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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by waterlily on June 4, 2003, at 8:03:30
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » waterlily, posted by melley on June 3, 2003, at 17:25:14
> I am almost off effexor and am delighted at feeling again. I think effexor just turns the world into stepford people. No extremes in feeling. It is better than being depressed and anxious but I missed my feelings:) Plus the side effects got to be too much at 225mg. I think effexor is the drug of choice for drs(because of hitting two things at once) but it also has many dangerous side effects and the hideous withdrawal. It hasn't been around long enough to know what the long-term consequences of its use will be. I think drs should try other stuff first.
>
Effexor is the last in a list of medications I've tried, including Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil, Luvox,imipramine, Serzone, and Wellbutrin. I still take a therapeutic dose of Wellbutrin in addition to the Effexor, but have been on Wellbutrin alone for a long time.Effexor does not seem to be the first drug of choice from my experience. My daughter, my sister, and myself, each with a different psychiatrist, were all started out on Zoloft. My daughter is on Lexapro now. Zoloft deadened my feelings. Each of the others either did nothing, not enough, or had intolerable side effects.
My feeling is that aside from the MAOIs and tricyclics, none of the newer medications have been around long enough for us to know what the long-term consequences of use are. If my life is shortened from the use of antidepressants, so be it. I'd rather have a short happy life than a long depressing one.
>
Posted by Napaba on June 4, 2003, at 8:15:12
In reply to Re: New to Effexor, posted by ROVER on June 3, 2003, at 22:48:46
For me the higher the dose the more severe the side effects. I couldn't take 150 mg's because of the side effects. I'm so glad to be off EXR.
Thanks Napaba
> You have given me some things to think about.My Doc. is a internist and no I am not in any form of counseling it was such a big step for me to go and see my regular doc.
> I should say that one positive effect I have had is I am sleeping better.Prior to starting Effexor I was only sleeping 2-3 hrs per night but over the past ten days I am sleeping about six hrs.per night
> I should also say that after being on 75 for a week I felt better than I ever have but it only lasted two days then I crashed big time.I didnt put this in my first message as it seems so irrelevant now.
> I have heard that above 150 other chemicals kick in.
> Thanks for caring
Posted by KimberlyDi on June 4, 2003, at 8:20:59
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » waterlily, posted by melley on June 3, 2003, at 17:25:14
Melley, i agree with your comment about how doctors should try other stuff first. Effexor seems pretty heavy-duty to me, in comparison to other AD's I tried. Paxil & Welbutrin both worked well for me UNTIL I stopped taking them. That was my fault, and they never seemed to work as well when I started up on them again. Folks, please be careful when you decide you are ok enough to just stop taking the AD's. You might regret it later.
Posted by Shari H. on June 4, 2003, at 14:22:34
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have been taking Effexor (75mg per day) for
about 15 months. About 6 months after I started
taking it I started gaining weight. I excercise on
average 4 days per week and I am exremely
careful with what I eat. I not only cannot
lose weight but I keep gaining weight.
I am only 27 years old and female. I was put on
Effexor as a result of depression that
I suffered brought on by an eating disorder (Anorexia).
When I started the Effexor I weighed 110lbs.
I know weigh approx 138lbs!! That is 28lbs in 15
months. I was underweight before starting the
medication but I can now lose a very healthy 15
pounds. I have been doing research about Effexor
and I keep reading that there are incidences of
"substantial" weight gain with Effexor.
Can someone out there please confirm to me that
my weight gain was brought on my effexor or I
simply did this to myself. Also does anyone know
if once I stop using the effexor will I lose the
weight and return back to my "normal" weight
(i.e.about 120-125lbs).Help me please I feel terrible about myself!!
Shari
Posted by melley on June 4, 2003, at 18:57:37
In reply to Help: Weight gain with Effexor?, posted by Shari H. on June 4, 2003, at 14:22:34
> I have been taking Effexor (75mg per day) for
> about 15 months. About 6 months after I started
> taking it I started gaining weight. I excercise on
> average 4 days per week and I am exremely
> careful with what I eat. I not only cannot
> lose weight but I keep gaining weight.
> I am only 27 years old and female. I was put on
> Effexor as a result of depression that
> I suffered brought on by an eating disorder (Anorexia).
> When I started the Effexor I weighed 110lbs.
> I know weigh approx 138lbs!! That is 28lbs in 15
> months. I was underweight before starting the
> medication but I can now lose a very healthy 15
> pounds. I have been doing research about Effexor
> and I keep reading that there are incidences of
> "substantial" weight gain with Effexor.
> Can someone out there please confirm to me that
> my weight gain was brought on my effexor or I
> simply did this to myself. Also does anyone know
> if once I stop using the effexor will I lose the
> weight and return back to my "normal" weight
> (i.e.about 120-125lbs).
>
> Help me please I feel terrible about myself!!
>
> Shari
I know how you feel! I gained 30 lbs (I'm 47). That is one of the reasons I am now switching to wellbutrin. I know it is from the effexor because I took it for a year about 5 years ago and gained 20 lbs. Stopped taking it and lost it. Not right away but....I feel much better now that I am almost off the effexor (37.5 mg) and onto the wellbutrin. Good luck. You might consider switching.
Posted by Jedida on June 5, 2003, at 1:12:42
In reply to Re: Effexor XR - So Far - 12/12/02, posted by melsey on December 13, 2002, at 16:18:55
Posted by bgbham on June 5, 2003, at 2:01:22
In reply to any good xperiences withdrawing from effexor? (nm), posted by Jedida on June 5, 2003, at 1:12:42
Why withdrawing? I have had nothing but good experience with it for 2 yrs. Weight loss, great mood, etc. Why is everyone trying to withdraw, don't understand.
brian
Posted by Napaba on June 5, 2003, at 8:06:14
In reply to Re: Help: Weight gain with Effexor? » Shari H., posted by melley on June 4, 2003, at 18:57:37
I quit taking Effexor a week a go. But I had a weight lose with it. I lost 34 pounds from the third week in February to last week. I know this sounds stupid, but maybe your not eating enough. Your body may think it's in starvation mode, which causes you not to lose weight. Try a low carb diet. It really works for me.
> > I have been taking Effexor (75mg per day) for
> > about 15 months. About 6 months after I started
> > taking it I started gaining weight. I excercise on
> > average 4 days per week and I am exremely
> > careful with what I eat. I not only cannot
> > lose weight but I keep gaining weight.
> > I am only 27 years old and female. I was put on
> > Effexor as a result of depression that
> > I suffered brought on by an eating disorder (Anorexia).
> > When I started the Effexor I weighed 110lbs.
> > I know weigh approx 138lbs!! That is 28lbs in 15
> > months. I was underweight before starting the
> > medication but I can now lose a very healthy 15
> > pounds. I have been doing research about Effexor
> > and I keep reading that there are incidences of
> > "substantial" weight gain with Effexor.
> > Can someone out there please confirm to me that
> > my weight gain was brought on my effexor or I
> > simply did this to myself. Also does anyone know
> > if once I stop using the effexor will I lose the
> > weight and return back to my "normal" weight
> > (i.e.about 120-125lbs).
> >
> > Help me please I feel terrible about myself!!
> >
> > Shari
>
>
> I know how you feel! I gained 30 lbs (I'm 47). That is one of the reasons I am now switching to wellbutrin. I know it is from the effexor because I took it for a year about 5 years ago and gained 20 lbs. Stopped taking it and lost it. Not right away but....I feel much better now that I am almost off the effexor (37.5 mg) and onto the wellbutrin. Good luck. You might consider switching.
>
Posted by Napaba on June 5, 2003, at 8:50:09
In reply to Re: any good xperiences withdrawing from effexor?, posted by bgbham on June 5, 2003, at 2:01:22
Brian,
Your lucky, Effexor was the worse drug I've ever experienced. I am so greatful to be off it.
Why withdrawing? I have had nothing but good experience with it for 2 yrs. Weight loss, great mood, etc. Why is everyone trying to withdraw, don't understand.
> brian
Posted by Nicola on June 5, 2003, at 9:41:50
In reply to Re: any good xperiences withdrawing from effexor? » bgbham, posted by Napaba on June 5, 2003, at 8:50:09
I put on about 2 stone within 1 year of taking Effexor. I have also had hot flushes, heart palpitations, scary stuff. So I am now in my first week without this drug. God, I feel terrible, dizzy, head spinning, sleepy, confused, tired, on edge. My advice to anyone COME OFF THIS PILL GRADUALLY WITH YOUR DOCS HELP. Good luck to all.
Posted by Shari H. on June 5, 2003, at 10:59:17
In reply to Re: Help: Weight gain with Effexor? » Shari H., posted by melley on June 4, 2003, at 18:57:37
I am reading more and more about people's side
effects with this drug. When I was put on it I
started at 37.5mg a day for a week and then 75mg
a day intil now. To be honest I didn't feel much
side effects and I started feeling better after
a couple of weeks. When I started making the
connection that my weight gain may be due to
Effexor I took my own liberty to taper off them
myself. Big Mistake. I got myself down to 37.5mg
a day with almost no side effects but if I went
more than 2 days without taking a pill I would
feel these horrible electric shocks going
through my body, I was getting hot flashes,
headaches and jut not able to function or
concentrate on anything. I now started cutting
my pills in half so I'm taking 19mg a day.
The transition from 37.5 to 19 was fine
(it's been a week now). I am going to see my
doctor tomorrow and I am going to confront her
about the weight gain. I am no
longer depressed. The issues surrounding my
depression at the time I was put on the AD no
longer exist. My life has completely changed
since I started the drug, new job, new
relationship and everything is going well.
I want to try and not have to rely on a pill to
make me happy. Yes effexor did remove my
depression but it caused other issues in terms
of weight gain, loss of sex drive etc..
I personally don't think that my doctor new
enough about the drug and its side effects at
the time I was put on it. I will in a few days try
to take the 19mg (half pills) only ever 2 days
instead of everyday and see how that feels.
Posted by Rickey on June 5, 2003, at 16:38:52
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
On my third day. have starter kit which starts off with 37.5 and goes to 75 after 8 days. My question is when is the best time to take it. I have been doing it in the morning as a problem I had was sleeping too much(10-12 hrs nightly). Seems to be helping me dealing with my stress at work. Is the AM the best time?? Should I try taking it at night this weekend?
Thanks
Posted by KimberlyDi on June 5, 2003, at 16:48:40
In reply to best time to take?, posted by Rickey on June 5, 2003, at 16:38:52
I take in the morning (AM). Too close to PM and I have problems sleeping. But whatever works for you is what is best for you. :)
Kim
> On my third day. have starter kit which starts off with 37.5 and goes to 75 after 8 days. My question is when is the best time to take it. I have been doing it in the morning as a problem I had was sleeping too much(10-12 hrs nightly). Seems to be helping me dealing with my stress at work. Is the AM the best time?? Should I try taking it at night this weekend?
>
> Thanks
Posted by sierra1 on June 5, 2003, at 19:54:29
In reply to Re: any good xperiences withdrawing from effexor?, posted by Nicola on June 5, 2003, at 9:41:50
I can't sleep at night on effexor... after 2 years of extreme fatigue the Dr. suggested maybe I was in a depression. I thought she was nuts. After an hour and a half appointment with her I decided maybe she was right. I have been on effexor for 3 weeks now and can't believe the difference in me. I never really understood depression but it all fits into place now. I get about 4 hours of sleep per night, should I be taking a sleeping pill? any suggestions?? thanks
Posted by CherC68 on June 5, 2003, at 21:51:03
In reply to best time to take?, posted by Rickey on June 5, 2003, at 16:38:52
> On my third day. have starter kit which starts off with 37.5 and goes to 75 after 8 days. My question is when is the best time to take it. I have been doing it in the morning as a problem I had was sleeping too much(10-12 hrs nightly). Seems to be helping me dealing with my stress at work. Is the AM the best time?? Should I try taking it at night this weekend?
>
> ThanksI suggest doing it about an hour after dinner. I was on Zoloft for 4 days and was taking it in the morning. I was nauseous from the time I woke up to the time I went to bed. I am not hardly nauseous at all, and I'm having a little trouble sleeping, (but I also have carpal in both hands and they hurt)so to me it is the best time, but everyone is different. Tonight is my fifth night.
Take Care. Cher
Posted by bgbham on June 6, 2003, at 12:52:44
In reply to Re: any good xperiences withdrawing from effexor?, posted by sierra1 on June 5, 2003, at 19:54:29
I do have to take Ambien most nights to get good sleep, but my pdoc expects this to not be needed in a few months. Like you, it has made a big diff in me. IT is taking a while to adjust mood wise to the large dose (150 am, 150 @ noon or so), but I am very hopeful. See the doc regularly, get thee to a SD group, and get on with it when you can. DO NOT take on too much at one given day. Ask friends fam for help with anything! I am hoping for you the VERY best!
Brian
Posted by Badger on June 6, 2003, at 14:56:26
In reply to best time to take?, posted by Rickey on June 5, 2003, at 16:38:52
Rickey -
My advice would be to take your pill at the same time for several days in a row (e.g., 4 - 5 days) before making any change. See if the Effexor is making you particularly alert or drowsy, or if it upsets your stomach (my doctor suggested taking it with meals if that was the case). Unlike some of the other posters here, I found that Effexor made me very tired, which was not too bad since I had been suffering from insomnia.
After a couple of weeks of experimentation, I found taking my dose around 8:00 or 9:00 PM worked best for getting a good night's sleep and not yawning too much during the day.
I've been taking Effexor for roughly 6 or 7 months now, and virtually all of the side effects (including drowsiness and loss of sex drive) have finally disappeared. I have put on weight (probably 15 lbs. or so), but it's a price I'm willing to pay to be free from depression.
Good luck -
Badger
> On my third day. have starter kit which starts off with 37.5 and goes to 75 after 8 days. My question is when is the best time to take it. I have been doing it in the morning as a problem I had was sleeping too much(10-12 hrs nightly). Seems to be helping me dealing with my stress at work. Is the AM the best time?? Should I try taking it at night this weekend?
>
> Thanks
Posted by zinya on June 6, 2003, at 17:34:00
In reply to Re: any good xperiences withdrawing from effexor?, posted by bgbham on June 6, 2003, at 12:52:44
hi everyone
well, after 10 nights at the 19 mg (half of 37.5) dose, which i've mentioned here before, i'd had two days with no dizziness (which i'd had both last Sat and Monday) and other early side effects, which had been manageably mild had also subsided, so on Wednesday night i decided to move up to the full 37.5 (brave me :) finally up to the minimum dose), feeling optimistic.
Welllll. Yesterday was something of a disaster of grogginess, to the point of intermittent stupor -- and even made me think at times of people talking here about feeling numb, which i had thought was meant in terms of emotional numbness but i had a kind of physical numbness at points -- but not dizzy like last week, more of a stupor-numb (??) feeling. I didn't actually notice it upon waking but by about 11 am yesterday and then pretty much the rest of the day with peaks of more intense grogginess at certain points.
Before dosage time last night, i even fell asleep (at a time of night i never fall asleep) and woke up 3 hrs later, still on the groggy side and decided I couldn't just compound the grogginess with another full 37.5 so i went back to dividing in half and only taking 19 again. Today is a lot less groggy but kind of a big blah (which is not all that unusual given the chronic depression). I don't know what to make of this side effect. (As noted before, my md. claims his patients don't have side effects so i don't expect him to have anything much helpful to say.)
My question: Did people experience something like the grogginess i'm describing? and did it happen for others upon moving from one okay dose level up to another? and did you find that it went away? Is this also something you just have to plow through?
thanks ... and good wishes to all,
z
Posted by Tino02 on June 6, 2003, at 18:19:16
In reply to grogginess from effexor dose increase?, posted by zinya on June 6, 2003, at 17:34:00
Z,
I am up to 150 a day and i have been taking effexor for about 3months. i noticed that as i continued to up the dosage, my side effects intensified, especially being extremely tired all of the time. at work, i feel like i could fall asleep at any moment of the day, and as im driving, i caught myself dosing off a couple of times and it scared me. on the weekends, and in general when i wake up, i feel as if i cannot even get out of bed.
my suggestion? i feel that every person will react differently to medication because of our individual body chemistry. in previous posts, i have read that effexor keeps people wide awake, so that they can only sleep 3 hours a night. in others, it causes weight gain, while i have a distinct loss of appetite, thus causing a slight weight loss. This is the reason why a certain medication works for some, and not for others.
i think that you should speak to your doctor, and if he isn't much help, and tells you that his patients don't have side effects, maybe find someone who will listen.
most importantly---hang in there--the most important thing is that you feel better overall, and, if you need to take something for your depression, make sure you find a medication and a doctor that is right for you.
best of luck and take care,
tino
Posted by bgbham on June 6, 2003, at 18:46:46
In reply to grogginess from effexor dose increase?, posted by zinya on June 6, 2003, at 17:34:00
Z - no side effects like that for me. I am on the side of being wide awake, all the time! I have to take something to sleep, although I take a split dose of 150 at 6:00am, and 150 at noon. I am a big guy, 200 lbs, maybe you are small and the dose isn't still right for you. I have a friend who takes Zoloft and is always drowsy, so you are right about our different makeups. If my doc said his patients don't hve s/e, I would find a psych who is more concerned about how you are doing otherwise than depression. My doc thouroughly askes me every visit about all aspects of what I am doing physically and mentally. Hoping you the best, cause you are!
Brian
Posted by CherC68 on June 6, 2003, at 18:59:26
In reply to grogginess from effexor dose increase?, posted by zinya on June 6, 2003, at 17:34:00
Dear Zinya,
I know what you mean. I'm at 37.5 and on day 6. After the 7th day I go to 75 mg. I feel like I'm in a stupor sometimes. I can do my work (at work) but in communicating with people I talk like I'm a zombie. I've never had a problem speaking to people. I can get on a stage and sing - I can talk to a room of 500 strangers for hours about anything and everything, but I can't seem to keep my mind on the subject at hand. If asked a simple question, I have to think about what the person said and I can't seem to form a thought. I take my medicine after dinner or about 8:00 p.m. I'm really having a tough time too. I see my doctor on Thursday and will discuss this with him, you really should talk to your doctor too, because if my doctor can't understand that these side effects are making me way more depressed, then he's not the doctor for me.
Take Care Zinya and Thanks everyone for posting and helping so much
Posted by sierra1 on June 6, 2003, at 22:46:30
In reply to Re: any good xperiences withdrawing from effexor?, posted by bgbham on June 6, 2003, at 12:52:44
thanks for your reply. i am pretty new at this depression thing. I have not told my family, they think something is wrong but i just tell them i'm tired and don't feel good. I know i should but i don't want anyone to know. When my Dr. tested me for thyroid, iron, b-12, and other tests, they all came back normal. after an hour and a half visit just talking and answering a few questionaires she thought I was in a depression. She told me to go home and think about our conversation and I did. I went back to see Dr. and it was suggested to try effexor xr. I guess since I feel pretty good the dr. was correct. I will be up to 150 mg dose tomorrow. I am realy nervous about how long I must take this, and the withdrawal effects I have been reading here. How long have you been on it? lynn
Posted by bgbham on June 7, 2003, at 0:04:12
In reply to re:brian, posted by sierra1 on June 6, 2003, at 22:46:30
Lynn, thanks for letting me know what was going on. Listen carefully to me. Do not be concerned about what negativism you see here on this posting site. It is contrived mostly of people who are in a state of depression that causes them to be a little weird. My story is a little simple but enduring. Around 2 yrs ago I discovered with the help of a very educated best friend, who by the way was a sufferer, and had degrees in counseling and other psych disorders, that I too may have an imbalance in my brian that basically would not allow my seratonin levels remain where they should. It came on slowly, exposing itself at a time in my young life where it was easily attributed to partying, traveling with friends, casual, unsafe romantic events, DUI's, etc. I had always been the core of my little group of about 8 close guys and girls. In my mid twenties, after all were eithere dating, engaged or to marry, I started filling my life with career and family since my dadhad died. I am way close with my mom, and from time to time we shared a home. She is on the lower side of healthy at 75, and she is my jewel. My friend Anna had a bad abusive relationship with a married man going on that nearly killed her, and she began taking Effexor. Within months her self esteem was back, she divorced the guy she never really loved, and since these past 7 years, has 2 kids, a wonderful home, and great Italian Yankee husband. She called me the other day at 2pm, I was in bed, I had no desire to dust, clean, wash, eat, work, watch tv - It was if someone had fogged up my brain with some dark grey matter. I wanted to die because I hurt so bad inside. I told her I was only tired and had no sleep and she said not to bullshit her, she was the queen of depression. She made me get a pen, which was not easy, and write down Grayson and Associates here in Birmingham and tell them I needed to speak to an MD psych doc today, or else. They got me in the office one hour later. Dr Daw talked me through my hell for about an hour, and asked me if I would check into the psych ward at Baptist Montclair. Anything to get better! She immediately hooked me up with a great caring pdoc named elton who purposed raising me t0 300 per day since I am about 200 lbs. I staying locked up with about 20 or so other people in need: Alcohol, crack, multiple personality disorders, court appointed lock ups, older folk, blind 10 yr olds, and just us regular SD's. It was a trip. We did crafts, had group meetings, laughed at ourselves, ate meals together, couldn't have our blow dryers or brushes or razors, but we didn't care. It turned into our safe environment, the meds were working, they were waiting on us hand and foot, and were so nice to us, it was an enriching week and a day. I made a close friend who had wanted to die,but now she is on Zoloft and doing good. my family was educated on what cause depression, it being not a bit unlike cancer, or Aids. It is not something we have done to ourselves. It is a treatable illness. I am at 4 weeks now, had a low few days last week, but called elton and he asked me to do 150 early, and 150 at lunch. So far, I am getting a lot closer to the old me. The furniture is dusted, my clothes are clean, I am shaved and pretty. I am not yet back at my job, which as a manager carries a great deal of resp. and my mom is still not home from the hosp (she lives with me)but that is all ok, becuase #1 is getting my brian repaired so that I can take on these small challenges as they arrise. If I had not seeked help, I would not be here to enjoy all that. In closing Lynn, my advise is to plan on being on it a long time. The imbalance ain't going to magically fix itself. Don't pay any attention to these naysayers, talk to you psych, not a counselor, they can't change meds if you have to. Tell your family by printing out the Effexor webpage and the story of Delta Burke. Ask them for help with food, errands, anything you don't think you are quite up to. Take the meds on time, get sleep, Ambien if you cannot sleep, walk. You will be better in a few weeks, but you probably will always need effexor. It saved me, and I ain't leaving it. I pray for your time, your pain. I have been there, and it is a dark lonely place that I don't like at all. Godspeed my dear. Go get well and email me anytime.
Brian
w
Posted by CherC68 on June 7, 2003, at 7:50:02
In reply to re:brian » sierra1, posted by bgbham on June 7, 2003, at 0:04:12
<It is contrived mostly of people who are in a state of depression that causes them to be a little weird>
This may be true, but this is what this forum is for. The people that are being negative, are really having problems with this medicine. I know I am. I keep trying I'm on day 7 at 37.5. Sierra, the best thing you can do is try the medicine, if you don't like it, talk to your pdoc and see if there is something else you can try. For me, I realized that the side effects far outway the depression, and since I've only been on it 6 days, the withdrawals can't be as bad as the side effects. As far as being embarrassed to talk to your family, etc., doctors/lawyers,mothers and even an occasional Indian Chief gets depression. I actually believe that there is not one person that has never been depressed at one time or another. Good Luck to you.
Posted by Rickey on June 7, 2003, at 10:01:20
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
New on XR. Today first day at 75 mg(was doing 35.5 fir 4 days). Feeling fine, no real side effect yet. Was wondering however, I see ads on the web selling Effexor XR without a prescription. Is this legit??
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