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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 5423 to 5447 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by Salty_Dog on October 11, 2003, at 17:18:09
In reply to Re: Lawsuit Anyone?, posted by Sufferfromeffexor on October 8, 2003, at 15:36:41
I take no offense nor am I trying to start a war. I just want to put some prospective on the whole thing. Effexor has been prescribed and is currently taken by 3 million people. There are a couple hundred people on this BB, we are far from being even so much as a manority. This BB is for helping and supporting each other through rough times. Could we get back to doing that (I am guilty also)?
Posted by Salty_Dog on October 11, 2003, at 17:32:43
In reply to Question for thread, posted by Music on October 9, 2003, at 16:57:31
I took Efexor for a year and stopped, then when depression returned I started on Wellbutrin SR and had one day of SE (Could not go to sleep) because I took it too late in the day (4 pm) the first time. Wellbutrin SR was the best AD I have ever taken. I had to discontinue due to a seizure, the medication has a "no if's, but's or maybe's" warning to stop taking it if you have a seizure disorder which forced my Dr. to discontinue.
> Today I went to my PsyDoc and she wants me to gradually switch to Wellbutrin SR because of the sexual SE's that Effexor XR has. Has anyone successfully had luck with Wellbutrin SR for sexual SE's? If so, please comment. Also wondering if Wellbutrin SR works just as good as Effexor XR does? I am on 300mg per day of Effexor XR and it finally works really good for me and now my PsyDoc is changing my meds. I am kind of scared. Any suggestions for me would help. Thank you thread...
>
> Music
Posted by Salty_Dog on October 11, 2003, at 17:51:51
In reply to KimDi and BLJ, posted by Music on October 10, 2003, at 8:36:41
> Thank you so much for responding. I started this morning with the tappering process of Effexor XR. My PsyDoc wants me to start with 75mg of Effexor XR and 100mg of Wellbutrin SR in the morning and still take my regular dose of Effexor XR of 150mg in the afternoon. After 4 days I'll drop off the 75mg of Effexor XR in the morning and just take the 100mg of Wellbutrin SR. And then in 2 weeks I go back and see her. I hope this works for the sexual thing. I want to sleep better as well, but my PsyDoc said that we'll work on switching for the sex thing and then start with something else to help me sleep. Maybe like adding trazadone or something else. Anyway, what SE's does Trazadone have or a higher dose of Wellbutrin SR have? Life is crazy sometimes. I am a professional and I feel that I am supposed to have it together, but sometimes it is very hard. Any suggestions would help.
>
> MusicWow Music,
This is the best I have heard you feel, if I am not mistaken you where having difficult times not too long ago.
Posted by Salty_Dog on October 11, 2003, at 17:55:23
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by Rainman23 on October 10, 2003, at 10:17:37
Try Provigil for sleep disorders. It doesn't have the nasty SE of addictiveness.
Posted by Sufferfromeffexor on October 12, 2003, at 6:57:18
In reply to Re: Lawsuit Anyone? » Sufferfromeffexor, posted by Salty_Dog on October 11, 2003, at 17:18:09
I am also not trying to start a war...but I do believe talking about withdrawals IS helping! I have gone through and tried to read as many of these posts as I can and I have seen where lots of people actually thanked others for sharing their stories, so they could understand what is happening to them.
> I take no offense nor am I trying to start a war. I just want to put some prospective on the whole thing. Effexor has been prescribed and is currently taken by 3 million people. There are a couple hundred people on this BB, we are far from being even so much as a manority. This BB is for helping and supporting each other through rough times. Could we get back to doing that (I am guilty also)?
Posted by Sufferfromeffexor on October 12, 2003, at 7:05:54
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hello all!
I am on my 14th day of being Effexor, and all medicatin free. I just wanted to throw this out there to see if anyone has gone through this. My first week was pretty bad (was very ill and had lots of shocks)...my second week was intermittent...meaning some days I felt pretty good and didn't have to take Benadryl or Dramamine while other days I still did. During my second week I went for about 3 days feeling pretty good and today I feel like I have the symptoms back (as if it were day 1 again). I don't understand how this works. I would think it would get easier as the days go by but I am finding myself extremely nausiated again and having strong shocks. Is it normal to have a break of a couple good days and than have it hit you like a rock again? I wonder if I should take a pregnancy test (though I know it can't be that since I don't ovulate) but I get evening sickness...it is almost comical because I act like I am pregnant. I get sick from certain smells etc...hmmmmm, maybe I will take one just in case. I think I will pass out cold if it ever turned positive because I have gone for almost 30 years never being able to get pregnant. Anyway, just wanted to share this because it is weird that I feel so sick and the shocks are so strong again, yet I have gone this long already without the medication.
Posted by Nan316 on October 12, 2003, at 10:09:45
In reply to Re: Anyone want to talk about the violent dreams?, posted by lioness on October 9, 2003, at 14:54:33
I've been on XR for the past 4 months, 150mg a day. It has been a life saver, I've not felt better in years. Took Zoloft 7years ago, that only worked in the beginning, went off, doc put me back on it and had adverse reaction, I was worse off then before. I decided I would handed my issues by myself. After 7 years, I could not kid myself anymore and started the XR.
However, since I've been on it I have had the most vivid and sometimes strange dreams that I have ever had and am wondering if it is an effect of XR or just that I am now sleeping better? Anyone have the same problem?
Posted by Soooz on October 12, 2003, at 13:20:52
In reply to Odd bodily sensation, posted by Fan on February 6, 2001, at 17:22:39
I just found this thread (and I know its an old one) but I am sitting here sobbing as I realize that I was right. If I miss as much as one dose of my Effexor (I am taking 225 mg once a day), I get a tingling sensation through my whole body. It can be my face, my hands, even my lips and teeth which seems to be elevated when I am moving, walking, turning my head, etc. Thursday I called my pharmacy for a refill. It seems they can't get it until Monday? I took my last 3 pills on Friday night so I missed last night’s dose only. I am a wreck. I can’t concentrate. I feel all of the above along with the tingling and even here I feel that I am not coherent, or at least, not to the normal level. The depression from this is worse that any of the depression I experienced before going on the Effexor. I wont give it up. But how do I make it thru another 24 plus hours of this?
Posted by BJL on October 12, 2003, at 13:42:28
In reply to Re: Odd bodily sensation » Fan, posted by Soooz on October 12, 2003, at 13:20:52
Soooz, I am so sorry and can't even imagine how horrible you must be feeling right now. I felt terrible when I went off my weaned down dose of 37.5, and you are on 225 per day. I don't imagine you had a clue what to expect when the pharmacy said they wouldn't fill your prescription until Monday. First of all, I'd call your doctor and see if he/she can't get you some medication to hold you over until tomorrow. If not, try taking some Benadryl. It probably won't take away all of your symptoms, but at least maybe you can get some sleep. SHAME ON YOUR PHARMACIST! They should have better sense than to put people off on a medication that can have such severe withdrawals. I'd find a different pharmacy that cares about their customers.
Posted by lg929 on October 12, 2003, at 15:27:02
In reply to Re: Anyone want to talk about the violent dreams?, posted by lioness on October 9, 2003, at 14:54:33
Wow...I do have very vivid dreams now. I just started to take Effexor. I wasn't getting out of bed in the morning and didn't care about anything. Now, those symptoms seem to be getting better, buy I have these strange, very real dreams. Sometimes they are pretty scary. Just wanted to let everyone know that I was on Paxil and didn't have that. I don't know what's worse, being depressed all the time, or having to deal with all the friggin side affects...Lil
Posted by Salty_Dog on October 12, 2003, at 21:26:03
In reply to Re: Odd bodily sensation » Fan, posted by Soooz on October 12, 2003, at 13:20:52
You can have someone drive you to the Emergency Room, they will give you enough to make it through the next day or two.
I am so sorry you are going through this, but abrupt interuption of this med is your worst nightmare. Please, get help now.> I just found this thread (and I know its an old one) but I am sitting here sobbing as I realize that I was right. If I miss as much as one dose of my Effexor (I am taking 225 mg once a day), I get a tingling sensation through my whole body. It can be my face, my hands, even my lips and teeth which seems to be elevated when I am moving, walking, turning my head, etc. Thursday I called my pharmacy for a refill. It seems they can't get it until Monday? I took my last 3 pills on Friday night so I missed last night’s dose only. I am a wreck. I can’t concentrate. I feel all of the above along with the tingling and even here I feel that I am not coherent, or at least, not to the normal level. The depression from this is worse that any of the depression I experienced before going on the Effexor. I wont give it up. But how do I make it thru another 24 plus hours of this?
>
>
Posted by Rainman23 on October 12, 2003, at 22:37:55
In reply to Withdrawal Update..., posted by Sufferfromeffexor on October 12, 2003, at 7:05:54
I just read your update and this is pretty intense stuff - Effexor XR. I will never take another SSNI or SSRI again! I can't imagine what it was doing to me, well - I take that back... I can because now being off of it for 5 days I already feel better mentally. It made me so withdrawn, smoked sooo much and didn't care about people or life or anything that used to be important to me and the weight gain - I've already lost 5 lbs in 5 days!! Amazing. My son already notices that I'm "back" from whereever it was I've been for 5 months - the dark land - and he's only 6. Anyways, today I felt pretty good, but tonight I'm getting instense shocks. It's becoming almost part of my existence it seems and it's only been 5 days. It's discouraging to know they will still be there at day 16. Maybe in a month I'll feel good? The person who ran out of their Effexor and was taking 225 mg - oh my goodness, I feel horrible for you! Please, call the hospital or anything and fix it - you do not want to go through this at a more intense level, it's hell. I will continue to update and read what you all have to say. Thank you for your input!
Posted by Sufferfromeffexor on October 13, 2003, at 5:14:14
In reply to Re: Withdrawal Update... » Sufferfromeffexor, posted by Rainman23 on October 12, 2003, at 22:37:55
I am sorry you feel discouraged....please don't! I don't think any one of us really reacts the same when coming off of Effexor. If you and your son are noticing such good changes now, that is EXCELLENT!!!! I did feel better emotionally also, what a concept huh? My pattern seems to be a few days feeling better and than a couple days where I sleep most of the time (which is what I did this weekend). I was also on this medication for over 8 years so my time to come off of it may be different than you because of that too. Please don't get discouraged...I have to think that we will all feel better if we just ride this out. I, too, am hoping in a months time I will be past most of it!!! I will keep updating as well so we can track each other. God speed to you!
PS...I really feel for the person who ran out of medication. What a HORRIBLE thing for the pharmacy to do...if they won't fill it they should definitely give you a couple of pills to tide you over. I would get a different pharmacist because either they are ignorant to this drug or just cruel and either is a bad quality in a pharmacist. Take Care.
Becky
Posted by Music on October 13, 2003, at 8:35:36
In reply to Re: KimDi and BLJ » Music, posted by Salty_Dog on October 11, 2003, at 17:51:51
Salty_dog,
Thank you I do feel better, still having problems sleeping through the night and receiving an "O" when my husband and I have sex. My husband tries for a long for me and he is very patient, but I still have no luck. My Psydoc is trying to switch me to Wellbutrin SR from Effexor XR but she said when switching to another med it takes time. I hate that... I have started talk therapy with another therapist last week, so I am hoping that this new therapist is better and more attentive than my last one. How are you doing? I know your posts said you have been through a lot. Let me know... Looking forward to your posts.
Music
Posted by BJL on October 13, 2003, at 12:43:23
In reply to Re: Odd bodily sensation » Fan, posted by Soooz on October 12, 2003, at 13:20:52
Soooz, how are you doing today? There are obviously many of us concerned about you. Please let us know!! -Bobbi-
> I just found this thread (and I know its an old one) but I am sitting here sobbing as I realize that I was right. If I miss as much as one dose of my Effexor (I am taking 225 mg once a day), I get a tingling sensation through my whole body. It can be my face, my hands, even my lips and teeth which seems to be elevated when I am moving, walking, turning my head, etc. Thursday I called my pharmacy for a refill. It seems they can't get it until Monday? I took my last 3 pills on Friday night so I missed last night’s dose only. I am a wreck. I can’t concentrate. I feel all of the above along with the tingling and even here I feel that I am not coherent, or at least, not to the normal level. The depression from this is worse that any of the depression I experienced before going on the Effexor. I wont give it up. But how do I make it thru another 24 plus hours of this?
>
>
Posted by pasto on October 13, 2003, at 18:27:05
In reply to Re: Effexor is a Great Drug!Online Petition!, posted by BJL on September 2, 2003, at 12:34:07
hi. i started on effexor 10 days ago, and i feel like my old self, after so many years of depression and so many other medications. i take only 37.5 mg, don't want to go any higher, since this is great just right here. i take it in the a.m., maybe about 8 a.m., just before eating. i had sluggishness the first three or four days, but today, and the previous 5 or 6 days, i have had a lot of energy. maybe i'm a little high, right now, but it feels wonderful, and i am more functional than i have been in two years. sleep comes eventually, sometimes not till 2 or 3 a.m., but that's ok, because when i get up, after an hour or less, i'm feeling very good. i have lost weight, not much, but some, and i attribute this to my increased activity level. i took effexor 5 or 6 years ago, but the dosage was way too high, and i didn't want to go back on it. but i'm glad i did, and won't be increasing the dosage, long as this amount works.
> > Effexor has worked very very good for me-I am on my 4'th week and after months of not working I am back to my old self.I am on 300mg a day-It is a miracle.I am going to write a letter to the manufacture to thank them.Thank God-Give it a try and take the bad stuff you read here with a huge grain of salt.No side effects after the first week.
> >
> >
> What time of day do you take your Effexor?
>
Posted by LittleLeo on October 13, 2003, at 19:24:54
In reply to Re: Effexor is a Great Drug!Online Petition!, posted by pasto on October 13, 2003, at 18:27:05
I like effexor but I am having anxiety anybody else had this problem,Ive been on it two weeks today at 75 mg XR.When does it go away...Ive read that it is a common side-effect thanks please help
> hi. i started on effexor 10 days ago, and i feel like my old self, after so many years of depression and so many other medications. i take only 37.5 mg, don't want to go any higher, since this is great just right here. i take it in the a.m., maybe about 8 a.m., just before eating. i had sluggishness the first three or four days, but today, and the previous 5 or 6 days, i have had a lot of energy. maybe i'm a little high, right now, but it feels wonderful, and i am more functional than i have been in two years. sleep comes eventually, sometimes not till 2 or 3 a.m., but that's ok, because when i get up, after an hour or less, i'm feeling very good. i have lost weight, not much, but some, and i attribute this to my increased activity level. i took effexor 5 or 6 years ago, but the dosage was way too high, and i didn't want to go back on it. but i'm glad i did, and won't be increasing the dosage, long as this amount works.
> > > Effexor has worked very very good for me-I am on my 4'th week and after months of not working I am back to my old self.I am on 300mg a day-It is a miracle.I am going to write a letter to the manufacture to thank them.Thank God-Give it a try and take the bad stuff you read here with a huge grain of salt.No side effects after the first week.
> > >
> > >
> > What time of day do you take your Effexor?
> >
>
>
Posted by Salty_dog on October 13, 2003, at 23:24:55
In reply to For Salt_dog, posted by Music on October 13, 2003, at 8:35:36
Music,
Thank you for asking. I am tight for time so don't take my absence as a sign of reluctance. I have just started a new job after nearly 6 months without one. I just turned 50 years old as I reply to your posting.I am taking:
600mg of Efexor XR per day
1800mg of Neurontin per day
500mg of Dilantin per day
800mg of Provigil per dayI am now off of all pain meds and thankfull for the increased clarity, I will need it for my new job.
Ever since I started the Neurontin I have lost all of the SE's from the Efexor. As I posted before, I tried a one week stay from the Neurontin to see if it was really the med that was removing the Efexor SE's and not something else. I can say without a doubt that the Neurontin is a godsend. No more night sweats, shaking, dissiness, ........I am single, so the big "O" is not a concern, but practice shows that it is still available with some patience.
As they say in A.A., you are allowed all the sex you want the first year and the second year you can have it with someone else (ha-ha). I believe that applies to Divorce too.
Thank you Music for the return posting.
How are you now ?
Are the SE's slowing down ?
Posted by LittleLeo on October 14, 2003, at 1:07:00
In reply to Re: Effexor is a Great Drug!Online Petition!, posted by LittleLeo on October 13, 2003, at 19:24:54
>
> I like effexor but I am having anxiety anybody else had this problem,Ive been on it two weeks today at 75 mg XR.When does it go away...Ive read that it is a common side-effect thanks please help
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > hi. i started on effexor 10 days ago, and i feel like my old self, after so many years of depression and so many other medications. i take only 37.5 mg, don't want to go any higher, since this is great just right here. i take it in the a.m., maybe about 8 a.m., just before eating. i had sluggishness the first three or four days, but today, and the previous 5 or 6 days, i have had a lot of energy. maybe i'm a little high, right now, but it feels wonderful, and i am more functional than i have been in two years. sleep comes eventually, sometimes not till 2 or 3 a.m., but that's ok, because when i get up, after an hour or less, i'm feeling very good. i have lost weight, not much, but some, and i attribute this to my increased activity level. i took effexor 5 or 6 years ago, but the dosage was way too high, and i didn't want to go back on it. but i'm glad i did, and won't be increasing the dosage, long as this amount works.
> > > > Effexor has worked very very good for me-I am on my 4'th week and after months of not working I am back to my old self.I am on 300mg a day-It is a miracle.I am going to write a letter to the manufacture to thank them.Thank God-Give it a try and take the bad stuff you read here with a huge grain of salt.No side effects after the first week.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > What time of day do you take your Effexor?
> > >
> >
> >
> I take at 11 a.m. everyday on the dot
>
Posted by Music on October 14, 2003, at 8:29:49
In reply to Re: For Salt_dog » Music, posted by Salty_dog on October 13, 2003, at 23:24:55
Most of the SE's have gone away. Except for the big "O" and dry mouth. But I think it comes from the Wellbutrin SR that I am taking in the morning. My psydoc is switching me to Wellbutrin SR from Effexor XR slowly, but surely. I am doing better, but I still have my bad days. Life is not perfect, but now livable. Well, have a wonderful day at your new job. Congrats!!! on your new job. What do you do? I am a pastor's wife and a loan officer. Well, post me when you can.
Music
Posted by emilyann20 on October 14, 2003, at 13:11:11
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Cam W. on April 12, 2000, at 19:27:33
I have never been to one of these chat rooms before today, but I am SO thankful that I discovered it. Two weeks ago I was at a dress rehearsal for a play that I was in and I was feeling increasingly odd. I was light-headed, I could not form clear thoughts, my whole brain activity seemed to have slowed down. The night before I had slept for 14 hours, a riduculous amount, but I had chalked it up to being really tired and worn out. My speech started to slur and it was so pronounced that a guy in my cast actually commented on it. Another person happened to ask what nationality I was..and I couldn't remember the word "Ukranian" and I got extremely flustered and confusted. In the middle of this dress rehearsal, we got to this part where I had a short monologue and I just burst into tears..I couldn't remember my lines! I told the director I was sick, I ran to the dressing room and put my head between my knees because I thought I was going to pass out. My palms got extremely cold and clammy and everything was blurry. My director got me some cheese and nuts, thinking I needed protein (I am a vegetarian). I continued to feel weak and strange for the rest of the day, and then the it sort of tapered off and went away by the next evening.
Then, this morning, two weeks later, it happened again. I slept for 11 hours and woke up really groggy and confused. I got to work and became increasingly dizzy and faint...my palms and feet got very clammy and I was shaky all over. I went to get some lunch, thinking again that I needed protein and food. That is when it hit me that both times this happened I had forgotten to take my Effexor the previous day. I came back to work and google-searched for Effexor withdrawl symptoms and came upon this sight. I feel so RELIEVED and grateful that I know EXACTLY what is going on! Who knew that skipping ONE DAY could have such severe side effects!!!??
Posted by TT40 on October 14, 2003, at 13:12:07
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have been on Effexor for about a month and my prescription is almost ready to re-fill. I spent time this morning reading through many posts on this conversation log -- very helpful.
I talked with my doc about low energy, lack of excitement about things in life that used to get me energized, feeling wiped out, anxiety, temperment, etc. He put me on 150 mg right away -- no build up to 150. It has helped -- it has mellowed me out, probably helped me with my recent goal of stopping smoking, and my wife and I have both noticed that I am happier, more relaxed, and getting back to the person I was.
What I don't like is that some of the very things I complained to my doctor about have been amplified since going on Effexor. I now take my pill midday because by early evening I would be so exhausted that I felt really strange and thought I could literally collapse at any moment fro sheer exhaustion. If I could somehow take cat naps, maybe this wouldn't be so bad but sometimes it is downright embarrassing.
Another side effect that a few people have mentioned in posts is acne -- I have had more sever acne since going on effexor that I've had in 20 years.
One positive side effect has related to pain -- not sure if it is coincidence or if Effexor actually had an impact. I have chronic low back pain. I've tried physical therapy, drugs, etc. and nothing has provided permanent relief. Over the past few weeks however, the pain has decreased significantly -- to the point I am forgeting about having the back problem -- does this sound familiar???? Is the Effexor helping me relax so much that a physical ailment (herniated disc) is actually fixing itself? Or is it masking the problem and I'll have bigger issues later?
Lastly, I too am having sexual problems like others have mentioned. I can get an erection and keep it up, but I don't ejaculate in the time I normally would. It is embarrassing although I have an understanding wife and we've actually talked about it. Last time we tried having sex, it took so long for me I only finally ejaculated after masturbating for a time. I've tried masturbating more in the shower as well just to see if I can cum, but again, it takes forever and a day it seems (if I cum at all, most often I just give up). Sorry to be so graphic, but this is how my life is currently. My sex drive is down a bit as well, but I think it is further muted because of my performance issue.
Any suggestions? If any of the guys out there have had this problem and been able to deal with it somehow, I open to all suggestions. I plan to also talk further with my doctor about this because I'm not ready to give up sex!
Posted by emilyann20 on October 14, 2003, at 13:48:04
In reply to Sexual, other side effects , posted by TT40 on October 14, 2003, at 13:12:07
Dear TT40, I just joined this group and I thought I'd give you my experience. I started Effexor almost 3 months ago. The Dr. orginally perscribed 75 mg/day and then an increase to 150 mg after 2 days and another increase to 225 if I wanted after 2 weeks....WELL...75 mg proved to be WAY TOO MUCH for me--I am very small--110 pounds, 5 feet 2--and 75 mg turned me into a complete zombie, completely out of it and major leg twitching and shaking. I called the DR. right away and told her about the side effects--she said it would be o.k. to decrease to 37.5 mg a day and then gradually increase to 150 as I felt more comfortable. Well, 37.5 proved to be plenty for the first 2 months. I began feeling better IMMEDIATELY. I've been happy and extremely energetic. I guess my appetite has decreased slightly and I've lost a little weight but nothing major. My sex drive has INCREASED, although now that you mention it, it does take me longer to reach orgasm. After 2 months, the effects seemed to be wearing off slightly so I increased to 55.5 mg/ day (one and a half pills). This is MORE than enough (sometimes I think this is TOO much because it makes me VERY hyper after I take it). I can't forsee increasing the dosage again. The other side effects that I have experienced are jaw-clenching and leg shaking, but these ususally only happen in the morning, on an empty stomach, and AMAZINGLY vivid dreams. My dreams have been EPIC, detailed...good and bad. I've had incredible nightmares, have woken up shaking, kicking, punching, angry--very intense. The only other side effect that I've experienced is the withdrawl syptoms when I've missed a day of pills--very weak, cloudy, dizzy, etc. I will be VERY careful not to miss a day ever again. In conclusion, I am very pleased with the effects..the depression is Gone and I'm planning on staying on 55.5 mg per day.
Posted by emilyann20 on October 14, 2003, at 16:08:37
In reply to Re: Odd bodily sensation, posted by BJL on October 13, 2003, at 12:43:23
I just thought about something that I never attributed to Effexor, but after reading all these comments, maybe its related. Lately my teeth have been really sensitive--more than that actually--they feel like they are tingling. It always happens in the late afternoon, esp. when I am walking..I had no idea what it was and thought I needed some of that toothpaste for sensitive teeth, but I see that some of you experience "tingling" in your bodies. Anyone familiar with a tingling sensation in their teeth/gums from Effexor???
Posted by KimberlyDi on October 14, 2003, at 16:13:26
In reply to Re: Sexual, other side effects , posted by emilyann20 on October 14, 2003, at 13:48:04
I've woken up kicking and punching too. LOL. Darn good thing I don't keep a gun in my nightstand for security!
KDi in Texas
Dear TT40, I just joined this group and I thought I'd give you my experience. I started Effexor almost 3 months ago. The Dr. orginally perscribed 75 mg/day and then an increase to 150 mg after 2 days and another increase to 225 if I wanted after 2 weeks....WELL...75 mg proved to be WAY TOO MUCH for me--I am very small--110 pounds, 5 feet 2--and 75 mg turned me into a complete zombie, completely out of it and major leg twitching and shaking. I called the DR. right away and told her about the side effects--she said it would be o.k. to decrease to 37.5 mg a day and then gradually increase to 150 as I felt more comfortable. Well, 37.5 proved to be plenty for the first 2 months. I began feeling better IMMEDIATELY. I've been happy and extremely energetic. I guess my appetite has decreased slightly and I've lost a little weight but nothing major. My sex drive has INCREASED, although now that you mention it, it does take me longer to reach orgasm. After 2 months, the effects seemed to be wearing off slightly so I increased to 55.5 mg/ day (one and a half pills). This is MORE than enough (sometimes I think this is TOO much because it makes me VERY hyper after I take it). I can't forsee increasing the dosage again. The other side effects that I have experienced are jaw-clenching and leg shaking, but these ususally only happen in the morning, on an empty stomach, and AMAZINGLY vivid dreams. My dreams have been EPIC, detailed...good and bad. I've had incredible nightmares, have woken up shaking, kicking, punching, angry--very intense. The only other side effect that I've experienced is the withdrawl syptoms when I've missed a day of pills--very weak, cloudy, dizzy, etc. I will be VERY careful not to miss a day ever again. In conclusion, I am very pleased with the effects..the depression is Gone and I'm planning on staying on 55.5 mg per day.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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