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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by clb149 on October 22, 2003, at 23:05:18
In reply to anyone had weight gain?, posted by nocalmaggie on July 23, 2003, at 10:39:59
> Has anyone gained significant (over 20 pounds) after being on effexor for 1+ years.
> I've been on effexor for 1+ years. Gained 40+ pounds though I have an eating disorder that undercurrents this effect. (That was the whole reason behind seeking help) I have found I am depressed as before but now possibly more so as my weight is so elevated I am entering the morbidity phase. I have decided to "fire" my latest "psycho-guru" and get off the effexor. At 300 mg per day I was starting to get the brain and body "shocks" on my regular dose. Now I am weaning myself off perhaps too quickly but I do want to get this over with. Effexor is physically adictive. If you don't take it, you suffer physical withdrawal symptoms. I'm down to 75 mg after 5 days of 150. The brain shocks are almost contant at times also some nausea and diarhea. I had this same situation when I got off another seratonin acting drug. My vote is NO on effexor--and am running out of confidence in anti depressants. I am also running out of time with elevated weight and its consequences. Obesity is a disease that I inherited from my genetic past. I feel there is not yet a solution and I am running out of options resigned to accept my destiny.
Posted by lovemybabies on October 23, 2003, at 9:51:59
In reply to Re: anyone had weight gain?, posted by clb149 on October 22, 2003, at 23:05:18
Maybe Effexor isn't the right one for you right now. I read that Wellbutrin works on both serotonin/norepinephrine but with less-severe withdrawal.
Don't quit trying. I also deal w/food/weight 'issues.' Effexor has been a lifesaver, in that regard. But everybody's different. Are you in psychotherapy on a regular basis? Healthy diet/exercise? Genetics is huge but there are things that work to change your 'destiny.' Or create a new destiny.
Posted by ktmwife on October 24, 2003, at 17:23:55
In reply to Re: anyone had weight gain?, posted by lovemybabies on October 23, 2003, at 9:51:59
Hi. I am glad I found this site. I have had spells of depression for the last 2 years, since my mom died. I have finally realized that I can not get out of this slump by myself. I went to the doctor today and he prescibed Effexor XR 37.5mg for 7 days, then 75mg from then on. I guess my question is.....What should I really expect? And if I take this, am I going to have to take it forever? This is the first time I have ever taken meds to help me. Any advice would be helpfull....I would really like to know what I am getting myself into here....
Thanks,
KTMWIFE
Posted by BJL on October 24, 2003, at 17:58:32
In reply to Advice on taking Effexor XR, posted by ktmwife on October 24, 2003, at 17:23:55
ktmwife, hello and welcome! By experience and by what I've read from others on this website, I don't think we could actually tell you what you will experience because each person is different. If it's not a chemical reaction causing your problem, then the medication may do nothing; if so, you may find incredible improvement in your spirits. However, please be aware that these effects don't come overnight. It took me about a month before I noticed. Actually, it was my friends and family that noticed the difference before I was aware of it. I was no longer as anxious and nervous in public.
BUT....I gained over 60 pounds in the 3+ years that I was on Paxil and Effexor, both are terrible for that! I guess it's not that way for everyone, but I've seen quite a few that have gained weight. I felt tired all of the time and ended up taking wellbutrin to offset that (another $150 a month). Also, when you go off Effexor, it's horrible...and I mean horrible! I had two weeks of severe dizziness and off and on nausea. It's been over a month, and I still feel occasional "zaps" in my body (kind of like an electrical shock).
I won't knock Effexor or Paxil, because they did work for me, but they also have their side effects, and I want you to be aware of them beforehand. I know that there are many other medications out there, and you may have another option. Just research and be sure before you jump into anything.
I wish you a ton of luck and hope that you are feeling perky and happy soon!
-Bobbi-
Posted by awatts on October 24, 2003, at 19:54:09
In reply to Advice on taking Effexor XR, posted by ktmwife on October 24, 2003, at 17:23:55
I didn't feel a benefit until 150mg/day. Then it was great, except for the side effects.
Since yours is situational depression, my guess is that you will not need it for more than 6 months to a year. I may take it for the rest of my life since I have always been depressed and Effexor is the only thing that has ever helped.
Posted by ktmwife on October 24, 2003, at 20:14:44
In reply to Re: Advice on taking Effexor XR, posted by awatts on October 24, 2003, at 19:54:09
I am hoping that it will work in the lower doses....maybe it will be easier to get off of it when that time comes. I don't like what I am reading about the "offramp" !!!!
Thanks for the help...
KTMWIFE
Posted by day8602 on October 24, 2003, at 22:37:33
In reply to effexor xr seems to have stopped working, posted by dandelion on August 11, 2003, at 14:31:03
I have been on effexor xr for 19 months. I started on 37.5 mg/day, now I'm at 150mg to 225mg/day. There are times I think it is no longer working. Those days that I used to have that I couldn't get out of bed seem to be creeping back. I'd like to try something else, but I've heard and read so many horror stories about many of the other anti-depressants that I don't know if they'd be much better. I'm not able to see my doctor because of working hours, and am not sure it would do much good. I think I need to get a new doctor, but jeez it's hard. It was hard enough going to a doctor the first time.
...there I go rambling...
Anyhoo...yes, I also think it seems to stop working.
Posted by day8602 on October 24, 2003, at 22:58:54
In reply to Re: Anyone TAKE EFFEXOR XR AT NIGHT?, posted by KIMMMIE on October 22, 2003, at 10:47:28
I also take effexor at night. My doctor told me to take it when it worked best for me, as long as it was about the same time each day. You probably won't feel the effects of it for a week or so. It's very unlikely to feel the effects after one dose. I hope it works out for you.
Posted by MamaB on October 25, 2003, at 8:01:39
In reply to Advice on taking Effexor XR, posted by ktmwife on October 24, 2003, at 17:23:55
Hi KTM,
Welcome and we are glad that you have found this site too! I think that you will find the folks here pretty much supportive. Take the information that pertains to you and don't be bothered by the rest.
As a slightly different voice in all of this, I will tell you that I experienced none of the withdrawal symptoms. I cut back over a duration of fourteen weeks. About seven weeks in to the "taper" I began a very small dose of Celexa 10mgm at bedtime. I cannot be sure if this helped or not. However, I work with people who take pscyotropic meds (antidepressants etc) and although I have not taken an official survey, Effexor XR SEEMS to be one of the most effective. Would I take it again? Yes. It did help. About the only other antidepressant that has worked well for me is Wellbutrin, which I am currently taking.
My depression has a strong genetic component, so I shall probably be on medication of one kind or another for the rest of my life.I do not know how old you are, but if you are anywhere close to 40 and have not begun menopause I hope that your physician has factored this in. If you do fit that catagory, and he/she has not addressed it with you, my advice it to see a GOOD gyencologist, preferably one who specialises in menopause. I did not know until WAY after the fact that my depression was at least influenced by the onset of menopause. ( I was 42 and every physician I saw told me that couldn't possibly be it.) I have never taken hormones and am now sixty two and I am fine. (As long as the depression is under control.) Also, if you fit the profile (menopause or peri-menopause) I suggest that before you allow your psychiatrist to either increase a lot, or change meds, that you have the GYN workup.
Just some suggestions, I shall pray for you. MamaB
Posted by ann33 on October 25, 2003, at 17:21:15
In reply to Re: Anyone TAKE EFFEXOR XR AT NIGHT? » KIMMMIE, posted by day8602 on October 24, 2003, at 22:58:54
my doctor said that I should not take at night.
When I take, I have problems to sleep...Is like my body is sleeping and my mind working at same time.
what is the advantage to take at night?
Posted by helenag on October 25, 2003, at 17:54:32
In reply to Advice on taking Effexor XR, posted by ktmwife on October 24, 2003, at 17:23:55
Hi there...I've been taking Effexor XR for over three years. Am currently on 300mg. It has been a good drug for me. Have tolerated it well. Only time I had trouble was when I ran out and didn't take it for two days. It felt like I was coming down with the flu. That was the notorious withdrawl stuff you read about here. I would guess your doctor will help you off the medicine when you are feeling better. Sounds like you have hit a "slump" and just need some help getting over it. That's not unusual at all. Everyone reacts differently to meds. Good luck and hope you feel better as you travel down the road. Helen.
Posted by yawnbob on October 25, 2003, at 21:23:22
In reply to Re: Advice on taking Effexor XR, posted by ktmwife on October 24, 2003, at 20:14:44
KTMWIFE,
My doc also started me on 37.5, then 75mg, then 150mg. The first week I was asking myself why I was doing this. I felt much worse than I had before I started taking. Then my body adjusted and things went pretty well. Hang in there!
As I've said in the past, I had all the side effects in the first two or three weeks. My favorite SE was being wide awake yet having longgg yawwwnns like I was tired. At night I would be tired yet not able to sleep. While I was taking Effexor I don't think I was sleeping very deeply. Since I've stopped taking it my snoring is back (yea says the wife).
Having just exited the "offramp", it's taken about me about a week to start feeling better. There's still a little dizziness but not bad. I took myself off pretty fast so that's my doing, my fault. Don't worry about that until you get to it. You may never want to stop taking it if you feel as good as I did.
Posted by clb149 on October 25, 2003, at 21:52:04
In reply to Re: anyone had weight gain?, posted by lovemybabies on October 23, 2003, at 9:51:59
To lovemybabies: Yes, I have "gone through" 2 psychologist and 2 psychiatrist almost continually for past 8 years. I have tried Wellbutrin, Celexia, Prozac, Topomax, Meridia, and Remeron to no avail. I have attended an MD supervised weight loss program that included "group therapy" that I felt was, for the most part, as waste of my time. I lost 82 lbs in the program and gained back 120. I was bulimic when at the lower weight purging through daily continuous exercise in order to maintain the "Madison Avenue look" to which I no longer aspire and was incapable of maintaining. There is a source for my perceived "hopelessness", I am want for future solutions and fall into a morose resignation that I am "destined" to a short life span and thus "check out" as comfortably as possible though not through suicide even given what goes into my mouth is slowly killing me. I do not choose the path of mutalation with gastric surgery as the answer lies not in being "Full" but in whatever biochemistry that ensues when one is emotionally satiated and the desire for food ceases to exist.
I continue to exercise at the level of one continually carrying around a 120 pound "Snugglie". Obviously it prevents me from "leaping buildings in a single bound." But I do try and walk and at my lower weights I enjoyed hiking, and biking, and sex (not all at once but there are memoris when they weren't mutually exclusive--and I'm not trying to be "kinky"--"It's just the facts ma'am".
I'm hungry after all this writing.
I guess the effexor must be waring off--I know it is, suffering through all these "Brain shocks" thanks for writing though. clb149
Posted by Missme on October 26, 2003, at 9:39:49
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Not to sure what to call this message.
I am 27 now and have just been told I have Bipolar. My entire childhood sucked like no one could imagine and after all these wasted years of self mutilation, praying for death because I was to chicken to carry it out, and endless suffering, I finally learn that I have been Bipolar since mid-childhood. I fought this for years and in 2000 my entire world came crashing down. At least I finally know what I am up against and am researching as much as I can to control the ups and downs until the meds take effect. I read the facts that 3 out of 10 people are blessed with this and I have yet to have someone share the same feelings as I. I can't begin to describe the agony to my parents and husband and maybe it would be nice to know that someone else feels this.
I know I am not alone but it sure would be nice to have a friend who has been there.
Posted by Missme on October 26, 2003, at 9:52:38
In reply to Venting, posted by Missme on October 26, 2003, at 9:39:49
Guess I should have added that I am now on 20mg of Prozac, 75mg of Effexor XR and building up to 100 mg of Lamictal. The side effects are great. My vision is about shot I went from having trouble falling asleep but atleast I slept through the night to now waking up for 2-3 times during the night. Will this level out?!
Posted by crazy ass canadian on October 26, 2003, at 20:31:05
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have been on effexor for 4 years, I suffer from depression and anxiotie.
effexor seems to take the edge off life.
Posted by crazy ass canadian on October 26, 2003, at 20:33:23
In reply to New to list and wanted to say hello, posted by crazy ass canadian on October 26, 2003, at 20:31:05
The day after I have 4 or 5 beers I am a GRUMPY A$$ HOLE... I have no tollerence or patience. I am on 175mg of Effexor XR. Does anyone else have a simmilar problem?
Posted by ant on October 26, 2003, at 23:01:37
In reply to effexor and alcohol, posted by crazy ass canadian on October 26, 2003, at 20:33:23
Yeah,All I need is to have 2 drinks (spirits), then im buggered the next day. It feels as though ive had 10 drinks. I think the intolerance is due to feeling crappy. Should know by now not to exceed. Anyway got to go, i'm on 225mg XR
Ant
> The day after I have 4 or 5 beers I am a GRUMPY A$$ HOLE... I have no tollerence or patience. I am on 175mg of Effexor XR. Does anyone else have a simmilar problem?
>
>
Posted by Remy on October 27, 2003, at 15:13:13
In reply to New to list and wanted to say hello, posted by crazy ass canadian on October 26, 2003, at 20:31:05
What is meant by 'brain' and 'body' shocks with effexor? I started last week and have had sleeplessness, loss of appetite, nausia, a tight feeling in my jaws and a constant minor headache. Are these all 'normal' sideeffects or am I just paranoid? maybe it's both.
Posted by ann33 on October 27, 2003, at 16:51:30
In reply to Re: New to list and wanted to say hello, posted by Remy on October 27, 2003, at 15:13:13
>>> I started last week and have had sleeplessness, loss of appetite, nausia, a tight feeling in my jaws and a constant minor headache. Are these all 'normal' sideeffects or am I just paranoid? maybe it's both.
Hi, welcome ...the sleeplessness depend of the time of the day that you are taking and I felt this side effect too...
but this will disappear over time and come other side effect ...:(
but at least efexor is effective.
good luck
Posted by sam61 on October 27, 2003, at 18:19:27
In reply to Re: Question for thread, posted by KimberlyDi on October 10, 2003, at 14:58:09
When coming off Paxil and going onto Effexor, my doctor prescribed 0.5 mg/day of Clonazepam. I only used the Clonazepam for those days I felt that I really needed the help. It really made a difference during the switch. Something like Clonazepam may help you coming off of the Effexor. Just a thought.
Sam61
> You might get a ton of responses to that one, for and against. The granuals are different size so try to split them proportionately. If you don't have enough capsules, someone said you could mix it in a spoonful of applesauce to swallow. I've got 150mg and 75mg capules that i'll have to break down soon. See if you can get your pdoc to prescribe some of the Immediate Release Effexor. When you cut down too severely and feel sick, you can break a tiny piece of the pill off and get relief rather quickly.
>
> KDi in Texas
>
> > Today I was planning on reducing my effexor dose from 75 mg to 37.5 mg, but am afraid it is too much of a jump for me to handle well. Does anyone know how many granuals are in the 75 mg capsule? I thought I could reduce by 1/3 or 1/4. That might be more tolerable for me.
> > Thanks!
> > Lioness
>
>
Posted by Dr. Bob on October 27, 2003, at 21:41:25
In reply to New to list and wanted to say hello, posted by crazy ass canadian on October 26, 2003, at 20:31:05
> I have been on effexor for 4 years, I suffer from depression and anxiotie...
Welcome! Sorry to be such a prude, but could you re-register under a different name? The idea is not to use language here that could offend others:
file:///Bang/pages/babble/faq.html#civil
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by DeNovo on October 28, 2003, at 8:02:13
In reply to effexor and alcohol, posted by crazy ass canadian on October 26, 2003, at 20:33:23
> The day after I have 4 or 5 beers I am a GRUMPY A$$ HOLE... I have no tollerence or patience. I am on 175mg of Effexor XR. Does anyone else have a simmilar problem?
>
> To my friend to the north. Effexor and alcohol won't work. You need to stop drinking for at least six months or you won't now how much of your depression is alcohol induced. It is tough but unless you do it your Doctor will most likely increase your dosage without knowledge if you need it. I talked to the chief pharmacologist at the National institute of Mental Health about my dosage 375 Mg XL daily. He is mixing other drugs to enhance the effexor. Alcohol changes the reaction. I was also drinking before seeing a psychiatrist. Men tend to use alcohol to kill the pain. Stop the drinking and I’ll bet your pain starts to subside in three months. Long, but this disease takes more time to repair than I ever imagined.
Posted by awatts on October 28, 2003, at 10:17:14
In reply to effexor and alcohol, posted by crazy ass canadian on October 26, 2003, at 20:33:23
> The day after I have 4 or 5 beers I am a GRUMPY A$$ HOLE... I have no tollerence or patience. I am on 175mg of Effexor XR. Does anyone else have a simmilar problem?
>
Yes, I used to have a glass or two of wine with dinner. Now that I'm on 225 mg of Effexor XR, I find that I feel worse the next day if I have even one glass of wine. Doctor said drinking in moderation was probably OK on Effexor - WRONG! (at least for me)
Posted by charlie29 on October 28, 2003, at 16:33:51
In reply to Re: effexor and alcohol -NO!, posted by awatts on October 28, 2003, at 10:17:14
When I was on Effexor (225mg) I could drink like a horse and had no hangovers at all..I usually drink vodka or other spirits.. When I had beer or wine it used to zonk me out. I assume that beer or wine do not go well with Effexor.
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