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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 13 of 13. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by DP on August 12, 2001, at 15:24:40
Hi everyone!
Here is my story. I went to go see my doctor because lately I've mysteriously been getting quite a few panic attacks. My doctor determined that it was as a result of my eating disorder. Up to this point, I have been taking lots of diet pills, I was purging and at one point, I was abusing laxatives. He told me he wanted to put me on Effexor and some drug called Lorazepam for the attacks (used as needed type thing).
My BIGGEST concern is weight gain (obviously) and sexual side effects. I would rather suffer than to take a drug that would make me gain weight. Also, not as important, is the sexual side effects associated with the use of antidepressants - I didn't want that either. I figured if the doctor was going to put me on an antidepressant (which I still do not fully understand why), then why not put me on something that has the least amount of undesirable side effects. I read briefly that Wellbutrin is an antidepressant that does not cause weight gain and doesn't have a negative effect on your sex drive. When I asked my doctor if I could try that instead, he would not prescribe it to me, saying that Wellbutrin is not for someone who has had an eating disorder.
So here I am, sitting here with an unopened bottle of my Effexor (not XR), terrified of taking it because of all the negative posts I've seen. I literally did not see anything positive about the drug or its effects. Of course, everyone reacts differently to different medications and I am fully aware of that. I just wanted an ounce of hope that I will get through my tough time without doing too much damage.
Thanks for listening.
Jimmy
Posted by Willow on August 12, 2001, at 15:37:08
In reply to Effexor - NEED INPUT PLEASE, posted by DP on August 12, 2001, at 15:24:40
Jimmy
I have not gained weight on effexor. It increased my libido. So I guess you never know unless you try. Though I would ask the doctor specific questions on why did he prescribe it for you, if you don't know, like what outcome is he expecting or you should.
Just one of my many opinions ...
Posted by afatchic on August 12, 2001, at 16:22:00
In reply to Re: Effexor - NEED INPUT PLEASE, posted by Willow on August 12, 2001, at 15:37:08
As you can probably assume by my screen name, weight is a concern of mine also. I'm quite happy with the side effects of Effexor. I've lost 3 and a half percent body fat and I have more energy. The first week or so, I had nausea with some acid reflux but that's completely gone now. I used to take Prozac and was satisfied with it as an AD but it killed my sex life. So far, Effexor doesn't seem to effect my libido too much.
> Jimmy
>
> I have not gained weight on effexor. It increased my libido. So I guess you never know unless you try. Though I would ask the doctor specific questions on why did he prescribe it for you, if you don't know, like what outcome is he expecting or you should.
>
> Just one of my many opinions ...
Posted by wendi on August 12, 2001, at 16:32:33
In reply to Re: Effexor - NEED INPUT PLEASE, posted by Willow on August 12, 2001, at 15:37:08
>I have been taking effexor for about 6 weeks and have lost weight.
Jimmy
>
> I have not gained weight on effexor. It increased my libido. So I guess you never know unless you try. Though I would ask the doctor specific questions on why did he prescribe it for you, if you don't know, like what outcome is he expecting or you should.
>
> Just one of my many opinions ...
Posted by oceanbreeze on August 12, 2001, at 18:26:18
In reply to Effexor - NEED INPUT PLEASE, posted by DP on August 12, 2001, at 15:24:40
I've been on Effexor (not XR), Celexa, Wellbutrin and Zoloft....still trying to find the right med for me. Anyway.....I've LOST weight on all the above and have no libido problems.
Posted by sl on August 12, 2001, at 19:46:09
In reply to Effexor - NEED INPUT PLEASE, posted by DP on August 12, 2001, at 15:24:40
I agree with your doc, I wouldn't even have given you Effexor cuz that can kill appetite too.
But it DOES work well for some people. Hang in there. And before you give up on it, be sure you've tried high-dose Effexor, it does different things.I hope you're getting therapy for your eating disorder.
sl
> Hi everyone!
>
> Here is my story. I went to go see my doctor because lately I've mysteriously been getting quite a few panic attacks. My doctor determined that it was as a result of my eating disorder. Up to this point, I have been taking lots of diet pills, I was purging and at one point, I was abusing laxatives. He told me he wanted to put me on Effexor and some drug called Lorazepam for the attacks (used as needed type thing).
>
> My BIGGEST concern is weight gain (obviously) and sexual side effects. I would rather suffer than to take a drug that would make me gain weight. Also, not as important, is the sexual side effects associated with the use of antidepressants - I didn't want that either. I figured if the doctor was going to put me on an antidepressant (which I still do not fully understand why), then why not put me on something that has the least amount of undesirable side effects. I read briefly that Wellbutrin is an antidepressant that does not cause weight gain and doesn't have a negative effect on your sex drive. When I asked my doctor if I could try that instead, he would not prescribe it to me, saying that Wellbutrin is not for someone who has had an eating disorder.
>
> So here I am, sitting here with an unopened bottle of my Effexor (not XR), terrified of taking it because of all the negative posts I've seen. I literally did not see anything positive about the drug or its effects. Of course, everyone reacts differently to different medications and I am fully aware of that. I just wanted an ounce of hope that I will get through my tough time without doing too much damage.
>
> Thanks for listening.
>
> Jimmy
Posted by Kaysey on August 13, 2001, at 0:39:38
In reply to Effexor - NEED INPUT PLEASE, posted by DP on August 12, 2001, at 15:24:40
> Hi everyone!
>
> Here is my story. I went to go see my doctor because lately I've mysteriously been getting quite a few panic attacks. My doctor determined that it was as a result of my eating disorder. Up to this point, I have been taking lots of diet pills, I was purging and at one point, I was abusing laxatives. He told me he wanted to put me on Effexor and some drug called Lorazepam for the attacks (used as needed type thing).
>
> My BIGGEST concern is weight gain (obviously) and sexual side effects. I would rather suffer than to take a drug that would make me gain weight. Also, not as important, is the sexual side effects associated with the use of antidepressants - I didn't want that either. I figured if the doctor was going to put me on an antidepressant (which I still do not fully understand why), then why not put me on something that has the least amount of undesirable side effects. I read briefly that Wellbutrin is an antidepressant that does not cause weight gain and doesn't have a negative effect on your sex drive. When I asked my doctor if I could try that instead, he would not prescribe it to me, saying that Wellbutrin is not for someone who has had an eating disorder.
>
> So here I am, sitting here with an unopened bottle of my Effexor (not XR), terrified of taking it because of all the negative posts I've seen. I literally did not see anything positive about the drug or its effects. Of course, everyone reacts differently to different medications and I am fully aware of that. I just wanted an ounce of hope that I will get through my tough time without doing too much damage.
>
> Thanks for listening.
>
> Jimmy
Hi Jimmy:
I have been on Effexor for 3 and one-half months. I have noticed no appetite increase or decrease on the med, although periodic hormonal carbohydrate cravings (that I would normally have anyway), seem to have increased occasionally.
I hope I am not overstepping my bounds here, but you said that your 'BIGGEST' concern was weight gain. At this point shouldn't your biggest concern be staying as healthy as possible? I certainly understand your desire to not be overweight, but I wonder if that doesn't take precedence over successfully treating your anxiety attacks.
I developed a panic disorder about 13 years ago, and I have always believed that it was a result of years of 'ups and downs' with an eating disorder. A combo of Prozac, lorazepam, and lopressor (a beta-blocker) worked for a while, but eventually pooped out. The effexor has been quite effective in treating both panic and depression. Plus, (and this is something I noticed with the Prozac as well), the anti-depressant effect removes some of the obsessive-compulsive behavior that is involved with eating disorder (i.e you really come to see that excessive dieting, exercising, etc. is truly not normal, healthy eating).
You mentioned taking diet pills--they can impact heart rate and cause anxiety in some people. In certain individuals, Wellbutrin can have a similar effect. That may be part of the reason that your physician was reluctant to prescribe that (in addition to your eating disorder history).
As others have mentioned, give the Effexor a real chance. It does take a while (and often varying dosages) for the true effect to take place.
Again, I am not trying to tell you what to do, and I hope you do not think I am being too intrusive. It is just that in many respects I can relate to your history, and am hoping that some of my experiences can be of benefit to you.
I hope everything turns out as well as possible
Posted by DP on August 13, 2001, at 1:37:23
In reply to Re: Effexor - NEED INPUT PLEASE » DP, posted by Kaysey on August 13, 2001, at 0:39:38
Gosh, I never thought I'd get such great input from my little 'ole message. I thank you all for responding so candidly and honestly.
Yes, I *AM* getting treatment for my eating disorder. Kaysey (the last person who posted a reply) posed a question, shouldn't my biggest concern be my health? This is the problem with my particular eating disorder. I tend to not care about anything else, except losing weight. My health could go to hell but if I lost any weight, I'd feel as though I have accomplished something. I know it's wrong, and my health should come first before anything else, but you're right, it's definitely an obsessive/compulsive behavior.
The doctor plans on having me on a small 37.5mg a day for an indefinite period of time. We'll see how it goes.
Again, thanks to all so far for replying to my post. I seriously didn't think anyone would have read it.
Posted by Kaysey on August 13, 2001, at 5:32:04
In reply to Re: Effexor - NEED INPUT PLEASE, posted by DP on August 13, 2001, at 1:37:23
> Gosh, I never thought I'd get such great input from my little 'ole message. I thank you all for responding so candidly and honestly.
>
> Yes, I *AM* getting treatment for my eating disorder. Kaysey (the last person who posted a reply) posed a question, shouldn't my biggest concern be my health? This is the problem with my particular eating disorder. I tend to not care about anything else, except losing weight. My health could go to hell but if I lost any weight, I'd feel as though I have accomplished something. I know it's wrong, and my health should come first before anything else, but you're right, it's definitely an obsessive/compulsive behavior.
>
> The doctor plans on having me on a small 37.5mg a day for an indefinite period of time. We'll see how it goes.
>
> Again, thanks to all so far for replying to my post. I seriously didn't think anyone would have read it.You are part of the way there with regard to recovery. At least you are aware of your situation. Many people with eating disorders either do not realize they have it or are in complete denial. Realizing the problem is a major part of successful treatment. Yes, there is a tremendous 'jump' from the realization that these 'eating habits' are unhealthy to the belief and behavior that demonstrate you truly don't want to endanger your health anymore by having these habits. But you are ON YOUR WAY!!! I certainly understand the feeling that the weight loss comes before anything else; but I believe in time you will come to realize that you (we all) are more than just a set of physical measurements. Unfortunately in our image-oriented society, this is very difficult. It becomes all too easy to equate success vs. failure with weight loss vs. weight gain (or even maintenance).You are truly more than numbers on a scale.
I'll close before I begin sounding evangelical. Be patient with the effexor, and if it isn't right for you, continue to seek care with your physician regarding the panic attacks, etc. Keep us informed, OK?
Thanks.
Posted by DP on August 13, 2001, at 11:17:35
In reply to Re: Effexor - NEED INPUT PLEASE » DP, posted by Kaysey on August 13, 2001, at 5:32:04
Thanks again for all the replies. I really appreciate them. It's nice to know there are people out there that understand and sympathetic about what I'm going through. I never even experienced a panic attack, let alone heard of one.
In case anyone is interested in knowing:
I just came back from my first counseling session (for my eating disorder) with a psychiatrist that I was referred to from my regular doctor. Boy, she REALLY dug deep into the root of things. I'm not one to blame my parents or my upbringing for my current actions, as I believe we are all responsible for our own action as adults. But I can't help but to think if things would have been different had I grown up with different parents. I come from a strict asian family - parents weren't even born here. They're the type of parents that would question my bringing home an A- on a report card saying, "well why couldn't you get an A". More recently, I lost my mother to cancer. I felt as though I had a "tighter" relationship with my dad since he's the only parent I now have, so I came out to him and told him I was gay - he basically disowned me. Anyway, I'm sorry for babbling. The point I'm making is that there's a lot more to my eating disorder than I originally thought. You're so right, Kaysey, about living in a society where "thin is gorgeous". Everyone keeps telling me I look ok (btw, I'm 27 years old, 6'0", 160lbs considered to be underweight by many people). Still I do not like what I see in the mirror. I'll never be happy unless I get rid of my obsession with weight. I'm hoping with the proper medication and therapy, I can get through this.
Again I apologize for the long message. Thanks so much for listening, everyone.
Jimmy
Posted by Kaysey on August 13, 2001, at 14:28:38
In reply to Re: Effexor - NEED INPUT PLEASE » Kaysey, posted by DP on August 13, 2001, at 11:17:35
> Thanks again for all the replies. I really appreciate them. It's nice to know there are people out there that understand and sympathetic about what I'm going through. I never even experienced a panic attack, let alone heard of one.
>
> In case anyone is interested in knowing:
>
> I just came back from my first counseling session (for my eating disorder) with a psychiatrist that I was referred to from my regular doctor. Boy, she REALLY dug deep into the root of things. I'm not one to blame my parents or my upbringing for my current actions, as I believe we are all responsible for our own action as adults. But I can't help but to think if things would have been different had I grown up with different parents. I come from a strict asian family - parents weren't even born here. They're the type of parents that would question my bringing home an A- on a report card saying, "well why couldn't you get an A". More recently, I lost my mother to cancer. I felt as though I had a "tighter" relationship with my dad since he's the only parent I now have, so I came out to him and told him I was gay - he basically disowned me. Anyway, I'm sorry for babbling. The point I'm making is that there's a lot more to my eating disorder than I originally thought. You're so right, Kaysey, about living in a society where "thin is gorgeous". Everyone keeps telling me I look ok (btw, I'm 27 years old, 6'0", 160lbs considered to be underweight by many people). Still I do not like what I see in the mirror. I'll never be happy unless I get rid of my obsession with weight. I'm hoping with the proper medication and therapy, I can get through this.
>
> Again I apologize for the long message. Thanks so much for listening, everyone.
>
> Jimmy
I really didn't mean to become the 'eating disorders pen pal' with regard to this (LOL); -),
but there are so many things that I and many others can relate to with regard to this. Even though I am much older (43) and female, I can well remember the days of the questions about the A- or the (gasp!!!) B+ from high school. The point being Jimmy we were brought up with perfectionism and control. As you know, even better than I, breaking the control in order to be 'yourself' was just not accepted. So the pattern to be perfect, yet maintain your own independence is achieved by controlling your own body size.
I am sure you will be working these things out with your doctor. Is there a chance that you might be able to join a support group as well? In 'my' day, any kind of 'counseling' was frowned upon (my dad kept wanting the doctors to say I had some catastrophic illness--he refused to believe that it--the weight loss-- had anything to do with 'the mind'), and support groups didn't exist. I have been able to sort this out myself with the assistance of self-help books, etc. Most importantly I no longer hold my parents responsible. They were doing the best they could, based upon their own upbringing.
Most parents (not all, of course)attempt to do what they think is best for their children. Your dad no doubt believes that academic perfection and a life that is deemed appropriate by his family philosophy is the only way for you to live. However, as an adult now, you can make your own (hopefully healthy) choices.
Once again ask your physician if a support group is available. It is comforting to realize that there are others who share these feelings.
Again, best of luck and hang in there with the effexor!
Posted by rmshed on August 13, 2001, at 17:50:41
In reply to Effexor - NEED INPUT PLEASE, posted by DP on August 12, 2001, at 15:24:40
> Hi everyone!
>
> Here is my story. I went to go see my doctor because lately I've mysteriously been getting quite a few panic attacks. My doctor determined that it was as a result of my eating disorder. Up to this point, I have been taking lots of diet pills, I was purging and at one point, I was abusing laxatives. He told me he wanted to put me on Effexor and some drug called Lorazepam for the attacks (used as needed type thing).
>
> My BIGGEST concern is weight gain (obviously) and sexual side effects. I would rather suffer than to take a drug that would make me gain weight. Also, not as important, is the sexual side effects associated with the use of antidepressants - I didn't want that either. I figured if the doctor was going to put me on an antidepressant (which I still do not fully understand why), then why not put me on something that has the least amount of undesirable side effects. I read briefly that Wellbutrin is an antidepressant that does not cause weight gain and doesn't have a negative effect on your sex drive. When I asked my doctor if I could try that instead, he would not prescribe it to me, saying that Wellbutrin is not for someone who has had an eating disorder.
>
> So here I am, sitting here with an unopened bottle of my Effexor (not XR), terrified of taking it because of all the negative posts I've seen. I literally did not see anything positive about the drug or its effects. Of course, everyone reacts differently to different medications and I am fully aware of that. I just wanted an ounce of hope that I will get through my tough time without doing too much damage.
>
> Thanks for listening.
>
> JimmyI have lost my appetite with Effexor XR. In my opinion if you have never taken an anti-depressant, I certainly would not take Effexor XR as my first drug. I am sorry that I ever started on Effexor XR.
Becky
Posted by DP on August 13, 2001, at 17:56:26
In reply to Re: Effexor - NEED INPUT PLEASE, posted by rmshed on August 13, 2001, at 17:50:41
>
> I have lost my appetite with Effexor XR. In my opinion if you have never taken an anti-depressant, I certainly would not take Effexor XR as my first drug. I am sorry that I ever started on Effexor XR.
>
> BeckyBecky,
Can you expand on that for me please?
Thanks,
Jimmy
This is the end of the thread.
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