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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by LynnPerley on July 26, 2002, at 5:16:55
In reply to Re: Feeling terrible. » jannbeau, sly, Gabbi Lynn, posted by xena on July 26, 2002, at 0:18:08
xena, unless you are at a restaurant one-on-one with someone to the point they notice the server bringing them drink after drink while you sip on one, most likely nobody will notice. This was one of my concerns beforehand but it turned out to be a non-issue. Why not sip on one and if someone asks, say something innocent like "It just doesn't taste good tonight"? That ought to do the trick. Only other advice I can offer is suggest activities where alcohol is not available, or avoid these kind of friends in situations where alcohol is expected to be consumed for the next week or so. If you do not feel comfortable telling your friends you are on meds, don't tell them.
Posted by sly on July 26, 2002, at 8:15:11
In reply to Re: Feeling terrible. » jannbeau, sly, Gabbi Lynn, posted by xena on July 26, 2002, at 0:18:08
You don't sound silly at all, I know exactly what you're going through. Those feelings will go away, trust me, I woke up every day thinking the best thing that could happen to me today is that I will die. I drove by a fatal car accident one day on my way to work and actually thought to myself, "wow, those people are so lucky, they're dead and they didn't even have to commit suicide, I wish that could happen to me".
I told a friend that at dinner and he looked at me like I was crazy, he told me if I really believed that I needed help. I really didn't understand how wrong that sounded.
Four months later, thanks in large part to Effexor and therapy, I know that dead, empty, invisible feeling is not normal and I don't have to feel like that anymore.
Most of my friends don't know I'm on AD's, but you'll be very surprised how supportive and understanding some of them will be. And how many of them are or were on them themselves! For those that don't, I just say, I don't feel like drinking tonight, it upsets my stomach, or I'm broke, I have other things I need to spend my money on, I don't want the empty calories, I have to get up early tomorrow... You can also order a virgin drink, I offer to go up to the bar and get them, or at home I'll make them myself and leave out the alcohol in mine, no one will know there's no rum in your daiquiri or coke.
Posted by jannbeau on July 26, 2002, at 10:32:50
In reply to Re: Feeling terrible. » jannbeau, sly, Gabbi Lynn, posted by xena on July 26, 2002, at 0:18:08
> Xena, why do you feel that you owe friends an explanation for not having a drink? I thought that in this day and time, the right to refuse an alcoholic drink was implicit in social etiquette. It's nobody's business why you have decided not to indulge! If you have to tell them anything, how about something like "I'm trying to clean up my nutritional act and alcohol contains no known nutrients, just empty calories?" Just an idea! An old standby is to order a drink and nurse it through the evening.
With regards to the antihistamines: I have noticed that it depends on what antihistamine I take. For instance, I cannot take "sedating" antihistamines like Benadryl or other OTC antihistamines, because they seem to exacerbate the sedation I get with Effexor-I don't wake up really until about four pm if I take a Benadryl at bedtime. However, I don't have any problem with Claritin or Allegra, both of which are nonsedating prescription antihistamines. That's just my personal experience. Others might have other experiences or advice.
Cheers,
jannbeau
I am not taking any other meds, except for the advil, as I mentioned above to get rid of my headaches. I do have seasonal allergies, but have not taken any antihistamines since I have started on Effexor. Would there be a problem if I did? Once in a while my allergies hit me pretty bad.
>
> I don't plan on giving up on Effexor yet, because I do notice a change in myself, even though I have only been taking it since Monday. The side effects are not serious enough to deter me. I used to wonder if life was really worth all of this hassle, I kind of felt dead inside. Now, even though I don't sleep very well, I find it easier to get up in the morning, and I enjoy going outside. I don't lock myself up in front of the tv or in my room and wallow away. I don't sit around and beat up on myself, and tell myself how insignificant, stupid, and how much I hate myself anymore. (I don't know how silly this sounds) And it feels really good.
>
> I will definitely try the Peppermint Oil for my queasy stomach, and sleepness nights! I really appreciate that tip, and I will let you know how it works out for me.
>
> Was it not difficult for any of you to explain to friends why you were unable to have a drink or two while out for dinner, or any other social events, without telling them you are on AD's? At this point, I really don't feel comfortable having to explain that I can not drink because of the medication I am on, as that would lead up to more questions about why I am taking them etc. etc.
>
>
Posted by jannbeau on July 26, 2002, at 10:49:01
In reply to Re: Feeling terrible., posted by sly on July 26, 2002, at 8:15:11
> Great Response, Sly!!
jannbeau
You don't sound silly at all, I know exactly what you're going through. Those feelings will go away, trust me, I woke up every day thinking the best thing that could happen to me today is that I will die. I drove by a fatal car accident one day on my way to work and actually thought to myself, "wow, those people are so lucky, they're dead and they didn't even have to commit suicide, I wish that could happen to me".
>
> I told a friend that at dinner and he looked at me like I was crazy, he told me if I really believed that I needed help. I really didn't understand how wrong that sounded.
>
> Four months later, thanks in large part to Effexor and therapy, I know that dead, empty, invisible feeling is not normal and I don't have to feel like that anymore.
>
> Most of my friends don't know I'm on AD's, but you'll be very surprised how supportive and understanding some of them will be. And how many of them are or were on them themselves! For those that don't, I just say, I don't feel like drinking tonight, it upsets my stomach, or I'm broke, I have other things I need to spend my money on, I don't want the empty calories, I have to get up early tomorrow... You can also order a virgin drink, I offer to go up to the bar and get them, or at home I'll make them myself and leave out the alcohol in mine, no one will know there's no rum in your daiquiri or coke.
>
Posted by LynnPerley on July 26, 2002, at 14:44:20
In reply to Re: Feeling terrible. » xena, posted by jannbeau on July 26, 2002, at 10:32:50
I've had no problem with Allegra when taking Effexor XR. I mainly use a cortizone nasal spray now, and just add the Allegra-D when it's realy bad.
Posted by jannbeau on July 26, 2002, at 15:05:01
In reply to Antihistamines Effexor » jannbeau, posted by LynnPerley on July 26, 2002, at 14:44:20
>
Lynne, Xena: Same here. I use Flonase, 2 sprays at night and usually don't need the antihistamines.I've had no problem with Allegra when taking Effexor XR. I mainly use a cortizone nasal spray now, and just add the Allegra-D when it's realy bad.
Posted by Gabbi on July 26, 2002, at 18:03:06
In reply to Re: Feeling terrible. » jannbeau, sly, Gabbi Lynn, posted by xena on July 26, 2002, at 0:18:08
Please do let me know how it works. I have been so glad for it, especially on nights when I know I'm supposed to get up early. Its such an awful feeling. It just cools you down, and is amazing for an upset stomach.
No I never really had a problem with explaining, I would just say Oh I don't feel like it, or I'm on antibiotics. But I've never been under much pressure socially. (probably because I never go out)
I read a recent book on Depression and I've also heard all the negative comments about it. The author of this book went through several medications but what worked for him was Effexor, he did mention though that the side effects showed up for him weeks before the benefits did.
I tried it, but wasn't in a stable enough situation to risk possible not having it work and then going through the withdrawl. So I can't judge. But most medications, for me in the beginning made me feel I was either pregnant or had food poisoning. Even if I didn't drink. I would definately stick it out for at least 6 weeks, unless its absolutely intolerable.
Posted by Starwatcher on July 26, 2002, at 18:29:18
In reply to Re: Feeling terrible. » xena, posted by Gabbi on July 26, 2002, at 18:03:06
> Please do let me know how it works. I have been so glad for it, especially on nights when I know I'm supposed to get up early. Its such an awful feeling. It just cools you down, and is amazing for an upset stomach.
>
> No I never really had a problem with explaining, I would just say Oh I don't feel like it, or I'm on antibiotics. But I've never been under much pressure socially. (probably because I never go out)
>
> I read a recent book on Depression and I've also heard all the negative comments about it. The author of this book went through several medications but what worked for him was Effexor, he did mention though that the side effects showed up for him weeks before the benefits did.
>
> I tried it, but wasn't in a stable enough situation to risk possible not having it work and then going through the withdrawl. So I can't judge. But most medications, for me in the beginning made me feel I was either pregnant or had food poisoning. Even if I didn't drink. I would definately stick it out for at least 6 weeks, unless its absolutely intolerable.Thanks for the info. on the peppermint oil - sounds like a wonderful remedy! I still get queasy sometimes in the morning if I take my blood pressure pill on an empty stomach, and sometimes have stomach problems at night. Maybe this will help!
The 37.5 mg. dose I take of Effexor still seems to be making me feel a little loaded when I first wake up in the morning - even after several months of taking it - but that's okay! I'm sleeping fairly well through the night most of the time now, although sometimes I want to sleep a lot on the weekends when I don't have to do anything. It only takes a little while for the cobwebs to clear out of my brain, and it's keeping the fibromyalgia pain under control, which is why I'm taking it.
Posted by Starwatcher on July 26, 2002, at 18:44:08
In reply to Re: Antihistamines Effexor, posted by jannbeau on July 26, 2002, at 15:05:01
> >
> Lynne, Xena: Same here. I use Flonase, 2 sprays at night and usually don't need the antihistamines.
>
> I've had no problem with Allegra when taking Effexor XR. I mainly use a cortizone nasal spray now, and just add the Allegra-D when it's realy bad.
>
>Be careful when using Flonase. I had to stop using it because it was giving me frequent anterior nosbleeds (nosebleeds that are at the back of your sinuses) Since I've stopped using it, they've basically stopped....
Posted by Gabbi on July 27, 2002, at 1:17:01
In reply to Re: Feeling terrible., posted by Starwatcher on July 26, 2002, at 18:29:18
Hi, its Gabbi again,
Because I'm the queen of quease...
I wanted to let you know that if you feel sick from your medication taken on an empty stomach, fennel oil would be better than pepperment for taking internally.
The peppermint if not taken in capsule form (which is a rip off price wise) can promote excess acidity which, in the morning may be what is causing the problem in the first place. Sometimes just sniffing the pepperment will help.
Fennel can be pretty pungent though. If you don't like it at first you will never get used to it.I'm not a pushing the essential oils,but did want to share what worked for me. The constant nausea,put such a damper on how I felt but so many common drugstore remedies like Pepto Bismol block the absorption of the medication.
"REAL' Ginger ale works also, Reeds or Jamaican Ginger beer.
Also for your "inner child" gripe water works too...
Posted by xena on July 28, 2002, at 9:31:17
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
On my fifth day of taking Effexor, I noticed that I was back to feeling my "normal" saddened state. It became worse after the sixth day. Now, going on my seventh day of taking this pill, I wonder if it is worth it. My doctor instructed me to take 37.5 mg for the first 7 days, and then 75 mg for the following 7. My worry is that after 5 or more days of taking 75 mg, I will be back to my melancolic state. Could I really have built a resistance to this drug already?
I go back to see her on Thursday, and I will tell her what happened, but I am feeling very discouraged right now. Is this something that has happened to many people?
I just don't understand how I could feel great just a couple of days ago, and now I feel "normal" again.
Posted by LynnPerley on July 28, 2002, at 18:16:17
In reply to melancholy, posted by xena on July 28, 2002, at 9:31:17
Of course, talk to your doctor about it. However, I had similar experiences while taking the sample pack. I would try to stick it out at least until you've been on 150mg or higher for a few weeks. I started with the sample pack too. It took me until the second 30 days of my 150 mg prescrip for me to feel continual good effects, then I increased to 225 mg and I think it has finally settled in.
Posted by Gabbi on July 28, 2002, at 22:39:08
In reply to Re: melancholy » xena, posted by LynnPerley on July 28, 2002, at 18:16:17
I think I mentioned this in my "peppermint post". But I would agree with Lynn Perley
During my earlier trials with medications, I would tend to blame everything on my medication, and now realize, that I'm going to have mood swings regardless, the ups and downs may be in spite of the medication not necessarily because of it. In your case its still really early to know what's what.
I know how long and how scary it seems,but with many anti-depressents the side effects show up before the benefits, and it would be doubtful that an up and down mood change would happen this early because of the medication.
It usually takes 4-6 weeks to know, and its an awful minute by minute wait, especially when the tendency (for me anyway) is to constantly "check" my mood.Unless you feel your mood is consistantly worse than it was pre-effexor I would definately wait it out.(of course with your doctors approval)It
is so much easier said than done, but I think it would be better than going off it waiting and then trying something else.I think "trying out" medication is the single most difficult thing I've ever voluntarily put myself through. Physical side-effects are awful but at least somewhat logical. Inexplicable down emotions are hell because they come across as "reality" not as "I'm depression and I'll leave in a while"
Best of luck
Thinking of you
Gabbi.
Posted by jannbeau on July 29, 2002, at 12:58:03
In reply to Re: Antihistamines Effexor, posted by Starwatcher on July 26, 2002, at 18:44:08
I have recently noticed some bleeding that seems to be right at the back of my nose. I think nosebleeds is a listed side effect of Flonase. Did you start a different corticosteroid spray when you stopped Flonase? I've also noticed some decreased efficacy of Flonase, as has a friend of mine. I thought that was curious.
Thanks for any info on other nasal steroid sprays.
Jannbeau
> > Lynne, Xena: Same here. I use Flonase, 2 sprays at night and usually don't need the antihistamines.
> >
> > I've had no problem with Allegra when taking Effexor XR. I mainly use a cortizone nasal spray now, and just add the Allegra-D when it's realy bad.
> >
> >
>
> Be careful when using Flonase. I had to stop using it because it was giving me frequent anterior nosbleeds (nosebleeds that are at the back of your sinuses) Since I've stopped using it, they've basically stopped....
Posted by kpo2002 on July 29, 2002, at 19:54:40
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? Jenny15, posted by JAMMER on May 23, 2001, at 13:04:31
Jammer, Are you a poet/cook?
Posted by Starwatcher on July 29, 2002, at 22:17:45
In reply to Re: Antihistamines Effexor, posted by jannbeau on July 29, 2002, at 12:58:03
> I have recently noticed some bleeding that seems to be right at the back of my nose. I think nosebleeds is a listed side effect of Flonase. Did you start a different corticosteroid spray when you stopped Flonase? I've also noticed some decreased efficacy of Flonase, as has a friend of mine. I thought that was curious.
>
> Thanks for any info on other nasal steroid sprays.
>
> Jannbeau
>
> > > Lynne, Xena: Same here. I use Flonase, 2 sprays at night and usually don't need the antihistamines.
> > >
> > > I've had no problem with Allegra when taking Effexor XR. I mainly use a cortizone nasal spray now, and just add the Allegra-D when it's realy bad.
> > >
> > >
> >
> > Be careful when using Flonase. I had to stop using it because it was giving me frequent anterior nosbleeds (nosebleeds that are at the back of your sinuses) Since I've stopped using it, they've basically stopped....
>
>No, Jann. I never started using another corticosteroid nose spray. I still use Flovent for asthma and take allergy shots, so usually that's enough. I used to use Beconase (before I used Flovent), though, for my nose, and never noticed having the anterior nosebleeds with that. The first time it happened, I got so scared - I thought I was having a brain hemmorrage or a stroke or something, and I raced to the emergency room - I've never been prone in the past to nosebleeds of any kind!
-Starwatcher
Posted by sillyhead on July 30, 2002, at 9:50:56
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hello Everyone,
I have been taking Effexor XR for about a month. I started at 37.5 mg and after each week, I have increased this dose by 37.5 mg. Now I am on day 8 of my recommended dose: 150 mg.
At first I felt no real side effects, but now I am noticing that since I started, I have not been able to have an orgasm, which is really frusterating b/c this has never been a problem for me.
Also, since I increased by dosage, I have been waking in the night, thrashing around in bed, talking in my sleep, and having bizarre and vivid dreams that are generally too intense, making them unpleasant. I am going to wait this one out, b/c I think once things stabalize this will go away, but it is hard b/c the lack of sleep is making me tired! And I never had that problem before either! I could sleep anywhere before the effexor!
I am also very concerned about the inorgasmia as I have a boyfriend of 2 1/2 years and we are not used to this. And what is worse, is that finally my sex drive has come back, only to find out I can't climax!!!!!!!!!!!
Please, Please share your experiences with insomnia/inorgasmia with me. Does this go away?
Thanks a ton,
Sillyhead
Posted by jannbeau on July 30, 2002, at 10:11:50
In reply to Re: Antihistamines Effexor, posted by Starwatcher on July 29, 2002, at 22:17:45
> > I have recently noticed some bleeding that seems to be right at the back of my nose. I think nosebleeds is a listed side effect of Flonase. Did you start a different corticosteroid spray when you stopped Flonase? I've also noticed some decreased efficacy of Flonase, as has a friend of mine. I thought that was curious.
> >
> > Thanks for any info on other nasal steroid sprays.
> >
> > Jannbeau
> >
> > > > Lynne, Xena: Same here. I use Flonase, 2 sprays at night and usually don't need the antihistamines.
> > > >
> > > > I've had no problem with Allegra when taking Effexor XR. I mainly use a cortizone nasal spray now, and just add the Allegra-D when it's realy bad.
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > Be careful when using Flonase. I had to stop using it because it was giving me frequent anterior nosbleeds (nosebleeds that are at the back of your sinuses) Since I've stopped using it, they've basically stopped....
> >
> >
>
> No, Jann. I never started using another corticosteroid nose spray. I still use Flovent for asthma and take allergy shots, so usually that's enough. I used to use Beconase (before I used Flovent), though, for my nose, and never noticed having the anterior nosebleeds with that. The first time it happened, I got so scared - I thought I was having a brain hemmorrage or a stroke or something, and I raced to the emergency room - I've never been prone in the past to nosebleeds of any kind!
>
> -StarwatcherThanks, Star! I need to call my allergist, I suppose re these two problems: reduced efficacy and bleeding--
Cheers,
jannbeau
Posted by awake at last on July 30, 2002, at 11:23:46
In reply to Help: Insomnia/Inorgasmia, posted by sillyhead on July 30, 2002, at 9:50:56
> Hello Everyone,
>
> I have been taking Effexor XR for about a month. I started at 37.5 mg and after each week, I have increased this dose by 37.5 mg. Now I am on day 8 of my recommended dose: 150 mg.
>
> At first I felt no real side effects, but now I am noticing that since I started, I have not been able to have an orgasm, which is really frusterating b/c this has never been a problem for me.
>
> Also, since I increased by dosage, I have been waking in the night, thrashing around in bed, talking in my sleep, and having bizarre and vivid dreams that are generally too intense, making them unpleasant. I am going to wait this one out, b/c I think once things stabalize this will go away, but it is hard b/c the lack of sleep is making me tired! And I never had that problem before either! I could sleep anywhere before the effexor!
>
> I am also very concerned about the inorgasmia as I have a boyfriend of 2 1/2 years and we are not used to this. And what is worse, is that finally my sex drive has come back, only to find out I can't climax!!!!!!!!!!!
>
> Please, Please share your experiences with insomnia/inorgasmia with me. Does this go away?
>
> Thanks a ton,
> Sillyhead
***********************************************
Yes, I've had the same experience with Effexor, but at higher doses. I did okay at 150mgs but it wasn't making me any better, when they upped the dosage to 225 mg I thought I was going to go crazy. One of my major complaints was fatigue, and with effexor I couldn't sleep at all. I stayed at 150 mgs for several months and found that nothing changed. Forewarning, my worst withdrawal symptoms came with this one... backing off of this medicine even at the recommended dosage was miserable - major headaches.
Posted by Beth B on July 30, 2002, at 13:43:36
In reply to Re: Help: Insomnia/Inorgasmia, posted by awake at last on July 30, 2002, at 11:23:46
Hello all-
I have been on 150mg for 13 months now and it has helped me work through some serious baggage. I've just started to reduce my dosage (with consent from therapist) slowly so that I can go on my first "drug holiday." The meds have made me soooo extra sleepy, which wasn't a problem before. I'm trying to see how i respond without them.
I was taking two 75mg caplets every night. This past week I took 1 1/2 75mg caplets each night (dumping out half of one). So far the effects haven't been *too* bad. I've had kind of a mild steady headache and I've been just a little agitated. I feel hot and restless at night when I'm trying to sleep. I'm going to stay on this dosage for another week to let things even out before I reduce it another step.
Here's my projected schedule:
(1 year: 150mg)
2 weeks: 112.5mg
2 weeks: 75mg
2 weeks: 37.5mgI want to keep the list posted with my results so that others can see how this plan works.
Cheers!
Beth B
Posted by LeeLou on July 30, 2002, at 18:56:01
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I stopped taking the medicine cold!! JUST QUIT. I hated it. It made me feel tired and just different...NOT better.....it just gave me NEW things to worry about if that makes any sense. Now I feel like I'm going crazy. I am hot one minute and cold the next. I am having flashes or waves of emotions, I really can't explain. I'm really very aggrivated to the point of wanting to kill someone at times!! HOW LONG IS THIS GOING TO LAST? It's been a week already!
Posted by Starwatcher on July 30, 2002, at 19:11:41
In reply to I did what I shouldn't have!!!, posted by LeeLou on July 30, 2002, at 18:56:01
> I stopped taking the medicine cold!! JUST QUIT. I hated it. It made me feel tired and just different...NOT better.....it just gave me NEW things to worry about if that makes any sense. Now I feel like I'm going crazy. I am hot one minute and cold the next. I am having flashes or waves of emotions, I really can't explain. I'm really very aggrivated to the point of wanting to kill someone at times!! HOW LONG IS THIS GOING TO LAST? It's been a week already!
Some people have said that taking benedryl somehow helps with withdrawal side effects. I would possibly call your doctor and see if you could get some Prozac - it's been written that taking it also helps with withdrawal side effects.
I can't speak from personal experience - I only take 37.5 mg. and have made it an important point to never to miss a dose.
Hope you feel better soon!
Posted by kpo2002 on July 30, 2002, at 20:42:28
In reply to Effexor - Changed my life!, posted by Luann on June 19, 2002, at 17:00:48
Maybe you need to decrease or increase your dosage.
Maybe you are tired during the day because you are not getting enough sleep.
A mild sedative may be what you need to get to sleep. I use a sedative-hypnotic call Restoril; a neighbor of mine uses Tylenol PM.
Posted by colin wallace on July 31, 2002, at 4:56:07
In reply to Re: Help: Insomnia/Inorgasmia, posted by awake at last on July 30, 2002, at 11:23:46
Hi there,
>> I am also very concerned about the inorgasmia as I have a boyfriend of 2 1/2 years and we are not used to this. And what is worse, is that finally my sex drive has come back, only to find out I can't climax!!!!!!!!!!!
I can't help wondering if the problem has something to do with your boyfriend's age.
At 2 1/2 years, he can't have accumulated much experience, really.He's obviously precocious, but I reckon if you gave it another try in 15yrs or so, things would improve.
The best things in life are always worth the wait!!! *_-Col
Posted by spencer on July 31, 2002, at 9:01:51
In reply to Dosage Reduction, posted by Beth B on July 30, 2002, at 13:43:36
That's about what the rate I went off from 150mg XR. I couldn't get 37.5mg XR here (only normal release) but that didn't seem to matter very much. I just suffered from exactly what you mentioned and I had too dizzy days after I stopped completely. By that time I was on a heavy exercise routine and that seemed to help. I've been very well ever since with no relapse into depression or anxiety.
I hope you have the same "luck" as I did.
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