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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 24 of 24. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Julie on August 3, 1999, at 21:37:34
I've been taking 150 mg. of Effexor for 6 weeks now. (I took Zoloft for 7 years before that.) It seems to be working really well, and most side-effect type things ( a little nausea, some insomnia, wanting to eat everything in sight) I can deal with. But in the past couple of days I've been feeling very physically restless- tight, tingly feeling muscles. It's an unpleasant feeling. I call it "the squigglies" because I feel like I should be moving constantly. I'm not mentally restless, just physically. Have any of you experienced this side effect on Effexor or another med, and what did you do about it? I'm going to talk to my meds doctor tomorrow- I'm thinking maybe I should be at a lower dose or something. Ideas? Thanks.
Posted by Racer on August 3, 1999, at 23:22:54
In reply to Effexor and "the squigglies", posted by Julie on August 3, 1999, at 21:37:34
I feel a little like that, too, but I kind of enjoy it. Not really, but it fits in well enough with what I do, so I can't complain too much. Well, look at it this way: for me, Effexor was part of a life saving combination, so anything short of growing new arms is bearable.
On the other hand, it's just about killed my appetite, so we're getting different side effects. The squigglies, as you call it, seem to go away for me after a week or so. Maybe that will happen to you too.
Good luck.
Posted by CGPTEX on August 4, 1999, at 5:20:46
In reply to Effexor and "the squigglies", posted by Julie on August 3, 1999, at 21:37:34
I have been on Effexor (75mg/day)for the last three years.
I have experienced several manic episodes when Lexell
(BP med) was taken with it. Especially at 150mg. I have
noticed that I am a great deal more reactive to caffein.
Over the last 18 months I have experienced severe headaches,
muscle spasms, noises in my ears. I spent a great deal of
time chasing down a problem with a pinched nerve that may
have been a side effect of Effexor. I also noticed a more
increased tendancy towards a decline in my inhibitions and
increased obsessive/compulsive behavior.I started having
severe problems sleeping and a total loss of interest
in every day activities. My Dr. wants to move me over to
Prozac, but after feeling the changes in moods and swinging between
bliss and anger I have decided (with monitoring)
to completely clean out my system. Effexor was orignally precribed
for depression related to cessation of alcohol
consumption. I have been sober for three years now and
maybe my system has changed.
Posted by mila on August 4, 1999, at 20:00:57
In reply to Effexor and "the squigglies", posted by Julie on August 3, 1999, at 21:37:34
I think what you are talking about is akathesia.
It is a highly subjective feeling of inner restlessness. I experienced it when I was on risperdal. It can become very disturbing and intolerable. I stopped the risperdal because of it. I also experienced it on effexor. I'm still on effexor for the akathesia subsided after a few weeks. Perhaps the same will happen for you. Also, I have found that the addition of remeron has reduced the feeling.It helps to put a name to the symptom. That is, it helps to know that it is _recognized_ as a legitimate affliction. Before I knew what it was, people treated me as if my complaints were unfounded. How frustrating!
Good luck in finding relief!
Posted by Julie on August 5, 1999, at 11:33:24
In reply to akathesia, posted by mila on August 4, 1999, at 20:00:57
Yeah- that's the word- I remember the feeling from taking Moban (a little known antipsychotic) for 2 days when I was insanely depressed 8 years ago. The akasthesia/squigglies seem to have mostly subsided after a couple of days, thank goodness. Now to work on the wanna-eat-everything thing... (I had this with Zoloft, too, but it seems more intense with the Effexor.)
Posted by yardena on August 5, 1999, at 14:03:19
In reply to Re: akathesia, posted by Julie on August 5, 1999, at 11:33:24
I experience this on effexor, and did on paxil, as well. When I first wake up, I feel the need to move my hands and fingers in a tic-like way,wiggling them, rotating, etc. I also have involuntary muscle twitches, called myoclonus, when at rest, like before falling asleep. It is interesting, because muscles move that I couldn't possibly ever will to move. The inner restlessness, and the myoclonus make it very hard to fall asleep, which is why my "cocktail" includes another antidepressant to help me sleep.
Posted by Beatrice on August 7, 1999, at 13:55:22
In reply to Re: akathesia, posted by yardena on August 5, 1999, at 14:03:19
> I experience this on effexor, and did on paxil, as well. When I first wake up, I feel the need to move my hands and fingers in a tic-like way,wiggling them, rotating, etc. I also have involuntary muscle twitches, called myoclonus, when at rest, like before falling asleep. It is interesting, because muscles move that I couldn't possibly ever will to move. The inner restlessness, and the myoclonus make it very hard to fall asleep, which is why my "cocktail" includes another antidepressant to help me sleep.
Isn't this the same as "RLS" Restless Leg Syndrome? There are web pages out there for this.
Posted by Ania on August 10, 1999, at 13:48:06
In reply to Re: akathesia, posted by Julie on August 5, 1999, at 11:33:24
Hi Julie,
I'm also taking Effexor and I feel like I want to eat constantly, especially carbs. I've gained
weight even though I exercise regularly. I'm very frustrated with this. I'm also
experiencing extreme fatigue and sleepiness. It makes exercising very hard.I was taking Prozac with it, but I switched to an alternative 5-HTP. It's suppose to curb appetite.
I've also read that adding Ritalin to antidepressants can increase energy and decrease appetite.
I haven't tried it yet because my doc is skeptical and wants more info on it.
Let me know if you find something that works for you.Thanks and good luck,
Ania
Posted by Julie on August 11, 1999, at 10:03:16
In reply to Eating everything..., posted by Ania on August 10, 1999, at 13:48:06
Thanks for the post. I'm curious- what is 5-HTP? I've talked about Ritalin with my doctor too (expecially since I also have a touch of ADD) but he doesn't think it's a good idea.
Posted by Paul on August 14, 1999, at 15:54:16
In reply to Re: Effexor and "the squigglies", posted by Racer on August 3, 1999, at 23:22:54
> I feel a little like that, too, but I kind of enjoy it. Not really, but it fits in well enough with what I do, so I can't complain too much. Well, look at it this way: for me, Effexor was part of a life saving combination, so anything short of growing new arms is bearable.
>
> On the other hand, it's just about killed my appetite, so we're getting different side effects. The squigglies, as you call it, seem to go away for me after a week or so. Maybe that will happen to you too.
>
> Good luck.Julie,
Have you read about pindolol-a beta blocker on psych. tips. It might help, or inderal. I'm having the same probs. as Racer no appetie on Effexor and profound fatigue. I'm gonna maybe try asking doc to add a little Remeron to boost appetite. Hope this helps. Paul
Posted by Alex on August 15, 1999, at 20:06:03
In reply to Re: Effexor and "the squigglies", posted by Paul on August 14, 1999, at 15:54:16
> > I feel a little like that, too, but I kind of enjoy it. Not really, but it fits in well enough with what I do, so I can't complain too much. Well, look at it this way: for me, Effexor was part of a life saving combination, so anything short of growing new arms is bearable.
> >
> > On the other hand, it's just about killed my appetite, so we're getting different side effects. The squigglies, as you call it, seem to go away for me after a week or so. Maybe that will happen to you too.
> >
> > Good luck.
>
> Julie,
> Have you read about pindolol-a beta blocker on psych. tips. It might help, or inderal. I'm having the same probs. as Racer no appetie on Effexor and profound fatigue. I'm gonna maybe try asking doc to add a little Remeron to boost appetite. Hope this helps. Paul
Paul,
Just my 2 cents on the Remeron: I just gave it a try, and it definitely boosted my appetite HUGELY at the lower doseage. The other side effect, though, which really affected my decision to switch meds yet again, was that it really knocked me out, regardless of dose. So if you're already experiencing fatigue, Remeron might not be the best choice, although I must say the higher dose wasn't nearly as bad. I don't remember Effexor making me tired, though--in fact, it made me feel like I was on speed or something. Good luck!
Posted by Malia on August 16, 1999, at 15:58:11
In reply to Re: Effexor and "the squigglies", posted by Paul on August 14, 1999, at 15:54:16
I too got the "squigglies" if you can call it that. I also got more side-effects than I bargained for. I'm hypertensive, and on medication for high-blood pressure, and Effexor at 75-150 increased my blood pressure by 20 pts! Then I did feel restless, but still quite "good." I'm overweight, and I lost my appetite, and lost nearly 10 lbs. in the two weeks I took it. That's why I'm so perplexed at those of you who gain weight on it. Are you underweight or thin? I'm wondering if Effexor gives us all opposite effects or our "normal" un-medicated eating behavior. In other words, if you don't eat enough to begin with, do you eat more on Effexor? Another side effect was sweating all the time. My doctor switched me to Serzone, primarily due to the high blood pressure. I don't like it. It's only been one week and I believe I'm also having Effexor withdrawal. I don't know what to request next. The difficulty I have in finding the right AD is dealing with my weight problem and trying to find an AD that doesn't cause weight gain, as well as high blood pressure. The doc says he may put me on wellbutrin next if this Serzone doesn't work, but I don't know what else to do. Maybe he should've tapered me off the Effexor before putting me on Serzone? Thanks for listening to my babble!
Posted by Andy on August 18, 1999, at 9:34:50
In reply to Effexor and "the squigglies", posted by Julie on August 3, 1999, at 21:37:34
> I've been taking 150 mg. of Effexor for 6 weeks now. (I took Zoloft for 7 years before that.) It seems to be working really well, and most side-effect type things ( a little nausea, some insomnia, wanting to eat everything in sight) I can deal with. But in the past couple of days I've been feeling very physically restless- tight, tingly feeling muscles. It's an unpleasant feeling. I call it "the squigglies" because I feel like I should be moving constantly. I'm not mentally restless, just physically. Have any of you experienced this side effect on Effexor or another med, and what did you do about it? I'm going to talk to my meds doctor tomorrow- I'm thinking maybe I should be at a lower dose or something. Ideas? Thanks.
I had the "squigglies" from Prozac. Would not have been able to stay on it for that reason. Buspar did the trick. Have to wait a week or two before it works though.
Posted by scott on January 5, 2000, at 13:57:20
In reply to akathesia, posted by mila on August 4, 1999, at 20:00:57
> I think what you are talking about is akathesia.
> It is a highly subjective feeling of inner restlessness. I experienced it when I was on risperdal. It can become very disturbing and intolerable. I stopped the risperdal because of it. I also experienced it on effexor. I'm still on effexor for the akathesia subsided after a few weeks. Perhaps the same will happen for you. Also, I have found that the addition of remeron has reduced the feeling.
>
> It helps to put a name to the symptom. That is, it helps to know that it is _recognized_ as a legitimate affliction. Before I knew what it was, people treated me as if my complaints were unfounded. How frustrating!
>
> Good luck in finding relief!what exactlly is akathesia
Posted by Noa on January 5, 2000, at 18:52:54
In reply to Re: akathesia, posted by scott on January 5, 2000, at 13:57:20
I hadn't heard this term before reading this thread a while ago. it was defined earlier as inner sense of restlessness. I used to feel it a lot, from the seratonin, I think, but since being on a higher dose of serzone, which is sedating for me, I no longer feel that fidgetiness from the effexor.
Posted by Scott L. Schofield on January 6, 2000, at 10:13:31
In reply to Re: akathesia, posted by scott on January 5, 2000, at 13:57:20
In Re: akathisia
> I think what you are talking about is akathesia.
> It is a highly subjective feeling of inner restlessness.This is a good description. As mentioned below, it can reach the point of being intolerable.
> I experienced it when I was on risperdal. It can become very disturbing and intolerable.
Akathisia as a side-effect has been associated with the neuroleptic drugs used as major tranquilizers (like Thorazine). These drugs are known to block dopamine receptors, a property that is presumed to be the mechanism by which they exert their antipsychotic effect. Risperdal (risperidone) is included in this category of drugs, and should be suspect whenever akathisia appears. I don’t know to if and to what degree serotonergic events contribute to or mitigate akathisia. I did come across one paper that concluded that 5-HT3 receptors were not involved.
> It helps to put a name to the symptom. That is, it helps to know that it is _recognized_ as a legitimate affliction. Before I knew what it was, people treated me as if my complaints were unfounded. How frustrating!
The newer neuroleptic drugs, including risperidone, are supposed to carry with them less risk of inducing akathisia along with other EPS (ExtraPyrimidal Side-effect). Hopefully, this will also be true of tardive-dyskinisia, an irreversible EPS that presents as a movement disorder.- Scott
Posted by Noa on January 6, 2000, at 14:08:32
In reply to Re: akathesia, posted by Scott L. Schofield on January 6, 2000, at 10:13:31
I have seen this term many times but don't know what it means. Can you give some examples?
Posted by juniper on January 6, 2000, at 20:15:20
In reply to Re: extra-pyramidal effects, posted by Noa on January 6, 2000, at 14:08:32
> I have seen this term many times but don't know what it means. Can you give some examples?
Extra-pyramidal effects can be a side effect of neuroleptic medications (many antipsychotic drugs)resulting in unwanted and uncontrollable movements such as tremors, spasms, or tics. i think that these effects can sometimes be permantent regardless of whether the medication is discontinued. i believe that these effects stem from the effect of antipsychotics on dopamine, since dopamine is indicated in many movement disorders.
---hope this helps :)
Posted by Renee N on January 6, 2000, at 23:42:28
In reply to Re: extra-pyramidal effects, posted by juniper on January 6, 2000, at 20:15:20
> > I have seen this term many times but don't know what it means. Can you give some examples?
>
> Extra-pyramidal effects can be a side effect of neuroleptic medications (many antipsychotic drugs)resulting in unwanted and uncontrollable movements such as tremors, spasms, or tics. i think that these effects can sometimes be permantent regardless of whether the medication is discontinued. i believe that these effects stem from the effect of antipsychotics on dopamine, since dopamine is indicated in many movement disorders.
> ---hope this helps :)I love the term squigglies! Effexor makes me soooo sleepy, but I still find myself constantly doing mini exercises. I thought that I was doing them because of not wanting to regain the 41.5(but who's counting?!) pounds I've lost in the past couple of years. The effexor had me so wiped out that all I wanted to after work was sleep. Now I realize that it's more than that, it's almost a (dare I say it?) a compulsive urge. Now I have a label for it, that is if I can remember the akathesia. I guess I could use a nmemonic device such as seperating the word, calling the aka part "also known as" and then "the" and lastly "sia"(think "sea-a"). Weird? Yes, but with an ADD mind like mine, you have to come up with memory tricks. Too bad I didn't use one to remember that I did bring my ADDerall for my second dose to work today. At lunch I told someone that I was getting some coffee because I forgot to bring my ADDerall to work. I also forgot my glasses. Good thing I was working with kindergarten and first grade where the writing tends to be very LARGE. When I saw the same person later in the day I asked her if she wanted to hear something funny. I told herthen toldher, "I forgot to remember that I did remember my medicine." It was in my purse right where I put it before work this morning. At least I am laughing about some of this. Before the antidepressants, I would cry and beat myself up, figuratively that is, not literally.
Anyway, I used to take a large dose of ADDerall--30 mg. twice a day, but had to cut back when I started Effexor XR--37.5 then 75, now 150mg, because my blood pressure rose. I also take 150 mg. of Wellbutrin SR a day. I had to go almost 5 days without any ADDerall because of some crazy screw ups getting the new prescrition from the pdoc to me. I was fine at work energy wise, but dead at home. Now I've just started the ADDerall again at 10 mg. three times a day. I asked if I could add a third dose to get me through the evenings. I feel more alert, but also "speedy". I know from experience that the speediness will fade. My appetite, which is mostly in the form of a giant, foraging sweet-tooth, has subsided along with my yearning for my warm and comfy bed. I feel like doing real exercise again. I'm also in a great mood today! Cross your fingers for me that depression will not visit (like that Influenza guy on the tv commercial) again in this millenium. Don't worry, I know even "normal" people aren't in a good mood all the time.
Now, if only I could find something that would help the worst part of my ADD, which is forgetfulness. If not, I guess I will just have to learn to live with it and keep working at ways to work better with what I've got.
Thanks for listening...errr,I mean reading.P.S. Sorry about my last post that only said "era". I was on a roll when I accidently deleted everything but that. I was running late to go somewhere( darn internet addiction!), didn't pay good attention (Gee, what a surprise) and hit the wrong button.-
Posted by juniper on January 7, 2000, at 23:31:40
In reply to Re:Effexor induced squigglies/eating (long), posted by Renee N on January 6, 2000, at 23:42:28
it's always good to hear from someone who is feeling better--it's a little ray of hope. i admire your strategies for remembering things, hopefully the more you use them the easier and more routine remembering will become. it is also interesting for me to hear more about adderall, i have a new pdoc appointment on monday and think that i will bring this up as a med. for me. i am currently on effexor only.
i hope that this good streak is only the beginning for you. peace,
juniper
Posted by Renee N on January 8, 2000, at 0:25:41
In reply to to renee n., posted by juniper on January 7, 2000, at 23:31:40
> it's always good to hear from someone who is feeling better--it's a little ray of hope. i admire your strategies for remembering things, hopefully the more you use them the easier and more routine remembering will become. it is also interesting for me to hear more about adderall, i have a new pdoc appointment on monday and think that i will bring this up as a med. for me. i am currently on effexor only.
> i hope that this good streak is only the beginning for you. peace,
> juniperJuniper,
Thank you.
Renee N
Posted by jean on March 28, 2000, at 3:30:24
In reply to To:Juniper, posted by Renee N on January 8, 2000, at 0:25:41
juniper, I have been reading the opinions of all
I believe if we all dump effexor and become
completely honest at what is going on inside we would overcome our
trials. I have been on trazodone for five years,
plus effxor,dapakote. compared to the person I used to be and now
I have lost my zip for life and it all began when I started using
these medicines. I have tried to go off them but in a quick fashion
that I had side effects from totally withdrawel all at once. I now
know that if I want my real self back I have to withdrawl from my meds. this will be a slow progress
but I see a better future fightting on myown and
not on a dependent on drugs. yes I have depression
but with meds they are still there, so why not use my own will oower to conquer this
desease. I am willing tofight to the end. I hope
there will be support out there to walk with me.
I wish you the best in your efforts juniper, hang
in there. jean
Posted by thelonious on April 12, 2001, at 15:22:02
In reply to Effexor and , posted by Julie on August 3, 1999, at 21:37:34
I ran out of effexor, and I've been off for five days. It will be 3 more before my scripts come. I've been having extreme ticks, almost like a shot of electricity through my body. It messes with my vision, and my hearing goes to a hum. It seems to happen when I move my eyes incertain directions. I've never had any side-effects, but I'm getting a bit concerened. Has anyone exeperienced this? If so, does it go away, as soon as you get it back in your system. I haven't slept for days, and this isn't helping matters. Thanks
Posted by SalArmy4me on April 12, 2001, at 17:33:02
In reply to Re: Effexor and the squigglies, posted by thelonious on April 12, 2001, at 15:22:02
Get the effexor any way you can and start taking it again before it is completely out of your system and you have to wait another 6 weeks to get the antidepressant effect again.
> I ran out of effexor, and I've been off for five days. It will be 3 more before my scripts come. I've been having extreme ticks, almost like a shot of electricity through my body. It messes with my vision, and my hearing goes to a hum. It seems to happen when I move my eyes incertain directions. I've never had any side-effects, but I'm getting a bit concerened. Has anyone exeperienced this? If so, does it go away, as soon as you get it back in your system. I haven't slept for days, and this isn't helping matters. Thanks
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