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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Jonesy on May 17, 2006, at 14:12:15
In reply to How long do side effects of withdrawal last?, posted by kc77va on May 11, 2006, at 13:30:12
My doctor just put me on Effexor (75mgs) to give me energy. My RA can really slow me down. Has anyone taken it for this? Those of you that take it does it help with your energy levels?
Posted by suki on May 25, 2006, at 19:23:59
In reply to Re: OK now I am afraid, posted by Bonnie_CA on May 6, 2006, at 0:45:01
i am 41 (female) and have depression, biopolar, and some ADD mixed in somewhere....used to get real nervous, worry excessively about everything! have instant 'anger' issues, or cry for no reason (great genes huh?) I took paxil and it was Fantastic!!!!!!!!!I loved it - expect if I was a few hours late taking my evening dosage I would get 'electric shocks' really bad, plus it make me kind of tired - then i switched to prozac and it was good, but not as good as paxil, however I gained too much weight - so the doc. said "take effexor--you won't gain weight..." but now I am gaining weight on it .... any body have this experience? So,now i'm thinking of trying Wellburtrin ??? any thoughts????
Posted by flowerpat on May 30, 2006, at 18:39:14
In reply to paxil to prozac to effexor - all good expect lbs, posted by suki on May 25, 2006, at 19:23:59
> i am 41 (female) and have depression, biopolar, and some ADD mixed in somewhere....used to get real nervous, worry excessively about everything! have instant 'anger' issues, or cry for no reason (great genes huh?) I took paxil and it was Fantastic!!!!!!!!!I loved it - expect if I was a few hours late taking my evening dosage I would get 'electric shocks' really bad, plus it make me kind of tired - then i switched to prozac and it was good, but not as good as paxil, however I gained too much weight - so the doc. said "take effexor--you won't gain weight..." but now I am gaining weight on it .... any body have this experience? So,now i'm thinking of trying Wellburtrin ??? any thoughts????
I've been on Effexor for about 6 months. I have had a steady increase in my weight at about 1 lb. per week. Already overweight, so I don't need the extra. Talked to my Doc, she says effexor should not do this. I haven't changes my activity or eating habits, so....what else could it be? Next appt. I going to tell her I want off.
Posted by Baliey on May 31, 2006, at 10:04:06
In reply to Re: effexor XR interactions with alcohol, posted by renecoston on April 14, 2006, at 7:37:04
OH MY!!!
Thank you, thank you. If I had only gone to the bottom to the postings I would have seen the one's that deal with withdrawl suggestions. I'm going to the kitchen right now and take out some of the beanies.
Posted by Aim on May 31, 2006, at 20:19:17
In reply to How long do side effects of withdrawal last?, posted by kc77va on May 11, 2006, at 13:30:12
Posted by Aim on May 31, 2006, at 20:27:48
In reply to EFFEXOR XR is great but the excess WEIGHT is NOT (nm), posted by Aim on May 31, 2006, at 20:19:17
I have increased 2 sizes since February 2006 when I started EffexorXR
I am only on 37.5 mg and my doctor can't beliveve I have had results....
He also says that weight gain is not a usual side effect
HAS ANYONE ELSE EXPERIENCED THIS???I wonder should I just stop taking it???
Are my results simply psychosymatic...?UGH!!!!
So far minus becoming FAT all has been great!
What to do...
Posted by 3djp on June 1, 2006, at 7:28:46
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR XR is great but the excess WEIGHT is NOT, posted by Aim on May 31, 2006, at 20:27:48
> I have increased 2 sizes since February 2006 when I started EffexorXR
>
> I am only on 37.5 mg and my doctor can't beliveve I have had results....
>
> He also says that weight gain is not a usual side effect
> HAS ANYONE ELSE EXPERIENCED THIS???
>
> I wonder should I just stop taking it???
> Are my results simply psychosymatic...?
>
> UGH!!!!
>
> So far minus becoming FAT all has been great!
>
> What to do...I would have to look at this from the other side and that is, could the increase in weight could be that you are feeling better from the condition that put you on this medication. I am on 112.5 mg i have gain about 6 lbs, but i am feeling great. I do ride my bike alot now since it is warm outside. that seems to hold the weight gain steady. i hope this helps..
Posted by CEK on June 1, 2006, at 8:45:33
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR XR is great but the excess WEIGHT is NOT, posted by 3djp on June 1, 2006, at 7:28:46
Aim, I gained weight with Effexor also. Mine was the worst at 150mg. I gained 5lbs a week for 2 months until I finally went to the doctor and she weined me off of it. On 75mg, I craved all kinds of junk to eat all the time, and it was a feeling good and wanting to eat thing. It was like I felt so good, the heck with it, lets go eat! Gaining weight and getting fat does not help my depression and makes the way I feel about myself even worse which causes me to obsess more and not want to go out in public. But when I was at home, I would put on my comfy clothes(you know the ones that don't fit tight and don't remind you that you're gaining weight)and I would go to town eating. I cut back to 37.5 and the wanting to eat thing wasn't as bad, yet I didn't feel as good either. They say that weight gain is not suppose to be a side effect on this med. but it is for some people. We are all so different. Like when some people are depressed, they eat, and then some don't eat at all. I know since Effexor is helping you it's hard to think about trying another AD, but if the weight is an issue, I'd try talking to my doctor about trying a different AD that didn't have this side effect. My doctor told me that Welbutrin was the best AD for not gaining weight and not having sexual side effects. I couldn't take it, but maybe you could and you'd feel just as good as the Effexor. I feel for you because I have been there. It's like you feel like you have to choose between feeling good or being slim. Good luck, I hope you find a way to feel better and be able to keep the weight from piling on. There are many other options.
Posted by pulse on June 1, 2006, at 8:51:29
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR XR is great but the excess WEIGHT is NOT, posted by 3djp on June 1, 2006, at 7:28:46
i know several women who've gained lots of weight on effexor. i was not one who did. (i had to discontinue because it never worked for me, after a very long trial). it seems more do stay the same or lose weight, but there is definitely, imo, a smaller group that does gain.
seems to me that those that gain find effexor sedating; those that don't find it stimulating, with bad insomnia, but don't seem to feel bad with only a few hrs. sleep.
i find it VERY hard to believe that your doc says he's not seen this before.
Posted by renecoston on June 1, 2006, at 9:00:00
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR XR is great but the excess WEIGHT is N, posted by pulse on June 1, 2006, at 8:52:56
> i find it VERY hard to believe that your doc says he's not seen this before.Why not? My doc said he's never heard of withdrawel symptoms from Paxil AND that Effexxor is nothing like Paxil to come off of! They say whatever they want because they know they are in a position of trust and we believe them!
Posted by jealibeanz on June 3, 2006, at 0:55:10
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR XR is great but the excess WEIGHT is NOT, posted by Aim on May 31, 2006, at 20:27:48
yes, I was nauseous and couldn't eat a thing, yet gained 20 lbs in 6 weeks, even while working out.
Posted by rfs on June 4, 2006, at 17:26:18
In reply to Re: Quitting Effexor XR - and off of all other med, posted by boxcan on May 14, 2006, at 14:04:12
> I've been on Effexor XR (75mg) for approx. over a year. I've just started to ween myself off of it. Starting to empty 1/3rd of the pill. for the 1st week and will take 35mg for the next week. so far I'm feeling ok. I'm weening myself off of it because I hate the idea of depending on a drug for the rest of my life. And I've too have experienced heavy drinking binges on the drug.
>
>
>
>
> > I have been on Effexor XR 150mg for 8 years. I too am coming off of it. Not because it's not working for me, but because I lost my insurance and this stuff is $140 a month! Believe me, if I could afford it, I would continue it forever.
> >
> > Anyway, it has been 3 days since my last dose, and I think I'm actually feeling a little better. I have experienced all the side effects that everyone complains of, but I feel pretty good right now. I am frightened by the posts I've read here and elsewhere about the effects of coming off, especially without the benefit of tapering. So I wanted to let people know that one person out there is getting off it, and so far I'm ok. I would love to hear from some people who have been successful at getting off it without a lot of side effects. I'm hoping you're out there, and just not talking!
> >
> >
> > > Hi all,
> > > I'm coming off of effexor xr and frankly am scared about it.
>
> Hi,
Ive been on effexor for about nine and a half years. About 5 years ago I switced to prozac for a year. I had no trouble making the switch. (the Effexor is not working all that great anymore) Now I am back on Effexor (300mg) and 300mg of wellbutrin My Pdoc has me cutting back about 10% each week I am at 262mg, plus the wellbutrin. I also take Klonopin as needed. I don't know if I will be able to discontinue completly, but I will be happy if I can get down to 75mg. I have the usual side effects plus my short term memory is awful. I am 53.
my memory was awful before I started the klonopin. I just hope I can get to the point where the side effects are less and the depression does't return. If I start getting depressed, I will go back on the higher dose of effexor or try something else. I also have social phobia, and servere anxiety. The anxiety hasn't been a problem since klonopin. Just knowing I have it helps. I wonder if Ensam would be a good choice if I had to make a switch.RFS
Posted by Vegas girl on June 6, 2006, at 17:11:55
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I started Effexor 2 weeks ago. My first week I took 37.5, & was to double the dose on day 8. Beginning with day 6 of the low dose, I could not stay awake and missed 6 hours of work in 4 days. No way was I going to start the 75m on day 8! Here it is a week later, and I am screaming in my sleep, feel electric shocks going through my whole body (not just my head), and it seems that my brain is registering reality just a split second late. Things seem to be moving in small frames, rather than smoothly. Worst of all, I am bawling like a baby for no reason. I had a couple of good days, thought it was out of my system, and now all the symptoms are back (it's been 1 wk now since I stopped taking). When does all of this go away? & how can they give this stuff to people knowing of the risk that this could happen?
Posted by unknown_usr on June 6, 2006, at 17:51:42
In reply to Re: OK now I am afraid » unknown_usr, posted by detroitpistons on March 29, 2006, at 14:47:00
After nearly passing out from sleepiness constantly, we gradually went back down to 37.5.
Status:
I am down to 37.5 Effexor and 150 Welbutrin now. The loss of motivation and decreased energy problems have diminished significantly. My heart rate is still a little high, making heart rate training difficult, but manageable. I’ve gained some weight, but I think that is mostly due a week of inactivity and 3 weeks of a bad diet. My moods are good, with the exception of the mornings. This isn’t the first time that this has happened. I go to sleep feeling great, experience a great deal of REM sleep, and have a difficult time waking from the REM state in the morning. It takes me 1-2 hours to get myself out of the REM cycles and when I finally do, I feel awful. It takes me about 20 minutes to an hour for the depression to dissipate. This has happened before and my Cortisol levels were checked. They were a little high, but not enough to be considered a problem. I am assuming the elevated levels were due to stress more than anything else. Still, I am really curious why my depression seems to “collect” while I sleep, and “flush out” once I am awake for a while.
Anyone else have the morning thing happen?
Posted by Vegas girl on June 7, 2006, at 9:26:14
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Vegas girl on June 6, 2006, at 17:11:55
In follow up to yesterday's posting, I accidentally ran 2 red lights during my 3 mile drive to work this morning, because it didn't register in my brain that it was time to stop until I was already through the intersection. My doc was out delivering a baby yesterday afternoon when I called his office. The midwife in the office informed the nurse that I should see a neurologist right away for the 'electric shock feeling' The nurse and I agreed that this midwife was probably wrong since these strange shocks are drug induced, and not a result of nerve damage (that we know of). I'm waiting to here back from my dr., if he says go to the neuro., then I will go. What I really want to hear back about is "how long before this goes away?" I can't take it anymore~I see co-workers, strangers, and family members that all look and act normal and I am so envious that they can get through life drug free and seemingly happy.
Posted by detroitpistons on June 7, 2006, at 9:47:20
In reply to This is not worth the risk, posted by Vegas girl on June 7, 2006, at 9:26:14
Although you were only on Effexor for a very short time, you should never stop taking it cold turkey. I quit taking Paxil cold turkey and it took 6-8 weeks until the withdrawal was completely done.
I would go see a psychiatrist and figure out a weaning program. Psychiatrists have much more experience with this. Effexor has a very short half life and the withdrawal is pretty bad, however, I've noticed the exact same withdrawal symptoms from Lexapro and Paxil.
One technique is to take Prozac while quitting Effexor because it's half life is very long and it eases the transition and allows your brain/serotonin to adjust more evenly.
Let us know what you decide to do.
Marc
> In follow up to yesterday's posting, I accidentally ran 2 red lights during my 3 mile drive to work this morning, because it didn't register in my brain that it was time to stop until I was already through the intersection. My doc was out delivering a baby yesterday afternoon when I called his office. The midwife in the office informed the nurse that I should see a neurologist right away for the 'electric shock feeling' The nurse and I agreed that this midwife was probably wrong since these strange shocks are drug induced, and not a result of nerve damage (that we know of). I'm waiting to here back from my dr., if he says go to the neuro., then I will go. What I really want to hear back about is "how long before this goes away?" I can't take it anymore~I see co-workers, strangers, and family members that all look and act normal and I am so envious that they can get through life drug free and seemingly happy.
Posted by lissamed on June 7, 2006, at 12:21:52
In reply to Effexor update, posted by unknown_usr on June 6, 2006, at 17:51:42
Hi,
I just started Effexor XR yesterday. I have been sleeping 16 hours a day and eating like a pig for the few hours I was up...has anyone had sucess with Effexor XR who had those sorts of syptoms. (it seems like the opposite is more common)
One other question, I was wondering if anyone has noticed extra side effects with caffiene and Effexor XR. I felt great yesterday and today (placebo, I know) until I drank some Dr. Pepper, and I don't know if the side effects randomly kicked in then, or if it was related to the caffiene.
Thanks
Posted by pulse on June 7, 2006, at 14:02:04
In reply to This is not worth the risk, posted by Vegas girl on June 7, 2006, at 9:26:14
i concur with dp's above post re: prozac (i did 10 mg. prozac), but only after i'd tapered down from a whopping 600 mgs. effexor xr to 37.5. i only needed the 10 mg. prozac for one week. i had absolutely no withdrawal problems whatsoever, even at this above official limits dosage...especially not these infamous electric shocks you're experiencing from withdrawing the effexor xr, that so many others here, btw, have had, too.
you may want to use the search feature, but IN the TIPS section, located near the top - for confirmation of the 10 mg (or they may say 20 mg?) prozac help.
pulse
Posted by saustin on June 8, 2006, at 0:46:58
In reply to Effexor Newbie, posted by lissamed on June 7, 2006, at 12:21:52
I started Effexor 6 months ago, and my life has changed tremendously. I now have energy that I once did not have, and I also do not feel hopeless or nervous as I use to.
My back no longer is in constant pain, and I do not suffer from headaches.
I noticed a difference when I first started, even within a few days. I had some sexual disfunction, but that faded, as well as some trouble sleeping.
I have not gained weight, but then again I do exercise.
I suggest that anyone gaining weight should exercise. Not only will it keep your pounds off, but exercise is proven to be beneficial to mental health. Exercise has been the best stress reliever, even before I took Effexor XR.
Just with any medicine, I suggest that you try it for yourself. All side effects differ with each person. Where as I am having great results, someone might have terrible results.
Posted by Winning again on June 8, 2006, at 8:43:08
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
To quickly answer your question: Yes, I have had great success with Effexor XR.
The history: I was suffering from situational depression of severe nature to the extent that twice I intended to commit suicide. I was under treatment of a psychiatrist that was extremely competent, and through my family’s interaction, continued to be involved even when I did not want the involvement. Thank you Dr. S.
My breakthrough came when I started Effexor XR, 150 mg. I was also (and continue) being treated for ADHD with Adderall XR, 20 mg with an additional Amphetamine Salts, 10 mg tab, taken in the late afternoon. I mention this because the interaction of the amphetamine helped buoy the effects of the Effexor, which also has a stimulant effect.
With the medication, family and psychiatrist support, I was able to identify and cope with the sources of depression, which, on the surface were all related to the dissolution of my marriage and business, but also were tentacled through many aspects of my life. These details are included to buttress the fact that Effexor alone did not solve my problems but instead was a tool in a multi-faceted approach.
Now the current: The causational issues of depression addressed and dealt with, I have been able to be slowly and carefully phased from Effexor.
PLEASE NOTE: YOU MUST FOLLOW YOUR DOCTORS ORDERS CAREFULLY WHEN QUITTING EFFEXOR. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MODERATE YOUR PRESCRIPTION
WITHOUT THE PROFESSIONAL BENEFIT OF A PHYSICIAN.Effexor has a very short half-life and an abrupt discontinuation may cause rebound of depression that may be worse than the original symptoms.
I had only a very slight adjustment “feeling” when the dosage adjusted from 150 mg to 75 mg. I continued taking the 75 mg for a period of about two weeks and then switched to Fluoxetine HCL 10 mg (Prozac) for 14 days. The benefit of this arrangement lies in the duration, or half-life of the Fluoxetine HCL, which remains in your system for a much longer duration than Effexor; and hence, has the desired effect of slowing withdrawing the drug without causing withdraw symptoms.
Not everyone can end treatment for depression and some may require continued medication for the control of depression. That said, the use of Effexor helped me through a very dark phase of life and help ensured that I am still here to continue to live, and now, more fully enjoy life.
Good luck to those that may be treating for depression, I wish you peace, and may God bless you.
Posted by 2greatdogs on June 8, 2006, at 10:56:17
In reply to Re: effexor XR interactions with alcohol, posted by bart on April 11, 2006, at 17:14:53
Effexor XR (75mg) for the past 8 wks has turned me into a raging alcoholic! Yes, they say don't drink while taking these drugs but I've always been a social drinker (tried Wellbutrin & Lexapro and drank on those, too) so I never changed any of my behavior regarding alcohol consumption. Yet, I noticed after taking Effexor for a couple of weeks I was drinking more & more. I'm now up to a bottle of wine per night!
Effexor is terrible. Had I known the side effects (never disclosed by my M.D.) I never would have touched this stuff. Impossible to get off of, I tried once before (after only 4 wks on it) and experienced flu-like symptoms. I'm about to wean off again because if I gain any more weight on this I'll explode--weight gain is another undisclosed side effect.
Posted by Vegas girl on June 8, 2006, at 12:20:39
In reply to Re: This is not worth the risk » Vegas girl, posted by pulse on June 7, 2006, at 14:02:04
I feel that I am so close to losing my job over effexor withdrawals. My work wants a dr. to verify that my drowsiness and symptoms that have caused me to miss so much work over the last week an 1/2. I have been to 2 drs. in the last 48 hours, and they refuse to take part due to legalities. This last dr. asked if I wanted to take Lexapro again, NO WAY. I don't want anymore drugs!!! I want to be ok without being a pill popper. The dr. suggested FMLA (Family Med Leave Act), but that would cause my entire med. history to be disclosed, which would cause me to appear quite the nut case. I'm so afraid, I don't know what to do. Dr. has referred me to a phsyciatrist, but I think this would require the FMLA for the time off for appts. I'm so lost!!!! I am tapering off of xanax also, and don't want my company to know and tag me as a drug user. Geez, Thanks for letting me vent!
Vegas Girl> i concur with dp's above post re: prozac (i did 10 mg. prozac), but only after i'd tapered down from a whopping 600 mgs. effexor xr to 37.5. i only needed the 10 mg. prozac for one week. i had absolutely no withdrawal problems whatsoever, even at this above official limits dosage...especially not these infamous electric shocks you're experiencing from withdrawing the effexor xr, that so many others here, btw, have had, too.
>
> you may want to use the search feature, but IN the TIPS section, located near the top - for confirmation of the 10 mg (or they may say 20 mg?) prozac help.
>
> pulse
Posted by italianchk on June 8, 2006, at 17:08:49
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I'm starting on Effexor this weekend. I've been on Zoloft & Lexapro for depression following a heart attack. My Dr. says depression is not uncommon following a heart attack, especially in my case, I'm pretty young. Zoloft worked, Lexapro didn't. Unfortunatly, Zoloft caused a really weird & annoying side effect...I can't stop grinding my teeth. I've been dealing with it by chewing gum constantly. I also experienced weight gain, this after losing 45lbs.! Saw a neurologist who recommended Effexor. This site is very informative.Dr. stated weight gain was not a concern on Effexor, but I see from the postings that it is. The problem with weaning off is also a concern, as I don't foresee having to be on it long term.I am presently on Cymbalta, and I feel myself slipping back into episodes of not caring, or what I like to call "I really just don't give a #$&*!" and hopelessness. I'm hoping the Effexor will get me back to where I want to be, however this site definately gave me some good questions to discuss with my Dr.
Just curious, has anyone else out there ever had teeth grinding as a side effect from any of these RX's? I know it may not sound like a big deal, but it can really take over your life!
Thanks for any info. & suggestions.
Posted by pulse on June 8, 2006, at 19:51:56
In reply to Re: This is not worth the risk, posted by Vegas girl on June 8, 2006, at 12:20:39
even tho you want no more drugs, what problem can you (or ANYONE ) possibly have with having a gp prescribe 2 weeks worth of 10 mg. prozac - thus ridding yourself/ themselves of all withdrawal symptoms, especially the scary electric shocks in head bit?!! most plain ole gps now know of this very tried and true trick because it works.
note: do this after down to & stopped the lowest dosage (37.5 mg.), where you already are.
kids take their own bitter pill - cough medicine - even when they hate being sick, and hate the taste...BECAUSE they no longer want to be on the evil cough mediciine ...and they want to get WELL.
prozac is energizing at first for most, so you'd likely also not have this lethargy. then, since prozac's half-life is around 5 days, you are then done. POOF! all problems solved and that simply.
(over my many yrs. reading here, i've ONLY seen 1-2 ppl have a problem stopping prozac cold.)
so, what is 2 more weeks out of your's or anyone's life, in the grand scheme of things? rational answer: nothing.
Posted by pulse on June 8, 2006, at 19:59:55
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by italianchk on June 8, 2006, at 17:08:49
>>Just curious, has anyone else out there ever had teeth grinding as a side effect from any of these RX's? I know it may not sound like a big deal, but it can really take over your life!>>
zoloft is quite notoroius for teeth-clenching. it's no small thing! imo, zoloft is the very worst of all ads, all classes, for this side-effect. good luck!
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