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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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
Posted by Mim on December 1, 2005, at 3:39:49
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » TinMan, posted by spierson1253 on November 28, 2005, at 18:19:54
Hi,
I saw two psychiaters yesterday who decided that the 300mg of effexor was just right and that I should probably continue for the rest of my life.They were so terribly smug "what do YOU think of the effects?" and "Do you feel hostility towards the medication?" (No, towards you, you arrogant sob)I think if the two of them had lunch together that they would just ask eachother questions the whole time.
All the best,
Posted by TinMan on December 1, 2005, at 9:46:34
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Mim on December 1, 2005, at 3:39:49
Ah, just like every profession...there are those that are shades of good, bad, and in between. I wonder what the logic was for both of them to meet with you? Double chargey? Or is that their norm? (Personally, I would feel "ganged up on" and a bit intimidated with two shrinks. Perhaps that was their plan?)
From many experiences that I have had and continue to have, I think that the public needs to be educated about mental health issues - and that includes a lot of Drs. and those in the mental health field.
Hey, but I take Effexor, so I must be "crazy", right? And therefor, I have no credibility. I am so sick of that kind of mentality and crap. Just the stigma of taking an AD alone...
On a different note, I am taking the Ginko Biloba and 50 mg of DHEA. Hopefully, these two together will countereffect the sexual side effects of Effexor. (DHEA is a mild form of testosterone which increases the sex drive. Not to worry; I am female and take it. It seems to boost my energy as well.)
Wishing you all the best in your lives,
~TinMan
Posted by tlryan21 on December 1, 2005, at 9:56:35
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by TinMan on December 1, 2005, at 9:46:34
I have a situation here that I'm hoping that someone else has had and can direct me a little.
I had my dose of effexor dropped from 150mg to 75mg earlier this year. I felt that I was doing fine and that maybe I could wean off of it a bit. Things have been going well, but in the last two weeks there has been a little situation that seems to have thrown everything out of whack.
I have become obsessed with this problem and am starting to get very emotional about things again. Of course, with the weather being dreary and all it doesn't help. Has anyone else out there gone down and then had to up their dose again? I want to be able to feel things but not be totally 'happy & chipper' all the time.
Any thoughts or suggestions?
Posted by BonnieK on December 1, 2005, at 10:26:39
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by tlryan21 on December 1, 2005, at 9:56:35
I did...I had gone all the way down to 37.5 once, and was thinking of coming off of it totally. However, shortly after that my sister was diagnosed with Advanced Ovarian and Breast cancer. That was about 6 month ago.
Needless to say, I NEEDED the Effexor...and still do. It's helping me to be able to support my sister through this battle. Otherwise I would literally be crying from morning till night.
If you feel that your dosage is too low, maybe you could talk to your psych about a 37.5 increase to see if that helps. Maybe that little bit extra would give you the boost you need, but still let you feel emotions. That's pretty much the way I feel on 150 mg. I still cry, but I'm under control and functional, and on a good day...I have laughter and happiness.
Best wishes to you....
Posted by Mim on December 1, 2005, at 11:14:57
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by TinMan on December 1, 2005, at 9:46:34
The second one was to confirm the diagnosis of the first one. Once the diagnosis is confirmed and the medication set, I am back to my normal docotor for perscriptions. So in total I have seen a real psychiatrist for 5 sessions of 40 minutes (aside from one 6 years ago who was actually human and got me on my first medication).
I am going to try the Ginko Biloba, it can't hurt. I enjoy sex, but it is certainly not what it was.
Almost friday! Take care!
Posted by Mim on December 1, 2005, at 11:27:11
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and orgasm - I Had Success! » BonnieK, posted by spierson1253 on November 28, 2005, at 18:23:29
I am glad to hear you are in a good relationship.
I am going to start with the ginko biloba tomorrow and I'll keep you posted.I have never had a lack of emotions on Effexor...quite the contrary. I shut off emotions without it.
Take care of yourself !
Posted by spierson1253 on December 1, 2005, at 14:22:02
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Mim on December 1, 2005, at 3:39:49
Why on earth would you feel hostility towards the medication? Did it abuse you in some way? LOL
Don't you just hate their smugness? Like the substitute doc I had to see last week (my regular doc was on holiday). I'm trying to explain that the Ambien was death on me, and he interrupts me and in this cold voice snaps "and what do want me to do about it?" I wanted to slap him. I told the nurse to mark my chart that if Dr. is not available on my appointment days, to call and reschedule me.
Posted by BonnieK on December 2, 2005, at 4:19:49
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Mim, posted by spierson1253 on December 1, 2005, at 14:22:02
Wow....I didn't realize that some Psychs. can be so arrogant. Geez, maybe they were having a bad day...but still....Try and be a little warm and fuzzy! That is a bizzare statment,asking if you felt hostile towards the meds.
Good luck with the Ginko, everybody. I've been married for 9 years.....with a 4 year old (the love of my life). Still, depression robbed me of alot, due to some horrible circumstances. Effexor truly helped me,and now with my sex life back on track...My husband and I are sort of living a 2nd honeymoon. It is possible, girls...
Posted by SandiDee on December 2, 2005, at 6:40:18
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by TinMan on December 1, 2005, at 9:46:34
> Ah, just like every profession...there are those that are shades of good, bad, and in between. I wonder what the logic was for both of them to meet with you? Double chargey? Or is that their norm? (Personally, I would feel "ganged up on" and a bit intimidated with two shrinks. Perhaps that was their plan?)
>
> From many experiences that I have had and continue to have, I think that the public needs to be educated about mental health issues - and that includes a lot of Drs. and those in the mental health field.
>
> Hey, but I take Effexor, so I must be "crazy", right? And therefor, I have no credibility. I am so sick of that kind of mentality and crap. Just the stigma of taking an AD alone...
>
> On a different note, I am taking the Ginko Biloba and 50 mg of DHEA. Hopefully, these two together will countereffect the sexual side effects of Effexor. (DHEA is a mild form of testosterone which increases the sex drive. Not to worry; I am female and take it. It seems to boost my energy as well.)
>
> Wishing you all the best in your lives,
> ~TinManHi TinMan :) Could you please tell me what DHEA is, and is it a prescription drug? I need help! Going to pick up some Ginko today!
Sandi
Posted by Dr. Bob on December 3, 2005, at 10:49:09
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by SandiDee on December 2, 2005, at 6:40:18
> Could you please tell me what DHEA is, and is it a prescription drug?
Sorry to interrupt, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding DHEA to Psycho-Babble Alternative. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20051025/msgs/584931.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Mim on December 6, 2005, at 11:32:50
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » spierson1253, posted by BonnieK on December 2, 2005, at 4:19:49
It is great to hear that you are doing well! I am doing better than two weeks ago, but less well than two years ago....However, it is going in the right direction. Apparently doctors prefer Effexor to amytriptiline, because it has fewer side effects. It doesn't influence your reaction speed. To tell the truth,they are right. I have been driving since I was 19 (and I just turned 42 today :-( )and the year I went on amytriptiline I got into my first two car accidents (neither of which were at all serious, no injuries to anyone) so I DO understand why they think it is better...it is just not yet better for me. Patience is... something I haven't always got enough of.
Thanks for the up beat note!!
Posted by spierson1253 on December 6, 2005, at 12:33:29
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Mim on December 6, 2005, at 11:32:50
My doctor actually finally accepted that Effexor really and truly has side-effects. One of the things I told him to counsel his patients on, is that Effexor requires patience. Every change in dosage requires at least two weeks to fully be felt -- good or bad. And for some people shorter or longer. It is a good med, and if you will give it the time it needs, it generally works for most people. You may want to ask the doctor to give yourself something to take as needed, when your skin suddenly feels it may shatter into a gazillion tinkling shards, or you know you're going to start screaming and never stop. Chewing gum and/or drinking a glass of water can sometimes stop the reaction, but you'll find out for yourself what the triggers are and what steps are required to neautralize the episode. (My doctor gives me 0.5mg of Xanax. I break them in half and with the help of a very sharp knife, break the halves in half. I use 1/4 to drive, 1/2 for bad afternoons or mornings, and 1/2 to help fall to sleep. On rare occassions when I just need to sleep it all off, I take a whole Xanax. It is highly addictive, so you must use with attention and caution.) But you will need to work with your doctor to find what works for you.
You'll make it . . .
Posted by Bets43 on December 6, 2005, at 15:17:15
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and orgasm - I Had Success!, posted by Mim on December 1, 2005, at 11:27:11
I started 25 of DHEA and think it will be good for me...I feel better already :]
I am also taking the ginko. For me paxil was the worst as far as sexual side affects. Zoloft wasn't so bad. With the effexor I am at a higher dose then I took of the others so will have to see still since I started the 150 not too long ago.
One thing I noticed about effexor which I am pleased with is it does not dampen my emotions (yay!) the good are still there and I am able to better handle the more difficult. Paxil made me a zombie and zoloft did dampen the pleasure I took in doing some things. This is better...
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