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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Johnathan on November 5, 2006, at 1:43:58
I live in Germany and the same medicine here is called Trevilor retard. I have taken this medication for over one year now. For me this has been a life changing medicine in a positive way. I have always been a nervous person, afraid to talk in groups, give classes, deal with confrontation. I have dealt with depression, mild and with infrequent
mild panic attacks. My previous cure was Xanax, as needed, against the better judgement of my doctor it was my quick fix when nervousness took over 5 to 6 times a month. I started trevilor (EFFEXOR XR) over a year ago now. I had been afraid to talk with my boss or apply for a higher position. Now I have applied for the manager slot and got it 3 months ago, I give classes that I would have previously declined and have no trouble at all dealing with any confrontation. My wife could not believe the transformation and now she takes 75 MG a day I am still taking 150mg a day. I recall the first month with this medicine a loss of appetite and weight loss. A decreased sex drive to the point of almost nonexistant. with my wife and I both on it we went from a very active sex life 3-4 x a week to maybe once a month. Before I had to have sex and now what I would call borderline impotence, or needing exceptional amout of stimulation to arouse. That I feel is the worst side effect. I have tearing eyes occasionally and difficulty sleeping in the morning. Occassionally I can sleep in but it is rare. I drive my car faster and pass more often. I was a slow poke and occassionally drove 10 over but now it is at least 20 to 30 over and sometimes faster. I bought a sports car and I am the manager over 4 offices. I just volunteered to deploy to IRAQ which I would have never done before. I have less fear of death. Enough? I have also noticed vision changes especially with small print, micro type print that I could réad before is now very difficult. I am slightly agressive if I do not take my meds in the morning. (My wife informs me). I have never had a panic attack since starting the medicine and I have no longer needed xanax for over a year now. I take a blood pressure medicine as a preventative for any heart problems which may have some combined effect to produce some of my symptoms, a betablocker 10 mg Bisoprololfumarat 2:1 coated tablet. I could not go back to before the medicine. My wife and I both miss the sex life but with the desire not there it is not so bad. My new found or drug assisted confidence has changed my life. I would like to hear if others have similar experiences.
Posted by fluff on November 7, 2006, at 8:57:08
In reply to EFFEXOR XR Venlafaxinhydrochlorid at one year, posted by Johnathan on November 5, 2006, at 1:43:58
I've been taking Effexor XR 150mg. for 3 years for anxiety disorder. I had one major episode at age 30, then another at age 45. I honestly feel like my life on Effexor is better than off it. It was a lifesaver at the time of the second episode; I could barely function when I started taking it. My only side effects are a little bit of weight gain, occasional sleepiness, and of course, no sexual desire. I am grateful for Effexor every day, and only hope that it will always work for me. Glad that it's worked for you, too. fluff
Posted by Johnathan on November 8, 2006, at 4:51:25
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR XR Venlafaxinhydrochlorid at one yea, posted by fluff on November 7, 2006, at 8:57:08
> I've been taking Effexor XR 150mg. for 3 years for anxiety disorder. I had one major episode at age 30, then another at age 45. I honestly feel like my life on Effexor is better than off it. It was a lifesaver at the time of the second episode; I could barely function when I started taking it. My only side effects are a little bit of weight gain, occasional sleepiness, and of course, no sexual desire. I am grateful for Effexor every day, and only hope that it will always work for me. Glad that it's worked for you, too. fluff
Fluff, I am happy to hear you have been taking it for 3 years, I really do not want to stop. Have you heard of possible physical damage to the body with long term use? It has been a life changer for me. Do you notice that you drive faster and take more risk with the meds? My wife also takes the meds and was previously afraid to ride elevators and always told me to slow down while driving. I do notice she rarely complains about my speed and travels a little faster herself. We are also more likely to speak out now when something when something bothers us. More confident and ascertive. Have you felt his as well. Thanks, Johnathan
Posted by fluff on November 8, 2006, at 6:58:39
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR XR Venlafaxinhydrochlorid at one yea, posted by Johnathan on November 8, 2006, at 4:51:25
Hi Jonathan,
Yes to both of your questions. Before Effexor, I was the world's slowest driver; now, I keep up with traffic! And yes, I feel confident speaking my mind now--and does it feel wonderful! My sister has taken Effexor for many years, and feels the same way. I do not know of any long-term hazards from Effexor (my doctor says, "Just take it and forget about it!"), but of course, I'm always concerned that they will find something. Here's hoping that they never do. Best, fluff
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