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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Butterfly on May 9, 2002, at 12:33:47
In reply to Anyone Cold on Effexor XR?, posted by sly on May 9, 2002, at 12:05:53
> I started Effexor XR 37.5 mg/day about 10 days ago, so far I've been ok, nausea and headaches went away after 3 days, but the one thing that's really bothering me is I'm cold all the time.
>
> My feet, legs, and hands are freezing cold, it's almost summer and I'm wrapped up in blankets and fleece at work and home.
>
> Anyone else have this problem?
Sly
As I have posted before I started this medication 6 days ago now, 37.5mg like you to begin with, but no I haven't had this side-effect at all. Instead, I've been sweating quite a lot during the first few days, but now everything seems back to normal on this side.At first, it was also really disturbing my sleep, feeling like I had drunk 10 cups of coffee or so just before going to bed, and in spite of the fact that I'm taking the medication in the morning. I must say that I've been having a hard time sleeping for quite some time. But the last 2 nights, I've slept like a baby, 10 hours of deep sleep each night, - which is good as I feel I had a lot of tireness to get rid of, and which I think might be a result of being a bit less anxious/stressed out already.
And as I also wrote before, the only thing that still bothers me is the sexual side-effects. Not sure yet whether or not I'll be able to get used or put up with that.
Butterfly
Posted by axslinger on May 9, 2002, at 14:08:35
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by maggie on April 13, 2000, at 14:32:34
I ran out of my Rx for Effexor XR 150mg yesterday. I thought it was my imagination when I was suddenly dizzy, disoriented and having 'electrical shocks' to my face.
I have also been an emotional disaster today. I don't have a problem with being on this stuff indefinately if thats whats necessary. However they have caused complete lack of sex drive. Has anybody else noticed this? Is there anything to counter-act it?
Thanks.
Posted by Inanna on May 9, 2002, at 14:09:55
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by sharonews on May 1, 2002, at 8:54:00
I have been taking Effexor XR for about 7 months now. It has been wonderful for me. No doctor ever really diagnosed my problems, just kept throwing drugs at me. First was Paxil, which I HATED...made me more psychotic! After that experience I didn't want to try anything else, so for 2 years I cried all the time and felt like crap, didn't want to do anything. Then out of nowhere I started having severe anxiety with heart palpitations, shaking, sleeplessness...the whole bit. So I went back to the doctor, who gave me Ativan...I loved that, but he said I couldn't take it long term and suggested I try Effexor. So I did. The first 2 weeks I felt really strange, dizzy, headaches, like I was in the Twilight Zone, but then after 2 weeks I started feeling much better. Cured the anxiety almost instantly, and to my surprise my mood improved dramatically. I think since being on it I have maybe cried 5 times, quite an improvement from daily. I have been reading alot about the withdrawl symptoms, which kind of makes me nervous for when I want to quit taking this, but I think the benefits of it were worth it for me. Hope this helps some of you. Good Luck.
Posted by renelso1 on May 9, 2002, at 14:42:19
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Inanna on May 9, 2002, at 14:09:55
I have been on Effexor for a little over two weeks. Not XR though, I was taking 75mg twice a day. The first week i felt like i had the flu and couldn't even go to work. I was also pretty numb emotionally. However, those side effects seem to be gone and my doc gave me a new script today for Effexor XR since i didn't like taking the pills twice a day. This website gave me the idea of starting effexor (was on celexa a year) but i am scared i'm screwing with my body. the withdrawal sounds horrid. but i cry every day and my mind races with irrational destructive thoughts i can't seem to chase away. so i'm going for it. the chance of success seems worth it. so now my question is when to take it. i feel like a zombie as it is. so is at night better. i want to be able to sleep. sorry for rambling, my mind seems to be garbled...
Posted by lyuba on May 9, 2002, at 16:03:19
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by troys on May 2, 2002, at 19:04:29
I'm on day two, starting at 37.5mg. Due to increase on day four. This is my second walk down this road. Took Zoloft for several months about six years ago, but stopped after it occured to me that not only didn't I feel bad, I didn't feel anything. I've been battling increasing depression and anxiety during menopause. Can't do the HRT trip, so this is was my docs next thought. Its only been 2 pills, but I feel much better, although I'm not working, which I feel is a major contributor to my problem. So I'll give my self a couple of weeks, and see what happens.
Posted by supergirl on May 9, 2002, at 16:30:33
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by axslinger on May 9, 2002, at 14:08:35
> I ran out of my Rx for Effexor XR 150mg yesterday. I thought it was my imagination when I was suddenly dizzy, disoriented and having 'electrical shocks' to my face.
>
> I have also been an emotional disaster today. I don't have a problem with being on this stuff indefinately if thats whats necessary. However they have caused complete lack of sex drive. Has anybody else noticed this? Is there anything to counter-act it?
>
> Thanks.
my advice is to get back on it asap. it will only get worse. the last time i ran out, i dont even remember day two and day three i almost went to the hospital. the symptoms stopped after a good long sleep once i got back on the pill.supergirl
Posted by tessy on May 10, 2002, at 0:19:02
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by supergirl on May 9, 2002, at 16:30:33
I recently stopped taking effexor. I had problems losing weight; due to new circumstances, I had gained some. I started on Prozac...my sex drive is back, but I don't know if I'll have a problem because I'm currently single. I'm getting back to my origonal size, though. Unfortunately, Prozac doesn't take care of anxiety, and I have had several panic attacks. As long as I can deal with them, It's ok.
Let me know how you're doing. I hope you get back on some med, though, because the come-down off effexor was rough. I had to miss a day of work (I'm kinda a workaholic)....
Tessy
Posted by supergirl on May 10, 2002, at 0:31:34
In reply to Re: withdrawal » supergirl, posted by tessy on May 10, 2002, at 0:19:02
I don't know if today was a fluke, but maybe i just needed a good rest... 17 hours last night, but I feel a lot better today. Taking the dose down to 75 mg for one day really showed me how exhausted I was! I am alternating between 150 and 75 mg right now and so far, the lightning flashes have been controlled just as long as I am not jostled and I can lay down if I feel one coming on. I'm going BACK to the doctor in the morning to fill out paperwork so I can have a leave from work while this is going on. I am feeling better today, but I am still emotionally fragile and pretty sickly. I got myself in between a rock and a hard place. To straighten myself out I can't work, but I need the money so I need to work. Anyone know of any funds that might be available?
supergirl
Posted by Spencer on May 10, 2002, at 0:33:51
In reply to Anyone Cold on Effexor XR?, posted by sly on May 9, 2002, at 12:05:53
> I started Effexor XR 37.5 mg/day about 10 days ago, so far I've been ok, nausea and headaches went away after 3 days, but the one thing that's really bothering me is I'm cold all the time.
>
> My feet, legs, and hands are freezing cold, it's almost summer and I'm wrapped up in blankets and fleece at work and home.
>
> Anyone else have this problem?=========================================================
I suffered the same thing for about a month when I first started taking Effexor last year. It was in winter (southern hemisphere)and our houses here are not built for the cold.....I felt like a block of ice and couldn't get warm. But it went away, so don't worry, the feeling should go away with time.
My experience of all the side effects was that they went away after a month or two. I have had great success with Effexor but like everyone else I want to get off it but am not looking forward to the withdrawal.
Posted by Timmy4 on May 10, 2002, at 10:43:43
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi!
I am a 21 year old college student who was just prescribed Effexor XR. I am wondering how this med most likely will affect my symptoms. I have been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety, and am very self conscious and anxious. How will the Effexor do with becoming more outward focused, less self conscious, and more motivated? Also, how does it affect mental clarity??
Thank you so much for any and all help!Talk to you soon,
Chris
Posted by SandraDee on May 10, 2002, at 17:14:04
In reply to Effexor and Anxiety, posted by Timmy4 on May 10, 2002, at 10:43:43
I am 30, an at home mom who was just prescribed Effexor XR. I am only on day 2 but seem to be feeling better. I'm not snapping at my 2 1/2 yr old as much. I haven't had ANY side effects from it at all yet. The starting dose for me was 37.5 and I up to 75mg at the end of this week. I have two kids under age 3, and we just bought a home and are still not sure when we are going to be able to move into it. Life is stressful now, but I haven't cried in two days - so that is nice. Cheerios on the floor no longer look like boulders. I was feeling like a bad mom two days ago, now I just feel like a mom under a lot of stresses, but nothing I can't handle. Thanks for listening.
-Me
ddandjc@hotmail.com> Hi!
>
> I am a 21 year old college student who was just prescribed Effexor XR. I am wondering how this med most likely will affect my symptoms. I have been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety, and am very self conscious and anxious. How will the Effexor do with becoming more outward focused, less self conscious, and more motivated? Also, how does it affect mental clarity??
> Thank you so much for any and all help!
>
> Talk to you soon,
> Chris
Posted by GwenDee on May 10, 2002, at 19:33:16
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by supergirl on May 9, 2002, at 16:30:33
Just found this site tonite... and now I know I'm not completely crazy. The "electric shock" thing in the face is awful! With it comes clicking noises in my head and a lightheadedness. I've reduced my dosage from 150 to 75 mg. and then 37.5, but I WANT OFF!!! Does anyone have an answer?? Does Benydryl work?? Love to hear from anyone with positive experience getting off Effexor XR. Thank you.
Posted by Sherrie on May 10, 2002, at 22:44:41
In reply to Re: Long-term effects, posted by stjames on July 8, 2000, at 23:15:07
I thank God I found this website tonight! I don't think I could've stood another day alone. Please bear with me. I started Effexor XR 37.5 mg. on 3/3/02 while still taking Paxil, which I took for years (?). The plan was to taper me off the Paxil that I thought was no longer working because I was so depressed and my thinking was so fuzzy. For 6 weeks, I took 15 mg. of Paxil and after the first 2 weeks of Effexor XR, I was up to 75 mg. It was the most wonderful feeling in the world. I was so euphoric! But that got old and wore me out. So my doc said take 10 mg. for 4 days, then 5 mg. for 6 days (of Paxil). It was awful! I had the electric shock sensations, dizziness, cried over everything, and all I wanted to do was sleep. I was in the deepest, darkest depression I've been in for years. I called the doc, who was about to go on vacation, and he told me it was just my dissociative disorder acting up! Said if I wasn't better in a week to get back on the Paxil. No way was I ever going back on that. My mind has cleared up so much, even with all the symptoms. In a few days, I was walking into walls, falling, having enormous, sudden bouts of rage, over-reacting to everything, paranoid, and just wanted to die. I called and saw one of doc's associates, who increased the Effexor - 37.5 more for 2 weeks, then 75 more for 150 mg. In just a few hours, my symptoms went away. It was unreal! I'm still taking the 75 + 37.5 mg. dose, but now I'm having migraine headaches, which I haven't had in a long time, my stomach is bloated and cramping/aching, my neck is stiff, I feel like everyone is against me, sick of me and yet, I feel like everyone is stupid and irresponsible. I'm aware that my feelings are not rational but can't change them. I don't have the energy to get dressed. I don't know what to do. If I get off the Effexor, I'll go into total darkness (that's the way it feels). I want my mind to feel clean or free, without all the anxiety and confusion these drugs cause, but I don't want that total despair. I certainly don't want to go through more withdrawals. Could this happen from taking it only 9-10 weeks? I'm sure I still have remnants of the Paxil, or maybe not. I know that I can't continue like this. I'm so tired of my doctor blaming everything on my D.I.D. I've worked HARD the past 35 years in therapy. I think I'm more aware of my feelings than this doctor! Would appreciate any help. I'm so distrustful right now but desparate! Thanks and God bless.
Posted by axslinger on May 11, 2002, at 8:37:13
In reply to Side effects/withdrawals, posted by Sherrie on May 10, 2002, at 22:44:41
> I thank God I found this website tonight! I don't think I could've stood another day alone. Please bear with me. I started Effexor XR 37.5 mg. on 3/3/02 while still taking Paxil, which I took for years (?). The plan was to taper me off the Paxil that I thought was no longer working because I was so depressed and my thinking was so fuzzy. For 6 weeks, I took 15 mg. of Paxil and after the first 2 weeks of Effexor XR, I was up to 75 mg. It was the most wonderful feeling in the world. I was so euphoric! But that got old and wore me out. So my doc said take 10 mg. for 4 days, then 5 mg. for 6 days (of Paxil). It was awful! I had the electric shock sensations, dizziness, cried over everything, and all I wanted to do was sleep. I was in the deepest, darkest depression I've been in for years. I called the doc, who was about to go on vacation, and he told me it was just my dissociative disorder acting up! Said if I wasn't better in a week to get back on the Paxil. No way was I ever going back on that. My mind has cleared up so much, even with all the symptoms. In a few days, I was walking into walls, falling, having enormous, sudden bouts of rage, over-reacting to everything, paranoid, and just wanted to die. I called and saw one of doc's associates, who increased the Effexor - 37.5 more for 2 weeks, then 75 more for 150 mg. In just a few hours, my symptoms went away. It was unreal! I'm still taking the 75 + 37.5 mg. dose, but now I'm having migraine headaches, which I haven't had in a long time, my stomach is bloated and cramping/aching, my neck is stiff, I feel like everyone is against me, sick of me and yet, I feel like everyone is stupid and irresponsible. I'm aware that my feelings are not rational but can't change them. I don't have the energy to get dressed. I don't know what to do. If I get off the Effexor, I'll go into total darkness (that's the way it feels). I want my mind to feel clean or free, without all the anxiety and confusion these drugs cause, but I don't want that total despair. I certainly don't want to go through more withdrawals. Could this happen from taking it only 9-10 weeks? I'm sure I still have remnants of the Paxil, or maybe not. I know that I can't continue like this. I'm so tired of my doctor blaming everything on my D.I.D. I've worked HARD the past 35 years in therapy. I think I'm more aware of my feelings than this doctor! Would appreciate any help. I'm so distrustful right now but desparate! Thanks and God bless.
I can't say anything regarding the Paxil but I can say that most of the Effexor symptoms went away for me. At first I had jaw tension. Always biting down. Which didnt really bother me since I wasnt grinding my teeth. And I did get dry mouth easily when in somewhat stressful situations. But all in all, I was very balanced and could deal with anything. The reason I am now trying Prozac is because I had total lack of interest in sex on Effexor.
Good Luck
Brian
Posted by SandraDee on May 11, 2002, at 10:46:47
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Well yesterday I posted stating no side effects yet, and that evening they started. Not just tingling electric signals to my face, but arms as well. It doesn't hurt, it's sort of like a minor shock (like when you touch someone). Also noticing major dry mouth - trying to increase my water intake lots. Not much of a water drinker anyhow. Still only day 3 now (37.5 mg)... no nausea, and cheerios on the floor (from my kids) don't look like boulders. Sort of worried about going up in dose when I already am feeling better. Especially after hearing all the other comments about side effects and withdrawls coming off of it. Is Effexor XR really so different from plain old Effexor?
Posted by Butterfly on May 11, 2002, at 11:12:59
In reply to Side effects started day 2 and 3, posted by SandraDee on May 11, 2002, at 10:46:47
> Well yesterday I posted stating no side effects yet, and that evening they started. Not just tingling electric signals to my face, but arms as well. It doesn't hurt, it's sort of like a minor shock (like when you touch someone). Also noticing major dry mouth - trying to increase my water intake lots. Not much of a water drinker anyhow. Still only day 3 now (37.5 mg)... no nausea, and cheerios on the floor (from my kids) don't look like boulders. Sort of worried about going up in dose when I already am feeling better. Especially after hearing all the other comments about side effects and withdrawls coming off of it. Is Effexor XR really so different from plain old Effexor?
Well, enough for me. I have just quit Effexor XR after only 6 days. Not an advice to anybody, just my plain experience. Couldn't get used to sexual side-effects, and not prepared to sacrify sex life.
Might try again later on, perhaps something different like Wellbutrin, next winter maybe, since it is in winter that my level of anxiety and depression goes highest.
Must also admit that various reports of awful withdrawals have kind of scared me off too. However, I guess I could have lived with that, but again not willing to jeopardize sex life.
I think that I can afford to get off as my condition isn't too bad these days.
Best luck to all
Butterfly
Posted by Allen F. on May 11, 2002, at 18:29:58
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
What is the point of being on or off ... I feel like my life is so screwed-up either way it doesn't matter. Its been so long since I have been happy that I can't remember it ... and I want to. I want to laugh, to feel joy, excitment, pleasure. I think the drugs have killed my emotions, good and bad, and left me in a barren land. It sucks!
I don't like being tired all the time. I want a normal sleep schedule. I don't want to keep seeing doctors. I don't want to pour out my soul to someone only to find their answers are worse than mine. I am tired of being "diagnosed." I want to be a person, real, loved, happy, normal.
Damn. Can't tell I am frustrated can you. Tommorrow is Mothers Day and I don't want to ruin it for my wife or mother. Tuesday is my 20th wedding anaversity, I have looked forward for this for a long time. But all I hear is how bad it is and I thinking of filing on Monday ... that sucks. I love my wife, but is love enough.
Oh well, I have gone on way to long.
Posted by Reneb on May 11, 2002, at 19:16:40
In reply to Re: Effexor and Anxiety » Timmy4, posted by SandraDee on May 10, 2002, at 17:14:04
> I am 30, an at home mom who was just prescribed Effexor XR. I am only on day 2 but seem to be feeling better. I'm not snapping at my 2 1/2 yr old as much. I haven't had ANY side effects from it at all yet. The starting dose for me was 37.5 and I up to 75mg at the end of this week. I have two kids under age 3, and we just bought a home and are still not sure when we are going to be able to move into it. Life is stressful now, but I haven't cried in two days - so that is nice. Cheerios on the floor no longer look like boulders. I was feeling like a bad mom two days ago, now I just feel like a mom under a lot of stresses, but nothing I can't handle. Thanks for listening.
> -Me
> ddandjc@hotmail.com
>
> > Hi!
> >
> > I am a 21 year old college student who was just prescribed Effexor XR. I am wondering how this med most likely will affect my symptoms. I have been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety, and am very self conscious and anxious. How will the Effexor do with becoming more outward focused, less self conscious, and more motivated? Also, how does it affect mental clarity??
> > Thank you so much for any and all help!
> >
> > Talk to you soon,
> > ChrisHi Guys, I have just weined off effexor. All I can tell you is that It worked great for awhile. The higher the dose the more I felt unemotional, didn't care about things I used to (good things!)I was extremely tired all the time. When I decided to get off the stuff I noticed right away my energy level come back. I couldn't believe how much of a fog I was in. I sure you have read posts on the withdrawal symptoms. They are unbelievable and really hard to take. I just wanted you to be aware. Oh! weight gain too.
sorry to sound so negative. It was just my experience with it.
hope to talk soon,
Renee
Posted by Reneb on May 11, 2002, at 19:28:22
In reply to What is the point of being on or off, posted by Allen F. on May 11, 2002, at 18:29:58
> What is the point of being on or off ... I feel like my life is so screwed-up either way it doesn't matter. Its been so long since I have been happy that I can't remember it ... and I want to. I want to laugh, to feel joy, excitment, pleasure. I think the drugs have killed my emotions, good and bad, and left me in a barren land. It sucks!
>
> I don't like being tired all the time. I want a normal sleep schedule. I don't want to keep seeing doctors. I don't want to pour out my soul to someone only to find their answers are worse than mine. I am tired of being "diagnosed." I want to be a person, real, loved, happy, normal.
>
> Damn. Can't tell I am frustrated can you. Tommorrow is Mothers Day and I don't want to ruin it for my wife or mother. Tuesday is my 20th wedding anaversity, I have looked forward for this for a long time. But all I hear is how bad it is and I thinking of filing on Monday ... that sucks. I love my wife, but is love enough.
>
> Oh well, I have gone on way to long.
Hey Allen, you sound like you need some people to talk with. IF you would like some of us from here have formed a little support group at our own email address. If you would like to join us - just let me know. Reneeb724@earthlink.nethope to talk soon,
Renee
Posted by PamelaLynn on May 12, 2002, at 9:57:48
In reply to What is the point of being on or off, posted by Allen F. on May 11, 2002, at 18:29:58
I totally can relate to everything you've written here and I understand! I just recently went off, over the long haul all of the meds that I was on for depression.....had been on for YEARS. I thought, "damn, I feel horrible on these, maybe getting off will help"...Well, it doesn't seem to matter either way. I sleep on and off so much even NOT being on the meds. that I wonder what the hell is truly wrong with me...I mean, this can't be right, you know? I don't much participate in things, family functions, stuff like that. I have a 5 and a 3 yr old and I feel like the worlds worst Mom.....forget even getting into my husband and I......I too am at the end of my rope here, and just sick and tired of being sick and tired. I HURT and I HATE it. Nothing but continual hurt inside of me....it stinks.
P.L.
> What is the point of being on or off ... I feel like my life is so screwed-up either way it doesn't matter. Its been so long since I have been happy that I can't remember it ... and I want to. I want to laugh, to feel joy, excitment, pleasure. I think the drugs have killed my emotions, good and bad, and left me in a barren land. It sucks!
>
> I don't like being tired all the time. I want a normal sleep schedule. I don't want to keep seeing doctors. I don't want to pour out my soul to someone only to find their answers are worse than mine. I am tired of being "diagnosed." I want to be a person, real, loved, happy, normal.
>
> Damn. Can't tell I am frustrated can you. Tommorrow is Mothers Day and I don't want to ruin it for my wife or mother. Tuesday is my 20th wedding anaversity, I have looked forward for this for a long time. But all I hear is how bad it is and I thinking of filing on Monday ... that sucks. I love my wife, but is love enough.
>
> Oh well, I have gone on way to long.
Posted by Reneb on May 12, 2002, at 19:44:17
In reply to Re: What is the point of being on or off » Allen F., posted by PamelaLynn on May 12, 2002, at 9:57:48
> I totally can relate to everything you've written here and I understand! I just recently went off, over the long haul all of the meds that I was on for depression.....had been on for YEARS. I thought, "damn, I feel horrible on these, maybe getting off will help"...Well, it doesn't seem to matter either way. I sleep on and off so much even NOT being on the meds. that I wonder what the hell is truly wrong with me...I mean, this can't be right, you know? I don't much participate in things, family functions, stuff like that. I have a 5 and a 3 yr old and I feel like the worlds worst Mom.....forget even getting into my husband and I......I too am at the end of my rope here, and just sick and tired of being sick and tired. I HURT and I HATE it. Nothing but continual hurt inside of me....it stinks.
>
> P.L.
> > What is the point of being on or off ... I feel like my life is so screwed-up either way it doesn't matter. Its been so long since I have been happy that I can't remember it ... and I want to. I want to laugh, to feel joy, excitment, pleasure. I think the drugs have killed my emotions, good and bad, and left me in a barren land. It sucks!
> >
> > I don't like being tired all the time. I want a normal sleep schedule. I don't want to keep seeing doctors. I don't want to pour out my soul to someone only to find their answers are worse than mine. I am tired of being "diagnosed." I want to be a person, real, loved, happy, normal.
> >
> > Damn. Can't tell I am frustrated can you. Tommorrow is Mothers Day and I don't want to ruin it for my wife or mother. Tuesday is my 20th wedding anaversity, I have looked forward for this for a long time. But all I hear is how bad it is and I thinking of filing on Monday ... that sucks. I love my wife, but is love enough.
> >
> > Oh well, I have gone on way to long.Hi Pam, I can relate to what you are saying too. If you would like to have others that can relate to you please email me. Reneeb724@EARTHLINK.NET
we have a small group that email back n forth and I have found it to be so comforting and supportive.hope to talk soon,
Renee
Posted by shannon331987 on May 12, 2002, at 21:17:01
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
hi my name is shannon and im 15 years old. i am just getting off 375 mg a day of effexor after about 3 months of it not working at all. my doctor told me nothing about withdrawal, so i had to find out by my self. well what i was wondering was since effexor is approved for adults only has anyone seen it used in people under 18 before?? please help i am very worried
Posted by spu on May 13, 2002, at 8:21:24
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I think I've been depressed for about 8 years now
and just started getting help on Friday. I was
put on effexor xr after my first visit, and that
kind of freaked me out. I hate drugs (even asprin)
because I make drugs, I'm a pharmaceutical
biochemist. Reading all these posts is crazy.
Although my personal and social life is a disaster,
I am extremely active in many sports like cycling
and skiing. Probably the only things that have
kept me sane all these years. Has anyone experienced
a loss of fitness (ie cardio, muscle strength,
endurance, etc) on this drug? I already have the
headaches and stomach knot, but I do feel a little
different. I hesitate to say better....
Posted by LynnPerley on May 13, 2002, at 18:44:33
In reply to Fitness and effexor, posted by spu on May 13, 2002, at 8:21:24
I have noticed no difference during workouts, etc. I have exercised a lot less since starting Effexor XR about six weeks ago but I think it has more to do with scheduling things, kids activities, work overload, etc. than with the meds. I did rely on exercise "therapy", i.e., one of the things that kept me exercising regularly was the antidepressant effect it had, and the meds have helped enough that I probably feel less urge to exercise than I did before.
Posted by johnlund on May 13, 2002, at 21:34:55
In reply to Fitness and effexor, posted by spu on May 13, 2002, at 8:21:24
> I think I've been depressed for about 8 years now
> and just started getting help on Friday. I was
> put on effexor xr after my first visit, and that
> kind of freaked me out. I hate drugs (even asprin)
> because I make drugs, I'm a pharmaceutical
> biochemist. Reading all these posts is crazy.
> Although my personal and social life is a disaster,
> I am extremely active in many sports like cycling
> and skiing. Probably the only things that have
> kept me sane all these years. Has anyone experienced
> a loss of fitness (ie cardio, muscle strength,
> endurance, etc) on this drug? I already have the
> headaches and stomach knot, but I do feel a little
> different. I hesitate to say better....
I have been on Effexor XR 150mg for over two years now. I have always been active in sports, and I find that Effexor has only one major impact on my sports activity. I find I sweat more and also earlier than before I was on Effexor. I have also gained a little weight. Probably because my appetite has returned. However, I am able to control it with excercise and diet. My blood pressure is pretty normal, but I believe that it would go up if I didn't excercise. I work out once a day for about a hour. I do some push-ups, sit-ups, ride a stationary bike for 15 minutes, and run on a tread-mill type device for 30 minutes. I am ringing wet when I finish, and I have to drink about 16oz of water. However, I do not feel this is a problem. I am 53 years old, and would probably not be among the living, or at best not been out in open society if Effexor had not come along.
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