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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 Andre Allard on May 10, 2000, at 2:51:45
I am currently on 225mg of effexor xr. The effexor has
helped out greatly with my social anxiety disorder as
well as my depression. Still, I am very much bothered
by side effects such as a decreased appetite (if I did
not force myself to eat I would probably weigh 100
pounds), and anorgasmia during intercourse (very
bothersome for my partners and I). My depression
is still present at times. Normally, the effexor would
be increased, but the two side effects listed above
are enough for me. I have been on effexor previously
and then switched because of these side effects. I have
tried many other AD's - none worked like effexor. I
have also tried augmentation with lamictal with no
success as well. I do not want to add lithium because
of the weight gain. I have discussed augmenting the
effexor with pindolol or buspirone but the doc says
he has not seen much success while using these meds
for augmentation. My psychiatrist does not know what
to do and neither do I for that matter. Also, both of
my psychiatrists have been reluctant to add another
AD to the effexor as they like to keep things simple.
I disagree with not adding another AD because I have
previously taken left over AD's and noticed a
difference. Do not ever tell your psychiatrist you
have taken left over meds - they get really pissed off.
My question to you guys is what the hell do I do now?
I would appreciate any input you might have. Thank-you
Posted by Sassy on May 10, 2000, at 15:04:53
In reply to What to do with effexor know?, posted by Andre Allard on May 10, 2000, at 2:51:45
Hi,
At one time my doc augmented with remeron at night. I hear this helps in the sexual arena, can't comment on this, but I can say that it gave me a refreshing night sleep without making me groggy after a few days and appeared to work really well with the effexor. My doseage was 30 mg, but I cut back to 15 mg, when trying with
another med since I had the problem with the effexor. That was about the third week and I couldn't tell the difference of a lesser doseage.I have a question for you. How do you break up
your 225 mg doseage of effexor? I'd like to try the same to see if this will eliminate the weight gain issue for me. I was on 150 mg 3 times a day. Do you take it on an empty stomach?
I usually have a 3 to 5 pound gain the next day.
I've had to go off it several times.Good luck to you!
Sassy
>
I am currently on 225mg of effexor xr. The effexor has
> helped out greatly with my social anxiety disorder as
> well as my depression. Still, I am very much bothered
> by side effects such as a decreased appetite (if I did
> not force myself to eat I would probably weigh 100
> pounds), and anorgasmia during intercourse (very
> bothersome for my partners and I). My depression
> is still present at times. Normally, the effexor would
> be increased, but the two side effects listed above
> are enough for me. I have been on effexor previously
> and then switched because of these side effects. I have
> tried many other AD's - none worked like effexor. I
> have also tried augmentation with lamictal with no
> success as well. I do not want to add lithium because
> of the weight gain. I have discussed augmenting the
> effexor with pindolol or buspirone but the doc says
> he has not seen much success while using these meds
> for augmentation. My psychiatrist does not know what
> to do and neither do I for that matter. Also, both of
> my psychiatrists have been reluctant to add another
> AD to the effexor as they like to keep things simple.
> I disagree with not adding another AD because I have
> previously taken left over AD's and noticed a
Posted by AndrewB on May 10, 2000, at 19:29:42
In reply to Re: What to do with effexor know?, posted by Sassy on May 10, 2000, at 15:04:53
Maybe I'm just passing along bad information but someone stated that by adding remeron to effexor the two medicines will cancel out each others' side effects.
Posted by KarenB on May 10, 2000, at 19:59:23
In reply to Re: What to do with effexor know?, posted by Sassy on May 10, 2000, at 15:04:53
> I usually have a 3 to 5 pound gain the next day.
> I've had to go off it several times.Sassy,
This can only be water retention. One answer is to drink those eight glasses of pure water per day that you always hear about - natures best diuretic. It really does make a difference in your body's ability to operate and flush toxins (and excess fluids) efficiently.
Karen
Posted by Sassy on May 11, 2000, at 20:31:49
In reply to Re: Water retention/Effexor - Sassy, posted by KarenB on May 10, 2000, at 19:59:23
Karen,
I am trying your suggestion now. Had a problem before because my stomach bloated like I was 6 months pregnant, No Kidding! Really want this to
work because the medicine is good, good, good for the depression.Thanks!
Sassy>
> > I usually have a 3 to 5 pound gain the next day.
> > I've had to go off it several times.
>
> Sassy,
>
> This can only be water retention. One answer is to drink those eight glasses of pure water per day that you always hear about - natures best diuretic. It really does make a difference in your body's ability to operate and flush toxins (and excess fluids) efficiently.
>
> Karen
Posted by Andre Allard on May 12, 2000, at 14:05:27
In reply to Re: What to do with effexor know?, posted by Sassy on May 10, 2000, at 15:04:53
I do not breakup the dosage of effexor because I take the xr version, which lasts longer. With the xr, once a day dosing is all that is needed. You might want to switch over to the xr version for conviniance. I do not bother taking note of whether I take my dose with food or not. If you experience nausua, it would be a good idea to take your effexor with food to lessen this side effect. Besides that, it does not matter when you take the effexor. The absorption is slowed down somewhat when taken with food but the overall absorption is not altered. Good luck!
Posted by David D C on January 14, 2001, at 22:17:39
In reply to Re: What to do with effexor know?- Sassy, posted by Andre Allard on May 12, 2000, at 14:05:27
I have noticed very litte urination during the day but at night(since I was dosing XR in the morn)I wake up at least 2 times for long stint in the bathroom. Yes water is best I would think to. I am learning just like all of you. Good posts to all keep it up it helps... David
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