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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by moonchildoo7 on November 16, 2003, at 20:20:08
In reply to Sexual side effects Effexor XR , posted by sasha71 on November 16, 2003, at 18:50:10
> The funny thing I found about Effexor (I've been on 225mg for almost 2 years) that my sexual drive IMPROVED after about the first 6 weeks. I am also on Welbutrin.
>
> I believe alot has to do with not being as depressed as the last 15 years. I actually found myself enjoying being in bed with my husband. There's a whole lot more detail here I could go into but as I am new to the board - i'm not sure yet where the line is drawn on this particular topic/sideeffect. It is certainly fascinating to both of us and we're both of the opinion that the makers of Effexor should be granted Knight-hood.Hi, I found the exact opposite to be true in my case. Getting off it now, see what happens after withdrawal symptons subside.
Posted by ant on November 16, 2003, at 20:24:04
In reply to Sexual side effects Effexor XR , posted by sasha71 on November 16, 2003, at 18:50:10
What sexual side effects !!!!!!!?????
There are none because there is no sex, no desire, no nothing. If you are in a relationship where lack of sexual interest by one party is a problem, then EFFEXOR is the perfect drug to fix the situation. Both parties then have no interest in sex, and the problem is solved.For the moment anyway
Ant
> The funny thing I found about Effexor (I've been on 225mg for almost 2 years) that my sexual drive IMPROVED after about the first 6 weeks. I am also on Welbutrin.
>
> I believe alot has to do with not being as depressed as the last 15 years. I actually found myself enjoying being in bed with my husband. There's a whole lot more detail here I could go into but as I am new to the board - i'm not sure yet where the line is drawn on this particular topic/sideeffect. It is certainly fascinating to both of us and we're both of the opinion that the makers of Effexor should be granted Knight-hood.
Posted by sasha71 on November 16, 2003, at 20:45:46
In reply to Re: Sexual side effects Effexor XR , posted by ant on November 16, 2003, at 20:24:04
but another problem is created which can be
just as devastating as the other.i have a very good friend whose marriage is
ending because of this issue.Mine almost did.
No matter what you can fool yourself into believe,
intimacy between marriage/life partners is a must and
that includes a healthy sexual relationship.I know it probably seems easier right now to be
able to ignore the issue since you both are on the
same page, as it were, but in the long run, there
will be other issues to deal with.This has become a pet rock issue for me in the last
couple of years and I've done a lot of thinking
and talking about it with different people.Check out health issues (physical and emotional) as to
why you and/or your partner may not be interested
in sex - this is something that must be dealt with
upfront.
> What sexual side effects !!!!!!!?????
> There are none because there is no sex, no
> desire, no nothing. If you are in a relationship
> where lack of sexual interest by one party is a
> problem, then EFFEXOR is the perfect drug to fix
> the situation. Both parties then have no interest
> in sex, and the problem is solved.>
> For the moment anyway
> Ant
>
>
>
>
>
Posted by Zellie on November 16, 2003, at 21:47:29
In reply to Re: Anyone on Effexor had mucous retention cysts?, posted by Edie on November 16, 2003, at 11:51:28
Dear Edie,
I have found that many doctors seem to be either uninformed about the many aspects of A.D.s and their efficacy and their side-effects, or they have become too complacent to share it with their patients.
Personally, I feel that the physician needs to have his/her patient thoroughly research any A.D. before it is administered as a treatment. My prescribing physician, a psychiatrist, will only commence a medication regimen following the patient's research and informed consent. I found this site and dug into the info here, and on other sites, and read books, articles, and asked advice of other physicians before commencing the Effexor. I knew of the pros and cons. And, yes, I too, read about the 12% and 2% thing, and quickly concluded that the stats were grossly understated, likely from lack of feedback from patients.
I have learned from my own experiences and from the experiences with my children's various physicians, that not all doctors are created equally! I make it my goal to become as expert as I can in understanding each and every disorder, medical problem, etc., that I or my family ever encounter. In so doing, plenty of doors have opened for me and my family, and I have also been able to bring hope to others along the way, as I pass on our experiences.
Thanks for your response to my question about the cysts. I will be seeing my Pdoc this coming week, and will give him the feedback. He is very active in sharing info with other physicians, so hopefully, if it needs to be listed as another side-effect of Effexor, it will eventually be done (sooner than later, I hope).
Kindest regards,
Zellie
> Dear Zellie,
>
> I had been on 75mg of effexor (SR) for a little over a month-trying to cope with a tough situation at work. I went off of it last week because (in part) I had the exact cyst you described in the soft tissue of my mouth under my tongue! It would wax and wane in the way you described and it is still there. I did some reseach in this type of cyst after I saw your posting, and also I'm sure it is related to taking the medicine.
>
> Thank you so much for posting it-I really wouldn't have known what it was, and don't think my doctor would make the connection. He told me at the outset that the medicine had absolutely no sexual side effects from what he read (12% in men, 2 % in women) but I was unable reach orgasm, and then weeks later it took just too long a time. I suspect this is underreported in the literature.
>
> In addition, re: stopping the med., my doctor said I was on such a low dose for a short time that I didn't have to slowly wean off, and I disagree with that! I'm wondering now if a severe muscle spasm in my low back that I have been battling for a week now is related to stopping. I missed work for 2 days and this weekend it hasn't improved. I have some viral-type symtoms and bloating, so I'm wondering if it's just some bug I caught. Confusing. I'm 53 and also on a combi-patch (estrogen/prog),still getting my period due to the hormones, so I'm now wondering if that is having an effect... It can be confusing and I'm loosing faith in the irreverant, laid-back attitude of my physician!
>
> Anyway, thanks for hearing me vent but most of all for posting the question about what you've experienced, and the anwer is yes, I've had that same type of cyst!
>
> All the best to you, and I guess I'll opt to have this thing removed as you and your friend did. Curious-I don't think it's any coincidence.
>
> Edie
Posted by Zellie on November 16, 2003, at 22:11:50
In reply to Re: Sexual side effects Effexor XR , posted by sasha71 on November 16, 2003, at 20:45:46
Ant:
True, a healthy sexual relationship is ideal, but I have some friends who do have husbands who do not have an aggressive sex drive.
Personally, I believe that "healthy" means something different to each couple. If the two of you can find a level of communication, agreement, and contentment in your sexual intimacy, then I believe that is the most important thing.
I have friends who are going very strong after more than 25 years of marriage, having sex only about 2 times per month. Also, another couple are in their 19th year of a similar pattern. They are happy with it, which is more important, I believe, than frequency is.
When one member of the couple is wanting it way more or way less than the other, that can create a problem, which must be remedied, and there are certainly many options available as remedies. I hope you and your spouse can find greater peace and a deeper relationship through what you are experiencing now.
I don't know how long you've been on Effexor XR, but the sex drive returned for me after quite a few weeks. I have read that others have coupled Effexor with Viagra (taken by either male or female), or with Wellbutrin, with positive results (they take the Viagra or Wellbutrin a couple of hours prior to having sex).
Good things will open up as a result of anything you are going through, if you look for them.
Kindest regards,
Zellie
Posted by dagon on November 16, 2003, at 22:48:13
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares, posted by Alara on September 5, 2002, at 4:23:39
Ow my god. On a delicate time in my life, -honestly- faced with the continued pressure of a bordy-schizofrenic wife who has all but grown asexual I have drifted into the arms of to friends who embrace me and accept me for what I am and what my needs are, sexual and other. I had already been reducing my Effexor dosage but dammit, right this weekend I was visiting my friends and I discovered I had forgotten the red "Matrix Pills"...
150mg and whammo, down to zero in 3 days.
It may be a good thing, going cold turkey, but it is harder than *anything* I have ever done in my life. Being awake is no problem. The shivers and sensory warpspace vybes I can deal with, even with a knife in my kidney if need be, but the nighmares are beyond me.
As a side note, I *need* to get rid of these pills. I was frggin crying over a Fred Astaire movie yesterday on Engla's (my friend, swedish for Angel) birthday. Normally I watch torture.net for kicks, but now a silly 50s movie plot unfolds and I get tears in my eyes. Actually right now, telling this, my eyes tear all over. I need my old empathy again cause my wife has really bad issues, like scarification and deep inner rape trauma's and a fundamental issue with sexuality.
But the Nightmares, if EVER I was to believe that Demons had come from Hell to haunt me it was tonight. Being awake is doable. But sleeping is being harrowed, my mind being raped in ways I can't begin to describe.
It is a *massive* relief to know I am not the only one, that it isn't me or my guilt or me being actually in Hell or anything. And I have this guilt issue for I am seeking sex outside my marriage (my wife knows and feels shit about it).
Well, I have the hope it will be better soon. Thank you, all of you.
Posted by biogurl on November 16, 2003, at 23:40:44
In reply to Re: effexor, posted by skyboy451 on November 14, 2003, at 6:39:46
I recently started taking effexor xr but I don't have any prescription coverage so the cost was through the roof! I am a 23 year old college student and I have free health insurance through a local hospital, however this doesn't cover prescriptions. I had to pay $168 at Walmart(that was the cheapest). I'm a poor college student so $168 is just not feasible for me. Does anyone know of a place (maybe on-line or out of the country or a doctor that would write a prescription in my fiance's name) where I could get it significantly cheaper? Thanks
Posted by dagon on November 16, 2003, at 23:45:41
In reply to Effexor prices!, posted by biogurl on November 16, 2003, at 23:40:44
I can get them on prescription here in holland and plan on no longer using them. I am willing to order new pills, donate them to you if you find a way to get them where you're at. Email me at dagonweb@hotmail.com
Posted by ant on November 16, 2003, at 23:50:57
In reply to Re: Sexual side effects Effexor XR , posted by Zellie on November 16, 2003, at 22:11:50
Zellie/sasha71,
Have been on EFFEXOR for about 4 or 5 months. Now on 225mg mid morning.
I may of sounded dismissive of the whole situation, but that's just me at this stage.
Thanks for your posts.
It is a big issue and there ae a lot of reasons for it. I have however seen a councellor and my partner and I will be seing a councellor early next year (I hope). We have beentogether for 8 years and I believe we will work through it. The EFFEXOR has helped a lot with numerous issues I/we have had. Even with the side effects, I would take it again. Even with my problems, it doesnt mean sex is out of the question. I am expecting a baby daughter next Monday. Should be interesting times. Anyway, got to goAll the best Ant
Posted by Zellie on November 17, 2003, at 8:04:36
In reply to Re: Sexual side effects Effexor XR , posted by ant on November 16, 2003, at 23:50:57
Ant:
Congratulations on the baby daughter!! I hope all goes well. Enjoy!
Kindest regards,
Zellie
> Zellie/sasha71,
>
> Have been on EFFEXOR for about 4 or 5 months. Now on 225mg mid morning.
> I may of sounded dismissive of the whole situation, but that's just me at this stage.
> Thanks for your posts.
> It is a big issue and there ae a lot of reasons for it. I have however seen a councellor and my partner and I will be seing a councellor early next year (I hope). We have beentogether for 8 years and I believe we will work through it. The EFFEXOR has helped a lot with numerous issues I/we have had. Even with the side effects, I would take it again. Even with my problems, it doesnt mean sex is out of the question. I am expecting a baby daughter next Monday. Should be interesting times. Anyway, got to go
>
> All the best Ant
Posted by moose100 on November 17, 2003, at 12:08:57
In reply to Re: Sexual side effects Effexor XR , posted by Zellie on November 17, 2003, at 8:04:36
Hi everyone. I am new to this site. I posted a fairly long-winded message on another board(meant for this one). I have had good luck with Effexor XR. I currently take 150mg-started with 37.5mg. Five weeks into it and my anxiety, anger, irritability are gone. I do have some side effects in the form of cold sweats and sexual such as diminished sensation and delayed O. But nothing I can't get used to or live with. I suffered for years with overwhelming anxiety and panic attacks reluctant to seek help. I finally listened to my wife and did so. Hopefully, the medication will keep working. My best to all of you.
Posted by sasha71 on November 17, 2003, at 14:05:36
In reply to Re: Sexual side effects Effexor XR , posted by moose100 on November 17, 2003, at 12:08:57
As a woman...I would see a delayed O from a man could be a good thing........;-)
But I understand what you are saying and completely sympathize.
The funny thing is though, it wasn't until I went on ADs that I finally had my first O. Imagine that. I was 27.
Posted by Mercedes on November 17, 2003, at 18:26:43
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares » Alara, posted by dagon on November 16, 2003, at 22:48:13
The NIGHMARES!............OH...... MY......GOD !!!!!!
Went to bed around 5AM, insomnia (still effexor related) so I did a little reading on PBabble.After that, I went to bed, fell asleep but I was dreaming that I needed to call 911. I have had this cough, so I took some cough med right b-4 going to bed and of course, now I'm med phobic due to effexor, paxil, topomax and any combination of drugs. I'd had chest pains earlier (compliments of paxil that I was given to help the withdrawals of effexor). I didn't take any nitro...I'm afraid of that one too now.
Back to the dreams. I guess I felt chest pains in my dream so reached for the phone to call 911 but the phone wasn't there or I couldn't find it. So I reach for the lamp and could't find the switch to turn it on, all the while I'm reaching for these things, my body is so heavy, like the blankets are pulling me back. Then I momentarily wake and I'm still in the same position I fell asleep in and very scared.
I guess I went to sleep again, reach for the phone again and finally have it in my hand and it just squishes in my hand. So I try to get out of bed, but this heavyness is holding me down. I struggle hard to get out from under the cover's and get to my bathroom which is like 5 ft away. I go to turn on the light switch and it's missing. Then I wake up & find myself in the same position I was in and feel so afraid, that all my efforts weren't real, I was dreaming.
Dreaming again....I make it to my kitchen to my other phone (still trying to call 911) and all the number keys are missing from the phone. At one point, (dreaming still) I got out the house to head to my neighbor's house to use their phone, still with this terribly heavy weight on me, clinging to my fence to get to her house, then wake again to find out that it's a dream. Anyway, I'm scared to death in reality and can't seem to call 911.
This part is reality. Finally 6:30 am, I see daylight and I reach for my night stand phone and call my brother. His wife answered and I blurted out I need help, dreams, can't get out of bed.....she drove to my house.
She wanted to know if she should call 911 or what did I want her to do?, I was crying now and said just stay here a bit, I don't want to fall asleep again. I finally ask her to help me get to the bathroom cause I had to pee. My legs felt frozen but eventually I got them to go over the edge of the bed, started to stand and I fell down, my whole body now laying on the floor. I started to lift myself up slowly. I ask her to get my son's walker from when he had spinal surgery last yr. at 22 yrs. She did. So I held on to the walker and went pee. Anyway, my legs felt weak and I didn't want her to call 911. (After all my dream attemps to call 911, funny huh?)
I told her crying....."I need to go to a mental hospital, these withdrawals are killing me....but they'll only give me more medications.." She was nice and said "no, you don't need to go to mental hospital". And she had a few choice words to say about the meds, doctor's etc.
So now I'm afraid to take meds, I'm afraid to go to sleep. This is the second time I've dreamed like this. First time was about 2 1/2 wks ago. I figured it was Effexor withdrawal.
I hate this! When's this effexor crap going to stop! Right now I feel a heavy heart and I'm afraid to take nitro. Why is this happening???? Was it lack of sleep? Was it visiting the pbabble board? Or is it still the effexor withdrawals. It was one month ago the 14th, that I took my last effexor. Pdoc told me to take a little Paxil but the paper says, "Do not take (this and that..medical terms, ok), together. Dangerous, even fatal, irregualr heartbeats may occur if these medicines are taken together". F**k, I don't know what I'm taking anymore? You know like if the "this or that's" are in anything else I take, even the cough medicine.
I'm scared.
(I have to see my therapist today, 25 mile drive)
p.s. I know you don't have any answers. I just had to share my nighmare story.
Mercedes
Posted by sasha71 on November 17, 2003, at 19:09:11
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares » dagon, posted by Mercedes on November 17, 2003, at 18:26:43
OMG! I have dreamt just like that! Dreaming but convinced
I'm awake trying to do something (the something
was to find the crying baby somewhere in the house)
and would wake up totally disoriented because the
last I knew I was supposed to be somewhere like the
hallway, kitchen, laundry room -- looking for the
baby and here I was in bed, obviously waking up....
what the hell was going on? This went on for about 6 hours
as best I can figure out. And I'm not trying to
withdraw from the Effexor. I've done this to lesser
degrees, and at least for me, I'm more likely to do
this if I've missed a dose in the last week or so
and over-tired.Of all the side effects of E. -- the dreams/nightmares
are by far the worst for me. I can deal with the rest -
overheating, night sweats, tremors, twitching....but
the dreaming will just wring me out and hang me out to dry.
Posted by dagon on November 17, 2003, at 19:18:17
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares » dagon, posted by Mercedes on November 17, 2003, at 18:26:43
It's getting dangerous. As I crudely indicated, I am at a tender phase in my life, possibly at the end of my marriage or at the beginning at a promiscuous or (hopefully) more pasionate excistence.
But tonight there was an incident. I shall not bother you with the details but let me summarize that I warn *everyone* in an effexor weaning period to seriously try and take care with the paranoid urges. Tonight I felt stuff in my sleep that could have wrecked (WRECKED) a dear friendship. My dreams gave me urges to kick in someone's face real viciously.
Paranoia. Real Nasty Paranoia.
Please, everyone, take care. Stopping with this effexor is bad, really dangerous. I know that by just writing this I risk evoking even more anxieties in everyone going through this but it is the truth.
I hope that when I die and there's a God he doesn't send me to Hell. I'm certain Hell will feel just like an effexor comedown.
Posted by camel on November 17, 2003, at 19:25:14
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares » dagon, posted by Mercedes on November 17, 2003, at 18:26:43
Mercedes.....I'm so sorry......I can't say I know how you feel as I haven't had that experience. I always been a "dreamer" and haven't noticed any significant change. Hang in there.......your body needs time.
Posted by moonchildoo7 on November 17, 2003, at 21:07:37
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares, posted by camel on November 17, 2003, at 19:25:14
HI, I had weird, vivid , paranoid dreams when I started EFX. Now that I am weaning my problems are dizzyness and moodswings, and unexplainable (for me) head sensations. In AA they tell us there is a spiritual solution for every problem. I wish I had listened. I have had it with any kind of drug. Except of course coffee, which I couldnt live without. I'll pray for you all.
Posted by crazy canadian on November 17, 2003, at 21:09:47
In reply to Re: Sexual side effects Effexor XR , posted by moose100 on November 17, 2003, at 12:08:57
> But nothing I can't get used to or live with. I suffered for years with overwhelming anxiety and panic attacks reluctant to seek help. I finally listened to my wife and did so. Hopefully, the medication will keep working. My best to all of you.
pretty much my story moose100 - word for word. My anxiety has improved, panic attacks are under control, my anger is in check if I stay way from the booze.
Delay in O big time... Big Big Time. I us to have the reverse problem. My doctor has suggested a half dose of Viagra about an hour before bed time. I haven't tried it yet but I'll keep you posted.
BTW this getting dark at 4:00pm stuff is really giving the Effexor a run for the money. I suffer from Seasonal depression to boot...
Thx all..
Posted by jiggitykid on November 17, 2003, at 21:54:07
In reply to Re: Sexual side effects Effexor XR , posted by moonchildoo7 on November 16, 2003, at 20:20:08
>>>Getting off it now, see what happens after withdrawal symptons subside.<<<
Someone made the comment that it seems that all of his/her senses were hightened to the point of rawness - the sex drive is, too. Spouse is really reaping the benefits of my withdrawal!!
Posted by moose100 on November 18, 2003, at 8:23:30
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares » Mercedes, posted by sasha71 on November 17, 2003, at 19:09:11
Interesting thread. Prior to starting Effexor, my dreams were very troubled-plane crashes,problems at work,epic arguments with my parents, in-laws and wife, burglers entering my home and various other unpleasantries. I would wake up feeling like I had been hit by a truck. Two weeks into taking Effexor, those dreams are gone and I actually feel rested in the morning. My sympathy to anyone plagued by nightmares. Makes for a real unpleasant day.
Posted by Lacey2001 on November 18, 2003, at 16:52:05
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi. I have been on Effexor XR for not even two weeks and the sleep issue is horrible. I was hoping I could get some advice to anyone that has suffered insomnia and what they did to improve the situation. Before my Dr prescribed me Trazodone. Problem is I have recently moved and need to find a new Dr here. I may go to the Mental Health Unit here. Anyway, back to my problem, any solutions?? I worry about bad drug interaction. Thank you,
Lacey
Posted by crazy canadian on November 18, 2003, at 19:47:40
In reply to I need more sleep!! Please help!, posted by Lacey2001 on November 18, 2003, at 16:52:05
> Hi. I have been on Effexor XR for not even two weeks and the sleep issue is horrible.
It will get better, it should soon.
Lay down, get cozy with a bad book. Call in sick tomorrow and try to get some sleep. I personally read computer howto books to fall asleep when my brain feels like it's on fire.
I wish I could be more help...
Posted by sasha71 on November 18, 2003, at 20:27:11
In reply to I need more sleep!! Please help!, posted by Lacey2001 on November 18, 2003, at 16:52:05
this is strictly what I've done - please be aware of drug
interactions and Your Mileage May Vary issues....<done with disclaimer>
When my E. kicks in the insomnia button, I'll take
Tylonel PM. I usually take 2 tablets. It's enough
to offset the insomnia and I can go to sleep and wake
up in the morning decently rested (depending on
how long I was stubborn before getting the Tylonel)
and not groggy like when I tried Benedryl or Nyquil
(warning: I had icky interaction issues with
Nyquil, wasn't fun at all, but again, YMMV.)I hope you can find something that works for you.
This isn't something I have to do alot - maybe
once a month or so. I've been on E. almost 2 years now.Good luck.
Posted by camel on November 18, 2003, at 20:28:04
In reply to Re: I need more sleep!! Please help!, posted by crazy canadian on November 18, 2003, at 19:47:40
I've said this before and I'll say it again...if you can ...take a nap...if not then purchase some relaxing CD's...I use the ocean...put them in at bedtime and try to put yourself in that "calm" place...it takes awhile but if you concentrate after a few days you should be able to concur the insomnia...of course it doesn't work ALL the time but I find it helps!
Posted by camel on November 18, 2003, at 20:35:49
In reply to I need more sleep!! Please help!, posted by Lacey2001 on November 18, 2003, at 16:52:05
Lacey........if you can...try to take a nap in the early afternoon...if not....try some relaxing CD's...I use the "ocean"....put it in and try to put yourself in "that" place. It may take several days but stay with it...in the end I have found that it works and I get a good nights sleep....
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