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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Alf on February 27, 2004, at 22:12:15
In reply to Re: Thank you to everyone who posted, posted by Salty_Dog on February 27, 2004, at 3:50:26
It's been over a year since I've posted here. I've been taking Effexor at different dosages during this entire time. My experience with Effexor has been mixed. I initially welcomed taking Effexor because of it's calming effect and mood elevation. The problem I had early was that it was difficult to maintain any consistant result regardless of the dosage. My PDoc recommended that I take Wellbutrin along with it. The combination of the two did work best for me. I have been much more alert. The Wellbutrin seems to stabilize the effects of the Effexor enough for me to continue on a dosage regimen. At one time, I was taking 300mg of Effoxor and 150mg of Wellbutrin. There was only one bad side effect from this. I had a serious sexual dysfunction which was due primarily to the Effexor. The plumbing just didn't work most of the time. And when it did work the result was quite painful.
So I tried to titrate myself off the Effexor but it didn't work for me. I had the usual symptoms of
withdrawal such as the infamous brain zaps for a couple of days and then uncontrollable depression by the fourth day without Effexor. So I went back on it. I'm now trying to go off the Effexor again by replaceing it with 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan)[NOT TRYPTOPHAN].5-HTP is the precursor for Serotonin that is created by the body from L-tryptophan. The body converts L-tryptophan to 5-HTP and then 5-HT,serotonin. At present I'm at 300 mg of Wellbutrin, 75mg of Effexor and 100mg of 5-HTP. I'm feeling pretty good and the sexual side effects are easing. I'm going to wait a couple more weeks before going off the Effexor. My hope is to just to be taking the Wellbutrin and 5-HTP. My fingers are crossed.
Posted by effexed on February 28, 2004, at 20:29:49
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
how dose this work? do we just keep takeing the ADs for ever or do we get off of them when we feel better cause I did not feel depressed when I got on these drugs my DR gave me the questionnare in his office when I told him I had no want for sex anyway so how do I know when I am better I have a lot less anixty but for anything else nothing has changed
thanks confused cindy in TX
Posted by lacey2001 on February 29, 2004, at 0:42:19
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I didn't take one yesterday or today so we will see how it goes. I do feel kind of crappy but that is to be expected I guess. I don't know what these brain zaps I keep hearing about. I have a weird feeling in my head and it is constant and maybe I do have those zaps a bit. Do they hurt? Mine do not but they are irritating. I feel like I have the flu with the icky feeling. Oh well. I am survivng so that is what is important:-) I have heard people thatit worse so I guess I am lucky.
Tanya
Posted by Doctor Feel Good on February 29, 2004, at 3:32:02
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by effexed on February 28, 2004, at 20:29:49
Well it's always possible that anxiety and depression can cause the impotence or low desire for sex. If you are patient with effexor, you may notice a sexual benefit. Many times wellbutrin is added to an AD because it raises dopamine levels, which means increased libido and sexual functioning. Effexor raises serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Give it enough time to adjust to the side effects 2+ months, and you may find it an aphrodisiac. I've had no libido due to anxiety, depression, and zoloft, etc. Wellbutrin or Effexor helped with it. Doctors generally have no problem givingf you viagra, cialis, or levitra. You should grab that stuff. Levitra and Cialis take 15 min. to work where viagra takes close to an hour or 30-60min.
Good luck
> how dose this work? do we just keep takeing the ADs for ever or do we get off of them when we feel better cause I did not feel depressed when I got on these drugs my DR gave me the questionnare in his office when I told him I had no want for sex anyway so how do I know when I am better I have a lot less anixty but for anything else nothing has changed
>
> thanks confused cindy in TX
Posted by Doctor Feel Good on February 29, 2004, at 3:39:08
In reply to 2nd day off of Effexor..hanging in there, posted by lacey2001 on February 29, 2004, at 0:42:19
Hope everything works out for ya. 1st of all, you should assume that everyone does not get the same withdrawal effects. Everyone has different reactions. Also, stopping a med for 3 days can be disastrous. I have someone who stopped Zoloft for 3 days. She went nuts and smashed everything in her house because of severe moodswings. I recommend expecting u are different, and that u csn get off of effexor with no probs. Good luck
DFG> I didn't take one yesterday or today so we will see how it goes. I do feel kind of crappy but that is to be expected I guess. I don't know what these brain zaps I keep hearing about. I have a weird feeling in my head and it is constant and maybe I do have those zaps a bit. Do they hurt? Mine do not but they are irritating. I feel like I have the flu with the icky feeling. Oh well. I am survivng so that is what is important:-) I have heard people thatit worse so I guess I am lucky.
>
> Tanya
Posted by lacey2001 on February 29, 2004, at 12:01:50
In reply to Re: 2nd day off of Effexor..hanging in there » lacey2001, posted by Doctor Feel Good on February 29, 2004, at 3:39:08
I think I have those irritating brain zaps. I am not too sure but whatver it is, is irritating as hell. It feels like I am in the daydreaming mode all the time and then I get brain twitches that snap me out of it. But of course I fall right back to the zoning out phase. That is the only way I can describe it. I am hoping it shouldn't be too bad for me because I was only on Effexor for less than three months and the highest dose was 75 mg. And that was my first AD.
Anyone know anything that helps the bad feeling like maybe a hot bath or just sleeping a lot of possible. That is another thing now that I broguht it up...it takes a long time for me to fall asleep and it is a crummy sleep once I do.Tanya
> Hope everything works out for ya. 1st of all, you should assume that everyone does not get the same withdrawal effects. Everyone has different reactions. Also, stopping a med for 3 days can be disastrous. I have someone who stopped Zoloft for 3 days. She went nuts and smashed everything in her house because of severe moodswings. I recommend expecting u are different, and that u
Posted by Doctor Feel Good on February 29, 2004, at 23:26:35
In reply to Re: 2nd day off of Effexor..hanging in there, posted by lacey2001 on February 29, 2004, at 12:01:50
Good exercise is key, you can raise the amount of the neurotransmitters that are no longer blocked at the presynaptic neurons (transmitters).
> I think I have those irritating brain zaps. I am not too sure but whatver it is, is irritating as hell. It feels like I am in the daydreaming mode all the time and then I get brain twitches that snap me out of it. But of course I fall right back to the zoning out phase. That is the only way I can describe it. I am hoping it shouldn't be too bad for me because I was only on Effexor for less than three months and the highest dose was 75 mg. And that was my first AD.
> Anyone know anything that helps the bad feeling like maybe a hot bath or just sleeping a lot of possible. That is another thing now that I broguht it up...it takes a long time for me to fall asleep and it is a crummy sleep once I do.
>
> Tanya
>
>
>
> > Hope everything works out for ya. 1st of all, you should assume that everyone does not get the same withdrawal effects. Everyone has different reactions. Also, stopping a med for 3 days can be disastrous. I have someone who stopped Zoloft for 3 days. She went nuts and smashed everything in her house because of severe moodswings. I recommend expecting u are different, and that u
Posted by lacey2001 on March 1, 2004, at 12:29:11
In reply to Re: 2nd day off of Effexor..hanging in there » lacey2001, posted by Doctor Feel Good on February 29, 2004, at 23:26:35
I had to phone my Dr first thing this morning. he is in another city so I was hoping to find a good Dr here but it turned out to the the one who told me to just stop after a week of 37.5!! Yesterday was the worst day ever!! I felt so incredibly sick. I broke down and did open a capsule and try to half it. I just wanted to do that since Dr's office was closed. I finally felt better last night thankfully when I was watching the Oscars:-)
Just waiting to hear back from him.
Tanya
Posted by amaranta on March 1, 2004, at 21:01:50
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by effexed on February 28, 2004, at 20:29:49
I just started taking Effexor 3 days ago at 75mg for mild depression/fatigue. It kind of feels like I'm on speed. My main side effects are cotton-mouth, dehydration, and a kind of spacey feeling. Hoping in a couple of weeks I'll feel better but am told I'll be up to 150mg by that time. All these postings are really scaring the hell out of me and I'm wondering if anyone has anything positive to say. Is there anyone who has not had those horrible side effects??
Posted by Doctor Feel Good on March 2, 2004, at 3:56:08
In reply to New Effexor User - Input Welcome, posted by amaranta on March 1, 2004, at 21:01:50
Me Me I do I do! :) It is rare you'll go onto a message board to find people posting good experieces. The largest % will be from bad experiences. I'm willing to bet before u goto 150mg, you'll have been adjusted, if not, there's nothing wrong with letting the doc know u dont feel ready. Just because its on the prescription, doesn't mean u can call him to tell him you've adjusted. Your doc will be upset if u went to 150 not feeling up to it. All it takes is a call , or leaving a msg. Don't fear holding off. Effexor has been the next thing to a lifesaver for me, my quality of life is wayyyyy better and Ive been on 75 for one week, and 150 for two weeks. Better concentration, and more motivation. Most antidepressants will make u feel weird at the beginning, some people get no side effects when starting, or after a long time. It depends on what you expect to happen mostly, but not always. Good luck!
> I just started taking Effexor 3 days ago at 75mg for mild depression/fatigue. It kind of feels like I'm on speed. My main side effects are cotton-mouth, dehydration, and a kind of spacey feeling. Hoping in a couple of weeks I'll feel better but am told I'll be up to 150mg by that time. All these postings are really scaring the hell out of me and I'm wondering if anyone has anything positive to say. Is there anyone who has not had those horrible side effects??
Posted by Sleepless in Seattle on March 2, 2004, at 4:03:56
In reply to New Effexor User - Input Welcome, posted by amaranta on March 1, 2004, at 21:01:50
Hi Amaranta:
Something to remember when reading these posts is that when people find a med that works well, and they start getting a life again, they become free to shift their focus away from depression. Often, they quit reading and posting on mental health boards. People tend to frequent the forums more when things aren't going well, to get advice and support.
So the posts are sometimes a little one-sided, making a drug or therapy appear to be a lot worse than it is. When they're useful, we tend to want to get on with our lives and forget about our mental health issues!
I've been struggling with depression for nearly nine years now, beginning when I finally started to realise that my nerve damage from a repetitive work injury would be permanent. I've been on many different anti-depressant combinations since. I've been on Effexor XR for nearly a year now. I am currently taking 300mg a day, with 400mg of Wellbutrin SR, as well. It was hard for me at first also. Don't give up on it. Take it slow. It seemed to help me almost immediately. After a week or so, the light-headed, doped-up feeling stopped. At about three weeks, it seemed to quit working and the amount was slowly increased. This pattern repeated itself again and again: relief with side-effects, relief without side-effects, and then no relief, until I reached 300mg a day (broken into two doses.) It has been working consistently for months now.
I continue to have a dry mouth. This is something to discuss with your dentist, as you'll be more prone to gum disease and decay. I now use a Sonicare toothbrush 2-3 times a day, and my teeth and gums are fine. I also have been very heat-sensitive, turning down the thermostat until my whole family complained! Though annoying, these "Side-Effexor's" as I call them, are much easier to deal with than my thoughts of suicide, every hour of the day. One thing I learned the hard way, TAKE EVERY DOSE. When I forget the afternoon pill, I tend to get irritable and edgy. If I forget it twice in one week, I'm like a "black hole," sucking everything around me into my nothingness. With most anti-depressants, I could forget a dose twice, sometimes even three times a week, without any problems. Now I always wear a watch with a timer!
Sorry this is sooo long. Hope it helps.> I just started taking Effexor 3 days ago at 75mg for mild depression/fatigue. It kind of feels like I'm on speed. My main side effects are cotton-mouth, dehydration, and a kind of spacey feeling. Hoping in a couple of weeks I'll feel better but am told I'll be up to 150mg by that time. All these postings are really scaring the hell out of me and I'm wondering if anyone has anything positive to say. Is there anyone who has not had those horrible side effects??
Posted by Althea8869 on March 2, 2004, at 9:19:09
In reply to Re: New Effexor User - Input Welcome » amaranta, posted by Sleepless in Seattle on March 2, 2004, at 4:03:56
Amaranta - Sleepless is right on the money. You are hearing all the bad because 'happy' people generally arent posting to these boards(there are exceptions). Despite all the bad you've read, the bottom line is Effexor is an excellent AD. If you want to assure yourself just start surfing the web for clinical trials data. I was on effexor xr for 4 years, it was the only AD that ever worked for me. Most side effects go away within 2-3 weeks if not sooner. The most important thing about this drug to know is that it does have a VERY short half-life. If you miss a dose, you'll know about it. Most learn this the hard way and as a result dont miss many doses thereafter.
Take Sleepless' advice and dont get too caught up in all that you read on these boards about effexor. Just let it do its thing.
Take care.
Posted by PoohBear on March 2, 2004, at 9:54:54
In reply to New Effexor User - Input Welcome, posted by amaranta on March 1, 2004, at 21:01:50
Amaranta:
I would second, third and fourth Althea's advice: Effexor gets a bad rap on these boards because it's generally only the people with bad experiences that post. I've been on it since September and it's done wonderful things for my depression and ability to control my thoughts. The side effect do mostly go away, so hang in there...
Tony
> I just started taking Effexor 3 days ago at 75mg for mild depression/fatigue. It kind of feels like I'm on speed. My main side effects are cotton-mouth, dehydration, and a kind of spacey feeling. Hoping in a couple of weeks I'll feel better but am told I'll be up to 150mg by that time. All these postings are really scaring the hell out of me and I'm wondering if anyone has anything positive to say. Is there anyone who has not had those horrible side effects??
Posted by amaranta on March 2, 2004, at 10:09:45
In reply to Re: New Effexor User - Input Welcome, posted by Althea8869 on March 2, 2004, at 9:19:09
I feel a little better now, thanks to all of you. Guess those withdrawal horror stories are scaring me, as no one has indicated a 'positive' experience coming off of Effexor.. When I got off of Zoloft last year, I had mild brain zaps, but nothing too severe as I was very careful in weaning off. Thanks for your posts.
Posted by Malka on March 2, 2004, at 11:54:27
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Just took my first Effexor 37.5mg today and felt seriously like throwing up all day, as well as having a disgusting taste in my mouth! Anyone got any remedies for the nausea? Not sure if I will continue to take them if I have to put up with this!!
Posted by amaranta on March 2, 2004, at 16:13:34
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Malka on March 2, 2004, at 11:54:27
Sorry about the nausea, but a lot of stuff I read on rxlist.com mentioned nausea as one of the main side effects - I was lucky enough to avoid that. I am on Day 4 now and already a lot of my cotton-mouth and 'drugged' feeling have subsided, plus I've only had to pee 10 times today vs. 20 times a day the last few days. Hope your side effects go away as quickly. I'm interested to know how 'newbies' like me are reacting.
Posted by Rayce on March 3, 2004, at 0:32:11
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Malka on March 2, 2004, at 11:54:27
I have been on this medication for 4 months, the sick feeling will pass as you get used to it, I have been on this three separate times and have stopped taking it only to end up depressed again, I am taking 75mg a day now and I feel ok, I am still not feeling perfect but I can deal with the day to day stuff, I am working on being more sociable again but it is going to take some time. give this medication a chance, it does work at least somewhat, I have no side effects at all now and I look forward to things getting better yet
Posted by Malka on March 3, 2004, at 0:49:13
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Rayce on March 3, 2004, at 0:32:11
Glad to hear that people are having success with Effexor. I am on my 2nd day but can only bear to take half the dosage because of the nausea. Can anyone tell me what the difference is between the Effexor hydrocloride that I am on and Effexor XR? Should I ask my doctor for XR? and what is the difference between an SSRI and a SNRI? Which one is Effexor? I'm a bit ignorant here!!
Posted by Clayton on March 3, 2004, at 0:57:42
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Malka on March 3, 2004, at 0:49:13
An SSRI is a Selective SERATONIN Reupdate Inhibitor. An SNRI is a Selective NOREPINEPHRINE reupdate inhibitor. Seratonin and Norepinephine are both neurotransmitters that are involved in depression (and/or its alleviation). Effexor is BOTH. It is essentially a SSNRI as it blocks the reupdate of BOTH neurotranmitters.
Posted by Thankful on March 3, 2004, at 1:03:02
In reply to Re: New Effexor User - Input Welcome » amaranta, posted by Doctor Feel Good on March 2, 2004, at 3:56:08
Where did you go to medical school?
Posted by Doctor Feel Good on March 3, 2004, at 1:39:27
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Malka, posted by Clayton on March 3, 2004, at 0:57:42
Almost perfect. Effexor works on all 3 neurotransmitters, dopamine is the other. The higher the dosage the more of an effect on norepinephrine and dopamine.
> An SSRI is a Selective SERATONIN Reupdate Inhibitor. An SNRI is a Selective NOREPINEPHRINE reupdate inhibitor. Seratonin and Norepinephine are both neurotransmitters that are involved in depression (and/or its alleviation). Effexor is BOTH. It is essentially a SSNRI as it blocks the reupdate of BOTH neurotranmitters.
Posted by green hornet on March 3, 2004, at 7:32:03
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Clayton, posted by Doctor Feel Good on March 3, 2004, at 1:39:27
I guess that I was an "Effxor success" That is if you count feeling like a zombie, moving around in an unemotional fog with no affect a success. Oh yes, I also gained 50lbs in less than a year. It seemed that every time I got on the scale I had gone up another notch.!!
The good news is, after over two years on the stuff, (at 400+mgm) I was able to get off of it without problems. However, my theory is,if you can come off an antidepressant without some kind of withdrawal symptoms, the stuff probably was not working anyway. Trust me on this one. Since I was first hospitalized and diagnosed in 1984 I have taken no fewer than eleven antidepressants and about that many "other" medications(ie Benzos, Stelazine, Xyprexa, Topamax, Seroquel, Clozeril, Mellaril,Imipramine blah, blah blah) just to name a few. Some worked for awhile, some did not.
Good luck what ever --- I guess that it is just such an individual thing, GH
Posted by effexed on March 3, 2004, at 15:53:23
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
so negative we are, I still have hope that there is something out there you have not tried to help you with your depression. I my self am new at this med thing. Effexor xr is the first ad I have ever been on but seems to work for me, as for the weight gain I keep hearing about on this site is so not what I am experiencing. I have lost 10 lbs since being on this med wich is only 8 weeks on 75s maybe Iam an exception to the rule but anyway I hope you soon get to feeling better or find something to help you feel better.
This I mean green hornet. HAVE A GOOD DAY
AND KNOW THAT WE ALL HOPE YOU
SMILE AT SOME POINT TODAY
THANKS .Cindy in TX
Posted by amaranta on March 3, 2004, at 16:31:33
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by green hornet on March 3, 2004, at 7:32:03
well, it's nice to hear of someone who didn't almost die from the withdrawal. good luck!!
Posted by lacey2001 on March 3, 2004, at 18:06:56
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by amaranta on March 3, 2004, at 16:31:33
It was hard to get a hold of him like most Dr's. He is also in another city too which makes things difficult. Anyway, I was told to take 37.5 mg every alternate day. And then in a weeks time, to try and stop. If that doesn't work out for me, then to continue to take it every third day and stop that in a week. It sounds like better advice than the Dr here told me to just stopping altogether at 37.5 mg.
Anyone try to get off meds this way that I was told to with every second day? And did it work? Any input would be appreciated.Tanya
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