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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by tommysangel on October 11, 2006, at 7:32:15
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by Racer on October 25, 1999, at 19:54:13
I was on Effexor XR a long time ago and stopped taking it. I'm beginning to feel my depression is getting out of my control. I've started taking it again. I have a Panic Disorder also, but haven't had any attacks. Does Effexor work well for depression? I use to take Paxil, which worked great for the panic attacks but did nothing for the depression. Has anyone taken Cymbalta? I saw a commercial for that yesterday and was wondering if that had better results than Effexor.
Posted by prasnhym on October 11, 2006, at 8:43:03
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I am on effexor xr 75s going thru the grieving process of losing my sister. I was suffering badly from insomnia and lack of sleep. My doc put me on Vistaril to help that. I either have insomnia or horror movie like nightmares if i do go to sleep. I do not know if it is the drugs or my grief or what. Amyone know what to do?
Posted by TKaz on October 11, 2006, at 11:56:18
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by tommysangel on October 11, 2006, at 7:32:15
I have been on EffexorXR now for about five weeks. I feel 200% better. And it has not affected my sex life. The only problem is I have so much energy now that I don't want to stop doing things. So I get a little exhausted just doing so much. I advise anyone to give it a try, work on getting past the side effects (dry mouth, sleeplessness, loss of appetite) and see how it works. I would give it a couple of months to see how it begins to work. I am so happy my doctors recommended this. I have been on Celexa and Lexapro before and both worked for me at the time. I give Effexor a thumbs up. Don't let anyone tell you to "snap out of it" or to try to help you "fix" your life. That's not it. I agree with someone else who said, if I had diabetes, I'd take my insulin for ever, and if this works for keeping me sane and content, then there is no "side effect" to taking it. It is well worth it.
Posted by wacky on October 11, 2006, at 13:34:34
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by TKaz on October 11, 2006, at 11:56:18
I have been on Effexor for the past year and it helped substantially - but at a pretty high dose (450 mg). I suffered from extreme sweating/shivering so tried to get off it only to find my depression returning with a vengence. So now I'm taking 225mg Effexor and 30 mg Cymbalta until next week - I'll drop to 150 Effexor and increase the Cymbalta to 60. After that I see pdoc again and and presumably he'll up the Cymbalta as I continue to taper the Effexor to zero. I just hope the Cymbalta is as effective as the Effexor was for the depression. So far, I haven't seen any change - but the dose of Cymbalta is probably too low.
If it weren't for the sweating/shivering, I'd probably have stayed with the Effexor - so I give it two thumbs up - especially if it works for you at a lower dose.
Good luck
n
Posted by Phillipa on October 11, 2006, at 19:51:42
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by wacky on October 11, 2006, at 13:34:34
How high is your pdoc planning on going with cymbalta? As the manufacturer says above 60mg no improvement. I know some pdoc's are going higher. Google the official website for dosing info. Love Phillipa
Posted by wacky on October 12, 2006, at 11:42:34
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage? » wacky, posted by Phillipa on October 11, 2006, at 19:51:42
Not sure how high he'll go but I have a friend who is on 120. From what I gather, the trend seems to be augmenting with another drug for better results. He added Lamactil to her cocktail. It's the same pdoc so I'm sure it will depend on how I do at 60. I will check out that site though. Thanks for the input.
n
Posted by ashleystives on October 12, 2006, at 21:40:52
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage? » Phillipa, posted by wacky on October 12, 2006, at 11:42:34
i'm on 300mg and have been for about 2 years. effexor is the drug that changed my life. i still have some panic and anxiety symptoms - but they are manageable - and occasional depression, always situational. but nothing, nothing like i used to live. i am a different person now. one thing: i do need to monitor my weight meticulously. it's a combo of not smoking, meds, and age, and some people lose weight on it. everyone's biochemistry is different. one thing for sure: it cured my extreme OCD.
Posted by cryinagain on October 12, 2006, at 23:46:39
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by Shel on July 18, 2000, at 1:35:45
I was diagnosed with severe depression in February of 2006, before that not anything. So after trying 2 antidepressants and having a horrible side effect,(very strong suicidal thoughts and thoughts of hurting others)I went to a physciatrist for the first time today and he wants me to take Effexor XR. I must say I am terrified. I have cronic back pain and feel this is the biggest contributing factor to my depression. So the fact that he is insisting I take this with or without the side effect that I had before scares me to death! He told me that with or without it 15% of the people with depression die. Don't want to be a statistic! I have read some of the posts, but so tired I just can't do anymore so happy to have found this!
Posted by corafree on October 13, 2006, at 16:08:28
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dos, posted by ashleystives on October 12, 2006, at 21:40:52
I've begun Effexor-XR 'once again' as my emotions were becoming too unmanageable.
As my bod' is 'familiar' w/ the drug, it immediately craved 150mg, not 75mg!
So I'm starting on 150mg, doin' ok, except had a couple 1-2-3min panic attacks. Also have 'no appetite'.
And, I'm worried about my sex drive so much that I'm pushing 'seduction' away. Like, let's not even go there, so I won't know! Crazy!
cf
Posted by gabbie on October 16, 2006, at 9:48:57
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hey guys, I havn't posted in a while. I've been having my good days and my bad days. I cannot tell if this is working or not. I mean I SEE an inprovement (not as much as i wanted), but I can't FEEL one... and that's the biggest thing. I wanted to feel better not just act better. Since the doctor only gave me 3 weeks of the 75mg, I'm gonna have to set up an appointment soon to talk about what I am going to do. But i'm unsure. Should I switch and see what else is out there, because maybe something could work better than the effexor FOR ME. Or should I up the dosage. I mean I don't want to have to go too high to make myself feel better again. I really can't tell though with the effexor. I know 3 weeks isn't a long time either, but I was already on it for a month and 2 weeks and again, was acting a bit better, but not feeling it... any suggestions? I would love some feedback for this.
Posted by 3djp on October 16, 2006, at 10:19:15
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by gabbie on October 16, 2006, at 9:48:57
I felt the same way after 3 weeks, but I gave it a couple more weeks. I asked my doctor to up it only to 112.5 mg so now i combine the 37.5 mg and the 75 mg everyday that helped alot. I have been on that dosage for 6 months. I will be comong off it soon my GAD has settled down abit. Takecare
DM
Posted by gregzk on October 16, 2006, at 22:52:07
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Has anyone out there ever had the feeling of fainting or fainted from there anxiety?
3 Years ago I was having feelings of faint and one day at lunch I actually fainted.
I was rushed to the hospital they did all kind of tests and never found anything.
The feeling faint never stopped and I nearly fainted a few more times. I finaly found a doctor the figured it was anxiety. She put me on 75mg of effexor xr it took about a month to start kicking in. After 6 months I was going on airplanes,rollercosters,and doing things I would have never done. In March of this year I decided to get off the med I went through 2 weeks of hell.
I felt ok until about a month ago, then the nervousness started coming back and now the fainting feeling is coming back. There has been nothing to triger these changes.
I am thinking about getting back on the drug I will start with 37.5mg to see ho it goes then incease if needed.
Has anyone got off effexor and then returned to it? How did it go? How are you now?
Thanks for info
Greg
Posted by gabbie on October 17, 2006, at 10:43:19
In reply to RE: Fainting, posted by gregzk on October 16, 2006, at 22:52:07
I was on effexor before. I didn't stay on it long enough to know if it really worked for me, but I am currently on it again. I am going to the docters in two days to talk about what I should do. Stay on or get a higher dosage. I am thinking a higher dosage because I notice a difference, just don't feel it.
Posted by shelby11 on October 17, 2006, at 16:31:54
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have been off Effexor for 2 weeks. These withdrawl symptoms are somewhat unbearable. I have very bad vertigo, nightmares, major meltdowns over small things where I cannot stop crying, I am so distracted I should not be driving. I have missed work and my boss is trying to be patient ( I can't remember what I did 5 minutes ago), but wants to reevaluate how I am doing in two more weeks. So on top of everything else, I may lose my job.The only good part is that I have my sex drive back.
If I could go back I would have never taken this drug, I only had medium anxiety. My doctor gave me a sample and a script for this without telling me anything about this drug. I am much worse now than before. If anyone wants to quit they should do so before the dose goes up and up. I hear it's worse when you are at large doses. I was weaned properly, can't imagine what its' like to go cold turkey.
Posted by Ollie on October 18, 2006, at 19:59:41
In reply to Re: Effexor and Hives, posted by Carolyne on October 6, 2006, at 7:30:42
I just started taking Effexor XR three nights ago. I'm on the 37.5 for a week, then I'm to try 70. I've had a mild headache, trouble concentrating and not sleeping very well. But then again I've had a headache for weeks from crying, couldn't concentrate because I was so depressed and anxious, and didn't sleep well anyway. So I've no complaints about any side effects - yet. My question is this: has anyone else had a miraculous "honeymoon" on this stuff? Everything says that you should wait at least three weeks before you notice any real change, but yesterday and today have been really decent. I didn't cry. I joked with a co-worker. I laughed, really laughed. It can't be the drug, can it? I was so frightened to go to my doctor. I just knew he was going to say I was a mess and there was no hope for me. But he didn't. He looked me right in the eye and promised me that we could help this. I was so relieved. I went from crying with the fear and depression and pain to crying with relief. Is it the relief that has me feeling more good than bad? I'm so confused. Now I'm worried that I really don't need the medicine. I just want to feel better.
Posted by gabbie on October 20, 2006, at 13:30:20
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I went to the doctors today. He suggested we up the dose since my body is tolerating the medicine. I figure there is no harm in trying because what happens if I say screw it and then nothing works because I was supposed to up the dose. So now I take two of the 75mg pills together. I'm supposed to do this for a week and see if I can tolerate it or feel anything different. I'm at my witts end. I'm even about to mess things up with my boyfriend because I'm getting confused and letting my thoughts get carried away with me. ehhh. I just want to stop with this.
Posted by corafree on October 21, 2006, at 16:05:01
In reply to Up the dosage, posted by gabbie on October 20, 2006, at 13:30:20
Sounds like UR expecting it to work and it's not, so it's frustrating and causing havoc in your life.
The big E @ 75mg 'extended release' never extended 'through a whole day' for me Gabbie!
Good luck.
cf
Posted by lymom3 on October 22, 2006, at 20:06:39
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? - Gabbie, posted by Carolyne on October 6, 2006, at 9:49:23
MAP is a GREAT program....I highly recommend it to anyone with anxiety and panic problems. After 30 years of agoraphobia I am able to drive, fly, take trips...all the things I couldn't do for years.
Posted by Mr MM on October 23, 2006, at 8:50:50
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I went to see my Dr because the littlest things could set me off and I'd start crying. He asked some questions and said I was depressed and wanted to try to treat me.
Let me cut to the chase: The yawning, the sweating, and the lack of appetite I experience on Effexor is exactly the same as what happens when I've taken Ecstasy. I will mention that while I've tried other drugs none of them do anything for me and I don't like them.
Also, I notice that effects come in cycles. Again, just like Ecstasy.
I spent 6 days on 37.5 and now have been on 75 for 5 days for those that want to know.
I wonder the long term side effects of Effexor on the brain. Anyone know of a site where I can read up on this?
Posted by mlgrw on October 23, 2006, at 15:19:15
In reply to Effexor XR reminds me of Ecstasy, posted by Mr MM on October 23, 2006, at 8:50:50
I just started Effexor XR 37.5 mg four days ago after I told my doctor I have been feeling fatigued and overwhelmed. I feel like I am on a low dose of E too. I am yawning, clenching my teeth, sweating or getting chills (in cycles), having wierd visual distubances and I feel high. I haven't come across any research about it what it does to your brain long term, but I will look some more. Let me know if you come across anything. I've also read people say that you have brain shivers on this stuff. That scares me.
Posted by Mr MM on October 24, 2006, at 1:10:51
In reply to Re: Effexor XR reminds me of Ecstasy, posted by mlgrw on October 23, 2006, at 15:19:15
Give it time. I had fun getting used to the feeling but after 4 or 5 days I've settled. Its been 13 days and i'm doing better. and i've lost 5 or 6 lbs too.
the odd effects will go away. relax!
-M
> I just started Effexor XR 37.5 mg four days ago after I told my doctor I have been feeling fatigued and overwhelmed. I feel like I am on a low dose of E too. I am yawning, clenching my teeth, sweating or getting chills (in cycles), having wierd visual distubances and I feel high. I haven't come across any research about it what it does to your brain long term, but I will look some more. Let me know if you come across anything. I've also read people say that you have brain shivers on this stuff. That scares me.
Posted by Dr. Bob on October 24, 2006, at 1:33:34
In reply to Re: Withdrawl, posted by shelby11 on October 17, 2006, at 16:31:54
> These withdrawl symptoms are somewhat unbearable.
Sorry to interrupt, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding withdrawl symptoms to Psycho-Babble Withdrawal. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20061010/msgs/697192.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by rfs on October 25, 2006, at 17:06:37
In reply to Up the dosage, posted by gabbie on October 20, 2006, at 13:30:20
> I went to the doctors today. He suggested we up the dose since my body is tolerating the medicine. I figure there is no harm in trying because what happens if I say screw it and then nothing works because I was supposed to up the dose. So now I take two of the 75mg pills together. I'm supposed to do this for a week and see if I can tolerate it or feel anything different. I'm at my witts end. I'm even about to mess things up with my boyfriend because I'm getting confused and letting my thoughts get carried away with me. ehhh. I just want to stop with this.
Hi
I have been on effexor for almost 10 years. I started and quickly went up to 225mg. then a few years later 300mg. Now after almost 10 years my Pdoc, has me on 450mg. I feel much much better. Weight gain is about the only S.E. I also do not think coming off of it will ever be possible. I am just greatful that it keeps working after suffering for 30 years.
Ray
Posted by corafree on October 25, 2006, at 19:53:46
In reply to Re: Up the dosage, posted by rfs on October 25, 2006, at 17:11:31
Hi rfs!
Glad you've found healing!
Pls share answer couple ??, if want.
Do U have 2 take something 2 sleep? What time do you usually awaken?
tks, cf
Posted by gabbie on October 28, 2006, at 16:24:00
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Okay so the doctor gave me a week of the 150 mg and I was feeling real good... not AMAZING, but better than before. I know it can improve. But my last pill was taken and I called the doctor the doctor the next day so that I could have it ready by the time I take it, but the prescription was not ready until the following day and I could see the difference with my mood not on the medicine. Today I took the 150 again, but I still feel pretty crappy and the anxiety is there again. I figure it could be because my body needs to get back into the groove of things since I didn't have effexor in me yesterday. It could also be a problem that I think I'm getting sick, coughing... runny nose... ear aches... and I am PMSing haha. Who knows, but I had a really good week on the uped dose and I hope it kicks back in because it felt nice not to feel bad.
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