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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by BD on November 3, 2000, at 14:25:15
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I found Effexor XR to work well on keeping my
depression at bay, but be very careful about the
side effects. I have taken other anti-depressants
before, with some side effects, but I had terrible
ones with this drug. Extremely exhausted, shakiness
when I woke up, sweatiness (unable to wear more
than a T-shirt, even in winter), but the worst was
the high blood pressure. I am a 21-year-old female
with no other health problems and no history of
heart problems in my family, but my blood pressure
jumped from 120/80 to 145/95, especially once I
increased the dosage to 2x75 a day. So now I am off
the drug and going through some really bad withdrawal
symptoms (ugh), but my blood pressure has dropped
almost back to normal.I'm not saying don't take this drug because of
course it works wonders for some people, especially
my sister who has also tried other drugs but this
being the only one that has worked. Just be on the
watch for the side effects. Good Luck!*BD
PS My doctor is switching me to Celexa, any
experiences with that out there?> Hi there,
>
> Anyone care to comment on the use of Effexor? Anyone
> "happy" with it? I have tried Prozac (too much anxiety),
> Serzone (too sedating). I am currently on Buspar for anxiety.
>
> Been reading many different reports... Effexor seems
> to have a lot of success...
>
> please share your thoughts on this.
Posted by maribeth on November 3, 2000, at 17:17:10
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by BD on November 3, 2000, at 14:25:15
> I found Effexor XR to work well on keeping my
> depression at bay, but be very careful about the
> side effects. I have taken other anti-depressants
> before, with some side effects, but I had terrible
> ones with this drug. Extremely exhausted, shakiness
> when I woke up, sweatiness (unable to wear more
> than a T-shirt, even in winter), but the worst was
> the high blood pressure. I am a 21-year-old female
> with no other health problems and no history of
> heart problems in my family, but my blood pressure
> jumped from 120/80 to 145/95, especially once I
> increased the dosage to 2x75 a day. So now I am off
> the drug and going through some really bad withdrawal
> symptoms (ugh), but my blood pressure has dropped
> almost back to normal.
>
> I'm not saying don't take this drug because of
> course it works wonders for some people, especially
> my sister who has also tried other drugs but this
> being the only one that has worked. Just be on the
> watch for the side effects. Good Luck!
>
> *BD
>
> PS My doctor is switching me to Celexa, any
> experiences with that out there?
>
>
>
> > Hi there,
> >
> > Anyone care to comment on the use of Effexor? Anyone
> > "happy" with it? I have tried Prozac (too much anxiety),
> > Serzone (too sedating). I am currently on Buspar for anxiety.
> >
> > Been reading many different reports... Effexor seems
> > to have a lot of success...
> >
> > please share your thoughts on this.Hi Ya'll ----
I Have been on Effexor XR 300mgm for about ten months now and the only side effect that I am aware of is
difficulty in losing weight --although I have not GAINED any more. My BP this morning was 112/62,
no dry mouth, constipation or blurry vision. I had all of the above and a few even MORE
unpleasant side effects over the years of my dancing with various AD's. So I guess you would say I think
Effexor (at least the XR variety) is pretty cool. Sure beats the others! Maribeth
Posted by Miguy on November 3, 2000, at 18:40:42
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by maribeth on November 3, 2000, at 17:17:10
I started at 37.5 for a couple weeks. Ok on all fronts, but only minimal benefit. (I started at such a low dose due to side effects on every other TC and SSRI I tried.) When I went to 75mg I had the shakes, agitation, incessant yawning, dry eyes, sore jaw and occasional insomnia. After reading posts on this board I decided to stick with it for a while hoping these would go away. At about 6 weeks, every one of them was gone. I didn't even realize it until I read another post here. I got to thinking and realized that they had all gone away. It was just so gradual I didn't even notice it.
So far I love Effexor. Who knows. Maybe one of the others would have done well for me had I stuck it out. But, this works so I'm not changing! :)
I've actually been losing weight. I eat a good amount, but it still seems to go off. I have tremendous stress and take care of two little ones by myself, so I'm sure that has something to do with it!
I actually just bumped my dose up to 112.5mg because of a bad week. I think my dose is just marginal. Actually I've never heard of anyone on such a low dose. I like its effect for depression, and it seems to have eliminated my panic attacks, which were my primary reason for trying the drug. (Although that's not an indication for Effexor.)
Anyway, with the increased dose I'm experiencing some side effects again, but I figure it's worth it for the benefit. I'll just keep on up the ladder, pausing at every dosage increase when the side effects go away to see how it feels. Once I find a good level, I'll stop.
Hope something I said was helpful to you. Hang in there.
Scott
Posted by R.Anne on November 3, 2000, at 19:55:28
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Miguy on November 3, 2000, at 18:40:42
> I started at 37.5 for a couple weeks. Ok on all fronts, but only minimal benefit. (I started at such a low dose due to side effects on every other TC and SSRI I tried.) When I went to 75mg I had the shakes, agitation, incessant yawning, dry eyes, sore jaw and occasional insomnia. After reading posts on this board I decided to stick with it for a while hoping these would go away. At about 6 weeks, every one of them was gone. I didn't even realize it until I read another post here. I got to thinking and realized that they had all gone away. It was just so gradual I didn't even notice it.
>
> So far I love Effexor. Who knows. Maybe one of the others would have done well for me had I stuck it out. But, this works so I'm not changing! :)
>
> I've actually been losing weight. I eat a good amount, but it still seems to go off. I have tremendous stress and take care of two little ones by myself, so I'm sure that has something to do with it!
>
> I actually just bumped my dose up to 112.5mg because of a bad week. I think my dose is just marginal. Actually I've never heard of anyone on such a low dose. I like its effect for depression, and it seems to have eliminated my panic attacks, which were my primary reason for trying the drug. (Although that's not an indication for Effexor.)
>
> Anyway, with the increased dose I'm experiencing some side effects again, but I figure it's worth it for the benefit. I'll just keep on up the ladder, pausing at every dosage increase when the side effects go away to see how it feels. Once I find a good level, I'll stop.
>
> Hope something I said was helpful to you. Hang in there.
>
> Scott********
r.anne here:
I've been on Effexor for a few months and it's okay. I have been able to take off some weight with it as I'm not very hungry very often. I'm on a low dose of 75mg now. I can't take high doses of anything. My BP was okay last I checked. I've had the sweats thing too when I changed doses but didn't find it too bad to tolerate. Overall, it's okay by me.
Posted by Missy on November 3, 2000, at 22:41:45
In reply to Was This A Side Affect?, posted by Sis on August 12, 2000, at 16:57:20
I started Effexor XR mid Sept. I started on 75mg and increased to 150mg. I've been at 150 for almost a month. My mood and anxiety have really improved. The problem I have is that I am tired ALL the TIME. I can sleep for 12 hours, wake up for 2 or 3 hours and then take another nap. I don't have the motivation to get out of my bed, no less out of my house and to the gym. Has anyone else eperienced this fatigue? Will it diminish or go away after a while? My dry mouth didn't last very long. I would really appreciate your input so I don't sleep my life away. Thanks.
Posted by R.Anne on November 4, 2000, at 15:18:36
In reply to I'm so sleepy, posted by Missy on November 3, 2000, at 22:41:45
Speaking from my own experience with Effexor XR-I can only take between 75 mg. and 112.5. I have to take lower doses of medicines because I get sedated on higher ones (that most people take). Some people, like me, just cannot take higher doses. Maybe you are the same way? Are you taking anything else in addition to it? When I was also taking risperdal I couldn't take more than 75 mg. because the interaction effect made me very sedated. I'm not on the risperdal now and can take between 75 and 112.5 mg which isn't much but it helps. If you've had that effect for a month I'm not so sure it will go away. You might want to talk to your doctor about the sedation and what can be done-possibly lowering the dose? Good luck.
****
> I started Effexor XR mid Sept. I started on 75mg and increased to 150mg. I've been at 150 for almost a month. My mood and anxiety have really improved. The problem I have is that I am tired ALL the TIME. I can sleep for 12 hours, wake up for 2 or 3 hours and then take another nap. I don't have the motivation to get out of my bed, no less out of my house and to the gym. Has anyone else eperienced this fatigue? Will it diminish or go away after a while? My dry mouth didn't last very long. I would really appreciate your input so I don't sleep my life away. Thanks.
Posted by Erinn on November 4, 2000, at 20:56:23
In reply to Re: I'm so sleepy, posted by R.Anne on November 4, 2000, at 15:18:36
I also am very sensitive to medications. When I started taking Effexor XR it took me almost 2 months (including the time working up to the 225 mgs I take daily) for me to get over the sleepiness. The same thing happened when I added the Neurontin almost 2 months ago but I'm finding that I'm adjusting to that also, even if it is very slowly. My pdoc keep encouraging me to give each of them more time and I am glad I did now.
Posted by Larry on November 4, 2000, at 21:44:24
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Yes, I have had success with this Effexor XR. I had a history of hypertension and had been on med for that; a check two weeks ago revealed it was too low so we've cut that down and that's good. The only side effects I've experienced are minor to me. Some drymouth so you take a drink. No big deal. Impotence, yes, but I found out a while ago that no one is really interested in sex with a 51 year old man, so that's no big deal. They want all these young friskies in their 20's & 30's - - like I used to be. So the medication along with good nutrition, hard work which I think is a good thing, relaxation, exercise, and positive thoughts to the head, yes, I am doing quite fine. I hope that you will too along with anyone else who is prescribed this medication.
Posted by JH on November 5, 2000, at 8:30:46
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Larry on November 4, 2000, at 21:44:24
Hi Larry, I was doing really good on Effexor XR 225mg but began feeling more anxiety as the Christmas selling period was approaching. I work for a Direct Merchant where Christmas sales add up to a large percentage of the business. My doctor bumped up the Effexor XR to 300mg. But the combination of the increase in Effexor XR and the stress of my job overwhelmed me. I also started taking Ambien again to sleep at night. So last week he changed the Effexor XR back to 225mg and added Celexa 20mg. It seems to be working so far. I need to give a few weeks to know for sure.
Jean
> Yes, I have had success with this Effexor XR. I had a history of hypertension and had been on med for that; a check two weeks ago revealed it was too low so we've cut that down and that's good. The only side effects I've experienced are minor to me. Some drymouth so you take a drink. No big deal. Impotence, yes, but I found out a while ago that no one is really interested in sex with a 51 year old man, so that's no big deal. They want all these young friskies in their 20's & 30's - - like I used to be. So the medication along with good nutrition, hard work which I think is a good thing, relaxation, exercise, and positive thoughts to the head, yes, I am doing quite fine. I hope that you will too along with anyone else who is prescribed this medication.
Posted by Christina on November 8, 2000, at 15:25:21
In reply to I'm so sleepy, posted by Missy on November 3, 2000, at 22:41:45
I've been on many ADs, including Effexor XR. I was at 225 mg/day.
The main side effect was intense fatigue. So i agumented with Lithium.
My depression and moods were greatly improved, but I couldn't handle being so tired.
I tried dosing at different times, but nothing helped. I had to discontinue it.
Remember everyone responds differently to ADs.Good luck!
> I started Effexor XR mid Sept. I started on 75mg and increased to 150mg. I've been at 150 for almost a month. My mood and anxiety have really improved. The problem I have is that I am tired ALL the TIME. I can sleep for 12 hours, wake up for 2 or 3 hours and then take another nap. I don't have the motivation to get out of my bed, no less out of my house and to the gym. Has anyone else eperienced this fatigue? Will it diminish or go away after a while? My dry mouth didn't last very long. I would really appreciate your input so I don't sleep my life away. Thanks.
Posted by trobyn on November 13, 2000, at 16:14:00
In reply to Re: effexor xr and side effects, posted by elizabeth777 on August 5, 2000, at 13:48:59
> > i am on effexor up to 75mg for one week and i have noticed that i am so jumpy that i am waking up in the middle of the night and just about jumping out of my bad with anxiety. Is this at all related. I am not eadger to start another anti depressant as theI am afraid i don't have it in me to wait for another one to start working, any words of wisdom >
Posted by Shell on November 14, 2000, at 21:24:53
In reply to Re: effexor xr and side effects, posted by trobyn on November 13, 2000, at 16:14:00
> > > i am on effexor up to 75mg for one week and i have noticed that i am so jumpy that i am waking up in the middle of the night and just about jumping out of my bad with anxiety. Is this at all related. I am not eadger to start another anti depressant as theI am afraid i don't have it in me to wait for another one to start working, any words of wisdom >
It is possible that it could be the Effexor, but then again, it could be something else (hard to tell). I have noticed that if I take Effexor later in the day (anything after noon), I have a harder time falling and staying asleep. I don't have the anxiety that you have described, but it does seem to keep me awake. I am doing much better now that I take it as soon as I wake up in the morning. You may want to ask your doctor if that might work better for you (if you are not already doing that).
Shell
Posted by trobyn on November 15, 2000, at 5:22:15
In reply to Re: effexor xr and side effects, posted by Shell on November 14, 2000, at 21:24:53
I am already taking the effexor in the morning around 10am does that count as the morning?
i also take trilafon to take the edge off which seems to help for short intervals. I am bipolar. Has anyone with bipolar disorder had a problem with effexor. I also take a mood stablizer. I am do depressed that i am just afraid this isn't going to work and i am running out of options...
Posted by Nj_James on November 16, 2000, at 23:24:43
In reply to Re: effexor xr and side effects, posted by trobyn on November 15, 2000, at 5:22:15
I have worked up the Effexor XR ladder for a few months now and I have recently been taking 300mg of the XR everyday for the last 4 weeks. I have noticed that my aniexty level has dropped immensly and my moods have been improving, but there are times when my mind just races on and on from it. I accidently missed one dose of my 300mg one day, and the next morning I literally went crazy......I had a dream the night before that my body was jumping into convulsions. I couldnt talk right, walk right or even truly function in any normal way. I called my phy. and he told me that right away whenever I realize that I have missed a dose to take some Effexor imediately, because who really knows what the side effects could be if your body totally goes without it for 24hrs.
Posted by trobyn on November 17, 2000, at 18:39:42
In reply to My personal exp. with Effexor XR , posted by Nj_James on November 16, 2000, at 23:24:43
i am taking effexor75mg for a week now and i am jumping out of my skin. i have rqcingthoughts and can't keep still. can i expect this to go away son. The pdoc told me to take atavan to counter the symptoms. I am myserable!! When does this stuff start to work???
Posted by stjames on November 17, 2000, at 19:07:47
In reply to Re: My personal exp. with Effexor XR , posted by trobyn on November 17, 2000, at 18:39:42
When does this stuff start to work???
James here.....
4 to 8 weeks. Hope your doc told you that, too.
james
Posted by R.Anne on November 22, 2000, at 19:08:20
In reply to My personal exp. with Effexor XR , posted by Nj_James on November 16, 2000, at 23:24:43
Just wanted to say that I have forgot to take Effexor for 24 hours or more and nothing special happened. I guess we are all different. I just took it the next morning. I am on a lower dose than you, too, though-112.5 per day.
Posted by MS on November 22, 2000, at 19:47:11
In reply to Re: My personal exp. with Effexor XR-- NJ, posted by R.Anne on November 22, 2000, at 19:08:20
Hi! I was just put on effexor xr 37.5 by my cardiologist because of neurally mediated hypotension (low blood pressure) which caused me to black out & my heart to race. Have always been caffeine sensitive too. He is trying because it can raise blood pressure which I need ( I feel tired & blurred vision from low BP). Am having difficulty starting. I feel like I have the shakes on the inside, like one of those snow globes someone is shaking. Also, I feel very silly almost clumbsy like if you're slightly tipsy. Has anyone used for low BP & will the jitters subside?? Have to go up to 75mg. soon & am afraid too. MD's alternative is to try Zoloft if this doesn't work. Thanks MS
Posted by wr on November 27, 2000, at 15:44:36
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
> Hi there,
>
> I have been using efexor for about 2 and half months. Has any body out there ever had any problems with their joints or muscles well being on efexor. If so please email me at wreid@appleonline.net
Thanks for any help you can be.>
Posted by Shell on November 27, 2000, at 21:38:02
In reply to Re: Just started need advice on effects , posted by MS on November 22, 2000, at 19:47:11
> Hi! I was just put on effexor xr 37.5 by my cardiologist because of neurally mediated hypotension (low blood pressure) which caused me to black out & my heart to race. Have always been caffeine sensitive too. He is trying because it can raise blood pressure which I need ( I feel tired & blurred vision from low BP). Am having difficulty starting. I feel like I have the shakes on the inside, like one of those snow globes someone is shaking. Also, I feel very silly almost clumbsy like if you're slightly tipsy. Has anyone used for low BP & will the jitters subside?? Have to go up to 75mg. soon & am afraid too. MD's alternative is to try Zoloft if this doesn't work. Thanks MS
This is the first I have heard of using Effexor to raise low blood pressure. It does make sense, since one of Effexor's side effects is increased blood pressure.
You don't say how long you have been on Effexor, but sometimes the side effects will fade in a few weeks. You might consider asking your doctor if he/she could hold off on increasing your dosage until your body adjusts to the dose you are currently taking.
Unfortunately (or fortunately for some), Effexor doesn't raise blood pressure in everyone. I am taking 300 mg/day and my blood pressure hasn't changed a bit; the top number is still in the 90s and the bottom in the 60s.
Shell
Posted by Robin on November 30, 2000, at 19:17:59
In reply to Re: Just started need advice on effects , posted by Shell on November 27, 2000, at 21:38:02
I just started Effexor XR about 2 1/2 weeks ago. I'm up to 150mg, and I was wondering if anyone else has expereinced a weird feeling with their neck. It's hard to describe, but it's a struggle to hold my head up! The muscles in my neck become very tired and tight. I often find myself holding my head up with my hand to rest the muscles in my neck! When I put my head down and just let it fall towards the ground it feels fine. This is really strange to me and I was wondering if anyone else feels this. When I tell my boyfriend he just looks at me like I'm crazy!
I'm also having trouble sitting still. I'm always tapping my feet. I think it's because when I do sit still my muscles are constantly twitching. If I have something moving I don't notice it.
My mouth is also extremely dry and I can only get about four hours of good sleep a night, yet I'm exhausted when I get home from work.
Any response to this would be great. Thanks for taking the time to read it!
Robin :)
Posted by Noa on December 1, 2000, at 7:57:20
In reply to new to effexor xr wondering about effects, posted by Robin on November 30, 2000, at 19:17:59
I don't have dry mouth, or the neck thing, but I do have the twitchiness, foot tapping, etc. For me, combining the effexor with Serzone helps to counter this a lot.
I don't have the neck thing, but I do have tightness in my face and neck muscles, which could be from the effexor. It hasn't been that bad, so I haven't bothered to pay much attention to it.
Have you asked your doctor?
Posted by bronwyn on December 5, 2000, at 13:14:18
In reply to Bye-Bye Paxil, posted by Liz from Phoenix on October 20, 2000, at 9:20:16
> I really liked Paxil as well...Zoloft made me fill sick..but the racing thoughts and counting, as well as insomnia and weight gain (35 lbs.) was getting to me so my dr. suggested starting on effexor. He suggested that I go down to 30mg of Paxil for three days before starting the effexor xr. I will let you know if it is better or worse in the following days and weeks.
> > I loved Paxil...5 years ago when I began taking it I finally discovered what it was like to live free from depression. The side effects have become troubling. Feeling a little too hyper, compulsive smoking, very poor memory retention, can't concentrate long enough to finish a sentance,repetative thoughts and counting.
>
> I am currently being weened off the paxil as I increase the dosage of effexor XR...so far so good, no side effects from either med. I hope I will be able to sleep again, stop chain smoking, and stop all this brain F*rting and think clearly again. Is there anyone else out there that has made this change for similar reasons?
Posted by Palexizarticon on December 5, 2000, at 16:45:20
In reply to Re: Bye-Bye Paxil » Liz from Phoenix, posted by bronwyn on December 5, 2000, at 13:14:18
yes, that is the same reason i stopped taking Paxil. except for the smoking, everything you said sounds like what i was going through not a few weeks ago. the memory problems and brain "f*rts" as you call them were the prominent issues for me. i'm glad i am off it. these problems faded away after only a week of being off the drug.
Posted by Kinderprize on December 6, 2000, at 11:04:18
In reply to Re: Bye-Bye Paxil » Liz from Phoenix, posted by bronwyn on December 5, 2000, at 13:14:18
Feeling a little too hyper, compulsive smoking, very poor memory retention, can't concentrate long enough to finish a sentance,repetative thoughts and counting.
> >I just been through the same stuff except I went crazy. I thought I had a mild chronic mania and I kept waiting for it to pass, until I got so hyper and broken up I got told to stop, yess especially that sentence bit, when I got manic it was horrible, I was running around with a hiccup in my process. I though I had truly flipped. It was the Paxil, and I blamed the Effexor because Effexor is such a thrilling clear rush to my brain . I found my usual obsessions could'nt even get a look in. I could'nt concentrate enough to obsess. Yes Effexor has none of these problems. But it is somewhat a different beast.
I;m going to try it again maybe weaving it more subtly into my system with plenty of food.
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