Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 13781

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Re: 28 days Effexor-free

Posted by mvaureen on May 20, 2001, at 22:33:20

In reply to 28 days Effexor-free, posted by Violalloyd on May 20, 2001, at 19:25:08

> Tomorrow I will be 28 days effexor-free, and I STILL have shocks, severe headaches, and dyslexia-like symptoms.
> I still have cravings for sweets and carbs. (didn't before taking effexor), and have not lost any of the weight I gained while taking it.
>
> I still have trouble thinking, as in planning things to do (sounds crazy, but I have to concentrate so hard to come up with each step involved in completing any task.)
>
> I was referred to a psychiatrist, who prescribed Klonopin for the shocks. It reduces the intensity some, so that my body does not 'jump' when it hits, but I still have maybe 40 or more a day.
>
> I am extremely frustrated, and hope that eventually all these symptoms will FINALLY go away.
>
> Any comments or advice?
> Thanks
> Viola

Viola, I am so sorry that you are still feeling so bad. I have not had a brain zap in several days, almost 5. I've been off of Effexor for 14 days. My p-doc gave me Wellbutrin and a stimulant. I've had a slew of odd withdrawal symptoms, and have spent many moments of many days handling them. I drank a lot of Gatorade for a few days because I read someone's testimony that electrolytes are depleted during this type of withdrawal. I've taken tons of zinc, ginseng, vitamins, and have maintained my use of Prilosec. I found that I couldn't smoke cigarettes anymore without nausea and dizziness. I found that I had to eat smaller amounts at shorter intervals to treat the vertigo, which felt a lot like morning sickness. I have been craving carbs like mad!! I, also, never wanted them before. No weight loss for me, yet, either. Something worked somewhere around the seven day mark because I was going to go back on the drug. I drank water a lot, although it was unappealing to me. I realized that the "zzzt" sensations had lessened. Today, I have had none. The hardest thing to do is to refuse my body and brain the ludicrous amount of sleep they want. When I finally did that, finally made myself take the stimulant, I could get up and stay up a normal 16 or more hours. That was right around the time I felt that I might make it through. It's a struggle to balance a system that has had to be jolted out of depression by a very strong drug. I want to tell you that you will stop getting the sensations when the balance is reached within your body and nervous system. I'm a weak-willed person, and I made it this far. You can, too. Many posts on this site tell of ways to deal with the withdrawal symptoms. The only thing I haven't tried is a system-cleaner from the health food store. I'm going to do that soon. Good luck!

Maureen

 

Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?

Posted by LglEagle on May 20, 2001, at 23:11:46

In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by dee pop on May 20, 2001, at 18:28:14

> > I SUFFER FROM ANXIETY CURRENTLY TAKE XANAX AND NOW DR. WANTS ME TO TRY EFFEXOR XR 37.5 MG. I AM TERRIFIED OF ALL THE SIDE EFFECTS! ANY THOUGHTS??

I have the same problem (anxiety disorder). I think it's job related. I was on Xanax for under a year and it kept the anxiety temporarily controlled but ultimately I gradually started increasing the dose. I started Effexor XR 3 months ago. I am at 75mg and quite honestly, I believe I will taper down to 37.5mg as I am needing to sleep 10 hours a night ( I think I am over-medicated). The first 72 hours of going on to this medication, was quite difficult. I have no anxiety whatsoever, so it is quite effective for this type of problem. I have an excellent Doctor and we have discussed the reputation of this drug therefore, I will only use it for short term. For me, it was a choice of being on sedatives long term which aren't good or being on this and hopefully with the medication this cycle of "anxiety" will be broken. Sorry so long winded - I hope this will be of value to you.

P.S. Get well!!

 

Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?

Posted by James B on May 21, 2001, at 13:13:43

In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by LglEagle on May 20, 2001, at 23:11:46

Just left my marriage due to a horrendous co-dependency issue among other things, and found myself depressed and panicked for the last 2 months due to the lack of someone controlling me... I felt lost and helpless. Doc prescribed 37.5mg Effexor XR for one week, will bump up to 75mg next week. Worked wonders as early as day three!! I'm on day 5 now, and can't believe the significant difference... no panic, no depression, I'm in great spirits and highly productive, HOWEVER...

Don't like some of the side effects. Had severe headaches the first few days, and I rarely get headaches for even half a day. Feel restless, almost anxious now instead of panicked... want to conquer the world. And I'm extremely impulsive... got a tattoo the other day, never thought I'd do that. All inhibitions seem to be gone, I think I'd try doing anything if it struck my fancy. And I feel like anything bad could happen, and it wouldn't matter: "What's that, you say? Truck ran over my entire family? Oh, gee, that's too bad... hey, want some ice cream?"
That attitude scares me when I'm mellowed out.

I see a lot of people complaining about decreased sexual ability... I've been having the opposite problem, this stuff keeps my excited all day, which is highly uncomfortable and sometimes embarassing.

Last of all, have had some feelings of detachment from my body, like the senses are muffled or that I'm distant from them. "Out of body" type of thing. Like I'm reaching into my body through a distant tunnel, and controlling it from there.

All of this in just five days!!! Not sure I want to increase to 75mg! Have also just read lots of withdrawal stories, and am now worried about when I come down off of this stuff... I'm only expecting to be on it for a couple months.

Anybody else experience the impulsiveness, increased sexual drive, or "out of body" symptoms? I haven't seen anybody mention these as problems...


 

Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?

Posted by newby on May 21, 2001, at 14:24:28

In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by dee pop on May 20, 2001, at 18:28:14

Dee, I have been on the 37.5 for a week. Will switch to 75 today. All I know is, doctor told me to give it two weeks for it to work, so I'm trying to hang in. Last night, couldn't sleep from the anxiety. Heart racing all night. Scared of what affects the 75 will have, and nearly threw in the towel, but I'm going to try to hang in another week. Feel ok during the daytime. > > I SUFFER FROM ANXIETY CURRENTLY TAKE XANAX AND NOW DR. WANTS ME TO TRY EFFEXOR XR 37.5 MG. I AM TERRIFIED OF ALL THE SIDE EFFECTS! ANY THOUGHTS??

 

Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?

Posted by N.P. on May 21, 2001, at 15:05:16

In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by newby on May 20, 2001, at 18:13:03


I figured if it's a prescription medication in Germany it's at least worth trying. St. Johns Wort. I started with 300 mg, now at 600 and going for 900 in the next couple of days. I can see the difference already. Since my depression is not life threatening, I figured why have all those withdrawal effects... I'll see how that works..
> Thanks. N.P I'll try to stick it out. Still can't figure out if I feel better or worse....
> What did you switch to when you quit Effexor?
>
> > Hm.. Effexor made me reeeeeealy sleepy. I slept for three days and nights and then quit it.
> > But mine was prescribed for depression. They recommend to hang on for couple of weeks when majority of the side effects should dissapear. Take care
> > N.P.
> >
> > >
> > > Started Effexor XR five days ago. Withdrawal posts are frightening. Only other medications I've ever taken are vitamins and aspirin. Dr. prescribed Effexor for insomnia and related anxiety. Feeling jittery during the day since taking the med and drowsy at night, but still can't sleep more than three hours. Anyone take this for sleep disorder?

 

Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?

Posted by dee pop on May 22, 2001, at 4:56:18

In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by newby on May 21, 2001, at 14:24:28

> Dee, I have been on the 37.5 for a week. Will switch to 75 today. All I know is, doctor told me to give it two weeks for it to work, so I'm trying to hang in. Last night, couldn't sleep from the anxiety. Heart racing all night. Scared of what affects the 75 will have, and nearly threw in the towel, but I'm going to try to hang in another week. Feel ok during the daytime. > > I SUFFER FROM ANXIETY CURRENTLY TAKE XANAX AND NOW DR. WANTS ME TO TRY EFFEXOR XR 37.5 MG. I AM TERRIFIED OF ALL THE SIDE EFFECTS! ANY THOUGHTS??

Thanks for the help. I still haven't started it. Very apprehensive. I may try it this weekend when my husband is around for that extra security that I desperately need!! All these side effects make me wonder which is better to stick with the xanax and therapy or try the effexor since some people do have positive outcomes from it. I have also been told to try the herb Kava Kava? Anyone tried this yet?

 

Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?

Posted by froggy on May 22, 2001, at 6:01:50

In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by dee pop on May 22, 2001, at 4:56:18

> > Dee, I have been on the 37.5 for a week. Will switch to 75 today. All I know is, doctor told me to give it two weeks for it to work, so I'm trying to hang in. Last night, couldn't sleep from the anxiety. Heart racing all night. Scared of what affects the 75 will have, and nearly threw in the towel, but I'm going to try to hang in another week. Feel ok during the daytime. > > I SUFFER FROM ANXIETY CURRENTLY TAKE XANAX AND NOW DR. WANTS ME TO TRY EFFEXOR XR 37.5 MG. I AM TERRIFIED OF ALL THE SIDE EFFECTS! ANY THOUGHTS??
>
> Thanks for the help. I still haven't started it. Very apprehensive. I may try it this weekend when my husband is around for that extra security that I desperately need!! All these side effects make me wonder which is better to stick with the xanax and therapy or try the effexor since some people do have positive outcomes from it. I have also been told to try the herb Kava Kava? Anyone tried this yet?

>Hi
I am new to Effexor Xr and are waiting for some positive results. When I was out of Xanax I drank alot of Herbal teas. I would drink the anti anxiety and sleep time tea. It is by no means the best but it helped me through that crippling time. Good luck!

 

Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?

Posted by bird on May 22, 2001, at 13:43:23

In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by dee pop on May 22, 2001, at 4:56:18

I just started Effexor XR around 3 weeks ago. It is my first
time ever on any kind of anti-depressant. i kept having panic
attacks and crying all the time. The first couple of weeks I couln't really tell much
difference, but this week I'm beginning to feel like my old self,
have more energy, care more about things, don't cry as much, etc.
I think I can definitely say that the Effexor is working for me.

 

Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?

Posted by N.P. on May 22, 2001, at 19:37:47

In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by James B on May 21, 2001, at 13:13:43

For James B.
I would recommend you go on the internet and read the symptoms of manic depression. Please do and if anything familiar report to you dr. Go to about.com (or just run a search
on manic depression). Take care.

N.P.

> Just left my marriage due to a horrendous co-dependency issue among other things, and found myself depressed and panicked for the last 2 months due to the lack of someone controlling me... I felt lost and helpless. Doc prescribed 37.5mg Effexor XR for one week, will bump up to 75mg next week. Worked wonders as early as day three!! I'm on day 5 now, and can't believe the significant difference... no panic, no depression, I'm in great spirits and highly productive, HOWEVER...
>
> Don't like some of the side effects. Had severe headaches the first few days, and I rarely get headaches for even half a day. Feel restless, almost anxious now instead of panicked... want to conquer the world. And I'm extremely impulsive... got a tattoo the other day, never thought I'd do that. All inhibitions seem to be gone, I think I'd try doing anything if it struck my fancy. And I feel like anything bad could happen, and it wouldn't matter: "What's that, you say? Truck ran over my entire family? Oh, gee, that's too bad... hey, want some ice cream?"
> That attitude scares me when I'm mellowed out.
>
> I see a lot of people complaining about decreased sexual ability... I've been having the opposite problem, this stuff keeps my excited all day, which is highly uncomfortable and sometimes embarassing.
>
> Last of all, have had some feelings of detachment from my body, like the senses are muffled or that I'm distant from them. "Out of body" type of thing. Like I'm reaching into my body through a distant tunnel, and controlling it from there.
>
> All of this in just five days!!! Not sure I want to increase to 75mg! Have also just read lots of withdrawal stories, and am now worried about when I come down off of this stuff... I'm only expecting to be on it for a couple months.
>
> Anybody else experience the impulsiveness, increased sexual drive, or "out of body" symptoms? I haven't seen anybody mention these as problems...

 

Re: New to Effexor

Posted by Iris on May 23, 2001, at 6:44:03

In reply to New to Effexor, posted by Iris on May 7, 2001, at 10:33:44

Well,I'm going on four weeks now taking the XR -75mg - most of the sideeffects are gone. Saw my Doctor yesterday and he said to go ahead for another three weeks to see if the rest of the sideeffects will go away, if not we're probably switching to something else. I haven't had a single anxiety attack so far and my in between symptoms - constant headache and dizzyness - are gone. I guess it means the XR is helping.

 

Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?

Posted by Jenny15 on May 23, 2001, at 11:43:20

In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14

I've been on effexor xr for almost a year now, and my new doctor is switching me to prozac because he says the side effects are less and that it will really help with my PMS. Some of the bad side effects that I've experinced from the effexor are sweating A LOT, and always being really tired, even after a full night's sleep. And I'm already experiencing withdrawl symptoms, and it's only been a day since I decreased my dosing. My hands are really shaky, and my eyes don't move as fast as my head. I'm just glad to know I'm not the only one who's going through all this.

 

Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? Jenny15

Posted by JAMMER on May 23, 2001, at 13:04:31

In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Jenny15 on May 23, 2001, at 11:43:20

> I've been on effexor xr for almost a year now, and my new doctor is switching me to prozac because he says the side effects are less and that it will really help with my PMS. Some of the bad side effects that I've experinced from the effexor are sweating A LOT, and always being really tired, even after a full night's sleep. And I'm already experiencing withdrawl symptoms, and it's only been a day since I decreased my dosing. My hands are really shaky, and my eyes don't move as fast as my head. I'm just glad to know I'm not the only one who's going through all this.


Don't be in a hurry to get off Effexor, Take your time tapering, and my experience shows tapering the dose daily is much better then skipping days.
Take everyday but lower the dose over the weeks to come, is what I finally did and this worked well. I went through hell trying every other, every 3rd day at lowest capsule dose availible. I opened it up and started dividing the agent down, over several weeks. But take every day...
-James

 

Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? Jenny 15

Posted by kid47 on May 23, 2001, at 13:14:00

In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? Jenny15, posted by JAMMER on May 23, 2001, at 13:04:31

Hi. Ask your doc if you can start on low dose (10mg/day) Prozac as you slowly discontinue the FXR. Prozac has been known to ease FXR discontinuation fx. Since you are switching to Prozac anyway, this would be the best of both worlds. Take care.


> > I've been on effexor xr for almost a year now, and my new doctor is switching me to prozac because he says the side effects are less and that it will really help with my PMS. Some of the bad side effects that I've experinced from the effexor are sweating A LOT, and always being really tired, even after a full night's sleep. And I'm already experiencing withdrawl symptoms, and it's only been a day since I decreased my dosing. My hands are really shaky, and my eyes don't move as fast as my head. I'm just glad to know I'm not the only one who's going through all this.

 

Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? Jenny 15

Posted by newby on May 23, 2001, at 13:28:40

In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? Jenny 15, posted by kid47 on May 23, 2001, at 13:14:00

I guess I still don't get it. Does Effexor treat depression or anxiety? Does it help sleep disorder? Just graduated from 37.5 to 75. Still jittery..

 

Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? Jenny 15

Posted by N.P. on May 23, 2001, at 15:30:27

In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? Jenny 15, posted by newby on May 23, 2001, at 13:28:40

I totally understand you. I don't get how they do it, but antidepressants do treat both - depression and anxiety (which is in most cases one of signs of depression). I guess that is because lack of serotonin causes both - anxiety and depression.

> I guess I still don't get it. Does Effexor treat depression or anxiety? Does it help sleep disorder? Just graduated from 37.5 to 75. Still jittery..

 

Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? Jenny 15

Posted by LglEagle on May 23, 2001, at 23:03:01

In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? Jenny 15, posted by newby on May 23, 2001, at 13:28:40

> I guess I still don't get it. Does Effexor treat depression or anxiety? Does it help sleep disorder? Just graduated from 37.5 to 75. Still jittery.

Hi, I read your post. The way it was explained to me is that this medication treats both anxiety and depression. For me, I had horrible anxiety, so bad that I ended up in the ER while on vacation in Florida. I had my first Panic Attack (Terrible!!) I ended up coming home on Xanax. I went on the Effexor XR and it was pretty rocky the first 2 weeks. My heart was racing, I had nausea, and did not sleep good at all. I would sleep for maybe 3 hours then be wide awake. I did the starter pack of the 37.5 then went to 75mg. Lack of sleep causes your Serotonin level to be depleted. With the medication, I truly believe you will overcome this. I have the same problem that you have. It helped me to sleep and there were nights that I didn't sleep at all. Hang in there :-)

 

Re: Effexor xr and drowsiness/sleep,insomnia » Mary Jane M

Posted by on May 24, 2001, at 4:48:00

In reply to Effexor xr and drowsiness/sleep,insomnia, posted by Mary Jane M on October 6, 2000, at 16:15:52

> Has anybody accidentally skipped or forgot a dose and it felt like you were starting all over again? I am on 150 and forgot one dose. I slept for 2 days. In the past, when I ran out for about 3 days, I had the electric head things, severe anger/frustration, the flu-like symptoms, and the sleeping. Anyway, just wondering if this has happened to anyone else. I'm not sure if this is working, but then again, it could just be my stressfull surroundings, too. ....Not giving up yet....

Thanks, Real Name (Not)

> I've just worked up to 225 grams of effexor xr and can't figure out whether it's better to take bigger dose during the day or at night? Please give feedback if this drug causes you daytime drowsiness or nightime insomnia. Do these side effects wear off? I'm also taking 500mg depakote bid, wellbutrin 100mg am and afternoon, topomax 25 mg at night, and klonopin (clonazepam)1 - 2 mg at night and prn for anxiety and panic attacks (about .25 mg occaisionally during the day.) I also am experimenting with ambien and sonata along with the klonopin to see how I'll get the best night's sleep with no side effects. pdoc doesn't want me to take any more antidepressants for fear I may go into a hypomania.
> Thankyou, Mary

 

Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?

Posted by DSJ on May 24, 2001, at 8:53:30

In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14

> Hi there,
>
> Anyone care to comment on the use of Effexor? Anyone
> "happy" with it? I have tried Prozac (too much anxiety),
> Serzone (too sedating). I am currently on Buspar for anxiety.
>
> Been reading many different reports... Effexor seems
> to have a lot of success...
>
> please share your thoughts on this.


EffexorXR has changed my life. I was suffering from panic attacks which lead to anxiety attacks which lead to be totally out of balance. I have tried them all, prozac, wellbutrin, klonopin, just to name a few. I started on 37.5 and went to 75 about 1 month after. I am much happier, I smile, My moods are even, I laugh. I work in a high stress job and the anxiety is all but gone. The side effects are at times a pain, especially the sweating. I have found that I sleep better if I take it a night as it does at times make me drowsy during the day. But, those things are I small price to pay for stablity.

 

Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » dee pop

Posted by Astrologer30 on May 24, 2001, at 18:31:38

In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by dee pop on May 22, 2001, at 4:56:18

At the time that I was on Effexor, I am coming off of it now after a year, I was on a very high dosage of 225 mg of the time release a day, and it was started at 'one' time due to an impending disaster that was about to occur in my life and the after effects, my docter felt it best to really 'give it to me'. So I didn't have to take steps to increase my dosage, like yourself ( I have ocd I'm not sure about you) but I was terrified about being sick, and what was going to happen and so on, but it really wasn't bad at all, if anything, now that I am coming off of it I have been having withdrawl symptoms that appear to be worse than going on it... but I can tell you, that I would recommend the Effexor xr, if you can, like I did, I divided my pills up through out the day, morning, noon and bedtime, you can try your increase at bed and any side effects you 'may' experience, you'll probably sleep through and than adjust it to your regular time schedule. But I am not a docter - I just try to play one on the internet ;) so you should ask him/her, I just know that aside from shocking every pharmacist when I would bring in my prescription at the mgs. I was on, the 'episode' that I had to go through 'may' have taken my mind off of the symptoms, so try not to 'think' toooo much about it, because they do say "If you think it - it will probably happen".

I dont know if that helps, but you'll pull through it fine, and the Effexor worked wonders, and I mean wonders! it did for me and I am literally 'living' proof!!

 

Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? Jenny 15

Posted by KatieGinger on May 25, 2001, at 3:40:36

In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? Jenny 15, posted by LglEagle on May 23, 2001, at 23:03:01


< < Hi, I read your post. The way it was explained to me is that this medication treats both anxiety and depression. For me, I had horrible anxiety, so bad that I ended up in the ER while on vacation in Florida. I had my first Panic Attack (Terrible!!) > >


*Hugs* I'm on Effexor for Panic Attacks as well. I always thought that they were normal until I had my physcial before I went off to college. The RN blinked when I told her how often I had panic attacks (2-3 a week) and then put me on Effexor right away.


< < I ended up coming home on Xanax. I went on the Effexor XR and it was pretty rocky the first 2 weeks. My heart was racing, I had nausea, and did not sleep good at all. I would sleep for maybe 3 hours then be wide awake. I did the starter pack of the 37.5 then went to 75mg. > >


I think that's exactly what I did too. Although sometimes after being on the medication for awhile I consider upping the dosage. I've had panic attacks while on Effexor after 2 months, or so of medication.

< < Lack of sleep causes your Serotonin level to be depleted. With the medication, I truly believe you will overcome this. I have the same problem that you have. It helped me to sleep and there were nights that I didn't sleep at all. Hang in there :-) > >

Yeah, Effexor still messes with my sleep cycle when I go on it. I guess I'm a bad medication person because I'll go off it for days, weeks, or months at a time and then start again after I have another panic attack.

=KatieGinger=

 

Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? kid47

Posted by JAMMER on May 25, 2001, at 7:50:30

In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? Jenny 15, posted by newby on May 23, 2001, at 13:28:40

> I guess I still don't get it. Does Effexor treat depression or anxiety? Does it help sleep disorder? Just graduated from 37.5 to 75. Still jittery..


Kid47, Anxiety was the primary reason I went to Effexor XR and it worked very well for that symptom. I was at 37 then 75 then back to 37 due to B.P. issues.
-James

 

Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? kid47

Posted by limey on May 25, 2001, at 10:09:52

In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? kid47, posted by JAMMER on May 25, 2001, at 7:50:30

I have just found this thread, and want to add my 2 cents worth of effexor experience. I have been treated for severe depression and anxiety (panic disorder) for the last 20 years, and have been on quite a large number of various meds. Paxil seemed to work best, and I have been on it for 5 years, but my weight has ballooned!! I lived with this side effect becasue it felt soooooo good to be out from the black cloud! But, I recently asked my pdoc. if he could possibly find me an equally good med, that won't put the weight on like this! He switched me to effexor XR 2 months ago, and I feel really good on it! My life is very stressful right now (moving house, etc.) but, I am coping fine! Side effects are very minimal. But, he now wants to put me on Topamax also, to help with the weight gain. Has anyone had any experience with these 2 drugs together? Thanks!
- limey

 

Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?

Posted by CincyJack on May 25, 2001, at 17:17:55

In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by dee pop on May 22, 2001, at 4:56:18

I am now in my 6th week of Effexor and the results have been good. Six years ago I was on Prozac for depression (constant weeping, the "black dog" runs in my family).

A couple months ago I had a major panic attack in the dead of night, thought I was dying or going insane or both. Then, I simply could not sleep for days. Signs of depression.

My Pdoc prescribed Effexor XR. The first couple weeks were rough - I was a space case. Then I was not sleeping very well - very light, restless sleep.

Now things are getting back in the groove and I am sleeping better and in much better spirits. I had morbid thoughts all the time prior to the panic attack and took no joy in my life. Now I am playing the drums again (something I love but felt pointless with the big D). People have noticed the change in me.

I do occasionally have a mild spot of dizziness or "chills" (we used to call them "rushes" - not all bad!) but overall I am pleased with the results. If you can get through the first month, it may work out well.

I will cross the withdrawal bridge when that time comes - no sense dreading something in the future that might not happen.

Good luck.

 

Re: I Love Effexor » Denny

Posted by Finallyhappy? on May 25, 2001, at 20:57:25

In reply to I Love Effexor, posted by Denny on April 13, 2001, at 15:38:04

I love it too! I have been depressed for 25 years before I tried a medication. I had a few side effects on Effexor when I first started, but after 3 days I was feeling fine. I had trouble sleeping and I could not get words out of my mouth when I tried to talk.I also had the sexual side effect of not being able to have an orgasm. That was tough. Of course my wife loved it. I thought I ws going to have a heart attack though. That symptom too has dwindled away and our sex life is great. My over all negative feelings and pessimism have disappeared. This obviously works on anxiety attacks also because I was told last week that I was getting laid off on June 1st. That sucks because its also my 10 year wedding anniversary.Oh well!! Anyway , I have not freaking
out at all. I am concerned obviously but my anxiety is not there. This drug works great for me! Those of you who are not having luck I'm sorry. Those of you who have not tried Effexor and are depressed have nothing to lose except maybe your life. Best of life to all! FinallyHappy

 

Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?

Posted by maribeth on May 26, 2001, at 8:20:35

In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by dee pop on May 22, 2001, at 4:56:18

> > Dee, I have been on the 37.5 for a week. Will switch to 75 today. All I know is, doctor told me to give it two weeks for it to work, so I'm trying to hang in. Last night, couldn't sleep from the anxiety. Heart racing all night. Scared of what affects the 75 will have, and nearly threw in the towel, but I'm going to try to hang in another week. Feel ok during the daytime. > > I SUFFER FROM ANXIETY CURRENTLY TAKE XANAX AND NOW DR. WANTS ME TO TRY EFFEXOR XR 37.5 MG. I AM TERRIFIED OF ALL THE SIDE EFFECTS! ANY THOUGHTS??
>
> Thanks for the help. I still haven't started it. Very apprehensive. I may try it this weekend when my husband is around for that extra security that I desperately need!! All these side effects make me wonder which is better to stick with the xanax and therapy or try the effexor since some people do have positive outcomes from it. I have also been told to try the herb Kava Kava? Anyone tried this yet?

Dee --I have taken most of the anti depressants you can name and I have been on Effexor XR 350 for a little over a year. I would say without a doubt it is the best. I had a few side effects in the beginning but they went away within a week and now I wouldn't trade Effexor for anything. Hang in there! Maribeth


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