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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by juliat on March 19, 2003, at 17:15:39
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by lg on October 26, 1999, at 19:09:26
Hi, this is my third attempt with anti-depressants, celexa turned me into a walking zombie all day, and prozac makes me have uncontrollable breakdowns. so i started effexor, but i'm wondering about the side effects. i heard it can decrease your appetite (which i would LOVE) but i don't know what to expect or anything. also, i'm just looking for some support in this...
Posted by bluestar on March 19, 2003, at 18:25:43
In reply to just starting effexor, wondering about side effect, posted by juliat on March 19, 2003, at 17:15:39
I've been on effexor xr for a month now at 75 mg. I am starting a 150 mg regement as of tomorrow. With the transition period between 37.5 and 75 mg dosage I noticed that I felt very compulsive, alert and had trouble sleeping unless I was absolutely exhausted (which meant staying up until about 5am on the first few nights). Those symptoms are gone now and normal from what I've gathered. As for weight loss, I was excited about the prospect too. I have noticed that I've lost alittle weight (clothing fitting better). I think this is mostly due to the fact that I'm not depressed or anxious so I have motivation to do things. I've started reinventing my living space through painted and redecorating. My style has gotten alot brighter and less dramatic.I seem to have a real need for projects since I started taking effexor. I don't know if that helps or not but that's my experience so far. I've also noticed that my menstral period is about 2 weeks late and there is NO way I'm pregnant. I don't know if this is due to the med or not.
Posted by juliat on March 19, 2003, at 18:33:14
In reply to Re: just starting effexor, wondering about side effect, posted by bluestar on March 19, 2003, at 18:25:43
I have to admit I was wondering how it could cause anorexia (that's what the website says) Although if it has similar effects as prozac did for me, that did cause weight loss. Well, I hope I have the benefits you did!
Thanks for the reply
Posted by Krissy P on March 19, 2003, at 18:49:23
In reply to just starting effexor, wondering about side effect, posted by juliat on March 19, 2003, at 17:15:39
Hi juliat, I am on Effexor-XR and love it. It hasn't made me gain much weight, if any, at the most 7-9 Lbs. It works well for some. May I ask what your dosage is of Effexor? and how long you have been on it? Do you have a diagnosis besides depression? I have also been on Prozac-that helped my depression, but almost too much and I gained a whopping 60 Lbs:-( I had great success on Celexa, but at the moment I am only on Effexor, Klonopin, Lamictal, and Seroquel.
Let me know if I can help you.
All the best, Kristen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hi, this is my third attempt with anti-depressants, celexa turned me into a walking zombie all day, and prozac makes me have uncontrollable breakdowns. so i started effexor, but i'm wondering about the side effects. i heard it can decrease your appetite (which i would LOVE) but i don't know what to expect or anything. also, i'm just looking for some support in this...
Posted by juliat on March 19, 2003, at 19:51:55
In reply to Re: just starting effexor, wondering about side effect » juliat, posted by Krissy P on March 19, 2003, at 18:49:23
Hi Krissy,
Just started three days ago, at 37.5mg. I tend to be sensitive to drugs, so thats why I'm starting at such a low dosage. I found with prozac (which I was on a few years ago) I lost a lot of weight, but it came back on when I came off of it (probably because I didn't make the necessary lifestyle changes, which I am doing this time round) Celexa had very bad effects for me, but it's different for everyone! My diagnosis is only depression, which I've been suffering from since I was 13, so for 7 years. But I only recently started serious treatment, up until now I always discounted my feelings as nothing serious, and I was too scared to ask for help. Now I'm getting the help I need medically, but I am still looking for someone else on the drug that I could talk to, so thanks for your message!
Posted by dongerue on March 19, 2003, at 21:48:28
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by geoff on February 12, 2003, at 12:13:37
> I recently switched from Effexor to Welbutrin. Had no problems with withdrawal. The Dr. Had me ramp down. I switched due to sexual side effects. That was the only side effect I had, otherwise the Effexor was working great. Wish I could say the same for the Welbutrin.
It may have been no problem with you but it is a purple bitch for me. I tapered off reducing dosage at the rate of 37mg per week. I then quit and I felt nausiated, headaches, general malaise, ringing in the ears, with sudden sharp disturbances in ears and eyes. I quit and switched to welbutrin for the same reason you mentioned, but as of now, I have been off all effexor for two weeks and I still feel awful. I don't know the answer yet but I will let you know. Any help would be appreciated
Posted by Krissy P on March 19, 2003, at 22:34:47
In reply to Re: just starting effexor, wondering about side effect, posted by juliat on March 19, 2003, at 19:51:55
Your welcome:-)
I am sensitive to meds also-quite sensitive. I started at the 37.5 mg Effexor tablets when I first started. I'm glad at 20, you decided to seek serious treatment-that is great! I wish I would have when I was 20-I waited until I was 25-after holding a lot in too. We sound a lot alike. lol I never felt my feelings, and discounted them so much that I ended up with years and years of abdominal pain, diagnostic tests, etc. So I hear ya here. Everyone's experiences are so different with each med, but I hope you find a lot of great posts to help you out-a lot of supportive, and helpful people here too:-)
I wish you all the best,
Kristen
> Hi Krissy,
> Just started three days ago, at 37.5mg. I tend to be sensitive to drugs, so thats why I'm starting at such a low dosage. I found with prozac (which I was on a few years ago) I lost a lot of weight, but it came back on when I came off of it (probably because I didn't make the necessary lifestyle changes, which I am doing this time round) Celexa had very bad effects for me, but it's different for everyone! My diagnosis is only depression, which I've been suffering from since I was 13, so for 7 years. But I only recently started serious treatment, up until now I always discounted my feelings as nothing serious, and I was too scared to ask for help. Now I'm getting the help I need medically, but I am still looking for someone else on the drug that I could talk to, so thanks for your message!
Posted by sly on March 20, 2003, at 12:15:05
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I was on effexor xr 75 mgs for 11 months, recently tapered off. Side effects are all gone and withdrawal was mild. The only lingering problem I have is with my body temperature.
While on effexor I found myself warm, I'd sweat a lot, especially at night when I'd wake up soaked through my clothes (never had this problem before). I slept in my underwear all winter b/c I couldn't keep cool. Also, some days I'd be really warm , wearing t-shirts in the winter, my co-workers thought I was nuts.
The weirdest part happens when I have sex, after an orgasm I get freezing cold, shivers, teeth chattering, uncontrollable shaking etc. This never happened until I started taking Effexor.
No one else has really mentioned this before, anybody out there know what I'm talking about?
Posted by Napaba on March 20, 2003, at 13:33:58
In reply to Problems with Body Temperature, posted by sly on March 20, 2003, at 12:15:05
The first three weeks on Effexor I was sweeting (Hot flashes), but now I'm hot all the time. I have long hair and when I lift it up it is wet underneath, my face looks flushed. I feel like it's a hot humid day in the middle of summer all the time. I CAN'T STAND IT! As for the after sex chills, I haven't experienced anything like that.
Also the back of my neck aches and I feel nauseous. I'm also mean. I'm normally a very calm nice person. I told someone today at work to get their *$% over here. Everyone was shocked including me.
I'm going to give it three more weeks and then I'm done with it. There has to be something that works without the side effects.
I was on effexor xr 75 mgs for 11 months, recently tapered off. Side effects are all gone and withdrawal was mild. The only lingering problem I have is with my body temperature.
>
> While on effexor I found myself warm, I'd sweat a lot, especially at night when I'd wake up soaked through my clothes (never had this problem before). I slept in my underwear all winter b/c I couldn't keep cool. Also, some days I'd be really warm , wearing t-shirts in the winter, my co-workers thought I was nuts.
>
> The weirdest part happens when I have sex, after an orgasm I get freezing cold, shivers, teeth chattering, uncontrollable shaking etc. This never happened until I started taking Effexor.
>
> No one else has really mentioned this before, anybody out there know what I'm talking about?
Posted by sorrel on March 21, 2003, at 12:49:30
In reply to Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by juanantoniod on February 8, 2003, at 22:11:31
> I took Effexor for a while until it stopped working. Like a previous poster, I would accept the side effects for the benefit without question. Withdrawal occurs (mostly) when it is stopped abruptly. When ramped down slowly, there should be no problem.
>
> FWIW YMMVI would like to say that people have different reactions with the drugs just like not everybody gets the benifit from the drug not everybody gets the terrible withdrawl. even with the slow tapering off the drug i was still ready to throwup from any little movement of my eyes or head. anyone who know what i am talking about can understand. i still consider the people who get a strong withdrawal effect higher then the people without it. Highly overrated it is not. even if i missed taking it by a few hours my head would start spinning from eye movment. I did get tons of benifit from this drug but if i were to do it again i'd try out the drug with out any withdrawl before i'd try effexor, even if that ment taking all the drugs and relizing they had no effect and then finally resorting to effexor.
Posted by bluestar on March 21, 2003, at 13:01:40
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by sorrel on March 21, 2003, at 12:49:30
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.
Posted by sorrel on March 21, 2003, at 13:29:55
In reply to bizarre dreams, posted by bluestar on March 21, 2003, at 13:01:40
> 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.
oh i so know what your talking about. I would have these really strange dreams. My doctor said it was common in people who take effexor. though some may not relize this. Some dreams were really gory, others were in way more detail then i was acustom to. The dreams didn't bother me much seeing as i liked to have them. but once inawhile i did have some that would make me feel i was still dreaming when i was awake. ex: i'd wake up in a dream and think i was awake and then i'd wake up again and again and again until i didn't know if i was turely awake. or i'd wake up foggy. I was orinally put on a sleeping pill and it helped somewhat seeing as dreams can make you feel like you didn't sleep at all.
i think my weirdest one was last night. it was of a talking donkey picture made of rock in the mtns. who i was asking advice from, having just excaped from a area controled by machines. he told me the black whale i would meet would be subdued by a funny song i should sing and that the little school of fish do not cause a virus so i should not be afraid when i met them. it just continued to get stranger after that, considering the fact i followed his advice.
Posted by sorrel on March 21, 2003, at 13:49:54
In reply to Re: Problems with Body Temperature, posted by Napaba on March 20, 2003, at 13:33:58
> The first three weeks on Effexor I was sweeting (Hot flashes), but now I'm hot all the time. I have long hair and when I lift it up it is wet underneath, my face looks flushed. I feel like it's a hot humid day in the middle of summer all the time. I CAN'T STAND IT! As for the after sex chills, I haven't experienced anything like that.
>
> Also the back of my neck aches and I feel nauseous. I'm also mean. I'm normally a very calm nice person. I told someone today at work to get their *$% over here. Everyone was shocked including me.
>
> I'm going to give it three more weeks and then I'm done with it. There has to be something that works without the side effects.
>
>
> I was on effexor xr 75 mgs for 11 months, recently tapered off. Side effects are all gone and withdrawal was mild. The only lingering problem I have is with my body temperature.
> >
> > While on effexor I found myself warm, I'd sweat a lot, especially at night when I'd wake up soaked through my clothes (never had this problem before). I slept in my underwear all winter b/c I couldn't keep cool. Also, some days I'd be really warm , wearing t-shirts in the winter, my co-workers thought I was nuts.
> >
> > The weirdest part happens when I have sex, after an orgasm I get freezing cold, shivers, teeth chattering, uncontrollable shaking etc. This never happened until I started taking Effexor.
> >
> > No one else has really mentioned this before, anybody out there know what I'm talking about?
>
>i;ve had night sweats constantly. being on 350mg. after just recently coming off and then going on again to see if i could do with out it. my doctor told me i could go on medincation for the sweats but i'v learned to live with it and she says she would want be having to go through the cycle of taking pills for side effects and the more for more side effects and i greatly agree with her because i hate taking pills in the 1st place.. seeing that you haven;t heard of many ppl with this problem i can assure you there are those out there for i've talked to many. i've woken up soaked and i can't ctand heat anymore like i use to. the side effects hardly ever go away for me when i was on it for along time so if they haven't for some time or you really just can't stand it there are other meds.
as for me i only get them a few times a week and seeing that effexor turly helps me i'm not to bothered and not to eager to switch or take more pills for the pills.
Posted by bluestar on March 22, 2003, at 1:57:53
In reply to bizarre dreams, posted by bluestar on March 21, 2003, at 13:01:40
It's only the second day into this wonderful thing called adjustment to a new dosage of effexor and I am wondering what I can do to ease the feeling of "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!" or in other words being on edge and extremely hyped up. I smoked some pot and that helped. Any other suggestions? I've tryed a sedative but it didn't have the desired effect.I just want to feel alittle more normal during this transition, not in lala land.
Posted by Mike4321 on March 22, 2003, at 12:04:46
In reply to Re: Problems with Body Temperature, posted by sorrel on March 21, 2003, at 13:49:54
Any problems with (male) sexual dysfuntion with Effexor XR?
Posted by lovemybabies on March 22, 2003, at 17:01:16
In reply to need some ideas...., posted by bluestar on March 22, 2003, at 1:57:53
Hang in there. I felt exactly the same way. It takes about two weeks for that to totally go away. You should notice it getting better each day. It really does get better. By six weeks, 95% of my side effects were gone.
Posted by Paco on March 22, 2003, at 17:25:11
In reply to need some ideas...., posted by bluestar on March 22, 2003, at 1:58:01
You just have to ride it out. That "here we go!" feeling that I got about two hours after taking it went away after four days. That was about the only side effect I've had besides delayed ejaculation, and I'm hoping that since all other side effects have been so brief and minor for me that that will pass after a few weeks as it has for many others.
BTW - I've only been on EXR for 12 days. Started at 75/day, few side effects and all but that one went away in a few days, so moved up to 150/day after a week. No additional side effects so far since the increase.
I can't imagine how smoking pot can help, since it is a mild hallucinogen and a depressant. Just adding to the number of chemicals your brain is trying to adjust to. Same for the sedative. Have you spoken with your doctor about this?
Posted by bluestar on March 23, 2003, at 0:41:48
In reply to Massages help A LOT!!! (nm), posted by Krissy P on March 17, 2003, at 23:37:42
I've been considering accupuncture as well as massage and a vegan life style to improve my progress with Effexor. Has anyone had success with these alternative practices? I would like for Effexor to be the only medication I am taking. My mom's a hypocondriac and I'd like NOT to solve my issues with over medication. As for the use of marijuana, this plant is used by millions of people who have found it to be an excellent way to relieve anxiety. It is not a depressant as was stated by a postee to my last entry. It is considered a stimulant and mild hallucinogen, however the amount ingested to obtain these effects is far more than I would ever care to indulge in. I am very interested in alternative medicine. My sister have adopted the vegan life for going on 5 months now and the improvement in her energy and complexion in amazing.
Posted by Krissy P on March 23, 2003, at 0:47:42
In reply to Holistic/Non traditional medicine?, posted by bluestar on March 23, 2003, at 0:41:48
Hi bluestar, I am interested in alternative practices too very much, but as an adjunct to my meds. I am so frustrated tonight as if I don't do anything to improve my health ex-eat better exercise and etc. I am going to die.
The vegan lifestyle is a neat way to start, and I know people who do it and have complexions that are great. I also take Effexor and at times don't like taking the other stuff, but what else can I do except go crazy?
Good Luck, Kristen:-)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I've been considering accupuncture as well as massage and a vegan life style to improve my progress with Effexor. Has anyone had success with these alternative practices? I would like for Effexor to be the only medication I am taking. My mom's a hypocondriac and I'd like NOT to solve my issues with over medication. As for the use of marijuana, this plant is used by millions of people who have found it to be an excellent way to relieve anxiety. It is not a depressant as was stated by a postee to my last entry. It is considered a stimulant and mild hallucinogen, however the amount ingested to obtain these effects is far more than I would ever care to indulge in. I am very interested in alternative medicine. My sister have adopted the vegan life for going on 5 months now and the improvement in her energy and complexion in amazing.
Posted by charliemac on March 23, 2003, at 1:19:42
In reply to Re: Holistic/Non traditional medicine? » bluestar, posted by Krissy P on March 23, 2003, at 0:47:42
i have been taking effexor for a few months now and i see a big improvement on my life prior to it, but what really set it apart was going to yoga on a tri-weekly basis. yoga has released the built up stress that would have given me panic attacks and it is so comforting. so i have to say that eastern medicine along with the effexor is a great road to travel.
charlie
> Hi bluestar, I am interested in alternative practices too very much, but as an adjunct to my meds. I am so frustrated tonight as if I don't do anything to improve my health ex-eat better exercise and etc. I am going to die.
> The vegan lifestyle is a neat way to start, and I know people who do it and have complexions that are great. I also take Effexor and at times don't like taking the other stuff, but what else can I do except go crazy?
> Good Luck, Kristen:-)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> I've been considering accupuncture as well as massage and a vegan life style to improve my progress with Effexor. Has anyone had success with these alternative practices? I would like for Effexor to be the only medication I am taking. My mom's a hypocondriac and I'd like NOT to solve my issues with over medication. As for the use of marijuana, this plant is used by millions of people who have found it to be an excellent way to relieve anxiety. It is not a depressant as was stated by a postee to my last entry. It is considered a stimulant and mild hallucinogen, however the amount ingested to obtain these effects is far more than I would ever care to indulge in. I am very interested in alternative medicine. My sister have adopted the vegan life for going on 5 months now and the improvement in her energy and complexion in amazing.
>
>
Posted by Krissy P on March 23, 2003, at 1:26:30
In reply to Re: Holistic/Non traditional medicine?, posted by charliemac on March 23, 2003, at 1:19:42
hey charlie- lol I just posted on how much I want to start yoga. I am going to post something in Psychological babble because I am having a rough one tonight.
I have had the phone nunbers of yoga studios written down to call for so long that I now have them memorized-my point-I am not doing much to help my situation besides the fact that I know what to do to feel better-but I just ain't doin it:-( WHY??????
Take care, Kristen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------i have been taking effexor for a few months now and i see a big improvement on my life prior to it, but what really set it apart was going to yoga on a tri-weekly basis. yoga has released the built up stress that would have given me panic attacks and it is so comforting. so i have to say that eastern medicine along with the effexor is a great road to travel.
charlie
Posted by lovemybabies on March 23, 2003, at 10:42:28
In reply to Re: Holistic/Non traditional medicine?, posted by charliemac on March 23, 2003, at 1:19:42
Amen, brother! My panic-attacks started after a year of my stopping running, dancing, yoga. Now that I've picked the yoga/pilates back up, it's a HUGE release of daily tension. Also, I'm sure the Effexor helps a ton. :) Exercise is key.
Posted by bluestar on March 24, 2003, at 0:31:54
In reply to Re: Holistic/Non traditional medicine?, posted by lovemybabies on March 23, 2003, at 10:42:28
Sometimes I just need a little voice of reason in my head. This web site has a lot of insightful quotes and thoughts. There's one about how anger, anxiety and stress are just illusions and learning to see through them as just that is key to peace within. I printed it out and put it on the wall in my house. Its something to check out if you're interested.
<BeliefnetBuddistWisdom@partner.beliefnet.com>
Posted by sjb on March 24, 2003, at 10:06:10
In reply to happy thoughts, posted by bluestar on March 24, 2003, at 0:31:54
Please repost with web link - this is an email address. Thanks
Posted by Sean9 on March 24, 2003, at 11:30:07
In reply to Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by juanantoniod on February 8, 2003, at 22:11:31
(The following is my opinion, and is not legal or medical advice)
First point: Don't quit cold turkey, make a tapering off plan with your doctor.
Second point: Take Benedryl to relieve your withdrawal / discontinuation symptoms. It apparently gets rid of most dizziness, nausea, brain flashes, and sensory overload feelings within an hour of taking it. I do not know if this is approved by doctors. I heard about this cure on a newsgroup. I've also read that other antihistamines (like Allegra), doctor prescribed anti-vertigo medication, and low dosages of doctor prescribed Prozac all help with withdrawal symptoms of Effexor.
Third: Effexor is really dangerous. In researching the Internet, a lot of people experience the exact same withdrawal or discontinuation symptoms and these are severe. One study suggested it is the hardest anti-depressant to quit.
Fourth: There is something you can do. File a report with the FDA. They regulate Effexor (which is made by Wyeth Laboratories Inc. in Philadelphia.). Ask yourself: Were you warned by your doctor of how serious the withdrawal symptoms would be? Were you ever given medical advice on how to combat these symptoms or did your doctor tell you there was nothing you could do? Well you can do something now. Help the next generation of Effexor users to be better informed by doctors and the manufacturer. You can submit a complaint to the FDA online at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/ and the FDA will investigate it. The more people that report, the better response. You can also call in your complaint (here's a list of the numbers for each state http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html ).
Finally: Note - This is not medical or legal advice, it is only my opinion based on experience and research. I do not take Effexor, but I know someone who does, and they like you, were tricked into taking this without being fully informed how seriously difficult it would be to stop (even through slow tapering off).
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