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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by John W. on September 30, 2002, at 17:49:12
In reply to Re: discouraging bunch of mssgs, posted by jannbeau on September 30, 2002, at 11:13:16
> > Geezer,
> You said it so very well! He's right, Legallybrunette!
>
> Cheers,
> jannbeau
>
> Hi,
> >
> > Don't let the board scare you. Hypothetically, 70% of the people using ADs get some degree of relief for a period of time (none of the ADs work forever). The other 30% of us are here looking for answers and sharing experience. If we had the right drugs to give us relief (or we found a way to avoid the side effects) we wouldn't be here anymore - we would have better things to do.
> >
> > Best of luck
>
>Hello! This is my first message here. I have been on Effexor XR for about four months now and have mainly good things to say about it. It was prescribed to me after a panic attack. The best things that have happened by using it have been that I'm overall less anxious than I was before. Also, things generally bother me less. I no longer become intensely angry at the drop of a hat. I'm very grateful for this as I would have these 'anger attacks' as well, and my poor eleven year old son would usually pay for them. This alone has made taking Effexor worth it and I only wish I'd had it sooner. However, I was expecting to feel "happy" once I started it, and this hasn't happened. I do feel better, calmer, more relaxed and content, but not exactly happy. I've realized that this is also part of my conditioning and how my thinking patterns have been all my life. Negative thinking, etc. So there's a part of myself that's also the conscious part that has to build new patterns for myself. That's aside fromthe chemical part that Effexor is helping. But there have been the side effects. Mainly the lack of sex drive and the different ejaculations. At first, it took forever to reach that point, and then when it finally happened, it would happen a little earlier than I'd expected it to. Later this got more normal. But still there's a definite decline in sex drive. I think it helps to start out early, before getting down to sex. Prime the pump, if you will. :) And take your time and not get anxious or worried about not finishing. I still also have mild night sweats. I have also basically stopped drinking alcohol since starting it, which is also good.
Posted by Geezer on September 30, 2002, at 18:34:15
In reply to Re: An Encouraging One!, posted by John W. on September 30, 2002, at 17:49:12
Hi John W.
I am very glad you are here and commend you for your positive attitude. Seems you have already recognized the importance of the benefit you receive from your AD and you are "reasonable" about dealing with SEs. Hope you stick around!
Geezer
Posted by Nigel99 on September 30, 2002, at 18:48:02
In reply to Re: discouraging bunch of mssgs, posted by legallybrunette on September 29, 2002, at 20:28:01
Glad to help in some way Legal. The nausia didn't get to me much at all but the other side effects have not gone away much (dry mouth and eyes, constipation, reduction in libedo, and a little forgetful from time to time). I find them minor compared to the good it's done for me though.
Best of luck to you - you may have a few rough days in store while you adjust if it's your first time on AD's. I really hope it works well for you!!
> hey geezer and nigel - thank you for responding.
> i didn't intend to sound negative or critical;
> you're right: if everyone on the board were feeling
> fantastic about effexor, they wouldn't be here.
>
> well, my first 37.5mg dose and i don't feel as ill
> & demented as i thought i would (though i do feel
> that nausea coming on).
> hopefully things'll stay relatively ok when i
> double the dose in 3days.
>
> ps: i am just wondering: what is the average dose
> people are on in here? judging by my sensitivity to
> drugs in general, i doubt i'll get past the 75mg
> stage.
> have folks on here felt relief just being on 75?
> & how long before side-effects dissipate?
> thanks again!
>
Posted by h20surfer1 on September 30, 2002, at 22:39:56
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Too many negative posts on this site!
I have been on Effexor for 3 months. It works GREAT!!! I wish I went in for help years ago, thanks to my wife I finally did in June. I had to ramp up slowly (side effects at first were not enjoyable), 37.5 mg to 75mg ect. up to my present dose of 187mg which works well. I feel great, no thoughts of doom and gloom, death, and that "dark cloud" always looming over you. Anxiety dropped way down, things that used to bother me don't now. I have no side effects with alcohol(actually alcohol feels better now and I can drink a couple of glasses of wine without getting a "hangover" in the morning like before). I was diagnosed with CFS 12 years ago and usually fight 2 days a week of symptoms but since taking Effexor I have not had one down day in two months. I have a greater appreciation for life and the things around me. I am happy and focused. My one and only side effect is a reduction in Libido.
This is a great drug and I will continue taking it for as long as I need to.
Posted by juanantoniod on October 1, 2002, at 1:48:33
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by h20surfer1 on September 30, 2002, at 22:39:56
I have tried almost all the antidepressants (including Effexor) without much success, except for Wellbutrin, which got me activated, but did not take away the feelings of not wanting to live.
I have been on Effexor for 2 months now; it and Provigil have turned my life around. I relied on the POSITIVE information I read on this board for encouragement to keep going on Effexor, even during the first 6 weeks, when I could barely get up to go to the bathroom because of the fatigue. I was hopeful because of what I read here, and the fact that, even at the starting dosage of 37.5mg, it took away some of my anxiety and the constant feeling of wanting to die. Also, my (new) PDoc was smart enough to ramp up my dosage slowly (I stayed at 37.5 for the first month). He told me that the effect on the norepinephrine neurotransmitters -- those responsible for energy and motivation -- would not be achieved until the dosage went over 100mg, so that made me patient as well.
Last week my PDoc gave me Provigil to counter the side effect of the Effexor which was making me unmotivated and without energy. I am currently at 112.5mg of Effexor, scheduled to go up to 150mg in a few days and then stay there. I also have been taking 100mg of Provigil daily since last week, but did not take it yesterday and I still had a lot of energy. I don't know if it was the Effexor working, or the little bit of Provigil still in my system from the previous day.
Either way, Effexor and Provigil have changed my life. I have had depression since 1995 and this is the best that medication has ever worked on me. I think that if I feel much better, I will either be manic or euphoric (hopefully the latter).
I hope this helps someone as you all have helped me.
Take good care,
Antonio
P.S. A big THANK YOU to Dr. Bob for providing this forum!
Posted by h20surfer1 on October 1, 2002, at 8:22:10
In reply to Re: Effexor and Alcohol, posted by lilsis on September 27, 2002, at 23:30:16
I posted yesterday (9/30) but wanted to follow up on this alcohol issue. We are all different but I started on Paxil (two days) and could not handle it (put me thru the roof), went to Serzone (one month) and found it too sedating and I Could not drink alcohol-I did not like the feeling (I am a social drinker)After adjusting to the Effexor @ 187.5mg I have absolutely no problems with drinking up to 3-4 glasses of wine and the hangover the next morning is non-existent.
Posted by legallybrunette on October 1, 2002, at 11:13:27
In reply to Re: discouraging bunch of mssgs, posted by Nigel99 on September 30, 2002, at 18:48:02
i have the impression - from reading this board and
a couple of others on the net - that effexor
(or ADs in general) sort of 'blankets' or 'numbs'
the emotions, (ie - dulling the anger and anxiety),
rather than actually tweaking the brain to
alleviate those labored feelings of despair and
worry, and re-ENERGIZING the body and senses -
allowing you to live normally and emotionally, but
without the encumbrance of 'depression' and
'anxiety'.correct me if i'm wrong, but i get the sense that
many of the people who are taking ADs to relieve
themselves of anger, sadness and tension wind up
feeling 'flat', rather than 'alive'.is anyone out there actually feeling re-vitalized?
joyful? for the first time in a while feeling
responsive to your surroundings?
or do you just feel'neutral', 'ok', 'unconcerned'
and 'subdued' ?i just don't want to become an android.
Posted by Dinah on October 1, 2002, at 11:27:47
In reply to a wee concern..., posted by legallybrunette on October 1, 2002, at 11:13:27
I only have my own experience, but they made me flat and apathetic. At first it was nice to be rid of my constant tendency to be overstimulated, but eventually I felt less than human.
But I understand that different people have different reactions. I think you need to see how the meds work for you.
Dinah
Posted by jannbeau on October 1, 2002, at 11:46:31
In reply to a wee concern..., posted by legallybrunette on October 1, 2002, at 11:13:27
> Hi, Legally Brunette!
I felt "numb" while taking Effexor-XR - didn't react to much of anything. I even sat through a funeral with dry eyes-(this may not have been a bad thing because I usually have unbelievable difficulty separating myself from the pain of others, or even my belief that they MUST be suffering). The good thing was that my anxiety level dropped drastically (before Effexor, I would start to imagine the worst thing that could happen to someone I loved or to myself and then I would compulsively imagine the whole sequence through to the end of my life and how horrible it would be for me to live without them or for them to live broken and physically or mentally destroyed, and on and on. . .). Strangely, since I discontinued Effexor, I have gotten back my ability to feel joyful or sorrowful, presumably under appropriate circumstances AND I have not been obcessing over the possibility that bad things will happen to those I love! I don't know whether I taught myself to "stop" the bad thought processes or whether this effect is a lingering therapeutic effect of Effexor. At any rate, since STOPPING Effexor due to the side effect of extreme fatigue/daytime somnolence, I have felt FINE-- Maybe the "after effects" of Effexor are better than the "side effects (LOL)!
Jannbeau
i have the impression - from reading this board and
> a couple of others on the net - that effexor
> (or ADs in general) sort of 'blankets' or 'numbs'
> the emotions, (ie - dulling the anger and anxiety),
> rather than actually tweaking the brain to
> alleviate those labored feelings of despair and
> worry, and re-ENERGIZING the body and senses -
> allowing you to live normally and emotionally, but
> without the encumbrance of 'depression' and
> 'anxiety'.
>
> correct me if i'm wrong, but i get the sense that
> many of the people who are taking ADs to relieve
> themselves of anger, sadness and tension wind up
> feeling 'flat', rather than 'alive'.
>
> is anyone out there actually feeling re-vitalized?
> joyful? for the first time in a while feeling
> responsive to your surroundings?
> or do you just feel'neutral', 'ok', 'unconcerned'
> and 'subdued' ?
>
> i just don't want to become an android.
>
>
Posted by legallybrunette on October 1, 2002, at 12:46:02
In reply to Re: a wee concern... » legallybrunette, posted by jannbeau on October 1, 2002, at 11:46:31
thanks guys; it's reassuring to have this
input...although not so reassuring to see one my
fears about e-xr confirmed. eek.
i may be one of those 'ultrasensitive' types - and
at times, yep, it can definitely be a pain in the
ass - but i do not want to lose that ability to
'feel', or appreciate my surroundings.
and if i lose my sex-drive...well, wyatt-earp
(or whatever the name of the manufacturer is)
shall hear from me! *lol*tell me, what dose were you on? and did you not
realise, while you were on it,
how zombie-like you'd become? did it concern you?
or were you oblivious to how you'd become until
after you'd stopped?
was it a PHYSICAL apathy you felt - as in low
energy and tired muscles? or just general
indifference to doing stuff?
i mean, i'm flat enough with the depression i've
been up against the past couple of yrs & that
dullness is something i'd like to eliminate!!!
*sigh*well, at any rate, good for you that you're feeling better. that's a huge step!!
> > Hi, Legally Brunette!
>
> I felt "numb" while taking Effexor-XR - didn't react to much of anything. I even sat through a funeral with dry eyes-(this may not have been a bad thing because I usually have unbelievable difficulty separating myself from the pain of others, or even my belief that they MUST be suffering). The good thing was that my anxiety level dropped drastically (before Effexor, I would start to imagine the worst thing that could happen to someone I loved or to myself and then I would compulsively imagine the whole sequence through to the end of my life and how horrible it would be for me to live without them or for them to live broken and physically or mentally destroyed, and on and on. . .). Strangely, since I discontinued Effexor, I have gotten back my ability to feel joyful or sorrowful, presumably under appropriate circumstances AND I have not been obcessing over the possibility that bad things will happen to those I love! I don't know whether I taught myself to "stop" the bad thought processes or whether this effect is a lingering therapeutic effect of Effexor. At any rate, since STOPPING Effexor due to the side effect of extreme fatigue/daytime somnolence, I have felt FINE-- Maybe the "after effects" of Effexor are better than the "side effects (LOL)!
>
> Jannbeau
>
> i have the impression - from reading this board and
> > a couple of others on the net - that effexor
> > (or ADs in general) sort of 'blankets' or 'numbs'
> > the emotions, (ie - dulling the anger and anxiety),
> > rather than actually tweaking the brain to
> > alleviate those labored feelings of despair and
> > worry, and re-ENERGIZING the body and senses -
> > allowing you to live normally and emotionally, but
> > without the encumbrance of 'depression' and
> > 'anxiety'.
> >
> > correct me if i'm wrong, but i get the sense that
> > many of the people who are taking ADs to relieve
> > themselves of anger, sadness and tension wind up
> > feeling 'flat', rather than 'alive'.
> >
> > is anyone out there actually feeling re-vitalized?
> > joyful? for the first time in a while feeling
> > responsive to your surroundings?
> > or do you just feel'neutral', 'ok', 'unconcerned'
> > and 'subdued' ?
> >
> > i just don't want to become an android.
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by lucky on October 1, 2002, at 15:08:41
In reply to Re: discouraging bunch of mssgs, posted by Nigel99 on September 30, 2002, at 18:48:02
Legal, I've just started my 3rd week on effexor and I guess I'm similiar to you as this is the first AD i've tried. First week 37.5 mgs- I felt a bit more relaxed and yawned alot (common side-effect). Second week 75mgs- again i yawned alot, and felt very tired for 2-3 days and at times felt a bit spacey. Just started week 3 75mgs- My GP suggested to stay on 75mgs for one more week until the all the symtoms subside and bump up to 112.5 mgs. It is to early for me to tell if it is really helping, but from what i've read the average dose is about 150mgs for anxiety... Good luck!
> Glad to help in some way Legal. The nausia didn't get to me much at all but the other side effects have not gone away much (dry mouth and eyes, constipation, reduction in libedo, and a little forgetful from time to time). I find them minor compared to the good it's done for me though.
>
> Best of luck to you - you may have a few rough days in store while you adjust if it's your first time on AD's. I really hope it works well for you!!
>
>
> > hey geezer and nigel - thank you for responding.
> > i didn't intend to sound negative or critical;
> > you're right: if everyone on the board were feeling
> > fantastic about effexor, they wouldn't be here.
> >
> > well, my first 37.5mg dose and i don't feel as ill
> > & demented as i thought i would (though i do feel
> > that nausea coming on).
> > hopefully things'll stay relatively ok when i
> > double the dose in 3days.
> >
> > ps: i am just wondering: what is the average dose
> > people are on in here? judging by my sensitivity to
> > drugs in general, i doubt i'll get past the 75mg
> > stage.
> > have folks on here felt relief just being on 75?
> > & how long before side-effects dissipate?
> > thanks again!
> >
>
Posted by lucky on October 1, 2002, at 15:16:05
In reply to Great success on Effexor XR!, posted by juanantoniod on October 1, 2002, at 1:48:33
Thats great to hear Juan! I am on 75mgs (3rd week) and I don't have much energy of motivation. How long did you experience this feeling for? thanks.
> I have tried almost all the antidepressants (including Effexor) without much success, except for Wellbutrin, which got me activated, but did not take away the feelings of not wanting to live.
>
> I have been on Effexor for 2 months now; it and Provigil have turned my life around. I relied on the POSITIVE information I read on this board for encouragement to keep going on Effexor, even during the first 6 weeks, when I could barely get up to go to the bathroom because of the fatigue. I was hopeful because of what I read here, and the fact that, even at the starting dosage of 37.5mg, it took away some of my anxiety and the constant feeling of wanting to die. Also, my (new) PDoc was smart enough to ramp up my dosage slowly (I stayed at 37.5 for the first month). He told me that the effect on the norepinephrine neurotransmitters -- those responsible for energy and motivation -- would not be achieved until the dosage went over 100mg, so that made me patient as well.
>
> Last week my PDoc gave me Provigil to counter the side effect of the Effexor which was making me unmotivated and without energy. I am currently at 112.5mg of Effexor, scheduled to go up to 150mg in a few days and then stay there. I also have been taking 100mg of Provigil daily since last week, but did not take it yesterday and I still had a lot of energy. I don't know if it was the Effexor working, or the little bit of Provigil still in my system from the previous day.
>
> Either way, Effexor and Provigil have changed my life. I have had depression since 1995 and this is the best that medication has ever worked on me. I think that if I feel much better, I will either be manic or euphoric (hopefully the latter).
>
> I hope this helps someone as you all have helped me.
>
> Take good care,
>
> Antonio
>
> P.S. A big THANK YOU to Dr. Bob for providing this forum!
Posted by lucky on October 1, 2002, at 15:21:59
In reply to Re: Effexor and Alcohol no problem for me, posted by h20surfer1 on October 1, 2002, at 8:22:10
Good feedback, thanks. I am a social drinker as well but have cut back because i was feeling a bit sedated. Do you take effexor in the morning or evening? Was there a particular dosage where you noticed that effexor was really working for you?? or did you notice something at each increase? thanks!! This is my 3rd week and i am up to 75mgs.
> I posted yesterday (9/30) but wanted to follow up on this alcohol issue. We are all different but I started on Paxil (two days) and could not handle it (put me thru the roof), went to Serzone (one month) and found it too sedating and I Could not drink alcohol-I did not like the feeling (I am a social drinker)After adjusting to the Effexor @ 187.5mg I have absolutely no problems with drinking up to 3-4 glasses of wine and the hangover the next morning is non-existent.
>
>
Posted by lucky on October 1, 2002, at 15:32:30
In reply to a wee concern..., posted by legallybrunette on October 1, 2002, at 11:13:27
Great observations! I am wondering the same thing?? Is effexor going to work as advertised or is it just going numb my emotions, thus feeling less anxiety ect. I am going to continue on with effexor for another 3 weeks and see what happens. good luck.
> i have the impression - from reading this board and
> a couple of others on the net - that effexor
> (or ADs in general) sort of 'blankets' or 'numbs'
> the emotions, (ie - dulling the anger and anxiety),
> rather than actually tweaking the brain to
> alleviate those labored feelings of despair and
> worry, and re-ENERGIZING the body and senses -
> allowing you to live normally and emotionally, but
> without the encumbrance of 'depression' and
> 'anxiety'.
>
> correct me if i'm wrong, but i get the sense that
> many of the people who are taking ADs to relieve
> themselves of anger, sadness and tension wind up
> feeling 'flat', rather than 'alive'.
>
> is anyone out there actually feeling re-vitalized?
> joyful? for the first time in a while feeling
> responsive to your surroundings?
> or do you just feel'neutral', 'ok', 'unconcerned'
> and 'subdued' ?
>
> i just don't want to become an android.
>
>
Posted by phil_b on October 1, 2002, at 16:21:15
In reply to a wee concern..., posted by legallybrunette on October 1, 2002, at 11:13:27
I got the same feelings from the SSRI's like Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft.
I have been taking antideps for close to 25 years. Personally, I feel that the TCA work better. They have more side effects, but with the Pamelor I am taking, I am getting more energy, I do not feel numb, I sleep better and my concentration is better. I took 80 mg of Prozac for 3 months. . .waiting, when am I going to start thinking more clearly? When is my concentration going to get better? When am I going to get more energy? None of those things came. The only thing that came close was Remeron, but I will take the old fashion TCA over the SSRI's any day. I think that the norepinephrine, that is enhanced by Remeron and Effexor, helps with the energy, concentration and a clear mind. I also think that dopamine plays an important role. The only AD that helps dopamine is Wellbutrin. The TCA, from my understanding, enhances all three neurotransmitters. The SSRI's to me may be helpful for mild depressive, or anxiety states, but for me they helped very, very little.
Posted by lucky on October 1, 2002, at 17:01:02
In reply to Re: a wee concern..., posted by phil_b on October 1, 2002, at 16:21:15
Phil what does TCA stand for? So Effexor XR and Remeron are TCA's? :) thanks,
Posted by h20surfer1 on October 1, 2002, at 23:01:27
In reply to Re: Effexor and Alcohol no problem for me-surfer, posted by lucky on October 1, 2002, at 15:21:59
Lucky,
To answer your questions:
1) I take my full dose first thing in the morning. It tends to wire me up. If I took it at night I think that I would have difficulty sleeping.
2) I noticed changes very quickly on Effexor. I could feel 37.5 mg and each increase in dosage. I had many side effects, loss of memory (would go to dial a tel # I know by heart and forget it), spaciness, a zingy feeling, ect. I did however feel an immediate reduction in my depression. I worked my dosage up to 150 mg which worked well for a couple of weeks and then I slipped for three days and upped the dose to 187.5 mg which has been working great for 3 or so weeks. I do not have side effects anymore except a decrease in libido. My Doc tells me that the "theraputic dose" starts at 150 mg and can be adjusted up to 300mg if required. I recommend going up as quickly as you can tolerate it to the highest dose your doc recommends and hold steady there for a few weeks and see how you do, you will know if you need more.Good luck!
Posted by LynnPerley on October 1, 2002, at 23:03:41
In reply to flatsville, here we come, posted by legallybrunette on October 1, 2002, at 12:46:02
I have never felt *flat* on effexor. I felt as if I was in a fog for the first month or two, then after the third month I felt like I was going back down, increased my dosage, and now I feel as close to *normal* as I have felt in a long time. I settled in on 225 mg. I wanted you to see a *positive* post - give this med a chance!
Posted by Alara on October 2, 2002, at 1:25:21
In reply to Re: Effexor and Alcohol, posted by sjb on September 9, 2002, at 9:23:30
A few weeks ago I wrote about a decrease in my alcohol cravings after coming off Effexor. Here's a quick update:
The late afternoon cravings did return around 3 weeks after quitting Effexor. This contradicts my little theory about the short half-life of Effexor causing a seretonin low in the afternoon. (I just wanted to say this to avoid giving the drug any more bad press than it deserves!) In the end, I attributed my abstinence to good old withdrawal.
In my case, there may still have been some connection between the drinking and the Effexor. Six weeks after my withdrawal, I am drinking 60-70% less than before and have been going to bed sober! I have re-addressed my problem and am doing something about it.
Thanks for listening, and good luck to anyone else who finds themselves in the same boat!
Alara
Posted by legallybrunette on October 2, 2002, at 9:39:48
In reply to Re: I hate Effexor, be careful with it, posted by LISABECK on January 2, 2001, at 23:43:18
i've only been on e-xr (37.5) for 3 days now, have
already experienced some scary side-effects &
don't know if i should continue.
can someone give me some input on this?last night as i watched tv, every muscle in my body
started to tense and twitch. i knew it was the
effexor settling in, so i just let it happen, w/o
too much panic.
but then when i got up - and the only way i can
describe this is when i had a horrible acid trip
(sorry folks) when i was a teenager - my mind
was completely disassociated from my body and all
my movements were in 'a tunnel' and in extreme slo-
mo. my heart was racing and i thought for SURE i
was going crazy. this lasted for about 2 hours.when i was able to function again, the only
solution for me was to go down to my
basement gym and do some extreme working out - part
of me thought i may have been having an anxiety
attack (but doubtful)and that it was best to keep
moving & not focus on the sensations.eventually it passed, but i'm really wary about
continuing on w/ the meds. i was so 'grateful' for
waking up feeling 'normal' this morning, i'm afraid
to lose that again if i pop another pill!has anyone experienced this particular kind of s.
effect? if so what did you do?
do s.effects tend to repeat themselves, or could
this just've been a 1-shot deal?i really need to get myself out of this stupid pit
of depression & i'd hate to quit now, but if this
would considered a 'major' side-effect, i'd rather
stop. anyway, any help would be appreciated!
Posted by jannbeau on October 2, 2002, at 11:25:07
In reply to Re: Effexor and Alcohol, posted by Alara on October 2, 2002, at 1:25:21
> Alara, GOOD for YOU!!! and good luck! My son is a long-time member of AA and we both credit that organization with saving his very life! You can outgrow the organization, but it takes a while; meantime, it's a good start for many who need some support at a difficult time in their lives.
God Bless,
JannbeauA few weeks ago I wrote about a decrease in my alcohol cravings after coming off Effexor. Here's a quick update:
>
> The late afternoon cravings did return around 3 weeks after quitting Effexor. This contradicts my little theory about the short half-life of Effexor causing a seretonin low in the afternoon. (I just wanted to say this to avoid giving the drug any more bad press than it deserves!) In the end, I attributed my abstinence to good old withdrawal.
>
> In my case, there may still have been some connection between the drinking and the Effexor. Six weeks after my withdrawal, I am drinking 60-70% less than before and have been going to bed sober! I have re-addressed my problem and am doing something about it.
>
> Thanks for listening, and good luck to anyone else who finds themselves in the same boat!
>
> Alara
>
Posted by lucky on October 2, 2002, at 13:24:32
In reply to Re: Effexor and Alcohol no problem for me-surfer, posted by h20surfer1 on October 1, 2002, at 23:01:27
Surfer- thanks for your response!!!!!
> Lucky,
>
> To answer your questions:
>
> 1) I take my full dose first thing in the morning. It tends to wire me up. If I took it at night I think that I would have difficulty sleeping.
> 2) I noticed changes very quickly on Effexor. I could feel 37.5 mg and each increase in dosage. I had many side effects, loss of memory (would go to dial a tel # I know by heart and forget it), spaciness, a zingy feeling, ect. I did however feel an immediate reduction in my depression. I worked my dosage up to 150 mg which worked well for a couple of weeks and then I slipped for three days and upped the dose to 187.5 mg which has been working great for 3 or so weeks. I do not have side effects anymore except a decrease in libido. My Doc tells me that the "theraputic dose" starts at 150 mg and can be adjusted up to 300mg if required. I recommend going up as quickly as you can tolerate it to the highest dose your doc recommends and hold steady there for a few weeks and see how you do, you will know if you need more.
>
> Good luck!
>
>
>
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Posted by Princess on October 2, 2002, at 16:13:39
In reply to Re: Effexor and Alcohol, posted by Alara on September 6, 2002, at 8:29:12
I have been on effexor XR for 6 months now. I had been taking .75mg a day in morning. The first month on the the medication I did not drink alcohol, lost 18 lbs. looked and felt great! The second month I started drinking again, since college I would have wine 2or 3 nights per week. I began wanting wine 7 nights per week. I only felt "normal" after my 2nd glass and would sometime have a bottle and not stop at 2 glasses. It gave me energy and seemed to cancel out the blah feelings I had with just the effexor alone. Not good. Plus the sexual side affects, decreased libido and lack of orgasm. I have been taking 1/2 a pill a day now for 4 days. I feel so good! My desire for alcohol has decreased and my libido is coming back. i will be taking my last dose on Friday. i do have to say that in the beginning I was desperate, depressed and had a lot of anxiety. I was going through a very difficult tiem and experience in my life at that time. I think God for the effexor and do think it helped me get through the emotional turmoil I was in. I am ready now to go off of it for the reasons I mentioned and my life is in good balance now. i have taken 6 months off from dating men....best thing I have ever done for myself. I am in a different place. The effexor made me not give a care about a guy or many of the other things i used to be so concerned with! If I stayed on it, I am afraid I would never date again. Not good...also continue drinking way too much wine to feel normal.
I appreciate this message board. Thank you for the support and sharing.Princess
Posted by Nigel99 on October 2, 2002, at 18:31:28
In reply to help - terrifying side effects, posted by legallybrunette on October 2, 2002, at 9:39:48
Hang in there Legal!! The 'tripiness' will pass in a few days. I also made the 'acid trip' comparison for a day or so (yeah I did dumb things in high school too). Shortly after I started smiling in a similar forced manner for a day or two but this was very pleasant after being so down for so long. That reduced too in a few days.
This effect and the tightness of jaw will go away shortly - take time off work or school if you have to to get through this. But like I said the other day, I found some of the other ones stay
You may want to ask your doc if you can delay going to 75 mg for an extra few days too - that might help a bit.
> i've only been on e-xr (37.5) for 3 days now, have
> already experienced some scary side-effects &
> don't know if i should continue.
> can someone give me some input on this?
>
> last night as i watched tv, every muscle in my body
> started to tense and twitch. i knew it was the
> effexor settling in, so i just let it happen, w/o
> too much panic.
> but then when i got up - and the only way i can
> describe this is when i had a horrible acid trip
> (sorry folks) when i was a teenager - my mind
> was completely disassociated from my body and all
> my movements were in 'a tunnel' and in extreme slo-
> mo. my heart was racing and i thought for SURE i
> was going crazy. this lasted for about 2 hours.
>
> when i was able to function again, the only
> solution for me was to go down to my
> basement gym and do some extreme working out - part
> of me thought i may have been having an anxiety
> attack (but doubtful)and that it was best to keep
> moving & not focus on the sensations.
>
> eventually it passed, but i'm really wary about
> continuing on w/ the meds. i was so 'grateful' for
> waking up feeling 'normal' this morning, i'm afraid
> to lose that again if i pop another pill!
>
> has anyone experienced this particular kind of s.
> effect? if so what did you do?
> do s.effects tend to repeat themselves, or could
> this just've been a 1-shot deal?
>
> i really need to get myself out of this stupid pit
> of depression & i'd hate to quit now, but if this
> would considered a 'major' side-effect, i'd rather
> stop. anyway, any help would be appreciated!
>
Posted by LynnPerley on October 2, 2002, at 19:43:41
In reply to Re: help - terrifying side effects, posted by Nigel99 on October 2, 2002, at 18:31:28
Yes, sometimes it feels like an acid trip, sometimes the top of your head crawls a little like speed, sometimes you just want to sit and veg like you just smoked a joint. These too shall go away (at least in my experience) in a day or two, or at least lessen so it's easier to deal with. Call the doc if it gets bad, and keep us posted!
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