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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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
Posted by Bessie on August 5, 2005, at 22:05:54
In reply to Re: Effexor, posted by 4WD on August 5, 2005, at 20:59:21
I have been taking Effexor XR for about 7 weeks. Lately I have been sleeping longer and later every day. Have any of you experienced this? Is this common? This may be the rest my body has been craving. In 16 months, I have battled ovarian cancer, (surgery, chemo),the loss of both my precious parents, 2 other surgeries and the loss (5 mos) of my dear husband's job. He's working now - and the late sleeping seems to have increased. Any suggestions/comments are so appreciated. Blessings, Bessie
Posted by canuck22 on August 6, 2005, at 1:42:26
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, I logged on to this website when I first started taking Effexor and frankly it scared me to death and it was the best decision of my life not to listen to anyone on hear and do what was best for me and I encourage everyone else to do the same. the side effects on whatever drugs you are taking are different for every person and I just wanted someone reading this site to know that despite all the complaints on here, Effexor does work for some people and it worked for me. It gave me my life back, I have been on it for 5 months (75mg) in combination with Wellbutrin (200mg) per day and the difference is truly amazing..I feel like a different person and I wonder why I lived the way I did for so long! I now have the energy to exercise 6 days a week and have got my normal life back and many people have commented on the change in my personality despite the fact they never knew I had depression. The only side effect I had was insomnia for the first little while, but it eventually went away once your body gets used to the medication...YOU HAVE TO GIVE IT TIME TO WORK!! Even with the insomnia fort the first time I could truly tell the difference between being tired from lack of sleep and the tired I felt before taking the medication...it doesn't even compare. So please if you are considering takihng Effexor or Wellbutrin and are hesitant because of this website, try it for yourself and see if it works, it may give you your life back...just becasue it didn't for most on this site, doesn't mean the same will be true for you...there is hope!!
Posted by PamA on August 6, 2005, at 8:24:37
In reply to Re: Effexor, posted by 4WD on August 5, 2005, at 20:59:21
Thank you all so very much. I haven't had so much support ever. No one I know gets it, and now I tell all my friends I'm not taking AD. As far as needing someone to talk to, Oh YES do I ever. I am so happy to have found this board. I don't see a psyciatric (sp?) doctor only my GP. My depression and anxiety started after the birth of my 4th child. We both almost died. The placenta tore loose and I went into shock due to lose of blood. It was not pleasant. Anyway the out come was amazing, my daughter is fine a little spoiled probably because we almost lost her but otherwise fine. My first panic attack was after she was born and here I am now, 5 years and 4 months later.
Sorry to ramble. My doctor has already call my prescription in to the pharmacy so I think I'll pick it up and start today. I've been off zoloft since Wednesday night.
Thanks so much and I'll keep you updated.
Pam
Posted by TinMan on August 6, 2005, at 9:32:00
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by april8 on August 4, 2005, at 11:39:40
Yes, most definitely...what works for me may not work for others. I have been on Zoloft, but only for a short period. I got increasingly depressed and suicidal. Not the results I was looking for. When I moved to another state, I stopped taking a low dose of Prozac without consulting any Dr. DO NOT DO THIS! Do not take or stop taking any prescription drug without the benefit of your MD, or psychiatrist. I was on Paxil for quite a while (almost 2 years) and when I was having problems with it, my general MD and therapist decided I just needed "more" Paxil. I was on a ridiculously high dose.
Personally, I recommend that if you are on an SSRI and/or AD, that you see a Psychiatrist. It is their specialty.
Now, I am on 225 mg. of Effexor and 7.5 mg of Remeron (to sleep). After making the change from Paxil to Effexor, many people commented on how much more calm and how I looked "better". It took a while for some of the side effects to wear off, but some of that was getting off the Paxil. Now, I am a much less anxious person. I think clearer as my thoughts are not so scattered. I am happier than I have been in a long while. Yeah, I battle the weight gain, the sexual side effects and the dreaded constipation. But I "feel" better.
So to all of you new to Effexor XR, do what is right for YOU. Paxil was not good for me; I drank too much and became "mean". But Paxil may work for someone else. While on Effexor, monitor yourself. Make sure that your Dr. is aware of what is going on. Ask friends and those near to you for support. Keep reading and posting to this website. It is a great resource!
Because no one or thing is "perfect" and will someone please define "perfect"?
The TinMan
Posted by wildcard on August 6, 2005, at 10:11:09
In reply to Re: Effexor, posted by Bessie on August 5, 2005, at 22:05:54
Goodness u have been through a lot!!!! Your body and mind must be over exausted. To your question, yes-while on effexor xr i slept more than what was usual for me. i also had decreased energy, well fatique and apathy. effexor wasnt right for me but everyone is different. with all you have been through, DEFINATELY talk w/ ur doc. about this. it could be that you need a change in med.(doseage,combo,etc..) or that you are becoming more depressed(for me, effexor was able to hide emotions, including feeling depressed..?) it wont hurt to ask, especially w/ all that you have been through! let us know and take care of yourself right now-you deserve it.
Posted by julish on August 6, 2005, at 10:50:30
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by canuck22 on August 6, 2005, at 1:42:26
Thanks Canuck22! Your post was encouraging! I just began (today) adding Wellbutrin (150)to my Effexor (150). I'm looking forward to feeling better soon!!
And, I totally agree.... everyone responds in their own way to the medication. You just have to see how your own body will respond. However, I do think it's good to see what others experiences have been, as well. It's just disheartening when most people will generally hurry to post undesireable effects, rather than successes! I, for one, can say Effexor has helped me--I just need an extra boost, and that's where I'm hoping Wellbutrin will help.... as upping the dose of Effexor wasn't beneficial.
Julie
Posted by TraWay on August 6, 2005, at 11:03:56
In reply to Re: Effexor » Bessie, posted by wildcard on August 6, 2005, at 10:11:09
This is my first time to this site, and it is interesting to read all of the different effects people have on Effexor. I was on Paxil years ago and with in two years I gained 65 pounds my dr thought it was time for a change and put me on Effexor, this was better with fewer side affects but of course I didn't lose any weight. I decided to taper off of of it to see if I can function without it and give my body a "break". I also have high blood pressure and was told that Effexor could worsen this. My symptoms of my panic disorder has returned and I was recently put back on. I have experienced an evening of severe panic attacks, the kind that send you to the ER thinking that you are having a heart attack, and was concerned that this is going to continue with this medication.
Has anyone experienced this before?? Please let me know it would help to know someone else has experienced the same thing.
Posted by Hellkat on August 6, 2005, at 12:27:54
In reply to Re: Effexor, posted by TraWay on August 6, 2005, at 11:03:56
Effexor (150)worked great for my depression but the side effect was that I did not sleep. I had to take sleeping pills to go to sleep and provigil to stay awake in the daytime.
Withdrawal was a bitch. Migrain headaches, dizzy spells. Plus, while on the meds, if I was late or missed a day, I felt it.
Posted by gadman on August 8, 2005, at 13:43:54
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by julish on August 3, 2005, at 11:04:31
I am currently on this combo with great success.
I was on Effexor 75 mg for 5 years and although it was working pretty well, I felt spacey at times and had alot of weight gain.
My Doc thought we would try Wellbutrin to supplement the E (per my recommendation from reading this forum) and it has helped cut down my appetite quite a bit... I can't say that it has done much for the spaciness, but if Weight gain or sexual dys is your problem, you might give it a try.
I even thought that once it started working I could cut back my E... I tried it for a short while, but it didn't work... At 37.5 mg of E and 150 mg of W my Anxiety was back full force...
So I increased my E and cut back the W and am doing much better... Still not perfect but we keep trying :-)
gadman
I am now back
Posted by haddsl on August 8, 2005, at 14:03:57
In reply to Re: Effexor, posted by Hellkat on August 6, 2005, at 12:27:54
I have just noticed a side effect I must be getting. A couple weeks ago I took my dose before I ate but I ate right after. The whole rest of the day I kept getting hot flashes and feeling ill until I finally threw up in my trash can at work (a LITTLE embarrassing). My skin was bright red and I was sweating horribly. That has NEVER happened to me before. I thought it was just some weird fluke thing. But, it happened today again... not so severe, and I made it to the bathroom... YEAH! Anyways... has anyone else noticed this? Very strange!! Anyone?
Posted by wildcard on August 8, 2005, at 14:43:09
In reply to Effexor strange side effect?, posted by haddsl on August 8, 2005, at 14:03:57
hey girl-when i was on effexor i honestly dont remember having that effect at all, but each person has had so many different s/effects w/ effex. that i'm sure som1 has. effexor has so far been the most complex(in RE: to effects) med. that i have been on yet and thats a longggg list. i sure hope it gets better!
Posted by haddsl on August 8, 2005, at 14:46:41
In reply to Re: Effexor strange side effect? » haddsl, posted by wildcard on August 8, 2005, at 14:43:09
Hello, I hope it gets better too. I have never had it until now, and only when I don't eat before taking anything. Just trying to find out if there is someone else? It is crappy when it does happen.
> hey girl-when i was on effexor i honestly dont remember having that effect at all, but each person has had so many different s/effects w/ effex. that i'm sure som1 has. effexor has so far been the most complex(in RE: to effects) med. that i have been on yet and thats a longggg list. i sure hope it gets better!
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