Effexor. All you need to do is open the capsules, pour out the beads, count out how many you need, and then put the lowered dose back in the capsule. Do not swallow the beads directly, be sure to put them back in the capsule. I do a bunch of pills at once, first emptying several capsules into a vial or envelope, then measuring what I want back into the empty capsules. You will notice that the Effexor beads are fairly uniform in size, but there will be some smaller ones as well as some that are fused together. Try to count out the beads randomly, don’t go for just the large one or just the small.
Hope this helps, seems to be going ok with me. I am experiencing uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms but they are nothing compared to the first time and I can easily control the symptoms with the dosage size and length time I am at that dose before decreasing further.
Good luck
Ishmael
Posted by Sheryl on October 16, 2000, at 9:35:44
In reply to I'm a newie to Effexor XR, posted by CKT on April 27, 2000, at 14:12:52
> I just started on the effexor xr a few days ago,and an wondering if it's even what I need. I have never been to a psychiatrist, but my regular Dr, gave me the starter kit when I explained my feelings to him. The only side effect I have noticed is drowsiness, and decrease in my sex drive which worries me. Im 23 in a new relationship and can't even stand for my boyfriend to touch me now. Is this normal. I would really like to talh with someone about this that is also on this medication for depression. Im scared, my life is pretty bad right now, and it hasn't been a bed of roses since I can remember. Im ready to give up, and I hsve children so I know this feeling isnt a good one. Can someone please help me and talk to me. I have know one to talk to. Thanks....My email is SLeitner246@aol.com or simply instant message me to chat. Please someone help me..Screenname is SMleitner246.....Thank you
Posted by KARIN C. on October 20, 2000, at 7:59:16
In reply to withdrawal, posted by jeanette on April 12, 2000, at 16:31:48
> Does anyone out there have any idea how long the withdrawal from Effexor XR lasts?
I'M WITH YOU! I'M ON DAY THREE OF MY ATTEMPT TO RID MY BODY OF EFFEXOR AND I'M GOING NUTS!! THE DIZZINESS AND TREMORS ARE MAKING ME CRAZY AND EVERY ONCE IN AWHILE I HAVE SOMEONE PLAYING THE MORROCCOS IN MY BRAIN !!I HOPE THIS ENDS SOON! I WOULD LOVE TO CHAT WITH OTHERS GOING THROUGH WITHDRAWEL AND ALSO ABOUT WELLBUTRIN KARIN C.
KARIN C.
Posted by Liz from Phoenix on October 20, 2000, at 9:20:16
In reply to I've had success. Why won't you print that?, posted by A on August 18, 2000, at 9:02:04
Posted by RNC2119 on October 20, 2000, at 19:15:25
In reply to Re: I am scared of this medicine, HELP ME!, posted by CG on July 11, 2000, at 20:39:00
My doctor just gave me this med two days ago. I hate it, I have been SO sleepy and felt like I was going to throw up ALL the time. I do not even know why my doctor gave me this med- I have just found out that I have ADD- and this is what my GP gave me for it. I have no signs of depression. My doctor told me to keep taking them even when I told him how bed I felt. I am stopping NOW after reading all the effects people have had. I am wondering if he is crazy--why would he put me on this medication?
Posted by Janie on October 21, 2000, at 10:22:16
In reply to Re: Effexor xr and drowsiness/sleep,insomnia, posted by Cindy W on October 6, 2000, at 22:21:40
> >
> > I've just worked up to 225 grams of effexor xr and can't figure out whether it's better to take bigger dose during the day or at night? Please give feedback if this drug causes you daytime drowsiness or nightime insomnia. Do these side effects wear off? I'm also taking 500mg depakote bid, wellbutrin 100mg am and afternoon, topomax 25 mg at night, and klonopin (clonazepam)1 - 2 mg at night and prn for anxiety and panic attacks (about .25 mg occaisionally during the day.) I also am experimenting with ambien and sonata along with the klonopin to see how I'll get the best night's sleep with no side effects. pdoc doesn't want me to take any more antidepressants for fear I may go into a hypomania.
> > Thankyou, Mary
>
> Mary, I take all 375 mg of Effexor-XR first thing in the morning...I couldn't remember to take it twice a day, and haven't had any problems taking it once in the early morning. It helps to take it early, for me, since it makes me feel more energetic and not sleepy (and makes it harder to sleep at night I think; the Seroquel and Serzone I take help me sleep). Hope this helps.--Cindy WHi. I have just the opposite problem. I can't get up in the mornings and feel lethargic all day. I'm starting today on a wean from 75mg to 37.5mg. It's nice to have the anxiety controlled, but what good does it do if you're too apathetic to get dressed and go out?--Janie
Posted by Janie on October 21, 2000, at 10:41:34
In reply to Effexor withdrawal FYI, posted by Ishmael on October 15, 2000, at 13:43:40
> I have been on Effexor XR for just over one year, @ 300 mg/day. I decided to stop taking it and went cold turkey. Big mistake, I had severe withdrawal symptoms. So, I went back on it am on now going off slowly. I open the capsules, weigh out the dose, and then refill the capsule with the amount I’m after. I’m a chemist so this is easy for me. I thought the following information might help those of you also trying to go off this stuff.
>
> Each 150 mg capsule of Effexor XR contains 500 mg of white beads (so, the beads are 30 % by weight Effexor). 25 beads contain 11 (+/-2) mg of Effexor. All you need to do is open the capsules, pour out the beads, count out how many you need, and then put the lowered dose back in the capsule. Do not swallow the beads directly, be sure to put them back in the capsule. I do a bunch of pills at once, first emptying several capsules into a vial or envelope, then measuring what I want back into the empty capsules. You will notice that the Effexor beads are fairly uniform in size, but there will be some smaller ones as well as some that are fused together. Try to count out the beads randomly, don’t go for just the large one or just the small.
>
> Hope this helps, seems to be going ok with me. I am experiencing uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms but they are nothing compared to the first time and I can easily control the symptoms with the dosage size and length time I am at that dose before decreasing further.
>
> Good luck
>
> IshmaelIshmael, would you please mail me privately at oboeeee@aol.com. I have some questions. Thanks--Janie
Posted by Noa on October 21, 2000, at 13:16:27
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal FYI » Ishmael, posted by Janie on October 21, 2000, at 10:41:34
The thing about this drug is that some poeple find it activating (restlessness, insomnia) and others find it sedating. So, timing of doses would depend on your particular reaction.
Posted by stjames on October 21, 2000, at 19:37:52
In reply to What is my doctor doing-is this for ADD, posted by RNC2119 on October 20, 2000, at 19:15:25
> My doctor just gave me this med two days ago. I hate it, I have been SO sleepy and felt like I was going to throw up ALL the time. I do not even know why my doctor gave me this med- I have just found out that I have ADD- and this is what my GP gave me for it. I have no signs of depression. My doctor told me to keep taking them even when I told him how bed I felt. I am stopping NOW after reading all the effects people have had. I am wondering if he is crazy--why would he put me on this medication?
James here....
Because Effexor is effective for some with ADD.
james
Posted by KellyG on October 22, 2000, at 14:25:44
In reply to Effexor withdrawal FYI, posted by Ishmael on October 15, 2000, at 13:43:40
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR POSTING ALL THIS! I have been on Effexor for 5 months and didn't like some of the side effects I had - the trembling, and the how my "parts" didn't work during intimacy with my husband. After that long, I wanted to have fun again. I told this to the doctor and he had me start zoloft and go cold turkey off the Effexor! What a jerk. Now that I see y'all had the same problems, I know it isn't just me! YEAH! Glory be to God that I had some pills left over. I just split one and took it with some chocolate milk (chocolate makes everything better) and am SO thankful to see that this is a common side effect and not merely my brain disintregrating into a primordeal mass of jelly.
Thanks again!
Posted by Janie on October 23, 2000, at 10:27:20
In reply to Effexor Withdrawal, posted by KellyG on October 22, 2000, at 14:25:44
> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR POSTING ALL THIS! I have been on Effexor for 5 months and didn't like some of the side effects I had - the trembling, and the how my "parts" didn't work during intimacy with my husband. After that long, I wanted to have fun again. I told this to the doctor and he had me start zoloft and go cold turkey off the Effexor! What a jerk. Now that I see y'all had the same problems, I know it isn't just me! YEAH! Glory be to God that I had some pills left over. I just split one and took it with some chocolate milk (chocolate makes everything better) and am SO thankful to see that this is a common side effect and not merely my brain disintregrating into a primordeal mass of jelly.
> Thanks again!
_______Hi. This is my third day of reducing my dosage of Effexor from 75mg to 37.5mg per day. So far, so good. I actually feel more energized and the yawning has stopped. My problems centered around lethargy, sedation and the inability to get up in the morning until about 11 a.m. Perhaps 37.5 mg will turn out to be the best dosage for ME. Has anyone else taken such a low dose with success?--Janie
Posted by ChristinaG on October 23, 2000, at 16:10:39
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I just found out that I am pregnant and I am taking Effexor 150mg. My doctor has advised me to stay on the medicine because of the severity of my depression. I am scared of the effects this might have on my unborn child. I also know how bad the withdrawl symptoms can be from this medicine. If anyone knows what the side effects might be on my child or has any suggestions please help.
Posted by KellyG on October 23, 2000, at 23:50:34
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal, posted by Janie on October 23, 2000, at 10:27:20
In my second day since I began reading and posting, I only took one quarter of my 75 mg tablet. Although I felt little waves of nausea in the morning before the medication took effect, it's now 15 hours later and I have no nausea at all!
BTW - I'd left an urgent message for the doctor who'd switched my medications about those miserable symptoms, and he was surprised when he called first thing this morning, as if he'd never heard of adverse withdrawal before. Sigh. I suggested as politely as possible that he add that to his notes, considering so many of y'all have had the same symptoms. Considering he's about as informative as Sergeant Schultz, I do believe I'll find a replacement.
Posted by kenney minter on October 29, 2000, at 19:13:07
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have recentlly started taking efexxor for depression my wife is talking about divorceing me and the problem i have is since i have been taking this medication its like my testosterone has shot thru the roof i am constantlly horny i get blue balls once a day. My wife acts like there might be a chance of us getting back together but says it will take a long time to decide and work things out in her own head. So that means i cant just go out and get laid to relieve my self i could but i also have to twin daughters that i dont want to be a bad example for and i also dont want them to suffer through the pain of a divorce .But i feel like if i dont have sex soon im seriouslly going to die or something.is this hormone problem a normal thing on efexxor and does it go away or will i have to be horny between now and when my wife decides what she wants to do? Im sorry this letter seems so crude but i really need to know about this problem.
Posted by R.Anne on October 29, 2000, at 22:52:22
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by kenney minter on October 29, 2000, at 19:13:07
> I have recentlly started taking efexxor for depression my wife is talking about divorceing me and the problem i have is since i have been taking this medication its like my testosterone has shot thru the roof i am constantlly horny i get blue balls once a day. My wife acts like there might be a chance of us getting back together but says it will take a long time to decide and work things out in her own head. So that means i cant just go out and get laid to relieve my self i could but i also have to twin daughters that i dont want to be a bad example for and i also dont want them to suffer through the pain of a divorce .But i feel like if i dont have sex soon im seriouslly going to die or something.is this hormone problem a normal thing on efexxor and does it go away or will i have to be horny between now and when my wife decides what she wants to do? Im sorry this letter seems so crude but i really need to know about this problem.
*****
I thought I posted an answer to this already but apparently it did not go through. I take effexor xr, too, and am very happy with it. I think you should consult your doctor about your sex drive problem and maybe he or she will do something with the doseage or something else. In the meantime, I'll be blunt here-try masterbation. It's the best answer for now! Good luck!
Posted by BD on November 3, 2000, at 14:25:15
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I found Effexor XR to work well on keeping my
depression at bay, but be very careful about the
side effects. I have taken other anti-depressants
before, with some side effects, but I had terrible
ones with this drug. Extremely exhausted, shakiness
when I woke up, sweatiness (unable to wear more
than a T-shirt, even in winter), but the worst was
the high blood pressure. I am a 21-year-old female
with no other health problems and no history of
heart problems in my family, but my blood pressure
jumped from 120/80 to 145/95, especially once I
increased the dosage to 2x75 a day. So now I am off
the drug and going through some really bad withdrawal
symptoms (ugh), but my blood pressure has dropped
almost back to normal.I'm not saying don't take this drug because of
course it works wonders for some people, especially
my sister who has also tried other drugs but this
being the only one that has worked. Just be on the
watch for the side effects. Good Luck!*BD
PS My doctor is switching me to Celexa, any
experiences with that out there?> Hi there,
>
> Anyone care to comment on the use of Effexor? Anyone
> "happy" with it? I have tried Prozac (too much anxiety),
> Serzone (too sedating). I am currently on Buspar for anxiety.
>
> Been reading many different reports... Effexor seems
> to have a lot of success...
>
> please share your thoughts on this.
Posted by maribeth on November 3, 2000, at 17:17:10
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by BD on November 3, 2000, at 14:25:15
> I found Effexor XR to work well on keeping my
> depression at bay, but be very careful about the
> side effects. I have taken other anti-depressants
> before, with some side effects, but I had terrible
> ones with this drug. Extremely exhausted, shakiness
> when I woke up, sweatiness (unable to wear more
> than a T-shirt, even in winter), but the worst was
> the high blood pressure. I am a 21-year-old female
> with no other health problems and no history of
> heart problems in my family, but my blood pressure
> jumped from 120/80 to 145/95, especially once I
> increased the dosage to 2x75 a day. So now I am off
> the drug and going through some really bad withdrawal
> symptoms (ugh), but my blood pressure has dropped
> almost back to normal.
>
> I'm not saying don't take this drug because of
> course it works wonders for some people, especially
> my sister who has also tried other drugs but this
> being the only one that has worked. Just be on the
> watch for the side effects. Good Luck!
>
> *BD
>
> PS My doctor is switching me to Celexa, any
> experiences with that out there?
>
>
>
> > Hi there,
> >
> > Anyone care to comment on the use of Effexor? Anyone
> > "happy" with it? I have tried Prozac (too much anxiety),
> > Serzone (too sedating). I am currently on Buspar for anxiety.
> >
> > Been reading many different reports... Effexor seems
> > to have a lot of success...
> >
> > please share your thoughts on this.Hi Ya'll ----
I Have been on Effexor XR 300mgm for about ten months now and the only side effect that I am aware of is
difficulty in losing weight --although I have not GAINED any more. My BP this morning was 112/62,
no dry mouth, constipation or blurry vision. I had all of the above and a few even MORE
unpleasant side effects over the years of my dancing with various AD's. So I guess you would say I think
Effexor (at least the XR variety) is pretty cool. Sure beats the others! Maribeth
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