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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by green hornet on March 3, 2004, at 7:32:03
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Clayton, posted by Doctor Feel Good on March 3, 2004, at 1:39:27
I guess that I was an "Effxor success" That is if you count feeling like a zombie, moving around in an unemotional fog with no affect a success. Oh yes, I also gained 50lbs in less than a year. It seemed that every time I got on the scale I had gone up another notch.!!
The good news is, after over two years on the stuff, (at 400+mgm) I was able to get off of it without problems. However, my theory is,if you can come off an antidepressant without some kind of withdrawal symptoms, the stuff probably was not working anyway. Trust me on this one. Since I was first hospitalized and diagnosed in 1984 I have taken no fewer than eleven antidepressants and about that many "other" medications(ie Benzos, Stelazine, Xyprexa, Topamax, Seroquel, Clozeril, Mellaril,Imipramine blah, blah blah) just to name a few. Some worked for awhile, some did not.
Good luck what ever --- I guess that it is just such an individual thing, GH
Posted by effexed on March 3, 2004, at 15:53:23
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
so negative we are, I still have hope that there is something out there you have not tried to help you with your depression. I my self am new at this med thing. Effexor xr is the first ad I have ever been on but seems to work for me, as for the weight gain I keep hearing about on this site is so not what I am experiencing. I have lost 10 lbs since being on this med wich is only 8 weeks on 75s maybe Iam an exception to the rule but anyway I hope you soon get to feeling better or find something to help you feel better.
This I mean green hornet. HAVE A GOOD DAY
AND KNOW THAT WE ALL HOPE YOU
SMILE AT SOME POINT TODAY
THANKS .Cindy in TX
Posted by amaranta on March 3, 2004, at 16:31:33
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by green hornet on March 3, 2004, at 7:32:03
well, it's nice to hear of someone who didn't almost die from the withdrawal. good luck!!
Posted by lacey2001 on March 3, 2004, at 18:06:56
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by amaranta on March 3, 2004, at 16:31:33
It was hard to get a hold of him like most Dr's. He is also in another city too which makes things difficult. Anyway, I was told to take 37.5 mg every alternate day. And then in a weeks time, to try and stop. If that doesn't work out for me, then to continue to take it every third day and stop that in a week. It sounds like better advice than the Dr here told me to just stopping altogether at 37.5 mg.
Anyone try to get off meds this way that I was told to with every second day? And did it work? Any input would be appreciated.Tanya
Posted by Kavon on March 3, 2004, at 23:21:58
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I currently take Effexor XR 37.5 and I have had no problems in the least. I had breast cancer and can no longer take hormones. All of my menapausal symptoms came back twice as bad. With Effexor my hot flashes have subsided to a minimum and I feel 100X better. No more mood swings or anything. The one thing I can tell you is this. NEVER just stop taking it becasue you can get really sick. It's also dangerous! I am weaning myself off of the pills because I no longer have insurance. They are VERY expensive. I have one month left and I am now taking them every 3 days. I started at every other day. Boy can I tell the difference. I am tired, more irritable and worst of all, I have the severe hot flashes back. To be straight...I feel like crap!
I hope this helps. I feel so much better when taking them.
Posted by Malka on March 4, 2004, at 0:54:05
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by amaranta on March 2, 2004, at 16:13:34
No one's told me yet what the difference is between Effexor 37.5mg which is what I'm on and Effexor XR. is it just the dosage? On my 3rd day of it now and nausea subsided, thank goodness. Now just feel like I'm on speed! I'm scared of these side effects anyone know how long they will last?
Posted by newgirl on March 4, 2004, at 12:03:19
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Malka on March 4, 2004, at 0:54:05
I started taking 37.5 mg of Effexor XR. So, I think what you're talking about is one in the same. I upped my dosage soon after that, to 75 mg, 100 mg, and eventually to 150 mg. Personally, Effexor XR worked for me. The depression seems to be completly gone - to the point that I began to "ween" myself off of the stuff. I was tired of gaining weight - 30 lbs in about a year and a half. It also killed my desire for sex - not good when your married! I also noticed that I was more irritable than usual - the little things were getting to me too much. I decided it was time to try life off of Effexor XR. We'll see how it goes!
Posted by Malka on March 4, 2004, at 14:09:54
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by newgirl on March 4, 2004, at 12:03:19
Why is everyone saying that Effexor makes them put on weight? Help!! Does it slow down your metabolism or increase you appetite? I don't want this happening to me!!
Posted by newgirl on March 4, 2004, at 14:26:36
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Malka on March 4, 2004, at 14:09:54
I can't say it increased my appetite - I never noticed a difference in how much I ate or even what I ate. From what I can recall, I haven't changed my diet in any way. It just seemed that after a month or so on the Effexor, I started picking up weight. Diets didn't work at curbing the weight gain. It seems as though it slows down your metabolism. Hopefully it won't be the same for you. I'm hoping that now that I'm off it, I'll be able to get rid of the weight.
Posted by green hornet on March 4, 2004, at 17:44:36
In reply to Talked to Dr today, posted by lacey2001 on March 3, 2004, at 18:06:56
> It was hard to get a hold of him like most Dr's. He is also in another city too which makes things difficult. Anyway, I was told to take 37.5 mg every alternate day. And then in a weeks time, to try and stop. If that doesn't work out for me, then to continue to take it every third day and stop that in a week. It sounds like better advice than the Dr here told me to just stopping altogether at 37.5 mg.
> Anyone try to get off meds this way that I was told to with every second day? And did it work? Any input would be appreciated.
>
> TanyaYes Tanya, that is how I came off Effexor. I guess I might have been on the every other day routine for about two weeks then every third etc etc. Bon chance
Posted by Lizzy7711 on March 4, 2004, at 18:22:55
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Kavon on March 3, 2004, at 23:21:58
Doctor Feel Good,
Can you explain what serotonin, norephephine, and dopamine exactly DO? My doctor told me when I started Effexor XR that it wouldn't start affecting norep...(however you spell it!) until I was up to I think she said 150 mg. She had me take 1 week 37.5, then 1 week 75, then 150 and that what I've been on for the past month or so. I like it. She tried to up it to 300 because I told her that although my anxiety and irritability was WAY down (still is!), I still felt depressed. But I couldn't handle the 300, I just felt SO tired, so after one week I went back to 150...and I feel really good at this dose overall. I'm wondering what difference going up to 225 would have.thanks!
Liz
Posted by Lizzy7711 on March 4, 2004, at 18:29:05
In reply to RE.green hornet, posted by effexed on March 3, 2004, at 15:53:23
I haven't noticed weight gain yet, but i've only been on it for about 2 months. For those who did gain weight, did it start right away?
Does anyone know the stats on how many of the people (%) going off effexor experience those terrible withdrawal effects? Also, how long can you stay on it...forever? Does it lose effectiveness over time or anything?
So far, I really like it, having more patience with my 4 year old is a godsend. But I do sort of generally just "feel" less, if you know what I mean, and that is kind of concerning...that would probably be the only reason i'd go off it at this point.
take care,
Liz
Posted by Alf on March 4, 2004, at 20:05:48
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by effexed on February 28, 2004, at 20:29:49
> how dose this work? do we just keep takeing the ADs for ever or do we get off of them when we feel better cause I did not feel depressed when I got on these drugs my DR gave me the questionnare in his office when I told him I had no want for sex anyway so how do I know when I am better I have a lot less anixty but for anything else nothing has changed
>
> thanks confused cindy in TXYour question is a difficult one to answer. I assume your taking Effexor for some personal reason. The improved mood you experience while taking Antidepressants will not stay with you once you stop. The Effexor can insulate you from your anxiety and improve your mood. But as to the why of this, I can only say that no Antidepressant is a substiute for therapy. You will know you are better when you can emotionally overcome whatever "life issues" are confronting you. Hopefully, this issue you are dealing with is short lived. For some of us, like myself, depression is genetic. "It's A Family Tradition." Hank Williams
One problem with Effexor is that it may make you emotionally numb. For some people in the throws of depression that's not a bad place to be in but it's not a place where you would want to stay forever. Wellbutrin tends to alleviate some but not all of the negative effects of Effexor when the two are taken together. I know from personal experience.
Depression is a medical condition. There are no easy answers for most of us.
Posted by Doctor Feel Good on March 4, 2004, at 21:30:53
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? (Doc), posted by Lizzy7711 on March 4, 2004, at 18:22:55
Serotonin affects mood, appetite, sleep. Norepinephrine (noradrenalin) also impacts mood, energy,concentration. Dopamine affects concentration, motivation, etc. also that and noepinephrine are more stimulatory as opposed to serotonin. The higher the dose, the more of an effect on all 3 transmitters.
> Doctor Feel Good,
> Can you explain what serotonin, norephephine, and dopamine exactly DO? My doctor told me when I started Effexor XR that it wouldn't start affecting norep...(however you spell it!) until I was up to I think she said 150 mg. She had me take 1 week 37.5, then 1 week 75, then 150 and that what I've been on for the past month or so. I like it. She tried to up it to 300 because I told her that although my anxiety and irritability was WAY down (still is!), I still felt depressed. But I couldn't handle the 300, I just felt SO tired, so after one week I went back to 150...and I feel really good at this dose overall. I'm wondering what difference going up to 225 would have.
>
> thanks!
> Liz
Posted by Doctor Feel Good on March 4, 2004, at 21:32:50
In reply to Effexed, posted by Alf on March 4, 2004, at 20:05:48
If you ever plan on going off a med, you should also be in counseling well before u do.
> > how dose this work? do we just keep takeing the ADs for ever or do we get off of them when we feel better cause I did not feel depressed when I got on these drugs my DR gave me the questionnare in his office when I told him I had no want for sex anyway so how do I know when I am better I have a lot less anixty but for anything else nothing has changed
> >
> > thanks confused cindy in TX
>
> Your question is a difficult one to answer. I assume your taking Effexor for some personal reason. The improved mood you experience while taking Antidepressants will not stay with you once you stop. The Effexor can insulate you from your anxiety and improve your mood. But as to the why of this, I can only say that no Antidepressant is a substiute for therapy. You will know you are better when you can emotionally overcome whatever "life issues" are confronting you. Hopefully, this issue you are dealing with is short lived. For some of us, like myself, depression is genetic. "It's A Family Tradition." Hank Williams
>
> One problem with Effexor is that it may make you emotionally numb. For some people in the throws of depression that's not a bad place to be in but it's not a place where you would want to stay forever. Wellbutrin tends to alleviate some but not all of the negative effects of Effexor when the two are taken together. I know from personal experience.
> Depression is a medical condition. There are no easy answers for most of us.
>
>
>
>
Posted by Emma Smith on March 4, 2004, at 21:59:57
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I'm very new to taking antidepressants, as Effexor XR is the only one I have taken. I take it for anxiety and mild depression. I believe the depression stemmed from a lot of stressors and life changes. I had thoughts of suicide and overall irratibility as well as "anxiety attacks". My doctor started me on Effexor XR (I'm now taking 75mg) back in July 2003.
In the beginning, I felt wonderful. It was as if I finally had my life back. With such a supportive husband and two wonderful young children, I really wanted to be myself again. Of course I want to be "drug-free", so I wonder when I should try life without Effexor. My life has changed a lot in the last 6 months. Great changes. A feel a lot more stable than I ever have been. The doctor said he would like to see me on the drug 9 months and then we would talk.
However.....I feel this drug has contributed to a weight gain that I DO NOT want!! I'm looking for opinions as to what would be a good way to taper off of this drug. Honestly, some of the stories terrify me. I was thinking of starting to take the dose every other day for awhile. Is this a good place to start?
Thanks so much for any advice you have!
Posted by Spinxxie on March 4, 2004, at 22:22:12
In reply to Re: hypomania » Minnie-Haha, posted by PsychoSage on February 20, 2004, at 10:46:09
I have GAD - and thankfully my Dr. figured that out, I was diagnosed as BP when I was 16 - and placed on lithium - which made me have seizures. I went to a Neurologist, who basically crapped on my shrink at the time. After two diff consults with shrinks, finally figured out that I wasn't BP. After going through luvox then Zoloft burnout, I am gonna give this a go. I am on day 4 of Effexor, and it couldn't be worse then the Zoloft burnout, they all have side effects, just that folks dont talk about the spins,shakes, sweats and cravings. Figures it couldn't get worse, I have gained 20lbs, but I don't care I just want to be happy. Anyone else feel the same way?
Posted by PoohBear on March 5, 2004, at 9:51:17
In reply to Re: hypomania, posted by Spinxxie on March 4, 2004, at 22:22:12
> I have GAD - and thankfully my Dr. figured that out, I was diagnosed as BP when I was 16 - and placed on lithium - which made me have seizures. I went to a Neurologist, who basically crapped on my shrink at the time. After two diff consults with shrinks, finally figured out that I wasn't BP. After going through luvox then Zoloft burnout, I am gonna give this a go. I am on day 4 of Effexor, and it couldn't be worse then the Zoloft burnout, they all have side effects, just that folks dont talk about the spins,shakes, sweats and cravings. Figures it couldn't get worse, I have gained 20lbs, but I don't care I just want to be happy. Anyone else feel the same way?
Spinxxie:
I couldn't agree more. Effexor has been wonderful for me. It's given me my life back, my self-confidence and a better outlook in general.
I did, however, have to put up with the side effects at first when I was ramping up on doseage. For me these included unbelieveably vivid, technicolor dreams, frequent urination, difficulty urinating, erectile disfunction, brain zaps, etc. But, I'm glad I stuck with it. Having never really given any med a fair shake in the past, I was determined to stick with this one 'til things got better and I'm glad I did.
The side effects have subsided, my thoughts are MINE and not some incoherent stream of uncontrollable babble that was unwanted and unproductive. The darkness is gone, the suicidal thoughts are gone and I'm a much better person to be around. Effexor has attenuated my emotions somewhat, in that I don't feel down, don't get all choked up in sad movies, etc., but I am FAR, far HAPPIER.
Effexor is NOT a 'happy' pill, but it certainly has enabled me to feel a real joy of life for the first time in many years. It's unfortunate that it gets such a bad rap on these boards, but the primary people that post are those with withdrawal problems, which although VERY real, do not speak for those who never post because they're not having any problems.
Stick with it,
Tony
Effexor 150mg
Seroquel 100mg
Posted by PoohBear on March 5, 2004, at 10:02:06
In reply to Should I begin the weaning process?, posted by Emma Smith on March 4, 2004, at 21:59:57
Emma:
You should follow your doctor's advice and stick with it.
Though there are many people who feel that life should be lived "drug free", medications are nothing more than chemicals, in this case a chemical that your brain needs to function normally.
If you had a heart condition that required that you take a med for the rest of your life, you wouldn't hesitate to take it, would you? Why should a disease of the brain be any different?
Just as it is unfair to tell depressed people to "just snap out of it, it's all in your attitude" or what ever other mean, unthoughtful things people say, depressiona nd other diseases of the brain cannot always be controlled by counseling alone.
I told my pDoc the other day that if I have to take meds for the rest of my life I will, if they improve the QUALITY of that life. If I were to live a few years less because of some unforeseen complications of the meds down the road, I'd still take the QUALITY of life over the QUANTITY of life.
She said I was very smart to look at it that way, as untreated depression shortens the lifespan by 9 years on average...
Good luck and God bless,
Tony
> I'm very new to taking antidepressants, as Effexor XR is the only one I have taken. I take it for anxiety and mild depression. I believe the depression stemmed from a lot of stressors and life changes. I had thoughts of suicide and overall irratibility as well as "anxiety attacks". My doctor started me on Effexor XR (I'm now taking 75mg) back in July 2003.
>
> In the beginning, I felt wonderful. It was as if I finally had my life back. With such a supportive husband and two wonderful young children, I really wanted to be myself again. Of course I want to be "drug-free", so I wonder when I should try life without Effexor. My life has changed a lot in the last 6 months. Great changes. A feel a lot more stable than I ever have been. The doctor said he would like to see me on the drug 9 months and then we would talk.
>
> However.....I feel this drug has contributed to a weight gain that I DO NOT want!! I'm looking for opinions as to what would be a good way to taper off of this drug. Honestly, some of the stories terrify me. I was thinking of starting to take the dose every other day for awhile. Is this a good place to start?
>
> Thanks so much for any advice you have!
Posted by Spinxxie on March 5, 2004, at 10:18:12
In reply to Re: hypomania » Spinxxie, posted by PoohBear on March 5, 2004, at 9:51:17
I guess people don't realize what ssri's are, they all affect brain chemistry.. so ya will get weird withdrawals.. but.. yeah.. I am trying to be patient, there are no miracles cures... just taking it one day at a time.. thanks so much for your support.. Spinxxie
Posted by Spinxxie on March 5, 2004, at 10:20:54
In reply to Re: Should I begin the weaning process? » Emma Smith, posted by PoohBear on March 5, 2004, at 10:02:06
Like Poohbear said, it is chem. imbalance, no worse then epilepsy.. and you shouldnt be ashamed of being on meds.. if they make your life better.. more functional, I wouldn't worry about it...tc Spinxxie
Posted by PoohBear on March 5, 2004, at 10:21:06
In reply to Re: hypomania » PoohBear, posted by Spinxxie on March 5, 2004, at 10:18:12
> I guess people don't realize what ssri's are, they all affect brain chemistry.. so ya will get weird withdrawals.. but.. yeah.. I am trying to be patient, there are no miracles cures... just taking it one day at a time.. thanks so much for your support.. Spinxxie
No problem, and by the way, Effexor is NOT an SSRI; it's more of a modified tricyclic, working on BOTH seritonin and neopinephrine (as well as dopamine...)
Tony
Posted by newgirl on March 5, 2004, at 13:15:52
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by newgirl on March 4, 2004, at 14:26:36
Has anyone had success losing weight AFTER going off of Effexor XR? As a whole, Effexor XR worked for me. My depression is gone. I've gained weight, and lost my desire for sex, along with other side effects. This made me decide it was time to quit. I'm on day 2 with no Effexor - and I'm doing OK I guess. Aside from the dizziness, occassional nausea, hot/cold chills, it hasn't been nearly as bad as I feared. I'm just looking for hope that this weight will go away as quickly as it came.
Posted by Emma Smith on March 5, 2004, at 13:56:30
In reply to Re: Should I begin the weaning process? » PoohBear, posted by Spinxxie on March 5, 2004, at 10:20:54
Thanks so much for the advice. My doc told me that same thing and completely agree with you all.
I was just hoping that someday I could be off...but if I couldn't make it than I would definitely take meds! I'm loving my quality of life right now!
To be superficial: I just really don't like this weight gain. I'm honestly not doing anything differently. I guess I'll just have to work hard at getting it off. It's just that sometimes, the WEIGHT is what is depressing......
Posted by trevor26 on March 5, 2004, at 17:37:47
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by newgirl on March 5, 2004, at 13:15:52
> Has anyone had success losing weight AFTER going off of Effexor XR? As a whole, Effexor XR worked for me. My depression is gone. I've gained weight, and lost my desire for sex, along with other side effects. This made me decide it was time to quit. I'm on day 2 with no Effexor - and I'm doing OK I guess. Aside from the dizziness, occassional nausea, hot/cold chills, it hasn't been nearly as bad as I feared. I'm just looking for hope that this weight will go away as quickly as it came.
I WISH YOU BETTER LUCK ON GETTING OFF EFFEXOR THAN WHAT I'M HAVING. I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO SICK IN MY LIFE.I,VE BEEN WEANING MYSELF OFF NOW FOR TWO WEEKS AND HAVENT TAKEN ANY FOR THE LAST THREE DAYS. I HAVE MISSED THE LAST 2 DAYS OF WORK BECAUSE I AM UNABLE TO DRIVE AND ALMOST UNABLE TO DO ANYTHING.I WISH I KNEW ABOUT THESE EFFECTS BACK WHEN I STARTED TAKING IT ABOUT 4 YEARS AGO,MY DOCTOR DID NOT TELL ME ANYTHING.I WOULD LIKE TO FORCE FEED HIM THIS MEDICINE FOR 4 YEARS AND THEN QUIT, SO HE COULD FEEL THE EFFECTS. I BET HE WOULD NEVER PRESCRIBE IT TO ANYONE AGAIN
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