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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Carolina on July 27, 2005, at 6:58:42
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain, posted by formerlyshy on July 26, 2005, at 22:29:40
hey formerlyshy-
every1 reacts diff. 2 meds and effexor had a similiar effect 4 me. i had NO energy but i had no appetite either? i was trying to lose the weight i gained after having my lil boy and w/o energy, it was a struggle! now that i'm off effexor i have booocooos of energy and am dropping weight (even though i STAY hungry :-D)...the effexor seems 2 be helping u alot and u still enjoy sex-that's a plus b/c i lost my sex drive while on effex. so i'll tell u what i did....i saw a weight doc. that put me on amide 37.5mg (generic 4 phentermine HCL)and it really controlled my appetite and increased my energy but i HAD to eat right to get the full effects. believe me-im not a health nut(just a nut) but once i saw the diff. w/ how i felt(after stopping the diet pill) by eating certain foods more than others-i have cont. and havnt gained...Good luck & take care-carolina PS-always ck w/ ur doc b4 taking ANY med w/ effexor or any A/D!!!!!!
Posted by jdbarton on July 28, 2005, at 21:40:14
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » TinMan, posted by carolina on July 15, 2005, at 15:20:04
Side issue...I'm a therapist and won't try to defend us because I'm also chronically depressed and back on Effexor AND have had lousy therapy. Remember please that we are trained to listen and assess BUT may miss intensity particularly with depressed people. Your remark about schedule is reasonable...I have ridiculous production goals. All that said, please don't exaggerate, but DO insist that you be heard. Politeness is not the rule in a therapy office. I hope you do get some help from therapy.
Posted by Carolina on July 28, 2005, at 23:07:16
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain, posted by formerlyshy on July 26, 2005, at 22:29:40
hey again-i wouldve saw ur post earlier but i've been sooooo busy. ok-w/ effexor and myself i never craved alcohol at all but i did want to smoke my cigs??? an old habit i had dropped during my pregnancy. i didn't gain weight but i didn't lose what i had gained during my preg. at all at 1st. i had very little appetite w/effexor but i also had NO energy or motivation. i quit effex. cold about 2 weeks ago and will NEVER take it again...i feel 110% better and only had mild w/d symptoms. i have so much darn energy now,i cannot slow down. wellbutrin-nono, not 4 me. i tend 2 be quick tempered as it is(southern r*dneck in me i've been told :-D)j/k..but while on wellbutrin i was plum mean. i don't know what happened but my doc took me off it! i had weight loss w/ wellbutrin but this was also B4 i became pregnant. as far as constipation, no on both. i've never had that prob. while on any meds..just thought i'd share-hope it helps...luvvins from carolina
Posted by Raggs on July 29, 2005, at 0:19:53
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Jimmy Go, posted by teetee on July 25, 2005, at 15:05:25
Hi there,
I've been using effexor xr for about 5 years now and it has changed my life. Originally I was taking 350mg with 300mg of wellbutrin to controll severe depression and anxiety. I then was weaned off of both very slowly and was med free for about a year. Unfortunately the anxiety and depression returned and I once again started Effexor XR 37.5 mg daily to start and then up to 75mg daily. I have stayed at the 75mg dose now for about a year and have had very little anxiety and no depression. I do notice however, very severe side effects if I miss even 1 dose and especially if I miss 2 doses or more. These have included dizziness, tingling, tinitus, seizure, headaches, flu like symptoms and agitation. As long as I take this medication regularly and responsibly I have wonderful results and am able to function fully and enjoy life again.
Well, that's my effexor xr story!
Posted by Carolina on July 29, 2005, at 0:58:07
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Raggs on July 29, 2005, at 0:19:53
i'm really glad it has worked so well for u...best wishes Raggs-carolina
Posted by Raggs on July 29, 2005, at 1:08:41
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Raggs, posted by Carolina on July 29, 2005, at 0:58:07
Thanks Carolina....
I do have one complaint though, Effexor has absolutely killed my libido. I'm wondering if anyone else has had this experience and if so have they found any effective solutions. I'm a 42 year old female....in case that makes a difference.
Posted by Carolina on July 29, 2005, at 1:25:04
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Raggs on July 29, 2005, at 1:08:41
YES YES YES!!!! u r not alone. i never found anything to help...:-( i know there was a thread about an herbal over the counter supp. called DHEA that got switched to another forum...i think it was alternative babble but im not sure. a lot of people spoke highly of it. i'd check it out-u never know! take care
Posted by mispanicked on July 29, 2005, at 8:22:53
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Raggs on July 29, 2005, at 0:19:53
> Hi there,
> I've been using effexor xr for about 5 years now and it has changed my life. Originally I was taking 350mg with 300mg of wellbutrin to controll severe depression and anxiety. I then was weaned off of both very slowly and was med free for about a year. Unfortunately the anxiety and depression returned and I once again started Effexor XR 37.5 mg daily to start and then up to 75mg daily. I have stayed at the 75mg dose now for about a year and have had very little anxiety and no depression. I do notice however, very severe side effects if I miss even 1 dose and especially if I miss 2 doses or more. These have included dizziness, tingling, tinitus, seizure, headaches, flu like symptoms and agitation. As long as I take this medication regularly and responsibly I have wonderful results and am able to function fully and enjoy life again.
> Well, that's my effexor xr story!I had those same effects but they would start about 4 hours after a missed dose and I could not take that. Sometimes I would sleep in or go out early and have towa it until I eat and then I would get the tingling and ringing. I know that it is a good drug, but it was not the right one for me. Congrats on feeling well!
Posted by haddsl on July 29, 2005, at 9:15:37
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Raggs, posted by Carolina on July 29, 2005, at 1:25:04
Hey Carolina and Others,
Your in luck! As we already know the Tin Man is very smart! He has reccomended the DHEA and knows all about it. I am sure he will be happy to inform us again!
Luv,
haddsl
> YES YES YES!!!! u r not alone. i never found anything to help...:-( i know there was a thread about an herbal over the counter supp. called DHEA that got switched to another forum...i think it was alternative babble but im not sure. a lot of people spoke highly of it. i'd check it out-u never know! take care
Posted by TinMan on July 29, 2005, at 18:30:02
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Raggs, posted by Carolina on July 29, 2005, at 1:25:04
Well, Paxil made me "mean as hell". Changed my life and not in a good way. Craved alcohol and drank to excess. My Drs. (including therapist) at the time told me that I had a problem with alcohol. (Not before! Not now!) I have since changed Drs., therapist and drug. Effexor seems to be working for me. I have been on it for almost 2 months now. I, too, craved smoking and I am not a smoker or have been (!). Weird. So Carolina, I can relate. I try to take my meds at the same time everyday, so don't know about the other symptoms. So far, so good for me. I will keep you posted. And, thanks, I DO have a heart!
The TinMan
Posted by DeeCee on July 30, 2005, at 12:43:49
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by TinMan on July 29, 2005, at 18:30:02
I just started effexor a week ago and am experiencing extreme lows and lack of motivation. I have practically no energy and would prefer to stay home alone to any other activities. Has anyone else experienced this when starting effexor? Did it get better?
Posted by jdbarton on July 30, 2005, at 13:03:28
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by DeeCee on July 30, 2005, at 12:43:49
Hopefully, yes. I just had to go back to EFx after trying a couple of SSRI's. After the unnerving effect of the other drugs the calming was a relief. Give it some time...
Posted by Carolina on July 30, 2005, at 14:07:42
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by DeeCee on July 30, 2005, at 12:43:49
yes-that was one of the main negative side effects that i had w/effexor. others were migraines,sexual s/e,and lack of "feeling"(hurt,pain,happiness,etc...)since u have only been on it a short while, sometimes side effects begin 2 ease off. i quit effexor xr 150mg a day about 2 weeks ago after taking it for 9 months and feel 110% better??? i have my energy back and i'm able to "feel" again. it didnt hurt as badly being "numb" all the time but i wasnt able to feel the pain and begin to work through it.i realized that i was in the center of a HUGE say...doughnut and stuck in that circle going round and round again. i had 2 start going through it to get to the outside where i wasnt as "trapped" any more. that's just my lil story-hope it helps some-carolina
Posted by compguy on July 31, 2005, at 10:17:11
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » DeeCee, posted by Carolina on July 30, 2005, at 14:07:42
I am trying to find out if anyone knowes if severe muscle and joint pain is a withdraw sympton of effexor today is my tenth day off it seems to keep getting worse
Posted by asn_sweetie on July 31, 2005, at 11:24:18
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Raggs on July 29, 2005, at 1:08:41
I think that lost libido is a common thing with antidepressants. I used to be an insane bunny rabbit and my husband was worried he couldn't keep up!
Mind you, after depression hits, sex is the last thing on your mind. After my depression was under control, I changed to wellbutrin. Much better for sex, but not the same as when you are unmedicated.
I started having severe panic attacks, so I am on effexor. It surprisingly worked very quickly and decreased the panic, but sex again does not seem as interesting as before.
I have resigned myself to infrequent sex. I don't know if you have the same problem, but it seems that lubrication may be contributing to my problem. What about you?
> Thanks Carolina....
> I do have one complaint though, Effexor has absolutely killed my libido. I'm wondering if anyone else has had this experience and if so have they found any effective solutions. I'm a 42 year old female....in case that makes a difference.
Posted by DeeCee on July 31, 2005, at 11:28:02
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by compguy on July 31, 2005, at 10:17:11
Has anyone ever tried re-starting effexor after stopping for 6 months? I was on it for about 6 months, and it worked well, except for some unwanted sexual side effects. I sent off because of those sexual side effects. Now, I'm trying to re-start but don't seem to be starting off as well.
Posted by jdbarton on July 31, 2005, at 12:44:57
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by DeeCee on July 31, 2005, at 11:28:02
Re-start? Hmm, I'm on fourth try. SSRI's and atypicals make me crazy so we go back to Effexor while we plot strategy. Was off 3 months this time. Sex? what's that? This re-start has been the worst, but usually a week takes care of the crawlies and bad daydreams.
Posted by DeeCee on July 31, 2005, at 12:58:27
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Raggs, posted by asn_sweetie on July 31, 2005, at 11:24:18
I went off of Effexor six months ago because it was affecting my sex life. At first, the only effect was it took me a long time to have an orgasm, but then it got to the point where I couldn't perform at all. The effexor was great for my depression, but if I couldn't have a sex life, then it wasn't good for my quality of life. I'm back trying it a second time though because the depression got too bad again. My doctor says if I still have problems, he can add some welbutrin.
Posted by DeeCee on July 31, 2005, at 13:00:36
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by jdbarton on July 31, 2005, at 12:44:57
Thanks jd....it's nice to know someone else has experienced this. This first week back has been awful...especially the mornings.
Posted by jdbarton on July 31, 2005, at 17:37:52
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by DeeCee on July 31, 2005, at 13:00:36
When I wake up, I'll answer you. I take mine hs and then sleep 8 hrs. Today I logged at least another 5 hrs of nap. Wonder if working is out of the question tomorrow... It does get better.
Posted by Dr. Bob on July 31, 2005, at 19:10:27
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by compguy on July 31, 2005, at 10:17:11
> I am trying to find out if anyone knowes if severe muscle and joint pain is a withdraw sympton of effexor
Sorry if it's confusing here, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding withdraw symptons to Psycho-Babble Withdrawal. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20050712/msgs/536125.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by lhd on July 31, 2005, at 19:38:21
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain , posted by Kathy on April 19, 2000, at 0:16:56
> I have just started on the Effexor XR and am really hoping I don't gain weight from it. I have gained about 35 pounds in the last few months I think from Celexa. I started the Wellbutrin for 2 weeks and did lose about 5 pounds because I felt so nauseous all the time. I broke out in hives the second week and was taken off the Wellbutrin and that's why I'm now on Effexor. Gaining weight from an antidepressant is so depressing! Kathy
Kathy,
I gained weight also on Celexa 20mg. Went to Wellbutrin and had the exact reaction you did. I thought I was going crazy!!! The very 1st med I was on was Zoloft...I just wanted to lay around and do NOTHING! I had suicidal thoughts, and when driving I had terrible road rage~! Now I am taking effexor 75mg. My Doc orignally gave me samples of the xr version, but when I got the rx filled they gave the me the tablets. I really don't feel as good as I did on the tablets as I did on the xr capsules. I get tingly all over and I know that it is time to take another pill. After about 45 mins the tingly sensation goes away. I have been having terrible headaches though. Right behind my eyes. I had to stay out of work two days because of it and when I took imetrex with it, I thought I was going to DIE!! My throat felt like someone was choking me and it hurt to move the hair on my head. I know it sounds weird..... I am still a little depressed. I walked in to work one day and someone pissed me off, so I just quit right on the spot...stupid move...I don't know if it was the meds or not...but I think I would have put a little more thought into it if I were not medicated. I have weird dreams. They are so real and vivid....when I am fully awake, I can't remember all of the dream. I can tell that I have a little problem falling asleep at night more than usual on effexor.Is there anyone out there taking effexor and neurotin together. How does this work for you??
My mother takes it for neuopothy...sp...
I take it sometimes when I am really down...it seems to perk me up and make me feel alot better.
My doc does not seem to think I need the neurotin.My house is getting ready to be foreclosed on, and now I have no job. I have little to no motivation to get another job. I have little energy. I think it may be time to go back to my Doc and report my symptoms.
Sorry to babble......
all responses would be greatly appreciated!Lori
Posted by jdbarton on July 31, 2005, at 20:55:16
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain » Kathy, posted by lhd on July 31, 2005, at 19:38:21
Oh, Lori. Neurontin is very iffy in my experience. I didn't have the bad reaction from Wellbutrin, just no help. I agree that the form of release can be important with all drugs, certainly psycho actives. Weight gain seems like part of the game with AD meds. The irritability for me is mostly SSRI related, but as you well know, can be serious. The only good advice I have is to slow down. I know that sounds stupid, but even though we feel sluggish, rapid changes in meds or circumstances make it hard to be sure what is causing what. Good luck to you.
Posted by Eryn on August 2, 2005, at 22:55:23
In reply to Re: Effexor and alcohol use and thoughts, posted by Kotari on May 6, 2005, at 13:15:47
> Scott,
>
> I did experience akasthesia on the low dose of zyprexa - literally could not sit still and wanted to jump out of my skin. It would only last for 15-20 mins., but very uncomfortable. Never had anything like that with the effexor, but I recently have been trying to increase my dose above 75 mg. and have been nervously chewing my fingers to bits. Very unattractive.
>
> I am interested in what you said about DOPAMINE. The psych who wanted me to increase the effexor said I would get more dopamine with the higher dose and my sex drive would improve. I think that increasng the dose has caused the migraines. Did not know that low dopamine could cause that restlessness problem. Are there other effects that you know of?
>
> I am seriously considering asking to doc to add wellbutrin to my mix, to see if I can increase dopamine that way.
>
> Anyone else out there take this mix? I'm also taking trazadone at night and it would be great to be able to skip this and still be able to sleep.
>
> Kotari
>
Kotari,Im not quite sure if I am submitting this post correctly for you to receive it but I wanted to respond to taking Effexor XR as well as Wellbutrin XL.
I started taking Wellbutrin XL 300mg about 3 years ago for depression that I have been dealing with my entire life. I was feeling better with what it seemed like only part of my depression. So I went to a different Dr. about 7 months ago, and she said that I did need Wellbutrin but for only part of my symptoms and that I needed Effexor XR for the other.
So I am now taking Wellbutrin XL 300mg as well as Effexor XR 150mg. At first the side effects were horrible: dry mouth, not sleeping, shakes, anxiety, restlessness... Now they are not as bad, and I am able to control them most of the time. Always having water with me for dry mouth, and having small healthy snacks helps with the shakes. I am not taking anything at night to sleep. Im finding that if I work out consistently it is helping. Anxiety as well as the restlessness have subsided. Sex drive is not affected either by taking both ADs, thank goodness, ha.
I haven't felt this good in a long time. I am actually remembering what motivates, and excites my life. The feeling good now lasts longer than the depression. Sometimes I use to feel I was never leaving the dark tunnel. Even now I sometimes see the dark tunnel but its not as consuming as it once was. I am able to use the behavioral tools to pick myself up. Its hard though, I'll be honest.. but its been worth it.
Hope that helps. I wish you well.
Sorry for such a long posting.
Best Wishes,
Erin
Posted by julish on August 3, 2005, at 11:04:31
In reply to Re: Effexor and alcohol use and thoughts » Kotari, posted by Eryn on August 2, 2005, at 22:55:23
I noticed discussion of combining Effexor with Wellbutrin. I am headed that way myself. I'm on 150 of Effexor, and Doc told me to try 225. I did and didn't feel better at all--in fact, worse with fatigue, generally sedated feeling, no motivation and at the same time couldn't sleep well...etc. Doc said that if side effects of 225 was too much, decrease back to 150 (which I did), and at next check-in he'd add Wellbutrin with the 150 of Effexor. I'm looking forward to that addition. Hoping it will increase my energy level.
Anyone else out there have this combination that would like to share experiences with? All info appreciated!
Julie
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