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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 24 of 24. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by sid on January 10, 2002, at 13:50:50
I saw my doc today, about a cold and sinusitis, but she realized I'd been on Effexor XR at 37.5mg for a bit more than 6 weeks now and suggested I double it tomorrow.
I have an appointment about that on Tuesday, so I have 5 days to try it before I see her again. Can't wait to see how I feel... she says I shouldn't have side effects since I took it for so long already. We'll see. I will do it, so those who are afraid, wait for the report. I'm afraid too, but too eager to see the effect it can have on me.
Posted by CalvaryHill on January 10, 2002, at 21:11:44
In reply to graduating to 75mg; Effexor XR, posted by sid on January 10, 2002, at 13:50:50
Effexor has a fixed-dose-response curve, so it is more likely that you will be relieved of suffering at 75 mg than at 37.5 mg.
I will always be _learning_ about this stuff...
Take care,
CalvaryHill
Posted by sid on January 11, 2002, at 8:31:27
In reply to graduating to 75mg; Effexor XR, posted by sid on January 10, 2002, at 13:50:50
Writing to those who hesitate to go to 75mg.
I took it 3 hours ago and I feel fine. No sleepiness or agitation like when I took the first dose of 37.5mg. I kept going from being completely awake (almost too awake) to being so sleepy I could have rolled up in the middle of the street and slept there. No feeling drugged up either, as I did the first fe days on 37.5mg (pupils dilated and all). I'm just fine now.
Let's see what effect it has on my mood and anxiety...
Posted by MaKi on January 12, 2002, at 9:01:21
In reply to feeling fine, posted by sid on January 11, 2002, at 8:31:27
Hi Sid, congratulations on finally increasing your dosage.
I'm happy for you but I'm disappointed in myself. I was
supposed to increase from 37.5mg to 75mg a few weeks ago but
I still haven't done so. I guess I'm afraid to experience
side effects (mostly nausea). This week I've been telling
myself over and over again that I'm going to double my dose
on Monday. Please, please keep your fingers crossed for me,
I really need to do this.I'll keep you posted, also let me know how things are going
with you.Thanks,
MaKi
Posted by sid on January 12, 2002, at 12:11:51
In reply to Re: Feeling Fine-Sid, posted by MaKi on January 12, 2002, at 9:01:21
Hi Maki,
my second day at 75mg, and I have not had any side effect at all, except a bit of bruxism, which I still had at 37.5 mg - no increase so far.I've been sick all week with a cold and sinusitis, and that's now clearing up. I just did 30 mins of quick walk on a treadmill (not pushing myself too much because of the sinusitis) and I am fine. I'd say do it! If you're used to 37.5mg and you're feeling fine, there's a chance you'll be like me and have no increase in side effects at 75 mg.
Let me know how things are going...
- Sid
> Hi Sid, congratulations on finally increasing your dosage.
> I'm happy for you but I'm disappointed in myself. I was
> supposed to increase from 37.5mg to 75mg a few weeks ago but
> I still haven't done so. I guess I'm afraid to experience
> side effects (mostly nausea). This week I've been telling
> myself over and over again that I'm going to double my dose
> on Monday. Please, please keep your fingers crossed for me,
> I really need to do this.
>
> I'll keep you posted, also let me know how things are going
> with you.
>
> Thanks,
>
> MaKi
Posted by sid on January 13, 2002, at 10:34:30
In reply to Re: Feeling Fine-Sid, posted by MaKi on January 12, 2002, at 9:01:21
Maki,
I read somewhere else that you had NO side effects at 37.5mg... what are you afraid of then? I had so many side effects! They all went away within 6 weeks except for some increase in bruxism, although it is not as bad as in the beginning. Then I went up and there is almost no change. Third day and I'm fine. I wake up a few times per night whereas I was sleeping entire nights on 37.5mg after 6 weeks. Initially I would sleep about 2 hours per night, so I expect that to go away. In any case, it's not bad as I can go back to sleep after.
From what I read, you're not getting an effective dose yet, so you need to go up or change med altogether, because you're not getting much benefit from it now.
That was my 2 cents... good luck!
- Sid
> Hi Sid, congratulations on finally increasing your dosage.
> I'm happy for you but I'm disappointed in myself. I was
> supposed to increase from 37.5mg to 75mg a few weeks ago but
> I still haven't done so. I guess I'm afraid to experience
> side effects (mostly nausea). This week I've been telling
> myself over and over again that I'm going to double my dose
> on Monday. Please, please keep your fingers crossed for me,
> I really need to do this.
>
> I'll keep you posted, also let me know how things are going
> with you.
>
> Thanks,
>
> MaKi
Posted by MaKi on January 13, 2002, at 11:48:22
In reply to 3rd day - all is fine; do it Maki! » MaKi, posted by sid on January 13, 2002, at 10:34:30
Hi Sid, thank you so much for your input, I really
appreciate all the advice I can get. After all you've
been telling me since you've increased your dosage, I
feel pretty confident and tomorrow will actually be
the big day that I make that same move. I'm not backing
out this time, I realized that this is way too important.
After all, my doctor did tell me this week that my daily
dosage isn't even a therapeutic one, I must move to 75mg.
I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow!Thanks again,
MaKi
P.S. To answer your question, I'm not sure what it is that
I'm scared of, fear of nothing is probably what it boils down to!
Posted by MaKi on January 14, 2002, at 9:21:41
In reply to Re: 3rd day - all is fine; do it Maki!(Sid), posted by MaKi on January 13, 2002, at 11:48:22
Hi Sid,
I finally did it! I just increased my daily dosage to 75mg.
I was so nervous and anxious that I had to take a
Clonazepam before taking my dosage but at least I did it.
I must say that I'm pretty proud of myself. People reading
these postings must really wonder why on earth it's such a
big deal for me but I guess it's just who I am and some things
make me a little more anxious than other people. I'll let you
know tonight how things were for me today.Thanks again for your encouragement, God knows I needed it!
Joanne (MaKi)
Posted by sid on January 14, 2002, at 16:46:37
In reply to Re: I did it Sid!, posted by MaKi on January 14, 2002, at 9:21:41
Hey Joanne,
good for you! I hope you had a good day.It's my 4th day at 75mg, and I was VERY productive today. I was out sick at the end of last week (cold + sinusitis), and the semester is starting, so I had to catch up fast preparing my classes. I am not sure I could have pulled off all this work in a day before Effexor. I hope this effect lasts.
I am seeing my doc tomorrow, and I expect her to tell me to increase my dosage again at the end of the week, especially since I have almost no increase in side effects (I wake up a few times in the might, that's all).
Well, keep us posted!
- Sid
Posted by MaKi on January 14, 2002, at 16:58:05
In reply to Re: I did it Sid! » MaKi, posted by sid on January 14, 2002, at 16:46:37
Hi again Sid,
I'm so happy for you, glad to hear that you're doing very
well with the new dosage. To be honest with you, I can't
report to you that today was that great of a day! I was so
tired and drowsy all day long, I practically had to drag my
butt around all day, and it wasn't easy because I have two
young children to take care of, my husband works full time.
On top of that, I had a huge headache all day long, until now,
but I can't say that was from the Effexor because I woke up
this morning with this headache. I hope tomorrow will a better
day. As far as side effects, it was pretty much only being tired.
How 'bout you, did it have the same effect on you when you increased?
Let me know, and yes I will keep you posted.Joanne
Posted by sid on January 14, 2002, at 17:09:54
In reply to Re: Today wasn't all that great Sid!, posted by MaKi on January 14, 2002, at 16:58:05
I don't think I had this side effect (tiredness) - but then I was sick with a cold and pretty bad sinusitis, so I felt tired regardless. Could it be the clonazepam that made you so tired? If it's the Effexor, it should get better, and that's not too bad. I think nausea would be much worse!
Anyway, I'll read you again tomorrow... Hang it there.- Sid
Posted by MaKi on January 14, 2002, at 17:17:46
In reply to Re: Today wasn't all that great Sid! » MaKi, posted by sid on January 14, 2002, at 17:09:54
The clonazepam doesn't usually make me tired but who knows!
I'm not going to give up just yet, getting better is too
important to me right now, besides, it's only been a day, it
might not even be a side effect from the Effexor, it could
just be that I'm up 3 times every night feeding the baby!
Thanks again for the encouragement, I so enjoy hearing what
you have to say, it makes me feel so much better, even if
you are just a stranger!Joanne
Posted by ST on January 14, 2002, at 19:12:36
In reply to Re: Thanks for the encouragement Sid!, posted by MaKi on January 14, 2002, at 17:17:46
Hi Joanne,
Glad to hear you upped your dosage! I agreed with my doctor to take an aggressive approach and started out at 75 mg. (YIKES!) Going up to 150 mg. was pretty easy, but now that I'm up to 225 mg. I'm noticing the tiredness, too! I thought I was crazy (so to speak) because the Effexor has made me pretty speedy. But it's reassuring to hear that someone else is experiencing it as well. It has gotten better, though. I also notice that after about a week on a ceertain dosage that my appetite returns - have you noticed the appetite returning yet? At least it's not as bad as on Celexa; my appetite was huge.
Good luck and let me know if you're feeling more awake (or not!).Sarah
> The clonazepam doesn't usually make me tired but who knows!
> I'm not going to give up just yet, getting better is too
> important to me right now, besides, it's only been a day, it
> might not even be a side effect from the Effexor, it could
> just be that I'm up 3 times every night feeding the baby!
> Thanks again for the encouragement, I so enjoy hearing what
> you have to say, it makes me feel so much better, even if
> you are just a stranger!
>
> Joanne
Posted by MaKi on January 15, 2002, at 16:23:13
In reply to Tiredness on Effexor, posted by ST on January 14, 2002, at 19:12:36
Hi Sarah,
Today was my second day taking 75mg of Effexor XR.
I must say that I wasn't as tired as I was yesterday.
I'm hoping that being tired will decrease as my body
gets ajusted to the new dosage. As far as getting my
appetite back, it's definately been there, it seems that
I'm always hungry. Hopefully I don't gain all the
weight back.I'll keep you posted.
Joanne
Posted by MaKi on January 15, 2002, at 16:28:00
In reply to Re: Thanks for the encouragement Sid!, posted by MaKi on January 14, 2002, at 17:17:46
Hi again Sid,
Today was my second day taking 75mg. I must say that
I was less tired today, unlike yesterday. I guess
maybe the tiredness will wear off once my body gets
adjusted to the new dosage. Let's hope anyways!Talk to you soon,
Joanne
Posted by sid on January 15, 2002, at 19:15:44
In reply to It's my second day, it's getting better!(Sid), posted by MaKi on January 15, 2002, at 16:28:00
Hello Joanne,
I'm glad to read you're doing better than yesterday. It should continue to improve, if it's indeed a side effect.
I don't know why, but I've been rather low and somewhat grumpy since last night. Working kept my mind off the bad mood this afternoon, but I hope I feel better tomorrow. I'm still on 75mg of Effexor XR a day. I saw my doc this morning and she asked that I stay on this level a while longer... She is very cautious with dose increases, which is fine with me since I am rather scared of ADs in general.
Well, let's hope for a good day for all tomorrow ! It's good to follow someone going through the same things as I do... even though we are strangers, as you said before.
- Sid
Posted by MaKi on January 15, 2002, at 19:51:09
In reply to My turn for a not so good day :-( » MaKi, posted by sid on January 15, 2002, at 19:15:44
Hi again Sid,
Just wanted to tell you to hang in there and I'm sure
your day will be a better one tomorrow. We are only
human, we're allowed to have bad days once in a while.
Since you're always encouraging me, I thought I'd do the
same by saying "hope you have a good day tomorrow"!Talk to you soon,
Joanne
Posted by dee on January 16, 2002, at 8:56:22
In reply to My turn for a not so good day :-( » MaKi, posted by sid on January 15, 2002, at 19:15:44
> Hi Joanne I haven't got to post you in a week or so. But you know I went to the doctor to increase my meds. They are keeping me to at 75 mg for awile yet. It takes at least 5 weeks or more on 75 mg to get the full effect? So hopefully It will start working good soon. But I am feel better, my relationship with my husband is worse but I guess we have to take the bad around us and still try to get ourselfs up and going to break through.
Dee (marcy)
Posted by MaKi on January 16, 2002, at 10:15:29
In reply to Re: My turn for a not so good day :-( » sid, posted by dee on January 16, 2002, at 8:56:22
Hi Dee, it's too bad things with your husband aren't
any better yet but I'm sure if you continue thinking
positively, things will eventually get better. I can
say that things with my husband and I are good, I've
been talking to him alot more lately about my disorder
and how I'm feeling. I'm sure you told me before but
how long has it been since you've been on 75mg? I
wasn't aware that it takes about up to 5 weeks to start
working, it's nice to know now. I've only been on 75mg
for the last three days, so far so good. I find that I'm
more tired now though, hopefully it will get better. I'm
just glad I have two young girls to keep me busy, or else
I would probably be on the coutch all day long.
Again, I hope things get better with you and your husband,
just give it some time, they don't always think of asking
how we're feeling 'cause to them, it doesn't seem like we're
going through anything.Keep me posted, and good luck.
Joanne
Posted by sid on January 16, 2002, at 10:34:30
In reply to Hang In There Sid!, posted by MaKi on January 15, 2002, at 19:51:09
Hi Joanne,
I have a lot of energy today! Did a lot and it's not even noon yet. I am slowing down now because I am teaching a class at the end of the afternoon, and I need to keep some energy for it. Will go to my office and finish preparing for it. Perhaps it has to do with my body adjusting to the 75 mg, or perhaps it was just a random bad mood. It does happen to "normal" people (i.e., those who are not sick).Take care, and thanks for the encouragement!
- Sid
Posted by sid on January 16, 2002, at 10:36:16
In reply to Re: My turn for a not so good day :-( » sid, posted by dee on January 16, 2002, at 8:56:22
Hi dee,
I'm also on Effexor XR 75 mg for a while. Sounds like our docs have the same strategy... increase the dosage very slowly (Maki's doc too). Keep us posted on your progress!
Take care.- Sid
> > Hi Joanne I haven't got to post you in a week or so. But you know I went to the doctor to increase my meds. They are keeping me to at 75 mg for awile yet. It takes at least 5 weeks or more on 75 mg to get the full effect? So hopefully It will start working good soon. But I am feel better, my relationship with my husband is worse but I guess we have to take the bad around us and still try to get ourselfs up and going to break through.
> Dee (marcy)
Posted by dee on January 16, 2002, at 17:49:55
In reply to Just Think Positive Dee, posted by MaKi on January 16, 2002, at 10:15:29
Joanne, I have now been on 35mg one week and 75mg going on 4 weeks. At start 75mg seem to work ok, then I got tired again and It seem not to be working at all. So the doctor told me to stick with it, and you know I have noticied now this week I am getting my energy back. I am so happy for you that you and your husband are talking. I did what you suggested and wrote him a letter. But no response, he too did not want to write back or even seem to talk about it. It is like he wants to ignore the problem and it will go away. But I understand I denied that there was anything wrong with me too. Like I kept pushing feelings inside and hideing my problems.Look at me know I finally broke down and had depression all a long. Keep at it if you dont see any changes with 75 then see if they will increase. I wanted to tell you how good it feels to know that there is someone like me trying to work it out with their family and having alot of the same situations. I felt at the start I was the only one in the world on meds and with problems. Thank you...
Posted by dee on January 16, 2002, at 17:53:36
In reply to Re: My turn for a not so good day :-( » dee, posted by sid on January 16, 2002, at 10:36:16
Hi Sid,
Yes 75mg is starting to work again. I can really tell, after teaching 4 classes today and I am stressed, and had a bad day. I still seem to be able to stay out of bed and actually do something.
I just want things to turn around so badly. Take Care and talk to you soon. Keep up the great work your doing...
Posted by MaKi on January 16, 2002, at 18:51:27
In reply to Re: just a note from me. » MaKi, posted by dee on January 16, 2002, at 17:49:55
Hi Dee, you don't have to thank me, I'm just another
person with the same problem as you. It feels good to
talk about how we feel, even though we are strangers,
sometimes we get more out of it than if we were to talk
with our family and friends. Maybe your husband isn't
really responding to you or your letters because he might
not know how. Maybe he's afraid and doesn't know how
to handle it. Have you ever tried talking him into seeing
a counsellor with you? I asked my husband a few times if he
was willing to go to counselling with me but he totally didn't
want to hear of it! Like I said, we've been able to talk more
now so things are better. Plus, we have two young kids so we
have to make it work for ourselves and our children. Getting
myself better is the first step, once that is dealt with, we'll
work on other things.Again, good luck and hang in there. How 'bout we keep our fingers
crossed for one another?Joanne
This is the end of the thread.
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