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Posted by Stamper on February 28, 2003, at 18:28:40
In reply to Re: twitching/tremors on Effexor? » lovemybabies, posted by KrissyP on February 28, 2003, at 18:23:40
I too have had tremors. They started out very strong. For instance, I had one very bad period where they would wake me up and a couple times I had actually fallen off the bed. My husband started to sleep in the guest room because I was moving too much. But now after about 4-5 months, they have simmered down a lot. Now only my legs twitch occassionally. Mostly it seems, when I am sitting watching television or reading. Hang in there and hopefully yours will lessen also.
Posted by fairnymph on February 28, 2003, at 18:39:52
In reply to unusual weight loss on effexor?, posted by fayeroe on February 27, 2003, at 15:54:10
About 15 lbs, too, and I was 125 lbs to start with (I'm female, 5'5", and no that wasn't an unhealthy weight for me). I've been on it two different times and both times I had a reduced appetite and lost weight. Not uncommon at all from what Ive heard.
I couldn't sleep on it either if I took it too late in the day. Have you tried taking it in the morning or around lunchtime?
-fn
Are you worried about the weight loss?
Posted by fayeroe on February 28, 2003, at 18:45:09
In reply to I lost weight on Effexor! » fayeroe, posted by fairnymph on February 28, 2003, at 18:39:52
yes, the weight loss is worrying me. i looked at my body today and i look anorexic. i'm five feet tall and weigh just over 100 lbs. but, as i said, it's the only drug that stopped the anxiety attacks....and they were waking me up and i had one as soon as i woke up in the morning!! i had just put my dog to sleep and at first i thought the attacks were from that but they continued for a long time and then i went on effexor xr and they immediately stopped. so.........medicine is a two-edged sword!! thanks....
Posted by supersleepy on February 28, 2003, at 21:03:35
In reply to twitching/tremors on Effexor?, posted by lovemybabies on February 28, 2003, at 17:38:38
Yes, I definitely had the twitchy things going on, especially right before sleep. That seems to have subsided. My son experienced hand tremors and other twitches on Prozac (he's 16), and the doc cut his dose back, which helped. I've been on 75 mg of Effexor/day for 7 months or so. I feel no need to increase my dose. The anxiety, which was the more acute problem, has definitely been taken care of, and my long-term moderate depression is also delightfully absent from my life. All the things that were ever rotten about my life are still rotten, but I haven't had such a sustained positive outlook within my adult memory. Yes, it's a scary drug in some ways, and I fret a little about withdrawal, but when it's the right thing, it's really great. Good luck, and don't increase your dose unless you really feel it's not working.
Posted by lovemybabies on February 28, 2003, at 23:39:41
In reply to Re: twitching/tremors on Effexor?, posted by supersleepy on February 28, 2003, at 21:03:35
Thanks for you input. It's so nice to talk to other people going through the same thing! I wish the docs who prescribe this knew a little more about the side effects; my GP actually orderen an EMG(involves sticking needles in muscles--not a fun time) to assess the muscle twitching. I think I'll print out these posts for her to read! :)
PS My Mom stopped taking this after about six weeks due to some of the side effects. She said the withdrawal wasn't that bad--kind of like going through all the stuff when she first started. She said the weirdest withdrawal was 'numb lips.' Hey, that's not so bad.Jen
Posted by lovemybabies on February 28, 2003, at 23:47:17
In reply to Re: twitching/tremors on Effexor?, posted by Stamper on February 28, 2003, at 18:28:40
Oh, my--you actually twitched yourself right out of bed? Ouch! My husband freaked out one time because when he curled up next to me my muscles were jumping and twitching like crazy. It's kind of a wild ride, this adjustment period. Thanks for your input.
Jen
Posted by lovemybabies on February 28, 2003, at 23:53:25
In reply to Re: twitching/tremors on Effexor? » lovemybabies, posted by KrissyP on February 28, 2003, at 18:23:40
My GP prescribed this without giving me an official diagnosis--I guess it would be primarily anxiety but also significant depression. I've been a 'worrier' all my life and lately it just seemed to take over my life. I do feel better after only five weeks(although I'm ashamed to admit I DID go out and buy three rolls of duct tape and all the plastic sheeting I could find. :) I'm also somewhat of a hypochondriac and these side-effects make it tough to not keep thinking I have some weird, horrible disease. Thanks so much for your input--It's comforting to hear from other people going through similar stuff.
Jen
Posted by KrissyP on March 1, 2003, at 0:32:16
In reply to Re: twitching/tremors on Effexor?, posted by lovemybabies on February 28, 2003, at 23:53:25
You sound exactly like me. I worry a lot and I used to act like a hypochondriac because I always felt bad. I got severe abdominal pain had EGD's scopes, etc. not a thing was wrong just resolving colitis. Isn't the word psychosomatic a real hoot? Take care of you :)
All the best,
Kristen
> My GP prescribed this without giving me an official diagnosis--I guess it would be primarily anxiety but also significant depression. I've been a 'worrier' all my life and lately it just seemed to take over my life. I do feel better after only five weeks(although I'm ashamed to admit I DID go out and buy three rolls of duct tape and all the plastic sheeting I could find. :) I'm also somewhat of a hypochondriac and these side-effects make it tough to not keep thinking I have some weird, horrible disease. Thanks so much for your input--It's comforting to hear from other people going through similar stuff.
>
> Jen
Posted by KrissyP on March 1, 2003, at 0:42:21
In reply to Re: I lost weight on Effexor! » fairnymph, posted by fayeroe on February 28, 2003, at 18:45:09
try not to let it worry you I know easier said than done. Do you take anything for sleep? Seroquel, for me, added a little weight and if you're concerned about the weight loss, of course talk to your doc, but if you need something Seroquel is a weight gainer, but I am definately NOT trying to say "here, take a drug that will make you gain some weight" by ANY means. Just trying to help.
I have to share this and I hope this lasts.....I went out to dinner ordered a salad, prime rib, a baked potato with a roll. I am on day 6 of Effexor-XR and out of all that I ate 4 bites of the prime rib, 1 bite of the potato, and 1 bite of the roll, even rice pudding didn't appeal to me. I know no one is interested in what I tried to eat, but I had to make a point. Effexor is a great AD if you don't want an added side effect of weight gain-just my opinion:)
Kristen
yes, the weight loss is worrying me. i looked at my body today and i look anorexic. i'm five feet tall and weigh just over 100 lbs. but, as i said, it's the only drug that stopped the anxiety attacks....and they were waking me up and i had one as soon as i woke up in the morning!! i had just put my dog to sleep and at first i thought the attacks were from that but they continued for a long time and then i went on effexor xr and they immediately stopped. so.........medicine is a two-edged sword!! thanks....
Posted by lovemybabies on March 1, 2003, at 1:04:43
In reply to Re: twitching/tremors on Effexor? » lovemybabies, posted by KrissyP on March 1, 2003, at 0:32:16
Yep. I remember getting horrible stomach aches in third grade--all from stress. Kind of sad, huh? I wish more doctors were into the mind-body connection. It almost makes me want to start going exclusively to a Naturopath. I read your post about only being able to eat a few bites at the restaurant--I went to this great restaurant with my Dad for lunch during the first week on Effexor. The menu was full of all my favorite things and all I could order was chicken noodle soup! And then I was done after a couple of sips. My three year old ended up slurping the rest of it.
Posted by fayeroe on March 1, 2003, at 7:14:20
In reply to Re: twitching/tremors on Effexor? » lovemybabies, posted by KrissyP on March 1, 2003, at 0:32:16
jen, you mentioned it is good to know that others go through the same things as you. i lived in New Mexico for 10 years and had not seen my high school friends for 30 years. we had a small reunion. after telling what i had been through in my life, one friend said "and here we all thought you were living the perfect life".........as REM sings "everybody hurts".........
Posted by KrissyP on March 1, 2003, at 13:56:59
In reply to Re: twitching/tremors on Effexor? » KrissyP, posted by fayeroe on March 1, 2003, at 7:14:20
Can I please share this, I am constantly comparing myself to my friends in high school who were fortunate to not have some chemical imbalances, but also were able to handle things that came their way that would have and did really put me into depression. I am corresponding with a guy I have known since 5th grade-and oh is he a cutie-nice, smart, and just great. He has asked me out and I am making all kinds of excuses, because I am scared-scared of what he is going to think after almost 15 years-how do I explain that I am not working? I am not blowing him off-he wants to go do karaeoke-I love that. Yesterday I almost got the guts to go see him but didn't. What is wrong with me??? When I moved back "home", I just can't get the guts to see this guy-let alone do anything that will help my self-esteem. I have been hurt by some guys-and I do understand it takes "two to tango" but I have a great opportunity here and it means nothing-just a visit and going out to have some fun-Why am I so scared?-it's ridiculous! I hear you when you said "one friend said "and here we all thought you were living the perfect life".........as REM sings "everybody hurts".........-A neighbor who has known me since I was a little girl, told me-that you never know what burdens people carry-and I have struggled with the thought that I was the ONLY one-I hope this doesn't sound self-centered-it's just how I really feel-It bums me out. What can I do?
Kristenjen, you mentioned it is good to know that others go through the same things as you. i lived in New Mexico for 10 years and had not seen my high school friends for 30 years. we had a small reunion. after telling what i had been through in my life, one friend said "and here we all thought you were living the perfect life".........as REM sings "everybody hurts".........
Posted by lovemybabies on March 1, 2003, at 15:09:47
In reply to Re: twitching/tremors on Effexor? » fayeroe, posted by KrissyP on March 1, 2003, at 13:56:59
Krissy,
I hear you, sister. Are you a perfectionist? Are you fearful of going out with this guy because it MIGHT not work out and you might 'fail?' That's held my sister and me back from so much in life. It's a fight, truly, to overcome the thought process. But you can do it. Instead of jumping in your mind from point A to point Z, try to just live in the MOMENT and enjoy what's happening--don't worry about what might or might not happen.
Do you feel like your brain needs an off-switch to stop the worrying and self-analysis/introspection? It's a faulty thought-process but it can be conquered. Therapy is very helpful, along with medication. I'm at the point now(thanks to Effexor) where I can stop, mid-anxiety attack, and say, 'ENOUGH! What I'm worrying about is NOT the reality and I need to change my thought process NOW.'
Good Luck and be strong. You can do it. Sometimes it really is one step forward two steps back but keep going!
Jen
Posted by KrissyP on March 1, 2003, at 17:29:20
In reply to Re: twitching/tremors on Effexor?, posted by lovemybabies on March 1, 2003, at 15:09:47
Thanks so much-I needed to hear this:) Oh yeah-I am a perfectionist alright, but far from perfect or my life being anywhere near it. Things like this have held me back from a lot in life and I feel like i just sit on the side lines watching and as I have watched, many years have gone by. College keeps me busy, which is good, and I have a few friends and family who care and who I talk to, but that is limited. It is time for me to go out, on my own again, and work at achieving a happy, productive life-one which I haven't had in about 10 years. I was in a serious relationship with a guy that ended in 1992-I'm like telling myself-GET OVER IT ALREADY and I think that is part of what is inhibiting me to get close to guys. I have dated-but nothing really, truly, special. You ask(Do you feel like your brain needs an off-switch to stop the worrying and self-analysis/introspection?) Yes! I do and all I can do is work on it. I have had a lot of therapy and It's time to fall back on that which I have learned, but yes-you're right-it's a fight. Thank you for your wishes, I pray I just shut the hamster wheel in my head and go for it, and accept the outcome. I am definately taking your advice.
Thanks again,
Kristen*******************************************************************************************
Krissy,
I hear you, sister. Are you a perfectionist? Are you fearful of going out with this guy because it MIGHT not work out and you might 'fail?' That's held my sister and me back from so much in life. It's a fight, truly, to overcome the thought process. But you can do it. Instead of jumping in your mind from point A to point Z, try to just live in the MOMENT and enjoy what's happening--don't worry about what might or might not happen.
Do you feel like your brain needs an off-switch to stop the worrying and self analysis/introspection? It's a faulty thought-process but it can be conquered. Therapy is very helpful, along with medication. I'm at the point now(thanks to Effexor) where I can stop, mid-anxiety attack, and say, 'ENOUGH! What I'm worrying about is NOT the reality and I need to change my thought process NOW.'Good Luck and be strong. You can do it. Sometimes it really is one step forward two steps back but keep going!
Jen
Posted by sbh on March 1, 2003, at 21:20:57
In reply to Re: Help: Insomnia/Inorgasmia, posted by sillyhead on July 31, 2002, at 18:48:37
the low percentage in the literature is due to the fact that the side effect info was volunteered and not elicited. People often dont volunteer sexual side effect info w/out being asked. Ive used Buspar in conjunction with SSRI's and it has helped with both libido and anorgasmia. I just started Lexapro and am hoping it wont have the effects so I can stick to just one med. What about other folks and Lexapro?
Posted by noa on March 1, 2003, at 22:27:13
In reply to Re: twitching/tremors on Effexor?, posted by lovemybabies on February 28, 2003, at 23:39:41
I have written about the muscle twitching a lot here at babble. I currently take Effexor Xr, and at higher doses I had the twitches, called myoclonus. I also had this with Paxil. It is no longer much of a problem. What my pdoc and I decided was to lower the effexor dose and add serzone, which supposedly blocks the 5HT2 receptors, which activate the muscles, and also to add more antidepressant effect since I had lowered the effexor. This strategy works pretty well. Of course, even with the myoclonus gone, I still have a lot of activation from effexor, and in addition to the serzone, I need a small dose (quarter of a mg) of ativan to help me fall asleep. Otherwise, I am fidgety and have restless legs, which is not the twitching, but the uncontrollable urge to move my legs. The difference is that the restless legs is somewhat volitional--the urge feels irrepressible, but it can in fact be suppressed for a few moments, although it is extremely uncomfortable to do so. The twitching, or myoclonus, is completing involuntary and random. I couldn't purposely flex some of the muscles that flex from myoclonus--random little muscles all over the body.
Sorry you had to go through all that invasive testing for this SE.
Posted by noa on March 1, 2003, at 22:29:36
In reply to Re: twitching/tremors on Effexor?, posted by lovemybabies on February 28, 2003, at 23:53:25
Just curious, had you tried any other meds before Effexor? Effexor has been the best AD for me so far, but I don't tend to think of it as a first med becasue it does have a number of side effects.
Posted by RealTim on March 2, 2003, at 0:41:02
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Amazing. I thought I had the 24 hour flu TWICE in the same month, but thanks to Dr. Bob's site and all of you, now I realize I probably missed a dose of Effexor. I'm on my 3rd "flu" now but this time it's on purpose: I'm ready to quit.
Effexor helped me through an awful period a few months ago when I was having severe work-related anxiety problems. Immediate side effects included sexual dysfunction (difficult to ejaculate), appetite gain, minor yawning, and some minor digestion problems. Sexual issue faded away after a month or so, as did yawns. I had the urge to um, flatulate more often, but since no one else seems to have posted that one here maybe I need to check my diet instead (or is everyone just too embarrassed to mention that one??)
I think I am ready to go off it. Skipped the usual morning dose today, and I found the strong urge to nap by 3PM. Slept 2 hours (bad sleep).
Been dizzy and a little nausea since. A little thirsty too. Oddly enough, even with the nausea I still have an appetite...I suspect I am in for a long night of vivid dreams and frequent waking. I've put off going to sleep for hours, but it's 1:30AM and I can't hold out much longer.
If the withdrawal gets bad, I will try Benadryl and/or the other suggestions (tapering, talk to Dr., get some Prozac samples, etc).
I remember the 2nd time I had these symptoms, I searched the internet for a couple of hours and tried to figure out why I had the vivid dreams with the flu. The dream thing, like the "brain zap" phenomenon has been documented here by dozens of people for 3+ years, but somehow my Dr, didn't know to discuss them with me? I don't get it. I'm not gonna fire him, but I am going to suggest that as a Psychiatrist he needs to get on this site and read what patients say...
Posted by lovemybabies on March 2, 2003, at 8:50:02
In reply to Re: twitching/tremors on Effexor?, posted by noa on March 1, 2003, at 22:27:13
Thanks, Noa. I'm cancelling the EMG. The myoclonus IS getting better. And you know, it's kind of fun in a wacky way. :) I think doctors can be a little(lot) overkill in trying to diagnose something FAST. Perhaps it's fear of lawsuits? Sometimes TIME is just needed to sort it all out. I'm surprised mine hadn't heard about the twitching side effect.
Posted by lovemybabies on March 2, 2003, at 8:56:48
In reply to Re: twitching/tremors on Effexor? » lovemybabies, posted by KrissyP on March 1, 2003, at 17:29:20
Krissy,
There are so many people like this. I just found out yesterday my sister-in-law feels exactly the same way. We're definitely not alone. I think some people are better than others at putting on a good 'front.' Also, I have a theory that people with "hamster-wheel" brain(love that term) are just a little SMARTER than your average, non-anxiety-ridden Joe. Maybe? I mean, we just have the capacity to THINK about things on such a deeper level. In another era, maybe we'd have been the great philosophers of our day? I think the key is learning how to channel all this 'brain-power' to things positive and productive. Focus less on ourselves and the negative, circular thought. Do things that make you feel good and take care of you.
Jen
Posted by jtc on March 2, 2003, at 20:44:55
In reply to Re: twitching/tremors on Effexor?, posted by lovemybabies on March 2, 2003, at 8:56:48
> Krissy,
>
> There are so many people like this. I just found out yesterday my sister-in-law feels exactly the same way. We're definitely not alone. I think some people are better than others at putting on a good 'front.' Also, I have a theory that people with "hamster-wheel" brain(love that term) are just a little SMARTER than your average, non-anxiety-ridden Joe. Maybe? I mean, we just have the capacity to THINK about things on such a deeper level. In another era, maybe we'd have been the great philosophers of our day? I think the key is learning how to channel all this 'brain-power' to things positive and productive. Focus less on ourselves and the negative, circular thought. Do things that make you feel good and take care of you.
>
> JenHi Jen and Krissy,
I totally agree with you Jen that we may be smarter than the average "Joe". That is probably why we have all this anxiety. I have a mind that is always ruminating and worrying about things I really can't do anything about thus causing my anxiety and panic disorder. Eventually I will get so anxious and exhausted from the anxiety that I get depression. At the same time I think I would like to go back to school but I am afraid of failure at even the school thing. I am 38 and have two girls and never finished college and I am still unsure of what courses I would like to take. I think my husband just does not understand this whole anxiety and chemical imbalance thing. He thinks I will get better if I just stop taking all medications (I take Klonopin and Effexor XR) and just join the YMCA and work out. He just doesn't understand that when I stop taking the medications my anxiety always comes back. I am always trying to analyze everything and find a reason for everything, maybe I should have been a psychologist or psychiatrist but I can't fix my own emotional status so I don't think I could fix someone else either. Anyway thanks for your postings. They are really helpful and I am sorry to be rambling on and on. I think I am going to try to go off Effexor and just stay on Klonopin if my psychiatrist will let me. Take care,JC
Posted by abi on March 2, 2003, at 22:41:59
In reply to Odd bodily sensation, posted by Fan on February 6, 2001, at 17:22:39
I had a sensation that I think might be related. I've been on effexor for three months and sometimes I have the sensation that my body is rolling over and over when I know it's not
Posted by lovemybabies on March 2, 2003, at 23:31:33
In reply to Re: twitching/tremors on Effexor?, posted by jtc on March 2, 2003, at 20:44:55
Hi, JC,
Omigosh, I can totally relate. My husband now asks me every day, "Did you exercise today?" He doesn't get it, either. I think exercise definitely HELPS but isn't a cure-all for those with a true chemical imbalance. Effexor really seems to be helping me with the anxiety--I wake up feeling GOOD and not overwhelmed. For about a year doctors have been trying to diagnose me with various illnesses based on the symptoms I give them; then when they run tests/bloodwork, everything comes back negative. Of course, I then worry and think they must have missed something. Now I'm thinking it's all related to stress and anxiety and me believing I have some horrible disease and just ruminating so much my body reacts, physically.Maybe you could start out taking just one class...something you're interested in but that doesn't sound too overwhelming. Then, when you succeed at that, it will be easier to take another, and another...It's hard but I think if we can just close our eyes and jump into whatever it is we're afraid to try...we'll find it's not nearly as big and scary as we make it out to be in our (hamsterbrain)minds. :)
Best,
Jen
Posted by KrissyP on March 3, 2003, at 0:04:30
In reply to Re: twitching/tremors on Effexor?, posted by jtc on March 2, 2003, at 20:44:55
Hi JC:-)
I also have a mind that is always ruminating but I have gotten so much better. My problem is that I get angry when a person-whether it be a friend, family, etc. doesn't SAY what I want them to say. This has caused a lot of uproar in my life but only for me-I get tummy aches, and headaches all because I give power to another person-I now try to remind myself NEVER to allow anyone to rent space in my head-especially when it is someone who doesn't accept you for who you are. That's life-some do and some do not-I am now trying to surround myself with uplifting, supportive people and keep faith and hope in myself-I deserve it and so do you both. Life is a trip.JC-I 'm sure you have 2 beautiful girls and that alone is wonderful. When you are ready, school will always be there. I graduated high school in 1988 and I am just now finishing up my BA. I struggled with the same feelings you talk about here. YOU CAN DO IT! Your husband, a nice person no doubt, sounds EXACTLY like a friend of mine-she just doesn't understand and says, "Join a gym, get off meds, yada yada yada-It sux. Do what's best for you and take care of YOU:-)
Kristen
-------------------------------------------------
Hi Jen and Krissy,
I totally agree with you Jen that we may be smarter than the average "Joe". That is probably why we have all this anxiety. I have a mind that is always ruminating and worrying about things I really can't do anything about thus causing my anxiety and panic disorder. Eventually I will get so anxious and exhausted from the anxiety that I get depression. At the same time I think I would like to go back to school but I am afraid of failure at even the school thing. I am 38 and have two girls and never finished college and I am still unsure of what courses I would like to take. I think my husband just does not understand this whole anxiety and chemical imbalance thing. He thinks I will get better if I just stop taking all medications (I take Klonopin and Effexor XR) and just join the YMCA and work out. He just doesn't understand that when I stop taking the medications my anxiety always comes back. I am always trying to analyze everything and find a reason for everything, maybe I should have been a psychologist or psychiatrist but I can't fix my own emotional status so I don't think I could fix someone else either. Anyway thanks for your postings. They are really helpful and I am sorry to be rambling on and on. I think I am going to try to go off Effexor and just stay on Klonopin if my psychiatrist will let me. Take care,
JC
Posted by KrissyP on March 3, 2003, at 0:06:54
In reply to Re: twitching/tremors on Effexor?, posted by lovemybabies on March 2, 2003, at 23:31:33
AMEN JEN:-)
> Hi, JC,
> Omigosh, I can totally relate. My husband now asks me every day, "Did you exercise today?" He doesn't get it, either. I think exercise definitely HELPS but isn't a cure-all for those with a true chemical imbalance. Effexor really seems to be helping me with the anxiety--I wake up feeling GOOD and not overwhelmed. For about a year doctors have been trying to diagnose me with various illnesses based on the symptoms I give them; then when they run tests/bloodwork, everything comes back negative. Of course, I then worry and think they must have missed something. Now I'm thinking it's all related to stress and anxiety and me believing I have some horrible disease and just ruminating so much my body reacts, physically.
>
> Maybe you could start out taking just one class...something you're interested in but that doesn't sound too overwhelming. Then, when you succeed at that, it will be easier to take another, and another...It's hard but I think if we can just close our eyes and jump into whatever it is we're afraid to try...we'll find it's not nearly as big and scary as we make it out to be in our (hamsterbrain)minds. :)
>
> Best,
> Jen
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