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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by JANNBEAU on May 29, 2002, at 10:24:14
In reply to just started, posted by DJT on May 28, 2002, at 15:32:36
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>
> "So why is it that there are so many negative comments on this board? Is it because many of you are more difficult cases than average?"> Hi, DJT. I think you have hit the nail on the head. Most of us who post regularly on this site have noted the fact that most of the posts are negative in tone, although many of us also try to balance the pros and cons. Also, those who experience a negative side-effect of a medication have been shown to be more vocal about their problems than are those who do not experience any negative effects and are happy with their response to a drug (as with other situations in life, we complain when we are unhappy, but fail to give thanks when we are satisfied)! This means that there is probably some sort of "selection bias" occurring. Also, many of us report side effects that have already been reported in the literature and/or which are listed in the product information sheet that comes with the medication. I always ask for the "physician's insert" with my first Rx of anything. That way, I know ahead of time what the most common side effects are. Also, as more and more people take a drug, it is possible that rare side effects will surface that the drug studies are not designed to pick up (would need too many subjects, which would lead to longer times to development and marketing of good drugs as well as even steeper costs). Some such effects have led to withdrawal of certain medications, but most just lead to changes in labeling. Sometimes the side-effects even lead to studies for a new indication. Also doctors often use meds "off-label". If enough have success with such "off-label" use (which is NOT illegal in the US, by the way), the manufacturer will often do studies and ask for a "new indication" approval.
Hope this is helpful to you,
Cheers,Jannbeau
Posted by Grace Coyote on May 29, 2002, at 19:40:58
In reply to Re: just started, posted by JANNBEAU on May 29, 2002, at 10:24:14
Hello out there in cyber land...I just started Effexor about 4 weeks ago, I am new to the psychotropic meds. I had been on Serzone (100mg)for almost 2 years and never really noticed a difference except I didn't feel like my head was stuffed with cotten. I could at least have lucid moments. But during these last few months I could no longer shake the inner feeling of sadness. Most of the time it only lasts for a few days (hormonal) and then I can begin to sing in my car again and be more social with friends. Since I have been on the Effexor I want to be alone more and feel an inner silence. I am not dreaming, which bothers me. I also seem to be more forgetful than usual. No sex drive...and absolutely no motivation to do anything. I am holding my breath until my summer class is finished and I won't have to return to teaching until September. I dont't feel any better. I feel ambivalent about everything and could sleep round the clock if I could. I am going to see a real shrink next week (my GP prescribed this stuff) and maybe we can take a look at this. This zombie phase is lasting way too long for my liking. I am forgetting what I used to feel like. Most of the time even talking is a chore and since I am a college professor, I can not go to class with my brain in the clouds. I used to be able to go on for days about the subjects I teach with real interest, but now, I could care less. Is it me? Is it the medication? I can't tell anymore.
Posted by Beauty on May 29, 2002, at 22:01:31
In reply to New to Effexor XR - Do I want to continue?, posted by Beauty on May 27, 2002, at 14:34:41
Hi all, me again. Thought I'd check back in and let you know how I'm doing. Day 4 on Effexor: hellacious headache yesterday and today, remedied by Advil, for the most part, and some head massage. No getting to sleep at night, so am back on micro-amount of Trazadone in the pm. I feel some lethargy, and more apathy/complacency, than when on Wellbutrin. Appetite a little depressed, not a bad thing for me :-)). Thanks to everyone for your posts. Sorry about the duplicate initial message... wasn't sure I did it right the first time! (Try, try again?) Keep smiling!
Posted by Nat A. on May 29, 2002, at 23:10:34
In reply to Re: New to Effexor XR - Do I want to continue?, posted by Beauty on May 29, 2002, at 22:01:31
Hello everyone. I have been taking this med for almost a year now. I am up to 225mg daily. Well, I guess that was what I was up to. I am now down to 150 daily and scared to go lower for fear of w/d. The doc I have been seeing has really blown my trust lately and I wonder if she really has a clue or just wants me out of the office because her schedule is so booked. I am really not paranoid... i swear!! Well, at least not diagonosed! lol... Anyway, How slow do I need to step down. Should I go every other day 150 to 75 for a while? then 75 for a while then slowly go evey other day at that point? I am so sick of all of the side effects that I am getting and can't stand it any more. Please!! Send me some words of wisdom. Or at least some of your educated guesses.. I am tired of standing out here in left field by myself. Thanks for letting me ramble!!!
Nat
Posted by Allen F. on May 29, 2002, at 23:28:36
In reply to Effexor.... how slow 2 go off, posted by Nat A. on May 29, 2002, at 23:10:34
I was at 150mg and cut back to 75 the first week, 37.5mg in the morning and at night. Since then I have been decreasing the amount by about 10% per week by taking some of the granuals out of the capsules. I am down to about 20mg a day and will soon discontinue.
I did it this way based on advice I have received. I am not sure it is the best way to do it, or if I haven't just prolonged the agoney. But, I have not had any major problems with withdrawal and have avoided a relaps of depression.
Your PDoc should be able to give you a schedule to wein off, you should talk to her about it.
Hope this helps.
Posted by kickink on May 29, 2002, at 23:56:29
In reply to Effexor.... how slow 2 go off, posted by Nat A. on May 29, 2002, at 23:10:34
> Hello everyone. I have been taking this med for almost a year now. I am up to 225mg daily. Well, I guess that was what I was up to. I am now down to 150 daily and scared to go lower for fear of w/d. The doc I have been seeing has really blown my trust lately and I wonder if she really has a clue or just wants me out of the office because her schedule is so booked. I am really not paranoid... i swear!! Well, at least not diagonosed! lol... Anyway, How slow do I need to step down. Should I go every other day 150 to 75 for a while? then 75 for a while then slowly go evey other day at that point? I am so sick of all of the side effects that I am getting and can't stand it any more. Please!! Send me some words of wisdom. Or at least some of your educated guesses.. I am tired of standing out here in left field by myself. Thanks for letting me ramble!!!
> NatTHere are some other posts under "withdrawal" and "prozac" that you might want to take a look at to help you wean. Good luck.
Posted by LynnPerley on May 30, 2002, at 21:19:13
In reply to Re: just started, posted by Grace Coyote on May 29, 2002, at 19:40:58
Give it a few more weeks. Those feelings started to lift for me about the time I got my first refill of 150 mg 30 day supply (I had taken a sample pack with lower doseages before I got the 150 mg 30 day scrip).
Posted by Spencer on May 31, 2002, at 8:49:39
In reply to Effexor.... how slow 2 go off, posted by Nat A. on May 29, 2002, at 23:10:34
I contacted the local Effexor representative of Wyeth and asked about tapering off the drug because I'm doing it now.
She advised, and only as a guideline, for someone taking 225mg XR once a day for 6 months:
Week 1 - down to 150mg per day
Week 2 - down to 75mg per day
Week 3 - down to 75mg every 36 hours
Week 4 - down to 75mg every 48 hours
Then stop.I was taking 150mg XR for about 10 months. My psychiatrist suggested 112.5mg in the form of 75mg XR capsule and 37.5mg tablet. The tablet is not XR though. I've done this for three weeks now with no side effects. I'm going down to 75mg XR next week and the Wyeth rep. suggested taking half a 37.5mg tablet just to top up a bit if I start feeling effects. My psychiatrist also said she might just finish off with some Prozac.
I'll see how it goes.
Posted by mara talamaur on May 31, 2002, at 15:29:33
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Greetings,
I began taking Effexor XR in March to aid with depression and concentration problems (not ADD, more likely related to the depression). I am currently on the 150mg doseage.
It seems now that I'm having a lot of trouble orgasming...this is kind of disturbing considering I'm pretty young (21) and am used to being, well, rather an "easy-orgasm-er". LOL!
It takes far longer than it used to and when I do achieve an orgasm, it's far from the intensity that I'm used to (although my boyfriend and I do not mind working on this problem..hehe). I'm disappointed, although this isn't enough of a reason for me to discontinue anti-depressent useage.Has any female had similar effects? What have you done about it? Has this side effect gone away for you? Any suggestions and commentary would be most appreciated.
Cheers,Mara
Posted by Ed O`Flaherty on May 31, 2002, at 17:03:15
In reply to Female w/ Sexual Side Effects, posted by mara talamaur on May 31, 2002, at 15:29:33
Efexor is well-known for sexual side effects and certainly worse than the SSRIs such as Prozac.It is pretty good for depression though.
Posted by kickink on May 31, 2002, at 18:05:52
In reply to Re: Female w/ Sexual Side Effects, posted by Ed O`Flaherty on May 31, 2002, at 17:03:15
My personal experience included the EXACT same thing. Takes longer, less intense etc. I also had weight gain. Worked OK on my depression. I didn't cry much. I finally discontinued but went through bad withdrawal. Best Wishes to you and your BOYFRIEND!!! LOL
Posted by Sleepy Lizard on May 31, 2002, at 22:29:02
In reply to Re: Female w/ Sexual Side Effects, posted by Ed O`Flaherty on May 31, 2002, at 17:03:15
I found this information on www.medhelp.org forum. I hope it helps. I have the same problem (male) from Paxil and Celexa and am switching to Effexor.
Answer Posted By: HFHS-M.D.-HG on Saturday, May 13, 2000
Dear LC,
Medications such as Wellbutrin, Serazone, Trazodone, Remeron are used as antidepressants in the treatment of patients with depression associated with sexual dysfunction. Medications such as Amantadine, Cyproheptadine and Yohunbine are seen to be useful in patients with sexual dysfunction on antidepressants. Sexual dysfunction secondary to effexor is dose related (as the dose increases, this side effect worsens). About 12% of the population that uses effexor have either abnormal ejaculation or orgasm difficulties. If the sexual dysfunction is secondary to depression itself, it can get better once the depression is relieved by the medication. I would recommend that you talk to your doctor about your concerns.
Sincerely
HFHS-M.D
Posted by kpo2002 on June 1, 2002, at 17:05:37
In reply to Re: Female w/ Sexual Side Effects, posted by Sleepy Lizard on May 31, 2002, at 22:29:02
I am female and have had no side effects from taking Effexor xr. In fact it seemed to be the opposite, not because it affected my body, per se, but because I seemed to have less animosity towards my boyfriend because of aggravating circumstances that occurred over many years.
But PAXIL was another story. It was outrageously difficult to reach an orgasm on that stuff.
I am back on Effexor after having been off it for a couple of weeks. Today is day number 2 and I feel better already. I know this time that I have to discontinue it as soon as couch-potato-ism sets in.
Posted by Sleepy Lizard on June 1, 2002, at 23:49:15
In reply to Re: Female w/ Sexual Side Effects, posted by kpo2002 on June 1, 2002, at 17:05:37
Its good to hear that you are getting some relief with Effexor. Sorry it makes you feel so tired. I've just started Effexor so I don't have any side effects yet to report. I had the same experience as you did with the Paxil. I'm wondering about the reason that so many have delayed orgasm or anorgasmia when they have more Seretonin in their systems. Apparently the balance of Seretonin, Norepinepherin, and Dopamine must be exactly right to make the nervous system work correctly? From what I read, Effexor increases all three of these neurotransmitters, whereas Paxil increases only Seretonin.
Posted by Allen F. on June 2, 2002, at 1:41:37
In reply to Re: Female w/ Sexual Side Effects, posted by Sleepy Lizard on June 1, 2002, at 23:49:15
Interesting question ... since Effexor increases all three of the neurotransmitters how does an idividual know which one, if in fact all three, need to be increased. Seems like its taking a shotgun approach to a sling-shot problem.
And I don't know of any tests that can be done to tell if any of these neurotransmitters are in balance or not, what the level in a persons system is, and if that is the correct level they need.
The reality is that the Doctor's don't know. Kinda scarry if you think about it, especially since its your "mind" that is the target organ for these drugs.
Posted by Grace Coyote on June 2, 2002, at 5:39:20
In reply to Re: Female w/ Sexual Side Effects, posted by Allen F. on June 2, 2002, at 1:41:37
I have decided to go off this stuff, the side effects outweigh the benefit that I haven't been getting anyway. Not dreaming, no interest in sex, or ability once it gets started, being very removed from my experience. The other day I developed this rash on some very weird places on my body. At first I thought it was poison ivy, but then the welts stopped, and the palms of my hands began to itch like crazy. Today will be day 3 on 37.5. My GP just told me to stop and from everything I have been reading and hearing about this stuff, that would be a poor choice. So, I take apart the caps and separate all the little beads. It is a crap shoot because science does not entirely understand how these neurotranmitters are functioning, nor do they know what other neurotransmitters are truly being effected. These are just the ones they know about.
Posted by Angel Girl on June 2, 2002, at 17:35:23
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi! I haven't posted here for awhile. I've been dealing with something really weird now for a few weeks and I don't know the cause of it.
My brain 'vibrates' when I move, bend, look up or turn my head or at least that's what it feels like. With that comes the feeling of severe light-headedness and feeling like I might pass out.
This has been going on for several weeks now. I'm taking 267.5mg of Effexor XR and haven't had any med changes for several months.
Side effect, anxiety, or what???
Desperately looking for some answers.
Angel Girl
Posted by supergirl on June 2, 2002, at 21:27:57
In reply to Side effect or something else????, posted by Angel Girl on June 2, 2002, at 17:35:23
That sounds a lot like one of the withdrawal effects of effexor. You didn't accidently get SR instead of XR did you? The same thing happened to me when I had to take SR after being used to XR.
The very best thing you can do is see your doctor. Whatever is happening can't be good. You could be having some kind of reaction due to Effexor or taking something else. You need to talk to your doctor and figure out what has changed.
supergirl
Hi! I haven't posted here for awhile. I've been dealing with something really weird now for a few weeks and I don't know the cause of it.
>
> My brain 'vibrates' when I move, bend, look up or turn my head or at least that's what it feels like. With that comes the feeling of severe light-headedness and feeling like I might pass out.
>
> This has been going on for several weeks now. I'm taking 267.5mg of Effexor XR and haven't had any med changes for several months.
>
> Side effect, anxiety, or what???
>
> Desperately looking for some answers.
>
> Angel Girl
Posted by fairnymph on June 2, 2002, at 22:18:07
In reply to Re: Female w/ Sexual Side Effects, posted by Ed O`Flaherty on May 31, 2002, at 17:03:15
> Efexor is well-known for sexual side effects and certainly worse than the SSRIs such as Prozac.It is pretty good for depression though.
Whoa, I disagree. The SSRIs tend to be have more severe sexual side effects (and particurilary prozac!), IME.
I couldn't orgasm on Effexor, but at least my libido was intact. Prozac destroyed my sex life entirely.
~fairnymph
Posted by kickink on June 3, 2002, at 0:24:33
In reply to Side effect or something else????, posted by Angel Girl on June 2, 2002, at 17:35:23
> Hi! I haven't posted here for awhile. I've been dealing with something really weird now for a few weeks and I don't know the cause of it.
>
> My brain 'vibrates' when I move, bend, look up or turn my head or at least that's what it feels like. With that comes the feeling of severe light-headedness and feeling like I might pass out.I'm curious if you are taking your meds at the same time each day. Are you missing any doses? I agree with the prior post about the withrawal. Because of Effexors very short half life, it seems that some individuals are very sensitive to withdrawal effects, particularly the zingy brain feeling. This would happen to me if I was late or missed doses. Then when I finally decided to discontinue I had to wean slowly, otherwise the withrawal effects were pretty severe.
Hope things work out OK .
Kelly>
> This has been going on for several weeks now. I'm taking 267.5mg of Effexor XR and haven't had any med changes for several months.
>
> Side effect, anxiety, or what???
>
> Desperately looking for some answers.
>
> Angel Girl
Posted by Angel Girl on June 3, 2002, at 2:49:24
In reply to Re: Side effect or something else????, posted by kickink on June 3, 2002, at 0:24:33
supergirl and kickink
I checked my capsules and they are XR so I am taking the right meds and I take them at relatively the same time each day. I've never taken them right at the exact same time since the beginning and have not had a problem with that before. I've been on Effexor XR since last October. I'm also dealing with insomnia, hence the time of this post :( in the last couple of weeks. My doctor changed my sleeping meds but as you can see, that hasn't made any difference. My meds are prescribed by my GP. I don't have a pdoc. I'm seriously thinking of going to the ER at the psych hospital here to see what's going on. Do you think I should do that???
Angel Girl
Posted by kickink on June 3, 2002, at 13:02:06
In reply to Re: Side effect or something else????, posted by kickink on June 3, 2002, at 0:24:33
What other feelings and difficulties are you having, what other meds are you on? You must be feeling pretty bad to be considering the ER. I wish I could help you.
Kelly
Posted by renelso1 on June 3, 2002, at 13:19:39
In reply to Re: Angel Girl difficulties, posted by kickink on June 3, 2002, at 13:02:06
hey hun, talk to your GP. i know what you are talking about witht the lightheadedness and stuff. I had the same problems with sleeping pills. I would say that if they aren't helping anyways, stop taking them. focus on all the other things for sleep such as exercise, bath before bed, breathing exercises. i also find that forcing my kitty to lie on my chest and purr is the best knock out tool i know. good luck angel girl.
rock star
Posted by sly on June 3, 2002, at 13:34:03
In reply to Female w/ Sexual Side Effects, posted by mara talamaur on May 31, 2002, at 15:29:33
I have the exact same problem. In the past, I had a hard time holding back sexually and used to delay orgasm. Now on Effexor, I can still get aroused and feel all the excitement and tension of an orgasm building, but I can't get any final release, it's incredibly frustrating and ultimately killing my sex drive!
But on the bright side, my depression is lifting and the sexual side effects have curtailed my promiscuity - oddly enough, the one symptom of depression I never had was lack of sex drive, if anything I was hypersexual and experimented with new partners, male and female, Effexor has wiped out that sexual need, which in my case is probably a good thing.
Posted by Reneb on June 3, 2002, at 13:34:17
In reply to going off, posted by Grace Coyote on June 2, 2002, at 5:39:20
> I have decided to go off this stuff, the side effects outweigh the benefit that I haven't been getting anyway. Not dreaming, no interest in sex, or ability once it gets started, being very removed from my experience. The other day I developed this rash on some very weird places on my body. At first I thought it was poison ivy, but then the welts stopped, and the palms of my hands began to itch like crazy. Today will be day 3 on 37.5. My GP just told me to stop and from everything I have been reading and hearing about this stuff, that would be a poor choice. So, I take apart the caps and separate all the little beads. It is a crap shoot because science does not entirely understand how these neurotranmitters are functioning, nor do they know what other neurotransmitters are truly being effected. These are just the ones they know about.
Hi Grace, I have successfully weaned off of effexor, but it took a long time. I first tried going from 150 to 100 to 50 then everyother day and that didnt work at all. My pdoc told me to go from 50 to 25mg to cutting the 25mg in 1/2 taking the 1/2 cutting it to 1/4. I followed this taking one in the moring and the other in the evening. 2 weeks on each dose. When I got to the 1/4...after 2 weeks I only took it in the morning. I can't tell who wonderful it was to wean off this way and feel terrific when I finished. No dizziness, lightheadedness. brain zaps, etc., I know the process is long but worth every second.Renee
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