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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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??
Posted by Graceneeded on December 27, 2005, at 15:35:22
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain, posted by Bets43 on December 27, 2005, at 11:50:36
Here we go again first of all I am stopping Effexor again going to Lexapro. I just could not handle the headaches. Now my insurance company switched providers and my Pysch. meds doctor and talk doctor are not on the list. Starting Jan.1 I have to find new doctors while switching meds! Keep me in your prayers!!!!!! Danny
Posted by hevvi1 on December 28, 2005, at 22:18:39
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain, posted by Bets43 on December 27, 2005, at 11:50:36
> 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??
I have lost about 10 pounds since starting effexor xr.so I definately think it depends on your metabolism,it effects different people in different ways.i no longer have any side affects either,they have all gone,as have my panic attacks..I haven't felt this good in years!!!I am on 75mg a day for the last 3 months..
Posted by 3djp on December 29, 2005, at 6:31:29
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain, posted by hevvi1 on December 28, 2005, at 22:18:39
> > 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??
>
> I have lost about 10 pounds since starting effexor xr.so I definately think it depends on your metabolism,it effects different people in different ways.i no longer have any side affects either,they have all gone,as have my panic attacks..I haven't felt this good in years!!!I am on 75mg a day for the last 3 months..
>I have a question about the side effects I am about to start effexor xr 37.5 then up to 75mg I have read about the headaches, and sleepiness. My doctor recommended that I take it in the AM. Are there any problems about taking aspirin, and vitamins.
Posted by Bets43 on December 29, 2005, at 11:35:27
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain, posted by 3djp on December 29, 2005, at 6:31:29
>
> I have a question about the side effects I am about to start effexor xr 37.5 then up to 75mg I have read about the headaches, and sleepiness. My doctor recommended that I take it in the AM. Are there any problems about taking aspirin, and vitamins.
>None that I know of...I take multi-vitamins, calcium, other supplements and over the counter pain killers with no problems.
Posted by 3djp on December 29, 2005, at 11:52:58
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain, posted by Bets43 on December 29, 2005, at 11:35:27
>
> >
> > I have a question about the side effects I am about to start effexor xr 37.5 then up to 75mg I have read about the headaches, and sleepiness. My doctor recommended that I take it in the AM. Are there any problems about taking aspirin, and vitamins.
> >
>
> None that I know of...I take multi-vitamins, calcium, other supplements and over the counter pain killers with no problems.I understand that everyone is different, what kind of SE did you have? and when did they end?
Posted by BonnieK on December 30, 2005, at 1:21:37
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain, posted by 3djp on December 29, 2005, at 11:52:58
Initially, I was way too depressed to even notice any side effects, to tell you the truth. The only issue that I've really had with Effexor is the common sexual one, which I wrote about in a previous thread...So, to your supplements, I would most definately add Ginko. It's what my psych recommended,and it has helped.
Best wishes!
Posted by Glenn@Australia on December 31, 2005, at 22:14:50
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have been on xr for about a year.I have never had the sex side affects but i also smoke pot. i think this may help this.I dont think smoking a depressate whilst taking a anti depressate is a good idear though
Posted by 3djp on January 4, 2006, at 9:25:53
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain, posted by BonnieK on December 30, 2005, at 1:21:37
I am now on effexor started yesterday. I woke up about 1:30 am had trouble going back to sleep. I have been riding bikes, and had my on a trainer for a while. Been sleeping pretty good before I started this medications. Will this SE go away?
Posted by maggie2 on January 5, 2006, at 15:51:44
In reply to Re: Alternative Ways of dealing with Depression, posted by Kellie on May 28, 2000, at 9:41:20
> Depression is a chemical imbalance of the brain. I haven't found any natural substances that are strong enough and non medical methods absolutely do not work. Telling a depressive to "snap out of it"is insensative at best. My mother is a diabetic and I'd never dream of telling her she could meditate and get over it. So why would you want to tell me to try an alternative method to cure myself of depression. Believe me, before I finally admitted to myself that I had a serous illness, I tried!! Prayer,meditation,exercise,--nothing worked. This is not an emotional problem, it's a biological problem. Increase your knowledge and you might learn something.
Kellie, it's much later now (1/5/06) and I don't know how these things work, but had to reply. I've been working on depression, etc. for many years, since before the ADs were created. I saw many doctors with no anwers, so I began trying to help myself. I read all I could find that seemed relevant, and gradually learned about nutrition and health and the mind body connection. I gradually improved - almost one symptom at a time. Finally, I began to find alternative practitioners who were informed and willing to try if I was. It has been slow and frustrating, but I know I'm much better now than I would have been. This wasn't emotional treatment, it was biochemical - helping the body/mind to help itself by restoring chemical balance where it was unbalanced by stress or heredity or illness. Nutrition isn't like drugs - not a magic bullet, but restorative to the normal state. Good luck. Maggie2
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