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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1301 to 1325 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by nwysca on August 27, 2001, at 20:25:53
In reply to Re: Effexor vs. Paxil - weight gain - new question, posted by Amelie on August 27, 2001, at 17:39:11
Hi there,
i started effexor a month ago and my appetite hasn't increased in general, but my appetite for 'bad' foods and sweets has gone berserk!!!! i was so health conscious before, watching every thing i ate, and now i eat anything & everything. i'm scared it's gonna catch up to me fast! is this because effexor? i dont know, maybe it's just that i'm not as freaked out about being perfectly healthy anymore. any comments??
nwysca
> > > Just got sample of Effexor XR. I've been on Paxil 20mg. for 1 yr. I feel great and my panic attacks are gone. BUT --- I keep gaining weight. I told my dr. to give me something else. Did anyone gain weight on this stuff? Does anyone use this for panic attacks. My dr. told me I could go right from Paxil to Effexor XR, stopping one and starting the other with no withdrawl symptoms. ANyone try it. Thanks for any input.
> > > >
> >
> > Louise - I went directly from Paxil to Effexor. I stopped the Paxil because of constipation problems and sedation. It did help with the panic though. The effexor was the wrong med for me. I was extremely agitated - even on a low dose. I only took it for a few weeks, so I don't know about panic. I was too agitated to notice any panic. I am currently on 100 mg. of Zoloft and have no weight gain, lessened panic (not completely, but almost gone) and NO agitation. My depression is currently under control and I feel 100% better.
> > Good luck to you. B.
>
> Louise -
> I had the exact same experience as you. On Paxil, I gained approximately 45 pounds. I was fairly sedate, no longer super depressed, but as I had an eating disorder previously, it didn't help to gain 45 pounds. I was switched on to Effexor about 6 months later, and immediately lost appetite, or should I say, regained a normal appetite - and lost all the weight, then some. My anxiety was gone. But as we all know who have been through this, different meds work differently for different people!
> My question is this one - I am now going off Effexor for the third time - I just really want to be off meds for good and to regulate things with diet and exercise - but I am CONSTANTLY HUNGRY. I lowered my dose by 1/2 and went off over a period of 1.5 weeks. Now, though, I have regained 10 pounds and am always hungry.
>
> Has anyone else had this experience? Does this appetite problem go away, or is it just that I've been on Effexor for so long, I don't remember what it's like to be really hungry? This is one of the reasons that I wanted to go off of meds - you begin to question what is real and what you are being made to feel.
>
> Thanks in advance - I know that i should probably see a doctor (just moved and haven't gotten in yet) - and after reading some of y'all's posts, am thinking to go back on until I can get a doctor's advice. But I'd love to know what you think. Thanks!
Posted by Rebecca C on August 29, 2001, at 23:56:24
In reply to Re: New to Effexor XR, my side effects, anyone else?, posted by Cindy W on August 28, 2000, at 21:57:24
I'm on Effexor XR has anyone had problems with yawning alot on it?? and feeling shaky after a while?
> > I started out at 35mg, then after 4 pills, I moved up to 75mg. I have been taking my dose early in the morning and by 8pm, I can not stop yawning. Do I need my doc to up my dose? Some other side effects that I have been experiencing, after 10 days on Effexor are headaches, strange dreams (inludes waking up laughing my head off), first 5 days of everything I ate tasting like metal, and losing 5 lbs. in 2 weeks with no desire to eat still. Has anyone else experienced these side effects. Do they ever go away? Is it better to take my med at night or in the morning?
>
> Kara, I started at 37.5 mg/day, and am up to 375 mg/day. I've never had side effects except for occasional headaches (when I first started Effexor-XR) and occasional dizziness. Talk to your pdoc and ask if what you are experiencing are likely to be transitory side effects. Good luck to you! BTW, I take all the Effexor-XR in the morning, and actually have some trouble sleeping, rather than yawning and fatigue!
Posted by afatchic on August 30, 2001, at 21:02:42
In reply to Re: New to Effexor XR, my side effects, anyone else?, posted by Rebecca C on August 29, 2001, at 23:56:24
My first couple of weeks on Effexor I experienced severe nausea and shaky feelings. I've been on the meds for 2 months now and I'm feeling fine. The nausea was so bad that I went to a store and drank Mylanta straight from the bottle in the aisle. Now, I don't even need to take it with food. I'm still not very hungry and I'm continuing to lose weight but for me that's a good thing :-) I find that Effexor works better for anxiety than any other AD.
> I'm on Effexor XR has anyone had problems with yawning alot on it?? and feeling shaky after a while?
>
>
> > > I started out at 35mg, then after 4 pills, I moved up to 75mg. I have been taking my dose early in the morning and by 8pm, I can not stop yawning. Do I need my doc to up my dose? Some other side effects that I have been experiencing, after 10 days on Effexor are headaches, strange dreams (inludes waking up laughing my head off), first 5 days of everything I ate tasting like metal, and losing 5 lbs. in 2 weeks with no desire to eat still. Has anyone else experienced these side effects. Do they ever go away? Is it better to take my med at night or in the morning?
> >
> > Kara, I started at 37.5 mg/day, and am up to 375 mg/day. I've never had side effects except for occasional headaches (when I first started Effexor-XR) and occasional dizziness. Talk to your pdoc and ask if what you are experiencing are likely to be transitory side effects. Good luck to you! BTW, I take all the Effexor-XR in the morning, and actually have some trouble sleeping, rather than yawning and fatigue!
Posted by tobycat on August 31, 2001, at 0:07:15
In reply to Re: New to Effexor XR, my side effects, anyone else?, posted by Rebecca C on August 29, 2001, at 23:56:24
The yawning went away for me after about four weeks. It still comes back every once in awhile but seems to happen about 12 hours after the dose and lasts only a short time. It helped me to realize that the yawning didn't really mean I was tired. That let me just ignore it and get on with my day. Good luck with it and I hope that it also subsides for you! I'm glad I stuck with it because once I adjusted, I've had a great response on Effexor XR -- greatly improved mood, more energy, increased desire for social interaction, and reduced anxiety.
> I'm on Effexor XR has anyone had problems with yawning alot on it?? and feeling shaky after a while?
>
>
> > > I started out at 35mg, then after 4 pills, I moved up to 75mg. I have been taking my dose early in the morning and by 8pm, I can not stop yawning. Do I need my doc to up my dose? Some other side effects that I have been experiencing, after 10 days on Effexor are headaches, strange dreams (inludes waking up laughing my head off), first 5 days of everything I ate tasting like metal, and losing 5 lbs. in 2 weeks with no desire to eat still. Has anyone else experienced these side effects. Do they ever go away? Is it better to take my med at night or in the morning?
> >
> > Kara, I started at 37.5 mg/day, and am up to 375 mg/day. I've never had side effects except for occasional headaches (when I first started Effexor-XR) and occasional dizziness. Talk to your pdoc and ask if what you are experiencing are likely to be transitory side effects. Good luck to you! BTW, I take all the Effexor-XR in the morning, and actually have some trouble sleeping, rather than yawning and fatigue!
Posted by tobycat on August 31, 2001, at 0:18:49
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Kristie on August 22, 2001, at 15:22:39
The discontinuation effects of anti-depressent medications are well known. For Effexor, they tend to be more pronounced for people who take it for a long time, at higher doses, and who stop abruptly. Tapering off slowly is the key to minimizing the effects. For some people that may mean going down to the 37.5 mg dose for a few weeks from the 75mg. Others go down even lower or take the dose every other day for awhile before totally stopping. Another tip I have read about is taking an SSRI with a longer half-life (like Prozac) at the very end to help ease the withdrawal symptoms. Good luck with the symptoms. If you are in serious discomfort be sure to tell your doctor about it. He/She should be helping you deal with the discontinuation effects. Hang in there.
> I just got off of Effexor XR 75 mgs after about a year and it really helped me alot. Today is my first day off and I feel like crap! My head feels really heavy and I can't think straight. I will never again try an anti-depressent/anti-anxiety for my problems. I cannot stand the side effects from withdrawal. But then again some people need medicine to help them; my depression and anxiety wasn't as bad as some people have. If at all possible I would recommend other alternatives instead of medicine to help deal with depression just because they are very easy to become dependent upon. If someone knows of something to help me deal with these withdrawal symptoms please let me know. Thanks!
>
>
>
> > I've had pretty good luck on Effexor. I started taking it a year ago for
> > moderate depression with symptoms including crying spells, no
> > appetite, and feelings of hopelessness. I had some somewhat distressing
> > side effects during the first two to three weeks on the medication (37.5
> > mg per day for one week and then to 75 mg per day). The side effects
> > included insomnia, drowsiness during the day, and hearing a buzzing noise
> > in my head. These side effects went away, except for the drowsiness,
> > which I continued to experience to some extent. I went up to 150 mg/day
> > (taken in the morning) after about 5 months of being on Effexor due to
> > some of my symptoms coming back (although they were less severe than
> > before I began Effexor). I decided in May of this year that I wanted to
> > see if I still needed to be on an antidepressant. My doctor advised me
> > about how best to discontinue my use of Effexor. I decreased my dosage very gradually and
> > also took 10 mg of Prozac while I was decreasing my Effexor dose. I didn't experience very
> > many side effects while I was decreasing my dosage (some slight nausea),
> > but I did find that I didn't feel very well for about a week after I took
> > my last dose. I felt kind of nauseous and tired and a
> > little bit dizzy at times. I was able to go to work and get done what I
> > needed to despite these withdrawal symptoms. I was off of the medication
> > for about 2 months when I started to get the symptoms back in full force.
> > I really believe this is due to my chemical make-up (and family history of
> > depression) rather than to getting off of Effexor. I decided to go back
> > on Effexor. I began taking 37.5 mg again and worked up to 150 mg. I
> > think at this time I just need an antidepressant, although I do hope that
> > at some point I will be able to go off of the medication again. Overall,
> > I would recommend Effexor since I have found it extremely helpful for
> > depression symptoms, and I have not been bothered by the side effects or
> > the withdrawal symptoms.
> >
> >
> > > Hi there,
> > >
> > > Anyone care to comment on the use of Effexor? Anyone
> > > "happy" with it? I have tried Prozac (too much anxiety),
> > > Serzone (too sedating). I am currently on Buspar for anxiety.
> > >
> > > Been reading many different reports... Effexor seems
> > > to have a lot of success...
> > >
> > > please share your thoughts on this.
Posted by Firebabe on August 31, 2001, at 8:58:52
In reply to Re: New to Effexor XR, my side effects, anyone else?, posted by Rebecca C on August 29, 2001, at 23:56:24
I also lost weight on effexor. My side effects were kinda like i was on a caffiene high, but felt like a zombie. lots of sweating, shaking, headaches. I have never been on a drug that took sooooo LONG to adjust to!!! But everyone says its worth it. I started at 37.5 too and after a 8 weeks am now on 225mg. Have had side effects every time my doc ups the dosage. She also is starting me on remeron for sleep and anxiety. I take my effexor in the morning too, but the remeron at night. Good luck, and dont give up too early!!
Posted by Firebabe on August 31, 2001, at 8:59:15
In reply to Re: New to Effexor XR, my side effects, anyone else?, posted by Rebecca C on August 29, 2001, at 23:56:24
I also lost weight on effexor. My side effects were kinda like i was on a caffiene high, but felt like a zombie. lots of sweating, shaking, headaches. I have never been on a drug that took sooooo LONG to adjust to!!! But everyone says its worth it. I started at 37.5 too and after a 8 weeks am now on 225mg. Have had side effects every time my doc ups the dosage. She also is starting me on remeron for sleep and anxiety. I take my effexor in the morning too, but the remeron at night. Good luck, and dont give up too early!!
Posted by Firebabe on August 31, 2001, at 9:01:35
In reply to Re: New to Effexor XR, my side effects, anyone else?, posted by Rebecca C on August 29, 2001, at 23:56:24
I also lost weight on effexor. My side effects were kinda like i was on a caffiene high, but felt like a zombie. lots of sweating, shaking, headaches. I have never been on a drug that took sooooo LONG to adjust to!!! But everyone says its worth it. I started at 37.5 too and after a 8 weeks am now on 225mg. Have had side effects every time my doc ups the dosage. She also is starting me on remeron for sleep and anxiety. I take my effexor in the morning too, but the remeron at night. Good luck, and dont give up too early!!
Posted by Absinthe on September 1, 2001, at 0:14:49
In reply to Re: New to Effexor XR, my side effects, anyone else?, posted by Firebabe on August 31, 2001, at 9:01:35
Hey everyone.
I thought I was crazy. I thought it was me, and that to blame Effexor was a cop-out. Reading through this has really opened my eyes.
I've been off Effexor for nearly a month. I spent a year on 150 mg--and it was relatively pain free. After the first time I forgot to take a pill, and I felt those horrible side-effects, I took it religiously. Felt fine--better than I had in over 6 years. I actually felt normal for the first time since my youth.
This summer I took myself off. I tried going down to 75 mg, but after week, I cracked. The side effects were simply too much. My family doctor wasn't enough any more, and I went to a psychiatrist.
By the time I got to this new guy, I was a wreck. Over the last year, the way my mind works has changed. You can call it anxiety, depression, dizziness, nausea. To me, those words fall short. This psychiatrist started me going down by 37.5 mg, and gave me 25 mg of Seroquil to ease the nightmares.
Seroquil, for those of you, who haven't heard of it, is an anti-psychotic. This psychiatrist put me on it for NIGHTMARES. If anyone tries to do the same to you, think carefully. It made me crazy. I hallucinated. I questioned reality. It was a hundred times worse than anything I'd ever imagined before.
So, I stopped taking Seroquil after 3 days. Started going off the Effexor with a little Valerian Root (sleep). I know, I know--herbal sounds crazy. But it felt like the only option left to me. The Valerian root helped a little--enough that I made it through the month of weaning.
I found another psychiatrist--this one's not much better than the first, but at least she doesn't hand out mind-altering drugs like candy. I got off the Effexor, and made it a week. Of course there was the dizziness, nausea, forgetfulness, jarbled speech. But the frightening part was the depression/anxiety (if you can call it that). I spent a week off of drugs, mostly lying in bed, wondering if I would be able to take another breath. It was so hopeless, that I felt I would die any moment. I could imagine the barrel of a gun to the back of my head, and I was waiting for that imaginary finger to pull that imaginary trigger.
I'd never been suicidal before. Depressed, yes. Suicidal...no. But, this wasn't suicidal. I think...if someone was suicidal, and fought it for years without getting better, they might feel the way I did, that week after I got off of Effexor.
Now I'm on 20 mg of Prozac and it's stabilized me. I can function now, like everyone else, but I'm dying to get off. the only thing holding me back is the fear that I'll go through similar weaning experiences.
I hope people find this site before they start Effexor. My doc didn't mention the trouble with weaning...in fact everyone seemed to think I was making it up. I started to believe them, instead of myself.
Effexor worked for the year I was on it, but I'm in a far worse state now than I was before. This drug may be a miracle for some. For me it was a summer pass to the mental ward. I'm not exaggerating. Please, be careful with Effexor.
Posted by Absinthe on September 1, 2001, at 0:29:01
In reply to Re: I am scared of this medicine, HELP ME!, posted by Moni on July 18, 2000, at 18:30:25
I'm off Effexor now, but I had problems with libido, or the nonexistence thereof.
I hadn't had an orgasm for over 3 years, and believe me, I'd tried everything. Then I realized, that between various medications, I hadn't had a clean slate in...3 years!
I got off effexor, and suddenly I didn't have a problem anymore. For a few weeks, I had my libido, my orgasms, and everything was great...sexually. Depression was another matter. I'm on 20 mg of Prozac now, and once again my orgasms have gone. It is somewhat reassuring to know that this is a side effect of antidepressants, but for goodness sake, aren't all the others enough??
> Hi.. this is my first time posting, following up, etc. I have been on effexor xr for the past 10 weeks. I am up to a 75mg and a 37.5mg together. My doctor didn't want to put me at 150mg yet. I have to call next week to let him know how this works out. I understand what you mean about your libido. I have the same problem. It's definitely almost impossible for me to have an orgasm and the feeling of wanting to have sex is nearly gone. My doctor told me to relax more. I tried that.. I have an orgasm rarely. I'm trying to balance out in my mind that I could be worse off. I don't know if this is the right medicine but it has helped me with the depression a great deal. I'm more social, less angry at everyone, no crying, stopped all the excessive worrying, eating and sleeping again. But yes, as you stated.. no libido. Is this the price we have to pay for being sane?? It may be.
>
>
> > > I have never posted to any bulletin board, but I really feel alone on this one. I took Prozac 40mg for nearly 8 years for depression. About six months ago, I decided that it was time to try and "be normal" and stop taking the medicine. These past six months have been awful and I have been very depressed.
> > >
> > > I finally took my wife's advice and went to a Psychiatrist to get re-evaluated. He said that Effexor was "the answer" and dropped a sample box into my lap. I have been taking it for about 3 weeks and am up to 150mg a day. So far I can say it has made an improvement, but I can't say it is the answer for what is going on with me right now.
> > >
> > > My concern is that I stumbled onto this sight and it seems like a bunch of people have had a bad time with this medicine, both taking it and getting off of it. I have always struggled with psych meds because I feel I lose some of my control of how I truly feel about things being masked in the medicine's "cloak of apathy" so to speak. I am worried that I might be taking this stuff for life and that just isn't how I would like to see myself forever.
> > >
> > > I am also finding a rather embarrassing side effect. It seems my libido has taken a vacation and doesn't know when it is coming back. Also, the literature talks about "abnormal ejaculation". My experience is it's very hard to have an orgasm with this medicine. Has anyone else experienced this? I am serious about this and it is starting to become problematic.
> > >
> > > Hi Todd! This is my first time posting a follow up, but have been reading the messages here for a couple of weeks now. I started taking Effexor Xr a couple of weeks ago and was very scared at first but now I am very comfortable with it. I take 150mg a day too. The only side affect I can complain about is the sweating. But with all the good things that have been happening to me I just bear with it. And just like you I am scared that I will need this medication forever. But the thing that reasures me that if I do need it forever is that at least I feel like a normal person again. I am not crying over nothing or angry at all the wrong people. I just started seeing a psychiatrist so I don't really know what my future holds for me as far as taking anti depressants but just have some patience. I definately don't feel "numb" or emotionless on this medication. In fact, I swear that I have developed a back bone. I noticed myself not being so passive when I normally was and on the flip side I am easier going with people who I used to be sort of aggitated with (especially at work!). I also don't dwell on the things don't need to be worried about like before. I have found that my libido is not what it should be too, but I feel more affectionate than I did- so go figure. Best of luck to you and thanks to all the people who post messages here-they have really helped me!!!
Posted by Shiloh on September 2, 2001, at 0:35:28
In reply to Re: New to Effexor XR, my side effects, anyone else?, posted by Firebabe on August 31, 2001, at 9:01:35
Effexor does have many side effects when you d\c it all at once. Someone mentioned the zing zing the way your brain seems to feel, and your right about another thing they never tell you the adverse effects. It makes no since to me. The sweats, They tried to say were hormonal, the shakes they say must be from anxiety, (lets give her Xanax, The zings were all in my head. My mind is O.K. because I know they are real. Night sweats Anyone?? Headaches from God only knows. I feel like I have been through enough that they should come out with an easier drug.
Posted by Jayce on September 3, 2001, at 10:02:23
In reply to Re: New to Effexor XR, my side effects, anyone else?, posted by Shiloh on September 2, 2001, at 0:35:28
I am a normal person, because of Effexor XR!! (And I can speak for a few other people who would say the same thing.) I have been on several antidepressants since I began experiencing severe PMS symptoms, coupled with multiple losses that caused situational depression. Effexor XR is the best drug for me. The others, Paxil and Zoloft, made me sleepy and unmotivated, not to mention caused weight-gain. I think that most people who need help altering their brain chemistry should expect some minor side-effects. The question you need to ask yourself is, "Does this medicine make my life better, regardless of the side-effects?" All medicines have side-effects whether noticeable or not. Luckily, there are many good alternatives out there for depression and other problems that people, especially women, experience. Find a doctor who will work with you to find the medicine that is right for you. And educate yourself on the causes for your personal situation. If it's related to PMS, there are other things that you can do, in conjuction with taking an antidepressant, that can help ease your symptoms. Good Luck!
Posted by jotho on September 3, 2001, at 10:35:56
In reply to Re: New to Effexor XR, my side effects, anyone else?, posted by Jayce on September 3, 2001, at 10:02:23
Congatulations in finding a medication that works for you. However, I believe you err somewhat when you speak of side-effects. If a drug causes THE change that it is intended for, that is its effect...not side-effect. I am not saying this to argue semantics with you but to point out that this board discusses the successes, and failures, of certain drugs...via their effects, side-effects, and, sometimes, no effects. People, especially newer ones to this board, oft times "pick sides" ...one's whose medication had horrific side-effects pitted against one's whose didn't. It should be obvious to all who read these posts that there are meds. that will do wonders for some while causing complete misery for others. But, I don't believe that a person taking any type of drug, be it for the mind or body, should, or must, expect a side-effect if that drug is the most 'suited' for a specific individual. Unfortunately, picking the exact drug and dosage is the difficult part, and while all on this board are attempting to do so, we look for support and ideas from the others that post.
....john
Posted by Jayce on September 3, 2001, at 13:09:03
In reply to Re: New to Effexor XR, my side effects, anyone else?, posted by jotho on September 3, 2001, at 10:35:56
>
> Dear John-
I was responding specifically to Shiloh. I am sorry that I was misinterpreted. Since I don't know what your situation is, I cannot compare my experience to yours, but it sounds like you have not had success in finding the right combination for yourself. As I was trying to do with Shiloh, I would like to encourage you to continue to work with your doctor to find the best fit for your symptoms. I know others who are frustrated, as well. Sincerely- Jayce
Posted by jotho on September 3, 2001, at 14:55:12
In reply to Re: New to Effexor XR, my side effects, anyone else?, posted by Jayce on September 3, 2001, at 13:09:03
> >
> > Dear John-
> I was responding specifically to Shiloh. I am sorry that I was misinterpreted. Since I don't know what your situation is, I cannot compare my experience to yours, but it sounds like you have not had success in finding the right combination for yourself. As I was trying to do with Shiloh, I would like to encourage you to continue to work with your doctor to find the best fit for your symptoms. I know others who are frustrated, as well. Sincerely- JayceHi Jayce...
I in no way was trying to critique you...really, and I truly *am* happy the effexor worked for you. I did not, in fact, have a very good run with effexor XR, but am doing quite well on a cocktail of three low-dose meds. that are giving me relief with virtually no side-effects so far. I was only attempting to point out that some people who have been lucky enough not to have side-effects from a med. sometimes berate others on this board who have not...as if their symptoms were made-up or exagerated. I did not mean to imply that you were one of them...and I also did not realize you were directing your response to shiloh...sorry 'bout that! Continued luck to you.
....john
Posted by tobycat on September 3, 2001, at 14:58:24
In reply to Re: New to Effexor XR, my side effects, anyone else?, posted by Jayce on September 3, 2001, at 10:02:23
I've had the same experience as Jayce - Effexor XR has effected me in a very positive way, helping me to feel and behave normally for the first time in years. Reading through the messages it seems as if there's lots of back and forth as to whether or not Effexor is a good drug or not. I actually think that's the wrong question to be asking.
A better question, perhaps, is: "is Effexor a good drug for *me*?". Individuals respond to the various psychiatric drugs with wide variation. Some have terrific responses, some have so-so responses, and some have truly awful responses. After reading through many many posts here, it seems that those with the most success are those who persevere in active partnership with a knowlegeable psychiatric doctor. Some have had terrific responses as well as managed to wean off of it successfully. Others have not had such good luck.
I am very grateful for the positive impact Effexor has had on the quality of my life. At the same time, I feel deep compassion for those who have suffered as a result of taking it. I believe that we need to hold our prescribing physicians accountable for fully discussing with us the risks and benefits of each drug they prescribe for us and for those having a tough time weaning, to pay extra attention to mitigating the impact of the side effects.
On the other hand, I encourage anyone just starting Effexor and reading these posts not to get scared away by what you read here. Yes, there are risks of negative withdrawal effects (and no, not everybody experiences them). To the beginner I would suggest talking frankly with your physician about your experience and concerns. If your doc doesn't take you seriously, then get a new doc!
When I first started Effexor I had some initial side effects that led me to this site. As I read the posts I got really scared. I talked to my doc and decided to stick it out. After four weeks the unwanted effects went away I was feeling great on a 150mg daily dose and it has been smooth sailing since. One thing I've kept in mind as I read the various message boards is that people who have a success are less likely to post their story (which is why I am doing this now). I'd also like to encourage others who have had a postiive experience to add their voices to the discussion so that the newcomers to the conversation can get a balanced perspective. I am also grateful to those who post their bad experiences because it is important to be up front about the risks of unwanted effects and possible withdrawal.
Bottom line is this: Effexor can work great for some people and badly for others. It's up to you how you want to balance the risks and benefits (not your doctor!). If it works well for you then congratulations! If it doesn't, then there's no reason to continue to suffer - it makes sense to slowly wean off with the help of your doctor and transition to a new treatment.
Thank you all for hearing me out. May you find peace and wellness.
> I am a normal person, because of Effexor XR!! (And I can speak for a few other people who would say the same thing.) I have been on several antidepressants since I began experiencing severe PMS symptoms, coupled with multiple losses that caused situational depression. Effexor XR is the best drug for me. The others, Paxil and Zoloft, made me sleepy and unmotivated, not to mention caused weight-gain. I think that most people who need help altering their brain chemistry should expect some minor side-effects. The question you need to ask yourself is, "Does this medicine make my life better, regardless of the side-effects?" All medicines have side-effects whether noticeable or not. Luckily, there are many good alternatives out there for depression and other problems that people, especially women, experience. Find a doctor who will work with you to find the medicine that is right for you. And educate yourself on the causes for your personal situation. If it's related to PMS, there are other things that you can do, in conjuction with taking an antidepressant, that can help ease your symptoms. Good Luck!
Posted by Shebby on September 4, 2001, at 8:27:35
In reply to Re: New to Effexor XR, my side effects, anyone els » Jayce, posted by tobycat on September 3, 2001, at 14:58:24
I am currently in my 7th. week of Effexor. I,too, was scared witless when I researched this med. It took me a while to even find some positive experiences of people who used this. I think tobycat is right that people are more inclined to tell about terrible experiences than positive. I seem to be doing well so far. I had some very mild nausea the first day at 37.5mg and some noticable jaw clenching. My dreams are more vivid, and frankly, quite entertaining! I am at 75mg.currently but I may increase my dose (I see my doctor today) so we'll see what happens. I think anyone considering this med should most definitely consider ALL the information and discuss it thoroughly with their doctor and decide what they are most comfortable with. Just keep in mind that this is a good med. for some people and not for all by any means.This is true of any medication.
Posted by wendi on September 4, 2001, at 10:23:50
In reply to Re: New to Effexor XR, my side effects, anyone else?, posted by Jayce on September 3, 2001, at 10:02:23
> I started out on 35mg of effexor and within days I had more energy, stopped crying all the time, and actually was able to complete tasks that I was working on. Before I started I was so tired and depressed, I could'nt even think clearly enough or had the patience to finish what I started. My doctor increased my dosage slowly taking me up to 300 mgs. I found that the lower dosage actually helped more. The higher the dose the more irritable and shakey I became. I am now in the process of going back down to 150mg. Without effexor I probably would have lost my husband and possibly my job. It has completely turned my life around. I was not always depressed but the last two years have been stressfull and medication was necessary. I hope it helps you as much as it helped me. Again, the dosage you take is totally up to you. As you experience each dosage you will find what works and what is to much for your body. Good Luck!
I am a normal person, because of Effexor XR!! (And I can speak for a few other people who would say the same thing.) I have been on several antidepressants since I began experiencing severe PMS symptoms, coupled with multiple losses that caused situational depression. Effexor XR is the best drug for me. The others, Paxil and Zoloft, made me sleepy and unmotivated, not to mention caused weight-gain. I think that most people who need help altering their brain chemistry should expect some minor side-effects. The question you need to ask yourself is, "Does this medicine make my life better, regardless of the side-effects?" All medicines have side-effects whether noticeable or not. Luckily, there are many good alternatives out there for depression and other problems that people, especially women, experience. Find a doctor who will work with you to find the medicine that is right for you. And educate yourself on the causes for your personal situation. If it's related to PMS, there are other things that you can do, in conjuction with taking an antidepressant, that can help ease your symptoms. Good Luck!
Posted by nwysca on September 4, 2001, at 16:04:38
In reply to Re: New to Effexor XR, my side effects, anyone else?, posted by wendi on September 4, 2001, at 10:33:58
Does anyone else here wake up with bad headaches?? Is it the Effexor??
Posted by Willow on September 4, 2001, at 16:47:01
In reply to Headaches, posted by nwysca on September 4, 2001, at 16:04:38
> Does anyone else here wake up with bad headaches?? Is it the Effexor??
NywscaWhen I started effexor XR I would get headaches several hours before my next dose. The doctor split my dosage so that I took it twice a day. This solved the problem, which would return if I forgot a dose.
BEST WISHES
Willow
Posted by Aquage on September 4, 2001, at 17:14:48
In reply to Re: New to Effexor XR, my side effects, anyone else?, posted by Jayce on September 3, 2001, at 10:02:23
I have been on Effexor XR apx. 2 months. I'm now at 225 mgs. Side effects in the beginning were constipation, felt unsociable while at the very lowest dosage, dry mouth. As I have raised dosage, I now have hot flashes and night sweats. This is my only side effect. I am willing to tolerate this because of the wonderful effect it has had on my depression. The only side-effect I liked is it caused me to lose weight (this is now disappearing, darn!) Actually, my depression was lifted in apx. nine days after starting my first dose.
Posted by wendi on September 4, 2001, at 17:18:51
In reply to Headaches, posted by nwysca on September 4, 2001, at 16:04:38
>When I went to 300mg I started getting headaches. I lowered my dose because I had them all night and day. Now I feel alot better. From what I understand, in most people they go away in a few weeks after changing your dose. I hope yours go away too. They are no fun! Good Luck
Does anyone else here wake up with bad headaches?? Is it the Effexor??
Posted by Kristie on September 5, 2001, at 9:00:14
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Kristie, posted by tobycat on August 31, 2001, at 0:18:49
Thanks tobycat, I seem to be doing great now, thank goodness! It took a couple of weeks though. I did take the 37.5 mgs for 2 weeks before getting off of it completely. I still get headaches, but it may be due to my sinuses and not withdrawal from the effexor. Thanks for writing in response to my request.
> The discontinuation effects of anti-depressent medications are well known. For Effexor, they tend to be more pronounced for people who take it for a long time, at higher doses, and who stop abruptly. Tapering off slowly is the key to minimizing the effects. For some people that may mean going down to the 37.5 mg dose for a few weeks from the 75mg. Others go down even lower or take the dose every other day for awhile before totally stopping. Another tip I have read about is taking an SSRI with a longer half-life (like Prozac) at the very end to help ease the withdrawal symptoms. Good luck with the symptoms. If you are in serious discomfort be sure to tell your doctor about it. He/She should be helping you deal with the discontinuation effects. Hang in there.
>
> > I just got off of Effexor XR 75 mgs after about a year and it really helped me alot. Today is my first day off and I feel like crap! My head feels really heavy and I can't think straight. I will never again try an anti-depressent/anti-anxiety for my problems. I cannot stand the side effects from withdrawal. But then again some people need medicine to help them; my depression and anxiety wasn't as bad as some people have. If at all possible I would recommend other alternatives instead of medicine to help deal with depression just because they are very easy to become dependent upon. If someone knows of something to help me deal with these withdrawal symptoms please let me know. Thanks!
> >
> >
> >
> > > I've had pretty good luck on Effexor. I started taking it a year ago for
> > > moderate depression with symptoms including crying spells, no
> > > appetite, and feelings of hopelessness. I had some somewhat distressing
> > > side effects during the first two to three weeks on the medication (37.5
> > > mg per day for one week and then to 75 mg per day). The side effects
> > > included insomnia, drowsiness during the day, and hearing a buzzing noise
> > > in my head. These side effects went away, except for the drowsiness,
> > > which I continued to experience to some extent. I went up to 150 mg/day
> > > (taken in the morning) after about 5 months of being on Effexor due to
> > > some of my symptoms coming back (although they were less severe than
> > > before I began Effexor). I decided in May of this year that I wanted to
> > > see if I still needed to be on an antidepressant. My doctor advised me
> > > about how best to discontinue my use of Effexor. I decreased my dosage very gradually and
> > > also took 10 mg of Prozac while I was decreasing my Effexor dose. I didn't experience very
> > > many side effects while I was decreasing my dosage (some slight nausea),
> > > but I did find that I didn't feel very well for about a week after I took
> > > my last dose. I felt kind of nauseous and tired and a
> > > little bit dizzy at times. I was able to go to work and get done what I
> > > needed to despite these withdrawal symptoms. I was off of the medication
> > > for about 2 months when I started to get the symptoms back in full force.
> > > I really believe this is due to my chemical make-up (and family history of
> > > depression) rather than to getting off of Effexor. I decided to go back
> > > on Effexor. I began taking 37.5 mg again and worked up to 150 mg. I
> > > think at this time I just need an antidepressant, although I do hope that
> > > at some point I will be able to go off of the medication again. Overall,
> > > I would recommend Effexor since I have found it extremely helpful for
> > > depression symptoms, and I have not been bothered by the side effects or
> > > the withdrawal symptoms.
> > >
> > >
> > > > Hi there,
> > > >
> > > > Anyone care to comment on the use of Effexor? Anyone
> > > > "happy" with it? I have tried Prozac (too much anxiety),
> > > > Serzone (too sedating). I am currently on Buspar for anxiety.
> > > >
> > > > Been reading many different reports... Effexor seems
> > > > to have a lot of success...
> > > >
> > > > please share your thoughts on this.
Posted by Rompy on September 9, 2001, at 18:13:48
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
> Hi there,
>
> Anyone care to comment on the use of Effexor? Anyone
> "happy" with it? I have tried Prozac (too much anxiety),
> Serzone (too sedating). I am currently on Buspar for anxiety.
>
> Been reading many different reports... Effexor seems
> to have a lot of success...
>
> please share your thoughts on this.Jeez this web-site is complicated!
Anyway,About Aug.1998 my shrink put me on effexor. On the very day I took it I realized that my toes were moving around like crazy.I couldn't stop them. I got hot flashes that were so bad that I had to sleep on the floor downstairs where the air-conditioning was freezing, nervous legs, an occasional severe seizure like movement,and a mild buzzing on the bottoms of my feet,accompanied by what could be described as itching.I told the shrink, he told me not to worry about it.So I didn't. I liked the deadness that effoxor caused and I continued on the drug for another year, and during that time the good doctor told me to increase the dosage. So I did. After a while I felt as if I was being poisened, literally chemically saturated.
I started weaning myself off slowly,until I was down to one capsule.From there I asked the shrink to put me on something else. He tried Paxil,zoloft,finally prozac. All of the drugs agitated me,(the Paxil made me want to KILL people, so I quit after one dose. Paxil is REALLY wierd.
Finally after I was down to 20 mg.of Prozac I was able to withdraw and quit anti-depressants,(with the help of a tiny dose of St.John's wart.)I was only on the zoloft and other drugs for a short time before quitting completely.
I expected the twitching and so forth to stop. But it didn't. The itching was beginning to slowly turn into slightly painful pricks.They eventually became very painful and frequent. Sometimes I felt like I was being jabbed in the eyes,the tongue,and everywhere else with an electric needle.The mild buzzing that had initially starting on the bottoms of my feet became an intense burning,and had spread to my legs and arms. My eyes always burned. I was totally agitated,yet constantly tired and paranoid.
Months later,after I had quit all anti-depressants, I still had been taking it in stride, sort of wondering if it was that serious. I went to my regular doctor three times,each time being given some trial and error medicine that never worked. ( Of course I was still charged by the good doctor,even though he failed to help.Doctors are immune to that sort of thing you know).
What got my attention was when I was at the doctor,(m.d.) for the third time and my wife came along to have her fibro-myolgia treated. He gave her CELEXA.
After the first two doses she told me it was working pretty good.
However,after waking on the third morning,her toes had also began to move around.She had the exact same symptoms that I had after only two doses.Now you may be thinking, she's a bit nutty and she wants attention,or some such thing. But there were many
subtle details that I had never told her, and that she described to me to a T.
She had her last dose 2 weeks ago and is still experiencing the symptoms which are gradually getting worse.Then we found the anti-Prozac site which explained why we are still having the symptoms occur.My shrink and medical doctor said that we couldn't be experiencing these problems,but this web-site not only acknowleged that we could,but explained why. The symptoms that I have described have continued two years after getting off effexor.
If any of you are plagued by simalar symptoms please write me and tell us that we're not alone!!
Anyway,I'm going to
Posted by nwysca on September 9, 2001, at 19:09:46
In reply to Re: Headaches » nwysca, posted by wendi on September 4, 2001, at 17:18:51
thanks willow and wendy!
at least i can relax knowing it's effexor and not something else! the headaches haven't been so bad for the past few days so hopefully they're gone for good now!!! ;o)
nwysca
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