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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Barrett on March 29, 2000, at 18:34:26
Hi. I have been using Effexor for the past 2 1/2 years
at 37.5 mgs, twice daily. It helped my depression
greatly. BUT...it had an adverse effect on erection,
ejaculation and overall desire for sex. I was willing
to forgo sex because of the positive results that the
Effexor had on my depression. Recently my wife has had
an increase to her libido and I decided that, to
accomodate her needs, I should try another anti-depressant.
I had heard that Serzone had much less effect on sexual
functions, so after discussing it with my doctor we
decided to give Serzone a try. According to her
information on these drugs, there is no "off time"
needed in between taking these drugs. So, here I go...
(I should mention that up until yesterday, I had been on
a ten day round of antibiotics for an ear infection in case it matters).
Anyways...I have been on Serzone for six days. After two days I
was able to have fantastic orgasms(my wife is still
draining her ears). BUT, I am experiencing some interesting/
alarming sensations. I am extremely tired. I have trouble
concentrating. I have trouble concentrating.(did I say that already?)
I am experiencing "body flashes" whereby it seems
that a small electrical charge periodically shoots
through my brain. It does not seem to effect the skin,
limbs(outer body parts) etc. It just seems to alter
brain perception for a brief moment. This has been a
constant occurance since starting Serzone. Also, I am
lacking some body coordination and balance(ear infection?).
I have been experiencing mood swings and have been generally
"weepey". I can't even sing along with the radio or
watch a sappy t.v. commercial without crying. Last night
I went to play ball hockey(I play 5 nights a week and am very fit)
and could hardly breathe. I also had a crying fit
and had to leave the game to compose myself. I have
educated my teammates as to my disease, so they handled
it really well. I feel generally under the weather, but
not depressed. I have little energy my lungs feel heavy.Okay, my questions... are these effects something to
be expected? Will it normalize? Should there have been
some "down time" between drugs? If a tree falls in the forest...I realize that there are three different meds in my body and that
everyone reacts differently, but any encouragement or
information would be appreciated, especially from
a professional.Thanx muchly!!!
Posted by KarenB on March 29, 2000, at 19:00:44
In reply to Serzone after Effexor, posted by Barrett on March 29, 2000, at 18:34:26
Barrett,
I had a simply awful time on Serzone, which lasted only two weeks. I was on the verge of tears, as you describe and I too had that "electric charge" sensation go through my head several times. I experienced extreme fatigue and was unable do exercise, which I do regularly with very little problem (on the right meds). It made me socially inhibited and just generally uncomfortable and anxious. I decided that anything that made me feel that bad was not worthy of any further trial and I quit. But, I may add that I just read a post from someone who said they felt weird and terrible for two weeks, then felt WONDERFUL!! So, I suppose it's up to you. An alternative drug for you may be Wellbutrin, which is more energizing and also doesn't have the sexual problems that the SSRIs have.
Good Luck!
Posted by Cindy W on March 29, 2000, at 21:46:26
In reply to Re: Serzone after Effexor, posted by KarenB on March 29, 2000, at 19:00:44
> Barrett,
>
> I had a simply awful time on Serzone, which lasted only two weeks. I was on the verge of tears, as you describe and I too had that "electric charge" sensation go through my head several times. I experienced extreme fatigue and was unable do exercise, which I do regularly with very little problem (on the right meds). It made me socially inhibited and just generally uncomfortable and anxious. I decided that anything that made me feel that bad was not worthy of any further trial and I quit. But, I may add that I just read a post from someone who said they felt weird and terrible for two weeks, then felt WONDERFUL!! So, I suppose it's up to you. An alternative drug for you may be Wellbutrin, which is more energizing and also doesn't have the sexual problems that the SSRIs have.
>
> Good Luck!
I went the other direction, from Serzone to Effexor-XR, but understand that suddenly discontinuing Effexor-XR will give you problems or at least side effects, in many cases. Serzone made me feel weird for two weeks (moodiness, uncontrollable anger for no reason, dizziness, fatigue), but after two weeks, I felt great. Effexor-XR (which I'm taking now) is helping, but I dread ever stopping it. Both Serzone and Effexor-XR seemed much better to me because of their lack of sexual side effects; I figure if you're going to fight depression, why add something else (loss of responsiveness) to everything else you're depressed about? Best wishes!
Posted by dove on March 30, 2000, at 9:14:05
In reply to Re: Serzone after Effexor, posted by Cindy W on March 29, 2000, at 21:46:26
The transition off Effexor will give you some of the symptoms you described, as will the initiation of Serzone. I know the Serzone has been very kind to my libido, which is a nice change after SSRI-induced numbness. However, the pay off might be some of those other "feeling" symptoms.
If you're only being treated for depression, there are some other choices med-wise, but you really should give Serzone a full round. For most people Serzone does work after that trickle down time, 4 to 8 weeks. I seem to be the opposite of most people's experiences, where the med works right away and then fizzles after that 6 week induction period.
As was stated in one of the previous posts, Wellbutrin (Bupropion) lacks negative impact on libido, as does Serzone, and CNS Stimulants (like Ritalin, Adderall, Dexedrine) all of this can be added to the main AD med, they call it augmenting. Also, for me, the old TCA's held less libido problems than the SSRIs, although my doc has stated that if I was taking the TCA (Amitriptyline in my case) as monotherapy and full dose, it would probably impact that area (libido) far more.
One more item, any of the AD meds that dry out your mouth can or will have negative effects on mental astuteness, balance, cognitive recall, fumbling fingers, and so on. For me, these effects lessened after five weeks, for others it may be shorter or longer. Try to give the Serzone a chance to work, and remember it will be muddied by the withdrawal of Effexor for a while.
dove
Posted by Barrett on March 30, 2000, at 23:50:50
In reply to Re: Serzone after Effexor, posted by dove on March 30, 2000, at 9:14:05
>I guys! Wow, this is a GREAT site! I wish I would have known about it sooner. I just kinda stumbled onto it. Well, thank you all for your information, it has helped, but I have decided to throw in the towel as far as Serzone is concerned. I WANT MY EFFEXOR BACK! Actually, I switched back today. I have exams, playoffs and a life to live and I can't wait to find out if Serzone is going to work for me. The ONLY side effect I had on Effexor was the sexual dysfunction and I can definitely live with it compared to how I feel now. I FEEL LIKE S@#T! I'm not even on the same planet anymore and I've developed a "heart cramp" and a tremor in the last few days. Background: On Effexor for 2 1/2 years. 37.5mg twice daily. Started Serzone one week ago. Going back to Effexor. QUESTIONS: Should I start right back on Effexor immediately? What should I expect?(any ideas) Should I "dry out" for a few days before starting again? Will it take a long time to get back in the "Effexor groove thang" again? Any info greatly appreciated. By the by, a big HELLO to Cam W. I'm the guy that you talked to on the phone today. You were a great help. This guy is great for information and is a regular on here, or so he tells me. He also says that he is available 24 hours a day for questions. His home numbers is... (kidding). Thanks again Cam W and everyone. I'll keep in touch.(lucky you, eh). Bye.
Posted by Cam W. on March 31, 2000, at 6:52:35
In reply to Re: Serzone after Effexor, posted by Barrett on March 30, 2000, at 23:50:50
Barrett - You can switch from Serzone to Effexor directly, but some docs like to wean the Serzone and add the Effexor slowly (over a week or so). It is entirely up to you. You should be back up to speed on the Effexor within 2 weeks. The libido thing will also change (sorry).Your phone call gave me deja vu. (Barrett was refered to me). I thought, "Geez, I've heard this exact same story somewhere else." Small world.
Good luck with hockey, exams, etc. Nothing like a busy life to take your mind off of your troubles. Years from now you will look back and say that this was good stress. Sincerely - Cam W.
Posted by dove on March 31, 2000, at 10:36:05
In reply to Re: Serzone after Effexor, posted by dove on March 30, 2000, at 9:14:05
The best of luck to you and I hope the Effexor kicks in quick for ya! Thank you for keeping us updated.
dove
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