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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by BonnieK on December 15, 2005, at 3:40:51
In reply to Questions about Effexor xr, posted by Graceneeded on December 14, 2005, at 8:18:52
Hi Danny~
The lowest I ever made it down to was 37.5...I was planning on tapering off totally, but when my sister was diagnosed with 2 cancers...I totally bottomed out. As I said before..I knew that I had to be functional for her, my husband and my little boy...So, back up the Effexor ladder I went. Thank God that I did, because the past 9 months have been horrendous...and without a little help I would be crying from morning till night.Like you...I basically had to work my way back up to feeling better, and it took longer the 2nd time. My psych. said that this is common when you fall back into a clinical depression, and your therapy was interupted. He explained it as, your body had become used to the drug...The same drug that kicked in so quickly the first time, doesn't always do the same thing the 2nd/ time....For me, it took 4 weeks to feel better.
I am also on a very high dose of Xanax, 6-8 mg. per day...because I began having panic attacks EVERY DAY, while just sitting and thinking.. which I never had before in my life...I am NOT proud of this dosage, but right now it keeps me as "normal" as possible...Yes, this high of a dosage would probably put the average person to sleep for a day, but for me...It keeps the panic away....The Effexor keeps the depression away. Thank God.
I am so closly tied into my sister's cancers...and having to go through a ton of testing myself, including genetic... I'm facing the possibility of preventative surgery at 37, if I test positive etc. My sister has advanced ovarian and breast cancer....Watching her go through treatment has been so devastating, and we're very close.
As much as I HATE being so dependant on these meds., especially the xanax....I do what I have to do. At some point down the road....I may try and taper down again, but right now, I'm thankful that they're working. My Dr. supports me 100%...and understands the situation.
Anyway...I didn't mean to dump all this on you...What I am really trying to say is, give the Effexor more time. Talk to your Dr. about the Lorazepam if that isn't helping, with the anxiety as your body adjusts...I know that I really felt like total crap, the 2nd time that I went back up in dosage...The only other thing that I can think of to help you, is maybe the 150 jump from 75 was too much, too fast? You could ask your Dr. to give you the 37.5 caps., and see if taking 1, plus the 75mg, is a better adjustment?
Best wishes to you! Bonnie~
Posted by fairyprincess on December 15, 2005, at 13:16:55
In reply to Questions about Effexor xr, posted by Graceneeded on December 14, 2005, at 8:18:52
Hiya,
im on 225mg of effexor&started on 75mg about 8-9 months, then upto 150mg a month later and then upto 225mg about 2 months later as i was still suffering from depression&felt they werent helping me at all. At 225mg it took about 3 weeks until the side effect went (dissiness, disturbed sleep, palpatations etc) and the meds were in my system.
Thou I didnt immediately feel like effexor was workin, i did slowly begin to feel better. I found friends/family noticed my moods were more stable&I was happier&more like my 'normal' self, more so than I did. im still on 225mg&the depression is loades better. Still suffer from a few side effects but worth putting up with fro how much better I feel. I also did cognitive behavioural therapy along with meds& think the combination helped me too.It was however a slow process, as with all anti-depressants they arent very quick at working! Id definately give it more time&thou i know its difficult, be patient.
hope this helps! xxx
Posted by ali30 on December 18, 2005, at 3:16:27
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and orgasm - I Had Success!, posted by Mim on December 1, 2005, at 11:27:11
Hi
I have been prescribed Effexor but am so worried about starting them for a few reasons but one is having read all the side effects. I have been told I have dysthymic disorder. I have taken Prozac & Citalopram (only for 3 mths each time, a year apart) and they helped a bit & only sexual side effects. My dr wants to combine Effexor with CBT. I guess I am am struggling with coming to terms with having been told I have depression & also it is very difficult for my husband to understand or even comprehend & I think he thinks I could get through things with positive thinking etc although in theory this does not work. He married a different person to the one I am now! Any help/advice would be appreciated.
Posted by Graceneeded on December 18, 2005, at 6:44:08
In reply to Questions about Effexor xr, posted by Graceneeded on December 14, 2005, at 8:18:52
Have been back on effexor two weeks. Headaches are pretty constant and the depression has only let up some. Anxiety or anxiousness hits daily. Should this level out? All I want to do is go to sleep cause I don't feel the pain then. Danny
Posted by TinMan on December 18, 2005, at 9:54:58
In reply to Effexor, posted by ali30 on December 18, 2005, at 3:16:27
The only constant is change. And if it were just a matter of "character", well then wouldn't we all be "happy, fun and giggles" all the time? Who would chose to be depressed? Who would chose a personality disorder? AND YES, I know, only too well that there are so many out there that naively think that it is just a matter of having a "weak character or will". If only it were that simple.
It took about two and 1/2 weeks for the GAD to gradually disappear. After about 4 weeks, the social anxiety was much, much better. My thinking is slower, clearer and my moods stable. The slower, clearer thinking happened pretty quickly. I remember the headaches went away after about 3 weeks. The wanting to sleep all the time eased after I switched the times that I took Effexor. It does get better, (except the sexual side effects). Hang in there.
~TinMan
Posted by gadman on December 18, 2005, at 10:15:39
In reply to Re: Effexor, posted by TinMan on December 18, 2005, at 9:54:58
Well said Tinman...
> The only constant is change. And if it were just a matter of "character", well then wouldn't we all be "happy, fun and giggles" all the time? Who would chose to be depressed? Who would chose a personality disorder? AND YES, I know, only too well that there are so many out there that naively think that it is just a matter of having a "weak character or will". If only it were that simple.
>
> It took about two and 1/2 weeks for the GAD to gradually disappear. After about 4 weeks, the social anxiety was much, much better. My thinking is slower, clearer and my moods stable. The slower, clearer thinking happened pretty quickly. I remember the headaches went away after about 3 weeks. The wanting to sleep all the time eased after I switched the times that I took Effexor. It does get better, (except the sexual side effects). Hang in there.
>
> ~TinMan
Posted by qww on December 18, 2005, at 15:07:09
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I just started using Effexor yesterday evening. It's the first anti-depressant I've ever used.
Today I've started feeling some effects, and I wonder if these are common?
Anyway:
I an experiencing the same recurrent thoughts that normally cause me to feel sad and anxious, but on Effexor, I feel almost no emotion in response to these thoughts, even though these thoughts are very persistent and normally extremely upsetting.
My reaction to crying on this drug also surprised me. Something happened today that would normally sadden me to the point of crying, but today, this event did not sadden me at all. Nevertheless - despite the lack of sadness and emotion, I STILL physically felt as though I wanted to cry - but the tears were blocked. It was like my eyes were trying to shed tears, but something was stopping it from happening. Later after even more stress I finally did cry, but there was no emotion behind it. I was crying, but felt absolutely nothing. It's like my emotions and body aren't really in sync anymore.
I don't know, it seems a bit strange to me. I didn't really know what to expect, this being my first experience with anti depressants, but this wasn't really it. I did read up on Effexor before taking the drug and these sorts of symptoms weren't described anywhere, so I'm wondering if they are normal. So far, I haven't quite made up my mind as to what to think of this drug and whether I like its effects on me. So far though I think I am relieved to be numbed to most of the anguish that has been plaguing me for the last few months.
Thanks in advance to anyone who can offer some insight.
Posted by fairyprincess on December 18, 2005, at 15:28:34
In reply to Effexor, posted by ali30 on December 18, 2005, at 3:16:27
Hi
I personally found that the side effects lasted around 3 weeks until the meds had settled into my system. I had headaches, distrubed sleep, sweating (the one side effect I still suffer from, feeling dizzy, no appetite. All meds have side effects but they are worth it as effexor has been great for my depression.
My depression has reduced incredibly and my moods are much more stable. I am also doing CBT, it seems to be helping me to have more constuctive thoughts than unhelpful ones. It is however really difficult to concentrate on it if your having a bad day.
It is difficult to come to terms with depression, but you have to remember it is an illness and you will get through it.
I think unless you have suffered from depression you really cannot comprehend how someone is feelling when they are depressed. I found that talking and being honest with my close family members, about what I was feeling and thinking helped them to understand, eventhough sometimes what I was thinking upset them greatly. They are also very patient with me which helps.
hope that helps you in some way xxx
Posted by fairyprincess on December 18, 2005, at 15:33:56
In reply to Effexor - Is this normal?, posted by qww on December 18, 2005, at 15:07:09
hi
yeah sounds normal to me!! thats how I felt too when I first started taking effexor. ive been on effexor for 9 months now (225mg) and it has really helped my depression. most side-effects I experienced went within 3 weeks of starting on that dose and the numbness and emotionless feeling disappeared slowly after id got used to the meds. good luck xx
Posted by qww on December 18, 2005, at 17:48:41
In reply to Re: Effexor - Is this normal?, posted by fairyprincess on December 18, 2005, at 15:33:56
Thanks Fairy
I've experienced another effect since writing that post, can anyone tell me if this is normal as well?
Basically I feel distracted or fascinated by things that normally would not cause me any interest. For example, earlier the TV happened to be on and I came across it. I hadn't set out to watch tv, but I found that I almost couldn't take my eyes off of the screen, even though I wasn't really paying attention to it. Same thing some time later when I realized I was staring at a page of type written text - but not reading anything on it or caring to read anything on it.
I've never had any such feelings before when not under the influence of any drugs.
Thanks again.
Posted by fairyprincess on December 19, 2005, at 11:08:14
In reply to Re: Effexor - Is this normal? - a 2nd question, posted by qww on December 18, 2005, at 17:48:41
yeah I had to defer a year at uni as I found my concentration was all over the place. I could sit through a whole lecture just staring at the screen and wouldnt have a clue what id sat through. Along with having no memory what so ever due to the depression, it wasnt great for my course!
I found I could sit talking to friends and thou I was listenin, it was as if what was being said just didnt register with me.
It is a strange feeling and the first few weeks were definately the worst, but now my depression and moods are undercontrol and Im back at uni and finding I can concentrate, so id say it will get better!
Posted by Graceneeded on December 19, 2005, at 15:40:44
In reply to Re: Questions about Effexor xr, posted by Graceneeded on December 18, 2005, at 6:44:08
OK it has been two weeks. What do I do with myself till the Effexor kicks in? Tired of headaches and 4:00am wake ups. Hope you all have a stressless holiday. Danny (..)
Posted by BonnieK on December 20, 2005, at 2:37:06
In reply to Re: Questions about Effexor xr, posted by Graceneeded on December 19, 2005, at 15:40:44
Danny~
What time are you taking the Effexor? If you're waking up at 4 am, it means the med. is wearing off. I would take it later in the morning, and see if that helps.
Best wishes!
Posted by TinMan on December 20, 2005, at 7:37:12
In reply to Re: Questions about Effexor xr » Graceneeded, posted by BonnieK on December 20, 2005, at 2:37:06
How much Effexor are you on? Did you say 75 mg.? Has the dose been increased? If you took it right before bed, could you sleep all night, do you think? Would it wear off during the day at some point? I know you were on Effexor before. What was your dosage then?
You might call/visit your Dr. and talk with him/her about your headaches. I remember mine being pretty "concentrated" but short lived. How long are yours lasting and how bad? If you took the Effexor at night with a dose of Excedrin PM?
It is coming on Christmas which is supposed to be a time for family and friends. And that can mean a LOT of stress for us with OCD (is the house/meal/present perfect?!?), social anxiety (oh, no! It is nasty so and so, and they are coming over to me!) and panic attacks (this mall is so crowded, my credit cards are maxed, how am I going to PAY for all this?!?).
Talk to your Dr. See if there is anything that he/she can do, especially for the headaches.
~TinMan
Posted by Graceneeded on December 20, 2005, at 7:49:51
In reply to Re: Questions about Effexor xr, posted by TinMan on December 20, 2005, at 7:37:12
I started two weeks ago at 75 and then upped to 150 the second week. I had gotten up to 225 last time when the side affects got me concerned. I faxed my Dr. a note yesterday but no response and I don't see him again until the 30th. I see my talk Dr. tomorrow. Yes this is a stressful time of the year but knowing that and living through it are so different. Today is not as good a day as yesterday was but I guess thats the way it goes. I take my meds in the morning. Danny
Posted by TinMan on December 20, 2005, at 8:07:24
In reply to Re: Questions about Effexor xr, posted by Graceneeded on December 20, 2005, at 7:49:51
I take my meds in the morning. Danny
I take 225 mg also. The ticket for me is to take 150 mg. as soon as I get up and then 75 mg. right before I go to bed. I don't get the headaches anymore and the only reason I wake up is because I have two cats that like to wake me up early. I also take 7.5 mg of Remeron at night.It seems that taking that 75 mg. right before bed keeps it in my system and I don't get that feeling that it is wearing off in the morning.
Yeah, even though I am pretty "even keel" about everything, I do have some difficult times. Although after being on Effexor for about 8 months, those times are fewer and further between. My "old thinking" is so difficult for me to change. My problem is that I feel based on my "old thinking" and then I act on those feelings. This is where my therapist is a godsend for me. And this Board, too.
Thanks to all of you and may you have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
~TinMan
Posted by 3djp on December 20, 2005, at 8:09:33
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I just find this web site. I need some help. I had my first anxiety attack just after thanksgiving. It felt like a heart attack, ran all the test found that my heart is fine. went to my family doctor he put me on Buspar 7.5 mg twice a day. After 8 days i couldn't take it anymore didn't like the SE of Buspar. He now recommend effexor starting with 37.5 mg week one then to 75 mg the second week. I have read alot of feedback on this medicine. It did not give me a warm and fuzzy feeling about taking this medicine. Can anyone give some feedback on it.
Dan
Posted by fairyprincess on December 20, 2005, at 8:32:22
In reply to Re: Questions about Effexor xr, posted by TinMan on December 20, 2005, at 8:07:24
Hi
Tinman I agree, I feel like Iam more stable and moods on an even keel but still do have bad days, thou no where near as frequent or bad as before.
Been on 225mg of effexor for 9 months for depression. I totally slept through the side effects - couldnt get outta bed for around 2 month due to depression being so bad and only just back to my usual routine recently, so would definately get to the doctors bout headaches etc.
I didnt want to take sleeping tablets - just saw more side effects so used valerium a natural sleepin remedy which works for me.I however take 225mg all in morning and works grand for me. I found taking 75mg at night woke me up every hour or so through the night, think you have to experiment and see whats best for you.
Tinman just wondered have you tried Cognitive behavioural therapy? I recon this is helping me with my unhelpful thinking thou its not easy to forget the old way of thinking x
Posted by TinMan on December 20, 2005, at 8:42:39
In reply to Re: Questions about Effexor xr, posted by fairyprincess on December 20, 2005, at 8:32:22
Yes, most definitely. My therapist is one of the best on the East Coast for my "sort of problem". And he is helping, a lot. Also, my marriage is much, much better.
There is much to be said about finding the right combination of medications and therapist.
The therapist I went to before, bless his heart, had some pretty fuzzy boundaries; told my husband things about me he should not have and vice versa. I know he meant well, but it has taken months for me and us to repair some of the damage he did.
Life is about trial and error, otherwise, how would we learn?
~TinMan
Posted by fairyprincess on December 20, 2005, at 9:08:41
In reply to Re: Questions about Effexor xr, posted by TinMan on December 20, 2005, at 8:42:39
Thats so true, its all a learning curve and these things are most definately sent to try us!
Im glad to hear things are going better for you, it gives me hope for the future.
Im in the UK and thou most theapists seem to suggest CBT there arent many who are trained for it and waiting lists for CBT are over a year long, not good at all. Im pretty much pushing myself through CBT without the help of a therapist! Hard work im sure you'll agree!
all the best wishes for a lovely christmas xx
Posted by Graceneeded on December 20, 2005, at 9:32:50
In reply to Re: Questions about Effexor xr » TinMan, posted by fairyprincess on December 20, 2005, at 9:08:41
It is so good to see others walking through the same things I am. At times I feel like the only one who can be depressed and anxious at the same time. The added weight of the OCD really makes my life interesting. I suffer from thoughts without having rituals so most is kept inside. Its hard to know what thoughts are OCD, which ones are depression and which ones are really mine. Tinman your messages have been a God send during this process. I only hope the Effexor does its job or the next one will atleast. It would be nice to have a break and work on the negative thinking process reprogramming. Danny
Posted by CH on December 26, 2005, at 21:27:50
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain , posted by Marge on May 4, 2000, at 12:19:36
> I am thrilled to see the posts regarding weight gain. I have gained almost 40lbs over the past 1 1/2 years that I've been taking Effexor. I had no idea why I was gaining and have become more depressed by the weight gain than I was initially. I changed doctors recently and was told it could cause weight gain. My question now, has anyone ever gone just COLD TURKEY? How long did it last and was it unbearable?
>
>
> > >I am on 75 mg. Effexor XR a day. I have gained
> > 20 lbs. I exercise like a demon and nothing comes
> > off. I hate it. Can't wear any of my clothes,
> > but I refuse to go out and buy more. Help. I'm
> > thinking seriously about going on St. John's Wort.
> > Anyone ever do this? Everything I read says they
> > don't know how to dose this kind of switch. Any info
> > would be greatly helpful.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Just got sample of Effexor XR. I've been on Paxil 20mg. for 1 yr. I feel great and my panic attacks are gone. BUT --- I keep gaining weight. I told my dr. to give me something else. Did anyone gain weight on this stuff? Does anyone use this for panic attacks. My dr. told me I could go right from Paxil to Effexor XR, stopping one and starting the other with no withdrawl symptoms. ANyone try it. Thanks for any input.
> > > >
>
>I have been taking Effexor for 6 months. I am a physical fitness trainer. I exercise more than most people imagine. I have gained 20lbs. and cannot get them off. I quit taking one of my other meds thinking it was that one. It has not helped. Now I think I know which one is causing the weight gain. Does anyone know what my alternatives are?
Posted by CH on December 26, 2005, at 21:30:53
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain » Marge, posted by CH on December 26, 2005, at 21:27:50
> > I am thrilled to see the posts regarding weight gain. I have gained almost 40lbs over the past 1 1/2 years that I've been taking Effexor. I had no idea why I was gaining and have become more depressed by the weight gain than I was initially. I changed doctors recently and was told it could cause weight gain. My question now, has anyone ever gone just COLD TURKEY? How long did it last and was it unbearable?
> >
> >
> > > >I am on 75 mg. Effexor XR a day. I have gained
> > > 20 lbs. I exercise like a demon and nothing comes
> > > off. I hate it. Can't wear any of my clothes,
> > > but I refuse to go out and buy more. Help. I'm
> > > thinking seriously about going on St. John's Wort.
> > > Anyone ever do this? Everything I read says they
> > > don't know how to dose this kind of switch. Any info
> > > would be greatly helpful.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Just got sample of Effexor XR. I've been on Paxil 20mg. for 1 yr. I feel great and my panic attacks are gone. BUT --- I keep gaining weight. I told my dr. to give me something else. Did anyone gain weight on this stuff? Does anyone use this for panic attacks. My dr. told me I could go right from Paxil to Effexor XR, stopping one and starting the other with no withdrawl symptoms. ANyone try it. Thanks for any input.
> > > > >
> >
> >
>
> I have been taking Effexor for 6 months. I am a physical fitness trainer. I exercise more than most people imagine. I have gained 20lbs. and cannot get them off. I quit taking one of my other meds thinking it was that one. It has not helped. Now I think I know which one is causing the weight gain. Does anyone know what my alternatives are? BTW, I was taking 75mg per day.
Posted by BonnieK on December 27, 2005, at 7:26:24
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain, posted by CH on December 26, 2005, at 21:30:53
Hi....I've been on 150 mg. of Effexor XR for quite awhile..atleast 2 years. I also take Xanax, daily as I suffer from panic attacks.
I did gain weight on Effexor in the beginning...about 10-15 lbs., and it's still with me. For me, it definately changed my metabolism...but as long as I am really careful, and don't eat massive quantites of fritos, oreos etc., I seem to be maintaining my weight. I do drink a ton of water...Maybe that helps?
For me, the results from the med. definately are worth it...even if I do have a J-Lo derierre, now!
Best wishes...
Posted by Bets43 on December 27, 2005, at 11:50:36
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain » Marge, posted by CH on December 26, 2005, at 21:27:50
I have not gained weight on effexor, in fact I have lost a few pounds....Zoloft also did not make me gain but paxil did plus it made me bloat....Must be a body chemistry thing. Also, some people eat less when they are depressed. Maybe coming out of depression with effexors help gave you a better appetite??
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