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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by stormieRN on November 2, 2005, at 17:25:00
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » TinMan, posted by spierson1253 on November 2, 2005, at 10:10:47
Hi new to the board and new to effexor XR. Just stopped prozac, what a nightmare, in more ways then one. Comforting to hear others experience the same things. Some times I feel my family thinks I'm crazy....also gives me a different perspective on my past patients that I thought wee just "drug seekers" and hopefully the understanding for future patients. Very sorry for that. Higher Powers have a way of humbling people. Look forward to more postings and not feeling alone.
Posted by Graceneeded on November 2, 2005, at 20:48:47
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by stormieRN on November 2, 2005, at 17:25:00
Why did you stop Prozac? Why are you taking Effexor?
Posted by 4wd on November 2, 2005, at 21:46:38
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » TinMan, posted by spierson1253 on November 2, 2005, at 10:10:47
> Gosh. Listening to you guys rattle off drug names, dosages, etc. makes me feel like such a baby. Right now, I'm just thankful the doctor gave me something that actually appears to be working.
>
> I think I said this somewhere before . . . Women: have your hormones checked, even if you think you're too young to need them -- HRT can help wonders, if that is indeed the problem!
>
> The thing I'm having problems with is teeth-clenchinig. To the point my jaw will lock closed -- or the muscles/nerves around the jaw joint will spasm and I have to hold my jaw in place until it passes. It's something I've always had a mild problem with, now it's chronic. Any theories/suggestions?
I've heard Buspar can help with the jaw clenching but I've never tried it. I've read where others on this board successfully treated it with low doses of Klonopin at bedtime. For me, it's not jaw clenching, it's shoulder and neck muscle clenching. I guess it's approximately the same thing, though. Dividing my doses of Celexa has helped a bit - taking half a dose twice a day instead of all at once.Marsha
Posted by TinMan on November 2, 2005, at 22:08:13
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » TinMan, posted by spierson1253 on November 2, 2005, at 10:10:47
For the jaw clenching, I have taken Clonazepam (anti-seizure drug related to Valium). That helps quite a bit but I don't like the "spacey" feelings while on it. Also, getting off of the drug was a little hard for me. I do understand that it can be addictive because it does belong to the Valium group. I didn't care for the "out of it" feeling or the headaches when getting off the drug.
I didn't know too much about different prescriptions. I still don't, but want to be an informed consumer and patient as to what I am being prescribed and how it might affect me. This is after having a truly horrible period of time while on Paxil. (Because what works for me may not work for the next person.)
-TinMan
Posted by TinMan on November 2, 2005, at 22:24:25
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by stormieRN on November 2, 2005, at 17:25:00
Hi StormieRN and welcome. What happened while on Prozac? So far, how are you doing on Effexor? You are not alone. Hopefully, this Board will be as helpful to you as it is for me.
Posted by WendyC79 on November 2, 2005, at 23:30:26
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain , posted by newgirl on April 18, 2000, at 10:46:14
I was just put on Effexor XR today. I was on Elavil but it was not working. Before that I was on Lexapro, it was doing good for about a week but my insurance didnt cover it. Right now they have me on Effexor RX 75 mg. How long does it take to notice the change? My dr said I can take it either at night or during the day. What would be better. I took it tonight but I have read that sometimes it keeps people up. I have alot of trouble sleeping as it is. Any info would help. Thanks
Posted by Mim on November 3, 2005, at 3:26:42
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain, posted by WendyC79 on November 2, 2005, at 23:30:26
> I was just put on Effexor XR today. I was on Elavil but it was not working. Before that I was on Lexapro, it was doing good for about a week but my insurance didnt cover it. Right now they have me on Effexor RX 75 mg. How long does it take to notice the change? My dr said I can take it either at night or during the day. What would be better. I took it tonight but I have read that sometimes it keeps people up. I have alot of trouble sleeping as it is. Any info would help. Thanks
Hi Wendy,Welcome to the site!! I would take it in the morning, I found that I couldn't sleep when i took it at night. I think it will take 6 weeks before you really can judge the effect. A number of people have mentioned a stiff jaw...I have that too, but I have no idea what to do about it (perhaps chew gum?). I am a heck of alot less informed than I should be...but I am reasonably stable and really can't complain.
All the best!
Posted by Bets43 on November 3, 2005, at 7:58:37
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain, posted by Mim on November 3, 2005, at 3:26:42
I hated Paxil...It did make me gain weight and made me puffy. When I look at pictures taken of me during the time I was on Paxil I look wiped out. It made me a zombie...I had no feelings.
Then I later got on Zoloft which I liked. NO lethargy problems :} However, I seemed to develop a tolerance. I did not want to go up a dose. I think I do better on smaller doses, just enough to cut through and give me a little help.
I have been on the effexor a little over a week. Just got on 75 mg 2 days ago...Found myself awake at 2:30 for about an hour :} I agree with what someone else said, just relax-I did fall back asleep. Another symptom I have is yucky taste in my mouth!
I am thinking if I keep waking up that I will switch to morning instead of dinner time for my dose. Does anyone know if it will cause a problem to switch? I will have to affectively double my dose one day and go back to one dose the next....
Posted by stormieRN on November 3, 2005, at 8:23:11
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain, posted by Bets43 on November 3, 2005, at 7:58:37
Prozac, after a month, the symptoms got worse daily, i.e. dry mouth, NO sexual desire (and I'm a newly wed), tremors of the extremities, anxiety even w/ my xanax....I could go on but they were very unpleasent. But, everyone is different. Medicene is all trail and error, unfortuantely. Dr's or nurse's are not perfect, they just try different things to see what will work right with your chemical make up. Hopefully, educating you at the same time on what to look for in the event it's not right for you. This support group is wonderful. Different insights and opinions are interesting and helpful. I look forward to more postings.
Posted by tlryan21 on November 3, 2005, at 9:03:16
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain, posted by stormieRN on November 3, 2005, at 8:23:11
When I started Effexor, I didn't have any sleeping problems, in fact, before I started it I did. I have been taking mine in the evening and have not had any of the waking up in the night as have others. I do know, if I miss a dose, I have some disturbing dreams that night. I was taking it during the day for a bit, but for some reason, didn't like the way I felt (i.e., nausea, headaches), so I changed back to the evening. I tried Zoloft, but it didn't help me at all. From what I understand, and you may want to double-check this, Effexor works on two chemicals in the brain, and others, like Zoloft, work only on one. In all actuality, I have been happy with Effexor and the results that I have had. Yes, it did take a while before I felt better, (3-4 weeks), but knowing that every day I was one step closer made it worth it. I did gain about 10 pounds on Effexor, but I know I can get rid of that if I really try. And I have also had sexual side effects (not really wanting to). I was told these would ease up in time but I haven't found that to be true for me. I'm not happy havng to take any kind of meds (I also have Rheumatoid Arthritis), but I need all that I take to be functional. I don't want to go back to where I was before. I was taking 150mg Effexor for about a year, and went down to 75mg recently. I have noticed some things different, but not so that I want to go back up. Also, I understand that when you are going off Effexor, you need to do it very slowly.
Posted by spierson1253 on November 3, 2005, at 11:45:05
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » spierson1253, posted by 4wd on November 2, 2005, at 21:46:38
You mean -- okay, when I'm sitting and trying to relax, my whole body will knot up -- not tense up, mind you -- I can quite literally feel the muscles twist into knots. It starts in my legs, works up through my hips and back, and then into shoulders,arms and neck. Depending on how well I slept, my teeth may be clenched on waking, but in the past week, I can be up almost 15 minutes sometimes, before it starts. And my jaws aren't locking anymore, I can now feel the jaw muscles start their "thing" and I can try to relax it by sheer will. I will discuss this with my doc on Monday, now that I know it's not just me. Thank you.
Posted by tlryan21 on November 3, 2005, at 12:57:55
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by spierson1253 on November 3, 2005, at 11:45:05
It's funny, but I remember when I first started Effexor I'd be clenching my teeth and grinding them at night, something that I never did before, so I don't think it's just you. I've never had the muscle tension that you mentioned though. I thought at the time I was just stressed out at work. I'd even woke my boyfriend a number of times with the grinding, he said it was so loud. I haven't had this happen in a long time, I've been on the Effexor about 2 1/2 years now.
Posted by cablegirl on November 3, 2005, at 13:22:37
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by spierson1253 on November 3, 2005, at 11:45:05
>Hey there.....
Doctor just switched me to 75 mg Effexor XR yesterday. After taking 10 mg Lexapro for 3 months and gaining 12 VERY UNWANTED pounds!!! I felt absoultely wonderful on the Lexapro and am a bit hesitant about switching to the Effexor, but the doctor wanted to see if it would keep me happy without the extra pounds!!! I've read that one of the "side effects" of Effexor could be weight loss and/or loss of appetite.....I sure hope so....
Has anyone experienced weight loss from any anti-depressant. I want to be happy.....NOT fat & happy!!!!!!!
Posted by cablegirl on November 3, 2005, at 14:59:18
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain, posted by stormieRN on November 3, 2005, at 8:23:11
Hey there.....
Doctor just switched me to 75 mg Effexor after 3 months of being on 10 mg Lexapro and packing on 12 VERY UNWANTED pounds!!! I kinda hate to switch, because mentally I have felt absoulutely WONDERFUL on the Lexapro.....but I cannot handle the weight gain! HELP!!!
I want to be HAPPY....not fat & happy!!! Is there any anti-depressant that will decrease my appetite and not make me fat?????
Posted by TinMan on November 3, 2005, at 19:44:06
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain, posted by cablegirl on November 3, 2005, at 14:59:18
Well, AD's are different for every different person. While on Effexor and Remeron, I have gained weight. Some on here have lost weight with the Effexor. It depends on a lot of things.
Did you want to change AD's or did your Dr. recommend that you change? (Personally, I would rather be "fat and happy".)
One thing that I have noticed with the Effexor after being on it for a few months: I have a genuine happiness in being alive. Now, that may sound really weird, but I haven't felt that way for quite some time. I guess it is one of those things you don't notice it being gone until you get it back.
For what it is worth...
-TinMan
Posted by 4wd on November 3, 2005, at 23:10:16
In reply to Is there an anti-depressnt that WONT make me fat?, posted by cablegirl on November 3, 2005, at 13:22:37
> >Hey there.....
>
> Doctor just switched me to 75 mg Effexor XR yesterday. After taking 10 mg Lexapro for 3 months and gaining 12 VERY UNWANTED pounds!!! I felt absoultely wonderful on the Lexapro and am a bit hesitant about switching to the Effexor, but the doctor wanted to see if it would keep me happy without the extra pounds!!! I've read that one of the "side effects" of Effexor could be weight loss and/or loss of appetite.....I sure hope so....
>
> Has anyone experienced weight loss from any anti-depressant. I want to be happy.....NOT fat & happy!!!!!!!
I have been very fortunate in that no SSRI has ever made me gain weight. In fact, Celexa, Lexapro and Effexor kind of dampened my appetite. I'm a recovering bulimic and I remember when I switched to Celexa, within two weeks my urge to binge and purge just kind of dissipated. When I later stopped it, the binge purge thing came right back.Cymbalta didn't make me gain weight either. I got so nervous I couldn't eat at all.
I know it's different for everyone. For some people, Celexa made them gain. It made me not hungry at all. It still has that effect. Basically, you just have to try them one by one and see what works. You might as well put their names in a hat and draw one out to decide what to start with.
Marsha
Posted by hevvi1 on November 4, 2005, at 7:03:04
In reply to Re: Is there an anti-depressnt that WONT make me fat? » cablegirl, posted by 4wd on November 3, 2005, at 23:10:16
I have been on Effexor xr for about 6 weeks now,and I must say it has killed my appetite and I have lost about 6 pounds already.People are starting to comment on the weight loss.I just don't pig out like I used to.I think its an effect of the drug rather than an effect of the way I feel now,as I can eat but only in very small portions.I feel full very quickly.I agree with the feelings about being happy to be alive.I too,feel that now for the first time in at least 3 years.I do have some side effects with Effexor,being the jaw clenching(I can deal with that now,its only right after I yawn,which is always when I wake up:same thing every morning, which is how I know its the Effexor),also I can't seem to reach orgasm as easily,I seem to get nearly there but can't quite get over the last bit,so to speak ,I CAN orgasm but it takes a lot of effort.I too wake up in the night.I take Effexor after my evening meal and I usually wake up around 2 or 3.I can relax and go back to sleep fairly easily.That said,although these might sound like a lot of problems,they are nothing in comparison to how much better I feel overall.Effexor has been a life saver for me,my family and my marriage.
Posted by cablegirl on November 4, 2005, at 12:01:27
In reply to Re: Is there an anti-depressnt that WONT make me fat?, posted by hevvi1 on November 4, 2005, at 7:03:04
Thanks for all the replys....to "hevvil"...what dosage of Effexor are you on if you don't mind be asking. Have you ever had a problem with your weight???
Thanks
Posted by Tristen on November 5, 2005, at 19:36:01
In reply to Re: JUST STARTED TAKING EFFEXOR XR, posted by Dean on April 15, 2000, at 16:41:13
I'm on the 5th day of taking Effexor. I have been getting sleepy, nausiated,dizzy,blurred vision and some anxiety. The first few days were the worst but it's starting to fade off. I was kinda scared about taking it at first but my doctor told me to tuff it out because the side effects should go away and it will benefit me in the long run. From what I hear the drug has helped some people to have a normal life and for me I've never known what that could feel like. So I am going to stick it out and see where it takes me.
Posted by hevvi1 on November 6, 2005, at 14:11:55
In reply to Re: Is there an anti-depressnt that WONT make me fat?, posted by cablegirl on November 4, 2005, at 12:01:27
I was on 37.5mg for first 4 days and then doubled it to 75mg which I take in the evening now.I have never really been fat but I have a hell of an appetite and before starting the effexor I was kindof chubbyish,I am 5 ft 8 and weighed 160 so I was filled out, but because I was tall I could carry it off.I was starting to get depressed about my size though as I used to be a lot smaller.I am now shedding pounds as the effexor kills my appetite.That on its own makes me feel better..don;t give it up,I feel like a new person.
Posted by cablegirl on November 7, 2005, at 13:58:23
In reply to Re: Is there an anti-depressnt that WONT make me fat?, posted by hevvi1 on November 6, 2005, at 14:11:55
> I was on 37.5mg for first 4 days and then doubled it to 75mg which I take in the evening now.I have never really been fat but I have a hell of an appetite and before starting the effexor I was kindof chubbyish,I am 5 ft 8 and weighed 160 so I was filled out, but because I was tall I could carry it off.I was starting to get depressed about my size though as I used to be a lot smaller.I am now shedding pounds as the effexor kills my appetite.That on its own makes me feel better..don;t give it up,I feel like a new person.
>
Hi there,
Thanks for the encouragement! I will hang in there. On 75 mg I felt really tired and didn't notice a change in my appetite, but on 150 mg. I don't feel sleepy and don't have much of an appettite. I am also 5' 8" and was 175 before starting Lexapro in July and am now up to 189....hopefully the Effexor will help keep me happy and get those extra pounds off!!!
Thanks again for the positive feedback & good luck to you too!!!
Cablegirl
Posted by SandiDee on November 7, 2005, at 17:52:36
In reply to Re: Is there an anti-depressnt that WONT make me fat?, posted by cablegirl on November 7, 2005, at 13:58:23
Hi Everyone :) I just wanted to add my 2 cents worth on the Effexor side effects. Last Fri. my Dr. and I decided I needed an increase in my Effexor, I am currently taking 225 mg. (was at 150 mg.) effexor, and 150 mg. of wellbutrin. The dry mouth is ANNOYING the heck out of me, I have noticed some jaw clenching, but nothing major, I sleep great with the aid of 2 tylenol pm, and 2 very troubled foster children. My life is chaotic at best, with many personal heartbreaks that don't seem to be ending. I have lost some weight, about 6 lbs., I feel better about it. Back in June when my Dr. suggested effexor I had serious hesitations, but once I found this board I felt much better about what I needed to do. I am glad I started the effexor, and the wellbutrin to counter the side effects, it has definately helped me through some very difficult times, with more to come. Effexor may not be right for everyone, I got lucky the first time, and for that I am greatful. I only hope others can find the help they need, when they need it. This board has also been a healer for me, knowing I'm not alone, reading others feelings, it has helped so much, and for that I say Thank You to all of you.
Sandi
Posted by Cynicho on November 8, 2005, at 13:25:00
In reply to Is there an anti-depressnt that WONT make me fat?, posted by cablegirl on November 3, 2005, at 13:22:37
I'm so relieved to read others who stuggle with weight gain and ad's. I too gained a quick 18 unwanted pounds from Lexapro. Prozac had the same effect. I finally found a doctor who didn't try to convince me that ad's don't cause weight gain (%^&*#$, they DO for some people). She put me on 37.5 effexor, to go to 75mg within 2 weeks. I've been on it one week and feel sooo much better. I think I have a shot at no weight gain, as my appetite has fallen off, and I am not obsessing about food. The things I've read about getting off of Effexor are kind of scary though.
Hey there.....
>
> Doctor just switched me to 75 mg Effexor XR yesterday. After taking 10 mg Lexapro for 3 months and gaining 12 VERY UNWANTED pounds!!! I felt absoultely wonderful on the Lexapro and am a bit hesitant about switching to the Effexor, but the doctor wanted to see if it would keep me happy without the extra pounds!!! I've read that one of the "side effects" of Effexor could be weight loss and/or loss of appetite.....I sure hope so....
>
> Has anyone experienced weight loss from any anti-depressant. I want to be happy.....NOT fat & happy!!!!!!!
Posted by Gertrude on November 8, 2005, at 19:10:51
In reply to Re: Is there an anti-depressnt that WONT make me fat?, posted by Cynicho on November 8, 2005, at 13:25:00
> I'm so relieved to read others who stuggle with weight gain and ad's. I too gained a quick 18 unwanted pounds from Lexapro. Prozac had the same effect. I finally found a doctor who didn't try to convince me that ad's don't cause weight gain (%^&*#$, they DO for some people). She put me on 37.5 effexor, to go to 75mg within 2 weeks. I've been on it one week and feel sooo much better. I think I have a shot at no weight gain, as my appetite has fallen off, and I am not obsessing about food. The things I've read about getting off of Effexor are kind of scary though.
>
> Hey there.....
> >
> > Doctor just switched me to 75 mg Effexor XR yesterday. After taking 10 mg Lexapro for 3 months and gaining 12 VERY UNWANTED pounds!!! I felt absoultely wonderful on the Lexapro and am a bit hesitant about switching to the Effexor, but the doctor wanted to see if it would keep me happy without the extra pounds!!! I've read that one of the "side effects" of Effexor could be weight loss and/or loss of appetite.....I sure hope so....
> >
> > Has anyone experienced weight loss from any anti-depressant. I want to be happy.....NOT fat & happy!!!!!!!
>
> Has anyone gained a large amount on Effexor? I was on Paxil for 9 years and gained a very unwanted 35 lbs...now trying to take off and doc says that this should help...anyone know anything about this? THANKS!
Posted by spierson1253 on November 8, 2005, at 20:40:13
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Okay, I got my come-uppance yesterday. I've been reading what all of you have been writing, and I've been horried at times, of all the other drugs you have to take because of and/or in conjuction with, the Affexor. I was telling the doctor how I could tell when I was close to the next does because anxiety would start to set it. He harrumphed and told me it was time-released, and that the anxiety was not from the that. And he wrote me an additional Rx for Xanax. Which he then informs me is very addictive. I am feeling better on the Effexor, as it doesn't turn me into a veritable zombie by damping all of my emotions. It still allows me to think and feel, but without all the emotional "acting out" (screaming at inanimate objects, crying for hours and hours and hours, feeling under attacke if someone tried to question me about something trifling, etc etc etc). But I still cannot quell the particular anxiety that leads to panic attacks.
I saw an EAP (Employee Assistance Program) person the other day, although I was fired. I wanted to strangle this woman. She was only a trained counselor. I heard things like "now you know, we must live in the now, as yesterday no longer has a hold on us." I finally had to tell me that if she didn't stop talking to me like a pre-school teacher, I'd get up and leave. She complied. It was still a colossal waste of time. There's not anything she can do to assist me. I'm already fired.
They are weaning me off medical marijuana for sleeping. I have such a hard time sleeping, that this really scares me. Chemical sleep aids either work two hours and I'm awake the rest of the night, or the side-effects are worse than the lack of sleep. Marijuana isn't addictive, has no side affects, you can't overdose on it, and I get 4-6 uninterrupted hours of sleep. Pure heaven. But I want to get better, I despise me this way, so I'll do what I have to to get there. If I find that the sleep thing isn't resolving, I'll be going back to the marijuana. You cannot heal emotionally, mentally, or spiritually if your mind is too exhausted all the time.
I went to a psychologist for a psychological evaluation this morning (four exhausting hours!!). As the guys in the little white coats didn't show up to take me away, I'm assuming I'm not totally insane and a danger to others??? I wish they weren't the bubble fill-in types because some of those questions just begged a response. ("Do you consider Hitler to be a hero of the people?") I kid you not. I laughed out loud. There was a guy in there taking his test for the police dept., and he said quietly over his shoulder "I don't blame you."
For right now, I'm trying to figure out a way to keep from sucking my cheeks in and clenching my teeth (this can cause me to chew the inside of my mouth into bleeding sores.) We aren't sure yet what's causing it, as it was really bad before the Affexor. I don't clench them until they lock shut, but I hold my jaw so rigid the muscles will start to spasm and I have to hold my jaw closed to keep from being embarrassed if I'm in public. Any suggestions on that one?
~~Sherry~~
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