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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by sulaf98 on September 6, 2002, at 15:00:19
In reply to should i increase my dose?, posted by Pariah on September 6, 2002, at 13:59:29
> i have been on effexor for 5 months now. it is the only medication i have taken that has the least amount of side-effects (unlike paxil, zoloft, celexa, buspar all which gave me terrible side-effects). actually the only side-effect i have from Effexor is delayed-orgasm. i'm taking it for severe, chronic panic attacks. As soon as i started taking 112.5mgs (one 37.5mg and a 75mg) i felt awesome for a month and a half. no panic attacks what so ever and a normal life back. after that period i had a weeks worth of multiple panic attacks a day. so my doctor increased my dose to 150mgs, which i hace been on for a month now. was fine for that whole month but the past two days have been terrible, multiple attacks. i'm also on Xanax but i dont take them much since i'm in college and really want to remember what i study. Should i increase my effexor dose again? has anyone had this problem of having a good month then several bad days? it's a lot better than without medication but it's real hard to be in class and have to leave on account of panic attacks and be miserable for the whole day waiting for the next one.
I would speak with your doctor right away. I've seen several people up to 225 MG, but I wouldn't think anything about that would be beneficial from what I've read.
Posted by Dinah on September 6, 2002, at 16:53:09
In reply to Anyone use Effexor XR for prevention of migraines?, posted by 123 on September 6, 2002, at 14:12:47
Well, I don't know about weight gain, but during the utterly miserable weeks I was on Effexor, I only had one migraine. Truly amazing considering how little I was sleeping.
So I would say it works well on migraines. At least for me.
Posted by Starwatcher on September 6, 2002, at 17:06:31
In reply to Anyone use Effexor XR for prevention of migraines?, posted by 123 on September 6, 2002, at 14:47:20
I use 37.5 mg. for fibromyalgia pain at night. It does seem to help relieve the muscle pain, and does help me sleep (too far into the morning sometimes!) - but it's done absolutely nothing to help my headaches - in fact, it may have increased them. I use butalbital (Fiorinal) for my headaches in conjuction with 800 mg. ibuprofen and that usually seems to work fine. I try not to take it at the same exact time I take the Effexor, but take it a few hours earlier. I seem to end up getting headaches in the afternoon or early evening a lot, or sometimes I wake up with them.
Posted by jannbeau on September 6, 2002, at 17:37:34
In reply to Anyone use Effexor XR for prevention of migraines?, posted by 123 on September 6, 2002, at 14:12:47
> Believe it! You COULD gain weight on Effexor! That is not to say that you WILL gain weight on this medication. I didn't gain, but, then, neither did I lose weight (I am rather fat, so I could have done with losing! : ) I took up to 150 mg per day for a about three months.
Cheers,
jannbeauMy neurologist has prescribed Effexor XR for a daily medication for prevention of my migraines. She recommended starting with 37.5 milligrams once a day for two weeks, the increasing it to 75 milligrams every day after that. But I'm very worried after reading the numerous negative postings on the medication. I just went off Verapamil because of weight gain, but research shows that you don't gain weight on Effexor XR, but these postings say otherwise. Help!
Posted by jannbeau on September 6, 2002, at 17:47:44
In reply to Re: Anyone use Effexor XR for prevention of migraines?, posted by Kat on September 6, 2002, at 14:45:16
>To my knowledge, Effexor isn't, in the classical sense at least, "addictive." Although I am neither a doctor nor an expert on Effexor or other AD's, I think most people who post about their experiences getting off Effexor are describing is the so-called "discontinuation syndrome." Going off Effexor can be troublesome, but most people accomplish it by tapering their dose over a period of weeks with or without the help of other medications. Despite my contention that Effexor is not classically "addictive," I think the writer's suggestion is probably a good one: perhaps you would like to try other meds for migraines before taking on this heavy-weight drug.
Jannbeau
Effexor XR never did anything to help my migraines. I've gotten migraines since 1973, and my doctor never mentioned Effexor to prevent them. If I were you, I'd try something not so addictive.
Posted by Ritch on September 6, 2002, at 23:39:08
In reply to Anyone use Effexor XR for prevention of migraines?, posted by 123 on September 6, 2002, at 14:12:47
> My neurologist has prescribed Effexor XR for a daily medication for prevention of my migraines. She recommended starting with 37.5 milligrams once a day for two weeks, the increasing it to 75 milligrams every day after that. But I'm very worried after reading the numerous negative postings on the medication. I just went off Verapamil because of weight gain, but research shows that you don't gain weight on Effexor XR, but these postings say otherwise. Help!
Hi,
Check out this link: http://www.fpnotebook.com/NEU118.htm
You will find that topiramate(Topamax) is one of the top four meds for migraine prophylaxis effectiveness. It tends to cause weight loss and might be a good switch. Talk to your neuro.
Mitch
Posted by karla on September 7, 2002, at 14:31:22
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares, posted by DebraA. on September 5, 2002, at 9:16:56
I am trying to get off of effexor and having a very hard time. I was on 225mg and had no problem going to 75 mg. However, going lower I experience really bad anxiety attacks. I am sweating very bad. I have also noticed the desire to drink. I haven't drank in 10 years and have noticed a desire to drink alcohol. I didn't relate it to the effexor until I read these posts.
Posted by karla on September 7, 2002, at 14:37:29
In reply to Re: Anyone use Effexor XR for prevention of migraines? » 123, posted by Ritch on September 6, 2002, at 23:39:08
I have migraines and cluster headaches. I have been on effexor at 75mg - 225mg for depression and have found it did not effect my migraines and cluster headaches in the slightest way. I wouldn't bother with it not worth the risk of withdrawl. I am having a terrible time getting off the stuff now.
Posted by sleepy lizard on September 8, 2002, at 5:37:16
In reply to Re: Sex life and Effexor...Help!!, posted by J200 on September 6, 2002, at 13:40:04
To make your wife younger and cuter may require the use of a psychedelic.
Posted by sleepy lizard on September 8, 2002, at 5:49:35
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares, posted by karla on September 7, 2002, at 14:31:22
I have gone from 225 mg to 150 mg and then to 75 mg with not much difficulty. I was then able to go to 0 mg this last week. I did not get the horrible Stephen King nightmares like I have on drug holidays. But I do get the sweats and shocks and dizziness. The desire to drink may be due to the deficiency of neurotransmitters that were being supplied by the Effexor. It takes a month approximately for those adjustments to be made (adding or discontinuing). Sorry you are so miserable.
Posted by FredPotter on September 8, 2002, at 16:32:38
In reply to Re: Effexor and Alcohol, posted by Alara on September 6, 2002, at 8:29:12
Have you considered taking 50mg Naltrexone per day? It relieves craving and stops the euphoria from drinking
Posted by DebraA. on September 8, 2002, at 17:30:04
In reply to Re: Anyone use Effexor XR for prevention of migraines? » 123, posted by Ritch on September 6, 2002, at 23:39:08
It's not true that effexor won't put weight on you. I gained some weight and it's been impossible to get it off. I can't imagine why anyone would prescribe effexor for migraines - while on the drug, my neck and jaw were extremely tight all the time (I had to get a teeth guard for the grinding I did at night). Plus, if you ever go on this stuff be warned that this is the nastiest withdrawal you can ever imagine. I think a migraine would be a better predicament to be in right now. I've been in withdrawal for a week now and I feel anxious, paranoid, nauseated, depressed, and I have had diarrhea, sweats, and brain tremors (with accompanying swishing noises in my head) that remind me of being an experiment in a Frankenstein lab. Don't do it, man, if you've got some alternatives. Keep reading some of these posts and you'll see. I also failed to mention that effexor killed my libido - orgasm went right out the window on this stuff.
Posted by DebraA. on September 8, 2002, at 17:55:26
In reply to Re: should i increase my dose? » Pariah, posted by sulaf98 on September 6, 2002, at 15:00:19
Instead of increasing effexor, ask your doc to perhaps "enhance" its effect. My doc added serzone to the mix, so I was taking 375 mg of effexor and 200 mg of serzone daily. I'm sorry to hear you're only finding relief with the effexor. It's a terrible alternative in my opinion. Good luck.
Posted by DebraA. on September 8, 2002, at 18:02:28
In reply to Re: Sex life and Effexor...Help!! » Hoss, posted by Pariah on September 6, 2002, at 13:42:05
Effexor KILLED my sex life with my husband. I had no feelings in my genitalia - it took my husband lots of time and effort for me to achieve ANY satisfaction. I've been off effexor for a week now (God help me with this withdrawal!) and the only good news I've got is that I actually achieved 4 orgasms this a.m. with very little help at all. This has been a great problem in our relationship and it was the main reason I want off this nasty drug. If you decide to quit, be warned. The withdrawal is close to psychosis. The good new is that you'll get your sex life back (along with a fair amount of your personality too that's been robbed by this drug). I truly wish you much luck with this.
Posted by DebraA. on September 8, 2002, at 18:19:06
In reply to Re: Effexor and Alcohol, posted by Alara on September 6, 2002, at 8:29:12
Alara, thanks for your insight and sharing. I believe that most of us that are plagued with depression have many tendencies to reach out for whatever will help medicate how we're feeling. Looking back, I think you're right about the "lull" in the afternoon from the effexor. I took my doses in the a.m. and then again right before bedtime, so I experienced that lull in the afternoons too and would look for something to "medicate" that feeling (withdrawal as I see it now). I have had a long history with an eating disorder and I compare that obsession to one similiar to alcoholism. You see, we all reach for something. Unfortunately, the things we reach for (food, drugs, drink, etc) end up being a big part of our problem (as if things weren't bad enough!). To deal with my future without SSRIs, I understand that I'm going to have to find alternatives to handle those underlying tendencies of depression (which ultimately trigger my negative behavior). For a start, I picked up one of those books by a group of doctors who are recommending a low carb diet. Their research has shown that there may be a direct link between a person's ability to handle refined carbs and mood disorders. I know. My shrink just rolled his eyes when I told him that I wanted to give it a shot with this way of eating (along with a few other supplements) to help manage my depression. Some of these "rogue docs" also mention that these unique people also needed more calcium and magnesium to manage mood. Needless to say, I'm going for it. I've spent many years doing what the AMA and APA prescribes and I'm not happy with what they think they know. I believe these "rogue docs" are on to something - God forbid, we should be healthy individuals and no longer dump billions of dollars into the health system to maintain the status quo!!!! So, again, I'm going for it. What's to lose? If it doesn't work, there'll always be another generation of SSRIs to work with, right?
My withdrawal at 7 days now is still pretty bad. I went to a wine tasting last night, and the wine started making me feel ill. I spent today with increased anxiety and almost paranoia. I think the alcohol contributed. I'm going to avoid it until I get a better grip during this withdrawal. I'd love to be medicating these symtoms right now, but I feel worse when I do. I guess I'll just keep talking to you.
Thanks again, so much, for your input!!
Posted by DebraA. on September 8, 2002, at 18:21:52
In reply to Re: Long term effects of Effexor/permanent, posted by jay60 on September 6, 2002, at 7:09:16
I think that's wonderful. I think your experience is the exception, and not the rule though.
Posted by Linear on September 8, 2002, at 20:09:13
In reply to Re: withdrawal?????, posted by Grace Coyote on June 10, 2002, at 17:28:10
I am currently up to 300 mgs of Effexor XR a day
with no results! I am chronically tired, and I
have some sort of rash on my face which is either
stress or from the Effexor. I was also taking
a neuroleptic short term but stopped because of
side effects. I am becoming convinced that the
only relief for me is the natural way; through
exercise. For years I have struggled with depression
but at least I had the energy to exercise, and
the natural endorphins served to elevate my mood,
at least temporarily. Anyone else in this
predicament? My doctor strongly advises me not
to cease taking the medication but this is MY
body not his. I really would appreciate some
support and/or feedback. We all know how difficult
a disease this can be, and I'm sure I'm not the
only one who isolates from others. Thanks.
Posted by FredPotter on September 8, 2002, at 20:27:12
In reply to Re: withdrawal?????, posted by Linear on September 8, 2002, at 20:09:13
I'm not a doctor, but if you've given a drug a good shot at increasing dosage and for sufficient time without good results, it seems only logical to try something else. Something that on the face of it does the opposite to reuptake inhibition, like Tianeptine, might be a good choice.
Posted by wcfrench on September 8, 2002, at 21:47:44
In reply to Re: Sex life and Effexor...Help!! » Hoss, posted by Pariah on September 6, 2002, at 13:42:05
Man can I relate.. I felt better mood-wise but I definitely felt like I was lacking something I had always had in the sex department. Before I started meds I was with my previous girlfriend, and I would always be in the mood for it, no matter where we were.. then meds, new woman, and I definitely was much less into it in the sack. Things lasted a long time, but sometimes we would just stop because I couldn't orgasm.. it's really frustrating. After we broke up recently, I got off Effexor and went to Remeron/Wellbutrin and let me tell you, there was a huge difference. Although I don't know how long I'd be able to hold out for in bed before orgasm.. might be too short for her!
Posted by rumbera on September 8, 2002, at 22:29:38
In reply to Re: should i increase my dose?, posted by DebraA. on September 8, 2002, at 17:55:26
Hi everyone,
I also think that everyone needs to be aware of serzone. I was on it only for a short time. Now I see all these warnings for potential side effects. They include liver damage,seizures,etc... Anyway, this makes me think will Effexor be next in the recall chain?
I am going thru withdrawl ,but am doing better by the day. I am feeling better if only I could get all the weight gain off.
Posted by sjb on September 9, 2002, at 9:23:30
In reply to Re: Effexor and Alcohol, posted by Alara on September 6, 2002, at 8:29:12
I, too, had increased cravings for alcohol on Effexor.
Posted by sjb on September 9, 2002, at 9:30:05
In reply to Re: Effexor and Alcohol, posted by DebraA. on September 8, 2002, at 18:19:06
Let us know how you make out. I, too, have eating problems. I have been unable to avoid the refined junk.
I'm disgusted with psyciatrity, in general, at this point. I've been on almost 30 different meds and am at a real low point now. The only thing "high" is my weight. When the meds work it's only temporary. Wish I knew the answer.
Posted by jannbeau on September 9, 2002, at 12:40:11
In reply to Re: Anyone use Effexor XR for prevention of migraines? » 123, posted by Ritch on September 6, 2002, at 23:39:08
> > My neurologist has prescribed Effexor XR for a daily medication for prevention of my migraines. She recommended starting with 37.5 milligrams once a day for two weeks, the increasing it to 75 milligrams every day after that. But I'm very worried after reading the numerous negative postings on the medication. I just went off Verapamil because of weight gain, but research shows that you don't gain weight on Effexor XR, but these postings say otherwise. Help!
>
> Hi,
>
> Check out this link: http://www.fpnotebook.com/NEU118.htm
>
> You will find that topiramate(Topamax) is one of the top four meds for migraine prophylaxis effectiveness. It tends to cause weight loss and might be a good switch. Talk to your neuro.
>
> Mitch
>
> FYI, you might wish to check out the following website also before you choose to take Topamax for your migraines, should you be prescribed the medication. After marketing surveillance has revealed that, in a very small number of patients, secondary angle glaucoma may be associated with use of topiramate. This is not a reason to not take the medication, just a significant side effect of which you should be aware. Here's the link:http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2001/safety01.htm#topama
Jannbeau
Posted by jannbeau on September 9, 2002, at 13:19:19
In reply to Re: Effexor and Alcohol, posted by sjb on September 9, 2002, at 9:23:30
> I, too, had increased cravings for alcohol on Effexor.
Hi, I had an increased craving for carbohydrates while taking Effexor. I wonder. . . could it be that this craving is related to the craving some folks experience for ethanol? Ethanol is a source of calories that is similar to sugars, isn't it, and carbs are broken down into simple carbs called sugars?????----just a thought.
Jannbeau
Posted by Linear on September 9, 2002, at 19:15:38
In reply to Re: Effexor and Alcohol, posted by DebraA. on September 8, 2002, at 18:19:06
I certainly haven't experienced any unusual
cravings for alcohol while taking Effexor; in
fact, I got sober while taking this drug. I
am part of a 12-Step group and have been sober
for one year. I have been craving carbs and
refined sugar but I think that's more from
giving up the alcohol and less a side effect
of taking Effexor.
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