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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by DebbieLynn on June 3, 2001, at 11:12:53
In reply to Re: up the dosage effexor XR????, posted by johne on June 2, 2001, at 10:21:29
> > > allright .. i'm on 75mg of the XR a day and i think i need to up my dosage. i felt great after a few days on the 75's but that only lasted about a week then it kinda tapered off. now i'm feeling the anxiety again. My question to you all is if i up my dosage.. say to 150 a day, do i then feel great for say a month and after that does the anxiety start coming back again so i will have to up my dosage again? and if so then where does it end? will i be on 10,000 mg's a day eventually? and i know it will be that much harder to level off or eliminate the drug- that i do not intend on taking forever - from my life the higher i dose .
> > >
> > >
> > > > > Debbie.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks again. Hanging in there as you suggested. My anxiety and insomnia started after menopause.
> > > > I know what you mean about worry. Been kind of hyper and a worrier all my life but had it under control. Somehow menopause escalated the anxiety.
> > > > Good luck to you. Take care.
> > > >
> > > > Depression and anxiety. I worry excessively.(I mean EXCESSIVELY!) Effexor is the answer for me. I guess it does make sense to stay at a low dose, especially if you have a sleep disorder. At higher doses, like I am on...Sometimes I have trouble sleeping, but I also go to college. I am up late studying, which keeps my brain going. I never thought I needed an antidepressant...but Effexor has really helped me.
> > > > >
> > > > > Hang in there!
> > > > > Debbie
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > > Debbie,,Hi..Thanks for the response. It's great to hear some good news about Effexor. You asked what I am being treated for. Well, sleep disorder and anxiety. Think the plan for my dose is to stay at 75. Just entered second week and sleeping better, but I'm knocked out at 9 p.m. I guess depression and anxiety go hand-in-hand, but I never saw it that way. Have never taken meds before, just vitamins and an occasional aspirin. Are you being treated for anxiety?
> > > > > > ********************************************
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > > Just finishing second week on Effexor XR. Graduated from 37.5 to 75. Best thing that has happened is that I am finally sleeping at night. Drymouth has eased up and the initial jitters have passed. Feeling more relaxed and not getting anoyed at others. Is anyone happy with Effexor?
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > I AM VERY HAPPY WITH IT!!
> > > > > > > I take Effexor XR...225mg a day. 150 in the am and 75 mg in the pm. I must say that at this dose, I see a HUGE difference. I feel GREAT actually.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > I too started out at 37.5 mg, then went to 75mg. The side effects I had problems with the most were dry mouth and anxiety. The anxiety passed quickly, but the dry mouth took a bit longer to go away. It bothered me so bad at first, I asked to be switched to another med...BIG MISTAKE!! After a week on Wellbutrin 75 mgs 2x a day, I quickly went back on Effexor. I worked up to 150 mg--75 mg in the am and 75 in the afternoon, but I was extremely tired at this dose. Then my doctor told me to go up to 225mg, and believe me, it took awhile, @ 4 weeks, I noticed a huge change in the way I feel. I actually wake up in the morning in a good mood! This med has been a miracle for me.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Hang in there!! The side effects can be unpleasant, you could take something like Xanax to curb them until you get used to it. Drink lots of water...it dried me out so bad, my skin was dry and burned when I washed my face. But it will go away. I never thought it would...but it did! BUT it is worth the wait. By the way, what are you being treated for??????????
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Just give it a fair chance and let me know how you are doing, I know how unpleasant this med can be. I am new to the anti-depressant world.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Debbie
> >
> >
> >
> > Guess what? I have been telling you how great my experience is with 225mg. For the past few days I have going downhill. I have been a little anxious and somewhat tired. If I don't feel better in a few days, I am going to ask for an increase in dosage. Effexor is expensive! I dont have insurance either. I was reading that Effexor has a class action lawsuit! Do you know anything about this????????
> >
> > Debbie
>
> yah i just read the same thing.. about the horror stories of people going through the tremors and such years after getting off the effexor.. it scares me a little, but i know that i am not ready to quit taking it. i am definately going to ask my doctor to up my dosage the next time i see him. i've been taking some gingko biloba daily and it helps a little but i really feel like the 75's where just a teaser of what benefits i can actually achieve from this drug. oh and one more thing about the lawsuit, hey don't sweat it if it is legit and people get rich from this, we will eventually benefit.. think of it as a positive thing and keep living yur life as you would day to day ..
>
> johne
You know what I have realized? I cannot tolerate caffeine. I drink sodas sometimes, like coke and pepsi. I can tolerate one maybe. I also take Excedrin when I have a headache, which is loaded with caffeine. Effexor alone is stimulating to me. I couldn't take a nap if I tried. But with caffeine, I get extremely anxious, tired, and irritable. I used to be the "caffeine queen." Before starting the Effexor, I would try to keep myself awake and energised with coffee, tea, etc. Not no more! I don't need it. I have cut back and feel much better. I would still like to talk to my doctor too, to get his opinion about increasing my dose. There is always room to feel better, huh? Also, I read Effexor's drug monograph...it does state in there NOT to stop the med suddenly due to "discontinuation effects." It also tells some of the withdrawal symptoms a person may have by discontinuing suddenly. I don't plan on stopping the med any time soon, unless it goes up in price. For a months supply @ 225mg per day (90 Pills) is $218.00!!! OUTRAGEOUS! But I guess since I feel better, I will pay for it.Debbie
Posted by johne on June 4, 2001, at 10:07:42
In reply to Re: up the dosage effexor XR???? Johne, posted by DebbieLynn on June 3, 2001, at 11:12:53
> > > > allright .. i'm on 75mg of the XR a day and i think i need to up my dosage. i felt great after a few days on the 75's but that only lasted about a week then it kinda tapered off. now i'm feeling the anxiety again. My question to you all is if i up my dosage.. say to 150 a day, do i then feel great for say a month and after that does the anxiety start coming back again so i will have to up my dosage again? and if so then where does it end? will i be on 10,000 mg's a day eventually? and i know it will be that much harder to level off or eliminate the drug- that i do not intend on taking forever - from my life the higher i dose .
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > > > Debbie.
> > > > >
> > > > > Thanks again. Hanging in there as you suggested. My anxiety and insomnia started after menopause.
> > > > > I know what you mean about worry. Been kind of hyper and a worrier all my life but had it under control. Somehow menopause escalated the anxiety.
> > > > > Good luck to you. Take care.
> > > > >
> > > > > Depression and anxiety. I worry excessively.(I mean EXCESSIVELY!) Effexor is the answer for me. I guess it does make sense to stay at a low dose, especially if you have a sleep disorder. At higher doses, like I am on...Sometimes I have trouble sleeping, but I also go to college. I am up late studying, which keeps my brain going. I never thought I needed an antidepressant...but Effexor has really helped me.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Hang in there!
> > > > > > Debbie
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > > Debbie,,Hi..Thanks for the response. It's great to hear some good news about Effexor. You asked what I am being treated for. Well, sleep disorder and anxiety. Think the plan for my dose is to stay at 75. Just entered second week and sleeping better, but I'm knocked out at 9 p.m. I guess depression and anxiety go hand-in-hand, but I never saw it that way. Have never taken meds before, just vitamins and an occasional aspirin. Are you being treated for anxiety?
> > > > > > > ********************************************
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > Just finishing second week on Effexor XR. Graduated from 37.5 to 75. Best thing that has happened is that I am finally sleeping at night. Drymouth has eased up and the initial jitters have passed. Feeling more relaxed and not getting anoyed at others. Is anyone happy with Effexor?
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > I AM VERY HAPPY WITH IT!!
> > > > > > > > I take Effexor XR...225mg a day. 150 in the am and 75 mg in the pm. I must say that at this dose, I see a HUGE difference. I feel GREAT actually.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > I too started out at 37.5 mg, then went to 75mg. The side effects I had problems with the most were dry mouth and anxiety. The anxiety passed quickly, but the dry mouth took a bit longer to go away. It bothered me so bad at first, I asked to be switched to another med...BIG MISTAKE!! After a week on Wellbutrin 75 mgs 2x a day, I quickly went back on Effexor. I worked up to 150 mg--75 mg in the am and 75 in the afternoon, but I was extremely tired at this dose. Then my doctor told me to go up to 225mg, and believe me, it took awhile, @ 4 weeks, I noticed a huge change in the way I feel. I actually wake up in the morning in a good mood! This med has been a miracle for me.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > Hang in there!! The side effects can be unpleasant, you could take something like Xanax to curb them until you get used to it. Drink lots of water...it dried me out so bad, my skin was dry and burned when I washed my face. But it will go away. I never thought it would...but it did! BUT it is worth the wait. By the way, what are you being treated for??????????
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > Just give it a fair chance and let me know how you are doing, I know how unpleasant this med can be. I am new to the anti-depressant world.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > Debbie
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Guess what? I have been telling you how great my experience is with 225mg. For the past few days I have going downhill. I have been a little anxious and somewhat tired. If I don't feel better in a few days, I am going to ask for an increase in dosage. Effexor is expensive! I dont have insurance either. I was reading that Effexor has a class action lawsuit! Do you know anything about this????????
> > >
> > > Debbie
> >
> > yah i just read the same thing.. about the horror stories of people going through the tremors and such years after getting off the effexor.. it scares me a little, but i know that i am not ready to quit taking it. i am definately going to ask my doctor to up my dosage the next time i see him. i've been taking some gingko biloba daily and it helps a little but i really feel like the 75's where just a teaser of what benefits i can actually achieve from this drug. oh and one more thing about the lawsuit, hey don't sweat it if it is legit and people get rich from this, we will eventually benefit.. think of it as a positive thing and keep living yur life as you would day to day ..
> >
> > johne
>
>
> You know what I have realized? I cannot tolerate caffeine. I drink sodas sometimes, like coke and pepsi. I can tolerate one maybe. I also take Excedrin when I have a headache, which is loaded with caffeine. Effexor alone is stimulating to me. I couldn't take a nap if I tried. But with caffeine, I get extremely anxious, tired, and irritable. I used to be the "caffeine queen." Before starting the Effexor, I would try to keep myself awake and energised with coffee, tea, etc. Not no more! I don't need it. I have cut back and feel much better. I would still like to talk to my doctor too, to get his opinion about increasing my dose. There is always room to feel better, huh? Also, I read Effexor's drug monograph...it does state in there NOT to stop the med suddenly due to "discontinuation effects." It also tells some of the withdrawal symptoms a person may have by discontinuing suddenly. I don't plan on stopping the med any time soon, unless it goes up in price. For a months supply @ 225mg per day (90 Pills) is $218.00!!! OUTRAGEOUS! But I guess since I feel better, I will pay for it.
>
> Debbieyou should get some health insurance. an individual plan with blue cross/blue shield is less than what you are paying for your medication. on bc/bs all prescriptions are only $5.00 and you will recieve other benefits as well. just a suggestion.
johne
Posted by Mary Silva on June 4, 2001, at 14:35:12
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
> Hi there, I suffer from PANIC & ANXIETY, Effexor worked wonders for me a couple of years ago when, I took it. I began taking it again today.
I hope it gives me the same benefits it did last time.Mary
Posted by Jeannine on June 4, 2001, at 18:10:43
In reply to Another satisfied customer!, posted by Canuck on March 27, 2001, at 0:55:08
Thanks to you and to others (Cam & willow come to mind) who keep reminding that positive outcomes are possible.
I have suffered from depression for nearly 20 years, and this most recent episode has been truly frightening. I've been out of work since March, and nothing my doctor has tried so far in terms of changing medications has worked. I'm feeling a bit nervous after reading the posts about withdrawal, but I also can't go on the way I have been . . .
I started Effexor XR at 37.5mg last Friday, and have been sleeping almost nonstop since then. I just hope I'll be able to share a positive outcome soon.
Neen
> Just a quick note to say that I have had great results with Effexor XR. I did have a few side effects in the first three days. I had nausea for the first few hours after taking the drug. I also had a hard time sleeping for the first few nights, but I was having a hard time sleeping before the med anyway. And then there was the constant yawning that I could not control. (That could be guite comical depending on where I was.) But I am happy to say that all of that has ended now and I am feeling great. I am feeling more and more like my old self every day. I don't pretend to think that this drug will have the same effect on everyone, but it has done wonders for me. I do wonder, however; if the reason that there are far more unhappy people than happy ones posting on this web sight is because the happy ones aren't looking for a forum to sing Effexor XR's praises. If you are taking the medication and are having good results, why would you bother looking for a sight on the internet? I only found this sight purely by chance one night when I first started taking the med. Let me say, had I read many of the postings before I started taking the drug, I would not have taken it. This would have done me a great disservice. I have always just checked in on this sight and read the postings, but today I feel compelled to share my "good" Effexor XR story. Thank you for your time.
>
> Canuck
Posted by Rosey on June 4, 2001, at 23:06:31
In reply to Re: Another satisfied customer!, posted by Jeannine on June 4, 2001, at 18:10:43
Effexor I have also had wonderful results with XR I feel it saved my life. I had anxiety disorder. I didn't understand what was happening to me. Palpations, obsessive thoughts etc Bladder problems. My Internist put me 37.5mg about 4 weeks later we increased to 75 and finally 150. After about a year I tried to cut back to 75, I did not have any withdrawl problems, but I felt my anxiety return so I went back to 150. Now a year later I am down to 75 and I am feeling great. I sleep well, my memory is great and I have plenty of energy. I would stay on this for life if I had to. Perhaps effexor works better for anxiety disorders. Anyway Good Luck
Posted by Mary Silva on June 5, 2001, at 11:40:23
In reply to Re: Another satisfied customer!, posted by Rosey on June 4, 2001, at 23:06:31
>
>
> Today is my second day on Effexor tablets (mind you I break the 37.5 in half, to start off slowly) it's what works best for me. I had been on effexor xr 37.5 and 75 a while back and to be honest I really should have never stopped. I really had minor side effects but the one that really bothered was the not wanting to have sex. This probably has something to do with medication but alot is also me. Now that you guys mention it, my skin was very dry, even my scalp. I really never it was effexor, and even if it was, I can deal with these things. I think I rather be sane than have sex everyday. Anyhow, I am hoping that I will have the same results as before since I suffer from major anxiety and panic. It is nice to know I'm not going crazy.Mary
Posted by James B on June 6, 2001, at 13:40:35
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Three weeks now on Effexor XR. Almost all side effects are gone. I'm at 75mg.
This stuff is doing wonders. While I still have the same depressing thoughts, I don't feel depressed and I don't panic. Been able to function normally. Only negative is that I seem to be more aggressive and easily irritated by others. But am generally in a good mood, and very productive.
I'd recommend it in an instant.
Posted by Sliabh6 on June 6, 2001, at 22:04:54
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
> Hi there,
>
> Anyone care to comment on the use of Effexor?
Hi, I've been on effexor for about 7 years. I take 225 mgs and 60mgs of celexa a day. Up till last Nove I was also taking 1.5 mgs of risperidal a day. I quit that because I was just too tired all the time. The only side affect I've had from the effexor is dry mouth. Not really a big deal. I've got to tell you though, I've had a real problem with exhaustion the past year and I am producing breast milk for no apparent reason.My OBGYN has passed the buck onto my GP to figure out what's going on. I've read some posts of people with some real problems with effexor. The other thing that I get, especially if I'm late in the day, or forget to take it, is this bizare headache that feels like when you hit your elbow on something, only in your head, and getting very off balance and dizzy. I wish you the best of luck with it, and I won't knock it, it saved my life.
The other nice thing about it is you don't gain weight from it like some of the drugs out there. Kelly>
>
>
>
Posted by teachermom on June 7, 2001, at 7:30:53
In reply to EFFEROX XR YES!!!, posted by Voski on March 29, 2001, at 8:14:23
> Efferox XR, YES!!! It has helped me!!! After taking Zoloft with side effects and then Prozac, yet more side effects with muscle spasms, it was Efferox XR that helped with no side effects. Struggling with depression is no fun for yourself or your family. After a year of feeling out of touch with myself and out of control, I went to my doctor. The results are wonderful with the help of counseling. The hell I put my children and husband thru. I am currently up to twice a day taking Efforox XR with fantastic results. That's 150 mg. 75mg. each time. I was having a mid day crash, as I call it. Crying and feeling useless is not fun. Now I am smiling and laughing again with slight bouts of crying, etc. What great news!!!! I am still in couseling and probably will be for a while, which is fine with me along with med help. At least now, I can get through the day. I still have trouble sleeping nights, but with Ambien, I now have a night with sleep and not waking to my mind wondering.... Feel free to comment. Good luck with all!!
> voskiVoski, I just read your post and I am sooo glad to hear that you are having good results. I have been reading these post for about 4months now and actually, some of them realy scare me. I'm sure glad that I didn't read these before I started taking effexor. Effexor has saved my life. I have been depressed for about 6 years now. This is something that all the women in my family have suffered from for a very long time. I tried to deny it and say it was an excuse for being lazy. i know now that it is not. I had the side effect at first, but my mother talked me into "hanging" with it. I did and now up tp 150. I am very happy with this. My life is sooo different. I know that I may have to increase my dose in time, but that is okay with me. I also have epilepsy, so there is even more stress in my life with that. Thanks again for your encouraging post.
Posted by voski on June 7, 2001, at 8:33:09
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
> I haven't kept up on this thread lately, but decided to check it out today. I am still on 150mg daily, taking twice a day. It is still working for me with only very slight side effects, which are usually not even thought of. I continue to counsel and that also helps. I do crash every now and again, but hormones I believe have an effect on that (I am at that age). I will continue using Efferox XR. It makes my world much more bearable. The stress of daily life no longer exist for me, well maybe just a little at work. I know I will eventually go up in dose, but hey, when I am enjoying my family once again, it is well worth it. teachermom, I hope you have continued success with this medication and good luck with all those who are having trouble on it. I feel this is a miracle for myself. Good Luck
voski
Posted by voski on June 7, 2001, at 8:40:35
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Sliabh6 on June 6, 2001, at 22:04:54
Just a note: I haven't gain any weight using efferox xr either, I actually lost 6 pounds, making me feel even better about myself. Good luck.
voski
Posted by paulk on June 7, 2001, at 14:25:52
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by James B on June 6, 2001, at 13:40:35
> Three weeks now on Effexor XR. Almost all side effects are gone. I'm at 75mg.
>
> This stuff is doing wonders. While I still have the same depressing thoughts, I don't feel depressed and I don't panic. Been able to function normally.That is pretty much how Effexor worked for me for the first few months
>Only negative is that I seem to be more aggressive and easily irritated by others.
I had the same experience it seemed to go away with time.
But am generally in a good mood, and very productive.
>
> I'd recommend it in an instant.Wish I could still take it It did me a lot of good the years I was on it. Best of all my wife suddenly found me lovable.
Posted by Jeannine on June 7, 2001, at 18:25:27
In reply to Re: EFFEROX XR YES!!!, posted by teachermom on June 7, 2001, at 7:30:53
Thank you, thank you, for posting such encouraging stories. I'm now on day 7 at 37.5mg, scheduled to increase to 75 mg tomorrow, and wondering what that will do to me. It helps so much to know that what I'm experiencing isn't unusual and that it really does work -- not for all people, no medication *will* work for everyone, but for a number of folks out there.
I'd just like to say a word about those who are so angry with the drug companies for not having developed the perfect antidepressant yet. I've struggled with this disorder for nearly 20 years now, at varying degrees of severity (and am just finally accepting that my "laziness" isn't an innate characcter flaw < grin >). Depression runs in my family also; both my mother and my daughter suffer from it as well. Would I rather be where my daughter is, in remission and currently off medication because we recognized the problem and got appropriate medical treatment right away? And probably able to look forward in her lifetime to the development of medications or some other form of treaatment that will actually solve the problem? You betcha. But I also try to remind myself that the medications available now, crude as they can sometimes be, didn't even exist when my mother was my age -- I'd definitely rather be where I am than where she was!
> > Efferox XR, YES!!! It has helped me!!! After taking Zoloft with side effects and then Prozac, yet more side effects with muscle spasms, it was Efferox XR that helped with no side effects. Struggling with depression is no fun for yourself or your family. After a year of feeling out of touch with myself and out of control, I went to my doctor. The results are wonderful with the help of counseling. The hell I put my children and husband thru. I am currently up to twice a day taking Efforox XR with fantastic results. That's 150 mg. 75mg. each time. I was having a mid day crash, as I call it. Crying and feeling useless is not fun. Now I am smiling and laughing again with slight bouts of crying, etc. What great news!!!! I am still in couseling and probably will be for a while, which is fine with me along with med help. At least now, I can get through the day. I still have trouble sleeping nights, but with Ambien, I now have a night with sleep and not waking to my mind wondering.... Feel free to comment. Good luck with all!!
> > voski
>
> Voski, I just read your post and I am sooo glad to hear that you are having good results. I have been reading these post for about 4months now and actually, some of them realy scare me. I'm sure glad that I didn't read these before I started taking effexor. Effexor has saved my life. I have been depressed for about 6 years now. This is something that all the women in my family have suffered from for a very long time. I tried to deny it and say it was an excuse for being lazy. i know now that it is not. I had the side effect at first, but my mother talked me into "hanging" with it. I did and now up tp 150. I am very happy with this. My life is sooo different. I know that I may have to increase my dose in time, but that is okay with me. I also have epilepsy, so there is even more stress in my life with that. Thanks again for your encouraging post.
Posted by voski on June 8, 2001, at 7:05:15
In reply to Thank You All » teachermom, posted by Jeannine on June 7, 2001, at 18:25:27
It is good to hear about the "good effects" of Efferox and I know not all people have the "good" side of this medication. I feel for those who cannot find the right combination for their depression. Like I said before, Prozac and Zoloft did not work for me, but I did not give up looking for something to help me. I am enjoying my family and they enjoy having me back. It's been 6 months now and my life is worth it again. I wish all of you luck on finding the right medication and that your side effects cease quickly. I enjoy this site and like finding out about how this medication does affect people, the good and bad. Keep the faith!!! Talk to you doctor and continue to look for the good to ease "our" problems. Thanks for listening.
voski (cindy v)
Posted by Sierra on June 8, 2001, at 10:54:04
In reply to Re: Thank You All, posted by voski on June 8, 2001, at 7:05:15
I have been on effexor for about four months following a prozac "poop out." Prozac stopped working after I had been on it 8 years. Anyway, I had been doing well, but just had a depression relaps last week. It was terrible. My doctor believes that it is because I drank more than usual over Memorial Day weekend. Has anyone had problems with effexor and alcohol? Has anyone had a "relaps" while taking effexor? Also, I still feel the pangs in my nerves from the drug, anything that can help relieve that sensation?
Posted by paulk on June 8, 2001, at 14:14:07
In reply to Re: Thank You All, posted by Sierra on June 8, 2001, at 10:54:04
>Has anyone had problems with effexor and alcohol? Has anyone had a "relaps" while taking effexor? Also, I still feel the pangs in my nerves from the drug, anything that can help relieve that sensation?
Did you stop the Effexor?
It is well known that Alcohol causes depression (usually referred to as a hang over< grin >). If you are taking medicine for depression you should probably limit yourself to one drink with alcohol/per day.
Anything more than a VERY small amount per day is definitely bad for depression. One thing to keep in mind if you screw up you liver by drinking, you can get to the point where you wont be able to take many drugs that can help with depression.
What dosage are you taking? Some folks need 75mg/day some as much as 300mg/day.
Also Prozac is a very long half life drug it is possible that it is still leaving you system and thus lowering the effective dose of SSRI in your system.
While there is no danger in drinking with Effexor that I know of (and Im not a doctor just a life long mental case that can read) Think about it You are taking medicine that affects your neuro transmitters. Alcohol affects neuro transmitters as well - it takes weeks for you body and system to reach a steady state system and for the drug to have full effect if you drink you could push that steady state around and have to wait for things to come back in balance.Id stay clear of the booze and consider talking to your doctor about increasing your dosage.
Posted by johne on June 8, 2001, at 15:47:57
In reply to Re: Thank You All » Sierra, posted by paulk on June 8, 2001, at 14:14:07
> >Has anyone had problems with effexor and alcohol? Has anyone had a "relaps" while taking effexor? Also, I still feel the pangs in my nerves from the drug, anything that can help relieve that sensation?
>
> Did you stop the Effexor?
>
> It is well known that Alcohol causes depression (usually referred to as a hang over< grin >). If you are taking medicine for depression you should probably limit yourself to one drink with alcohol/per day.
>
> Anything more than a VERY small amount per day is definitely bad for depression. One thing to keep in mind if you screw up you liver by drinking, you can get to the point where you wont be able to take many drugs that can help with depression.
>
> What dosage are you taking? Some folks need 75mg/day some as much as 300mg/day.
>
> Also Prozac is a very long half life drug it is possible that it is still leaving you system and thus lowering the effective dose of SSRI in your system.
>
>
> While there is no danger in drinking with Effexor that I know of (and Im not a doctor just a life long mental case that can read) Think about it You are taking medicine that affects your neuro transmitters. Alcohol affects neuro transmitters as well - it takes weeks for you body and system to reach a steady state system and for the drug to have full effect if you drink you could push that steady state around and have to wait for things to come back in balance.
>
> Id stay clear of the booze and consider talking to your doctor about increasing your dosage.I totally understand. I was on the Effexor for about 3 weeks (75mg) and then i started drinking on the weekends and it jogged my states of anxiety in all directions.. sometimes i would feel depressed for upwards of a week after a good nights worth of bar-hopping. I have had no problems with losing the benefits of the drug however from drinking moderately.. that's no more than 3 drinks.. no more than two days in a row. I also try to limit my alcohol consumption to only two or three days a week. I used to drink everyday and get drunk every weekend but not anymore. Effexor XR is a great drug and i am not going to destroy it's benefits with alcohol.
Posted by Kaysey on June 8, 2001, at 16:04:21
In reply to Re: Thank You All, posted by Sierra on June 8, 2001, at 10:54:04
> I have been on effexor for about four months following a prozac "poop out." Prozac stopped working after I had been on it 8 years. Anyway, I had been doing well, but just had a depression relaps last week. It was terrible. My doctor believes that it is because I drank more than usual over Memorial Day weekend. Has anyone had problems with effexor and alcohol? Has anyone had a "relaps" while taking effexor? Also, I still feel the pangs in my nerves from the drug, anything that can help relieve that sensation?Hi Sierra:
I posted below under the 'effexor is a life saver' section. I too, have noticed things that impact my success with effexor. Alcohol has become a virtual no-no for me for two reasons--as Paulk mentioned it is a depressant which can do double-duty on those who are already depressed, plus I have reactive hypoglycemia (which makes me depressed, anyway, and since alcohol can aggravate this condition, I get even more so). Plus hormone fluctuations (with my OCPs) seem to impact the mood-elevating effects--especially premenstrually. It is very frustrating, because when everything is 'right,' the effexor seems to work great, and I wish I could feel that way more often. I am currently at 225 mg.
I have always enjoyed sharing a bottle of wine with my husband with a good dinner, but I have found that I have to limit that and sip more on the water glass!
Posted by newby on June 8, 2001, at 19:48:43
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » James B, posted by paulk on June 7, 2001, at 14:25:52
This may be a new positive result for most of you. Effexor has come to my rescue. I have been suffering with dreadful hotflashes and night sweats for several years as result of menopause. Got to where I only could sleep about 3 - 4 hours per night and that was always interrupted by nite sweats. Started 37.5 then switched to 75 about three weeks ago. After overcoming side affects, finally getting some sleep again... Waking up alot still but the anxiety isn't there and I'm not laying in a puddle of sweat,,,Ick!!!! So manage to get back to sleep. Haven't seen anyone here taking Effexor XR for menopausal problems.
Posted by T.T. on June 8, 2001, at 20:38:01
In reply to Re: effexor xr and side effects, posted by Judy on April 23, 2000, at 22:43:54
The worst night sweats ever, nightmares, memory loss. This is a dangerous drug for me. I am trying to quit but am afraid due to the known withdrawal symptoms.
> 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......
Posted by Dimitri on June 9, 2001, at 17:56:20
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
This stuff has saved my life. I was severely depressed for roughly a year. I finally made an attempt on my life but bailed out. Later that day I admitted myself to the emergency room and they put me in the psyc. ward for a week. They put me on Effexor XR and I began to feel like myself within days. After a month I was completely back to normal with no side effects and some added upsides that I hadn't expected. I became much more outgoing and social than I had been even before the depression. I'm meeting new people, having a great time and loving life. If I could I would kiss the people who invented this stuff on the lips.
Posted by Dimitri on June 9, 2001, at 18:08:45
In reply to Re: Thank You All » Sierra, posted by Kaysey on June 8, 2001, at 16:04:21
Yes. I have been on Effexor XR for only a month and accepting this care has been the smartest thing that I've ever done. But I've realized that I can't drink at all on this drug if I want it to work properly. After feeling great after only a week on the drug I had a few drinks over a long weekend. Monday and Tuesday of the next week I was back to the severely depressed state that I had been in prior to starting this protocol. I told my doctor about it and he said that the most current information (only months old) is that as few as two drinks in a weeks period and play with this drug's effectiveness. So be careful and don't drink if you can help it.
Posted by AnneL on June 10, 2001, at 11:20:14
In reply to Effexor Alcohol, posted by Dimitri on June 9, 2001, at 18:08:45
> Yes. I have been on Effexor XR for only a month and accepting this care has been the smartest thing that I've ever done. But I've realized that I can't drink at all on this drug if I want it to work properly. After feeling great after only a week on the drug I had a few drinks over a long weekend. Monday and Tuesday of the next week I was back to the severely depressed state that I had been in prior to starting this protocol. I told my doctor about it and he said that the most current information (only months old) is that as few as two drinks in a weeks period and play with this drug's effectiveness. So be careful and don't drink if you can help it.
>My experience has been very similar to Dimitri's with respect to alcohol and Effexor. Although I do not know if the effects of Alcohol are exclusive to Effexor, I can say that I had a return to moderate to severe depression for about 2 to 3 days after a business conference where I drank alcohol in moderate quantities for 2 evenings. I knew right away that drinking alcohol is not something that I will engage in while on this medication. IMHO, giving up social drinking is well worth the many benefits that I get while on this medication. Of course, this is just my experience with alcohol and Effexor and is purely anecdotal, I personally have not read any research that suggests that alcohol diminishes the effects of Effexor. Anyone out there have any information on this subject?
Posted by krista on June 10, 2001, at 11:47:03
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Dave on January 19, 2000, at 23:48:27
Hi,
I just started taking Effexor 5 days ago. I notice I am more alert
(I also take 650 mg. of serzone) but I also feel a inward nervousness.
My skin feels like it's crawling. I don't care for this feeling, but don't know what else to try because I am already so sedated from the serzone
The serzone has helped great for my depression, but not for my eating disorder or OCD or anxiety. I have been on all the SSRI's except for Paxil. Luvox worked for a while but pooped out.
I need to find a medicine that doesn't make me jittery or nervous, but helps with the OCD, anxiety.
Has anyone esle felt this nervous agitation when taking effexor? If so did it go away?kris
Posted by Jeannine on June 10, 2001, at 13:20:36
In reply to anyone feel nervous from effexor?, posted by krista on June 10, 2001, at 11:47:03
Hi Kris,
I know exactly what you mean (in fact, the shakiness I have right now combined with the slowed thinking is making it take about 2-3 times as long to type this as it normally would). I'm now on day 10 (7 days at 37.5 mg, and upped to 75 mg on Friday). The inward shakiness and outward tremors were so bad last week that I couldn't write legibly or do anything requiring fine motor coordination.
The good news is that this and the other side effects are getting better each day. The even better news is that I think the Effexor is really helping with my depression. Last night I actually wanted to go out to a party with friends for the first time in months. I'm not quite up to actually going out yet, but just to feel like I *wanted* to was a small miracle to me.
Hang in there -- I know that for me, if this medication really does prove to be the one that finally works, the start-up side effects will have been more than worth it.
Jeannine
> Hi,
>
> I just started taking Effexor 5 days ago. I notice I am more alert
> (I also take 650 mg. of serzone) but I also feel a inward nervousness.
> My skin feels like it's crawling. I don't care for this feeling, but don't know what else to try because I am already so sedated from the serzone
> The serzone has helped great for my depression, but not for my eating disorder or OCD or anxiety. I have been on all the SSRI's except for Paxil. Luvox worked for a while but pooped out.
> I need to find a medicine that doesn't make me jittery or nervous, but helps with the OCD, anxiety.
> Has anyone esle felt this nervous agitation when taking effexor? If so did it go away?
>
> kris
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