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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by sl on May 14, 2001, at 21:46:50
In reply to Any one with good/bad exp. w/ Wellbutrin?, posted by hf on May 12, 2001, at 11:24:53
> Has anyone had any good/bad experiences with Wellbutrin? I am now off of EXR for 3 weeks and am sort of getting over the withdrawls however, I am noticing that I am also having some of the depression coming back. I was on 375 mg of EXR plus 175 mg Wellbutrin 2x/day. I stopped both but now am wondering if I should stay on the Wellbutrin for a while by itself.
I'd suggest. If nothing else, it'd probably be easier to go gradually instead of cold turkey. (gradually to "drug-free", I mean)
>After the AWFUL withdrawls from EXR, I don't want to get back into something that will do the same thing to me.
Not a chance. I took it for a long time, Occasionally I'd run out and have to go on half-doses or even NONE for a day or two or four, I never noticed the difference other than being down. I was never worse than I'd been before I'd started Wellbutrin.
>Does anyone have any experience as to what WB's side effects are and any problem with withdrawl from it? And how it has helped them? Or not?
It was wonderful. I took it for upwards of 5 years. I felt normal, I woke up in the morning and was able to get out of bed and do things I wanted to do, it was like a dream. My family all noticed the difference, they could tell when I'd missed a dose or two...it was night and day difference. I started keeping my apartment clean, cooking, going places...doing all the things I always looked out the window at and said "if only...".
And now....I switched to Wellbutriin-SR, and then after 6 months or a year, it wasn't affecting me like it was in the beginning. So I started the search for something that'd work. And here I am, still looking. :( I'm starting to think that even at reduced effectiveness Wellbutrin was better than anything else.
sl
Posted by hf on May 15, 2001, at 1:12:20
In reply to Re: Any one with good/bad exp. w/ Wellbutrin? » hf, posted by sl on May 14, 2001, at 21:46:50
> I'd suggest. If nothing else, it'd probably be easier to go gradually instead of cold turkey. (gradually to "drug-free", I mean)
I am now taking the Wellbutrin 175 mg/day and will go back to the 2x/day next week. I am seeing my pdoc tomorrow and will see what he suggests - however, NO EXR!
>
> Not a chance. I took it for a long time, Occasionally I'd run out and have to go on half-doses or even NONE for a day or two or four, I never noticed the difference other than being down. I was never worse than I'd been before I'd started Wellbutrin.That's what I've been hearing and why I decided to go on and try the Wellbutrin without the EXR.
> And now....I switched to Wellbutriin-SR, and then after 6 months or a year, it wasn't affecting me like it was in the beginning. So I started the search for something that'd work. And here I am, still looking. :( I'm starting to think that even at reduced effectiveness Wellbutrin was better than anything else.
>
> sl
I hope you find the right "one" or combination. I have gone through several: Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil, EXR, Trazadone (I slept through that one), Buspar, and the Wellbutrin and Klonopin combo. So far, Wellbutrin and Prozac (seperately) have done the best but the Prozac fizzled out. That has been 4 years ago so I don't know if it would work again or not. I think I will stick with the Wellbutrin and see how that goes. I am curious what my pdoc is going to suggest (and say about my NO EXR stand)....guess I'll find out tomorrow.Thanks for your suggestions!
HF
Posted by mstar on May 15, 2001, at 12:20:21
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
for a while I thought the FXR was working. I have been at 150 now for almost a month. I have had some good days but lately I have had some physical pain (a back ache) and now it seems the depression is taking over again. I feel tired most of the time, sad and have violent thoughts. I don't want to do anything. Has this happened with anyone else? My depression isn't as bad as it was, and I did seem to get better. I've only been on FXR for a total of 8 weeks. Do things get better and then worse if you aren't at the right dose? Is it situational? Do you think my pdoc is going to up my dose when I see her next week? Any advise on this would be great.
best,
m
Posted by Sunie on May 15, 2001, at 21:22:13
In reply to feelin bad again, posted by mstar on May 15, 2001, at 12:20:21
sounds familiar...
2 months is about all the usefulness I got out of FXR. Only I didn't realize at the time that I was sliding...I stayed on it a year with no further benefits except weight gain (some benefit!). My doc and I did play with dosage some at the end, but by then my attitude was "screw this, I can do better on my own."
Needless to say, I stayed depressed.
Trying Wellbutrin now.for what it's worth,
Sunie
Posted by SalArmy4me on May 16, 2001, at 0:32:21
In reply to feelin bad again, posted by mstar on May 15, 2001, at 12:20:21
Effexor has dose-dependent effects on the uptake pumps for serotonin and then norepinephrine. At 75-150 mg/day, venlafaxine is predominantly a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) like the SSRIs. At 300 mg/day, it produces comparable norepinephrine uptake inhibition to an NSRI such as desipramine...Your depressed brain may be lacking that norepinephrine boost gained only by a higher dose of Effexor {thus, this may be why the Effexor does not work for you right now}.
Posted by wen on May 16, 2001, at 12:40:46
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by kate on April 13, 2000, at 9:26:23
Hi i have just started taking effexor xr its the first anti depression medication i have tried, i have had side effects such as dizzyness and dry mouth and sleeplessness but i am hoping these will go away. i have been reading all of the above comments and trying to get a better understanding of the drug, if anyone has any more negative or positive feedback i would be very interested, also how successful is lithium in treating depression, is it an uplifter or a downer drug and is is dangerous??
wen
Posted by SalArmy4me on May 16, 2001, at 13:09:06
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by wen on May 16, 2001, at 12:40:46
Dry Mouth: This effect is most commonly seen with antidepressants that block the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor, but may also occur with norepinephrine uptake inhibitors (like Effexor). While it is frequently considered a trivial adverse effect, it can result in increased tooth decay and gum disease due to the loss of the bacteria-fighting effects of saliva. You should practice excellent dental hygiene, including brushing after every meal, avoiding snacks (particularly those which are sweet), and flossing. Chewing sugarless gum can be helpful.
For the sleeplessness, you may want to move your dose to earlier in the day.
Here's what Dr. Preskorn says about the dizziness:
"The dizziness caused by 5-HT1A stimulation is most likely centrally mediated. It can occur early in treatment with antidepressants which inhibit serotonin uptake (eg, SSRIs and Effexor)... There are no cardiovascular changes associated with it. Balance and coordination are subjectively, but not objectively, affected. **Tolerance commonly develops within days to a week..."
http://www.preskorn.com/books/omd_s11.htmlI agree with the Dr. that tolerance does develop to some Effexor symptoms.
Posted by kid47 on May 16, 2001, at 15:46:30
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by wen on May 16, 2001, at 12:40:46
Hi. I was taking FXR xr@ 300mg/day for about a year. The dry mouth never resolved but was a great motivator to drink lots a water. The dizziness I experienced went away after the first week. I took my meds in the a.m. & had very little problem with sleep, but when I did I found 1mg of Klonopin OR a dose of Ambien to take care of it.
Lithium has been shown to be effective as monotherapy for depression, but I would try the newer AD's with more benign side fx profiles before ever considering Lithium. Unless you have a difficult to treat condition I think FXR, or one of the SSRI's, should bring you relief. Hope this helps. Take care.
PS -Effexor xr was the only AD out of 7 I tried to resolve my treatment resistant depression.
> Hi i have just started taking effexor xr its the first anti depression medication i have tried, i have had side effects such as dizzyness and dry mouth and sleeplessness but i am hoping these will go away. i have been reading all of the above comments and trying to get a better understanding of the drug, if anyone has any more negative or positive feedback i would be very interested, also how successful is lithium in treating depression, is it an uplifter or a downer drug and is is dangerous??
>
> wen
Posted by newby on May 18, 2001, at 17:36:47
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by wen on May 16, 2001, at 12:40:46
Started Effexor XR five days ago. Withdrawal posts are frightening. Only other medications I've ever taken are vitamins and aspirin. Dr. prescribed Effexor for insomnia and related anxiety. Feeling jittery during the day since taking the med and drowsy at night, but still can't sleep more than three hours. Anyone take this for sleep disorder?
Posted by N.P. on May 18, 2001, at 20:02:09
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by newby on May 18, 2001, at 17:36:47
Hm.. Effexor made me reeeeeealy sleepy. I slept for three days and nights and then quit it.
But mine was prescribed for depression. They recommend to hang on for couple of weeks when majority of the side effects should dissapear. Take care
N.P.>
> Started Effexor XR five days ago. Withdrawal posts are frightening. Only other medications I've ever taken are vitamins and aspirin. Dr. prescribed Effexor for insomnia and related anxiety. Feeling jittery during the day since taking the med and drowsy at night, but still can't sleep more than three hours. Anyone take this for sleep disorder?
Posted by sunny2001 on May 19, 2001, at 22:57:33
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi Everybody!
First of all: sorry for mi English. I decided to share my own experience about two years on Effexor XR. I've been suffering depression and anxiety for about 18 years. I was obssesive about suicide for all this time. I felt there was something missing in my brain. Obviously: serotonin. Every night I was thinking on death. After a severe emotional crisis I was prescribed with Effexor XR.
I improved so much. I felt I was almost normal. I didn't think about death anymore. But... After 2 years I am considering quit off Effexor XR because I am so depressed again: I gained 23 pounds and I hate myself for it. I can't stop eating. I starve for candies and bread. I'm an obssesive person about weight because I had lost 35 pounds over 2 years and I was proud about my look because I was so fatty. It was a great sacrifice and now I can't keep any diet.
By another hand, I'm tired because sometimes I'm crying like an histeric crazy and when I get angry to my boyfriend I'm afraid about it because I feel so, so bad. I can't control myself. I become an horrible rude person. That's not me !!!!.... I can't stop to blame him. Too much obsessive. I hate myself to be so rude and stupid but I can't control this feeling. It's hard to live like this.
Another withdrawal effects: It's funny: sometimes I forget to take my dosis because I feel so fine but I noticed it because I feel so dizzy or I had headache. At night: my jaw is tight. Sometimes I wake up: I'm sweating. I can stand anything except overweight and that mood of anger.
I don't know what is going to be with me. I simply don't know. I don't like to take medicines all my life. I hate that idea. But I'm sure I'm a depressive person and I need help to deal with this.
sunny
Posted by mvaureen on May 20, 2001, at 1:47:14
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by wen on May 16, 2001, at 12:40:46
> Hi i have just started taking effexor xr its the first anti depression medication i have tried, i have had side effects such as dizzyness and dry mouth and sleeplessness but i am hoping these will go away.
Wen, I must tell you that if your depression is life-threatening, Effexor will save you. It is not a lightweight treatment for depression. If your depression is serious, it will work and it will be worth the wait through the initial side effects. If your depression is less than life-threatening, then you may consider asking your p-doc for a gentler treatment. Down the road, re-entry to the world after treatment is difficult when you are speaking of Effexor. But, if it is the way to save your life -- hold on! You will find it a source of stregnth. Are you seeing a psychiatrist? maureen
Posted by AnneL on May 20, 2001, at 12:37:37
In reply to After two years on Effexor XR 75 mg., posted by sunny2001 on May 19, 2001, at 22:57:33
> Hi Everybody!
>
> First of all: sorry for mi English.
Welcome Sunny. Your English is great and very understandable! I'am glad you decided to post your experiences with your depression and your response to Effexor. My first question to you is are you seeing a psychiatrist who is monitoring your medication and your depression? If not, I suggest you see your doctor immediately. You are on a fairly low dose of Effexor at 75 mg. daily and your doctor may want to increase your dose. It sounds like you are having a recurrence of your depression and that your dose needs to be adjusted accordingly. I take 150 mg. daily and this is not a very big dose from all the people on the message board who post and take Effexor. Some people are on 375 mg. daily! Again, most important is to see your doctor soon! Hysterical crying, hating yourself for how you act with your boyfriend and how you look (weight gain) are all symptoms of depression. Remember, this is a treatable illness! I too, lost 42 pounds and was very proud of how I looked. I have gained back approximately 10 pounds, but I honestly cannot blame the Effexor. My eating habits have changed because of my depression and I think Effexor in some people may cause a "I don't care if I eat that extra piece of candy or cake" attitude. This is just my opinion. I seem to have less will-power to say "No" to foods that I know will cause weight gain. Another reason why I have gained weight is that I am not an exercise-fanatic that I was before starting Effexor. I just feel a lot more "lazy" or "laid-back". Let's think why we allowed ourselves to get overweight in the first place - probably some depression, an "i don't care about myself" attitude and poor eating/exercise habits. All of those life-long habits are still there, don't blame it on Effexor. So get to your doctor, discuss honestly how you are feeling and I think with a dosage increase and possibly adding another medication to might be helpful as well to help with motivation/energy. Keep your faith, don't be discouraged, this is a treatable illness that may come and go through the years. Some of us may have to be on meds for the rest of our lives. Do not miss doses of Effexor, your experiences with dizzyness and headache are signs of withdrawal effects. Discuss this with your doctor as well and keep reading this message board. I will be thinking good thoughts for you,
AnneL
Posted by sunny2001 on May 20, 2001, at 18:02:56
In reply to Re: After two years on Effexor XR 75 mg. » sunny2001, posted by AnneL on May 20, 2001, at 12:37:37
Dear Anne:
I appreciate your advice!. I'm so happy now because I feel better. Last night I was so sad: I felt empty and you are right: I think I need an increased dosage and I have to see my doctor and tell him about it. I was reading about Celexa. I'm interested on it.
Thanks again!. This site is great. It's so hard to be alone and depresive on weekend night. Specially, thanks for your support. I needed it so, so much. Your words make me feel better.
Take care and best regards !
sunny
Posted by newby on May 20, 2001, at 18:13:03
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by N.P. on May 18, 2001, at 20:02:09
Thanks. N.P I'll try to stick it out. Still can't figure out if I feel better or worse....
What did you switch to when you quit Effexor?> Hm.. Effexor made me reeeeeealy sleepy. I slept for three days and nights and then quit it.
> But mine was prescribed for depression. They recommend to hang on for couple of weeks when majority of the side effects should dissapear. Take care
> N.P.
>
> >
> > Started Effexor XR five days ago. Withdrawal posts are frightening. Only other medications I've ever taken are vitamins and aspirin. Dr. prescribed Effexor for insomnia and related anxiety. Feeling jittery during the day since taking the med and drowsy at night, but still can't sleep more than three hours. Anyone take this for sleep disorder?
Posted by newby on May 20, 2001, at 18:23:37
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by mvaureen on May 20, 2001, at 1:47:14
I've just started taking it for anxiety, but feel more anxious. On 37.5 now, starting 75 tomorrow. What I can't understand, is how an antidepressant can treat anxiety. Don't feel depressed, just antsy and my heart is racing all the time. Will these side affects level off?
> > Hi i have just started taking effexor xr its the first anti depression medication i have tried, i have had side effects such as dizzyness and dry mouth and sleeplessness but i am hoping these will go away.
>
> Wen, I must tell you that if your depression is life-threatening, Effexor will save you. It is not a lightweight treatment for depression. If your depression is serious, it will work and it will be worth the wait through the initial side effects. If your depression is less than life-threatening, then you may consider asking your p-doc for a gentler treatment. Down the road, re-entry to the world after treatment is difficult when you are speaking of Effexor. But, if it is the way to save your life -- hold on! You will find it a source of stregnth. Are you seeing a psychiatrist? maureen
Posted by dee pop on May 20, 2001, at 18:28:14
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by newby on May 20, 2001, at 18:13:03
> I SUFFER FROM ANXIETY CURRENTLY TAKE XANAX AND NOW DR. WANTS ME TO TRY EFFEXOR XR 37.5 MG. I AM TERRIFIED OF ALL THE SIDE EFFECTS! ANY THOUGHTS??
Posted by Violalloyd on May 20, 2001, at 19:25:08
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Tomorrow I will be 28 days effexor-free, and I STILL have shocks, severe headaches, and dyslexia-like symptoms.
I still have cravings for sweets and carbs. (didn't before taking effexor), and have not lost any of the weight I gained while taking it.I still have trouble thinking, as in planning things to do (sounds crazy, but I have to concentrate so hard to come up with each step involved in completing any task.)
I was referred to a psychiatrist, who prescribed Klonopin for the shocks. It reduces the intensity some, so that my body does not 'jump' when it hits, but I still have maybe 40 or more a day.
I am extremely frustrated, and hope that eventually all these symptoms will FINALLY go away.
Any comments or advice?
Thanks
Viola
Posted by wtm on May 20, 2001, at 19:36:59
In reply to feelin bad again, posted by mstar on May 15, 2001, at 12:20:21
> for a while I thought the FXR was working. I have been at 150 now for almost a month. I have had some good days but lately I have had some physical pain (a back ache) and now it seems the depression is taking over again. I feel tired most of the time, sad and have violent thoughts. I don't want to do anything. Has this happened with anyone else? My depression isn't as bad as it was, and I did seem to get better. I've only been on FXR for a total of 8 weeks. Do things get better and then worse if you aren't at the right dose? Is it situational? Do you think my pdoc is going to up my dose when I see her next week? Any advise on this would be great.
>
> best,
> m > >RE:feeling bad again, sounds just like me 8 weeks at 225 thought i was getting better but now i dont know my back feels bad i am sad again and miserable
Posted by mvaureen on May 20, 2001, at 22:33:20
In reply to 28 days Effexor-free, posted by Violalloyd on May 20, 2001, at 19:25:08
> Tomorrow I will be 28 days effexor-free, and I STILL have shocks, severe headaches, and dyslexia-like symptoms.
> I still have cravings for sweets and carbs. (didn't before taking effexor), and have not lost any of the weight I gained while taking it.
>
> I still have trouble thinking, as in planning things to do (sounds crazy, but I have to concentrate so hard to come up with each step involved in completing any task.)
>
> I was referred to a psychiatrist, who prescribed Klonopin for the shocks. It reduces the intensity some, so that my body does not 'jump' when it hits, but I still have maybe 40 or more a day.
>
> I am extremely frustrated, and hope that eventually all these symptoms will FINALLY go away.
>
> Any comments or advice?
> Thanks
> ViolaViola, I am so sorry that you are still feeling so bad. I have not had a brain zap in several days, almost 5. I've been off of Effexor for 14 days. My p-doc gave me Wellbutrin and a stimulant. I've had a slew of odd withdrawal symptoms, and have spent many moments of many days handling them. I drank a lot of Gatorade for a few days because I read someone's testimony that electrolytes are depleted during this type of withdrawal. I've taken tons of zinc, ginseng, vitamins, and have maintained my use of Prilosec. I found that I couldn't smoke cigarettes anymore without nausea and dizziness. I found that I had to eat smaller amounts at shorter intervals to treat the vertigo, which felt a lot like morning sickness. I have been craving carbs like mad!! I, also, never wanted them before. No weight loss for me, yet, either. Something worked somewhere around the seven day mark because I was going to go back on the drug. I drank water a lot, although it was unappealing to me. I realized that the "zzzt" sensations had lessened. Today, I have had none. The hardest thing to do is to refuse my body and brain the ludicrous amount of sleep they want. When I finally did that, finally made myself take the stimulant, I could get up and stay up a normal 16 or more hours. That was right around the time I felt that I might make it through. It's a struggle to balance a system that has had to be jolted out of depression by a very strong drug. I want to tell you that you will stop getting the sensations when the balance is reached within your body and nervous system. I'm a weak-willed person, and I made it this far. You can, too. Many posts on this site tell of ways to deal with the withdrawal symptoms. The only thing I haven't tried is a system-cleaner from the health food store. I'm going to do that soon. Good luck!
Maureen
Posted by LglEagle on May 20, 2001, at 23:11:46
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by dee pop on May 20, 2001, at 18:28:14
> > I SUFFER FROM ANXIETY CURRENTLY TAKE XANAX AND NOW DR. WANTS ME TO TRY EFFEXOR XR 37.5 MG. I AM TERRIFIED OF ALL THE SIDE EFFECTS! ANY THOUGHTS??
I have the same problem (anxiety disorder). I think it's job related. I was on Xanax for under a year and it kept the anxiety temporarily controlled but ultimately I gradually started increasing the dose. I started Effexor XR 3 months ago. I am at 75mg and quite honestly, I believe I will taper down to 37.5mg as I am needing to sleep 10 hours a night ( I think I am over-medicated). The first 72 hours of going on to this medication, was quite difficult. I have no anxiety whatsoever, so it is quite effective for this type of problem. I have an excellent Doctor and we have discussed the reputation of this drug therefore, I will only use it for short term. For me, it was a choice of being on sedatives long term which aren't good or being on this and hopefully with the medication this cycle of "anxiety" will be broken. Sorry so long winded - I hope this will be of value to you.
P.S. Get well!!
Posted by James B on May 21, 2001, at 13:13:43
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by LglEagle on May 20, 2001, at 23:11:46
Just left my marriage due to a horrendous co-dependency issue among other things, and found myself depressed and panicked for the last 2 months due to the lack of someone controlling me... I felt lost and helpless. Doc prescribed 37.5mg Effexor XR for one week, will bump up to 75mg next week. Worked wonders as early as day three!! I'm on day 5 now, and can't believe the significant difference... no panic, no depression, I'm in great spirits and highly productive, HOWEVER...
Don't like some of the side effects. Had severe headaches the first few days, and I rarely get headaches for even half a day. Feel restless, almost anxious now instead of panicked... want to conquer the world. And I'm extremely impulsive... got a tattoo the other day, never thought I'd do that. All inhibitions seem to be gone, I think I'd try doing anything if it struck my fancy. And I feel like anything bad could happen, and it wouldn't matter: "What's that, you say? Truck ran over my entire family? Oh, gee, that's too bad... hey, want some ice cream?"
That attitude scares me when I'm mellowed out.I see a lot of people complaining about decreased sexual ability... I've been having the opposite problem, this stuff keeps my excited all day, which is highly uncomfortable and sometimes embarassing.
Last of all, have had some feelings of detachment from my body, like the senses are muffled or that I'm distant from them. "Out of body" type of thing. Like I'm reaching into my body through a distant tunnel, and controlling it from there.
All of this in just five days!!! Not sure I want to increase to 75mg! Have also just read lots of withdrawal stories, and am now worried about when I come down off of this stuff... I'm only expecting to be on it for a couple months.
Anybody else experience the impulsiveness, increased sexual drive, or "out of body" symptoms? I haven't seen anybody mention these as problems...
Posted by newby on May 21, 2001, at 14:24:28
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by dee pop on May 20, 2001, at 18:28:14
Dee, I have been on the 37.5 for a week. Will switch to 75 today. All I know is, doctor told me to give it two weeks for it to work, so I'm trying to hang in. Last night, couldn't sleep from the anxiety. Heart racing all night. Scared of what affects the 75 will have, and nearly threw in the towel, but I'm going to try to hang in another week. Feel ok during the daytime. > > I SUFFER FROM ANXIETY CURRENTLY TAKE XANAX AND NOW DR. WANTS ME TO TRY EFFEXOR XR 37.5 MG. I AM TERRIFIED OF ALL THE SIDE EFFECTS! ANY THOUGHTS??
Posted by N.P. on May 21, 2001, at 15:05:16
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by newby on May 20, 2001, at 18:13:03
I figured if it's a prescription medication in Germany it's at least worth trying. St. Johns Wort. I started with 300 mg, now at 600 and going for 900 in the next couple of days. I can see the difference already. Since my depression is not life threatening, I figured why have all those withdrawal effects... I'll see how that works..
> Thanks. N.P I'll try to stick it out. Still can't figure out if I feel better or worse....
> What did you switch to when you quit Effexor?
>
> > Hm.. Effexor made me reeeeeealy sleepy. I slept for three days and nights and then quit it.
> > But mine was prescribed for depression. They recommend to hang on for couple of weeks when majority of the side effects should dissapear. Take care
> > N.P.
> >
> > >
> > > Started Effexor XR five days ago. Withdrawal posts are frightening. Only other medications I've ever taken are vitamins and aspirin. Dr. prescribed Effexor for insomnia and related anxiety. Feeling jittery during the day since taking the med and drowsy at night, but still can't sleep more than three hours. Anyone take this for sleep disorder?
Posted by dee pop on May 22, 2001, at 4:56:18
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by newby on May 21, 2001, at 14:24:28
> Dee, I have been on the 37.5 for a week. Will switch to 75 today. All I know is, doctor told me to give it two weeks for it to work, so I'm trying to hang in. Last night, couldn't sleep from the anxiety. Heart racing all night. Scared of what affects the 75 will have, and nearly threw in the towel, but I'm going to try to hang in another week. Feel ok during the daytime. > > I SUFFER FROM ANXIETY CURRENTLY TAKE XANAX AND NOW DR. WANTS ME TO TRY EFFEXOR XR 37.5 MG. I AM TERRIFIED OF ALL THE SIDE EFFECTS! ANY THOUGHTS??
Thanks for the help. I still haven't started it. Very apprehensive. I may try it this weekend when my husband is around for that extra security that I desperately need!! All these side effects make me wonder which is better to stick with the xanax and therapy or try the effexor since some people do have positive outcomes from it. I have also been told to try the herb Kava Kava? Anyone tried this yet?
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