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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Martha May on August 22, 2005, at 10:08:09
I have been so interested in all the effexor entries, especially about going off effexor. I recently went off and finally got through the dizzy spells. However, after some recent episodes at home and at work I am not so sure I should have gone off it. I went off it because I felt somewhat flat emotionally. I thought maybe I could handle stuff better and didn't need it anymore. But after being off of it, I now am experiencing the feelings and anxiety which caused me to go on effexor in the first place. I am planning to go back to my doctor and ask to be put back on it. It makes me feel defeated though, because I thought I was all better. I am going to ask about the well-butrin, effexor combo thing though as I do experience sexual side effects with effexor, no big 'O's ' for me when on it. Do I want to exist peacefully with my family, or have great sex? Why can't I have both? I guess I am asking for too much in life.
Posted by Ilene on August 22, 2005, at 12:58:09
In reply to effexor withdraw and begin again, posted by Martha May on August 22, 2005, at 10:08:09
Have you considered Wellbutrin by itself?
I.
Posted by Martha May on August 22, 2005, at 13:04:00
In reply to Re: effexor withdraw and begin again » Martha May, posted by Ilene on August 22, 2005, at 12:58:09
I tried Wellb. at one time by itself and it didn't seem to do anything for me. At least, what I was taking didn't.
MM
Posted by Ilene on August 22, 2005, at 13:22:19
In reply to Re: effexor withdraw and begin again, posted by Martha May on August 22, 2005, at 13:04:00
Effexor didn't work for me, I had no sides, but I did have a big problem w/ withdrawal. (I wouldn't take it again.) Have you talked w/ your pdoc about trying other combos before going back to the Effexor?
I.
Posted by Racer on August 22, 2005, at 18:40:50
In reply to effexor withdraw and begin again, posted by Martha May on August 22, 2005, at 10:08:09
Another option for {ahem} the intimacy issues with Effexor is to take something on an as needed basis to block the {mumble} effects of Effexor. When I have that problem, I take cyproheptidine, an old anti-histimine which blocks the specific serotonin receptors responsible for the lack of screamingly good sex. Works great for me, gives me a couple of hours for play-time, then makes me drowsy.
It might be worth a try for you, if Effexor was working for you otherwise. Best luck to you.
Posted by Ilene on August 22, 2005, at 23:10:46
In reply to Re: effexor withdraw and begin again, posted by Racer on August 22, 2005, at 18:40:50
Where can one obtain cyproheptidine? (pant, pant)
I.
Posted by Martha May on August 23, 2005, at 7:13:33
In reply to Re: effexor withdraw and begin again » Racer, posted by Ilene on August 22, 2005, at 23:10:46
Yes please tell us where we can get some of the cyproheptidine stuff. Will the same results happen with any old anti-histimine? I already take benedryl to sleep through the night, I guess I should be careful not to take too much stuff. And thanks for the helpful advice. I am going back on the effexor for now, but a half the dose I was taking. My doctor said to see how I do and If there are still sexual side effects, I could try the wellbutrin. I really don't want to have to pay for two perscriptions though.MM
Posted by Racer on August 23, 2005, at 14:02:53
In reply to Re: effexor withdraw and begin again, posted by Martha May on August 23, 2005, at 7:13:33
Cyproheptidine is a prescription drug, but it's been on the market since dirt was new, so it's pennies a pill -- the co-pay on our insurance is $10 per generic, which saves us about $3 per 30 tablets. Your doctor should be OK with prescribing it, for "as needed" use. Don't take it every day, of course, or you're throwing away the ADs you're taking.
I don't know if other anti-histamines work -- I don't think so, though. Cyproheptidine is used for a lot of things that other AHs aren't -- mostly things like appetite stimulation for chemo patients, AIDS patients, animals, etc; some other veterinary conditions; etc. Rarely used as an anti-histamine per se, though -- too old, too many newer drugs with fewer side effects.
And, if you have your fun at night, you won't need anything else to help you sleep!
Hope that helps.
This is the end of the thread.
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