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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 340 to 364 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by Ceeg on December 31, 2000, at 14:00:08
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Yasmeen McKnelly on December 31, 2000, at 11:49:31
I just wanted to comment that Effexor XR, other than the weight gain, is great WHILE YOU ARE ON IT. However it is when you decide you no longer need it that the problems arise - today is day 3 of being off the meds and still have vertigo, dizziness, brain "freezes", etc.
So if you plan to go on Effexor XR, just be aware of the consequences of withdrawal, that's all.
> > 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.
>
> I have been taking Effexor for about 2 years now. It literally saved my life. My whole life I felt that there was something wrong with me because now matter how happy I SHOULD have felt, I was always sad. When I was in college I tried to kill myself. From then until I was 29 I can't count how many psychiatrists I saw. They all tried "to get to the root of my problems". But not one of them tried medication or realized that MAYBE, my problem wasn't psychological.
> Then, I injured my ankle (for which I am STILL having troubles). I was (and am) in pain 24/7. I was under so much stress that I again became suicidal. My orthopedist sent me to a psychiatrist for "pain management". We talked for a while and he then told me that he didn't think I needed pain management. He decided to put me on Zoloft. I wasn't depressed anymore, but I was a zombie. Then he put me on Effexor. I can't believe the difference it has made. After I had been on it for a couple of months I was visiting my parents and my mother made a comment. She said that she couldn't remember the last time she had seen me smile or heard me laugh. It was then that I realized, NEITHER COULD I.
> I've been on it now for about 2-2 1/2 years, and it is probably the best thing that ever happened to me. The only side effect that I have noticed is that I get sleepy. So, I take it about 2 hours before bed every night and now I wake up refreshed in the morning. I guess I've been lucky. I have the maximum benifit and minimum side-effects. But if anyone ever has any questions about anti-deppressants, Effexor XR is the FIRST one I would recommend for them to try.
Posted by Kaarina on December 31, 2000, at 15:42:08
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Ceeg on December 31, 2000, at 14:00:08
Ceeg
What do you mean by brain freezes? I had a scary episode meanwhile driving. I'm wandering if it is the same thing as you meant.
Posted by Lilly on December 31, 2000, at 23:26:20
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Yasmeen McKnelly on December 31, 2000, at 11:48:41
> > 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.
>
I'm a little surprised Effexor hasn't been taken off the market. I had a horrible experience with it. In 1995 a Rheumy prescribed it for FMS. He mentioned it might cause nausea for a few days but that isn't waht happened. I went home and took one dose that night. I started yawning, and thought OK, no big deal. The yawning turned into my entire neck and jaw being paralyzed. I could not move my head or neck at all or even close my mouth. It was awful and took several hours to wear off. The doctor would never accept my phone calls and the drug company said they were aware of the problem! Lucky I was watching TV when that happened instead of driving a car...
Posted by Ceeg on January 1, 2001, at 16:13:32
In reply to Brain Freezes?, posted by Kaarina on December 31, 2000, at 15:42:08
> Ceeg
> What do you mean by brain freezes? I had a scary episode meanwhile driving. I'm wandering if it is the same thing as you meant.I would describe the feeling as the brain "pausing" for a second or two; it's hard to describe; all of a sudden you just notice your brain has to catch up, or something. Just to let you know about this situation further, I had to go to emergency yesterday because of my withdrawal symptoms; they became totally unbearable. The doctor on-call finally got a hold of one of the hospital's psychiatrists (after all, it is a holiday long weekend) and guess what? He said I was cutback too quickly (one week on 75 mg and then one week on 37.5). The last thing I ever, ever EVER wanted to do was to go back on this drug, but the doctor said the only thing to try was go back on 75 mg for three weeks, then down to 37.5 mg for three weeks, and then go off it.
I can't believe this medication!! It is almost like heroin, or something. What is in this medication that makes you SO addicted that you can't come off the stuff? I sure hope six weeks from now, when I try to withdraw from the stuff again, this won't happen to me again. I also told the doctor about weaning off with "Paxil", as was suggested in another posting, but he said the two are totally different drugs and would not recommend it, as Paxil also has some unfavourable withdrawal symptoms. Go figure?!?!
Also, just like a drug addict, as soon as I told the 75 mg pill I started feeling back to normal. I think there is more in this pill than they care to admit; something very addictive.
I'll let you know what's going on after my next withdrawal attempt, as I definitely am not going to stay on this drug for the rest of my life.
Ceeg
Posted by dj on January 1, 2001, at 17:37:29
In reply to Re: Brain Freezes?, posted by Ceeg on January 1, 2001, at 16:13:32
> > I also told the doctor about weaning off with "Paxil", as was suggested in another posting, but he said the two are totally different drugs and would not recommend it, as Paxil also has some unfavourable withdrawal > >symptoms. Go figure?!?!
Substituting Prozac in the latter stages CAN HELP ease the wacky symptoms that Effexor, Paxil and Zoloft can produce during withdrawal...
Posted by bill on January 1, 2001, at 19:10:32
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I've been using effexor xr for 5 months, and have been pleased with the results. After working through the 1st month of side effects, I feel my depression has subsided. I'm left with few minor side effects, including delayed orgasm and hot flashes. I would like to ween myself off of the effexor and try to maintain this feeling without the help of a prescription. I've followed this forum for several months, and have heard of numerous withdrawal horror stories. I have discussed this with my pdoc, but he seems less informed than I, and has assured me it will not be a problem. Can anybody recommend a successful method, through personal experience, of minimizing these horrific side effects? Gradual reduction and/or mixing in another SRI? What period of time? Thanks.
Posted by LISABECK on January 1, 2001, at 23:14:57
In reply to Really Need to KNow-Celexa, posted by LISABECK on December 30, 2000, at 0:19:04
I POSTED THIS A FEW DAYS BACK; I KEEP GETTING EMAILS SAYING THERE IS A RESPONSE TO MY MAIL, BUT WHEN I LOOK, I DON'T SEE ANYTHING HERE!
My doctor just gave me Celexa for Panic Disorder. Anyone have any luck with it??? She also gave it to me so I can get off Paxil, which has been hell...Someone Please REspond..
>
> Oh, what about weight gain???
Posted by Kate on January 2, 2001, at 8:21:24
In reply to Re: Brain Freezes?, posted by Ceeg on January 1, 2001, at 16:13:32
Ceeg,
I am sorry you are going through this, I am also going through this now.. I took my last effexor on Sunday Dec 31. I feel totally wacked out..can't sleep but I am exhausted, electrical shocks, not only in my head but through my whole body. I can't focus, I am anxious, sick to my stomach. I have a pdoc appt today but I will have to cancel..I can't drive. My daughter was late for the bus so I had to drive her to school...wow talked about being scared. I could not focus, and the roads are still snowy from the Nor'easter, lost control twice, but luckily and with the help of a gaurdian angel, I regained control. I feel awful!!!! I have been adding Celexa gradually, and I am now up to 20mg. Celexa has worked great for me in the past, but i developed hives so they took me off and put me on effexor xr...come to find out months later, the hives were from an infection and not the Celexa at all! I wish you the best of luck to you and to all getting off of this med..
PS.. the effexor made me more depressed than when I had started. I am glad it does work for some, but definately not for me.
Kate
Posted by bronwyn on January 2, 2001, at 8:58:29
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
> 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.
I have been taking Effexor XR for 3 weeks now and am doing great. I am currently on 25mg/day of Effexor XR.I did get dizziness and a bit of nausia for the first 2 weeks but I took the advice of one of you guys out there and simply took my dose each evening before going to bed. If I have any nausia during the day I take a small amount(25-50mg) of Gravol.
This drug is great for me. I have tried Paxil (too much emotional numbness and weight gain) and Zoloft (just make me feel ill) and so far this stuff is the best. I will likely stay on it. I have major depression and anxiety. I still get a bit paranoid when stressed but I may just need to increase my dose. Hope this info. helps.
Posted by Noa on January 2, 2001, at 9:43:42
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Yasmeen McKnelly on December 31, 2000, at 11:49:31
Yes, it is working for me, in combo with others.
Posted by brianhicks on January 2, 2001, at 13:49:21
In reply to Re: Effexxor Side Affect - Horrible!!, posted by denisencalin on September 21, 2000, at 9:43:00
I started taking Effexxor about as month ago. I was on one 37.5mg pill per day for the first two weeks. After that, I went to two and I started breaking out. I have had acne (or a rash) like this since I was 16. Anyone had any similar problems? It could be an adverse reaction with something I'm eating as well. I have an appointment today since my doctor has been out fo town for the past two weeks.
Posted by LISABECK on January 2, 2001, at 23:43:18
In reply to I hate Effexor, be careful with it, posted by Crazyhorse00 on September 29, 2000, at 0:42:04
I HATED EFFEXOR TOO. THE ENTIRE TIME I WAS ON IT, I HAD THESE STRANGE FEELINGS AND SENSATIONS IN MY CHEST-KIND OF LIKE WEAKNESS. I ALSO FELT FAINT A LOT. WHILE I WAS WEANING OFF EFFEXOR, VERY SLOWLY BY THE WAY, I HAD THE ABSOLUTELY WORST PANIC ATTACK OF MY LIFE...
Posted by Noa on January 3, 2001, at 7:38:41
In reply to Re: I hate Effexor, be careful with it, posted by LISABECK on January 2, 2001, at 23:43:18
I agree about being careful with effexor (and other meds, too). I think it is usually a good idea to start with a low dose, and very gradually increase it, monitoring for adverse effects. The slow increase to therapeutic dose can really help to minimize the adjustment reactions, that are often the reason people discontinue medications.
Lisa, I am sorry you had such a bad experience on Effexor. Each of us reacts differently to different meds.
Posted by MCS on January 3, 2001, at 13:09:23
In reply to Re: Brain Freezes?, posted by Ceeg on January 1, 2001, at 16:13:32
My 14-year old son was prescribed Effexor XR after all else has failed. He has been on them all and suffers from depression, anxiety disorder and ADHD. His psychiatrist had an EEG done by a group in California who compares the brainwaves against other similar brain wave patterns to determine success/failure rates for various medications. He has experienced dizziness and nausea when increasing the Effexor, but otherwise seems to be fine, although I can't say it's helping him tremendously at this point. However, from what I'm reading here, it seems that it is very difficult to come off of this medicine, but he lost his meds while on a ski trip and didn't seem to miss a beat!
I'm not sure what the answers is, but I'm not sure it's Effexor!
Posted by Aubs on January 3, 2001, at 20:18:27
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Yasmeen McKnelly on December 31, 2000, at 11:49:31
> > 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.
>
> I have been taking Effexor for about 2 years now. It literally saved my life. My whole life I felt that there was something wrong with me because now matter how happy I SHOULD have felt, I was always sad. When I was in college I tried to kill myself. From then until I was 29 I can't count how many psychiatrists I saw. They all tried "to get to the root of my problems". But not one of them tried medication or realized that MAYBE, my problem wasn't psychological.
> Then, I injured my ankle (for which I am STILL having troubles). I was (and am) in pain 24/7. I was under so much stress that I again became suicidal. My orthopedist sent me to a psychiatrist for "pain management". We talked for a while and he then told me that he didn't think I needed pain management. He decided to put me on Zoloft. I wasn't depressed anymore, but I was a zombie. Then he put me on Effexor. I can't believe the difference it has made. After I had been on it for a couple of months I was visiting my parents and my mother made a comment. She said that she couldn't remember the last time she had seen me smile or heard me laugh. It was then that I realized, NEITHER COULD I.
> I've been on it now for about 2-2 1/2 years, and it is probably the best thing that ever happened to me. The only side effect that I have noticed is that I get sleepy. So, I take it about 2 hours before bed every night and now I wake up refreshed in the morning. I guess I've been lucky. I have the maximum benifit and minimum side-effects. But if anyone ever has any questions about anti-deppressants, Effexor XR is the FIRST one I would recommend for them to try.I agree!!! I was on Paxil.....some help but too many bad side effects....I felt emotionless!! Tried adding Buspar....That was awful (different for everone..either it really works or really doesn't) THen I got effexor....WOW what a difference. I've read many of the comments....mostly bad. Just think..people wouldn't normally post unless something bad was happening with the meds. Which is why I am here. This medicine is a life saver for me!!! The side effects are annoying....vivid dreams, a littleupset stomach, loss of appetite....major loss! But they go away with time. Overall though....It's great!!
Posted by Aubs on January 3, 2001, at 20:28:43
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by bill on January 1, 2001, at 19:10:32
> I've been using effexor xr for 5 months, and have been pleased with the results. After working through the 1st month of side effects, I feel my depression has subsided. I'm left with few minor side effects, including delayed orgasm and hot flashes. I would like to ween myself off of the effexor and try to maintain this feeling without the help of a prescription. I've followed this forum for several months, and have heard of numerous withdrawal horror stories. I have discussed this with my pdoc, but he seems less informed than I, and has assured me it will not be a problem. Can anybody recommend a successful method, through personal experience, of minimizing these horrific side effects? Gradual reduction and/or mixing in another SRI? What period of time? Thanks.
Here's my suggestion. First if you have ever weaned off of any medication....switching or cold turkey.....It is always hard!!! Effexor is no different. You need to go slowly, discuss side effectc with your doc!! I know when I switchmeds, my doctor has givn me a "rescue medicine" mine is Xanax (alprazolam is the generic) I only use it for rescue....if things get really bad!! You could look into that. Just remember it's always hard.....no matter what meds you are coming off of. And it could be you aren't ready yet. We all hate having to take medicaion to feel normal, but depression and anxiety are things that we can't control. We have tools to help. We may need them for life or just a few years. Listen to your body!!!
Posted by bronwyn on January 4, 2001, at 9:04:21
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Yasmeen McKnelly, posted by Aubs on January 3, 2001, at 20:18:27
> > > 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.
> >
> > I have been taking Effexor for about 2 years now. It literally saved my life. My whole life I felt that there was something wrong with me because now matter how happy I SHOULD have felt, I was always sad. When I was in college I tried to kill myself. From then until I was 29 I can't count how many psychiatrists I saw. They all tried "to get to the root of my problems". But not one of them tried medication or realized that MAYBE, my problem wasn't psychological.
> > Then, I injured my ankle (for which I am STILL having troubles). I was (and am) in pain 24/7. I was under so much stress that I again became suicidal. My orthopedist sent me to a psychiatrist for "pain management". We talked for a while and he then told me that he didn't think I needed pain management. He decided to put me on Zoloft. I wasn't depressed anymore, but I was a zombie. Then he put me on Effexor. I can't believe the difference it has made. After I had been on it for a couple of months I was visiting my parents and my mother made a comment. She said that she couldn't remember the last time she had seen me smile or heard me laugh. It was then that I realized, NEITHER COULD I.
> > I've been on it now for about 2-2 1/2 years, and it is probably the best thing that ever happened to me. The only side effect that I have noticed is that I get sleepy. So, I take it about 2 hours before bed every night and now I wake up refreshed in the morning. I guess I've been lucky. I have the maximum benifit and minimum side-effects. But if anyone ever has any questions about anti-deppressants, Effexor XR is the FIRST one I would recommend for them to try.
>
> I agree!!! I was on Paxil.....some help but too many bad side effects....I felt emotionless!! Tried adding Buspar....That was awful (different for everone..either it really works or really doesn't) THen I got effexor....WOW what a difference. I've read many of the comments....mostly bad. Just think..people wouldn't normally post unless something bad was happening with the meds. Which is why I am here. This medicine is a life saver for me!!! The side effects are annoying....vivid dreams, a littleupset stomach, loss of appetite....major loss! But they go away with time. Overall though....It's great!!Hi....I have been on Effexor for about 3 months now. 75mg/day. I take it at night to avoid day time drowsiness...works great. Also, to combat nausea during the day I take a small amount (25mg) of Gravol.I feel good with this med. also. I have tried Zoloft and Paxil (did not do well with either) Interestingly enough, as with the story from Aub, it was a physical injury that led to the discovery of my depression. I am an athlete and had a bad back injury for which I needed surgery. I became so incredibly depressed after (suicidal) that my Dr. suggested a Psychiatrist..I told my Dr. that seeing the Psychiatrist was a waste. He then suggested medication. My problem, I believe has always been chemical not psychological. All my life I was under the impression that everyone was as depressed as myself yet somehow they hid it better or managed it better. It's funny the things we make up when we don't understand what is going on. Since taking Effexor my life is managable and stable without the yo-yo up-down that has caused me so much grief and lost relationships in the past (not to mention lost career opportunities!). I hope others have as much success with this med.!
Posted by leckroj on January 4, 2001, at 12:43:29
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by bronwyn on January 4, 2001, at 9:04:21
I'm new to this site. I've been on most of the serotonin reuptake inhibitors over the last 6+ years, the latest of which is Effexor XR. I've been on it for over 2-1/2 years, and it works well for me. I'm on 300 mg. at bedtime w/ low-dose seroquel that's supposed to potentiate the effects of the Effexor. The only side-effect I've noticed, until recently, is upper body sweating. And, maybe, "restless" legs. However, recently, I've noticed I have acne, especially around my mouth and scalp. Since I've also recently begun OTC glucosamine w/ chondroitin (~2 mo.s), I don't know what's going on. I know that acne w/ Effexor is "infrequent." I just don't know what to think or do. I'm sure my "shrink" will say Effexor isn't to blame; I'd rather hear from people who have been on it. What do you think?
Jan
Posted by Kaarina on January 4, 2001, at 17:31:02
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by leckroj on January 4, 2001, at 12:43:29
"The only side-effect I've noticed, until recently, is upper body sweating. And, maybe, "restless" legs. However, recently, I've noticed I have acne, especially around my mouth and scalp"
You seem to have the same side-effects as myself. When I just drift off to sleep it seems like a rubberband snaps in my body and I jerk, sometimes its just my legs kick. Is this the same for you?
I don't mind the sweating, after being so cold for four years even my nose felt like ice, it seems to have warmed up my hands and feet.
I'm also getting pimples on my scalp and the odd one on my face, makes me feel like a teen-ager all over again. Someone else had mentioned that it had increased his sex-drive, but the reception was pretty negative. I wonder if it activates some teen-age hormones?
Earlier I had a problem with lack of motivation, I was content to sit at home. Now as the dose has been upped I seem to get periods of extreme daydreaming. Is this the medication?
I'm taking the Effexor to help with my concentration, which was difficult whenever I moved or with any distractions. It is helping and I wouldn't give it up for this reason, however my strong desire to stay on it and need to up the dose every month (I'm been on it for about four months) makes me wonder if it is addictive??
Posted by tracey on January 4, 2001, at 19:04:47
In reply to Re: effexor and drinking, posted by maggie on April 17, 2000, at 19:18:38
I started looking here to see if anyone else experience this weird cloudy, drunken feeling when they stopped taking effexor like I did. My doc gave me about 5 weeks worth of samples to start with, which ran out the week before Christmas. I've just recently gotten insurance, and my prescription deductible hadn't been met yet for the year, so I wanted to wait until after the new year to get the prescription filled so I wouldn't have to pay another deductible the next time I got it filled. I had no idea that I would experience withdrawal or I would have called my doc and asked for more samples. I've been afraid I was about to have an anuerism or something with the way I've been feeling. Now after reading everything on here, I'm kind of having second thoughts about starting to take it again. My doc prescribed it because I was having anxiety, but mostly because he thought it would help me lose weight because he said I had something similar to an obsessive-compulsive relationship with food. However, it seems many people have gained weight with it. I'm not sure what to do, but as a single working mother I don't want to spend $75 on a prescription that I shouldn't take. Please help.
Posted by Doug on January 4, 2001, at 23:17:38
In reply to Re: I hate Effexor, be careful with it, posted by Noa on January 3, 2001, at 7:38:41
I've been on Luvox for 2 years and now I've been on Effexor for 2 months also. So, for 2 years, masturbation has been useless and now it is devastating. I've gained 65 pounds in the last 2 months and my mom just kicked me out the door because I would sneak in to the kitchen in the middle of the night and empty the refrigerator. Does anyone have an extra room? I have constipation from hell. Man, does it hurt bad. I don't think I've had a number 2 for 2 weeks. Any suggestions?
Posted by Vulnavia on January 5, 2001, at 2:44:03
In reply to Re: Brain Freezes?, posted by Ceeg on January 1, 2001, at 16:13:32
> > I would describe the feeling as the brain "pausing" for a second or two; it's hard to describe; all of a sudden you just notice your brain has to catch up, or something.
I find myself having to sort of "stop" and catch up a little bit too. But it's not like a "brain freeze;" it's more like I'm stopping to choose my words carefully. Sort of like you "zone out" for a second, then have to focus quickly to get back on the subject really fast.
> I'll let you know what's going on after my next withdrawal attempt, as I definitely am not going to stay on this drug for the rest of my life.
I've been on Effexor for 18 months now, and really the only side effect that I find myself having is the need to rest more. But I'm more motivated, and the dosage I'm on is the same dosage I've been on for 12 months now: 150mg at bedtime. I, too, hope to eventually be at a point in my life where I'd like to not need anti-depressants all my life, but I agree with my doctor: you REALLY need to come off Effexor SUPER slowly (or any anti-depressant, for that matter). There's a good reason, I've learned, for being under a doctor's care while you come off a drug, because just because you "feel" all right doesn't necessarily mean that you're not depressed any more. The Effexor made it possible for me to function at a level where I could crawl out from under my rock each day, and it's done good for me in therapy with my counselor. It's an old cliche', but anything worth doing should be done well...and that, for me, would include combatting my depression.
Posted by Pandora on January 5, 2001, at 4:37:37
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by leckroj on January 4, 2001, at 12:43:29
I've been on Effexor XR at 150 mgs/day for about a year. I've had similar bad experiences when missing doses. I've also recently developed acne around my scalp - never would have thought that this could be a side effect, but it's a good place to start!
My question is for those who have been on effexor for a while and/or those who have been on multiple ADs over time. I really don't feel that the effexor is working very well right now and wonder if my best course of action is to increase the dose (is 150 mg a "high" dose?) or to switch to another AD. I've experienced Prozac "burnout" and similar effects with tofranil and Zoloft. Unfortunately, I seem to be better informed than my pdoc on the effects of ADs and insurance prohibits me from shopping around for a new one... so I'm coming to other well-informed consumers for advice : ) (If anyone can recommend a good doc in the Houston area, I'd appreciate it!)
Posted by Noa on January 5, 2001, at 8:31:52
In reply to Re: Anyone side-affects Jan + motivation, posted by Kaarina on January 4, 2001, at 17:31:02
>When I just drift off to sleep it seems like a rubberband snaps in my body and I jerk, sometimes its just my legs kick. Is this the same for you?
This is called myoclonus. I have this with Effexor, and had it with Paxil, too. It included twitching/flexing of random individual muscles or muscle groups---muscles that I could never flex at will---or total body jerks. It only happened at complete rest, like when lying down before falling asleep. On Paxil, my forearm would just shoot straight up in the air! BTW, some myoclonus is normal for everyone--you know, the *occasional* sensation just before drifting off to sleep, of falling. For me, it is somewhat dose related--ie, worse at higher doses.
What works for me is that I now take a slightly lower dose of effexor and take serzone to augment it. Serzone apparently blocks action on one of the serotonin receptors, the one that is associated with the restlessness, myoclonus, etc. This helps me by getting rid of the myoclonus almost 100%, and by allowing me to fall asleep and stay asleep all night, whereas before, I had terrible insomnia and restlessness.
As an aside, I would love to see research someday about what factors are associated with what appear (at least to me, lay person that I am) to be two main types of reaction to effexor and ssris---people who get sleepy from them, and people who get the insomnia, restlessness, and myoclonus, etc. I suspect there is some significant difference but I would love to know if it is directly related to the chemistry of the depression or other mental disorder, or related through some other aspect of a person's chemical makeup (either brain chemistry or something like endocrine disorders, etc), or some totally spurious factor. I like to think that this kind of research could yield guidelines that could help refine diagnosis and treatment decisions.
Posted by Noa on January 5, 2001, at 8:39:25
In reply to Re: Anyone side-affects Jan + motivation, posted by Kaarina on January 4, 2001, at 17:31:02
When I took regular effexor, I had terrible sweating, especially from my head. It was very uncomfortable.
It was worse at higher doses, for me.
On effexor xr, I do not experience this, I don't know why, but am glad.
Re: acne: I am glad you are both bringing this up, because I have bad acne rosacea, and have been attributing it (perhaps correctly) to other medical issues---hypothyroid, insulin resistance, etc. But it could also be from the effexor, I guess. Or perhaps a combo of two or more of these.
I just consulted a new gynocologist who prescribe low dose birth control pills to address irregular menstruation problems, but she said that there is new research showing that women with insulin resistance, irregular periods, polycystic ovary syndrome (which has been ruled out for me but I fit the profile very closely), benefit from it, and it helps to clear up the acne that often goes along with such profiles.
I'll let you know if my acne gets better.
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