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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by KRM123 on August 3, 2003, at 23:02:12
I've been on Effexor for 2 weeks now- along with 50mg of Zoloft. I started out taking 37.5mg of Effexor for four days then upped it to 75mg. The Zoloft works really good for my depression but I'm hoping the Effexor will give me a good energy boost. I've tried to up my dose to 112mg or 150mg but I get migraines when I do. I've also recently have had a major increase in appetite, heartburn, gas, unable to fall asleep and sedated feeling all through the day. I don't want to give up yet!! but I hate feeling this way. Please help!
Posted by SLS on August 4, 2003, at 7:42:30
In reply to When or will these Effexor side effects go away?!, posted by KRM123 on August 3, 2003, at 23:02:12
> I've been on Effexor for 2 weeks now- along with 50mg of Zoloft. I started out taking 37.5mg of Effexor for four days then upped it to 75mg. The Zoloft works really good for my depression but I'm hoping the Effexor will give me a good energy boost. I've tried to up my dose to 112mg or 150mg but I get migraines when I do. I've also recently have had a major increase in appetite, heartburn, gas, unable to fall asleep and sedated feeling all through the day. I don't want to give up yet!! but I hate feeling this way. Please help!
Among the antidepressants, I think Wellbutrin would be a better choice if you want to increase your level of activation. You could also use Ritalin or one of the other methylphenidate preparations. An advantage to both of these strategies is that they can help reduce the sexual side effects of Zoloft. Zoloft + Wellbutrin makes for a good combination.
- Scott
Posted by KimberlyDi on August 4, 2003, at 8:56:23
In reply to When or will these Effexor side effects go away?!, posted by KRM123 on August 3, 2003, at 23:02:12
My experience: 2-3 weeks after an increased dosage is when my side effects faded away. I wouldn't take Effexor PRIMARILY for an energy boost. I don't experience an energy boost. Instead I don't procrastinate as much as I did while depressed. Housework doesn't overwhelm me.
Good Luck!
KDi in Texas> I've been on Effexor for 2 weeks now- along with 50mg of Zoloft. I started out taking 37.5mg of Effexor for four days then upped it to 75mg. The Zoloft works really good for my depression but I'm hoping the Effexor will give me a good energy boost. I've tried to up my dose to 112mg or 150mg but I get migraines when I do. I've also recently have had a major increase in appetite, heartburn, gas, unable to fall asleep and sedated feeling all through the day. I don't want to give up yet!! but I hate feeling this way. Please help!
Posted by KRM123 on August 4, 2003, at 11:20:17
In reply to Re: When or will these Effexor side effects go away?!, posted by SLS on August 4, 2003, at 7:42:30
Thanks Scott,
I've tried taking Wellbutrin twice. Once alone and it made me go nuts cause I think my dose was too high. The second time was recently with my Zoloft but I get really bad anxiety and just don't like the way I feel. Thanks though for giving advice. Hopefully I'll figure something out.
Posted by KRM123 on August 4, 2003, at 11:22:32
In reply to Re: When or will these Effexor side effects go away?!, posted by KimberlyDi on August 4, 2003, at 8:56:23
Thanks Kimberly,
I'll talk to my pDoc soon about what he thinks would be best to do. I just can't stand this sedated feeling anymore. What dose are you on? I was thinking the higher dose targeting the norephrinepine would help with energy and motivation. Thanks again.
Posted by galkeepinon on August 4, 2003, at 11:54:56
In reply to When or will these Effexor side effects go away?!, posted by KRM123 on August 3, 2003, at 23:02:12
I was on Effexor off and on for a few years and when I FIRST started it, I had the same reactions you speak of here(migraines, increase in appetite, heartburn, gas, unable to fall asleep and sedated feeling all through the day)
It did that at first, but after a while, it worked well at only 75mg a day with no other antidepressant. That was the FIRST time for me though, when I continued to try it again and again, it literally stopped working for me, gave me migraines, and made me feel horrible. This is my experience. My brother is on Zoloft and Wellbutrin together and it works well for him.Good luck and I hope you feel better.
> I've been on Effexor for 2 weeks now- along with 50mg of Zoloft. I started out taking 37.5mg of Effexor for four days then upped it to 75mg. The Zoloft works really good for my depression but I'm hoping the Effexor will give me a good energy boost. I've tried to up my dose to 112mg or 150mg but I get migraines when I do. I've also recently have had a major increase in appetite, heartburn, gas, unable to fall asleep and sedated feeling all through the day. I don't want to give up yet!! but I hate feeling this way. Please help!
Posted by KRM123 on August 4, 2003, at 16:26:36
In reply to Re: When or will these Effexor side effects go away?! » KRM123, posted by galkeepinon on August 4, 2003, at 11:54:56
Thanks for responding Gal...I'm really not sure what to do. I guess I'll just have to talk to my pDoc. What was the highest dose of Effexor that you ever tried? Do you mind me asking what you are currently taking now? Did the 75mg alone give you energy and help with food cravings??
thanks
> I was on Effexor off and on for a few years and when I FIRST started it, I had the same reactions you speak of here(migraines, increase in appetite, heartburn, gas, unable to fall asleep and sedated feeling all through the day)
> It did that at first, but after a while, it worked well at only 75mg a day with no other antidepressant. That was the FIRST time for me though, when I continued to try it again and again, it literally stopped working for me, gave me migraines, and made me feel horrible. This is my experience. My brother is on Zoloft and Wellbutrin together and it works well for him.
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> Good luck and I hope you feel better.
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> > I've been on Effexor for 2 weeks now- along with 50mg of Zoloft. I started out taking 37.5mg of Effexor for four days then upped it to 75mg. The Zoloft works really good for my depression but I'm hoping the Effexor will give me a good energy boost. I've tried to up my dose to 112mg or 150mg but I get migraines when I do. I've also recently have had a major increase in appetite, heartburn, gas, unable to fall asleep and sedated feeling all through the day. I don't want to give up yet!! but I hate feeling this way. Please help!
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Posted by galkeepinon on August 4, 2003, at 17:55:53
In reply to Re: Will these Effexor side effects go away?! Gal, posted by KRM123 on August 4, 2003, at 16:26:36
Hey there, hang in there and talk to your doc-yes. The highest dose of Effexor I tried was 150mg, but for the most part-I stayed on 75mg. I currently started Lexapro 4 days ago, I have been on every SSRI except Zoloft and Lexapro-so my doc and I chose Lexapro for now. The 75mg of Effexor indeed give me enough energy and helped with food cravings-I didn't gain much weight on that med at all (about 6 Lbs) I also take meds at night to sleep and did when I was on Effexor because it can tend to make one *manic* if you have bipolar.
May I ask what your diagnosis is?> Thanks for responding Gal...I'm really not sure what to do. I guess I'll just have to talk to my pDoc. What was the highest dose of Effexor that you ever tried? Do you mind me asking what you are currently taking now? Did the 75mg alone give you energy and help with food cravings??
> thanks
Posted by waterlily on August 4, 2003, at 19:19:11
In reply to When or will these Effexor side effects go away?!, posted by KRM123 on August 3, 2003, at 23:02:12
I say give it another 2-4 weeks and then go off if you're still having the same problems.
I added Effexor 150mg to the Wellbutrin I was already taking in order to reduce anxiety. I had some nasty side effects on Effexor for a few weeks, but after that the only problems I had were insomnia and libido problems. Otherwise I felt great on Effexor for about a month, but I guess the insomnia got the best of me because I've been really tired for the past few months. My husband told me that it was no wonder I was tired; I got more exercise tossing and turning in bed than I did during the day. I've been tapering down for the past week with no withdrawal effects.
Good luck. I hope you get rested soon!
Posted by KRM123 on August 4, 2003, at 19:24:08
In reply to Re: Will these Effexor side effects go away?! Gal » KRM123, posted by galkeepinon on August 4, 2003, at 17:55:53
Well I suppose I should give the Effexor a chance at 75mg, but I hate feeling this tired and never wanting to get out of bed.
My diagnosis is depression...also anxiety.
I am a compulsive eater also and the Effexor is making me want to eat everything in sight. I was doing fine with eating when I was just on the Zoloft....geez- this is a never ending battle. Thanks for your help. I appreciate it.
Posted by galkeepinon on August 4, 2003, at 19:27:54
In reply to Re: Will these Effexor side effects go away?! Gal, posted by KRM123 on August 4, 2003, at 19:24:08
This is the end of the thread.
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