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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by DebbieLynn on May 27, 2001, at 19:24:15
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by maribeth on May 26, 2001, at 8:20:35
> > > Dee, I have been on the 37.5 for a week. Will switch to 75 today. All I know is, doctor told me to give it two weeks for it to work, so I'm trying to hang in. Last night, couldn't sleep from the anxiety. Heart racing all night. Scared of what affects the 75 will have, and nearly threw in the towel, but I'm going to try to hang in another week. Feel ok during the daytime. > > I SUFFER FROM ANXIETY CURRENTLY TAKE XANAX AND NOW DR. WANTS ME TO TRY EFFEXOR XR 37.5 MG. I AM TERRIFIED OF ALL THE SIDE EFFECTS! ANY THOUGHTS??
> >
> > Thanks for the help. I still haven't started it. Very apprehensive. I may try it this weekend when my husband is around for that extra security that I desperately need!! All these side effects make me wonder which is better to stick with the xanax and therapy or try the effexor since some people do have positive outcomes from it. I have also been told to try the herb Kava Kava? Anyone tried this yet?
>
> Dee --I have taken most of the anti depressants you can name and I have been on Effexor XR 350 for a little over a year. I would say without a doubt it is the best. I had a few side effects in the beginning but they went away within a week and now I wouldn't trade Effexor for anything. Hang in there! Maribeth
Hello. I take Effexor XR--225 mg a day. I take 150mg in the morning and 75 mg about 6pm. When I first started it, I started at 37.5 mg. I felt so weird. It made my heart race, my pupils dilated...I probably had every side effects thats possible. I was scared to jump to 75mg. I was on 37.5 for about a week and a half, I wanted to feel "ready" to jump to the next step. When I started the 75mg, it really wasn't that bad. Then I started 75mg 2x a day. I was extremely tired at that dose. When my doctor put me up to 225mg...3 weeks went by and I was like "is this all this medicine does?" But magically, about the fourth week of being at the 225mg level, I started feel "up" and in great moods. I too suffer from anxiety, and the Effexor did make me feel incredibly anxious at first, but I took Xanax to control that until it stopped. (that was about 2 or 3 days for me) Effexor does wonders for anxiety as well! I never would have thought I'd be at this level, but it is working great for me.
Hang in there, and do as you doc says. If you can tolerate these side effects, I believe you will be grateful. It does take awhile for it to "kick in"Good luck to you!
Debbie
P.S. Sorry to ramble on about my experience, but it is nice to know that there are people out there feeling the same way I do.
Posted by paulk on May 27, 2001, at 20:36:28
In reply to Hate it! , posted by SCALLOPSHELL on April 13, 2001, at 7:42:19
have been taking Effexor for 3 years now. At first it was quite good – I have had depression all my life – never stopping. After I started Effexor-xr my wife all of a sudden thought I was sweet< grin >.
I never could take more than 75mg and function. I would lose the ability to concentrate – memory problems – I would be unable to remember a phone number I give out several times a day. Problems with word choice. Recently, I had to cut the dose to 37.5mg or my concentration became so poor that I couldn’t work. It is as if a metabolite just keeps collecting but not the one that does me good. I am wonder if anyone else here has had the experience of memory/ concentration problems with long term use of Effexor-xr??
I decided to change to a MAOI and stop the Effexor-xr a few weeks ago – I have had a lot of withdrawal side effects – I first went a week at 25 mg and then stopped. I would recommend anyone stopping to learn to open the pills and count the pellets. Then taper down cutting the daily dosage in halve each week until you are down to 9mg. Effexor-xr really should come in smaller amounts for tapering. Anyone starting it should be told, up front, that it takes a good month to stop the drug.
Before starting ANY antidepressant you should see a good endocrinologist who can rule out hypothyroidism. A good endocrinologist needs to be familiar with combined T4/T3 treatment and understand treating the patient and not just the lab test numbers.
A high TSH indicates hypothyroidism – but what WAS a high normal is now treated. Many doctors are not aware that the normal range for TSH has changed – and that replacement therapy for hypothyroidism should probably end up with the TSH level in the bottom 25% of the new normal range.
Most of my concentration is back – along with my depression – I have found tears in my eyes unexpectedly. I have to be totally off the Effexor-xr for one week before I start the MOAI.
Please be aware the risks of taking antidepressants are much less than the risks of depression itself. While psychopharmacological treatment is still crude and in its infancy, it has helped me much more than the years and years of psychotherapy that in hind sight was mostly an expensive waste of time for me.
Posted by willow on May 27, 2001, at 21:09:45
In reply to Re: I Love Effexor, posted by newby on May 27, 2001, at 10:35:31
*Have you experienced side effects?
Yes, lots of them. Having said that, they are all physical ones, which I can tolerate and have lessened with time or either I found a change in my lifestyle that would help aleviate them. The most common side-effect I have had from other anti-depressant medications have affected my moods and thinking negatively. This I couldn't tolerate, not if I was to live with other people.
*never taken medication for depression.
I spent my first week in the hospital for depression during my 16th birthday. Seven years later I took my first AD, impramine. It made me agitated and I cried non-stop. I think I took it for a month. Six years later I guess I started a long period of chronic illness, which just seemed to slowly get worse. This has lasted for almost five years. During this time I've taken different ADS which usually made me worse. Last October I started effexor.
I was unable to think when I moved or stand any external stimulation. The effexor lessened this, but it did have side-effects. The symptom it helped was worse than the side-effects, so this is probably why I stuck with it.
*Didn't even know I was depressed, but do have lots of anxiety.
My husband thought the doctor was wrong when he suggested that I was suffering from depression. We've been together a long time, so if anyone knows me he would. What I'm trying to say is that depression/anxiety can be hard to recognize. My psychologist says it's anxiety, which I've argued that I don't have, but now being on the effexor and it has gotten rid of the excessive anxiety I can look back and say it was. So I think it can slowly progress without us being aware.
*How long did it take before you started feeling better?
The concentration problems were helped fairly quickly, I noticed subtle improvement within days. After that it would be about every month when I look back, and say wow! Or I recover bits of my memory that I thought were lost, little pieces of the old me coming back.
Uups for making a short thing so long. In a nutshell, effexor has worked great for me. The most noticeable thing is that it can control chronic generalized anxiety. It can have side-effects that are manageable with help.
Let me know what you decide.
Willow
Posted by paulk on May 27, 2001, at 22:41:42
In reply to is it dangerous to start at 150mg?, posted by lecky on May 27, 2001, at 13:27:20
You probably should go through the one week at 37.5mg, one week at 75mg routine. You CAN divide the capsuls - I've done it for years - it can save you lots of money also - just don't chew on the little balls or it won't be time release.
Posted by DebbieLynn on May 28, 2001, at 11:34:36
In reply to Re: feelin bad again, posted by wtm on May 20, 2001, at 19:36:59
I take 225mg of Effexor XR. I have been at that dose for about 5 weeks. I was extremely tired at 150mg (my family doctor put me on this initially, and told me to stay at 150mg) I went to a pdoc and he increased the dosage to 225mg...it took awhile (@4weeks) for the past week I have felt GREAT! I am glad I increased it.
I too was experiencing anxiety, agitation, TIRED, and still depressed, at 150 mg. Increasing the dose has helped me a lot!!! (has been a miracle)
Hope this helped!
Debbie
> > for a while I thought the FXR was working. I have been at 150 now for almost a month. I have had some good days but lately I have had some physical pain (a back ache) and now it seems the depression is taking over again. I feel tired most of the time, sad and have violent thoughts. I don't want to do anything. Has this happened with anyone else? My depression isn't as bad as it was, and I did seem to get better. I've only been on FXR for a total of 8 weeks. Do things get better and then worse if you aren't at the right dose? Is it situational? Do you think my pdoc is going to up my dose when I see her next week? Any advise on this would be great.
> >
> > best,
> > m > >RE:feeling bad again, sounds just like me 8 weeks at 225 thought i was getting better but now i dont know my back feels bad i am sad again and miserable
Posted by DebbieLynn on May 28, 2001, at 11:50:32
In reply to Re: Is anyone happy with Effexor XR?, posted by newby on May 26, 2001, at 15:13:21
> Just finishing second week on Effexor XR. Graduated from 37.5 to 75. Best thing that has happened is that I am finally sleeping at night. Drymouth has eased up and the initial jitters have passed. Feeling more relaxed and not getting anoyed at others. Is anyone happy with Effexor?
I AM VERY HAPPY WITH IT!!
I take Effexor XR...225mg a day. 150 in the am and 75 mg in the pm. I must say that at this dose, I see a HUGE difference. I feel GREAT actually.I too started out at 37.5 mg, then went to 75mg. The side effects I had problems with the most were dry mouth and anxiety. The anxiety passed quickly, but the dry mouth took a bit longer to go away. It bothered me so bad at first, I asked to be switched to another med...BIG MISTAKE!! After a week on Wellbutrin 75 mgs 2x a day, I quickly went back on Effexor. I worked up to 150 mg--75 mg in the am and 75 in the afternoon, but I was extremely tired at this dose. Then my doctor told me to go up to 225mg, and believe me, it took awhile, @ 4 weeks, I noticed a huge change in the way I feel. I actually wake up in the morning in a good mood! This med has been a miracle for me.
Hang in there!! The side effects can be unpleasant, you could take something like Xanax to curb them until you get used to it. Drink lots of water...it dried me out so bad, my skin was dry and burned when I washed my face. But it will go away. I never thought it would...but it did! BUT it is worth the wait. By the way, what are you being treated for??????????
Just give it a fair chance and let me know how you are doing, I know how unpleasant this med can be. I am new to the anti-depressant world.
Debbie
Posted by newby on May 28, 2001, at 13:59:58
In reply to Re: Is anyone happy with Effexor XR?, posted by DebbieLynn on May 28, 2001, at 11:50:32
Debbie,,Hi..Thanks for the response. It's great to hear some good news about Effexor. You asked what I am being treated for. Well, sleep disorder and anxiety. Think the plan for my dose is to stay at 75. Just entered second week and sleeping better, but I'm knocked out at 9 p.m. I guess depression and anxiety go hand-in-hand, but I never saw it that way. Have never taken meds before, just vitamins and an occasional aspirin. Are you being treated for anxiety?
********************************************
> Just finishing second week on Effexor XR. Graduated from 37.5 to 75. Best thing that has happened is that I am finally sleeping at night. Drymouth has eased up and the initial jitters have passed. Feeling more relaxed and not getting anoyed at others. Is anyone happy with Effexor?
>
> I AM VERY HAPPY WITH IT!!
> I take Effexor XR...225mg a day. 150 in the am and 75 mg in the pm. I must say that at this dose, I see a HUGE difference. I feel GREAT actually.
>
> I too started out at 37.5 mg, then went to 75mg. The side effects I had problems with the most were dry mouth and anxiety. The anxiety passed quickly, but the dry mouth took a bit longer to go away. It bothered me so bad at first, I asked to be switched to another med...BIG MISTAKE!! After a week on Wellbutrin 75 mgs 2x a day, I quickly went back on Effexor. I worked up to 150 mg--75 mg in the am and 75 in the afternoon, but I was extremely tired at this dose. Then my doctor told me to go up to 225mg, and believe me, it took awhile, @ 4 weeks, I noticed a huge change in the way I feel. I actually wake up in the morning in a good mood! This med has been a miracle for me.
>
> Hang in there!! The side effects can be unpleasant, you could take something like Xanax to curb them until you get used to it. Drink lots of water...it dried me out so bad, my skin was dry and burned when I washed my face. But it will go away. I never thought it would...but it did! BUT it is worth the wait. By the way, what are you being treated for??????????
>
> Just give it a fair chance and let me know how you are doing, I know how unpleasant this med can be. I am new to the anti-depressant world.
>
> Debbie
Posted by DebbieLynn on May 28, 2001, at 14:06:47
In reply to Re: Is anyone happy with Effexor XR?, posted by newby on May 28, 2001, at 13:59:58
Depression and anxiety. I worry excessively.(I mean EXCESSIVELY!) Effexor is the answer for me. I guess it does make sense to stay at a low dose, especially if you have a sleep disorder. At higher doses, like I am on...Sometimes I have trouble sleeping, but I also go to college. I am up late studying, which keeps my brain going. I never thought I needed an antidepressant...but Effexor has really helped me.
Hang in there!
Debbie
> Debbie,,Hi..Thanks for the response. It's great to hear some good news about Effexor. You asked what I am being treated for. Well, sleep disorder and anxiety. Think the plan for my dose is to stay at 75. Just entered second week and sleeping better, but I'm knocked out at 9 p.m. I guess depression and anxiety go hand-in-hand, but I never saw it that way. Have never taken meds before, just vitamins and an occasional aspirin. Are you being treated for anxiety?
> ********************************************
>
>
>
>
> > Just finishing second week on Effexor XR. Graduated from 37.5 to 75. Best thing that has happened is that I am finally sleeping at night. Drymouth has eased up and the initial jitters have passed. Feeling more relaxed and not getting anoyed at others. Is anyone happy with Effexor?
> >
> > I AM VERY HAPPY WITH IT!!
> > I take Effexor XR...225mg a day. 150 in the am and 75 mg in the pm. I must say that at this dose, I see a HUGE difference. I feel GREAT actually.
> >
> > I too started out at 37.5 mg, then went to 75mg. The side effects I had problems with the most were dry mouth and anxiety. The anxiety passed quickly, but the dry mouth took a bit longer to go away. It bothered me so bad at first, I asked to be switched to another med...BIG MISTAKE!! After a week on Wellbutrin 75 mgs 2x a day, I quickly went back on Effexor. I worked up to 150 mg--75 mg in the am and 75 in the afternoon, but I was extremely tired at this dose. Then my doctor told me to go up to 225mg, and believe me, it took awhile, @ 4 weeks, I noticed a huge change in the way I feel. I actually wake up in the morning in a good mood! This med has been a miracle for me.
> >
> > Hang in there!! The side effects can be unpleasant, you could take something like Xanax to curb them until you get used to it. Drink lots of water...it dried me out so bad, my skin was dry and burned when I washed my face. But it will go away. I never thought it would...but it did! BUT it is worth the wait. By the way, what are you being treated for??????????
> >
> > Just give it a fair chance and let me know how you are doing, I know how unpleasant this med can be. I am new to the anti-depressant world.
> >
> > Debbie
Posted by newby on May 29, 2001, at 10:03:13
In reply to Re: Is anyone happy with Effexor XR?, posted by DebbieLynn on May 28, 2001, at 14:06:47
> Debbie.
Thanks again. Hanging in there as you suggested. My anxiety and insomnia started after menopause.
I know what you mean about worry. Been kind of hyper and a worrier all my life but had it under control. Somehow menopause escalated the anxiety.
Good luck to you. Take care.Depression and anxiety. I worry excessively.(I mean EXCESSIVELY!) Effexor is the answer for me. I guess it does make sense to stay at a low dose, especially if you have a sleep disorder. At higher doses, like I am on...Sometimes I have trouble sleeping, but I also go to college. I am up late studying, which keeps my brain going. I never thought I needed an antidepressant...but Effexor has really helped me.
>
> Hang in there!
> Debbie
>
>
> > Debbie,,Hi..Thanks for the response. It's great to hear some good news about Effexor. You asked what I am being treated for. Well, sleep disorder and anxiety. Think the plan for my dose is to stay at 75. Just entered second week and sleeping better, but I'm knocked out at 9 p.m. I guess depression and anxiety go hand-in-hand, but I never saw it that way. Have never taken meds before, just vitamins and an occasional aspirin. Are you being treated for anxiety?
> > ********************************************
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > > Just finishing second week on Effexor XR. Graduated from 37.5 to 75. Best thing that has happened is that I am finally sleeping at night. Drymouth has eased up and the initial jitters have passed. Feeling more relaxed and not getting anoyed at others. Is anyone happy with Effexor?
> > >
> > > I AM VERY HAPPY WITH IT!!
> > > I take Effexor XR...225mg a day. 150 in the am and 75 mg in the pm. I must say that at this dose, I see a HUGE difference. I feel GREAT actually.
> > >
> > > I too started out at 37.5 mg, then went to 75mg. The side effects I had problems with the most were dry mouth and anxiety. The anxiety passed quickly, but the dry mouth took a bit longer to go away. It bothered me so bad at first, I asked to be switched to another med...BIG MISTAKE!! After a week on Wellbutrin 75 mgs 2x a day, I quickly went back on Effexor. I worked up to 150 mg--75 mg in the am and 75 in the afternoon, but I was extremely tired at this dose. Then my doctor told me to go up to 225mg, and believe me, it took awhile, @ 4 weeks, I noticed a huge change in the way I feel. I actually wake up in the morning in a good mood! This med has been a miracle for me.
> > >
> > > Hang in there!! The side effects can be unpleasant, you could take something like Xanax to curb them until you get used to it. Drink lots of water...it dried me out so bad, my skin was dry and burned when I washed my face. But it will go away. I never thought it would...but it did! BUT it is worth the wait. By the way, what are you being treated for??????????
> > >
> > > Just give it a fair chance and let me know how you are doing, I know how unpleasant this med can be. I am new to the anti-depressant world.
> > >
> > > Debbie
Posted by SLS on May 29, 2001, at 18:11:48
In reply to Effexor Long term usage, posted by paulk on May 27, 2001, at 20:36:28
> I never could take more than 75mg and function. I would lose the ability to concentrate – memory problems – I would be unable to remember a phone number I give out several times a day. Problems with word choice. Recently, I had to cut the dose to 37.5mg or my concentration became so poor that I couldn’t work. It is as if a metabolite just keeps collecting but not the one that does me good. I am wonder if anyone else here has had the experience of memory/ concentration problems with long term use of Effexor-xr??
Hi Paul.I haven't researched the matter or checked out people's experiences here, but I don't recall memory problems associated with Effexor as being a complaint. It might be, so please don't consider my guessing as fact.
I think it might be worth looking at your memory problems as being more a symptom of depression rather than a side effect of Effexor. Impairments of concentration and memory are very common features of depression, and are used to help diagnose it.
It is possible that Effexor, at a subtherapeutic dosage, is actually amplifying the memory impairments that are part of the depression itself. I have seen this pattern myself with certain drugs on symptoms of depression, although for me they tend to involve functions of the autonomic nervous system. I am beginning to see a pattern with Effexor that presents as the appearance of great fatigue at dosages between 75mg - 150mg that disappears when the dosage is raised to 225mg and higher. For some people, this fatigue has appeared only after a long period of time at the same dosage. This might be your pattern as well with memory and concentration impairments. If you find yourself with no better choice than to return to Effexor, you may consider the possibility that such a biphasic pattern exists for your memory, and try raising the dosage rather than trying to finesse the it between 37.5mg and 75mg.
Just a thought.
- Scott
Posted by newby on May 30, 2001, at 7:07:56
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? Jenny 15, posted by LglEagle on May 23, 2001, at 23:03:01
> > I guess I still don't get it. Does Effexor treat depression or anxiety? Does it help sleep disorder? Just graduated from 37.5 to 75. Still jittery.
>
> Hi, I read your post. The way it was explained to me is that this medication treats both anxiety and depression. For me, I had horrible anxiety, so bad that I ended up in the ER while on vacation in Florida. I had my first Panic Attack (Terrible!!) I ended up coming home on Xanax. I went on the Effexor XR and it was pretty rocky the first 2 weeks. My heart was racing, I had nausea, and did not sleep good at all. I would sleep for maybe 3 hours then be wide awake. I did the starter pack of the 37.5 then went to 75mg. Lack of sleep causes your Serotonin level to be depleted. With the medication, I truly believe you will overcome this. I have the same problem that you have. It helped me to sleep and there were nights that I didn't sleep at all. Hang in there :-)
Hi, Thanks for responding. I've had your symptions exactly. Just started third week and thought I was adjusting, but yesterday was so fatigued, all I could do was sit and doze. It was like being sedated. Hanging in here..
Posted by newby on May 30, 2001, at 7:15:59
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? kid47, posted by JAMMER on May 25, 2001, at 7:50:30
> > I guess I still don't get it. Does Effexor treat depression or anxiety? Does it help sleep disorder? Just graduated from 37.5 to 75. Still jittery..
>
>
> Kid47, Anxiety was the primary reason I went to Effexor XR and it worked very well for that symptom. I was at 37 then 75 then back to 37 due to B.P. issues.
> -JamesJames, Any idea how long it should take before the side affects level off? Alternating between jitters and fatigue.
Newby
Posted by Willow on May 30, 2001, at 7:43:22
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? kid47, posted by newby on May 30, 2001, at 7:15:59
If I'm correct you said that you are at three weeks. For myself, the side-effects started lessening at this point and the medication started to kick in and do its job. Each time the dosage was raised the side came back a little. Have you noticed any improvement?
If you drink or eat anything with caffeine try cutting back slowly. Keep a regular schedule. I have to make sure that I eat my apples and drink lots of water. Get out for a walk or some time of activity.
BEST WISHES
Willow
Posted by Willow on May 30, 2001, at 7:43:43
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? kid47, posted by newby on May 30, 2001, at 7:15:59
If I'm correct you said that you are at three weeks. For myself, the side-effects started lessening at this point and the medication started to kick in and do its job. Each time the dosage was raised the side came back a little. Have you noticed any improvement?
If you drink or eat anything with caffeine try cutting back slowly. Keep a regular schedule. I have to make sure that I eat my apples and drink lots of water. Get out for a walk or some time of activity.
BEST WISHES
Willow
Posted by Marilyn on May 30, 2001, at 8:25:48
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
For anyone who experienced a negative reaction to Effexor (Venlafaxine), join the ProzacAwareness Support Group:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PROZACAWARENESSLots of info !
All of the groupmembers went through different bad experiences with SSRIs and SSRIs/SNRIs like Effexor (direct or indirect) and are from different backgrounds. Find great support from these individuals who have been through it all ! Please feel free to share your experience with them !Important: This is NOT a board to discuss SSRI's or SSRIs/SNRIs in an objective manner ! The members are still suffering from the side-effects these drugs cause !
Posted by newby on May 30, 2001, at 14:15:38
In reply to side effects how long? newby, posted by Willow on May 30, 2001, at 7:43:22
> I am just starting week three. I am seeing some improvement. Yesterday, felt very fatigued, but better today. Eliminated coffee and have been drinking lots of water. Best thing is, my heart isn't racing out of control and the anxiety is leveling off.
Thanks,
Newby
************************************8
If I'm correct you said that you are at three weeks. For myself, the side-effects started lessening at this point and the medication started to kick in and do its job. Each time the dosage was raised the side came back a little. Have you noticed any improvement?
>
> If you drink or eat anything with caffeine try cutting back slowly. Keep a regular schedule. I have to make sure that I eat my apples and drink lots of water. Get out for a walk or some time of activity.
>
> BEST WISHES
> Willow
Posted by mstar on May 30, 2001, at 16:51:04
In reply to Re: Effexor Long term usage » paulk, posted by SLS on May 29, 2001, at 18:11:48
Scott & Paul,
Both of your posts were very insightful for me.
Here's what I've gone through. I saw some improvment at the 150 (I was at it for 3 weeks) but I recently my big problems from depression was the fatigue and memory. My doc uped it to 225mg. I have never had memory and concentration problems before, but I can't remember very simple things that I have told people and end up repeating myself.
I am going to get a thyroid test in a couple of weeks, thanks for the info.
Ms
Posted by SLS on May 31, 2001, at 7:09:12
In reply to Re: Effexor Long term usage, posted by mstar on May 30, 2001, at 16:51:04
> Scott & Paul,
>
> Both of your posts were very insightful for me.
>
> Here's what I've gone through. I saw some improvment at the 150 (I was at it for 3 weeks) but I recently my big problems from depression was the fatigue and memory. My doc uped it to 225mg. I have never had memory and concentration problems before, but I can't remember very simple things that I have told people and end up repeating myself.
>
> I am going to get a thyroid test in a couple of weeks, thanks for the info.
>
> Ms
Hi there Ms.I might not be understanding you correctly. Are you saying that Effexor is producing memory impairments?
How much worse are your memory impairments now at 225mg than they were at 150mg? I have no reason to believe that Effexor is not capable of producing memory impairments. I haven't focused enough of my attention on Effexor to have noticed it as being a side effect. I guess I should do a little homework.
Thanks for any input you can give me.
Begin pontificating:For anyone reading this thread, these are powerful chemicals we are subjecting our brains and bodies to so as to treat a very debilitating and often life-threatening set of illnesses. As is with many, many different drugs used to treat many, many different illnesses, they are capable of producing unpleasant, if not serious side effects. Psychotropic drugs are not unique in this aspect. Aspirin can cause serious bleeding ulcerations of the stomach and intestines. Ibuprofen can too. Tylenol can produce serious liver damage that is sometimes fatal. Cancer drugs can cause one to lose all of their hair. Penicillin can produce fatal anaphylactic allergic reactions. Cortisone can produce glaucoma and cataracts (as well as depression and psychosis). I'll let a pharmacist fill in the rest. It might be worthwhile to surf websites dealing with drugs in general and those that focus on specific diseases. It would serve to help put into perspective the place psychotropics have in the world of ubiquitous medication side effects.
Prozac and Effexor have side effects. So what?
It is not my agenda to coax people into subjecting themselves to drugs that have miserable and potentially fatal side effects when others exist that have none. Most side effects suck. I don't like them.
If anyone is interested in creating a list of genuinely effective treatment alternatives than those that are currently available for severe depression, psychotic mania, schizophrenia, etc., I would be grateful to be provided with one.
As always, one must make a judgment as to whether the potential benefits of using a medication are worth the potential risks. This is what the FDA attempts to do in the public interest. They mean well. Those who scream that drugs with side effects like Prozac and Effexor should not be marketed in the first place should also extol the virtues of government regulation. (not interested in starting another thread)
End pontificating.
Hopefully, we will soon have drugs that do not have side effects.In the meantime, I intend to start taking Effexor sometime within the next week.
- Scott
Posted by maribeth on May 31, 2001, at 7:24:23
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? Jenny 15, posted by newby on May 30, 2001, at 7:07:56
> > > I guess I still don't get it. Does Effexor treat depression or anxiety? Does it help sleep disorder? Just graduated from 37.5 to 75. Still jittery.
> >
> > Hi, I read your post. The way it was explained to me is that this medication treats both anxiety and depression. For me, I had horrible anxiety, so bad that I ended up in the ER while on vacation in Florida. I had my first Panic Attack (Terrible!!) I ended up coming home on Xanax. I went on the Effexor XR and it was pretty rocky the first 2 weeks. My heart was racing, I had nausea, and did not sleep good at all. I would sleep for maybe 3 hours then be wide awake. I did the starter pack of the 37.5 then went to 75mg. Lack of sleep causes your Serotonin level to be depleted. With the medication, I truly believe you will overcome this. I have the same problem that you have. It helped me to sleep and there were nights that I didn't sleep at all. Hang in there :-)
>
>
> Hi, Thanks for responding. I've had your symptions exactly. Just started third week and thought I was adjusting, but yesterday was so fatigued, all I could do was sit and doze. It was like being sedated. Hanging in here..Hey Y'all
In answer to "has anyone had success on Effexor?". You bet your sweet ass! I have taken just pretty much every AD in the good ole' PDR and I do not kid you; when with my last horrific
attack new and open minded pdoc said said "do you have any problems with trying Effexor?" Well Honey, given the state I was in she could have said rat poison and I would yes, but off we went and almost two years later I am one grateful lady! It has worked like a charm! So stick with it. Now I realize that different meds work differently for different individuals, but give it your best. Good Luck Maribeth
Posted by DN on May 31, 2001, at 8:28:13
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? Jenny 15, posted by maribeth on May 31, 2001, at 7:24:23
Has anyone experienced anger from effexor. Just up my dose to 75 and I feel extremely angry.
> > > > I guess I still don't get it. Does Effexor treat depression or anxiety? Does it help sleep disorder? Just graduated from 37.5 to 75. Still jittery.
> > >
> > > Hi, I read your post. The way it was explained to me is that this medication treats both anxiety and depression. For me, I had horrible anxiety, so bad that I ended up in the ER while on vacation in Florida. I had my first Panic Attack (Terrible!!) I ended up coming home on Xanax. I went on the Effexor XR and it was pretty rocky the first 2 weeks. My heart was racing, I had nausea, and did not sleep good at all. I would sleep for maybe 3 hours then be wide awake. I did the starter pack of the 37.5 then went to 75mg. Lack of sleep causes your Serotonin level to be depleted. With the medication, I truly believe you will overcome this. I have the same problem that you have. It helped me to sleep and there were nights that I didn't sleep at all. Hang in there :-)
> >
> >
> > Hi, Thanks for responding. I've had your symptions exactly. Just started third week and thought I was adjusting, but yesterday was so fatigued, all I could do was sit and doze. It was like being sedated. Hanging in here..
>
> Hey Y'all
> In answer to "has anyone had success on Effexor?". You bet your sweet ass! I have taken just pretty much every AD in the good ole' PDR and I do not kid you; when with my last horrific
> attack new and open minded pdoc said said "do you have any problems with trying Effexor?" Well Honey, given the state I was in she could have said rat poison and I would yes, but off we went and almost two years later I am one grateful lady! It has worked like a charm! So stick with it. Now I realize that different meds work differently for different individuals, but give it your best. Good Luck Maribeth
Posted by johne on May 31, 2001, at 9:31:00
In reply to Re: Is anyone happy with Effexor XR?, posted by newby on May 29, 2001, at 10:03:13
allright .. i'm on 75mg of the XR a day and i think i need to up my dosage. i felt great after a few days on the 75's but that only lasted about a week then it kinda tapered off. now i'm feeling the anxiety again. My question to you all is if i up my dosage.. say to 150 a day, do i then feel great for say a month and after that does the anxiety start coming back again so i will have to up my dosage again? and if so then where does it end? will i be on 10,000 mg's a day eventually? and i know it will be that much harder to level off or eliminate the drug- that i do not intend on taking forever - from my life the higher i dose .
> > Debbie.
>
> Thanks again. Hanging in there as you suggested. My anxiety and insomnia started after menopause.
> I know what you mean about worry. Been kind of hyper and a worrier all my life but had it under control. Somehow menopause escalated the anxiety.
> Good luck to you. Take care.
>
> Depression and anxiety. I worry excessively.(I mean EXCESSIVELY!) Effexor is the answer for me. I guess it does make sense to stay at a low dose, especially if you have a sleep disorder. At higher doses, like I am on...Sometimes I have trouble sleeping, but I also go to college. I am up late studying, which keeps my brain going. I never thought I needed an antidepressant...but Effexor has really helped me.
> >
> > Hang in there!
> > Debbie
> >
> >
> > > Debbie,,Hi..Thanks for the response. It's great to hear some good news about Effexor. You asked what I am being treated for. Well, sleep disorder and anxiety. Think the plan for my dose is to stay at 75. Just entered second week and sleeping better, but I'm knocked out at 9 p.m. I guess depression and anxiety go hand-in-hand, but I never saw it that way. Have never taken meds before, just vitamins and an occasional aspirin. Are you being treated for anxiety?
> > > ********************************************
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > > Just finishing second week on Effexor XR. Graduated from 37.5 to 75. Best thing that has happened is that I am finally sleeping at night. Drymouth has eased up and the initial jitters have passed. Feeling more relaxed and not getting anoyed at others. Is anyone happy with Effexor?
> > > >
> > > > I AM VERY HAPPY WITH IT!!
> > > > I take Effexor XR...225mg a day. 150 in the am and 75 mg in the pm. I must say that at this dose, I see a HUGE difference. I feel GREAT actually.
> > > >
> > > > I too started out at 37.5 mg, then went to 75mg. The side effects I had problems with the most were dry mouth and anxiety. The anxiety passed quickly, but the dry mouth took a bit longer to go away. It bothered me so bad at first, I asked to be switched to another med...BIG MISTAKE!! After a week on Wellbutrin 75 mgs 2x a day, I quickly went back on Effexor. I worked up to 150 mg--75 mg in the am and 75 in the afternoon, but I was extremely tired at this dose. Then my doctor told me to go up to 225mg, and believe me, it took awhile, @ 4 weeks, I noticed a huge change in the way I feel. I actually wake up in the morning in a good mood! This med has been a miracle for me.
> > > >
> > > > Hang in there!! The side effects can be unpleasant, you could take something like Xanax to curb them until you get used to it. Drink lots of water...it dried me out so bad, my skin was dry and burned when I washed my face. But it will go away. I never thought it would...but it did! BUT it is worth the wait. By the way, what are you being treated for??????????
> > > >
> > > > Just give it a fair chance and let me know how you are doing, I know how unpleasant this med can be. I am new to the anti-depressant world.
> > > >
> > > > Debbie
Posted by kid47 on May 31, 2001, at 10:17:28
In reply to Re: Effexor Long term usage, posted by SLS on May 31, 2001, at 7:09:12
Hi Scott. Bingo!!! You have succinctly expressed what I have been rambling on about concerning psychmeds for several months now. Thanks for being so articulate.
Good luck on FXR. It was the only AD that worked for me. It took about 3 mos. & dosing of 225-300mg. I think that's when NE is also affected. I took it for a little over a year along with a couple a mood stabilizers & Klonopin. After more than 2 yrs of non-stop RX I have been med free for 5 weeks & still feel pretty good. Take care.
kid
> Begin pontificating:
>
> For anyone reading this thread, these are powerful chemicals we are subjecting our brains and bodies to so as to treat a very debilitating and often life-threatening set of illnesses. As is with many, many different drugs used to treat many, many different illnesses, they are capable of producing unpleasant, if not serious side effects. Psychotropic drugs are not unique in this aspect. Aspirin can cause serious bleeding ulcerations of the stomach and intestines. Ibuprofen can too. Tylenol can produce serious liver damage that is sometimes fatal. Cancer drugs can cause one to lose all of their hair. Penicillin can produce fatal anaphylactic allergic reactions. Cortisone can produce glaucoma and cataracts (as well as depression and psychosis). I'll let a pharmacist fill in the rest. It might be worthwhile to surf websites dealing with drugs in general and those that focus on specific diseases. It would serve to help put into perspective the place psychotropics have in the world of ubiquitous medication side effects.
>
> Prozac and Effexor have side effects. So what?
>
> It is not my agenda to coax people into subjecting themselves to drugs that have miserable and potentially fatal side effects when others exist that have none. Most side effects suck. I don't like them.
>
> If anyone is interested in creating a list of genuinely effective treatment alternatives than those that are currently available for severe depression, psychotic mania, schizophrenia, etc., I would be grateful to be provided with one.
>
> As always, one must make a judgment as to whether the potential benefits of using a medication are worth the potential risks. This is what the FDA attempts to do in the public interest. They mean well. Those who scream that drugs with side effects like Prozac and Effexor should not be marketed in the first place should also extol the virtues of government regulation. (not interested in starting another thread)
>
> End pontificating.
>
>
> Hopefully, we will soon have drugs that do not have side effects.
>
> In the meantime, I intend to start taking Effexor sometime within the next week.
>
>
> - Scott
Posted by mstar on May 31, 2001, at 10:52:02
In reply to Re: Effexor Long term usage, posted by SLS on May 31, 2001, at 7:09:12
Scott,
Sorry if I was confusing. My thoughts are not working well this week. I am very depressed. My depression, which is being treated with meds for only the second time in my life, has gotten worse and worse every year. This has been the worse 6 months of my life. The depression has caused memory problems and lots of concentration problems not to mention the addition of anxiety and anxiety attacks. My fatigue I also blame on my depression. I can blame a lot on depression. :)
Effexor has cause minimal side effects with me (compared to those I read on this page). But I really think what you say about drugs in general. Some people even use drugs because they find the side effects enjoyable (ie alcohol or diet drugs)! I don't care what comes in the future, long term effects, withdrawl, la tee da. As long as the drugs keep the depression at bay, I can deal with my life. Depression has stolen my life and effexor is helping me regain it.
Ms
Posted by BacktoNormal on May 31, 2001, at 13:52:52
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by jeanette on April 14, 2000, at 6:58:11
> Thanks for your response to my question. When I first posted it, I didn't think anyone would answer, so thanks...
> My doctor and I decided to keep me on 37.5mg of Effexor XR for a while. I do OK on this low dose, and it totally has stopped the withdrawal. When I first started the Effexor XR, I had no idea getting off of it was going to be like that. I had been on desipramine years ago and Prozac about 5 years ago, and when I quit them, I never had any problem. This has been totally different. I probably wouldn't have taken it had I known, but maybe I would have, because it really did help. I just have this thing that I just don't want to take medicine, so I am looking into other options. Right now I am doing well, but maybe that's because the medicine works. In response to Maggie, the things you describe with a missed dose are exactly what I experience with a missed dose, so I was pretty sure it was going to be difficult going off, but I didn't know how difficult. Right now I think if I stay on the 37.5mg forever, that'll be fine. I hate that feeling of your head floating or bouncing or whatever it is- it feels so out of control and I don't like that. When I told the dr. I wanted to get off the medicine, he gave me the dosage pack that has one week of 75mg and another week of 37.5. About 2 days after taking the 75mg, the withdrawal symptoms would come for a day or so, then be OK, and the same the second week, but the third week, they were much more severe and didn't seem to be stopping. I missed a little work with it and (since none of them at work have these kind of problems), they acted like I was just being a big baby or I made it up to get out of work. I know I can't miss much more work without it being a big deal, and I don't feel like they have to know every detail of my medical problems, so I think I am staying on the 37.5. Oops, sorry to keep going on, guess it just feels good to be able to communicate with others who don't think I am crazy or a hypochondraic. Thanks.
Posted by Just Christen on May 31, 2001, at 13:58:26
In reply to Effexor Long term usage, posted by paulk on May 27, 2001, at 20:36:28
I quit Effexor approximately 3 years ago. I took it for only about 6 months. I quit because of the unreasonable side-effects I was experiencing. Within a 3 month period I put on 30 pounds (I never had weight issues EVER in my life prior to this). My memory is horrible as a result of the drug. Even after 3 years of being off it, my memory is still poor and I have been unable to lose the weight. I still experience strange "brain spikes" (these were incredible while I was going through the withdrawals). I have been permanently damaged from this drug. My quality of life has been lessened as a result. I am looking to participate in a class action law-suit.
-Christen
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