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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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:(
Posted by kim79 on August 21, 2005, at 3:00:37
In reply to Re: effexor xr and side effects, posted by TinMan on August 20, 2005, at 15:23:23
Tin "man"
I am so so sorry that your husband doesn't understand about your lack of sex drive. I too used to be "horny" but since taking Effexor my poor poor husband....he was like what happened???
I do find that even if I don't feel like it if I give it a go anyway it ends up feeling good and I have never had a problem with the big "o" I still don't but even after great sex, I still don't crave it like I want to. I could be fine w/o it. I do it for him.
I was on 75mg for awhile and my libido was still ok then. But, I started to get dizzy a lot so my Dr upped my dose to 150mg and that's when the libido dropped and the sleeping and weight gain went up. I think I have been overdosed for the past 3 years (yeas I have been TIRED for 3 years!!!!!! I sleep 10+ hrs a night then nap another 2-3 a day.)
I know I can't have kids until I get this under control (mommy is sleeping ...poor baby!!) but the w/d is a killer and I have no insurance and I just want to taper successfully. I am scared my brain will forget (or already ha forgotten) how to make it's own happy hormone. I'd be happy getting back to 75mg but every time I try to taper it's hard on EVERYONE!!! And now that school is starting up...the timing SUCKS!
I wonder who I really am??? I bet it's a horny skinny chick with bad PMS ( I could live with that!!...LOL so could my husband...I'm STILL moody now even on this meds!!!)
Wonder if I'll ever get to see her (the real me) again?
Kimberly
> 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 graceneeded on August 21, 2005, at 8:57:24
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by KMM on August 13, 2005, at 13:52:07
I just started the coming off process of Effexor XR 225mg and starting Wllburtrin last Friday. It did not take long for the headaches and dizziness to start. I am to reduce to 75mr starting next Friday and be off by the next Friday. Started to use Dramamine this morning hope it works.
Posted by graceneeded on August 21, 2005, at 9:10:40
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares, posted by emma67 on June 4, 2005, at 1:28:52
I have been on Effexor xr for 4 years and worked up to 225mg. I thought it was great stuff at 150 but had to go up to 225 and the side effects were too much. Started to come down to 150 on Friday 8-19-05 and started Wellburton the same day. The headaches have been unreal along with the sweats and irrational thoughts. I took Dramamine today to see if it helps. I am due to be off Effexor in two weeks. I sure hope the Wellburton helps. Depressed with a headache in Georgia.
Posted by compguy on August 21, 2005, at 22:25:29
In reply to Effexor/body aches, posted by PamA on August 20, 2005, at 11:38:05
> 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,
>
> PamPam not sure if anyone has answered you yet but the answere is yea and when i got off effexor it got worse
Posted by PamA on August 22, 2005, at 6:33:55
In reply to Re: Effexor/body aches, posted by compguy on August 21, 2005, at 22:25:29
Oh Great. I haven't been on long but feel I should have chosen a different route. My anxiety is WORSE and my heart feels like it's pounding out of my chest, and I can't think or remember anything. I'm taking 75mgs for almost a week now. Hopefully time will help.
Thanks so much for your post I was starting to think I was being ignored (gosh, now should I add paranoia to the list)
Pam
Posted by compguy on August 22, 2005, at 11:34:58
In reply to Re: Effexor/body aches, posted by PamA on August 22, 2005, at 6:33:55
What dose did you start out at you should have started at 37.5 for a week or two and worked your way up. Are you takeing anything else with it for your anxiety
Posted by PamA on August 22, 2005, at 12:06:07
In reply to Re: Effexor/body aches, posted by compguy on August 22, 2005, at 11:34:58
I started at 37.5 for just over a week and have been on 75's for about a week. The Dr. prescribed me Adavan (sp?) for the anxiety today.
Posted by compguy on August 22, 2005, at 12:27:44
In reply to Re: Effexor/body aches, posted by PamA on August 22, 2005, at 12:06:07
good that will help i used klonopin be careful as all benzo are addictive what i did was take .25 three times a day for the first week and the two the second week and one the thrid week it help alot i was then able to go a couple months just on the effexor for some reason the effexor quit working i am now trying cymbalta for my anxiety. the muscle pain should subside for you it did for me but it really sucked going through it.Do you have a good support system at home?
Posted by PamA on August 22, 2005, at 16:28:07
In reply to Re: Effexor/body aches, posted by compguy on August 22, 2005, at 12:27:44
my support system is pretty good for the most part. My hubby doesn't seem to get it when I can't do something or get frustrated by simple things.
I'm not familar with this adavan business but it seemed to knock the anxiety out quickly. My heart rate was 118 and all I could do was pace. It sucks. There was NOTHING that triggered it at all. I just feel totally overwhelmed by the simplest of things, like what to dress the kids in for their bible club. I know in my head that's supid but at the same time feel over-whelmed.
thanks so much for listening to me. I really appreciate the advice.
Pam
Posted by graceneeded on August 22, 2005, at 21:12:56
In reply to Re: Effexor/body aches, posted by PamA on August 22, 2005, at 16:28:07
I know what you mean it is called free floating anxiety and when you tea pot is full it comes out at every little thing. I know it is hard to think about it but a brisk walk daily or just some quiet prayer time may help. I am 49 years old and I lay down infront of the washer and dryer if I am really anxious and spend time with the Healer. The noise of the machines causes me to relax. Just some thoughts. Hang in there! A lot of us suffer the same things. My wife and kids joke that when Daddy is stressed out the clean clothes are endless.
Posted by Dr. Bob on August 22, 2005, at 22:03:04
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares, posted by graceneeded on August 21, 2005, at 9:10:40
> Started to come down to 150 on Friday 8-19-05...
Sorry if it's confusing here, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding weaning to Psycho-Babble Withdrawal. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20050712/msgs/536125.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by compguy on August 22, 2005, at 23:24:25
In reply to Re: Effexor/body aches, posted by PamA on August 22, 2005, at 16:28:07
> my support system is pretty good for the most part. My hubby doesn't seem to get it when I can't do something or get frustrated by simple things.
>
> I'm not familar with this adavan business but it seemed to knock the anxiety out quickly. My heart rate was 118 and all I could do was pace. It sucks. There was NOTHING that triggered it at all. I just feel totally overwhelmed by the simplest of things, like what to dress the kids in for their bible club. I know in my head that's supid but at the same time feel over-whelmed.
>
> thanks so much for listening to me. I really appreciate the advice.
>
> PamIt is hard for people to understand anxiety i use to try and hide it i was affraid if people new they would think i was weird, but i have found the more i talk about it a let people know the more understanding they are and that helps, i not scared all the time anymore. So let people know dont be ashamed be proud set small goals for your self keep a journal of your progress and just remember
your not the only one!! o yea nothing with anxiety sounds stupid
Posted by graceneeded on August 23, 2005, at 11:01:17
In reply to Re: Effexor+Depo Provera = Weight gain? Hot flashes.., posted by kim79 on August 21, 2005, at 1:55:21
I am not on menapause but I do get the hot flashes. They come with the least amount of stress or just because they wany to. I have been on Prozac and Zoloft and both were great in their time but then a huge stress event would hit and I get depressed and switched. I got up to 225mg of Effexor XR and the constipation etc... got too much. Started to drop back to 150mg last Friday got hit pretty hard but the Dramamine Less Drowsy really helps with the hangover effect. Will drop to 75mg this Friday and go up on my Wellbutron till it replaces the Effexor. I am still having some anxiety and depression but see the light at the end of the tunnel. (HOPE ITS NOT A TRAIN)!
Danny
Posted by SandiDee on August 23, 2005, at 18:17:25
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by TinMan on August 20, 2005, at 11:05:54
Today I saw my Doctor, a well informed one at that, about adding wellbutrin along with my effexor xr to combat the side effects I have experienced. She agreed that it may be what I need to "boost" my sex life a bit. I started today at 150 mg. wellbutrin, along with the 150 I take already of effexor xr. Hopefully the side effects of the wellbutrin will be minimal, which is what my Dr. expects. We talked at great length about the 2 meds, and she is very helpful, compassionate, and also careful. I would be interested to hear from anyone who has taken this combination as to what they have experienced. (a message to "TinMan", hang in there, I think I know what your going through, and I'm thinking about you. This thread has also been a godsend for me, I thought I was lost for a long time.)
Posted by julish on August 23, 2005, at 20:03:56
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by SandiDee on August 23, 2005, at 18:17:25
I am taking 300 Wellbutrin and 150 Effexor. Still not quite at the right dosage--but the wellbutrin does help. My pdoc suggests that I may need to increase to 450 Wellbutrin. I have to agree with that-- I think I'm on the right track.... two steps forward, one step back, kind of a thing going on with me.
Posted by TinMan on August 24, 2005, at 16:59:07
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by SandiDee on August 23, 2005, at 18:17:25
> Today I saw my Doctor, a well informed one at that, about adding wellbutrin along with my effexor xr to combat the side effects I have experienced. She agreed that it may be what I need to "boost" my sex life a bit. I started today at 150 mg. wellbutrin, along with the 150 I take already of effexor xr. Hopefully the side effects of the wellbutrin will be minimal, which is what my Dr. expects. We talked at great length about the 2 meds, and she is very helpful, compassionate, and also careful. I would be interested to hear from anyone who has taken this combination as to what they have experienced. (a message to "TinMan", hang in there, I think I know what your going through, and I'm thinking about you. This thread has also been a godsend for me, I thought I was lost for a long time.)
Hey, thanks for your words of support. So far, so good on reducing the dose of Effexor from 225 to 150 mg. I did have a mild panic attack this a.m. but knowing that it was a withdrawal symptom, I am okay.
Please let me know how you do on the Wellbutrin/Effexor combo. My Dr. does not want to put more AD's into my system, which is good BUT, I do want a sex life!
Sexless in Oz,
TinMan
Posted by tidge on August 24, 2005, at 17:51:50
In reply to effexor/brain quivers, posted by PamA on August 18, 2005, at 5:57:16
does anyone get hypotension with this drug...i'm on 225mg and feel faint and week everytime i get out of bed or stand on my feet for a long period of time. i'm also on wellbutrin 150mgsr twice daily and thinking about also asking my pdoc for provigil.
Posted by 4WD on August 24, 2005, at 20:49:33
In reply to hypotension, posted by tidge on August 24, 2005, at 17:51:50
> does anyone get hypotension with this drug...i'm on 225mg and feel faint and week everytime i get out of bed or stand on my feet for a long period of time. i'm also on wellbutrin 150mgsr twice daily and thinking about also asking my pdoc for provigil.
Hi. I didn't get hypotension but it did lower my blood pressure a little from maybe 120/80 down to 105/65. I was only taking 37.5mg though. So it is definitely possible.
Marsha
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