Has anybody out there had any experience with Effexor? What were the side effects compared to say, Zoloft or Paxil? I know all SSRI’s are different with everybody, but would just appreciate any info or experiences anybody’s had with Effexor. Thanks! Sara
Hi Sara: I have been taking Effexor XR, 75mg, plus Topomax and klonipin, but the most I can are the side effects from the Effexor. At first, I had some problems with inomnia, but that lasted little. No problems with sexual side effects either. You might have to try taking it in the morning or evening, because it stimulates some, and keeps others awake. You might want to make sure you get a small dose of a benzo (klonipin) to help with any anxiety or sleeplessness you get at first. To be honest, physically, it doesn’t give me that same "depersonalization" like Zoloft, Prozac, or Paxil does. It’s also nowhere NEAR as stimulating to me as Welbutrin, which really made me anxious, grumpy, and I could never sleep. I have been reading in alot of Psychiatric Journals that 37.5mg of Effexor XR is a good dose to start off at, say for a week or so, as side effects then are almost nill. As I said, it’s really only any of the a.d.’s I can take that doesn’t cause really weird side effects. Like, I still feel like "me" on it, just helps keep up some of the energy, and keep my cool when needed. Just be careful with dose…starting at 75mg’s XR a day may be a little "too" stimulating. As I said, a benzo helps too with taking some of the edge off. Good luck… James — Outside of the killings, Washington has one of the lowest crime rates in the country. —Mayor Marion Barry, Washington, D.C.
have lessened my depression and reduced my tendencies to anxiety attacks. It’s hard to know if it’s the drugs, therapy or what though. DOug
I believe Effexor XR is Effexor Extended Release..Anyways please don’t take my experience with Effexor XR as how it many effect you..It may help you out..Effexor XR within an hour of taking my very first dose of it I KNEW I was on a medication/drug..This has not happened before with me trying new Antidepressants..From there I was only able to sleep in 2 to 3 hour increments for a few weeks and then the next 2 weeks I had pure insomnia, which I think was hypomania..Needless to say I went off that med! Religion is for those who fear going to Hell and Spirituality is for those of us who have already been there!
Hi Sara… I just started Effexor XR yesterday. (I’m taking 37.5 mg in the morning for a week, then 75 mg in the morning thereafter.) I have previously taken Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft and Serzone, but always had side effects that caused me to discontinue them. In a couple weeks, I’ll probably be able to give you more information. The most common side effect I hear about Effexor is nausea, along with some nervousness and sexual problems. If anyone would care to compare notes on Effexor, just e-mail me! Ron in St. Louis – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Newsgroups: alt.support.anxiety-panic Lines: 6 NNTP-Posting-Host: ladder03.news.aol.com Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com Has anybody out there had any experience with Effexor? What were the side effects compared to say, Zoloft or Paxil? I know all SSRI’s are different with everybody, but would just appreciate any info or experiences anybody’s had with Effexor. Thanks! Sara
Has anybody out there had any experience with Effexor? What were the side effects compared to say, Zoloft or Paxil? I know all SSRI’s are different with everybody, but would just appreciate any info or experiences anybody’s had with Effexor. Thanks! Sara
Hi, First I wanted to say,thanks for the help with my throat problem.I though there was something seriously wrong with me.Thanks for the support.Now,I have something to ask,and something to complain about.I went to see my psych today for the first time.First,she put me on Effexor XR,37mgs to start,then 75 and then 150.I wanted to know has anyone been on this before and was it helpful?Also,I took the MMPI test for the psych and she had the results today.She told me she feels as though I am exxagerating my situation.That it is nowhere near as bad as I claim it to be.Now,I thought going to a psych would help me and it took me a long time to get up the nerve to finally go out of my house and see one.I can’t believe that is the response I received.I am also applying for SSI disability because of this and she told me there is no way that she will help me with this case,and she doesn’t help any of her other patients with it either.She doesn’t feel as though it is a disability.What should I do??Has anyone gone through this with a psych before???Sorry about the length,but I am at my wits end,and I am only 22.
As far as the Effexor XR is concerned, I’ve been taking 300mg for several months and it has been the best AD for me personally. Now, keep in mind the individuality of AD’s is huge, and it’s quite normal to go through a process of changing meds/dosages until you find the one that works. It can seem tedious, but it’s worth it. I hope Effexor works for you as well as it does for me, I found it does take the full 4-6 weeks to really help. Best, -Alan ps – I think everyone with PD feels worse then perhaps in reality they are, that they are more pathetic in dealing with things then they is true. But it’s also important to remember that’s part of the territory, and how we see ourselves plays a lot on how we feel, consciously and subconsciously. It’s something that can be helped a lot with therapy. Also, don’t take the results of the MMPI to seriously, and your pdoc shouldn’t either. She may also be rigid about not helping you with disability because many feel that this is in fact going to counter condition you, to hurt progress and therapy – that sense of increasing security and self-confidence. I’m sure if you really wanted the disability, there would be other docs that would help, it’s a matter of their preference in approaching the condition. BTW – I am only 21 myself…hang in there, it does get better, even when it seems it never can :)
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, First I wanted to say,thanks for the help with my throat problem.I though there was something seriously wrong with me.Thanks for the support.Now,I have something to ask,and something to complain about.I went to see my psych today for the first time.First,she put me on Effexor XR,37mgs to start,then 75 and then 150.I wanted to know has anyone been on this before and was it helpful?Also,I took the MMPI test for the psych and she had the results today.She told me she feels as though I am exxagerating my situation.That it is nowhere near as bad as I claim it to be.Now,I thought going to a psych would help me and it took me a long time to get up the nerve to finally go out of my house and see one.I can’t believe that is the response I received.I am also applying for SSI disability because of this and she told me there is no way that she will help me with this case,and she doesn’t help any of her other patients with it either.She doesn’t feel as though it is a disability.What should I do??Has anyone gone through this with a psych before???Sorry about the length,but I am at my wits end,and I am only 22.
Sorry to hear that your psychiatrist wasn’t a little more compassionate in the way she delivered the information to you, but I think in many ways she probably has the correct idea. First, as someone else mentioned, you probably are experiencing things as worse than they really are (this is sort of what panic disorder is all about – we perceive uncomfortable body sensations as dangerous when they are not). Second, as for the disability issue, as a psychiatry (and medicine) resident, I am always reluctant to recommend someone for disability. Studies suggest that people have less motivation to recover once they receive disability. Also, people who are seeking disability usually don’t recover as well. You are young and have an excellent chance of recovery from your problems – hang in there. I also think effexor is a reasonable choice for a medicine and she is dosing it appropriately. The specific medicine was probably chosen based on your specific descriptions to her, as well as her experience with various medications. Good luck, Rick http://www.med-psych.net/links/Illnesses/Anxiety_Disorders/ Anxiety Links – view them, rate them, add your own! Before you buy.
I am always reluctant to recommend someone for disability.
and if they cannot work how will they pay for your services let alone food-these things as necessary as they are are still lack the motivational impact as one would think-if one is backed into a corner has no out no way to have any gainful productive existance then their suicidal tendencies go through the roof-no more patient no more ssdi recipient no more anxiety no more problem-the judgement call for collecting assistance isn’t dependent on the values of the shrink but of the patient-if anxiety were but a mere exageration then this is tantemount to saying snap out of it it’s all in your head. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Studies suggest that people have less motivation to recover once they receive disability. Also, people who are seeking disability usually don’t recover as well. You are young and have an excellent chance of recovery from your problems – hang in there. I also think effexor is a reasonable choice for a medicine and she is dosing it appropriately. The specific medicine was probably chosen based on your specific descriptions to her, as well as her experience with various medications. Good luck, Rick http://www.med-psych.net/links/Illnesses/Anxiety_Disorders/ Anxiety Links – view them, rate them, add your own! Before you buy.
I don’t know where you get your studies frm but this is the same logic that our great fathers in washington have used to get the malingerers off the role call-what has happened is we have a false set of economic indicators and psychiatricaly impaired homeless people in a state of limbo with no place to go-who’s responsibility is it-the impaired patient or the welfare system of a fair goverment. I disagree with you and this posters shrink-if she is incapable of work and chooses to approach assistance then I would support her and her choice-when she has established the criterea of our jointly reached goals in therapy she can resume her own financial responsibility and she no doubt will LM
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, First I wanted to say,thanks for the help with my throat problem.I though there was something seriously wrong with me.Thanks for the support.Now,I have something to ask,and something to complain about.I went to see my psych today for the first time.First,she put me on Effexor XR,37mgs to start,then 75 and then 150.I wanted to know has anyone been on this before and was it helpful?Also,I took the MMPI test for the psych and she had the results today.She told me she feels as though I am exxagerating my situation.That it is nowhere near as bad as I claim it to be.Now,I thought going to a psych would help me and it took me a long time to get up the nerve to finally go out of my house and see one.I can’t believe that is the response I received.I am also applying for SSI disability because of this and she told me there is no way that she will help me with this case,and she doesn’t help any of her other patients with it either.She doesn’t feel as though it is a disability.What should I do??Has anyone gone through this with a psych before???Sorry about the length,but I am at my wits end,and I am only 22.
Hi! I’m sorry she put you through that. I haven’t been in that situation, but I’d say get a new pDoc! She sounds very insensitive and you don’t need that right now. You’re young and you can beat this thing, but with help from a pDoc. Not criticism from one. Please let us know how you’re doing and if you find another doctor. You’ll be in my thoughts. Di
Sorry to hear that your psychiatrist wasn’t a little more compassionate in the way she delivered the information to you, but I think in many ways she probably has the correct idea. First, as someone else mentioned, you probably are experiencing things as worse than they really are (this is sort of what panic disorder is all about – we perceive uncomfortable body sensations as dangerous when they are not).
Sure. But that *is* our problem, that is what is *bad* about it. It’s called Panic Disorder and it is as bad as the sufferer feels it is. And for those symptoms we need meds and therapy and it can be so debilitating that people can lose their marriages, their jobs, their friends and their freedom to move around outside their house. Is that bad enough? Even if all it is is *cognitve distortion* then that can be *terrible*. You sound like those people saying: "Get over it, your fear is irrational." Yes, we know that. That is what the probem is…. Second, as for the disability issue, as a psychiatry (and medicine) resident, I am always reluctant to recommend someone for disability. Studies suggest that people have less motivation to recover once they receive disability. Also, people who are seeking disability usually don’t recover as well. You are young and have an excellent chance of recovery from your problems – hang in there.
I can’t judge from here whether the original poster should be put on disability or not but neither can you. As a psychiatry resident you might try to not patronize people or you will make as bad a psychiatrist as the total idiot we’re talking about here. Actually I find this post not in keeping with your earlier posts here which I liked. Bad day? Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – http://www.med-psych.net/links/Illnesses/Anxiety_Disorders/ Anxiety Links – view them, rate them, add your own! Before you buy.
I did not mean to sound unsympathetic, but it appears I did. Disability is a controversial subject, and I may disagree with some people on this one – and my opinions may change over time as we have better evidence about the pros and cons of placing someone on permanent disability. I in no way mean to imply that people are not severely impaired by anxiety disorders or other mental illness. The question is whether they are unable to have employment of any type. the judgement call for collecting assistance isn’t dependent on the values of the shrink but of the patient-if anxiety were but a mere exageration then this is tantemount to saying snap out of it it’s all in your
head. I did not mean to imply that anxiety is a mere exageration or that someone can just snap out of it, because I know and understand that the suffering is very real and often very difficult to overcome. We are obviously dealing with a very touchy subject here between doctors and sufferers, and I want to help resolve this problem, not make it worse. I also don’t believe that disability should be determined by a patient – there are too many people who would take advantage of the system (I am not saying that people with panic disorder try to take advantage). I also am firmly convinced that permanent disability is not appropriate for a young person with a relatively short duration of panic disorder. I do take care of people with anxiety disorders that I have on disability, but it is only after they have failed usual treatments. Studies suggest that people have less motivation to recover once they receive disability. Also, people who are seeking disability usually don’t recover as well. You are young and have an excellent chance of recovery from your problems – hang in there. I don’t know where you get your studies frm
Rather than get into a debate about studies, as I know very well that people can get studies to say just about anything, I am assigning myself the project of reviewing this data. I will try to offer as unbiased as possible of a summary on this, including references and abstracts, and then post it on my site. As I am fairly busy, this may take me some time, but I think it is an important issue for me to understand better. Hopefully other people will benefit as well to better understand why some doctors are reluctant to place someone on disability. I disagree with you and this posters shrink-if she is incapable of work and chooses to approach assistance then I would support her and her choice-when she has established the criterea of our jointly reached goals in therapy she can resume her own financial responsibility
The problems I have had is that as people are close to reaching their goals, the talk of returning to work often sends them into a downward spiral. The whole idea of CBT is that you need exposure in order to overcome fears. Placing someone on disability often reinforces avoidance behavior. It takes very careful judgment to determine when disability is approriate or not, as the action of offering someone disability has large ramifications on illness behavior. I really don’t want to get into an argument over this, as I have an extreme amount of respect for your knowledge. I genuinely want to better understand this issue. As a medicine and psychiatry residenct I have seen many instances where I don’t know whether an illness justifies placing someone on disability. The usual illness I see this with is fibromyalgia. The most interesting case I saw was a guy with severe antisocial personality disorder. His girlfriend could not understand why he did not qualify for disability, since part of his "illness" is that he can not maintain employment (this is actually one of the DSM IV criteria for ASPD). Should all sociopaths get SSDI? No way in my mind, but if you want to view ASPD as an illness, then they should all get it. Again, I am not trying to compare ASPD to panic disorder, I am just trying to demonstrate that disability issues are something very unclear in my mind, despite my attempts at trying to clarify this issue in the past. The bottom line is, this discussion is only tangently relevant to the original posters issue of the doctor not wanting to place her on disability. I think what is more important is for the original poster to have a better dialogue with her physician, and if the doctor can not do that, she should consider another doctor. Hopefully I won’t upset too many more people, as it seems I struck a nerve (no pun intended) Rick http://www.med-psych.net/links/Illnesses/Anxiety_Disorders/ Anxiety links – view them, rate them, add your own Before you buy.
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Sorry to hear that your psychiatrist wasn’t a little more compassionate in the way she delivered the information to you, but I think in many ways she probably has the correct idea. First, as someone else mentioned, you probably are experiencing things as worse than they really are (this is sort of what panic disorder is all about – we perceive uncomfortable body sensations as dangerous when they are not).
Well isn’t that the part of the big problem with P/A? IMO this Pdoc is an ass. Second, as for the disability issue, as a psychiatry (and medicine) resident, I am always reluctant to recommend someone for disability. Studies suggest that people have less motivation to recover once they receive disability. Also, people who are seeking disability usually don’t recover as well. You are young and have an excellent chance of recovery from your problems – hang in there.
This is rediculous. Maybe people who receive SSD don’t recover as well because they are the more severe cases. SSD is a way to help you get a small (and I emphasize "small") bit of income and a way to feed yourself and feel as if you are contributing to the household. If you feel you are able to work then there are ways to keep SSD while on a trying to get employed again. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I also think effexor is a reasonable choice for a medicine and she is dosing it appropriately. The specific medicine was probably chosen based on your specific descriptions to her, as well as her experience with various medications. Good luck, Rick http://www.med-psych.net/links/Illnesses/Anxiety_Disorders/ Anxiety Links – view them, rate them, add your own! Before you buy.
Love Cathy P.H.O.B.I.A. People Helping Others Become Independent Again Off-line Self Help Support Group, NJ http://community.nj.com/cc/phobia Anxiety Treatment Options http://www.members.tripod.com/~PhobiaGroup/index.html
First off Prince, I would find another doctor asap. She obviously not only doesn’t know what she’s talking about but she doesn’t have a heart either. Sounds like she has a "goddess" complex. Secondly, EffexorXR is an excellent med for panic and anxiety. I started off with the same low dose and weaned up to 150mg. which I’ve been on for over 8 months now. It has changed my life. I honestly cannot believe she said this was not a disability. May she have one hugh panic attack that lasts all day and then we’ll see her change her evaluation real fast. I know it’s discouraging and a pain to have to go through seeing another doctor, but you deserve the best. I had to see 9 before I found the right one. And it cost me a bundle, but it was well worth it in the end. BTW, Effexor XR works pretty fast, so you should be seeing good results pretty soon. Take care and let us know how you are feeling. If you need to e-mail me with any questions about the Effexor, please feel free to do so any time. Love, Rita :) Hi, First I wanted to say,thanks for the help with my throat problem.I though there was something seriously wrong with me.Thanks for the support.Now,I have something to ask,and something to complain about.I went to see my psych today for the first time.First,she put me on Effexor XR,37mgs to start,then 75 and then 150.I wanted to know has anyone been on this before and was it helpful?Also,I took the MMPI test for the psych and she had the results today.She told me she feels as though I am exxagerating my
situation.That it is – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – nowhere near as bad as I claim it to be.Now,I thought going to a psych would help me and it took me a long time to get up the nerve to finally go out of my house and see one.I can’t believe that is the response I received.I am also applying for SSI disability because of this and she told me there is no way that she will help me with this case,and she doesn’t help any of her other patients with it either.She doesn’t feel as though it is a disability.What should I do??Has anyone gone through this with a psych before???Sorry about the length,but I am at my wits end,and I am only 22.
Before you buy.
Thank you Margrove. Love, Rita – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am always reluctant to recommend someone for disability. and if they cannot work how will they pay for your services let alone food-these things as necessary as they are are still lack the motivational impact as one would think-if one is backed into a corner has no out no way to have any gainful productive existance then their suicidal tendencies go through the roof-no more patient no more ssdi recipient no more anxiety no more problem-the judgement call for collecting assistance isn’t dependent on the values of the shrink but of the patient-if anxiety were but a mere exageration then this is tantemount to saying snap out of it it’s all in your head. Studies suggest that people have less motivation to recover once they receive disability. Also, people who are seeking disability usually don’t recover as well. You are young and have an excellent chance of recovery from your problems – hang in there. I also think effexor is a reasonable choice for a medicine and she is dosing it appropriately. The specific medicine was probably chosen based on your specific descriptions to her, as well as her experience with various medications. Good luck, Rick http://www.med-psych.net/links/Illnesses/Anxiety_Disorders/ Anxiety Links – view them, rate them, add your own! Before you buy. I don’t know where you get your studies frm but this is the same logic that our great fathers in washington have used to get the malingerers off the role call-what has happened is we have a false set of economic indicators and psychiatricaly impaired homeless people in a state of limbo with no place to go-who’s responsibility is it-the impaired patient or the welfare system of a fair goverment. I disagree with you and this posters shrink-if she is incapable of work and chooses to approach assistance then I would support her and her choice-when she has established the criterea of our jointly reached goals in therapy she can resume her own financial responsibility and she no doubt will LM
Before you buy.
Is a secret agent who is frightened of jumping out of an airplane at night over enemy territory suffering from ‘panic disorder’? (Or, as a former paratrooper told me, suffering from ‘being sensible’?) See: http://www.offmsg.connectfree.co.uk/psychiatry/shrink1.htm I nominate the author of this (genuine) report for Total Idiot Psychiatrist of the 20th Century. All I need is his (or her) name. Mingus. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sorry to hear that your psychiatrist wasn’t a little more compassionate in the way she delivered the information to you, but I think in many ways she probably has the correct idea. First, as someone else mentioned, you probably are experiencing things as worse than they really are (this is sort of what panic disorder is all about – we perceive uncomfortable body sensations as dangerous when they are not). Sure. But that *is* our problem, that is what is *bad* about it. It’s called Panic Disorder and it is as bad as the sufferer feels it is. And for those symptoms we need meds and therapy and it can be so debilitating that people can lose their marriages, their jobs, their friends and their freedom to move around outside their house. Is that bad enough? Even if all it is is *cognitve distortion* then that can be *terrible*. You sound like those people saying: "Get over it, your fear is irrational." Yes, we know that. That is what the probem is…. Second, as for the disability issue, as a psychiatry (and medicine) resident, I am always reluctant to recommend someone for disability. Studies suggest that people have less motivation to recover once they receive disability. Also, people who are seeking disability usually don’t recover as well. You are young and have an excellent chance of recovery from your problems – hang in there. I can’t judge from here whether the original poster should be put on disability or not but neither can you. As a psychiatry resident you might try to not patronize people or you will make as bad a psychiatrist as the total idiot we’re talking about here. Actually I find this post not in keeping with your earlier posts here which I liked. Bad day? Philip http://www.med-psych.net/links/Illnesses/Anxiety_Disorders/ Anxiety Links – view them, rate them, add your own! Before you buy.
Before you buy.
Is a secret agent who is frightened of jumping out of an airplane at night over enemy territory suffering from ‘panic disorder’? (Or, as a former paratrooper told me, suffering from ‘being sensible’?)
Anyone who is not frightened in such a situation is crazy 
) Anxiety is a natural warning sign, we need it to warn us that danger is coming our way and to react adequately. An anxiety disorder means having anxiety without any danger being around. It’s inappropriate fight-or-flight response, the CNS out fo whack, neurons firing randomly…. Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sorry to hear that your psychiatrist wasn’t a little more compassionate in the way she delivered the information to you, but I think in many ways she probably has the correct idea. First, as someone else mentioned, you probably are experiencing things as worse than they really are (this is sort of what panic disorder is all about – we perceive uncomfortable body sensations as dangerous when they are not). Sure. But that *is* our problem, that is what is *bad* about it. It’s called Panic Disorder and it is as bad as the sufferer feels it is. And for those symptoms we need meds and therapy and it can be so debilitating that people can lose their marriages, their jobs, their friends and their freedom to move around outside their house. Is that bad enough? Even if all it is is *cognitve distortion* then that can be *terrible*. You sound like those people saying: "Get over it, your fear is irrational." Yes, we know that. That is what the probem is…. Second, as for the disability issue, as a psychiatry (and medicine) resident, I am always reluctant to recommend someone for disability. Studies suggest that people have less motivation to recover once they receive disability. Also, people who are seeking disability usually don’t recover as well. You are young and have an excellent chance of recovery from your problems – hang in there. I can’t judge from here whether the original poster should be put on disability or not but neither can you. As a psychiatry resident you might try to not patronize people or you will make as bad a psychiatrist as the total idiot we’re talking about here. Actually I find this post not in keeping with your earlier posts here which I liked. Bad day? Philip http://www.med-psych.net/links/Illnesses/Anxiety_Disorders/ Anxiety Links – view them, rate them, add your own! Before you buy. Before you buy.
Hi, First I wanted to say,thanks for the help with my throat problem.I though there was something seriously wrong with me.Thanks for the support.Now,I have something to ask,and something to complain about.I went to see my psych today for the first time.First,she put me on Effexor XR,37mgs to start,then 75 and then 150.I wanted to know has anyone been on this before and was it helpful?Also,I took the MMPI test for the psych and she had the results today.She told me she feels as though I am exxagerating my
situation.That it is – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – nowhere near as bad as I claim it to be.Now,I thought going to a psych would help me and it took me a long time to get up the nerve to finally go out of my house and see one.I can’t believe that is the response I received.I am also applying for SSI disability because of this and she told me there is no way that she will help me with this case,and she doesn’t help any of her other patients with it either.She doesn’t feel as though it is a disability.What should I do??Has anyone gone through this with a psych before???Sorry about the length,but I am at my wits end,and I am only 22.
Prince, I am so sorry to hear of your Dr.s apparent lack of compassion. My husband had one like that and we promptly FIRED HIM and found a MUCH better Dr. I am on Effexor XR and my current dosage is 225 mg/day. It has done wonders for me. (((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))) and keep your chin up!!!! Let us know how you are doing!!!!!! Kindest Regards, Kkkkkkkkatie — "A word to the wise ain’t necessary. It’s the stupid who need the advice." —Will Rogers Before you buy.
Hi Hadley! Personally, effexor did wonders for my anxiety! I had a few side effects to begin with (increased nervousness, upset stomach), but as the past posts have stated, they do tend to go away…. good luck! Janine
I am wondering what if any effect this AD has on anxiety. I am not familiar with SNRI’s, wether or not they have any impact on panic disorder and anxiety disorder. TIA
:I am wondering what if any effect this AD has on anxiety. I am not familiar :with SNRI’s, wether or not they have any impact on panic disorder and :anxiety disorder. TIA Dear Hadley, All antidepressants have the potential to "temporarily" increase anxiety during the weaning process. The way to minimize this is by starting at a low dose like 37.5mgs and to increase the dose slowly, every week or so or at a pace that is comfortable to you. It also helps to use a benzo such as xanax to tame any side-effects and/or increased anxiety you "may" experience. Take care and good luck!~ Jackie ~*~Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair~*~ ~Kahlil Gibran~
I am wondering what if any effect this AD has on anxiety. I am not familiar with SNRI’s, wether or not they have any impact on panic disorder and anxiety disorder. TIA
Can be very effective if started at 37.5 mg and raised to 75 mg after a week etc. Potential side effects are much like Paxil’s but YMMV. Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –
Hi, my Dr. is having me try Effexor XR for depression but I also suffer from anxiety. Curious if any of you had any experiences with this drug. I see anxiety is a possible side affect, that’s why I am asking. Thanks, Tono
Hi, my Dr. is having me try Effexor XR for depression but I also suffer from anxiety. Curious if any of you had any experiences with this drug. I see anxiety is a possible side affect, that’s why I am asking. Thanks, Tono
I agree with Dan 100%. I’ve been on Effexor XR 150 mg., plus XanaxXR, for over two years and it has completely changed my life for the best. But IMO, going on slowly with a benzo added is the way to go. I started with 37.5mg. for a week or so (I don’t remember how long, but I know we took our time). To be honest, it didn’t work overnight, but each week was a little better than the last until I hit my top dose and stayed on that for awhile. Then the transformation was incredible. Other p-docs only gave me an anti-depressant alone and I had terrible side-effects, my anxiety never really went away. The combination of the two was the wonder combo for me. I expect to be on this for the rest of my life, God willing. xxoo Rita
Hi, I’m new here and apoligize if this has already been covered. I suffer from major depression and have an overwhelming since of hoplessness. I’ve been taking Effexor XR 75mg 1x day for about a year. This seems to help, but only slightly. I have major dfficulty with sleep. Any suggestions on the best time to take this medication would be appreciated. Thanks, Jeff
I am new here too, Jeff so I do not know if it has been covered but I will gladly share my own experience. First, tell your doctor. I take 3 75mg pills a day. Your doc might have to up your dosage. I had the the same trouble of not sleeping. My body would get tired but my brain would not shut off. I was told to take the Effexor early in the morning as soon as I woke up. That helps some. My doctor also placed me Trazadone at night and that combination does the trick. I can sleep like a log. Trazadone is not habit forming. I hope that helps, and welcome to the group. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I’m new here and apoligize if this has already been covered. I suffer from major depression and have an overwhelming since of hoplessness. I’ve been taking Effexor XR 75mg 1x day for about a year. This seems to help, but only slightly. I have major dfficulty with sleep. Any suggestions on the best time to take this medication would be appreciated. Thanks, Jeff
-I am new here too, Jeff so I do not know if it has been covered but I -will gladly share my own experience. First, tell your doctor. I take 3 -75mg pills a day. Your doc might have to up your dosage. I had the the -same trouble of not sleeping. My body would get tired but my brain -would not shut off. I was told to take the Effexor early in the -morning as soon as I woke up. That helps some. My doctor also placed -me Trazadone at night and that combination does the trick. I can sleep -like a log. Trazadone is not habit forming. I hope that helps, and -welcome to the group. What’s the max dosage?
My, aren’t you a great help to someone in need. I’d hate to know someone like yourself in real life. Imogen
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – sugar pills or better yet exercise Hi, I’m new here and apoligize if this has already been covered. I suffer from major depression and have an overwhelming since of hoplessness. I’ve been taking Effexor XR 75mg 1x day for about a year. This seems to help, but only slightly. I have major dfficulty with sleep. Any suggestions on the best time to take this medication would be appreciated. Thanks, Jeff
Study after study shows that anti depressants work no better and sugar pills.
Idiot. — Regards, .
Hi JJ, I am taking 150MG 1x a day (Effexor XR) and also taking Risperdal 2mg at night for sleep. I sleep like a log. — John T. May Don’t sweat the small stuff…
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I’m new here and apoligize if this has already been covered. I suffer from major depression and have an overwhelming since of hoplessness. I’ve been taking Effexor XR 75mg 1x day for about a year. This seems to help, but only slightly. I have major dfficulty with sleep. Any suggestions on the best time to take this medication would be appreciated. Thanks, Jeff
What does anybody think about this drug; has anybody had any good luck with drug?
I have been taking 75mg Effexor XR since January for anxiety/depression. It is important to give the medication 4-6 weeks to take effect and for me the side effects of dry mouth, sleep pattern disturbance, light-headedness and elevated blood pressure took even longer to subside. After stabilizing on the Effexor, I have decided to stay on it because of its effectiveness in treating the anxiety. The nice thing about the Effexor is that you don’t notice that you are on it other than the alleviation of the anxiety and depression. I only write to encourage those starting the medication to continue with it despite what feels like a worsening of the anxiety initially. Many discontinue because of the bad initial side effects. I still get the vivid dreams….they’re OK. Andrew R. Before you buy.
Thanks your all your input!!!! W & C
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What does anybody think about this drug; has anybody had any good luck with drug? Also I’ve got my Zanax back 2 fives a day!! Wild & Crazy Hi Wild! I have been on Effexor for 5 months at 300mg and am not complaining. You can see mine and many other peoples responses to this same question in the recent thread ‘Effexor’ as well…a lot of people asking it these days 
Best, -Alan — Alan Derrick Before you buy.
Hi Wild, I’ve been on EffexorXR since January and it literally changed my life. First AD that I had no side effects from, which is a miracle in itself. And it worked pretty fast for me. I also take XanaxXR twice daily…just a small amount. The combination of meds is working so well, I don’t want to ever stop taking them. And I used to be phobic about taking meds, but no more. Hope Effexor works as well for you. Love, Rita What does anybody think about this drug; has anybody had any good luck with drug? Also I’ve got my Zanax back 2 fives a day!! Wild & Crazy
Before you buy.
What does anybody think about this drug; has anybody had any good luck with drug? Also I’ve got my Zanax back 2 fives a day!! Wild & Crazy
Hi wild and crazy ! I am on Effexor XR(time release) since September of 1999. I started with the sampler pack-one week at 37.5 and one week at 75mg. I was put on 150 after those 2 weeks and about 4 weeks into it I notice a positive change with me. But I wasn’t comfortable where I was at. I was still having break through anxiety and depression. In December, my gp raised my Effexor to 300mg. Within the week I started I improved my emotional outlook and well being tremendously. I am still on the 300-that is 2-150mg capsules per day. I take mine in the morning with breakfast. Do not take on an empty stomach. My only side effects were dry mouth, vivid dreams(whoppers) and head pressure. They eventual went away. I have Ativan as per needed now and I haven’t taken any for about 4 -5 weeks now. I will take it if I need it but I also have my coping skills that I learned, to help me get through my anxiety and panic times. Not my everyday stresses but my actual panic. I would tell people that it is worth a try and to stay on it for at least 4 weeks to see any benefit from the Effexor. Xanax is good too and only .5 twice a day is a small amount so do not worry about getting hooked on it-you won’t. YOu do the best you can with what you have. Take the meds, even if you have to for a long time.So what? You have to take care of you. And you comes first!!! good luck and email me with any questions.Julie Before you buy.
What does anybody think about this drug; has anybody had any good luck with drug? Also I’ve got my Zanax back 2 fives a day!! Wild & Crazy
I have had anxiety/depression my whole life, and tried almost all the ADs around except for some of the newer ones. But I have been on Effexor for a year now. It is the best AD I have ever used. I think it is so effective because it works on two major chemicals (Seretonin and norephenephrine) and alittle on dopamine. Anyway I was really depressed about a year ago and started taking it. Around the middle of the third week, all of a sudden I started to feel this sense of calm and the depression just kind of lifted. It was the most peculiar thing. Anyway, I think it is the best that I have tried by a long shot. Hope it works for you. John
What does anybody think about this drug; has anybody had any good luck with drug? Also I’ve got my Zanax back 2 fives a day!! Wild & Crazy
Hi Wild! I have been on Effexor for 5 months at 300mg and am not complaining. You can see mine and many other peoples responses to this same question in the recent thread ‘Effexor’ as well…a lot of people asking it these days Best, -Alan — Alan Derrick Before you buy.
What does anybody think about this drug; has anybody had any good luck with drug? Also I’ve got my Zanax back 2 fives a day!! Wild & Crazy
What does anybody think about this drug; has anybody had any good luck with drug? Also I’ve got my Zanax back 2 fives a day!! Wild & Crazy
Hi Wild, From what I have seen of posters on Effexor, it seems like a really decent med for anxiety and depression. It can`t hurt to try, and I hope it helps you!! Good for you in getting your Xanax back, I know that med helped you alot. Take care and feel better soon!!!! Jackie
The Dr. just put my husband on this today, can anyone tell me ANYTHING about it?? How effective it is? (He has depression and general anxiety) Side effects? Alcohol yes/no??? I appreciate ANY information!!!!! Thanks much!!!!
Here’s the web site: http://www.effexorxr.com Don’t go searching the internet to put false ideas in your head. Take it one day at a time and report any side effects to the prescribing doctor. It is an antidepressant so it should help with the depression once he reaches a therapeutic dose. The doc usually starts you out on a low dose so you can gradually adjust to the med with minimal sensations that can lead to anxious thoughts and then anxiety. I personally think benzodiazepines, CNS depressants, are the best immediate treatment for people who have anxiety disorders. A good therapist can also help a person analyze their anxious thoughts and give them a new perspective on how to view the world. A lot of anxious thoughts are purely irrational and can be looked at and tossed away by a rational mind. Get a copy of the book – "The Guide To Rational Living" by Albert Ellis. www.rebt.org Don’t Worry, Be Happy : ) Tony
Yeah, I’m thinking I’ll ask a dr. and maybe even call a different pharmacy just to see if they say the same thing……
i suggest calling around til ya get the answer you like.. that’s always my MO. xoxoxo ~tanya
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Effexor XR worked very well for me for years. I have depression and Panic Disorder. http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/venlafax_ids.htm It can be difficult tapering onto SNRIs. My anxiety symptoms worsened initially.I increased my Xanax to help counteract these side effects. Meryl i’ve been taking effexor xr for a while. now my pdoc has prescribed a higher dose. it’s only been a few days since i increased the dose, and i’m definitely feeling more anxious right now. i hope i’ll feel better in a week or two. And I know any doc is going to say "don’t drink!!!", but that’s not realistic for him. We go out to dinner a couple times per week and he has a couple of drinks, he doesn’t get drunk, but has 2-3 (he’s a pretty decent sized guy). BUT there are occassion he has WAY too much, New Years, Stag’s, etc. we went on a camping trip a month ago and he got totally sh-tfaced, etc. I want to know he won’t die on those occassions. I called a pharmacist last night just to see what they’d say, she scared the crap out of me, she said he shouldn’t drink AT ALL and that too much alcohol would repress his heart to the point it would stop beating. She flat out said "he’ll die if he drinks too much". Now I’m freaking out!!!!???
From the link I have given. *Alcohol Although Effexor has not been shown to increase the impairment of mental and motor skills caused by alcohol, patients should be advised to avoid alcohol while taking Effexor.* I still enjoyed my wine and I am still here. JMO Meryl
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – And I know any doc is going to say "don’t drink!!!", but that’s not realistic for him. We go out to dinner a couple times per week and he has a couple of drinks, he doesn’t get drunk, but has 2-3 (he’s a pretty decent sized guy). BUT there are occassion he has WAY too much, New Years, Stag’s, etc. we went on a camping trip a month ago and he got totally sh-tfaced, etc. I want to know he won’t die on those occassions. I called a pharmacist last night just to see what they’d say, she scared the crap out of me, she said he shouldn’t drink AT ALL and that too much alcohol would repress his heart to the point it would stop beating. She flat out said "he’ll die if he drinks too much". Now I’m freaking out!!!!??? since a pharmacist said it, i’d believe it. you could talk to a doctor for a second opinion. i’d better watch my own drinking now, i guess.
Yeah, I’m thinking I’ll ask a dr. and maybe even call a different pharmacy just to see if they say the same thing……
Thanks for the input. I guess I must not be as "computer savvy" as I like to think, how did all of these old posts get hooked onto the original message I posted????
Took me a few minutes to figure out why you’re puzzled, because all I see is your original post plus Meryl’s reply. Then I noticed that you’re using Google to post. Google sorts by subject line. All posts with with specific subject "Effexor XR" are going to be grouped together, as if it was a single thread. So when you read the thread in Google Groups, it looks like it started by in 1999 because someone else used the same topic line. Maybe someone else knows a way around this. A regular newreader would be better, though. Fig
And I know any doc is going to say "don’t drink!!!", but that’s not realistic for him. We go out to dinner a couple times per week and he has a couple of drinks, he doesn’t get drunk, but has 2-3 (he’s a pretty decent sized guy). BUT there are occassion he has WAY too much, New Years, Stag’s, etc. we went on a camping trip a month ago and he got totally sh-tfaced, etc. I want to know he won’t die on those occassions. I called a pharmacist last night just to see what they’d say, she scared the crap out of me, she said he shouldn’t drink AT ALL and that too much alcohol would repress his heart to the point it would stop beating. She flat out said "he’ll die if he drinks too much". Now I’m freaking out!!!!???
since a pharmacist said it, i’d believe it. you could talk to a doctor for a second opinion. i’d better watch my own drinking now, i guess.
she said he shouldn’t drink AT ALL and that too much alcohol would repress his heart to the point it would stop beating. She flat out said "he’ll die if he drinks too much".
i’m no doctor but i do believe when your heart stops beating that death is a common side effect. so maybe she’s right. Now I’m freaking out!!!!???
why? you can’t control what he does, if it gives ya the heebie jeebies, and he’s bound and determined to continue behavior that freaks you out, well…. my concluson would be "dude doesn’t care a holy fuck about me to put me in a position of freakin out for a few drinks".. and i’d be out the door in about 3 hours… or however long it took me ta pack my shit, or go thru the aggravation of gettin him out.. (which is more difficult cuz then ya gotta get the police involved and crap.. and i say take the easy way out) . you gotta choice, deal with it and stay freaked out cuz you "LOVVVVE HIMMMMM" or hit the proverbial road. i find it easy as hell to leave people that have intolerable behavior, no matter how close i am to em, i guess i’m justah cold cold bitch.. but that’s my advice.. and i kinda like it. nobody else will, but i couldn’t give a good goddam. xoxoxoxoxo ~tanya
Effexor XR worked very well for me for years. I have depression and Panic Disorder. http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/venlafax_ids.htm It can be difficult tapering onto SNRIs. My anxiety symptoms worsened initially.I increased my Xanax to help counteract these side effects. Meryl i’ve been taking effexor xr for a while. now my pdoc has prescribed a higher dose. it’s only been a few days since i increased the dose, and i’m definitely feeling more anxious right now. i hope i’ll feel better in a week or two.
And I know any doc is going to say "don’t drink!!!", but that’s not realistic for him. We go out to dinner a couple times per week and he has a couple of drinks, he doesn’t get drunk, but has 2-3 (he’s a pretty decent sized guy). BUT there are occassion he has WAY too much, New Years, Stag’s, etc. we went on a camping trip a month ago and he got totally sh-tfaced, etc. I want to know he won’t die on those occassions. I called a pharmacist last night just to see what they’d say, she scared the crap out of me, she said he shouldn’t drink AT ALL and that too much alcohol would repress his heart to the point it would stop beating. She flat out said "he’ll die if he drinks too much". Now I’m freaking out!!!!???
Effexor XR worked very well for me for years. I have depression and Panic Disorder. http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/venlafax_ids.htm It can be difficult tapering onto SNRIs. My anxiety symptoms worsened initially.I increased my Xanax to help counteract these side effects. Meryl
i’ve been taking effexor xr for a while. now my pdoc has prescribed a higher dose. it’s only been a few days since i increased the dose, and i’m definitely feeling more anxious right now. i hope i’ll feel better in a week or two.
The Dr. just put my husband on this today, can anyone tell me ANYTHING about it?? How effective it is? (He has depression and general anxiety) Side effects? Alcohol yes/no??? I appreciate ANY information!!!!! Thanks much!!!!
Effexor XR worked very well for me for years. I have depression and Panic Disorder. http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/venlafax_ids.htm It can be difficult tapering onto SNRIs. My anxiety symptoms worsened initially.I increased my Xanax to help counteract these side effects. Meryl
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The Dr. just put my husband on this today, can anyone tell me ANYTHING about it?? How effective it is? (He has depression and general anxiety) Side effects? Alcohol yes/no??? I appreciate ANY information!!!!! Thanks much!!!! Effexor XR worked very well for me for years. I have depression and Panic Disorder. http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/venlafax_ids.htm It can be difficult tapering onto SNRIs. My anxiety symptoms worsened initially.I increased my Xanax to help counteract these side effects. Meryl
Thanks for the input. I guess I must not be as "computer savvy" as I like to think, how did all of these old posts get hooked onto the original message I posted????
I do efexor, buspar & valium, i do drink & it’s a problem for me!, maybe it’s the alcohol or the efexor or both, i dunno. Nightsweats happened with me on 225mg, also mind zapps, disorientation, confusion & vivid dreams, but hey, that could be the alcohol also. Just your better off avoiding alcohol as it’s a depressant, but who the hell am i to say that.!!
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The Dr. just put my husband on this today, can anyone tell me ANYTHING about it?? How effective it is? (He has depression and general anxiety) Side effects? Alcohol yes/no??? I appreciate ANY information!!!!! Thanks much!!!! Effexor XR worked very well for me for years. I have depression and Panic Disorder. http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/venlafax_ids.htm It can be difficult tapering onto SNRIs. My anxiety symptoms worsened initially.I increased my Xanax to help counteract these side effects. Meryl Thanks for the input. I guess I must not be as "computer savvy" as I like to think, how did all of these old posts get hooked onto the original message I posted????
The Dr. just put my husband on this today, can anyone tell me ANYTHING about it?? How effective it is? (He has depression and general anxiety) Side effects? Alcohol yes/no??? I appreciate ANY information!!!!! Thanks much!!!!
The Dr. just put my husband on this today, can anyone tell me ANYTHING about it??
First thing take the meds for a minimum of 6-12 weeks before trying to observe positive effects and do not discontinue (let me repeat that DO NOT DISCONTINUE cold turkey) except under supervision or by slow taper. However if someone has a penchant to mild hullucinations, severe insomnia and a knife edge metal state … it’s highly recommened. See http://www.crazymeds.org/ Look for the link named Effexor/Venlafaxine See http://www.mentalhealth.com/ Select Medication and then select Venlafaxine How effective it is? (He has depression and general anxiety) Side effects? Alcohol yes/no???
Some say very effective others not (Wasn’t good for me but then I think I didn’t have the right information at the time thought it would be a miracle cure … not so). Wide and varied side effects. Decreased libido, increased anxiety (initially), sweating, insomnia, sensitivity to light (dilated pupils) etc I had no personal side effects when taken with large quantities of alcohol however that doesn’t mean I’ll not need a liver transplant in a few years I appreciate ANY information!!!!!
Please do some research and never accept info in this forum as given … a few nutters lurk in this fine newsgroup. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks much!!!!
Good on ya Tyr. Have a great day. Bren — http://www.searchtimes.com/brouchers/newyear/index.php?AID=1431&src=n…
Super dude! Isn’t it a wonder when it works?! Things do change- and often for the better. Guess that is one of the things that keeps me going when I’m down. Best wishes for you both. -Dan
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Soon after I wrote that, my girlfriend called me on the phone and after about thirty seconds she told me that she was on her way over. I had felt that it was just a hum-drum day at that point, but she said I sounded so down over the phone that she’d spring for the Wellbutrin because she didn’t think I should try to wait until payday. (Which was today, 2/15) So, I’ve taken it…what…4 or 5 times now, and although the insert from the pharmacy said not to expect any major change for three to four weeks, today was the first day in months that I felt halfway human, again. I started taking the XL version tonight, since that’s the only thing that my prescription service has on their list, so I’m getting kind of excited about what it can do for me. I actually feel like getting out and doing! Maybe I can take off some of this "winter weight". -Tyr
Hey…New to Group, but VERY familiar with Effexor XR. I have been on it for almost 2 years now. For 10 or more years NOTHING had worked until the effexor in combo with Clonopin and Trazadone. The initial level for me was the 150. About 4 months ago I was slowly elevated to 350. Back in action again. Keep in mind that I do have fairly serious PTSD as well as chemical imbalances present. But I am Just so thankful to be down from 30+ pills a day to only 6. LadyJ
Soon after I wrote that, my girlfriend called me on the phone and after about thirty seconds she told me that she was on her way over. I had felt that it was just a hum-drum day at that point, but she said I sounded so down over the phone that she’d spring for the Wellbutrin because she didn’t think I should try to wait until payday. (Which was today, 2/15) So, I’ve taken it…what…4 or 5 times now, and although the insert from the pharmacy said not to expect any major change for three to four weeks, today was the first day in months that I felt halfway human, again. I started taking the XL version tonight, since that’s the only thing that my prescription service has on their list, so I’m getting kind of excited about what it can do for me. I actually feel like getting out and doing! Maybe I can take off some of this "winter weight". -Tyr – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Of course everyone is different- with their own unique responses to various drugs. Also samples of one (anecdotes) are notoriously unreliable. That said- I had same problem with Effexor. At least it led to exploration of non-orgasmic intimacy- a widely overlooked pleasure if one can get around expectations and relax. If you have same response as I- the Wellbutrin will present practically no side effects whatsoever. Good luck. -Dan snippage<<
I took Effexor at the 75mg level and stayed there for a few months. It worked great for a short time, but towards the end, I was starting to slide back down into depression. My side effects were a bit…um…different. While I still had orgasm issues, my sex drive went through the roof! Don’t think that wasn’t frustrating. That’s the primary reason I stopped taking it. My doc prescribed Wellbutrin, but I haven’t had the funds to get it filled yet. Hopefully, the way Wellbutrin works will be more appropriate for me, since my problem my be compounded, situationally speaking, but at the root it is just a chemical imbalance.
Of course everyone is different- with their own unique responses to various drugs. Also samples of one (anecdotes) are notoriously unreliable. That said- I had same problem with Effexor. At least it led to exploration of non-orgasmic intimacy- a widely overlooked pleasure if one can get around expectations and relax. If you have same response as I- the Wellbutrin will present practically no side effects whatsoever. Good luck. -Dan
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I took Effexor at the 75mg level and stayed there for a few months. It worked great for a short time, but towards the end, I was starting to slide back down into depression. My side effects were a bit…um…different. While I still had orgasm issues, my sex drive went through the roof! Don’t think that wasn’t frustrating. That’s the primary reason I stopped taking it. My doc prescribed Wellbutrin, but I haven’t had the funds to get it filled yet. Hopefully, the way Wellbutrin works will be more appropriate for me, since my problem my be compounded, situationally speaking, but at the root it is just a chemical imbalance.
I was on effexor for a while for my chronic anxiety and it didn’t do too much, I was up to 150 the withdraw was awful!! I am on paxil now 50 ml and no anxiety what a relieve! But a friend of mine is on it for depression and it works well for her, except she has nightmares. I had anxiety still and bruised easily and had no sex drive with no orgasm, that was enough of that one, for sure, cuz that is just wrong. No side effects for paxil, so far, might be going up to 60, cuz I still get the odd attack, not sure what doctor will do, perhaps some anxiety is normal…who knows… Hope that helps a bit. I started on 37.5 and went up slow, and came down slow because they side effects can be extreme and they were, I had to go to my parents to stay to get help with my baby…while I was going through med change.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I recall starting on 75 mg as XR did not come in lower doses here. I also upped my Xanax at the start as I had a couple of days where my anxiety was exacerbated and I had insomnia. It passed. Meryl I think for starting Effexor 37.5 mg should be the maximum dose. One can start with Effexor IR (even at a lower dose if necessary) and replace it by the XR version later. Philip I am not sure Efexor 37.5 was available here when I commenced XR. I know the conventional wisdom at ASAP is to start with 37.5 IR. One thought. Given that non-anxiety patients are advised (here at least) to take 37.5 mg twice per day, I wonder about how just taking the tablet once a day would work. Maybe half a 37.5 mg twice a day would keep patients more stable. As for me, back in ‘98, I needed relief from depression quickly. Efexor 75 mg plus extra Xanax for a few days worked for me. As always, YMMV. :0) Meryl
Added benefits of pre-surgery: bone scan and cat scan. Bone scan found my arthritis (I could have told them), cat scan found a an unknown, unexplained lurker in my gut: a leiomyoma, which is a benign intestinal tumor. One out of 15 are discovered before autopsy… Mine was 5 * 7 * 10 cc; described as the size of a baby’s head. Leiomyoma was removed at the same time as the Prostate
John, Wow ….. What a break. Bet you never thought you’d say you were "lucky" to get PCa!! What’s the deal with that leiomyoma? Could it have grown and caused blockage problems down the road? Oh, my congrats on Mr. Happy. I hope to be posting the same info soon. Tom RRP 12/12/02
What’s the deal with that leiomyoma? Could it have grown and caused blockage problems down the road? Tom RRP 12/12/02
Yeah. It WAS causing problems, and as I think back, it was leaking a bit of blood. Eventually it would have been found without killing me first 
) I’m glad that my trusty Urologist was following the instruction manual for dealing with PCa. He said that he liked to do the CAT scan because once in a while he picked up a kidney cancer. He found garbage in my case, but, as Ripley says in the first Alien Movie, "lucky-lucky-lucky." John. —-== Posted via Newsfeed.Com – Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==—- http://www.newsfeed.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 100,000 Newsgroups —= 19 East/West-Coast Specialized Servers – Total Privacy via Encryption =—
What’s the deal with that leiomyoma? Could it have grown and caused blockage problems down the road? Tom RRP 12/12/02
oh … and the surgeon who put my gut back together said that the leiomyoma tumors are slow-growing. It would take several years to get to the size of a golf-ball. I guess that sucker was in there for 20-30 years getting bigger and bigger ) I was one of those ‘interesting cases.’ John. —-== Posted via Newsfeed.Com – Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==—- http://www.newsfeed.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 100,000 Newsgroups —= 19 East/West-Coast Specialized Servers – Total Privacy via Encryption =—
Hi, John….. I was relieved of my prostate on November 21…. so in two days, I am expecting to see Mr. Happy standing at attention. 
) Thanks for sharing your success with recovery. It’s the one thing left I keep hoping for! I don’t see it happening anytime soon….. unless it’s just a change *overnight*. Take care… and use it well….. MikeH
Well, I think it comes and goes… That’s what I’ve read on the news group, and that seems to be the case with me. But as the coach said, if you can run a 4 minute mile once, you can do it again. Just keep practicing and don’t loose heart ) John. —-== Posted via Newsfeed.Com – Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==—- http://www.newsfeed.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 100,000 Newsgroups —= 19 East/West-Coast Specialized Servers – Total Privacy via Encryption =—
Hi, John….. I was relieved of my prostate on November 21…. so in two days, I am expecting to see Mr. Happy standing at attention. ) Thanks for sharing your success with recovery. It’s the one thing left I keep hoping for! I don’t see it happening anytime soon….. unless it’s just a change *overnight*. Take care… and use it well….. MikeH – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was relieved of the prostate 11/18/2002. Started out with one or two pads, but was down to one pad after a week. Quit the pads on the weekends about 2 months post op, and went work on a Monday at about 3 months, forgetting the pad (as it worked for Dumbo, it worked for me ;o), but I did not need the crows to tell me that I could fly.) The ‘one thing’ that had been old-reliable since 18 months did not function… I got a script of vitamin V as my kindly Urologist refers to it… No blue vision, occasional headaches, and a pathetic boner (like Harry Potter: no bone, but flexible) Was also taking an anti-depressant (Paxil) classed as SSRI, widely known by pharmacists and psychatrists as a doggie-downer; anti-depressant was to treat the lump in the throat that developed concomitant with the dx of prostate cancer. Changed to Lexapro, a less potent SSRI anti-depressant, but still no cigar ;o) On the advise of a pharmacist friend, skipped the Lexapro last night and bingo-bongo-sproingo. Not quite Mr Happy, but certainly not mister Jell-O: it was insertion quality for sure.
hi john – thanks for the progress report. that’s pretty quick recovery for my happy. i hope to be so lucky. it’s interesting, you mention that you had such a large prostate. mine was about 30cc. but FELT like 65cc. reminds you of the joke. oh, it’s six on hand. no, it’s five on one hand. then when you get on the table and the doctor sticks his hand up there. you know, it feels like six on one hand ~ curtis knowledge is power – growing old is mandatory – growing wise is optional
Was also taking an anti-depressant (Paxil) classed as SSRI, widely known by pharmacists and psychatrists
as a doggie-downer; anti-depressant was to treat the lump in the throat that developed concomitant with the dx of prostate cancer. Changed to Lexapro, a less potent SSRI anti-depressant, but still no cigar ;o) On the advise of a pharmacist friend, skipped the Lexapro last night and bingo-bongo-sproingo. Not quite Mr Happy, but certainly not mister Jell-O: it was insertion quality for sure. Now to get off the SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) and
onto a different anti-depressant. Happy to hear that both you and Mr. Happy are happy……as that side of things is not in my sphere of experience…..grin!! As to SSRI drugs, I know a lot about them because my daughter has a serotonin deficiency and has to take them. There are roughly 30 different brands, of which Paxil, Zoloft, Effexor, Welbutrin, and Luvox are the more well known ones. They are all newer derivatives of Prozac to my knowledge, but our good doctor on this group can better inform you. E. has been on Luvox (horrible fatigue), Welbutrin (stopped working) and now Effexor, which is working quite well as it attacks the problem from a different angle. And each one worked for about 2 years, then she had to switch. And every darn one of them has a lot of side effects!! So speak to your doctor…….or better yet, your pharmacist…..and see if there isn’t one that won’t be a ‘doggie downer’. E. does not have that problem (G). But as these SSRI drugs seem to be for chemical deficiencies, perhaps there is a totally different anti-depressant that will do in the meantime, that won’t interfere with Mr. Happy. Just my 2 Cdn. cents worth……and if you can manage without them…..go for it. I refuse to take any myself at the moment and am doing OK without them. If I need a pill temporarily, I will certainly take one though. My rant on here last week got rid of a lot of it…..grin. (thanks, people) The way I look at it is that ‘depression’ is a not an abnormal thing when life is tough, and unless it *really* interferes with your enjoyment of life, it will get better on its own. I am not a doctor…..but on the flip side, I have seen the amazing difference in E’s life and also my sister’s……as she is battling the same Cheers…….Heather – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –
Way to go, John You just keep on smiling. We will know why. Lee – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – it was insertion quality for sure. Mr. Happy is the better anti-depressant. You’d better believe it. They can’t chisel the slight smile off my face today ) John. — Steve Kramer PSA 16 10/17/2000 Dx 11/01/2000 G7 (3+4), T2c PSA .1 .1 .1 .27 .37 .75 Radiation MAY – JUL 2002 PSA .34 .22 .15 .21 —-== Posted via Newsfeed.Com – Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==—- http://www.newsfeed.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 100,000 Newsgroups —= 19 East/West-Coast Specialized Servers – Total Privacy via Encryption
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it was insertion quality for sure. Mr. Happy is the better anti-depressant.
You’d better believe it. They can’t chisel the slight smile off my face today ) John. — Steve Kramer PSA 16 10/17/2000 Dx 11/01/2000 G7 (3+4), T2c PSA .1 .1 .1 .27 .37 .75 Radiation MAY – JUL 2002 PSA .34 .22 .15 .21
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The ‘one thing’ that had been old-reliable since 18 months did not function… I got a script of vitamin V as my kindly Urologist refers to it… No blue vision, occasional headaches, and a pathetic boner (like Harry Potter: no bone, but flexible) Was also taking an anti-depressant (Paxil) classed as SSRI, widely known by pharmacists and psychatrists as a doggie-downer; anti-depressant was to treat the lump in the throat that developed concomitant with the dx of prostate cancer. Changed to Lexapro, a less potent SSRI anti-depressant, but still no cigar ;o) On the advise of a pharmacist friend, skipped the Lexapro last night and bingo-bongo-sproingo. Not quite Mr Happy, but certainly not mister Jell-O: it was insertion quality for sure.
Mr. Happy is the better anti-depressant. — Steve Kramer PSA 16 10/17/2000 Dx 11/01/2000 G7 (3+4), T2c PSA .1 .1 .1 .27 .37 .75 Radiation MAY – JUL 2002 PSA .34 .22 .15 .21
I was relieved of the prostate 11/18/2002. Started out with one or two pads, but was down to one pad after a week. Quit the pads on the weekends about 2 months post op, and went work on a Monday at about 3 months, forgetting the pad (as it worked for Dumbo, it worked for me ;o), but I did not need the crows to tell me that I could fly.) The ‘one thing’ that had been old-reliable since 18 months did not function… I got a script of vitamin V as my kindly Urologist refers to it… No blue vision, occasional headaches, and a pathetic boner (like Harry Potter: no bone, but flexible) Was also taking an anti-depressant (Paxil) classed as SSRI, widely known by pharmacists and psychatrists as a doggie-downer; anti-depressant was to treat the lump in the throat that developed concomitant with the dx of prostate cancer. Changed to Lexapro, a less potent SSRI anti-depressant, but still no cigar ;o) On the advise of a pharmacist friend, skipped the Lexapro last night and bingo-bongo-sproingo. Not quite Mr Happy, but certainly not mister Jell-O: it was insertion quality for sure. Now to get off the SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) and onto a different anti-depressant. Physical Specs: Age 60, fairly good health, Gleason was about 6, 1Tc (or whatever the arragement of letters and numbers is) psa between 3.75 and just over 4.0 at time of discovery. Large prostate at 65 cc, one core out of 12 positive (but with a prostate the size of a large lemon/small grapefruit, finding the CA in that haystack was luck). Added benefits of pre-surgery: bone scan and cat scan. Bone scan found my arthritis (I could have told them), cat scan found a an unknown, unexplained lurker in my gut: a leiomyoma, which is a benign intestinal tumor. One out of 15 are discovered before autopsy… Mine was 5 * 7 * 10 cc; described as the size of a baby’s head. Leiomyoma was removed at the same time as the Prostate; was in the hospital for 6 days, and gained 20 pounds of water weight. With a grandfather who died of prostate cancer at age 65, early detection is a good thing in my case… My 20 cents. John. —-== Posted via Newsfeed.Com – Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==—- http://www.newsfeed.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 100,000 Newsgroups —= 19 East/West-Coast Specialized Servers – Total Privacy via Encryption =—
Hi all, I am currently on 150 mg effexor xr and am actually doing well. Effexor is the first antidepressant I took that seemed to make a difference. Based on that – I am happy with it. On the other hand, I can’t shake the feeling that I am living on borrowed time. I have read way too many accounts of the nightmares that many people have gone through withdrawing from the drug. Every morning when I take the pill I have a momentary twinge – like what am I doing to myself? Will it be worth it in the end? Does any other effexor user live with this vague sense of impending trouble? Paradoxically, when I started effexor I was too depressed to really care much about the withdrawal symptoms but now that I am less depressed I am starting to think about the future more and I see effexor withdrawal as a roadblock I have to overcome sooner or later before I’m ever really free from depression. -scattered
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, I am currently on 150 mg effexor xr and am actually doing well. Effexor is the first antidepressant I took that seemed to make a difference. Based on that – I am happy with it. On the other hand, I can’t shake the feeling that I am living on borrowed time. I have read way too many accounts of the nightmares that many people have gone through withdrawing from the drug. Every morning when I take the pill I have a momentary twinge – like what am I doing to myself? Will it be worth it in the end? Does any other effexor user live with this vague sense of impending trouble? Paradoxically, when I started effexor I was too depressed to really care much about the withdrawal symptoms but now that I am less depressed I am starting to think about the future more and I see effexor withdrawal as a roadblock I have to overcome sooner or later before I’m ever really free from depression. -scattered
hi scattered… i was just as nervous when i started taking effexor but soon came to think of it as a vitamin for my brain… i’m switching to wellbutrin (well, refer to my current post), and am now withdrawing from effexor. i was on 150mg. a day, i took 1 pill at lunch and 1 before bed… for the past three days i’ve just taken 1 pill a day and i have been waiting for the reactions on withdrawal that i’ve read about… but so far (knock on wood), i’ve had none. i had a bad day at work and had to go cry for a few minutes – but i can’t tell whether that was because my serotonin levels dropped or just because i was stressed and having a bad day… other than that i haven’t noticed the difference yet. my doc said i was supposed to taper and be off it within a week, with an overlap of the start of the new antidepressant i’d be taking… which seems fast compared to what i’ve read here about the length of time to come off one drug. i say relax, and let your body react in its own way… if you’re feeling better then just be grateful for that! unfortunately for me effexor just made me sleep all the time and get forgetful, thus the change. good luck, amelie
I was on effexor (375mg) for two years and gradually came off it to go onto another anti depressant. I had to go ‘cold turkey’ for 2 weeks before going on another drug. I experienced dizziness and flu like symptoms for a few days, but nothing as bad as coming off cigarettes, so do not worry, some people may experience little or no side effects coming off this medication.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, I am currently on 150 mg effexor xr and am actually doing well. Effexor is the first antidepressant I took that seemed to make a difference. Based on that – I am happy with it. On the other hand, I can’t shake the feeling that I am living on borrowed time. I have read way too many accounts of the nightmares that many people have gone through withdrawing from the drug. Every morning when I take the pill I have a momentary twinge – like what am I doing to myself? Will it be worth it in the end? Does any other effexor user live with this vague sense of impending trouble? Paradoxically, when I started effexor I was too depressed to really care much about the withdrawal symptoms but now that I am less depressed I am starting to think about the future more and I see effexor withdrawal as a roadblock I have to overcome sooner or later before I’m ever really free from depression. -scattered
Scattered. I was on 225mg and it was working fine – after lack of success with four or five other meds. Then some tests came back showing my liver was damaged (fatty liver) and the most likely cause was the Effexor. I came off it over the course of 3 weeks, 150mg week 1, 75mg week 2, 0mg week 3, then on to my new med. The side effects were the worst I have experienced on any of the meds. Severe dizziness, noises in my head, bolts of electric down my arms to my hands, etc. etc. Now, 5 weeks after beginning withdrawal, the above problems are less frequent and much more minor. Now here’s the thing. Despite the problems, I would do it again, in fact if my liver trouble could go away I would go back on the Effexor in an instant. Yes the withdrawal was a bastard, but I got over it. The point is that the Effexor worked. It has given me hope. It has shown me that it is possible for me to climb out of the black hole. At the moment I’m back in the hole and struggling badly, if I hadn’t had that window of normality after trying for so long to find a med that worked, I would give up now (it’s tempting to give up anyway!). If the Effexor is working for you then give thanks and keep on going with it as long as your doc tells you to. Incidentally, I’m assured that though it’s a known problem, the liver thing is rare. Mick.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, I am currently on 150 mg effexor xr and am actually doing well. Effexor is the first antidepressant I took that seemed to make a difference. Based on that – I am happy with it. On the other hand, I can’t shake the feeling that I am living on borrowed time. I have read way too many accounts of the nightmares that many people have gone through withdrawing from the drug. Every morning when I take the pill I have a momentary twinge – like what am I doing to myself? Will it be worth it in the end? Does any other effexor user live with this vague sense of impending trouble? Paradoxically, when I started effexor I was too depressed to really care much about the withdrawal symptoms but now that I am less depressed I am starting to think about the future more and I see effexor withdrawal as a roadblock I have to overcome sooner or later before I’m ever really free from depression. -scattered
Funny thing about taking antidepressants is that I have also started to think of the future, which is something I never did….and I am in my fifties. I always did things on the spur of the moment…spontaneously, which sounds like fun, but the older ya get, the more unstable it becomes to live that way. I just never could think past a day or week in advance at the most. It was weird now that I think of it. Since being on ad’s I can think about the future somewhat and seem less compulsive, but thinking about the future at my age, when all my life I didn’t…..is discombobulating to say the least. Because of my lifestyle of not thinking about the future, I have not been able to work, depression and all…and now that I want to get a job as I am thinking about my future, I am so nervous and unconfident in myself for all the years I just sat around waiting for tomorrow to come. What a shock, when the future becomes part of your life. I identify with you totally. Deb
Well, I can tell you now that Effexor has enabled me to get back on an even keel. Having said that, I am on the lowest dose (37.5mg per day), and missing one gives the classic withdrawal, that is: electric bolts, strange vision and confusion. Still, I can live with the daftness of missing one when the bulk of my life is fine. I think I shall have to get a very sharp knife to chop up the tabs into small enough doses to wean off. Good Luck !!! Peter, Bradford, England
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, I am currently on 150 mg effexor xr and am actually doing well. Effexor is the first antidepressant I took that seemed to make a difference. Based on that – I am happy with it. On the other hand, I can’t shake the feeling that I am living on borrowed time. I have read way too many accounts of the nightmares that many people have gone through withdrawing from the drug. Every morning when I take the pill I have a momentary twinge – like what am I doing to myself? Will it be worth it in the end? Does any other effexor user live with this vague sense of impending trouble? Paradoxically, when I started effexor I was too depressed to really care much about the withdrawal symptoms but now that I am less depressed I am starting to think about the future more and I see effexor withdrawal as a roadblock I have to overcome sooner or later before I’m ever really free from depression. -scattered
Look, believe it or not, I do think AD’s can help. I also strongly believe the SSRI’s are filled with serious problems. That said I suggest that you start therapy, if you have not already if you have continuing situations in your life which get you down, or add stress. Sometimes just a dozen sessions can make a great deal of difference. Don’t worry about the Effexor for a while, say six months. At the end of the six months reevaluate the situation in your life. I would suggest that you have both medical and psychological support in place for the withdrawal (which might not even happen for you, everyone is different) from the drug. Obviously a slow phased phase out is the way to do it, but scattered, concentrate on your old issues now, since from the tone of your post, it seems like you have experienced some relief from depression.
<< Effexor is the first antidepressant I took that seemed to make a difference. Based on that – I am happy with it. On the other hand, I can’t shake the feeling that I am living on borrowed time. I have read way too many accounts of the nightmares that many people have gone through withdrawing from the drug. *** I had a discussion with my doctor about this yesterday. I’ve been on Effexor XR for several months; at about 225mg it seemed to stop working, so he added a small dosage of Ritalin and it helped. But I’ve been having some real downtimes lately, and when the doc suggested increasing the Effexor to 300mg I asked him the same withdrawl questions. He didn’t seem overly concerned; he said that if I chose to withdraw I’d just have to do it very, very slowly. I’m troubled by the idea of being physically dependant on this drug (what if there’s another big earthquake and the pharmacies aren’t operating?). But in the end, I’m willing to take my chances; it’s better than the uncontrollable rage and depression I felt before I started the meds. Kit
I’ve just come back from the doctor, (who was a locum, not my usual doc) and explained my nasty side effects and withdrawal symptoms to him (see my posting yesterday). I told him about this newsgroup and several websites that back-up mine and other stories, and that I was by no means a single case of these effects. He said he was very worried as I seemed not to be able to stop taking the Effexor, and would be urgently contacting the manufacturers and notifying the Committee for Safety of Medicines (government organisation in UK). I hope he has some success. He asked me to revisit him next week, when I hope to be a little more in the know. I’m cutting down to 37.5mg twice a day, but deep down I know this won’t help. What this situation needs is a real investigation. Sure, it helps a lot of people, but for many it is a nightmare. Anyway, I’m waffling on; bye for now. Peter Finan Bradford U.K
I just quit Effexor XR with my pmd’d permission today. Didn’t have very nice side effects and after the extreme headache I got last night, I said, please, no more. I am not prone to headaches. I was only up to 75 mg once a day, so it doesn’t appear to be a problem. I will keep you all posted! Marilyn – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve just come back from the doctor, (who was a locum, not my usual doc) and explained my nasty side effects and withdrawal symptoms to him (see my posting yesterday). I told him about this newsgroup and several websites that back-up mine and other stories, and that I was by no means a single case of these effects. He said he was very worried as I seemed not to be able to stop taking the Effexor, and would be urgently contacting the manufacturers and notifying the Committee for Safety of Medicines (government organisation in UK). I hope he has some success. He asked me to revisit him next week, when I hope to be a little more in the know. I’m cutting down to 37.5mg twice a day, but deep down I know this won’t help. What this situation needs is a real investigation. Sure, it helps a lot of people, but for many it is a nightmare. Anyway, I’m waffling on; bye for now. Peter Finan Bradford U.K
I had a horrible time coming off Effexor, in bed for most of six days. The thing that helped me out of it was Prozac (fluoxetine). I took 20mg-40mg per day until I was able to get my new AD up to a high enough dose. Prozac was the best for me because I had taken it before with no side effects and because it has a long half life and wouldn’t cause its own bad withdrawal effects. (I had withdrawal side effects with Paxil (paroxotine) too.) Roger
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve just come back from the doctor, (who was a locum, not my usual doc) and explained my nasty side effects and withdrawal symptoms to him (see my posting yesterday). I told him about this newsgroup and several websites that back-up mine and other stories, and that I was by no means a single case of these effects. He said he was very worried as I seemed not to be able to stop taking the Effexor, and would be urgently contacting the manufacturers and notifying the Committee for Safety of Medicines (government organisation in UK). I hope he has some success. He asked me to revisit him next week, when I hope to be a little more in the know. I’m cutting down to 37.5mg twice a day, but deep down I know this won’t help. What this situation needs is a real investigation. Sure, it helps a lot of people, but for many it is a nightmare. Anyway, I’m waffling on; bye for now. Peter Finan Bradford U.K
I am about to go through a divorce and gosh who would have guessed, I have lost about 30 lbs in a month and a 1/2, I am sad when I think how much I will miss my wife and kids and have lost the desire to do many things I normally like. My Neuro-psychiatrist wants me to start taking Effexor XR for my depression. My question is this, who wouldn’t be depressed going through this? Am I really clinically depressed or just temporarily in this state because of my circumstances?? How do you know?? Thanks
Hey John, I went through separation, divorce and depression a few years ago. At the time I was seeing a counselor/therapist who helped me work through a lot of the situational depression I had. She told me time and again that if I ever felt like it was too much for me to handle on my own I could try meds. At that time I had a lot of reservations about it and I turned her down. It was hard, too. I remember feeling like nothing would ever matter again, and why even bother? Eventually though with her help (and I was *very* fortunate to have found such an excellent therapist for me), I realized that what *did* matter was me. I ended up discovering this whole other person inside myself I’d never known was there. The thing was, I don’t think this new me could have come into being without me having spent a lot of time alone. Time alone which left me lonely and sad and wishing for someone – anyone – to be with. I don’t know if the meds would have helped me get through it better than I did on my own, but in the end I proved to myself that I could do it and in many ways have been happier than ever before. Now, two years later, I’m on Effexor XR after being diagnosed with major depression last year. (I know that sounds odd after just saying I’m happier with me than I’ve ever been, but it snuck up on me.) The depression manifested itself so physically this time though that I figured it had to be a checmical imbalance so I tried meds. I’m not too thrilled with how they’ve worked out for me. It’s been nine months since I tried the first one, and I’ve been on three others since then with only marginal relief. Personally, if I was experiencing the frustration and despair I’ve had recently over all the issues surrounding me and meds at the same time I was going through a divorce I’d probably be a freaking wreck. Add to that some of the horror stories I’ve seen on the web regarding Effexor withdrawal (which I have yet to try – not looking forward to that), and I’m very tempted to urge you not to try meds, or at least try something else before Effexor. Especially knowing your depression is situational. With meds, not only does it sometimes take some time to find the right one, but during that time you may deal with some pretty nasty side effects, too. There’s a good chance that with good counseling you could recover from a situational depression faster than it might take to get relief with meds. Just my 2 cents. Good luck with whatever you decide. It does get easier. Take care. Julia
I am about to go through a divorce and gosh who would have guessed, I have lost about 30 lbs in a month and a 1/2, I am sad when I think how much I will miss my wife and kids and have lost the desire to do many things I normally like. My Neuro-psychiatrist wants me to start taking Effexor XR for my depression. My question is this, who wouldn’t be depressed going through this? Am I really clinically depressed or just temporarily in this state because of my circumstances?? How do you know?? Thanks
What difference does it make?? If you are throwing up blood, and the doctor says you have an ulcer, and he wants you to take some medication that might help you stop throwing up blood. What should you do?? How does the doctor really know that you have an ulcer. What if it’s just a reaction to that really bad meal you had last night. Get the point?? While it may be interesting and even important to think about the causes, ramifications, and validity of being diagnosed clinically depressed. If you are throwing up blood, wouldn’t it make some sense to try a medication that the doctor thinks might help that kind of thing. Antidepressant medications are symptomatic treatments. Like asprin, they reduce fever, they don’t prevent colds or speed one’s recovery from a cold. And as you perhaps intimate, fever can be a biological mechanism for getting rid of an infection, thus asprin can prevent a fever but prolong a cold, the opposite of making one "better". I mean, it’s entirely up to you. Some people describe a little post-nasal nose bleed as throwing up blood. I personally don’t think every dip in the road should be responded to with ECT any more then I think it should require medication. Some people have bad reactions to effexor. It’s not like taking an asprin. (Did I just mix my asprin metaphors??) Sometimes feeling down is the appropriate and needed reaction/feeling that is required for one to process and move through their grief. Only you know your family history, your history, your current pain, where you would like to be, etcetera. Unh, welcome to ASD. Home of the non-answer answer. Sincerely Stewart — The Metaphor Man *and* The Great Defender of the Self (remove the SPAMBLOCK) Please send me an e-mail copy of your posted response.
Hi John, Welcome to ASD. I am by no stretch of the imagination a "professional". However, I was/am in a similar situation. I’ve been separated for about a year and a half, with the actual divorce in the works now. Prior to the separation when things were really bad I was diagnosed with "Situational Depression". I have been taking meds since then and have been doing fine. I hope to get off the meds once all this is behind me. Hopefully you too are situational and things will get better with time. Sorry I don’t have any magic words but I wanted you to know that you are not alone. Be Well Tom posted and emailed
I am about to go through a divorce and gosh who would have guessed, I have lost about 30 lbs in a month and a 1/2, I am sad when I think how much I will miss my wife and kids and have lost the desire to do many things I normally like. My Neuro-psychiatrist wants me to start taking Effexor XR for my depression. My question is this, who wouldn’t be depressed going through this? Am I really clinically depressed or just temporarily in this state because of my circumstances?? How do you know?? Thanks Before you buy.
I do believe you are going through a phase, i was divorced too, and i remember not wanting to do anything. I never saw a DR. but didn’t feel i needed to. It’s a horse that takes some tome to get over it’s kick – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am about to go through a divorce and gosh who would have guessed, I have lost about 30 lbs in a month and a 1/2, I am sad when I think how much I will miss my wife and kids and have lost the desire to do many things I normally like. My Neuro-psychiatrist wants me to start taking Effexor XR for my depression. My question is this, who wouldn’t be depressed going through this? Am I really clinically depressed or just temporarily in this state because of my circumstances?? How do you know?? Thanks Before you buy.
I was wondering if anyone is living with person who has Attention Deficit, my husband was diagnosed 2 years ago, he is currently taken ritailin sr 20 mg twice a day. He still has mood swings and alot of other symptoms, I am trying to be real strong but sometimes he can be real harsh with his words. I just want someone who can understand and give adivce to me. Shannon
Tell his MD to recommend an SSRI like Prozac, Effexor, Paxil or Zoloft. These are mood stablizers and can balance out the mood swings.
I agree: I have found that I was much less irritable when I was on Prozac, and then Effexor; I didn’t feel it neccessary to express anger towards people by snapping at them. Being on SSRI’s made me a lot more laid back in general, so that things that I would normally fume about just didn’t get to me. From this post and your previous one, it sounds like your husband could really benifit. I think I remember you saying that he had been on an antidepressant at one point. Since stimulants often result in irritability as a side effect (particularly a reboud effect), the combonation may really suit your husband.
Tell his MD to recommend an SSRI like Prozac, Effexor, Paxil or Zoloft. These are mood stablizers and can balance out the mood swings.
kevin wrote… Tell his MD to recommend an SSRI like Prozac, Effexor, Paxil or Zoloft.
If his MD is anything like me, you won’t be able to tell him anything. Sincerely, Dr. Jackass, M.D.
Some of the meds that have been recommended so far are worth checking out. My advice when it comes to your husband’s mood swings is to let him be by himself, if possible. I wouldn’t advise trying to "talk sense" into him. When someone is in a mood swing they do not think rationally and they will only say things that are mean and hurtful, things that they (most of the time) will later regret. So try to get out of the house by taking a long walk, visiting a friend, or seeing a movie, etc. When I lived at home, my dad would have mood swings (which he still does). I would just make up any excuse to get out of the house so that he wouldn’t turn around and focus his anger on me. By the time I got back he, usually, was in a good mood. – Mike – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was wondering if anyone is living with person who has Attention Deficit, my husband was diagnosed 2 years ago, he is currently taken ritailin sr 20 mg twice a day. He still has mood swings and alot of other symptoms, I am trying to be real strong but sometimes he can be real harsh with his words. I just want someone who can understand and give adivce to me. Shannon
Yes but if he/she is like MINE he will ASK what the patient thinks is a good idea. kevin wrote… Tell his MD to recommend an SSRI like Prozac, Effexor, Paxil or Zoloft. If his MD is anything like me, you won’t be able to tell him anything. Sincerely, Dr. Jackass, M.D.
Nessa — everyone has a photographic mind, some of us just don’t have any film.
I used to try to get my hubby into "a better mood". Guess what? : ) I think Mike has some real good ideas. And it does help to remember that he doesn’t get into these moods on purpose, or just to annoy you, he can’t help it. Try not to take things too personally. Lisa- wife to ADD hubby and two ADHD sons – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Some of the meds that have been recommended so far are worth checking out. My advice when it comes to your husband’s mood swings is to let him be by himself, if possible. I wouldn’t advise trying to "talk sense" into him. When someone is in a mood swing they do not think rationally and they will only say things that are mean and hurtful, things that they (most of the time) will later regret. So try to get out of the house by taking a long walk, visiting a friend, or seeing a movie, etc.
Well, I am happy to say that I am down to 1 mid-night pee. I had never heard of the effects that Margrove described, but perhaps this is the case with me (temporary urethra dilation). I do think that the derealization is probably related to the reduction in Zoloft as Chip suggested. Thanks for thinking about me!! ~Valerie
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This has increased the frequency of nocturnal urination to once every 2 hours (it’s a pisser!). *groan* Yeah, and if you get constipation, you can also say it’s a pain in the ass. BTW Valerie, have you had a urine culture? Sometimes urinary frequency is the main symptom of a UTI, even without pain or burning. -elizabeth
There is also a new home test for UTI called AZO
Yeah, I noticed that. I wonder how reliable it is. -elizabeth
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi folks! Well I survived another family vacation. I even managed to tackle my fear of lakes and go swimming. (of course I had to tackle the fear of wearing a bathing suit in public first . Anyway, I have a few questions: I started taking desipramine 10mgs for 1 week then upped it to 20 this week. Concurrently, I decreased my Zoloft to 75mgs and continue using .5mg Ativan PRN. I’m happy to report that so far I have not been bothered by the more obnoxious anticholergenic side effects of TCAs. However, since introducing the TCA, I have the tiniest tank in the world….2-3 night time pees and all throughout the day! Is this a common side effect and will it go away? I never had this with imiprimine and it’s really obnoxious. My second question has to do with photosensitivity and meds. Are any of these meds known to increase photosensitivity. I burned my face off on vacation…even with sunscreen and I fear the I am doomed to spending the rest of the summer with peeling skin… or having to avoid the sun! Yuck. My last question has to do with increased derealization. Since the med change I am having a horrible time with this symptom….one that I rarely have had in the past. It’s quite annoying. Your suggestions and opinions are much appreciated as always!!! ~Valerie
all of them are photosensitizing including ativan so stay aweay from mr sol unless really lathered in sun screen the urolological pee problem-the tca’s can cause a minor temporary dilation of the urethra its harmless and no big problem it will adjust as you reach a homeostasis with the drug-also when you begin a tca it seems to load a lot of conjugated brain amines and drug into the kidneys this is a good thing and its what you want it means the stuff is doing its job-you can help it along by drinking a lot of water and of course peeing more it will abate in a few weeks if it doesn’t and you get burning when you pee it could be cystitis so get a urinalysis for bugs. LM
There is also a new home test for UTI called AZO Cathy P.H.O.B.I.A. People Helping Others Become Independent Again Off-line Panic/Anxiety Support Group Learn about us at http://community.nj.com/cc/phobia
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This has increased the frequency of nocturnal urination to once every 2 hours (it’s a pisser!). *groan* Yeah, and if you get constipation, you can also say it’s a pain in the ass. BTW Valerie, have you had a urine culture? Sometimes urinary frequency is the main symptom of a UTI, even without pain or burning. -elizabeth
This has increased the frequency of nocturnal urination to once every 2 hours (it’s a pisser!).
*groan* Yeah, and if you get constipation, you can also say it’s a pain in the ass. BTW Valerie, have you had a urine culture? Sometimes urinary frequency is the main symptom of a UTI, even without pain or burning. -elizabeth
snip I also notice a very small amount of urinary retention. I can’t squeeze the last several drops out, always one of the goals in my life. : ))
Chip, I’m up to 1oo mg of imipramine a day and have the urinary retention problem as well. Don’t laugh….but what really helps to get "started" and squeeze out those last few drops is to blow short panting breaths (yeah I know, you’re laughing your face off right now). Think of a pregnant woman in labour and how she relaxes her muscles so she doesn’t push at the wrong time-relaxing these muscles helps the urine to pass. Of course this is all from a woman’s perpective with her unique (LOL and in my case, very firm, tight) muscles. If it works for a man, could someone let me know??? I’m dying of curiousity here. Your pal in urinary retention, Charley
Hi folks! Well I survived another family vacation. I even managed to tackle my fear of lakes and go swimming. (of course I had to tackle the fear of wearing a bathing suit in public first . Anyway, I have a few questions: I started taking desipramine 10mgs for 1 week then upped it to 20 this week. Concurrently, I decreased my Zoloft to 75mgs and continue using .5mg Ativan PRN. I’m happy to report that so far I have not been bothered by the more obnoxious anticholergenic side effects of TCAs. However, since introducing the TCA, I have the tiniest tank in the world….2-3 night time pees and all throughout the day! Is this a common side effect and will it go away? I never had this with imiprimine and it’s really obnoxious. My second question has to do with photosensitivity and meds. Are any of these meds known to increase photosensitivity. I burned my face off on vacation…even with sunscreen and I fear the I am doomed to spending the rest of the summer with peeling skin… or having to avoid the sun! Yuck. My last question has to do with increased derealization. Since the med change I am having a horrible time with this symptom….one that I rarely have had in the past. It’s quite annoying. Your suggestions and opinions are much appreciated as always!!! ~Valerie
Hi folks! Well I survived another family vacation. I even managed to tackle my fear of lakes and go swimming. (of course I had to tackle the fear of wearing a bathing suit in public first .
There are some fears we all have to face! Anyway, I have a few questions: I started taking desipramine 10mgs for 1 week then upped it to 20 this week. Concurrently, I decreased my Zoloft to 75mgs and continue using .5mg Ativan PRN. I’m happy to report that so far I have not been bothered by the more obnoxious anticholergenic side effects of TCAs. However, since introducing the TCA, I have the tiniest tank in the world….2-3 night time pees and all throughout the day! Is this a common side effect and will it go away? I never had this with imiprimine and it’s really obnoxious.
Desipramine is not very anticholinergic for a TCA, so it’s not too surprising you’re not getting those side effects. One anticholinergic side effect is urinary retention. I’ve never heard of desipramine doing the reverse, though, unless you’re getting dry mouth and therefore drinking a lot of water. (Lithium *does* cause this as a side effect, BTW!) My second question has to do with photosensitivity and meds. Are any of these meds known to increase photosensitivity. I burned my face off on vacation…even with sunscreen and I fear the I am doomed to spending the rest of the summer with peeling skin… or having to avoid the sun! Yuck.
Yeah, sometimes they can. Time to stock up on sunscreen, it sounds like! My last question has to do with increased derealization. Since the med change I am having a horrible time with this symptom….one that I rarely have had in the past. It’s quite annoying. Your suggestions and opinions are much appreciated as always!!! ~Valerie
That’s kind of a weird one. It might be from decreasing the Zoloft, so that your body will adjust to it. You’re not getting any jitters or anything like that, are you? -elizabeth
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi folks! Well I survived another family vacation. I even managed to tackle my fear of lakes and go swimming. (of course I had to tackle the fear of wearing a bathing suit in public first . Anyway, I have a few questions: I started taking desipramine 10mgs for 1 week then upped it to 20 this week. Concurrently, I decreased my Zoloft to 75mgs and continue using .5mg Ativan PRN. I’m happy to report that so far I have not been bothered by the more obnoxious anticholergenic side effects of TCAs. However, since introducing the TCA, I have the tiniest tank in the world….2-3 night time pees and all throughout the day! Is this a common side effect and will it go away? I never had this with imiprimine and it’s really obnoxious. My second question has to do with photosensitivity and meds. Are any of these meds known to increase photosensitivity. I burned my face off on vacation…even with sunscreen and I fear the I am doomed to spending the rest of the summer with peeling skin… or having to avoid the sun! Yuck. My last question has to do with increased derealization. Since the med change I am having a horrible time with this symptom….one that I rarely have had in the past. It’s quite annoying. Your suggestions and opinions are much appreciated as always!!! ~Valerie
Hi Valerie, Welcome back!! Sounds like you are having fun with this med change<g. I have noticed with the Paxil, I am sun sensitive too. I am real fair so I burn easily any way, but now all I need is one hour out in the sun, and I get roasted. It took me getting bad sunburns three times this summer to make the connection. Take care and hope the Desipramine works for you. JAckie
Valerie, I’ve been desipramine 50mg/day for several weeks now, and this was added to Zoloft 150 mg/day which I’ve been on for several years. I do notice a dry mouth and have been sipping on ice water frequently for several weeks now. This has increased the frequency of nocturnal urination to once every 2 hours (it’s a pisser!). Are you sure you don’t have a dry mouth? Not even a teeny-weeny bit dry? : )) I also notice a very small amount of urinary retention. I can’t squeeze the last several drops out, always one of the goals in my life. : )) As far the feelings of derealization, these are likely do to increased levels of anxiety related to the increased dosage of desipramine. It tends to increase anxiety levels briefly. I had insomnia the first several nights after starting desipramine. You could treat the derealization by taking Ativan more often. You might want to try Ativan 0.25 mg (1/2 the regular PRN dose) at intervals frequent enough to keep the derealization away. Zoloft withdrawal can cause depersonalization, and I’d suspect it could cause derealiation as well. Same treatment: take Ativan. Zoloft can increase levels of desipramine by up to 30 per cent by inhibiting a liver enzyme that metabolizes desipramine. Maybe that’s why your doc cut back on the dose of Zoloft. Take care, Chip questions for everyone! Hi folks! Well I survived another family vacation. I even managed to tackle my fear of lakes and go swimming. (of course I had to tackle the fear of wearing a bathing suit in public first . Anyway, I have a few questions: I started taking desipramine 10mgs for 1 week then upped it to 20 this week. Concurrently, I decreased my Zoloft to 75mgs and continue using 5mg Ativan PRN. I’m happy to report that so far I have not been bothered by the more obnoxious anticholergenic side effects of TCAs. However, since introducing the TCA, I have the tiniest tank in the world….2-3 night time pees and all throughout the day! Is this a common side effect and will it go away? I never had this with imiprimine and it’s really obnoxious. My second question has to do with photosensitivity and meds. Are any of these meds known to increase photosensitivity. I burned my face off on vacation…even with sunscreen and I fear the I am doomed to spending the rest of the summer with peeling skin… or having to avoid the sun! Yuck. My last question has to do with increased derealization. Since the med change I am having a horrible time with this symptom….one that I rarely have had in the past. It’s quite annoying. Your suggestions and opinions are much appreciated as always!!! ~Valerie
Can someone tell me if Xanax and Zoloft are different, or are they just different meds for different people? I’m on Xanax, and I wonder if Zoloft would be better? I take Xanax just for when I need it. Pip
Zoloft is an SSRI type anti-depresant. Xanax is a Benzo. Difference is Xanax is fast acting, and wears off quickly. Zoloft is more preventitive (in other words you can not take it per needed basis, you must take it everyday). It takes several weeks to see full benefit, and the results for everyone may vary. I will not even begin to go into the side effects, but if you want more info on that you can do a search at deja news for zoloft. I would suggest trying the Zoloft in conjunction with the Xanax if you want to. What you may find over time that you can ween off of the xanax, or use it per needed basis. What you are going to find is ssri’s work for some, but not for all. YMMV, and IMO. Good Luck. d – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can someone tell me if Xanax and Zoloft are different, or are they just different meds for different people? I’m on Xanax, and I wonder if Zoloft would be better? I take Xanax just for when I need it. Pip
Philippa lomax schreef: Can someone tell me if Xanax and Zoloft are different, or are they just different meds for different people? I’m on Xanax, and I wonder if Zoloft would be better? I take Xanax just for when I need it. Pip
Xanax is a benzodiazepine (a so-called minor tranquillizer). Its anxiolyutic effects are undisputed. It can be taken *as needed* por as a maintenance med. Also a combo with another, longer-acting benzo like Klonopin works well for many people and Xanax can also be combined with an antidepressant of whatever type and often is. Benzo’s have mainly some drowsiness in the beginning as side effect.Zoloft is a SSRI-type antidepressant. These antidepressants work for anxiety/panic as well, as PAD and depression are sort of cousins, chemically. Unlike benzo’s which have immediate effect, with the SSRI’s (which block the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin so that you have enough of it at the right time at the right place, to be very simplistic about it) you need to give them between 3-8 weeks to be able to evaluate their effects. In the first few weeks your symptoms may worsen as your body adjust to the med. Therefore it is necessary to start at a real low dose and slowly raise it to therapeutic level which is a personal matter of trial and error. Often a benzo is added in these first weeks and this combo can also be taken long-term. A very unpleasant side effect of most SSRI’s with most people is sexual dysfunction. If I were you (but I’m not and I’m also not a doctor) I would try and see if raising my Xanax dose and taking it as a maintenance med (taking 4-5 times a day, say, .5 mgs = 2.5 mgs in total while average therapeutic dosage is 2-5 mgs) won’t do the trick for me. If it wouldn’t I would start to think about a combo. I feel that it is important to start out with just one med (so that you know for sure that the results are from that particular med) and to give it a full trial. YMMV etc. Philip
Can someone tell me if Xanax and Zoloft are different, or are they just different meds for different people?
Dear Pip, I don’t know the medical terms for the meds, but I do know that they are two different drugs. I take Zoloft everyday and it has helped restore my pre-panic disorder disposition. (Which was pretty nice.) I only take the Xanax when I push to travel (still have some problems with distance from home, but is much better. I now can go 20 miles from home.) Anyway, the Xanax just takes the edge off. If you have an opportunity to try Zoloft, go for it. It really does help. All the best. Sharon
Dear Sharon, I am interested to know how much Zoloft and Xanax you take each day.My MD has suggested I take 100mg a day of Zoloft, along with 0.5mg of Xanax 4 – 5 times a day for panic attacks and anxiety. I would appreciate any feedback from you. Thanks for your help.
Oh Blue, this is so true…. I was perfectly sane (cough cough cough) much however. I would give my life for him… With Metta & Blessings, Jehanne "It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end" Ursula Le Guin
says… you know, money tends to run in families. Maybe that’s biological too, like there’s a money gene or something. ..Don’t laugh, that’s the way these researchers think. On the lighter side, did you know that having children tends to run in families? If your parents didn’t have children, chances are you won’t either.
Did you know that insanity is hereditary? You get it from your children. Bluebird oh, is *that* where it came from?
you know, money tends to run in families. Maybe that’s biological too, like there’s a money gene or something. ..Don’t laugh, that’s the way these researchers think. On the lighter side, did you know that having children tends to run in families? If your parents didn’t have children, chances are you won’t either.
doh… Leslie — Mom always told me I could be whatever I wanted to be when I grew up, "within reason." When I asked her what she meant by "within reason," she said, "You ask a lot of questions for a garbage man." – Jack Handey Visit My Website! http://www.flex.net/users/tuesday
it’s CATCHING!!!!!!!
for *real* well, i don’t suppose i’ve ever actually *driven* someone to depression, but i know it’s *really* hard to live with a depressive person, specially someone who wants to prove how unlovable they are. anna xxx
Owlgirl, Thanks for confirming something I long suspected! lol Thanks for the chuckle. Brenda
you know, money tends to run in families. Maybe that’s biological too, like there’s a money gene or something. ..Don’t laugh, that’s the way these researchers think. On the lighter side, did you know that having children tends to run in families? If your parents didn’t have children, chances are you won’t either.
you know…both my parents (who, nb, are NOT my biologial parents) have depression and are on medication. Same with my ex-de facto, my uncle and aunt, and 3 close rl friends. I could never relate to it, but now, i’ve finally succumbed myself. aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrggggggghhhhhhhhhhh! this can only mean one thing: it’s CATCHING!!!!!!! warn all your friends and family….. owlgirl – who had a shitty aftyernoon, thanx to zoloft withdrawal, but who feels good cos you are all here, and is especially grateful for the posts from Cris/z, Eva Marisa, and kdaly. Thanx. :)