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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Bets43 on October 25, 2005, at 17:46:22
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor, posted by TinMan on October 5, 2005, at 18:52:06
Hi All! I am a 43 year old mother of 4. I have just started Effexor. I have been on Zoloft for a couple of years....I am starting the effexor and dropping the zoloft. Zoloft wasn't to bad especially compared with the paxil I was on for about a year. It made me a ZOMBIE! However, the zoloft seemed to lose it's affectiveness with me and lately I have been extremely anxious, have had some obsessive type symptoms and inability to concentrate in some situations. I was even thinking about suicide MAYBE being a viable option. Luckily, I didn't seriously consider it. I often wonder if my problems have anything to do with the large amount of drugs I took as a teenager and into my early 20's...alcohol too. I do none of that stuff now and haven't for many years but can't help but think I did some harm to myself.....
Posted by chrispy_85 on October 25, 2005, at 22:32:08
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor, posted by Bets43 on October 25, 2005, at 17:46:22
> Hi All! I am a 43 year old mother of 4. I have just started Effexor. I have been on Zoloft for a couple of years....I am starting the effexor and dropping the zoloft. Zoloft wasn't to bad especially compared with the paxil I was on for about a year. It made me a ZOMBIE! However, the zoloft seemed to lose it's affectiveness with me and lately I have been extremely anxious, have had some obsessive type symptoms and inability to concentrate in some situations. I was even thinking about suicide MAYBE being a viable option. Luckily, I didn't seriously consider it. I often wonder if my problems have anything to do with the large amount of drugs I took as a teenager and into my early 20's...alcohol too. I do none of that stuff now and haven't for many years but can't help but think I did some harm to myself.....
hey there,
my name's chris, and i'm only 20, but i can totally relate to your anxiousness. i've had problems with anxiety since i was a kid and i've just started on effexor and zanax a couple of months ago now. i' can't say that i've done a lot of drugs, but i have learned very quickly that alcohol and zanax are not a pleasent mix. when i started taking the zanax, i pretty much had a weekend binge drink and for days afterward, i was completely spaced out. almost like you said, like a zombie. but i've been on 150mg daily effexor xr now for about 2 months and it is making a noticable difference in my anxiety level. it's just that with the zanax combined with it, i'm tired all the time, which i'm starting to learn to live with, but i'm sure you'll adjust to the effexor and it'll definately do you some good. good luck!-chris
Posted by spierson1253 on October 25, 2005, at 22:47:17
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I am new to Effexor. 37.5 mg.
And very wary.
All this talk of withdrawal doesn't sound good to me.
But we've tried everything all my life, and the problem always returns.Was awake sweating, freezing, sweating, freezing all night, but still got up feeling rested.
It did not alleviate my panic drive across town this afternoon, but then I've only taken it one night. There should be an early warning system when I am forced out on the road. (I was t-boned on my driver's side while in my truck a year ago, totalled my truck and busted up my ribs really bad, and that feeling of eminent disaster/doom still hasn't gone away.)
Will have to be careful with the appetite decrease, as I am a Type II Diabetic.
I am also hoping this will help with the extreme outbreaks of screaming anger. I feel so sorry for people afterwards, the guilt is killing me.
Thanks to all of you for just being here. I don't think that here I will hear "why don't you just get over it".
Posted by LynnPerley on October 25, 2005, at 23:38:14
In reply to New to Effexor, posted by spierson1253 on October 25, 2005, at 22:47:17
> I am new to Effexor. 37.5 mg.
> And very wary.
> All this talk of withdrawal doesn't sound good to me.
> But we've tried everything all my life, and the problem always returns.
>
> Was awake sweating, freezing, sweating, freezing all night, but still got up feeling rested.
>
> It did not alleviate my panic drive across town this afternoon, but then I've only taken it one night. There should be an early warning system when I am forced out on the road. (I was t-boned on my driver's side while in my truck a year ago, totalled my truck and busted up my ribs really bad, and that feeling of eminent disaster/doom still hasn't gone away.)
>
> Will have to be careful with the appetite decrease, as I am a Type II Diabetic.
>
> I am also hoping this will help with the extreme outbreaks of screaming anger. I feel so sorry for people afterwards, the guilt is killing me.
>
> Thanks to all of you for just being here. I don't think that here I will hear "why don't you just get over it".You won't hear that in this forum.
I assume you are slowly ramping up your dose. You should see improvement in your anxiety soon. I think the appetite decrease goes away as soon as your stomach adjusts to the medicine. Besure and use a natural laxative like Citrucel if you need one.
Posted by autumrose on October 25, 2005, at 23:55:29
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by lg on November 7, 1999, at 19:55:10
I've been using Effexor 112.5 for about three years now. It has helped me. I did try Remeron before that but gave it a bad review as I was switched from Paxil to Remeron and experienced terrible aggitation, anxiety was jittery and felt "out of body" strange sensations.
However a great thing about it was increased libido. (Currently I have none).However, having missed a day or two a couple of times of Effexor I had the same kind of feelings that I experienced switching to Remeron. No now I'm thinking that maybe the dose was too low going from Paxil to Remeron and therefore I had those symptoms thinking it was Remeron.
Because of the effect on libido, I would be interested in giving Remeron another try, or as I saw in another post perhaps mix the two.
Anyone else experience increased libido benefits from Remeron?
Posted by Chrispy_85 on October 26, 2005, at 8:01:27
In reply to New to Effexor, posted by spierson1253 on October 25, 2005, at 22:47:17
> I am new to Effexor. 37.5 mg.
> And very wary.
> All this talk of withdrawal doesn't sound good to me.
> But we've tried everything all my life, and the problem always returns.
>
> Was awake sweating, freezing, sweating, freezing all night, but still got up feeling rested.
>
> It did not alleviate my panic drive across town this afternoon, but then I've only taken it one night. There should be an early warning system when I am forced out on the road. (I was t-boned on my driver's side while in my truck a year ago, totalled my truck and busted up my ribs really bad, and that feeling of eminent disaster/doom still hasn't gone away.)
>
> Will have to be careful with the appetite decrease, as I am a Type II Diabetic.
>
> I am also hoping this will help with the extreme outbreaks of screaming anger. I feel so sorry for people afterwards, the guilt is killing me.
>
> Thanks to all of you for just being here. I don't think that here I will hear "why don't you just get over it".hey there,
i can't say that i'm an expert on effexor, as i have only been on it for a couple of months...i'm on 150mg now. i had those night chills and sweats as well for the first couple of weeks i was on it. i still have trouble sleeping...i usually wake around 2am and am very restless and have to wander around for an hour or so before i can get back to sleep. this is my first shot at treating my anxiety and panic attacks with meds, but i have noticed that the effexor does help reduce the anxiety, but i do feel like my emotions have just disappeared. i just feel very neutral all of the time. but then again, i am on zanax as well to help with my attacks, so that could also contribute to it.
That car accident sounds like a tough thing to deal with. i can imagine it would be very scary for you. we're always here for you though. just remember that. As for the food thing--do be very careful to make sure you eat. i have to write myself notes to remind me to eat my meals because i just don't get hungry anymore. and i can understand that it is a much more serious matter with diabetes. my ex girlfriend's little brother has it(i know it was the worse of the two kinds), and i remember her mother calling us every morning from work to make sure that we woke him up. i don't want to rant on forever but feel free to babblemail me anytime and just remember, we're all the smae here.-chris
Posted by spierson1253 on October 26, 2005, at 10:47:29
In reply to Long time user » spierson1253, posted by LynnPerley on October 25, 2005, at 23:38:14
Thank you for the heads up on the laxative. I think I'm seeing the tummy thing could be a problem. Went back on the Prilosec yesterday and that is helping lots.
Posted by Zinger on October 26, 2005, at 11:36:54
In reply to Effexor Sexual Side effects, posted by mainjump on October 11, 2005, at 16:31:27
Hi, I was just put on Effexor yesterday to help with "hot flashes". Has anyone taken it for this and if so has it helped?? Thanks for the input.
Debi
Posted by spierson1253 on October 26, 2005, at 11:45:59
In reply to Re: Effexor Sexual Side effects, posted by Zinger on October 26, 2005, at 11:36:54
For hot flashes? It causes hot flashes in me. And from what I've heard, it's a complaint from a lot of users.
You will have to let me know if it works.
Posted by Zinger on October 26, 2005, at 12:01:28
In reply to Re: Effexor Sexual Side effects » Zinger, posted by spierson1253 on October 26, 2005, at 11:45:59
In reading some of the posts, I saw that it seems to cause them rather than get rid of them. Makes me wonder.............
Posted by 4wd on October 26, 2005, at 15:08:36
In reply to Re: Effexor Sexual Side effects, posted by Zinger on October 26, 2005, at 11:36:54
> Hi, I was just put on Effexor yesterday to help with "hot flashes". Has anyone taken it for this and if so has it helped?? Thanks for the input.
> DebiHi. I wasn't taking Effexor specifically for hot flashes and I didn't really notice it helping. HOWEVER...when I stopped Effexor my hot flashes got noticeably worse, so I guess it really was helping.
Marsha
Posted by TinMan on October 26, 2005, at 20:57:51
In reply to Re: Effexor Sexual Side effects » Zinger, posted by 4wd on October 26, 2005, at 15:08:36
When I first started Effexor, I got horrible "night sweats" and doing any sort of physical work caused me to sweat in a most embarassing way. Now, after being on Effexor for almost 5 months, the sweating is not at bad, at least not at night.
Previously, I used to like a warmer room rather than a cold one. Now, I like the cold room. The oncoming winter and colder weather is, for the first time in my life, a good thing. Is this menopause? The Effexor? For me, I really don't think that Effexor would work for hot flashes.
My appetite has increased and I have gained weight. The Citrucel is a must and sometimes, it doesn't work that well, for me.
And no, on this board, I really don't think anyone will tell you "to get over it" or to "just deal with it". One thread we may all have in common is that our own hardships have made us aware that it is not simply a moral weakness, a thought to wish away or a feeling to discard and replace with something more "appropriate".
I, too, have had the angry, ragings and feel so guilty afterwards. Effexor definitely helps there. Paxil, for me, made the ragings more frequent and violent. PTSD? Anyway, if a side effect of getting off Effexor is rage attacks, well, then I don't think I will be getting off Effexor anytime soon.
My rusted two cents worth...-TinMan
Posted by SandiDee on October 27, 2005, at 6:34:29
In reply to Re: Effexor Sexual Side effects, posted by TinMan on October 26, 2005, at 20:57:51
I also suffer from hot flashes since starting the effexor in june. I am warm quite a bit, and sleeping has become difficult because of the sweats. The constipation continues to be a battle, I have had to increase my fiber intake greatly. I haven't gained any weight since starting effexor, I have actually lost 6 lbs. since july, and some might say I don't need to, but I feel better with the weight off. The sexual side effects have lessened dramatically since I started wellbutrin, it really helped alot. This thread has been a great place for me, although I don't know anyone here, I feel comfortable, and understood when I am here. It's hard to find that feeling otherwise, which is truly sad.
Posted by spierson1253 on October 27, 2005, at 19:03:42
In reply to Re: Effexor Sexual Side effects, posted by SandiDee on October 27, 2005, at 6:34:29
I felt the same way less than a week ago. There are some wonderful people here. It hasn't made all the issues go away, but it has made things a lot easier to deal with.
Posted by Mim on October 28, 2005, at 6:30:04
In reply to Re: Effexor Sexual Side effects » SandiDee, posted by spierson1253 on October 27, 2005, at 19:03:42
> I felt the same way less than a week ago. There are some wonderful people here. It hasn't made all the issues go away, but it has made things a lot easier to deal with.
It is really great to read this, it makes me feel less alone and less crazy. TinMan, I am glad to hear about the rage and anger and guilt, I thought I was the only one in the world who was that distructive. I wish I COULD just "deal with it" or "not overreact" but I can't. It isn't a choice, and I think I will probably be on something forever.
I wish all of you lots of strength in dealing with everything, thank you thank you thank you
Posted by TinMan on October 28, 2005, at 18:33:09
In reply to Re: Effexor Sexual Side effects, posted by Mim on October 28, 2005, at 6:30:04
Yes, thank you thank you thank you to all who post here! It has honestly been a Godsend for me; to know that I am not alone in these kinds of struggles and battles with myself.
I hate my "hair trigger" and my "flying off the handle" traits. Some of you can relate to how most difficult it is to change them.
Honestly, if it were only as simple as going to see "the Wizard"...or taking a pill...but it isn't. That does not mean I will stop trying to change; it just means that I recognize how terribly difficult it is.
Life is messy. It just is. And that is okay.
I do have a heart I do I do! -TinMan
Posted by IvyxClash on October 30, 2005, at 3:52:49
In reply to Re: Effexor Sexual Side effects, posted by Zinger on October 26, 2005, at 11:36:54
I assure you, it's much better to have hot flashes than to be on a medication for anti-depressants. Effexor is expensive and has very unpleasant side effects for some people. The withdrawal symptoms that you will experience will be worse than what you started with.
It blows my mind that any doctor would give someone an anti-depressant for hot flashes. It sounds like more than a few doctors have done that. If I were you, I would SERIOUSLY consider getting a second opinion.
Posted by IvyxClash on October 30, 2005, at 4:00:54
In reply to Re: Effexor Sexual Side effects » Zinger, posted by 4wd on October 26, 2005, at 15:08:36
> Hi. I wasn't taking Effexor specifically for hot flashes and I didn't really notice it helping. HOWEVER...when I stopped Effexor my hot flashes got noticeably worse, so I guess it really was helping.
>
> Marshathe hot flashes got worse due to withdrawel i'm sure, and not necessarily because the effexor was helping that. i would think that you would notice an improvement when taking it, and then a decline, if it was helping after all.
Posted by spierson1253 on October 30, 2005, at 19:33:21
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Tomorrow I go back in for my first week follow-up after taking Effexor (37.5 mg). It frightens me that it appears to be next impossible to ever stop taking without a drastic return of the symptoms. I'm not sure if this is from the med itself, but I've noticed that around 11am-1pm anxiety starts to set in. Starts with the knotting stomach and sweaty palms. By late afternoon I'm close to panic attacks. Is this effect just a symptom of the med wearing off, or is it still a symptom of the illness that put me on the med in the first place? Anyone have a theory for this? Thanks . . .
Posted by tlryan21 on November 1, 2005, at 6:46:18
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I've been taking effexor for almost three years now and have found it to be very helpful. I don't suffer any panic attacks or anxiety and my emotions have become stable. My only problem is forgetting to take my med and finding the next day to be violently ill. I am nauseous and dizzy, feeling as though there are little pins being stuck in my body. I have recently gone from a full dose (150mg) to half of that (75mg). I am almost afraid to completely go off of it due to the feelings I get forgetting a dose. It doesn't seem as though my doctor believes me, that this is coming from the meds and not from something else. Does anyone else get these symptoms?
Posted by SMMM on November 1, 2005, at 9:59:19
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by tlryan21 on November 1, 2005, at 6:46:18
I've been on Effexor for about a month and a half now and I feel a little better, however I cannot sleep. The doc put me on Trazodone to help sleep, which it does, but that's about it. I sleep, but I am ridiculously exhausted all day. This is sooo frustrating. I also have a permanent headache. It's more like a pressure headache. Does anyone else have these symptoms? Any advice?
Posted by Chrispy_85 on November 1, 2005, at 11:06:44
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by SMMM on November 1, 2005, at 9:59:19
> I've been on Effexor for about a month and a half now and I feel a little better, however I cannot sleep. The doc put me on Trazodone to help sleep, which it does, but that's about it. I sleep, but I am ridiculously exhausted all day. This is sooo frustrating. I also have a permanent headache. It's more like a pressure headache. Does anyone else have these symptoms? Any advice?
>hey there,
when i started taking effexor, i had, and still have the sleeping problem. but apparently, according to my doctor, i can't take the sleeping pills because i am also on zanax. i never have headaches, but i am constantly exhausted, most likely from lack of sleep. anyways, i don't know if this helps at all, but anyways, there it is.
-chris
Posted by Mim on November 1, 2005, at 15:26:28
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by SMMM on November 1, 2005, at 9:59:19
> I've been on Effexor for about a month and a half now and I feel a little better, however I cannot sleep. The doc put me on Trazodone to help sleep, which it does, but that's about it. I sleep, but I am ridiculously exhausted all day. This is sooo frustrating. I also have a permanent headache. It's more like a pressure headache. Does anyone else have these symptoms? Any advice?
> What time of day do you take your meds? I have found that if I take them at night I am up at 4am sharp every day. If I take them in the morning I am fine...really fine. At the moment I am on a super high dossage and have to take it morning and evening...so I know I will wake up way too early. Advise? Go to bed early, try to relax about being awake..just lie in bed and rest. Your body needs the rest even if your mind is already up and going. Be good to yourself. Lots of luck!!
Posted by TinMan on November 2, 2005, at 7:41:43
In reply to Re: Effexor Sexual Side effects » Zinger, posted by IvyxClash on October 30, 2005, at 3:52:49
Was the Effexor prescribed just for hot flashes?
Gosh, the "things" my Mom forgot to tell me about periomenopause and menopause! The depression, the mood swings, the irritability, the anxiety, the weight gain, the hot flashes, the night sweats...I could go on. Not to mention that old, nagging thing: losing one's youth and "productiveness". Personally, I think it is a big deal that has been overlooked in the past.
It took a while for the Effexor to "kick in" for me. It helps a little with the hot flashes and night sweats. It does help immensely with the mood swings and irritability.
No, it doesn't make wrinkles or gray hair go away, at least not yet.
~Tin"Man"
Posted by TinMan on November 2, 2005, at 7:53:11
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by SMMM on November 1, 2005, at 9:59:19
After about 2 months of being on Effexor (225 mg.), I became sleepy all the time! I could sleep 24/7. I had absolutely no motivation and was so lethargic. I was also taking 15 mg. of Remeron at night. I was also hungry most of the time.
Now, after talking to my prescribing Dr., I take 75 mg. of Effexor with Wellbutrin in the a.m. and 75 mg. of Effexor with 7.5 mg. of Remeron at night. The Wellbutrin helps me with the sexual side effects, the sleepiness (lethargic), and the hunger.
I am thinking about not taking the Remeron at night to see if now I can sleep without it.
No, I didn't have any significant side effects from dropping from 225 mg. to 150 mg. of Effexor. BUT, I find that I do obsess more about "things" on the lesser dose. You know, like: "What did he/she mean by that?!?" kind of stuff. If I find myself doing that sort of thing too much, I take an extra 75 mg. of Effexor in the morning instead of the Wellbutrin.
Anyway, I hope this helps.
~TinMan
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