Posted by zinya on July 18, 2003, at 16:20:00
In reply to Re: Is there anyone else who is only taking 37.5? , posted by willie on July 17, 2003, at 18:26:13
hi Willie,
i think there was someone else who posted here just a few days ago who was just starting though but had a 60 day prescription at just the 37.5 mg level so presumably his doc is also having him (i apologize for forgetting his name but you could scroll back and maybe find it from the header -- he was asking about cost of prescription -- I think it was a "he")
Since it sounds like you've had a sense of real benefit from the 37.5 level, maybe your doc feels it's a good balance for you of benefit without too much side effect. Did you ever have much in terms of other side efffects at the beginning (besides the weight gain)?
You should know that you're not the only one to experience weight gain. This drug has opposite effects on different people so some have lost weight but i think it's fair to say that more have written to say they've gained weight (of course, this isn't a representative sample of all users) and some have had no weight effect.
For myself, I think i must be on the weight gain side, but it's manifested differently: My appetite has dropped and the amount i'm now eating would normally mean i would be losing weight (i had gained 10 pounds over my norm last fall during a period of grieving and depression prior to starting Effexor, which i only finally did in late May). But nothing has allowed me to lose those 10 pounds, occasionally 3 pounds down but then back again. Since starting Effexor though, i'm eating much less, drinking more water, yet my weight has stayed constant at that new higher level. And i'm a little concerned about it too, but for now i'm taking it in stride.
It could be that your doc is keeping you at 37.5 if you're having success with the level and not wanting you to have more side effects. I think you should make sure your doc realizes that some people DO experience weight gain on Effexor which is not explainable by anything else.
Should you decide ever to quit, i don't think you should be too alarmed about side effects although it seems you MUST still taper off, which you could do by taking one every other day, then every third day, or by opening up capsules and dividing granules to take less and less each day.
good luck!
zinya
> Well, I've been observing this website for quite some time now and finally got up the nerve to take part. I've been on Effexor for aprox. 8 months now. I started off at the 37.5 and my doctor has kept me at that dosage. I'm being treated for anxiety primarily although I do have a history of depression.
>
> Since I've been on this drug I've gained 12 pounds. This weight gain is actually what lead me to discover this site. Although not mentioned as one of the side effects of this drug I could not understand why I put this weight on so quickly and could not take it off. I had been to Weight Watchers 3 years ago and have successfully been able to remain at my target weight until I starting taking Effexor. I've also been getting bruises, some as large as a tennis ball which I can't explain. They look painful but aren't. Has anyone else experienced this??
>
> I have approached my doctor with these concerns but he atributes the weight gain to my "relaxed behaviour" from this drug. As for the bruises, he said he didn't feel there was any connection but if I develop any more that he'll run bloodwork.
>
> To be honest with you all, I'm terrified of the withdrawal symptoms people are having on this drug. Has anyone had serious withdrawal from the 37.5 dosage?
>
> I'm not even sure if I'll ever come off this drug to be honest. My life was a prison prior to Effexor. I was basically scared of everything and I believe I was on the path to becoming agoraphobic.
>
> I sympathize with the woman who drove to see her grandchild. Until recently I could only drive myself to and from work. Anywhere else would put me into an anxiety attack.
>
> Anyway, I just wanted to let you all that it was nice to discover people who are going through similar experiences and that there is information and support available.
>
> Willie
poster:zinya
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030718/msgs/243266.html