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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by riverrock on July 19, 2000, at 20:59:45
In reply to Re: JUST STARTED TAKING EFFEXOR XR, posted by Dakota on July 18, 2000, at 19:51:19
> I would really appreciate any input from anyone. I havent experienced any side effects. Normally, do you notice them right from the beginning? Please help!!!!!!!
Hi Dakota,
I have been building up on effexor for about 3 weeks now and take just under 150mgs. I am feeling some wonderful relief from the depression and also some lessened anxiety. I nver had panic attacks, just general anxiety, but I am actually having moments of feeling happy and relaxed...I am experiencing some side effects, but I heard that after a couple of months they may disappear. After 6 months, if they are still there, they aren't going away. I am hot and seem to sweat more, but am also having some chills. The hardest part right now is the sexual side effects. Plenty of desire, but I am anorgasmic. Have read that exercise and possibly Ginko Biloba will help with that...need to check with my Pdoc about that....Don't get anxious about the meds, if they don't work for you, I'm sure your doc will move you onto something else...Good luck!
River
Posted by Louie on July 20, 2000, at 1:54:53
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Donna Odom on May 23, 2000, at 12:08:42
I've been on effexor for about a year and a half, my dosage to date was 150 mg daily. Last week I decided to finally get off the drug, it has been now 4 days since I took my last pill and the withdrawals have been extremely severe. I realize that getting off it suddenly was not the smartest thing to do but I am tired of taking it and I'll be damned if I'm going to let this pill control my life. Today however I felt much better, I still have all the withdrawals feelings, but have become bearable. I must say I'm on vacation and I would have not being able to give it up so sudden otherwise. I have been home doing nothing but watch tv, but I finally started to feel more myself than I have before since I began taking this dreadful drug. I hope things get better now, I'll keep you posted.
Posted by Libby on July 20, 2000, at 9:56:04
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Louie on July 20, 2000, at 1:54:53
Louie, please post your progress. I start tapering off today, should be off in two weeks. I'm hopeful about getting off it, but also a little afraid. I had no problem tapering down for dose adjustment, but I have had terrible experiences when taking a dose late. It would be very helpful for me to read about someone else who's going through it (and hopefully will make it)... Thanks. L.
Posted by tlc on July 23, 2000, at 11:17:06
In reply to Long-term effects, posted by Jillie on July 8, 2000, at 20:10:26
Posted by nico on July 25, 2000, at 4:20:23
In reply to love and hate, posted by kimi on July 18, 2000, at 20:10:21
im down to 75mg. of effexor. i was on 225.
i did it. i didnt leave bed for 2 weeks, but i made it through and i feel so much better.
ive forgotten what its like to be able to think clearly.
hopefully i wont have too much trouble getting of the rest.
Posted by Gerri_mww on July 25, 2000, at 17:33:09
In reply to Re: I am more nervous about this cr*p than ever!!, posted by Gerri_mww on July 9, 2000, at 20:53:38
..... It won't matter to anyone if I disappear.
> >
> > Goodbye and good luck.
Todd,
Are you still checking in on this site??Does anyone know Todd? or if he's ok?
Hoping if he reads this he will let us all know how he's doing and if he's
still giving life a shotGerri
Posted by Moose on July 28, 2000, at 9:50:04
In reply to Re: Long-term effects, posted by tlc on July 23, 2000, at 11:17:06
HI
My dr gave effexor xr to me about 4 weeks ago. I struggled with taking it because I just thought that taking something is a cop out,lol. I am having sever mood swings and I am angry and depressed a lot. I will pick fights with my oldest child..now 18 and my dh is confused because I swing in moods so quilckly. anyways, I took the first pill yesterday.....at 1 pm after another senseless blow out with my son. I felt fine all day maybe a bit nauses and could not fall asleep last night and right now I am feeling a bit edgy.....I have been reading alot of the posts and now I am so scared to takes this stuff!! I don't want the side effects or the withdraws.....I feel like I am having a hard tome breathing something i never had before......could it be this stuff already!!
HELP,LOL
Posted by Libby on July 28, 2000, at 11:35:28
In reply to Re: Long-term effects, posted by Moose on July 28, 2000, at 9:50:04
>I have been reading alot of the posts and now I >am so scared to takes this stuff!!
My experience with Effexor has been more good than bad... but there are certain things I had to learn about it that made it much easier to live with. For example, it is EXTREMELY important to take every dose on time! When I was the slightest bit late taking a dose, terrible mood swings moved in FAST and I sometimes found myself raging out of control over nothing... After two or three marathon arguments with my daughter, I learned to take my Effexor ON TIME every day! Since then, rages haven't been a problem for me. Inderal is another option if you're experiencing agitation on a regular basis... Might be worth asking your doctor about... Inderal helped me with agitation, muscular tension, etc.
The hard time breathing could be a number of things... panic, anxiety, Effexor... I would caution against not taking a drug simply because of something you read here. However, if you read something here and are truly concerned... OR if what you read seems to match what you're experiencing, then that's something I'd encourage you to talk to your doctor about! There are so many different kinds of antidepressants available! No sense in taking one that doesn't work for you...
On the other hand, give the trials a fair shot... Just because I post about a particular side-effect doesn't mean you'll experience that same effect... Even though I had terrible "withdrawal" symptoms when I didn't take my regular dose of Effexor on time, I seem to have tapered off in about a week (from 150 mg/day) without a problem... That's faster than my doc expected, but he told me to keep stepping down the dose a little each day, based on how I felt that day... Today is my second day totally OFF Effexor and aside from a slight "heart pounding" sensation, which to me feels more like anxiety than a purely physical thing, I feel great. I took Benedryl, like the kind people here advised - and it's working... YAY! 'Course, I won't soncider myself TRULY "off" Effexor until the thumping heart sensations stop... but at least I'm not the screaming demon I expected to be... :)
Hope this helps a bit... Take care of yourself...
L.
Posted by elizabeth777 on August 1, 2000, at 17:57:00
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by Cindy W on July 18, 2000, at 8:26:16
> > I too have had problems with depression for the last 7 years. Crying for no reason, could not sleep, couldn't eat, feeling out of control of my life, turning mole hills into mountains.
> >
> > I first on Zoloft for about a year was just fine, then quit (thought I could handle life without "having to take drugs" and slowly went down hill over the next 6 months.
> >
> > Went back on and was on it for a couple more years, felt great and decided I was all better and went off of it and crashed again- this time in 3 months. Tried Zoloft again, this time-no relief. Then tried Wellbutrin for a month, felt a little better, but not like before. Then tried Efferox XR.
> >
> > Started slow and built up to 150mg per day. Wonder drug! I love it! Have been on it over a year. No side effects to speak of. During the last 9 months I have managed to survive a move from Indiana to Austria (no kanagroos here) for a 3 years ISP assignment with my husband's company. We had to sell our house, cars, leave family, friends, my job and our horse behind with less than a 2 month notice. Stranger in a strange land and they don't speak much English in these parts. Yes I have had to learn German. Sprechen sie Deutsch?
> >
> > I have survived! Have had some down days over the last 9 months that I attributed to more of loneliness and boredom and winter blahs than from depression. Summer's here and I am great!
> >
> > Work with your doctor for the right level- give it time to build up in your system- a month prehaps and you should see positive results as I have.
>
> Shel, glad to hear it's worked so well for you! Doing so many changes in a short time must have been a challenge.> I have been on effexor xr for a month and a half.I love it. I feel great. I take mine at night and it helps me get to sleep and I don't feel hung over in the morning. So far I thing
this drug is a mircle!
Posted by Hazel on August 2, 2000, at 10:22:12
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! » Cindy W, posted by elizabeth777 on August 1, 2000, at 17:57:00
I'm about to start on this drug and its reassuring
to read about it working for so many people.I have been suffering from depression for a few
years and so far nothing has worked so I am hoping
this will. I cannot wait until I feel "normal"
again.Any tips or anything I should know before starting?
More importantly, are you allowed to drink alcohol
on these tablets?
Posted by DJR on August 2, 2000, at 21:01:53
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
My doctor just prescribed 37.5 a day of effexor, to be advanced to 3 pills daily. My question is, what's the difference in effexor and effexorXR? Also my doctor prescribed this to help me sleep. I have Fibromyalgia and I"m sure I have some depression. However my doctor prescribed it for the fibromyalgia and sleep problem.
Has anyone heard of using it primarily for these problems? Or am I making a mistake taking this medicine? I'm slighty scared after reading what i've read here today.
Any comments would help.
Posted by tbucko on August 2, 2000, at 21:15:47
In reply to Re: New to Effexor, posted by DJR on August 2, 2000, at 21:01:53
> My doctor just prescribed 37.5 a day of effexor, to be advanced to 3 pills daily. My question is, what's the difference in effexor and effexorXR? Also my doctor prescribed this to help me sleep. I have Fibromyalgia and I"m sure I have some depression. However my doctor prescribed it for the fibromyalgia and sleep problem.
> Has anyone heard of using it primarily for these problems? Or am I making a mistake taking this medicine? I'm slighty scared after reading what i've read here today.
> Any comments would help.XR is just extended release. Often used to reduce some of the side effects. For instance, I was given XR to reduce the chance of incresing my blood pressure. Effexor has changed my life. I am a new person, better and happier than I can EVER remember.
Only problem? For me it is the sexual side effects. I am being switched to Wellbutrin to see if it helps and I stil stay the real me. If not, I guess I stay on Effexor and stay happy but "less active"
Posted by kd on August 2, 2000, at 23:49:35
In reply to Re: effexor xr and side effects, posted by Judy on April 23, 2000, at 22:43:54
> Sweating - is anyone having problems with excessive sweating from taking Effexor, 75 mg, the time released version? I can't decide if it's the med or menopause......
KD: I am also having problems with excessive sweating! I am 19. I have been on 300mg of Effexor XR for almost 8 months. Despite the exceptional help with my depression, I find this problem to be embarassing and unbearable! Does someone have a solution to this? Help! Please respond if you do!
Posted by KD on August 3, 2000, at 0:02:04
In reply to Re: effexor xr and side effects, posted by Judy on April 23, 2000, at 22:43:54
> Sweating - is anyone having problems with excessive sweating from taking Effexor, 75 mg, the time released version? I can't decide if it's the med or menopause......
KD: I also have problems with excessive sweating! I am 19 and have been on 300mg of Effexor XR for 8 months. Despite the exceptional success with my depression, I find this problem to be embarrassing and unbearable! Does anyone have a solution to this problem? Please help and respond if you do!
Posted by Cindy W on August 3, 2000, at 9:19:00
In reply to Re: effexor xr and side effects, posted by KD on August 3, 2000, at 0:02:04
> > Sweating - is anyone having problems with excessive sweating from taking Effexor, 75 mg, the time released version? I can't decide if it's the med or menopause......
>
> KD: I also have problems with excessive sweating! I am 19 and have been on 300mg of Effexor XR for 8 months. Despite the exceptional success with my depression, I find this problem to be embarrassing and unbearable! Does anyone have a solution to this problem? Please help and respond if you do!You might want to ask Cam...but for me, the sweating has decreased to nonnoticeable (after 8 months on Effexor-XR 375 mg/day).
Posted by DJR on August 4, 2000, at 15:06:50
In reply to Re: New to Effexor, posted by tbucko on August 2, 2000, at 21:15:47
Has anyone had any success with depression only taking 75mg a day?
Posted by Cam W. on August 4, 2000, at 19:54:47
In reply to Re: New to Effexor, posted by DJR on August 4, 2000, at 15:06:50
> Has anyone had any success with depression only taking 75mg a day?
DJR - I have seen several people have their depression resolve at doses of 75mg of Effexor XR daily. One would presume that these people had a serotonin-based depression (as is seen with responders to the SSRIs like Prozac).
A good thing about Effexor is that it's effect changes as you increase the dose. If, after 8 weeks, you have not had a noticeable response, the dose can be raised to 225mg (or more). This turns the Effexor from a SSRI-like drug (eg Prozac) to a TCA-like drug (eg imipramine without all the cardiac problems).
If your depression resolves with a 75mg/day dose, all the better (and cheaper). You do have to give Effexor a good trial period, though. It's hard to have to wait to see if you'll respond, but that's how the antidepressants work.
To answer your question: yes, many people do have their depression resolved with 75mg/day, but many more do need higher doses. As they say, "Your mileage may vary".
Hope this helps - Cam
Posted by Max on August 8, 2000, at 23:40:23
In reply to Re: effexor xr and side effects, posted by elizabeth777 on August 5, 2000, at 13:48:59
My Doctor gave me a prescrition to Xanax (to take as needed only) and sample packs of Effexor XR starting at 37.5mg, then to 75mg after a week, then 2 more weeks of 75mg. Being totally new to taking any “mood” medication, I had no idea which was for what. I can see from these post that the Effexor is for depression and the Xanax for stress. I’m having some serious stress at work and just a slight amount of depression. I wanted something to get over the “rough” spots as the situation is temporary (my company got bought out and everyone is leaving, including myself. A lot of people looking to me to find a “safe” transition). I’ve taken a (single) valium a couple of times and it really seemed to help so this was what I was looking for.
Here’s what worry’s me. This seems to be a serious medication for a long term effect. My situation should last maybe 6 months but the doc seemed to think it should depress me for some time longer. I didn’t mentioned depression as a symptom, so I’m not sure why he was so concerned about that. I’m not sure now if I’m going to start this medicine. The lose of my libido would just kill me!! That’s the one real stress reliever I have, and my depression is no where near bad enough to warrant any of the side effects mentioned here. Hopefully the Xanax will get me through the rough spots. Anyone know about Xanax?
Posted by Jennifer on August 9, 2000, at 4:19:42
In reply to First time, these post worry me., posted by Max on August 8, 2000, at 23:40:23
Max,
Xanax is really only to be taken on a "regular" basis for up to six weeks. You can develop a tolerance to it, and become addicted. Neither of these things are awful, depending on your personality...whether you are addictive or not. It was good to hear that your doctor was looking for something that would help you out through the entire transition period. Often when there are major stressors in life, the effects can hang around for up to a year. He was just looking out for your psychological well being.
Now, as far as Effexor is concerned, I don't care WHAT medication it is...if it helps, then you needed it. Just because some people have a certain side effect on it, doesn't mean you will at all. I could be the best thing in the world for you! The other good news is, that since you don't feel that you are markedly depressed, if you should have significant side effects from the effexor, your doctor should easily try you out on something new.
My last point of advice is to really try and pinpoint how you are feeling. If you are only stressed at work, and when you are at home, everything is great, perhaps you don't need the antidepressant. There are other long term anti-anxiety meds out there that he could prescribe. If this is what you really want to try, tell him that, with the stipulation that you will continue with followups to monitor your progress and determine if antideppresants are what you need. Jennifer
>
Posted by shar on August 9, 2000, at 13:03:20
In reply to Re: First time, these post worry me. » Max, posted by Jennifer on August 9, 2000, at 4:19:42
Max,
I agree with what Jennifer said, especially about paying attention to your mood in relation to where you are (home vs. work).I also recommend that you become aware of all of the different ways depression can present itself. It's not always in the form of being really "down" -- there are other signs also.
My feeling is that if you have some of the signs of depression now, you may benefit by getting started with an antidepressant (AD) sooner than later. Some take quite a while to take effect. And, starting while you are in the early stages may save you the horrors of a trip to the black pit.
Also, is there any history of depression in your family? If so, you MAY be more prone to it.
If you really feel it is an anxiety/stress only situation, I agree with Jennifer again, in that a good medication can be well worth it. Some people take Xanax on an as-needed basis, but I don't know if that will work for you if your anxiety/stress at work is a continuing thing.
I believe there are some ADs that are good for both anxiety and depression at the same time. If you are hesitant to start a med, talk to your doc, or post here again. Do a little research (see psycho-babble tips and links) so you and your doc are on the same page.
You just want to be sure that you NEVER stop taking ANY psych med cold turkey! It's good to step up in increments in the beginning, and to come off of it very slooowly at the end.
Good luck. Don't hesitate to write back here. There are some very knowledgeable, helpful folks who would be happy to talk with you about meds/feelings/symptoms, etc.
Shar
Posted by shar on August 9, 2000, at 13:13:52
In reply to Re: New to Effexor » DJR, posted by Cam W. on August 4, 2000, at 19:54:47
Cam,
I believe I've seen on PB situations where people have lowered their AD dose, and found it more effective. I take Effexor XR 300 mg and I don't want to up it, and I was thinking about lowering it.I think I'm beginning to experience a "poop out" with it.
I'm also on Wellbutrin SR so I guess that could be the one pooping out....maybe a trial where I lower one, see what happens, if no change go back to regular dose, then lower the other? Try to isolate what's what.
Any info will be appreciated.
Thanks,
Shar
Posted by kazoo on August 9, 2000, at 21:42:06
In reply to Re: First time, these post worry me. » Max, posted by Jennifer on August 9, 2000, at 4:19:42
> Xanax is really only to be taken on a "regular" basis for up to six weeks.
> You can develop a tolerance to it, and become addicted.
> Neither of these things are awful, depending on your personality...whether you are addictive or not.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Jennifer, my dear, do you think you could explain more precisely what you mean by the last sentence above?
I don't quite grasp it.
> Now, as far as Effexor is concerned, I don't care WHAT medication it is...if it helps, then you needed it.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Of course you don't mean to include illegal drugs, yes? Goofball = Heroin + Methamphetamine, this helps some.
There are those who drink (to excess) for medicinal reasons.
Does your reasoning include these kinds of situations?It's sort of a broad statement ... a generalization ... a fallacy, you know.
Ever yours, my dear, kazoo
Posted by elizabeth777 on August 9, 2000, at 22:17:57
In reply to Re: First time, these post worry me. » Max, posted by Jennifer on August 9, 2000, at 4:19:42
> Max,
> Xanax is really only to be taken on a "regular" basis for up to six weeks. You can develop a tolerance to it, and become addicted. Neither of these things are awful, depending on your personality...whether you are addictive or not. It was good to hear that your doctor was looking for something that would help you out through the entire transition period. Often when there are major stressors in life, the effects can hang around for up to a year. He was just looking out for your psychological well being.
> Now, as far as Effexor is concerned, I don't care WHAT medication it is...if it helps, then you needed it. Just because some people have a certain side effect on it, doesn't mean you will at all. I could be the best thing in the world for you! The other good news is, that since you don't feel that you are markedly depressed, if you should have significant side effects from the effexor, your doctor should easily try you out on something new.
> My last point of advice is to really try and pinpoint how you are feeling. If you are only stressed at work, and when you are at home, everything is great, perhaps you don't need the antidepressant. There are other long term anti-anxiety meds out there that he could prescribe. If this is what you really want to try, tell him that, with the stipulation that you will continue with followups to monitor your progress and determine if antideppresants are what you need. Jennifer> > Max ,I completly agree with Jennifer she made some very good points.
Posted by Max on August 9, 2000, at 22:38:46
In reply to Re: First time, these post worry me. - MAX, posted by shar on August 9, 2000, at 13:03:20
Hey, thanks for the responses. My problem is that I’m in a high stress situation and at times, I find it overwhelming to the point I must leave work (shortness breath, unclear thinking, emotional, not having good judgment during this) . This has happened only twice in the last 2 months, but its been building. Depression never entered my mind. Yes, I find the situation I’m in saddening, seeing a team that’s been together for 10+ years that will now be competing against one another. We were on the edge of some great things and its now going to hell and back. I’m depressed when I THINK about it, but can get by it, I mean, worse things have happened. I have a ton of things to do at work and people are looking to me for answers. This has caused me great stress. Yes, I bring some of the stress home, mostly in the form of thinking about a strategy and not talking to my wife or playing with my kids. Sometimes I just want to zone out and be quite. It is this stress I want to get away from. I tried a valium once and it was the ticket. Very relaxed, no side effects, outgoing, and productive. That is what I need to be now. I would figure 20 5mg valiums would last me 3 months.
I’m not against taking meds of this type (anti-depressants) at all if I thought I needed them. Maybe the doc thinks it can help longer term (6+ months) anxiety situation. There is some depression in my family, sister is bi-polor, Grandparents alcoholic, mother border alci, but I have never had a problem.
>I also recommend that you become aware of all of >the different ways depression can present itself. It's not always in the form of being really "down" -- there are other signs also.
These may be signs, I don’t know. 1) Lack of desire to do the routine things I need to be doing, 2) wanting to avoid some subjects or some people altogether.
Haven’t been to the doc in 4 years. I was having a down day the day I saw the doc. Down in the sense that we all have highs and lows. I may have mis-communicated.
Would you say that before one can determine if this drug is needed, that a psychological analysis would be the best way to find out? 5 minutes with a GP……and then get this med??? Seems extreme to me.
Anyway, first day. No noticeable side effects. I felt good in the AM, a little tired in the PM (after 5), but that could have been the Xanax I took a 1PM. Maybe I should take one for a while to tell which is doing what. But, overall, I don’t like the idea this. Maybe there are non-medical ways to approach this. And don’t get the idea I against it in general, just in my situation.
Posted by Cam W. on August 10, 2000, at 1:26:15
In reply to Effexor dose--lowering it? Cam-anyone?, posted by shar on August 9, 2000, at 13:13:52
Shar - Lowering the dose does help in a few cases. This is usually most effective when side effect are a problem (eg lethary, a blah feeling - any side effects that mimic the depressive symptoms). I have seen lowering the dose help in certain instances involving SSRIs, TCAs and MAOIs. I haven't seen it with Effexor, but it does make sense from a pharmacological point of view.
Don't give up too soon on the dose that you are currently taking. Up days (weeks) and down days (weeks) are normal while taking antidepressants. You may have to feel crappy for a week or two before rendering a verdict of poop-out.
If poop-out is happening, I would probably blame the Effexor. But remember, as you lower the Effexor dose below 225mg you may be changing the Effexor from a dual action antidepressant (serotonin- and norepinephrine-reuptake blocker) to a single action antidepressant (an serotonin-reuptake blocker like the SSRIs). If indeed these are the mechanisms of action of antidepressants (sometimes I wonder). Lowering the dose could help or maybe it won't.
This is a complicated decision really, because of all the variables involved. Talk it over with you doctor and close friends and family, so they can watch for signs of relapse, if you do decide to lower the dose.
Sorry for the wishy-washy answer, but I hope you can muddle through it with those involved in your life. "Don't try this at home (on your own)" if possible. It is always better if someone else knows you are changing doses so that changes in mood can be quickly assessed.
Hope this does help some - Cam
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