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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by 4WD on August 11, 2005, at 23:28:29
In reply to Effexor XR, posted by mek on August 11, 2005, at 19:19:34
> Okay I am really confused now. The doc started me on Effexor last week just today starting 75 mg. The only reason he has me on it is to help with hot flashes due to menopause. After reading through many of these posts I have not found anything regarding hot flashes and it almost looks like the consensus of this drug is not really that good. The things that scared me about it was 1. wgt gain 2. sexual side effects 3. getting off of it. Should I just stop now before I am on it for very long or give it a shot.
Hi. I was on Effexor for a long time. It did not increase my appetite at all - in fact the opposite. It really helped control my eating disorder (bulimia).I didn't realize it was helping with my hot flashes until I came off it and they got much worse.
One caution, though. It can be hard to get off Effexor.
Marsha
Posted by KMM on August 12, 2005, at 6:08:56
In reply to Re: Effexor XR » mek, posted by 4WD on August 11, 2005, at 23:28:29
I wouldn't worry about the weight gain b/c it can go either way...you could lose. However, I have hot flashes on the medication that I never had before (I just turned 38) and being that it is so hard to come off of, I personally would not go this route. The sexual side effects are very real for almost everyone and they are quite frustrating. My husband just cannot relate to my lack of desire no matter how hard he tries. My Mother-in-law used Black Kohosh for hot flashes with great success. She said that it took about 1 month to see the full result.
Good Luck
Posted by PamA on August 12, 2005, at 6:44:18
In reply to Effexor XR, posted by mek on August 11, 2005, at 19:19:34
I take Effexor for depression. Not sure how it works for hot flashes but I'd suggest Sepia for menopausal hot flashes. I took sepia, which is homeopathic, for menstrual problems and my mother tried it for her hot flashes and was amazed at how well it works. Give it a try, she said it worked almost immediately.
Regards,
Pam
Posted by PamA on August 12, 2005, at 6:53:41
In reply to Re: Effexor XR » mek, posted by 4WD on August 11, 2005, at 23:28:29
I've heard it mentioned several times on this forum that going off effexor can be hard. I'm wondering if anyone has came off Zoloft and if so is it similar in difficulty? I just came off zoloft to start effexor and I was really ill from the zoloft withdrawl.
Thanks in Advance,
Pam
Posted by Dr. Bob on August 12, 2005, at 8:05:40
In reply to Going off Effexor XR, posted by PamA on August 12, 2005, at 6:53:41
> I've heard it mentioned several times on this forum that going off effexor can be hard. I'm wondering if anyone has came off Zoloft and if so is it similar in difficulty?
Sorry to interrupt, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding going off Zoloft to Psycho-Babble Withdrawal. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20050712/msgs/540568.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by mek on August 12, 2005, at 8:40:32
In reply to Effexor XR for Hot Flash, posted by PamA on August 12, 2005, at 6:44:18
Thank you for all of your help. Dr. Bob what would be your input on this. I have noticed sweating since I have been taking it. Only had one pill at work this morning and lost it so maybe thats a sign. I have noticed that it has relaxed me somewhat. do you think withdrawals are that hard with just being on 75 mg. I don't know how I found this board but you guys are the best. Nothing better than hearing from people that have actually experience all of this.
Posted by mek on August 12, 2005, at 9:36:10
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by canuck22 on August 11, 2005, at 16:40:16
I would also like to know how you are taking this? Both together in the morning or do you stagger them? Also with only taking 75 mg do you think the withdrawals of going off will be so bad?
Posted by KMM on August 12, 2005, at 12:15:50
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by canuck22 on August 11, 2005, at 16:40:16
>My doctor, also, is much more in favor of Wellbutrin b/c it gives you so much energy and has no sexual side effects (for most). I will say that I found the adjustment up to 300 mgs quite tough. I was very edgy for the first week on the 150 and then again when I bumped up to 300 (taking a month, in total, to accomplish) but I noticed that my mood improved very steadily on the Wellbutrin which hasn't been as obvious on the Effexor alone. Effexor is much more calming but I just don't think I feel as good on it as I did on the Wellbutrin alone.
Posted by canuck22 on August 13, 2005, at 1:59:12
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by mek on August 12, 2005, at 9:23:38
> I would also like to know how you are taking this? Both together in the morning or do you stagger them?
I take 100mg of Wellbutrin in the morning and 100 at dinner and the 75 of effexor at dinner as well...my doctor told me I could take them all at once if I wanted because they are extended release, but I usually take one in the morning so I don't forget to take them at dinner, it's more of a reminder than anything
Posted by KMM on August 13, 2005, at 6:42:10
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by canuck22 on August 13, 2005, at 1:59:12
Do you have trouble sleeping at night? Are you tired at all during the day, other than when you just haven't had enough rest?
Posted by mek on August 13, 2005, at 7:41:23
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by KMM on August 13, 2005, at 6:42:10
> Do you have trouble sleeping at night? Are you tired at all during the day, other than when you just haven't had enough rest?
No I don't feel I have been overly tired during the day and I have slept well at night. I am still leary whether this is the right way to go mainly for hot flashes. Granted we are all under some stress and it did already make me feel better but really scard of the withdrawals. I also have 300 mill of Wellbutrin here so I don't know which to take. I don't know how that works for stress related issues I have been told it has stuff in it given to people to stop smoking. I don't smoke so I am not sure how it helps stress. I could use it for weight issues and energy without the sexual side effects from what I am reading here. I am still so undecided.
Posted by mek on August 13, 2005, at 7:46:58
In reply to Effexor XR for Hot Flash, posted by PamA on August 12, 2005, at 6:44:18
> I take Effexor for depression. Not sure how it works for hot flashes but I'd suggest Sepia for menopausal hot flashes. I took sepia, which is homeopathic, for menstrual problems and my mother tried it for her hot flashes and was amazed at how well it works. Give it a try, she said it worked almost immediately.
>
> Regards,
> PamPam-Where do you get Sepia? Sounds maybe like a better option for me than antidepressant. Did you also take an antidepressant while you where taking this?
Posted by TinMan on August 13, 2005, at 10:01:17
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by mek on August 13, 2005, at 7:41:23
I am reading and thinking that a combo of Wellbutrin and Effexor MIGHT be the way for me to go. The Effexor is working quite well for me - I am on 225 mg. EXCEPT for the sexual side effects and the "no feelings", too calm feeling. (Does that make sense? I can't laugh, cry or anything...) I am hungry all the time and although I don't have weight issues, I am beginning to now. The constipation is not a good thing either. My partner just does not understand that sex doesn't even come up on my radar screen. (Right now, my marriage is a train wreck...) And yes, we are getting counseling.
This is causing stress on top of stress. My depression is better though. I cannot drink while on Effexor as it undoes the "good" effects.
Should I call my Dr. (Psychiatrist) and ask that he add Wellbutrin to the mix and lower the dose of Effexor? Was it a "stressful" transition for those of you who made it? How long before you "felt better"?
Please, I really appreciate all of your feedback.
Still living in the land of Oz,
TinMan
Posted by canuck22 on August 13, 2005, at 11:36:51
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by KMM on August 13, 2005, at 6:42:10
> Do you have trouble sleeping at night? Are you tired at all during the day, other than when you just haven't had enough rest?
I did have trouble sleeping at night for the first couple of months, but trust me you have to give your body time to adjust and things will go back to normal...I now sleep better than I used to. That was actually one of the first things I noticed after starting to take Wellbutron/Effexor..that for the first time in years I didn't feel that same tired as Ihad before, I was tired becasue I wasn't sleeping great but I could really tell the difference between been tired from not sleeping and the tired I was before..the funny thing is that I didn't even know feeling that tired wasn't normal until it was gone!!
Posted by PamA on August 13, 2005, at 11:42:05
In reply to Re: Effexor XR for Hot Flash, posted by mek on August 13, 2005, at 7:46:58
I did take antidepressants while taking sepia, I was taking 100mgs of zoloft per day. You can buy it on-line or maybe at a health food store. I saw an actual homeopath who mixed it for me but my mom purchased her's on-line but I'm not sure where. I prefer the liquid to the pill but I think they must be similar.
Best of luck, if you can't find it let me know and I'll see if my homeopath can suggest something in your area.
Regards
Pam
Posted by KMM on August 13, 2005, at 13:52:07
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by TinMan on August 13, 2005, at 10:01:17
The sexual side effects are very uncomfortable on the Effexor.. you just basically aren't interested. I, too, am on 225 mgs. When you combine this with feeling quite tired, it's a horrible combination. My husband, too, has trouble relating to my lack of drive. When I was on Wellbutrin, I had none of these issues. I had a good amount of energy, normal appetite and the sex was great. I haven't started the reduction process yet but I am not too scared. My Dr. told me to reduce by 37.5 over a one month period and to take Ativan, as needed, for discomfort. I just keep telling myself that as long as I feel better than before I started everything will be o.k. Any short term pain will hopefully be worth the long term gain. I will say that starting on Wellbutrin was very uncomfortable (for me) - it's pretty agitating. However, my Psychiatrist wrote me a Rx for 5 mg. valium which I took when I was just coudln't take it any more. I probably only needed to take about 3 tablets a week but, I am over-cautious of these things. If I have to choose between the two, I would choose the excess energy from the Wellbutrin over the semi-zombie state of the Effexor. I'm sure that everyone doesn't feel this way.
Good Luck!
Posted by jj_mom on August 13, 2005, at 15:33:28
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by canuck22 on August 6, 2005, at 1:42:26
Hi, I am so happy for you that the Wellbutrin and Effexor are working. I am (was on) Wellbutrin 300mg and Effexor 150mg for almost 3 months and really can't tell any difference. I have stopped the Wellbutrin and am in the process of stopping the Effexor because of the way I am feeling, which isn't good. My energy level is about 3 or 4 out of 10 and I would have to say that I only had 2 or 3 good days in those 3 months. I have tried many other meds which was a waste of time and am just ready to give up and see what happens with out any. My doctor put me on this combo for menopause and depression. The hot flashes are decreasing but it also could be that I am getting over it after being menopausal for over 5 years. My main concern now is my fatigue, I do have some insomnia and was prescribed Lunesta which either knocks me out or takes forever (45 minutes one night) to work. I have to say that this sucks big time and my husband & I are at the end of our ropes trying to figure out what will work for me. I also think my doctor feels the same way as she is just throwing everything she can at me to see if anything will work. I am so tired of being a guinea pig. Also hate the whoozy and lightheadness that I have right now. My sleep pattern is all shot, sleepy all the time and not able to go to sleep until 4 or 5 am. Basically I am just a total wreck, but still hopeful.
Posted by mek on August 14, 2005, at 11:03:57
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin » canuck22, posted by jj_mom on August 13, 2005, at 15:33:28
> Hi, I am so happy for you that the Wellbutrin and Effexor are working. I am (was on) Wellbutrin 300mg and Effexor 150mg for almost 3 months and really can't tell any difference. I have stopped the Wellbutrin and am in the process of stopping the Effexor because of the way I am feeling, which isn't good. My energy level is about 3 or 4 out of 10 and I would have to say that I only had 2 or 3 good days in those 3 months. I have tried many other meds which was a waste of time and am just ready to give up and see what happens with out any. My doctor put me on this combo for menopause and depression. The hot flashes are decreasing but it also could be that I am getting over it after being menopausal for over 5 years. My main concern now is my fatigue, I do have some insomnia and was prescribed Lunesta which either knocks me out or takes forever (45 minutes one night) to work. I have to say that this sucks big time and my husband & I are at the end of our ropes trying to figure out what will work for me. I also think my doctor feels the same way as she is just throwing everything she can at me to see if anything will work. I am so tired of being a guinea pig. Also hate the whoozy and lightheadness that I have right now. My sleep pattern is all shot, sleepy all the time and not able to go to sleep until 4 or 5 am. Basically I am just a total wreck, but still hopeful.
YOu guys are so helpful. I am still uncertain whether this is for me. this is only my second week and on onlyh 75 mg of effexor xr. Should I really be this undecided about taking this? It just doesn't feel right. I am not depressed, have a wonderful life. The only thing it is doing for me is I seem to hold alot of stress in my neck and shoulders and that seemed to be helping but as far as the hot flashes I think I am sweating more. The sexual side effects are starting to kick in which I do not like. Should I be taking this or is there another solution. Just seems like alot of hassle to get off of it to. Help me decide. Has this been as big of a decisoin for everyone else.
Posted by LynnPerley on August 14, 2005, at 22:20:07
In reply to Jaw tension yawning, posted by rayn26 on August 9, 2005, at 8:44:17
> I have been on Effexor for 3 weeks (75mg)--It seems to be working --my only side effects have been yawning constantly and jaw tension--The yawning seems to be tapering down, but I am concerned about the jaw tension because this was one of my physical symptoms of anxiety and Effexor seems to be prolonging it. Has anyone had this symptom and does it go away (the yawning too)?
The jaw tension side effect for me on Effexor was better than the similar side effect from Prozac. It decreased after about 8 weeks or so and I think it also did not come back as badly when my dosage increased. I have been taking effexor xr for the better part of three years now and I have taken dosages ranging from 75mg to 300mg daily.
I found that Buspar (buspirone) is a cheap and gentle med that relieves the jaw clenching - when it was bothering me a lot I took buspar about a hour before bedtime. It won't zap you out as much as a flexeril as well.
Posted by KMM on August 15, 2005, at 3:31:41
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by mek on August 14, 2005, at 11:03:57
I never felt depressed either. I just had chest pain that wouldn't ease and wasn't related to any other health problems (I had every test under the sun). It took me two years to face up to the fact that it was coming from stress and that it wasn't a cop out to take anti-depressants. The pain began to diminish almost immediately on the Wellbutrin. I still feel embarassed that I have to take them. I always thought that I was the type of person that could take care of any problem I had by myself...I suppose that it was got me into this mess in the first place.
Posted by mek on August 17, 2005, at 5:55:29
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by KMM on August 15, 2005, at 3:31:41
KMM- you sound exactly like me. Not depressed but do have stress from everyday life. I still do not understand what is in the wellbutrin to help with depression since it has the same thing in it that the med has to help people quit smoking. Well I finally Monday decided to drop the Effexor. Didn't have any side effects yet but maybe I wont since I wasn't on it that long. If things get all tense again I do have wellbutrin here maybe I would try that. I do have some weight to lose maybe that would help that to
Posted by gramma on August 17, 2005, at 10:11:35
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have been on effexor 75 mg since shortly after my hysterectomy in 1999. I tried it to help with my mood swings and fibromialgia. It has helped with the mood swings. I take it once daily. I went off of it cold turkey a few summers ago (I was frustrated with problems with my prescription insurance) It was a wrong move! I felt like the wicked witch of the west! Anyway, I have gained weight, but have always battled weight so I can't really blame it on the medication.
Nice to read about others reactions to this med.
Gramma
Posted by SandiDee on August 17, 2005, at 17:52:14
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by gramma on August 17, 2005, at 10:11:35
Just wanted to let everyone know how life on Effexor has been for me. I have been taking it for about 1 1/2 months now, things are going fairly smooth. I like that it has quieted alot of my anxiety, though I still have anxiety over certain things. I HAVE had alot of the side effects to go along with the good, the dry mouth, constipation, sexual stuff, some blurred vision, and always seem tired, especially after 5 p.m.. I am going to my dr. next week and ask for welbutrin, as that seems to be the next step, I am also going to ask about the tiredness, I am fairly active, and have slept well with tylenol p.m., until the effexor, now I don't sleep well at all. My boyfriend has a hard time understanding the sexual side effect part, I am at a loss to explain it to him, so I invited him to read some of these posts. I think this med is a double edged sword for me right now, I don't want to stop it because of the anxiety and depression that will come back, but I don't want to damage my relationship bacause of it either, hopefully my Dr. will give me a script for welbutrin. Anyone with any other suggestions, feel free. This thread has become a comfortable place for me lately. (Special thanks to MtnMama for encouraging me to start the effexor in the beginning when I was having second thoughts.)
Posted by aha on August 17, 2005, at 18:21:57
In reply to Re: Effexor XR for Hot Flash, posted by mek on August 13, 2005, at 7:46:58
Okay...my 2 cents. I went on Effexor XR (time-released)on 4/03 for mostly hot flashes and the fact that I was crying over anything and everything and that is not my personality. It was getting very embarassing. I read about Effexor XR in a magazine and they said it stopped hot flashes and intense hunger from menopause. The dr. said if it was hormones making me cry that after around 3 days of taking effexor I would stop flashes and crying. He was right on the money. I've been great ever since. I only take 75 mg. and have never increased except once. Bad news...had weird side effects such as brain quiver that the doctor called a seizure. Never did that again. I want to try getting off of it now but I hope I don't go through a bad time from 75 mg. but I know I have forgotten to take it for a couple of days and I was a mean antsy woman and it didn't feel good. Hope taking 37.5 mg. for a while will work. Anybody try that before? thx
Posted by TinMan on August 17, 2005, at 20:23:54
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by TinMan on August 13, 2005, at 10:01:17
OK, thanks to all of your posts, I am going to talk to my Dr. about going to Wellbutrin as well as the Effexor. Lately, I have been so very exhausted. I sleep late every morning and am still tired. I didn't have this side effect in the beginning but I do now. I do like how Effexor is so calming. Hate the sexual side effects.
TinMan
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