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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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.
Posted by cristyleigh on October 28, 2006, at 16:48:56
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by gabbie on October 28, 2006, at 16:24:00
> 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.
GABBIE...I have been reading along on this site for quite a while now and I have noticed that you don't seem to be feeling better very fast. I certainly don't have a medical degree or anything but, do you think that maybe you just need to give a different type of med a try? Please don't take offense at this, it is just that all of the people that I know (myself included) who have tried multiple meds have had almost immediate success with the one specific one that works best with their particular body chemistry.
I started out on Lexapro and I could feel a difference the second day I was taking it!!! I gained about 15 lbs and since I have a history of bulimia the doctor thought it wise to try something that was more of a stimulant. I started taking Effexor...37.5...75...112.5...150...and I felt a little bit better but nothing like the effects of the Lexapro. Anyway, needless to say, I wanted my Lex back so yesterday I talked to my doc and we decided that I would quit taking the Effexor. So far I haven't felt the effects of the withdrawl but I am hoping that the good feelings from the lexapro will outweigh the bad from the effexor.
I guess I am just wondering when the right time for you to say ok, this isn't working I need to try something else? I know for me, I had set in my head that 150 was all I was going to on the effexor before I couldn't take the anxiety and depression anymore. Plus, I just didn't think that it was wise FOR ME to keep upping the dose. I am certainly not against meds but the fewer and least amount I have to take the better!
I hope that I didn't offend you with any of this. Ultimately, the decision is yours and you know what is best for your body!!
Cristy
Posted by KristiVegas on October 29, 2006, at 15:42:41
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » gabbie, posted by cristyleigh on October 28, 2006, at 16:48:56
> > 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.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> GABBIE...I have been reading along on this site for quite a while now and I have noticed that you don't seem to be feeling better very fast. I certainly don't have a medical degree or anything but, do you think that maybe you just need to give a different type of med a try? Please don't take offense at this, it is just that all of the people that I know (myself included) who have tried multiple meds have had almost immediate success with the one specific one that works best with their particular body chemistry.
>
> I started out on Lexapro and I could feel a difference the second day I was taking it!!! I gained about 15 lbs and since I have a history of bulimia the doctor thought it wise to try something that was more of a stimulant. I started taking Effexor...37.5...75...112.5...150...and I felt a little bit better but nothing like the effects of the Lexapro. Anyway, needless to say, I wanted my Lex back so yesterday I talked to my doc and we decided that I would quit taking the Effexor. So far I haven't felt the effects of the withdrawl but I am hoping that the good feelings from the lexapro will outweigh the bad from the effexor.
>
> I guess I am just wondering when the right time for you to say ok, this isn't working I need to try something else? I know for me, I had set in my head that 150 was all I was going to on the effexor before I couldn't take the anxiety and depression anymore. Plus, I just didn't think that it was wise FOR ME to keep upping the dose. I am certainly not against meds but the fewer and least amount I have to take the better!
>
> I hope that I didn't offend you with any of this. Ultimately, the decision is yours and you know what is best for your body!!
>
> Cristy
>
I have been working my way up with Effexor slowly. I am just now getting into 225mg after having been on 150mg for about 45 days. I don't notice any difference in my mood, any relief to the fatigue but am experiencing muscle twitching and jerking at night prior to going to bed. I've never experienced this before and wondered if anyone else out there has.
Posted by corafree on October 29, 2006, at 17:32:06
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » cristyleigh, posted by KristiVegas on October 29, 2006, at 15:42:41
Think I have an increase in 'tremor' on Eff-XR.
cf
Posted by chante on October 31, 2006, at 13:35:05
In reply to Re: Effexor XR reminds me of Ecstasy, posted by Mr MM on October 24, 2006, at 1:10:51
Hey,, me too when I took it last year at same dose as you , I was having same things, teeth clenching, tremor a little at first more , I took it for 5 months... love that it work for my depression but i'm more of a probleme of social phobia, help at first and then bang...stop got more anxious inside was starting feel like paranoid little bit.. meaning about the social phobia was getting worst seam like and felt could control my anger that usually much better was weird... maybe too sensitive you guys you think I should try paxil something more sedatif?? or welleburtin with something like a combo?? I'm going to see my doc tomorrow but just want to make sure he doesn't give me a bad one for me. How do you feel now today still with tremor and anxious?
Posted by chante on October 31, 2006, at 13:48:29
In reply to Re: Effexor XR reminds me of Ecstasy, posted by chante on October 31, 2006, at 13:35:05
Hi Everyone , love that site very helpful.
Is anybody know like I was mentioning I'm going to my doc tomorow for been very anxious so much I have problem working , fonctionning I think is social phobia or something like that. and all this made me depresse because it's been going on for since i'm a child... it run in the family my mom as it. anyway anyone have tryed antidepressant for social phobia and would let me know if paxil from what I'm reading seem the best but a little sedatif?? wellburtin or cymbalta.. let me know I apreciate... and I don't care about gaining weight I could use some. just want to have a little motivation but not jerki or tremor stuff like that. I'm just scared of the med, sorry i'm confuse....
Posted by corafree on October 31, 2006, at 14:30:38
In reply to Re: Effexor XR reminds me of Ecstasy, posted by chante on October 31, 2006, at 13:48:29
Dunno 4sure, could your P prescribe Klonopin or Ativan alongside Effexor-XR for social anxiety -or- heard recently Cymbalta is more sedating. I have family that say Paxil helps them, though they are pretty high-functioning peeps (not that you aren't); I'm the little black (actually more of a purple shade) sheep. Good luck w/ your P visit.
friend, cf
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