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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by SusanG on March 27, 2002, at 18:31:39
In reply to I am new at this and Effexor XR, posted by valenphy on March 27, 2002, at 14:42:45
Valenphy, I had similar concerns. At first I felt great on Effexor and had no significant negative side effects. However, after about a month or so I noticed increased fatigue, significant weight gain, weird dreams, and difficulty sleeping deeply. My depression still seemed to be in check so I never increased my dosage. I finally decided it wasn't worth it so I went off. But what you describe is similar to my experience in that all seemed well in the beginning, then the honeymoon ended.
Posted by lolly on March 27, 2002, at 19:24:14
In reply to I am new at this and Effexor XR, posted by valenphy on March 27, 2002, at 14:42:45
Valenphy,
I started effexor xr 2 years ago and went up to 150 mg about a year in. Untill just recently I thought everything was ok. I developed a rash, headaches etc. I also noticed it didn't seem to be doing the things it was supposed to. I am having trouble sleeping and weird dreams when I do sleep. From all I've read, when the side effects start(after the initial) they don't go away. I finally gave up. Keep reading some of the other posts before you decide, you might want to try the higher dose. Good luck.
Lolly
Posted by tessy on March 28, 2002, at 19:44:37
In reply to Re: a chat room, posted by JANNBEAU on March 27, 2002, at 17:32:08
Hi everyone,
I'm tessy and have been on effexor xr for about a month now. It has really helped for my depression, and I hope it will continue to work. I have been on and off Zoloft a few times, but it seems to lose its effectiveness after a while. Hope to hear from you.
Tessy
Posted by Elizabeth on March 28, 2002, at 22:44:57
In reply to I am new at this and Effexor XR, posted by valenphy on March 27, 2002, at 14:42:45
Hi, and welcome.
Can you tell us when you were feeling more energetic -- how long after you started the Effexor, that is? You generally have to take antidepressants, including Effexor XR, for several weeks before the effect completely kicks in. Usually, a response to antidepressants is gradual, with a little bit of improvement each day; you might not start noticing anything until a couple weeks after you reach an effective dose.
Some antidepressants, such as Effexor, Wellbutrin, and the SSRIs, are a bit activating. This is something that you may see after the first dose. It's not the main effect that you're shooting for with the medication, the "true antidepressant effect" -- it's generally considered a side effect. Sometimes, when a depressed person is very tired a lot, it can be a beneficial side effect. (Similarly, if a person has an agitated depression or is very anxious, it may be desirable to try an AD that tends to be sedating, such as Remeron or trimipramine.) Generally, the activating/stimulant effect will level out as your body adjusts to the medication. When the true antidepressant effect kicks in, of course, you should start to feel well, and that usually means more energy (but not a stimulated or wired feeling).
In summary: don't worry that the Effexor has stopped working; it probably never even started!
I take Effexor XR too. I gradually increased the dose up to 375 mg/day, which is the upper end of the dose range. I started at 75 mg/day, and I didn't notice it doing anything when I was taking that amount. Effexor has a wide range of possible effective doses, so you have plenty of room for increases. I think it's probably a good idea to increase it in increments of 37.5 mg/day, possibly 75 if you can tolerate it. I'm not sure there are all that many people who actually do well on just 75 mg/day, so don't rush to the conclusion that you have to switch ADs or that you've become tolerant (as I said, I don't think the initial effect you describe was the true AD effect). You may just not be taking a high enough dose; to find the right dose for you, you just have to increase it slowly until it starts showing benefits or until you can't tolerate it or reach the maximum recommended dose for your condition. (Do you happen to know what you've been diagnosed with, BTW? It seems to make some difference in predicting what the right dose of Effexor might be.)
I hope this is helpful to you. Don't give up. And once again, welcome to the board.
-elizabeth
Posted by ST on March 31, 2002, at 4:57:02
In reply to I am new at this and Effexor XR, posted by valenphy on March 27, 2002, at 14:42:45
Hi and welcome!
Many people have complained of the same pattern. After I got used to one level, I would get tired and anxious. I'd move up to the next level and feel good and then slowly the same thing would happen. (Last week I was so anxious and had no idea where it was coming from and then it vanished!) I'm now at 225 mg and I think I may be past the total exhaustion stage while awake, but I'm sleeping like a rock at night and can barely wake up in the morning. I feel reeeeaaaally out of it when I wake up - I could sleep 12 hours.
Does this ever go away?Sarah
Posted by Reneeb on March 31, 2002, at 13:04:58
In reply to Sleeping long hours/hard to wake up, posted by ST on March 31, 2002, at 4:57:02
> Hi and welcome!
>
> Many people have complained of the same pattern. After I got used to one level, I would get tired and anxious. I'd move up to the next level and feel good and then slowly the same thing would happen. (Last week I was so anxious and had no idea where it was coming from and then it vanished!) I'm now at 225 mg and I think I may be past the total exhaustion stage while awake, but I'm sleeping like a rock at night and can barely wake up in the morning. I feel reeeeaaaally out of it when I wake up - I could sleep 12 hours.
> Does this ever go away?
>
> Sarah
Hi Sarah, All I can tell you is that I was on 150mg for a year. It only got worse for me. I was tired all the time. I also gained 10 pounds so I am weaning off the stuff. It just made me feel numb. I had no feelings. I hope yu do better on it.Good Luck,
Renee
Posted by IsoM on March 31, 2002, at 13:10:27
In reply to Sleeping long hours/hard to wake up, posted by ST on March 31, 2002, at 4:57:02
Sarah, before you ever took meds, were you a heavy sleeper or long sleeper? I really wish I could do without the long hours of sleep I need but I find if I don't give myself lots of sleep, I go downhill. I've always seemed to need lots of sleep.
My Mom says as a baby, I slept fitfully & not much - guess I made up for it as an adult. Some people really do need more sleep than others - a genetic difference. All my sons seem to need lots of sleep too & were fitful sleepers as babies.
Posted by Reneeb on March 31, 2002, at 13:10:56
In reply to Hi, I'm new, posted by tessy on March 28, 2002, at 19:44:37
> Hi everyone,
> I'm tessy and have been on effexor xr for about a month now. It has really helped for my depression, and I hope it will continue to work. I have been on and off Zoloft a few times, but it seems to lose its effectiveness after a while. Hope to hear from you.
> Tessy
Hi Tessy, Im glad its working well for you. I had some problems with it myself.Good Luck,
Renee
Posted by Reneeb on March 31, 2002, at 13:14:30
In reply to Re: a chat room, posted by JANNBEAU on March 27, 2002, at 17:32:08
> Shanti, check your email. The registration confirmation number comes to you via email.
>
> I found it and chatted a little while last night. Angel Girl was there, among others.
>
> Cheers,
> Jannbeau
I believe I have signed up. How do you know if someone is there? Sorry, I am so behind - I was in California for a week. A lot has happened since I have been gone. I have to catch up to you guys.Talk to you soon,
Renee
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 31, 2002, at 20:13:14
In reply to Re: a chat room » JANNBEAU, posted by Reneeb on March 31, 2002, at 13:14:30
> Sorry, I am so behind - I was in California for a week. A lot has happened since I have been gone.
Welcome back, I know you've found it, but just so other people know, further discussion about chatting should take place over at Psycho-Social-Babble:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020325/msgs/21223.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Allen F. on April 1, 2002, at 0:06:36
In reply to Sleeping long hours/hard to wake up, posted by ST on March 31, 2002, at 4:57:02
Sleeping ... I have been on AD for so long I have forgotten what it would be like to be able to sleep "norally." What I wouldn't give to be able to come home at night and go to bed, then wake up in the morning refreshed instead of tired as I do. I don't sleep though the night like I want too. I want up several times. Yes, I have been taking something to sleep but I still wake up, its frustrating.
Morning are the worst. I wake up agitated and nausiated. Its not a good way to start the day.
At present I am weinging off of Effexor and not having much fun. Today has not been a good day. Then again, the past week has not been that great. I am tired of being tired. I am tired of the tension that I have been feeling. I know that getting of the AD is the right thing to do. I wish I had a better support system to do so.
I am trying to look at the bright side of things, like today, Easter, and all that it means. Happy Easter.
Allen
Posted by Pamela Lynn on April 1, 2002, at 9:53:36
In reply to Re: Sleeping long hours/hard to wake up, posted by Allen F. on April 1, 2002, at 0:06:36
Allen,
What you typed about your sleeping problems...well, it was like you took the words right out of my mouth.
My Shrink has known about it for sometime and (this is the ONLY issue her and I have ever differed on)she wants me to go to one of those 'sleep studies'. I say NO WAY to that, as my insurance won't cover it and because I know what is the problem for my constant wakings during the night....My problem is that I have been on A.D.'s for years now, and I mean years; they are the cause here.
I too am going to start to wean off of the Effexor XR (hope I don't have the problem going off of the Effexor like others have!), the Wellbutrin. I also suffer from just awful panic attacks, so I am going to keep on the Klonipin...and for my occassional 'psychotic episode' due to my Borderline Pers. Disorder I will keep the Zyprexa on hand!
Please, PLEASE wish me luck. This is something that I really want to do, I might need some help from the board here if the going gets tough. You guys are great, I know I can count on you all if need be.
P.L.
> Sleeping ... I have been on AD for so long I have forgotten what it would be like to be able to sleep "norally." What I wouldn't give to be able to come home at night and go to bed, then wake up in the morning refreshed instead of tired as I do. I don't sleep though the night like I want too. I want up several times. Yes, I have been taking something to sleep but I still wake up, its frustrating.
>
> Morning are the worst. I wake up agitated and nausiated. Its not a good way to start the day.
>
> At present I am weinging off of Effexor and not having much fun. Today has not been a good day. Then again, the past week has not been that great. I am tired of being tired. I am tired of the tension that I have been feeling. I know that getting of the AD is the right thing to do. I wish I had a better support system to do so.
>
> I am trying to look at the bright side of things, like today, Easter, and all that it means. Happy Easter.
>
> Allen
Posted by Spencer on April 2, 2002, at 0:53:47
In reply to Re: Sleeping long hours/hard to wake up » Allen F., posted by Pamela Lynn on April 1, 2002, at 9:53:36
I've been on Efexor XR 125mg per day for about 6 months to treat major depression with excellent results, although for the first three months I had numerous side effects including insomnia. All the side effects went away eventually. However, in the last couple of weeks I've had some very abnormally large bruises, which, I am wondering, could be a side effect of Efexor.
Has anyone else had a similar experience??
Posted by IsoM on April 2, 2002, at 1:12:31
In reply to Anyone had abnormal bruising?, posted by Spencer on April 2, 2002, at 0:53:47
It's possible for drugs that affect serotonin to cause bruising, and while not rare, it's not that common for it to be a real problem.
Serotonin is used in platelet aggregation for normal clotting. SSRIs (& even though Effexor is not strictly an SSRI, it does affect serotonin too) can impair the ability of platelets clumping which can lead to longer clotting times - hence bruising.
Not all bruising is worrisome unless you're bruising very easily from light pressure or if you notice cuts won't clot properly. It also can be a problem if you have bad ulcers. If you're concerned, a doctor can perform a clotting time test to be sure.
Posted by Spencer on April 2, 2002, at 1:58:52
In reply to Re: Anyone had abnormal bruising? » Spencer, posted by IsoM on April 2, 2002, at 1:12:31
Thanks very much for the response. I'll monitor things and go to the doctor if the problem persists.
Posted by JANNBEAU on April 2, 2002, at 10:21:51
In reply to Re: Sleeping long hours/hard to wake up » ST, posted by IsoM on March 31, 2002, at 13:10:27
> Sarah, whether this goes away or not may be a function of the person's physiology. I can't speak for anyone but myself and it has not gone away for me and I am down from 225 to 75 mg XR per day. My doctor gave me a minor stimulant that helps me to wake up during the day. IsoM has another good thought about sleep in general. I need at least seven hours per night or the Effexor effects seem exaggerated.
Cheers
JannbeauSarah, before you ever took meds, were you a heavy sleeper or long sleeper? I really wish I could do without the long hours of sleep I need but I find if I don't give myself lots of sleep, I go downhill. I've always seemed to need lots of sleep.
>
> My Mom says as a baby, I slept fitfully & not much - guess I made up for it as an adult. Some people really do need more sleep than others - a genetic difference. All my sons seem to need lots of sleep too & were fitful sleepers as babies.
Posted by tessy on April 5, 2002, at 17:32:26
In reply to Re: Anyone had abnormal bruising? » IsoM, posted by Spencer on April 2, 2002, at 1:58:52
You know, I always thought it was just that I bruised easily. It could be that, but I've really only noticed in the last several years, and coincidentally, I have been on Zoloft and then Effexor. It doesn't really bother me, though, but it looks pretty bad.
Tessy
Posted by Kat26 on April 6, 2002, at 0:24:36
In reply to Re: Anyone had abnormal bruising? » IsoM, posted by Spencer on April 2, 2002, at 1:58:52
I'm having this a little bit with Prozac. Seem to bruise more easily. For some reason especially before I get my period.
Kat26
Posted by IsoM on April 6, 2002, at 1:30:20
In reply to Re: Anyone had abnormal bruising?, posted by Kat26 on April 6, 2002, at 0:24:36
If anyone is concerned, ask your doctor for a clotting time test. Otherwise, while the bruises look pretty ugly, they're not worrisome. Be aware too that any NSAIDs you take can also increase risks bruising more. My worst bruises happen when I need to take NSAIDs for a short while. They also interfere with platelet clumping.
Posted by Kat26 on April 6, 2002, at 13:10:17
In reply to Bit More On Bruising, posted by IsoM on April 6, 2002, at 1:30:20
Yeah, that's true... I had talked to my doc about the bruising thing last year and he agreed that it is better to take something like tylenol for headaches instead of aspirin.
Kat26
Posted by jammy on April 9, 2002, at 12:11:00
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I've been trying to taper from Effexor XR for a few days and got down to 75mg, but the tingling, dizziness and palpitations have become almost intolerable now! I've seen mentioned elsewhere on these boards that Benadryl is meant to be helpful as a kind of sedative in these circumstances, but can anyone recommend any other possible OTC remedies that may help with the other symptoms? (i'm in the uk so maybe not all the same drugs are available over the counter here) (By the way, going to my GP to ask for help is out of the question - the doctor that I'm expected to register with at my new address thought I was asking for Valium. When I tried to explain that I wanted venlafaxine, and that yes, it did have to be the extended release kind, his response was 'they're all antidepressants tho innit?' I thought I was dreaming...)
jammy
Posted by Pamela Lynn on April 9, 2002, at 19:19:30
In reply to Effexor XR withdrawal - does benadryl help?, posted by jammy on April 9, 2002, at 12:11:00
I too,am going off of the Effexor XR......I took the advice of someone from this board and asked my Shrink to put me on Remeron (not over the counter though). The Remeron seems to be helping.....I HAVE HEARD, however, that Benadryl can be of help when weaning off of Effexor Xr.
P.L.
Posted by Katekite on April 9, 2002, at 20:54:25
In reply to Effexor XR withdrawal - does benadryl help?, posted by jammy on April 9, 2002, at 12:11:00
Effexor is one of the worst to come off of. I don't know of OTC help, but it is always ok to take an extra effexor to stem the withdrawal. Go slower than you want to. Good luck -- kate
Posted by Cmatt on April 13, 2002, at 0:14:24
In reply to Effexor XR withdrawal - does benadryl help?, posted by jammy on April 9, 2002, at 12:11:00
If SSRI's dont bother you, you might see about using a small amount of Prozac while coming down off the Effexor. The belief is that since Effexor leaves the body so quick, the rapid loss of effect on serotonin is belived to be somewhat responsible for the discomfort. Some say that adding some Prozac helps ease the discomfort.
Other than that, use might try a sedating Tricylic Antidepressant like Elavil or Surmontil, or even the Remeron the other poster mentioned.
Cmatt
Posted by Gare on April 17, 2002, at 15:23:11
In reply to Re: Sleeping long hours/hard to wake up » IsoM, posted by JANNBEAU on April 2, 2002, at 10:21:51
That's interesting. I started Effexor XR at 37.5 mg once a day for one week; 75 mg per day for two weeks and climbed to 150 mg once a day. Once I started the 150 mg, I turned into a functioning zombie..that is work 9-5 then sleep 6pm - 6 am, ready for a new day. This went on for two weeks, and during the weekends, I slept entirely through it with the exception of going to church on Sunday. However, I am through the zombie phase and have begun dreams that feel real, even after waking up, which isn't good if you toss and turn and wake up several times a night either spooked or disoriented.
I spoke with my psychiatrist today and I am switching my time of dosage which currently is around 5 pm to first thing in the morning to see if I can restore my sleeping function.
This is the second time I have initiated Effexor.
The first time I took it, the first day I started in the evening and within one hour I felt like I had an intense orgasm and then just instantly had to go to sleep, even if I didn't want to. This effect took place for four days and the reaction to sleeping changed back to normal. However, everytime I yawned, my body could recall the feeling of the second half of having an orgasm, which was a nice feeling to have all day long.
So my body has reacted differently when starting this drug, but I do still have that yawning now, just not as much, but it does come with the orgasmic/ecstacy sensation. Anyone experience that one?
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