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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Napaba on March 25, 2003, at 8:05:05
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal is Serious-A question...... » dongerue, posted by Krissy P on March 24, 2003, at 22:30:15
> I liked Wellbutrin. What was hard for me was remembering to take it twice a day. I had no side effects and noticed improvement right away.
Wow Don, yes, it did help a lot-thanks.
> It does sound like you are winning:-)
> That is wonderful. Sounds like your doc sure knew about weaning you off slowly.
> Both my pdoc and GP doc are considerate about giving samples-which often helps a lot of us.
> Can I ask again, lol, what you feel, for you, is the best thing about Wellbutrin and the worst thing about it-if any??? I have never tried Wellbutrin.
> Things like side effects, improving the depression, cravings for cigarettes, if you smoke and so on?
> Thanks again, Kristen
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Hello Krissy:
> The first time I tried going down from 300 to 225 for a week to 150 for a week then to 75 for a week then 37.5 for a week. Then I quit. In about 3 days all of the symptoms started and got worse. I started to read more about it on the internet and went in to see my doctor. Before I could get an appointment I had to go back to 75 a day to feel even reasonably bad. I had read about switching to webrutin. We worked out for me to stay at 75 while we got the welbutrin going. I took 100mg a day for a week then went to 200 a day for a week. Then I reduced the effexor xr to 37.5 for a week and was doing reasonable. I had another appointment with the doctor and we went to 300mg welbutrin and I dropped to 37.5 every 36 hours and this friday I will go to 37.5 every 48 hours for three days and then quit the effexor and stay on the welbutrin for a while. I feel confident that I am now winning. By the way since the 37.5 is not readily available (I think) the doctor gave me some of the start up kits that have 37.5 xr in them.
> > In summary. I could not in any way quit by going to 75 every other day. It is just too painful for my particular withdrawal problem.
>
> Hope that helps
> Don
> >
> >
> >
> > > Hi Don,
> > > Can I ask you something here please.
> > > I got word from my pdoc today that she wants me to start taking my 75 mg of Effexor-XR every 'other' instead of taking it every day, like I have been for 3 weeks now.
> > > I wanted to post this after I read what you wrote here about you personally going down to one 37.5 xr every other day and having only a few of the flu like symptoms and the dizziness and sick stomach that you were having. Your ears have stopped ringing all the time? Mine were starting to ring a lot on 75mg of Effexor-XR, and my sleep has definately been shallow.
> > > Please let me know what you think?
> > > Thanks, Kristen
> > > --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> > >
> > > I have now been working on getting off effexor xr 300mg per day for just over 6 weeks. I have tried twice. I have been addicted to cigarettes. I was smoking 3 packs a day when I quit and I had been on them for 30 years at that time. I put the cigarettes in my breast pocket upside down and never smoked another one. That took two tries also. Quitting was hard. I had to quit drinking. I drank alot every night at home. I quit cold by myself. Let me tell you for ME quitting effexor is more difficult Undrstand, this is my reaction, not anybody elses. Please don't tell me that I am a victim of suggestion. I had no idea that it would be difficult to quit. Nobody told me. In fact when I started taking it 3 or 4 years ago, there was not much iformation for the Doctor to warn me either.
> > > Well I am winning. I switched to Welbutrin and most of the bad side effects of long term effexor use are gone. Laziness, Lack of Libido, shallow sleep. All are gone. I am down to one 37.5 xr every other day and I am having few of the flu like symtoms and the dizziness and sick stomach that I was having. My ears have stopped ringing all the time. The dry mouth is improving and the dreams are now much more pleasant. I am taking 300 mg of wellbutrin a day and I have no depressive feelings.
> > > To say no big deal is just not a universal comment. Hopefully, like over half the people who quit, you wont have problems. Like my doctor says. Many people never have the problem because they never quit.
> > > Good Luck. When I am totally off of effexor I will be the first to let everyone know.
> > >
> > > Don
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by lovemybabies on March 25, 2003, at 8:33:44
In reply to ease going on vs. ease going off - a correlation?, posted by Paco on March 24, 2003, at 21:31:16
Hi--I had a relatively easy time starting Effexor. The biggest nuisance were the little muscle twitches that have since gone away. I was going through a two-week panic attack when I started so I probably didn't even notice the side effects. :) Honestly, I'm not worried about withdrawal. I'm taking 150mg. and plan to taper when I do quit.
Posted by Paco on March 25, 2003, at 9:11:25
In reply to Re: ease going on vs. ease going off - a correlation?, posted by lovemybabies on March 25, 2003, at 8:33:44
Yeah, I'm taking 150mg also, and have been for just about a week. I started at 75mg just 16 days ago. My doc also hinted that he might have me taper back down to 75mg after I've taken it for a month. I will surely ask him for a couple of weeks worth of 37.5mg caps to taper down! These withdrawl horror stories are sure not encouraging, but I'm sure a couple of weeks of withdrawl beats several years of severe depression.
=================================================
> Hi--I had a relatively easy time starting Effexor. The biggest nuisance were the little muscle twitches that have since gone away. I was going through a two-week panic attack when I started so I probably didn't even notice the side effects. :) Honestly, I'm not worried about withdrawal. I'm taking 150mg. and plan to taper when I do quit.
Posted by ndavis on March 25, 2003, at 10:01:03
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 YMMV
IN REPLY TO THE ABOVE MESSAGE: YOU SAY YOU TOOK EFFEXOR FOR A WHILE UNTIL IT STOPPED WORKING....WELL, YOU MUST NOT HAVE TAKEN MUCH TO NOT HAVE THE SIDE AFFECTS EVERYONE ELSE IS EXPERIENCING. I WAS ON 150MG FOR 3 YRS, AND HAVE TAPPERED OFF OVER A TWO WEEK PERIOD LIKE MY DR. ADVISED. NOW I AM COMPLETELY OFF, AND I CAN BARELY STAND BECAUSE THE DIZZINESS AND NAUSEA ARE SO BAD. I ALSO EXPERIENCE "ELECTRICAL SHOCKS" THAT CAUSE MY ARMS, LEGS AND CHEEKS AND LIPS TO GO COMPLETELY NUMB. THESE LITTLE SHOCKS ARE ABOUT TWICE A MINUTE. SO, AFTER READING ALL THE POSTS REGARDING WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS, YOU MAY NOT WANT TO SAY THAT THEY ARE OVERRATED. I HARDLY THINK THAT A RATIO OF 100's:1 IS SAYING WITHDRAWALS ARE AN IMAGINATION. I SURE HOPE YOU DON'T FIND A HUGE MASS OF "OVERRATED SYMPTOM SUFFERERS" ON YOUR DOORSTEP; IF ANY OF THEM FEEL LIKE I DO, THEY WOULD HAVE NO PROBLEMS KILLING SOMETHING!FOR ALL OF YOU WHO ARE EXPERIENCING THE "REAL, NON OVERRATED" WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS, HANG IN THERE. WE CAN BEAT THIS.
Posted by Krissy P on March 25, 2003, at 10:11:54
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal is Serious-A question......, posted by Napaba on March 25, 2003, at 8:02:08
Hi there, After getting no sleep last night, I am beginning to think I have had Effexor poop out-It has worked for me in the past-but it doesn't seem to be working well now. I think it is increasing my mania and it isn't doing much for the depression at the moment. What was your experience with Wellbutrin? What made it the best for you?
I'm here:-)
Kristen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------> I have found my anxiety and PMS is worse sence Effexor. My doctor increased my dose. I'm feeling very depressed. I don't think this medication is working for me. It really scares me. Instead iof feeling better each day, I feel a little more depressed.
>
> I to have the neck aches. Sometimes they hurt so bad I take Flexral (sp) and or vicadin (sp).
>
> I just don't know if it's worth it. I've tried Wellbutrin, Prozac, and Paxil. Welbutrin was the best, but I had a hard time remembering to take it twice a day.
>
> Any suggestions?
>
> Hi PV,
> > Thanks for asking, I don't mind at all.
> > My pdoc thinks that 75mg of Effexor everyday may be inducing mania, so she reduced it to 75mg every other day. (this was over the phone)
> > Today, I haven't felt manic all day. But, I woke up and couldn't move my head to the left, so I took a Tylenol 3. Still, I don't know if I felt calm because of not taking the Effexor last night, or because the Tylenol 3 did it? It all goes back to that variable stuff.
> > I'm glad you see my posts where I feel good, cuz there's a few where I haven't been so good. lol
> > Tonight, I started crying because of my head racing so much, I'm just sick of trying to control a lot of things that I just have to accept. I am fragile, and I need to really talk to my pdoc when I see her Friday about my med cocktail. The tears had a lot to do with the apprehension I have in hopes that she will really listen, and know what to do at this point.
> > Brains chemicals are something else eh?
> > I hope you're doing well and thanks again,
> > Kristen
> > --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> > Hi Kristen,
> >
> > How come your doc is reducing your Effexor? You seem to be doing really well? Hope you don't mind me asking -
> >
> > PV
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by ndavis on March 25, 2003, at 10:40:04
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal is Serious, posted by lovemybabies on March 24, 2003, at 16:09:08
> Ok, I don't get it. I'm on Effexor now and am SO thankful for this drug. No, my doctor didn't 'warn' me of withdrawal problems; I think if someone puts an idea in your head, then you make it come true. Doctors probably steer clear of mentioning all the negatives right at the get-go for this reason. In my case, I was seriously depressed/anxiety-ridden and needed chemical intervention FAST. It's the first antidepressant I've been on and it's worked wonders for me. Also, I know two people personally who experienced only minor withdrawal symptoms, lasting only a couple of weeks. They tapered. Said it was like cycling through the start-up symptoms, only at a faster rate. No big deal.
-------------------------------------------------
I, like you, was depressed and needed a quick fix. This drug worked wonders for the depression, but I started to get a little nervous when I missed a dose, even by a hour. I would get so dizzy, nauseous, and would have horrid electrical shocks. I started doing some researching, and have found so many article about the dangers of Effexor that I went to my doctor and started the tappering off program. The withdrawal symptoms have been horrible. I have had to take time off work because I have passed out a few times (I have only been completely off the drug for 5 days) in the last 4 days, I have vomited, I am extremely dizzy and have had the electrical shocks constantly. As far as returning depression, I haven't noticed any. The main articles that got my attention were these: neurological side-effects represent abnormalitites in the "motor system":induced Parkisnsonism, Muscle Spasms and "Tardive Dyskinesia; SSRI's cause shriveled and corkscrew shaped brain cells; SSRI induced hypoglycemia and raised cortisol levels cause brain cells to die; SSRI toxicity by inhibition of cytochrome P450 isoenzymes; combining SSRIs can cause stroke; and so many more articles. Serotonin Syndrome is a major problem with both SSRI's and SNRI's. Even though effexor is not a SSRI, but a SNRI, both are extremely similar in problems brought on. Some people have suffered from irreversible brain damage. For me, there has to be a different way to treat depression than letting my brain and internal organs become guinea pigs for the medical world. I am happy for you whose medication have helped as mine did, just don't disregard the facts that eventually these drugs can damage you dramatically.
Posted by Krissy P on March 25, 2003, at 10:49:21
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal is Serious, posted by ndavis on March 25, 2003, at 10:40:04
Can I please have those links you talk about here?
thanks:-)
gotta do some research on this Effexor-it seems it has pooped out on me
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I, like you, was depressed and needed a quick fix. This drug worked wonders for the depression, but I started to get a little nervous when I missed a dose, even by a hour. I would get so dizzy, nauseous, and would have horrid electrical shocks. I started doing some researching, and have found so many article about the dangers of Effexor that I went to my doctor and started the tappering off program. The withdrawal symptoms have been horrible. I have had to take time off work because I have passed out a few times (I have only been completely off the drug for 5 days) in the last 4 days, I have vomited, I am extremely dizzy and have had the electrical shocks constantly. As far as returning depression, I haven't noticed any. The main articles that got my attention were these: neurological side-effects represent abnormalitites in the "motor system":induced Parkisnsonism, Muscle Spasms and "Tardive Dyskinesia; SSRI's cause shriveled and corkscrew shaped brain cells; SSRI induced hypoglycemia and raised cortisol levels cause brain cells to die; SSRI toxicity by inhibition of cytochrome P450 isoenzymes; combining SSRIs can cause stroke; and so many more articles. Serotonin Syndrome is a major problem with both SSRI's and SNRI's. Even though effexor is not a SSRI, but a SNRI, both are extremely similar in problems brought on. Some people have suffered from irreversible brain damage. For me, there has to be a different way to treat depression than letting my brain and internal organs become guinea pigs for the medical world. I am happy for you whose medication have helped as mine did, just don't disregard the facts that eventually these drugs can damage you dramatically.
Posted by Napaba on March 25, 2003, at 11:01:54
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal is Serious-A question...... » Napaba, posted by Krissy P on March 25, 2003, at 10:11:54
I liked the Welbutrin because it didn't have any side effects. From what I've read it seemed to be the safest. It does not effect Serrotonin (sp)it works on another chemical in the brain. I'm not a Dr. this is something I read.
I couldn't remember to take it twice a day. This could be why it didn't work well for me, when I did take it I felt good. I still had some depression and anxiety. But no one is happy all the time. I was able to function and didn't feel drugged and tired. I'm actually considering asking my Dr. if I can switch to Wellbutrin and make a true effort to take it each morning and evening. Because if I remember correctly I didn't have this much anxiety on Wellbutrin or before I started taking Effexor. I also have Zannax. I try not to take it often, but I do use it when the anxiety is more then I can handle or if I'm having trouble sleeping. I really like the Zannex, but I know it's addictive and I don't want to be dependent on it.
If you don't mind sharing what is Mania? Is it anxiety? The up feeling?Hi there, After getting no sleep last night, I am beginning to think I have had Effexor poop out-It has worked for me in the past-but it doesn't seem to be working well now. I think it is increasing my mania and it isn't doing much for the depression at the moment. What was your experience with Wellbutrin? What made it the best for you?
>
> I'm here:-)
> Kristen
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> > I have found my anxiety and PMS is worse sence Effexor. My doctor increased my dose. I'm feeling very depressed. I don't think this medication is working for me. It really scares me. Instead iof feeling better each day, I feel a little more depressed.
> >
> > I to have the neck aches. Sometimes they hurt so bad I take Flexral (sp) and or vicadin (sp).
> >
> > I just don't know if it's worth it. I've tried Wellbutrin, Prozac, and Paxil. Welbutrin was the best, but I had a hard time remembering to take it twice a day.
> >
> > Any suggestions?
> >
> > Hi PV,
> > > Thanks for asking, I don't mind at all.
> > > My pdoc thinks that 75mg of Effexor everyday may be inducing mania, so she reduced it to 75mg every other day. (this was over the phone)
> > > Today, I haven't felt manic all day. But, I woke up and couldn't move my head to the left, so I took a Tylenol 3. Still, I don't know if I felt calm because of not taking the Effexor last night, or because the Tylenol 3 did it? It all goes back to that variable stuff.
> > > I'm glad you see my posts where I feel good, cuz there's a few where I haven't been so good. lol
> > > Tonight, I started crying because of my head racing so much, I'm just sick of trying to control a lot of things that I just have to accept. I am fragile, and I need to really talk to my pdoc when I see her Friday about my med cocktail. The tears had a lot to do with the apprehension I have in hopes that she will really listen, and know what to do at this point.
> > > Brains chemicals are something else eh?
> > > I hope you're doing well and thanks again,
> > > Kristen
> > > --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> > >
> > > Hi Kristen,
> > >
> > > How come your doc is reducing your Effexor? You seem to be doing really well? Hope you don't mind me asking -
> > >
> > > PV
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by ndavis on March 25, 2003, at 12:32:33
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal is Serious » ndavis, posted by Krissy P on March 25, 2003, at 10:49:21
This is the link where I started, from there each link took me somewhere else. I have also just used the search engine and typed in "effexor" and "withdrawal" and got hundreds of pages...
Posted by Krissy P on March 25, 2003, at 13:19:38
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal is Serious-A question......, posted by Napaba on March 25, 2003, at 11:01:54
Hi Napaba,
Thanks so much for the reply. I am going to do a search on it. I like that you read that it is the safest-I will have to check that out. I also didn't know it doesn't work on serotonin? wow
I got some reading to do. lol
My brother is on it and it seems to work with his Zoloft, and we have the same blood, etc. I am definately going to talk to my pdoc Friday about going on it and stopping the Effexor. I have posted about the fact that the manufacturers of Effexor have stated to doctors to use caution when prescribing Effexor to BP's and if I am still a little bipolar or BP II-then it really isn't a med I should be on. (I have just come to this realization a few days ago)
I'm also on Klonopin and I am aware of the addictive properties benzos have too-so I try to just stay at 2mg a day. My friend takes 4mg and my brother sometimes takes 8mg a day-way too much for me.
Anyway, don't mind ya asking at all, in my own words here and from what I have learned, mania is a mental state (mood) that is characterized by extreme "highs" like overspending, grandiose feelings, sexual promiscuity, extremely happy or up, but in the DSMIV-it states that it can be dangerous and obviously affect one's functionality in daily living, holding down a job, relationships, and the list goes on.
I don't think it is as much as anxiety as it is just over-happiness if that makes sense, a person, when manic, feels on top of the world, nothing and no one bothers them, etc. I think that when someone has mania, if they seem anxious to others they may not realize they are because they are so "up" and just in an extremely different and very happy mood. I could go into Psych terms but I can explain it better when I think about what I have read, learned, and experienced.
Hope this helped.
:-)
kristen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------> I liked the Welbutrin because it didn't have any side effects. From what I've read it seemed to be the safest. It does not effect Serrotonin (sp)it works on another chemical in the brain. I'm not a Dr. this is something I read.
>
> I couldn't remember to take it twice a day. This could be why it didn't work well for me, when I did take it I felt good. I still had some depression and anxiety. But no one is happy all the time. I was able to function and didn't feel drugged and tired. I'm actually considering asking my Dr. if I can switch to Wellbutrin and make a true effort to take it each morning and evening. Because if I remember correctly I didn't have this much anxiety on Wellbutrin or before I started taking Effexor. I also have Zannax. I try not to take it often, but I do use it when the anxiety is more then I can handle or if I'm having trouble sleeping. I really like the Zannex, but I know it's addictive and I don't want to be dependent on it.
If you don't mind sharing what is Mania? Is it anxiety? The up feeling?
Posted by Napaba on March 25, 2003, at 13:28:14
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal is Serious » Krissy P, posted by ndavis on March 25, 2003, at 12:32:33
Wow, I just returned from the site you referenced. Really makes you think about the side effects and if it's worth it.
This is the link where I started, from there each link took me somewhere else. I have also just used the search engine and typed in "effexor" and "withdrawal" and got hundreds of pages...
>
> http://www.antidepressantsfacts.com/side-effects.htm
Posted by Krissy P on March 25, 2003, at 13:29:31
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal is Serious » Krissy P, posted by ndavis on March 25, 2003, at 12:32:33
Posted by Napaba on March 25, 2003, at 14:53:49
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal is Serious-A question...... » Napaba, posted by Krissy P on March 25, 2003, at 13:19:38
Thanks Kristen, So mania could be when I feel like I'm in a great mood and talk nonstop and can't shut up. I think I know what your describing. I checked out the web site recommended in an earlier post. It really makes me want to get off this stuff.
--Christine
> Hi Napaba,
> Thanks so much for the reply. I am going to do a search on it. I like that you read that it is the safest-I will have to check that out. I also didn't know it doesn't work on serotonin? wow
> I got some reading to do. lol
> My brother is on it and it seems to work with his Zoloft, and we have the same blood, etc. I am definately going to talk to my pdoc Friday about going on it and stopping the Effexor. I have posted about the fact that the manufacturers of Effexor have stated to doctors to use caution when prescribing Effexor to BP's and if I am still a little bipolar or BP II-then it really isn't a med I should be on. (I have just come to this realization a few days ago)
> I'm also on Klonopin and I am aware of the addictive properties benzos have too-so I try to just stay at 2mg a day. My friend takes 4mg and my brother sometimes takes 8mg a day-way too much for me.
> Anyway, don't mind ya asking at all, in my own words here and from what I have learned, mania is a mental state (mood) that is characterized by extreme "highs" like overspending, grandiose feelings, sexual promiscuity, extremely happy or up, but in the DSMIV-it states that it can be dangerous and obviously affect one's functionality in daily living, holding down a job, relationships, and the list goes on.
> I don't think it is as much as anxiety as it is just over-happiness if that makes sense, a person, when manic, feels on top of the world, nothing and no one bothers them, etc. I think that when someone has mania, if they seem anxious to others they may not realize they are because they are so "up" and just in an extremely different and very happy mood. I could go into Psych terms but I can explain it better when I think about what I have read, learned, and experienced.
> Hope this helped.
> :-)
> kristen
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> > I liked the Welbutrin because it didn't have any side effects. From what I've read it seemed to be the safest. It does not effect Serrotonin (sp)it works on another chemical in the brain. I'm not a Dr. this is something I read.
> >
> > I couldn't remember to take it twice a day. This could be why it didn't work well for me, when I did take it I felt good. I still had some depression and anxiety. But no one is happy all the time. I was able to function and didn't feel drugged and tired. I'm actually considering asking my Dr. if I can switch to Wellbutrin and make a true effort to take it each morning and evening. Because if I remember correctly I didn't have this much anxiety on Wellbutrin or before I started taking Effexor. I also have Zannax. I try not to take it often, but I do use it when the anxiety is more then I can handle or if I'm having trouble sleeping. I really like the Zannex, but I know it's addictive and I don't want to be dependent on it.
>
>
> If you don't mind sharing what is Mania? Is it anxiety? The up feeling?
>
>
Posted by annlanka on March 26, 2003, at 15:19:48
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Kam on January 2, 2003, at 23:27:01
hello everyone!
my doc just gave me some samples of effexor to try and i have heard positive feedback from most people about it. I am currently on lexapro- i am supposed to lower the dose and add effexor slowly. Has anyone else been thru a similar situation? I would like to hear from people what the most prominent side effects are and what to expect. My main problems with lexapro now are my tiredness, lack of concentration and eating like mad. Will effexor help any of these?
thanks!
anne
Posted by bluestar on March 26, 2003, at 16:20:06
In reply to new to effexor and pumped up about it, posted by annlanka on March 26, 2003, at 15:19:48
I sit there and sit there and I know I have to pee and my friggin bladder is full but I can't pee. then I get up and walk around and try again and still I cant until finally...relief. I'm trying to be funny about this. It's not painful it's just annoying and I think it's an effexor thing. I've never experienced this before.
Posted by lovemybabies on March 26, 2003, at 17:23:09
In reply to Re: ease going on vs. ease going off - a correlation? » lovemybabies, posted by Paco on March 25, 2003, at 9:11:25
I absolutely agree, Paco. Even if the withdrawal is Hell for two weeks or more, this drug has changed my life in a huge way and is well worth it. I wish I'd asked for help sooner.
Posted by lovemybabies on March 26, 2003, at 17:32:04
In reply to new to effexor and pumped up about it, posted by annlanka on March 26, 2003, at 15:19:48
Hi, Annlanka,
I can't speak for everyone and certainly(as you can read) there are those who dislike this drug. For me, it helped tremendously with my fatigue. I'm on 150mg/day. I don't feel manic like some have experienced. I feel like a cloud of anxiety and depression has been lifted; like I can see things from a really clear perspective. It's wonderful to feel this positive, level-headed and rested. I lost about 7 pounds in the first two weeks, just because it killed my appetite. No nausea or vomiting, just no desire to eat. It quickly came back, however, once my body adjusted. The most annoying side-effect was uncontrollable, tiny muscle-twitching, mostly when I'd go to sleep. It's gone now and I have no unpleasant side-effects at all. The best advice I can give is to hang in there the first two weeks. You'll most-likely feel like you're walking around in somebody else's body--that's the best way I can describe it. If you can roll with it, and tell yourself it means the drug is working...it's kind of fun in a weird sort of way. :) Good luck and let us know how you do.
Jen
Posted by lovemybabies on March 26, 2003, at 17:33:23
In reply to takes forever to pee!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by bluestar on March 26, 2003, at 16:20:06
Hi, How long have you been on Effexor? I had the same problem once or twice during the first two weeks. It went away. I have to drink lots of water because I think Effexor is a little dehydrating. I'm still constipated after two months. Drag. But worth the benefits.
Posted by Krissy P on March 26, 2003, at 17:34:08
In reply to new to effexor and pumped up about it, posted by annlanka on March 26, 2003, at 15:19:48
hi anne,
I've been on EffexorXR, and am currently taking it. When I first started it-my appetite decreased a lot and I lost about 10 Lbs. It passed, but EffexorXR is the only AD I have never gained a tremendous amount of weight on. Effexor tends to make people 'not tired' at first.
I have to tell you, though, that all the posters here have different reactions to different medications. Some good, and some not so good. I hope everyone who can relate to your post will reply to you.
This is just my experience.
May I ask what your diagnosis is? Is your doc going to keep you on Lexapro while you start Effexor? I ask because I am doing some reearch and getting ideas about adding Lexapro to my meds. I'd be happy to answer any questions you have about Effexor, if I can help.
All the best,
Kristen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
hello everyone!
my doc just gave me some samples of effexor to try and i have heard positive feedback from most people about it. I am currently on lexapro- i am supposed to lower the dose and add effexor slowly. Has anyone else been thru a similar situation? I would like to hear from people what the most prominent side effects are and what to expect. My main problems with lexapro now are my tiredness, lack of concentration and eating like mad. Will effexor help any of these?
thanks!
anne
Posted by Krissy P on March 26, 2003, at 18:07:07
In reply to new to effexor and pumped up about it, posted by annlanka on March 26, 2003, at 15:19:48
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on March 26, 2003, at 18:09:49
In reply to takes forever to pee!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by bluestar on March 26, 2003, at 16:20:06
I had that problem with Gabitril, even at only 4mg per day. It was much more extreme though... and very painful. It sometimes took days for me to finally be able to go. I was so desperate though that I kept taking it, and almost died in the hospital the day the dose was raised to 8mg.
Posted by jtc on March 26, 2003, at 18:21:14
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal is Serious-A question...... » Napaba, posted by Krissy P on March 25, 2003, at 13:19:38
> Hi Kristen,
I was just reading the following post and I wondered what is bipolar disorder? I have generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder and depression also. I am currently tapering off Effexor XR but I am going to continue Klonopin. I don't know much about bipolar. Thanks for the post on mania. It was very informative.
Thanks, jtc
Hi Napaba,
> Thanks so much for the reply. I am going to do a search on it. I like that you read that it is the safest-I will have to check that out. I also didn't know it doesn't work on serotonin? wow
> I got some reading to do. lol
> My brother is on it and it seems to work with his Zoloft, and we have the same blood, etc. I am definately going to talk to my pdoc Friday about going on it and stopping the Effexor. I have posted about the fact that the manufacturers of Effexor have stated to doctors to use caution when prescribing Effexor to BP's and if I am still a little bipolar or BP II-then it really isn't a med I should be on. (I have just come to this realization a few days ago)
> I'm also on Klonopin and I am aware of the addictive properties benzos have too-so I try to just stay at 2mg a day. My friend takes 4mg and my brother sometimes takes 8mg a day-way too much for me.
> Anyway, don't mind ya asking at all, in my own words here and from what I have learned, mania is a mental state (mood) that is characterized by extreme "highs" like overspending, grandiose feelings, sexual promiscuity, extremely happy or up, but in the DSMIV-it states that it can be dangerous and obviously affect one's functionality in daily living, holding down a job, relationships, and the list goes on.
> I don't think it is as much as anxiety as it is just over-happiness if that makes sense, a person, when manic, feels on top of the world, nothing and no one bothers them, etc. I think that when someone has mania, if they seem anxious to others they may not realize they are because they are so "up" and just in an extremely different and very happy mood. I could go into Psych terms but I can explain it better when I think about what I have read, learned, and experienced.
> Hope this helped.
> :-)
> kristen
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> > I liked the Welbutrin because it didn't have any side effects. From what I've read it seemed to be the safest. It does not effect Serrotonin (sp)it works on another chemical in the brain. I'm not a Dr. this is something I read.
> >
> > I couldn't remember to take it twice a day. This could be why it didn't work well for me, when I did take it I felt good. I still had some depression and anxiety. But no one is happy all the time. I was able to function and didn't feel drugged and tired. I'm actually considering asking my Dr. if I can switch to Wellbutrin and make a true effort to take it each morning and evening. Because if I remember correctly I didn't have this much anxiety on Wellbutrin or before I started taking Effexor. I also have Zannax. I try not to take it often, but I do use it when the anxiety is more then I can handle or if I'm having trouble sleeping. I really like the Zannex, but I know it's addictive and I don't want to be dependent on it.
>
>
> If you don't mind sharing what is Mania? Is it anxiety? The up feeling?
>
>
Posted by Paco on March 26, 2003, at 20:26:53
In reply to Re: ease going on vs. ease going off - a correlation?, posted by lovemybabies on March 26, 2003, at 17:23:09
Right on, lovemybabies! It was my bad experiences with Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft that kept me from trying another medication for years. I waited until I was desperate to try another medication, and I'm quite satisfied with EXR. I'm already functioning again - back at work, back in school, back at the gym... I LIKE it!
===============================================
> I absolutely agree, Paco. Even if the withdrawal is Hell for two weeks or more, this drug has changed my life in a huge way and is well worth it. I wish I'd asked for help sooner.
Posted by annlanka on March 26, 2003, at 20:27:44
In reply to Please keep us posted annlanka :-) (nm), posted by Krissy P on March 26, 2003, at 18:07:07
hi everyone-
Ok, kristen, this is my deal. I have been formally diagnosed with depression for about a year now but have suffered from intense mood swings since i was a teenager. I am 24 now and just this summer i started to get very lethargic and apathetic, also very paranoid, like people were looking down on me and thinking negative thoughts about me. I used to have really good self esteem, i played sports, good student, but for the past year this has slowly been ripped from under me and i have lost all my drives and am now living at home with my fam for awhile. Started out on lexapro 10 mg. Worked the first week, then cascaded and never came back up. went to 20 mg and have been even more exhausted since then. A saw a new doc today and she prescribed me effexor (a starters pack) and lowered lexapro down to 10 mg. She told me that when people take too much of a drug it can make them tired. She said i may want to stay on lexapro while on effexor or just totally go on effexor. I am going to slowly increase my dosage of effexor over the next 4 weeks so i will let you know how that goes.
What is your diagnoses? How do you think lexapro could help you? I know when lexapro was working for me, i felt great! but it lasted like 1-2 weeks, so i dont know if it was "all in my head " so to speak (no pun intended) or actually the med working itself.
I will keep you posted on how i feel, and hopefully you can get a sense of whether this could help you too.
take care
anne
Posted by Jack Smith on March 26, 2003, at 20:32:08
In reply to Re: ease going on vs. ease going off - a correlation? » lovemybabies, posted by Paco on March 26, 2003, at 20:26:53
How long have you been on it? What dosage? I am just starting. Three days at 37.5, tommorrow I am going to 75 b/c I have not had any sides. Also taking Wellbutrin.
JACK
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