![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 3384 to 3408 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by natural on March 6, 2003, at 1:38:54
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
lol...wow....i know i have know posted twice in a row..but i posted my first before i read or evem discovered how many other posts there are on here....and reading about all these side effects and withdrawls is kinda turning me off....i mean iam sick and tired of these panic attacks and want to do whatever i can to get rid of them and the obbsesive anxiety...iam only 18 and dont wanna have to live the rest of my life based around these past few months....iam still gonna take this stuff for the first time tommorow morning before therapy and see what happens.....but really are the side effects as bad as they seem to sound from all the posts on here?.....keep in mind iam taking this for anxiety and such so iam naturally gonna question and worry about every new side effect stated above..lol...i know i can deal with the withdrawls for a certain period of time (only if my anxietys gone)....i quit smoking cold turkey and just waited those ones out....i guess iam trying to say is i dont wanna go from one problem (the anxiety) to another (side effects and withdrawls).......how farfetched it may be...i just want to be NORMAL again....geez i must be a rookie talking like that...but any insight on how i should approach this would be great.....thanks
Posted by MidgesMom on March 6, 2003, at 3:50:39
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by Shel on July 18, 2000, at 1:35:45
I have been on Effexor in vrious dosages for several years now and am on my way off of it. It really helped at first but slowly through the years I began to notice little changes. Twitching of the hands, feet and legs during sleep mostly, where I'd wake up from it, nervous stutters later on, forgetfullness, not being able to remember if I took the pill or not; very fuzzy logic, and lastly, sweating through the night. Sound like I am getting older? I'm not even thirty. Finally informed my doctor that I couldn't handle the side effects anymore to get the benefit of a calm presence of mind. He has been stepping me down slowly to smallest dose and onto Wellbutrin, with Buspar on the side. It works. I haven't had the sickness of withdrawal symptoms, and I am in more control now than ever before in my life. But what had to change as well as the medicine was me realizing that taking a pill alone wasn't going to make my life easier; I had to take a strong inventory of what it is was that made me so mad on a moments notice. And being able to get mental control, when I have a physical inability to make enough of the chemicals my body needs has really helped. And exercise, along with yoga as really helped me even out my life. It's been just amazing. Had I to do it over again with Effexor, for the record I would, it gave me a chance to realise how rotten I had been with my well meaning friends and family, and it gave me the power to get better control of my life; but the side effects get worse the longer you are on it; so the benefits must be carefully weighed. Ultimately, it's a personal decision. Best of luck to you in yours!
Posted by lovemybabies on March 6, 2003, at 6:50:16
In reply to starting effexor tommorow, posted by natural on March 6, 2003, at 0:51:25
I think Effexor works very well for panic attacks. My doc. told me it works on both the serotonin pathway(depression) and the dopamine/norepinephrine pathways(anxiety). I'm at a low dose(75mg) and am increasing to 150mg. Doc. said it works better for anxiety at the higher dose. Be aware--the first two weeks are so are pretty kooky as your body gets adjusted to the med. I felt like I was walking around in someone else's body. It helps to read these posts and hear from other people what they experienced. Stick with it--I felt better, mentally in a matter of DAYS. My side effects wore off in about 5-6 weeks.
Posted by humbly72 on March 6, 2003, at 10:51:04
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by MidgesMom on March 6, 2003, at 3:50:39
Thanks to everyone for posting on this board. Three weeks ago I was started on Effexor and the second day I was on it, I found this forum. I decided to stay on the medication despite the potential side effects. I noticed positive results after the first week, and I am slowly seeing how it can work. I started on 37.5 mgs the first week, then 75mgs after that. The only problem is that I am getting all kinds of side effects at different times, not all are constant.
1st. Week: dizziness, headache, sleepiness, couldn't focus
2nd. Week: sleepiness, couldn't focus, occassional night sweats
3rd. Week: sleepiness, lethargic, couldn't focus, w/ ocassional crazy thoughts and actions, feel drunk
4th. Week: (just started) w/ exercise it seems like the sleepiness/tiredness has abated, but still find it hard to focus. A bit hyper.
Sorry for such a long post, but since I don't get to see a psychiatrist until the next 6 weeks, I have decided to keep a journal so that I can take it with me and explain to doctor. Hope this may be of help to someone.
Posted by KrissyP on March 6, 2003, at 14:27:10
In reply to wow......., posted by natural on March 6, 2003, at 1:38:54
I hear you and know how you are feeling-believe me. Talk to your therapist about exactly what you post here. So, you are taking Effexor for anxiety??? Hmmmmmmm I know the XR is approved for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), which I do have but isn't it more for depression since it is on the market as an AD? Some people have posted on the good and bad of their experiences on Effexor. Give it a chance, it takes anywhere from 4-6 weeks to feel the full effect and if you are willing to put up with any side effects you do have then all the better. But, of course, talk to you doc, he/she can help you with those side effects until your body gets used to the Effexor. I am on it, and it helps my depression, HOWEVER, I get extremely manic on it, and that is one of the precautions listed for the docs who prescribe it. These companies have to post EVERY side effect a person reports while on it. Try not to worry. I know, easier said than done. *Good for you that you quit smoking cold turkey and had little effects from doing so.
I wish you the best and please keep posting that's what we're here for-I post a lot lately!
Kristen:-)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
reading about all these side effects and withdrawls is kinda turning me off....i mean iam sick and tired of these panic attacks and want to do whatever i can to get rid of them and the obbsesive anxiety...iam only 18 and dont wanna have to live the rest of my life based around these past few months....iam still gonna take this stuff for the first time tommorow morning before therapy and see what happens.....but really are the side effects as bad as they seem to sound from all the posts on here?.....keep in mind iam taking this for anxiety and such so iam naturally gonna question and worry about every new side effect stated above..lol...i know i can deal with the withdrawls for a certain period of time (only if my anxietys gone)....i quit smoking cold turkey and just waited those ones out....i guess iam trying to say is i dont wanna go from one problem (the anxiety) to another (side effects and withdrawls).......how farfetched it may be...i just want to be NORMAL again....geez i must be a rookie talking like that...but any insight on how i should approach this would be great.....thanks
Posted by KrissyP on March 6, 2003, at 14:34:32
In reply to Re: starting effexor tommorow, posted by lovemybabies on March 6, 2003, at 6:50:16
Posted by KrissyP on March 6, 2003, at 15:01:43
In reply to Started Effexor 3 weeks ago -- Weird, posted by humbly72 on March 6, 2003, at 10:51:04
Hi :-) No worries, I've done longer posts-that's not the point. May I ask what your diagnosis is?
When do you take the Effexor? I felt the exact same feelings you express here. I am on 75 mg of Effexor-XR. I just started taking it before bed and it has made a difference. I am sleeping better, but I also have added 25 mg of Lamictal-hoping to up my dose for my bipolar. I went off Lamictal last March and I learned it was a mistake-that's why I went back on it.
Thanks for sharing, hope to hear back........
Also, your journal is a great idea-I think I need to do that too. Thanks.
Kristen
-------------------------------------------------1st. Week: dizziness, headache, sleepiness, couldn't focus
2nd. Week: sleepiness, couldn't focus, occassional night sweats
3rd. Week: sleepiness, lethargic, couldn't focus, w/ ocassional crazy thoughts and actions, feel drunk
4th. Week: (just started) w/ exercise it seems like the sleepiness/tiredness has abated, but still find it hard to focus. A bit hyper.
Sorry for such a long post, but since I don't get to see a psychiatrist until the next 6 weeks, I have decided to keep a journal so that I can take it with me and explain to doctor. Hope this may be of help to someone.
Posted by humbly72 on March 6, 2003, at 15:07:35
In reply to Re: Started Effexor 3 weeks ago -- Weird » humbly72, posted by KrissyP on March 6, 2003, at 15:01:43
I was prescribed the Effexor for depression and anxiety. I take the medication after breakfast. My primary doctor also prescribed Klonapin for the manic episodes, but from what I've read here, it's probably not a good idea to take it. I took a quarter of a pill last night and slept well, but still got up at 4am, rather than the usual 6am.
> Hi :-) No worries, I've done longer posts-that's not the point. May I ask what your diagnosis is?
> When do you take the Effexor?
Posted by napaba on March 6, 2003, at 15:12:54
In reply to Re: Started Effexor 3 weeks ago -- Weird » humbly72, posted by KrissyP on March 6, 2003, at 15:01:43
> I had the same side effects the first month or so on Effexor. I still have sweats (usually in the early aafternoon, bur probably only 2 or 3 times a week. Also it will feel like my heart is racing. I'm having some blood work done and have low blood pressure. I think the racing is from Anxiety. I'm only taking 75mgs, my doctor would like to increase it, but I want to keep the dose as low as possible.
Hang in there, after that first month I bet you'll be pleasently surprised.
>
> 1st. Week: dizziness, headache, sleepiness, couldn't focus
>
> 2nd. Week: sleepiness, couldn't focus, occassional night sweats
>
> 3rd. Week: sleepiness, lethargic, couldn't focus, w/ ocassional crazy thoughts and actions, feel drunk
>
> 4th. Week: (just started) w/ exercise it seems like the sleepiness/tiredness has abated, but still find it hard to focus. A bit hyper.
>
> Sorry for such a long post, but since I don't get to see a psychiatrist until the next 6 weeks, I have decided to keep a journal so that I can take it with me and explain to doctor. Hope this may be of help to someone.
>
>
Posted by KrissyP on March 6, 2003, at 15:25:16
In reply to Re: Started Effexor 3 weeks ago -- Weird, posted by humbly72 on March 6, 2003, at 15:07:35
Hun, like I said we all have had good AND bad results from Klonopin-mostly good since i've seen. Everyone is different here, we can only post our experiences.
Please give it time, it may work wonders for you.
How long have you been taking the Klonopin?
Hope to hear again.
I wish you the best:-)
Kristen------------------------------------------
I was prescribed the Effexor for depression and anxiety. I take the medication after breakfast. My primary doctor also prescribed Klonapin for the manic episodes, but from what I've read here, it's probably not a good idea to take it. I took a quarter of a pill last night and slept well, but still got up at 4am, rather than the usual 6am.
Posted by KrissyP on March 6, 2003, at 15:28:15
In reply to Re: Started Effexor 3 weeks ago -- Weird, posted by napaba on March 6, 2003, at 15:12:54
Yes! I agree>>Hang in there, after that first month I bet you'll be pleasently surprised.
I was, and am working on the unnecessary mania still, but overall Effexor has been great for me anyway.
Kristen:-)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I had the same side effects the first month or so on Effexor. I still have sweats (usually in the early aafternoon, bur probably only 2 or 3 times a week. Also it will feel like my heart is racing. I'm having some blood work done and have low blood pressure. I think the racing is from Anxiety. I'm only taking 75mgs, my doctor would like to increase it, but I want to keep the dose as low as possible.
Hang in there, after that first month I bet you'll be pleasently surprised.
Posted by Tina P on March 6, 2003, at 16:37:22
In reply to Re: Weight gain! Dizziness! Help! » Tina P, posted by KrissyP on March 5, 2003, at 13:59:12
I'd be happy to elaborate! I have diabetes, and I use the insulin pump. This alone is a major contributing factor to my depression, as well as my weight struggles, but it's a viscious cycle regardless. I've always struggled with 15-30lbs, since my teens, but it wasn't until my mid-twenties that the weight started piling on. Around the same time, I started taking Paxil, which helped my depression a great deal, but made my struggle with the pounds even more difficult. Then I had my first baby ... and I haven't seen that old body that I complained about for all those years since. He is now 7 mos. and I feel like I'm still gaining weight, even all these months after the pregnancy. My doctor switched me from the Paxil to Effexor XL, with hopes that it would help with the weight gain, but it hasn't. And here I am today, needing to loose about 65lbs! Any advice?
Posted by natural on March 6, 2003, at 16:57:56
In reply to starting effexor tommorow, posted by natural on March 6, 2003, at 0:51:25
first off thank you for your input and responses....with this whole anixiety issue i got going i need to be sure about almost everything and this board has helped me alot...so thank you....
and yes iam taking it for anxiety and panic attacks and stuff....my it worked well for me today..i felt pretty nautious all day and without this board that would have concerned me alot throughout the day..i didnt notice any other side effects but thats prolly cause my heads already in another place latey...i have been taking adavan as needed latley and didnt have the need to take it today (i wouldnt let myself take it).....i also found a way to stabalise at least the panic attacks last night and with this pill i think/hope its only a matter of time before i feel better....iam just glad the hope that i had lost the previous 6 months is back with me...
Posted by lovemybabies on March 6, 2003, at 17:10:17
In reply to Re: starting effexor tommorow, posted by natural on March 6, 2003, at 16:57:56
Hang in there. I just increased my doseage today. From 75mg to 150mg to help with anxiety. I felt pretty good today, except for a return of the 'spacey' feeling. I had a friend over and she probably thought I was drunk or stoned or something. :) I'm a little concerned about upping the doseage but my Doc. is convinced it will help the anxiety. I'll give it a try and reduce it if I'm too wigged-out. In a bizarre way, these side-effects are kind of fun...like, 'Oh-my legs are twitching again...COOL.' And I am so happy to report I can deal with my kids/husband/daily stressors SO WELL now. It's like a new life; I actually woke my kids up for school by SINGING to them...I just felt so GOOD this morning. Not manic, just good. It's a day at a time, but so far I'm sticking with this med.
Posted by lovemybabies on March 6, 2003, at 17:13:51
In reply to Re: Weight gain! Dizziness! Help! » millie, posted by KrissyP on March 5, 2003, at 13:51:26
I'm curious--when does the weight GAIN happen on Effexor. I've been on it for six weeks and actually lost six pounds in two weeks due to nausea and anorexia. I'm thin to begin with and now just look gross. My appetite is back but I haven't noticed any abnormal weight gain. Does this happen later? Is it due to increased appetite, water-retention, just feeling good and eating more? I upped my doseage today and am dreading the anorexia.
Thanks for your input.
Posted by KrissyP on March 6, 2003, at 20:04:18
In reply to Re: Weight gain! Dizziness! Help! » KrissyP, posted by Tina P on March 6, 2003, at 16:37:22
Hey there:-)
Thank you for elaborating. First, how long have you been on Effexor-XR???
I can tell you I have tried all of the SSRI's, including Luvox, and Effexor-XR is the ONLY one I do not gain a lot of weight on. Now, I also take usually 100mg but sometimes 200mg of Seroquel at night and by morning, I am BLOATED. I know that Seroquel is adding to my retaining water AND deficatley adds to my weight problem, so I am trying to get by on only 100mg along with the Lamicatl, so far 25 mg, and the 2mg of Klonopin. I hope you are taking care of yourself with Diabetes, it sounds like you are:-) I try to remember we're all dealt different cards in life, so to speak.
Between the Paxil and having a baby, I understand your frustration concerning the excess weight. I've never had a baby, but I would suggest that you give the Effexor some time-like I said how long have you been on it sice you switched from Paxil? And, how is your appetite on it? Have you noticed ANY weight loss, decreased hunger, etc. on Effexor?
I want to hear from you again,please,
Kristen:-)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I'd be happy to elaborate! I have diabetes, and I use the insulin pump. This alone is a major contributing factor to my depression, as well as my weight struggles, but it's a viscious cycle regardless. I've always struggled with 15-30lbs, since my teens, but it wasn't until my mid-twenties that the weight started piling on. Around the same time, I started taking Paxil, which helped my depression a great deal, but made my struggle with the pounds even more difficult. Then I had my first baby ... and I haven't seen that old body that I complained about for all those years since. He is now 7 mos. and I feel like I'm still gaining weight, even all these months after the pregnancy. My doctor switched me from the Paxil to Effexor XL, with hopes that it would help with the weight gain, but it hasn't. And here I am today, needing to loose about 65lbs! Any advice?
Posted by KrissyP on March 6, 2003, at 20:06:54
In reply to Re: starting effexor tommorow, posted by natural on March 6, 2003, at 16:57:56
"i am just glad the hope that i had lost the previous 6 months is back with me..."------------------------I am too:-)
All the best,
Kristen
first off thank you for your input and responses....with this whole anixiety issue i got going i need to be sure about almost everything and this board has helped me alot...so thank you....
and yes iam taking it for anxiety and panic attacks and stuff....my it worked well for me today..i felt pretty nautious all day and without this board that would have concerned me alot throughout the day..i didnt notice any other side effects but thats prolly cause my heads already in another place latey...i have been taking adavan as needed latley and didnt have the need to take it today (i wouldnt let myself take it).....i also found a way to stabalise at least the panic attacks last night and with this pill i think/hope its only a matter of time before i feel better....iam just glad the hope that i had lost the previous 6 months is back with me...
Posted by KrissyP on March 6, 2003, at 20:14:59
In reply to Re: starting effexor tommorow, posted by lovemybabies on March 6, 2003, at 17:10:17
Hi, can I add something? Isn't the side effect of Effexor-"fun"? Like you say? I feel that way too-but I'm almost too manic, as it does increase mania in bipolar patients. I remember singing "Raindrops on Roses" when I was in the psych ward years back because I was so manic-I drove my roomate nuts. Boy was it fun though.
Does increasing the dosage of Effexor help more with the anxiety than a low dose??? Does anyone know?
Thanks,
Kristen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------> Hang in there. I just increased my doseage today. From 75mg to 150mg to help with anxiety. I felt pretty good today, except for a return of the 'spacey' feeling. I had a friend over and she probably thought I was drunk or stoned or something. :) I'm a little concerned about upping the doseage but my Doc. is convinced it will help the anxiety. I'll give it a try and reduce it if I'm too wigged-out. In a bizarre way, these side-effects are kind of fun...like, 'Oh-my legs are twitching again...COOL.' And I am so happy to report I can deal with my kids/husband/daily stressors SO WELL now. It's like a new life; I actually woke my kids up for school by SINGING to them...I just felt so GOOD this morning. Not manic, just good. It's a day at a time, but so far I'm sticking with this med.
Posted by Tina P on March 6, 2003, at 20:36:35
In reply to Re: Weight gain! Dizziness! Help!, posted by lovemybabies on March 6, 2003, at 17:13:51
It's funny- seems to be as much a mystery to you and me as it is to our doctors. I was switched to Effexor XL from Paxil because I was gaining weight, and it hasn't made a difference. But in your case, you WANT to gain and can't! I think it depends on the person, their eating habits/issues, and their metabolism. But that's just my opinion.
Posted by Tina P on March 6, 2003, at 20:48:08
In reply to Re: Weight gain! Dizziness! Help! » Tina P, posted by KrissyP on March 6, 2003, at 20:04:18
Thanks for your concern. I try to take care of my diabetes, but it'd hard, especially with depression. I've been on the Effexor XL for a few months now, and haven't noticed much difference in the weight gain/hunger situation. It was a problem on the Paxil, and it's a problem now. I know my eating issues lie deeper than my antidepressants, and I have to address them separately. But in the meantime, it would be nice to have meds that help rather than hurt the situation. My doctor felt that Effexor would help me lose weight, or at least stop gaining. Obviously she was wrong. I've also relied too often on appetite suppresants in the past,and I'm trying to avoid them now. I just find that they get me going, but I gradually build up a tolerance to them and end up just continuing to take them because I'm too afraid not to. So I've been Phentermine-free for the same few months that I've been on the Effexor, which certainly isn't helping matters when it comes to losing weight!
Posted by KrissyP on March 6, 2003, at 21:47:27
In reply to Re: Weight gain! Dizziness! Help!, posted by lovemybabies on March 6, 2003, at 17:13:51
Hi, When I have always been on Effexor- I didn't gain weight. If any, about 6 Lbs. When I first started it too-I lost weight because I wasn't hungry and the nausea too. It's different with different people-I guess. Prozac made me gain-simply because I was feeling well-but I gained a whopping 80 Lbs. What is your dosage of Effexor, may I ask?
Try not to worry about it until it does, or doesn't happen, but I understand what you are saying. All the best,
Kristen:-)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I'm curious--when does the weight GAIN happen on Effexor. I've been on it for six weeks and actually lost six pounds in two weeks due to nausea and anorexia. I'm thin to begin with and now just look gross. My appetite is back but I haven't noticed any abnormal weight gain. Does this happen later? Is it due to increased appetite, water-retention, just feeling good and eating more? I upped my doseage today and am dreading the anorexia.
Thanks for your input.
Posted by KrissyP on March 7, 2003, at 1:01:38
In reply to Re: Weight gain! Dizziness! Help! » lovemybabies, posted by Tina P on March 6, 2003, at 20:36:35
Hi Tina, Please consider yourself a little lucky. I need to LOSE weight. I understand your concern though-I really do:-)
I agree with lovemybabies, that it depends on the person, their eating habits/issues, and their metabolism- just my opinion too.
Hang in there:-)
Kristen------------------------------------------It's funny- seems to be as much a mystery to you and me as it is to our doctors. I was switched to Effexor XL from Paxil because I was gaining weight, and it hasn't made a difference. But in your case, you WANT to gain and can't! I think it depends on the person, their eating habits/issues, and their metabolism. But that's just my opinion.
Posted by KrissyP on March 7, 2003, at 1:08:39
In reply to Re: Weight gain! Dizziness! Help! » KrissyP, posted by Tina P on March 6, 2003, at 20:48:08
Hi again Tina,
You are very welcome:-)
Depression can be tough-hang in there. I also know my eating issues lie deeper than my antidepressants, and I have to address them separately too, somehow. I have gone to OA and it helped, but soon it got a little monotonous and I lost interest. My loss now I think. My weight goes up and down-up and down. :-(
I am glad to hear that you are trying to avoid the MANY appetite suppressants-I have seen and I know others have heard of people dying on these. NOT TO SCARE YOU BY ANY MEANS-just a note.
Please stay safe and keep us posted when you can.
:-)Best of luck,
Kristen------------------------------------------
> Thanks for your concern. I try to take care of my diabetes, but it'd hard, especially with depression. I've been on the Effexor XL for a few months now, and haven't noticed much difference in the weight gain/hunger situation. It was a problem on the Paxil, and it's a problem now. I know my eating issues lie deeper than my antidepressants, and I have to address them separately. But in the meantime, it would be nice to have meds that help rather than hurt the situation. My doctor felt that Effexor would help me lose weight, or at least stop gaining. Obviously she was wrong. I've also relied too often on appetite suppresants in the past,and I'm trying to avoid them now. I just find that they get me going, but I gradually build up a tolerance to them and end up just continuing to take them because I'm too afraid not to. So I've been Phentermine-free for the same few months that I've been on the Effexor, which certainly isn't helping matters when it comes to losing weight!
>
Posted by KrissyP on March 7, 2003, at 2:06:45
In reply to starting effexor tommorow, posted by natural on March 6, 2003, at 0:51:25
Hi, what is your diagnosis? Did the Prozac help at all? Are you still getting panic attacks?
Hope to help, reply please:-)
Kristen
-------------------------------------------------
> k....i have been having bad panic attacks lately...and have ended up in the er because of them....my doctors have out me in therapy and the doctor whos works this therapy has perscribed this effexor.....is this the right thing for me??....
>
> (side note: i have taken remeron 30mgs for a few months after my first attack and didnt have anymore...but then i started on fluvox(amine) as well and a day or two after these attacks started...coincidance??)
>
> thank you for any help
Posted by lovemybabies on March 7, 2003, at 6:41:46
In reply to Re: Weight gain! Dizziness! Help! » lovemybabies, posted by KrissyP on March 6, 2003, at 21:47:27
Hi,
I just increased to 150mg yesterday. So far, no nausea but the lightheadedness is back. My doc. said it helps better w/anxiety at higher doses.
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.