Posted by Alli on January 15, 2001, at 9:22:04
In reply to Started taking EFEXOR today-worried, posted by Sarah on January 15, 2001, at 3:06:25
Sarah ~ Could it have been like a mini-panic attack you were feeling? I started Effexor two years ago at 37.5 mg. in the morning and it "worked"; after a year I was waking up with a panicked feeling and diarrhea and sometimes even vomiting. The doctor suggested I start taking one at night also so that there wasn't a "lapse" (withdrawal - my words). That's when the weight started coming on SLOWLY. Now a year later I'm up 12#, have had to buy new jeans and feel helpless because I've always exercised and eaten right.
I'm in the process of weaning myself off. I got myself down to 37.5 mg. about two weeks ago, and now I'm taking 37.5 mg. EVERY OTHER DAY along with Kava-Kava in the morning and St. John's Wort at night. I'm pretty much a mess. Right now as I write, I have to use the restroom for the third time today (if you know what I mean) and my heart is racing and I feel like crying.
I dont' know why you began taking Effexor, but I would be very careful with it. It's not a short-term "fix" and SOMEDAY you'll go off of it... YUK! A friend of mine takes Stress Tabs three times a day and says she can't live without them. I may add those into the equation, too.
Good luck, and keep posting! I want to hear how things go with you. Alli.
> I started taking Efexor today at lunch time. I am only on 37.5mg once a day. Though after taking my first dose today for an hour afterwards I was extremely sick, tired, dizzy, light headed and I experienced severe pins and needles sensation all over my face and head.
> After the first hour I wasn't as sick anymore just a little 'lost' in the head, with memory and a loss of thought train. I am still dizzy, I have a headache and a really weird feeling all over my head.
> Now I am scared of what other side effects I will incur especially the weight gain!!!!!
> All this scaring me, I'd just like to know if it is all worth it and whether anyone has felt those symptons too?
poster:Alli
thread:51706
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010111/msgs/51721.html