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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by moose100 on November 17, 2003, at 12:08:57
In reply to Re: Sexual side effects Effexor XR , posted by Zellie on November 17, 2003, at 8:04:36
Hi everyone. I am new to this site. I posted a fairly long-winded message on another board(meant for this one). I have had good luck with Effexor XR. I currently take 150mg-started with 37.5mg. Five weeks into it and my anxiety, anger, irritability are gone. I do have some side effects in the form of cold sweats and sexual such as diminished sensation and delayed O. But nothing I can't get used to or live with. I suffered for years with overwhelming anxiety and panic attacks reluctant to seek help. I finally listened to my wife and did so. Hopefully, the medication will keep working. My best to all of you.
Posted by sasha71 on November 17, 2003, at 14:05:36
In reply to Re: Sexual side effects Effexor XR , posted by moose100 on November 17, 2003, at 12:08:57
As a woman...I would see a delayed O from a man could be a good thing........;-)
But I understand what you are saying and completely sympathize.
The funny thing is though, it wasn't until I went on ADs that I finally had my first O. Imagine that. I was 27.
Posted by Mercedes on November 17, 2003, at 18:26:43
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares » Alara, posted by dagon on November 16, 2003, at 22:48:13
The NIGHMARES!............OH...... MY......GOD !!!!!!
Went to bed around 5AM, insomnia (still effexor related) so I did a little reading on PBabble.After that, I went to bed, fell asleep but I was dreaming that I needed to call 911. I have had this cough, so I took some cough med right b-4 going to bed and of course, now I'm med phobic due to effexor, paxil, topomax and any combination of drugs. I'd had chest pains earlier (compliments of paxil that I was given to help the withdrawals of effexor). I didn't take any nitro...I'm afraid of that one too now.
Back to the dreams. I guess I felt chest pains in my dream so reached for the phone to call 911 but the phone wasn't there or I couldn't find it. So I reach for the lamp and could't find the switch to turn it on, all the while I'm reaching for these things, my body is so heavy, like the blankets are pulling me back. Then I momentarily wake and I'm still in the same position I fell asleep in and very scared.
I guess I went to sleep again, reach for the phone again and finally have it in my hand and it just squishes in my hand. So I try to get out of bed, but this heavyness is holding me down. I struggle hard to get out from under the cover's and get to my bathroom which is like 5 ft away. I go to turn on the light switch and it's missing. Then I wake up & find myself in the same position I was in and feel so afraid, that all my efforts weren't real, I was dreaming.
Dreaming again....I make it to my kitchen to my other phone (still trying to call 911) and all the number keys are missing from the phone. At one point, (dreaming still) I got out the house to head to my neighbor's house to use their phone, still with this terribly heavy weight on me, clinging to my fence to get to her house, then wake again to find out that it's a dream. Anyway, I'm scared to death in reality and can't seem to call 911.
This part is reality. Finally 6:30 am, I see daylight and I reach for my night stand phone and call my brother. His wife answered and I blurted out I need help, dreams, can't get out of bed.....she drove to my house.
She wanted to know if she should call 911 or what did I want her to do?, I was crying now and said just stay here a bit, I don't want to fall asleep again. I finally ask her to help me get to the bathroom cause I had to pee. My legs felt frozen but eventually I got them to go over the edge of the bed, started to stand and I fell down, my whole body now laying on the floor. I started to lift myself up slowly. I ask her to get my son's walker from when he had spinal surgery last yr. at 22 yrs. She did. So I held on to the walker and went pee. Anyway, my legs felt weak and I didn't want her to call 911. (After all my dream attemps to call 911, funny huh?)
I told her crying....."I need to go to a mental hospital, these withdrawals are killing me....but they'll only give me more medications.." She was nice and said "no, you don't need to go to mental hospital". And she had a few choice words to say about the meds, doctor's etc.
So now I'm afraid to take meds, I'm afraid to go to sleep. This is the second time I've dreamed like this. First time was about 2 1/2 wks ago. I figured it was Effexor withdrawal.
I hate this! When's this effexor crap going to stop! Right now I feel a heavy heart and I'm afraid to take nitro. Why is this happening???? Was it lack of sleep? Was it visiting the pbabble board? Or is it still the effexor withdrawals. It was one month ago the 14th, that I took my last effexor. Pdoc told me to take a little Paxil but the paper says, "Do not take (this and that..medical terms, ok), together. Dangerous, even fatal, irregualr heartbeats may occur if these medicines are taken together". F**k, I don't know what I'm taking anymore? You know like if the "this or that's" are in anything else I take, even the cough medicine.
I'm scared.
(I have to see my therapist today, 25 mile drive)
p.s. I know you don't have any answers. I just had to share my nighmare story.
Mercedes
Posted by sasha71 on November 17, 2003, at 19:09:11
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares » dagon, posted by Mercedes on November 17, 2003, at 18:26:43
OMG! I have dreamt just like that! Dreaming but convinced
I'm awake trying to do something (the something
was to find the crying baby somewhere in the house)
and would wake up totally disoriented because the
last I knew I was supposed to be somewhere like the
hallway, kitchen, laundry room -- looking for the
baby and here I was in bed, obviously waking up....
what the hell was going on? This went on for about 6 hours
as best I can figure out. And I'm not trying to
withdraw from the Effexor. I've done this to lesser
degrees, and at least for me, I'm more likely to do
this if I've missed a dose in the last week or so
and over-tired.Of all the side effects of E. -- the dreams/nightmares
are by far the worst for me. I can deal with the rest -
overheating, night sweats, tremors, twitching....but
the dreaming will just wring me out and hang me out to dry.
Posted by dagon on November 17, 2003, at 19:18:17
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares » dagon, posted by Mercedes on November 17, 2003, at 18:26:43
It's getting dangerous. As I crudely indicated, I am at a tender phase in my life, possibly at the end of my marriage or at the beginning at a promiscuous or (hopefully) more pasionate excistence.
But tonight there was an incident. I shall not bother you with the details but let me summarize that I warn *everyone* in an effexor weaning period to seriously try and take care with the paranoid urges. Tonight I felt stuff in my sleep that could have wrecked (WRECKED) a dear friendship. My dreams gave me urges to kick in someone's face real viciously.
Paranoia. Real Nasty Paranoia.
Please, everyone, take care. Stopping with this effexor is bad, really dangerous. I know that by just writing this I risk evoking even more anxieties in everyone going through this but it is the truth.
I hope that when I die and there's a God he doesn't send me to Hell. I'm certain Hell will feel just like an effexor comedown.
Posted by camel on November 17, 2003, at 19:25:14
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares » dagon, posted by Mercedes on November 17, 2003, at 18:26:43
Mercedes.....I'm so sorry......I can't say I know how you feel as I haven't had that experience. I always been a "dreamer" and haven't noticed any significant change. Hang in there.......your body needs time.
Posted by moonchildoo7 on November 17, 2003, at 21:07:37
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares, posted by camel on November 17, 2003, at 19:25:14
HI, I had weird, vivid , paranoid dreams when I started EFX. Now that I am weaning my problems are dizzyness and moodswings, and unexplainable (for me) head sensations. In AA they tell us there is a spiritual solution for every problem. I wish I had listened. I have had it with any kind of drug. Except of course coffee, which I couldnt live without. I'll pray for you all.
Posted by crazy canadian on November 17, 2003, at 21:09:47
In reply to Re: Sexual side effects Effexor XR , posted by moose100 on November 17, 2003, at 12:08:57
> But nothing I can't get used to or live with. I suffered for years with overwhelming anxiety and panic attacks reluctant to seek help. I finally listened to my wife and did so. Hopefully, the medication will keep working. My best to all of you.
pretty much my story moose100 - word for word. My anxiety has improved, panic attacks are under control, my anger is in check if I stay way from the booze.
Delay in O big time... Big Big Time. I us to have the reverse problem. My doctor has suggested a half dose of Viagra about an hour before bed time. I haven't tried it yet but I'll keep you posted.
BTW this getting dark at 4:00pm stuff is really giving the Effexor a run for the money. I suffer from Seasonal depression to boot...
Thx all..
Posted by jiggitykid on November 17, 2003, at 21:54:07
In reply to Re: Sexual side effects Effexor XR , posted by moonchildoo7 on November 16, 2003, at 20:20:08
>>>Getting off it now, see what happens after withdrawal symptons subside.<<<
Someone made the comment that it seems that all of his/her senses were hightened to the point of rawness - the sex drive is, too. Spouse is really reaping the benefits of my withdrawal!!
Posted by moose100 on November 18, 2003, at 8:23:30
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares » Mercedes, posted by sasha71 on November 17, 2003, at 19:09:11
Interesting thread. Prior to starting Effexor, my dreams were very troubled-plane crashes,problems at work,epic arguments with my parents, in-laws and wife, burglers entering my home and various other unpleasantries. I would wake up feeling like I had been hit by a truck. Two weeks into taking Effexor, those dreams are gone and I actually feel rested in the morning. My sympathy to anyone plagued by nightmares. Makes for a real unpleasant day.
Posted by Lacey2001 on November 18, 2003, at 16:52:05
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi. I have been on Effexor XR for not even two weeks and the sleep issue is horrible. I was hoping I could get some advice to anyone that has suffered insomnia and what they did to improve the situation. Before my Dr prescribed me Trazodone. Problem is I have recently moved and need to find a new Dr here. I may go to the Mental Health Unit here. Anyway, back to my problem, any solutions?? I worry about bad drug interaction. Thank you,
Lacey
Posted by crazy canadian on November 18, 2003, at 19:47:40
In reply to I need more sleep!! Please help!, posted by Lacey2001 on November 18, 2003, at 16:52:05
> Hi. I have been on Effexor XR for not even two weeks and the sleep issue is horrible.
It will get better, it should soon.
Lay down, get cozy with a bad book. Call in sick tomorrow and try to get some sleep. I personally read computer howto books to fall asleep when my brain feels like it's on fire.
I wish I could be more help...
Posted by sasha71 on November 18, 2003, at 20:27:11
In reply to I need more sleep!! Please help!, posted by Lacey2001 on November 18, 2003, at 16:52:05
this is strictly what I've done - please be aware of drug
interactions and Your Mileage May Vary issues....<done with disclaimer>
When my E. kicks in the insomnia button, I'll take
Tylonel PM. I usually take 2 tablets. It's enough
to offset the insomnia and I can go to sleep and wake
up in the morning decently rested (depending on
how long I was stubborn before getting the Tylonel)
and not groggy like when I tried Benedryl or Nyquil
(warning: I had icky interaction issues with
Nyquil, wasn't fun at all, but again, YMMV.)I hope you can find something that works for you.
This isn't something I have to do alot - maybe
once a month or so. I've been on E. almost 2 years now.Good luck.
Posted by camel on November 18, 2003, at 20:28:04
In reply to Re: I need more sleep!! Please help!, posted by crazy canadian on November 18, 2003, at 19:47:40
I've said this before and I'll say it again...if you can ...take a nap...if not then purchase some relaxing CD's...I use the ocean...put them in at bedtime and try to put yourself in that "calm" place...it takes awhile but if you concentrate after a few days you should be able to concur the insomnia...of course it doesn't work ALL the time but I find it helps!
Posted by camel on November 18, 2003, at 20:35:49
In reply to I need more sleep!! Please help!, posted by Lacey2001 on November 18, 2003, at 16:52:05
Lacey........if you can...try to take a nap in the early afternoon...if not....try some relaxing CD's...I use the "ocean"....put it in and try to put yourself in "that" place. It may take several days but stay with it...in the end I have found that it works and I get a good nights sleep....
Posted by pekostar on November 18, 2003, at 22:04:03
In reply to Re: I need more sleep!! Please help!, posted by camel on November 18, 2003, at 20:28:04
I have tried so many meds. Effexor really works for me. I have tried taking kava kava to help me sleep while taking effexor....but if you read the back...it tells you to contact a physician before using it in conjunction with this kind of med.
Currently I take Trazadone or xanax if I need it.
The night sweats suck for me.PS does anyone else experience "break through panic attacks" while on this med?
Posted by dagon on November 19, 2003, at 0:25:05
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares » Mercedes, posted by dagon on November 17, 2003, at 19:18:17
Wedneysday; I took my last (150) friday. there's a wtinge of eunease left but this night I slept. Conclusion: I'm off it.
The paranoid urge I referred to has gone. My angry reaction I referred to was justified, though agression wouldn't have been, ofcourse.
No I feel happy and optimistic and ready to take on the world. I'm gonna do great stuff and I;m inspired, *wow* in my artistic organs. And stuff needs to be done. I have started on a book, this one a killer that'll shake people to the core in its's field, and I'm gonna do stuff in the "wylder" scene. www.satanisme.nl anyone? Stuff is happening over here in amsterdam.
Posted by Lacey2001 on November 19, 2003, at 0:32:09
In reply to Re: I need more sleep!! Please help!, posted by pekostar on November 18, 2003, at 22:04:03
Okay thanks. I will try the ideas that everyone gave me. I am willing to do anything at this point. What is strange is I feel exhausted but when I go to lay down, I cannot sleep. Very strange!
When does everyone take Effexor XR?
Morning or at night? When I took them in the morning, I would feel so drowsy during the day and then couldn't sleep at night. So I figured that it would be wiser to take them at night
so that I would fall asleep being drowsy.
But it didn't work out that way! When I take them at nighttime, I do not sleep well and then I am drowsy the next morning. I have read a few posts saying to take them in the morning.
I actually had problems with insomnia beforehand and needed sleeping aids before taking the Effexor. So it may have nothing to do with the actual prescription. I have used Gravol a lot and also Trazadone. I worry about side effects and/or conditions if I take Trazadone too long. Anyone know of any studies or medical reports?Thank you,
Lacey
Posted by dagon on November 19, 2003, at 2:33:41
In reply to Sleep issue and a few more questions for the board, posted by Lacey2001 on November 19, 2003, at 0:32:09
What worked for me is sensory deprvation and a warm bath. Just float, in total darkness or with something light covering your eyes. I experienced valuable lifting of the anxiety and bad dreams and I got a few catnaps floating away. Also a good idea is to avoid sugar or heavy digestables. Eating sugary stuff when coming down from effexor worsened the crash nearly immediately. The stomach is very vulnerable. Personally I have gone on atkins recently and that has been an interesting benefit.
Posted by gfreyg on November 19, 2003, at 4:04:11
In reply to Re: ease going on vs. ease going off - a correlation? » Paco, posted by Krissy P on March 24, 2003, at 22:51:27
I had no problems what-so-ever starting effexor, and I am terrified of trying to quit it becuase of the withdrawl symptoms I get from taking a dose a few hours late, even from when I was only taking 150 mg a day. (I am now taking 225.) The dizzyness, motion sensitivity, headache,inability to concentrate, agitation, nausea, balance and visual changes that occur are debilitating and frustrating. I don't see any corelation between easily starting effexor and easily quitting.
good luck to all getting rid of this evil addicting drug!
Posted by Mercedes on November 19, 2003, at 4:41:59
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares » Mercedes, posted by dagon on November 17, 2003, at 19:18:17
Oh, I can so relate. I had the "kick somebody's butt" syndrome really bad while I was on effexor. Now that I'm off it, it's more like I'm invincible (except for the nightmares, where I feel like such a weak person). I've been though withdrawal? feelings of just wanting to drive at high speeds.....and have done it. And I hate driving. But withdrawals put me in a high speed chase all by myself, thank God it was just country roads, no one else around.
Effexor was ok for awile, took me out of depression but the SE's were horrible. I may be speaking too soon here but 1 month w/o effexor and haven't felt depressed, just crazy out of my mind with the dreams, feeling invincible and dark thoughts and withdrawal side effects!
Mercedes
Posted by Mercedes on November 19, 2003, at 4:52:24
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares » Mercedes, posted by sasha71 on November 17, 2003, at 19:09:11
Sasha, glad I'm not alone. I felt bad after posting such a long detailed post but happy at the responses. I felt like the worst was over, withdrawal wise, electric shocks, porqpine needles, but the nightmares...! Funny how while taking effexor, couldn't sleep....now off effexor, I'm afraid to go to sleep...gotta laugh!
Thanks everyone for your comments!
Mercedes
> OMG! I have dreamt just like that! Dreaming but convinced
> I'm awake trying to do something (the something
> was to find the crying baby somewhere in the house)
> and would wake up totally disoriented because the
> last I knew I was supposed to be somewhere like the
> hallway, kitchen, laundry room -- looking for the
> baby and here I was in bed, obviously waking up....
> what the hell was going on? This went on for about 6 hours
> as best I can figure out. And I'm not trying to
> withdraw from the Effexor. I've done this to lesser
> degrees, and at least for me, I'm more likely to do
> this if I've missed a dose in the last week or so
> and over-tired.
>
> Of all the side effects of E. -- the dreams/nightmares
> are by far the worst for me. I can deal with the rest -
> overheating, night sweats, tremors, twitching....but
> the dreaming will just wring me out and hang me out to dry.
Posted by Mercedes on November 19, 2003, at 5:10:16
In reply to Sleep issue and a few more questions for the board, posted by Lacey2001 on November 19, 2003, at 0:32:09
I wish I would have known about the tylenol p.m. when I had/have the insomnia. Regular Tylenol is all I would ever take like for a fever or a cold. It's the only thing that I wasn't afraid would interact with the other drugs/meds I was taking. But I never thought to buy the P.M. for the insomnia..
Thanks Sasha, (I think it was Shasha) who suggested it, of course with the disclaimer.
Oh, first took Effexor in p.m., no sleep, then mid morning was better but never really had a full nights sleep. So for me, it didn't matter. Actually the only time I really got a good night's sleep was when i had a drink (alcohol) which i did very seldom cause you're not supposed to drink while taking effexor or other potent A.D.'s But that's the truth. I'm disclaiming this comment too. I do not condone alcoholic drinks while on meds (but I sure slept like a baby).
Thanks,
Mercedes
**************************************
> Okay thanks. I will try the ideas that everyone gave me. I am willing to do anything at this point. What is strange is I feel exhausted but when I go to lay down, I cannot sleep. Very strange!
>
> When does everyone take Effexor XR?
> Morning or at night? When I took them in the morning, I would feel so drowsy during the day and then couldn't sleep at night. So I figured that it would be wiser to take them at night
> so that I would fall asleep being drowsy.
> But it didn't work out that way! When I take them at nighttime, I do not sleep well and then I am drowsy the next morning. I have read a few posts saying to take them in the morning.
>
> I actually had problems with insomnia beforehand and needed sleeping aids before taking the Effexor. So it may have nothing to do with the actual prescription. I have used Gravol a lot and also Trazadone. I worry about side effects and/or conditions if I take Trazadone too long. Anyone know of any studies or medical reports?
>
> Thank you,
> Lacey
Posted by camel on November 19, 2003, at 7:09:15
In reply to Sleep issue and a few more questions for the board, posted by Lacey2001 on November 19, 2003, at 0:32:09
Lacey.....my GP recommended taking my dose in the AM as opposed to when I was on Paxil and took them at dinner time.
Posted by sasha71 on November 19, 2003, at 7:17:45
In reply to Re: I need more sleep!! Please help!, posted by pekostar on November 18, 2003, at 22:04:03
Not often but yes, I do have the occassional break
thru panic/anxiety attack. Yesterday afternoon I was trying to fight one off between class changes. (I absolutely dread teaching the last class of the day, it's self-contained behavior disordered teenage boys.)I managed to delay the attack basically until after school was out for the day. So far, that's the best I can do - not totally avoid them - just delay. But then, after the event is done, BAM! It lands all over me.
I feel that the occassional attack (once a month or less) is much better than off the meds (2-3x/week) so I really am not too concerned at this point about it.
Are you having lots of break thrus? You might not be at a theraputic level yet - talk with your dr.
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