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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 13 of 13. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by kathy57 on December 28, 2002, at 20:02:03
I have been on Effexor since 12/18 - the only side effects I notice are mild dizziness and energy I didn't know I had. I'm taking 37.5 mg. I was taking 10 mg of Celexa. I'm curious as to what to expect with this medication. I'm hoping the dizziness dissipates in time.
Posted by john7219 on December 28, 2002, at 21:28:36
In reply to Effexor and side effects, posted by kathy57 on December 28, 2002, at 20:02:03
I've noticed myself sweating buckets when I exercise, but I've always been a heavy sweater. Weight gain is possible, and lack of libido to say the least. All in all, not bad however.
Posted by Caleb462 on December 29, 2002, at 0:26:41
In reply to Effexor and side effects, posted by kathy57 on December 28, 2002, at 20:02:03
I'm currently taking 150mg/day... Dizziness... maybe a little, nothing signifigant though. Extra energy? definitely. I've also noticed... extra sweating (mild), delayed orgasm (mild, and is actually a benefit!), constipation (very mild) and headaches (moderate). Headaches have been the only bothersome thing really, but a few aspirin usually take care of that.
Non physically... I've noticed plenty of the "emotion-flattening" effect of SSRIs. However, the energizing effect of norepinephrine reuptake inhibition seems to help curb the dulling effect of serotonin reuptake inhibition, to an extent.
Posted by Noelle on December 29, 2002, at 4:46:33
In reply to Re: Effexor and side effects, posted by Caleb462 on December 29, 2002, at 0:26:41
Interesting how some can find Effexor energizing and other can find it positively debilating. I must say Effexor cured my depression and axiety. However it has done nothing for my modivation. Perhaps it was my anxiety that was propelling me to complete tasks. I am currenly at 75mg but I went as high as 225 hoping it would bring up my energy level.
Posted by Remi on December 29, 2002, at 11:12:07
In reply to Re: Effexor and side effects, posted by Noelle on December 29, 2002, at 4:46:33
I am taking 112.5mg Effexor. Did not experience dizziness even when starting at lower doses or trying a bit higher dose. Minor sweating, minor sexual effects, minor bowel effects. It is Very effective. If one has to use these things. I do. High outdoor sports activity makes it work even better. Duh. But I know the mood flattening effect and that seems to break through it for me.
I find with all these ADs, they either agree with me right away, though they take time to kick fully kick in, or they never will. I put up with miserable start up effects of Wellburtin to encounter Even worse side effects later on. I'd check with your doc about the dizziness. If it were me, I'd find something else.
Posted by Dysfunk on December 30, 2002, at 20:03:04
In reply to Re: Effexor and side effects, posted by Caleb462 on December 29, 2002, at 0:26:41
I have found Effexor to be energizing...I haven't found the right dosage yet, so it is too much so right now. I find myself clenching my teeth and feeling lots underlying anger. I don't feel it has provided me with a hard shell against emotions-in fact I feel overly sensitive. Other than that, the sweating is pretty bad for me-mostly during the day and sometimes nightsweats. I defintely feel dizzy spells, constipation, which can explain the pains in my stomach, the orgasm is slightly delayed, not as bad as on Prozac, but there is a delay in peeing. I have to concentrate very hard to pee. I find dry mouth to be an embarrassment, and I get those white strings of dry saliva- ew! It is interesting how it is different for everyone.
Posted by JESSsMom on December 31, 2002, at 9:33:17
In reply to Re: Effexor and side effects, posted by Dysfunk on December 30, 2002, at 20:03:04
Caleb, ask your doc for a small dose of Cogentin for the sweating. I just started .5mg 2x/day yesterday and it hasn't started working yet but I'm hopeful.
Also, you are the first poster I've ever seen describe the concentration needed to pee. Ever since I started the XR it is difficult to pee and takes me like 5minutes to go, even though I have a totally full bladder.
JM
Posted by JESSsMom on December 31, 2002, at 9:35:47
In reply to Re: Effexor and side effects, posted by Dysfunk on December 30, 2002, at 20:03:04
Dys, sorry I accidentally called you Caleb.
JM
Posted by jtc on January 1, 2003, at 22:34:15
In reply to Re: Effexor and side effects, posted by Dysfunk on December 30, 2002, at 20:03:04
Hi everyone,
I am currently taking 75 mg of Effexor XR and .5 mg of Klonopin a day. I have been having palpitations occasionally. Does anyone else have these on the Effexor? I have been taking the Effexor for about 8 months for anxiety disorder and depression. Also my 8 year old daughter has been on Effexor XR, 37.5 mg for about five weeks. She says she is tired during the day and I have noticed her yawning a lot and she has this habit of rolling her eyes downward like she is looking downward but not meaning to. I am still very skeptical about her being on the Effexor but after seeing a psychologist and having her tested for ADD, the doc said she doesn't have ADD but that she has a lot of anxiety for a child her age so he referred us to psychiatrist and she gave us the Effexor to try. It has made my child a little hyper and she is having trouble sleeping at night also. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks, jtc
Posted by Ritch on January 3, 2003, at 9:55:17
In reply to Re: Effexor and side effects, posted by jtc on January 1, 2003, at 22:34:15
> Hi everyone,
> I am currently taking 75 mg of Effexor XR and .5 mg of Klonopin a day. I have been having palpitations occasionally. Does anyone else have these on the Effexor? I have been taking the Effexor for about 8 months for anxiety disorder and depression. Also my 8 year old daughter has been on Effexor XR, 37.5 mg for about five weeks. She says she is tired during the day and I have noticed her yawning a lot and she has this habit of rolling her eyes downward like she is looking downward but not meaning to. I am still very skeptical about her being on the Effexor but after seeing a psychologist and having her tested for ADD, the doc said she doesn't have ADD but that she has a lot of anxiety for a child her age so he referred us to psychiatrist and she gave us the Effexor to try. It has made my child a little hyper and she is having trouble sleeping at night also. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks, jtcHi, did the doctor consider something a little milder such as Buspar first? Effexor seems to be a rather big gun for a small kid given that she has just anxiety and isn't depressed. Maybe there are some stressors at school that could be addressed with counseling?
Posted by jtc on January 5, 2003, at 22:37:21
In reply to Re: Effexor and side effects » jtc, posted by Ritch on January 3, 2003, at 9:55:17
> > Hi everyone,
> > I am currently taking 75 mg of Effexor XR and .5 mg of Klonopin a day. I have been having palpitations occasionally. Does anyone else have these on the Effexor? I have been taking the Effexor for about 8 months for anxiety disorder and depression. Also my 8 year old daughter has been on Effexor XR, 37.5 mg for about five weeks. She says she is tired during the day and I have noticed her yawning a lot and she has this habit of rolling her eyes downward like she is looking downward but not meaning to. I am still very skeptical about her being on the Effexor but after seeing a psychologist and having her tested for ADD, the doc said she doesn't have ADD but that she has a lot of anxiety for a child her age so he referred us to psychiatrist and she gave us the Effexor to try. It has made my child a little hyper and she is having trouble sleeping at night also. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks, jtc
>
> Hi, did the doctor consider something a little milder such as Buspar first? Effexor seems to be a rather big gun for a small kid given that she has just anxiety and isn't depressed. Maybe there are some stressors at school that could be addressed with counseling?The psychiatrist did not talk about any other medications except Effexor, but my daughter has an appointment on January 15 and I think I will discuss the BuSpar. I am not sure if she is depressed or not. She seems sad a lot but I think it could be her severe anxiety and worrying that is making her depressed. We are also seeing a child psychologist to talk about school issues because a lot of things at school bother her. Paxil was approved today by the FDA for treating children. But I don't know if I want her to try that one either. What do you think? Thanks for advice, jtc
Posted by Ritch on January 6, 2003, at 9:40:42
In reply to Re: Effexor and side effects, posted by jtc on January 5, 2003, at 22:37:21
> > > Hi everyone,
> > > I am currently taking 75 mg of Effexor XR and .5 mg of Klonopin a day. I have been having palpitations occasionally. Does anyone else have these on the Effexor? I have been taking the Effexor for about 8 months for anxiety disorder and depression. Also my 8 year old daughter has been on Effexor XR, 37.5 mg for about five weeks. She says she is tired during the day and I have noticed her yawning a lot and she has this habit of rolling her eyes downward like she is looking downward but not meaning to. I am still very skeptical about her being on the Effexor but after seeing a psychologist and having her tested for ADD, the doc said she doesn't have ADD but that she has a lot of anxiety for a child her age so he referred us to psychiatrist and she gave us the Effexor to try. It has made my child a little hyper and she is having trouble sleeping at night also. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks, jtc
> >
> > Hi, did the doctor consider something a little milder such as Buspar first? Effexor seems to be a rather big gun for a small kid given that she has just anxiety and isn't depressed. Maybe there are some stressors at school that could be addressed with counseling?
>
> The psychiatrist did not talk about any other medications except Effexor, but my daughter has an appointment on January 15 and I think I will discuss the BuSpar. I am not sure if she is depressed or not. She seems sad a lot but I think it could be her severe anxiety and worrying that is making her depressed. We are also seeing a child psychologist to talk about school issues because a lot of things at school bother her. Paxil was approved today by the FDA for treating children. But I don't know if I want her to try that one either. What do you think? Thanks for advice, jtc
>
>
Hi, treating kids with psych. meds is very controversial. I was first treated with phenobarbitol or diazepam or atarax back in the early 70's for anxiety when I was 11 years old (can't remember which). It helped a lot, but changing schools is what did the trick. The big problem, IMO, is getting an accurate diagnosis with a child. I am bipolar and have had symptoms of bipolar disorder (and ADHD) as far back as I can remember (I was a very agitated, jittery, "high-strung" kid). Use of antidepressants in a child with a hidden bipolar disorder (i.e.) can cause some drastic, unintended effects. All I can really say, is make sure you are seeing a GOOD children's pdoc and really grill them about just exactly what her *diagnosis* is and what the other possibilities (differential dx) are. If you trust the pdoc and are going to go with meds, make sure you get some information from them about signs/symptoms to watch for that could indicate her condition worsening or a bad reaction to the medication they prescribe. Just my 2 cents. good luck--Mitch
Posted by Dysfunk on January 11, 2003, at 13:00:09
In reply to Re: Effexor and side effects, posted by jtc on January 5, 2003, at 22:37:21
I had it with Effexor. The anger and aggitation were the worst side effect for me. Actually, my doctor doesn't think it worked for me. What a terrible experience,and weaning off has been hell!
This is the end of the thread.
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