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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by java874 on July 4, 2005, at 17:59:22
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by compguy on July 4, 2005, at 13:04:45
Hello,
I am on day #5 of Effexor XR. I suffer from double depression and finally decided it was time to take control of my life. Unlike a lot of people that have posted responses, I noticed the effects IMMEDIATELY. I am still on the 37.5mg dose and am supposed to take 75mg in two days. I am having so much success with the lower dose, I am contemplating staying on it...why take a higher dose if it is unnecessary? The two side effects I've had are fatigue and headache; I also felt "spacey" the first two days. I got smart and began to take 2 motrin along with my dose...this prevents the headache. If it makes a difference to anyone, I take my dose in the morning WHILE I'm at work and can function just fine. The fatigue only seems to hit once I get home. Officially as of day five, I have absolutely NO side effects, I feel GREAT! I am not emotionless, but can bypass the anxious thoughts that once riddled me. What a joy it is to be able to concentrate on myself and the things AT HAND vs. other anxieties.
Posted by TinMan on July 4, 2005, at 20:51:33
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by jaamey76 on June 30, 2005, at 14:25:43
Chewing gum helps a little with the clenching. Clonazepam helps quite a bit but it is in the diazapine family and can be addictive.
I have been on Effexor 225 mg for about a month now. Wow! Depression, anxiety are pretty much a thing of the past. I can concentrate on a task and think without other thoughts crowding my train of thought out. If my problems stem from hormone fluctuations and peri-menopause, I think this is a quick fix and not a long term solution. Effexor may work for me, while not for others.
There needs to be a lot more study done on hormone fluctuations and what they can do to a woman's mind, emotions and body. I think that by studying the source is the best way to find a solution. I have heard that depression causes much more difficult peri-menopause for women. Personally, I think difficult peri-menopause IS the cause of depression.
Perhaps the Wizard can help us?!?
TinMan
Posted by carolina on July 5, 2005, at 0:34:42
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by java874 on July 4, 2005, at 17:59:22
> Hello,
> I am on day #5 of Effexor XR. I suffer from double depression and finally decided it was time to take control of my life. Unlike a lot of people that have posted responses, I noticed the effects IMMEDIATELY. I am still on the 37.5mg dose and am supposed to take 75mg in two days. I am having so much success with the lower dose, I am contemplating staying on it...why take a higher dose if it is unnecessary? The two side effects I've had are fatigue and headache; I also felt "spacey" the first two days. I got smart and began to take 2 motrin along with my dose...this prevents the headache. If it makes a difference to anyone, I take my dose in the morning WHILE I'm at work and can function just fine. The fatigue only seems to hit once I get home. Officially as of day five, I have absolutely NO side effects, I feel GREAT! I am not emotionless, but can bypass the anxious thoughts that once riddled me. What a joy it is to be able to concentrate on myself and the things AT HAND vs. other anxieties.i agree about why up the dose when ur doing well b/c in some people ur body adjusts to 1 level after time and the med doesnt work as well and then u may hav 2 go up im glad ur doing better i know how it is to feel so depressed its hard to function i have severe depressive disorder along w/ PTSD and 150 has been working 4 me so i said why up the dose i completely know how u feel
Posted by jesica on July 5, 2005, at 10:44:12
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi there,
I've been on Effexor for 4 weeks now. The first 3 were terrible but then I started to feel allot better. This weekend all of a sudden I started to feel really bad again, like if I was a different person. I gave up... on Sunday I stopped taking my pill and now I feel terrible. I know you are supposed to gradually get off it but I thought I would just try. Now I am a mess. I can't seem to focus on anything, I've been sleeping like no tomorrow and I can't seem to remember much. What should I do? Should I keep taking it? But I'm afraid I'll feel worst or will this go away in a few days?
Posted by carolina on July 5, 2005, at 11:27:54
In reply to what should I do? HELP, posted by jesica on July 5, 2005, at 10:44:12
> Hi there,
> I've been on Effexor for 4 weeks now. The first 3 were terrible but then I started to feel allot better. This weekend all of a sudden I started to feel really bad again, like if I was a different person. I gave up... on Sunday I stopped taking my pill and now I feel terrible. I know you are supposed to gradually get off it but I thought I would just try. Now I am a mess. I can't seem to focus on anything, I've been sleeping like no tomorrow and I can't seem to remember much. What should I do? Should I keep taking it? But I'm afraid I'll feel worst or will this go away in a few days?
>
hey im def. not a dr. but i know that stopping any meds cold turkey can cause serious reactions and cause awful side effects. within 2 weeks, the effexor is usually in ur body at a stable level and by stopping ur body is adjusting to the difference. i would get in touch w/ my doc IMMEDIATELY about this. maybe effexor wasnt right for u but stopping any anti depressant can cause u to hit bottom and feel worse than u did b4. i have stopped different meds several x's and each x i fell back into that dark hole and felt so bad i didnt even want to get out of bed much less call my doc but u have 2 for ur safety and well being. please let me know how things go. there are many other meds out that may be better 4 u depending on what ur dr says. please dont wait it may just get worse-abb
Posted by julish on July 5, 2005, at 12:04:12
In reply to Re: what should I do? HELP, posted by carolina on July 5, 2005, at 11:27:54
DEFINITELY...call your Doc.!
There's a solution for you...just keep trying! The effects of suddenly stopping a med are difficult, at best... I certainly wouldn't want you to experience the worst.
Call your doc and get advice.
Julie
Posted by baby girl on July 5, 2005, at 12:04:21
In reply to Re: what should I do? HELP, posted by carolina on July 5, 2005, at 11:27:54
> > Hi there,
> > I've been on Effexor for 4 weeks now. The first 3 were terrible but then I started to feel allot better. This weekend all of a sudden I started to feel really bad again, like if I was a different person. I gave up... on Sunday I stopped taking my pill and now I feel terrible. I know you are supposed to gradually get off it but I thought I would just try. Now I am a mess. I can't seem to focus on anything, I've been sleeping like no tomorrow and I can't seem to remember much. What should I do? Should I keep taking it? But I'm afraid I'll feel worst or will this go away in a few days?
> >
> hey im def. not a dr. but i know that stopping any meds cold turkey can cause serious reactions and cause awful side effects. within 2 weeks, the effexor is usually in ur body at a stable level and by stopping ur body is adjusting to the difference. i would get in touch w/ my doc IMMEDIATELY about this. maybe effexor wasnt right for u but stopping any anti depressant can cause u to hit bottom and feel worse than u did b4. i have stopped different meds several x's and each x i fell back into that dark hole and felt so bad i didnt even want to get out of bed much less call my doc but u have 2 for ur safety and well being. please let me know how things go. there are many other meds out that may be better 4 u depending on what ur dr says. please dont wait it may just get worse-abb
>
I tried to get my self off of effexor... GO TO YOUR DOC NOW!!!!!!!!!! I almost found mtself in a mental hospital. My husband did not know what I was doing. I was having some rare side effects, extream pelvic pain, bone pain, and arthritic symptoms. The best orthapedic doc in WNC. could not find any thing wrong with me. Had MRIs, Bone Scans, and CT scans. The pain was making the dep.worse so med doc uped the dose to 225mg a day which made the pain worse. I did some digging in the American Journal of Med. and found the rare side effects. Be careful on this drug!! I'm not saying that it is a bad drug but it cacused more problems for me than cures. I am now on wellbutrin, happy as a lark, pain free, and dropping the weight I gained while on effoxor. I learned the hard way to read all the fine print!!!
Posted by jaamey76 on July 5, 2005, at 12:38:55
In reply to what should I do? HELP, posted by jesica on July 5, 2005, at 10:44:12
Hey jesica...like you, I have been on Effexor for just under 4 weeks, and seeing your post makes me feel a bit better. It was awful when I started, then I woke up one day, and was feeling much better. That lasted for a couple of days, and then all of a sudden, it was like starting over again. My anxiety is back, I am shakey again, and afraid to leave the house. I don't know if that is an indication that the dosage needs to be increased, or that we just need a little more time. I am going to hang in there for another week, and see what happens. I will be visiting my doc soon, for a refill. Keep taking it, and see what happens.
Posted by carolina on July 5, 2005, at 13:13:07
In reply to Re: what should I do? HELP » carolina, posted by baby girl on July 5, 2005, at 12:04:21
> > > Hi there,
> > > I've been on Effexor for 4 weeks now. The first 3 were terrible but then I started to feel allot better. This weekend all of a sudden I started to feel really bad again, like if I was a different person. I gave up... on Sunday I stopped taking my pill and now I feel terrible. I know you are supposed to gradually get off it but I thought I would just try. Now I am a mess. I can't seem to focus on anything, I've been sleeping like no tomorrow and I can't seem to remember much. What should I do? Should I keep taking it? But I'm afraid I'll feel worst or will this go away in a few days?
> > >
> > hey im def. not a dr. but i know that stopping any meds cold turkey can cause serious reactions and cause awful side effects. within 2 weeks, the effexor is usually in ur body at a stable level and by stopping ur body is adjusting to the difference. i would get in touch w/ my doc IMMEDIATELY about this. maybe effexor wasnt right for u but stopping any anti depressant can cause u to hit bottom and feel worse than u did b4. i have stopped different meds several x's and each x i fell back into that dark hole and felt so bad i didnt even want to get out of bed much less call my doc but u have 2 for ur safety and well being. please let me know how things go. there are many other meds out that may be better 4 u depending on what ur dr says. please dont wait it may just get worse-abb
> >
> I tried to get my self off of effexor... GO TO YOUR DOC NOW!!!!!!!!!! I almost found mtself in a mental hospital. My husband did not know what I was doing. I was having some rare side effects, extream pelvic pain, bone pain, and arthritic symptoms. The best orthapedic doc in WNC. could not find any thing wrong with me. Had MRIs, Bone Scans, and CT scans. The pain was making the dep.worse so med doc uped the dose to 225mg a day which made the pain worse. I did some digging in the American Journal of Med. and found the rare side effects. Be careful on this drug!! I'm not saying that it is a bad drug but it cacused more problems for me than cures. I am now on wellbutrin, happy as a lark, pain free, and dropping the weight I gained while on effoxor. I learned the hard way to read all the fine print!!!
>
just wondered if u noticed any side effects from the wellbutrin? i was on it and had no bad sexual side effects but i did feel more anxious and my temperment changed very much????
Posted by compguy on July 5, 2005, at 13:26:32
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by carolina on July 4, 2005, at 14:15:05
Hey can you let me know if you get releif from those migranes, I have noticed now that i have cut back the effexor there not as bad, I have had some small withdraws but not that bad i am now down to 18 mg 1 or 2 times a day i hope to be off in the next week or two. I have a friend that uses topomax for migranes and another who uses inderal la They both swear by the medication. Good luck hope you get better, ps my sex drive since cutting back the effexor has already started to improve!!!!!
Posted by jesica on July 5, 2005, at 13:31:35
In reply to Re: what should I do? HELP, posted by carolina on July 5, 2005, at 13:13:07
I have a doctor’s appointment today. I'll just have to wait and see. I feel so out of it, It's like I am in a different world. I feel like everyone is watching me. I hate feeling like this. But on the other hand I am also afraid of taking it. What if I get the same side effects I had at the beginning. I guess my Doctor will be able to answer these questions. Do you guys think that maybe alcohol had something to do with the way I was feeling?? The last day I took my medication was on Saturday. Friday night I had allot to drink and Sunday I woke up feeling like a different person and that is when I decided to stop with this nonsense. I am so confused, even if I do go back on it what will happen in one year when my doctor says It's time to stop???? is this how I will feel?
Posted by carolina on July 5, 2005, at 14:02:15
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by compguy on July 5, 2005, at 13:26:32
i def. will let u know about the migraines and i see my doc soon so i may try to drop down 2 75 effexor from the 150 even though he wants me on 225 but i dont feel i need that much b/c im ok where im at and plan on slowly dropping back to 75. i sure hope i get the WOW in the sex back!!! any more info u have on ur friends meds for migraines ex side effects,etc would be greatly appreciated. take care
Posted by carolina on July 5, 2005, at 14:06:41
In reply to Re: what should I do? HELP, posted by jesica on July 5, 2005, at 13:31:35
the alcohol prob. definately affected u some but u seem to have either GAD or SAD and effexor helps that but there are other meds too. I have SAD social anxiety disorder and im on klonopin w/ effexor. klonopin is VERY addicting so many drs are leniant on prescribing it but it def. helps w/ anxiety. keep me informed so i know ur ok
Posted by compguy on July 5, 2005, at 15:44:30
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by carolina on July 5, 2005, at 14:02:15
Just remember when you cut back do it slow I messed up the first time and cut off fast wont do that again.The inderal side effects is a slower heart beat and lower blood preasure it is a beta blocker my friend said they could not tell except the first couple days was a little tired but after that was fine and it is non addictive you can stop when ever or that is how i understand it ask your doc
Posted by TinMan on July 5, 2005, at 16:06:49
In reply to Re: what should I do? HELP, posted by jesica on July 5, 2005, at 13:31:35
> I have a doctor’s appointment today. I'll just have to wait and see. I feel so out of it, It's like I am in a different world. I feel like everyone is watching me. I hate feeling like this. But on the other hand I am also afraid of taking it. What if I get the same side effects I had at the beginning. I guess my Doctor will be able to answer these questions. Do you guys think that maybe alcohol had something to do with the way I was feeling?? The last day I took my medication was on Saturday. Friday night I had allot to drink and Sunday I woke up feeling like a different person and that is when I decided to stop with this nonsense. I am so confused, even if I do go back on it what will happen in one year when my doctor says It's time to stop???? is this how I will feel?
I, personally, think that alcohol DEFINITELY had an effect on you while taking Effexor. Alcohol is a depressant. While taking SSRI's, it is best to keep your alcohol consumption to a minimum or not drink at all.
If you find yourself craving alcohol, drinking a lot more than usual, please see your Dr. right away. Some SSRI's can cause alcohol cravings, a propensity to drink a lot and violent behaviors when mixing alcohol and SSRI's. Not all SSRI's are the same and what may work for some may not work for you. Keep communication and working with your Dr. until you find something that works for you. SO VERY IMPORTANT TO KEEP IN CONTACT WITH YOUR DR. If he/she does not listen, FIND A NEW ONE, PRONTO!
Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain...
TinMan
Posted by carolina on July 5, 2005, at 18:04:38
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by compguy on July 5, 2005, at 15:44:30
thanx i appreciate it and i'll def. ask
Posted by Phillipa on July 5, 2005, at 18:05:36
In reply to Re: what should I do? HELP, posted by TinMan on July 5, 2005, at 16:06:49
Don't recognize any of your names so you must be new to PBabble. Welcome! The effexor Thread goes back for years. Search the Archives and you'll see what I mean. There's a point where a lawsuit against Effexor was started. But still a lot of people have great success on it. Just google in effexor. Look at the withdrawal board too. Those are the people who are now trying to stop. It's important to make informed decisions about what you put into your body. I thinks you all need to read more about other's experiences. Then when you do see your pdoc you will have educated questions to ask. just trying to help. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by carolina on July 5, 2005, at 18:06:53
In reply to Re: what should I do? HELP, posted by TinMan on July 5, 2005, at 16:06:49
that is 100% accurate so be careful
Posted by Phillipa on July 5, 2005, at 18:07:42
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by carolina on July 5, 2005, at 0:34:42
Meant to add. I too tried effexor. But i never got beyond 37.5mg. Only took it for a week. Don't know what would have been the results if I'd stuck with it. Good or bad. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by java874 on July 5, 2005, at 18:58:00
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by Phillipa on July 5, 2005, at 18:07:42
> Meant to add. I too tried effexor. But i never got beyond 37.5mg. Only took it for a week. Don't know what would have been the results if I'd stuck with it. Good or bad. Fondly, Phillipa
Can you tell me why you stopped after one week? I'm curious...I'm supposed to take one more 37.5mg before I go to 75mg, but am having success with my small dosage. I'm trying to get a prescription to stay at this low dose...no need to increase if I feel good now...
Posted by Phillipa on July 5, 2005, at 19:29:28
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor, posted by java874 on July 5, 2005, at 18:58:00
I had bad side effects. Felt like a space cadet. My anxiety was very bad at the time. Maybe I should have stuck it out. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by jaamey76 on July 5, 2005, at 19:32:28
In reply to Re: side effects to effexor » java874, posted by Phillipa on July 5, 2005, at 19:29:28
I also had a couple of drinks on Saturday night, (only 2) and by Sunday evening/Monday morning I was feeling really bad as well. I am sure that has something to do with it, but I did not stop taking the Effexor, and I am starting to come around again. No bad side-effects like the first couple of weeks. I guess drinking is not a good idea. Not even a couple.
Posted by baby girl on July 5, 2005, at 20:32:45
In reply to Re: what should I do? HELP, posted by carolina on July 5, 2005, at 13:13:07
> > > > Hi there,
> > > > I've been on Effexor for 4 weeks now. The first 3 were terrible but then I started to feel allot better. This weekend all of a sudden I started to feel really bad again, like if I was a different person. I gave up... on Sunday I stopped taking my pill and now I feel terrible. I know you are supposed to gradually get off it but I thought I would just try. Now I am a mess. I can't seem to focus on anything, I've been sleeping like no tomorrow and I can't seem to remember much. What should I do? Should I keep taking it? But I'm afraid I'll feel worst or will this go away in a few days?
> > > >
> > > hey im def. not a dr. but i know that stopping any meds cold turkey can cause serious reactions and cause awful side effects. within 2 weeks, the effexor is usually in ur body at a stable level and by stopping ur body is adjusting to the difference. i would get in touch w/ my doc IMMEDIATELY about this. maybe effexor wasnt right for u but stopping any anti depressant can cause u to hit bottom and feel worse than u did b4. i have stopped different meds several x's and each x i fell back into that dark hole and felt so bad i didnt even want to get out of bed much less call my doc but u have 2 for ur safety and well being. please let me know how things go. there are many other meds out that may be better 4 u depending on what ur dr says. please dont wait it may just get worse-abb
> > >
> > I tried to get my self off of effexor... GO TO YOUR DOC NOW!!!!!!!!!! I almost found mtself in a mental hospital. My husband did not know what I was doing. I was having some rare side effects, extream pelvic pain, bone pain, and arthritic symptoms. The best orthapedic doc in WNC. could not find any thing wrong with me. Had MRIs, Bone Scans, and CT scans. The pain was making the dep.worse so med doc uped the dose to 225mg a day which made the pain worse. I did some digging in the American Journal of Med. and found the rare side effects. Be careful on this drug!! I'm not saying that it is a bad drug but it cacused more problems for me than cures. I am now on wellbutrin, happy as a lark, pain free, and dropping the weight I gained while on effoxor. I learned the hard way to read all the fine print!!!
> >
> just wondered if u noticed any side effects from the wellbutrin? i was on it and had no bad sexual side effects but i did feel more anxious and my temperment changed very much????
>
no. Not yet, but I also take clonazepam(only 2mg before bedtime). I have not felt this good since I started going through early menapause.
Posted by carolina on July 6, 2005, at 8:03:41
In reply to Re: what should I do? HELP, posted by baby girl on July 5, 2005, at 20:32:45
> > > > > Hi there,
> > > > > I've been on Effexor for 4 weeks now. The first 3 were terrible but then I started to feel allot better. This weekend all of a sudden I started to feel really bad again, like if I was a different person. I gave up... on Sunday I stopped taking my pill and now I feel terrible. I know you are supposed to gradually get off it but I thought I would just try. Now I am a mess. I can't seem to focus on anything, I've been sleeping like no tomorrow and I can't seem to remember much. What should I do? Should I keep taking it? But I'm afraid I'll feel worst or will this go away in a few days?
> > > > >
> > > > hey im def. not a dr. but i know that stopping any meds cold turkey can cause serious reactions and cause awful side effects. within 2 weeks, the effexor is usually in ur body at a stable level and by stopping ur body is adjusting to the difference. i would get in touch w/ my doc IMMEDIATELY about this. maybe effexor wasnt right for u but stopping any anti depressant can cause u to hit bottom and feel worse than u did b4. i have stopped different meds several x's and each x i fell back into that dark hole and felt so bad i didnt even want to get out of bed much less call my doc but u have 2 for ur safety and well being. please let me know how things go. there are many other meds out that may be better 4 u depending on what ur dr says. please dont wait it may just get worse-abb
> > > >
> > > I tried to get my self off of effexor... GO TO YOUR DOC NOW!!!!!!!!!! I almost found mtself in a mental hospital. My husband did not know what I was doing. I was having some rare side effects, extream pelvic pain, bone pain, and arthritic symptoms. The best orthapedic doc in WNC. could not find any thing wrong with me. Had MRIs, Bone Scans, and CT scans. The pain was making the dep.worse so med doc uped the dose to 225mg a day which made the pain worse. I did some digging in the American Journal of Med. and found the rare side effects. Be careful on this drug!! I'm not saying that it is a bad drug but it cacused more problems for me than cures. I am now on wellbutrin, happy as a lark, pain free, and dropping the weight I gained while on effoxor. I learned the hard way to read all the fine print!!!
> > >
> > just wondered if u noticed any side effects from the wellbutrin? i was on it and had no bad sexual side effects but i did feel more anxious and my temperment changed very much????
> >
> no. Not yet, but I also take clonazepam(only 2mg before bedtime). I have not felt this good since I started going through early menapause.
>
hmmmm i thought about it and i was not taking the klonopin when i was on the wellbutrin-im def. gonna c if i can switch back b/c i do miss the sex drive w/ my "husband". im on 3mg of klonopin a day but only take it when i have to go out-social anxiety d/o-it sucks. thanx 4 ur input
Posted by starlight on July 6, 2005, at 12:38:06
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Cindy W on January 11, 2000, at 22:18:51
Hi all,
I'm coming off of effexor xr and frankly am scared about it. I take only 75mgs, and am glad it's a low dose as I'm sure it will be easier to handle than coming off of a higher dose. It's actually not that I'm scared of experiencing the withdrawal, more that I'm scared about not having it since I like it. It's done a good job of treating my depression. I'm also coming off of my other drugs too! And am glad about that totally. I've been reducing my trileptal and the lamictal will be the last thing to go. Hubbie and I are considering getting pregnant, which is why I'm coming off of the drugs. But frankly, I've never been convinced I was bipolar, and really think I just had problems with depression. So in a way, this is good because it will give me a clean start.For those of you who have gone through this, please share your thoughts. Even better if you've come off of other drugs at the same time. How long did it take you to feel better?
Thanks,
STarlight
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