![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 9712 to 9736 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by demon_child_cin-666 on March 17, 2006, at 22:41:58
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by TinMan on March 17, 2006, at 18:11:37
Sadly it was my psychiatrist. I told him that the Effexor wasn't helping me with my symptoms and he increased the dose. Even when it sent my Lithium levels into the toxic range, he told me to stop taking the Lithium and then raised the dose of the Effexor again.
I would like to describe what happened, but my thoughts are very scattered today, and I'd probably start repeating myself a lot, and then make no sense at all.
Posted by LynneDa on March 18, 2006, at 21:47:25
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by SaraNicole on March 17, 2006, at 4:04:41
Hi Sara Nicole -
You sound confused about why you left your husband. Are you happier? Can you identify problems in your marriage that were irreconcilable? You say you feel it was a bad decision when you are off meds. Why? Are you able to see a counselor who could help you sort through this and answer these sorts of questions?I understand about the weird feelings when you miss a dose or are late taking it. My anxiety and just weird feelings increase in the same way. I am also a little scared of this med! But, I honestly don't think the meds make me think thoughts that are not my own. They may make me braver or stronger than I would be without them and sometimes I say things out loud that normally I would only think - nothing terrible, but definitely more assertive than I normally would! I feel a little numb to the consequences.
Remember these things: 1.) DO NOT just go off this med cold turkey. 2.) There are lots of other meds out there that might work for you, ask your pdoc. 3.) You aren't alone, there are lots of people here who care about you :-)
~ Lynne
******************************************I have been taking effexor XR for 6 months and most of the time I beleive that it has helped me emensly. Ive gained self esteem and become an independent person, I left my husband and I now have a great job all because of my new demeanor. Most of the time I feel numb. The problem is if I miss a dose even by an hour the side effects are SCARY! Extreme anxiety, sometimes very strong suicidal feelings! I left my husband of 8 years and while my meds are in my sytem I feel it was the right choice but when they arnt it was the worst decision I could have ever made!!!
>
> Has anyone else experienced feelings like this?
>
> Am i going to be dependent on something so scary for the rest of my life?
>
> Are my feeling really my own when the drugs are in my system?
>
> Has anyone else had these questions while on Effexor XR?
Posted by Majik on March 19, 2006, at 12:28:29
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by TinMan on March 6, 2006, at 9:17:44
I been on Effexor XR for about 5 days, Starting on 37.5mg, then to 75mg next week, and I believe (not to sure) I go up to 150mg. I take them for Panic Attacks (about one everyday) and Social Phobia. I was taking Ativan since January, which at 1st, was a good quick fix. When I first started (effexor), I was tierd all day, when I yawned, I felt that electric shock thru my body, werid huh? So I guess I should expect that when I go up to 75mg-150mg. I do have a few questions.
1. How long is usually the treatment process? (I read here people been on it for years)
2. Does Effexor have any reactions with Oxycocet? (what I have read is that it only cause more drowsieness)
Posted by detroitpistons on March 20, 2006, at 9:24:58
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by Shel on July 18, 2000, at 1:35:45
The first time I took Effexor, it was a wonder drug for me too. It was a complete 180 degree change. My depression was gone, I had feelings of well being, my anxiety was completely eliminated, and I had confidence for the first time in my life. I felt transformed. Then Effexor pooped out after about a year and a half and I was back to my old depressed self again. If you've ever read the book Flowers for Algernon, that's exactly how I felt. I went from feeling transformed to deteriorating back to my original condition.
After that, the next two SSRI's (Paxil and Lexapro) didn't really work. Last August I started getting depressed again and then finally crashed hard. That's when I got back on Effexor. However, this time it was different. My depression lifted, but I felt "weird." I was extremely agitated, nervous, anxious, irritable, quick tempered, more aggressive, had high energy (but nervous energy, not the good kind), required less sleep, and was somewhat impulsive.
My doctor said I was hypomanic and diagnosed me Bipolar II and put me on Lamictal which is a mood stabilizer. I've responded pretty well to the Lamictal. It's calmed me down a lot and and improved my mood. But I'm not convinced of the bipolar II diagnosis. I'm thinking that maybe this was an isolated event, just a bad reaction to Effexor. Effexor is very strong and acts on Norepinephrine. I think a norepinephrine overload may have caused these symptoms.
take care
> I too have had problems with depression for the last 7 years. Crying for no reason, could not sleep, couldn't eat, feeling out of control of my life, turning mole hills into mountains.
>
> I first on Zoloft for about a year was just fine, then quit (thought I could handle life without "having to take drugs" and slowly went down hill over the next 6 months.
>
> Went back on and was on it for a couple more years, felt great and decided I was all better and went off of it and crashed again- this time in 3 months. Tried Zoloft again, this time-no relief. Then tried Wellbutrin for a month, felt a little better, but not like before. Then tried Efferox XR.
>
> Started slow and built up to 150mg per day. Wonder drug! I love it! Have been on it over a year. No side effects to speak of. During the last 9 months I have managed to survive a move from Indiana to Austria (no kanagroos here) for a 3 years ISP assignment with my husband's company. We had to sell our house, cars, leave family, friends, my job and our horse behind with less than a 2 month notice. Stranger in a strange land and they don't speak much English in these parts. Yes I have had to learn German. Sprechen sie Deutsch?
>
> I have survived! Have had some down days over the last 9 months that I attributed to more of loneliness and boredom and winter blahs than from depression. Summer's here and I am great!
>
> Work with your doctor for the right level- give it time to build up in your system- a month prehaps and you should see positive results as I have.
Posted by Alexander1 on March 20, 2006, at 15:14:48
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! » Shel, posted by detroitpistons on March 20, 2006, at 9:24:58
Hi all! Yes, I believe Effexor works for the lightest forms and deepest forms of depression. I think there is no doubt about it's effectiveness. I have taken it for a year or so and for me, I am not liking it. I take two 37.5 mg pills. I started on Prozac for some anxiety, stress relief and mild depression. Cannot remember why my doc and I changed over to Effexor - probably thinking there was supposed to be few side effects. I am now trying to get down to one a day, then zero. If I need something again, it will not be Effexor, probably the Prozac, as it is easy to go through the discontinuation syndrome with it.
I have stopped Effexor on some occasions - like not renewing the prescription at the right time and being on a trip and so forth. This is not a good thing to have happen. The drug is really, really tough on the system when stopped suddenly. I have tried to just drop off slowly -to one pill a day, a 50% reduction, and that is also a mistake. It will help to go down 10% a week on this drug to get it out of your system. Which means something like what I am trying - two pills one day, one the next, back to two, and so forth for a week or so; then, work down to one a day, then miss a day, then miss two days, etc. In other words, use time as your way of cutting down - as, of course, they do not make smaller doses.
I have had dizzy feelings, chest pains (thought it was a heart issue), sick feelings, headaches, and muscle pain with the withdrawl epidodes.
I have read, and now believe, that Effexor is the absolute worse discontinuation syndrome antidpressant made. I wish that I had never taken it at all. Some people will change doctors after getting off the drug they are so angry (not really your doc's fault).
For my self, I think it is highly addictive and, perhaps, the makers designed it that way. Once on, they say it can be for life. Not a good thing for some. I do not mean here for those happy with it to be put off with what I am writing, I just wanted to give my experience and thoughts on the drug. I hope I do not need to go through life on this kind of drug but, if I do have to, I can live with that. However, I will not go another round with Effexor. There is good info and sites out on the Net to help with the withdrawl. If any one is interested and this site allows it, I could post links.
Dealing with depression is a tough way to live each day and it is really hard to talk with those that have never experienced the darkness that takes over, so I am glad I can connect here.
Posted by Dr. Pritt on March 20, 2006, at 15:16:55
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
IFYOU HAVE BEEN HARMED BY THE DRUG EFFEXOR or EFFEXOR XR, PLEASE CONTACT ME IMMEDIATELY at
WITH A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR ADVERSE EXPERIENCES WITH THIS DRUG. I WILL CONTACT YOU ASAP BY EMAIL. THANK YOU.
Doctor Pritt
Posted by jacobs on March 20, 2006, at 16:27:57
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by Alexander1 on March 20, 2006, at 15:14:48
hi yes im trying without sucess to get off effexor, i dropped from 75 to 37.5 and it was horrible, scared me to death! i need to find out how to get off this the right way. thanks tonya
Posted by detroitpistons on March 20, 2006, at 16:34:12
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by jacobs on March 20, 2006, at 16:27:57
Tonya,
You should suggest to your doctor using Prozac (much longer half life) to help get you off of Effexor. A lot of people have done this successfully. Usually, once they get to about 37.5 mg, they take a small dose of Prozac for a week or two and then they're done. I heard it works pretty well.
> hi yes im trying without sucess to get off effexor, i dropped from 75 to 37.5 and it was horrible, scared me to death! i need to find out how to get off this the right way. thanks tonya
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 21, 2006, at 17:06:36
In reply to FINALLY, AN END TO EFFEXOR!!! PLUS NEW HELP!!!, posted by Dr. Pritt on March 20, 2006, at 15:16:55
> Doctor Pritt
Welcome! But could you let me know, either here or by email, what kind of doctor you are?
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#pick
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 21, 2006, at 17:13:14
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by jacobs on March 20, 2006, at 16:27:57
> hi yes im trying without sucess to get off effexor...
Sorry to interrupt, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding getting off effexor to Psycho-Babble Withdrawal. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20060228/msgs/623008.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by strungout on March 24, 2006, at 10:42:16
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by Racer on October 25, 1999, at 19:54:13
Hi there,
My doc just prescribed me Effexor XR 75mg and I've never been on any sort of anti-depressant before. Occassionally i'll take one of my dad's anxiety pills if I REALLY need it but other than that nothing. Should I be worried? What am I to expect on average?
Posted by jacobs on March 24, 2006, at 21:43:14
In reply to This is my first time taking anything, posted by strungout on March 24, 2006, at 10:42:16
i would strongly sugest that you research this drug before you decide. be informed! the insert with this does not tell you how hard this is to get off of. i myself think if you are going to be taking this for anxiety there are better options. but that is just my though. see that is why i was put on it. well got over the panic through therapy but hooked on effexor. and it is a bitch to come off of. i know im trying right now. it sucks. now for some people this drug is great for them. im just telling you how i feel about it.
Posted by tizza on March 25, 2006, at 4:17:34
In reply to Re: This is my first time taking anything, posted by jacobs on March 24, 2006, at 21:43:14
> i would strongly sugest that you research this drug before you decide. be informed! the insert with this does not tell you how hard this is to get off of. i myself think if you are going to be taking this for anxiety there are better options. but that is just my though. see that is why i was put on it. well got over the panic through therapy but hooked on effexor. and it is a bitch to come off of. i know im trying right now. it sucks. now for some people this drug is great for them. im just telling you how i feel about it.
I could not agree with Jacob more. I can not BELIEVE that any doctor would put you on anything that STRONG if you have never been prescribed anything like this for yourself before. Effexor is horrendous to come off for some people and I was one of them, it was pure hell on earth and I wouldn't wish it upon my worst enemy. I personally think it should be banned but on the other hand it has helped my sister greatly. I personally would go for something that isn't so addictive and so strong. Maybe try a SSRI first (prozac, luvox, zoloft, celexa etc......instead of a SNRI like effexor. Good luck and I hope you find something that works for you but taking effexor first isn't a good idea in my opinion. Paul
Posted by detroitpistons on March 25, 2006, at 10:28:58
In reply to Re: This is my first time taking anythingstrungo, posted by tizza on March 25, 2006, at 4:17:34
>>Effexor is horrendous to come off for some people and I was one of them, it was pure hell on earth and I wouldn't wish it upon my worst enemy. I personally think it should be banned but on the other hand it has helped my sister greatly.
It's a good drug for people who don't respond to SSRI's. I knew fully about the drawbacks of Effexor when I started taking it, but I was so depressed that I felt it was the lesser of two evils....Also, if you withdraw with your doctor's assistence, I think it's possible to have a relatively good withdrawal. I think taking Prozac for a few weeks to come off Effexor is a underutilized strategy. Effexor has a very short half life and Prozac has a very long half life, so it makes for a smooth transition and withdrawal.
Posted by LisaH817 on March 25, 2006, at 11:00:01
In reply to Re: This is my first time taking anythingstrungo, posted by tizza on March 25, 2006, at 4:17:34
> > i would strongly sugest that you research this drug before you decide. be informed! the insert with this does not tell you how hard this is to get off of. i myself think if you are going to be taking this for anxiety there are better options. but that is just my though. see that is why i was put on it. well got over the panic through therapy but hooked on effexor. and it is a bitch to come off of. i know im trying right now. it sucks. now for some people this drug is great for them. im just telling you how i feel about it.
>
> I could not agree with Jacob more. I can not BELIEVE that any doctor would put you on anything that STRONG if you have never been prescribed anything like this for yourself before. Effexor is horrendous to come off for some people and I was one of them, it was pure hell on earth and I wouldn't wish it upon my worst enemy. I personally think it should be banned but on the other hand it has helped my sister greatly. I personally would go for something that isn't so addictive and so strong. Maybe try a SSRI first (prozac, luvox, zoloft, celexa etc......instead of a SNRI like effexor. Good luck and I hope you find something that works for you but taking effexor first isn't a good idea in my opinion. PaulI've been on Effexor XR for about 9 months now. I had gone thru a rough period with my one son, other family issues, and work was extremely stressful. I became extremely depressed and began to suffer extreme anxiety so that I could not eat, or sleep and would cry for no reason. I was losing weight, exhausted all the time, headaches, nervous and fidgety all the time, suffered irritable bowel, had trouble getting thru work and never felt like leaving my house. My doctor first prescribed trazodone which did not help me sleep much at all and when I did manage to drift off, I had such strange dreams that I woke up more anxious. Then I was prescribed Effexor XR. I was started on 37.5mg and slowly increased the dosage to 75mg at first. After about a month at 75mg, some of my anxiety was reduced and some depression, but I still had problems so I was worked up to 150mg that I’ve been on ever since. It worked for my depression rather quickly, the anxiety and nervousness took longer, and at times I felt very jittery, uncontrolled twitching of my legs and feet even when the rest of me felt lethargic and mild nausea, I slept better most nights, but some nights, I just couldn’t sleep no matter what I tried. After being on this dose for over 6 months, I have been sleeping better, have no depression, the anxiety is better and the jitters are gone, the nausea comes and goes, but I feel very lethargic most of the time. My work is stressful and requires concentration, I find that the Effexor seems to dull my brain, and I have little desire to do the things I used to do. I literally have to force myself to go out and do things with friends or family, or other things I once did all the time and really enjoyed. I’ve gain close to 20 lbs., I have no energy and when stressful issues arise, I feel this strange flush, heart palpitations, and sweats. Other side effects include dry mouth and eyes, itching skin, constant yawning, jaw clenching, cold sweats, and increased blood pressure. The other scary part is whenever I forget to take a pill, I would start to feel like I was getting a major head cold, my brain would start to fog up and I’d feel dizzy, ringing in my ears and nauseous. My vision would be impaired, as I would have trouble focusing and speaking clearly as well as constructing sentences. Almost like a migraine, but not quite the same. I felt as though I couldn’t move my head too fast and eventually I felt as though something strange was happening to my brain, like it was being prodded all over or as some have said, like electric shocks in your brain. Once I was able to take the dose I missed, these symptoms would start to subside, but it could take awhile depending on how long since your last dose. I saw my doctor today and asked to be taken off of it now, so I’m starting that process and she said that it should be done over the next six weeks, cutting back 37.5mg for two weeks at a time. I’m more than a little concerned after what I’ve experienced and from what I’ve read here!
Lisa
Posted by tizza on March 25, 2006, at 16:21:10
In reply to Re: This is my first time taking anythingstrungo, posted by LisaH817 on March 25, 2006, at 11:00:01
> > > i would strongly sugest that you research this drug before you decide. be informed! the insert with this does not tell you how hard this is to get off of. i myself think if you are going to be taking this for anxiety there are better options. but that is just my though. see that is why i was put on it. well got over the panic through therapy but hooked on effexor. and it is a bitch to come off of. i know im trying right now. it sucks. now for some people this drug is great for them. im just telling you how i feel about it.
> >
> > I could not agree with Jacob more. I can not BELIEVE that any doctor would put you on anything that STRONG if you have never been prescribed anything like this for yourself before. Effexor is horrendous to come off for some people and I was one of them, it was pure hell on earth and I wouldn't wish it upon my worst enemy. I personally think it should be banned but on the other hand it has helped my sister greatly. I personally would go for something that isn't so addictive and so strong. Maybe try a SSRI first (prozac, luvox, zoloft, celexa etc......instead of a SNRI like effexor. Good luck and I hope you find something that works for you but taking effexor first isn't a good idea in my opinion. Paul
>
> I've been on Effexor XR for about 9 months now. I had gone thru a rough period with my one son, other family issues, and work was extremely stressful. I became extremely depressed and began to suffer extreme anxiety so that I could not eat, or sleep and would cry for no reason. I was losing weight, exhausted all the time, headaches, nervous and fidgety all the time, suffered irritable bowel, had trouble getting thru work and never felt like leaving my house. My doctor first prescribed trazodone which did not help me sleep much at all and when I did manage to drift off, I had such strange dreams that I woke up more anxious. Then I was prescribed Effexor XR. I was started on 37.5mg and slowly increased the dosage to 75mg at first. After about a month at 75mg, some of my anxiety was reduced and some depression, but I still had problems so I was worked up to 150mg that I’ve been on ever since. It worked for my depression rather quickly, the anxiety and nervousness took longer, and at times I felt very jittery, uncontrolled twitching of my legs and feet even when the rest of me felt lethargic and mild nausea, I slept better most nights, but some nights, I just couldn’t sleep no matter what I tried. After being on this dose for over 6 months, I have been sleeping better, have no depression, the anxiety is better and the jitters are gone, the nausea comes and goes, but I feel very lethargic most of the time. My work is stressful and requires concentration, I find that the Effexor seems to dull my brain, and I have little desire to do the things I used to do. I literally have to force myself to go out and do things with friends or family, or other things I once did all the time and really enjoyed. I’ve gain close to 20 lbs., I have no energy and when stressful issues arise, I feel this strange flush, heart palpitations, and sweats. Other side effects include dry mouth and eyes, itching skin, constant yawning, jaw clenching, cold sweats, and increased blood pressure. The other scary part is whenever I forget to take a pill, I would start to feel like I was getting a major head cold, my brain would start to fog up and I’d feel dizzy, ringing in my ears and nauseous. My vision would be impaired, as I would have trouble focusing and speaking clearly as well as constructing sentences. Almost like a migraine, but not quite the same. I felt as though I couldn’t move my head too fast and eventually I felt as though something strange was happening to my brain, like it was being prodded all over or as some have said, like electric shocks in your brain. Once I was able to take the dose I missed, these symptoms would start to subside, but it could take awhile depending on how long since your last dose. I saw my doctor today and asked to be taken off of it now, so I’m starting that process and she said that it should be done over the next six weeks, cutting back 37.5mg for two weeks at a time. I’m more than a little concerned after what I’ve experienced and from what I’ve read here!
>
> LisaDetroitpistion, thanks for the advice, I didn't know about that when I was coming off effexor but I did know about benadryl which help to smooth out the bumpy ride. This post will probably get redirected to the withdrawal board but I just wanted Lisa to know that when I went from 150mg of effexor to 75 for a month I was fine. I did a six week taper from 75mg over a 6 week period and it was still terrible. I was opening the capsules and taking out a few more pellets every day until there was almost none left. I actually felt fine throughout this time but it hit me like a ton of bricks after my last few pellets. If you are on 150mg go even slower while tapering off effexor and try the prozac thing, I have heard loads of people say it worked wonders for them, the benadryl just helps a little with the shocks and spins and yes I mean only a little, good luck, Paul
Posted by SLS on March 25, 2006, at 21:44:28
In reply to This is my first time taking anything, posted by strungout on March 24, 2006, at 10:42:16
> Hi there,
> My doc just prescribed me Effexor XR 75mg and I've never been on any sort of anti-depressant before. Occassionally i'll take one of my dad's anxiety pills if I REALLY need it but other than that nothing. Should I be worried? What am I to expect on average?
I don't think Effexor is the demon some people make it out to be. Like many other drugs, it can be difficult to discontinue. However, there are several strategies that can minimize the withdrawal symptoms. Discontinuation syndromes can occur with all of the SSRIs, including Prozac.By the way, the drug manufacturer's label (package insert) that accompanies the drug is very explicit in alerting people to the withdrawal syndrome that can occur upon abrupt discontinuation or dosage reduction.
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic4/effexor_wcp.htm#P
Of course, it should be the job of the doctor to describe to their patients the possible side effects a drug can produce, including withdrawal.
Nausea is fairly common when first starting Effexor. It almost always disappears. Other possible side effects include sweating, constipation, sleepiness or fatigue, dry mouth, dizziness, anxiety, tremor, blurred vision, reduced libido, and anorgasmia. Some of this stuff gets better with time. Some stuff doesn't. You might only get one or two of these things. Each person is different in the way that they react to a given drug.
What are you being treated for?
- Scott
Posted by SLS on March 25, 2006, at 21:49:26
In reply to Re: This is my first time taking anything » strungout, posted by SLS on March 25, 2006, at 21:44:28
Something that I forgot...
Effexor has a tendency to produce an increase in blood pressure. This is not usually a problem, but it should be taken into consideration when choosing Effexor as a treatment.
- Scott
> > Hi there,
> > My doc just prescribed me Effexor XR 75mg and I've never been on any sort of anti-depressant before. Occassionally i'll take one of my dad's anxiety pills if I REALLY need it but other than that nothing. Should I be worried? What am I to expect on average?
>
>
> I don't think Effexor is the demon some people make it out to be. Like many other drugs, it can be difficult to discontinue. However, there are several strategies that can minimize the withdrawal symptoms. Discontinuation syndromes can occur with all of the SSRIs, including Prozac.
>
> By the way, the drug manufacturer's label (package insert) that accompanies the drug is very explicit in alerting people to the withdrawal syndrome that can occur upon abrupt discontinuation or dosage reduction.
>
> http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic4/effexor_wcp.htm#P
>
> Of course, it should be the job of the doctor to describe to their patients the possible side effects a drug can produce, including withdrawal.
>
> Nausea is fairly common when first starting Effexor. It almost always disappears. Other possible side effects include sweating, constipation, sleepiness or fatigue, dry mouth, dizziness, anxiety, tremor, blurred vision, reduced libido, and anorgasmia. Some of this stuff gets better with time. Some stuff doesn't. You might only get one or two of these things. Each person is different in the way that they react to a given drug.
>
> What are you being treated for?
>
>
> - Scott
Posted by CEK on March 25, 2006, at 22:56:24
In reply to Re: This is my first time taking anythingstrungo » LisaH817, posted by tizza on March 25, 2006, at 16:21:10
I was started on a sample pack of Effexor 6 years ago. It starts you out on a low dose and gradually goes up to 75mg. For me it had it's plus and minuses. The plus for me was that it did take away all of my anxiety. It made me less emotional. I too was going through a lot of bad things in my life at that time and all I did was cry or get mad, couldn't sleep, was very irritable and would jump out of my skin over little things that normally wouldn't have scared me. Within a week the crying stopped, the awefull vengfull anger got less and I was no longer irritated by every little thing. I felt more in control. Before the Effexor anything that happened that wasn't just right would get me fighting mad. Even my children whinning or crying Momma,Momma, Mommaaaa all the time didn't bother me anymore. I could get in an arguement with my father or husband and not feel like I wanted to punch their face in. It no longer felt like the end of the world when ever little things went wrong. That was definitely my big plus. Now the minus for me was that I too had major brain fog. I thought about going back to school and tried refreshing my geometry skills and could not get a thought to stay in my head. I would read something and could not get it to register in my brain. I was always good in school and never had problem getting good grades but on Effexor I felt like an idiot. Even if someone tried to teach me a new card game, I couldn't get it. Another problem was weight gain. The information on the drug never stated weight gain, only weight loss, but people do gain weight on it. It would give me the munchies so bad. I wanted to eat sugary and fattening things all the time. I would get bad cravings like if I didn't get to eat peanut butter cookies right now I'd lose my mind. It was very hard for me to control it. At one time my doctor increased my dose to 150mg and I gained 5lbs a week for two months. 40lbs total in 2 months! Duriing that time I would forget what I ate for breakfast and it was only lunch time! My doctor lowered me back down to 75mg. It also made me nausiated within 20min. after taking it and this never went away. I took it for almost 6 years. The nausia itself would only last about an hour but still it was bad. I started taking the 75mg tablet instead of the capsule so I could break it in half and then the nausia went away with only 37.5mg. I had tried Celexa, Lexapro and Wellbutrin instead of the Effexor but none of them worked for me so I had to go back to Effexor. Effexor was my first antidepressant also. I tried to take diet pills while on Effexor to help with the weight gain but found out later that the diet pills would cause the Effexor not to work and after 3 days of taking them I would start having withdrawl symtoms. The only way that ever worked for me to come off of the Effexor was my doctor having me take it and another antidepressant at the same time for 10 days, then slowly taper off of the Effexor for two weeks. She said that this allowed the new antidepressant to be fully in my system when I started tapering off of the Effexor. She said it takes a good 10 days for the new drug to be in your system. Eveytime before when I would try another antidepressant she would stop it cold turkey and immediately start the new one. After 3 days withdrawl symptoms were awfull and I would have to go back to Effexor. Everyone is different as far as how a drug will effect them, but this was my experience.
Posted by CEK on March 25, 2006, at 23:04:58
In reply to Re: This is my first time taking anythingstrungo, posted by CEK on March 25, 2006, at 22:56:24
Also another problem with Effexor was that it made me too easy going. God gave me the ability to get angry or irritated about reasonable things for a reason, to do something about it. On Effexor you could call me turtle and let everything roll off my back. I put up with a lot of crap during those years and I should've stood up for myself and made major changes in my life, but I didn't. It bothered me, but Hey,it wasn't that bad is how I'd think. Without the Effexor I was alble to take control of my life and quit being stepped on.
Posted by Aim on March 27, 2006, at 8:50:36
In reply to Re: This is my first time taking anythingstrungo, posted by CEK on March 25, 2006, at 23:04:58
I have been taking Effexor for about 1 1/2 months now. I have enjoyed my elevated mood change. I feel as though I have returned to the person I like best, "myself." I now see that I was carrying around a cloud of doom for quite some time. Every little thing irritated me and my mood would switch from "happy" to miserable if one little thing bothered me. What I have come to realize is that I was never truely happy, but trying my hardest to be that way and then when life wasnt smooth, it was a "reason" to be able to be miserable.
I am only on 37.5 mg of Effexor XR. My doctor is surprised that it has helped me at such a low dose. I have never been on meds before for anything, so I wanted to take it slow. I am hopeful to not have to increase my dosage, but I am just taking it day by day to see how I feel and so far so good.
Does anyone know how I would be able to tell if I needed to increase my dose?
I would like to one day come off the med completely. I hope to not have to take it everyday for the rest of my life. The way I see it is some time in the next few years I plan on having a baby and since you cant take it while being pregnant I would like to try it without to see how my body reacts and how my mood maintains.
I figure you need to be on the med for a period of time, but not sure how long, before trying to ween off. Maybe 6 months? I dont know.
Posted by CEK on March 28, 2006, at 9:05:47
In reply to Re: This is my first time taking anything, posted by Aim on March 27, 2006, at 8:50:36
I too was just like you with the Effexor. It took away my irritabiliy and stressors seemed not to bother me so much. Effexor was the first antidepressant I had ever taken. When I got up to 75mg I felt really good but it made me crave food all the time and even though I did not want to gain weight I was like" Hey, I feel so good, lets go get pizza and ice cream!" I'd say heck with it and eat it anyway. It also was hard to think on the Effexor. That was good in the sence that I was not able to dwell on my problems, but bad if I needed to learn how to do something. I also got very nausiated on 75mg and found if I only took 37.5 I would not have the nausia or feel like I wanted to eat all the time. I didn't feel so elated on 37.5, but I got enough effect to be able to handle things better. Four months after starting it we started to go through the process of buying our first house, which was very stressful and I felt like I needed more than the 75mg because the stress and anxiety was getting so bad. My doctor upped the dose to 150mg to see if that would help. On 150mg, I couldn't even remember what I ate for breakfast by lunch time and I gained 5lbs a week for 2months. I could not get satisfied when I ate and never felt full. My doctor started to ween me off the medicine slowly and added Buspar to help when I told her what kind of side effects I was having. This was my experience and everyone is different so you might not go through this. They say that higher doses are suppose to be very helpfull for people that are bad off, but if 37.5 was working for you then I wouldn't change it. I wouldn't want to risk loosing my brain function. If you feel good why tamper with it.
Posted by 3djp on March 28, 2006, at 9:44:48
In reply to Re: This is my first time taking anything » Aim, posted by CEK on March 28, 2006, at 9:05:47
> I too was just like you with the Effexor. It took away my irritabiliy and stressors seemed not to bother me so much. Effexor was the first antidepressant I had ever taken. When I got up to 75mg I felt really good but it made me crave food all the time and even though I did not want to gain weight I was like" Hey, I feel so good, lets go get pizza and ice cream!" I'd say heck with it and eat it anyway. It also was hard to think on the Effexor. That was good in the sence that I was not able to dwell on my problems, but bad if I needed to learn how to do something. I also got very nausiated on 75mg and found if I only took 37.5 I would not have the nausia or feel like I wanted to eat all the time. I didn't feel so elated on 37.5, but I got enough effect to be able to handle things better. Four months after starting it we started to go through the process of buying our first house, which was very stressful and I felt like I needed more than the 75mg because the stress and anxiety was getting so bad. My doctor upped the dose to 150mg to see if that would help. On 150mg, I couldn't even remember what I ate for breakfast by lunch time and I gained 5lbs a week for 2months. I could not get satisfied when I ate and never felt full. My doctor started to ween me off the medicine slowly and added Buspar to help when I told her what kind of side effects I was having. This was my experience and everyone is different so you might not go through this. They say that higher doses are suppose to be very helpfull for people that are bad off, but if 37.5 was working for you then I wouldn't change it. I wouldn't want to risk loosing my brain function. If you feel good why tamper with it.
When I started I too was only on 75mg, and yes some of the anxiety were still hanging around. I spoke to my Dr. and he up to only 112.5 mg which seems to helped alot. He didn't want to up it to 150 mg he felt that was too much for my attacks. The anxiety have slowed alot it just picked up alittle these past couple of weeks, I am waiting to hear from a job interview I did a few weeks ago. But all in all I feel pretty good.
Posted by unknown_usr on March 29, 2006, at 11:06:16
In reply to FINALLY, AN END TO EFFEXOR!!! PLUS NEW HELP!!!, posted by Dr. Pritt on March 20, 2006, at 15:16:55
I just started this Effexor stuff. I have been taking Welbutrin 150mg for a long time, but its success has been minimal, leaving me feeling foggy. Before that, it was Prozack which made me robotic. Before that Norpramine, which also had minimal results.
The passed 2 days I have been on 37.5 mg of Effexor and 150 mg of Welbutrin XL. The plan is to take a week at 37.5 with the Welbutrin. Go up to 75 for two weeks and take the Welbutrin every other day, and then go to 150 and drop the Welbutrin altogether.
This seems like a logical plan. But now I hear about the horrors of quitting this med. I am scared. I am also having funky side-effects from this stuff, but nothing unexpected. Like I experienced my first ever bout of insomnia last night, but I'm not surprised since both Effexor and Welbutrin have insomnia as a possible side-effect. I also feel like my heart is racing a little, but I think that's from the coffee and lack of sleep.
Is it worth the risk of withdrawal problems to take this? Does it work well?
Posted by amberlee on March 29, 2006, at 11:15:06
In reply to OK now I am afraid, posted by unknown_usr on March 29, 2006, at 11:06:16
I'm so happy I found this site!!! I have spent many many years on Effexor and I thought I was the only one in the world who had brain zaps!! Thank God for you all!!! They are the worst...I don't have a good doc so I have to kinda figure this out on my own. My Effexor was upped in Jan because of a severe bout with depression. I am now trying to go back to my regular dosage, but hte withdrawals drive me mad. I was on 75ml and then I started taking an extra 37.5 a day....I wanna go back to 75ml, but even trying to decrease by 37.5ml gives my brain zaps!! Anyone got any ideas how to avoid or lessen the severity!!!Thanks
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