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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 22 of 22. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Eve on November 28, 2002, at 4:44:03
Hi there
just starting my stint on efezor XL - a bit scared as it is the first time i have ever used anti depressants - would be interested to hear some sucessful stories regarding this drug - most of the stories in this web site are a bit scary! Would be interested in hearing from anybody who gained or lost weight - as this scares me alot - wouldnt want to change my physical appearance too much as i am struggling with identifing the person inside me without having to deal with changes on the surface. Looking forward to hearing from you all.
Eve
Posted by Eve on November 28, 2002, at 8:24:21
In reply to just starting, posted by Eve on November 28, 2002, at 4:44:03
> Hi there
> just starting my stint on efezor XL - a bit scared as it is the first time i have ever used anti depressants - would be interested to hear some sucessful stories regarding this drug - most of the stories in this web site are a bit scary! Would be interested in hearing from anybody who gained or lost weight - as this scares me alot - wouldnt want to change my physical appearance too much as i am struggling with identifing the person inside me without having to deal with changes on the surface. Looking forward to hearing from you all.
> Eve
>sorry that was suppossed to be effexor!
Posted by bluedog on November 28, 2002, at 8:53:54
In reply to Re: just starting, posted by Eve on November 28, 2002, at 8:24:21
Would be interested in hearing from anybody who gained or lost weight - as this scares me alot - wouldnt want to change my physical appearance too much as i am struggling with identifing the person inside me without having to deal with changes on the surface. Looking forward to hearing from you all.
> > Eve
> >
>
> sorry that was suppossed to be effexor!
>
>Hi Eve
I was on Effexor XR for over a year. It had absolutely no effect on my weight.
I had some side effects when I first started on Effexor XR for the first couple of weeks and thereafter whenever I upped my dose.
After the settling in period the only side effects I really had were sexual side effects. In the end I quit Effexor because I was abusing alcohol at the time and Effexor amplifies the effects of alcohol thereby causing me to lose control of my drinking much faster than was desirable (the drug causes a spike in your blood alcohol content because it competes for the same enzyme pathways in the liver as alcohol). If alcohol abuse is not a problem for you do not be too frightened of the drug because it can have very good antidepressant effects.
I would say that most complaints about Effexor are due to the side effects it causes when you stop taking the drug (or if you forget your morning dose). These effects can be pretty terrible and they were terrible for me but I was able to minimise the withdrawal effects by taking 10mg of Prozac and tapering the Effexor VERY VERY slowly. (when I say slowly I would decrease the dose by no more than a quarter and then remain at the reduced dose until the side effects stabilised and so on)
Good luck and I hope the drug helps your depression soon.
bluedog
Posted by Mr Cushing on November 28, 2002, at 8:55:34
In reply to just starting, posted by Eve on November 28, 2002, at 4:44:03
Alright, I've since been diagnosed as being Bi-Polar, but this is my experience with Effexor...First two weeks, you feel like you have the flue. That's about the only way I can describe it. Lots of side effects, but they go away almost immediately after 2 weeks. I also suffered from side effects if I were to change a dosage or if I delayed a dosage by several hours.
After those two weeks, if I timed my dosages just right, I was almost completely free from my anxiety/panic symptoms. This is rare coming froma Bi-Polar patient sine it's ill-advised to give one an AD without having a Mood Stabilizer in place. But Effexor really did the trick for me for a few months. I'm not sure how well it works for depression though. But for anxiety/panic, it will basically erase them.
Now I'm coming off of it, and I'll have to say that this must be done VERY slowly. The withdrawal is probably the worst out of all the SSRIs. Feels almost like I'm in Effexor Hell at the moment lol... But since I'm taking a mood stabilizer now which should control my manic symptoms (of which anxiety/panic is a part of) I no longer need a drug like Effexor in my system.
Posted by Mr Cushing on November 28, 2002, at 8:56:14
In reply to just starting, posted by Eve on November 28, 2002, at 4:44:03
Oh yeah, weight... never noticed a big change either way
Posted by Eve on November 28, 2002, at 9:03:30
In reply to Re: just starting » Eve, posted by Mr Cushing on November 28, 2002, at 8:56:14
Guys
thanks for all the info and experiences - this really helps me - as i feel as if i am all alone - i cant really tell my friends and work colleagues about all of this as quite often it scares people who dont understand.
I concerned about the side effects - but am mostly horrified about the weight gain that alot of people suffer whenever they have taken Effexor XR - the drug that i am on! if this were to be the case i would want to change to another medication now - as i KNOW that if weight gain were to be a side effect i would be even more depressed - not good!!!!
on 75mg at moment will keep you posted of what i am experiencing - maybe someone could advise whether such events or activites happened them or what i should expect - and in return i will let you know of what i am going through so as to help others - nice to know there are people to talk to.
Eve
Posted by Mr Cushing on November 28, 2002, at 10:27:23
In reply to Re: just starting, posted by Eve on November 28, 2002, at 9:03:30
I didn't notice a huge weight gain on Effexor XR Eve, but honestly, that's a side effect with just about any anti-depressant. You always have to sacrifice something to get what you want. If you want to feel better, then you should probably get used to the idea that you "might" be carrying around a few extra pounds. I mean, watch your weight, and if it starts to shoot up drastically, change medications. You only need a 48 hour dry-out period from Effexor before going onto another anti-depressant. But weight gain is common, and as long as you watch over it and exercise and eat right and all that other good stuff, it shouldn't be that significant.Besides, would you rather be carrying another 5-10lbs or going through the way that you were feeling before taking the AD?
Posted by Eve on November 28, 2002, at 10:31:52
In reply to Re: just starting, posted by Mr Cushing on November 28, 2002, at 10:27:23
true - true Mr Cushing
i would rather be happy within myself, than looking good and not liking myself. I dont want to should very vain - but i am just concerned about the way i would feel if i couldnt wear the same clothes anymore - this hasnt been a problem for me at all in the past but i have seen how some people suffer whenever this happens - but point taken - if i am disciplined enough and continue with the medication, then hopefully this shouldnt be a problem. One can only be optimistic!
Thanks
Eve
Posted by Eve on November 28, 2002, at 10:34:52
In reply to Re: just starting, posted by Eve on November 28, 2002, at 9:03:30
i must also note that i am feeling very 'speced out' today and feel as if i could sleep or lie about all night doing nothing - this is a side-effect of the drug i suppose - if so i dont mind - as i cant remember the last time this happened - muscles feel tired and all! Does this last?
Posted by Mr Cushing on November 28, 2002, at 11:36:08
In reply to Re: just starting, posted by Eve on November 28, 2002, at 10:34:52
You said that your current dose is 75mg, right? How long have you been taking that for?
Posted by Eve on November 29, 2002, at 4:30:41
In reply to Re: just starting, posted by Mr Cushing on November 28, 2002, at 11:36:08
only two days! had a very restless sleep last night - probably just the body getting adjusted to the medication.
Eve
Posted by Mr Cushing on November 29, 2002, at 9:06:46
In reply to Re: just starting, posted by Eve on November 29, 2002, at 4:30:41
Yep, Eve, that's exactly what's going on. For any of the Anti-Depressants, give it 'at least' a month before you do anything drastic because of the side effects. Just be in touch with your Doctor on a regular basis about what side effects you're experiencing and everything should be alright.I found that Effexor really helped to stabilize me, but at the same time, the start-up and withdrawal was VERY hard for me. So don't be immediately surprised if you start feeling worse in the next few days. That could last for up to a week.
Posted by Eve on November 29, 2002, at 9:37:28
In reply to Re: just starting, posted by Mr Cushing on November 29, 2002, at 9:06:46
thanks Mr Cushing
my body was feeling all weird yesterday - like it wasnt mine - today i am feeling a little bit better - i do not understand what you mean by anything drastic for the next month - how do things change after a month? - and is alcohol totally off bounds with this drug - even for one glass of wine? Comments and advice would be grately appreciated.
Eve.
Posted by bluedog on November 29, 2002, at 10:36:24
In reply to Re: just starting, posted by Eve on November 29, 2002, at 9:37:28
>
> and is alcohol totally off bounds with this drug - even for one glass of wine? Comments and advice would be grately appreciated.
>
Hi EveAlcohol is definitely NOT off bounds with this drug. I think a glass of wine will not hurt you but just be aware that it may affect you a bit more than if you weren't taking the drug.
Also be very careful if you are driving because if you are stopped by the police it may cause you to "blow over the limit" for a lesser amount of alcohol than usual. This is because the alcohol will be metabolised more slowly in your system because it's competing for the same enzymes that break down effexor in your liver,
I emphasise that Effexor was not the drug for me because I was abusing alcohol and it caused me to lose control of my drinking at a much earlier stage than usual. If you are not abusing alcohol I would not be concerned.
bluedog
Posted by Mr Cushing on November 29, 2002, at 10:37:24
In reply to Re: just starting, posted by Eve on November 29, 2002, at 9:37:28
Well, what I meant is just don't decide to stop taking the medication because of the side effects. When it had stabilized in my system, I found that most of my anxiety/panic attack symptoms disappeared completely. That's remarkable since I'm Bi-Polar 1 and wasn't dx'd as such as the time and didn't have a mood stabilizer in my system. Therefore, I believe for normal people, this drug would be highly effective. Just beware that the start-up and withdrawal are usually very tough.I'm not sure what the alcohol will do to you though. I think it's a trial and error process for you. Just go out and drink what you would consider a reasonable amount given the medication that you're on, and if you find that the next day, or next few days, that your mood is really screwed up, just don't do it again. Either way though, I did try drinking while on Effexor and boy, do you ever become a cheap drunk lol...
Posted by Emmy on December 1, 2002, at 15:56:35
In reply to Re: just starting, posted by Eve on November 29, 2002, at 9:37:28
Eve,
I've just started Effexor as well... only taken the first dose so far, but already feel so bad I was considering stopping it altogether. Ugh! I'm going to keep going with it, but I think this is going to be a really rough week at school. (And, like you, I'm not about to talk to people about it.)
I'm also terrified of weight gain, too, but my doctor said I should be OK as long as I am aware of my eating habits and keep exercising. (Of course, right now I am so dizzy and shakey and nauseous and headachey I can't move at all.)
Let me know how your treatment is progressing since you're probably a few days ahead of me. Good luck!
Posted by Eve on December 2, 2002, at 5:05:26
In reply to Re: just starting, posted by Emmy on December 1, 2002, at 15:56:35
Hi to all
Monday morning.....for Emmy....had a weird weekend - my body is adjusting slowly to the drug but by day 3 i find that i am not feeling as sick as what i did the first two days - the first night i slept alot but since that i have not been able to sleep that much - i was very teary this weekend - but i see this more as a strength than a weakness - for a long time i wanted to cry but couldnt - i know it is early days to comment on the effectiveness of this drug and it is impossible to determine whether it is right for me or not yet - so i am gonna stick with it and see what happens - all be it Christmas will be strange without the usual drinking binges - thanks for the advice Mr. Cushing and Bluedog regarding alcohol - i dont want to take any alcohol for the first two weeks - just to give my body time to adjust then - maybe over Christmas i will have a glass of wine.
One thing that happens to me alot is that i have alot of sudden twitches throughout my body - i take it that this is normal?
One question to Mr. Cushing and Bluedog - how long were you on the drug before you seen its benefit? and how long did you have to remain on the drug? Are you drug free now?
Eve
Posted by Mr Cushing on December 2, 2002, at 8:16:24
In reply to Re: just starting, posted by Eve on December 2, 2002, at 5:05:26
One thing that happens to me alot is that i have alot of sudden twitches throughout my body - i take it that this is normal?
Yep, completely normal, should disappear in about 2 weeks.
One question to Mr. Cushing and Bluedog - how long were you on the drug before you seen its benefit? and how long did you have to remain on the drug? Are you drug free now?
I noticed a difference after the initial side effects went away, so about 2 weeks. I was on the drug for about 4 months before we finished my dx. I was dx'd as being Bi-Polar 1 with Mixed States, so I'm kind of surprised that Effexor managed to keep me stable at all and didn't bump me right into rapid cycling. It was tricky though, had to keep a rather akward dosing schedule. And no, now I'm on Depakote.
Posted by bluedog on December 2, 2002, at 10:39:27
In reply to Re: just starting, posted by Eve on December 2, 2002, at 5:05:26
>
> One thing that happens to me alot is that i have alot of sudden twitches throughout my body - i take it that this is normal?
>
> One question to Mr. Cushing and Bluedog - how long were you on the drug before you seen its benefit? and how long did you have to remain on the drug? Are you drug free now?
>Hi Eve
Similarly to Mr Cushing the side effects also lasted also about 2 weeks before they subsided for me. After that whenever I increased my dose I would have a new round of side effects but they were much milder than when I first went onto the drug and also did not last quite as long (usually about 4-7 days).
I noticed a lift in my mood after about 4 weeks and my mood also became much more stable at that time. I was on the drug for nearly 18 months the drug enabled me to remain functioning (and to hold down my job) despite my alcohol abuse. I know the drug was working for me because I twice attempted to cease using the drug and both times I crashed into a pretty severe depression within a week of stopping. I was able to stabilise my mood each time by recommencing the effexor. Because you are not abusing alcohol I believe that the drug will work much more efficiently for you than it did for me.
I am not drug free at the moment (I currently take 20mg of generic Prozac per day) but I am functioning at a much higher level than I have in years. I would go so far as to say that I am practically depression free at the moment but I continue to take anti-depressants because I am still treating my primary condition which is social anxiety. (depression is actually secondary to my social anxiety and was worsened by my alcohol abuse).
I would recommend that you give the effexor at least a 6-8 week trial to see if it's really going to help you but you will probably begin to notice some stabilising in your mood within 2-4 weeks.
I would also discuss any concerns you have with your doctor and you may even want to let him/her see a copy of what we have said in our posts in this thread and hopefully your doctor can confirm that our experiences are similar to other patients that he/she has started on effexor!!
keep well
bluedog
Posted by bluedog on December 3, 2002, at 21:17:30
In reply to Re: just starting, posted by Eve on December 2, 2002, at 5:05:26
thanks for the advice Mr. Cushing and Bluedog regarding alcohol - i dont want to take any alcohol for the first two weeks - just to give my body time to adjust then - maybe over Christmas i will have a glass of wine.
>Eve
I believe that by Christmas you will have been taking the effexor long enough that you will actually FEEL like celebrating. I commend you for taking the decision to do something about your depression at this time.
The one thing I do want to mention about the alcohol is that when you do have a glass of wine or two at Christmas, or at any other time for that matter, I would VERY STRONGLY advise that you remain alcohol free the following day, if possible.
I am happy to report that I am now at a stage where I can have one or two drinks without going any further and with absolutely no effect on the stability of my mood. HOWEVER if I drink alcohol on consecutive days I will definitely have a marked dip in my mood that can last up to a week.
The way I avoid this mood dip is to only drink occasionally and not to drink on consecutive days!
Posted by Eve on January 20, 2003, at 8:58:15
In reply to Re: alcohol consumption » Eve, posted by bluedog on December 3, 2002, at 21:17:30
Hi there
i am just starting to increase my dosage of effexor from 75g to 150g - has anybody experienced any bad and/or good side effects of this increased dosage. I have been on 75g for just under 8 weeks now and would be interested in getting some feedback on experiences.
Side effects already experienced are among .... heavy sweating at night, lack of sleep, lack of sexual drive, etc etc anybody who has already experienced these symptoms let me know of how you rectified or dealt with them - i would appreciate your input. Look forward to hearing from you soon.
Eve.
Posted by lostsailor on January 22, 2003, at 10:32:57
In reply to Re: Higher Dosage, posted by Eve on January 20, 2003, at 8:58:15
Eve,
I'd call doc and tell him. I know from experience with mine that he always increases effexor by 32.5 mg for a week or so and then another 32.5; thus equalling the 75 you jumped all at once. His rule of thumb is the slower the titration (increasing of dosage) the better.
Good Luck!!!
~Tony
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