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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Alli on January 10, 2001, at 15:25:25
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal, posted by Andrea on January 9, 2001, at 23:07:59
Hey! 12 pounds in the past year for me! I've had it! When the faded Levi's don't fit, it's time for a plan of action! After my yearly check-up with my GP last Friday, who tested my thyroid and found it to be fine, he prescribed the following for withdrawal:
Days 1,3,5,7,9,11 and 13: Meds as normal AND Kava-Kava in the morning and St. John's Wort in the evening.
Days 2,4,6,8,10,12 and 14: Only the herbal stuff.
Day 15 and forever (I hope): Just herbal stuff.
I'll keep you posted! Alli
Posted by Sparks on January 11, 2001, at 14:05:52
In reply to Re: Effexxor Side Affect - Horrible!!, posted by leckroj on January 5, 2001, at 12:33:52
> > I started taking Effexxor about as month ago. I was on one 37.5mg pill per day for the first two weeks. After that, I went to two and I started breaking out. I have had acne (or a rash) like this since I was 16. Anyone had any similar problems? It could be an adverse reaction with something I'm eating as well. I have an appointment today since my doctor has been out fo town for the past two weeks.
>
> Brian, I just read your post. What did you find out from your doctor? Please post back...JanI have been on Effexor XR for 5 days and have had such BAD skin related problems its terrible. I went to my doc yesterday and they thought I was crazy. Just great huh. It also screwed up my cycle so bad. I hate this stuff. I dont know if it would have gotten any better, but I'm not waiting around to see. I'm off of it now for only 3 days and I no longer want to rip my face off! Thank heavens!
Posted by Elaine on January 11, 2001, at 15:27:35
In reply to Re: Brain Freezes?--pausing to choose words, posted by Noa on January 5, 2001, at 8:43:13
This is kind of embarrassing....... But has anyone had any POSITIVE sexual side effects with Effexor XR????
Posted by bronwyn on January 11, 2001, at 15:40:22
In reply to any sexual side effects?, posted by Elaine on January 11, 2001, at 15:27:35
> This is kind of embarrassing....... But has anyone had any POSITIVE sexual side effects with Effexor XR????
>Yes. I have found that my sex drive is pretty much back to normal since taking Effexor XR. I was on Paxil before that, and Zoloft before that. This drug is much better...Have been on it now for about 1 month. So far so good.
Posted by Shell on January 11, 2001, at 21:31:38
In reply to Re: any sexual side effects?, posted by bronwyn on January 11, 2001, at 15:40:22
> > This is kind of embarrassing....... But has anyone had any POSITIVE sexual side effects with Effexor XR????
I haven't noticed effects either way with Effexor. For me, at least, it has been neutral in that respect.Shell
Posted by ty-leigh on January 11, 2001, at 22:05:57
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I seem to be in the sleepy-group of effexor-takers. I take 150mg of xr in the morning, and am extremely sleepy and apathetic all day until about 7:00 pm. I used to be a total morning person before taking this, but now find it so hard to drag my butt out of bed. Has anyone found that taking effexor before bed helps to reduce the daytime sleepiness? I'm wondering if it just takes that long for it to kick-in for me?
Posted by MarkinBoston on January 11, 2001, at 22:46:17
In reply to Re: any sexual side effects?, posted by bronwyn on January 11, 2001, at 15:40:22
> > This is kind of embarrassing....... But has anyone had any POSITIVE sexual side effects with Effexor XR????
>
> >Yes. I have found that my sex drive is pretty much back to normal since taking Effexor XR. I was on Paxil before that, and Zoloft before that. This drug is much better...Have been on it now for about 1 month. So far so good.I'll second that it helps my depression so that helps my libido. Can't orgasm at all. The backup causes that ache called "blue balls" and feeling like I have to pee. Also, there is the male version of spotting, without any associated sensation.
Posted by leckroj on January 12, 2001, at 16:39:13
In reply to timing and sleepiness, posted by ty-leigh on January 11, 2001, at 22:05:57
> I seem to be in the sleepy-group of effexor-takers. I take 150mg of xr in the morning, and am extremely sleepy and apathetic all day until about 7:00 pm. I used to be a total morning person before taking this, but now find it so hard to drag my butt out of bed. Has anyone found that taking effexor before bed helps to reduce the daytime sleepiness? I'm wondering if it just takes that long for it to kick-in for me?
Take it at bedtime, ty-Leigh. My shrink specifically instructed me to, because it DOES make you sleepy...At least, TRY it at bedtime. Jan
Posted by SLS on January 12, 2001, at 17:36:06
In reply to Re: any sexual side effects?, posted by MarkinBoston on January 11, 2001, at 22:46:17
> > > This is kind of embarrassing....... But has anyone had any POSITIVE sexual side effects with Effexor XR????
> >
> > >Yes. I have found that my sex drive is pretty much back to normal since taking Effexor XR. I was on Paxil before that, and Zoloft before that. This drug is much better...Have been on it now for about 1 month. So far so good.
>
> I'll second that it helps my depression so that helps my libido. Can't orgasm at all. The backup causes that ache called "blue balls" and feeling like I have to pee. Also, there is the male version of spotting, without any associated sensation.
My experience while on Effexor for several months is that orasmia will return if you are persistent. I know this sounds wacko, but I think that it helps to retrain the brain and CNS to either build more roads to work around the "blockage" or retrain the existing ones to compensate for the exertion of drug effects on the involved neurons. It is important punch to that first hole through the brick wall. From then on, you will be widening the hole as you progress over the course of months. Be persistant, but patient. Hopefully, you will regain your orgasmia as had I.The "spotting" is probably pre-ejaculatory fluid that is normally secreted by the bulbourethral gland (Cowper's) that functions to lubricate and prepare the transpenis urethra for ejaculation.
- Scott
Posted by CKI on January 13, 2001, at 9:28:04
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I am wondering if any takes Effexor for panic attacks? Mine are getting to the point of not wanting to leave my house. I have tried Paxil and did not like the side effects and also take Xanax which I don't want to and can't be on forever. Anyone??
Posted by Taffy on January 13, 2001, at 11:29:23
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by EFFEXOR WITHDRAWAL on January 21, 2000, at 23:04:10
I didn't seem to have any real problems while on Effexor XL except that is just wasn't quite as effective for me as Prozac. This has been especially true during these dreaded, cloudy, winter months in Michigan. BUT, I was never told that there would be withdrawals, much less that the withdrawals would be so horrible. I talked to my pharmacist yesterday and he comfirmed that this horror(it's the only way I can describe it) is really withdrawals. I am no longer taking the Effexor at all but I am now taking 20 mg of Prozac. I have read in here that benadryl can help but I can't take that because I am being treated for a sinus infection and that would hinder that. I am glad that I found this thread so I know that my symptoms (headache, a strange feeling almost like light-headedness but not quite, blurred vision, mood swings, coordination problems, nausea, bowels troubles and HORRIBLE nightmares) are really withdrawals. The only thing that is frightening is that I haven't read yet of someone getting through without going back on the Effexor. I thought after I talked to my pharmacist that I would just ride it out in a couple days. Is that possible? Has anyone successfully "cold turkeyed" or switched to another AD?
Posted by AngMoriss on January 14, 2001, at 2:53:28
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by JulieK on July 3, 2000, at 22:52:21
Hi everyone. I got really lucky finding this site! I was looking around online for something like this because I am on the road to cold turkey withdrawl symptoms. I am only 17 and I have been on effexor for 2 years and I have been on 150 for about a year and half. The very first time I expirienced withdrawl symptoms was terrifying. I knew something was wrong with me but I did not know what. Something was very very wrong and I did not know how to describe it to anyone. I dont know how but I finally realized that it was withdwarl symtoms from not having the meds. From then on, I always knew what "that feeling" was. I was not expecting it because my dr had told me that effexor had NO withdrawl. Latley things have been going wrong with insurance and different companies and getting the medicine has been a problem. Last refil was $115.00 and my grandpa had to pay for it and I felt so bad. Today was my first day without the medicine and i know it is going to take forever to get things straightend out so that i can get the med and I am already starting withdrawl effects. They start almost immediatly with me. I just got back from camping for a week so I had to take a week off work and now I will not be able to go back untill i get the meds again. Like someone who has written in the past, I know that they will think I am making excuses to not go to work and they will not understand how serious they withdrawl is. I also expirience the weird brain pauses and it is the most insane, non human feeling ever!! Everything feels like its a dream and I know this is not a very good comparison, but to those who have smoked pot before, it is almost the same feeling. The slow responses. And I also get the thing where it feels like it takes my eyes a long time to catch up when my head moves. Everything spins and I have to hold myself when I walk. It feels unreal. My body goes kind of numb too. Limp-like. I am sooo thankful for the posts you guys have made about withdrawls because I thought i was the only one who had those effects andi thought it was abnormal. I also needed to exact feeling put somehow into words because I couldnt do it. I am so thankful that is put in words for me. Thank you again.
Posted by Alli on January 14, 2001, at 16:02:21
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by AngMoriss on January 14, 2001, at 2:53:28
AngMorris ~ I feel for what you're going through. I am weaning myself off of Effexor, and my doctor suggested taking Kava-Kava in the morning and St. John's Wort at night while weaning myself. I wouldn't go cold turkey if you don't have to. Wish I could mail you my Effexor... I've got 100 37.5 mg. pills that hopefully I will never ever take again. Also, a friend of mine told me about some Stress Tabs that she takes three times a day. I can relate to most of your symptoms... like being outside of yourself. Hang tough! Alli.
Posted by AngMoriss on January 14, 2001, at 16:22:51
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Alli on January 14, 2001, at 16:02:21
Guess what! My dad got wsome things worked out so I will only have to finish today without any Effexor! We are leaving tomorrow morning to pick the prescription up at the hosipital! I already have the dizzyness and brain pauses. But knowing Ill have it back in my system soon really helps. I used to think all the withdrawl effects where only mental. Like, stuff I had made up in my head. Kind of like, "power of suggestion". I would know I didnt have my meds, so then the feelings would start kicking in and I thought that it was all things I had made up in my head since my DR told me that there is no withdrawl from it!! I thought I was really insane!I called in sick at work and my boss gave me some crap, but oh well, ill be back there soon. I hope everyone eles is going well!! Kepp all of your heads up = >
Posted by Elaine on January 15, 2001, at 12:32:11
In reply to Re: any sexual side effects?, posted by SLS on January 12, 2001, at 17:36:06
Well...... I don't think I can relate to you guys and your sexual side effects. But thanks anyway for the positive info. I have just switched to Effexor from Paxil, and I am hoping that this change in med. will change my total lack of desire. My marriage right now is in jeopardy because of my lack of desire.
Posted by Kane on January 16, 2001, at 14:18:06
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I'm just starting on 37.5 mgs of effexor xr it's been 14 days now.I know it's such a low dose,but I'm not sleeping well at night,when I close my eyes my brain starts going 100 miles an hour it seems,I feel exhausted at bed time but with out the zanax I can't relax.Has anybody tryed taking this just before bed time? And if I increased this dose I wonder if it would help slow down my thinking episodes as I'm trying to fall asleep?Any input would be great. Thanks
Posted by danf on January 17, 2001, at 6:43:17
In reply to RE: Insomnia on Effexor., posted by Kane on January 16, 2001, at 14:18:06
The first couple of weeks, it dysrupts sleep patterns.
You can try changing the time of the med & it may help...
It took me about 4 wks for sleep to get back close to normal.
Exercise helps, something like a long walk in the evening..
Posted by Nancyk on January 17, 2001, at 9:56:59
In reply to RE: Insomnia on Effexor., posted by Kane on January 16, 2001, at 14:18:06
>
> I have been taking 150 mg at bedtime with the same effect. To help this I take an herbal sleepaid such as valerian. This helps with the initial "go to sleep", although it does not prevent me from waking up and having my mind going 100 mph. Sometimes I just get up and take another herbal. Hope this helps somewhat.
Posted by bronwyn on January 17, 2001, at 10:10:44
In reply to Re: RE: Insomnia on Effexor., posted by Nancyk on January 17, 2001, at 9:56:59
> >
> > I have been taking 150 mg at bedtime with the same effect. To help this I take an herbal sleepaid such as valerian. This helps with the initial "go to sleep", although it does not prevent me from waking up and having my mind going 100 mph. Sometimes I just get up and take another herbal. Hope this helps somewhat.
> I have already posted this at some point but I will repeat myself...I apologize if you already know this...I use Gravol (used mostly for travel sickness, nausea ..) before going to bed with my Effexor since it helps with the nausea this drug has been causing me and also knocks me out so that I can sleep through the night. I take 1 50mg pill of Gravol. I hope this is useful.
Posted by MarkinBoston on January 17, 2001, at 15:03:11
In reply to RE: Insomnia on Effexor., posted by Kane on January 16, 2001, at 14:18:06
I'm at 300mg/day of XR, taking one with breakfast and the other with a late snack. I fall asleep, but do wake during the night and a little earlier than I need to for work. Its been 2 weeks since I went up from 150 and I'm getting a little drowsy mid-afternoon, most like from the sleep deprivation. I too have that 100mph thinking effect, usually about an event that day, making getting to sleep take a little while. I take 20mg of Adderall waking, and perhaps at 3pm, and am a little relieved to hear those who don't have the same sleep disturbances.
The funny thing is that before XR came out, I never had this happen with Effexor. I actually had dreams. I don't now, and only seem to dream when on some AD or another.
Another thing is with XR, I have constipation, and not with the non-XR in the past.
>
> I'm just starting on 37.5 mgs of effexor xr it's been 14 days now.I know it's such a low dose,but I'm not sleeping well at night,when I close my eyes my brain starts going 100 miles an hour it seems,I feel exhausted at bed time but with out the zanax I can't relax.Has anybody tryed taking this just before bed time? And if I increased this dose I wonder if it would help slow down my thinking episodes as I'm trying to fall asleep?
>
> Any input would be great. Thanks
Posted by leckroj on January 17, 2001, at 15:22:27
In reply to Re: any sexual side effects?, posted by Elaine on January 15, 2001, at 12:32:11
> Well...... I don't think I can relate to you guys and your sexual side effects. But thanks anyway for the positive info. I have just switched to Effexor from Paxil, and I am hoping that this change in med. will change my total lack of desire. My marriage right now is in jeopardy because of my lack of desire.
Honey, my lack of desire began many years before I began Effexor. Effexor (and some other SSRIs) may make it worse, but it's seldom been great. However, I've been married for 35+ years to the same man, so we've got some OTHER things going for us...Good luck to you. Jan
Posted by leckroj on January 17, 2001, at 15:38:58
In reply to RE: Insomnia on Effexor., posted by Kane on January 16, 2001, at 14:18:06
>
> I'm just starting on 37.5 mgs of effexor xr it's been 14 days now.I know it's such a low dose,but I'm not sleeping well at night,when I close my eyes my brain starts going 100 miles an hour it seems,I feel exhausted at bed time but with out the zanax I can't relax.Has anybody tryed taking this just before bed time? And if I increased this dose I wonder if it would help slow down my thinking episodes as I'm trying to fall asleep?
>
> Any input would be great. ThanksHi, Kane. I see you've gotten lots of input. So, here's mine: I take Effexor XR, 300 mg. + Seroquel, 50 mg. at bedtime. I don't often remember any of my dreams (if I have them, which I'm sure I do, because everybody does), and I always get up at least one time during the night. Of course, I'm older, too (56 y/o), and it doesn't bother me to get up once. In fact, we have our coffee pot set on a timer to come on ~4:45 am, and I look forward to hearing it come on. I anticipate my 1st hot cup of coffee in the dark, early mornings.
I was told NOT to take Effexor in the morning, because, unlike Paxil, it's sedating--could make me tired. I know that if I forget to take it at bedtime, I can count on a disturbed sleep with wild, colorful, and usually stressful dreams. At these times I wake my husband up by talking/yelling in my sleep. Oh, well.
I WISH my mind would go 100 mph.DURING THE DAY, anyway--even 70 mph would be an improvement. I have always been a "slow"--I prefer to say "considering, thoughtful"--thinker. Others can usually speak their piece(s) before I can draw a deep enough breath. It's a bit frustrating...
Don't know if I helped YOU any, but I had a good time talking about myself. Good luck to you. Jan
Posted by Kim Hazell on January 17, 2001, at 22:40:08
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Janey on April 18, 2000, at 17:59:12
Anyone come off Effexor succesfully? How long did it take? Please reply soon!!
Posted by AngMoriss on January 18, 2001, at 1:03:12
In reply to Whats up with these dreams, posted by Kara on August 30, 2000, at 13:16:02
I have never had that tingly feeling in the back top of my head but oh LORD have I had "the dreams". They're increadible! I share a room with my sister too and she says i do the same. Laughing and tossing and talking and crying and yelling. The dreams are either really nice or really weird or really bad or really sad. When I remember the dreams, I just think to myself "Where in the HECK did this come from!?!?!?!!??!?!" I have had a dream, that the girl with pigtails thats for the Wednys fast food ad, well I was walking down the street and I turned arounf and there was about 6 men dressed up as that Wendys girl, with red wigs in pigtails and all. They followed me home and one came up and tapped me on the shoulder, right before I walked in the door, and said "The next time you hear a knock, and then a scream, it means I'm killing someone". So I walked in the house and right when I put my keys down, I heard a knock, and then a scream. And then I wake up. That was a reacurring dream. Ive had it about 7 times. Now WHAT is up with THAT!?!? hAHHAhhahAH. Just thought I would share my strange dream with you all so you dont think yours are so bad. HAHAHhAHAHaHA.
Posted by Amy on January 18, 2001, at 6:37:35
In reply to Re: withdrawal - effexor ...how long??, posted by Kim Hazell on January 17, 2001, at 22:40:08
> Anyone come off Effexor succesfully? How long did it take? Please reply soon!!
I quite 150 mg of effexor 2 weeks ago today cold turkey. My doctor is aware, although he wanted me to slowly wean off the medication for 2 weeks. I am not doing very well - never knew the side effects unitl I found this website a couple of days ago. Dizziness - yes, Mood Swings - Definitely! Unhappy and Unmotivated? Yes. I am considering Sam-E herb to help - My husband and I are trying to get pregnant - thus the situation. I have never been through any type of withdrawel like this! Hope it goes soon! Keep me posted!
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