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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by jesica on June 24, 2005, at 10:05:01
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by blueyezzzzzz on June 15, 2005, at 16:18:29
Hi there,
I started effexor xr at 37.5 mg 3 weeks ago, the second week I went up to 75 mg and 4 days ago up to 150 mg. I've been having lots of side effects like extremely tiered all day, unable to sleep at night, constipated, extremely hungry, very shaky. Also for the past few days I've been having shortness of breath. I thought this medication was supposed to make the shortness of breath stop???? The only good thing I can say about it is that I don't get upset over things any more but I do notice that my mind is going 100 km/hr all day and night. Is that normal?? I've never taken any other medication before and I feel so different, I feel like I am not my self, I can't seem to focus and have no energy to do anything. My doctor said this was going to give me more energy...I really don't get this!!! What do you guys suggest I do, should I quit now or wait a few more weeks???? PLESE HELP!!!
Posted by haddsl on June 24, 2005, at 10:12:52
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by jesica on June 24, 2005, at 10:05:01
If you can stand it, I would wait a while. It is a miracle drug for me. I know most people say the side effects last about 2 weeks. I was on overdrive as well, and had some trouhble sleeping, but it went away. Good Luck!
> Hi there,
> I started effexor xr at 37.5 mg 3 weeks ago, the second week I went up to 75 mg and 4 days ago up to 150 mg. I've been having lots of side effects like extremely tiered all day, unable to sleep at night, constipated, extremely hungry, very shaky. Also for the past few days I've been having shortness of breath. I thought this medication was supposed to make the shortness of breath stop???? The only good thing I can say about it is that I don't get upset over things any more but I do notice that my mind is going 100 km/hr all day and night. Is that normal?? I've never taken any other medication before and I feel so different, I feel like I am not my self, I can't seem to focus and have no energy to do anything. My doctor said this was going to give me more energy...I really don't get this!!! What do you guys suggest I do, should I quit now or wait a few more weeks???? PLESE HELP!!!
>
Posted by jesica on June 24, 2005, at 10:56:13
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by haddsl on June 24, 2005, at 10:12:52
I think I can put up with it, I'm use to sleeping 5 hours a night anyway so sleeping 3 for a while wont make a difference. I think that what bothers me the most is that I am tiered all day and its really affecting my work, I can't look at the computer for too long because I feel like my head is going to drop and bang it against the monitor..lol..I have to keep on getting up and going for walks. I also herd the working out helps allot. I use to go to the gym 4 or 5 times a week but since I've been on this I have no energy to do anything. I'm going to try to take it easy this weekend and start going to the gym next week and see of that maybe helps. I really hope the shortness of breath stops because it’s so scary, I feel like I am suffocating
Posted by 4WD on June 24, 2005, at 21:19:38
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by jesica on June 24, 2005, at 10:56:13
> I think I can put up with it, I'm use to sleeping 5 hours a night anyway so sleeping 3 for a while wont make a difference. I think that what bothers me the most is that I am tiered all day and its really affecting my work, I can't look at the computer for too long because I feel like my head is going to drop and bang it against the monitor..lol..I have to keep on getting up and going for walks. I also herd the working out helps allot. I use to go to the gym 4 or 5 times a week but since I've been on this I have no energy to do anything. I'm going to try to take it easy this weekend and start going to the gym next week and see of that maybe helps. I really hope the shortness of breath stops because it’s so scary, I feel like I am suffocating
Hi. Effexor worked great for me for about 4 years (before it pooped out). Getting off it was awful but that's another story. Anyway, I didn't have any of the startup effects you are having. I had some sexual side effects, ears ringing (which never went away) and decrease in hunger. Maybe a little constipation. I started sleeping much better within a week or two. And it stopped or lowered the mind racing thing within a couple of weeks.
Marsha
Posted by Annie57 on June 24, 2005, at 23:33:08
In reply to Bruxism Re: Effexor - Exercise - Better Experience » angela528, posted by LynnPerley on June 21, 2002, at 21:49:17
I have been on Effexor for 6 months. For the last month my husband and I have started walking a mile a day. I pant after the 1st quarter mile and continue till we make it the whole mile. It takes us 23 mins to walk the mile and we are not getting any faster because I can't go any faster. Also, when I turn my head I get this weird light headed feeling and my hearing comes and goes. Does anyone else have the hearing, equilibium issue.
Posted by jaamey76 on June 25, 2005, at 13:59:59
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have recently began treatment with Effexor XR, in my second week, and am now at 75mg. I was wondering if Effexor can affect your bladder. It seems that about 2 days after I started the medication, I have continuously had the feeling that I have to urinate, or that something is pressing on my bladder. I have been tested for a bladder infection, and it came back negative. The doctor doesn't seem to be worried, and doesn't think it has anything to do with the medication. Unfortunately that doesn't help me, as I am the one that is uncomfortable, and I am not imagining it. I have been on and off meds for Anxiety/Depression for 8 years, with not much success, and am very reluctant to stay on a medication that can cause the abundance of problems I have been reading and can relate to. It has been 2 weeks, I don't feel any better, and to be honest, I think I feel worse. I am also sick to my stomach, shakey, I keep being shaken out of sleep (as if I am falling), and I find keeping up a normal conversation is more difficult, (like finding the right words, almost stuttering, and forgeting what I was going to say). The doctor that prescribed this to me is not a psychiatrist, and is not my regular doctor, as I have just moved. She told me the drug wouldn't be in my system yet, and none of these issues would have anything to do with it. I feel like I am losing my mind more than ever!!!
Posted by ed_uk on June 25, 2005, at 15:52:04
In reply to Re: Bruxism Re: Effexor - Exercise - Better Experience, posted by Annie57 on June 24, 2005, at 23:33:08
Hi,
>when I turn my head I get this weird light headed feeling.....
This is often reported as a withdrawal symptom. Perhaps you are having mild withdrawal symptoms when the Effexor blood level is low - try taking half your daily dose in the morning and half in the evening. I hope it helps.
~Ed
Posted by Annie57 on June 25, 2005, at 16:19:48
In reply to Re: Bruxism Re: Effexor - Exercise - Better Experience » Annie57, posted by ed_uk on June 25, 2005, at 15:52:04
Ed, That is probably it. I take 3 capsules a day and I don't take the 2nd one at the same time everyday like I should so I am probably going thru minor withdrawal. Thanks alot. Annie 57
Posted by redjr on June 25, 2005, at 23:19:45
In reply to Effexor XR Side Effects, posted by jaamey76 on June 25, 2005, at 13:59:59
> I have recently began treatment with Effexor XR, in my second week, and am now at 75mg. I was wondering if Effexor can affect your bladder. It seems that about 2 days after I started the medication, I have continuously had the feeling that I have to urinate, or that something is pressing on my bladder. I have been tested for a bladder infection, and it came back negative. The doctor doesn't seem to be worried, and doesn't think it has anything to do with the medication. Unfortunately that doesn't help me, as I am the one that is uncomfortable, and I am not imagining it. I have been on and off meds for Anxiety/Depression for 8 years, with not much success, and am very reluctant to stay on a medication that can cause the abundance of problems I have been reading and can relate to. It has been 2 weeks, I don't feel any better, and to be honest, I think I feel worse. I am also sick to my stomach, shakey, I keep being shaken out of sleep (as if I am falling), and I find keeping up a normal conversation is more difficult, (like finding the right words, almost stuttering, and forgeting what I was going to say). The doctor that prescribed this to me is not a psychiatrist, and is not my regular doctor, as I have just moved. She told me the drug wouldn't be in my system yet, and none of these issues would have anything to do with it. I feel like I am losing my mind more than ever!!!
jaamey76,
I cannot tell from your post if male or female. If you are a male, you may be experiencing Prostatitis. This condition makes you feel like you have to go all the time - and never quite finish - just kinda of dribbles out. Are those your symptoms? I couldn't stay on Effexor for that reason, so I don't know if that particular side-affect will go away with time. Other primary reasons for getting off Effexor were negative sexual side-affects. Can't have any of that now! I felt tired all the time too, but that's probably related to me not getting enough sleep!
Good luck,
redjr...
Posted by Meri-Tuuli on June 26, 2005, at 5:58:22
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts/experience with Effexor and motivation/energy/concentration. I have been on Celexa (cipramil) and I'm now starting the effexor 75mg because I have no energy or motivation. I can sleep 12+ hours a day. I'm abit worried about all the side effects I keep reading about, but I have been on it before in the past (when energy levels weren't a problem), and the only one I can remember is the brain zaps. Any thoughts on this would be much appreciated.
Posted by TinMan on June 26, 2005, at 9:41:35
In reply to Effexor XR Side Effects, posted by jaamey76 on June 25, 2005, at 13:59:59
Every person's response to a drug are different. I have been told and have read that some have side effects immediately from Effexor. Stick to your guns - make sure that your Dr. knows what you are experiencing. If Effexor does not work for you, tell your Dr., be pushy if you must, and try something else. I have found through some difficult trial and error that some Dr.'s are not experts in every area. One therapist and Dr. that I USED to go to didn't know about the alcohol cravings that Paxil can/may cause. They kept upping my dose!!!! It was not a good thing for me, at all. The Effexor seems to make my thinking slower, so I have a hard time finding the right words, lose my train of thought and that sort of thing. I feel like I don't have any "wit" or sense of humor at all. (No "snappy come backs" here!) I am on 225 mg/day and am wondering if that may be too much. Any comments?
Now where did I put my oil can?
TinMan
Posted by TinMan on June 26, 2005, at 9:48:37
In reply to Re: Bruxism Re: Effexor - Exercise - Better Experience, posted by Annie57 on June 25, 2005, at 16:19:48
I find myself clenching my teeth - sometimes very hard. Fortunately, I do not clench at night but think that is because I take Remeron.
Do some of you find yourselves clenching while on Effexor? Any recommendations? My therapist seems to think I clench because of unresolved issues. (Not a psychiatrist.) I am not so sure and am afraid I am going to break a tooth.
Someone, please oil my jaw!
TinMan
Posted by jaamey76 on June 26, 2005, at 12:41:45
In reply to Re: Bruxism Re: Effexor - Exercise - Better Experience, posted by TinMan on June 26, 2005, at 9:48:37
I have been clenching and grinding my teeth a lot since I began the Effexor, and I do believe it is a side effect of the drug. I've tried to counteract it by chewing gum as much as possible. Although I've been known to clench/grind in the past, the Effexor has really increased the desire. Also, I am very fidgety, can't seem to relax at all. I feel tired, but strung out.
Posted by Annie57 on June 26, 2005, at 12:52:04
In reply to Effexor and energy/motivation, posted by Meri-Tuuli on June 26, 2005, at 5:58:22
Are you sure you don't have sleep apneia, too. Annie
Posted by Annie57 on June 26, 2005, at 12:56:56
In reply to Re: Effexor XR Side Effects, posted by TinMan on June 26, 2005, at 9:41:35
I am on 225 mg/day and am wondering if that may be too much. Any comments?
>
> Now where did I put my oil can?
> TinManI am on 225 mg/day. And I am still know at work for my big month, snappy combacks and getting overly excited about little things. I don't know how they guage the dose: weight? amount of depression?--Annie
Posted by Meri-Tuuli on June 26, 2005, at 14:51:47
In reply to Re: Effexor and energy/motivation » Meri-Tuuli, posted by Annie57 on June 26, 2005, at 12:52:04
Huh? Whats sleep apneia?????
Never heard of it. I think that I'm going to go back to the celexa (cipramil) because I have been feeling pretty rough these last two days on the effexor. Celexa seems to work fine, but not great - doesn't address the energy/motivation, but maybe thats something that drugs won't/can't solve....
Meri.> Are you sure you don't have sleep apneia, too. Annie
Posted by Annie57 on June 26, 2005, at 15:55:09
In reply to Re: Effexor and energy/motivation, posted by Meri-Tuuli on June 26, 2005, at 14:51:47
Sleep apneia is when you stop breathing in the night and so do not get enough oxygen and do not get enough rest even though you sleep 12 hrs. I did not know I stopped breathing. Alot of people wake up when they stop breathing gasping for air but I would just start breathing again without waking up. When I was tested at a sleep clinic I stopped breathing 210 times in the first hour. Then they woke me up and put a mask on me that kept me breathing. I still wear it every night after two years.
Posted by 4WD on June 26, 2005, at 21:55:27
In reply to Re: Bruxism Re: Effexor - Exercise - Better Experience, posted by TinMan on June 26, 2005, at 9:48:37
> I find myself clenching my teeth - sometimes very hard. Fortunately, I do not clench at night but think that is because I take Remeron.
>
> Do some of you find yourselves clenching while on Effexor? Any recommendations? My therapist seems to think I clench because of unresolved issues. (Not a psychiatrist.) I am not so sure and am afraid I am going to break a tooth.
>
> Someone, please oil my jaw!I know a bunch of people on various SSRIs who have this side effect. It happened to me on Cymbalta. To my friend on Paxil. To others on Celexa. I also get muscle spasms and pain in my neck and shoulders from Prozac, etc. from clenching my muscles. So it's probably from the meds. You CAN break a tooth. You can wear a mouth guard at night but that won't help since you clench during the day.
Marsha
>
>
Posted by Meri-Tuuli on June 27, 2005, at 3:06:45
In reply to Re: Effexor and energy/motivation, posted by Annie57 on June 26, 2005, at 15:55:09
Thanks for that Annie. I doubt I have that sleep apenia because I'm usually out cold when I'm asleep and always wake up feeling refreshed. Plus I live in the UK and although we have free healthcare (which is a good thing) my doc would probably not put me in a sleep lab.
Posted by blue downunder on June 27, 2005, at 5:07:21
In reply to Re: Effexor and energy/motivation, posted by Meri-Tuuli on June 27, 2005, at 3:06:45
I have been watching this site for some time now and decided it was time I put my experiences down with Effexor XR hoping it may help others on this drug. It has been two years now, started with 150mg. Two hours after taking first capsule it hit me like a Mac truck, totally spaced out, high as a kite, walking on thin air. Coupled with this I had waves of nausea and splitting headaches but the high was so good it overrode the negatives. For two weeks this feeling waned slowly but for three days I could not drive a car as it was too dangerous. I drove to work after day three but it was like driving while drunk, very scary. The following side-effects have continued throughout; dry mouth and lips, excessive sweating, occaisional wheezing and shortness of breath, fidgity (keep shaking my right leg), tightly clenching my jaw, very tired and sleepy by early afternoon, (may have triggered sleep apnea which I will be assessed for shortly), vivd, powerful, clourful dreams, often sexual in nature and able to contiune them if woken up, ravinous apetite especially for sweets (stacked on 7kg in two years), forgetful, touble thinking of words at times, little if any motivation with no sense of urgency for anything,(she'll be right mate do it tomorrow attitude), no sex drive and when it happens it seems to take forever. It may sound bad but if it was not the drugs I would be in a box 6ft under the ground by now. Over the two years I have had a couple of depressive relapses after the medication was dropped to 75mg. The drug seems to take the edges off the downs and the highs off the ups and very little worries me like it used to. I am more self centred than I used to be which is a negative cause I don't realise it.
One of the side effects which is a real positive is my hair has gone about three shades lighter (nearly blonde again) and grey hair deminished. For the first month urinating was difficult and the urge frequent with dribbling at the end a real issue. This is no longer a problem but Idon't wear light pants anymore. At times when the dose is lowered I end up with severe headaches for 10 days and have to have an afternoon sleep. I suppose I will have other effects when I come off the drug completely as described by others in this forum.
Overall though, I have a lot to thank for this drug giving me the reason to keep going
Posted by haddsl on June 27, 2005, at 9:29:13
In reply to Re: Bruxism Re: Effexor - Exercise - Better Experience, posted by TinMan on June 26, 2005, at 9:48:37
I do find that I clench my teeth a lot. I have to concentrate on unclenching. At night my boyfriend says I grind my teeth pretty bad, but I have never noticed. I was wondering if there was a way to get rid of the clenching as my jaw hurts quite often.
> I find myself clenching my teeth - sometimes very hard. Fortunately, I do not clench at night but think that is because I take Remeron.
>
> Do some of you find yourselves clenching while on Effexor? Any recommendations? My therapist seems to think I clench because of unresolved issues. (Not a psychiatrist.) I am not so sure and am afraid I am going to break a tooth.
>
> Someone, please oil my jaw!
> TinMan
>
>
Posted by maine girl on June 27, 2005, at 11:31:24
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi! I'm new to this group. I started Effexor about 2 weeks ago and felt like I was stoned out of my head! I was a complete airhead and, actually it wasn't completely unpleasant! :) Anyway, the most annoying thing for me was uncontrollable yawning! I bet I yawned a thousand times those first few days! I also don't feel hungry at all, which is very nice. Previously I was a binge eater and would make frenzied trips to the grocery store and fill my basket with sweets and stuff, but since I started taking this, I have to remind myself to eat 3 meals a day. Needless to say, I've lost 10 pounds in 2 weeks and am very happy about that.
But, I'm only on 75mg and go for a checkup with my doctor tomorrow. I feel the same apathy and lethargy coming back as if I got used to this dose and need more. I also have a short temper again and the anxiety is coming back. What is the average dose? How does the doctor determine the dosage? Does anyone know?
Just thought I'd share some of the side effects I've noticed. Hope this helps someone!
Posted by TinMan on June 27, 2005, at 15:05:36
In reply to Re: Effexor and energy/motivation/side-effects » Meri-Tuuli, posted by blue downunder on June 27, 2005, at 5:07:21
Yes, I too feel "spacy", out of it, and lose my train of thought. I am not depressed, at all, though. Anxiety? Nope. Temper? Nope. I feel calm and being in a social situation that in the past would have caused me minor panic no longer does. (Job interview.)
I have gained weight around my mid-line, feel constantly hungry, crave sweets, get afternoon headaches sometimes (almost migraine), get a dry mouth, clench my teeth very hard (headaches from that?). I don't crave alcohol like I did with Paxil. I do keep my alcohol consumption to a minimum as I don't seem to have much tolerance for it.
Excercise? Well, I haven't tried that yet but I did notice that I do get more short winded.
Do the benefits outweigh the side effects? So far. I, like most, want to eventually get to the point where I don't need any SSRI/drug.
If I only had a heart,
TinMan
Posted by compguy on June 27, 2005, at 17:26:14
In reply to Re: Strange side effects with Effexor?, posted by maine girl on June 27, 2005, at 11:31:24
I have been on 75 mg effexor for three months and it work good at first now i am having bad headaches, sweating all the time muscles hurt, dizzy, tired,short of breath, wake up in the mourning shaking, my anxeity is back times 2 i dont know why it has quit working anyone have any sugestions
Posted by Phillipa on June 27, 2005, at 18:07:39
In reply to Re: Strange side effects with Effexor?, posted by compguy on June 27, 2005, at 17:26:14
Hey all you guys there is an effexor thread that goes way back since the board opened I think. But search the archives. You're mostly new so many people have had problems on this drug both starting and the worst it seems coming off it. Fondly, Phillipa
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