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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by gramma on August 17, 2005, at 10:11:35
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 75 mg since shortly after my hysterectomy in 1999. I tried it to help with my mood swings and fibromialgia. It has helped with the mood swings. I take it once daily. I went off of it cold turkey a few summers ago (I was frustrated with problems with my prescription insurance) It was a wrong move! I felt like the wicked witch of the west! Anyway, I have gained weight, but have always battled weight so I can't really blame it on the medication.
Nice to read about others reactions to this med.
Gramma
Posted by SandiDee on August 17, 2005, at 17:52:14
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by gramma on August 17, 2005, at 10:11:35
Just wanted to let everyone know how life on Effexor has been for me. I have been taking it for about 1 1/2 months now, things are going fairly smooth. I like that it has quieted alot of my anxiety, though I still have anxiety over certain things. I HAVE had alot of the side effects to go along with the good, the dry mouth, constipation, sexual stuff, some blurred vision, and always seem tired, especially after 5 p.m.. I am going to my dr. next week and ask for welbutrin, as that seems to be the next step, I am also going to ask about the tiredness, I am fairly active, and have slept well with tylenol p.m., until the effexor, now I don't sleep well at all. My boyfriend has a hard time understanding the sexual side effect part, I am at a loss to explain it to him, so I invited him to read some of these posts. I think this med is a double edged sword for me right now, I don't want to stop it because of the anxiety and depression that will come back, but I don't want to damage my relationship bacause of it either, hopefully my Dr. will give me a script for welbutrin. Anyone with any other suggestions, feel free. This thread has become a comfortable place for me lately. (Special thanks to MtnMama for encouraging me to start the effexor in the beginning when I was having second thoughts.)
Posted by aha on August 17, 2005, at 18:21:57
In reply to Re: Effexor XR for Hot Flash, posted by mek on August 13, 2005, at 7:46:58
Okay...my 2 cents. I went on Effexor XR (time-released)on 4/03 for mostly hot flashes and the fact that I was crying over anything and everything and that is not my personality. It was getting very embarassing. I read about Effexor XR in a magazine and they said it stopped hot flashes and intense hunger from menopause. The dr. said if it was hormones making me cry that after around 3 days of taking effexor I would stop flashes and crying. He was right on the money. I've been great ever since. I only take 75 mg. and have never increased except once. Bad news...had weird side effects such as brain quiver that the doctor called a seizure. Never did that again. I want to try getting off of it now but I hope I don't go through a bad time from 75 mg. but I know I have forgotten to take it for a couple of days and I was a mean antsy woman and it didn't feel good. Hope taking 37.5 mg. for a while will work. Anybody try that before? thx
Posted by TinMan on August 17, 2005, at 20:23:54
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by TinMan on August 13, 2005, at 10:01:17
OK, thanks to all of your posts, I am going to talk to my Dr. about going to Wellbutrin as well as the Effexor. Lately, I have been so very exhausted. I sleep late every morning and am still tired. I didn't have this side effect in the beginning but I do now. I do like how Effexor is so calming. Hate the sexual side effects.
TinMan
Posted by LynnPerley on August 17, 2005, at 21:16:53
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by TinMan on August 17, 2005, at 20:23:54
> OK, thanks to all of your posts, I am going to talk to my Dr. about going to Wellbutrin as well as the Effexor. Lately, I have been so very exhausted. I sleep late every morning and am still tired. I didn't have this side effect in the beginning but I do now. I do like how Effexor is so calming. Hate the sexual side effects.
>
> TinManI can't take wellbutrin because I have a history of a seizure. I am taking effexor plus prozac now instead.
Posted by KMM on August 18, 2005, at 3:24:17
In reply to Re: Effexor XR for Hot Flash, posted by aha on August 17, 2005, at 18:21:57
Can you describe your brain quiver? On Wellbutrin, I had some tremoring on the left side of my body so I stopped taking it. On Effexor, I have something like goosebumps on the right top half of my scalp occasionally. Is this what it felt like?
KMM
Posted by PamA on August 18, 2005, at 5:57:16
In reply to Re: Effexor XR for Hot Flash, posted by KMM on August 18, 2005, at 3:24:17
Ekk I hope those aren't seizures. I often have, what I call chil bumps, on my scalp and sometimes just on one side of my body. I did this well before effexor.
BTW. I've increased to 75mgs a day after a week and a half or feeling better then started crying and feeling worse. I am still hopeful. As my step children come this weekend, I really want to be a good step-mom (had a bad one myself and don't want to be like her) but without the meds it was BAD.
Love to all.
Pam
Posted by KMM on August 18, 2005, at 6:16:05
In reply to effexor/brain quivers, posted by PamA on August 18, 2005, at 5:57:16
I get goosebumps on one side of my body only as well. This never happened before I started either the Wellbutrin or the Effexor. I didn't feel great for quite awhile after starting the Effexor so hang in there. It's tough with kids, whether they are yours or step. I don't know how old they are but, I find one thing that really helps is engagin them in some activities for awhile and then if they are old enough, for you to take a little nap or read a book quietly in the afternoon. My kids are 6 and 2 and the little break helps a lot. You just need quiet after awhile.
Good luck this weekend and remember if it's not great there's always next time!
Kris
Posted by mek on August 18, 2005, at 13:19:58
In reply to Re: Effexor XR for Hot Flash, posted by KMM on August 18, 2005, at 3:24:17
good question. I was wondering what brain quivers was to.
Posted by MEJ on August 18, 2005, at 14:39:30
In reply to Re: Effexor XR for Hot Flash, posted by mek on August 18, 2005, at 13:19:58
> good question. I was wondering what brain quivers was to.
>Brain Shivers...do you take Effexor? If you do, miss a dose or two then you'll know what the brain shivers are, it is hard to describe unless you have never felt them. If you don't take effexor...the best way to describe them is like someone running several volts of electricity through your head...some people report that that the electric shock sensations run right to the tips of their fingers...VERY intense and unpleasant (I DON'T ACTUALLY ADVISE YOU TO MISS A DOSE JUST OUT OF CURIOSITY...CAN MAKE SOME QUITE SICK.)
Posted by PamA on August 19, 2005, at 6:51:46
In reply to Re: effexor/brain quivers, posted by KMM on August 18, 2005, at 6:16:05
Thanks Kris, you're sweet. It gets crazy on our extended kid weekend that's for sure. I have 4 chilren of my own ages 16, 12, 6 and 5 and two step children ages 12 and 9. We're a blended family.
As for the Wellbutrin, I first asked my Doctor to change me to it from Zoloft. He told me that he wouldn't use it again because he had a patient that had a seizure. He changed me to effexor instead. From what I've read it seems like a really good aid to the other anti-depressants but I dunno, he's a family doctor. I intend on seeking out a psyciatric doctor soon to work through some things so maybe he/she will have more advice. My family doctor is just like a family member, and he'd NEVER take chances no matter how slim so I understand his point and appreciate it.
Sorry to ramble, OH! and one last thing, hubby's ex phoned last night and wants to change weekends. Probably a good thing since I'll have another week of meds in my system.
Pam
Posted by lhd on August 19, 2005, at 12:05:06
In reply to Re: Effexor XR » mek, posted by 4WD on August 11, 2005, at 23:28:29
I also get the hot flashes while taking Effexor 75 mg. I am also 38 and I never had them before until taking this med.....but like they say...if effects people in different ways.
Good Luck!
Lori
Posted by lhd on August 19, 2005, at 12:18:49
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by TinMan on August 13, 2005, at 10:01:17
I am also very tired on Effexor 75mg thatI take once a day when I get up. I have to make myself get up to eat just to take it. I am so tired and just want to pull the covers over my head and not deal with anything. My husband thinks I'm lazy and does not understand me right now.
Posted by LynnPerley on August 19, 2005, at 14:02:47
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin » TinMan, posted by lhd on August 19, 2005, at 12:18:49
> I am also very tired on Effexor 75mg thatI take once a day when I get up. I have to make myself get up to eat just to take it. I am so tired and just want to pull the covers over my head and not deal with anything. My husband thinks I'm lazy and does not understand me right now.
>It sounds as if you are still depressed and your dosage needs adjustment. Have you talked to your doctor? You should also try taking the Effexor at night. I felt much better ince I switched to taking it at night. You will either need to gradually change the time of day you take it, or when you switch, take one in the morning and then another that same night, then take it at night from that point forward. You will feel awful if you skip a dose.
Posted by sad1 on August 19, 2005, at 14:43:25
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by TinMan on August 17, 2005, at 20:23:54
I know exactly how you feel. I've been taking 75mg of Effexor for nearly 3 months and have noticed I always feel tired. I like the calmness as well, but I just seem to be going through the motions. I have excessive yawning, my appetite has started to increase and my sex drive is now non-existent.
I wanted to switch to Wellbutrin but my doctor advised me against it as she said it can cause insomnia and anxiety. After reading these posts I asked her about combining the meds and she was okay with that.
I just started taking 100mg of Wellbutrin this morning and will take 37.5 mg of Effexor in the evening for a few weeks and will go from there. So far I feel okay, but it's only been one day. I will update you on my progress. Let me know how you do with the combination, I'm really curious.
sad1
Posted by KMM on August 20, 2005, at 3:36:19
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin » TinMan, posted by sad1 on August 19, 2005, at 14:43:25
You will most likely feel very edgy on the Wellbutrin until your body gets used to it but, hang in there it will pass. I also experienced mild to moderate anxiety but no insomnia - I slept much better at night (I took the Wellbutrin first thing in the a.m.) on the Wellbutrin than on the straight Effexor.
Good Luck
Posted by TinMan on August 20, 2005, at 11:05:54
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin » TinMan, posted by sad1 on August 19, 2005, at 14:43:25
> I know exactly how you feel. I've been taking 75mg of Effexor for nearly 3 months and have noticed I always feel tired. I like the calmness as well, but I just seem to be going through the motions. I have excessive yawning, my appetite has started to increase and my sex drive is now non-existent.
>
> I wanted to switch to Wellbutrin but my doctor advised me against it as she said it can cause insomnia and anxiety. After reading these posts I asked her about combining the meds and she was okay with that.
>
> I just started taking 100mg of Wellbutrin this morning and will take 37.5 mg of Effexor in the evening for a few weeks and will go from there. So far I feel okay, but it's only been one day. I will update you on my progress. Let me know how you do with the combination, I'm really curious.
>
> sad1Thanks for your post. I have called my Dr. (Psychiatrist) and it has been 4 days and no return phone call. I talked with my therapist yesterday and let him know that all I want to do lately is sleep...and eat. I asked him to get my Dr. to at least call me back. (You know, I'm beginning to think that I need a different Psychiatrist because I called once, left a message and still nothing. I don't think I am asking too much. Do you?)
I don't care about anything. I just want to sleep. And no, I am not depressed, just overly sedated on this much Effexor. My partner is not understanding. There have been fights about my not caring about sex. There have been fights about my not wanting to "do" anything. I work two part time jobs and that is about all I can do in one day. Right now, I am just trying to hang in there.
This board has been a godsend for me. I appreciate all the posts and information.
The poppies are putting me to sleep, *yawn*
TinMan
Posted by PamA on August 20, 2005, at 11:38:05
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by KMM on August 20, 2005, at 3:36:19
Hi,
Has anyone experience bodyaches on effexor? I'm taking 75mgs now, started with 37.5 (isn't that a stange number) for a week and a half and the 75's I've been on for about 3 or 4 days now. My body aches terrible and pops and cracks.
Just wondering,
Pam
Posted by Stephie on August 20, 2005, at 13:13:23
In reply to Re: effexor xr and side effects, posted by Cindy W on August 3, 2000, at 9:19:00
Hello all...i'm so glad i found this site because i am going to start my therapy of Effexor XR tomorrow. I'm very skeptical on taking anti-depressants because of the horrible experience i had with prozac and zoloft in the past. About 4 years ago, i tried to take my life after taking zoloft, klonopin, and zanax. After only a week of on it i was climbing the walls, not eating, sleeping, and just going crazy...i ended up taking an overdose of zanax, and klonopin. Well, i survived it, and have not taken any kind of AD since, But i have over the years taken zanax for my severe PMS, and anxiety. I am a recovering drug addict (choice of drug was meth) and have been recovered 5 years now. Now that i'm going through menopause at the age of 40, i have been experiencing severe anxiety, and depression. This severe panic disorder put me in the hospital because i thought i was having a heart attack. Went through all the testing, and everything with my heart was fine. This told me i had a severe panic disorder. I finally went to my doctor today. She saw the trembling, and noticed right away something was wrong. She suggested putting me on effexor xr....(with zanax when needed) Well, i plan on starting on it tomorrow, and am having anxiety about it. I know everybody reacts differently. I'm just wondering how i'm going to react to it. I'm just hoping it works for me because i have been at my wits end for the past 6 months. I've had my moments of depression sooooo severe, i've wanted to end my life. I know it's linked with hormone changes but i refuse to take HRT. Any kind of experience or advice from anyone would be greatly appreciated.
Stephie~
Posted by TinMan on August 20, 2005, at 15:23:23
In reply to Re: effexor xr and side effects » Cindy W, posted by Stephie on August 16, 2005, at 22:38:05
Stephie,
Thanks for joining the group. You are right, no one can predict how you will respond on Effexor. I can tell you that I had the same reaction to Zoloft. I became so depressed while on it that I wanted to end my life.
Effexor, on the other hand, has had a very calming effect on me. After taking it for 3 months, however, I am beginning to think that I am on too high of a dose as I feel "overly sedated". All I want to do is sleep. I do not have anxiety attacks anymore. I want to do things that before I took Effexor made me quite anxious. I think much more clearly and slower. I am much more focused.
I, too, am going through menopause and quite frankly, it has been hell. Effexor has made it much more tolerable for me. My husband and I were having marital problems before I started taking it and now, he is quite upset that I am not interested at all in sex. I am going to try Wellbutrin in conjunction with Effexor to see if that helps with the sexual side effects and the sleepiness.
Good luck to you! Keep us posted on how you are doing.
The Tin"Man"
Posted by Phillipa on August 20, 2005, at 17:47:25
In reply to Re: effexor xr and side effects, posted by TinMan on August 20, 2005, at 15:23:23
I went through many AD's including Effexor during menopause and always had to stop due to anxiety. I even took xanx regularly and chloral hydrate to sleep. Now that menopause is over nothing even touches me. So I don't know what was worse. Docs just try different meds cause there's no blood test to see what might work for you. There are some threads on rTms that supposededly can tell you what meds you need. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by LynnPerley on August 20, 2005, at 20:31:35
In reply to Re: effexor xr and side effects, posted by Phillipa on August 20, 2005, at 17:47:25
I think this is amazing - Effexor gives me night sweats - I can't imagine that it "helps" hot flashes!! I'm 43 and I'm not at menopause yet. Perhaps with the meds I'm already on, it won't be so bad.
Posted by Juliaks on August 21, 2005, at 0:00:39
In reply to Effexor and menopause/hot flashes » Phillipa, posted by LynnPerley on August 20, 2005, at 20:31:35
Omg! It is fantastic to hear that I am not the only one that experiences these weird side effects! I have been considering asking my doctor to take me off Effexor because of some things.
First here's the back ground:I'm a 25 year old female, and I've been on Effexor for at least 6 years. I take a daily dose of 150mg first thing in the morning.
I guess one of the stranger side effects that I have is hot flashes. Being that I'm only 25, people always think that I'm strange because I have hot flashes. I work with a few women who are going through menopause and it seems strange that I am experiencing similar symptoms.
Another medication that I was taking (until about 6 months ago) was Depo-Provera (birth control). I was also on this drug for about 6 years.
My question for everyone: is there anyone out there that is or has taken these two drugs at the same time? Has anyone noticed anything strange about this combination?
Right now I am trying to 'detoxify' my body - first by quitting Depo (cold turkey) and by eventually quitting Effexor.
Other symptoms that I have:
I have nightmares 6 out of 7 nights a week - I am always tired - I feel like I haven't even slept after I wake up.If I take my pill too late in the day, I get sick.. I definitely know what the 'brain quivers' are - It's nice to know that someone out there knows exactly what I feel too. Usually noon is my breaking point. If I take the pill after that - my day is ruined. Not to mention I feel like I'm going to puke from the vertigo..
One of my biggest complaints is the weight I have gained in the past few years. I am trying to figure out if it is my metabolism, the medications I have been taking or a combination of the two.
I used to weigh about 130-135 lbs at the most, and never had problems with eating. As a matter of fact, I do not eat any differently than I have my whole life. But since about the age of 22, I have gained a whole ton of weight. I currently weigh about 185 lbs - and my heaviest has been about 190-195 lbs. I'm 5'8" - so basically, up until the age of 22 I was UNDERWEIGHT. Now I struggle with being overweight.
I have been on Effexor for so long, I don't even know who I am without it. I don't even know if it's working?? I still feel like crap, all the time, I tell my doctor - she just wants to up my dose. I would rather be thin and unhappy than fat and unhappy! I don't know what to do...
Posted by kim79 on August 21, 2005, at 1:55:21
In reply to Effexor+Depo Provera = Weight gain? Hot flashes.., posted by Juliaks on August 21, 2005, at 0:00:39
Hey
I too have been on these DRUGs for too long. I think since 98 so 7 years of anti depressents. I was also put on the pill around then for acne. I started with Celexa then because I was tired Dr added Welbutrin and that worked well. then we switched to Effexor about 4 years ago. I have never experienced hot flashes (except when getting ready in the morning but I think that was the blow dryer and stress) but I have gained weight. Before I maintained around 180 for FOREVER now I am up to 225 and I just can't seem to lose. I'm not sure if it's my age or the meds but I hate it...I too am 5'8 but I am a big build so 180 was actually healthy.
I experience horrible dizzyness and "hangover" if I miss a dose. I can usually tell about 6hrs after the missed dose. If I catch it, I'm good with in 30min, if not it's headache/nasua city!!!
I hate being on this drug, I don't want my brain to forget how to make it's own stuff. I have tried getting off before but like an addict I always go back to stop the insanity of withdrawls. How will I ever know if I can be normal again if I can't even get past the withdrawls (which are worse than the depression ever was...which by the way was tiredness and dizzyness....HELLO!!!!!) Yeah, now I am dependent AND tired all the time and dizzy when I miss a dose....
Oh yeah and I want to have kids sometime (I am 26, married for 3years) I don't want to be on this when I do.
I was on Wellbutrin and Celexa (which I'm told is the same as this only in 2 pills not one) and I never had side effects or withdrawl I think the half lives are way longer...I switched to this because a rep said it was the same thing only in one pill and gave me 3 months of samples...BLAH BLAH BALH...I'm such a sucker!!! Here I am 4 years later...get me offf!!
Kimberly
Posted by kim79 on August 21, 2005, at 2:04:51
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by lacey2001 on July 9, 2005, at 10:17:21
Congrats on the pregnancy!! I too would like to get off so I can have kiddos. How were you able to get off??? Also I found before this drug that a combo of Celexa (the original) and welbutrin worked as well as Effexor w/o the side effects. If I could get off of this and ever needed meds again that is the rout i would take....NEVER EFFEXOR AGAIN the withdrawls are a nightmare.
kimberly> Hi I am back. I don't know if anyone remembers me. I was on Effexor but wanted to get off to become pregnant. Just to let you know I came off late March and then became pregnant with my 2nd child in May!!
> Now that I am done with my pregnancy and nursing, I may try Wellbutrin b/c my sex life has gone out of the window as well as me being in a depression.It stinks b/c I am new to this town and don't really feel comfortable talking to my dr who I don't know that well:(
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