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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Doug on January 4, 2001, at 23:17:38
In reply to Re: I hate Effexor, be careful with it, posted by Noa on January 3, 2001, at 7:38:41
I've been on Luvox for 2 years and now I've been on Effexor for 2 months also. So, for 2 years, masturbation has been useless and now it is devastating. I've gained 65 pounds in the last 2 months and my mom just kicked me out the door because I would sneak in to the kitchen in the middle of the night and empty the refrigerator. Does anyone have an extra room? I have constipation from hell. Man, does it hurt bad. I don't think I've had a number 2 for 2 weeks. Any suggestions?
Posted by Vulnavia on January 5, 2001, at 2:44:03
In reply to Re: Brain Freezes?, posted by Ceeg on January 1, 2001, at 16:13:32
> > I would describe the feeling as the brain "pausing" for a second or two; it's hard to describe; all of a sudden you just notice your brain has to catch up, or something.
I find myself having to sort of "stop" and catch up a little bit too. But it's not like a "brain freeze;" it's more like I'm stopping to choose my words carefully. Sort of like you "zone out" for a second, then have to focus quickly to get back on the subject really fast.
> I'll let you know what's going on after my next withdrawal attempt, as I definitely am not going to stay on this drug for the rest of my life.
I've been on Effexor for 18 months now, and really the only side effect that I find myself having is the need to rest more. But I'm more motivated, and the dosage I'm on is the same dosage I've been on for 12 months now: 150mg at bedtime. I, too, hope to eventually be at a point in my life where I'd like to not need anti-depressants all my life, but I agree with my doctor: you REALLY need to come off Effexor SUPER slowly (or any anti-depressant, for that matter). There's a good reason, I've learned, for being under a doctor's care while you come off a drug, because just because you "feel" all right doesn't necessarily mean that you're not depressed any more. The Effexor made it possible for me to function at a level where I could crawl out from under my rock each day, and it's done good for me in therapy with my counselor. It's an old cliche', but anything worth doing should be done well...and that, for me, would include combatting my depression.
Posted by Pandora on January 5, 2001, at 4:37:37
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by leckroj on January 4, 2001, at 12:43:29
I've been on Effexor XR at 150 mgs/day for about a year. I've had similar bad experiences when missing doses. I've also recently developed acne around my scalp - never would have thought that this could be a side effect, but it's a good place to start!
My question is for those who have been on effexor for a while and/or those who have been on multiple ADs over time. I really don't feel that the effexor is working very well right now and wonder if my best course of action is to increase the dose (is 150 mg a "high" dose?) or to switch to another AD. I've experienced Prozac "burnout" and similar effects with tofranil and Zoloft. Unfortunately, I seem to be better informed than my pdoc on the effects of ADs and insurance prohibits me from shopping around for a new one... so I'm coming to other well-informed consumers for advice : ) (If anyone can recommend a good doc in the Houston area, I'd appreciate it!)
Posted by Noa on January 5, 2001, at 8:31:52
In reply to Re: Anyone side-affects Jan + motivation, posted by Kaarina on January 4, 2001, at 17:31:02
>When I just drift off to sleep it seems like a rubberband snaps in my body and I jerk, sometimes its just my legs kick. Is this the same for you?
This is called myoclonus. I have this with Effexor, and had it with Paxil, too. It included twitching/flexing of random individual muscles or muscle groups---muscles that I could never flex at will---or total body jerks. It only happened at complete rest, like when lying down before falling asleep. On Paxil, my forearm would just shoot straight up in the air! BTW, some myoclonus is normal for everyone--you know, the *occasional* sensation just before drifting off to sleep, of falling. For me, it is somewhat dose related--ie, worse at higher doses.
What works for me is that I now take a slightly lower dose of effexor and take serzone to augment it. Serzone apparently blocks action on one of the serotonin receptors, the one that is associated with the restlessness, myoclonus, etc. This helps me by getting rid of the myoclonus almost 100%, and by allowing me to fall asleep and stay asleep all night, whereas before, I had terrible insomnia and restlessness.
As an aside, I would love to see research someday about what factors are associated with what appear (at least to me, lay person that I am) to be two main types of reaction to effexor and ssris---people who get sleepy from them, and people who get the insomnia, restlessness, and myoclonus, etc. I suspect there is some significant difference but I would love to know if it is directly related to the chemistry of the depression or other mental disorder, or related through some other aspect of a person's chemical makeup (either brain chemistry or something like endocrine disorders, etc), or some totally spurious factor. I like to think that this kind of research could yield guidelines that could help refine diagnosis and treatment decisions.
Posted by Noa on January 5, 2001, at 8:39:25
In reply to Re: Anyone side-affects Jan + motivation, posted by Kaarina on January 4, 2001, at 17:31:02
When I took regular effexor, I had terrible sweating, especially from my head. It was very uncomfortable.
It was worse at higher doses, for me.
On effexor xr, I do not experience this, I don't know why, but am glad.
Re: acne: I am glad you are both bringing this up, because I have bad acne rosacea, and have been attributing it (perhaps correctly) to other medical issues---hypothyroid, insulin resistance, etc. But it could also be from the effexor, I guess. Or perhaps a combo of two or more of these.
I just consulted a new gynocologist who prescribe low dose birth control pills to address irregular menstruation problems, but she said that there is new research showing that women with insulin resistance, irregular periods, polycystic ovary syndrome (which has been ruled out for me but I fit the profile very closely), benefit from it, and it helps to clear up the acne that often goes along with such profiles.
I'll let you know if my acne gets better.
Posted by Noa on January 5, 2001, at 8:43:13
In reply to Re: Brain Freezes?, posted by Vulnavia on January 5, 2001, at 2:44:03
Posted by Noa on January 5, 2001, at 8:47:40
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Pandora on January 5, 2001, at 4:37:37
I don't think 150 is a high dose. I take 300, and have been up to 375. I have heard about higher doses.
It is possible to increase and see if that helps. If increasing either doesn't help, or produces side effects, you can go back to previous dose and augment it with another AD, or any of a number of other meds, like thyroid meds, stimulants, mood stabilizers, etc.
How this works is so individual and the process is still so trial and error, so what worked for me may not for you, etc. Talk to your pdoc.
Posted by leckroj on January 5, 2001, at 12:22:31
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by leckroj on January 4, 2001, at 12:43:29
Thanks to those of you who responded to my concerns. I'll try to respond to some of yours, too, w/ personal experience. The restless legs, or "myoclonus," isn't a sudden, big spasm that occurs when I'm drifting off to sleep. In fact, as I get sleepier and sleepier, I relax more. I'm prone to legs and fingers moving, teeth rubbing (gnashing?) throughout the day. But, as I lie down--or even just sit down--the legs tend to "want to" move. It's bad enough that I can't sit still for the cat to sit on my lap for very long.
Re: acne: it sounds as tho' those of you who experience it have it around the scalp, too. BC pills may help this--or they may make it worse. This isn't an option for me; I'm already on hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Re: antidepressent withdrawal, and a little about sex drive. A few years ago I discontinued my AD on my own--too fast, I think--and, man oh man! was my sex drive increased!! My husband loved it--until I relapsed into my depression...Now, on Effexor XR, if I forget to take my nightly dose (300 mg), I thrash around in bed--in my sleep, and moan and shout, and dream vivid dreams. I have read that one of the side-effects of Effexor--and some other of the SSRIs--is decreased sex interest. And, based on my previous experience, I agree.
Re: sleepiness or increased wakefulness on SSRIs, in general--different for different people--some of the difference is, I'm sure, in the vehicle used for the particular AD. So, Paxil (e.g.) should be taken in the morning (I've read), and Effexor should be taken in the evening--and not too early, if you have activities in the evening (sayeth I, from personal experience, again.)
Re: weight gain: yeah, possibly, but we eat for so many different reasons, depression, comfort, love of taste, fear of feeling hunger pangs...
Re: addiction: I don't think the SSRIs are addictive in the same way alcohol, morphine, and illegal drugs are. But the mechanism of their action involves brain receptors, which are changed by drug administration, and it can be hard to get off them, especially if the issues that led to the depression are unresolved. I figure I'll be on them the rest of my life. Darn!
Thanks again, All. See you on the e-net. Jan
Posted by leckroj on January 5, 2001, at 12:33:52
In reply to Re: Effexxor Side Affect - Horrible!!, posted by brianhicks on January 2, 2001, at 13:49:21
> I started taking Effexxor about as month ago. I was on one 37.5mg pill per day for the first two weeks. After that, I went to two and I started breaking out. I have had acne (or a rash) like this since I was 16. Anyone had any similar problems? It could be an adverse reaction with something I'm eating as well. I have an appointment today since my doctor has been out fo town for the past two weeks.
Brian, I just read your post. What did you find out from your doctor? Please post back...Jan
Posted by noa on January 5, 2001, at 15:49:55
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by leckroj on January 5, 2001, at 12:22:31
I have the leg restlessness, too, both at night, which makes it impossible to sleep, and during the day, which makes sitting still impossible. The serzone eliminates both.
A few years ago, when I was going off of Paxil, I also had a sudden increase in sex drive, etc. I even found myself having spontaneous orgasms if I just thought about sex. IT was wierd. It was overtaken, however, by a terrible depression while I was in transition from one med to another.
Posted by Kaarina on January 5, 2001, at 22:27:17
In reply to Re: Anyone side-affects Jan + motivation, posted by Noa on January 5, 2001, at 8:31:52
First Doug
I don't know if I'm suppose to do this but I find that lowering the dose for two days helps with the constipation problem. Also munch out on rabbit food and lots of ice water, help to make things less painful. I keep changing brands of apples to keep things interesting and peel carrots by the bagful and then put them in the fridge in a bowl of water. Adding a piece of celery can enchance the flavour. Discuss it with your doctor, perhaps he recommend something to help. It is very uncomfortable and can cause problems. Good Luck!
Noa
I too fit the profile for the ovary thing except I don't have weight gain or acne. My testosterone levels go up over 140 sometimes. Funny thing with me is once my periods started being regular I came down with severe fatigue and other problems.
If you want any info I would be willing to help out, unfortunately I'm not as knowledgeable as yourself so you'd have to keep the terms simple.
Posted by elizabeth777 on January 6, 2001, at 9:59:47
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Yasmeen McKnelly on December 31, 2000, at 11:49:31
> > 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.
>
> I have been taking Effexor for about 2 years now. It literally saved my life. My whole life I felt that there was something wrong with me because now matter how happy I SHOULD have felt, I was always sad. When I was in college I tried to kill myself. From then until I was 29 I can't count how many psychiatrists I saw. They all tried "to get to the root of my problems". But not one of them tried medication or realized that MAYBE, my problem wasn't psychological.
> Then, I injured my ankle (for which I am STILL having troubles). I was (and am) in pain 24/7. I was under so much stress that I again became suicidal. My orthopedist sent me to a psychiatrist for "pain management". We talked for a while and he then told me that he didn't think I needed pain management. He decided to put me on Zoloft. I wasn't depressed anymore, but I was a zombie. Then he put me on Effexor. I can't believe the difference it has made. After I had been on it for a couple of months I was visiting my parents and my mother made a comment. She said that she couldn't remember the last time she had seen me smile or heard me laugh. It was then that I realized, NEITHER COULD I.
> I've been on it now for about 2-2 1/2 years, and it is probably the best thing that ever happened to me. The only side effect that I have noticed is that I get sleepy. So, I take it about 2 hours before bed every night and now I wake up refreshed in the morning. I guess I've been lucky. I have the maximum benifit and minimum side-effects. But if anyone ever has any questions about anti-deppressants, Effexor XR is the FIRST one I would recommend for them to try.> > >I have been on effexor xr for about 6months.When I first started taking it I has some sweating and felt sleepy so I to take it before bed and I feel great in the morning. The sweating is now gone and I too realize that I had been miserable all along before I started taking this wonderful med. The differance is like night and day.I only plan to stay on it about another 6 months but I would recommend effexor xr first too.
I also tried zoloft when I had a nervous break down about two yrs ago and I was a zombie to and I thought people where talking about me. So I got off them. Good luck in what ever med you decide to try I hope it bings you peace.
Posted by Sandee on January 7, 2001, at 20:19:00
In reply to Re: Anyone side-affects Jan + motivation, posted by Noa on January 5, 2001, at 8:31:52
I've been on Effexor XR for about 3 months and I thought this side effect would eventually go away. Currently taking 150 mg. Instead it has gotten worse. I have NO MOTIVATION to do ANYTHING!!! Sometimes even taking a shower seems a huge undertaking. (But of course I manage. lol) I don't want to go out anywhere. I am bothered or irritated by the presence of people more than usual. I just want to veg out and hibernate. I can't even imagine taking a class or anything.
I too, experienced the jerking as I drifted off to sleep the other day. I was also awakened by this zapping feeling in my feet the other nite. Today I had my teeth bump together and I couldn't prevent it.
I am going to go off this med because the bottom line is that it has not helped my depression at all. In fact, at times it seems worse. Guess I'll start by removing some of the little balls and doing all the other prescribed things I've read on this board.
Posted by Alli on January 7, 2001, at 22:56:32
In reply to Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain , posted by Louise on March 14, 2000, at 23:35:34
Twelve pounds in one year on Effexor, 75 mg. a day. I've never weighed more in my life... maybe because my heart isn't racing all day long? Gotta figure this out! I'm afraid of the withdrawal, because I know how shitty I feel after missing one dose!
Posted by Havenator on January 8, 2001, at 12:54:05
In reply to Withdrawal, posted by tracey on January 4, 2001, at 19:04:47
> I started looking here to see if anyone else experience this weird cloudy, drunken feeling when they stopped taking effexor like I did. My doc gave me about 5 weeks worth of samples to start with, which ran out the week before Christmas. I've just recently gotten insurance, and my prescription deductible hadn't been met yet for the year, so I wanted to wait until after the new year to get the prescription filled so I wouldn't have to pay another deductible the next time I got it filled. I had no idea that I would experience withdrawal or I would have called my doc and asked for more samples. I've been afraid I was about to have an anuerism or something with the way I've been feeling. Now after reading everything on here, I'm kind of having second thoughts about starting to take it again. My doc prescribed it because I was having anxiety, but mostly because he thought it would help me lose weight because he said I had something similar to an obsessive-compulsive relationship with food. However, it seems many people have gained weight with it. I'm not sure what to do, but as a single working mother I don't want to spend $75 on a prescription that I shouldn't take. Please help.
I have been taking Effexor XR for 2 years at 300 mg. I had to go off due to insurance and loss of employement. COLD TURKEY IS NO WAY TO GO!!!! This is a nasty withdrawl. I would rather go through back surgery all over again. Can't imagine a doctor perscribing this for help in weight loss...I gained. Most people I talked to have the same experience. I did have good success with the drug for depression and for treatment of Fibromyalgia. However, if it's one thing I have learned in the past 15 years of being on different drugs...diet is the true key to weight...but knowing what kind of diet is right for your body is the hard part. I hope you are doing better!
Posted by Andrea on January 9, 2001, at 23:07:59
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal » Janie, posted by Ceeg on December 30, 2000, at 13:31:30
Wow, I totally feel your pain with the withdrawal. I've been soooo floaty and lightheaded etc etc for four days and now finally, on the fifth day, am starting to feel somewhat normal, as though I might be able to function normally. This stuff is scary s**t.
> I was on Effexor XR 150 mg; gained 15 lbs and decided I rather be a little depressed than overweight due to the medication. None of my clothes would fit and I refuse to buy new ones after investing so much money in my other clothes.
>
> So I reduced down to 75 mg for one week and then to 37.5 mg for one week; everything was great and I felt fine and thought I would have no problems whatsoever going off the meds. Boy, was I wrong. I am now into day two of no medication and I feel so dizzy; everytime I move my eyes I feel like I'm about to fall over. I am hanging onto the walls or close my eyes to turn my head and then open them again to prevent the vertigo. I hope these symptoms don't last too much longer; thank goodness I chose a time to go off the meds when I don't have to work !!! Apparently from what I've been reading these symptoms can last a week or two; I hope that's all because I won't be able to stand this much longer. I can't even drive or go out for a walk.
>
> I am not impressed with this medication due to the side effects, especially the weight gain, and now the withdrawal symptoms. I would NEVER recommend this medication to anyone.
>
> > > THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR POSTING ALL THIS! I have been on Effexor for 5 months and didn't like some of the side effects I had - the trembling, and the how my "parts" didn't work during intimacy with my husband. After that long, I wanted to have fun again. I told this to the doctor and he had me start zoloft and go cold turkey off the Effexor! What a jerk. Now that I see y'all had the same problems, I know it isn't just me! YEAH! Glory be to God that I had some pills left over. I just split one and took it with some chocolate milk (chocolate makes everything better) and am SO thankful to see that this is a common side effect and not merely my brain disintregrating into a primordeal mass of jelly.
> > > Thanks again!
> > _______
> >
> > Hi. This is my third day of reducing my dosage of Effexor from 75mg to 37.5mg per day. So far, so good. I actually feel more energized and the yawning has stopped. My problems centered around lethargy, sedation and the inability to get up in the morning until about 11 a.m. Perhaps 37.5 mg will turn out to be the best dosage for ME. Has anyone else taken such a low dose with success?--Janie
Posted by Alli on January 10, 2001, at 15:25:25
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal, posted by Andrea on January 9, 2001, at 23:07:59
Hey! 12 pounds in the past year for me! I've had it! When the faded Levi's don't fit, it's time for a plan of action! After my yearly check-up with my GP last Friday, who tested my thyroid and found it to be fine, he prescribed the following for withdrawal:
Days 1,3,5,7,9,11 and 13: Meds as normal AND Kava-Kava in the morning and St. John's Wort in the evening.
Days 2,4,6,8,10,12 and 14: Only the herbal stuff.
Day 15 and forever (I hope): Just herbal stuff.
I'll keep you posted! Alli
Posted by Sparks on January 11, 2001, at 14:05:52
In reply to Re: Effexxor Side Affect - Horrible!!, posted by leckroj on January 5, 2001, at 12:33:52
> > I started taking Effexxor about as month ago. I was on one 37.5mg pill per day for the first two weeks. After that, I went to two and I started breaking out. I have had acne (or a rash) like this since I was 16. Anyone had any similar problems? It could be an adverse reaction with something I'm eating as well. I have an appointment today since my doctor has been out fo town for the past two weeks.
>
> Brian, I just read your post. What did you find out from your doctor? Please post back...JanI have been on Effexor XR for 5 days and have had such BAD skin related problems its terrible. I went to my doc yesterday and they thought I was crazy. Just great huh. It also screwed up my cycle so bad. I hate this stuff. I dont know if it would have gotten any better, but I'm not waiting around to see. I'm off of it now for only 3 days and I no longer want to rip my face off! Thank heavens!
Posted by Elaine on January 11, 2001, at 15:27:35
In reply to Re: Brain Freezes?--pausing to choose words, posted by Noa on January 5, 2001, at 8:43:13
This is kind of embarrassing....... But has anyone had any POSITIVE sexual side effects with Effexor XR????
Posted by bronwyn on January 11, 2001, at 15:40:22
In reply to any sexual side effects?, posted by Elaine on January 11, 2001, at 15:27:35
> This is kind of embarrassing....... But has anyone had any POSITIVE sexual side effects with Effexor XR????
>Yes. I have found that my sex drive is pretty much back to normal since taking Effexor XR. I was on Paxil before that, and Zoloft before that. This drug is much better...Have been on it now for about 1 month. So far so good.
Posted by Shell on January 11, 2001, at 21:31:38
In reply to Re: any sexual side effects?, posted by bronwyn on January 11, 2001, at 15:40:22
> > This is kind of embarrassing....... But has anyone had any POSITIVE sexual side effects with Effexor XR????
I haven't noticed effects either way with Effexor. For me, at least, it has been neutral in that respect.Shell
Posted by ty-leigh on January 11, 2001, at 22:05:57
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I seem to be in the sleepy-group of effexor-takers. I take 150mg of xr in the morning, and am extremely sleepy and apathetic all day until about 7:00 pm. I used to be a total morning person before taking this, but now find it so hard to drag my butt out of bed. Has anyone found that taking effexor before bed helps to reduce the daytime sleepiness? I'm wondering if it just takes that long for it to kick-in for me?
Posted by MarkinBoston on January 11, 2001, at 22:46:17
In reply to Re: any sexual side effects?, posted by bronwyn on January 11, 2001, at 15:40:22
> > This is kind of embarrassing....... But has anyone had any POSITIVE sexual side effects with Effexor XR????
>
> >Yes. I have found that my sex drive is pretty much back to normal since taking Effexor XR. I was on Paxil before that, and Zoloft before that. This drug is much better...Have been on it now for about 1 month. So far so good.I'll second that it helps my depression so that helps my libido. Can't orgasm at all. The backup causes that ache called "blue balls" and feeling like I have to pee. Also, there is the male version of spotting, without any associated sensation.
Posted by leckroj on January 12, 2001, at 16:39:13
In reply to timing and sleepiness, posted by ty-leigh on January 11, 2001, at 22:05:57
> I seem to be in the sleepy-group of effexor-takers. I take 150mg of xr in the morning, and am extremely sleepy and apathetic all day until about 7:00 pm. I used to be a total morning person before taking this, but now find it so hard to drag my butt out of bed. Has anyone found that taking effexor before bed helps to reduce the daytime sleepiness? I'm wondering if it just takes that long for it to kick-in for me?
Take it at bedtime, ty-Leigh. My shrink specifically instructed me to, because it DOES make you sleepy...At least, TRY it at bedtime. Jan
Posted by SLS on January 12, 2001, at 17:36:06
In reply to Re: any sexual side effects?, posted by MarkinBoston on January 11, 2001, at 22:46:17
> > > This is kind of embarrassing....... But has anyone had any POSITIVE sexual side effects with Effexor XR????
> >
> > >Yes. I have found that my sex drive is pretty much back to normal since taking Effexor XR. I was on Paxil before that, and Zoloft before that. This drug is much better...Have been on it now for about 1 month. So far so good.
>
> I'll second that it helps my depression so that helps my libido. Can't orgasm at all. The backup causes that ache called "blue balls" and feeling like I have to pee. Also, there is the male version of spotting, without any associated sensation.
My experience while on Effexor for several months is that orasmia will return if you are persistent. I know this sounds wacko, but I think that it helps to retrain the brain and CNS to either build more roads to work around the "blockage" or retrain the existing ones to compensate for the exertion of drug effects on the involved neurons. It is important punch to that first hole through the brick wall. From then on, you will be widening the hole as you progress over the course of months. Be persistant, but patient. Hopefully, you will regain your orgasmia as had I.The "spotting" is probably pre-ejaculatory fluid that is normally secreted by the bulbourethral gland (Cowper's) that functions to lubricate and prepare the transpenis urethra for ejaculation.
- Scott
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