Posted by TT40 on October 14, 2003, at 13:12:07
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have been on Effexor for about a month and my prescription is almost ready to re-fill. I spent time this morning reading through many posts on this conversation log -- very helpful.
I talked with my doc about low energy, lack of excitement about things in life that used to get me energized, feeling wiped out, anxiety, temperment, etc. He put me on 150 mg right away -- no build up to 150. It has helped -- it has mellowed me out, probably helped me with my recent goal of stopping smoking, and my wife and I have both noticed that I am happier, more relaxed, and getting back to the person I was.
What I don't like is that some of the very things I complained to my doctor about have been amplified since going on Effexor. I now take my pill midday because by early evening I would be so exhausted that I felt really strange and thought I could literally collapse at any moment fro sheer exhaustion. If I could somehow take cat naps, maybe this wouldn't be so bad but sometimes it is downright embarrassing.
Another side effect that a few people have mentioned in posts is acne -- I have had more sever acne since going on effexor that I've had in 20 years.
One positive side effect has related to pain -- not sure if it is coincidence or if Effexor actually had an impact. I have chronic low back pain. I've tried physical therapy, drugs, etc. and nothing has provided permanent relief. Over the past few weeks however, the pain has decreased significantly -- to the point I am forgeting about having the back problem -- does this sound familiar???? Is the Effexor helping me relax so much that a physical ailment (herniated disc) is actually fixing itself? Or is it masking the problem and I'll have bigger issues later?
Lastly, I too am having sexual problems like others have mentioned. I can get an erection and keep it up, but I don't ejaculate in the time I normally would. It is embarrassing although I have an understanding wife and we've actually talked about it. Last time we tried having sex, it took so long for me I only finally ejaculated after masturbating for a time. I've tried masturbating more in the shower as well just to see if I can cum, but again, it takes forever and a day it seems (if I cum at all, most often I just give up). Sorry to be so graphic, but this is how my life is currently. My sex drive is down a bit as well, but I think it is further muted because of my performance issue.
Any suggestions? If any of the guys out there have had this problem and been able to deal with it somehow, I open to all suggestions. I plan to also talk further with my doctor about this because I'm not ready to give up sex!
poster:TT40
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031010/msgs/269324.html