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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 18 of 18. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by geralyn on July 5, 2003, at 21:13:02
Can anyone tell me how long it takes for the full effect of Effexor XR? The second week I had a couple of days where I felt that life was good and it was really nice, but since then I haven't had that feeling and I'm at week 4. I do have fewer crying jags, but that's about it.
I'm wondering if you actually get to the point where you feel good on this drug, or do you only feel not quite as bad as before. I'm on 75 mg./day.
Please don't tell me any nightmare stories about withdrawal - I've read them, but this is the best option for me at the moment due to allergic reaction to other drugs.
Thanks, Geralyn
Posted by jlo820 on July 5, 2003, at 21:34:20
In reply to Effexor, posted by geralyn on July 5, 2003, at 21:13:02
No one can answer that question because the result is different for different people.
For me it was like you said - I just felt better than I did before, not as bad, when I was on Effexor (300 mg). For some people they feel great.
I am taking Lexapro right now and I have thet great feeling.
Posted by linkadge on July 5, 2003, at 21:44:47
In reply to Re: Effexor, posted by jlo820 on July 5, 2003, at 21:34:20
If you feel like you *can* continue, then give it a few more weeks. You may also want to try adding some suplements that can greatly improve the efficacy of most antidepressants like fish oil.
For me, adding fish oil to Celexa gave me the same effect as a higher dose, with no side effects.
Good Luck
Linkadge
Posted by AAH on July 5, 2003, at 23:50:02
In reply to Effexor, posted by geralyn on July 5, 2003, at 21:13:02
hey,
i was on 75 for a month and i actually felt i was getting worse. im now on 150, for like two weeks, i don't know, everyone says wait it'll get better. somedays i wake up and feel better but i am always tired. im sure the other financial family stuff just adds to it so nothing can fix me you know, but it does seem to help me cope. i just want it to be in full effect, i want postpartum deppression to stop running my life
Best of Luck
Angel
Posted by galkeepinon on July 6, 2003, at 2:05:18
In reply to Effexor, posted by geralyn on July 5, 2003, at 21:13:02
I've seen so many posts on Effexor-does anyone believe that this med works at depression when taken at higher doses only????????????????? I'm at 75mg and still somewhat depressed.
I'm really wondering about this!!> Can anyone tell me how long it takes for the full effect of Effexor XR? The second week I had a couple of days where I felt that life was good and it was really nice, but since then I haven't had that feeling and I'm at week 4. I do have fewer crying jags, but that's about it.
>
> I'm wondering if you actually get to the point where you feel good on this drug, or do you only feel not quite as bad as before. I'm on 75 mg./day.
>
> Please don't tell me any nightmare stories about withdrawal - I've read them, but this is the best option for me at the moment due to allergic reaction to other drugs.
> Thanks, Geralyn
Posted by geralyn on July 6, 2003, at 12:23:54
In reply to Re: Effexor, posted by AAH on July 5, 2003, at 23:50:02
thanks, all. Angel, I know exactly what you mean. I'm sick of feeling down (since my son was born 2 and 1/2 years ago!) I'm starting to think that's it's all drug company hype with the antidepressants. I feel slightly more stable, but not enough of an improvement to justify the side effects (zero sex drive and eating like a pig).
Plus, since starting Effexor, I have a weird negative reaction to others. Everytime someone talks to me, in my head I think something like: you stupid dope. Luckily, it's just in my head at this point.
My doctor says I have to increase the dose, but it doesn't make sense to me that MORE of this stuff is going to have a totally different effect.
Geralyn
Posted by galkeepinon on July 6, 2003, at 13:58:53
In reply to Re: Effexor, posted by geralyn on July 6, 2003, at 12:23:54
>>>>>>>>>(zero sex drive and eating like a pig)
Is Effexor increasing your appetite????
I'm starting to wonder if it is mine-I'm also on Topamax and my appetite was decreasing-added Effexor and now I'm eating almost like a pig-please get back to me.Gal
.
thanks, all. Angel, I know exactly what you mean. I'm sick of feeling down (since my son was born 2 and 1/2 years ago!) I'm starting to think that's it's all drug company hype with the antidepressants. I feel slightly more stable, but not enough of an improvement to justify the side effects (zero sex drive and eating like a pig).
>
> Plus, since starting Effexor, I have a weird negative reaction to others. Everytime someone talks to me, in my head I think something like: you stupid dope. Luckily, it's just in my head at this point.
>
> My doctor says I have to increase the dose, but it doesn't make sense to me that MORE of this stuff is going to have a totally different effect.
>
> Geralyn
>
Posted by Geralyn on July 6, 2003, at 16:02:52
In reply to Re: Effexor » geralyn, posted by galkeepinon on July 6, 2003, at 13:58:53
Yes, it is totally increasing my appetite. I'm not actually hungry, but it's more that all self control mechanisms are suppressed so I'm eating huge portions. My doctor says Effexor is known for the opposite effect, but she also insists that there is no sexual side effect with it, and it's right in the package insert that there is a sexual side effect.
What is tomamax?
Geralyn
> >>>>>>>>>(zero sex drive and eating like a pig)
>
>
> Is Effexor increasing your appetite????
>
>
> I'm starting to wonder if it is mine-I'm also on Topamax and my appetite was decreasing-added Effexor and now I'm eating almost like a pig-please get back to me.
>
> Gal
>
>
>
> .
> thanks, all. Angel, I know exactly what you mean. I'm sick of feeling down (since my son was born 2 and 1/2 years ago!) I'm starting to think that's it's all drug company hype with the antidepressants. I feel slightly more stable, but not enough of an improvement to justify the side effects (zero sex drive and eating like a pig).
> >
> > Plus, since starting Effexor, I have a weird negative reaction to others. Everytime someone talks to me, in my head I think something like: you stupid dope. Luckily, it's just in my head at this point.
> >
> > My doctor says I have to increase the dose, but it doesn't make sense to me that MORE of this stuff is going to have a totally different effect.
> >
> > Geralyn
> >
>
>
Posted by galkeepinon on July 6, 2003, at 16:10:14
In reply to Re: Effexor, posted by Geralyn on July 6, 2003, at 16:02:52
thanks Geralyn, Topamax is an anti-epileptic medication-often used for Bipolar, and also for migraines. I started it 2 months ago but recently started Effexor and my appetite has increased thats why I asked you about the appetite thing. I have weight to lose and just get so frustarted about some of these meds (which is most of them for a lot of people) that cause weight gain for whatever reason. What dose of Effexor are you on? Do you feel it helps you?
thanks so much for the reply.
gal
> Yes, it is totally increasing my appetite. I'm not actually hungry, but it's more that all self control mechanisms are suppressed so I'm eating huge portions. My doctor says Effexor is known for the opposite effect, but she also insists that there is no sexual side effect with it, and it's right in the package insert that there is a sexual side effect.
>
> What is tomamax?
>
> Geralyn
>
>
>
>
> > >>>>>>>>>(zero sex drive and eating like a pig)
> >
> >
> > Is Effexor increasing your appetite????
> >
> >
> > I'm starting to wonder if it is mine-I'm also on Topamax and my appetite was decreasing-added Effexor and now I'm eating almost like a pig-please get back to me.
> >
> > Gal
> >
> >
> >
> > .
> > thanks, all. Angel, I know exactly what you mean. I'm sick of feeling down (since my son was born 2 and 1/2 years ago!) I'm starting to think that's it's all drug company hype with the antidepressants. I feel slightly more stable, but not enough of an improvement to justify the side effects (zero sex drive and eating like a pig).
> > >
> > > Plus, since starting Effexor, I have a weird negative reaction to others. Everytime someone talks to me, in my head I think something like: you stupid dope. Luckily, it's just in my head at this point.
> > >
> > > My doctor says I have to increase the dose, but it doesn't make sense to me that MORE of this stuff is going to have a totally different effect.
> > >
> > > Geralyn
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by Geralyn on July 6, 2003, at 16:23:40
In reply to Re: Effexor » Geralyn, posted by galkeepinon on July 6, 2003, at 16:10:14
Hi, Gal. I'm on 75 mg/day (week 4) and I feel a slight effect with the drug. I'm not as weepy and I'm slightly less anxious. My husband says he thinks it's working, but when he said that I felt like hitting him with a chair, so that doesn't seem like progress. I'm disappointed because I've heard others say they feel really upbeat and calm on it and I want to feel that way.
I wonder if my nightly glass of wine is canceling some of the effect and bringing me down.
I'm frustrated with the weight issue too. It seems like that's the price you pay for these drugs, but the drug companies don't want to admit it.
Geralyn
Posted by galkeepinon on July 6, 2003, at 16:33:53
In reply to Re: Effexor, posted by Geralyn on July 6, 2003, at 16:23:40
Hi,
That's what I'm taking now-75mg although I seem to be taking it every other day lately. My moods are up and down lately ever since I started Effexor. When I was strictly on the Topamax alone, my moods were better, more calm, more stable. When I started the Effexor recently, I've become a little less stable-so I'm not too sure about the med. I've heard good things about Effexor though-a lot of great things in fact. Give it a few more weeks and I bet you will feel like you hope to feel, more of the effects from it. I bet ya.
I drink a glass of Merlot once in a while-but you know how the docs and the labels all say do not drink while on this med..... oh well. And as far as the weight issue, I agree, but I think it's not only the drug companies that don't want to admit it-I think the docs don't have a clue as to who will gain weight and who won't on these meds-and in a way-I don't blame them-they're not gods;) It's a tough call unfortunately.Have a good one
gal> Hi, Gal. I'm on 75 mg/day (week 4) and I feel a slight effect with the drug. I'm not as weepy and I'm slightly less anxious. My husband says he thinks it's working, but when he said that I felt like hitting him with a chair, so that doesn't seem like progress. I'm disappointed because I've heard others say they feel really upbeat and calm on it and I want to feel that way.
>
> I wonder if my nightly glass of wine is canceling some of the effect and bringing me down.
>
> I'm frustrated with the weight issue too. It seems like that's the price you pay for these drugs, but the drug companies don't want to admit it.
>
> Geralyn
Posted by Caleb462 on July 6, 2003, at 17:24:06
In reply to Re: Effexor, posted by Geralyn on July 6, 2003, at 16:02:52
> Yes, it is totally increasing my appetite. I'm not actually hungry, but it's more that all self control mechanisms are suppressed so I'm eating huge portions. My doctor says Effexor is known for the opposite effect, but she also insists that there is no sexual side effect with it, and it's right in the package insert that there is a sexual side effect.
>Just another example of a doctor being totally clueless. *Of course* Effexor has sexual side effects, and don't let your doc try to convince you otherwise. Some people find that Effexor's sexual side effects are not as bad as on SSRIs, but for some folks - it is just the opposite. It all depends on the individual.
One more thing...
You said you don't want to increase the dose, because you don't see how more Effexor could help. Well, with many drugs - this might be true, Effexor is different however. As the dose increases, Effexor begins to more strongly effect the brain's NE (norepinephrine) system - which can be a key factor for some individuals. Combined Serotonin/Norepinephrine reuptake inhibition is generally regarded as more a more efficient way of treating depression. If you are still feeling unwell, trying a dose in the 150-300 mg could be a big help. Not neccesarilly, of course - but it may be worth a try.
There are other options as well, adding Wellbutrin to your 75 mg Effexor could boost the anti-depressant effects and dramatically reduce side effects such as sexual problems/increased appetite. Remeron, though sedating, is a med known to be effective for depression, yet lacking in sexual side effects for most people. If your doc is not up to trying new things and listening to you about your side effects, get a new doc.
Posted by Geralyn on July 6, 2003, at 18:56:41
In reply to Re: Effexor, posted by Caleb462 on July 6, 2003, at 17:24:06
Thanks Gal and Caleb. Caleb, any problems you know of with Wellbutrin? You sound like you know a lot about this. I'm meeting with a new doctor this week, so I want to do my homework first.
Posted by Caleb462 on July 6, 2003, at 21:09:34
In reply to Re: Effexor, posted by Geralyn on July 6, 2003, at 18:56:41
> Thanks Gal and Caleb. Caleb, any problems you know of with Wellbutrin? You sound like you know a lot about this. I'm meeting with a new doctor this week, so I want to do my homework first.
Yes, there are problems with Wellbutrin for *some* people. Some find that it induces "overstimulation", that it causes or worsens nervousness/anxiety, and that it shortens one's temper - causing irritability and rage. Several people on this board have complained of these issues.
However, many people find Wellbutrin an effective anti-depressant, and much more tolerable due to no sexual side effects (or in some cases, PRO-sexual effects), no weight gain, and no emotional blunting. It can also help help attentional/motivational issues. Somatic complaints with Wellbutrin are usually stuff like nausea, headache, and tremor - but these pass.
It all depends on individual reactions. If you can't tolerate things like caffeine, pseudoephedrine, etc. then Wellbutrin might not be the best choice - but no one can know until it is actually tried.
Posted by galkeepinon on July 6, 2003, at 22:03:05
In reply to Re: Effexor, posted by Caleb462 on July 6, 2003, at 21:09:34
Your very welcome Geralyn.
Caleb....... Have you heard anything in regards to Wellbutrin about the potential of a stroke with its use????gal
> > Thanks Gal and Caleb. Caleb, any problems you know of with Wellbutrin? You sound like you know a lot about this. I'm meeting with a new doctor this week, so I want to do my homework first.
>
> Yes, there are problems with Wellbutrin for *some* people. Some find that it induces "overstimulation", that it causes or worsens nervousness/anxiety, and that it shortens one's temper - causing irritability and rage. Several people on this board have complained of these issues.
>
> However, many people find Wellbutrin an effective anti-depressant, and much more tolerable due to no sexual side effects (or in some cases, PRO-sexual effects), no weight gain, and no emotional blunting. It can also help help attentional/motivational issues. Somatic complaints with Wellbutrin are usually stuff like nausea, headache, and tremor - but these pass.
>
> It all depends on individual reactions. If you can't tolerate things like caffeine, pseudoephedrine, etc. then Wellbutrin might not be the best choice - but no one can know until it is actually tried.
Posted by galkeepinon on July 6, 2003, at 23:51:36
In reply to Re: Effexor, posted by Geralyn on July 6, 2003, at 18:56:41
Posted by Caleb462 on July 7, 2003, at 0:05:00
In reply to Re: Effexor question for Caleb too » Caleb462, posted by galkeepinon on July 6, 2003, at 22:03:05
> Your very welcome Geralyn.
> Caleb....... Have you heard anything in regards to Wellbutrin about the potential of a stroke with its use????
>
>
>
> galGal... no, I have not. The main concern that comes up with the use of wellbutrin is usually seizure risk. However... seizure risk with Wellbutrin, in doses of 75-450 mg/day, is quite similiar to the seizure risk with other anti-depressants. Thus the seizure concern is a bit over-dramatized.
As for stroke, I have not heard anything in particular about Wellbutrin and stroke. I've certainly read about strokes occuring with chronic use of stimulants (such as cocaine), but I'm unfamiliar with any literature regarding Wellbutrin and strokes. I might do some googling and see what I come up with.
I assume Wellbutrin (and other stimulating meds) would not be a good choice for those predisposed to stroke, or with a history of it - but this is just an assumption.
Posted by galkeepinon on July 7, 2003, at 0:10:51
In reply to Re: Effexor question for Caleb too, posted by Caleb462 on July 7, 2003, at 0:05:00
Caleb, thanks-I heard this a few months ago. A doctor put me on it then all of the sudden took me off with virtually no explanation-in which I should have asked why. quite odd.
thanks for the info, I may do a search now also.
> > Your very welcome Geralyn.
> > Caleb....... Have you heard anything in regards to Wellbutrin about the potential of a stroke with its use????
> >
> >
> >
> > gal
>
> Gal... no, I have not. The main concern that comes up with the use of wellbutrin is usually seizure risk. However... seizure risk with Wellbutrin, in doses of 75-450 mg/day, is quite similiar to the seizure risk with other anti-depressants. Thus the seizure concern is a bit over-dramatized.
>
> As for stroke, I have not heard anything in particular about Wellbutrin and stroke. I've certainly read about strokes occuring with chronic use of stimulants (such as cocaine), but I'm unfamiliar with any literature regarding Wellbutrin and strokes. I might do some googling and see what I come up with.
>
> I assume Wellbutrin (and other stimulating meds) would not be a good choice for those predisposed to stroke, or with a history of it - but this is just an assumption.
This is the end of the thread.
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