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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by emlucy on August 7, 2002, at 13:22:45
I recently started on effexor xr, taking 37.5 then moving to 75 then to 150 over about 10 days.
I was wondering what others felt specifically when they started taking effexor xr. This is my first anti-depressant or mood-changing prescription of any kind so I don't know too much about it. I just moved to 75 two days ago, and I'm feeling sort of disoriented and dizzy. Not really nasaeu or headaches.. just sort of strung out. I also starting taking trazadone at night to relieve insomnia I've been having (started these two drugs on the same day). So when / do these side effects start to go away. I guess I don't really feel as depressed or anxious.. but it's too soon to really decide that. Also a little difficulty with orgasms (just taking a bit more effort - I'm a male).Also when I start on 150 mg, should I take two 75mg's at once or should I take one in the morning and one in the afternoon? I've been taking it in the morning w/o breakfast which might be a problem, and I'm going to start taking with food..
Thanks
emlucy
Posted by twiggy on August 7, 2002, at 15:47:40
In reply to just started effexor, posted by emlucy on August 7, 2002, at 13:22:45
Hello. I started taking Effexor a year ago. I was dizzy-off kilter kinda for a week on the 37.5, then when I moved to 75mg, it was only for a few days, then everything was just wonderful. I eventually developed an extremely rare blister reaction, but not to worry - I know of no one else who had my problem. It was a shame though, I really liked the way it helped me with anxiety and depression. I hope it works as well for you!
Posted by Kai on August 11, 2002, at 0:19:39
In reply to Re: just started effexor, posted by twiggy on August 7, 2002, at 15:47:40
emlucy, I am surprised that your Dr would prescribe effexor without trying something else first. Also, doesn't you med bottle say to take with food? It is very important to follow the warnings.
Discuss with you Dr. when you should take your med. I just switched to taking it at night (after dinner). I was getting too tired in the mid day and afternoon.
You will probably not feel better for around six weeks. It takes awhile for anti-depressants to work.
I found that when I first started effexor my sleep was very disturbed; I took ambien for about a month. I have been taking effexor for a year. It has helped me so much! I take 225mg, I have sleep problems sometimes and take ambien when I do.
Eat something before you take effexor, and be patient for awhile.
Posted by pharmer on August 11, 2002, at 1:42:10
In reply to Re: just started effexor, posted by Kai on August 11, 2002, at 0:19:39
I'm not at all surprised effexor would be your doc's first choice. It'a an effective ad with no more side effects than all the others out there. Good luck and I hope you will give your meds a fair trial to work,some people may have had a bad experience with a certain med and then - let the med-bashing begin. Your first med may be exactlly what you need.
Posted by LynnPerley on August 11, 2002, at 23:23:14
In reply to just started effexor, posted by emlucy on August 7, 2002, at 13:22:45
If you are taking the XR formula, take the entire dose at once.
Be patient with this med. It also took me 6 weeks or more to feel the "true" effect. The side effects are a little strange, but they do go away. I ended up taking mine at night because I was too sleepy during the day. I also ended up increasing my dose to 225 mg eventually, but it took 2.5 mos at 150 to realize I needed to increase.
Posted by huck326 on August 13, 2002, at 5:39:24
In reply to Re: just started effexor » emlucy, posted by LynnPerley on August 11, 2002, at 23:23:14
I started taking Effexor XR in January of this year with the exact same circumstances, i.e. first drug ever and the exact same dosage levels.
I noticed a huge difference after about a week.
I have leveled out now and think that it is a great drug to start with at least ( may be switching meds soon)
Only have a couple of warnings for you as a new person to drug therepy with effexor XR
First TAKE WITH FOOD!!! trust me it makes all the difference in the worldSecond Don't miss a dose as the withdrawal of missing just one dose for me ends up with Nausea, headache, dizzy and a really strange numbness in the hands and (silly as it sounds) tongue.
But as I said earlier I think Effexor was a real life saver for me. literally! So give it at least 8 to 10 weeks before you judge it's effects and make up your own mind don't let the Effexor bashing or praise sway you.
Good Luck
This is the end of the thread.
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