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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by awatts on June 23, 2004, at 7:17:14
In reply to Is 75mg a day enough?, posted by Rayce on June 22, 2004, at 23:10:28
> I have been on Effexor XR for about 2 years, over the last month I crashed bad again, I took some time off from work and got up a bit, I took two 75 mg in one day and it seemed to really help, I am wondering if this is a low dose for most people and whether I should get it increased?
>
> Rayce
75 mg is right for a few people, but too low for most. I am happy with 150 mg. Been on 150 mg of Effexor XR for months.
Posted by Shyla on June 23, 2004, at 8:13:50
In reply to Re: Is 75mg a day enough?, posted by awatts on June 23, 2004, at 7:17:14
I've been on 75 mg for 6 mos now. It has been working fine for me. The issues I deal with are 1.) sleeplessness, and 2.) lack of libido. I think with Effexor, the higher the dose, the side effects go up proportionately. I would suggest you speak with your doctor or therapist. You shouldn't have to suffer needlessly. Good luck!
> > I have been on Effexor XR for about 2 years, over the last month I crashed bad again, I took some time off from work and got up a bit, I took two 75 mg in one day and it seemed to really help, I am wondering if this is a low dose for most people and whether I should get it increased?
> >
> > Rayce
>
> 75 mg is right for a few people, but too low for most. I am happy with 150 mg. Been on 150 mg of Effexor XR for months.
>
Posted by jenemi on June 24, 2004, at 18:48:12
In reply to Re: Everyone's different, but... » 7dwarves, posted by LynnM. on June 21, 2004, at 10:59:39
I just started taking 37.5 of Effexor xr and want to know if it's okay to drink alcohol moderately on this dosage? Anybody with experiences??
Posted by 7dwarves on June 26, 2004, at 2:24:53
In reply to Re: Is 75mg a day enough?, posted by Shyla on June 23, 2004, at 8:13:50
I think 75 mg might be a little low, I did really well on 150 mg/day. but be careful. you should definitely talk to your doc, but listen to what your body says. my shrink decided to put me on 300 mg/day (gradual increase mind you) and it was awful. i've ended up off my meds completely. i figured doc knows best, but a gut feeling is not something to ignore.
Posted by husschick on June 26, 2004, at 10:40:48
In reply to Re: Everyone's different, but..., posted by jenemi on June 24, 2004, at 18:48:12
Everyone is different but for me drinking even moderatly on the med made me feel awful. I had blackouts, felt like I was brain dead for 2-3 days afterwards, and also my toleraence changed dramatically. But like I said everyone is different, just be careful.
Posted by husschick on June 26, 2004, at 10:46:49
In reply to Is 75mg a day enough?, posted by Rayce on June 22, 2004, at 23:10:28
I have been taking effexor xr 75 mg once a day for months, my awful anxiety attacks are gone but my mode is awful. I have no patience and feel like I am going to go off the edge. Any advice
Posted by Geekgirl on June 28, 2004, at 0:51:00
In reply to Re: Efferox side effects, posted by megamufn on March 14, 2003, at 6:12:47
> I am considering switching from Effexor because of problems with motivation. I'm wondering if it helps with my depression (dysthymia) and anxiety (not panic) by making me just not care as much. I feel better, but I'm not getting anything done! I still have some anxiety about certain things. For me it seems to be a fine line--too much anxiety and I'm immobilized, not enough and I'm not motivated. Aaugh! Maybe I'm just lazy.
I'm on Effexor and I am experiencing problems with not caring about stuff and not getting things done. I have actually been on the web looking for resources about procrastination and anxiety disorders when I accidently came across this site. I never considered that I could be having more problems than usual because of the Effexor.
I seem to be frozen much of the time until the super important deadlines get really close and then I work like crazy to meet them. After which I slump into the frozen state. Quite a few of the mostly important deadlines I just ignore. And self-imposed deadlines... I don't even notice them as they fly by. And the weirdest part is the not caring. Some of the things I'm not doing are pretty important to me. At least they should be. But I just kind of have a blank feeling about them.
Anyone else getting this? Or as megamufn said, maybe I'm just lazy?
Posted by Shyla on June 28, 2004, at 8:17:17
In reply to Re: Efferox side effects - motivation, posted by Geekgirl on June 28, 2004, at 0:51:00
> > I am considering switching from Effexor because of problems with motivation. I'm wondering if it helps with my depression (dysthymia) and anxiety (not panic) by making me just not care as much. I feel better, but I'm not getting anything done! I still have some anxiety about certain things. For me it seems to be a fine line--too much anxiety and I'm immobilized, not enough and I'm not motivated. Aaugh! Maybe I'm just lazy.
You didn't mention how long you have been taking Effexor. I actually found the opposite. I used to take Remeron, and that made me feel sluggish during the day. When Effexor kicked in, I felt so much more energetic. I was very happy about that. However, after 6 mos. I'm still having lack of sleep issues.
>
> I'm on Effexor and I am experiencing problems with not caring about stuff and not getting things done. I have actually been on the web looking for resources about procrastination and anxiety disorders when I accidently came across this site. I never considered that I could be having more problems than usual because of the Effexor.
>
> I seem to be frozen much of the time until the super important deadlines get really close and then I work like crazy to meet them. After which I slump into the frozen state. Quite a few of the mostly important deadlines I just ignore. And self-imposed deadlines... I don't even notice them as they fly by. And the weirdest part is the not caring. Some of the things I'm not doing are pretty important to me. At least they should be. But I just kind of have a blank feeling about them.
>
> Anyone else getting this? Or as megamufn said, maybe I'm just lazy?
>
Posted by anxiously fedup on June 29, 2004, at 20:12:50
In reply to Re: Efferox side effects - motivation » Geekgirl, posted by Shyla on June 28, 2004, at 8:17:17
Hi,
I am at a point where I am ready to give up on this medication junk and just go back to being filled with anxiety and obsessive compulsive thinking. I don't have any rituals but constantly worry.
I have been on 120mg or prozac for like 6 months this time, gained weight, constantly tired, it sucks but the anxiety is better.
I have tried celexa, no luck, luvox no luck, zoloft side effects, paxil very bad side effects, serzone with no luck a long time ago, and I tried effexor for like 2 weeks but I was drinking alot and wound up getting drunk and into a car accident. I don't know if it would have helped but one thing I notice everywhere is that people seem to say effexor has a huge amount of serious side effects. Is it really even safe, I am trying to get back to the gym and in shape after gaining 30 pounds by bouncing around all these meds and with the things I read about effexor I am afraid to have a heart attack. Sometimes-I like to smoke a little pot and how bad is that to do with effexor? I don't mind not drinking much, I don't generally, the accident was just me going through a bad time so if I had to quit drinking i wouldn't care. any help?
Posted by KaraS on June 30, 2004, at 1:06:48
In reply to Help-any ideas from anyone, been around the block, posted by anxiously fedup on June 29, 2004, at 20:12:50
> Hi,
> I am at a point where I am ready to give up on this medication junk and just go back to being filled with anxiety and obsessive compulsive thinking. I don't have any rituals but constantly worry.
> I have been on 120mg or prozac for like 6 months this time, gained weight, constantly tired, it sucks but the anxiety is better.
> I have tried celexa, no luck, luvox no luck, zoloft side effects, paxil very bad side effects, serzone with no luck a long time ago, and I tried effexor for like 2 weeks but I was drinking alot and wound up getting drunk and into a car accident. I don't know if it would have helped but one thing I notice everywhere is that people seem to say effexor has a huge amount of serious side effects. Is it really even safe, I am trying to get back to the gym and in shape after gaining 30 pounds by bouncing around all these meds and with the things I read about effexor I am afraid to have a heart attack. Sometimes-I like to smoke a little pot and how bad is that to do with effexor? I don't mind not drinking much, I don't generally, the accident was just me going through a bad time so if I had to quit drinking i wouldn't care. any help?I was on Effexor for a few years for depression only. I had virtually no side effects and it did help with my depression - but only partially. Now I'm in the process of withdrawal from it which I'm doing very slowly so there's been minimal trouble there (but it's still a drag).
A lot of people who post on this board are taking "cocktails" of several medications esp. when dealing with more than one issue. Unfortunately the process can take a long time to find the right medicine or combination of medicines. So many of the posts contain the frustration people have while going through this process. The upside is that if you follow along you'll find that many of them hit bottom but did eventually find that drug (or combination of drugs) that helped them to lead much happier lives. So hang in there!!!!
Just an aside... I have a friend who is suffering from severe depression and anxiety. The doctors said that he has a thought disorder which is a form of OCD. It sounds like what you're describing in terms of obsessive compulsive thinking - also without any rituals. He has been on SSRIs which only made the situation worse - as did a special program on thought control. His doctors were baffled so he went to a very top doctor in the field who said that my fried was misdiagnosed - that he really has a form of ADHD. That surprised him and his other doctors to no end. Anyhow, now they've started to treat him completely differently. This just happened so it's too early to tell what the results will be. If the SSRIs tend to make you worse and your doctor doesn't know why, this might be worth looking into further. If so, let me know and I can get some information for you.
Posted by KaraS on June 30, 2004, at 1:21:31
In reply to Re: Efferox side effects - motivation, posted by Geekgirl on June 28, 2004, at 0:51:00
Effexor has done nothing for my motivation either though it has helped a bit with depression. I'm not sure if it has made my motivation worse but it certainly hasn't helped. The SSRIs do have that emotional leveling effect. I know that Effexor is supposed to have some noradrenergic activity but only at the much higher dosages and then not even that much. The way you described yourself is exactly how I feel - so sluggish and apathetic. I can make jokes and be very social so people don't know that I'm so unmotivated. I'm in the process of getting off of Effexor. I'm determined to find something else that will give me some energy and drive. The way I've been living is just not cutting it.
Posted by livingjuliet on June 30, 2004, at 3:06:05
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Has anyone had the experience of being hungrier than normal when going off of Effexor? I feel a little sick because I haven't taken the medicine in a week (I've been gradually reducing the dosage the past few months), and so it makes me feel slightly sick. Well, eating makes that sick feeling that I know is because of withdrawal go away, so I have found myself eating a LOT more than usual. I hate this... I'm hoping it goes away SOON.
Posted by Shyla on June 30, 2004, at 8:32:30
In reply to Re: Efferox side effects - motivation, posted by KaraS on June 30, 2004, at 1:21:31
> Effexor has done nothing for my motivation either though it has helped a bit with depression. I'm not sure if it has made my motivation worse but it certainly hasn't helped. The SSRIs do have that emotional leveling effect. I know that Effexor is supposed to have some noradrenergic activity but only at the much higher dosages and then not even that much. The way you described yourself is exactly how I feel - so sluggish and apathetic. I can make jokes and be very social so people don't know that I'm so unmotivated. I'm in the process of getting off of Effexor. I'm determined to find something else that will give me some energy and drive. The way I've been living is just not cutting it.
If you haven't tried it already, you might want to take Zoloft. I found at 150 mgs. I had more energy, than I knew what to do with. It made me extremely social too. The negative side of it was that I had difficulty focusing on doing my job.
Posted by Shyla on June 30, 2004, at 8:44:22
In reply to Re: Help-any ideas from anyone, been around the block, posted by KaraS on June 30, 2004, at 1:06:48
Kara, I have been on Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Remeron, now Effexor. It does take patience, and a willingness to give each med a chance to really find out if it works, and what the side effects are, and if you can live with those side effects. I have been on 75 mgs. of Effexor for 7 mos. now. I like it because it has greatly reduced my anxiety, stabilized my moods, and is really helping me enjoy life and laugh again. I don't take things so seriously. The couple of side effects I do experience are trouble sleeping, but Gabatril and Ambien have taken care of that, and sexual side effects. I'm now experimenting with a day off of Effexor coupled with Wellbutrin on a day of anticipating lovemaking. It has seemed to help part of the time, not always. So, the long and the short of it is that I'm overall happy with Effexor. I am very open and upfront with my doctor about my experiences and concerns, and together we experiment with alternatives to improve things. I hope this helped.
Posted by KaraS on June 30, 2004, at 18:21:53
In reply to Re: Efferox side effects - motivation » KaraS, posted by Shyla on June 30, 2004, at 8:32:30
I was on Zoloft for over 2 years. It did nothing for me besides make me an emotional zombie and ensure no panic attacks. Thanks though.
Posted by KaraS on June 30, 2004, at 18:50:09
In reply to Re: Help-any ideas from anyone, been around the block » KaraS, posted by Shyla on June 30, 2004, at 8:44:22
> Kara, I have been on Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Remeron, now Effexor. It does take patience, and a willingness to give each med a chance to really find out if it works, and what the side effects are, and if you can live with those side effects. I have been on 75 mgs. of Effexor for 7 mos. now. I like it because it has greatly reduced my anxiety, stabilized my moods, and is really helping me enjoy life and laugh again. I don't take things so seriously. The couple of side effects I do experience are trouble sleeping, but Gabatril and Ambien have taken care of that, and sexual side effects. I'm now experimenting with a day off of Effexor coupled with Wellbutrin on a day of anticipating lovemaking. It has seemed to help part of the time, not always. So, the long and the short of it is that I'm overall happy with Effexor. I am very open and upfront with my doctor about my experiences and concerns, and together we experiment with alternatives to improve things. I hope this helped.
Shyla,
I have been on many meds for adequate periods of time but unfortunately none has been great for me so far. The tricyclics have helped me sleep and totally gotten rid of my panic disorder/agoraphobia several years ago but none of these meds has adequately addressed my depression. Effexor has been the best so far (with virtually no side effects) but I know that I could be doing a lot better. I feel that I'm moving in the right direction though. I know that I need some serotonin assistance to protect against panic attacks but mostly I need NE and dopamine for energy, motivation and zest for life. My quest for the right medication or combination of medicines is at least going to be more intelligently targeted going forward.I hope you have continued success on the Effexor. Have you tried Ginkgo for the sexual side effects? A lot of people have had great success with that!
Posted by Shyla on July 1, 2004, at 8:31:17
In reply to Re: Help-any ideas from anyone, been around the block, posted by KaraS on June 30, 2004, at 18:50:09
> > Kara, I have been on Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Remeron, now Effexor. It does take patience, and a willingness to give each med a chance to really find out if it works, and what the side effects are, and if you can live with those side effects. I have been on 75 mgs. of Effexor for 7 mos. now. I like it because it has greatly reduced my anxiety, stabilized my moods, and is really helping me enjoy life and laugh again. I don't take things so seriously. The couple of side effects I do experience are trouble sleeping, but Gabatril and Ambien have taken care of that, and sexual side effects. I'm now experimenting with a day off of Effexor coupled with Wellbutrin on a day of anticipating lovemaking. It has seemed to help part of the time, not always. So, the long and the short of it is that I'm overall happy with Effexor. I am very open and upfront with my doctor about my experiences and concerns, and together we experiment with alternatives to improve things. I hope this helped.
>
>
> Shyla,
> I have been on many meds for adequate periods of time but unfortunately none has been great for me so far. The tricyclics have helped me sleep and totally gotten rid of my panic disorder/agoraphobia several years ago but none of these meds has adequately addressed my depression. Effexor has been the best so far (with virtually no side effects) but I know that I could be doing a lot better. I feel that I'm moving in the right direction though. I know that I need some serotonin assistance to protect against panic attacks but mostly I need NE and dopamine for energy, motivation and zest for life. My quest for the right medication or combination of medicines is at least going to be more intelligently targeted going forward.
>
> I hope you have continued success on the Effexor. Have you tried Ginkgo for the sexual side effects? A lot of people have had great success with that!Kara, no I haven't tried Ginkgo, but I will. Do you know how many mgs. are effective? Thank you for the suggestion. Have you tried Wellbutrin in combination with Effexor for the dopamine and engergy boost?
>
>
Posted by jenn007 on July 1, 2004, at 9:10:10
In reply to Re: New to Effexor XR, my side effects, anyone else?, posted by Cindy W on August 28, 2000, at 21:57:24
I read Cindy W's message about effexor and i just wanted to say that i am experiencing all of those things to. I am on 75mg for about 5-6 weeks now and am just worn out. i cant get enough sleep. which is really not good for getting anything done. as a new mom, i really need my energy. the dreams are crazy, the metal taste i sometimes get, i sweat all the time and no interest in sex. however, no more panic attacks and i am definately more tolerant of things that used to stress me out. any suggestions for how to get my energy back? does that part wear off? the headaches are a bear sometimes, but the fatigue is worse...please help
Posted by Shyla on July 1, 2004, at 10:20:12
In reply to Re: New to Effexor XR, my side effects, anyone els, posted by jenn007 on July 1, 2004, at 9:10:10
> I read Cindy W's message about effexor and i just wanted to say that i am experiencing all of those things to. I am on 75mg for about 5-6 weeks now and am just worn out. i cant get enough sleep. which is really not good for getting anything done. as a new mom, i really need my energy. the dreams are crazy, the metal taste i sometimes get, i sweat all the time and no interest in sex. however, no more panic attacks and i am definately more tolerant of things that used to stress me out. any suggestions for how to get my energy back? does that part wear off? the headaches are a bear sometimes, but the fatigue is worse...please help
>Although you've been on Effexor for 5-6 wks, your system may still be adjusting. If you can tolerate the side effects a little more, they should eventually go away. Wellbutrin coupled with Effexor might give you more energy. Good luck!
Posted by jenn007 on July 1, 2004, at 10:48:55
In reply to Re: New to Effexor XR, my side effects, anyone els, posted by Shyla on July 1, 2004, at 10:20:12
> > I read Cindy W's message about effexor and i just wanted to say that i am experiencing all of those things to. I am on 75mg for about 5-6 weeks now and am just worn out. i cant get enough sleep. which is really not good for getting anything done. as a new mom, i really need my energy. the dreams are crazy, the metal taste i sometimes get, i sweat all the time and no interest in sex. however, no more panic attacks and i am definately more tolerant of things that used to stress me out. any suggestions for how to get my energy back? does that part wear off? the headaches are a bear sometimes, but the fatigue is worse...please help
> >
>
> Although you've been on Effexor for 5-6 wks, your system may still be adjusting. If you can tolerate the side effects a little more, they should eventually go away. Wellbutrin coupled with Effexor might give you more energy. Good luck!
>
Thanks - My doctor told me try a vitamin and more sleep (duh- i cant get outta bed). I am gonna try it out for another month and see. Maybe then I can get him to try Wellbutrin too. thanks again.
Posted by Corafree on July 1, 2004, at 16:53:02
In reply to Re: New to Effexor XR, my side effects, anyone els, posted by jenn007 on July 1, 2004, at 10:48:55
Maybe you are actually withdrawing and your body is telling you that you need more ... maybe another dose midday ... and maybe even one more late day. I metabolize extended release medication quickly. Does anyone else out there? I could go back to plain Effexor, but there is something about the Effexor-XR that lifts my depression a bit more. Still, like I said, it would never last the whole day for me. Just a thought for you to consider in wondering why you are so fatigued! Best wishes! Corafree
Posted by LynnM. on July 1, 2004, at 18:05:34
In reply to Re: Efferox side effects - motivation, posted by Geekgirl on June 28, 2004, at 0:51:00
Your thoughts are/were mine, exactly! I posted earlier that I had problems with motivation, too. And, didn't really care if things got done or not, or how people felt about it or me. I'm a teacher in a public school system!
With coming off the Effexor (best decision for ME), I am gradually getting re-motivated, though it is taking some time. I still sometimes have to make myself do things, but I do notice improvement in myself.
Like you...sure, I felt better~euphoric, as a matter of fact, but I was getting nothing of importance done, and could've cared less. I've never been a "lazy" person, so...I attributed my behavior to the medicine.
Posted by LynnM. on July 1, 2004, at 18:12:56
In reply to Going off of Effexor, posted by livingjuliet on June 30, 2004, at 3:06:05
> Has anyone had the experience of being hungrier than normal when going off of Effexor? I feel a little sick because I haven't taken the medicine in a week (I've been gradually reducing the dosage the past few months), and so it makes me feel slightly sick. Well, eating makes that sick feeling that I know is because of withdrawal go away, so I have found myself eating a LOT more than usual. I hate this... I'm hoping it goes away SOON.
I am gradually coming off Effexor, too. My appetite has decreased some, I'm finding. Which is really good, because I was REVENOUS while taking it! I've also found I do get a little sick to my stomach lately, but I know that's a withdrawal side effect. Haven't eaten anymore, have actually eaten less!
I'm telling y'all...this has been the best info. source for talking with others who have had same problems with Effexor/anti-depressants as me. I'm almost out of my last bottle of Effexor, and I'm stretching it out as long as I can, taking about 37 mg. every 4 days. Brain zaps and everything!: :-)
Posted by lorily on July 1, 2004, at 18:39:50
In reply to Re: Going off of Effexor, posted by LynnM. on July 1, 2004, at 18:12:56
I can't understand why you would be taking Effexor every 4 days. I think you would be prolonging your withdrawals rather than getting off of them. I've read several people's posts about it and this is the first I've heard of it.
I'm at 37.5, started there, then went up to 75 last Sept when I was having great things happen and had no reaction to them. 4-5 weeks ago cut it down, I've stopped taking depakote since Sunday night and very nervous about stopping Effexor.
As for anyone with the sexual side effects problem, my doctor prescribed viagra (yes I'm female) and it does work. It increases the flow of blood to the genitals, making us more sensitive. My problem was not lack of desire, but lack of response. I hope this helps everyone.
Posted by KaraS on July 1, 2004, at 19:10:54
In reply to Re: Help-any ideas from anyone, been around the block, posted by Shyla on July 1, 2004, at 8:31:17
> > > Kara, I have been on Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Remeron, now Effexor. It does take patience, and a willingness to give each med a chance to really find out if it works, and what the side effects are, and if you can live with those side effects. I have been on 75 mgs. of Effexor for 7 mos. now. I like it because it has greatly reduced my anxiety, stabilized my moods, and is really helping me enjoy life and laugh again. I don't take things so seriously. The couple of side effects I do experience are trouble sleeping, but Gabatril and Ambien have taken care of that, and sexual side effects. I'm now experimenting with a day off of Effexor coupled with Wellbutrin on a day of anticipating lovemaking. It has seemed to help part of the time, not always. So, the long and the short of it is that I'm overall happy with Effexor. I am very open and upfront with my doctor about my experiences and concerns, and together we experiment with alternatives to improve things. I hope this helped.
> >
> >
> > Shyla,
> > I have been on many meds for adequate periods of time but unfortunately none has been great for me so far. The tricyclics have helped me sleep and totally gotten rid of my panic disorder/agoraphobia several years ago but none of these meds has adequately addressed my depression. Effexor has been the best so far (with virtually no side effects) but I know that I could be doing a lot better. I feel that I'm moving in the right direction though. I know that I need some serotonin assistance to protect against panic attacks but mostly I need NE and dopamine for energy, motivation and zest for life. My quest for the right medication or combination of medicines is at least going to be more intelligently targeted going forward.
> >
> > I hope you have continued success on the Effexor. Have you tried Ginkgo for the sexual side effects? A lot of people have had great success with that!
>
> Kara, no I haven't tried Ginkgo, but I will. Do you know how many mgs. are effective? Thank you for the suggestion. Have you tried Wellbutrin in combination with Effexor for the dopamine and engergy boost?
> >
> >I'm not sure how much Ginkgo you should take. (It's not a good idea to take if you're on any kind of blood-thinning medication or if you take aspirin regularly.) You could post over on the Pscyho-Babble Alternative board. There are some incredibly knowledgable people over there who would be able to give you the details.
I tried Wellbutrin but unfortunately I had an allergic reaction to it. I was really disappointed because I thought that might be a really good combo for me too.
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