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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Mim on November 25, 2005, at 6:04:49
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin and Effexor » Mim, posted by spierson1253 on November 23, 2005, at 9:48:51
I have to get something to break through the not caring to get me to "snap out of it". I have to listen to music that makes me cry or have a huge fight with my husband (lucky man!) or something has to get through...it's like I am frozen in ice and can't feel at all.
Anyway, I am seeing my doctor and some specialist on wednesday, and I really think the thing to do is to go back on Amitrypteline and off the Effexor. I am getting a bit fed up with the lack of sleep.
Saturday night was kind of a mess, looking for teenaged step-daughter down town at 3am, so we all got to bed late (including very contrite teenager who had forgotten to say that she was at a friend's house)and I missed my second effexor in the evening. I ended up sleeping until 2pm! which gives some indication of lack of sleep.Have a good weekend, oh, you are probably off for Thanksgiving. Well, greetings from abroad where it is snowy and wet.
Posted by nana on November 25, 2005, at 11:15:28
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Mejestica on November 24, 2005, at 16:44:16
Good morning, My take on it is that it is suppose to make you feel better not worse. I would say that your body doesn't like the drug and you should try something else. Another thought!! What dose did they start you on. Maybe it is to high. When you read about this med and this site they all say they were started out slow and worked there way up. Good luck
Posted by spierson1253 on November 25, 2005, at 12:11:23
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by cueballx on November 24, 2005, at 15:07:56
I don't know where you live, but in California you sound you qualify for State Disability, and can go to the State Clinic (don't know proper titles) and get your meds for free.
Also, find the pharmaceutical company that mfgs. Effexor. A lot of the major Rx companies are banded together and are offering their meds at reduced and even free in some instances. Below are some links to help you get started:
http://www.peoples-law.org/health/charity-care/special_drug.htm
http://www.californiahealthline.org/index.cfm?Action=dspItem&itemID=108460
Be very careful with the drug discount card programs. They may end up costing you more than you bargained, not to mention they may be bogus from the start. Try to work directly with the pharmaceutical company or an authorized legitimate representative.
Posted by spierson1253 on November 25, 2005, at 12:14:49
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Mejestica on November 24, 2005, at 16:44:16
Yes -- it's normal. There is a whole bag of side effects you can choose from -- your blend is unique to you. Give it a month to balance out. Remember, a step up or down in dosage can also cause a small chain reaction, so always give those changes time to balance, also.
Posted by spierson1253 on November 25, 2005, at 12:17:44
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by cueballx on November 24, 2005, at 17:39:12
Side Note: Be careful with Ambien. It depends on what you're Effexor for. Ambien causes depression and anxiety in some users, which the Effexor is trying to control. In short, the two can cancel each other out, and all your old behavior may reappear. Make sure you let your doctor know if this happens. They put me on Benadryl for sleep. I haven't tried it yet. I know this . . . I may not sleep, but I won't allergic to death.
Posted by spierson1253 on November 25, 2005, at 12:26:28
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin and Effexor, posted by Mim on November 25, 2005, at 6:04:49
My problem is so much falling asleep, it's staying asleep. I take my Effexor 75mg in the morning which helps me stay alert and helps me stay on focus for longer and longer periods of time every day. I take 35.5mg at night, and the sleepiness comes on. However, I wake up after 2 hours. On a good night, if I lie there and am patient, I will fall right back to sleep. If something annoys me during this "wake cycle" I will wake up and not be able to go back to sleep. And I will wake up every two hours during the nights. I don't even need to look at the clock to not what time it is "this time".
Posted by Mejestica on November 25, 2005, at 17:12:26
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by nana on November 25, 2005, at 11:15:28
My doctor started me on 75mg, this past tuesday. Ive read on the net that people usually start at 35mg. I hope my doc knows what hes doing.
Posted by Mejestica on November 25, 2005, at 17:17:37
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by cueballx on November 24, 2005, at 17:39:12
Thanks for the replies! My doc started me at 75mg.
I still cannot sleep. I wake up every 20 minutes it seems, and hard to fall back asleep. After about an hour or 2, I start getting very drowsy. Not sure I like this. He told me to upgrade the dosage every week.
Posted by TinMan on November 26, 2005, at 8:42:45
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » cueballx, posted by spierson1253 on November 25, 2005, at 12:17:44
> Side Note: Be careful with Ambien. It depends on what you're Effexor for. Ambien causes depression and anxiety in some users, which the Effexor is trying to control. In short, the two can cancel each other out, and all your old behavior may reappear. Make sure you let your doctor know if this happens. They put me on Benadryl for sleep. I haven't tried it yet. I know this . . . I may not sleep, but I won't allergic to death.
Very good advice on the Ambien! Be careful, it can be addictive.Benadryl is good for sleep. But for some reason, I would wake up after a few hours and have "restless leg syndrome". Not sure why.
The best thing for me is taking 1/2 tablet (7.5 mg) of Remeron a night. It is also a newer A.D. Some like to take Trazadone at night. The Remeron basically "turns my brain off" and I fall asleep.
I am back on 225 mg of Effexor as well. I take one tablet at night along with the Remeron. In the morning, I take two pills. This seems to work for me. Taking a pill at night seems to help keep it in my system AND I don't obcess as much AND I am not so tired during the day. Plus, I still sleep well. HOWEVER, I am getting back to the "no emotions". I guess after feeling deep emotions all my life, it is disconcerting to me. But also a relief, if you know what I mean.
Interesting side note: I had some great talks with my younger brother during Thanksgiving. We both have the same "symptoms", deep emotions, manipulative behaviors, blaming others, etc. Both nature and nurture?
~TinMan
Posted by polar bear 83 on November 26, 2005, at 10:08:03
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by nana on November 25, 2005, at 11:15:28
I found that I was jittery and had trouble sleeping with 75 mg a day. I now take it every other day in the morning and find that it works just fine. I do find it harder to come to orgasim- which is better than a loss of libido! I also appreciate having some emotions, which was not the case on Serzone. I have not had any other side effects.
Other than the cost, it works for me!
Posted by gadman on November 26, 2005, at 11:25:36
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by polar bear 83 on November 26, 2005, at 10:08:03
I wonder how 37.5 / Day would work out for you? I currently take appr 67 mg per day (I remove some beads) to come to my ideal dose...
> I found that I was jittery and had trouble sleeping with 75 mg a day. I now take it every other day in the morning and find that it works just fine. I do find it harder to come to orgasim- which is better than a loss of libido! I also appreciate having some emotions, which was not the case on Serzone. I have not had any other side effects.
>
> Other than the cost, it works for me!
Posted by spierson1253 on November 26, 2005, at 18:59:00
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by TinMan on November 26, 2005, at 8:42:45
It seems to be catching. My stepdaughter has some of all of the same symptoms, as well as her mom, my mom, and one of my 3 brothers. My mom and I have noticed a childlike behavior, where we go to do a household task, such as dusting the livingroom, and we stand there and inside we stomp our feet and go "NO! I don't want to!!" And we walk out and do something we think we would rather do. For my mom, it's reading a book. For me, it's working on a craft or a pc program. Carol and I laugh because if weren't for the grandbabies, that she and I share daily care of while mommy works, we'd not only never get dressed, we'd never take a damned shower!
It seems that those who have come from a partcularly tough childhood (not necessarily abusive, but maybe dirt poor, or made to lots of heavy work to help), or from an abusive adult relationship, share the same symptoms which include but are not limited to deep uncontrollable emotions, manipulating others (it's an act of control, if we control what's around us we can't be blind-sided), anger, anxiety, sleeplessness, sadness, depression, lack of energy, even body aches and headaches. It depends on the degree of unwellness, how the person handles it (like, self-medicating), and how long it's gone on.
Nature and nurture? For us, I think it's more like fight or flight.
Posted by TinMan on November 28, 2005, at 6:58:26
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » TinMan, posted by spierson1253 on November 26, 2005, at 18:59:00
>>>>Nature and nurture? For us, I think it's more like fight or flight.<<<<<
LOL! Well said. (Even though I can't really laugh, I'd like to! You know, that whole "emotionless" thing has kicked in.)
From your posts, I gather that you are doing better. Does the Effexor seem to be helping? Did you try the Benadryl to help you sleep?
I have also read that people who experience emotions deeply are much more likely to "suffer" from their past and present mis/treatment. (Makes sense, right?)
~TinMan
Posted by BonnieK on November 28, 2005, at 7:10:49
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and orgasm, posted by lorily on September 30, 2004, at 17:20:03
Hi...I was surprised to read that I was not alone in this topic...I had no idea....I'm posting this, to maybe provide hope for other ladies out there?
I have been on Effexor XR for about 2 years. I'm a 37 year old, happily married female. Effexor has done wonders for my depression,with very little side effects, but I've had libido problems off and on. The biggest issue was inability to reach orgasm, not matter what I tried. Major frustration!
Lately my libido kicked into high gear, and I'm grateful for that...but I still had the other problem to concur. Here is what worked for me....My Dr. decreased my dosage by 37.5 mg. So, I'm now taking 150mg per day of Effexor XR for the past week. In addition to this, I began taking Ginko Biloba...very scepticaly at 120 mg. each morning.
Well low and behold...IT WORKED! THANK GOD! I can only hope that it will continue.
Good luck to any other ladies out there, who are still trying. Don't give up! It IS possible to not be depressed, AND not be climbing the walls either. ;~)
Posted by tlryan21 on November 28, 2005, at 7:15:29
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and orgasm - I Had Success!, posted by BonnieK on November 28, 2005, at 7:10:49
Thanks for that ginko advice, I've been wondering what to do about the libido problem. How long did it take to get into your system and work?
Posted by TheDude on November 28, 2005, at 16:01:43
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and orgasm - I Had Success! » BonnieK, posted by tlryan21 on November 28, 2005, at 7:15:29
Posted by spierson1253 on November 28, 2005, at 18:19:54
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by TinMan on November 28, 2005, at 6:58:26
I'm glad you liked that . . .
I was doing good on the Effexor until the fiasco with the Ambien. I am not as mellow and easy-going as I was, I get angry really easy [again], I even yelled at my mother, which is something I would never ever do. At this point, I don't have any trouble with not having emotions, as my sense of humor is still very much alive and as wicked as ever. Matter of fact, with the anger and the depression controlled, everyone is noticing my humor again (guess it kinda got squished under all the other emotions running amok.)
I haven't tried the Benadryl. I've taken it before for allergies, during the day at work, and it didn't make me sleepy then. And I don't trust the sub doctor who was there that day. When a doctor cuts me off in the middle of my statement (explaining how things went the past week on the meds), that tells me he doesn't really care how I am. And then his comment "So? Whaddya want from me?" just put the arsenic frosting on my vinegar cake. I'll wait until I go back to my regular doctor. I have some Xanax left, which I've gotten down to a science, and I'm going to ask to remain on it, as it works, and if it ain't broke, please try not to fix it for me. He also appreciates that I am pro-active in my recovery, listens to me when I talk, but is still somewhat stubborn when it comes to who knows more about drug side-effects. But with patience comes . . . um, something good?
And . . . I actually had my first drama-free family dinner. My daughter didn't show up!!!
Posted by spierson1253 on November 28, 2005, at 18:23:29
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and orgasm - I Had Success!, posted by BonnieK on November 28, 2005, at 7:10:49
I'm a firm believer in natural medicine. Please, I'd really like to know what the Gingko Biloba did/does. (I'm not worried about libido, as my partner can't, so I've just let slide past me with menopause. And no, there no bad feelings on my part. I love him and he loves AND adores me, and I can't ask for more than that.)
Posted by uneeq1 on November 29, 2005, at 2:48:56
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Mejestica on November 25, 2005, at 17:12:26
I am new here. I have spent two evenings reading posts. I have been taking Effexor XR for 6 weeks. I take Effexor XR 150 once per night and am currently trying to wean off of Lorazepam 1mg.
I also just finished up a dosepak of steroids for an allegic reaction to a homeopathic cure.Anyway, the Lorazepam withdrawal is giving me bad recurrent panic attacks. I was originally taking two tabs a day. I was down to 1/2 tab a day and had to go back to one tab. Very discourged. I am having 10-12 panic attacks a day. Ruined my Thanksgiving. :( I am very shaky. Not sure what this is from but I suspect the Effexor XR as this happened when I first went on it and again when my dosage was upped the first and now 2nd time. I feel very spacey and tired to the point that I can't safely drive. I hope this either passes or my Dr. tries something else. I came to him this time instead of my Psychiatrist. He was weirding me out. He was getting on in years and was telling me dirty sexist jokes and was demanding I leave my husband. Very unprofessional and downright scary.
He refused to treat my depression because my husband had a talk with him and he told my husband that there is no proof that AD work. My husband told me that AD are just dope and to get off of it which I did. Shouldn't have. After going deeper into a depression and waiting six months to see if it got better after the weining off period I went to my regular doc who started the Effexor XR. Sorry so long and maybe disconnected here but it's how I am right now.
I admit I'm a bit afraid of this med but I actually had one good week before the panic overtook me again. I felt normal, happy, had energy, felt I had my life back. I am determined to have that again. The last increase in dosage was two weeks ago. I had hoped to feel better by now. I also have this weird thing with biting my lower lip and cheeks until they bleed everyday. This started two weeks ago. Anyone do this? Does it end? I try so hard to stop but end up doing and don't realize it until it starts to hurt. I also have this mad urge to clean during the early morning hours (2-3am) and clean until my kids go to school then I sleep until they get home. I can't relax though. I've had sleeping problems for a while. Not the energy bursts and the unability to relax though.
If anyone gets all the way through this - my apologies for it being so long.
Cheryl
Posted by BonnieK on November 29, 2005, at 3:58:44
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and orgasm - I Had Success! » BonnieK, posted by tlryan21 on November 28, 2005, at 7:15:29
Well, my problem wasn't libido...I never lost that. However, it became extremely frustrating due to the anorgasmatic effect that Effexor had.
I think that the ginko got into my system rather quickly..less than a week. As I said, my Dr. also lowered the Effexor dosage by 37.5 mg. So, it could very well, be a combination of the two.
Good luck to you!
Posted by BonnieK on November 29, 2005, at 4:12:55
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and orgasm - I Had Success! » BonnieK, posted by spierson1253 on November 28, 2005, at 18:23:29
What a sweet post...I would feel the same way, and basically my husband was supportive in the same way that you are with your partner. It was me that had the problem though, and a very frustrating one.
I tried the Ginko, because I felt that I had nothing to lose. Basically out of desperation..as pathetic as that sounds..but not being able to reach orgasm by any means, and being only 37 in a happy marriage is really frustrating. I hope this is o.k. to be so open in this forum.
All I can say is, that after 2 years...something worked, and I am SO grateful. There is a ton of info. out there on Ginko for this problem, and for libido. I think it's supposed to increase blood flow, sensitivity etc. There'a actually alot of info. right on this sight, if you do a search.
Best of luck to you...
Posted by TinMan on November 29, 2005, at 8:30:23
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by uneeq1 on November 29, 2005, at 2:48:56
Hi Cheryl and welcome to the Board.
Good choice on not going to that Psychiatrist any longer. AD's are DOPE? Naw, that particular Psychiatrist may be the dope...hehehe...at least, it sounds like he is acting like one.
You may want to start taking the Effexor in the morning. That way, your burst of energy will come at a better time than 2-3 a.m.
For your biting - bruxism, or jaw clenching is a side effect of Effexor. Try chewing gum. If that doesn't work there are some medications like Clonazepam (anti-seizure) that do work. Unfortunately, like Lorazepam (same family) they can be addictive.
I take 225 mg of Effexor and that seems to be the ticket for me. No more panic attacks, social anxiety and generalized anxiety. I want to do things that in the past would make me so anxious and feeling "frightened".
Keep talking with your regular Dr. You may want to find a new Psychiatrist. Keep working towards making YOUR life better! You deserve it~!
~TinMan
Posted by Bets43 on November 29, 2005, at 8:37:25
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by TinMan on November 29, 2005, at 8:30:23
Hi Everyone!
I went back to my doc recently after a month on effexor 37-1/2 and then 75mg. My anxiety was gone but I still felt depressed so she doubled it....I did have some problems with shakiness but thankfully the worst was just the first couple of days. I do wake up about 3am even though I take my dose in the morning....I just lay there and relax and will fall back asleep. I feel much better. Thank God. Now will try the ginko too!!
Posted by nana on November 29, 2005, at 13:38:47
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Bets43 on November 29, 2005, at 8:37:25
Hi, Isn't it amazing how different we all are but have alot of the same problems. I use to take mine in the morning but because of this forum I started taking it in the evening around 8:00 and that is like a wonderful change for me. I wake up in a wonderful mood, get the grandson around for school with no backlash for him. It has made me a nicer person first thing in the morning when I needed it most because that seems to be the time you are always pushed for time trying to get to work. Everybody has to find there perfect time to take there meds. I did have to split my medicine up though. I take my my Lipitor and Harmone medicine in the morning and my Effexor Xr 75 in the evening. This does not seem to give me the spaced out feeling, no headache, or vertigo like it was. Great choice for me. Thank you all for your help. Good luck in your life quests for a happy life.
Posted by uneeq1 on November 30, 2005, at 2:51:07
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by TinMan on November 29, 2005, at 8:30:23
<<For your biting - bruxism, or jaw clenching is a side effect of Effexor. Try chewing gum>>
Thanks for your reply and the above idea for the lip chewing. I'm intend to try it.
Went to the doctor today and he left me on my current dose of Effexor and Lorzepam for another two weeks to give the panic attacks a chance to subside. I hope they do soon It wears me out dealing with so many in a day. I want to curl up in a ball and just hide. Can't do that though. Got too much to live for.
He also has me taking the Effexor XR in the morning along with half of the lorzepam. Hopefully that makes all this other stuff go away within a couple of weeks.
I've noticed the doctor won't discuss the steroids I was put on by his nurse practioner. It was clearly marked in my file not to do that and in the past when another doctor I was seeing about a work injury called him to give me a shot with steroids in it my GP wouldn't let him give me that part of the shot. I don't blame him for the error. The nurse didn't look for it even when I told her I was surprised she was prescribing that to me. He wasn't even in the office that day. I just hope the fallout from that ends sooner than it did before and these panic feelings, the spacey feelings and the dizzy feelings go away soon. I feel myself going downhill again.
Thanks for listening. It's 2:48 am. I made myself lie down at 9:00pm. All I did was lie there and have the repeated panic attacks. I am still having them now but at least I'm getting laundry done and dishes and answering posts and email. ;)Cheryl
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