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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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...
Posted by Graceneeded on December 7, 2005, at 6:35:55
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and orgasm - I Had Success!, posted by Bets43 on December 6, 2005, at 15:17:15
I said I would never go back but after the hell I just went through with my old friend Prozac I came back. I got off the Effexor feeling good but then crashed. Tried Prozac and it was like my chest was on a caffine high. Came back to Effexor. Will the headaches leave after a while? Danny
Posted by tlryan21 on December 7, 2005, at 6:42:51
In reply to Back on Effexor, posted by Graceneeded on December 7, 2005, at 6:35:55
Yes, the headaches go away. I would take excedrin migraine, it was the only thing that helped.
tlryan21
> I said I would never go back but after the hell I just went through with my old friend Prozac I came back. I got off the Effexor feeling good but then crashed. Tried Prozac and it was like my chest was on a caffine high. Came back to Effexor. Will the headaches leave after a while?
Danny
Posted by TinMan on December 7, 2005, at 7:49:14
In reply to Back on Effexor, posted by Graceneeded on December 7, 2005, at 6:35:55
Hey Danny~
Yes, Excedrin Migraine really helps me, too. It doesn't happen very often for me but once in a while I will have a headache come on so strong and "concentrated" that it will wake me up from a deep sleep.
I stopped taking Wellbutrin in addition to the Effexor because I became much, much too irritable and easly upset.
I am in a much happier state of mind. My marriage is much stronger, deeper and better than it has been for a while. I don't fly off the handle. I don't tell people what "I really think" and destroy relationships. I don't "rage". And yet, I am still "me". I just deal with the side effects as best I can.
Wishing you the best~
TinMan
Posted by BonnieK on December 7, 2005, at 9:05:29
In reply to Back on Effexor, posted by Graceneeded on December 7, 2005, at 6:35:55
Hi....Yes, the headaches will get better in time. As the others already said, I too take Exedrine Migraine. I still get what seems like a Migraine every once in a while...but this seems to get rid of them quickly.
Good luck and hugs to you....
Posted by BonnieK on December 7, 2005, at 9:16:49
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and orgasm - I Had Success!, posted by Bets43 on December 6, 2005, at 15:17:15
I had tried Paxil first...and I wasn't able to tolerate it. It made me feel worse for some reason. Wellbutrin made me feel like I was coming unglued, but I know alot of others really like it. That was about 2 yers ago.
For me, the Effexor just make me feel...dare I say, normal? It keeps my depression under control, with very minimal side effects, and like you still lets me "feel".
As I said previously, my sister has very advanced cancers, and I am her support person. Without this med.,there is no way that I would be functional for her,and be a mommy to my 4 year old..and yes, still be a wife who actually enjoys intimacy with her husband.
I know alot of people have problems with this med., but thankfully it has been nothing but wonderful for me. I don't plan on coming off of it,as long as it continues working for me. So, I don't worry about all the withdrawal problems. As the saying goes.."If it ain't broke...Don't fix it".
Posted by Graceneeded on December 7, 2005, at 15:25:48
In reply to Re: Back on Effexor, posted by TinMan on December 7, 2005, at 7:49:14
How long do you think before it kicks in? Been on 75mg since Monday. Took the edge off the depression and anxiety but I stll ain't there yet. Its been a while since I started up on effexor from scratch so I don't remember how long it takes. Danny
Posted by spierson1253 on December 7, 2005, at 15:52:59
In reply to Re: Back on Effexor, posted by Graceneeded on December 7, 2005, at 15:25:48
Effexor requires patience -- it'll take anywhere from 15-30 days for you to fully feel the effects of that dosage -- Effexor is titrated, in that it has to be stepped up gradually, you can't just suddenly be given 150 or 300 mg at the get go -- unless you like being gut-shot, that is.
Tell the doctor of all the side effects. Keep track of when things happen like after meals, while driving, during sleep, etc. Sometimes there are parallel meds they can give you to help you through some of the worst of it.
Any time your dosage of Effexor is changed, again, give 15-30 days for the full effects to kick in. If you start waking up at 2am, don't get mad, like there quietly, relax and think of something pleasant and I'll give you 7-10 odds you'll fall right back to sleep. Changing the time of day you take your doses also helps. Some take it all in morning or evening, some split it up into both times -- I take 3 times the dosage I take at night, with Xanax for extreme anxiety (as needed, in other words.) But work with your doctor to find what's best for you. And don't let him brush off your side effects. You don't need to suffer through them.
Posted by SandiDee on December 8, 2005, at 6:51:05
In reply to Re: Back on Effexor » Graceneeded, posted by spierson1253 on December 7, 2005, at 15:52:59
THANK YOU!! I was actually starting to think I had a brain tumor or something, my headaches are SO unbelievably bad! I wake up in the night with horrible headaches that seem to last forever. I am running out today to get excedrin migraine! Again, I don't know what I would do without these posts, and all of you who let me know I am not alone, that I am not "crazy", and that there is help, and hope out there.
Posted by sanny on December 8, 2005, at 8:01:54
In reply to Re: Back on Effexor » spierson1253, posted by SandiDee on December 8, 2005, at 6:51:05
Wow, I've following the posting on headaches with use of Effexor...I have horrible headaches but blamed it on clenching teeth although I wear a bite splint/retainer most of the time. I am going today for the Excedrin Migraine...if this will help me sleep without waking with a headache, I will be forever grateful to whomever brought up the subject on this forum.....
Posted by Graceneeded on December 9, 2005, at 7:06:05
In reply to Re: Back on Effexor » Graceneeded, posted by spierson1253 on December 7, 2005, at 15:52:59
Thank you. It is so hard to be patient when you suffer from OCD and anxiety. Danny
Posted by TinMan on December 9, 2005, at 7:47:43
In reply to Re: Back on Effexor, posted by Graceneeded on December 9, 2005, at 7:06:05
> Thank you. It is so hard to be patient when you suffer from OCD and anxiety. Danny
Clonazepam helps so much with the bruxism and jaw clenching. It also helps to calm the panic attacks and anxiety. Do you think your Dr. will prescribe this to you to help you get over the initial "bump" of getting Effexor completely in your system? It can be addictive, however. (Same family as valium, xanax.)
I have found that if I take 75 mg. of Effexor before going to bed that I don't have that lapse in the morning when I do the OCD thing. I take 150 mg. first thing in the morning for a total of 225 mg. Breaking it up this way really helps me with the lethargy and feeling a bit oversedated as well.
Good luck!
~TinMan
Posted by Wesley Kenyon on December 10, 2005, at 16:46:51
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Yes, took 1 1/2 yrs, severe depression, just stopped using it, highly sucessful, feel like a new man, very few highly un-noticable side effects. The first six months were hard to adjust, anxiety, naseua, etc. The benefits were well worth it. The withdrawel symptons were a bit harsh, feel even better now than before I started. My depression days are gone I can live my life again.
Posted by journey on December 11, 2005, at 19:10:20
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » jp, posted by Wesley Kenyon on December 10, 2005, at 16:46:51
Hi everyone
I have been taking effexor XR for 3 months now and I have had great success with it. This is my second time taking meds for GAD. The first time I took Lexapro, which now that I am on effexor XR I would say that Lexapro was definately not as effective. I never new that I could live without any of that horrible anxiety I was going through, because with Lexapro it was always still there even if just a little.
Okay my question may be a little bit different. I have had great success in the way that I feel but for some reason 3 wks after taking effexor XR I started having terrible acne problems and now 3 months later I am still having major problems. Nothing is clearing it up. I never even had acne like this when I was a teen. Any one ever had this happen before? I did read on one site that it isn't a main side effect but it can be one of the less common side effects.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
journey
Posted by BonnieK on December 12, 2005, at 2:45:12
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by journey on December 11, 2005, at 19:10:20
Hi Journey~
The only thing that I can think of regarding the skin problems on Effexor, is possibly diet? I haven't noticed the med. itself causing acne, in the 2 years that I've been on it...BUT, I will say that I do crave junk food..and if I eat too many fritos, my skin looks pretty bad. I also gained 10 lbs., before I realized that I had to conrol my desire to eat an entire package of oreos in one sitting. Thankfully, my weight an skin issues leveled off, when I stopped being a junk-a-holic. :~)
I would say that if it's not your diet, then it couldn't hurt to see a Dermatologist...if you haven't already done so.
Best of luck to you!
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