Posted by E-Lee on March 10, 2004, at 2:41:47
In reply to Re: bizarre dreams, drinking on effexor, sweats » Skorpius60, posted by KimberlyDi on March 9, 2004, at 15:12:36
> I had wonderful vivid dreams mostly while on Effexor. A few pretty intense *fantasy* dreams also, which I'm glad I got to experience a dream orgasm since I wasn't having any in real life! Bewarned... when coming off of Effexor, the dreams turn to nightmares and are frighteningly real. I physcially fought in those dreams, kicking and punching.
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> As to menopause, I seem to recall some women being prescribed Effexor to lessen menopause symptoms. There's a hormonal connection somewhere.
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> And drinking on Effexor? Effexor seemed to kill the buzz, a real kill-joy. Goes from nothing to numb to pass-out with nothing pleasant inbetween. Plus having a sick hangover is dangerous when it comes to not being able to keep anything down, INCLUDING YOUR NEXT EFFEXOR DOSAGE. Then you have Effexor withdrawal, plus hangover sick, and possible suicidal thoughts. Don't do it. Finally, DO NOT DRINK while weaning off Effexor. From one who did, and had her first and only suicide attempt... I'm alive by the grace of God and my own high tolerance to sedatives.
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> Good luck to you & everyone
> KDi in TX
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> > Yes, I too, have had very weird and vivid dreams (I take 75 mg. Effexor XR a day) The weirdest one was about a curly haired (prehistoric type) baby elephant walking through my house opening the doors with his nose! lol Also, I have come to the realization that I don't think I can drink on Effexor. Once I start drinking I seem to lose all sense of moderation, end up drinking way too much, immediately start vomiting (not the next day, same night) and then I pass out, with very vague recollections of the previous night. And then I feel like I want to die for 2 or 3 days afterwards. And another weird thing is that my whole body feels like it's been run over by a semitruck -- even my skin seems to hurt -- never had that as part of a hangover before Effexor. But as far as my depression, the Effexor has helped tremendously (before I started on it I wouldn't leave the house, wouldn't come my hair for days on end, didn't clean, didn't cook, I was just a mess, so I guess if I have to quit drinking so be it. Or if I can manage to just have one or two glasses of wine or a mixed drink without going bananas that would be great, too. But that's where the biggest problem seems to be -- I have a glass or two and then it's like I'm a teenager again -- no sense whatsoever. Oh, and I read a thread about hot flashes/night sweats -- I've been getting that, too, but I also had it (although not as bad) before the Effexor. I can't remember if the post was written by a man or woman, but if it was a woman it could just be perimenopause or menopause starting to kick in and maybe Effexor exacerbates those symptoms. I think that's what's going on with me. So, anyhow, I am so glad I found this website. And I would love to hear from anybody else about drinking and Effexor. Thanks!
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> > > Since I started taking effexor, I've been haved a series of incredibly vivid and strange dreams. Is anyone else experiencing this too? It seems like I'm in a constant dream state when asleep. I guess that's due to not sleeping deeply. The weirdest one yet was about talking to cheetahs and eating live eels.
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> I have been on antidepressants for the last 10 yrs. I am now on Effexor and have been for about 6 months now. I noticed that many people have questions and/or concerns about the side effects. When I first started taking effexor I had major anxiety. I was happy - the depression was gone, but I couldn't sleep nights. Anyhow, for those days that I felt too anxious to function or for those nights I couldn't sleep, my doctor gave me xanax which seemed to at least lessen the anxiety. You can also try tylonel PM's when absolutely necessary. The good news is - those symptons usually disappear with time. I also noticed that when I missed a dose that I would have terrible night sweats (wake up drenched and cold from sweat) to the point where I would have to sometimes shower in the middle of the night, change my clothes and at times my sheets as well. I also have very weird dreams alot - good dreams most of the time, but terribe, frightening nightmares when I miss a dose and it only takes missing one dose. I know its not menopause because I am only 30. As far as drinking on effexor. I was told that it is ok, (NOT RECOMENDED) in moderation, however I have been known to overdo it from time to time and have had blackouts due to it. Scary and not worth the consequences. Anyway, for those of you who are on effexor and can't tolerate the side effects - have you tried prozac. I was on it for 9 yrs and it did wonders for me with no side effects whatsoever. Unfortunately, after 9 yrs it pooped out on me which my doctor says it has been known to do. Anyway, for me, the effexor seems to be working for now as far as the depression goes so I am willing to deal with the side effects. Small price I have to pay to be happy. Good Luck to all of you!!!!!!!E-Lee
poster:E-Lee
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040308/msgs/322759.html