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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1648 to 1672 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by Reneeb on February 12, 2002, at 16:48:12
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dos, posted by Maria Warren on February 12, 2002, at 6:48:27
> Hi Maria, Wow you stuck it out for a long time!!! I have been weaning myself off too! I just started on my 37.5 dose. It is going well - I think its really smart that you are going to do it slow.
Are planning on taking anything else?
Good luck to you!!!
Renee
Posted by marlene on February 12, 2002, at 18:02:49
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dos » Maria Warren, posted by Reneeb on February 12, 2002, at 16:48:12
Just a follow-up. I went cold turkey from 150mg effexor XR, Twice a day. Tryed to talk to doctors, no help. Well, now 10 days cold turkey, and my headaches are gone, my shaking is gone, my energy is up, my desire for sex is back,(didn't realize how much that was missing). I actually started to remodel our bathroom over the weekend, and am just about done. Two problems I still have and hope will lessen is insomia(which has been a problem for awhile), but actually is worse since stopping effexor. Also, crying, which am pretty sure is still about my mom dying in Nov. So, I am glad I am off effexor and am looking for new Doc. Would like to go back on Zoloft, which I was on for 4 years, but stopped working, switched to Effexor, which I was on for 3 years. I do think I am going wait for some down time off all drugs. I also lost 6 pounds since I went off effexor. Just wanted to let everyone know.
Posted by Tom on February 12, 2002, at 19:07:17
In reply to Re: My story of Effexor, posted by Allen F. on January 30, 2002, at 21:37:12
I was using Effexor for about 2 years to help combat what my therapist/counselor deemed a mountain of depression, due to changes in lifestyle, loss of business & pending divorce.
My physcian gave me such a hard time about wanting to take Effexor, cause I'm supposed to be a man, that I finally told him either write the prescription or I was going elsewhere. They started me on (2) 75mg tablets, daily. It took about 2 weeks to really "hit" me. I had minor weight gain, increased brain function, and suddenly boundless energy and optimism. Then I went to 75 mg maintenance dosage, once a day.One day after a lot of the bad stuff was over with, 2 years later, I called and asked for information, curious about trying life again without it. They told me just stop taking it....what a mistake that was. I had cramping, ringing in the ears or buzzing whenever I moved my head. After 3 days I decided to cut my then old dosage ( i had the tablets) down to 50 percent for 2 weeks, then went to 25 % for 2 weeks. Some of the symptoms mildly persisted during the last 2 weeks. Then when I stopped altogether, I only had the buzzing in my head thing for about 2 more weeks.
My advice......NO COLD TURKEY.
Tom
Posted by Reneeb on February 12, 2002, at 20:51:38
In reply to My story of Effexor - cold turkey, posted by Tom on February 12, 2002, at 19:07:17
Tom, Your story seems to follow what everyone else is going thru. I am going thru withdrawl myself and taking it slowly. I am on 37.5mg right now. I worry about whats next!?
I also think you need another doctor. He doesn't seem to be to sympathic to your problems and what is being a man have to do with anything? It seems if he thinks that he is pretty old school.
So, are you saying you are not on anything now?
Im glad you got thru it okay!
Renee
Posted by Launie on February 13, 2002, at 0:08:42
In reply to RE: Went cold turkey on 2-02-02, posted by marlene on February 12, 2002, at 18:02:49
AWESOME Marlene! I feel alot better without it too. I think drs are too ready to prescribe harmful chemicals before trying the more natural ways to cure someone's problems or at least make them manageable.
Posted by Maria Warren on February 13, 2002, at 6:06:39
In reply to Re: RE: Went cold turkey on 2-02-02, posted by Launie on February 13, 2002, at 0:08:42
> AWESOME Marlene! I feel alot better without it too. I think drs are too ready to prescribe harmful chemicals before trying the more natural ways to cure someone's problems or at least make them manageable.
Launi and everyone,
As Monday gets closer I am VERY glad for all of your postings! They give me courage to REALLY stick at the taper off the EFFEXOR XR.
The last straw came when I saw my family doc yesterday and got weighed. I could not believe it! I have gained a total of sixty pounds in about three years. I walk two to three miles a day three or four days a week and I eat like a mouse! This is insane -- !
I guess my other question to all of you is what other meds are you on? I am on Topamax 300 daily and Seroquel 400mgm daily. Also how about age? Those of you who have lost weight when stopping Effexor -- young? 20 - 30? middle aged 40ish? I am pushing 60 and used to be a runner and swimmer -- would give a lot to do that again!!
Please cheer me on folks. And yes Marlene
thats terrific! Maria Warren
Posted by Tom on February 13, 2002, at 8:13:09
In reply to Re: My story of Effexor - cold turkey » Tom, posted by Reneeb on February 12, 2002, at 20:51:38
Renee, all of this happened about 6 years ago, so i have been off the stuff for about 3 years. Over the last year 2001, it seems like some of the symptoms i had prprior to using effexor ( slight depression etc ) were creeping up on me. Talking with family members I found out, some of them also had bouts with the same symptom. There seems to be some question as to whether hypothyroidism may not be the cause. 3 of my family take synthroid, which has helped them a lot. So I'm having blood testing for that today.
I have been reading a lot on the internet about hypothyroidism in the last few days, and its wierd how many of the symptoms i have. My older sister tried herbal remidies without any success. Am unsure what I'll actually do, I just need some type of resolution, i'm tired of feeling crappy.
good luck
Tom
> Tom, Your story seems to follow what everyone else is going thru. I am going thru withdrawl myself and taking it slowly. I am on 37.5mg right now. I worry about whats next!?
>
> I also think you need another doctor. He doesn't seem to be to sympathic to your problems and what is being a man have to do with anything? It seems if he thinks that he is pretty old school.
>
> So, are you saying you are not on anything now?
>
> Im glad you got thru it okay!
>
>
> Renee
Posted by Reneeb on February 13, 2002, at 8:52:50
In reply to Re: My story of Effexor - cold turkey, posted by Tom on February 13, 2002, at 8:13:09
> Tom, Good luck today! let us know how everything went!!!
Renee
Posted by marlene on February 13, 2002, at 9:46:53
In reply to Re: RE: Went cold turkey on 2-02-02, posted by Maria Warren on February 13, 2002, at 6:06:39
> > AWESOME Marlene! I feel alot better without it too. I think drs are too ready to prescribe harmful chemicals before trying the more natural ways to cure someone's problems or at least make them manageable.
>
> Launi and everyone,
> As Monday gets closer I am VERY glad for all of your postings! They give me courage to REALLY stick at the taper off the EFFEXOR XR.
> The last straw came when I saw my family doc yesterday and got weighed. I could not believe it! I have gained a total of sixty pounds in about three years. I walk two to three miles a day three or four days a week and I eat like a mouse! This is insane -- !
> I guess my other question to all of you is what other meds are you on? I am on Topamax 300 daily and Seroquel 400mgm daily. Also how about age? Those of you who have lost weight when stopping Effexor -- young? 20 - 30? middle aged 40ish? I am pushing 60 and used to be a runner and swimmer -- would give a lot to do that again!!
> Please cheer me on folks. And yes Marlene
> thats terrific! Maria Warren
Maria, I am 33, having lost 102 pounds on PhenPhen before every going on Effexor, I have had a weight problem since 11yrs old. But in last year PCP found out I had a stomach problem which can cause obesity, so they had me on meds for that, and I started losing more weight. But as my complaints got worse, my weight went up, I know gianed the 102 plus some, yet even the doctors are blaming the effexor (as I was put on strict diet to stop stomach trouble). The stomach problem has subsided, but weight continued to go on up. Only 11 days without Effexor, but weight is decreasing, and energy improved. No other meds for depression, currently only taking singulair and zrytec, for asthma and allergies.Hoped that helped. I know cold turkey isn't the answer for everyone, but most post state after 1-2 days of missed meds, they went back on, due to withdrawals. I could not get doc to help me, he thought I should wait. All docs want to do is medicate or hospitalize people. My 9 yr old son is bi-polar (since age 2), everytime he has a episode, they want to put him in hospital. Then they want to know why he clings to me and refuses to tell them what is going on. Hard to tell people, when all he thinks is they will put him in hospital.
Posted by Launie on February 13, 2002, at 9:48:01
In reply to Re: RE: Went cold turkey on 2-02-02, posted by Maria Warren on February 13, 2002, at 6:06:39
Marie and everyone,
I would not suggest going cold turkey either. I only went cold turkey because I had nothing
to step down to. No insurance means you do with what you have. I also had only been on it for two weeks. I would
suggest stepping down if you can and you have the means to do that.Ok, I am in my early 40's and just a mom. I can't remember if I told you that I have been dx with
FM (Fibromyalgia) and osteoarthritis, among many other things. I have been suffering from these things for many years
and it took going to several specialists to finally get a dx (diagnosis) of FM. Many times over the years, I suffered with
what I would classify as clinical depression (i.e., not wanting to get out of bed, crying alot, feeling overwhelmed and somewhat hopeless....etc.)
Psychiatrists and counsellors only saw the depression and failed to see the chronic pain my body was feeling. I was in so much pain at times
I could not walk straight up and down, I was bent over. Or worse yet, limping because my hip hurt so bad.It wasn't until my rehabilitation dr. for my degenerative disc disease sent me to a rheumatologist that I got some closure to this. He did
some testing, he pressed on 19 'tender points' which made me almost go through the ceiling literally. When he was finished, he ordered MORE bloodwork (I feel like I could
save lots of lives with the amount of blood I've given lately). I assume he was checking for other disorders to rule them out, such as thyroid problems, Lupus, Lyme disease, etc.
He told me to try to get off of my Vioxx which I take mainly for my back (didn't realize how much it helped my hips and knees too). He put me on Glucosomine/Chondroitin (YUK!, hurt my belly or maybe it was something else I was
taking). He also told me to take extra strength acetaminophen (NOT Tylenol, he specified the generic) 2 pills 4 times a day. Also the Effexor. My body went into total revolt! I was feeling 'great' when I saw him and I was only taking
my own regimen, but this one he gave me killed me. It made my belly hurt, I was too tired to move.....oh and my bladder started to work overtime during the night. Needless to say, I didn't get the much needed sleep FM patients need.
So, I went back to my original regimen of: 2 Citrical Plus (Calcium/Magnesium), 1 Black Cohosh (totally herbal and for perimenopausal symptoms), and my 1 Vioxx a day. I feel much better and can't say the same for if I had stayed on the Effexor.My point......do what makes your BODY and MIND feel better. Don't put your 100% trust in what doctors prescribe because no one knows better than YOU! If your body tells you it DOESN'T FEEL BETTER, get off it and tell your doctor it didn't work.
Too many times, I thought I was 'supposed' to take antidepressants because that's what the medical field told me I needed. MALARCHY! I admit there were times when I probably could have used it, but I realized and learned through research that the DEPRESSION DIDN'T CAUSE
THE FIBROMYALGIA.....the Fibromyalgia caused the depression! I would say that's a big difference. Ok...I'm done boring all of you. Take care and good luck whatever you do. Just remember, YOU are the only one that can take control of you own life. Doctors are only there to help....if they help....
and YOU are the one who can do what's best for you. Pep talk over now.Launie :)
PS....These support groups are great, aren't they??? Thanks everyone for your posts.
Posted by Pamela Lynn on February 13, 2002, at 12:16:32
In reply to Re: RE: Went cold turkey on 2-02-02 » Maria Warren, posted by marlene on February 13, 2002, at 9:46:53
> > > AWESOME Marlene! I feel alot better without it too. I think drs are too ready to prescribe harmful chemicals before trying the more natural ways to cure someone's problems or at least make them manageable.
> >
> > Launi and everyone,
> > As Monday gets closer I am VERY glad for all of your postings! They give me courage to REALLY stick at the taper off the EFFEXOR XR.
> > The last straw came when I saw my family doc yesterday and got weighed. I could not believe it! I have gained a total of sixty pounds in about three years. I walk two to three miles a day three or four days a week and I eat like a mouse! This is insane -- !
> > I guess my other question to all of you is what other meds are you on? I am on Topamax 300 daily and Seroquel 400mgm daily. Also how about age? Those of you who have lost weight when stopping Effexor -- young? 20 - 30? middle aged 40ish? I am pushing 60 and used to be a runner and swimmer -- would give a lot to do that again!!
> > Please cheer me on folks. And yes Marlene
> > thats terrific! Maria Warren
> Maria, I am 33, having lost 102 pounds on PhenPhen before every going on Effexor, I have had a weight problem since 11yrs old. But in last year PCP found out I had a stomach problem which can cause obesity, so they had me on meds for that, and I started losing more weight. But as my complaints got worse, my weight went up, I know gianed the 102 plus some, yet even the doctors are blaming the effexor (as I was put on strict diet to stop stomach trouble). The stomach problem has subsided, but weight continued to go on up. Only 11 days without Effexor, but weight is decreasing, and energy improved. No other meds for depression, currently only taking singulair and zrytec, for asthma and allergies.Hoped that helped. I know cold turkey isn't the answer for everyone, but most post state after 1-2 days of missed meds, they went back on, due to withdrawals. I could not get doc to help me, he thought I should wait. All docs want to do is medicate or hospitalize people. My 9 yr old son is bi-polar (since age 2), everytime he has a episode, they want to put him in hospital. Then they want to know why he clings to me and refuses to tell them what is going on. Hard to tell people, when all he thinks is they will put him in hospital.
NO! Not "all" doctors only want to hospitalize patients and put them on meds.!!!! My Shrink's objective is to help me, to stand by me in what "I" choose to do, and to give me advice...and if I choose to go on meds. she carefully monitors me and is in close contact with me. Most people that I know have been helped immensely by their doctors. The meds. for psychiatric patients has saved countless lives. If you have a problem with your doctor, especially when it concerns a child, you should definately say "see ya" to that doctor and get a new one. I think a whole lot of doctors get really bad reps. Let's remember what exactly the medical profession has given to us, and to our children. They are not all bad. Thank you. P.L.
Posted by Reneeb on February 13, 2002, at 13:32:05
In reply to Re: RE: Went cold turkey on 2-02-02 » Maria Warren, posted by marlene on February 13, 2002, at 9:46:53
> Hi Marlene, I know exactly how you feel. I exercise everyday and couldn't understand why I was gaining weight til I found this site. I was stunned, because my doctor and many other doctors claim you wouldn't gain weight. I am weaning myself off effexor as we speak. I am also on wellbutrin - from the threads I have read here no one has had any weight problems with wellbutrin.
I had noticed also that when I did exercise it was more difficult to get thru my workout. Since I have lowered my dose I can't believe how much more energy I have. I can't wait to get off this stuff.
You mentioned swimming and running. I think thats a great idea. I know it would make you feel better. Go slow if you have to - start with swimming.
Hope all is well,Renee
Posted by Reneeb on February 13, 2002, at 13:32:17
In reply to Re: RE: Went cold turkey on 2-02-02 » Maria Warren, posted by marlene on February 13, 2002, at 9:46:53
> Hi Marlene, I know exactly how you feel. I exercise everyday and couldn't understand why I was gaining weight til I found this site. I was stunned, because my doctor and many other doctors claim you wouldn't gain weight. I am weaning myself off effexor as we speak. I am also on wellbutrin - from the threads I have read here no one has had any weight problems with wellbutrin.
I had noticed also that when I did exercise it was more difficult to get thru my workout. Since I have lowered my dose I can't believe how much more energy I have. I can't wait to get off this stuff.
You mentioned swimming and running. I think thats a great idea. I know it would make you feel better. Go slow if you have to - start with swimming.
Hope all is well,Renee
Posted by kimberly ann on February 14, 2002, at 16:36:39
In reply to Re: NO Motivation on Effexor XR » Sandee, posted by Janie on February 15, 2001, at 18:12:52
hi
i have read alot of the posts bout effexor xr.. i too am one of the people on this crap, that is totally messed up from it.. i am trying to get off of it, but i am not sure i can :( . i have been on it for 3 years, i was once up to 300 mg's a day, i weaned myself down to 75mg and thats the lowest i can go, i take 75mg every other day.. if i try to go more i get awful side effects, some i cant even explain.. some of my symptoms of the side effects are... heart palpatations, rapid heart beat, almost feels like my heart is working hard, and i am just sitting on the couch doing nothing.. nausea, its off and on.. dizziness, irrattional thoughts.. anger, lazyness.. i also have this weird feeling with my face and head, when i move it back and forth, or go to look at something, it almost feels like there is a magnet, pulling my head down, and i get a weird feeling inside my head thats hard to describe, kinda like a fuzzy heavy feeling, its almost like i am looking through someone else's eyes. i also get chills, hot flashes, cold hands.. my periods are all weird.. i have passed 2 kidney stones, and alot of other weird symptoms, like stopping in the middle of a sentance and not remember what i was gonna say.. forgetting things, feeling unable to function with daily tasks i use to do.there is more but i cant name them all, does anyone know how to get off this stuff without going through all those horrible side effects??. i cant stand it!!! thanks
Posted by MaKi on February 14, 2002, at 17:26:51
In reply to Effexor is a bad drug!! i need help!!!, posted by kimberly ann on February 14, 2002, at 16:36:39
Hi, I'm very sorry to hear that you aren't doing so
good weaning off the Effexor XR. I am one of those
people who thinks this drug is doing wonders for me.
I guess it works differently on everyone. Did you
ever talk to your doctor about what's happening to you?
Maybe it's not the Effexor, did you ever think it might
be something else going on with you? It sounds to
me that you should really get some help with this, I'm
sure I would be going crazy if I was dealing with all
of those side effects.I wish you the best of luck and I hope things get
better for you. Keep us posted!MaKi
Posted by Reneeb on February 14, 2002, at 19:49:01
In reply to Effexor is a bad drug!! i need help!!!, posted by kimberly ann on February 14, 2002, at 16:36:39
> Hi Kimberly, I am also weaning my self off effexor. Instead of going from 75mg to nothing why don't you go down one more dose to 37.5mg maybe that would make it easier to wean yourself off???!!
Geez, I think you should talk to your doctor about all those side effects. I have had a few of the ones you mentioned. I also gained some weight on it too.
Renee
Posted by ann on February 14, 2002, at 20:48:43
In reply to Re: Effexor is a bad drug!! i need help!!! » kimberly ann, posted by Reneeb on February 14, 2002, at 19:49:01
I am really confused and kind of scared. I've been on effexor for three weeks now. 37.5 mg the 1st week, two of those capsules the second week and now two in am and one at pm. The 1st week I felt strange but I stayed on it because it had cut my appetite drastically. I lost 15 lbs by the second week. I've just started three pills a day, I don't feel depressed but I don't feel too much of nothing. But, all of a sudden I just can't stop eating, even thou I've up the dossage. I do feel like I can stay on it at present but after reading all the comments on withdrawal symptons I'am really concerned about what I might be getting myself into. I am glad I've found this website because it has made me more aware of something I had no idea of, but I really have to make a decision if I want to stay on it or not. Just wanted to let you all know and thanks again for making me aware of the side effect. I really wish I would have known before I took my 1st dose.
Posted by Reneeb on February 14, 2002, at 21:05:18
In reply to Re: Effexor is a bad drug!! i need help!!!, posted by ann on February 14, 2002, at 20:48:43
> Ann, I hear you! It's not only the withdrawal symptoms, it's the feeling of nothingness that you have not happy-not sad-just there! I didn't realize that I felt that way til I started to withdrawal from it. I couldn't believe how much energy I got back after one week of lowering my dose. Before that, I thought the stuff was great!
Renee
Posted by Elizabeth on February 15, 2002, at 8:47:28
In reply to Effexor is a bad drug!! i need help!!!, posted by kimberly ann on February 14, 2002, at 16:36:39
Hi. I can think of a couple of ways to taper off Effexor XR.
One way is to switch to plain Effexor, which comes in tablets that you take several times a day. The total daily dose should be the same to start. The lowest strength is 25 mg, and because they are scored tablets, you can break them in half.
The other way is to switch to Prozac. Prozac is a very long-acting drug with an even longer-acting metabolite (norfluoxetine). As a result, Prozac self-tapers and most people don't experience withdrawal symptoms. The main problem here is figuring out the equivalent dose. I'd expect about 20 mg of Prozac to be okay if you're on 75 mg of Effexor, but that might not be enough. Get the Prozac in 10 mg caps so you can reduce the dose. You shouldn't need to take it for more than a few days.
There are also things you can take that can help with the withdrawal symptoms. Benadryl seems to be used a lot for the weird dizzy feelings, nausea, and perhaps urinary and GI problems; Dramamine should work too if you prefer that. Beta blockers might ease the cardiac effects and perhaps some of the agitation. Benzodiazepines should ease the agitation/jitters. You can use clonidine for the hot-cold flashes and cardiac stuff.
You can also combine these strategies. I hope that this information helps you. Definitely talk to the doctor who prescribed the Effexor about the trouble you're having; besides the fact that a lot of the ideas I've suggested require a prescription, I think it's important for doctors (not just patients!) to be informed about the withdrawal syndromes that people often get with the newer ADs.
-elizabeth
Posted by sjb on February 15, 2002, at 8:53:08
In reply to Re: Effexor is a bad drug!! i need help!!!, posted by ann on February 14, 2002, at 20:48:43
Ann,
I had a similar experience with the weight. When I was first on it w/Tompomax, I lost some weight and life was wonderful, well, relatively speaking. After about month, the appetite suppression started wearing off and I was binge eating much more frequently. We tried to chase the initial lift by upping the dosage but it did not work. I eventually was up to 450mg a day and coming off was horrible. I wish you luck but it is not rare for a lot of SRRI's to have initial appetite suppresion that eventually wears off and often times increasese appetite with continued use.
Posted by SusanG on February 15, 2002, at 13:37:59
In reply to Re: Effexor discontinuation » kimberly ann, posted by Elizabeth on February 15, 2002, at 8:47:28
Hi Elizabeth,
I think you have some good ideas about weaning off Effexor. I am almost off mine completely at this point and have gone through some hell but I think I am over the worst of it. Using the capsules and not being able to divide them was a problem for me. The nurse's suggestion to go every other day, then every third day just doesn't seem to make as much sense as a daily dose gradually lowered. Getting a blast (my capsules were 75 mg), then nothing, then a blast again can't the preferred way to go. But I am almost there and my symptoms of dizziness, random crying attacks, etc., have subsided and I hope they don't return. On to Wellbutrin in a week and I hope I find success with that.One more thought about the issue of weight gain. As others have said, I initally had no weight gain with Effexor XR but after about a month or so I started putting it on and ended up gaining about 25 pounds since November. NOT OK WITH ME! But I have noticed a pattern with my weight: when severely stressed and depressed I can't eat and my weight drops or stays down. When my stress/depression is lessened somewhat but not gone, I tend to eat too much as a coping mechanism and I gain. Maybe when I began to gain with Effexor it was because I was less depressed but not entirely ok and therefore went into Munch Mode. Maybe I really needed MORE Effexor to lessen the depression to the point that I don't eat to compensate. Who knows? I'm sure the fatigue I felt on Effexor also contributed to my decreased exercise which just exaserbated the weight issue. I will give Wellbutrin a try but I'm nervous about the earlier post stating that if one AD causes weight gain, it is likely that other AD's will as well.
Posted by neko on February 15, 2002, at 15:31:35
In reply to Effexor is a bad drug!! i need help!!!, posted by kimberly ann on February 14, 2002, at 16:36:39
I have had almost all the same problems on Effexor XR as you have. One of the big draw backs of it was the heart palpitations. My heart would race all the time and it started to impact my sleeping. I am about 25lbs heavier than usual and my menstrual cycle has been completely messed up since I started Effexor last July. I still have that weird electric shocky feeling sometimes and find that I often stop mid-sentence and forget what the hell I was talking about. Boo to Effexor! j/k, but I would seriously recommend thinking twice before taking Effexor XR...
Posted by JANNBEAU on February 15, 2002, at 15:48:19
In reply to Re: Effexor discontinuation, posted by SusanG on February 15, 2002, at 13:37:59
>Hi, SusanB and Elizabeth (E,we've talked before):
This is Jannbeau. I posted a comment that weight gain on one psychotrophic medicine is a good predictor for weight gain on others. I just did a search on the www for "psychotrophic antidepressant weight" and, based on this (admittedly nonscientific) search, I stand by that statement. I also stated that those who were very thin to start or who lost wt with depression with were more likely to maintain or to lose wt on these meds. This seems to be a minority response however. The material I read today suggests that weight gain is a common effect of these medications. Personally, I've noticed a craving for high carb, high sugar foods on Effexor (saw this mentioned with regard to AD's, Antipsychotics, AntiBiPolar meds on my www travels, too). I am not gaining weight presently--haven't lost any either!
Now - finally - to the gist of this post: as you probably know, Welbutrin (bupropion) seems less likely to cause weight gain than some other AD's. There is another drug that might not cause as much weight gain: SERZONE or (nefazodone--sp?). BUT--the FDA recently announced (MedWatch) that the mfgr of Serzone must add a "Black Box" Warning to the physicians insert for Serzone. Apparently, there have been several instances of liver failure leading to death or liver transplants in persons taking Serzone. In most cases (?) the patients had NO indentified predisposing factors for liver failure nor did they have active liver disease when they started Serzone. Therefore, before you try Serzone, you may wish to talk with your physician about this risk. If you decide to take Serzone, you might wish to have liver function tests before you start and at regular intervals thereafter (perhaps 3 to 4 times/year).
Good Luck!!
Cheers,
Jannbeau
Hi Elizabeth,
> I think you have some good ideas about weaning off Effexor. I am almost off mine completely at this point and have gone through some hell but I think I am over the worst of it. Using the capsules and not being able to divide them was a problem for me. The nurse's suggestion to go every other day, then every third day just doesn't seem to make as much sense as a daily dose gradually lowered. Getting a blast (my capsules were 75 mg), then nothing, then a blast again can't the preferred way to go. But I am almost there and my symptoms of dizziness, random crying attacks, etc., have subsided and I hope they don't return. On to Wellbutrin in a week and I hope I find success with that.
>
> One more thought about the issue of weight gain. As others have said, I initally had no weight gain with Effexor XR but after about a month or so I started putting it on and ended up gaining about 25 pounds since November. NOT OK WITH ME! But I have noticed a pattern with my weight: when severely stressed and depressed I can't eat and my weight drops or stays down. When my stress/depression is lessened somewhat but not gone, I tend to eat too much as a coping mechanism and I gain. Maybe when I began to gain with Effexor it was because I was less depressed but not entirely ok and therefore went into Munch Mode. Maybe I really needed MORE Effexor to lessen the depression to the point that I don't eat to compensate. Who knows? I'm sure the fatigue I felt on Effexor also contributed to my decreased exercise which just exaserbated the weight issue. I will give Wellbutrin a try but I'm nervous about the earlier post stating that if one AD causes weight gain, it is likely that other AD's will as well.
Posted by Reneeb on February 15, 2002, at 19:04:05
In reply to Re: Effexor discontinuation, posted by JANNBEAU on February 15, 2002, at 15:48:19
> Hi Jannbeau, Thanks for the information. I have just lowered my dose of effexor now I am on 37.5mg and I see my doc of Monday. I am also on wellbutrin 300mg right now. I only had a problem with it the first two weeks after that I was fine.
I am so confused about the weight gain issue. I exercise everyday and put on 10 pounds. I was on zoloft years ago and after 3 months blew up like a balloon. My girlfriend has been on paxil and celexia to name a few and never gained a pound. She is also on wellbutrin and just went from effexor to serzone because of her sex drive. She never gained an ounce on the wellbutrin/effexor mix.
I am going to visit the site you mentioned. I would like to bring some information with me when I visit the doc.
Thanks again for the info.
Renee
Posted by SusanG on February 15, 2002, at 19:10:20
In reply to Re: Effexor discontinuation, posted by JANNBEAU on February 15, 2002, at 15:48:19
Thanks, Jannbeau, for the information. You always have interesting and informative comments on your posts and I appreciate the feedback. As I am pretty fond of my liver, I think I will stay away from Serzone, especially if I have luck with Welbutrin. I am even hesitant to try Welbutrin considering the possible or probable weight issue, but I'm not so sure I can go without any medication at all. Again, thanks.
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