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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 2 of 2. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by iamneo on March 7, 2001, at 21:29:47
About 8 weeks ago I began taking effexor xr. Starting with the 37.5 mg/day and finally reaching a total dose of 225mg/day. The depression seemed non-existant almost at once and I felt much more stabile than I had in months. The sexual side effects stink, but that was ok since I'm separated and can't enjoy that anyway. The effects on my sleep were managable with shifting the time at which I took the drug during the day. I had no dream issues. Motivation was ok and I did seem to be able to focus more when I had to. There also seemed to be a bit of sinusitis.
Because I have Mitral Valve Prolapse I was very concerned of any effects effexor would have on my heart. It seemed to me that my MVP was aggravated while on effexor and so I began lowering the dose in preparation for a different medication.
It appears I still came off the drug too fast. I am having dreams all night and can't get rest. I am swimming in a fog and have several mood and emotional swings. I can't get work done. I'm sleepy all the time. My first impression is to jump back on a low dose again just to feel right. My MVP seems to be acting up again with the withdrawal, after initially being fine the first few days of coming down. Depression is back and I really have no reason to be depressed!
I hope this info will help someone. For those of you who pray, I covet your prayers.
Due to
Posted by iamneo on March 14, 2001, at 17:13:45
In reply to leaving effexor, effects and withdrawal, posted by iamneo on March 7, 2001, at 21:29:47
Here is an update: I caved. I took one 75 mg XR and within an hour I was considerably better. I stayed off effexor for about 2-3 days and took about a 32.5 mg dose. My heart feels fine, less palps and races. My sleeping has been almost normal, same with dreaming. The sexual side effects have almost completely dissapeared (for those of you who are really sharp please don't ask how I know this) and emotionally I'm fine.
I will probably continue this routine for a few weeks. That is, using 32.5 mg every couple days then extending the length of time between doses to 3 - 4 days, etc, etc.
I don't mind being on effexor because of how it helps with depression. But the withdrawal is unlike anything I have ever experienced and don't wish to again.
Hopefully this info will help someone. I'll post an update again in a couple weeks.
Best wishes to all.
This is the end of the thread.
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