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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by cristyleigh on September 7, 2006, at 13:29:35
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by chickey on September 5, 2006, at 14:58:24
> I am new to this whole thing and my husband doesn't want me on any drugs. I have been on this for a month and am starting to feel better but have no support to help me out. I am hoping to find some here!
I started on Effexor just yesterday but I had been on Lexapro for about 4 months previous (serious weight gain caused a change). Anyway, my husband fought me tooth and nail before I just stopped listening to him and went to the doctor anyway. My depression/anxiety wasn't severe but it was causing me internal misery and I was being pretty distant/mean to my family. Steve thought that I should be able to handle it by myself since it was "all in my head"....according to him. Once I went against him and actually got help he was very pleased with the results and happy that I chose to listen to my body and not him. Give your husband time to come around. Once he sees the change in you he should just be thankful that you have a mind of your own and can use it! Feel free to email me anytime if you just want to vent or unload...I'm a great listener. crihawk@hotmail.com
Posted by dbc on September 8, 2006, at 1:00:32
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by cristyleigh on September 7, 2006, at 13:29:35
I did the whole california rocket fuel thing Effexor/Remeron. While its certainly the most potent and extreme conventional anti depressant experiance i've had in my life it didnt do much. It left me in a perpetual dream world where i was insulated from the outside world but i still wasnt well or very functional. I guess any improvement i showed was due simply to the fact that my poor brain was getting assaulted by massive amounts of neurotransmitters.
Also the effexor withdrawl was by far the worst drug experiance of my life. I did everything by the book and slowly lowered the dose over a month+ and i still went into full on discontinuation syndrome. Oh well, thats what i get for playing with fire i suppose.
Posted by corafree on September 8, 2006, at 6:23:07
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by TKaz on September 6, 2006, at 21:31:32
Hi. Just want to tell you my OB-GYN (a top doc in a big city and very into hormone stuff) brought up Effexor-XR re: my hot flashes just a couple wks ago. I suffered w/ PMDD, now in surgical menopause, was on plant-based estradiol valerate .. mood lifting but appetite inducing, so went back to synthetic estrogen in patch form. Good luck 2u.
bestwishes, cf
Posted by tiredguy on September 8, 2006, at 13:38:22
In reply to Re: effexor... urination problems????, posted by notfred on September 1, 2006, at 22:11:17
I have not been back to this site of over a year (so that's a sign of how Effexor worked for me).
I fought severe depression for over three years. I knew about ADs from a bout I had ten years earlier (as well as my wife’s experiences with it). The first thing I said when I walked into the Ps office was “I’ll try anything except Efexxor”. And that’s what I did. Nothing worked. After two years of this I gave in and tried Effexor. I have been taking 150 mgs for a year now and have not had any symptoms of depression.
In the process of looking for a solution I discovered two things. I have a hypo-active thyroid and very low testosterone. These are both things that can intensify depression (or as my GP says “I’ve got the triple whammy”). I now take medications for these. I also take 100 mg. of Welbutron in the morning.
Unfortunately, during my two years in hell, I developed a bad habit. I need to take 2mgs of Ativan to sleep at night. Yes, I am a benzo addict. My P is not concerned about it and is not in a hurry to have me “kick the habbit”.
I have had two major side effects that continue to haunt me.
One is that I am very fatigued all the time. To fight this, I have tried every stimulate you can name (my medicine cabinet is a college student’s dream!). Provigil helps and I occasionally take Adderal or Dexodrine or Ridiline. I’m not happy with any of these so I remain tired.
Second side effect, total death to the “neather regions”. I’m 46, have kids; so it’s not that bad. Wish it wasn’t true but I can deal with it.Over all. I feel really good (for a junkie)! Popping lots of pills a day is not a fun thing but it’s worth it if I can stay in the light. I can’t tell you what it’s like to get off Effexor; my P does not want me to try. I may try it anyway in a year or so.
Posted by Ts6639 on September 9, 2006, at 13:02:02
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » TKaz, posted by corafree on September 8, 2006, at 6:23:07
I was resistant initially to the Effexor. Didn't like the postings on the withdrawl, but my depression has gotten to the dangerous point. I just took my first dose. I'm lucky to have a husband who supports me (in the past he was resistant and then he saw how the medicine treats the depression and improves the quality of my life). Now if I can just remember once I start feeling better not to stop taking it. Let me know how you do. I'll do the same.
Posted by BB1969 on September 9, 2006, at 13:09:02
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Ts6639 on September 9, 2006, at 13:02:02
Good luck. While on Effexor XR, my mood was great, no depression. Just beware of the side effects and if you start having other problems, go to your doctor immediately. I just can't see the point in having to take 4 other medicines to counteract the effects of the Effexor on me. Maybe you will never be bothered with high cholesterol, hyperglycemia (diabetes), restless leg syndrome, and exhaustion just to name a few. Again, mentally, I was great.
Posted by Ts6639 on September 9, 2006, at 13:17:59
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by BB1969 on September 9, 2006, at 13:09:02
The doctor also has me on Adderal and Valium if needed. Haven't needed the valium yet. If one of the side effects of effexor is fatigue, has anyone used it in conjunction with a stimulant? and if so did it help?
Posted by corafree on September 9, 2006, at 13:41:32
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Ts6639 on September 9, 2006, at 13:17:59
<If one of the side effects of effexor is fatigue>
Don't let TPOS getcha! I had no physical side effects on Effexor-XR, except maybe weight stabilization and I liked that. I drink lots of good coffee. In fact, I'm gonna' drink some now. I apologize if I'm being too blunt today, but I lost my mind last night and am kind of enjoying being mindless this morning and will prob' be poking fun at about everything until I find my mind again. Even 'this bad coffee, as good hasn't arrived from Idaho yet', will taste good. OMG did I need my Xanax last night. Big stuff in my life happening. Effexor-XR is, again, the one and only AD that helped my anxiety and 'my anxiety is wicked'!
behappee, cf
Posted by tedhazzard on September 10, 2006, at 23:29:02
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Amy on May 4, 2000, at 19:52:15
This has been the time for hell as I complete my withdrawl from Effexor. It is hard to pinpoint which symptoms come from deciding not to take the drug any longer and which come from my pitiful life circumstances, but after reading these posts, I believe I can isolate a few. I struggled long and hard to lose 30 pounds that I had gained while taking Zoloft a few years ago, then began taking Effexor 150 because my doctor said it did not cause weight gain. In little more than a year, I had gained back the 30 lbs but did not associate it with the drug even though my eating habits did not warrant the huge weight gain. My face and my stomach were the most noticeably changed and most disgusting to me. For the past year, I have had sudden painful leg cramps that literally knocked me out of a deep sleep and out of bed. Walking eased the cramps. If I forgot the medication for even one day, I had extremely unpleasant and vivid dreams/nightmares that bothered me for days after. During the night I also sometimes had what felt like an electric zap in my brain that also woke me suddenly. Otherwise, the medication made me feel just fine, so why would I quit this delightful experiment on my brain you might ask. I could no longer afford it after losing my job, so I simply stopped taking it. For the past two weeks, I have realized the wisdom of not having a gun in the house. Had it been near, I might have used it to end the unending agony of anxiety that makes up my day. Add to that the constant trips to the bathroom, following long periods of constipation while still on the drug. Then there is that "brain freeze" that makes me feel like the village idiot. Add to this a total lack of purpose and anger and extreme sadness and you have my life as I withdraw from Effexor.
Posted by corafree on September 11, 2006, at 12:04:24
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by tedhazzard on September 10, 2006, at 23:29:02
I'm so, so sorry, for what you have gone through and are going through, and hope you feel better with each new day. I've heard of your symptoms in more than a handful of others either 'on', or 'withdrawing from', THE GREAT (Almost right up there w/ Prozac!) ... Effexor-XR. Okay I'm making fun; I'm sorry. This is NOT funny. I'm seriously, totally w/ you th, and I hope you feel better day by day.
There should be peeps here that have gone through what you're going through th, and can suggest some 'remedies' for lingering bad effects(?). Couple yrs back I was sitting here babbling about the exact same Effexor-XR stuff! I've never been to archives here, but it's here somewhere.
thingsBbetter, cf
Posted by invisibleman15010 on September 11, 2006, at 16:27:02
In reply to Re: withdrawal » tedhazzard, posted by corafree on September 11, 2006, at 12:04:24
I quit Effexor XR about a year and half ago after my cholesterol skyrocketed and only had limited benefit for my depression and none for anxiety. As I have gone through many meds after, I thought I would try Effexor again as I begin the med workups for ECT. My first couple of days, no side effects , after that now on my 13th day, the side effects are much worse, they started about the 5th day, I thought they would pass, no luck, severe lethargy, flu like symptons, no energy, depression worse, anxiety worse at night.......I am going to ask to go back to Lexapro, Wellbutrin, Remerons and Klonopin that I was on before, at my depression was stil there but I was able to exercise and do a few things. Maybe they would click with the ECT........having the flu 24/7 won't work.......down the toilet with a bottle of meds once again........insanity upon insanity...by the way...the first time I had no withdrawl symptons....I weaned myself off over about 2 months....
e
e
Posted by Attitude on September 12, 2006, at 5:08:13
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by chickey on September 5, 2006, at 14:58:24
Good for you Chickey for making your own decision about what is right for you! You know your body best. I have been on Effexor XR for over 2 years now. I've fought with depression and anxiety for years and have been on much (Wellbutrin, Buspar, Zoloft, Neurontin....) also stimulants (Adderol, Ritalin...)...A lot of depression stems from our anxiety and using just the pill is going to help but, diet and exercise heightens the positive response. Make time to exercise and eat veggies and unprocessed foods! This will aid in any weight gain and it's amazing how much it does for the anxiety and depression! It's good for you too!Ultimately Effexor XR has worked amazingly for me...it has been successful for my 2 sisters, as well. However, you have to give it time...the side effects are worst, I would say, during the 1st month. Nausea, sleeplessnes, constipation, dry mouth...they do wane by month 2. My sisters wanted to quit but are so glad they hung on.
The worst side effect for me is dry mouth (therefore, dryness during sex). It dries me out, but there's always water and lubricant! It takes me longer to climax but, what's wrong with doing it for a little longer! haha! Attitude is everything! Slap yourself as negative attitudes overcome! Turn any negative thoughts into positive ones and don't miss your Effexor dose! Ever! Unless you want to have a nervous breakdown for a day. But if you decide to get off of it, WEAN! Seriously though, it's the one of best things I could have done for myself. I hope you will have similar results and good for you for not letting your hubby tell you what's right for you:) Remember, you know best.
Posted by elanor roosevelt on September 12, 2006, at 6:33:53
In reply to Re: withdrawal that's the easy part, posted by invisibleman15010 on September 11, 2006, at 16:27:02
What withdrawal
I was so happy be stop taking it and had one of those "life wirks" inbetween meds periodstried to go back on
what a nightmare
more side effects than
benefit
no benefit
Posted by tedhazzard on September 12, 2006, at 6:48:55
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Attitude on September 12, 2006, at 5:08:13
I had no negative side effects for the first year of taking Effexor. In fact, I sang its praises for its amazing quick response to my depression. My problems started in the second year, but even then, I did not attribute the cramps, lethargy, and weight gain to the drug. I did not want to do that because it had such an amazing effect on diminishing my promlems. However, it is hard to dismiss a drug's potential for destruction when it leads to horrendous nightmares, leg cramps, 30 lb. weight gains, etc. when one forgets even one dose. That is an extremely scary situation. One can look at these posts and see that going off Effexor is a process that few want to embark upon. These drugs hold us prisoners. We can either acknowledge that we will always be in search of a new drug, always dealing with nightmare side effects, or we can arm ourselves with knowledge before running off to the pharmacy with the latest script.
Posted by chickey on September 12, 2006, at 8:19:31
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Attitude on September 12, 2006, at 5:08:13
Thank you so much for your kind words. I have never been on any medication and thought this was this first time I had to deal with depression. After being on Effexor XR for a month know I belive I have been fighting depression for many years without even knowing it. My husband is still against me taking the drugs but I think he is starting to see a change in me the will hopefully change his mind. It is so nice to hear some reassurance from people here when you have no one to talk to in person.
Posted by dancing fool on September 12, 2006, at 9:44:49
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by tedhazzard on September 12, 2006, at 6:48:55
Good points Ted. I couldn't agree more. I've started looking for information once I was experiencing things that were new to me - so they had to be side-effects :-). New: inability to control social drinking - incessant ringing of ears - shorter fuse - sweats ...
Nothing to go ape about. Nothing severe enough to stop an unexpectedly successful treatment after being on other antiD's, but I'm sort of bracing myself for what's to come. Especially with this notorious withdrawal.Next time I see my doctor, I will have a serious evaluation of all my options - let him know what I've learned
Posted by Colleen D. on September 12, 2006, at 19:51:40
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » tedhazzard, posted by dancing fool on September 12, 2006, at 9:44:49
I tried Zoloft and had terrible sedation. I then tried Effexor and felt better than I have in years. I did have some annoying side effects...sweats, delayed orgasm, etc. but it worked so well for my depression and anxiety I stayed on it until I "thought" it had pooped out on me after almost 2 years. I then tried many others including Cymbalta, Wellbutrin, Lexapro, and other combos but just recently went BACK on Effexor. I found out that my "poop out" was caused by my having undiagnosed physical pain on a daily basis and now that has been resolved. I'm on week 3 and feeling MUCH, MUCH better. I didn't have withdrawal symptoms because I had switched to other ADs from Effexor, so if I ever decide to discontinue it, I will "withdraw" by using other ADs to help.
Best of luck to all of you still using it. I think it's a very good and powerful anti-depressant for SOME people.
Colleen
MDD, OCD, GAD and SP
(Also taking clonazepam and Lyrica.)
Posted by Attitude on September 12, 2006, at 23:07:31
In reply to Adding to this thread once again..., posted by Colleen D. on September 12, 2006, at 19:51:40
I understand issues people have with meds, I've been on them for the longer duration of my life. Everyone is different and has different variables to consider. I excercise a lot and try and eat healthily, I am physically in good shape and am not on any other meds at this point. So in these aspects I am lucky. Medication in conjunction with behavioral modification and physical well-being, has helped me tremendously. A positive attitude means everything! Focus on that inner dialogue, turn those negative reactions and thoughts into positive ones. All I know is I have been proactively experimenting with meds and behavioral modifications and I think I have found the combos that work for my body well at this time. You've got to listen to your body and your mind, no one else can tell you what's going on in those arenas.....And yes, things change but the longer you have faith in yourself and get to know yourself, the better.
Posted by meri on September 15, 2006, at 14:02:15
In reply to Re: Adding to this thread once again..., posted by Attitude on September 12, 2006, at 23:07:31
I am shocked at all the posts about the negative effects of Effexor. I went to a well known MD and she started me on 75 of Efexor, then went up to 150. I have been on this dosage for about 8 months. Yes I felt great at first. But the first side effect I felt was the sexual dysfunction which has stayed with me. Once I forgot to take it for 3 days. I didn't know what was happening to me when I felt very dizzy, my vision was very blurred, I felt exhausted, nauseous and very weird. The horrible thing is that I was driving at the time and coudn't stay on the right side of the road. I got right back on the drug and all the symptoms went away.
Now I am noticing that I am irritable and have been saying things to people that are unecesarily sharp. Way beyond assertive.
I am very afraid but I'm going back to my MD and ask her to help me get off this drug.
Thanks for tips about acupuncture, etc.
meri
Posted by Galennt on September 15, 2006, at 17:50:14
In reply to Re: My Concerns about Effexor ..., posted by meri on September 15, 2006, at 14:02:15
Hi- I know there are some people who have intolerable side effects with Effexor, and others who go through horrible withdrawal effects. I don't discount those experiences. But there are many others with different experiences. I have gone on and come off Effexor and am now on what may be a world record high dose of XR. As with most ADs there are start-up effects. Don't panic; give your system time to adjust--two to three weeks at least. I know numerous people who, like me, have taken Effexor for years without bothersome, even noticable, side effects.
The first time I went off Effexor I eschewed half measures, decreasing from 250mgs to 0 in one day. I didn't do that again. Since then I have tapered off with no problems. Again, I know others who have done the same. I know one woman with unusually severe side effects who was much helped by taking a second medication until off the Effexor.
Honest, I don't work for Wyeth. But when no other medication worked, Effexor probably saved my life. Several post-marketing studies have shown it to be more effective than the SSRIs. I hope people don't reject it out of hand because of the experiences of others.
Good luck,
gt
Posted by LynneDa on September 15, 2006, at 21:26:34
In reply to Adding to this thread once again..., posted by Colleen D. on September 12, 2006, at 19:51:40
Just putting in my two cents . . . I tried Effexor XR last year and gained 25 lbs in 3 months (I am normally a very thin person)and it made me feel so sedated I had to go off of it. Also gave me night sweats. I was so numb and dull-minded I almost lost my job! Depression symptoms were gone, of course, I was too out of it to feel or worry about anything!!
I went off of it by going on Zoloft and had no problems with withdrawal-type symptoms.
Good luck to all of you!
~ Lynne
***********************
Posted by pinkpink on September 16, 2006, at 9:47:42
In reply to Re: Adding to this thread once again..., posted by LynneDa on September 15, 2006, at 21:26:34
Hi..been on and off Effexor for several years..have a highly stressful job..am feeling as if the Effexor ER 150 is not knocking back the anxiety as it used to..any suggestions on a higher dose or additional medications such as Zoloft (i've never taken anything in combo with EF)
Posted by Colleen D. on September 16, 2006, at 11:53:09
In reply to Re: Adding to this thread once again..., posted by pinkpink on September 16, 2006, at 9:47:42
Posted by meri on September 16, 2006, at 11:53:20
In reply to Re: My Concerns about Effexor ..., posted by Galennt on September 15, 2006, at 17:50:14
Thanks gt and others. I'm not ready to give up on Effexor yet so I appreciate hearing different points of view.
Posted by Galennt on September 17, 2006, at 18:47:14
In reply to Re: My Concerns about Effexor ..., posted by meri on September 16, 2006, at 11:53:20
Hi Meri,
I am glad you are giving Effexor a chance. Many side effects mitigate after between one and three weeks. Also, as with other ADs, people are often underdosed. So, they try a week or two at a relatively low dose like 75mg, feel more side effects that improvement in mood, and give up. People should give a dose of at least 225mgs enough time to be effective--four weeks minimum. I have been on and off Effexor several times. Once it kicked in on the fifth day, another time not until the end of the fourth week.
Also, for a number of people the severity of Effexor side effects is in inverse proportion to dose--the higher the dose, the fewer and less severe the side effects. This was the case with me.
Good luck with it,
gt
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