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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by rory on September 24, 2005, at 1:54:35
In reply to had to up the dose after withdrawal, posted by HelenR on September 21, 2005, at 20:51:23
I have been on Effexor XR 150 mg's for around 8 years for anxiety/depression. I must say that Effexor saved my life, and its a good drug compared to others I have tried. But I will also say it IS A DRUG. And getting off of it was hard. Ive been off of it for around 3 weeks now. I tapered off over 2 weeks, and the hardest part was the first week on zero. HOWEVER, it is do-able. Everyone is different, and will detox differently. I did want to take more, even considered licking the pills, when it got bad. But I didnt, and it worked. The side effects are gone! There is a lot of advice and specifics that Id love to share if anyone wants it. Oh, and I am not fixed, or cured. I am starting the process of seeking help. Anxiety is a son of a b*tch, and it haunts me still.
Posted by LynnPerley on September 24, 2005, at 7:46:34
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor » LynnPerley, posted by JaneB on September 23, 2005, at 11:34:00
> If you don't mind my asking--what is your age range? I have been researching use of Ritalin for the "more mature" age group. Thanks
I'm 43.
Posted by TinMan on September 24, 2005, at 7:50:18
In reply to Long time user of Effexor » HelenR, posted by LynnPerley on September 22, 2005, at 22:47:41
You know, I had the same experience. I paid a bill late and didn't care. (Trust me when I tell you this is so not me!!) It *woke* me up when I got a call from the creditor wondering where their money was. I was tired of being so lethargic, not caring and wanting to sleep all the time. Plus, the sexual side effects were causing a strain on my already strained marriage.
I had to get pushy, but I finally got the message through to my Psychiatrist that Effexor alone was not working for me. Now I am trying the Wellbutrin 150 mg and Effexor 150 mg combo. I have been on it for almost a week and feel much better, less lethargic and sleepy.
I do get headaches though. I don't know if it because of the taper from 225 mg of Effexor to 150 mg or the Wellbutrin. Plus, sometimes I can feel my heart beating so fast in my chest (see, I do have a heart!)for no reason other than the meds.
Good luck to you that are getting off the meds. I have been reading a lot and going to therapy and marital counseling. It helps A LOT!
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 24, 2005, at 18:01:16
In reply to Actually seems to be working, posted by rory on September 24, 2005, at 1:54:35
> I tapered off over 2 weeks...
Welcome! And sorry if it's confusing here, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding tapering off to Psycho-Babble Withdrawal. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20050822/msgs/559094.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by NicknameRay on September 27, 2005, at 11:21:21
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi there. I'm new to this board - my first post. I was doing some research on Effexor XR and came across this board. I started seeing a therapist a couple months ago for what we've decided is very mild depression. I wanted to stay away from all medication if possible, however, she has led me to believe that a small dose of something might help. So I went to my dr last week and he started me on Effexor XR. (My mom and grandmother take it for anxiety and do well with it - so he thought genetically, it might help me.)
I started it Thursday and only 37.5 mg a day. I feel SO tired - worse than I did before (and the fatigue was one of my earliest complaints). I am constantly yawning.
After reading these posts, I'm scared to death to continue this medication and have decided to do this on my own. I don't have any anxiety and don't think this med is going to help me. Not only that but I already suffer from an extremely low libido - I don't need it to be worse.
My question is, after reading all the horrible withdrawal symptoms people have had - I'm wondering if I'm ok to stop it. I totally understand that the majority of the people withdrawing from it have been on it (and at a higher dose) for a long time, so I may not have any problem at all. Just curious for opinions (I have a call in to my dr and meet with my therapist in an hour) - do you think I can just stop taking it?
Thanks so much!
Posted by HelenR on September 27, 2005, at 11:45:59
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by NicknameRay on September 27, 2005, at 11:21:21
hi nickname Ray
I'm not an expert of course, just another taker of Effexor, but it sounds like you just started taking meds few days ago? I really don't think you need to worry about stopping them, I have always found that it takes several weeks for them to take effect
good luck
Posted by canuck22 on September 27, 2005, at 15:58:51
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by NicknameRay on September 27, 2005, at 11:21:21
I do n ot want to try to influence you because you have already seemed to make your mind up, but you should really try to keep with the effexor for at least 3 weeks. You will not notice any difference in yourself feeling better before then, it takes awhile for it to start working and teh side effects to ear off so it is unfortunate that you are writing it off.
I like you was going to a therapist who suggested I go see a doctor (and she is not an advocate of AD's at all and told me she wouldn't have suggested it unless she really thought it would help). I , also like you was very against the idea of going on an anti-depressant and being tired was the worst symptom I had as well. After about 2 weeks on 37.5 mg of the effexor and 200mg of Wellbutrin (I think it helps with the tiredness, it gives you energy) I felt a world of difference and I am glad I stuck with it. I also had very mild depression which I believe has been present for a number of years and I only got help when it got worse. I just want you to know you do not have to feel even mildly depressed for one day longer, it isn't any way to really experience your life. Hope you don't go through any withdrawls. I went from 75 mg to 37.5 mg without any problem and am hoping it will stay that way. Good Luck
> Hi there. I'm new to this board - my first post. I was doing some research on Effexor XR and came across this board. I started seeing a therapist a couple months ago for what we've decided is very mild depression. I wanted to stay away from all medication if possible, however, she has led me to believe that a small dose of something might help. So I went to my dr last week and he started me on Effexor XR. (My mom and grandmother take it for anxiety and do well with it - so he thought genetically, it might help me.)
>
> I started it Thursday and only 37.5 mg a day. I feel SO tired - worse than I did before (and the fatigue was one of my earliest complaints). I am constantly yawning.
>
> After reading these posts, I'm scared to death to continue this medication and have decided to do this on my own. I don't have any anxiety and don't think this med is going to help me. Not only that but I already suffer from an extremely low libido - I don't need it to be worse.
>
> My question is, after reading all the horrible withdrawal symptoms people have had - I'm wondering if I'm ok to stop it. I totally understand that the majority of the people withdrawing from it have been on it (and at a higher dose) for a long time, so I may not have any problem at all. Just curious for opinions (I have a call in to my dr and meet with my therapist in an hour) - do you think I can just stop taking it?
>
> Thanks so much!
Posted by wildcard on September 27, 2005, at 16:25:45
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by NicknameRay on September 27, 2005, at 11:21:21
Hey there and welcome! I am on Effexor XR and it is the only one to help me. I however, have severe anxiety,severe depressive d/o and PTSD. You said u do not have anxiety but mild depression w/ an already low libido. Although ur doc is correct about the family issue, it may not be the right med. for u BUT, it does take time. The side effects do ease up or go away and then u begin to feel better. Just to let u know, i recently had my doc add Wellbutrin XL along w/ the Effexor b/c it increases energy a good bit and i have been so fatigued lately BUT it is also known to up ones libido quite a bit. U may want to ask about this and also google it. Just some info. that i hope helps. Take care ; )
Posted by LynnPerley on September 27, 2005, at 21:55:29
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by NicknameRay on September 27, 2005, at 11:21:21
Ray - Yawning is a common side effect of Effexor XR and many other antidepressants. It does go away with time. I had it when I took my first antidepressant (Prozac) and between it and the jaw clenching effect I wanted something else - thus I ended up on Effexor.
Are you prescribed Effexor by a primary care physician or a psychiatrist? Psychiatrists have more experience medicating depression, and if your circumstances will allow it, get to one sooner rather than later. Personally, I think I waited too long to switch to a psychiatrist.
If you search this forum using keywords for your particular side effect you will find posts from many people who found different ways to relieve those side effects. Example: I found that Buspar (buspirone) is a cheap and effective medication to decrease the jaw clenching side effect - I took it in the evenings and it helped me sleep better. It did not give me any "hangover" type effect, either. Eventually, this side effect went away. The Buspar was recommended by a psychiatrist. When I complained about this side effect to the family doc who initially gave me a prescription for antidepressants, his solution was to switch to a different medication.
I would think you could give up the Effexor now without feeling much worse than you already do because it does not stay in your system for long, but a professional already thinks you need something in addition to therapy. If you are talking to a family doc now, I suggest you make an appointment with a psychiatrist to continue the process of finding the right medication.
Posted by hevvi1 on September 29, 2005, at 8:01:34
In reply to Effexor and Tiredness?, posted by Ezra666 on September 11, 2005, at 22:41:52
I have just started taking Effexor xr and am currently on 75mg.I have a lot of sweating and can't sleep properly,also i have the jaw clenching thing going on...I was relieved to read that it was not only me who had these side effects.I was wondering if what time of day you take it makes a difference to anything,particularly the sleeplessness,as I take mine in early evening after dinner.Does anyone think I should take it in the morning instead?would this eleviate the sleeplessnes???any input would be helpful....thanks...
Posted by LynnPerley on September 29, 2005, at 8:22:35
In reply to Re: Effexor and Tiredness?, posted by hevvi1 on September 29, 2005, at 8:01:34
> I have just started taking Effexor xr and am currently on 75mg.I have a lot of sweating and can't sleep properly,also i have the jaw clenching thing going on...I was relieved to read that it was not only me who had these side effects.I was wondering if what time of day you take it makes a difference to anything,particularly the sleeplessness,as I take mine in early evening after dinner.Does anyone think I should take it in the morning instead?would this eleviate the sleeplessnes???any input would be helpful....thanks...
I recall having these issues early on and by the time I ramped up to 150mg the tiredness took over and I had no issues sleeping. I switched from taking Effexor in the morning to taking it in the evening.
To more directly answer your question - if you just started and you are ramping up your dose these side effects may only be temporary. If you decide to change the time of day you take it, do so gradually. If you suddenly switch by failing to take it at night you will get the awful symptoms that occur when you forget to take it at all. Gradually take it earlier and earlier in the day rather than just skipping a dose with the intent to take it in the morning.
Posted by gadman on September 29, 2005, at 8:40:43
In reply to Time of day to take Effexor » hevvi1, posted by LynnPerley on September 29, 2005, at 8:22:35
I take mine in the A.M. as early as possible... This seems to help the sleeplessness.
Posted by Britt on September 29, 2005, at 8:55:28
In reply to I'm so glad I finally did this!, posted by Melinda on April 27, 2000, at 14:02:39
I hate taking medications. But, I have an inner saddness that won't go away. I get irritable and tired...I sometimes obsess over work problems, I feel ugly most of the time even though I know I'm not. Paxil helped, but I gained weight and had a serious libido decline (I married a young man and NEED my libido!). I'd almost rather live with the symptoms I have than lose my libido again. It's really the only thing that makes me feel alive sometimes. Does anyone know an antidepressant that does NOT come with sexual dysfunction?
Posted by haddsl on September 29, 2005, at 8:59:21
In reply to Re: Effexor and Tiredness?, posted by hevvi1 on September 29, 2005, at 8:01:34
It is hard to say, I used to take mine in the morning after breakfast, I still couldn't sleep, and had jaw clenching all day, and would grind my teeth in my sleep. I also had the sweating problem, it goes away soon after you get used to the medicine. By The Way... If the sweating thing is really a problem, I use Certain Dry, it comes in a box in the deoderant section. I get mine at Rite-Aid. You put it on at night like a deoderant, and it helps to stop the sweating under your arms at least. I know I used to pour down sweat from everywhere, but this does help, and I use it for heat waves and everything.
> I have just started taking Effexor xr and am currently on 75mg.I have a lot of sweating and can't sleep properly,also i have the jaw clenching thing going on...I was relieved to read that it was not only me who had these side effects.I was wondering if what time of day you take it makes a difference to anything,particularly the sleeplessness,as I take mine in early evening after dinner.Does anyone think I should take it in the morning instead?would this eleviate the sleeplessnes???any input would be helpful....thanks...
Posted by Britt on September 29, 2005, at 9:05:36
In reply to Re: Effexor/ info re: libido » NicknameRay, posted by wildcard on September 27, 2005, at 16:25:45
Wow. Wellbutrin really is a hard medication for those who suffer PTSD (to include agitation). I also am being treated for PTSD (along with anxiety and depression) and I asked about the Wellbutrin because I wanted my libido back after losing it to Paxil. My doc said no. No, he would never prescribe Wellbutrin to those with PTSD because the anger already present due to war and grief would be further agitated. Please research the Wellbutrin to see if this would be true for you. As I asked before, does anyone know of an anti-depressant (besides one that heightens agitation) that does not give us the "salt-peter" effect? LOL.
Posted by haddsl on September 29, 2005, at 9:16:26
In reply to Re: I'm so glad I finally did this!, posted by Britt on September 29, 2005, at 8:55:28
How about a different Med to help you be happier. I am having trouble being happy. I love my life and stuff, I just can't seem to get myself in a good mood, or happy outwardly. Any Suggestions are welcome!> I hate taking medications. But, I have an inner saddness that won't go away. I get irritable and tired...I sometimes obsess over work problems, I feel ugly most of the time even though I know I'm not. Paxil helped, but I gained weight and had a serious libido decline (I married a young man and NEED my libido!). I'd almost rather live with the symptoms I have than lose my libido again. It's really the only thing that makes me feel alive sometimes. Does anyone know an antidepressant that does NOT come with sexual dysfunction?
Posted by wildcard on September 29, 2005, at 9:23:30
In reply to Re: Effexor/ info re: libido, posted by Britt on September 29, 2005, at 9:05:36
Unfortunately, I have not heard of one or taken one except Wellbutrin that did not have that s/effect. I take Effexor Xr and Klonopin. I have severe fatigue and residual depression/anxiety and PTSD as well. I am currently (3rd day) taking 150mg Wellbutrin XL w/ the other two meds.. When i took WButrin alone, I was overagressive and angry so i see where ur doc is coming from BUT everyone reacts differentely to meds. and if the libido issue bothers u that much, maybe approach ur doc about WButrin and an anti anxiety as well? There have been some that have had success w/ an Effexor and Wellbutrin combo along w/ a benzo(xanax,valium,klonopin). Wellbutrin tripled my *normal* libido and now i have a 10 month old beautiful baby boy!! ; ) Just FYI! Take care.
Posted by wildcard on September 29, 2005, at 9:26:30
In reply to Re: I'm so glad I finally did this!, posted by haddsl on September 29, 2005, at 9:16:26
Hey there! It sounds like it cld. be ur serontonin?? What have u tried? I'll try to offer help any way i can! (((hugs)))
Posted by haddsl on September 29, 2005, at 9:32:35
In reply to Re: Effexor/ info re: libido » Britt, posted by wildcard on September 29, 2005, at 9:23:30
You are too cute! Congrats on the baby boy! You are SO lucky! I can not wait for me and my other half to get pregnant. Of coarse my mood change hasn't helped that. I have tried Prozac, and something else I can't remember the name of right now that made me sick, and now Effexor XR. I haven't been trying many different kinds as of yet, but I am getting these from my normal doc, as I have a hard time talking to a phsyciatrist. It is hard for me to open up to those people, has been since I was a kid.
> Unfortunately, I have not heard of one or taken one except Wellbutrin that did not have that s/effect. I take Effexor Xr and Klonopin. I have severe fatigue and residual depression/anxiety and PTSD as well. I am currently (3rd day) taking 150mg Wellbutrin XL w/ the other two meds.. When i took WButrin alone, I was overagressive and angry so i see where ur doc is coming from BUT everyone reacts differentely to meds. and if the libido issue bothers u that much, maybe approach ur doc about WButrin and an anti anxiety as well? There have been some that have had success w/ an Effexor and Wellbutrin combo along w/ a benzo(xanax,valium,klonopin). Wellbutrin tripled my *normal* libido and now i have a 10 month old beautiful baby boy!! ; ) Just FYI! Take care.
Posted by wildcard on September 29, 2005, at 9:35:05
In reply to Re: Effexor and Tiredness?, posted by hevvi1 on September 29, 2005, at 8:01:34
Hey! When i first started taking Effexor Xr, my doc rec. i take it early AM b/c it cld. cause the sleeplessness. As someone else posted, this definately wore off and i have severe fatigue(i could drink an entire pot of STRONG coffee and sleep like i didn't have a worry in the world)! I take 150 in the mid AM 10-11 along w/ my newly added Wellbutrin and another 75 Effexor 2-3PM and it helped somewhat. Take care!
Posted by NicknameRay on September 29, 2005, at 9:39:04
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Man, if I could make a decision, I'd be scary!!! After I posted (thank you for the responses) - I decided maybe I should give it a try and see what happens after 2 weeks.
Then I made the mistake of going through and reading more posts this morning. Now I'm TOTALLY freaked out again. So I think I'm going to stop. My doctor is out of town for 2 wks on vacation so I can't talk to him, but I will when he gets back.
Anyway, where I am. I started the 37.5mg last Thursday for a week and this morning took my first 75mg. I sat there and looked at the damn thing and thought "Do I really want to take this?" but took it. Now I wish I hadn't. I'm wondering if I don't take one tomorrow if I'm going to screw myself up or is it too early to worry about it? Maybe I should try to get another sample pack of 37.5mg and go back down to that and wean from there. I'm so confused and so scared!!!
Any thoughts??? (Besides I'm a neurotic mess??) I'd really appreciate the help!!!
Posted by haddsl on September 29, 2005, at 9:54:52
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? Follow up, posted by NicknameRay on September 29, 2005, at 9:39:04
Ray- How long have you taken it? It takes a while for side effects to go away and after they do it is worth it, it helped me. And if after 2 weeks you still don't like it, then ween off.
> Man, if I could make a decision, I'd be scary!!! After I posted (thank you for the responses) - I decided maybe I should give it a try and see what happens after 2 weeks.
>
> Then I made the mistake of going through and reading more posts this morning. Now I'm TOTALLY freaked out again. So I think I'm going to stop. My doctor is out of town for 2 wks on vacation so I can't talk to him, but I will when he gets back.
>
> Anyway, where I am. I started the 37.5mg last Thursday for a week and this morning took my first 75mg. I sat there and looked at the damn thing and thought "Do I really want to take this?" but took it. Now I wish I hadn't. I'm wondering if I don't take one tomorrow if I'm going to screw myself up or is it too early to worry about it? Maybe I should try to get another sample pack of 37.5mg and go back down to that and wean from there. I'm so confused and so scared!!!
>
> Any thoughts??? (Besides I'm a neurotic mess??) I'd really appreciate the help!!!
Posted by Britt on September 29, 2005, at 10:24:06
In reply to Re: Effexor/ info re: libido » Britt, posted by wildcard on September 29, 2005, at 9:23:30
Well, on the bright side... I could take the Wellbutrin without anything else and start a dominatrix business! LOL! No, seriously, thank you for your input. I will ask my doctor about the combinations you described. It may be the answer I've been searching for. Congratulations on your new little son. What a blessing.
Posted by TinMan on September 29, 2005, at 13:46:21
In reply to Re: Effexor/ info re: libido, posted by Britt on September 29, 2005, at 10:24:06
OK, I have been on 150 Wellbutrin and 150 Effexor going on two weeks now.
I have noticed that I have a lot more energy and am motivated - more like my usual self. My libido is still not where it used to be...and certainly not where I like it to be! I don't feel irritable, in fact, I don't feel much of anything. I feel like I couldn't cry or laugh if I wanted or had to. I dream and remember them now. I don't have the night sweats like I did with the Effexor alone, but today just working around my house, I was sweating buckets! Bizarre...
My Dr. didn't say anything about PTSD and Wellbutrin, so Thanks! for the heads up on the irritability. I like the Dominatrix idea...hehe...
Posted by haddsl on September 29, 2005, at 14:15:33
In reply to Re: Effexor/ info re: libido, posted by TinMan on September 29, 2005, at 13:46:21
I like that Idea too! I need something to help boost my mood. Although I am not depressed per say, I am not happy. And I miss that. Any Ideas?
> OK, I have been on 150 Wellbutrin and 150 Effexor going on two weeks now.
>
> I have noticed that I have a lot more energy and am motivated - more like my usual self. My libido is still not where it used to be...and certainly not where I like it to be! I don't feel irritable, in fact, I don't feel much of anything. I feel like I couldn't cry or laugh if I wanted or had to. I dream and remember them now. I don't have the night sweats like I did with the Effexor alone, but today just working around my house, I was sweating buckets! Bizarre...
>
> My Dr. didn't say anything about PTSD and Wellbutrin, so Thanks! for the heads up on the irritability. I like the Dominatrix idea...hehe...
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