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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by jacobs on January 31, 2006, at 6:37:04
In reply to Re: Ticked off and tired of it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by wifeofarmyguy on January 31, 2006, at 1:38:16
hey can relate. i get so fed up with this and its ok to vent. man that is what we need to do sometimes, keeping things bottled in just makes it worse. i have been on this med now for about a month. effexor xr 75. i notice at first i was a little more tired so i started taking it at night. then top it off with a .5 xanax before bed to sleep. and i have read all this in here about the side effects, but for me i will have to say i feel better now then i did before i started taking this. i was having panic attacks many times daily and in a state of constant anxiety. to the point i couldnt leave my house then afraid to be alone. and still havent driven by myself and this is all in a matter of 2 months. but getting better. going to therapy and taking effexor and xanax which i relise im going to have a bear of a time getting off both when its time, but for right now it is keeping me more even keel. not as much panic. yesterrday and the day before were great days, just a little anxiety. today is not so great. but cant have a great day every day and just glad i had 2 days of peace. ya all take care! tonya
Posted by nana on January 31, 2006, at 11:08:07
In reply to Re: scared of effexor and withdrawal, posted by gee on January 30, 2006, at 20:08:21
> I also have a question, has anyone had a horrible memory since they started effexor? I've been on it over a year now, and I've noticed my memory go. I've e-mailed my t to see if she could work on getting me the documents I need for disability support here at uni, but she's said she's never heard of it before and thinks it's just stress. She's checking with pdocs for me but... anyone?
WOW!! I thought it was just old age or something creeping up on me. I have had a terrible memory lately. I work in a purchasing office and I use to remember everything, now it is like I am losing my mind. Anybody else having this problem?? Please let us know!!!
Posted by wanttobhappy on January 31, 2006, at 11:14:59
In reply to Re: Ticked off and tired of it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by wifeofarmyguy on January 31, 2006, at 1:38:16
I've only been on meds 2 weeks. With the amount and type of food I have been craving and eating, I am worried I am going to gain Back every pound and more!! I heard effexor can make you crave carbs, is this true??
Thanks for your support
wifeofarmyguy
Posted by jacobs on January 31, 2006, at 11:30:29
In reply to Re: Ticked off and tired of it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by wanttobhappy on January 31, 2006, at 11:14:59
hi, no i didnt crave any carbs really. accually it made me sick at my stomach the first week. my problem is my two teenage boys were selling candy bars for a fund raiser and i love chocolate. bad bad combination, told them they could never sell it again,lol. we probably spent 50.00 on candy bars. of course we have 4 kids here and i babysit sit one so they were begging everyday also. but you know with this med everyone can react different to it. i got weird tingling the first week on my scalp. but it went away. i know there are alot things that come up about this med that can be really scary, i'm afraid when it is time to get off this about the withdraws, but really with any of these meds there are side effects. i hate taking meds. i mean HATE IT. but right now its helping me keep even keel. so will deal with the withdraw from this and the xanax after i get over whatever has brought this on. you take care and have a great day! tonya
Posted by 3djp on January 31, 2006, at 11:57:31
In reply to Re: Ticked off and tired of it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by jacobs on January 31, 2006, at 11:30:29
I have been on this for 4 weeks now. I am still having problem staying a sleep during the night. I will wakeup a couple time during the night that bother me. I haven't found myself not eating any different; however, I do watch the amount that i eat, and i ride my bike 5 days a week during the evening. I started yoga last week also that seems to bring some calmness into my life at this time. The things i am concern is the sleeping problem and when i take my med in the morning it seems to increase my heart rate a bit. Has anyone have this happen???
Posted by bangersgirl on January 31, 2006, at 13:48:52
In reply to Re: scared of effexor and withdrawal, posted by nana on January 31, 2006, at 11:08:07
> > I also have a question, has anyone had a horrible memory since they started effexor? I've been on it over a year now, and I've noticed my memory go. I've e-mailed my t to see if she could work on getting me the documents I need for disability support here at uni, but she's said she's never heard of it before and thinks it's just stress. She's checking with pdocs for me but... anyone?
> oh yeah honey!! memory is gone, right with my energy, sex drive, independence...the list goes on!
> WOW!! I thought it was just old age or something creeping up on me. I have had a terrible memory lately. I work in a purchasing office and I use to remember everything, now it is like I am losing my mind. Anybody else having this problem?? Please let us know!!!
>
>
Posted by wifeofarmyguy on January 31, 2006, at 14:21:49
In reply to Re: Ticked off and tired of it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by wanttobhappy on January 31, 2006, at 11:14:59
No problem about the support!! We all need to be here for each other, ya know...
I don't remember craving any one specific food group, but I'm a carbaholic and have benn since birth I think! (It's the Maltese blood in me.)
Maybe it would help if you kept a journal not just for food, but for everything you're going thru that way, if you find that the Effexor is making certian things happen with you (since we are all different in how it affects us) then you'd have solid evidence for your dr to look over and help you with? Just a thought and something I wish I would have done... I always tend to see anything negative that happens to/around me as my fault or a flaw, so I wish I would have kept a record of all the changes that happened to me over the last year. But then again, I had NO idea that any of the changes could be from my one little "happy pill"... So use that knowledge to your advantage and log,log,log entries into a journal!! (hahah, I'm just so pushy sometimes, sorry!)
Take it one day (or hour, or minute) at a time!
Posted by jacobs on January 31, 2006, at 15:10:13
In reply to Re: Ticked off and tired of it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by 3djp on January 31, 2006, at 11:57:31
i take mine in the evening and then take a xanax before bed, i dont have any problem falling asleep or waking up during the night at all. but thats just me. take care! tonya
Posted by wanttobhappy on January 31, 2006, at 23:29:30
In reply to Re: Ticked off and tired of it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by 3djp on January 31, 2006, at 11:57:31
I actually just had a doc appointment yesterday and was told I should be taking my pill in the am (I usually take in pm) because it can give some people a jump start and it can be hard to rest/sleep when mildly hopped up. I also know one of the side effects to watch for is a racing heartbeat so if this keeps happening to you it is worth mentioning to your doc. On a positive note with this med I have noticed I am not near as weepy/over emotional as I usually am. I was going to the gym and working out for 1 1/2 hrs 3X a week (1hr cardio 1/2 hr weights). Now I just can't bring myself to go. I know I feel so much better when I do I still just can't get myself to go. I then stress over the fact that I am wasting money over a membership that I am not using!!! Thanks again for advice and support.
wtbhappy
Posted by wanttobhappy on January 31, 2006, at 23:40:38
In reply to Re: Ticked off and tired of it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by jacobs on January 31, 2006, at 11:30:29
I know I am usually a salt craver you know chips popcorn, even beef jerky when I get pms, although lately I have been craving chocolate as well as salty foods. I feel like i have the worst case of pms cravings I have ever had. I noticed if I take my pill with a meal and lots of water I literally have no nausea. I know what you mean about hating to take meds I HATE it as well. I think that was part of the problem when I first started on effexor I basically slept for three days, I think part of that was me trying to be in denial about being on meds AGAIN.
Thanks for your support.
wtbhappy
Posted by jacobs on February 1, 2006, at 6:44:13
In reply to Re: Ticked off and tired of it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! » jacobs, posted by wanttobhappy on January 31, 2006, at 23:40:38
yeah i hate taking meds and i hate having panic so the meds win for now. i did however get a great workbook for panic attacks and anxiety on ebay its called the anxiety and phobia workbook by edmund j bourne. its pretty good. acually i found some of the stuff my therapist had printed out was accually from this book. i know book stores carry it but got it half price on ebay. and it is accually helping. plus relaxation cds or tapes are wonderful. i got up this morning feeling all tense and edgy so instead of just freaking out i cleaned house.lol after getting kids to school. plan on taking a xanax later and taking a long nap because i had woke up last night 2x with night sweats and racing heatbeat, (thanks perimenopause). i have found 42 just sucks. lol. im hoping 43 is better. its like my whole body has rebeled on me. oh and another thing i have noticed as a side effect that just sucks from the effexor is if i do anything that takes some effort i sweat my butt off. i have also noticed a good side effect with the effexor is some really REALLY good dreams. well you all take care and have a great day! tonya
Posted by Herbygirl on February 1, 2006, at 14:56:31
In reply to Re: scared of effexor and withdrawal, posted by bangersgirl on January 31, 2006, at 13:48:52
> > > I also have a question, has anyone had a horrible memory since they started effexor? I've been on it over a year now, and I've noticed my memory go. I've e-mailed my t to see if she could work on getting me the documents I need for disability support here at uni, but she's said she's never heard of it before and thinks it's just stress. She's checking with pdocs for me but... anyone?
> > oh yeah honey!! memory is gone, right with my energy, sex drive, independence...the list goes on!
> > WOW!! I thought it was just old age or something creeping up on me. I have had a terrible memory lately. I work in a purchasing office and I use to remember everything, now it is like I am losing my mind. Anybody else having this problem?? Please let us know!!!
> >
> >
>
>Here's another one with serious memory problems. Oh, and anorgasmia, by the way!
Been on Effexor for over 6 years now. It's been pretty good for me, but side effects do get me down sometimes. Trouble is, I'm finding myself winding back down into the darkness very slowly over past few months. I'm still taking my med but it seems to be less effective.
Posted by Herbygirl on February 1, 2006, at 14:59:09
In reply to Re: scared of effexor and withdrawal, posted by bangersgirl on January 31, 2006, at 13:48:52
> > > I also have a question, has anyone had a horrible memory since they started effexor? I've been on it over a year now, and I've noticed my memory go. I've e-mailed my t to see if she could work on getting me the documents I need for disability support here at uni, but she's said she's never heard of it before and thinks it's just stress. She's checking with pdocs for me but... anyone?
> > oh yeah honey!! memory is gone, right with my energy, sex drive, independence...the list goes on!
> > WOW!! I thought it was just old age or something creeping up on me. I have had a terrible memory lately. I work in a purchasing office and I use to remember everything, now it is like I am losing my mind. Anybody else having this problem?? Please let us know!!!
> >
> >
>
>Here's another one with serious memory problems. Oh, and anorgasmia, by the way!
Been on Effexor for over 6 years now. It's been pretty good for me, but side effects do get me down sometimes. Trouble is, I'm finding myself winding back down into the darkness very slowly over past few months. I'm still taking my med but it seems to be less effective.Hee hee...said the memory was bad, didn't I? Forgot that's what I was on about, in 10 seconds flat! Typical, absolutely typical in fact.
Posted by adah on February 2, 2006, at 9:03:27
In reply to Alternative Ways of dealing with Depression, posted by BJ on April 26, 2000, at 23:02:33
this is in response to the question Re: alternative meathods to treat depression/ocd. i currently take the following and have noticed drastic and lasting benefit for my depression, anxiety, and OC.
Seriane by: Dolisos <casein>
Phar-Zen by:Les Laboratoires Nicar inc. Pharm and Nature France <cold water hydrolysed fish organs, peptides>
5 HTP
B complex time released vitimins
Triple fish oil concentrate plus EPA DHA by: Genuine Health, Toronto called: 03Mega+JOY
Rhodiola Rosea by Kama
Yoga / Meditation
hope this helps. best of luck with your personal choices.
adah.
Posted by Dr. Bob on February 2, 2006, at 22:41:17
In reply to Re: Alternative Ways of dealing with Depression » BJ, posted by adah on February 2, 2006, at 9:03:27
> this is in response to the question Re: alternative meathods to treat depression/ocd.
Welcome! And sorry if it's confusing here, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding alternative meathods to Psycho-Babble Alternative. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20060130/msgs/605685.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by jacobs on February 3, 2006, at 6:12:09
In reply to Re: scared of effexor and withdrawal, posted by Herbygirl on February 1, 2006, at 14:59:09
hi has anyone noticed a change in theyre eye sight sense being on effexor? i have noticed that sometimes it is hard to focus and it seems my eye sight has gotten worse. not sure if it is the med or if i have hit the age for bi focals. thanks, tonya
Posted by 3djp on February 3, 2006, at 7:37:16
In reply to Re: scared of effexor and withdrawal, posted by jacobs on February 3, 2006, at 6:12:09
> hi has anyone noticed a change in theyre eye sight sense being on effexor? i have noticed that sometimes it is hard to focus and it seems my eye sight has gotten worse. not sure if it is the med or if i have hit the age for bi focals. thanks, tonya
I felt eye pressure in both eyes a first I went to the eye doctor, and look at my eyes and did a pressure check and found everything was okay. my suggestion is to get them checked out it should only take aboout 20 mins to do. take care
Posted by sandra booth on February 3, 2006, at 15:28:26
In reply to Re: scared of effexor and withdrawal, posted by Herbygirl on February 1, 2006, at 14:59:09
I have been on Effexor for 5 years and I am now slowly coming off it. I too have just lately noticed a difference in my vision. I wear glass varifocals and am now finding it difficult to focus sometimes. There seems to be a reflection and I find that I can see better without them for distance. My memory has gone down hill too but that is probably age.
Has anyone started to come off the drug after a long time like me? I now take a 37.5 mg every other day for the next 4 days and that is it. I missed one for the first time yesterday and felt dreadful by the afternoon. Very light-headed and felt sick all night. Had nightmares too. Took my tablet this morning and started to feel better by the afternoon. I am now dreading tomorrow as it is my miss one day.
Posted by Dr. Bob on February 3, 2006, at 20:35:24
In reply to Re: scared of effexor and withdrawal, posted by sandra booth on February 3, 2006, at 15:28:26
> I have been on Effexor for 5 years and I am now slowly coming off it...
Sorry to interrupt, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding withdrawal to Psycho-Babble Withdrawal. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20060117/msgs/606078.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Fenway5150 on February 4, 2006, at 13:45:14
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain, posted by hevvi1 on December 28, 2005, at 22:18:39
hevvi1,
How long did it take for all the sife effects to go away? Just curious. I have a litle bit of the heavy headed feeling goin' on right now and I've been on for about 3 weeks.
Posted by pepsi on February 4, 2006, at 19:50:20
In reply to starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by jp on October 25, 1999, at 12:01:53
so i have started eefexor and i was started on 75mg is that a normal starting dose?also i have been really calm and i wanted to know if the meds would make me emotionally unavailable?
Posted by Sandra Booth on February 5, 2006, at 5:45:45
In reply to Re: scared of effexor and withdrawal, posted by sandra booth on February 3, 2006, at 15:28:26
Now on my second day of withdrawal from Effexor. Now down to 37.5 mg. Miss a day, then next day take one. I have enough left until Thursday then thats it. Don't know what to do now as I feel so awful when I miss the dosage, light-headed, nauseous, worse when I am walking about. As soon as I take my next dose I begin to feel better. Wondering how long the withdrawal feelings last, or would I be better just taking 37.5 mg forever?
I might add that after 5 years of taking this medication and 6 months of counselling my depression has gone, thank goodness, its just this withdrawal problem. While I was coming down from 150 mg daily, I felt fine, no problems. Anyone any thoughts please.
Posted by pepsi on February 5, 2006, at 10:26:49
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by pepsi on February 4, 2006, at 19:50:20
i was just wondering if anyone else had experienced this,my doc told me i could take the meds morning or night whichever i prefered so i've been taking it a night but in the mornings i am exhausted and by afternoon i need a nap should i start taking it in the mornings?would that make a difference?
Posted by crxsi on February 5, 2006, at 11:36:24
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by pepsi on February 4, 2006, at 19:50:20
Hi usually for effexor xr you start on on 37.5mg for 3-4 days then increase to 75mg. This is how the starter kit by the drug company works it actually gives you 37.5mg for seven days which is how I did it. My DR. says for any increase or decrease you shoud be on a dose for at least four days before making any changes. This will minimize side effects such as nausea and dizziness.
Posted by crxsi on February 5, 2006, at 11:40:55
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by crxsi on February 5, 2006, at 11:36:24
I forgot to add that it has not made me emotionally unavailable but it has made me a lot less stressed and better able to cope. My mind is much more clearer and it tool away my headaches. I was taking my medicaion in the am but the insomnia was so bad the pharmacist said try the am. It has not really helped that much still have trouble falling asleep.
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