Dani_nmh
09-24-2003, 10:48 PM
I have been on Effexor for 4 months and I love it. The only side effect I have is vivid dreams - they are good dreams so I do not mind. I have actually realized that I am a lot more calm on this medication - I rarely ever get worked up about anything and I have not gained any weight - actually I lost a couple of pounds.
Hey drowning - I was wondering what dose you were taking and whether it was effexor or effexor slow release ? -
I am having difficulties with low blood pressure drops and AD's are one form of treatment for neurally mediated hypotension - as they raise BP and correct the msg from the brain about BP. I aslo get anxious and sometimes really bad panic attacks - so i thought it might kill 2 birds with one stone. I had first tried a beta blocker to help w/ the nmh but it made my circulation REALLY bad and my feet were turning blue - now im on a hormone called florinef but it causes swelling - so i know not to expect a miracle pill - but gee it would be nice to feel better - and not get th pattacks. Im only 19 and miss LIVING. -
Anyone Actually like effexor? -
Hey drowning - I was wondering what dose you were taking and whether it was effexor or effexor slow release ? -
I am having difficulties with low blood pressure drops and AD's are one form of treatment for neurally mediated hypotension - as they raise BP and correct the msg from the brain about BP. I aslo get anxious and sometimes really bad panic attacks - so i thought it might kill 2 birds with one stone. I had first tried a beta blocker to help w/ the nmh but it made my circulation REALLY bad and my feet were turning blue - now im on a hormone called florinef but it causes swelling - so i know not to expect a miracle pill - but gee it would be nice to feel better - and not get th pattacks. Im only 19 and miss LIVING. -
Anyone Actually like effexor? -
Sponsor
Dani_nmh
09-24-2003, 10:55 PM
HA _ this is kinda pathetic - like im responding to myself - but I was also wondering about Lexapro ... if anyone can tell me anything ....
Rap it up everytime!
09-25-2003, 02:24 AM
really?
Poochellaetta
09-26-2003, 02:15 PM
Hi, everyone, I have been taking Effexor XR for several years (6+). I take extended release tablets, and my dosage is 337.50 mg per day. I take 150 mg. in the morning, and then the remainder after dinner.
I have only one side effect from this medication, and it's that I get severe twitches in my legs. I, too, haven't put on any weight, and I absolutely refuse to take any medication that will increase my appetite or relates to weight gain.
A few years ago, I was put on Celexa, which made me put on weight BIG TIME, no pun intended! I went on Celexa because I had no appetite and I was experiencing issues with food. Unbeknown to myself, Celexa is usually a drug of choice for people who deal with anorexia and bulemia. Celexa, as I have found to be my personal experience and from others, has always enhanced one's appetite.
Regarding weight, I lost 80 pounds a few years ago, and I never want to put the weight on again. My weight gain was due to congestive heart failure, inactivity during that time (I was bedridden for 2 yrs.), and of course, over eating. So now that I've lost the weight, I don't want to take any medication that will increase my weight.
As to whether I like the drug, I cannot made a decision. I do know that when I don't take it I am very tearful, and with it, I'm not as tearful.
I have extremely vivid dreams, but mine are nightmares! I don't think that this is related to the medication because I've always dealt with vivid nightmares.
I hope that this is helpful.
I'd like to thank everyone for sharing with me.
Keep in touch.
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif
I have only one side effect from this medication, and it's that I get severe twitches in my legs. I, too, haven't put on any weight, and I absolutely refuse to take any medication that will increase my appetite or relates to weight gain.
A few years ago, I was put on Celexa, which made me put on weight BIG TIME, no pun intended! I went on Celexa because I had no appetite and I was experiencing issues with food. Unbeknown to myself, Celexa is usually a drug of choice for people who deal with anorexia and bulemia. Celexa, as I have found to be my personal experience and from others, has always enhanced one's appetite.
Regarding weight, I lost 80 pounds a few years ago, and I never want to put the weight on again. My weight gain was due to congestive heart failure, inactivity during that time (I was bedridden for 2 yrs.), and of course, over eating. So now that I've lost the weight, I don't want to take any medication that will increase my weight.
As to whether I like the drug, I cannot made a decision. I do know that when I don't take it I am very tearful, and with it, I'm not as tearful.
I have extremely vivid dreams, but mine are nightmares! I don't think that this is related to the medication because I've always dealt with vivid nightmares.
I hope that this is helpful.
I'd like to thank everyone for sharing with me.
Keep in touch.
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif
hry33
09-26-2003, 09:45 PM
if effexor calms you, it should also stop or reduce panic attacks
lexapro is an antidepressant of a different type to effexor, I wouldnt take both
lexapro is an antidepressant of a different type to effexor, I wouldnt take both
Dani_nmh
09-27-2003, 02:45 AM
I think I will be starting effexor xr on monday - for the first time. the Dr gave me a presc. 4 75ml but maybe after reading posts 35 would be better to start ????
I am a little anxious about new meds - I take them and then feel anxious all day - stupid .. i know. I just want something to take the edge off my 'low mood' help my anxiety/panic attacks - and the Dr is using it to raise my blood pressure s well (bc i get dizzy from low bp)
I hope i take it - and feel GREAT .. yeah right huh ....
Anyone taken it and felt great?????? i posted the user 'drownings' msg at the top and wanted to know more -
I guess i am looking for encouragement from ppl who like the drug. - I know they all work diff - but supposedly it was one with few side effects ...
Daniella
I am a little anxious about new meds - I take them and then feel anxious all day - stupid .. i know. I just want something to take the edge off my 'low mood' help my anxiety/panic attacks - and the Dr is using it to raise my blood pressure s well (bc i get dizzy from low bp)
I hope i take it - and feel GREAT .. yeah right huh ....
Anyone taken it and felt great?????? i posted the user 'drownings' msg at the top and wanted to know more -
I guess i am looking for encouragement from ppl who like the drug. - I know they all work diff - but supposedly it was one with few side effects ...
Daniella
mycatsmom
10-11-2003, 04:43 PM
Dani -- How are you doing so far on the Effexor? I've been taking it for 2 years & love it. Have lost 22 lbs. My depression & anxiety are much, much better, also don't feel angry all the time like I used to.
How are you doing with it?
How are you doing with it?
mycatsmom
10-11-2003, 04:45 PM
p.s. I take XR, 150 mg a day
auntchilada
10-13-2003, 02:08 PM
I have been on Effexor XR for almost 3 weeks. It is my first and only medication I have been on. I was diagnosed with GAD. The first few days on Effexor were uncomfortable. I threw up the first night because I didn't eat with the pill, my body twitched a lot, my jaw was always clamped down, I had no appetite, and my anxiety got worse. After the first few days the side effects started to go away. Now I eat with the pill and I haven't gotten sick, my body still twitches but not nearly as much, my jaw is fine, my appetite is back, and my anxiety is getting soooo much better! I am SO happy that I finally decided to go on medication.
I am sleepy, but that is nothing compared to having anxiety. I went back to my psych the other day and she said that the sleepiness and twitching should start to go away. Although I am always sleepy, I wake up several times during the night. The psych said this should also start to go also and she gave me Ambien in case I can't sleep. I don't have nightmares.
She also said it is a great sign that I am feeling so much better...she said it will continue to get better.
I started on 35mg and am now taking 75mg.
I am sleepy, but that is nothing compared to having anxiety. I went back to my psych the other day and she said that the sleepiness and twitching should start to go away. Although I am always sleepy, I wake up several times during the night. The psych said this should also start to go also and she gave me Ambien in case I can't sleep. I don't have nightmares.
She also said it is a great sign that I am feeling so much better...she said it will continue to get better.
I started on 35mg and am now taking 75mg.
HONEYDEWS
10-17-2003, 03:24 PM
I've been on Effexor sr, 75mg for 6 years, the day after I took my first one the world opened up to me and I felt like ME again. The 75mg was perfect for 6 years. It has been a rough year and my Dr. just uped me to 112 mg a day. This is working well. I don't consider any anti-depressant a "happy" pill, the sadness is still there, just at a level I can deal with. It allows me to be able to identify the problem and work through it without being in tears all the time. This is my opinion - although I believe that meds affect people differently. It's a chemical thing after al:O)
lori j
10-23-2003, 12:44 AM
Dani, I was put on Lexapro 3 weeks ago, I've had every side affect & sick as a dog. I am off it now & waiting to go on something else. I was on my old anti'd for 7 years and did great, this is my first med change & it didn't work out. I always feared the time when my old one would fail & now I'm on the merry-go-round of trying to find the right one!!
LJ74
11-02-2003, 09:02 PM
My doctor is one of the best around. Not because he's my doctor, but before I found him, I did my reasearch and it turned up right. He put me on effexor and said it is suppose to be the "Best" one yet for treating a variety of disorders. Panic, Social, anxiety, depression, etc, etc. It's only been two weeks and I LIKE it! No side effects what so ever. What ones you have, will pass. Stick with it ;)
lori j
11-06-2003, 05:49 AM
I have been on Effexor xr for 6 days now & haven't noticed any relief so far from anxiety. Two days I was so tense that my neck & shoulders were so tight & my neck now is so sore that I can't turn my head. Other than a little nausesa for 2 days, it is not affecting me in a bad way like the Lexapro.
How long did it take for most of you to see any relief from the anxiety? I know it can take up to 6 weeks to work fully & I'm on the starter dose of 3.75 for the first week, then move up to 75 on this Friday. Any replies would be appreciated. Sure hoping this one works for me. Thanks.
How long did it take for most of you to see any relief from the anxiety? I know it can take up to 6 weeks to work fully & I'm on the starter dose of 3.75 for the first week, then move up to 75 on this Friday. Any replies would be appreciated. Sure hoping this one works for me. Thanks.
becky1954
11-06-2003, 07:06 AM
I have been on Effexor xr for 6 days now & haven't noticed any relief so far from anxiety. Two days I was so tense that my neck & shoulders were so tight & my neck now is so sore that I can't turn my head. Other than a little nausesa for 2 days, it is not affecting me in a bad way like the Lexapro.
How long did it take for most of you to see any relief from the anxiety? I know it can take up to 6 weeks to work fully & I'm on the starter dose of 3.75 for the first week, then move up to 75 on this Friday. Any replies would be appreciated. Sure hoping this one works for me. Thanks.
I have been on Effexor 150 mg twice a day for several years then I got more depressed and the doctor added an additional 75 mg. It is working great. I feel less anxious and my depression is better. I wouldn't be without it. :)
How long did it take for most of you to see any relief from the anxiety? I know it can take up to 6 weeks to work fully & I'm on the starter dose of 3.75 for the first week, then move up to 75 on this Friday. Any replies would be appreciated. Sure hoping this one works for me. Thanks.
I have been on Effexor 150 mg twice a day for several years then I got more depressed and the doctor added an additional 75 mg. It is working great. I feel less anxious and my depression is better. I wouldn't be without it. :)
LJ74
11-06-2003, 11:22 AM
I have been on Effexor xr for 6 days now & haven't noticed any relief so far from anxiety. Two days I was so tense that my neck & shoulders were so tight & my neck now is so sore that I can't turn my head. Other than a little nausesa for 2 days, it is not affecting me in a bad way like the Lexapro.
How long did it take for most of you to see any relief from the anxiety? I know it can take up to 6 weeks to work fully & I'm on the starter dose of 3.75 for the first week, then move up to 75 on this Friday. Any replies would be appreciated. Sure hoping this one works for me. Thanks.
Like all of them, it takes "4-6wks" to fully kick in. You won't notice anything until than. 4-6WKS. That's why doc gave me xanax to use along with until than. But I've heard it's the best one, so we'll see. You need therapy in conjunction with all these drugs, otherwise, they won't work. I start CBT on Monday and can't wait to rid this thing. Also, can't put down, "Panic to power"! The BEST book yet. My god, it was as if I wrote it. GREAT BOOK!! Can't put it down. As well as the anxiety and panic workbook.
How long did it take for most of you to see any relief from the anxiety? I know it can take up to 6 weeks to work fully & I'm on the starter dose of 3.75 for the first week, then move up to 75 on this Friday. Any replies would be appreciated. Sure hoping this one works for me. Thanks.
Like all of them, it takes "4-6wks" to fully kick in. You won't notice anything until than. 4-6WKS. That's why doc gave me xanax to use along with until than. But I've heard it's the best one, so we'll see. You need therapy in conjunction with all these drugs, otherwise, they won't work. I start CBT on Monday and can't wait to rid this thing. Also, can't put down, "Panic to power"! The BEST book yet. My god, it was as if I wrote it. GREAT BOOK!! Can't put it down. As well as the anxiety and panic workbook.
lori j
11-07-2003, 02:11 AM
Thanks for the replies. I had been on another anti-d for 7 years & it worked great, but my system became tolerant of it and now I'm in the process of trying to find a new one that will work.
Tomorrow I start the 75mg, so I'm hoping there will be no adverse side affects from the increase. Today was a good day, yesterday I was totally hyper, so I'm hoping it's just getting used to it.
I also have xanax to take along with it, but I only take it sparingly when absolutely necessary.
Tomorrow I start the 75mg, so I'm hoping there will be no adverse side affects from the increase. Today was a good day, yesterday I was totally hyper, so I'm hoping it's just getting used to it.
I also have xanax to take along with it, but I only take it sparingly when absolutely necessary.