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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by DeeCee on July 30, 2005, at 12:43:49
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by TinMan on July 29, 2005, at 18:30:02
I just started effexor a week ago and am experiencing extreme lows and lack of motivation. I have practically no energy and would prefer to stay home alone to any other activities. Has anyone else experienced this when starting effexor? Did it get better?
Posted by jdbarton on July 30, 2005, at 13:03:28
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by DeeCee on July 30, 2005, at 12:43:49
Hopefully, yes. I just had to go back to EFx after trying a couple of SSRI's. After the unnerving effect of the other drugs the calming was a relief. Give it some time...
Posted by Carolina on July 30, 2005, at 14:07:42
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by DeeCee on July 30, 2005, at 12:43:49
yes-that was one of the main negative side effects that i had w/effexor. others were migraines,sexual s/e,and lack of "feeling"(hurt,pain,happiness,etc...)since u have only been on it a short while, sometimes side effects begin 2 ease off. i quit effexor xr 150mg a day about 2 weeks ago after taking it for 9 months and feel 110% better??? i have my energy back and i'm able to "feel" again. it didnt hurt as badly being "numb" all the time but i wasnt able to feel the pain and begin to work through it.i realized that i was in the center of a HUGE say...doughnut and stuck in that circle going round and round again. i had 2 start going through it to get to the outside where i wasnt as "trapped" any more. that's just my lil story-hope it helps some-carolina
Posted by compguy on July 31, 2005, at 10:17:11
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » DeeCee, posted by Carolina on July 30, 2005, at 14:07:42
I am trying to find out if anyone knowes if severe muscle and joint pain is a withdraw sympton of effexor today is my tenth day off it seems to keep getting worse
Posted by asn_sweetie on July 31, 2005, at 11:24:18
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Raggs on July 29, 2005, at 1:08:41
I think that lost libido is a common thing with antidepressants. I used to be an insane bunny rabbit and my husband was worried he couldn't keep up!
Mind you, after depression hits, sex is the last thing on your mind. After my depression was under control, I changed to wellbutrin. Much better for sex, but not the same as when you are unmedicated.
I started having severe panic attacks, so I am on effexor. It surprisingly worked very quickly and decreased the panic, but sex again does not seem as interesting as before.
I have resigned myself to infrequent sex. I don't know if you have the same problem, but it seems that lubrication may be contributing to my problem. What about you?
> Thanks Carolina....
> I do have one complaint though, Effexor has absolutely killed my libido. I'm wondering if anyone else has had this experience and if so have they found any effective solutions. I'm a 42 year old female....in case that makes a difference.
Posted by DeeCee on July 31, 2005, at 11:28:02
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by compguy on July 31, 2005, at 10:17:11
Has anyone ever tried re-starting effexor after stopping for 6 months? I was on it for about 6 months, and it worked well, except for some unwanted sexual side effects. I sent off because of those sexual side effects. Now, I'm trying to re-start but don't seem to be starting off as well.
Posted by jdbarton on July 31, 2005, at 12:44:57
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by DeeCee on July 31, 2005, at 11:28:02
Re-start? Hmm, I'm on fourth try. SSRI's and atypicals make me crazy so we go back to Effexor while we plot strategy. Was off 3 months this time. Sex? what's that? This re-start has been the worst, but usually a week takes care of the crawlies and bad daydreams.
Posted by DeeCee on July 31, 2005, at 12:58:27
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Raggs, posted by asn_sweetie on July 31, 2005, at 11:24:18
I went off of Effexor six months ago because it was affecting my sex life. At first, the only effect was it took me a long time to have an orgasm, but then it got to the point where I couldn't perform at all. The effexor was great for my depression, but if I couldn't have a sex life, then it wasn't good for my quality of life. I'm back trying it a second time though because the depression got too bad again. My doctor says if I still have problems, he can add some welbutrin.
Posted by DeeCee on July 31, 2005, at 13:00:36
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by jdbarton on July 31, 2005, at 12:44:57
Thanks jd....it's nice to know someone else has experienced this. This first week back has been awful...especially the mornings.
Posted by jdbarton on July 31, 2005, at 17:37:52
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by DeeCee on July 31, 2005, at 13:00:36
When I wake up, I'll answer you. I take mine hs and then sleep 8 hrs. Today I logged at least another 5 hrs of nap. Wonder if working is out of the question tomorrow... It does get better.
Posted by Dr. Bob on July 31, 2005, at 19:10:27
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by compguy on July 31, 2005, at 10:17:11
> I am trying to find out if anyone knowes if severe muscle and joint pain is a withdraw sympton of effexor
Sorry if it's confusing here, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding withdraw symptons to Psycho-Babble Withdrawal. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20050712/msgs/536125.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by lhd on July 31, 2005, at 19:38:21
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain , posted by Kathy on April 19, 2000, at 0:16:56
> I have just started on the Effexor XR and am really hoping I don't gain weight from it. I have gained about 35 pounds in the last few months I think from Celexa. I started the Wellbutrin for 2 weeks and did lose about 5 pounds because I felt so nauseous all the time. I broke out in hives the second week and was taken off the Wellbutrin and that's why I'm now on Effexor. Gaining weight from an antidepressant is so depressing! Kathy
Kathy,
I gained weight also on Celexa 20mg. Went to Wellbutrin and had the exact reaction you did. I thought I was going crazy!!! The very 1st med I was on was Zoloft...I just wanted to lay around and do NOTHING! I had suicidal thoughts, and when driving I had terrible road rage~! Now I am taking effexor 75mg. My Doc orignally gave me samples of the xr version, but when I got the rx filled they gave the me the tablets. I really don't feel as good as I did on the tablets as I did on the xr capsules. I get tingly all over and I know that it is time to take another pill. After about 45 mins the tingly sensation goes away. I have been having terrible headaches though. Right behind my eyes. I had to stay out of work two days because of it and when I took imetrex with it, I thought I was going to DIE!! My throat felt like someone was choking me and it hurt to move the hair on my head. I know it sounds weird..... I am still a little depressed. I walked in to work one day and someone pissed me off, so I just quit right on the spot...stupid move...I don't know if it was the meds or not...but I think I would have put a little more thought into it if I were not medicated. I have weird dreams. They are so real and vivid....when I am fully awake, I can't remember all of the dream. I can tell that I have a little problem falling asleep at night more than usual on effexor.Is there anyone out there taking effexor and neurotin together. How does this work for you??
My mother takes it for neuopothy...sp...
I take it sometimes when I am really down...it seems to perk me up and make me feel alot better.
My doc does not seem to think I need the neurotin.My house is getting ready to be foreclosed on, and now I have no job. I have little to no motivation to get another job. I have little energy. I think it may be time to go back to my Doc and report my symptoms.
Sorry to babble......
all responses would be greatly appreciated!Lori
Posted by jdbarton on July 31, 2005, at 20:55:16
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain » Kathy, posted by lhd on July 31, 2005, at 19:38:21
Oh, Lori. Neurontin is very iffy in my experience. I didn't have the bad reaction from Wellbutrin, just no help. I agree that the form of release can be important with all drugs, certainly psycho actives. Weight gain seems like part of the game with AD meds. The irritability for me is mostly SSRI related, but as you well know, can be serious. The only good advice I have is to slow down. I know that sounds stupid, but even though we feel sluggish, rapid changes in meds or circumstances make it hard to be sure what is causing what. Good luck to you.
Posted by Eryn on August 2, 2005, at 22:55:23
In reply to Re: Effexor and alcohol use and thoughts, posted by Kotari on May 6, 2005, at 13:15:47
> Scott,
>
> I did experience akasthesia on the low dose of zyprexa - literally could not sit still and wanted to jump out of my skin. It would only last for 15-20 mins., but very uncomfortable. Never had anything like that with the effexor, but I recently have been trying to increase my dose above 75 mg. and have been nervously chewing my fingers to bits. Very unattractive.
>
> I am interested in what you said about DOPAMINE. The psych who wanted me to increase the effexor said I would get more dopamine with the higher dose and my sex drive would improve. I think that increasng the dose has caused the migraines. Did not know that low dopamine could cause that restlessness problem. Are there other effects that you know of?
>
> I am seriously considering asking to doc to add wellbutrin to my mix, to see if I can increase dopamine that way.
>
> Anyone else out there take this mix? I'm also taking trazadone at night and it would be great to be able to skip this and still be able to sleep.
>
> Kotari
>
Kotari,Im not quite sure if I am submitting this post correctly for you to receive it but I wanted to respond to taking Effexor XR as well as Wellbutrin XL.
I started taking Wellbutrin XL 300mg about 3 years ago for depression that I have been dealing with my entire life. I was feeling better with what it seemed like only part of my depression. So I went to a different Dr. about 7 months ago, and she said that I did need Wellbutrin but for only part of my symptoms and that I needed Effexor XR for the other.
So I am now taking Wellbutrin XL 300mg as well as Effexor XR 150mg. At first the side effects were horrible: dry mouth, not sleeping, shakes, anxiety, restlessness... Now they are not as bad, and I am able to control them most of the time. Always having water with me for dry mouth, and having small healthy snacks helps with the shakes. I am not taking anything at night to sleep. Im finding that if I work out consistently it is helping. Anxiety as well as the restlessness have subsided. Sex drive is not affected either by taking both ADs, thank goodness, ha.
I haven't felt this good in a long time. I am actually remembering what motivates, and excites my life. The feeling good now lasts longer than the depression. Sometimes I use to feel I was never leaving the dark tunnel. Even now I sometimes see the dark tunnel but its not as consuming as it once was. I am able to use the behavioral tools to pick myself up. Its hard though, I'll be honest.. but its been worth it.
Hope that helps. I wish you well.
Sorry for such a long posting.
Best Wishes,
Erin
Posted by julish on August 3, 2005, at 11:04:31
In reply to Re: Effexor and alcohol use and thoughts » Kotari, posted by Eryn on August 2, 2005, at 22:55:23
I noticed discussion of combining Effexor with Wellbutrin. I am headed that way myself. I'm on 150 of Effexor, and Doc told me to try 225. I did and didn't feel better at all--in fact, worse with fatigue, generally sedated feeling, no motivation and at the same time couldn't sleep well...etc. Doc said that if side effects of 225 was too much, decrease back to 150 (which I did), and at next check-in he'd add Wellbutrin with the 150 of Effexor. I'm looking forward to that addition. Hoping it will increase my energy level.
Anyone else out there have this combination that would like to share experiences with? All info appreciated!
Julie
Posted by april8 on August 3, 2005, at 11:49:23
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by julish on August 3, 2005, at 11:04:31
Hi everyone,
I have had success with Effexor XR. I had switched to it from Paxil due to weightgain. Now I am on it and Wellbutrin and it is the perfect combo.
When I was just on effexor alone I had some weight gain in my belly and face, and lost my sex drive. Adding the wellbutrin helped with fatique, appetite and gave me my sex drive back!
Yeah!
Posted by julish on August 3, 2005, at 11:55:42
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by april8 on August 3, 2005, at 11:49:23
That's great to hear! May I ask what dosages you are taking?
Posted by april8 on August 3, 2005, at 20:31:38
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by julish on August 3, 2005, at 11:55:42
> That's great to hear! May I ask what dosages you are taking?
Hi there,
I am taking 300 mg of Wellbutrin SR and 150 mg Effexor XL a day. Although I am tapering down on the Effexor just to see if I can only take 75mg of it. I have a good friend who take the same Wellbutrin dose and only 75 mg. So it just depends on the person.The Effexor XL helps with the anxiety and gitters of the Wellbutrin. And the Wellbutrin brought my sex drive back which was amazing!
It is the best combo I have ever done. The wellbutrin also helps regulate your eating. I was eating alot more carbs before it!
Posted by julish on August 3, 2005, at 20:40:42
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by april8 on August 3, 2005, at 20:31:38
Thank you for responding!
May I ask, why is it that you want to taper the Effexor?
Posted by april8 on August 4, 2005, at 11:39:40
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by julish on August 3, 2005, at 20:40:42
I want to taper if possible because I want to find the lowest most effective dose. The less medication in my system the better, for my liver and whole body.
Plus Effexor really did give me a big sexual side effect so the lower the better!
Posted by PamA on August 5, 2005, at 8:50:17
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » DPRJR, posted by flipsactown on July 21, 2005, at 18:15:43
Hi, I'm new here. I'm just coming off zoloft and starting on Effexor on Sunday. I've been on zoloft 100mgs per day for just short of 5 years. My Dr. wants me to be zoloft free for at least 3 days before taking effexor. I've reduced to 50mg for 2 weeks now and then I'm suppose to start 25 for 2 weeks but I can't do it. I am not doing so well. I can't go anywhere and have no desire to to anything not even to take my next breath. Worst of all I'm anxious about my step children coming for a visit and I'm so angry with myself for that. Will the Effexor help do you think?
Thanks for listening I could really use the support from the group.
Pam
Posted by julish on August 5, 2005, at 12:05:57
In reply to Effexor, posted by PamA on August 5, 2005, at 8:50:17
Effexor helped me with that... I am a new stepmom (coincidentally) and I was thinking very pessimisticly about the visit of one of my step daughters and the possibility of her moving in. I was, like you, practically unable to function when I started taking it. I noticed a huge difference by the 3rd day. I hope it works like this for you.... One thing that I've learned though, is these medications effect everyone soooo differently!
Good luck to you!
Posted by teetee on August 5, 2005, at 12:46:09
In reply to Effexor, posted by PamA on August 5, 2005, at 8:50:17
Pam, Yes Effexor absolutely will help and for me it was fairly quick, Is there anyway you can postpone the kid's visit? I f not don't hesitate to ask dad to do the larger percentage of parenting and whatever you do don't heap the guilt on yourself too. Remember the best thing you can do for them is take care of you...I know it can be easier said than done, but it can be done. I am living proof of that. The worst that could happen is the kid's will not be entertained perhaps as much as they usually are, they'll live.
Just take it really easy and limit activities and emotional situations. Pamper yourself and again ask your husband for support. Best of luck Kay
Posted by DeeCee on August 5, 2005, at 16:43:16
In reply to Effexor, posted by PamA on August 5, 2005, at 8:50:17
Hi Pam,
You will need to give the effexor some time to become effective. I know how you feel while coming down off of the zoloft. I've had the exact same feeling where you don't want to do anything but be alone. You're afraid to spend time with anyone. All I can tell you is that you're not alone, and it will get better. But it's going to take a couple of weeks. I just started on effexor two weeks ago, and it's just now starting to get better. Today was my first good day in about a month.If you need someone to talk to, let me know. Please know you're not alone.
Dave
Posted by 4WD on August 5, 2005, at 20:59:21
In reply to Effexor, posted by PamA on August 5, 2005, at 8:50:17
> Hi, I'm new here. I'm just coming off zoloft and starting on Effexor on Sunday. I've been on zoloft 100mgs per day for just short of 5 years. My Dr. wants me to be zoloft free for at least 3 days before taking effexor. I've reduced to 50mg for 2 weeks now and then I'm suppose to start 25 for 2 weeks but I can't do it. I am not doing so well. I can't go anywhere and have no desire to to anything not even to take my next breath. Worst of all I'm anxious about my step children coming for a visit and I'm so angry with myself for that. Will the Effexor help do you think?
>
> Thanks for listening I could really use the support from the group.
>
> PamPam,
I wonder if your doctor wouldn't let you go ahead and start the Effexor while you continue to taper the Zoloft. My pdoc generally had me taper one while starting up the other. Less of that horrible feeling when the AD starts to leave your system.
Effexor did help me tremendously with anxiety for several years. I don't remember how long it took to help because it was several years ago. Also, I switched directly from Prozac to Effexor with only a few days washout period.
Hang on. Don't feel you have to do more than you feel like doing. This won't last forever. Be gentle with yourself in the meantime.
Marsha
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