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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Clara on March 6, 2001, at 9:53:12
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain , posted by Cindy W on June 1, 2000, at 9:42:07
I took Paxil for about 5 months. I gained over 20 pounds. I did try to quit "cold turkey" and got really sick - dizzy, upset stomach and extremely tired. I talked to my doctor and he put me on Wellbutrin because he too had heard that Paxil can make you gain weight. But I read here that Wellbutrin can also make you gain weight? Am I correct? Also now that I am taking Wellbutrin, I think I am worse off than before I started taking Paxil. I am incredibly unhappy with everything - my weight, my job, my relationships - and I can't seem to be nice to ANYONE. I snap at people without thinking and I have always been a very likable, fun person and now I am making a lot of enemies. Any suggestions on something that might help and also has anyone successfully lost the weight they put on and if they had, was it off medicine completely or did they continue taking something? I have been exercising but I usually get so frustrated when I can't do something or when I get tired that I just want quit and feel like I am going to lose it. These feelings have really been controlling my life and I have noticed I do not want to leave my room in my own house. This can't be healthy. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Posted by crylt73 on March 6, 2001, at 13:04:14
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain , posted by Clara on March 6, 2001, at 9:53:12
> I took Paxil for about 5 months. I gained over 20 pounds. I did try to quit "cold turkey" and got really sick - dizzy, upset stomach and extremely tired. I talked to my doctor and he put me on Wellbutrin because he too had heard that Paxil can make you gain weight. But I read here that Wellbutrin can also make you gain weight? Am I correct? Also now that I am taking Wellbutrin, I think I am worse off than before I started taking Paxil. I am incredibly unhappy with everything - my weight, my job, my relationships - and I can't seem to be nice to ANYONE. I snap at people without thinking and I have always been a very likable, fun person and now I am making a lot of enemies. Any suggestions on something that might help and also has anyone successfully lost the weight they put on and if they had, was it off medicine completely or did they continue taking something? I have been exercising but I usually get so frustrated when I can't do something or when I get tired that I just want quit and feel like I am going to lose it. These feelings have really been controlling my life and I have noticed I do not want to leave my room in my own house. This can't be healthy. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
I gained 65 pounds taking paxil. I took it for 2 years. Now I take effexor xr. I have been on it for 2 years now and have not gained anymore weight, but I was wandering if anyone out there that has been taking effexor for a while has nightsweats or nightmares. Not people who quit taking it , but people who are still taking it.
Posted by lissy on March 7, 2001, at 9:43:36
In reply to Re: Lost 15 pounds on Effexor, posted by willow on March 5, 2001, at 21:07:40
> Me too, when I initially started taking it I became indifferent to food and craved coffee. I've been on it now for five months and it's not the indiffernce isn't as bad, I actually had a sensation of hunger today. Like Amy I too have had a difficult time maintaining my weight so I've tried to make a conscious effort to eat. Now though I don't think I'm losing any weight and I've bablanced back to my normal size.
>
> Willow
No need to worry girlfriends I too lost about 12 pounds at the beginning of taking effexor but eventually you get your appetite back w/ a vengence!! I gained the 12 back later and added 40 pounds to that. My sister in law who weighed 110 and lost 5 pounds at the beginning of taking it now weighs about 175 and she could'nt put on weight if she tried before. Give it a few months and you will be craving carbos just like the rest of us.
Posted by Leo on March 7, 2001, at 17:23:26
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I'm now four weeks off effexor. Things have changed drastically for the better. I am still experiencing "flashbacks" of the withdrawal. Namely the dysphoric feeling and light headedness. Joints aching pretty bad. Still have occasional severe headaches. Still lack much motivation but I'm forcing myself to get up and get going. With this effort, there is still a great deal of fatigue. I think that this is probably due to the "no desire to do anything" while on the effexor. I am actually starting to look forward to things. I'm excited about future propects. Effexor was a debilitating drug that kept me in a depressed state of mind. It has created a "poor health" syndrome that requires a great deal of effort and stamina to overcome. Now I understand what those of you who have e-mailed me with that "hoping today will be the day" comment are experiencing. I know what I was like before the "hook" of effexor. I also have come to relize that I may never get back to where I was, but at least I know why. With my physical condition now I expect at least 9-12 months of physical rehab. I have been working with several doctors. I have had a complete and thourough physical because I was beginning to think that there was something more wrong. They have done CT's, of the head because of the vertigo and dysphoria to eliminate any other possible problems there. Sinus's and ears are clear however, they want to do more tests on the heart. I gained alot of weight while on the effexor. This, according to the doctor's, is because of a severe lack of activity while on the drug. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the effexor has effected my physical well being. The question is, how badly, how much and to what extent. I've been reading the posts about weight gain. It's the effexor that causes that "I don't want to do anything" syndrome. This sneaks up on you slowly and because of the stealthiness of the drug you don't really realize it. I am now taking the steps necessary with an attorney in Philadelphia to go after Weyth-Aeryst. I'll let you know how that goes. It's time for them to come clean.
Posted by LG on March 7, 2001, at 18:15:01
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Cindy W on January 11, 2000, at 9:14:46
I have been on different antidepressants for 3 years as a result of major panic disorder and moderate depression. I was recently switched from Paxil to Effexor. Although I see a lot of info on Effexor and depression, I don't see any information on the effectiveness of Effexor treating panic disorder. Has this worked well for anyone?
Posted by LG on March 7, 2001, at 18:16:05
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Cindy W on January 11, 2000, at 9:14:46
I have been on different antidepressants for 3 years as a result of major panic disorder and moderate depression. I was recently switched from Paxil to Effexor. Although I see a lot of info on Effexor and depression, I don't see any information on the effectiveness of Effexor treating panic disorder. Has this worked well for anyone?
Posted by darkstar on March 9, 2001, at 2:14:39
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by annj on February 28, 2001, at 20:34:03
> > I've been on 75 mg of Effexor XR for 2 weeks now, after 1 week of 37.5 mg. A doctor prescribed this to me after a suicidal episode...I've been severely depressed for nearly a year and have anxiety problems as well. At times it seems the effexor is helping and at other times I feel more hopeless and anxious than ever! Can't fall asleep at night, then can't wake up in the morning. How long does it take for this drug to kick in? Do any of you know of another drug that might help? Tried Paxil but hated it.
> >
> > Thanks in advance for your help and best wishes to all of you.
>
>
>
> I was on effexor for 9 months and I had a bad experience. It made me angry instead of sad and I had no sex drive.
> Now I am on Wellbutrin. As soon as Ii switched to Wellbutrin my mood improved and I have a sex drive again. Effexor is an evil drug! You should get off of it. My mind doesn't work anymore because of it.effexor is not an evil drug--it is a godsend! started on it a couple of weeks ago. i take 150mgs/day along with 300mgs/day wellbutrin & 25mgs zoloft at bedtime. it has been 6 days since i came home in the middle of the day to sleep. it's been at least 2 years since i could say that--major depression is such a drag. and the side effects have been minimal--just a little vertigo the 1st day & for a day every time my dosage increased. i may actually get my life back with this combination of meds!
Posted by crylt73 on March 10, 2001, at 12:51:59
In reply to Re: lots of success on effexor, posted by CrystalThacker on February 16, 2001, at 9:16:54
> hi
I have been on effexor xr for 2 years now and wandering if anyone else has been on it that long. If you have what type of side effects do you have? And does it lose its effects after you have been on it so long, because I am starteing to feel anxious again, and also a little more depressed.
> >
Posted by Poppy on March 11, 2001, at 2:12:41
In reply to Re: anyone been on effexor xr for more than 1 year, posted by crylt73 on March 10, 2001, at 12:51:59
I have been on effexor for just over a year, and I have noticed that in the last few months I am beginning to slip back into how I felt prior to taking the effexor also, I am trying to figure out if its the medication ceasing to work effectively or ?????
Posted by McGuyver on March 13, 2001, at 7:32:34
In reply to Strange side effects, agitation, posted by Amy3877 on March 5, 2001, at 2:42:08
> Strange side effects? Hmmm. I started taking Effexor a little over a week ago. Severe depression, I've had it forever, but finally decided to get help. I used "Extacy" about a dozen times a few years ago. Side effects,...basically, I feel like I'm "rolling" without any hallucinations. The doc also prescribed Trazadone to help me sleep. It worked a couple of times, but as you can tell, I didn't sleep last night. I'm assuming the "rolling" feeling will go away when my body adjusts. Hang in their.
Note: Do any of you think I should increase the Traz, or decrease the Effex. Although I'm out of it sometimes, I really do feel better. At last! Sleep dep kind of bugs me though.
McGuyver
> I just found this site and I'm excited to find a group of people discussing this drug. I have been having these very strange side effects and I want to know if anyone out there has any idea what I'm talking about. It is so strange that it is hard for me to describe and put words to but I'll try my best. Every so often I will get this "agitated" feeling in a part of my body. The first time it happened I was on the plane and all of a sudden my legs felt so tense and agitated that I had to move them every 30 seconds or so to relieve the tension. I thought that it might just have to do with sitting on the plane for so long but later that night the same thing happened with my back. It felt like torture! I couldn't stop moving and trying to strech to relieve the discomfort. It hasn't happened for several weeks but yesterday the same thing happened with my neck and today I had the same feeling on my scalp! (very weird) I have talked to my Psychiatrist about it and she prescribed valium because she thought I was having muscle spasms. When I have described this side effect to her she seems to be at a total loss. I am at a total loss as well! I have been taking 112 of Effexor and 200 of Wellbutrin for about a month and a half and I have been doing much better but I have had to tolerate all of this side effect as well as sweaty hands, being freezing cold most of the time, feeling very agitated and angry, and I have a tremor as well. I am really really worried about how these medications may be messing with my brain chemistry but I am also finally "living" and I am scared to go off of them. I had been on paxil for 4 years and I couldn't get off it because of how bad the withdrawl was so I ended up replacing paxil with Effexor and I was able to go right off...but, then end up on another drug that is causing so many problems. Does anyone understand what I'm talking about? Has anyone experienced this kind of agitation? Please help me!
Posted by lambiebird on March 14, 2001, at 3:01:20
In reply to Re: anyone been on effexor xr for more than 1 year, posted by crylt73 on March 10, 2001, at 12:51:59
Hi. I have been on effexor (75mg) for over FOUR YEARS now and it has worked great! However, I'm trying to get pregnant and I am having trouble with withdrawal symptoms. I am on the second week of 37.5 mg, after which I will then take this amount every other day for two more weeks - as advised by my dr. I just hope my marriage and my job survive my moods! I have been dizzy at times and very irritable and depressed! But I'm DETERMINED to become drug-free! I'll keep you all posted!
Posted by McGuyver on March 14, 2001, at 11:01:32
In reply to Strange side effects, agitation, posted by Amy3877 on March 5, 2001, at 2:42:08
>Amy,
My sister's father in law is a pharmasist, and her sister in law has a PHd in the same. I looked into the "aggitation" side effects we both somewhat feel. I wasn't off in my last post, but this information may be a little more accurate. 1st, how much caffine do you consume? Apparently Effexor multiplies the effects of caffine. By three times! For example, one cup of Joe with Effexor is something like three without! Now I'm slowley going to cut the caffine out, not completely and not at once (withdrawl from caffine is bad). Also, caffine dehydrates you. One cup of joe, means you should drink an extra cup of water, on top of that you should already drink. Caffine+effexor=irritation Caffine=dehydration=headache. etc... For as much as I know and am learning about drugs, maybe I missed my calling as a pharm tech.
> I just found this site and I'm excited to find a group of people discussing this drug. I have been having these very strange side effects and I want to know if anyone out there has any idea what I'm talking about. It is so strange that it is hard for me to describe and put words to but I'll try my best. Every so often I will get this "agitated" feeling in a part of my body. The first time it happened I was on the plane and all of a sudden my legs felt so tense and agitated that I had to move them every 30 seconds or so to relieve the tension. I thought that it might just have to do with sitting on the plane for so long but later that night the same thing happened with my back. It felt like torture! I couldn't stop moving and trying to strech to relieve the discomfort. It hasn't happened for several weeks but yesterday the same thing happened with my neck and today I had the same feeling on my scalp! (very weird) I have talked to my Psychiatrist about it and she prescribed valium because she thought I was having muscle spasms. When I have described this side effect to her she seems to be at a total loss. I am at a total loss as well! I have been taking 112 of Effexor and 200 of Wellbutrin for about a month and a half and I have been doing much better but I have had to tolerate all of this side effect as well as sweaty hands, being freezing cold most of the time, feeling very agitated and angry, and I have a tremor as well. I am really really worried about how these medications may be messing with my brain chemistry but I am also finally "living" and I am scared to go off of them. I had been on paxil for 4 years and I couldn't get off it because of how bad the withdrawl was so I ended up replacing paxil with Effexor and I was able to go right off...but, then end up on another drug that is causing so many problems. Does anyone understand what I'm talking about? Has anyone experienced this kind of agitation? Please help me!
Posted by pat123 on March 14, 2001, at 11:41:33
In reply to Re: anyone been on effexor xr for more than 1 year, posted by crylt73 on March 10, 2001, at 12:51:59
Been on Effexor 6 years, taking between 150-300
mgs a day. Sometimes I need more, sometimes less.
I have no indication that Effexor is less effective now than it was in the past.Pat
Posted by willow on March 14, 2001, at 12:22:23
In reply to Re: Strange side effects, agitation » Amy3877, posted by McGuyver on March 14, 2001, at 11:01:32
"Apparently Effexor multiplies the effects of caffine. By three times!"
This I did not know and hadn't been told. My heartrate was racing and my blood pressure was up. The nurse who put a monitor on me mentioned that caffeine can have this effect. I started drinking decaff after my first morning cup and things seem to be clicking really well. Suprisingly though since starting the effexor I have been craving coffee?! And by the evening am very thirsty.
Thanks for the good advice!
Willow
Posted by sar on March 14, 2001, at 18:14:59
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal, posted by Alli on March 1, 2001, at 8:51:41
Hi. I've been debating whether or not to post on this because I think it's pretty crazy myself, but I'm curious if anyone has had a similar experience.
I was on 75 mg Effexor XR for a month; I ran out of my free samples and have decided not to get anymore because it really didn't do that much for me, except make me a bit numb, mess up my sleep pattern a little, and have occassional muscle spasms.
So I've been off for two days. Last night I could sleep for only 3 hours (normally I sleep 8-10) before waking up feeling incredibly clear and happy. I laughed out loud for the first *genuine* time in a long time, it came so easily and was so infectious that I continued to laugh hard and out loud at things that I'd normally only internally smile at.
It was hard to stop! Considering what I've read on this board about others' terrible withdrawal symptoms, I know I'm lucky (so far) and certainly not complaining! My family did think I was a bit loony this morning with all the laughing and antsyness probably because I'm normally pretty sedate and quiet, stereotypical *depressed* person.
Has anyone experienced a positive withdrawal? How long did it last?
thanks,
sar
Posted by Robin on March 14, 2001, at 18:41:59
In reply to new to effexor xr wondering about effects, posted by Robin on November 30, 2000, at 19:17:59
My doctor prescribed Effexor XR 150 mg for me about 4 months ago for depression. I've noticed that my depression worsens when it's time for my period. During that time of the month, and for a week or so before, even while on Effexor, I still feel very depressed. I've heard of PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) and I was thinking that might be my problem since depression and my period coincide. Do you think switching from Effexor to the med they give for PMDD would help me? I think it's an anti- depresent as well. Or am I just going to have to live with being more depressed while on my period? Just wondering what you thought. Thanks!
Posted by willow on March 14, 2001, at 19:22:43
In reply to strange happy withdrawal, posted by sar on March 14, 2001, at 18:14:59
"I laughed out loud for the first *genuine* time in a long time, it came so easily and was so infectious that I continued to laugh hard and out loud at things that I'd normally only internally smile at."
I had a similar experience but it wasn't from withdrawal. I can't recall what dose I was at, but I was laughing. It passed and now I'm probably just my normal happy self. I'm still on the effexor though.
I do think you have to taper down even if you were just on 75mg. If you start feeling any of the withdrawal problems get some 37.5mg samples from the doctor and follow other posts advice on cutting back.
Best Wishes
Willow
Posted by dreamer on March 15, 2001, at 8:37:57
In reply to strange happy withdrawal, posted by sar on March 14, 2001, at 18:14:59
> Hi. I've been debating whether or not to post on this because I think it's pretty crazy myself, but I'm curious if anyone has had a similar experience.
>
> I was on 75 mg Effexor XR for a month; I ran out of my free samples and have decided not to get anymore because it really didn't do that much for me, except make me a bit numb, mess up my sleep pattern a little, and have occassional muscle spasms.
>
> So I've been off for two days. Last night I could sleep for only 3 hours (normally I sleep 8-10) before waking up feeling incredibly clear and happy. I laughed out loud for the first *genuine* time in a long time, it came so easily and was so infectious that I continued to laugh hard and out loud at things that I'd normally only internally smile at.
>
> It was hard to stop! Considering what I've read on this board about others' terrible withdrawal symptoms, I know I'm lucky (so far) and certainly not complaining! My family did think I was a bit loony this morning with all the laughing and antsyness probably because I'm normally pretty sedate and quiet, stereotypical *depressed* person.
>
> Has anyone experienced a positive withdrawal? How long did it last?
>
> thanks,
> sarYes,youre not alone i also take 75mg xr and if i miss one there reaches a point where i feel REALLY happy euphoric and giggle at anything,is this what they call hypomania? anyway it doesnt last only a few hours then i get irritable.Ijust wish i could be in that state forever.
Posted by Janie on March 15, 2001, at 11:11:08
In reply to 4 Weeks off Effexor, posted by Leo on March 7, 2001, at 17:23:26
> I'm now four weeks off effexor. Things have changed drastically for the better. I am still experiencing "flashbacks" of the withdrawal. Namely the dysphoric feeling and light headedness. Joints aching pretty bad. Still have occasional severe headaches. Still lack much motivation but I'm forcing myself to get up and get going. With this effort, there is still a great deal of fatigue.
Leo and All
I am now into my 3-4 week of weaning off the Effexor XR, tapering down from 37.5 mg/day to just taking a dose when I REALLY can't function, which is now about every 4-5 days. I am very interested in feedback on joint pain, mentioned above. I have been on aspirin for many years for arthritis. The joint pain became worse while I was taking Effexor, and I have recently been placed on Celebrex to control my arthritis. Have others experienced complications involving the joints? I did not make the connection until reading this post.
Posted by CraigC on March 15, 2001, at 12:44:43
In reply to Re: From Wellbutrin for Dep. and ADD to Effexor XR, posted by Sara T. on April 16, 2000, at 12:17:40
> > It really is nice to have a place to write and ask questions. I have learned far more from reading the messages on the message boards than from reading the medical information. I was put on Wellbutrin about 3 weeks ago for adult ADD with depression. Like Maggie had mentioned in her message, I felt like I had electric shocks running through my body. I also was extremely sick to my stomach and didn't feel like eating anything. After 2 weeks I finally felt better and then broke out in the worst case of hives I've ever had. I'm not positive that the Wellbutrin caused it, but they took me off it. I am now on Effexor XR. I started it on Thursday. I am taking 37-1/2 mg. for 1 week and then am supposed to take 75 mg. for a week, and then 75 in the morning and 75 in the evening after that. I really hope it helps both the depression and the ADD symptoms. So far I have gotten a couple of headaches, am extremely crabby and feel sort of tired, but I am willing to give this a chance. Is there anyone who has been given this medicine for ADD? Please let me know! Thanks!
>
> I have been prescribed Effexor XR for ADD, anxiety and depression. I have been taking the 75 mg dose in the morning for a month now and I think it works well for me. Side effects have been miinimal. But I don't really think it has touched the ADD symptoms. Combining it with 10 or 15 mgs of ritalin gave me the energy and motivation I need to get started on things, but my BP went up into the 90's and the pschiatrist said to stop the ritalin, which I feel really bummed about. But I am also taking birth control pills for hormonal changes as well and that can bring out the BP stuff too.
>
> My doc said that Effexor plus adderall are the preferred mix of the "experts" on ADHD field at the moment.
>
> Hope you get good results.
>
> Also, I'm glad to see some other ADD adults posting med questions. Makes me feel like I have some company.
>
> Sara T.Hello. I am a 32 y/o male who was taking 300mg of effexor daily for about 1 year to treat ADD. I have always had ADD but after a friend of my wife's husband had succes with using medication to help his concentration and constant distractability i thought i would persue some help as well. I started seeing a doctor who had a good referral for helping peopel with ADD. He tried several medications over several months like adderal which did not help or have any side effects when i stopped the useage. He then put me on effexor which also had no positve results at all. Well,during the time i had missed a few days of taking the medication,or could not get the prescription filled in time and experienced horrible side effects. Headaches,dizziness,tingling in my brain,flu like symptoms and irritability. It was then i realized my body was physically addicted to the effexor. I then searched the internet for more info because of all the side effects i thought i was loosing my mind to say the least. I never had taken much medication, nor was i hardly ever sick but these side effects were really terrible. I was glad to find this format on line with alot of innformation of similiar people with the exact same side effects. I was very angry at my doctor for not even mentioning the possible side effects i could experience. If i had known i would have never tried it.
I made the decision to stop cold turkey which i do not recommend to everyone but i was determined to atleast try it for a week to see if i could make it. The first 3-4 days were aweful and for the first time in about 5 years i almost called in sick at work but staying busy and not laying around even though painful kept my mind off the withdrawals a little bit,which was better than not at all.I wanted to give in time and time again but i did not. I worked as much as i could,watched TV,stayed busy until i was so tired i was about to pass out which made going to bed alot better since i would not have to lay there,brain tingling,dizzy when i shut my eyes..etc. and i could just lay down and be out in a few minutes.
I started better about the 5th day,although still having many bad side effects,they were much milder.I could now walk standing straigh up and not holdiing my head down from the severe headache pain. Gradually the side effects went away,occasionally returning at night it seemed for about a week. I am now totally off the efexxor and feel 100%. It is so hard to explain to people who cannot relate how aweful the side effects are and what a terrible feeling it brings on.
If i can tell anyone anything else about my personal situation i would be glad to help.
Finally i would never ever take any medication without researching it first. I made this mistake once and it had terrible results and i will not ever go through that again.
HANG IN THERE !
Regards,
Craig
Posted by NikkiT2 on March 15, 2001, at 17:27:12
In reply to Re: Strange side effects, agitation » Amy3877, posted by McGuyver on March 14, 2001, at 11:01:32
Oh my god!! I never knew this - I've just started cutting caffiene out of my diet., as I felt it was working "too well" - I've been of effexor for about 6 months now!!!
Now I know hwy!
Nikki
> >Amy,
>
> My sister's father in law is a pharmasist, and her sister in law has a PHd in the same. I looked into the "aggitation" side effects we both somewhat feel. I wasn't off in my last post, but this information may be a little more accurate. 1st, how much caffine do you consume? Apparently Effexor multiplies the effects of caffine. By three times! For example, one cup of Joe with Effexor is something like three without! Now I'm slowley going to cut the caffine out, not completely and not at once (withdrawl from caffine is bad). Also, caffine dehydrates you. One cup of joe, means you should drink an extra cup of water, on top of that you should already drink. Caffine+effexor=irritation Caffine=dehydration=headache. etc... For as much as I know and am learning about drugs, maybe I missed my calling as a pharm tech.
>
>
>
> > I just found this site and I'm excited to find a group of people discussing this drug. I have been having these very strange side effects and I want to know if anyone out there has any idea what I'm talking about. It is so strange that it is hard for me to describe and put words to but I'll try my best. Every so often I will get this "agitated" feeling in a part of my body. The first time it happened I was on the plane and all of a sudden my legs felt so tense and agitated that I had to move them every 30 seconds or so to relieve the tension. I thought that it might just have to do with sitting on the plane for so long but later that night the same thing happened with my back. It felt like torture! I couldn't stop moving and trying to strech to relieve the discomfort. It hasn't happened for several weeks but yesterday the same thing happened with my neck and today I had the same feeling on my scalp! (very weird) I have talked to my Psychiatrist about it and she prescribed valium because she thought I was having muscle spasms. When I have described this side effect to her she seems to be at a total loss. I am at a total loss as well! I have been taking 112 of Effexor and 200 of Wellbutrin for about a month and a half and I have been doing much better but I have had to tolerate all of this side effect as well as sweaty hands, being freezing cold most of the time, feeling very agitated and angry, and I have a tremor as well. I am really really worried about how these medications may be messing with my brain chemistry but I am also finally "living" and I am scared to go off of them. I had been on paxil for 4 years and I couldn't get off it because of how bad the withdrawl was so I ended up replacing paxil with Effexor and I was able to go right off...but, then end up on another drug that is causing so many problems. Does anyone understand what I'm talking about? Has anyone experienced this kind of agitation? Please help me!
Posted by Noddie on March 16, 2001, at 0:07:54
In reply to Re: I've had success. Why won't you print that?, posted by heidamommy on August 19, 2000, at 1:20:58
I have been on effexor for a month and so far my appetite is increasingly less. I have lost about five pounds. I do excercise, but am usually a lot hungrier. If it doesn't wear off, I will definitely lose more weight. I'll keep you posted. Also, I have OCD symptoms along with Anxiety and Effexor has helped greatly with the anxiety and SOME OCD symptoms. I also take Imipramine (Tofranil) at night which knocks me out! I LOVE effexor, just for anyone who wants to know. Have also tried Buspar and Wellbutrin with bad results. Thanks for reading my comments.
N
Posted by Leo on March 16, 2001, at 17:21:15
In reply to Re: I've had success. Why won't you print that? » heidamommy, posted by Noddie on March 16, 2001, at 0:07:54
I think it's wonderful that the effexor is working well for you. Do yourself a big favor. Keep reading these posts. You have been on the drug for only a month. Re-access your physical and mental state at the 6 month mark. The drug isn't the "miracle" drug it appears to be. It's initial effects are extremely deceiving. I think you will find, as hundreds of us have, that the longterm effects of effexor are devistating. Also, don't miss a dose. You'll find yourself at hell's doorway.
Posted by jvalori1 on March 16, 2001, at 22:22:19
In reply to Re: anyone been on effexor xr for more than 1 year, posted by crylt73 on March 10, 2001, at 12:51:59
Hi, just found this info and have been reading posts. I have been on 300 mg of effexor xr for two years. Prior to that I had been on the non-time release effexor between 17.5 mg and 150 mg for about 3 years. I've been with two different doctors, both warned me about withdrawal symptoms. My sister was on effexor too and couldn't take the withdrawal symptoms and got switched over to prozac. It has, in all honesty, been like a miracle for me for my last bout of depression was quite debilitating. I have very mixed feelings about having to take medication and the more depressed I am, the worse I feel about taking medication. The doctors tell me everyone has ups and downs and I'm actually glad to still feel things while on the medication. I'm in the midst of a small down-swing right now. My doctor has suggested wellbutrin in addition to the effexor if the down-swing gets too severe for me to handle, which is actually how I found this - searching for info on wellbutrin.
My sister swore effexor made her gain weight and made her hair curly. I have found that after two years, my hair is curly and I have steadily gained weight. My husband says pet adoption was a side effect of effexor and I have adopted 4 pets over the last 5 years. I also have a low tolerance to heat and high humidity. My blood pressure is a little higher than it used to be. I will start to get a headache if I am really late in taking my daily dosage. But I've always gotten headaches and overall I think I've had headache relief on effexor.
I tried to wean myself off once, when I got down to 17.5 mg and the withdrawal symptoms were minimal. But eventually the depression came back and I'm up to 300 mg daily now.
But basically I'm thankful there is a medication to take.
I'm glad to hear of others' experiences.
Posted by Dolphin on March 17, 2001, at 17:42:00
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Suffering terribly, Effexor XR Symptoms. My Doctor put me on Effexor about 8 months ago. My body began to twitch and I have "Brain Shivers" also called "Electric Shock-like sensations. My Doctors didn't know what it was. Through my research, I have found that Doctors are unaware of what Effexor does to people and they think these symptoms are Neurological (which is exactly what happen to me). I told my doctor of my symptoms and he increased my dose and sent me to a neurologist. They did an MRI and EEG and found nothing. I have been searching the Internet for months trying to find my own answers. I finally found the answer. Effexor cause SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome causing severe intolerable symtoms. While on the medication I suffered from the twitching and electric shocks. I cannot endure this anymore, so I have decided to take myself off of the drug completely. It has been a week now and I am suffering terribly. The electric shocks are brutally intense. I feel as if I keep getting shocked every few seconds. I am very tired and very sick nausea feeling. I do not recommend this drug to anyone. Anyone who wants to get off of it because of the side effects, has to suffer even more severely. I have read that the syndrome shouldn't last more than 3 weeks. I am suffering now, but hopefully in 3 weeks I will be over this living hell. Doctors do not know what they are doing to people.
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