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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by JANNBEAU on January 30, 2002, at 11:52:18
In reply to Re: My story of Effexor, posted by JAG on January 30, 2002, at 9:19:44
>Hi, JAG. I can't tell you how your body will react to Effexor with respect to weight gain or loss, but IN GENERAL - (please understand that, by "in general" I mean the statistical probability that any given therapeutic or side effect will occur with a given medication) - those who gain weight on one psychotrophic med will respond similarly to most of them, while those who lose weight (often people who are lightweight to start with, have difficulty keeping their weight up, and who react to stress, depression, etc., by further DECREASING their caloric intake will also be the ones who lose weight on a medication. It is my personal opinion that this is some type of "hard wiring" in the brain). Of course this is not invariable. If it were, it wouldn't be a probability, but an absolute and doctors would be able to say "you will lose weight with this medication" or "you will gain". At this point, I don't think any doctor can say absolutely that your body will react in a certain way to any medication. He/she can only say "you MAY do or feel or react in such and such a way" based on what is known about the specific medication from others and from research--
The problem for me seems to be one of medication-induced loss of control over what I eat and how much. I crave carbohydrates and sweets on Effexor and don't seem able to fight this.
On the other hand, if your weight is already up, perhaps you will have hit a plateau and won't gain any more. Then, also, if the medication works for your other problems, you might be able to concentrate better on your physical health and lose weight by cutting calories and increasing exercise. Or, you just might be one of the lucky ones who lose weight.
Good Luck and Hang In There!!
Jannbeau
Hello, I just happened to stumble upon this sight while researching information about the new medication that my doctor prescribed for me. I have a variety of conditions that all mesh into one depressed & anxious person. I have been diagnosed to experience PTSD, OCD, Panic attacks, depression, and Bi-polarism. I have tried to take Paxil, Wellbutrin, and Zoloft. I am now on Effexor. I found that the other meds lowered my libido and increased my pants size, which in turn was not good for my depression. Since you mentioned weight gain on Effexor, I am concerned. I know that not everyone reacts the same to medications, but I am still worried. My doctor told me that it was least likely that I would gain added weight. In fact, she told me that I would lose the extra weight that I had gained with the other medications. Even if it is not truely the reason that I may lose weight, I was still hoping for a placebo effect. Should I be worried about my weight as I did on Zoloft? On another note, my doctor also wanted to mix Wellbutrin & Effexor for the added response of the libido. I am leary to go on the two meds at the same time, plus I experienced ringing in the ears with the Wellbutrin and am afraid to try it again. If anyone has any insight to these concerns please let me know. I am fairly new to antidepressants and panic disorder meds (9 trial months). It is nice to know that there are individuals that have had similar experiences. Hope all is well, JAG
Posted by SusanG on January 30, 2002, at 13:40:05
In reply to Re: My story of Effexor » JAG, posted by JANNBEAU on January 30, 2002, at 11:52:18
I recently called my gyn who originally prescribed my Effexor SR and asked about switchin from Effexor to Wellbutrin. Her nurse just called and told me to gradually withdraw from the Effexor by taking one full dose one day, then half the next, a full dose again, and so on for a week. Week two should be all half doses, then a half dose every other day for the third week. She would then start me on the Wellbutrin. I exlained that I use the capsules, not pills, and the nurse's response was for me to just take them every other day, then every third day and this would accomplish the same thing. Do you really think so? It seems the level of medication in my blood would not be the same with the two methods. I have read earlier posts about trying to split the capsules and I'm wondering if I really should do that instead though it sounds like a pain and would lead to inconsistent dosages. Any thoughts on this? I'm also concerned about hitting one of those horrid "crash and burn" episodes as I do this. Last time when I went cold turkey (stupid, I know) it was awful. If this should occur again, any ideas of what to do to get through it until I can get on the Wellbutrin other than putting me in a padded room? I know the gradual withdrawl is supposed to avoid this but I'm apprehensive.Thanks.
Posted by sweet_slider on January 30, 2002, at 20:07:03
In reply to Re: My story of Effexor, posted by SusanG on January 30, 2002, at 13:40:05
The only comment I have for you is that the granules in the capsules taste horribly nasty! One capsule broke open while I was taking it and I almost threw up, it took nearly ten minutes to get the taste washed down without puking, so I don't really recommend you spliting them, good luck if you do! Have something good-tasting nearby! :)
~Sweet Slider~
Posted by Allen F. on January 30, 2002, at 21:37:12
In reply to Re: My story of Effexor, posted by SusanG on January 30, 2002, at 13:40:05
I am trying to wean off of Effexor too and I am very amprehensive. I have been taking a few of the granuals out of the capsule each does, increaing each week. I have found that I am very irritable and my mood is not as stable as I would like it. To say I have "fear" about this whole thing is an understatement.
I posted (1/25/02) and asked for ideas, would love to hear them if there are any out there.
Thanks
Posted by RENEEB on January 31, 2002, at 14:21:50
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by MK12345 on January 27, 2002, at 18:51:26
Hi! I started on effexor about 9 months ago. I got dizzy on the first week after that I was okay.
I was noticing as time went on that it made me very tired. What my doctor did was put me on Wellburtin ( it gives you more energy )- know I take 300mg in the morning and in the evening before bedtime I take 300mg of effexor. This seemed to be a good mix for me. The reason I didnt want to get off effexor is that I liked the fact that you really don't feel like you on a drug.
Hope this helps!!
Posted by michelle a. on February 1, 2002, at 17:27:40
In reply to Re: My story of Effexor, posted by SusanG on January 30, 2002, at 13:40:05
hello susan...
sounds like a decent plan. i ended up having to wean off like that.. i just spaced my doses (at the end when i was every other day and couldn't seem to get off it)so that i was taking a 37.5 xr capsule only when i couldn't take it anymore and was feeling uncomfortable. that would alieviate the symptoms i was having and the space in between would get longer and longer. i am currently MED free!!! i was taking wellbutrin and i forgot to take it for some reason and eventually i was taking it every other day, then third, then i realized it had been a few days and i felt ok. it's been about 2weeks now and i feel pretty good! i basially weaned myself off it by accident. hey, if i can do it and feel ok, that's good.
BY THE WAY, DOES ANYONE ELSES KEYBOARD SEEM NOT TO WORK CORRECTLY WHEN ON THIS SITE? I KEEP MISSING LETTERS AND IT ONLY HAPPENS WHEN I'M HERE.
Posted by grawilsoca on February 3, 2002, at 13:10:33
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » MK12345, posted by RENEEB on January 31, 2002, at 14:21:50
I was originally on 150 of Wellbutrin then the Dr added 150 of effexor. They worked well in combination, but I wanted off the Effexor, as I said previously, for the absence of libedo and the weight gain.
I'm starting week 4 of withdrawl and have found that eating small amounts, several times a day, to keep something on my stomach, and keeping my body cool has helped.
Has anyone else found that to be true??
Posted by Reneeb on February 3, 2002, at 19:49:40
In reply to effexorphobia, posted by nocman on January 27, 2002, at 12:11:08
I laughed so hard when I read what you wrote because I was thinking the same thing!!!! Next appt with my doctor I think I am going to print a few of these and show him. He told me that effexor was few in its side effects and its one of a few antidepressants that will not cause weight gain. Geez, I'm depressed already I don't need to add weight gain to my list.
Renee
Posted by Reneeb on February 3, 2002, at 20:18:56
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? Paulio, posted by binx on January 15, 2002, at 15:12:23
Well, I can't tell you how wonderful it was to hear that you had no problems. I was beginning to get really concerned. Especially after reading most of these posting!!
Thanks,
Renee
Posted by Allen F. on February 4, 2002, at 17:22:33
In reply to Re: this is a test question, posted by Dr. Bob on February 4, 2002, at 15:17:55
Does anyone know how long Prozac stays in your system after you discontinue it? I was on it for about twelve years and have been off for five months, I am told that I may still be going through withdrawals. This seems strang to me and I am not exactually sure what the withdrawal symptoms are given the adverse effects I seem to be having with Effexor. Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks
Posted by ST on February 5, 2002, at 2:06:20
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » MK12345, posted by RENEEB on January 31, 2002, at 14:21:50
Hi,
I've been on Effexor XR for about 6 weeks (225 mg) and I really like it. It doesn't make me feel spacy at all the way Celexa and Serzone did. I went through a phase about the fourth week where I was absolutely exhausted, but that went away. I'm also on 300 mg of Wellbutrin and 750 mg of Depakote.
Sarah
> Hi! I started on effexor about 9 months ago. I got dizzy on the first week after that I was okay.
>
> I was noticing as time went on that it made me very tired. What my doctor did was put me on Wellburtin ( it gives you more energy )- know I take 300mg in the morning and in the evening before bedtime I take 300mg of effexor. This seemed to be a good mix for me. The reason I didnt want to get off effexor is that I liked the fact that you really don't feel like you on a drug.
>
> Hope this helps!!
Posted by Allen F. on February 5, 2002, at 2:49:24
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
What is "Depakote"?
Posted by JANNBEAU on February 5, 2002, at 10:53:52
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Allen F. on February 5, 2002, at 2:49:24
> What is "Depakote"?
Depakote is divalproex sodium, a drug that may work by increasing CNS levels of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Depakote is used for a variety of conditions (i.e., prophylaxis of migraine headache; absence and complex partial seizures; mania associated with bipolar disorder).
Cheers,
Jannbeau
Posted by marlene on February 6, 2002, at 8:47:13
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by ST on February 5, 2002, at 2:06:20
It has now been 4 days, cold turkey, without effexor, and it is hell. I am feeling like my skin is floating an inch above my body, head hurts, crying fits, nausea, and can't get warm, eyes are all blurry, but probably from all the crying. My mom died in Nov., it hit me last night like it just happened. Cryed all night. I tryed to explain to doc, what was going on, would he please either help me off of effexor, or try to add wellbutin, I was tired all the time, no sex drive, eating all the time, sweating alot, and no sleep. His advice was to wait 2 more months and then if still having trouble, will take me off effexor and put me on something else, my therapist even thinks I should go off of effexor now, not in 2 more months, it already has been 5 months of this getting worse. So am trying to stick it out. Any suggestions to combat withdraw symptoms, can't take prozac, allergic, even if doctor would prescribe it, which is doubtful.
Posted by Allen F. on February 6, 2002, at 9:24:24
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by marlene on February 6, 2002, at 8:47:13
Don't go off cold turkey! You need to gradually reduce it over a period of weeks. I am trying to go off too and would appreciate any ideas others may have. I don't, as it seams you don't, want to go through withdrawal that could put me right back where I started with depression.
Posted by SusanG on February 6, 2002, at 9:46:25
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by marlene on February 6, 2002, at 8:47:13
Marlene, don't go cold turkey! I tried to do that in spite of what I had read here, because I was only on 75mg and thought it wouldn't be that difficult. It was exactly as you described...hell! I went back on the Effexor after 5 days and now I am on a slow reduction as my doc advised. It has been a week of every other day doses (since I use capsules I can't split them) and so far I am ok. A little weepy but managable. We'll see when I drop to every third day but it is so much better than the cold turkey route. Good luck to you.
Posted by marlene on February 6, 2002, at 12:06:52
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Allen F. on February 6, 2002, at 9:24:24
I don't know what else to do, depression wasn't as bad as the last months on effexor, I take 300 mg (150XR 2times a day). If I don't start it again, will these symptoms get worse or better? How long will this last and what is the worse it can get? Husband is supportive and helping, we talked before I went off, and read lots of information. Has anyone on this site gone cold turkey from 300mg and didn't go back on?? If so, how was it??
Posted by Launie on February 6, 2002, at 12:07:57
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » MK12345, posted by RENEEB on January 31, 2002, at 14:21:50
I had heard somewhere, and I can't remember where, that Effexor
changes brain chemistry permanently. I wish I could find who said this
so that I can know where he/she read this. I am very concerned about
taking this drug. I have FM/OA and have only been taking it for two weeks.
I started slow and am up to 75mg. FM patients have trouble sleeping and this is
supposed to help. I'm more tired during day hours. Night-time, I toss and turn. This
is too strange.Thanks and good luck to all of you!
Launie
Posted by Reneeb on February 6, 2002, at 13:50:44
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by marlene on February 6, 2002, at 12:06:52
Hi Marlene, You went cold turkey on 300mg? Wow, are you brave. If you are asking will the symptoms get better the longer you are on effexor - All I can tell you is that I have been of effexor for almost a year and just recently decided to wean myself off slowly. I am also on 300mg of wellbutrin. I felt normal a couple of weeks after I began taking effexor. In the beginning I was dizzy/light headed and thought to myself "why did I do this to myself it was awful. I felt better before I started taking this stuff" After that I was okay. I know its different for everyone.
Hopes this helps
Renee
Posted by SusanG on February 6, 2002, at 14:09:58
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? - Brain chgs, posted by Launie on February 6, 2002, at 12:07:57
I think I read something about the permanent brain changes on this message board but I can't tell you which post(s). Over time I have gone back and read them all and who knows when it was mentioned. But if you have the time, try searching back. Not much info was given, as I recall, but maybe someone referred to a particular study that you might be able to locate.
>
Posted by petters on February 6, 2002, at 14:55:25
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by marlene on February 6, 2002, at 8:47:13
> It has now been 4 days, cold turkey, without effexor, and it is hell. I am feeling like my skin is floating an inch above my body, head hurts, crying fits, nausea, and can't get warm, eyes are all blurry, but probably from all the crying. My mom died in Nov., it hit me last night like it just happened. Cryed all night. I tryed to explain to doc, what was going on, would he please either help me off of effexor, or try to add wellbutin, I was tired all the time, no sex drive, eating all the time, sweating alot, and no sleep. His advice was to wait 2 more months and then if still having trouble, will take me off effexor and put me on something else, my therapist even thinks I should go off of effexor now, not in 2 more months, it already has been 5 months of this getting worse. So am trying to stick it out. Any suggestions to combat withdraw symptoms, can't take prozac, allergic, even if doctor would prescribe it, which is doubtful.
Hi...
You can try citalopram (Celexa) It has fewer side effect, and you only need to take it once/day.
Best Wishes...//Petters
Posted by petters on February 6, 2002, at 14:56:17
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by marlene on February 6, 2002, at 8:47:13
> It has now been 4 days, cold turkey, without effexor, and it is hell. I am feeling like my skin is floating an inch above my body, head hurts, crying fits, nausea, and can't get warm, eyes are all blurry, but probably from all the crying. My mom died in Nov., it hit me last night like it just happened. Cryed all night. I tryed to explain to doc, what was going on, would he please either help me off of effexor, or try to add wellbutin, I was tired all the time, no sex drive, eating all the time, sweating alot, and no sleep. His advice was to wait 2 more months and then if still having trouble, will take me off effexor and put me on something else, my therapist even thinks I should go off of effexor now, not in 2 more months, it already has been 5 months of this getting worse. So am trying to stick it out. Any suggestions to combat withdraw symptoms, can't take prozac, allergic, even if doctor would prescribe it, which is doubtful.
Hi...
You can try citalopram (Celexa) It has fewer side effect, and you only need to take it once/day.
Best Wishes...//Petters
Posted by sweet_slider on February 6, 2002, at 19:23:45
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by marlene on February 6, 2002, at 12:06:52
I don't know how you have lasted 4 days already cold turkey, if I miss a dose or am late in taking it I go nuts! I get major withdrawls after only hours! I would highly suggest not going cold turkey, if you need to get off that bad then taper it over a few weeks. And you should really tell your GP or PDoc that you are not taking it anymore, they can help you come off it and your doctor I'm sure will probably prescribe something to help with the withdrawl symptoms. Good Luck :)
Posted by marlene on February 8, 2002, at 11:37:18
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by marlene on February 6, 2002, at 8:47:13
> tomorrow will be 7 days cold turkey of 150XR 2 times daily. Let me say this, two nights ago thought about going back on, terrible night, sweats,shakes,no sleep,numbing in hands and feet and my head, all I can say is after listenting to this noise in my ears all night, it sounds like the noise windshield wipers make(whoosh), only happened when I laid down. I did call both PCP, and Psychiatrist, they both wanted me to start back up right away, and would not perscribe me anything else. I told them both no. So, now one week tomorrow, and the only complaint I have know is fatigue and mild off and on shaking in my hands. Question for anyone, Has anyone gone cold turkey like this? on 300 mg a day? Once the symptoms start to go away( I am not as bad as 3 days ago) did they come back or did they stay away? I am still not going to go back on it, just am trying to find out, is the worse over, or does it stop for awhile and then get worse again? The only one I can ask here is my relative, who use to be addicted to Valium, and am not sure this is the same.Any feedback would be welcomed. Sorry this is so long.
Posted by Mr. Scott on February 9, 2002, at 14:46:35
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by SusieQ on February 8, 2002, at 23:26:04
Give yourself 14-20 full days, although it might be over with sooner. Residuals could last up to a month but they should be minor. I'd like to see you see it through and then someone could finally let us all know that after you withdraw from the shit life goes on.
I believe it does having withdrawn from many substances in my day. All of them controlled unlike Effexor.
Scott
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