![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1232 to 1256 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by Iris on July 26, 2001, at 21:38:06
In reply to Re: Sweating, posted by Stef on July 26, 2001, at 16:46:24
Hi Stef,
I have been on Effexor 75mg a day since April. I had all kinds of side effects when I started taking it including real bad sweating. All in all it took about six weeks for my body to get used to it and for all the side effects to go away. The "all over" sweating went away too, I only get sweaty palms ever once in a while. Good luck, Iris
Posted by Gracie2 on July 27, 2001, at 0:16:30
In reply to anorexia, posted by helmi on July 25, 2001, at 10:09:39
Helmi-
Sorry about the first post...I'm having trouble with my computer.
I suspect that when you say your "physician" prescribed Effexor for your anorexia, you are referring to a GP and not a psychiatrist.
I was at first upset with my own doctor for referring me to a psychiatrist instead of just giving me the prescription for Paxil that I asked for. Now, a year (and several antidepressants) later, and after learning as much as I can about the medication I've taken, I realize that my doctor was correct in referring me to a pyschiatrist, just as he would refer me to an orthopedic surgeon for a compound fracture. Your own doctor was mistaken for prescribing Effexor
instead of referring you to a specialist, particularly for something as serious as anorexia.
You did nothing but follow your doctor's advice,
and should not feel guilty for that.
I hope you seek treatment from a psychiatrist. Like alcoholism, you have an illness that greatly reduces your quality of life, can ruin your health and eventually escalate to a life-threatning disease. You deserve better.
Good luck-
Gracie
Posted by KB on July 27, 2001, at 1:53:59
In reply to Re: Sweating, posted by Stef on July 26, 2001, at 16:46:24
> Jeez,is there anyone who the sweating has gone away for? I don't think I can stay on this if I keep going like this. It's embarrassing and really uncomfortable. I am a hot natured person to begin with,so I was sweating enough before this. Now I can't even put on my makeup.
> It sucks because otherwise this medication works really well for my depression and anger.
> I'll probably have to start something else. Any suggestions?
> Cheers,StefDon't switch to Celexa - it's been making me sweat like crazy!
Posted by Heidi M. on July 27, 2001, at 6:44:31
In reply to Heide M, posted by jotho on July 20, 2001, at 9:52:06
> Thanks jotho!
I will keep trying.Heide...
> If you go to the page bottom and click on "psycho-babble" it will return you to Dr. Bob's home page. You can then scroll down a little bit to "search", then you can enter the keyword of the thread you wish to find. It will then list all the postings for that keyword. I think i've got that right...good luck.
Posted by ksc on July 27, 2001, at 8:25:53
In reply to Re: anorexia » helmi, posted by jojo on July 25, 2001, at 17:17:43
JOJO WROTE: You say "i gained weight, but the anorexia didn´t disappear." I guess I don't understand the real meaning of "Anorexia". Could you explain it to me?~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
JoJo, I might be able to explain this a little bit, Anorexia is when someone regardless of their size, looks in the mirror and sees only fat. They could be stick figure thin and it wouldn't matter. So in order to fix that image, an anorexic virtually starves themselves to lose weight. I think what Helmi meant by her comment, was that the medication caused her body to put on weight, but she still had the disease, because she still looked at herself as imperfect and still starved herself (or ate very little) to be thin. Anorexia isn't about your actual size, it's more about your eating habits and how your brain reacts to your views of yourself. In otherwords... an anorexic no matter what their size can look in the mirror and see themselves as grossly fat. My heart goes out to her, it's a true struggle.KSC
Posted by ksc on July 27, 2001, at 9:11:03
In reply to Sweating, posted by Stef on July 25, 2001, at 12:01:38
STEF WROTE: I have been at this dose for about a week,so I am hoping this will pass with time. Also,I seem to be very nervous,like I am on a small amount of speed. Does this pass as well?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Stef, I got the sweats at some point during the first few months of being on the effexor, but it turned out that my thyroid was also out of wack, so who knows which thing actually caused it. I do know that now that I'm on the thyroid meds, and my levels are back to normal, the sweating's gone.Probably couldn't hurt to get that checked out just in case. They say depression can be a sign of an underactive thyroid.
Good luck to you.
KSC
Posted by wendi on July 28, 2001, at 15:23:02
In reply to Re: Another satisfied customer! » Pamela, posted by kid47 on March 27, 2001, at 12:05:46
> > > I just started taking effexor 4 weeks ago, now I'm afraid to up my dosage as my doctor recomends. Are the withdrawls less if the dosage doesn't go above 75 mg? I tried the effexor XR and had terrible side effects. I stoped sleeping, became irritable, gained weight, my hands shook, my head hurt, cried all the time, and then became suicidal. I didn't have any of that with effexor. Can anyone help with advice or comments? Thanks, Wendi
> > >
> > > 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
> >
> > Canuck,
> > Once again, you are talking about FXR while you are "on" it, please don't be fooled it is the scariest thing I have experienced "GOING OFF" it. I loved it while on it, it did wonders for me. Information is good and you are right about this site with no one reporting good stuff. I would love to read just "ONE" positive about the withdrawals's.... JUST ONE! It might give me hope, but in the meantime, keep reading so you become aware. Our society likes the quick fix (as did I) so we tend to hide our head in the sand if it does the job, quickly. My life will never be the same (knowledge and appreciation for my previous good health)) as for my health, I pray everyday for a full recovery from this drug. I have other detailed info if yo haven't already read. Please don't dismiss what you read, these are real people, with real suffering going on. This site helped me tremedouly knowing that I wasn't the only one and wasn't going crazy.
> > God Bless and I will pray for your success,
> > Pamela
>
> Hi Pamela. I am truly sorry for the very rough time you have had w/your FXR withdrawal. I was not going to respond to anymore of these posts as it seemed to be upsetting to you & some others. I do know how painfull, emotionally & physically mental illness can be & causing additional aggrevation is certainly not my intent.
>
> At 46 yrs old I too was unable to get out of bed, go to work or care for my family. My condition was not a reaction to any drug but from a lifetime of untreated mental ilness. After a stay in a mental hospital. I was stabilized enough to be allowed to go home (plus the insurance ran out) Like many of us, I tried what seemed like every conceivable drug available to treat my Bipolar disorder. At a time when I was busy planning how to make my death look like an accident so my family could collect my life insurance, FXR was added to my drug cocktail. Within two weeks time my life turned around. I am not particularly religous but this was truly a miracle. So for me FXR was a life saver.
>
> Like a person with cancer, aids,or heart disease, there are some of us with mental illness that are in a life or death struggle. When we make a decision to try a medication it may be out of desparation- a last ditch effort. Sometimes in those situations we need support of our decision & not negative histrionics based on anecdotal evidence. I know your intentions are to warn others of the terrible experience you have had with FXR. But when posting to especially this type of format we might be disuading a person from trying something that could very well save there life. Unfortunately people who have good luck with a drug don't post as often as those who have problems(IMO) There has also been good info posted her to minimize the withdrawal fxs.
> And there are some posts in the archives of folks who have gotten off of FXR with little or no problem. I personally know of people who have gotten of this drug with no problem also. So not everyone has had the bad experience you have had.
>
> I think there is common ground here. I believe we all feel that the maker of FXR is well aware of the potential for withdrawl problems with this drug & there should be a major campaign to educate docs & consumers. I think I read where this is already taking place.
>
> I am not posting this to put anyone down. This is only the 4th time I've ever posted & I've been "lurking" here over 2 years. As an FXR user I know how these alarmist type post make me feel. I deal with severe anxiety & some of the sensationlism surrounding this topic effects me to the point where I may stop reading these posts. I think you can be honest & accurate about a situation & still present a balanced view. I would like to see "hard" data as far as the toal # of FXR rx's written etc. At this point there is very little scientific study about these withdrawals that I have seen. Pamela, don't get me wrong. I believe you are having a terrible time & it is because of withdrawal from FXR. It would be interesting to see some studies on this. Leo mentioned he was an investigative reporter. Maybe he could look into it? Sorry about the lenght of this.
>
> Please post as to how you are feeling. Hope things are improving. Take care.
Posted by somebetter on July 30, 2001, at 0:41:15
In reply to Re: Another satisfied customer!, posted by wendi on July 28, 2001, at 15:23:02
I've tried to stay out of this one, too, but Wendi makes me feel like a chicken so I'm just going to stick my toe in the water and run like heck. It has taken me a long time to get to the semi-stable state I am in now. I am happy with my low dose of effexor xr (75mg) - not ecstatic, but happy. I was taking a much higher dose but felt 'wrong' in every sense. My doc agreed to let me cut it back to where I had felt the most comfortable. I continued taking my other meds - neurontin, topomax - and had no difficulty cutting back. I credit the other meds' help and luck. It was pretty much the same as when I quit taking Paxil after an extended period of time. Just another individual's experience.
Posted by wendi on July 30, 2001, at 8:17:04
In reply to Re: Another satisfied customer!, posted by somebetter on July 30, 2001, at 0:41:15
>I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel like a chicken. I'm just lost when it comes to this med. I felt fine on 75mg of effexor but when I went to 75mg of effexor XR I felt awful! My doctor put me back on 150mg of effexor. I can't feel any difference between the effexor 75mg and the 150mg dose but I feel a world of difference from taking the XR. I had very few side effects from the effexor but had all of the side effects I've been reading about on the XR. I am concerned though about taking a higher dose and her wanting me to switch to another antideppresent. Did you take other meds with the effexor? or tried them separately? I would really like some advice from anyone on whether I should try a different type or just stay away from the XR. Thanks
I've tried to stay out of this one, too, but Wendi makes me feel like a chicken so I'm just going to stick my toe in the water and run like heck. It has taken me a long time to get to the semi-stable state I am in now. I am happy with my low dose of effexor xr (75mg) - not ecstatic, but happy. I was taking a much higher dose but felt 'wrong' in every sense. My doc agreed to let me cut it back to where I had felt the most comfortable. I continued taking my other meds - neurontin, topomax - and had no difficulty cutting back. I credit the other meds' help and luck. It was pretty much the same as when I quit taking Paxil after an extended period of time. Just another individual's experience.
Posted by Iris on July 30, 2001, at 9:31:05
In reply to Re: Another satisfied customer!, posted by wendi on July 30, 2001, at 8:17:04
Hi, I have a question which might sound dumb - what is the difference between Effexor and Effexor XR? Thanks to anyone who will answer this.
Iris
Posted by wendi on July 30, 2001, at 10:02:50
In reply to Re: Another satisfied customer!, posted by Iris on July 30, 2001, at 9:31:05
> Effexor is a immediate release which hits your body hard at first then tappers off, the XR is a time release which is supposed to put even amounts of medicine in your body throughout the day. The effexor is taken usually two or three times a day and the XR is only taken once. Hope that helps.
Hi, I have a question which might sound dumb - what is the difference between Effexor and Effexor XR? Thanks to anyone who will answer this.
> Iris
Posted by somebetter on July 31, 2001, at 0:07:01
In reply to Re: Another satisfied customer!, posted by wendi on July 30, 2001, at 8:17:04
I was only kidding! You really made me think about our responsibility to speak out about our positive experiences with medications in light of the fact that, as you put it, often a controversial medication may be someone's last remaining chance for survival.
I was taking neurontin and topamax of course, and I was taking parlodel, estrogen, aygestin, and armour thyroid. Now I am also taking Wellbutrin. What you think? Sound like oceans of fun?
I read your question below about chest pains. I can only mention that I get nasty esophageal spasms every so often, I think from swallowing so many pills and getting careless doing so. It feels like chest pains. I have to take previcid until it goes away. Just a thought.
Posted by wendi on July 31, 2001, at 9:10:53
In reply to Re: Another satisfied customer! » wendi, posted by somebetter on July 31, 2001, at 0:07:01
> Hi somebetter, can you explain how the estrogen helps. I've heard alot of people taking it and I wonder if it could be an option to me. I know what Welbutrin is but I don't know what the other medications are for that you are taking. How is the Welbutrin working? My 9 year old son takes it with his retalin and it has worked wonders for him.I feel totally lost on these things. Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks
I was only kidding! You really made me think about our responsibility to speak out about our positive experiences with medications in light of the fact that, as you put it, often a controversial medication may be someone's last remaining chance for survival.
>
> I was taking neurontin and topamax of course, and I was taking parlodel, estrogen, aygestin, and armour thyroid. Now I am also taking Wellbutrin. What you think? Sound like oceans of fun?
>
> I read your question below about chest pains. I can only mention that I get nasty esophageal spasms every so often, I think from swallowing so many pills and getting careless doing so. It feels like chest pains. I have to take previcid until it goes away. Just a thought.
Posted by somebetter on August 1, 2001, at 2:37:38
In reply to Re: Another satisfied customer! Somebetter, posted by wendi on July 31, 2001, at 9:10:53
> Hi somebetter, can you explain how the estrogen helps. I've heard alot of people taking it and I wonder if it could be an option to me.
Hey, Wendy: Well, this explains the hormones I'm taking. You might want to check out the whole thread. http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010708/msgs/70085.html except that I was taking premphase and not estratest when my new doc switched me
>How is the Welbutrin working? My 9 year old son takes it with his retalin and it has worked wonders for him.I have had to play around with my medications for the last 4 years to get the best mix. The Wellbutrin has helped me with concentration, depressed mood, and depressed energy. I only take 150 mg. a day. I've tried getting along without it. I've tried increasing the Effexor and doing without the Wellbutrin. It just doesn't do!
The Topamax is for my migraines. I take 100 mg. twice a day. It helps with the persistent thinking music in my head, I've found. It doesn't stop it, but it keeps it at a bearable level. The Neurontin, 200 mg I think, once a day, is the neatest thing I take. It seems to settles the others into place and give them an extra little push. It really helps with anxiety and depression.
>I feel totally lost on these things. Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks
I'm really lost, too. It has been hard for me to accept that I could look and look but probably nothing was ever going to make my problems all go away. I just have too many. I don't think it's realistic to think that I can be 'fixed' by medication. Or by my doc, for that matter. So, lately I've been taking steps to make things better on my own again. But the problem is, I've been taking steps in the wrong direction! I'm rebelling.
I'm very happy for your son. It can be difficult for children to get the right meds. They aren't able to speak up for themselves and I think just suffer side effects sometimes because they don't know how to explain what they're feeling. I bet your son is a pretty neat guy. I teach his age and I get a kick out of them. I hope you find the right med for yourself soon. It just takes persistence. I really do think I have hit on the right combination for myself finally. The rest I will have to do myself. I sign myself 'somebetter' because that's how I feel. Anyway, I truly do wish you luck,and wish I could help. Don't you wish it was as easy as it was with your son? One pill? Sigh...
Posted by jotho on August 1, 2001, at 7:51:25
In reply to Re: Another satisfied customer! Somebetter, posted by somebetter on August 1, 2001, at 2:37:38
Hello...I did not follow the whole thread so i wouldn't know if this has been mentioned, but i've read over the last several years that many doctors do not attempt to balance the estrogens (aren't there three natural forms ... esterol....estradiol...and a third i can't remember?) And what about the use of progesterone (not the yam stuff)? As i said, i am just reciting what i read and have no real knowledge about the use of them, but it would seem important to check out the balance of the three, i would think. Let me know if i am out of line in that you are all already familiar with this.
luck and happy to y'all.....john
Posted by wendi on August 1, 2001, at 15:45:42
In reply to Re: Another satisfied customer! Somebetter, posted by somebetter on August 1, 2001, at 2:37:38
> > Hi, can you tell me what the Neurontin is? Is it a antideppresant? Do you have to take it in conjunction with something else? Ya, my son is pretty neat. I had a hard time putting him on medication. I just felt that he was being a kid. But I tell you, that was the best thing I could of ever done for him. He is so much happier and now doing so much better in school and socially. The hardest thing in the world is seeing a child sad, especially when its one that you love so much. I'm glad that you get to work with children. Sometimes seeing a happy child just makes life a little bit easier.
Hi somebetter, can you explain how the estrogen helps. I've heard alot of people taking it and I wonder if it could be an option to me.
>
> Hey, Wendy: Well, this explains the hormones I'm taking. You might want to check out the whole thread. http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010708/msgs/70085.html except that I was taking premphase and not estratest when my new doc switched me
>
>
> >How is the Welbutrin working? My 9 year old son takes it with his retalin and it has worked wonders for him.
>
> I have had to play around with my medications for the last 4 years to get the best mix. The Wellbutrin has helped me with concentration, depressed mood, and depressed energy. I only take 150 mg. a day. I've tried getting along without it. I've tried increasing the Effexor and doing without the Wellbutrin. It just doesn't do!
>
> The Topamax is for my migraines. I take 100 mg. twice a day. It helps with the persistent thinking music in my head, I've found. It doesn't stop it, but it keeps it at a bearable level. The Neurontin, 200 mg I think, once a day, is the neatest thing I take. It seems to settles the others into place and give them an extra little push. It really helps with anxiety and depression.
>
> >I feel totally lost on these things. Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks
>
> I'm really lost, too. It has been hard for me to accept that I could look and look but probably nothing was ever going to make my problems all go away. I just have too many. I don't think it's realistic to think that I can be 'fixed' by medication. Or by my doc, for that matter. So, lately I've been taking steps to make things better on my own again. But the problem is, I've been taking steps in the wrong direction! I'm rebelling.
>
> I'm very happy for your son. It can be difficult for children to get the right meds. They aren't able to speak up for themselves and I think just suffer side effects sometimes because they don't know how to explain what they're feeling. I bet your son is a pretty neat guy. I teach his age and I get a kick out of them. I hope you find the right med for yourself soon. It just takes persistence. I really do think I have hit on the right combination for myself finally. The rest I will have to do myself. I sign myself 'somebetter' because that's how I feel. Anyway, I truly do wish you luck,and wish I could help. Don't you wish it was as easy as it was with your son? One pill? Sigh...
Posted by gldngodess on August 1, 2001, at 16:28:22
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by Noa on November 7, 1999, at 19:31:21
> Hi, best of luck to you. Glad to hear you are feeling better. I also take effexor XR, 375 mg every morning (plus: methylphenidate 10 mg, 3x/day, synthroid 25 mcg, cytomel 12.5 mcg, and in the evening, I take serzone 150 mg.).
I take 300mg of Effexor and I am thinking about going up to 375 mg.
Does the effexor and the methyphenidate do you well?
I think I need that because I zone out sometime when peolpe talk to me, that's bad manners and I want to be able to enteract better. I am too busy with my own thoughts to really socialize. I tire of people who are superficial and I am too analytical sometime.
any suggestions........Please?~amanda
Posted by Kori on August 1, 2001, at 16:45:33
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have been taking Effexor for a little over a year now and just found out I'm pregnant. My doctor told me there hasn't been any conclusive studies done that says it's bad to stay on it - anyone know any different? I obviously don't want to be on it if it will hurt the baby! Please let e know if you have been on it yourself while pregnant - or know someone that has. Thanks!
Posted by gldngodess on August 1, 2001, at 17:28:14
In reply to Effexor and pregnancy?, posted by Kori on August 1, 2001, at 16:45:33
> I have been taking Effexor for a little over a year now and just found out I'm pregnant. My doctor told me there hasn't been any conclusive studies done that says it's bad to stay on it - anyone know any different? I obviously don't want to be on it if it will hurt the baby! Please let e know if you have been on it yourself while pregnant - or know someone that has. Thanks!
I was taking 300mg of effexor and tried to get off it cold turkey and I lost my baby.
I would, if I were you, to get down to the minimal dosage you need or switch to something like zoloft or prozac which doesn't pass through the placental barrier as easy and if so its in minute amounts.
I don't care what any f**king doctor says, it is still teratogenic effects are in the category "C",
which indicates it is not as safe as a category "b" or "a" for example.
The also have this phenomenon it is either "all or nothing" if you went to thru the 8 wks and havent miscarried than you are okay????
As mommies, we want that best for our babies, God forbid something happen to them, just because we listened to a mere human. Do what is in you gut, your heart, and your soul?
ask God too? It's YOUR baby and to him you are just a basic statistical-depresso and he is going by statistical averages that are not always fool-proof.
I am on effexor now and my blood seems thinner and I bruise easy. What happens if it affects some coagulation issues in your pregnancy? To , me, the 'risks do not out weigh the benefits'!
Educate yourself read , read , read and try to convey to your doctor it's vital that you keep your baby safe from harm and if there is an antidepressant with a teratogenic factor less scary. 10mg of prozac was proven safe for moms and zoloft.
Can you imagine if your baby comes out having to go through effexor withdrawls or neural tube defects or even something as simple as Attention-Defecit-Disorder? We don't want our babies mentally-handicapped with even depression or cleft pallates, club feet etc,.
God almighty, it will be something you questioned in the begining and trusted, then, if anything goes wrong with the developement(physical,social,mental) you are going to be GOUGED again and again in your heart evertime you look at that precious little gift from God!~warmest regards and blessing to you and your dear baby,
amanda
Posted by Teri on August 1, 2001, at 19:08:07
In reply to Re: Effexor and pregnancy? » Kori, posted by gldngodess on August 1, 2001, at 17:30:29
Hi. Has anyone had problems with extreme anxiety on Effexor XR. I started it in May at 37.5mg and when I went up to 75mg after a week the anxiety was so bad that I had to go back down to 37.5mg. I was still having anxiety problems and depression so I started to go up to 75mg 6 days ago and the anxiety is so bad that I'm having panic attacks while driving! I'm having to take a Xanax the last 3 days just to function. I thought that Effexor XR was approved by the FDA for Generalized Anxiety Disorder but it's seems to be making mine a lot worse. Does this pass after a few weeks or so? Thanks! Teri
Posted by somebetter on August 1, 2001, at 20:29:41
In reply to Re: Another satisfied customer! Somebetter, posted by wendi on August 1, 2001, at 15:45:42
Actually, it is an anticonvulsant. Look around in here and you'll find lots written about it. It has many experimental uses - depression, bipolar disease, anxiety, social phobia...
Unfortunately, I see many many unhappy children. That's why I find it delightful that your son is doing well. Many children have moms and dads that love them dearly, but don't get the help they need only because their parents don't know how to pursue it. It's not an easy task. Too well we know.
Posted by girlie on August 1, 2001, at 20:42:24
In reply to Effexor and pregnancy?, posted by Kori on August 1, 2001, at 16:45:33
> I have been taking Effexor for a little over a year now and just found out I'm pregnant. My doctor told me there hasn't been any conclusive studies done that says it's bad to stay on it - anyone know any different? I obviously don't want to be on it if it will hurt the baby! Please let e know if you have been on it yourself while pregnant - or know someone that has. Thanks!
I am getting married in October and we are going to try to get pregnant right away. I weaned down to 225mg/day from my 300mg/day to start getting off this drug. I, too, was told by my doctor that there is no conclusive evidence of problems during pregnancy/birth defects. I'm not taking any chances tho, and want to get off of it before I get pregnant.
Due to the effects of withdrawl that most people go thru, I would work closely with your doctor on this one!
Good luck!
girlie
Posted by Cindylou on August 2, 2001, at 7:09:37
In reply to Effexor XR and anxiety, posted by Teri on August 1, 2001, at 19:08:07
Hi Teri,
Yes, I had anxiety attacks frequently while on Effexor -- one thing I noticed was that the attacks usually happened after I drank caffeine, even a small amount. Do you drink coffee, diet coke, etc.? I learned from this board that Effexor increases the effects of caffeine by 3 times! If you do drink caffeine, try cutting it out and see what happens...best of luck to you -- keep me posted on how it goes,
-cindy
> Hi. Has anyone had problems with extreme anxiety on Effexor XR. I started it in May at 37.5mg and when I went up to 75mg after a week the anxiety was so bad that I had to go back down to 37.5mg. I was still having anxiety problems and depression so I started to go up to 75mg 6 days ago and the anxiety is so bad that I'm having panic attacks while driving! I'm having to take a Xanax the last 3 days just to function. I thought that Effexor XR was approved by the FDA for Generalized Anxiety Disorder but it's seems to be making mine a lot worse. Does this pass after a few weeks or so? Thanks! Teri
Posted by Teri on August 2, 2001, at 14:52:03
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and anxiety » Teri, posted by Cindylou on August 2, 2001, at 7:09:37
Thanks for your response. I've read that about caffeine on this board also. I have been making my coffee about 1/3 regular and the rest decaf but noticed I was taking off like a rocket afterwards. I'm just going to try to cut it out all together to see if that helps. Just bought a case of diet pepsi, too! Maybe I'll trade it in for decaf. Are you still on Effexor? The anxiety along with the nausea are really doing a number on me. I've heard that for some people the anxiety wears off. Hope that's the case soon. It is lifting my mood so that's good at least. Since I've gone up to 75mg my insomnia is worse. I've been taking Ambien that helps but with this increase I'm waking up after the Ambien leaved my system. Yikes! I'm just really sensitive to these activating ADs. I was on Remeron for a long time but it wasn't really doing anything but making me gain weight. It did help the insomnia thing, though. Thanks again. Teri
Posted by ksc on August 2, 2001, at 15:37:31
In reply to Re: Effexor and pregnancy? » Kori, posted by gldngodess on August 1, 2001, at 17:28:14
AMANDA WROTE: Can you imagine if your baby comes out having to go through effexor withdrawls?
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BOY OH BOY... Good Call Amanda!!! Never thought of that, but it sure makes sense that THAT could happen. I know how I feel/felt coming down, as close to death as I've ever been. Can't imagine a poor tiny defenseless little baby, who can't speak up and say "HEY, I'm havig some prety nasty withdrawls here, could someone help me out PLEASE?".Definately something to think about
~KSC
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