![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 2095 to 2119 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by Reneb on May 11, 2002, at 19:16:40
In reply to Re: Effexor and Anxiety » Timmy4, posted by SandraDee on May 10, 2002, at 17:14:04
> I am 30, an at home mom who was just prescribed Effexor XR. I am only on day 2 but seem to be feeling better. I'm not snapping at my 2 1/2 yr old as much. I haven't had ANY side effects from it at all yet. The starting dose for me was 37.5 and I up to 75mg at the end of this week. I have two kids under age 3, and we just bought a home and are still not sure when we are going to be able to move into it. Life is stressful now, but I haven't cried in two days - so that is nice. Cheerios on the floor no longer look like boulders. I was feeling like a bad mom two days ago, now I just feel like a mom under a lot of stresses, but nothing I can't handle. Thanks for listening.
> -Me
> ddandjc@hotmail.com
>
> > Hi!
> >
> > I am a 21 year old college student who was just prescribed Effexor XR. I am wondering how this med most likely will affect my symptoms. I have been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety, and am very self conscious and anxious. How will the Effexor do with becoming more outward focused, less self conscious, and more motivated? Also, how does it affect mental clarity??
> > Thank you so much for any and all help!
> >
> > Talk to you soon,
> > ChrisHi Guys, I have just weined off effexor. All I can tell you is that It worked great for awhile. The higher the dose the more I felt unemotional, didn't care about things I used to (good things!)I was extremely tired all the time. When I decided to get off the stuff I noticed right away my energy level come back. I couldn't believe how much of a fog I was in. I sure you have read posts on the withdrawal symptoms. They are unbelievable and really hard to take. I just wanted you to be aware. Oh! weight gain too.
sorry to sound so negative. It was just my experience with it.
hope to talk soon,
Renee
Posted by Reneb on May 11, 2002, at 19:28:22
In reply to What is the point of being on or off, posted by Allen F. on May 11, 2002, at 18:29:58
> What is the point of being on or off ... I feel like my life is so screwed-up either way it doesn't matter. Its been so long since I have been happy that I can't remember it ... and I want to. I want to laugh, to feel joy, excitment, pleasure. I think the drugs have killed my emotions, good and bad, and left me in a barren land. It sucks!
>
> I don't like being tired all the time. I want a normal sleep schedule. I don't want to keep seeing doctors. I don't want to pour out my soul to someone only to find their answers are worse than mine. I am tired of being "diagnosed." I want to be a person, real, loved, happy, normal.
>
> Damn. Can't tell I am frustrated can you. Tommorrow is Mothers Day and I don't want to ruin it for my wife or mother. Tuesday is my 20th wedding anaversity, I have looked forward for this for a long time. But all I hear is how bad it is and I thinking of filing on Monday ... that sucks. I love my wife, but is love enough.
>
> Oh well, I have gone on way to long.
Hey Allen, you sound like you need some people to talk with. IF you would like some of us from here have formed a little support group at our own email address. If you would like to join us - just let me know. Reneeb724@earthlink.nethope to talk soon,
Renee
Posted by PamelaLynn on May 12, 2002, at 9:57:48
In reply to What is the point of being on or off, posted by Allen F. on May 11, 2002, at 18:29:58
I totally can relate to everything you've written here and I understand! I just recently went off, over the long haul all of the meds that I was on for depression.....had been on for YEARS. I thought, "damn, I feel horrible on these, maybe getting off will help"...Well, it doesn't seem to matter either way. I sleep on and off so much even NOT being on the meds. that I wonder what the hell is truly wrong with me...I mean, this can't be right, you know? I don't much participate in things, family functions, stuff like that. I have a 5 and a 3 yr old and I feel like the worlds worst Mom.....forget even getting into my husband and I......I too am at the end of my rope here, and just sick and tired of being sick and tired. I HURT and I HATE it. Nothing but continual hurt inside of me....it stinks.
P.L.
> What is the point of being on or off ... I feel like my life is so screwed-up either way it doesn't matter. Its been so long since I have been happy that I can't remember it ... and I want to. I want to laugh, to feel joy, excitment, pleasure. I think the drugs have killed my emotions, good and bad, and left me in a barren land. It sucks!
>
> I don't like being tired all the time. I want a normal sleep schedule. I don't want to keep seeing doctors. I don't want to pour out my soul to someone only to find their answers are worse than mine. I am tired of being "diagnosed." I want to be a person, real, loved, happy, normal.
>
> Damn. Can't tell I am frustrated can you. Tommorrow is Mothers Day and I don't want to ruin it for my wife or mother. Tuesday is my 20th wedding anaversity, I have looked forward for this for a long time. But all I hear is how bad it is and I thinking of filing on Monday ... that sucks. I love my wife, but is love enough.
>
> Oh well, I have gone on way to long.
Posted by Reneb on May 12, 2002, at 19:44:17
In reply to Re: What is the point of being on or off » Allen F., posted by PamelaLynn on May 12, 2002, at 9:57:48
> I totally can relate to everything you've written here and I understand! I just recently went off, over the long haul all of the meds that I was on for depression.....had been on for YEARS. I thought, "damn, I feel horrible on these, maybe getting off will help"...Well, it doesn't seem to matter either way. I sleep on and off so much even NOT being on the meds. that I wonder what the hell is truly wrong with me...I mean, this can't be right, you know? I don't much participate in things, family functions, stuff like that. I have a 5 and a 3 yr old and I feel like the worlds worst Mom.....forget even getting into my husband and I......I too am at the end of my rope here, and just sick and tired of being sick and tired. I HURT and I HATE it. Nothing but continual hurt inside of me....it stinks.
>
> P.L.
> > What is the point of being on or off ... I feel like my life is so screwed-up either way it doesn't matter. Its been so long since I have been happy that I can't remember it ... and I want to. I want to laugh, to feel joy, excitment, pleasure. I think the drugs have killed my emotions, good and bad, and left me in a barren land. It sucks!
> >
> > I don't like being tired all the time. I want a normal sleep schedule. I don't want to keep seeing doctors. I don't want to pour out my soul to someone only to find their answers are worse than mine. I am tired of being "diagnosed." I want to be a person, real, loved, happy, normal.
> >
> > Damn. Can't tell I am frustrated can you. Tommorrow is Mothers Day and I don't want to ruin it for my wife or mother. Tuesday is my 20th wedding anaversity, I have looked forward for this for a long time. But all I hear is how bad it is and I thinking of filing on Monday ... that sucks. I love my wife, but is love enough.
> >
> > Oh well, I have gone on way to long.Hi Pam, I can relate to what you are saying too. If you would like to have others that can relate to you please email me. Reneeb724@EARTHLINK.NET
we have a small group that email back n forth and I have found it to be so comforting and supportive.hope to talk soon,
Renee
Posted by shannon331987 on May 12, 2002, at 21:17:01
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
hi my name is shannon and im 15 years old. i am just getting off 375 mg a day of effexor after about 3 months of it not working at all. my doctor told me nothing about withdrawal, so i had to find out by my self. well what i was wondering was since effexor is approved for adults only has anyone seen it used in people under 18 before?? please help i am very worried
Posted by spu on May 13, 2002, at 8:21:24
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I think I've been depressed for about 8 years now
and just started getting help on Friday. I was
put on effexor xr after my first visit, and that
kind of freaked me out. I hate drugs (even asprin)
because I make drugs, I'm a pharmaceutical
biochemist. Reading all these posts is crazy.
Although my personal and social life is a disaster,
I am extremely active in many sports like cycling
and skiing. Probably the only things that have
kept me sane all these years. Has anyone experienced
a loss of fitness (ie cardio, muscle strength,
endurance, etc) on this drug? I already have the
headaches and stomach knot, but I do feel a little
different. I hesitate to say better....
Posted by LynnPerley on May 13, 2002, at 18:44:33
In reply to Fitness and effexor, posted by spu on May 13, 2002, at 8:21:24
I have noticed no difference during workouts, etc. I have exercised a lot less since starting Effexor XR about six weeks ago but I think it has more to do with scheduling things, kids activities, work overload, etc. than with the meds. I did rely on exercise "therapy", i.e., one of the things that kept me exercising regularly was the antidepressant effect it had, and the meds have helped enough that I probably feel less urge to exercise than I did before.
Posted by johnlund on May 13, 2002, at 21:34:55
In reply to Fitness and effexor, posted by spu on May 13, 2002, at 8:21:24
> I think I've been depressed for about 8 years now
> and just started getting help on Friday. I was
> put on effexor xr after my first visit, and that
> kind of freaked me out. I hate drugs (even asprin)
> because I make drugs, I'm a pharmaceutical
> biochemist. Reading all these posts is crazy.
> Although my personal and social life is a disaster,
> I am extremely active in many sports like cycling
> and skiing. Probably the only things that have
> kept me sane all these years. Has anyone experienced
> a loss of fitness (ie cardio, muscle strength,
> endurance, etc) on this drug? I already have the
> headaches and stomach knot, but I do feel a little
> different. I hesitate to say better....
I have been on Effexor XR 150mg for over two years now. I have always been active in sports, and I find that Effexor has only one major impact on my sports activity. I find I sweat more and also earlier than before I was on Effexor. I have also gained a little weight. Probably because my appetite has returned. However, I am able to control it with excercise and diet. My blood pressure is pretty normal, but I believe that it would go up if I didn't excercise. I work out once a day for about a hour. I do some push-ups, sit-ups, ride a stationary bike for 15 minutes, and run on a tread-mill type device for 30 minutes. I am ringing wet when I finish, and I have to drink about 16oz of water. However, I do not feel this is a problem. I am 53 years old, and would probably not be among the living, or at best not been out in open society if Effexor had not come along.
Posted by shannon331987 on May 13, 2002, at 21:40:00
In reply to Re: Fitness and effexor, posted by johnlund on May 13, 2002, at 21:34:55
also has anyone else experienced backpain???
Posted by renelso1 on May 13, 2002, at 21:54:06
In reply to Re: please help!, posted by shannon331987 on May 13, 2002, at 21:40:00
> also has anyone else experienced backpain???
yes, it is horrible. though i'm not sure if i can attribute it to the effexor or something else cos i've only been on it 2 weeks.
Posted by Sherrie on May 13, 2002, at 22:52:44
In reply to Re: please help!, posted by renelso1 on May 13, 2002, at 21:54:06
I have experienced overall body aches. (Been taking since 3/3/02, about 10 wks.) I have Fibromyalgia and the Effexor XR seems to aggravate it. I'm getting headaches every night, I'm dizzy, and my stomach looks like I've swallowed a basketball! In 2 days, I'm supposed to increase another 37.5 mg. I know I'm supposed to be positive, but I doubt this is going to work for me. I hate that because this is the first anti-depressant I've taken that hasn't caused my mind to race. In fact, I'm so calm that I wonder if I'm depressed. (smile) I'm so used to racing around. I hear you have to give it time for the side effects to go away. I'm just wondering when they will. Anybody know? Thanks.
Posted by angel1 on May 14, 2002, at 6:37:07
In reply to Fitness and effexor, posted by spu on May 13, 2002, at 8:21:24
HI Spu,
I was on effexor for about 5 months and found out
early on that it took much greater effort to do the things I usually did when working out. Especially on the tread mill. I could never get up to my top speed while on effexor. I felt like a lead weight and tired. I also gained weight while on this drug and was constipated. It helped
with the depression, but toward the 5 month period
it was just way toooo sedating. I stopped working out I was so tired. but, everyone responds so differently. I wasn't one of the lucky one's who love effexor. Best of luck to you. Angel1
Posted by JANNBEAU on May 14, 2002, at 14:25:52
In reply to Re: Fitness and effexor, posted by johnlund on May 13, 2002, at 21:34:55
> > Just a comment: It's very interesting how we become distrustful of pharmaceutical companies when we know how they operate, isn't it! I did clinical research and development for several years and that experience really made me paranoid about pharmaceuticals, if I wasn't already that way!
I don't have any info on the exercise question or fitness, since I am "allergic" to those things!!
CHEERS
JannbeauI think I've been depressed for about 8 years now
> > and just started getting help on Friday. I was
> > put on effexor xr after my first visit, and that
> > kind of freaked me out. I hate drugs (even asprin)
> > because I make drugs, I'm a pharmaceutical
> > biochemist. Reading all these posts is crazy.
> > Although my personal and social life is a disaster,
> > I am extremely active in many sports like cycling
> > and skiing. Probably the only things that have
> > kept me sane all these years. Has anyone experienced
> > a loss of fitness (ie cardio, muscle strength,
> > endurance, etc) on this drug? I already have the
> > headaches and stomach knot, but I do feel a little
> > different. I hesitate to say better....
>
>
> I have been on Effexor XR 150mg for over two years now. I have always been active in sports, and I find that Effexor has only one major impact on my sports activity. I find I sweat more and also earlier than before I was on Effexor. I have also gained a little weight. Probably because my appetite has returned. However, I am able to control it with excercise and diet. My blood pressure is pretty normal, but I believe that it would go up if I didn't excercise. I work out once a day for about a hour. I do some push-ups, sit-ups, ride a stationary bike for 15 minutes, and run on a tread-mill type device for 30 minutes. I am ringing wet when I finish, and I have to drink about 16oz of water. However, I do not feel this is a problem. I am 53 years old, and would probably not be among the living, or at best not been out in open society if Effexor had not come along.
Posted by JANNBEAU on May 14, 2002, at 14:31:00
In reply to Re: Please help!, posted by Sherrie on May 13, 2002, at 22:52:44
Hi, -interesting-I have osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia (?) or myofascial pain syndrome (?) and Effexor helped my pain dramatically! I was depressed because of pain and also have GAD and I am doing well on 75 mg Effexor XR per day--but, my pain was decreased within 24 hours of taking the first dose, so I'm not sure about your question.
Cheers,
Jannbeau
> I have experienced overall body aches. (Been taking since 3/3/02, about 10 wks.) I have Fibromyalgia and the Effexor XR seems to aggravate it. I'm getting headaches every night, I'm dizzy, and my stomach looks like I've swallowed a basketball! In 2 days, I'm supposed to increase another 37.5 mg. I know I'm supposed to be positive, but I doubt this is going to work for me. I hate that because this is the first anti-depressant I've taken that hasn't caused my mind to race. In fact, I'm so calm that I wonder if I'm depressed. (smile) I'm so used to racing around. I hear you have to give it time for the side effects to go away. I'm just wondering when they will. Anybody know? Thanks.
Posted by gare on May 14, 2002, at 14:40:26
In reply to Re: Please help!, posted by Sherrie on May 13, 2002, at 22:52:44
As with anything - promotions, getting fit, getting happy, working thru your relationships, even taking any medication takes time.
I think Effexor XR is great for me. I have been on it since March 8 and had a couple of problems with sleep - about weeks 3 through 8, I turned into a functioning zombie and then thereafter I couldn't sleep at all!
I was taking Effexor XR, 150 mg starting week 3, which I attribute to making me zombie like. My time of dosage was at 6 pm.
After not being able to sleep, my psychiatrist thought it best to take it in the morning but she recommended to switch the time slowly from 6pm to 2 pm then to 12 pm then to 9 am and then to first thing in the morning.
Well on the first move to 2 pm, I slept like a baby and functioned fine the next day that I decided to keep it at 2 pm until it needed to be moved again.
I am pleased to say that my body best works well with Effexor XR at 150 mg by taking it at 2pm.
So I am proof that the drug can work without side effects if you find the right dosage and time for you, as we are all different.
I suggest being a little bit patient and also to do your part in working through whatever issues may be present that brought you to Effexor's door in the first place.....Effexor certainly won't solve those but the feelings that are produced by your own brain chemical factory.
It's been about 2 months and 2 weeks and I love my life.
Also don't think that taking more Effexor may work faster or that a dosage of 150 mg won't work. I am a tall boy, 5'11'' and weigh 195 pounds so it's not like I need 375 mgs either.
If you want to succeed, you will.
Posted by Butterfly on May 14, 2002, at 14:48:46
In reply to Re: Please help!, posted by gare on May 14, 2002, at 14:40:26
Gare
you seem fairly happy and don't seem to be suffering from too many side-effects, - if any.
No side-effects on the sex side, like delayed ejaculation or loss of sex drive ?
George
Posted by gare on May 14, 2002, at 15:00:23
In reply to Gare, no sexual s.- effects ?, posted by Butterfly on May 14, 2002, at 14:48:46
I think there is a transition phase for everyone that may involve different things. I certainly never lost my desire to want to have sex but I was affected in what could be taken as a positive thing.
I use to yawn and just felt that I had an orgasm. Now it only happens in the evening. When I yawn, I don't think of sex and I am not "hard" per se. So that was the awesome thing about taking it at the beginning - yawning and feeling as if I had just come.
During my zombie phase, I did find it much more time consuming to have an orgasm on my own (my partner is overseas and thus I haven't had a chance to really try sex with my baby). Time of day didn't matter, whether it be morning, noon, or night. I had to spend about twenty to thirty minutes to achieve the same effect that spending seven to ten before. And this wasn't good especially if I expected to have an orgasm before hitting the shower in the morning to go to work. It was either that or breakfast!
But now, I am back to normal during the afternoon to night. In other words, I don't have a delay response any longer in the evening, but if I chose to have an orgasm in the morning, I must have some time to do it.
So I don't see this as a problem with Effexor XR.
When I was on regular Effexor, I couldn't come and I didn't even think about sex. So it's odd that there is a difference in taking the XR and regular version for me.
I am happy to report that my libido is in tact, I can please myself and I can't wait to please my partner without worrying if I will take longer.
Sex just isn't about the orgasm in the end.
Gare
Posted by renelso1 on May 14, 2002, at 15:10:03
In reply to Re: Gare, no sexual s.- effects ?, posted by gare on May 14, 2002, at 15:00:23
gare, you are so inspiring. i'm in my third week of exfexxor XR and want to start adjusting when i take it. I'm currently taking it around 8 or 9 at night but right around NOW (3pm) i want to crash. yesterday this lasted until about 7 when i got my second wind. so now my question is, which way should i adjust? earlier in the day, or later?
Posted by gare on May 14, 2002, at 15:26:40
In reply to time of day, posted by renelso1 on May 14, 2002, at 15:10:03
hi
my experience of the zombie phase:
i am not necessarily sleepy or tired but i am ready to go to bed and close my eyes and sleep, even if i desire to be outside rollerblading, being a couch potato, or writing a nove.during my week 3 through 8, i was constantly in bed as soon as I got home from work, through the weekend, and I would wake up refreshed and ready to go to work by 8 am.
so i don't know if you are experiencing getting sleepy in that sense or just that we have no other way to describe a zombie phase - you still want to do things but for some reason just can't and really don't care much that you're not but hope that you won't be in zombie phase forever.
the only concern my therapist had in moving my time from 6 pm to early morning was that I would get sleepy during the day. so that is why I guess you have to move the dosage time little by little - also another reason is that if you move it in big time increments, then you sort of distrurb the drug and how it is making friends with your synaptic vessicles and other neurochemical transmitters.
i don't know what dosage you are up to many other things that would come into play as to what time would be best for you. but as i said, perhaps you too are going thru a zombie phase in your own way and that eventually it does cease.
i would say hang in there for another week or so and know that it is an adjustment.
talk with your prescribing physician and address your concerns. discuss the possibility of chaning the time until you find yourself with a time that works for you.
also, i am not sure if you experienced an immediate effect when you started taking Effexor XR that you may be able to tell if the time you changed the dosage is better or worse immediately.
for example, I feel Effexor XR (as well as Effexor) the first day I took them - the orgasmic sensation upon yawning - so the day I switched from 6 pm to 2 pm, I noticed that same evening, I was able to sleep and the next day function swell
so I didn't bother to continue to change the time.Don't be afraid to be a zombie, as many people have experienced this and it's not great because no one ever told you may be going through that. but it does end, and perhaps adjusting your time of dosage will be beneficial.....
gare
Posted by gare on May 14, 2002, at 15:36:14
In reply to Getting off, posted by Butterfly on May 11, 2002, at 11:12:59
in particular to butterly first...
oddly enough, i too believe that i am affected by the winter so that is how I was introduced to Effexor, but my other complaint was constant worrying - perhaps to the point of being an obsessive worrier.i was on regular effexor for winter 2000 and that was for a period of 4 months.
i loved being on it to the extent that yes, for me too, my sexual desires and functioning was no longer my own that that contributed to my getting off the drug.
i stopped cold - not gradually. funny that you mention the shock like effects as those for me lasted about three months. it's like all of a sudden you feel that you put your hand in the electrical socket and "jolt"! this would occur about three times a day for three months. the other side effect i had after terminating my first honeymoon with Effexor was horrible, vivid nightmares. luckily, this lasted only a few weeks. all i can say is that i have more scary things in my dream than the movie, "naked lunch"
why am i back on effexor, and this time effexor XR?
because I had the best winter of my life....i wasn't depressed and i certainly enjoyed being with my family more than ever.
I came back to Effexor and was given Effexor XR, so this addresses the original email, that at least from my experience, there is a difference.
I did have more of an intense adjustment period with Effexor XR but now everything feels fine. No more worries that haunt me in the morning or at night and I can be that happy little boy I had wanted to be.
I can't tell you why there is a difference in effect, but it must have something to do with the time release formulation vs. just having it all in your system at one time or several times a day.
Posted by kpo2002 on May 14, 2002, at 15:37:57
In reply to Re: Gare, no sexual s.- effects ?, posted by gare on May 14, 2002, at 15:00:23
Hi. I was on Lithim for 6 years for misdiagnosed manic depression. I was just plain unhappy. I never had any bad side effects from it, except that it kept me depressed. Lithium usually is only very effective against the "highs". I was unable to cry even when I wanted to. I was able to hold back tears during most stressful events when I normally wouldn't have been able to. oh yeah--you have to have blood-work done regularly too. Every 4 months after you've been on it awhile.
Posted by kpo2002 on May 14, 2002, at 15:58:44
In reply to Re: Gare, no sexual s.- effects ?, posted by gare on May 14, 2002, at 15:00:23
I have been on Effexor Xr 37.5 for 7 weeks and I like it. I am suffering from Neuropathic Pain and am on many other meds. The first 4 weeks were great. I got immense pain relief and had an energy burst for a few hours every day. (I was also high as a kite during the energy bursts so I guess you could say I was in a good mood!) Also I was not very hungry during the day and I lost 5 lbs. in a month. Sadly, after one month I am only getting 20% of the original pain relief, no energy bursts, no party-mode, and I gained back the 5 lbs. that I had lost. (I am on Remeron and gained 40 lbs. 2 years ago.) However, I do not desire sweet things very much with the exception of my beloved Pepsi. After the first 4 frenetic weeks a calm set in. I love to swim and I swim almost every day. The Effexor hasn't impaired my ability to exercise--if anything it has enhanced it because of the pain relief.
Posted by Sherrie on May 14, 2002, at 20:55:03
In reply to Re: Please help!, posted by gare on May 14, 2002, at 14:40:26
> As with anything - promotions, getting fit, getting happy, working thru your relationships, even taking any medication takes time.
>
> I think Effexor XR is great for me. I have been on it since March 8 and had a couple of problems with sleep - about weeks 3 through 8, I turned into a functioning zombie and then thereafter I couldn't sleep at all!
>
> I was taking Effexor XR, 150 mg starting week 3, which I attribute to making me zombie like. My time of dosage was at 6 pm.
>
> After not being able to sleep, my psychiatrist thought it best to take it in the morning but she recommended to switch the time slowly from 6pm to 2 pm then to 12 pm then to 9 am and then to first thing in the morning.
>
> Well on the first move to 2 pm, I slept like a baby and functioned fine the next day that I decided to keep it at 2 pm until it needed to be moved again.
>
> I am pleased to say that my body best works well with Effexor XR at 150 mg by taking it at 2pm.
>
> So I am proof that the drug can work without side effects if you find the right dosage and time for you, as we are all different.
>
> I suggest being a little bit patient and also to do your part in working through whatever issues may be present that brought you to Effexor's door in the first place.....Effexor certainly won't solve those but the feelings that are produced by your own brain chemical factory.
>
> It's been about 2 months and 2 weeks and I love my life.
>
> Also don't think that taking more Effexor may work faster or that a dosage of 150 mg won't work. I am a tall boy, 5'11'' and weigh 195 pounds so it's not like I need 375 mgs either.
>
> If you want to succeed, you will.
I have been working on my issues for the past 35 years and Effexor is far from being my first anti-depressant. Also, I certainly don't think taking more Effexor will make it work faster. That doesn't make sense. I don't control the dosage amounts; I leave that up to my doctor. The reason I don't think it will work is because of the headaches, dizziness and stomach distress it's causing, which keeps getting worse as the dosage is increased. Also, it's not a matter of whether I want it to work or not. I wouldn't have taken it in the first place if I didn't want it to work. So please don't tell me if I want to succeed, I will! Evidently, you don't know what you're talking about when it comes to chronic depression and/or other psychiatric disorders. Sherrie
Posted by supergirl on May 14, 2002, at 22:19:59
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by GwenDee on May 10, 2002, at 19:33:16
I've been reduced to 75 mg for almost a week now, I am just getting back my coordination, getting over sickness, shocks, the works, but I also calmed down almost immediately as soon as i dropped to 75. I want off, but my body still hasn't adjusted to half of my usual dose.
My doctor had me go to a consultation with a counselor and basically what we found out is that my depo shot, which I took for the first time at the end of April, along with the Effexor already causing me to be a little manic just completely tripped me up. This is a warning to any women out there on or thinking about birth control and taking effexor. the normal pill I dealt with just fine, but the combo of Effexor with the depo shot made me rage so bad that I could not go anywhere or talk to anyone without blowing up at them. Good thing I live alone otherwise I would be now anyways.
But things are better and I am able to go back to work tomorrow as long as withdrawal symptoms are down. I hope no one else has to go through what I did, I am a really nice person! I would never scream at anyone like I was.supergirl
Posted by supergirl on May 14, 2002, at 22:38:25
In reply to Side effects started day 2 and 3, posted by SandraDee on May 11, 2002, at 10:46:47
> Well yesterday I posted stating no side effects yet, and that evening they started. Not just tingling electric signals to my face, but arms as well. It doesn't hurt, it's sort of like a minor shock (like when you touch someone). Also noticing major dry mouth - trying to increase my water intake lots. Not much of a water drinker anyhow. Still only day 3 now (37.5 mg)... no nausea, and cheerios on the floor (from my kids) don't look like boulders. Sort of worried about going up in dose when I already am feeling better. Especially after hearing all the other comments about side effects and withdrawls coming off of it. Is Effexor XR really so different from plain old Effexor?
My mother always taught me if you don't feel good, take something for it, but if you feel good now, that might be all you need. All you can do is wait and see, it is still early yet, but if it helps you get your mind together, its worth the pain to get off of it.
I had to take Effexor SR for a month when the doctor's office screwed up my Rx and I didn't realize it until it was time to take it. I couldn't afford, nor did I have the time to fix it, so I continued without the extended release. The whole month I experienced withdrawal effects that would start about 5 hours until it was time to take it again. That went away once I got back on the extended, but it didn't work the same afterwards and now I need to get off of itsupergirl
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