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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Reneeb on March 31, 2002, at 13:14:30
In reply to Re: a chat room, posted by JANNBEAU on March 27, 2002, at 17:32:08
> Shanti, check your email. The registration confirmation number comes to you via email.
>
> I found it and chatted a little while last night. Angel Girl was there, among others.
>
> Cheers,
> Jannbeau
I believe I have signed up. How do you know if someone is there? Sorry, I am so behind - I was in California for a week. A lot has happened since I have been gone. I have to catch up to you guys.Talk to you soon,
Renee
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 31, 2002, at 20:13:14
In reply to Re: a chat room » JANNBEAU, posted by Reneeb on March 31, 2002, at 13:14:30
> Sorry, I am so behind - I was in California for a week. A lot has happened since I have been gone.
Welcome back, I know you've found it, but just so other people know, further discussion about chatting should take place over at Psycho-Social-Babble:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020325/msgs/21223.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Allen F. on April 1, 2002, at 0:06:36
In reply to Sleeping long hours/hard to wake up, posted by ST on March 31, 2002, at 4:57:02
Sleeping ... I have been on AD for so long I have forgotten what it would be like to be able to sleep "norally." What I wouldn't give to be able to come home at night and go to bed, then wake up in the morning refreshed instead of tired as I do. I don't sleep though the night like I want too. I want up several times. Yes, I have been taking something to sleep but I still wake up, its frustrating.
Morning are the worst. I wake up agitated and nausiated. Its not a good way to start the day.
At present I am weinging off of Effexor and not having much fun. Today has not been a good day. Then again, the past week has not been that great. I am tired of being tired. I am tired of the tension that I have been feeling. I know that getting of the AD is the right thing to do. I wish I had a better support system to do so.
I am trying to look at the bright side of things, like today, Easter, and all that it means. Happy Easter.
Allen
Posted by Pamela Lynn on April 1, 2002, at 9:53:36
In reply to Re: Sleeping long hours/hard to wake up, posted by Allen F. on April 1, 2002, at 0:06:36
Allen,
What you typed about your sleeping problems...well, it was like you took the words right out of my mouth.
My Shrink has known about it for sometime and (this is the ONLY issue her and I have ever differed on)she wants me to go to one of those 'sleep studies'. I say NO WAY to that, as my insurance won't cover it and because I know what is the problem for my constant wakings during the night....My problem is that I have been on A.D.'s for years now, and I mean years; they are the cause here.
I too am going to start to wean off of the Effexor XR (hope I don't have the problem going off of the Effexor like others have!), the Wellbutrin. I also suffer from just awful panic attacks, so I am going to keep on the Klonipin...and for my occassional 'psychotic episode' due to my Borderline Pers. Disorder I will keep the Zyprexa on hand!
Please, PLEASE wish me luck. This is something that I really want to do, I might need some help from the board here if the going gets tough. You guys are great, I know I can count on you all if need be.
P.L.
> Sleeping ... I have been on AD for so long I have forgotten what it would be like to be able to sleep "norally." What I wouldn't give to be able to come home at night and go to bed, then wake up in the morning refreshed instead of tired as I do. I don't sleep though the night like I want too. I want up several times. Yes, I have been taking something to sleep but I still wake up, its frustrating.
>
> Morning are the worst. I wake up agitated and nausiated. Its not a good way to start the day.
>
> At present I am weinging off of Effexor and not having much fun. Today has not been a good day. Then again, the past week has not been that great. I am tired of being tired. I am tired of the tension that I have been feeling. I know that getting of the AD is the right thing to do. I wish I had a better support system to do so.
>
> I am trying to look at the bright side of things, like today, Easter, and all that it means. Happy Easter.
>
> Allen
Posted by Spencer on April 2, 2002, at 0:53:47
In reply to Re: Sleeping long hours/hard to wake up » Allen F., posted by Pamela Lynn on April 1, 2002, at 9:53:36
I've been on Efexor XR 125mg per day for about 6 months to treat major depression with excellent results, although for the first three months I had numerous side effects including insomnia. All the side effects went away eventually. However, in the last couple of weeks I've had some very abnormally large bruises, which, I am wondering, could be a side effect of Efexor.
Has anyone else had a similar experience??
Posted by IsoM on April 2, 2002, at 1:12:31
In reply to Anyone had abnormal bruising?, posted by Spencer on April 2, 2002, at 0:53:47
It's possible for drugs that affect serotonin to cause bruising, and while not rare, it's not that common for it to be a real problem.
Serotonin is used in platelet aggregation for normal clotting. SSRIs (& even though Effexor is not strictly an SSRI, it does affect serotonin too) can impair the ability of platelets clumping which can lead to longer clotting times - hence bruising.
Not all bruising is worrisome unless you're bruising very easily from light pressure or if you notice cuts won't clot properly. It also can be a problem if you have bad ulcers. If you're concerned, a doctor can perform a clotting time test to be sure.
Posted by Spencer on April 2, 2002, at 1:58:52
In reply to Re: Anyone had abnormal bruising? » Spencer, posted by IsoM on April 2, 2002, at 1:12:31
Thanks very much for the response. I'll monitor things and go to the doctor if the problem persists.
Posted by JANNBEAU on April 2, 2002, at 10:21:51
In reply to Re: Sleeping long hours/hard to wake up » ST, posted by IsoM on March 31, 2002, at 13:10:27
> Sarah, whether this goes away or not may be a function of the person's physiology. I can't speak for anyone but myself and it has not gone away for me and I am down from 225 to 75 mg XR per day. My doctor gave me a minor stimulant that helps me to wake up during the day. IsoM has another good thought about sleep in general. I need at least seven hours per night or the Effexor effects seem exaggerated.
Cheers
JannbeauSarah, before you ever took meds, were you a heavy sleeper or long sleeper? I really wish I could do without the long hours of sleep I need but I find if I don't give myself lots of sleep, I go downhill. I've always seemed to need lots of sleep.
>
> My Mom says as a baby, I slept fitfully & not much - guess I made up for it as an adult. Some people really do need more sleep than others - a genetic difference. All my sons seem to need lots of sleep too & were fitful sleepers as babies.
Posted by tessy on April 5, 2002, at 17:32:26
In reply to Re: Anyone had abnormal bruising? » IsoM, posted by Spencer on April 2, 2002, at 1:58:52
You know, I always thought it was just that I bruised easily. It could be that, but I've really only noticed in the last several years, and coincidentally, I have been on Zoloft and then Effexor. It doesn't really bother me, though, but it looks pretty bad.
Tessy
Posted by Kat26 on April 6, 2002, at 0:24:36
In reply to Re: Anyone had abnormal bruising? » IsoM, posted by Spencer on April 2, 2002, at 1:58:52
I'm having this a little bit with Prozac. Seem to bruise more easily. For some reason especially before I get my period.
Kat26
Posted by IsoM on April 6, 2002, at 1:30:20
In reply to Re: Anyone had abnormal bruising?, posted by Kat26 on April 6, 2002, at 0:24:36
If anyone is concerned, ask your doctor for a clotting time test. Otherwise, while the bruises look pretty ugly, they're not worrisome. Be aware too that any NSAIDs you take can also increase risks bruising more. My worst bruises happen when I need to take NSAIDs for a short while. They also interfere with platelet clumping.
Posted by Kat26 on April 6, 2002, at 13:10:17
In reply to Bit More On Bruising, posted by IsoM on April 6, 2002, at 1:30:20
Yeah, that's true... I had talked to my doc about the bruising thing last year and he agreed that it is better to take something like tylenol for headaches instead of aspirin.
Kat26
Posted by jammy on April 9, 2002, at 12:11:00
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I've been trying to taper from Effexor XR for a few days and got down to 75mg, but the tingling, dizziness and palpitations have become almost intolerable now! I've seen mentioned elsewhere on these boards that Benadryl is meant to be helpful as a kind of sedative in these circumstances, but can anyone recommend any other possible OTC remedies that may help with the other symptoms? (i'm in the uk so maybe not all the same drugs are available over the counter here) (By the way, going to my GP to ask for help is out of the question - the doctor that I'm expected to register with at my new address thought I was asking for Valium. When I tried to explain that I wanted venlafaxine, and that yes, it did have to be the extended release kind, his response was 'they're all antidepressants tho innit?' I thought I was dreaming...)
jammy
Posted by Pamela Lynn on April 9, 2002, at 19:19:30
In reply to Effexor XR withdrawal - does benadryl help?, posted by jammy on April 9, 2002, at 12:11:00
I too,am going off of the Effexor XR......I took the advice of someone from this board and asked my Shrink to put me on Remeron (not over the counter though). The Remeron seems to be helping.....I HAVE HEARD, however, that Benadryl can be of help when weaning off of Effexor Xr.
P.L.
Posted by Katekite on April 9, 2002, at 20:54:25
In reply to Effexor XR withdrawal - does benadryl help?, posted by jammy on April 9, 2002, at 12:11:00
Effexor is one of the worst to come off of. I don't know of OTC help, but it is always ok to take an extra effexor to stem the withdrawal. Go slower than you want to. Good luck -- kate
Posted by Cmatt on April 13, 2002, at 0:14:24
In reply to Effexor XR withdrawal - does benadryl help?, posted by jammy on April 9, 2002, at 12:11:00
If SSRI's dont bother you, you might see about using a small amount of Prozac while coming down off the Effexor. The belief is that since Effexor leaves the body so quick, the rapid loss of effect on serotonin is belived to be somewhat responsible for the discomfort. Some say that adding some Prozac helps ease the discomfort.
Other than that, use might try a sedating Tricylic Antidepressant like Elavil or Surmontil, or even the Remeron the other poster mentioned.
Cmatt
Posted by Gare on April 17, 2002, at 15:23:11
In reply to Re: Sleeping long hours/hard to wake up » IsoM, posted by JANNBEAU on April 2, 2002, at 10:21:51
That's interesting. I started Effexor XR at 37.5 mg once a day for one week; 75 mg per day for two weeks and climbed to 150 mg once a day. Once I started the 150 mg, I turned into a functioning zombie..that is work 9-5 then sleep 6pm - 6 am, ready for a new day. This went on for two weeks, and during the weekends, I slept entirely through it with the exception of going to church on Sunday. However, I am through the zombie phase and have begun dreams that feel real, even after waking up, which isn't good if you toss and turn and wake up several times a night either spooked or disoriented.
I spoke with my psychiatrist today and I am switching my time of dosage which currently is around 5 pm to first thing in the morning to see if I can restore my sleeping function.
This is the second time I have initiated Effexor.
The first time I took it, the first day I started in the evening and within one hour I felt like I had an intense orgasm and then just instantly had to go to sleep, even if I didn't want to. This effect took place for four days and the reaction to sleeping changed back to normal. However, everytime I yawned, my body could recall the feeling of the second half of having an orgasm, which was a nice feeling to have all day long.
So my body has reacted differently when starting this drug, but I do still have that yawning now, just not as much, but it does come with the orgasmic/ecstacy sensation. Anyone experience that one?
Posted by beardedlady on April 17, 2002, at 15:35:54
In reply to Re: Sleeping long hours/Orgasmic Sensation? » JANNBEAU, posted by Gare on April 17, 2002, at 15:23:11
Posted by JANNBEAU on April 17, 2002, at 16:18:12
In reply to I wish. : ) (nm) » Gare, posted by beardedlady on April 17, 2002, at 15:35:54
Hey, Bearded Lady!
You said it for ALL of us!!!
Cheers,
Jannbeau
Posted by RENEB on April 17, 2002, at 22:01:03
In reply to Re: Sleeping long hours/Orgasmic Sensation? » JANNBEAU, posted by Gare on April 17, 2002, at 15:23:11
Posted by Gare on April 18, 2002, at 8:37:18
In reply to Geez, are you sure you where on effexor??? (nm) » Gare, posted by RENEB on April 17, 2002, at 22:01:03
It's true. I can't complain about taking this drug.
I hadn't really used antidepressants really other than imipramine (and that was like back in 1995 for one year only). So when I was introduced to Effexor Regular during winter 2000, the first dose was at 37.5 mg and within half an hour I had experienced very similarly what felt like a 20 minute orgasm. Of course without the mess. And then instantly I went to sleep. During the 20 minutes of intense orgasmic feeling, I also had the giggles.
So this response took place for the next three days and then ceased. However, for those of use who yawn a lot due to Effexor, everytime I yawned, my body immediately somewhere in the middle of the yawn made me feel as if I was just finishing an orgasm. So the feeling wasn't as intense, but my body felt so relaxed as if I had masturbated and had my own orgasm. I am not sure if I am describing that right, but it's not the peak of the orgasm where it feels mind blowing but even seconds after you have the orgasm you feel relaxed and calm and it radiated throughout my body.
The weird thing is that this second time that I am taking Effexor XR, I really didn't have the initial intense orgasmic feeling but I still do produce the orgasmic aftereffects that feel just as good when I yawn now. The other good thing is that my yawning isn't all day long like with Effexor Regular.
I was talking to my psychiatrist (different that the original psych who prescribed it to me the first time around) yesterday about this and she has never heard such a thing.
I told her it was true. And that sometimes maybe that's why it probably interfered with my need produce my own orgasms as now with Effexor XR I am able to have my produced orgasms but it just takes so much longer that I get irritated. This is more difficult to achieve in the morning but in the afternoon, even though there is a delay, I am not as irritated about having to spend a few more minutes in achieving my goal. With Effexor Regular, I just couldn't achieve an orgasm with masturbation period that I didn't even feel like I needed sex anymore. At least with Effexor XR, I can still have my same needs but just a little more effort is needed.
Anyway, my psychiatrist had mentioned that perhaps I had a bit of mania involved in my depression that my body responded with such ecstacy to the drug. So if no one else on this site has a touch of mania, then I don't think you would be experiencing such orgasmic sensations everyday. This is just an observation and not proven medical fact. But when she mentioned it, the statement made sense.
But yes, in all honesty, I am just on Effexor XR at 150 mg per day with the dilemma of trying to see what is the best time to take it.
I was taking it between 6 pm and 7 pm but after my zombie phase, I was now left with not sleeping well at all. However, I was able to wake up in the morning and get to work earlier than I have ever been....my boss liked this.
So now my psychiatrist thinks that moving to morning time would be better but we have to change the dosage time slowly.
Yesterday I took the capsule at 2 pm and I have already experienced a difference. Not only was I able to sleep well, I actually felt sedated when I needed to be so this helped. Also I woke up with three of the hardest erections I have ever had.
It was more difficult to wake up today but I did at 730 am and worked on my computer, tracking my dreams and effects. I also noticed that I am a bit manic or on the border of feeling quite ecstacy-ish.
I am supposed to take this capsule right now at 930 am today but I think I am going to test the 2 pm again as an effect of taking it at 9 am might make me feel drowsy earlier in the day.
If I can feel like today by taking it at 2 pm then I think for me, I have found the optimal time and dosage that works.
With orgasmic sensations! :-)
Gare
Posted by RENEB on April 18, 2002, at 12:08:35
In reply to Re: Geez, are you sure you where on effexor???, posted by Gare on April 18, 2002, at 8:37:18
> It's true. I can't complain about taking this drug.
>
> I hadn't really used antidepressants really other than imipramine (and that was like back in 1995 for one year only). So when I was introduced to Effexor Regular during winter 2000, the first dose was at 37.5 mg and within half an hour I had experienced very similarly what felt like a 20 minute orgasm. Of course without the mess. And then instantly I went to sleep. During the 20 minutes of intense orgasmic feeling, I also had the giggles.
>
> So this response took place for the next three days and then ceased. However, for those of use who yawn a lot due to Effexor, everytime I yawned, my body immediately somewhere in the middle of the yawn made me feel as if I was just finishing an orgasm. So the feeling wasn't as intense, but my body felt so relaxed as if I had masturbated and had my own orgasm. I am not sure if I am describing that right, but it's not the peak of the orgasm where it feels mind blowing but even seconds after you have the orgasm you feel relaxed and calm and it radiated throughout my body.
>
> The weird thing is that this second time that I am taking Effexor XR, I really didn't have the initial intense orgasmic feeling but I still do produce the orgasmic aftereffects that feel just as good when I yawn now. The other good thing is that my yawning isn't all day long like with Effexor Regular.
>
> I was talking to my psychiatrist (different that the original psych who prescribed it to me the first time around) yesterday about this and she has never heard such a thing.
>
> I told her it was true. And that sometimes maybe that's why it probably interfered with my need produce my own orgasms as now with Effexor XR I am able to have my produced orgasms but it just takes so much longer that I get irritated. This is more difficult to achieve in the morning but in the afternoon, even though there is a delay, I am not as irritated about having to spend a few more minutes in achieving my goal. With Effexor Regular, I just couldn't achieve an orgasm with masturbation period that I didn't even feel like I needed sex anymore. At least with Effexor XR, I can still have my same needs but just a little more effort is needed.
>
> Anyway, my psychiatrist had mentioned that perhaps I had a bit of mania involved in my depression that my body responded with such ecstacy to the drug. So if no one else on this site has a touch of mania, then I don't think you would be experiencing such orgasmic sensations everyday. This is just an observation and not proven medical fact. But when she mentioned it, the statement made sense.
>
> But yes, in all honesty, I am just on Effexor XR at 150 mg per day with the dilemma of trying to see what is the best time to take it.
>
> I was taking it between 6 pm and 7 pm but after my zombie phase, I was now left with not sleeping well at all. However, I was able to wake up in the morning and get to work earlier than I have ever been....my boss liked this.
>
> So now my psychiatrist thinks that moving to morning time would be better but we have to change the dosage time slowly.
>
> Yesterday I took the capsule at 2 pm and I have already experienced a difference. Not only was I able to sleep well, I actually felt sedated when I needed to be so this helped. Also I woke up with three of the hardest erections I have ever had.
>
> It was more difficult to wake up today but I did at 730 am and worked on my computer, tracking my dreams and effects. I also noticed that I am a bit manic or on the border of feeling quite ecstacy-ish.
>
> I am supposed to take this capsule right now at 930 am today but I think I am going to test the 2 pm again as an effect of taking it at 9 am might make me feel drowsy earlier in the day.
>
> If I can feel like today by taking it at 2 pm then I think for me, I have found the optimal time and dosage that works.
>
> With orgasmic sensations! :-)
>
> GareHi Gare, This is a new one on me. I think you are the only post I have read to say this. I was on effexor for a year and had totally the opposite affect. I was tired all the time. I had no emotions at all and my sex drive was gone. I have almost weaned off it completely. It didnt take long before I started to wean my self that my sex drive came back. I am also taking wellbutrin which I heard it suppose to help your sex drive???
Keep us informed because this is unbelievable. I tell you.. If I had such an effect I would have never gotten off it.
Take care,
Renee
Posted by JohnX2 on April 18, 2002, at 21:13:56
In reply to Re: Geez, are you sure you where on effexor???, posted by Gare on April 18, 2002, at 8:37:18
> It's true. I can't complain about taking this drug.
>
> I hadn't really used antidepressants really other than imipramine (and that was like back in 1995 for one year only). So when I was introduced to Effexor Regular during winter 2000, the first dose was at 37.5 mg and within half an hour I had experienced very similarly what felt like a 20 minute orgasm. Of course without the mess. And then instantly I went to sleep. During the 20 minutes of intense orgasmic feeling, I also had the giggles.
>
> So this response took place for the next three days and then ceased. However, for those of use who yawn a lot due to Effexor, everytime I yawned, my body immediately somewhere in the middle of the yawn made me feel as if I was just finishing an orgasm. So the feeling wasn't as intense, but my body felt so relaxed as if I had masturbated and had my own orgasm. I am not sure if I am describing that right, but it's not the peak of the orgasm where it feels mind blowing but even seconds after you have the orgasm you feel relaxed and calm and it radiated throughout my body.
>
> The weird thing is that this second time that I am taking Effexor XR, I really didn't have the initial intense orgasmic feeling but I still do produce the orgasmic aftereffects that feel just as good when I yawn now. The other good thing is that my yawning isn't all day long like with Effexor Regular.
>
> I was talking to my psychiatrist (different that the original psych who prescribed it to me the first time around) yesterday about this and she has never heard such a thing.
>
> I told her it was true. And that sometimes maybe that's why it probably interfered with my need produce my own orgasms as now with Effexor XR I am able to have my produced orgasms but it just takes so much longer that I get irritated. This is more difficult to achieve in the morning but in the afternoon, even though there is a delay, I am not as irritated about having to spend a few more minutes in achieving my goal. With Effexor Regular, I just couldn't achieve an orgasm with masturbation period that I didn't even feel like I needed sex anymore. At least with Effexor XR, I can still have my same needs but just a little more effort is needed.
>
> Anyway, my psychiatrist had mentioned that perhaps I had a bit of mania involved in my depression that my body responded with such ecstacy to the drug. So if no one else on this site has a touch of mania, then I don't think you would be experiencing such orgasmic sensations everyday. This is just an observation and not proven medical fact. But when she mentioned it, the statement made sense.
>Hi Gare,
What do you mean by "orgasmic sensations". If I get a real manic run, I feel like dopamine is shooting out of my ears and I have even described this to friends as a "perpetual orgasm". But I don't always associate this with "libido" per se as there is not always a direct association at the time with sexual thoughts (just the chemical feeling).
John
Posted by Gare on April 19, 2002, at 6:51:53
In reply to Re: Geez, are you sure you where on effexor??? » Gare, posted by JohnX2 on April 18, 2002, at 21:13:56
Hi John:
You're exactly right. The orgasmic sensations come without having an erection or even thinking of sex or being aroused by something that looks potentially doable.
For instance, I may just be working on a report for work, typing away, and then yawn. During the middle somewhere of the yawn, I begin to feel it, the sensation of coming down from a middle to great orgasm - this depends on the length and depth of air/exhale of the yawn. However, as you point out, there is no thought of sex, no erection (at least for me), and no desire to have sex, and no mess. I just feel sooooo good and I am calm, relaxed and as a result, a smile just appears on my face.
Everyone here in the office wants some of these Effexor XR pills but alas I told them that I seem to be an unusual case in response to them.
I want to add though, that even though Effexor XR has someway interfered with my ability to have an orgasm when I want to by right hand method, I am still able to have one but with more effort and patience. Living in today's world, where everything must be done right away, I can see how this can be irritating especially if you are use to having results in five to ten minutes. But I am actually liking the idea that I can delay having an orgasm and ejaculating as I think that is a good thing for my partner :-)
So I am not experiencing yet what other men have described as anorgasma, not able to have an erection, or the erection not being as hard as it was.
With Effexor Regular I did notice that I had no desire to have sex after a while. But I also had much difficulty achieving my own orgasm that I gave up and that did manifest itself as a problem for me that I wanted to get off of Effexor Regular. But the regular formula did achieve it's sought out use, which was to stop obsessive thinking and depression.
I hope that you too understand when I describe having these sensations, as it's good to know I am not the only one experiencing them.
Posted by RENEB on April 19, 2002, at 7:59:03
In reply to Re: Effexor XR withdrawal - does benadryl help?, posted by Cmatt on April 13, 2002, at 0:14:24
> If SSRI's dont bother you, you might see about using a small amount of Prozac while coming down off the Effexor. The belief is that since Effexor leaves the body so quick, the rapid loss of effect on serotonin is belived to be somewhat responsible for the discomfort. Some say that adding some Prozac helps ease the discomfort.
>
> Other than that, use might try a sedating Tricylic Antidepressant like Elavil or Surmontil, or even the Remeron the other poster mentioned.
>
>
> CmattHi Guys, I have just successfuly withdrawaled from effexor XR. I first tried it going from 150 to 37.5 to 0 staying 2 weeks at each dose. That didnt work for me. I still had a great deal of the those horrible side effects. My pdoc had me follow that schedule but then I went to a 25mg dose than I split the tablet in half so I was only taking half of that dose and than I split it again...Boy, that wasnt easy. I was down to 1/4 tablet. When I finished my cycle with the 1/4 tablet I stopped. I can tell you it worked wonderful. I had not one side effect. I know this takes longer, but I couldnt do it the other way . I tried the benadryl and also motion sickness pills and neither of them worked for me.
Renee
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