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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Cybele on September 30, 2004, at 7:49:41
In reply to Dosage? weight gain? weight loss?, posted by BethL on September 29, 2004, at 17:27:07
I took 37.5 for a week then upped to 75mg. I started noticing a difference after about 4 weeks on 75mg. It just occurred to me one day that I was no longer haiving "down" days. I took it June through mid-September and gained about 15 pounds. I was eating more carbs, but I was also exericising more. Normally I should have gained at most 2-3 lbs eating the calories I did in and exercising the amount I did over this period, so my metabolism was definitely slowed by the Effexor. I had no desire to up my dosage because 75mg seemed to help, but it also made me dehydrated while it was metabolising. If I had a single alcoholic beverage in the evening (I took my Effexor at bedtime) then I'd get terribly dehydrated. Between that and the weight gain, the benefits weren't worth it to me. I wasn't *that* depressed to begin with.
If you've had bad luck or no luck with other ADs and you're feeling pretty low, I think Effexor is definitely worth it. If you start gaining weight, then I'd think you'd have to cut back on calories by 10-15% to maintain your weight.
I ramped down in dose for 10 days, and have been totally off now for two days. I have a little dizziness and irritability which might be due to withdrawal, but that's it.
Just my two cents :)
Posted by Cybele on September 30, 2004, at 7:58:11
In reply to Uping the dose....problems?, posted by Reece's Mom on September 29, 2004, at 19:32:49
> I have been on the drug for two months. I started out slowly and at the end of two weeks was up to 75 mg. Then the depression seemed to come back. Dr. doubled my dose to 150 mg. Now I am so sleepy and can not motivate myself to do anything. I called the Dr. today. He said take 150 one night and 75 the next night. Anyone else do this?
>
> I have been on 150 mg for 3 weeks. How long should I wait to see if the sleepiness will decrease????
>
> I take meds at night. Should I try am?
>Marsha, what other ADs have you tried in your life and what were your experiences? Is your doctor a family physician or psychiatrist? Are you dreaming a lot at night? From my experience, too much REM skeep and short REM latency (you start dreaming almost as soon as fall asleep) can make you chronically sleepy during the day if it goes on long enough--like weeks. If that is the case, switching to AM *might* help.
Posted by Reece's Mom on September 30, 2004, at 8:37:13
In reply to Re: Uping the dose....problems? » Reece's Mom, posted by Cybele on September 30, 2004, at 7:58:11
I tried Paxil about 10 yrs ago and I stayed in the manic phase so I did not last too long on that one. I took Zoloft while preg with my 3rd child. It worked well.
It is my GYN that has given me E. I totally forgot to take it last night. I slept the best I have slept in weeks and I woke up this morning refreshed and happy. Which hasn't happened in about a week. I am beginning to think that 150 mg might be too much for me.
What do you think? I am not very educated when it comes to these meds.
I did take the 75 mg this morning. Two hours later, I feel happy and energtic. I wish I could figure it all out.
Marsha
Posted by StellaAnn on September 30, 2004, at 9:29:27
In reply to Re: Quit Effexor cold turkey--meow71877wildbean, posted by jujube on September 19, 2004, at 7:35:58
I have been taking Effexor for over a year now. When it was prescribed to me, I was on Zoloft. They switched me to Effexor to battle both depression and hot flashes. There has been a couple of times that I took myself off of the drug. Both times it was noticeable to friends and family that I was acting strange and to me, the hot flashes were wicked. I dread the day I go off of them completely.
Posted by sunny10 on September 30, 2004, at 10:57:56
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and orgasm » Shyla, posted by jujube on September 28, 2004, at 10:02:57
I had a breakdown (again)last February. I had felt myself cycling into it, called my doc and she put me back on the Depokate and Desipramine that I had previously been on. My diagnosis is Major Depression with General Anxiety. The breakdown happened anyway and I was put on Effexor XR. I take 75/mg a day, (I am a small person and I apparently have a small brain, too- LOL). That is enough to ease my general anxiety and depression enough for ME to control my situations, not the medication.
But even on this low dose, I have gained 13 lbs. (not pretty on my tiny frame)and suffer from a TOTAL inability to become aroused, thus pain during intercourse. My brain says, yes, yes, yes, but my body just won't respond.
I went to my gynecologist to rule out medical causes ( I had a LEEP procedure in June). He said that this was probably caused by the Effexor XR and gave me VagiFem, a "naturally-derived" estrogen insertable tablet which is usually prescribed to postmenapausal women. I am only 37. I just used the first one last night, so it is too soon to tell if it will work. I have thought about switching to Wellbutrin because it is said to cause "the least amount of sexual dysfunction". I am a little nervous taking estrogen because of cancer related possibilities.
Has anyone tried the estrogen tablet addition to Effexor XR and if so, are there any side effects? Has anyone switched to Wellbutrin because of weight gain and loss of sexual desire?Thanks for any light you can shed on this.
> Good luck to you. Take care.
>
> Tamara
>
> > Thanks for the info Tamara. I ordered bio-identical testosterone cream. It is supposed to be identical to what our bodies produce and abosorb. I haven't received it yet, but if anyone is interested, I'll provide a follow-up to let you know if it is effective. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will be!!!!
> >
> >
> >
> > > I've read a lot of good things about a natural product called "MACA". It is an adaptagen that is supposed to work by balancing all the endocrine glands, including the ovaries, testes, adrenals, thyroid and pancreas. It is supposed to help with loss of libido and promote healthy sexual functioning in men and women. It, apparently, has been used in Peru for thousands of years. It is sometimes referred to as the natural viagara. I recently bought some (Royal MACA through Wholeworld Botanicals), but have only started using it so can't say as yet whether or not it is effective. There is, however, a lot of information on the net about MACA. Anyways, just thought I would throw it out there as a natural option to a frustrating problem.
> > >
> > >
> > > Tamara
> > >
> > > > I have tried the drug holiday, and now I'm also taking 300 mgs of Wellbutrin daily. I still have absolutely no libido, and very rarely reach orgasm. I've tried Zoloft, Remeron, Wellbutrin, and now I'm on 75 mgs. of Effexor XR. Next I'm going to try testosterone cream. If that doesn't work, then I'm going to consider seeing a sex therapist. That's the last possible solution I can think of. I feel like I'm running out of options, and it is frustrating and scarey.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > > you can go off of effexor for 24 hours and it goes out of your system and you can have an orgasm. You can also add wellbutrin and stay on that during your drug "holiday" and it will hold your depression at bay and increase your libido.
> > > > > I don't even take wellbutrin myself but have done that in the past. I am on effexor and go on 24 hour holidays (just did yesterday) and orgasm fine after that short of a break. The first time I went on the day holiday I had mild side effects of withdrawel, but after a couple of times i have none.
> > > > > Anyway best to you!
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > > I was taking Paxil and my doctor put me on Effexor because of sexual problems. I love my wife but don't want to have sex. I am taking 150mg of Effexor and I find that I have a hard time ejaculating and reaching orgasm when I masturbate. Although when I do climax it feels very strong and satisfying. I masturbate about 3 times a day and the other 2 times I find that I am having more of a dry orgasm with not too much semen coming out. I s this normal and is anyone feeling the same. I pratice something called powergasm.
> > > > > > Thanks
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
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> >
> >
>
>
Posted by sunny10 on September 30, 2004, at 12:37:44
In reply to Re: Uping the dose....problems?, posted by Reece's Mom on September 30, 2004, at 8:37:13
Why would you gyn give you Effexor? Also, are you on Effexor or Effexor XR?
> I tried Paxil about 10 yrs ago and I stayed in the manic phase so I did not last too long on that one. I took Zoloft while preg with my 3rd child. It worked well.
>
> It is my GYN that has given me E. I totally forgot to take it last night. I slept the best I have slept in weeks and I woke up this morning refreshed and happy. Which hasn't happened in about a week. I am beginning to think that 150 mg might be too much for me.
>
> What do you think? I am not very educated when it comes to these meds.
>
> I did take the 75 mg this morning. Two hours later, I feel happy and energtic. I wish I could figure it all out.
>
> Marsha
Posted by Eric C on September 30, 2004, at 13:08:07
In reply to Effexor XR withdrawl to dave, posted by juniper on January 21, 2000, at 1:34:06
Was taking effexor xr 37.5 for about a month and a half then decided to get off of it. Its been about 2 - 4 days and was just wondering if there were any side effects due to withdrawing from it. I have heard that there have been symptoms from higher dosages but is it possible to have any symptoms from a small dosage. I am currently feeling spaced out and dizziness which enhances with movement. Could withdrawing from the effexor be the reason for it?
Posted by Reece's Mom on September 30, 2004, at 13:12:36
In reply to Re: Uping the dose....problems?, posted by sunny10 on September 30, 2004, at 12:37:44
I am in the middle of an adoption from hell! We are adopting a toddler boy who was suppose to be home last Jan. Nine months later.....there is still no end in sight. I have a strong family history of depression. I mainly control it thru therapy and exercise but in the summer it became apparent that I could no longer control it. It was controlling me. My therapist can not issue meds.
I am on Effexor XR.
Marsha
Posted by sunny10 on September 30, 2004, at 13:31:36
In reply to Re: Uping the dose....problems?, posted by Reece's Mom on September 30, 2004, at 13:12:36
sounds like you'll be a great Mom, congratulations!
I'm not sure why you'd be on 150 one day 75 the next, then 150 again... logically it sounds as if you would just be boomeranging every other day to me.
I "manage" with 75 a day, everyday. I prefer to be on a little medication as I can and not "drown". The therapy keeps me on track with the coping skills necessary to manage. I would assume that you are attempting the same thing, based on the fact that you mention family history of depression. My psychiatrist and medical doctor agree that , for me, 75 mg/day is enough to manage the Major Depression without changing my personality.
The only advice I can offer is to ask your medical doctor what they think. And, the best of luck both with the side effects and your new addition to the family !
Posted by StellaAnn on September 30, 2004, at 13:36:35
In reply to Re: Dosage? weight gain? weight loss? » BethL, posted by Cybele on September 30, 2004, at 7:49:41
I haven't gained while taking Effexor. But I tend to lose weight when depressed. As far as sex goes, I am just not interested anymore. I take meds for diabetes, cholestrol and water weight. I would like to be able to get off of some of these as I feel like a walking science experiment not to mention the monthly costs. UGGH
Posted by lorily on September 30, 2004, at 17:16:23
In reply to Any side effects from withdrawing from Effexor Xr?, posted by Eric C on September 30, 2004, at 13:08:07
Eric, that's definately a side effect. When I would turn my head or eyes even it felt like the elevator made a short stop. LOL
Posted by lorily on September 30, 2004, at 17:20:03
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and orgasm » jujube, posted by sunny10 on September 30, 2004, at 10:57:56
Sonny, Your weight gain is probably from the depakote. It has something that makes the appetite like crazy. Everything tasted toooo good. I'd be eating one thing and conjuring up the next (immediate) snack.
I tried Viagra for the lack of response (yes, I'm female) and it worked very well.
Posted by lorily on September 30, 2004, at 17:24:08
In reply to Re: Dosage? weight gain? weight loss? » BethL, posted by Shyla on September 29, 2004, at 19:22:56
Atkins worked for me with depakote too. Once I started taking effexor and my depression actually was relieved, I was better able to control my eating. I'm off effexor 2-1/2 months and have had no weight change.
Posted by terrics on September 30, 2004, at 17:31:50
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and orgasm, posted by april8 on September 27, 2004, at 22:44:31
Hi, I am on a ton of meds including effexor. One of my other meds is wellbutrin. Wellbutrin is a wonder drug for your sex life. Not only does it increase your libido, it also increases the length of orgasm by lord knows how much. I am female so I cannot speak for the men. My pdoc said it works like this for about 75% of patients. terrics (I am NOT kidding!).
Posted by catheirne on October 1, 2004, at 9:26:08
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by Shel on July 18, 2000, at 1:35:45
I started taking Effexor XR 8 days ago and I can't believe how much better I feel already! My Dr. started me at 75mg. and wants to get me up to 150. He wanted me to add 37.5 after the 3rd day and I did but it was too much too soon so I will stay at 75 for a while longer. From what I have read on this site (such great info) you need to increase this drug very slowly. I thank God for this drug! I was in a severe depression for over a year and nothing worked (tried Zoloft and Paxil) but Effexor had me feeling better by the 4th day. The side effects for me were dry mouth, tummy ache and I couldn NOT get to sleep but these have pretty much gone away and the trade off to feel better is worth it. YES, I have had great success with Effexor XR!
Posted by fork on October 1, 2004, at 10:03:31
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by catheirne on October 1, 2004, at 9:26:08
> I started taking Effexor XR 8 days ago and I can't believe how much better I feel already! My Dr. started me at 75mg. and wants to get me up to 150. He wanted me to add 37.5 after the 3rd day and I did but it was too much too soon so I will stay at 75 for a while longer. From what I have read on this site (such great info) you need to increase this drug very slowly. I thank God for this drug! I was in a severe depression for over a year and nothing worked (tried Zoloft and Paxil) but Effexor had me feeling better by the 4th day. The side effects for me were dry mouth, tummy ache and I couldn NOT get to sleep but these have pretty much gone away and the trade off to feel better is worth it. YES, I have had great success with Effexor XR!
Congratulations on finding the right medication. Today I have been on Effexor for 1 month (75mg) and I also felt better within the first few days at 37mg. The few negative side effects are gone with the exception being, I am still waking very early in the morning, but I have plenty of energy. I am still at 75mg with no plans to bump it up any higher. For me this medication has been a lifesaver. It may not be for every body, but I am very happy with it. Good Luck and Continued Success
Posted by Sinnielou on October 1, 2004, at 10:23:55
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by fork on October 1, 2004, at 10:03:31
Congrats to you both of your success with Effexor. I have been on it for a year and I have also had great success with it. I take mine late at night just before bed and I also take a smaller dosage mid afternoon it seems to be working very well for me. Good luck to you!!!
Shannon
Posted by sunny10 on October 1, 2004, at 11:54:08
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and orgasm, posted by terrics on September 30, 2004, at 17:31:50
Terrics,
I suffer with unipolar depression and GAD. I am only taking Effexor XR, and it has done WONDERFUL things for my outlook, but troubling side-effects are causing me to re-think the meds.
I am new to the board so I probably missed something in another thread that covers this question, but is it possible to REPLACE E with W, instead of having to take BOTH just to increase my libido? My live-in boyfriend and I miss the old me ! Brain says yes, body won't follow.And I HATE the idea of taking two meds when one handles the depression and anxiety...
Any ideas??
Posted by sunny10 on October 1, 2004, at 11:57:15
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and orgasm, posted by lorily on September 30, 2004, at 17:20:03
Lorily,
I haven't touched a Depakoate in eight months... the weight gain, for me, has to be from the Effexor XR.
Thanks for the Viagra tip- I am attempting to only use one med at a time, though...everything has too many side-effects.
See my reply to Terrics.
Posted by Napolis on October 1, 2004, at 13:23:59
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and orgasm, posted by terrics on September 30, 2004, at 17:31:50
HI. . .
I am on effexor XR . . .I started taking it last February. . . at first i was gaining about 10 pounds a month. . . .I think I gained about 35 pounds. . .but that was actually ok. . because I am a triathlete and I was working out a lot. . .and before I weighed 150 and now I weight about 185. . .
The other problem I have is that if I forget to take the pill, basically it takes me 3-4 days to get back on schedule and during the time that I have forgotten. . .I get woozy. . .almost faint. . .so I am kinda on a tether I feel sometimes. . .
The other side effect is the sexual. Before taking the drug I have a very powerfull sex drive. . .I am only 29 and male. . . and sex was of coursre enjoyable to me. But now i can't even get aroused and if I try it doesn't stay up :( I almost feel like it is smaller now too. . . .so I am not really sure what to do. . .I mean I don't have a girl friend now. I am concerned about taking more drugs. . .too. . .but I am not sure what to do. . .I want to be sexually active but it is pretty hard to get out there for me. . .especially when I am unsure that I could "produce" results. . .at the same time I feel stupid asking my doctore for a solution when I don't have a girl friend to use it on. . .I would feel stupid taking viagra just for the purpose of self stimulation. . . .but right now it is pretty lame. . .I can't even get myself off. . .haven't done anything for some time :((
Later-- Napolis
> Hi, I am on a ton of meds including effexor. One of my other meds is wellbutrin. Wellbutrin is a wonder drug for your sex life. Not only does it increase your libido, it also increases the length of orgasm by lord knows how much. I am female so I cannot speak for the men. My pdoc said it works like this for about 75% of patients. terrics (I am NOT kidding!).
Posted by mrs1104 on October 1, 2004, at 13:29:27
In reply to Any side effects from withdrawing from Effexor Xr?, posted by Eric C on September 30, 2004, at 13:08:07
I took Effexor 37.5 for about 3 months (after trying 2 others) back in 2001. Like other people have said, everyone is different but...
I was definitely in withdrawal. Even though I "weaned" myself off as directed by my GP and psychologist, I felt like my brain was bouncing around in my skull. If I turned my head quickly, I felt like I was drunk. I had the shakes, felt dizzy, had upset appetite...you get the idea.
I guess the point is, regardless of the dose I think some people experience withdrawal symptoms while others may not. I certainly did. It sucked and all I wanted to do was start taking pills again. But everything subsided within a week or so.
I took Effexor for depression on-set from an event and experienced full recovery (or maybe remission??) I am now taking Effexor XR again (for past 5 months) because of chemical imbalance and have no plans of discontinuing anti-depressants. Depression (although I am the only one to admit it) is very prevalent through multiple generations in my family, so I figure why "be a hero." It's no different than taking drugs for high cholesterol.
I was taking 75 mg, but with continued fatigue was bumped up to 150 mg. Emotionally I feel fine. Physically, I am still tired all of the time. I don't know if it's the drug, or just me. Anyone else have continued problems with intense fatigue while taking Effexor?
P.S. Sorry the post was so long, but it's my first time here.
Posted by jujube on October 1, 2004, at 13:57:02
In reply to side effects from withdrawing/fatigue, posted by mrs1104 on October 1, 2004, at 13:29:27
I was on Effexor XR for 6 months (dose went up to 225 mg then reduced (at my request) to 150 mg). I have to say that the whole time I was on it I felt somewhat lethargic and apathetic (like nothing really mattered). I also continued to have underlying anxiety (I was mostly taking it for anxiety). I couldn't stand the unmotivated way I felt. But, everybody is different, and you are likely just experiencing start-up side effects. There are a lot of people who have had extremely positive experiences on Effexor.
Because of the problems I was having with the drug, I asked the doctor if I could supplement with Sam-e. He did not know enough about Sam-e to agree to it, so he switched me to Celexa. It has only been three weeks on Celexa and three weeks off Effexor (weaned off a period of two weeks), so it's too soon to tell if the Celexa will be effective. Also, I am suffering the side effects of my first (and now only) Depo Provera shot (extreme nausea and throwing up, fatigue, cramps, mood swings, depression, etc.), so I am hoping that the Celexa will help with at least the mood related side effects until the shot wears off.
Good luck to you.
> I took Effexor 37.5 for about 3 months (after trying 2 others) back in 2001. Like other people have said, everyone is different but...
>
> I was definitely in withdrawal. Even though I "weaned" myself off as directed by my GP and psychologist, I felt like my brain was bouncing around in my skull. If I turned my head quickly, I felt like I was drunk. I had the shakes, felt dizzy, had upset appetite...you get the idea.
>
> I guess the point is, regardless of the dose I think some people experience withdrawal symptoms while others may not. I certainly did. It sucked and all I wanted to do was start taking pills again. But everything subsided within a week or so.
>
> I took Effexor for depression on-set from an event and experienced full recovery (or maybe remission??) I am now taking Effexor XR again (for past 5 months) because of chemical imbalance and have no plans of discontinuing anti-depressants. Depression (although I am the only one to admit it) is very prevalent through multiple generations in my family, so I figure why "be a hero." It's no different than taking drugs for high cholesterol.
>
> I was taking 75 mg, but with continued fatigue was bumped up to 150 mg. Emotionally I feel fine. Physically, I am still tired all of the time. I don't know if it's the drug, or just me. Anyone else have continued problems with intense fatigue while taking Effexor?
>
> P.S. Sorry the post was so long, but it's my first time here.
Posted by marcy on October 1, 2004, at 18:19:54
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by fork on October 1, 2004, at 10:03:31
HI everyone,
I too am happy so far. I started at 37.5 for one week, this week it will be 75, next it will b 37.5 + 75 and then at 150 for the rest. I take it at bedtime. I have a lot of dreaming, but the dreams are not near as stressful as before.
Take care
Posted by maa on October 2, 2004, at 5:02:13
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hello, I have just started taking Effexor XR (37.5mg/day) for anxiety. I have been on it for a week now and been on the edge of vomiting for most of this week. Do any of you know a good way of dealing with the continuous nausea? I have found eating very dry food seems to help for short term relief, but this problem is really starting to bother me and is preventing me from sleeping at night or getting any work done.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Posted by Hayduke on October 2, 2004, at 18:27:31
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 150mg for about a month and half now, and can unequivicably say that it has helped me.
Some background info: I am a biology doctoral student who has suffered from depression on and off for about ten years. Soon after entering grad school a year and a half ago, I went into the most severe depression of my life. I completely lost interest in my research, and came very close to getting kicked out of grad school because of an inability to do my work. I resisted going on meds because I had previously found non-pharmacological ways to help myself, but out of desperation I finally went to the health center at my university and was prescribed Effexor. To be honest, I wasn't expecting it to be very helpful, due to the lack of effect of a few SSRIs that I tried ten years ago.
Well, the last few weeks have been absolutely amazing for me. I keep asking myself if it is just the placebo effect, but I've concluded that there is simply too stark a difference to be that - it's like night and day. I have regained the confidence, clearheadedness, and interest in life that has been lacking for over a year.
I seem to have avoided many of the side effects that other people experience. The only side effects for me have been jitteriness (which has subsided somewhat, though not completely), dehydration, and the sexual stuff (not a complete inability to orgasm - it just takes longer). I am also having the most vivid dreams of my life!
I know I sound like a walking advertisement for Effexor, but I have read so many disaster stories about it on this website that I just wanted to add my own positive experience.
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