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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by teetee on July 22, 2005, at 13:56:57
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I am not sure if this will post so as I see it I will re write my previous note that I do not see.
Posted by teetee on July 22, 2005, at 14:08:53
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » jp, posted by teetee on July 22, 2005, at 13:56:57
I made it!
I have been on Effexor for ten years and it changed my life. Before taking Effexor I could not take a single thought and work it through, I ruminated on situations over and over...I was raising three kid's and it felt like I was barely hanging on. After starting the medicine...One week later it was as if the volume had been turned down on the world...I had never experienced this feeling, I was scare it would go away but it hasn't. I still feel things but not to such extremes. Effexor enabled me to take thoughts in counseling and begin to deal with them one by one. I am now a very different person and I thank God daily for Effexor. Depite the stigmas that can prevail in religion and are deeply rooted in cultures, I am an advocate for medicines because I am living proof of the success they can provide along with hard work. I now work in the Legal field and am much more at peace. Continue taking your medicine despite the days when it seems a burden or you begin to believe that "Hey I don't need this anymore" If you do go off go veryyyyyyyyyyyy...slowly. And if your brain is not wired perfectly thank God there is something that helps...ps no side effects for me.
Posted by julish on July 22, 2005, at 15:06:30
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » teetee, posted by teetee on July 22, 2005, at 14:08:53
Hooray for you and thanks for posting something so positive!! I'm happy to hear of such a long term success. I, myself, have just been on Effexor for 4 weeks now... with great success so far. I keep hearing about medicines "pooping out" after a while... and that concerns me--there's no way I want to go back to the dark hole I was in.
It's nice to hear about your experience! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by teetee on July 22, 2005, at 17:39:13
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by julish on July 22, 2005, at 15:06:30
Sometimes I forget that others may benefit from my experiences. I am so happy that you were encouraged. Feel free to ask any questions you might have and I will be more than happy to respond.
best of luck and remember there is alot to be happy about.
Posted by Jimmy Go on July 24, 2005, at 15:26:27
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » julish, posted by teetee on July 22, 2005, at 17:39:13
I've been on Effexor XR about 18 months. Started with 37.5 then to 75 and now I'm taking 150mg daily. It seems to require more to acccomplish same goal. I'm concerned about increasing to 300 mg due to side effects. I don't know if Effexor XR is the best alternative but I'm sure it's the lesser evil. It seems to keep me calmer with lesser side effects than I hear about with other meds. I feel a little dull at times and suffer from short term memory loss. The silver lining is the sexual side effect prolonged ejaculation. I have tried to quit taking Effexor but the symptoms always return such as anxiety, over reacting and resisting authority. Effexor also seems to give me a craving for alcohol and possibly prevents hangovers. I'm 51 and drink more beer now after taking Effexor than ever. I'm very concerned, I lost my wallet last night. I wish there was a support group for people on Effexor XR, or is this what we're doing now?
Posted by teetee on July 25, 2005, at 13:29:56
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Jimmy Go on July 24, 2005, at 15:26:27
I get the impression that this may be the place to be for Effexor info and support.
18 months is not extremely long on Effexor and I can tell you that finding the correct dosage takes time. I have learned that Effexor is just a part of achieving overall mental and emotional health, it's not the answer to every thing. It only enabled me to look at other behaviors that were compulsive and destructive.
I take 300 mg of Effexor but am on my way down to a lower dose. I have cleaned alot out of my closet and have learned skills to achieve more calmness and peace so don't worry too much about the dose. One concern is it can raise blood pressure at higher doses. In the beginning of my recovery process I attended alot of 12 step meetings because I needed a place to talk out things. I wasn't an alcoholic but instead I had Bulemarexia and new that change was going to be difficult so I didn't want to switch addictions and compulsions. Just keep doing what your doing and use this place and anywhere else to talk out things that go on in your head....once you bring them out in the light they somehow lose their power to confuse and torment. best of luck
Posted by teetee on July 25, 2005, at 13:34:00
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Jimmy Go on July 24, 2005, at 15:26:27
In terms of the short term memory loss
Welcome to middle age! (heehee)
Also when I am anxious, I get more forgetful.
Posted by april8 on July 25, 2005, at 13:52:08
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Jimmy Go on July 24, 2005, at 15:26:27
Hi there, it worked for me really well at 300mg a day, but I lost my sex drive. I don't think it was necessarily dose related because I have heard that can happen at lower doses. It rules that it helped your sex life though!
I switched to Wellbutrin and still take a low dose of Effexor XR to help with anxiety, Now my sex life rocks!
Best wishes!
Posted by teetee on July 25, 2005, at 15:05:25
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Jimmy Go on July 24, 2005, at 15:26:27
Jimmy go...I also wanted to state that it's important not to confuse withdrawal symptons with who you really are.
Going off effexor or missing doses can cause erratic behaviors that are quickly relieved with taking the suggested dosage...I used to think (and still can) "Oh my God is this who I really am off effexor" but I am not. I have missed doses with a emotional outcome OOPS! It is not fun for anyone kinda like PMS.
Posted by TinMan on July 25, 2005, at 15:09:51
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Jimmy Go, posted by teetee on July 25, 2005, at 15:05:25
Question: Alcohol? Who craves it on Effexor? Does it seem to make the Effexor less effective for you?
Did getting off Effexor and onto another drug (Wellbutrin) bother anyone?
Any suggestions for the constipation and weight gain?
Getting to be a well-rounded,
TinMan
Posted by mispanicked on July 25, 2005, at 16:01:28
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Jimmy Go, posted by teetee on July 25, 2005, at 15:05:25
I have now come down on Effexor xr by half and I am feeling so much better. The nightmares, sweats and ringing in my ears has decreased. It is not a drug for everyone. It is also good to know that you are not alone in feeling bad on a drug. One drug is not the panacea, that is why we have options. Hopefully, I will find the right answer for me.
Posted by formerlyshy on July 26, 2005, at 22:29:40
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain , posted by Kathy on April 19, 2000, at 0:16:56
Hi, I'm a 21-yr old female who has been taking Effexor XR since February 1, 2005. The first week was very difficult for me to adjust because I was falling asleep during my in-hospitalization counseling sessions. I also had very bizarre dreams, one of which was especially strange because I woke up in the middle of the night believing two women were huddling over my bed touching my hair! But after a couple weeks the dreams subsided but after feeling groggy (to the point where I need to take a nap almost everyday) I KNOW I have gained 8 pounds from decreased energy levels. I was on Luvox for 3 years and went from 140 to 156, and I lost it all plus some a few months after I went off Luvox and started walking daily. Now I'm stressed because I don't want to go back to being pudgy!!! My sex life is great but I don't want to start worrying again about fat rolls!!! Otherwise, I have had good results with Effexor XR, as I am A LOT LESS anxious, analytical and moody. Hope this helps!!
Posted by Carolina on July 27, 2005, at 6:58:42
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain, posted by formerlyshy on July 26, 2005, at 22:29:40
hey formerlyshy-
every1 reacts diff. 2 meds and effexor had a similiar effect 4 me. i had NO energy but i had no appetite either? i was trying to lose the weight i gained after having my lil boy and w/o energy, it was a struggle! now that i'm off effexor i have booocooos of energy and am dropping weight (even though i STAY hungry :-D)...the effexor seems 2 be helping u alot and u still enjoy sex-that's a plus b/c i lost my sex drive while on effex. so i'll tell u what i did....i saw a weight doc. that put me on amide 37.5mg (generic 4 phentermine HCL)and it really controlled my appetite and increased my energy but i HAD to eat right to get the full effects. believe me-im not a health nut(just a nut) but once i saw the diff. w/ how i felt(after stopping the diet pill) by eating certain foods more than others-i have cont. and havnt gained...Good luck & take care-carolina PS-always ck w/ ur doc b4 taking ANY med w/ effexor or any A/D!!!!!!
Posted by jdbarton on July 28, 2005, at 21:40:14
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » TinMan, posted by carolina on July 15, 2005, at 15:20:04
Side issue...I'm a therapist and won't try to defend us because I'm also chronically depressed and back on Effexor AND have had lousy therapy. Remember please that we are trained to listen and assess BUT may miss intensity particularly with depressed people. Your remark about schedule is reasonable...I have ridiculous production goals. All that said, please don't exaggerate, but DO insist that you be heard. Politeness is not the rule in a therapy office. I hope you do get some help from therapy.
Posted by Carolina on July 28, 2005, at 23:07:16
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain, posted by formerlyshy on July 26, 2005, at 22:29:40
hey again-i wouldve saw ur post earlier but i've been sooooo busy. ok-w/ effexor and myself i never craved alcohol at all but i did want to smoke my cigs??? an old habit i had dropped during my pregnancy. i didn't gain weight but i didn't lose what i had gained during my preg. at all at 1st. i had very little appetite w/effexor but i also had NO energy or motivation. i quit effex. cold about 2 weeks ago and will NEVER take it again...i feel 110% better and only had mild w/d symptoms. i have so much darn energy now,i cannot slow down. wellbutrin-nono, not 4 me. i tend 2 be quick tempered as it is(southern r*dneck in me i've been told :-D)j/k..but while on wellbutrin i was plum mean. i don't know what happened but my doc took me off it! i had weight loss w/ wellbutrin but this was also B4 i became pregnant. as far as constipation, no on both. i've never had that prob. while on any meds..just thought i'd share-hope it helps...luvvins from carolina
Posted by Raggs on July 29, 2005, at 0:19:53
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Jimmy Go, posted by teetee on July 25, 2005, at 15:05:25
Hi there,
I've been using effexor xr for about 5 years now and it has changed my life. Originally I was taking 350mg with 300mg of wellbutrin to controll severe depression and anxiety. I then was weaned off of both very slowly and was med free for about a year. Unfortunately the anxiety and depression returned and I once again started Effexor XR 37.5 mg daily to start and then up to 75mg daily. I have stayed at the 75mg dose now for about a year and have had very little anxiety and no depression. I do notice however, very severe side effects if I miss even 1 dose and especially if I miss 2 doses or more. These have included dizziness, tingling, tinitus, seizure, headaches, flu like symptoms and agitation. As long as I take this medication regularly and responsibly I have wonderful results and am able to function fully and enjoy life again.
Well, that's my effexor xr story!
Posted by Carolina on July 29, 2005, at 0:58:07
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Raggs on July 29, 2005, at 0:19:53
i'm really glad it has worked so well for u...best wishes Raggs-carolina
Posted by Raggs on July 29, 2005, at 1:08:41
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Raggs, posted by Carolina on July 29, 2005, at 0:58:07
Thanks Carolina....
I do have one complaint though, Effexor has absolutely killed my libido. I'm wondering if anyone else has had this experience and if so have they found any effective solutions. I'm a 42 year old female....in case that makes a difference.
Posted by Carolina on July 29, 2005, at 1:25:04
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Raggs on July 29, 2005, at 1:08:41
YES YES YES!!!! u r not alone. i never found anything to help...:-( i know there was a thread about an herbal over the counter supp. called DHEA that got switched to another forum...i think it was alternative babble but im not sure. a lot of people spoke highly of it. i'd check it out-u never know! take care
Posted by mispanicked on July 29, 2005, at 8:22:53
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Raggs on July 29, 2005, at 0:19:53
> Hi there,
> I've been using effexor xr for about 5 years now and it has changed my life. Originally I was taking 350mg with 300mg of wellbutrin to controll severe depression and anxiety. I then was weaned off of both very slowly and was med free for about a year. Unfortunately the anxiety and depression returned and I once again started Effexor XR 37.5 mg daily to start and then up to 75mg daily. I have stayed at the 75mg dose now for about a year and have had very little anxiety and no depression. I do notice however, very severe side effects if I miss even 1 dose and especially if I miss 2 doses or more. These have included dizziness, tingling, tinitus, seizure, headaches, flu like symptoms and agitation. As long as I take this medication regularly and responsibly I have wonderful results and am able to function fully and enjoy life again.
> Well, that's my effexor xr story!I had those same effects but they would start about 4 hours after a missed dose and I could not take that. Sometimes I would sleep in or go out early and have towa it until I eat and then I would get the tingling and ringing. I know that it is a good drug, but it was not the right one for me. Congrats on feeling well!
Posted by haddsl on July 29, 2005, at 9:15:37
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Raggs, posted by Carolina on July 29, 2005, at 1:25:04
Hey Carolina and Others,
Your in luck! As we already know the Tin Man is very smart! He has reccomended the DHEA and knows all about it. I am sure he will be happy to inform us again!
Luv,
haddsl
> YES YES YES!!!! u r not alone. i never found anything to help...:-( i know there was a thread about an herbal over the counter supp. called DHEA that got switched to another forum...i think it was alternative babble but im not sure. a lot of people spoke highly of it. i'd check it out-u never know! take care
Posted by TinMan on July 29, 2005, at 18:30:02
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Raggs, posted by Carolina on July 29, 2005, at 1:25:04
Well, Paxil made me "mean as hell". Changed my life and not in a good way. Craved alcohol and drank to excess. My Drs. (including therapist) at the time told me that I had a problem with alcohol. (Not before! Not now!) I have since changed Drs., therapist and drug. Effexor seems to be working for me. I have been on it for almost 2 months now. I, too, craved smoking and I am not a smoker or have been (!). Weird. So Carolina, I can relate. I try to take my meds at the same time everyday, so don't know about the other symptoms. So far, so good for me. I will keep you posted. And, thanks, I DO have a heart!
The TinMan
Posted by DeeCee on July 30, 2005, at 12:43:49
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by TinMan on July 29, 2005, at 18:30:02
I just started effexor a week ago and am experiencing extreme lows and lack of motivation. I have practically no energy and would prefer to stay home alone to any other activities. Has anyone else experienced this when starting effexor? Did it get better?
Posted by jdbarton on July 30, 2005, at 13:03:28
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by DeeCee on July 30, 2005, at 12:43:49
Hopefully, yes. I just had to go back to EFx after trying a couple of SSRI's. After the unnerving effect of the other drugs the calming was a relief. Give it some time...
Posted by Carolina on July 30, 2005, at 14:07:42
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by DeeCee on July 30, 2005, at 12:43:49
yes-that was one of the main negative side effects that i had w/effexor. others were migraines,sexual s/e,and lack of "feeling"(hurt,pain,happiness,etc...)since u have only been on it a short while, sometimes side effects begin 2 ease off. i quit effexor xr 150mg a day about 2 weeks ago after taking it for 9 months and feel 110% better??? i have my energy back and i'm able to "feel" again. it didnt hurt as badly being "numb" all the time but i wasnt able to feel the pain and begin to work through it.i realized that i was in the center of a HUGE say...doughnut and stuck in that circle going round and round again. i had 2 start going through it to get to the outside where i wasnt as "trapped" any more. that's just my lil story-hope it helps some-carolina
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