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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by John2222 on March 15, 2003, at 22:37:07
In reply to Questions.....Pls help, posted by Troubled_Boy on March 15, 2003, at 4:14:23
I can unequivicably say that YES Effexor XR is VERY helpful to treat chronic tension headache.
I have been having tension (work related I think plus self imposed tension) headaches for years..10 or 20.
I have been taking Effexor 75 mg (was at 112.5 mg) XR for about a year and my headaches have reduced dramatically!
The constant anxiety is also much diminished.
Good luck!
> I am on Effexor for around 4 weeks and my dosage now is 225mg.
> Can Effexor used to treat chronic tension headache?
Posted by Krissy P on March 15, 2003, at 23:06:16
In reply to Re: Questions.....Pls help... tension headache, posted by John2222 on March 15, 2003, at 22:37:07
Posted by megamufn on March 15, 2003, at 23:18:00
In reply to Questions.....Pls help, posted by Troubled_Boy on March 15, 2003, at 4:14:23
> How long will Effexor totally treat me?
I have been on Effexor for over a year and it hasn't stopped working, but I need to go on a higher dose temporarily when I'm going through a really stressful time. Maybe you just need to give it time to kick in. Don't give up!> How do i know that the drug is actually working?
You wake up one day and start your day, and then you realize, Hey! I haven't been feeling so crappy lately. I actually feel okay!> How does it feel like when i am totally free from depression?
I don't know if you'll be TOTALLY free (everyone gets depressed sometimes) but the symptoms will be fewer and less often. I don't know your symptoms (everyone's different) but I hardly ever think of suicide anymore, and my mind doesn't race as much or seem to get stuck on certain thoughts anymore. I certainly sleep better! Before I went on meds I was worried that it would change my personality. If you find the right medication (you may have to try a few) you will just feel more "normal," more like yourself. I'm cetainly not cured, but there is hope!
Posted by Krissy P on March 15, 2003, at 23:22:27
In reply to Re: Questions.....Pls help » Troubled_Boy, posted by megamufn on March 15, 2003, at 23:18:00
megamufn, hi. Can I ask what your Dx is? Are you on Effexor-XR? What other meds do you take?
Sorry for so many questions, hope to hear back:-)
Thanks, Kristen
**************************************************************************************************
I don't know if you'll be TOTALLY free (everyone gets depressed sometimes) but the symptoms will be fewer and less often. I don't know your symptoms (everyone's different) but I hardly ever think of suicide anymore, and my mind doesn't race as much or seem to get stuck on certain thoughts anymore. I certainly sleep better! Before I went on meds I was worried that it would change my personality. If you find the right medication (you may have to try a few) you will just feel more "normal," more like yourself. I'm cetainly not cured, but there is hope!
Posted by megamufn on March 15, 2003, at 23:57:20
In reply to Re: Questions.....Pls help » megamufn, posted by Krissy P on March 15, 2003, at 23:22:27
Hi Kristen!
I'm on Effexor XR 150mg, and go up to 225mg (I think the maximum dose) when things get really stressful. I don't like to stay on the high dose if I don't need to because it makes me sleep even more. I'm not on anything else (except vitamins :) ). I have dysthymia (chronic minor depression) and anxiety (not panic or manic). I feel better, especially the depression, but I'm not all better.
Posted by Krissy P on March 16, 2003, at 0:09:22
In reply to Re: Questions.....Pls help » Krissy P, posted by megamufn on March 15, 2003, at 23:57:20
Hi, thanks for the reply. Have any of these meds caused a weight gain for you?
Posted by Krissy P on March 16, 2003, at 0:10:54
In reply to Re: Questions.....Pls help » Krissy P, posted by megamufn on March 15, 2003, at 23:57:20
Also, what vitamins do you take? Do they help? and for what?
sorry-just trying to get some feedback-thanks for your cooperation:-)
Kristen
================================================================================================== Hi Kristen!
>
> I'm on Effexor XR 150mg, and go up to 225mg (I think the maximum dose) when things get really stressful. I don't like to stay on the high dose if I don't need to because it makes me sleep even more. I'm not on anything else (except vitamins :) ). I have dysthymia (chronic minor depression) and anxiety (not panic or manic). I feel better, especially the depression, but I'm not all better.
>
>
Posted by lovemybabies on March 16, 2003, at 6:53:31
In reply to Re: Questions.....Pls help... tension headache, posted by John2222 on March 15, 2003, at 22:37:07
Yes, absolutely! I had the most awful tension neck/headache 24/7 and after about six weeks, it is completely gone. Massages help, too but I attribute it mainly to the Effexor; my anxiety/stress-level is greatly reduced and I think that's why.
Also--I'm happy to report the little twitches are almost gone. I kind of miss 'em. :) No weight-gain..if anything, I'm having trouble gaining BACK the 5 or 6 pounds I lost in the first two weeks. I'm not bouncing around in happy la-la land, or anything but my mood is definitely better. I feel like a big veil of anxiety has been lifted and I can see things with a more normal perspective.
Posted by Jewels on March 16, 2003, at 8:53:30
In reply to Re: Questions.....Pls help... tension headache, posted by lovemybabies on March 16, 2003, at 6:53:31
In response to weight gain.....(even though not directed to me...) I have only been on 75mgs for 8 weeks and I have gained 20 pounds since going on Effexor....has anyone else experienced this? I have always heard they lose weight.....auckckck! Why me?!?! as if this wasn't enough? LOL Let me know if it's just temporary or what!
Jewels
Posted by megamufn on March 16, 2003, at 11:16:52
In reply to Re: Questions.....Pls help » megamufn, posted by Krissy P on March 16, 2003, at 0:10:54
I've gained weight, but I don't know if it's from the meds. I've gained a little weight every year since I was in high school, and I wasn't on anything then. I just take a multivitamin because I don't eat my vegetables.
I think 75mg is the starting dose. I don't know if it's high enough to have an effect.
Posted by megamufn on March 16, 2003, at 11:20:03
In reply to Re: Efferox side effects » megamufn, posted by PuraVida on March 14, 2003, at 12:15:21
Thanks PuraVida!
I don't know much about mood stabilizers. I'm not bipolar. Could you tell me a little about them?
Posted by Krissy P on March 16, 2003, at 12:02:04
In reply to Re: Questions.....Pls help... tension headache, posted by Jewels on March 16, 2003, at 8:53:30
Hi Jewels (BTW-love that user name) Anyway, I started Effexor 2 weeks ago after stopping it in December. I never noticed much of a weight gain with that, but the Seroquel, I took last night, and about a half hour later, I was gorging-in a totally zombie state-it has always done that to me. I do it, then feel sick in the morning. I ate a whole box of Girl Scout Cookies yesterday-god they are good. But, man, I'm payin for it this morning LOL.
take care, kristen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------> In response to weight gain.....(even though not directed to me...) I have only been on 75mgs for 8 weeks and I have gained 20 pounds since going on Effexor....has anyone else experienced this? I have always heard they lose weight.....auckckck! Why me?!?! as if this wasn't enough? LOL Let me know if it's just temporary or what!
>
> Jewels
Posted by Krissy P on March 16, 2003, at 12:24:40
In reply to Re: Questions.....Pls help » Krissy P, posted by megamufn on March 16, 2003, at 11:16:52
Thnaks, May I ask what brand of multivitamin you take?? I go on and off the vitamins, I just want to be consistent with everything-I'm working on it.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I've gained weight, but I don't know if it's from the meds. I've gained a little weight every year since I was in high school, and I wasn't on anything then. I just take a multivitamin because I don't eat my vegetables.
I think 75mg is the starting dose. I don't know if it's high enough to have an effect.
Posted by PuraVida on March 16, 2003, at 15:21:12
In reply to Re: Efferox side effects » PuraVida, posted by megamufn on March 16, 2003, at 11:20:03
I took Nuerontin, and now Topamax to smooth the cycles of anxiety I was having. They are supposed to help with anxiety, as well as classic bipolar -
PV
> Thanks PuraVida!
>
> I don't know much about mood stabilizers. I'm not bipolar. Could you tell me a little about them?
Posted by Ev on March 16, 2003, at 21:58:56
In reply to effexor and drinking, posted by Jane on April 15, 2000, at 4:01:54
> I started taking effexor about 4 weeks ago (and still have the side effects of nausea, sleepiness, headaches and loss of appetite). I've tried aropax and zoloft (both which made me really sick) and doxepin for about a year (which didn't make me sick but didn't actually help_
> Just wondering if anyone knows about the effects of drinking and taking certain drugs when on effexor. Is it too risky?
> I drank the other weekend and just felt a bit worse than usual.
> Thanks if anyone can helpTo start off, I am a young guy in college, and I have a hard time with refraining from alcohol while taking antidepressants. I drink about once a week, and admittedly, it is usually 10 or more drinks.
I once took paxil, 20 mg for about a year. It worked great with my depression and anxiety. No side effects other than sleepiness and sexual dysfunction. When I drank alcohol with paxil, I think it did seem to increase my inebriation (manic?). But as far as the benefits of the drug, I noticed no changes after drinking. So Paxil worked great for me. However, I stopped taking it for about a year and then decided I needed to go back on it. This time Paxil did not work anymore, even at a higher dosage.
Then I switched to wellbutrin. It did not work.
So, I asked my doctor for something that will help with anxiety like Paxil once had, and she recommended Effexor. I started taking effexor xr a month and a half ago. First week being 37.5 mg, then increased to 75 mg. I noticed no negative side effects at all. And the benefits I noticed within the week. I was feeling great! So far it seemed to be a miracle drug for me. However, I had my first night at the bars, and the next day I was not feeling too great, which continued for several days after. I then slowly began to feel better again. For me, the alcohol seems to counteract the Effexor, and it takes a couple days to recooperate... every time I drink, a few days will go by, and then I will start to feel better again. However, it has only been a month and a half, and so it is too early to really say if this is the case, or something else is going on. I will let you know after more time has passed.
Posted by Krissy P on March 16, 2003, at 22:12:11
In reply to Re: effexor and drinking, posted by Ev on March 16, 2003, at 21:58:56
Posted by SpreadDaALoha on March 16, 2003, at 22:18:56
In reply to Re: effexor and drinking, posted by Ev on March 16, 2003, at 21:58:56
I can't be sure of anything. But I have never thought of drinking and driving. But after taking Zoloft for a bit, I started drinking more. I got a DUI. I would never blame this entirely on Zoloft, but it unquestionably encouraged my alcohol abuse (I think more education from my PDoc about the possible effects of AD's and drinking would have prevented my poor choices). It just wasn't like me at all! Too bad Zoloft pooped out because I sure felt like a different, happier person for a while.
Posted by Krissy P on March 16, 2003, at 22:30:24
In reply to Re: effexor and drinking, posted by SpreadDaALoha on March 16, 2003, at 22:18:56
When I drank a lot on my AD, AP's, and benzo, I didn't notice anything unusual, except the time I smoked laced pot and ended up in the ER room. I was on Seroquel then but.
I can't be sure of anything either with these meds sometimes.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------> I can't be sure of anything. But I have never thought of drinking and driving. But after taking Zoloft for a bit, I started drinking more. I got a DUI. I would never blame this entirely on Zoloft, but it unquestionably encouraged my alcohol abuse (I think more education from my PDoc about the possible effects of AD's and drinking would have prevented my poor choices). It just wasn't like me at all! Too bad Zoloft pooped out because I sure felt like a different, happier person for a while.
Posted by jtc on March 17, 2003, at 0:18:14
In reply to Re: Questions.....Pls help... tension headache, posted by Jewels on March 16, 2003, at 8:53:30
> In response to weight gain.....(even though not directed to me...) I have only been on 75mgs for 8 weeks and I have gained 20 pounds since going on Effexor....has anyone else experienced this? I have always heard they lose weight.....auckckck! Why me?!?! as if this wasn't enough? LOL Let me know if it's just temporary or what!
>
> JewelsHi Jewels,
I was on Effexor XR 75 mg and now am tapering off at 37.5 every other day in an effort to go off of it. I have gained about 10 or more pounds since going of Effexor about 10 months ago. I just want to eat all the time even when I am not hungry. I am a junk food junkie and a chocoholic. I am going to try to see how I do off of Effexor. I am also taking Klonopin, .5 mg a day. I have anxiety disorder and panic attacks as well as mild depression. I have been on and off of Luvox for about 5 years and my doc decided to try the Effexor on me. It helped me a great deal but I don't want to have to increase to 150 and 75 mg is no longer helping me so I am trying to stop because I think the weight gain is partly the effect of Effexor. Also I am worried about the side effects of this medication. When I tried to stop the 37.5 mg I had dizziness, lightheadedness, and feeling of not being inside my own body as well as headaches so I do not know how I am going to get off of the Effexor. My psychiatrist says to gradually taper down to 37.5 every other day for about a week and then just stop altogether. Sorry for the ramblin on. Good luck to you and keep us posted.
JC
Posted by jtc on March 17, 2003, at 0:24:18
In reply to Re: Questions.....Pls help... tension headache » Jewels, posted by Krissy P on March 16, 2003, at 12:02:04
> Hi Kristen,
Just curious about why you had to go back on Effexor after stopping it in December. I am currently trying to stop taking it and it is hard for me. I am starting to have withdrawal symptoms. I am down to 37.5 mg every other day and am going to stop the 37.5 in about a week. I don't know how long I will be able to function without any antidepressant. I have anxiety disorder and panic disorder and mild depression so I will probably have to take something sooner or later again. I also take Klonopin, .5 mg. I am going to continue that. Any advice about your experience would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks and take care, JC
Hi Jewels (BTW-love that user name) Anyway, I started Effexor 2 weeks ago after stopping it in December. I never noticed much of a weight gain with that, but the Seroquel, I took last night, and about a half hour later, I was gorging-in a totally zombie state-it has always done that to me. I do it, then feel sick in the morning. I ate a whole box of Girl Scout Cookies yesterday-god they are good. But, man, I'm payin for it this morning LOL.
> take care, kristen
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
>
> > In response to weight gain.....(even though not directed to me...) I have only been on 75mgs for 8 weeks and I have gained 20 pounds since going on Effexor....has anyone else experienced this? I have always heard they lose weight.....auckckck! Why me?!?! as if this wasn't enough? LOL Let me know if it's just temporary or what!
> >
> > Jewels
>
>
Posted by Napaba on March 17, 2003, at 7:59:19
In reply to Re: effexor and drinking, posted by Ev on March 16, 2003, at 21:58:56
When my Dr. perscribed Effexor XR he asked if a I drank. I said I usually had a couple glasses of wine or beer on the weekends. He said this was OK. The most I've had is three beers sense I started taking it 8 weeks a go. I felt fine the next day and didn't notice any difference in how I felt while I was drinking either.
I started taking effexor about 4 weeks ago (and still have the side effects of nausea, sleepiness, headaches and loss of appetite). I've tried aropax and zoloft (both which made me really sick) and doxepin for about a year (which didn't make me sick but didn't actually help_
> > Just wondering if anyone knows about the effects of drinking and taking certain drugs when on effexor. Is it too risky?
> > I drank the other weekend and just felt a bit worse than usual.
> > Thanks if anyone can help
>
> To start off, I am a young guy in college, and I have a hard time with refraining from alcohol while taking antidepressants. I drink about once a week, and admittedly, it is usually 10 or more drinks.
>
> I once took paxil, 20 mg for about a year. It worked great with my depression and anxiety. No side effects other than sleepiness and sexual dysfunction. When I drank alcohol with paxil, I think it did seem to increase my inebriation (manic?). But as far as the benefits of the drug, I noticed no changes after drinking. So Paxil worked great for me. However, I stopped taking it for about a year and then decided I needed to go back on it. This time Paxil did not work anymore, even at a higher dosage.
>
> Then I switched to wellbutrin. It did not work.
>
> So, I asked my doctor for something that will help with anxiety like Paxil once had, and she recommended Effexor. I started taking effexor xr a month and a half ago. First week being 37.5 mg, then increased to 75 mg. I noticed no negative side effects at all. And the benefits I noticed within the week. I was feeling great! So far it seemed to be a miracle drug for me. However, I had my first night at the bars, and the next day I was not feeling too great, which continued for several days after. I then slowly began to feel better again. For me, the alcohol seems to counteract the Effexor, and it takes a couple days to recooperate... every time I drink, a few days will go by, and then I will start to feel better again. However, it has only been a month and a half, and so it is too early to really say if this is the case, or something else is going on. I will let you know after more time has passed.
Posted by Napaba on March 17, 2003, at 8:07:52
In reply to Re: Questions.....Pls help... tension headache, posted by jtc on March 17, 2003, at 0:18:14
One of the reasons my Dr. prescribed Effexor instead of another antidepresent was I had major weight gain with prozac, paxil, and welbutrin. With the Effexor (I've been on it for 8 weeks) I've lost 13 pounds. My dose was just increased Friday and I don't feel like eating at all, but I think that will pass as I adjust to the higher dose.
This drug appears to help with my depression, but my anxiety has gotten a lot worse. Exspecially while I'm at work. I feel like I'm always waiting for something. I was given Zannex for this, but with the Effexor and Zannex I have a hard time staying awake.
I need to be awake, I work full time, have three children and go to school, taking excellerated classes.
> > In response to weight gain.....(even though not directed to me...) I have only been on 75mgs for 8 weeks and I have gained 20 pounds since going on Effexor....has anyone else experienced this? I have always heard they lose weight.....auckckck! Why me?!?! as if this wasn't enough? LOL Let me know if it's just temporary or what!
> >
> > Jewels
>
> Hi Jewels,
> I was on Effexor XR 75 mg and now am tapering off at 37.5 every other day in an effort to go off of it. I have gained about 10 or more pounds since going of Effexor about 10 months ago. I just want to eat all the time even when I am not hungry. I am a junk food junkie and a chocoholic. I am going to try to see how I do off of Effexor. I am also taking Klonopin, .5 mg a day. I have anxiety disorder and panic attacks as well as mild depression. I have been on and off of Luvox for about 5 years and my doc decided to try the Effexor on me. It helped me a great deal but I don't want to have to increase to 150 and 75 mg is no longer helping me so I am trying to stop because I think the weight gain is partly the effect of Effexor. Also I am worried about the side effects of this medication. When I tried to stop the 37.5 mg I had dizziness, lightheadedness, and feeling of not being inside my own body as well as headaches so I do not know how I am going to get off of the Effexor. My psychiatrist says to gradually taper down to 37.5 every other day for about a week and then just stop altogether. Sorry for the ramblin on. Good luck to you and keep us posted.
> JC
>
>
Posted by Napaba on March 17, 2003, at 9:51:48
In reply to Re: Questions.....Pls help... tension headache, posted by Jewels on March 16, 2003, at 8:53:30
I've lost weight since beginning Effexor about 8 weeks a go(13 lbs). I'm not sure if it's from the Effexor or because my eating habits involve eating when I'm under stress, drepressed, or having anxiety. Those things are some what under control with the Effexor, so I'm not eating as much.
In response to weight gain.....(even though not directed to me...) I have only been on 75mgs for 8 weeks and I have gained 20 pounds since going on Effexor....has anyone else experienced this? I have always heard they lose weight.....auckckck! Why me?!?! as if this wasn't enough? LOL Let me know if it's just temporary or what!
>
> Jewels
Posted by Napaba on March 17, 2003, at 9:53:40
In reply to Re: Questions.....Pls help... tension headache, posted by Jewels on March 16, 2003, at 8:53:30
I forgot something. Do you eat because of depression and anxiety or do you tend to over eat when your happy? This will make a difference in how you'll eat while on Effexor.
In response to weight gain.....(even though not directed to me...) I have only been on 75mgs for 8 weeks and I have gained 20 pounds since going on Effexor....has anyone else experienced this? I have always heard they lose weight.....auckckck! Why me?!?! as if this wasn't enough? LOL Let me know if it's just temporary or what!
>
> Jewels
Posted by Napaba on March 17, 2003, at 10:01:20
In reply to Re: Questions.....Pls help... tension headache, posted by jtc on March 17, 2003, at 0:24:18
Have you talked to your doctor about discontinueing your medication? I usually start feeling better and stop taking my meds and withing a year end up back on them. I don't want to take anything, but my children are too important to me to give up trying. I met my biolocigal father a couple of years a go and found out he suffers from bipolar manic depression. I've read depression is hereditary, so I was relieved, because my adoptive parents were always insistant that I didn't have a reason to be depressed.
> > Hi Kristen,
> Just curious about why you had to go back on Effexor after stopping it in December. I am currently trying to stop taking it and it is hard for me. I am starting to have withdrawal symptoms. I am down to 37.5 mg every other day and am going to stop the 37.5 in about a week. I don't know how long I will be able to function without any antidepressant. I have anxiety disorder and panic disorder and mild depression so I will probably have to take something sooner or later again. I also take Klonopin, .5 mg. I am going to continue that. Any advice about your experience would be greatly appreciated.
> Thanks and take care, JC
>
>
> Hi Jewels (BTW-love that user name) Anyway, I started Effexor 2 weeks ago after stopping it in December. I never noticed much of a weight gain with that, but the Seroquel, I took last night, and about a half hour later, I was gorging-in a totally zombie state-it has always done that to me. I do it, then feel sick in the morning. I ate a whole box of Girl Scout Cookies yesterday-god they are good. But, man, I'm payin for it this morning LOL.
> > take care, kristen
> > --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> >
> >
> > > In response to weight gain.....(even though not directed to me...) I have only been on 75mgs for 8 weeks and I have gained 20 pounds since going on Effexor....has anyone else experienced this? I have always heard they lose weight.....auckckck! Why me?!?! as if this wasn't enough? LOL Let me know if it's just temporary or what!
> > >
> > > Jewels
> >
> >
>
>
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