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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 6077 to 6101 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by Zellie on January 11, 2004, at 21:12:26
In reply to Am I the only one here that likes Effexor?, posted by Paco on January 11, 2004, at 19:48:27
I am encouraged to hear of your positive experience with Effexor. Everyone has a different story to tell, some pleasant, some not.
I, too, am very pleased with Effexor. It has changed my life completely. I have GAD, Major Depression, ADHD, and for 2 decades I had Panic Attacks as well. At 42, I now have peace for the first time, and I finally no longer wish I were dead. My life and my home are unquestionably happier.
My side effects are minimal, and whatever I do experience is worth it in my case. The benefits far, far, far outweigh the side-effects, for me.
By the way, I have learned from several sources that, the earlier the onset of symptoms, and the greater the number of occurrences, the greater the odds are that that person may require meds indefinitely. I am a perfect example of a person who will likely always require meds to control my symptoms and help me function in a healthy way.
I have discovered that many doctors seem to want to wean their patients off their meds as soon as their depression/GAD has been under control for 6-12 months. In some instances, this may be beneficial. But I have friends who are very fearful of going back to the life they once lived, once their meds are reduced or eliminated. They've had depression in their lives for years (decades), and, therefore, may be quite prone to a return to that state if taken off their meds.
As I said, according to the plentiful readings I have perused, and according to my own pdoc, there are many patients who ought to never be off the meds (if not Effexor, then one that is optimal for that patient). Why does there seem to be such a push to get them off? There is much evidence that indicates that there will be a return of the old symptoms, because their problem is chronic, and not just an isolated experience of depression.
You may want to research it yourself. Amazon has the book, The Mayo Clinic on Depression (by Keith, Md. Kramlinger). This is one book that had a really good summary of the matter, in my opinion. You may want to ask about remaining on Effexor or another anti-depressant, indefinitely.
If you do decrease or come right off of Effexor, ask your doc to take you down by baby, baby steps, allowing at least a month, if not 2 or 3, each time you are titrated down. This will help minimize intensity of the side-effects.
In the meantime, you may wish to carry an emergency pill or two with you, so that, if you wind up unexpectedly away from home when you usually take your dose, you'll have it with you. I recommend that you use one of those daily pill holders, too, so that you can check to see if you've had your pills (I can take mine, and then within a minute not remember if I've taken it...so I just check the pill box). I certainly don't want to miss a dose or be late in taking it, nor do I want to double up, if I ever cannot remember whether I've taken my meds.
I wish you much continued success.
Kindest regards,
Zellie
> I just started looking at this board again after being away from it for a few months....
>
> I've been taking Effexor XR for about 10 months and it has been working just fine. No side effects, normal life, just the med I had hoped for.
>
> I avoided all meds for years after bad, actually terrible, experiences with Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil. I thought nothing would work, and I assumed all meds would bring about these awful side effects. I didn't want to experience this again, so I avoided all meds and just lived with depression. When I couldn't take that life any longer I finally gave up and went to my doctor and tried Effexor XR. What a difference it has made.
>
> I saw my doc the other day and he suggested I taper down to 75 (I'm on 150) this spring or summer. I had a taste of the brain zaps recently when I took a dose a few hours late, but I swear a few days of that would be worth the comfortable life I've had this last year.
>
> Not sure where I'm going with this other than I've had good results with Effexor, have no side effects, and only had about four days of relatively light side effects while going on it. Some of these meds work for some of us, others don't. Just keep trying and find out what works for you.
>
Posted by Zellie on January 11, 2004, at 21:27:52
In reply to Re: Am I the only one here that likes Effexor?, posted by kattay on January 11, 2004, at 20:02:13
I am curious about the dosage you are at. When I first went on Effexor, I felt more depressed than ever. I then realized that, since the drug seemed to be working on the anxiety first, I wound up feeling the depression more. The anxiety had actually served to prod me through the depression. Since the anxiety was reduced first, the depression ruled. Once I got up to 150 mg, the depression became well under control, too.
I still feel PMS for a week a month, however (which I certainly can live with, since I previously had felt that every day of my life I was horribly depressed).
I am currently a part of a study on light therapy, which is known to help with people who have depression and PMS. I found that, last week when I normally would have felt the PMS, I did not. I had a very, very productive week (it is far from that when I feel any amount of depression). Although the purpose of the study I am a part of is to determine whether those with ADHD can benefit from light therapy (I have ADHD, too), I felt like it would be nice to see whether it helped with my PMS as well. I believe it did.
Light boxes (providing anywhere from about 5x-10x the power of the sun's light) are used for 20-30 minutes daily, to expose the retina to the rays. It was first used to help people overcome the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder.
These boxes are available commercially, also, now. Perhaps Light Therapy might benefit your PMS symptoms????
Kindest regards,
Zellie> has effexor xr ever give anyone bouts of rage and or major depression? For the women: I can't tell if it's my pms or the med. I get these bouts of being so upset. I can't stop crying. I could blame it on pms cuz that time is coming up but i'm just not sure.
Posted by Zellie on January 11, 2004, at 21:42:06
In reply to Heart Rate Advice Needed Please....., posted by Gummybear on January 11, 2004, at 19:20:05
For me, the anxiety was the first thing to be targeted by the Effexor. (I have GAD, Depression, and ADHD.) Then, the depression was the next thing to be controlled, as the dose increased (it has been greatly reduced since getting to the 112.5 mark, and has been very well controlled since being at the 150 mg mark, which I have been at since September). By the time I got to 150 mg, the ADHD was also being helped (Seratonin is affected initially,affecting the GAD and the Depression, then at the 150 mg threshold, dopamine is apparently also affected, hence the ADHD is not helped until 150 mg is reached).
As for the weird heartrate, I suggest you call your doc tomorrow. Heartrate and blood pressure must be closely monitored constantly while on Effexor, since an increase or eratic rhythm can occur as a side-effect in some individuals. The fact that you are feeling these things may not mean that you are going to have that side-effect long-term. On the other hand, it may, and you may have to switch meds.
Kindest regards,
Zellie
> Does anyone know what the normal heart rate for a 23 year old female would be?
> My resting heart rate - when I am LYING down - tends to be like 88 - 95 beats / minute and I feel kinda sick and nausea at this time too.
> I can only guess what my heart rate is when I stand up and go upstairs - feels like my heart is going to pop out of my chest!!
>
> I am on Effexor XR for anxiety/depression (now for 5 weeks at 75mg) and I am not sure if this heart rate increase is from my anxiety or the meds....hmmm.
>
> Also, I get slight twitches in my body... I think from the meds.
>
> Does anyone know what dose of Effexor is recommended to decrease anxiety - because I know certain meds work for different things at different doses. Anyone know???
> Greatly appreciated!
>
> Also, does Effexor XR affect ones memory and concentration ability?? I am currently studying for a test and I feel like everything I read I just can't remember or concentrate on!!!! ahhhhh.
>
> Please - some advice desperately sought. G.Bear.
Posted by dragonfly25 on January 11, 2004, at 22:20:53
In reply to Am I the only one here that likes Effexor?, posted by Paco on January 11, 2004, at 19:48:27
i had a horrible depression and effexor lifted me out of it. i was at the bottom and it saved me, only i experienced all kinds of side effects. after awile i felt stable enough to wean off of it and eventually i completely eliminated it and i am doing fine. so i can't say all bad things about it. but the weaning process was very tough.
Posted by biogurl on January 11, 2004, at 22:42:42
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by angst on January 10, 2004, at 12:21:21
> Was put on Effexor Xr, 37.5 mg for GAD.
> Took 1 pill each day for 3 days.
> My experience:
> non-stop sweating palms and feet,
> tight jaw, loss of appetite (including thirst),
> jittery, dilated pupils, unable to function at work - had to take 3 days off, sinus headache,
> nervousness, unable to concentrate or sit still,
> rapid talking, only able to sleep by taking Seroquel and Clonopin (small doses).
When I started Effexor, I had many of these side effects. I was sweaty, lost my appetite, jittery (like I took a diet pill) and my jaw was so tight at night that I couldn't fall asleep because of it. Try tylenol pm. I know you said you don't want to take another pill but just try one and you'll fall asleep within 25-30 minutes. These side effects gradually went away over the course of 2 weeks, the first few days being the worst. My doc didn't give me anything to help me sleep so I had to make do with what I had.
Posted by Paco on January 11, 2004, at 22:47:07
In reply to Re: Am I the only one here that likes Effexor? » Paco, posted by Zellie on January 11, 2004, at 21:12:26
I wouldn't mind being off of it, especially if I don't need it anymore. Unfortuantely, there is only one way that I know of to find out if I don't need it! And I am pretty sure my doc suggests spring or summer for going off it because I am quite prone to Seasonal Effective Disorder.
As for an emergency dose, I've got a container on my keychain that I keep a couple of capsules in. I also am quite involved in backcountry sports (climbing, backpacking, cross-country skiing, etc.), so I keep a one-week supply in a waterproof container in my first-aid kit in case something goes wrong. I imagine the anxiety of being stuck outdoors for whatever reason would certainly be worsened by having to deal with Effexor withdrawl too!
Anyway, I'm glad it works for you too, and I hope you have continued relief.
Paco
> I am encouraged to hear of your positive experience with Effexor. Everyone has a different story to tell, some pleasant, some not.
>
> I, too, am very pleased with Effexor. It has changed my life completely. I have GAD, Major Depression, ADHD, and for 2 decades I had Panic Attacks as well. At 42, I now have peace for the first time, and I finally no longer wish I were dead. My life and my home are unquestionably happier.
>
> My side effects are minimal, and whatever I do experience is worth it in my case. The benefits far, far, far outweigh the side-effects, for me.
>
> By the way, I have learned from several sources that, the earlier the onset of symptoms, and the greater the number of occurrences, the greater the odds are that that person may require meds indefinitely. I am a perfect example of a person who will likely always require meds to control my symptoms and help me function in a healthy way.
>
> I have discovered that many doctors seem to want to wean their patients off their meds as soon as their depression/GAD has been under control for 6-12 months. In some instances, this may be beneficial. But I have friends who are very fearful of going back to the life they once lived, once their meds are reduced or eliminated. They've had depression in their lives for years (decades), and, therefore, may be quite prone to a return to that state if taken off their meds.
>
> As I said, according to the plentiful readings I have perused, and according to my own pdoc, there are many patients who ought to never be off the meds (if not Effexor, then one that is optimal for that patient). Why does there seem to be such a push to get them off? There is much evidence that indicates that there will be a return of the old symptoms, because their problem is chronic, and not just an isolated experience of depression.
>
> You may want to research it yourself. Amazon has the book, The Mayo Clinic on Depression (by Keith, Md. Kramlinger). This is one book that had a really good summary of the matter, in my opinion. You may want to ask about remaining on Effexor or another anti-depressant, indefinitely.
>
> If you do decrease or come right off of Effexor, ask your doc to take you down by baby, baby steps, allowing at least a month, if not 2 or 3, each time you are titrated down. This will help minimize intensity of the side-effects.
>
> In the meantime, you may wish to carry an emergency pill or two with you, so that, if you wind up unexpectedly away from home when you usually take your dose, you'll have it with you. I recommend that you use one of those daily pill holders, too, so that you can check to see if you've had your pills (I can take mine, and then within a minute not remember if I've taken it...so I just check the pill box). I certainly don't want to miss a dose or be late in taking it, nor do I want to double up, if I ever cannot remember whether I've taken my meds.
>
> I wish you much continued success.
>
> Kindest regards,
> Zellie
Posted by biogurl on January 11, 2004, at 22:48:06
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by gettingbetter on January 10, 2004, at 17:02:06
> These symptoms are pretty normal and lasted a week or two for me. I would try and stick to it, I have been on Effexor XR 75mg a day for 3 months and truely feel I am starting to get better, I was having very bad panic attacks and had become extremely withdrawn. My panic attacks went away almost instantly and am now starting to put my life back together, though am still a high degree of procrastination and a lack of drive, can anyone help me out on that one.
I've had very similar effects with effexor that you have had. I've been on 75 mg since mid November and think I'm ready for an increase. I start back to school tomorrow and it's my last semester before I graduate and I'm scared because I can't help my own procrastination and lack of drive and I only have 6 credit hours. I want to run away and skip out on school this semester. Who cares about graduation anyways? Oh yeah, my parents do!
So... I am also looking for any advice on lack of drive and procrastination problems. Thanks
Posted by biogurl on January 11, 2004, at 22:52:08
In reply to Re: Am I the only one here that likes Effexor?, posted by kattay on January 11, 2004, at 20:02:13
> has effexor xr ever give anyone bouts of rage and or major depression? For the women: I can't tell if it's my pms or the med. I get these bouts of being so upset. I can't stop crying. I could blame it on pms cuz that time is coming up but i'm just not sure.
I haven't really had bouts of rage but I have had bouts of major depression. I think I just need to increase my dose though.
Posted by biogurl on January 11, 2004, at 23:09:05
In reply to Heart Rate Advice Needed Please....., posted by Gummybear on January 11, 2004, at 19:20:05
> Does anyone know what the normal heart rate for a 23 year old female would be?
I am also a 23 year old female!
> My resting heart rate - when I am LYING down - tends to be like 88 - 95 beats / minute and I feel kinda sick and nausea at this time too.
I looked on webmd.com about your question and here's the answer
What are the possible side effects of EFFEXOR XR?EFFEXOR XR may cause side effects in some people. In clinical studies, few people had to stop taking EFFEXOR XR because of side effects.
In clinical studies, the most common side effects included:
Nausea
Dizziness
Sleepiness
Abnormal ejaculation
Sweating
Dry mouth
Gas
Abnormal vision
Nervousness
Insomnia
Anorexia
Constipation
Confusion/agitation
Tremor
Yawning
PalpitationTell your doctor right away if you have
increases in heart rate.
extreme confusion or seizures, which may indicate very low levels of sodium in the blood.
abnormal bleeding or bruising.
sudden, unexpected eye pain, eye redness, or changes in vision, which may indicate increased eye pressure.
symptoms of mania or hypomania, such as persistently elevated or irritable mood, a decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, hyperactivity, and rapid, excessive speech.
> I can only guess what my heart rate is when I stand up and go upstairs - feels like my heart is going to pop out of my chest!!Increased heart rate is one of the side effects that you should call your doctor immediately for.
>
> I am on Effexor XR for anxiety/depression (now for 5 weeks at 75mg) and I am not sure if this heart rate increase is from my anxiety or the meds....hmmm.
>
> Also, I get slight twitches in my body... I think from the meds.
I twitch sometimes too but I have always done that but I think it occurs more often now> Does anyone know what dose of Effexor is recommended to decrease anxiety - because I know certain meds work for different things at different doses. Anyone know???
> Greatly appreciated!My anxiety was greatly reduced when I started the effexor, the depression lifted later.
> Also, does Effexor XR affect ones memory and concentration ability?? I am currently studying for a test and I feel like everything I read I just can't remember or concentrate on!!!! ahhhhh.Last semester I was having those problems too. I start back to school tomorrow so I'll find out soon if I'm still having the problem.
> Please - some advice desperately sought. G.Bear.Sorry no advice but I can empathize.
Posted by Lyrical13 on January 12, 2004, at 4:14:36
In reply to Re: Am I the only one here that likes Effexor?, posted by Paco on January 11, 2004, at 22:47:07
I like Effexor. I've tried several different meds and I felt the best on this one. But I got very hypomanic last spring. It felt wonderful but the effects on my bank account were a bit scary. I think it has more to do with the fact that I am 99% sure I am actually BP2 and not depressed/GAD. I get hypomanic even off the med but I think Effexor intensified it. I will be going on a MS later this month to balance it out.
Posted by islandboy on January 12, 2004, at 8:52:34
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Janey on April 18, 2000, at 17:59:12
Hey thanks about the withdrawal message, my doctor reckon there are non! I have been on anti deppresants for a long time effexor for the past 6 years or so, and yes they have worked, but I have been noticing changes to my brain of late, some may be old age (59) but I would like to cut the drugs to see if it makes a differenc, but boy miss a day and yes the wied affects start within 24 hours. It seems your brain disconects from your body, I would have to go somewhere on my own for a week or two to get over the symptoms. If it's possible to stop? P.S. Anyone know how long you can stay on this drug?
Posted by kattay on January 12, 2004, at 9:07:48
In reply to Re: Am I the only one here that likes Effexor? » Paco, posted by Zellie on January 11, 2004, at 21:12:26
Zellie,
I have a horrible short term memory. Did you notice that your short term memory is worse with the effexor? I can't even have a good fight with my hubby because of my memory. I say something smart ass and he says what and i say i can't remember. He thinks i'm being sarcastic but i really can't remember. I hope it gets better.
Posted by kattay on January 12, 2004, at 9:20:14
In reply to Re: Am I the only one here that likes Effexor? » kattay, posted by Zellie on January 11, 2004, at 21:27:52
I just start the effexor. I was on 37.5 for 3 days then upped myself to the 75mg since i had no side affects. I've taken the 75mg for about 3days now. I hope that it helps my pms. I get really depressed and can't function.
Posted by ann72 on January 12, 2004, at 12:40:40
In reply to Re: Am I the only one here that likes Effexor?, posted by kattay on January 12, 2004, at 9:20:14
Ive been taking effexor xr - 150 mg. It seemed to work good the first couple months, but Ive had major depressive probs for the last month. I go to my pdoc next week. She wants to up the dosage..I wonder if I should do that or just try something completly different.
Posted by KimberlyDi on January 12, 2004, at 13:10:39
In reply to Am I the only one here that likes Effexor?, posted by Paco on January 11, 2004, at 19:48:27
Thanks for the positive Effexor post. Both sides need to be presented, especially to newbies who are easily scared off Effexor by the negative posts. Everyone's experiences vary! The worst thing about effexor is when you stop taking it. Don't quit abruptly, skip dosages, or let your refills run out.
KDi in TX
> I just started looking at this board again after being away from it for a few months....
>
> I've been taking Effexor XR for about 10 months and it has been working just fine. No side effects, normal life, just the med I had hoped for.
>
> I avoided all meds for years after bad, actually terrible, experiences with Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil. I thought nothing would work, and I assumed all meds would bring about these awful side effects. I didn't want to experience this again, so I avoided all meds and just lived with depression. When I couldn't take that life any longer I finally gave up and went to my doctor and tried Effexor XR. What a difference it has made.
>
> I saw my doc the other day and he suggested I taper down to 75 (I'm on 150) this spring or summer. I had a taste of the brain zaps recently when I took a dose a few hours late, but I swear a few days of that would be worth the comfortable life I've had this last year.
>
> Not sure where I'm going with this other than I've had good results with Effexor, have no side effects, and only had about four days of relatively light side effects while going on it. Some of these meds work for some of us, others don't. Just keep trying and find out what works for you.
>
Posted by Zellie on January 12, 2004, at 13:23:23
In reply to Re: Am I the only one here that likes Effexor?, posted by kattay on January 12, 2004, at 9:07:48
Your question made me laugh right out loud (lol), because I can never remember anything! In addition to GAD and Depression, I have ADHD. My thoughts flit so quickly, that I can't remember things often from one minute to the next. I head downstairs to do the laundry, notice something that needs to be attended to, which then causes me to go off on a tangent, and the laundry never does get my attention.
On Saturday, I was de-cluttering under my kitchen sink, and needed to go downstairs for something. When I was down there, I saw something else I'd meant to bring upstairs, so I brought it up to the living room. To make a long story short, one-and-a-half hours later, I had rearranged all of the furniture in the living room, before returning to the kitchen to see that all the cleaning stuff from under the sink was still all over the counter! Side-tracked, forgetful...I live in a constant state of it.
Because it can get quite embarrassing when I forget what I just said 10 seconds ago, I have learning to just be up front about my bad memory with people. I apologize, ask them what I had just said, and carry on from there. I used to try to hide my bad memory, and the anxiety it caused me sent me into panic attacks. I have learned that I am just not slick. So I don't try to look like I am any more. That way, it's odd, but by acknowledging it to other people, I am no longer anxious about it. The more anxious I had gotten about it before, the less room there was in my brain to remember things!
I utilize a lot of different strategies now, to help keep my bad memory from getting me into too much trouble. I send myself e-mails, I use post-it notes the minute I think of something I'll need to remember later, I always have a pen and paper to write things down, I use Microsoft Outlook to list tasks on the computer that I need to do....all these things help to jog my memory, since it is most unreliable!
If the Effexor has made it worse, I haven't noticed. I did notice that when I started on Wellbutrin which I also take, I would forget things from one second to the next a lot. It stopped happening after about 2 weeks, so now I'm back to my usual 10 second memory!
Hopefully this side-effect will stop for you soon. In the meantime, try not to sweat it, because if you do, you may deplete whatever remaining memory resources you may have because of the anxiety over it.
I was going to add something else, too, but I've forgotten what (just kidding)!
Kindest regards,
Zellie> Zellie,
> I have a horrible short term memory. Did you notice that your short term memory is worse with the effexor? I can't even have a good fight with my hubby because of my memory. I say something smart ass and he says what and i say i can't remember. He thinks i'm being sarcastic but i really can't remember. I hope it gets better.
Posted by omegon on January 12, 2004, at 15:34:48
In reply to Re: Am I the only one here that likes Effexor?, posted by kattay on January 11, 2004, at 20:02:13
> has effexor xr ever give anyone bouts of rage and or major depression? For the women: I can't tell if it's my pms or the med. I get these bouts of being so upset. I can't stop crying. I could blame it on pms cuz that time is coming up but i'm just not sure.
Yes and yes. Rage and major depression - that's a fairly accurate description of me (male, so probably not pms) over the last couple of weeks.Quick history... I was on it since October-ish (I think - memory is more than a little vague right now beyond a week ago) for depression & anxiety, having switched from paroxetine.
At one point, efexor worked pretty well. I got mild stimulant effects in the first couple of weeks, but this quickly decreased and the 150mg dose (75 x 2) just made me unbelievably sleepy and apathetic. Then I reached what seemed to be an effective final dosage (225mg) and (after a few days of 12-hour adrenaline rushes) the effects stabilised for about three weeks - felt calm, more confident than I can remember in years, depression under control, but had the energy to actually enjoy my job and working with people, which was something of a novelty.
Then a week before Christmas, the sleepiness was back and worse than before. I could hardly get out of bed, motivate myself enough to eat and buy food, etc. How did I manage to drive 60 miles each way to work?!
Over the Christmas holidays, staying with family, I felt increasingly agitated. No longer sleepy but still no motivation for anything! Extreme irritability, aggressive (rare for me), falling out with my family, etc etc.
Then back home on my own last Tuesday. I bought a book to read on the train (Michel Houellebecq - Platform; do read it but not, _NOT_ when feeling at all uncomfortable with the world or yourself!) I finished it the next day; it triggered a couple of hours' crying spell (unheard of for me), complete loss of all hope, etc. Then rapidly changing mood, going randomly from calm and relaxed and apathetic, to overconfidence (everything's fine, I'm not depressed any more), to anxious rage to tearful despair over the course of an hour. This while STILL ON the same 225mg efexor. Hadn't missed a dose or anything. The mood swings are a horrible, insidious effect as I couldn't seem to observe them changing, I'd just suddenly realise I was feeling completely different from half an hour ago. Very disorientating, being a different person every few minutes. There were also quite a few occasions also when it would shift *instantly* - I'd go from crying hopelessly to sitting there mildly puzzled and wondering what that was all about, as quickly as turning my head. Anyone have any suggestions on how to integrate that and retain some sense of my mood actually meaning anything?
Fortunately I already had a doctor's appointment booked next day, having been considering switching to something else before Christmas due to the sleepiness I was having then. That morning's (Thursday) was the last dose of efexor, and I started fluoxetine on Friday - which I pretty much chose myself, mainly for its long half-life, as the GP no longer seems to know what to do with me and has referred me on.
I can honestly say that the last five days have been the worst I've ever had. Combined depression / efexor-induced psychotic howling despair / rapid mood swings / efexor withdrawals (zap! jangle!) / initial fluoxetine side effects / whatever this has been. Oh, yeah, and the nightmares. I'd never imagined a dream could, well... get inside your head... like that. Every tiny self-doubt, unpleasant memory and subconscious neurosis dredged up and turned into a drama which which I am forced to watch and star in. There was some kind of infinite spiralling recursive dream in there somewhere as well, which contained all the others and gave them meaning and sinister purpose repeated endlessly with variations. Kind of a grand unified reincarnated paranoid conspiracy theory of a dream. It doesn't make sense from outside, but it did from within, and I could see its dread genius - that makes it worse, because I could never explain to anyone (or even understand myself) how awful it was or why. The dreams going up on efexor were weird. The dreams going down redefined my concept of hell.
I seem now to be over the worst of now. At least, I don't remember my dreams from yesterday. I haven't quite burst into tears yet today and I can walk in a straight line without the world shaking or lightning hitting my brain, which is pleasant. I suppose I should be grateful I still managed to go to work, since that's about all that's keeping me going right now. And statistically there must be a lot of good weeks ahead, perhaps an infinite number of good weeks, before the next one as bad as that one!
Posted by kattay on January 12, 2004, at 17:41:09
In reply to Re: Am I the only one here that likes Effexor? » kattay, posted by Zellie on January 12, 2004, at 13:23:23
Thanks Zellie. I needed a good chuckle. Thanks for lifting my mood. Now i need to go cook dinner. oh, what fun it is.
Posted by KFRAN on January 12, 2004, at 19:54:29
In reply to Re: effexor and alcohol , posted by yawnbob on November 2, 2003, at 20:22:56
I just want to know can i still drink in safety on Effex?
Posted by KFRAN on January 12, 2004, at 20:26:24
In reply to Re: Am I the only one here that likes Effexor?, posted by Twuffy on January 11, 2004, at 20:06:53
I have been on for only 5 days and a real positive difference already. was on Prozac which worked well for at least 7 years, then stopped working. I may try it again someday. Hope the effex is as good
Posted by tetheredcat on January 12, 2004, at 23:00:10
In reply to Re: Heart Rate Advice Needed Please..... » Gummybear, posted by Zellie on January 11, 2004, at 21:42:06
I had major anxiety issues (still do) and major depression (it runs in the family for one thing, and i STILL have the depression) effexor xr helped for a bit.. at first 75 mg... it was great.. then.. it started to "wear off" and i needed MORE.. up to 150 mg.. then it balanced out for a bit.. and then i started my wild roller coaster ride.. my BP went from 110/80 to 140/99-110. my heart rate bacame erratic, from the norm of about 80-85 bpm to 100+ and then the palpitations started.. it was few and far between at first.. then every time i laid down id lay there and feel my heart flip-flop.
then my doc decided to cut the effexor cold turkey. she decided not to refill the prescription until i came in for a "follow-up". it takes a week at LEAST to get in to see and i was VERY clear about the fact that i had NO remaining pills. its been 8 days now. my heart rate does NOT drop below 115. resting.
i havent checked my BP yet-i havent had time as i do have a busy schedule (new nurse and still a student) but i am definately looking for a new doc and am looking into pressing charges for my physical suffering-let alone the CRAZY crap mentally ive been going through becuz she did this to me.
well thats just me. hope you dont experience anything near as bad as what ive been and still am, going through.
> For me, the anxiety was the first thing to be targeted by the Effexor. (I have GAD, Depression, and ADHD.) Then, the depression was the next thing to be controlled, as the dose increased (it has been greatly reduced since getting to the 112.5 mark, and has been very well controlled since being at the 150 mg mark, which I have been at since September). By the time I got to 150 mg, the ADHD was also being helped (Seratonin is affected initially,affecting the GAD and the Depression, then at the 150 mg threshold, dopamine is apparently also affected, hence the ADHD is not helped until 150 mg is reached).
>
> As for the weird heartrate, I suggest you call your doc tomorrow. Heartrate and blood pressure must be closely monitored constantly while on Effexor, since an increase or eratic rhythm can occur as a side-effect in some individuals. The fact that you are feeling these things may not mean that you are going to have that side-effect long-term. On the other hand, it may, and you may have to switch meds.
>
> Kindest regards,
> Zellie
>
>
> > Does anyone know what the normal heart rate for a 23 year old female would be?
> > My resting heart rate - when I am LYING down - tends to be like 88 - 95 beats / minute and I feel kinda sick and nausea at this time too.
> > I can only guess what my heart rate is when I stand up and go upstairs - feels like my heart is going to pop out of my chest!!
> >
> > I am on Effexor XR for anxiety/depression (now for 5 weeks at 75mg) and I am not sure if this heart rate increase is from my anxiety or the meds....hmmm.
> >
> > Also, I get slight twitches in my body... I think from the meds.
> >
> > Does anyone know what dose of Effexor is recommended to decrease anxiety - because I know certain meds work for different things at different doses. Anyone know???
> > Greatly appreciated!
> >
> > Also, does Effexor XR affect ones memory and concentration ability?? I am currently studying for a test and I feel like everything I read I just can't remember or concentrate on!!!! ahhhhh.
> >
> > Please - some advice desperately sought. G.Bear.
>
>
Posted by biogurl on January 12, 2004, at 23:46:10
In reply to Re: effexor and alcohol , posted by KFRAN on January 12, 2004, at 19:54:29
> I just want to know can i still drink in safety on Effex?
I found this info. on athealth.com. Hope it helps.
Can EFFEXOR XR be used safely in patients who consume alcohol?
EFFEXOR XR has not been shown to increase the alcohol-induced impairment of mental and motor skills. Nevertheless, advise patients taking EFFEXOR XR to avoid alcohol.
Posted by tetheredcat on January 12, 2004, at 23:52:37
In reply to Re: effexor and alcohol , posted by KFRAN on January 12, 2004, at 19:54:29
antidepressants really should not be mixed with depressants.. :)
if you choose to however, know this: in my own experience, effexor ENHANCES the "truth serum" quality of alcohol. ;)
boy, it was an enlightening experience for my boyfriend :Pps.. we *are* still together ;)
> I just want to know can i still drink in safety on Effex?
Posted by Salty_Dog on January 13, 2004, at 2:29:55
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by biogurl on January 11, 2004, at 22:48:06
> > These symptoms are pretty normal and lasted a week or two for me. I would try and stick to it, I have been on Effexor XR 75mg a day for 3 months and truely feel I am starting to get better, I was having very bad panic attacks and had become extremely withdrawn. My panic attacks went away almost instantly and am now starting to put my life back together, though am still a high degree of procrastination and a lack of drive, can anyone help me out on that one.
>
> I've had very similar effects with effexor that you have had. I've been on 75 mg since mid November and think I'm ready for an increase. I start back to school tomorrow and it's my last semester before I graduate and I'm scared because I can't help my own procrastination and lack of drive and I only have 6 credit hours. I want to run away and skip out on school this semester. Who cares about graduation anyways? Oh yeah, my parents do!
> So... I am also looking for any advice on lack of drive and procrastination problems. Thanks
>
Most SSRI's fog or make the patient feel unable to think on all 8 cylinders (8 out of 8). I was facing multiple technical interviews/tests in hopes of obtaining a job when I first started on Effexor XR, so, my Dr. gave me samples of Provigil (Modafinil) which I am happy to report, saved the day. Provigil is a class 4 prescription used primarily for exessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) associated with narcolepsy and other uses as determinied by your Dr.Provigil does not seem to be addictive or need increasing as other stimulates do. Once you and your Dr. have established the dosage (My dosage is 600 mg per day in two dosings) then you need to maintain vigilance and care as not to go over the prescribed dosage. This will better ensure a lack of "addiction" and less re-bound latter when 'finals' are over and a rest is warranted. This is a far better alternitive than crawling under a rock. This drug is one of those 'mind drugs' discussed on 60 minutes some time back. Provigil will not interfere with normal sleep patterns provided it is taken early in the day (Before noon if you are on a daytime schedule). If you take it too late in your day it will still allow sleep (After the first 2 or 3 days) but I find it is not as satisfying as it would have been otherwise.
I take 600 mg of Effexor XR daily and I can tell you that sleeping for 2-4 days at a shot is what my body would like to do. During my sleep, I am allowed to dream as though I was watching a 'good movie' packed with freinds, family, action and surpizes. So, I think you can see what I would do left to my own devices (Total Reality Avoidance)
Recently I asked my Dr. to add Mirtazapine (Remeron) to my now short list of medications. I am happy to report it is begining to clear the really 'bummer' depression I have lived with for about 3 years now. The Effexor XR kept me from suicide but was not going far enough toward a normal life again and I was already on a very high dosage. With some luck I will taper down the Effexor XR to a more normal dosage (~300 mg) and then possibly taper off completely.I am a Bi-Polar (Rapid cycling) to the extreme which has cost me practicly everything on more than one occasion. I can't believe it took so long for someone to spot what I was going through. I used to treat my Bi-Polar with Alcohol and "Street" drugs to the extreme. I was 14 years clean and sober before reaching this diagnosis. By no means does this mean I have solved my addiction (drugs/alcohol) problems but it will help ensure I won't return to that Hell again if I continue my treatment (Which includes A.A.)
Posted by Zellie on January 13, 2004, at 8:22:49
In reply to Sudden descent into Efexor hell » kattay, posted by omegon on January 12, 2004, at 15:34:48
My heart felt heavy as I read this posting. I am sorry you have gone through this.
As I read it, I recalled that, as I was commencing the Effexor, my pdoc watched closely for signs of any mood instability, stating that it can be a mood de-stablizer in some people. He titrated me up in wee little baby steps, for that reason, to watch like a hawk for any signs of mood instability. I see from your posting that this is what he meant.
Effexor MUST be titrated down in even teensier, weensier baby steps. Otherwise, what you experienced, the pure hell you have described, is a sure thing. WHEN WILL THIS INFORMATION GET WELL INTO THE HANDS OF ALL THE PRESCRIBING PHYSICIANS OUT THERE???!!!
I am soooo sad every time I read a posting of someone's being taken off Effexor abruptly. It is beyond sad. It is so unnecessary, too.
My hope to all of you who have suffered this way, is that you will somehow have enough strength once you are through the worst of it, to communicate your experience in a constructive way to the drug company, and to the governing medical body in your state, province, country, etc., so that, hopefully, in the future, no one else will have to go through what you have endured.
In the meantime, try to find yourself a very good pdoc (psychiatrist, not just a G.P.) who specializes in this area. He/she will likely be much better informed about the biochemistry involved in all the drugs used to treat depression, anxiety, BP, etc., and will provide you with a much more positive experience. I love my G.P., and I think he is extremely competent, but I am way, way, way better off in the hands of my pdoc, who has earned my deepest respect and trust (I know not everyone has had that experience with their pdoc...so do your research, and keep your eyes open along the way).
I hope things will be much improved for you very soon.
Kindest regards,
Zellie> > has effexor xr ever give anyone bouts of rage and or major depression? For the women: I can't tell if it's my pms or the med. I get these bouts of being so upset. I can't stop crying. I could blame it on pms cuz that time is coming up but i'm just not sure.
>
>
> Yes and yes. Rage and major depression - that's a fairly accurate description of me (male, so probably not pms) over the last couple of weeks.
>
> Quick history... I was on it since October-ish (I think - memory is more than a little vague right now beyond a week ago) for depression & anxiety, having switched from paroxetine.
>
> At one point, efexor worked pretty well. I got mild stimulant effects in the first couple of weeks, but this quickly decreased and the 150mg dose (75 x 2) just made me unbelievably sleepy and apathetic. Then I reached what seemed to be an effective final dosage (225mg) and (after a few days of 12-hour adrenaline rushes) the effects stabilised for about three weeks - felt calm, more confident than I can remember in years, depression under control, but had the energy to actually enjoy my job and working with people, which was something of a novelty.
>
> Then a week before Christmas, the sleepiness was back and worse than before. I could hardly get out of bed, motivate myself enough to eat and buy food, etc. How did I manage to drive 60 miles each way to work?!
>
> Over the Christmas holidays, staying with family, I felt increasingly agitated. No longer sleepy but still no motivation for anything! Extreme irritability, aggressive (rare for me), falling out with my family, etc etc.
>
> Then back home on my own last Tuesday. I bought a book to read on the train (Michel Houellebecq - Platform; do read it but not, _NOT_ when feeling at all uncomfortable with the world or yourself!) I finished it the next day; it triggered a couple of hours' crying spell (unheard of for me), complete loss of all hope, etc. Then rapidly changing mood, going randomly from calm and relaxed and apathetic, to overconfidence (everything's fine, I'm not depressed any more), to anxious rage to tearful despair over the course of an hour. This while STILL ON the same 225mg efexor. Hadn't missed a dose or anything. The mood swings are a horrible, insidious effect as I couldn't seem to observe them changing, I'd just suddenly realise I was feeling completely different from half an hour ago. Very disorientating, being a different person every few minutes. There were also quite a few occasions also when it would shift *instantly* - I'd go from crying hopelessly to sitting there mildly puzzled and wondering what that was all about, as quickly as turning my head. Anyone have any suggestions on how to integrate that and retain some sense of my mood actually meaning anything?
>
> Fortunately I already had a doctor's appointment booked next day, having been considering switching to something else before Christmas due to the sleepiness I was having then. That morning's (Thursday) was the last dose of efexor, and I started fluoxetine on Friday - which I pretty much chose myself, mainly for its long half-life, as the GP no longer seems to know what to do with me and has referred me on.
>
> I can honestly say that the last five days have been the worst I've ever had. Combined depression / efexor-induced psychotic howling despair / rapid mood swings / efexor withdrawals (zap! jangle!) / initial fluoxetine side effects / whatever this has been. Oh, yeah, and the nightmares. I'd never imagined a dream could, well... get inside your head... like that. Every tiny self-doubt, unpleasant memory and subconscious neurosis dredged up and turned into a drama which which I am forced to watch and star in. There was some kind of infinite spiralling recursive dream in there somewhere as well, which contained all the others and gave them meaning and sinister purpose repeated endlessly with variations. Kind of a grand unified reincarnated paranoid conspiracy theory of a dream. It doesn't make sense from outside, but it did from within, and I could see its dread genius - that makes it worse, because I could never explain to anyone (or even understand myself) how awful it was or why. The dreams going up on efexor were weird. The dreams going down redefined my concept of hell.
>
> I seem now to be over the worst of now. At least, I don't remember my dreams from yesterday. I haven't quite burst into tears yet today and I can walk in a straight line without the world shaking or lightning hitting my brain, which is pleasant. I suppose I should be grateful I still managed to go to work, since that's about all that's keeping me going right now. And statistically there must be a lot of good weeks ahead, perhaps an infinite number of good weeks, before the next one as bad as that one!
>
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