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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by labdi01 on November 4, 2006, at 10:51:55
In reply to Re: Effexor XR reminds me of Ecstasy, posted by Mr MM on October 24, 2006, at 1:10:51
> Give it time. I had fun getting used to the feeling but after 4 or 5 days I've settled. Its been 13 days and i'm doing better. and i've lost 5 or 6 lbs too.
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> the odd effects will go away. relax!
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> -M
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> > I just started Effexor XR 37.5 mg four days ago after I told my doctor I have been feeling fatigued and overwhelmed. I feel like I am on a low dose of E too. I am yawning, clenching my teeth, sweating or getting chills (in cycles), having wierd visual distubances and I feel high. I haven't come across any research about it what it does to your brain long term, but I will look some more. Let me know if you come across anything. I've also read people say that you have brain shivers on this stuff. That scares me.
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I just took my 5th does of Effexor this morning (37.5 mg). I have to be honest and say that I haven't had any adverse reactions. I feel like I'm less irritated and less sad and a little bit more motivated - but for now, I'm going to attribute those things to "new-med placebo." I'll move up to 75 mg next week and stay there for one month. I was told that this plan is recommended, since it can take up to a month to feel the full effects of AD medications - and considering the withdrawal syndrome that's associated with it, if I do experience adverse reactions, it'll be easier to wean from 75 than say, 150 or higher. For now, though I'd have to say that I like it. I even lost 6 lbs in 4 days. That could also be because I'm aware of some people that are taking it are gaining weight and I'm being subconsciously cautious. I gained 30 lbs as my depression worsened - so mabye I'll lose when this kicks in completely and I feel myself again.
Posted by fredwb on November 4, 2006, at 14:02:03
In reply to Re: Effexor XR reminds me of Ecstasy, posted by labdi01 on November 4, 2006, at 10:51:55
Hi. My wife just took her first dose of effexor xr last night, 75 mg. She also take Wellbutrin, all for extreme depression. Within about 5 min she was extremely flushed and had an intense headache all night. She experienced some tightness in her chest as well we attributed to her GERD issues (takes Protonix for that). At about 4 AM, 5 hrs later, she has some severe tremors mostly in her right arm and upper body. Those lasted about an hr. Today she's like a zombie and still has some shakes. We can't get in touch with her Dr. and I'm not sure if she should continue with this tonight or try to split the dose, if that's possible. Maybe she should take a day off and then try a half dose sunday night given her experience with this. Can anyone comment? Thanks
Posted by KristiVegas on November 4, 2006, at 19:29:11
In reply to Re: Effexor XR reminds me of Ecstasy, posted by fredwb on November 4, 2006, at 14:02:03
> Hi. My wife just took her first dose of effexor xr last night, 75 mg. She also take Wellbutrin, all for extreme depression. Within about 5 min she was extremely flushed and had an intense headache all night. She experienced some tightness in her chest as well we attributed to her GERD issues (takes Protonix for that). At about 4 AM, 5 hrs later, she has some severe tremors mostly in her right arm and upper body. Those lasted about an hr. Today she's like a zombie and still has some shakes. We can't get in touch with her Dr. and I'm not sure if she should continue with this tonight or try to split the dose, if that's possible. Maybe she should take a day off and then try a half dose sunday night given her experience with this. Can anyone comment? Thanks
>
> I've been on Effexor for about 3 months now, starting on 37mg per day and working up to 225mg per day. I had started on Wellbutrin but a month into it my GERD went off the scale. Pdoc switched me to Effexor and I had the tremors about 2 weeks ago that lasted for a few weeks. If your Effexor is a capsule, you shouldn't split it. Effexor comes in a 37 mg-maybe start out on that until her system gets used to it. My Pdoc advised me to wait a day then take another pill if I were to have some weird happenings. Did she take it with food? Sometimes the meds wreak havoc with people who have stomach issues (like me). It may be the combo of the two meds. How long has she been on Wellbutrin? Meds are exasperating to get used to sometimes. I have been on Paxil, Zoloft and Wellbutrin with bad results. Hope today was a better day.
KRISTI
Posted by Phillipa on November 4, 2006, at 19:39:28
In reply to Re: Effexor XR reminds me of Ecstasy, posted by fredwb on November 4, 2006, at 14:02:03
I say get ahold of the pdoc or his covering one and let them know what happened as age etc. may be a factor. Sounds too stimulating to me. But that's only my opinion. Love Phillipa
Posted by fredwb on November 5, 2006, at 15:30:34
In reply to Re: Effexor XR reminds me of Ecstasy » fredwb, posted by Phillipa on November 4, 2006, at 19:39:28
> I say get ahold of the pdoc or his covering one and let them know what happened as age etc. may be a factor. Sounds too stimulating to me. But that's only my opinion. Love Phillipa
I did finally talk to the pdoc in the evening and today as well. Turns out he gave her two samples. The one she was supposed to take had 7 samples of the half dose and 7 of the full. The one she opened had all the 75 mg full dose and she forgot that he told her to start with the half dose. So she didn't take it last night and symptoms and slowly lessening. She's going to try the 37.5 mg dose tonight along with a 6.25mg ambien, which she did take last night.
Yes I agree age might have something to do with this as we're in our late 50's. And we just got back from a trip to Paris (1st time there) and have yet to get over the most severe jet lag I've ever experienced. Thanks for your advice.
Fred
Posted by Phillipa on November 5, 2006, at 18:56:44
In reply to Re: Effexor XR reminds me of Ecstasy, posted by fredwb on November 5, 2006, at 15:30:34
You're more than welcome. Glad the mystery is solved and your wife is doing better. And the jet lag probably made it much worse. Love Phillipa
Posted by gabbie on November 6, 2006, at 12:39:24
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have been on the 150 mg for about 1 week and 10 days and I don't feel any different. I still worry and feel horrible. I am in a bad mood most of my days. I was on the 75mg for 3 weeks. So for about a month I have been on this medicine and I am not sure if it's going to work for me. I don't want to up my dose anymore. I was just wondering from everyone if they think I should give it more time or try something new. I don't want to try something new when maybe if I gave the effexor some more time it could kick in completely. I just don't know what to do. I'm confused and my mind is always racing. I just want to be back to thinking clearly and feeling good.
Posted by corafree on November 6, 2006, at 16:12:27
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by gabbie on November 6, 2006, at 12:39:24
> I just want to be back to thinking clearly and feeling good.>
>I saw P and asked him if I could try Provigil so I could, hopefully, being to 'think clearly' and he said yes. Have yet to pick it up and begin.
I'm just taking 75mg a day of Eff-XR I guess. What I mean is, I can take it in the a.m., or I can take it in the a.m. and late afternoon. I have fast metabolization.
Eff-XR keeps me from becoming emotionally overwhelmed. (Well, I'm on Valium also!) It squelches my sad/unhappy feelings re: holidays, I will need that; still grieving father.
goodluckGabbie, cf
Posted by bada on November 9, 2006, at 19:46:40
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by corafree on November 6, 2006, at 16:12:27
I've been taking Effexor for about two years. I have gained weight which has stablized after a 20 lb. gain. I can't seem to make myself stop eating. I also has no interest in sex. My husband is wonderful about this, but I feel so bad for him. Does anyone have any advice?
Posted by chante on November 10, 2006, at 19:19:34
In reply to Re: Effexor XR reminds me of Ecstasy, posted by KristiVegas on November 4, 2006, at 19:29:11
Hey Kristy , Hi just wanted to ask you a question concerning your post. You said you used to take zoloft before. I just started on it a week and a half. starting at half of 25mg for the first week and now today tried half of 50mg and feel in a zone but anxious at the same time but interested of going out and go to the gym, less depresse so that's good but... today I was driving and ran into somebody my baby was with me in the car , luckely everybody was fine and no body hurt... Now I'm scared to take this, it's not even a big dose?? what's going on . Kristy how do you felt you with the zoloft? should I change it's not good for me or what? anybody else too have any ideas? thank...
Posted by Phillipa on November 10, 2006, at 20:01:53
In reply to Re: Effexor XR reminds me of Ecstasy » KristiVegas, posted by chante on November 10, 2006, at 19:19:34
More details on what happened as accidents do happen. And to me anyway zoloft was fine. Love Phillipa
Posted by KristiVegas on November 10, 2006, at 22:47:58
In reply to Re: Effexor XR reminds me of Ecstasy » KristiVegas, posted by chante on November 10, 2006, at 19:19:34
> Hey Kristy , Hi just wanted to ask you a question concerning your post. You said you used to take zoloft before. I just started on it a week and a half. starting at half of 25mg for the first week and now today tried half of 50mg and feel in a zone but anxious at the same time but interested of going out and go to the gym, less depresse so that's good but... today I was driving and ran into somebody my baby was with me in the car , luckely everybody was fine and no body hurt... Now I'm scared to take this, it's not even a big dose?? what's going on . Kristy how do you felt you with the zoloft? should I change it's not good for me or what? anybody else too have any ideas? thank...
Hi chante,
Within 2 days of taking my first dose, I was in the ER with severe diarrhea. I remember being dizzy and nauseous and afraid to drive because I was so sick to my stomach. I didn't go on another med for a long time. A friend at work took it for a week and and became so agitated she asked her MD to give her something else. He changed her to Lexipro. I've had so many bad experiences with anti-depressants I'm really leary of trying anything new. Supposedly Wellbutrin has the LEAST side effects so you might ask your Doc about that one. I know they tell you to be patient about the side effects but I just don't anymore. I don't want to feel bad to feel good. I'm glad no one was hurt in the accident. Be safe............Kristi
Posted by chante on November 12, 2006, at 12:15:31
In reply to Re: Effexor XR reminds me of Ecstasy, posted by KristiVegas on November 10, 2006, at 22:47:58
Hi Kristy, thank you for your answer , I feel much better. I will change it because I try at night and can't sleep and too early in the morning then can't fonction . I started that because of anxiety problems and depression and now feel good inside but too agitated like your saying it's like I lost my coordination weird... I will try to change for something better for me.. hope my doc will change it right away.
Posted by yosemite on November 13, 2006, at 4:58:18
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have just been prescibed Effexor for a depression I have been battling for 5 years. I have had no luck with Zoloft or Prozac, so my doc wants me to give Effexor a go.
I am very worried though as my doc has given me a prescription starting at 75mgs for 1 week, then onto 150mgs the 2nd week & finally up to 225mgs by week 3/4. I realise this dosage is need to release the norepinephrine component, but is just too fast, too soon? Shouldn't dosage be bumped up gradually over months not weeks as to lesten side-effects & potential bad reaction?
Has anyone else graduated to such a big dose as fast as this & did it work out OK?
I know the doctor knows best, but I just think it seems excessive & can't get my head around it.
Really appreciate any help/advice !
"scared" yosemite
Posted by corafree on November 13, 2006, at 12:23:34
In reply to 225mgs in 4 weeks...Is this too soon?, posted by yosemite on November 13, 2006, at 4:58:18
I've never been prescribed or heard of anyone being prescribed to titrate up that quickly.
RU at week 3?
cf
Posted by Phillipa on November 13, 2006, at 18:59:15
In reply to Re: 225mgs in 4 weeks...Is this too soon? » yosemite, posted by corafree on November 13, 2006, at 12:23:34
Doctors are not always right it's an individual thing. Do what feels right to you and get another doc if this one is too fast for you. Love Phillipa
Posted by yosemite on November 13, 2006, at 20:57:29
In reply to Re: 225mgs in 4 weeks...Is this too soon?, posted by Phillipa on November 13, 2006, at 18:59:15
Thanks for the advice guys......perhaps my doctor's reasoning to push higher dosage is that the norepherine will kick in over the serotonin and that because I have been unresponsive to 2 SSRi's thus far, he is kind of bypassing the serotonin ?
Or maybe, he see's my disease state as being quite severe and wants me to tiltrate to the higher dosage faster for a more rapid response?
Still, I feel like a guinea pig in the whole process and am super anxious that this is just too extreme a move.....
But, I do trust this doctor and I'm sure he has his reasons....
Posted by KristiVegas on November 13, 2006, at 22:32:57
In reply to 225mgs in 4 weeks...Is this too soon?, posted by yosemite on November 13, 2006, at 4:58:18
> I have just been prescibed Effexor for a depression I have been battling for 5 years. I have had no luck with Zoloft or Prozac, so my doc wants me to give Effexor a go.
>
> I am very worried though as my doc has given me a prescription starting at 75mgs for 1 week, then onto 150mgs the 2nd week & finally up to 225mgs by week 3/4. I realise this dosage is need to release the norepinephrine component, but is just too fast, too soon? Shouldn't dosage be bumped up gradually over months not weeks as to lesten side-effects & potential bad reaction?
>
> Has anyone else graduated to such a big dose as fast as this & did it work out OK?
>
> I know the doctor knows best, but I just think it seems excessive & can't get my head around it.
>
> Really appreciate any help/advice !
>
> "scared" yosemiteI started at 37.5mg and worked up to 225mg in a 3 mon period of time. Are you sensitive to meds? Do you have lots of side effects early on? It may be too soon if you have side effects that show up quickly. Give it a try and if you notice odd things going on, tell your Doc. He may keep you on that dose for another 2-3 weeks like my Doc did.
Good luck,
Kristi
Posted by christofer on November 14, 2006, at 5:30:06
In reply to 225mgs in 4 weeks...Is this too soon?, posted by yosemite on November 13, 2006, at 4:58:18
i think your dr has decided that the optimal dosage is 225 and above, therefore titrating up 75mg/week.
when the drugcompany's get there drugs approved they usually use a faster titration to get results against placebo, so i don't think its dangerous or anything.
Posted by emiliej87 on November 16, 2006, at 12:12:06
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hey there. I am a 19 year old female. I started taking effexor in June. I started on 37.5 miligrams, but that wasn't doing anything, so I went up to 75, then 150, and now 225. Over time, I've become addicted to it and I can't skip a pill or I feel extremely sick. Also, it tends to keep me up at night. Sometimes I'll stay awake for 3 days straight. It is for this reason that my psychiatrist also prescribed clonazapam for me in August. I'm not sure if that's how you spell it but its an anti psychotic. I take 5mg an hour before bedtime and it knocks me out for 8-9 hours. When I wake up in the morning I feel disoriented, and this only gets worse when I take the Effexor. I started taking Effexor because I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I still get panic and anxiety attacks quite often. Some are worse than others, but needless to say, the effexor doesn't seem to be very effective for me. I'm just tired of all the dosage changes and taking the clonazapams, although my body is also addicted to them. Anyways, that's my personal experience with Effexor.
Posted by corafree on November 16, 2006, at 18:17:21
In reply to Re: 225mgs in 4 weeks...Is this too soon?, posted by KristiVegas on November 13, 2006, at 22:32:57
How do U feel right now on the 225mg? Better?
tks, cf
Posted by KristiVegas on November 16, 2006, at 19:15:48
In reply to Re: 225mgs in 4 weeks...Is this too soon? » KristiVegas, posted by corafree on November 16, 2006, at 18:17:21
Not really-I was hoping for better results by now. My mood is still lousy and I'm waking up 2-3 times a night. I'm continuing to experience dizziness. I think I'm going to change Docs.
Kristi
Posted by emiliej87 on November 17, 2006, at 0:08:11
In reply to Re: 225mgs in 4 weeks...Is this too soon? » KristiVegas, posted by corafree on November 16, 2006, at 18:17:21
I feel just the same. A lot of anxiety, still having panic attacks and anxiety attacks. I worry about everything. I just feel like me... The Effexor doesn't seem to have helped much although my mom said that I'm not as irritable as I was before I went on it, but the month before I started taking it, I had a micarriage, so I was pretty up and down and would have been so whether or not I had GAD. Effexor just doesn't seem to be working out for me although who knows what it'll do to anyone else. We're all different.
Posted by corafree on November 17, 2006, at 15:39:01
In reply to Re: 225mgs in 4 weeks...Is this too soon?, posted by emiliej87 on November 17, 2006, at 0:08:11
I started mine shortly after a 'bad life event' (So sorry to hear of yours.) again (Have been on it in the past w/ and w/o success.) and it's not working for me either.
cf
Posted by KristiVegas on November 17, 2006, at 21:38:30
In reply to Re: 225mgs in 4 weeks...Is this too soon?, posted by emiliej87 on November 17, 2006, at 0:08:11
Emilie & Cora,
Thanks for sharing. I'm going to have a chat w/ my doc on Monday about Effexor. All the feedback I'm getting is negative. It's nice to know that there are people out there to talk to about this. It's hard talking to family-there's a part of them that just doesn't get it.
Thanks----KRISTI
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