Anyone tried effexor A/D? Opinions/experiences requested

[mremeet]

I was on Lexapro for about two months in an attempt to put some spring back in my step (currently in 21st week of treatment). I can't say after taking first 10mg/day, and then 20mg/day that it was doing squat. I didn't feel any different at all, unless somehow it affected me in some subtle/nuanced manner that has somehow escaped my notice because of the heavy background noise caused by the swirling ongoing effects of IFN/riba. But bottomline is that it just didn't seem to be working for me.

So I asked my doctor to try something else, and he prescribed Effexor XR. Anyone have any experience with this drug? Getting a little antsy from what I've been reading about its withdrawal profile. Hope I'm not unwittingly signing up to hellish withdrawal experience down the road. My problems aren't severe enough to warrant a serious risk like that, so I was hoping to gain some insight from those of you who've used the drug. Plus any cautions/info on drug interactions and liver toxicity are welcome. Thanks in advance...

[jmjm530]

You may find this website both informative and entertaining. Each drug has it's own discussion group as well as data page. For "effexor" scroll down to the group and/or "The Effexor Page".

FWIW I tried Wellbutrin for a "lift" toward the end of treatment, or was it after treatment, boy good memories are hard to forget :) Anyway, I do guarantee you will feel something from Wellbutrin. Too much for me to handle plus it brought back my reflux so I was on and off within a few days. The only good part of the experience was that I had a new appreciation for my normal mental state :) I think Effexor is in the same family but really not sure.

All the best luck.

Here's the site:

http://www.crazymeds.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl

[jmjm530]

If the Effexor page scares you, ignore what I said and ask your doc about Wellbutrin. Apparently it has a kinder sfx profile with one of the least sexual side effects of the lot, no significant weigh gain and it's energizing rather than the opposite. My doctor thought it would do the trick for me but as mentioned it was too "up" for me, but others here have reported a more positive experience.

-- Jim

[chcnme]

Jim, lol - that is a great site.  It's got some funny stuff on it.

Mremeet, Effexor can cause some weird feelings for some people and can also have some strange withdraw for some.  For some, it works.  It didn't work for me  (made me feel weird - detached.)  Wellbutrin was better but it was speedy (I couldn't sleep on it.)  Lexapro was the last one I tried (right after diagnosis), and I tried it 10 mg for a week (nothing) then upped it to 20 mg, and in that second week it was like taking a hallucinogen and trying to go to bed  (very vivid dreams -life like and not good dreams.)  I stopped Lexapro and never tried another AntiD.  Paxil?  Took it many years ago - too sedating.  The last one my shrink recommended that I might try was Provigil. I never got it filled :) The only way you will know is to try it.  It might work wonderfully for you, and if it doesn't, you can always try another one.  Hang in there.

[esleighton]

I asked my Uncle's wife this question and here is her response to me. They are both clinical psychiatrists with decades of experience.
"if you went with anti depressants I would ideally go with Wellbutrin b/c of increase in energy as a side effect...however it is a slightly riskier drug with seaizure risks...the safest drug is Lexapro since it has fewer side effects and no drug interactions of significance...however sexual dysfunction is not uncommon...I do want to reiterate that around here the gi docs do recommend a daily reimen of milk thistle which is a prevents and treats liver damage...I recommend all patients with hepatitis, hx of drinking, current drinking or exposure to toxic chemicals...if you want further info john has theresearch data...my hep c patients are all on it, often have been since diagnosis..if fatigue becomes too debilitating short term use of stimulants on an as needed basis are not unreasonable as well (eg adderall (adderrall) or ritalin)...I find that patients can take them for a few rough days after injection (or chemo, or r.a. tx infusion) and it helps them just be able to move about slightly better...later...C"

[jmjm530]

Your uncle's wife's post is consistent with a teaching module at the Projects In Knowledge Website. It takes some looking around to find it but the presentation basically says that two types of psyh meds are often required for those undergoing Hep C treatment. One for the depression and one for energy, i.e the ritalin, adderall (adderrall) component mentioned. The presentation was by a doctor with many years of experience treating interferon-induced depression in cancer patients. As to the milk thistle, are the GI's mentioned prescribing milk thistle during treatment. Many liver specialists advise their patients not to take milk thistle during treatment as it may impede SVR. No studies that I know of on this one way or another.

-- Jim

[ladybug52]

Well first I'd like to say thanks Esl. for the info provided re: adderall (adderrall). I am ADHD and had been taking adderall (adderrall) for about a year prior to tx. I told my doctor I am so thankful I take it, it's the only way I can focus with the riba running thru me.
As far as A/D's, I have tried Effexor first and I had some weird sides. Not able to fully relieve my bladder and after a few weeks I developed restless leg syndrome that I blamed on the Effexor so I quit taking it. Next tried celexa, still my favorite but I put on 40 lbs. Dr. changed to wellbutrim, but I never got rid of that anxious feeling that Celexa helps with. Switched to Lexapro, heard it was better than Celexa and was still wanting to lose some of the weight I had gained in 4 yrs. Lexapro still didn't work as well as good-old-fashioned-made-in generic-form-only-anymore...Celexa. I switched back in Sept.
All of us have different chemistries, hope you find something that works well for you. My sister and Dad take Zoloft, brother takes celexa. I think it's safe to say depression runs in my family.

[HCA]

Oddly enough I have taken Effexor,although not whilst on treatment.
I gained weight-lots of it-one of the frequently reported side effects-and dumped it after a couple of months.
I have taken other ads during treatment-phenelzine a.k.a Nardil was not too bad.
As a veteran of treatment with experience of anti-depressant supplementation my personal preference is don't bother with anti-depressants.
We have it drummed into us that IFN brings us down,however this time I have elected not to take ads and I don't feel any the worse for it.
If you are in despair that's one thing,but if you just want to 'put a little spring in your step' you might find that you get a load of lead to go with the spring.
Just MHO.

[desrt]

If you're going to mess around with reuptake inhibitors and are concerned about withdrawl, why not stick with good ol'fashion Prozac (fluoxetine)? It's long half-life makes it the easiest SSRI to detox from. Kid tested, doctor approved.

[countryboy]

I was taking Lexapro, not much help. Effexor has been working very well for me for about 8 months. But I have not been able to get a hard on since I started taking it. Good luck.

[chellski]

i was on effexor or wellbutrin and dr. took me off b/c not "liver friendly"...put me on zoloft - i did tx on this and was fine...post tx however threw me into a new and different depression - dr upped my zoloft plus put me on thyroid meds b/c i found out about an underactive thyroid (started during tx)..between the upped zoloft and the thyroid med, i've been doing fine....i was on a.d. befor tx also...have tried different ones....i lost my son in '93 and my husband in '03 (after a long illness) so a.d.'s have helped me dramatically...god luck..

[APKhaos]

Its trial and error until you find what works for you. Lexor was hell on wheels for me. Felt zonked and disconnected after less than a week of 10mg. Wellbutrin really worked for me. It smoothed out the rage thing, and helped me quit a 30 year smoking habit as an extra benefit!

[AMAZED]

My best friends brother was taking Lexapro for about a year.....not that it has any bearing on any of this, but out of the blue ended up taking his own life.  His mother feels that that drug ,Lexapro, had something to do with it by enhancing his depression rather than helping him with it.  Have any of you heard of such with this drug?  Just that one really concerns me after that incident....

In Christ,
R

[mremeet]

Thanks everyone for the great advice, and especially thanks for the website reference jim - that's a pretty funny site alright! I started taking the effexor yesterday, hopefully it will work out for me. As far as some of the mentioned sides are concerned, hopefully I won't gain too much weight, although I could use another 10 lbs right now. But if that means upping my riba (which it would), than I definitely don't want the extra weight. Right now I don't really care if my sex drive goes to zero, it's been slowly tapering off anyway. Strangely, it's almost liberating in a surprisingly refreshing way; I never realized just how much thinking the little head did for the big one. Plus I just feel disgusting trying to foist my new "Tales from the Crypt" + Boris Karloff's love child appearance on my girlfriend lately (although for some strange reason she still tolerates me).

And ch you mentioned vivid dreams, I HAVE been having the funkiest dreams of my life lately! I don't know if it's the IFN or the riba or the 20mg of Lexapro that's doing it. A few days ago I had a dream where I had to wrestle this really good looking, but STRONG woman in a wrestling arena. But she was dressed in professional office attire with really nice hair and earrings...but she wanted to kick my a$$, and for the most part was doing a good job of it. But somehow I managed to get her in a headlock and then body slammed her onto the mat. I woke up at that instant sweaty and clenching my pillow while holding it down on the "mat" (bed). I don't do stuff like this! WTF??  There have been others too, and they ALWAYS have some kind of "struggle" or "they're out ot get me" or "run and hide/escape" theme to them. I'm never the master of ceremonies and am never in a position of control or power. Always the subservient and threatened one. Let's see, what could that mean in psychoanalytical terms? ;-)  Why can't they just be porno movies every night?

And although I'm pretty bummed out right now with the grinding sides, itching, rash and anemia, I could get by without an A/D. The main reason I'm going through the trouble of taking one is to build an emotional reserve capacity for any unforeseen tx related hardships that might come my way in the future (currently in 21st wk). Right now I could absorb very little additional discomfort or any elevation in the misery index, possibly threatening my ability to go the distance on these poisons. With any luck, effexor (or whatever else I end up trying) will help to build a more secure bridge to my final destination - which of course I desperately hope to be SVR-sville.

Thanks again to everyone, the advice is appreciated more than you know.

[sailinlady]

WOW.  I must really be a mess.  I have been on Effexor for over two years.  Doc started me on it for freaky hormones & extreme menopausal symptoms.  This was after trying Paxil & Zoloft, neither one seemed to help.  I was at the point where I would just start crying for no reason whatsoever.  I took it all through tx and felt it helped with the riba rage and fatigue.  Still take it and I don't have any of those "crazy sides".  Course that could be because I'm just plain crazy.  LOL

[NYgirl]

I started on Paxill a month before starting treatment at my docs suggestion.  I'd never been on one before.  It must be doing a smack dab fantastic job because I've had no depression or anxiety at ALL (while I always did pre-tx...anxiety).

I think it worked great. It makes me wonder if I ALWAYS should have been on it.  it just makes it easier to let problems not seem like they are life and death emergencies...they don't disappear but I seem much more able to cope with them rationally now.

[chellski]

i don't know why but when i read your name i say mystery meat, which is funny cause i work in a middle school, and they serve it often for lunch....anyway, if i'm not being nosy, what's the story with the moniker?
i just had to say i don't know about your need for a.d.'s; i just got finished reading your post and laughed out loud in reference to your dreams....oh so funny...dream on my young friend!  and good luck with your treatment!   chelley

[FL_Gal]

I've been on ADs for years, and like APK says, it's more trial and error than an exact science.  Your doctor will just try different drugs and dosages until s/he finds one that works for you.

I've probably tried almost every one in the book.  I don't remember exactly how the Effexor made me feel, but I guess it didn't work or I'd still be taking it. ;) What I ended up on is a combination of Provigil, Wellbutrin, and Xanax.  It worked well enough for a couple of years, but I can feel the old fog returning recently.  Oh, well, I'm not going to start switching around again.  I'll just take more Xanax, which doesn't really help the depression, but at least it cuts down on the crying jags.

[ladybug52]

The anxiety, that's why I take ad's. I have said this before about myself. I would lay awake worrying, always feel anxious and run whole conversations thru my head of: I said He said she said--till it would drive me nuts! Also I had a habit of over-reacting with my sharp tongue and quick temper. I feel so much better, maybe my symptoms were just exacerbated by menopause. Your comment about anxiety spurred this long comment.
Janice

[chcnme]

Best of luck on the E-fex  You should know in a few weeks if it's going to be good sides or bad sides.  My sis did very well on it for about 2 years, but then she got the UTIs and restless leg, and withdraw for her was not pleasant, but she got through it in about 3 weeks. Hopefully you won't have to be on it for 2 years, or if so - you'll do totally fine on it.

This (your dream)  "I had a dream where I had to wrestle this really good looking, but STRONG woman in a wrestling arena. But she was dressed in professional office attire with really nice hair and earrings...but she wanted to kick my a$$, and for the most part was doing a good job of it. But somehow I managed to get her in a headlock and then body slammed her onto the mat. I woke up at that instant sweaty and clenching my pillow while holding it down on the "mat" (bed). I don't do stuff like this! WTF??"

hahahah lol!  That was so funny to me!  Mine were crazy and so vivid and life-like (they lasted all night, too), I would think about the dream all the next day, and I didn't want to go to bed for fear of what the next dream might be.  I called my experience with Lexapro a temporary diversion.

Here's hoping the E-fex will give you that boost that'll help level things out some. Best of luck!

[Morgaina]

It really is a good sight, isn't it jmjm! Lots of info! I never took ADs until treatment but have found life to be SO liveable now, was very difficult before. Tried a few to get a fit but ended up using a mood stabilizer with AD and never get the anxiety or depression except for occassional problems that are hormone induced. Still am working towards a drug-free existance but waiting for my brain to get re-trained. Am presently using 5mg.zyprexa(pm) and 20 mg.lexapro(am). Discontinuation should be reasonably easy(Ihope). Research everything! Best of luck mremeet.

[NYgirl]

Janice - that was exactly me too. Laying in bed every night freaking OUT about every detail of every thing blah blah blah so much that the knots hurt so much in my stomach I couldn't breathe.

It's so WONDERFUL to have a situation happen now and be able to deal with it without that!

I truly think it is wonderful that there ARE things to help and I will never ever ever make fun of them or anything like it again. I always thought that it was "all in your head" but...it's sure not (well if it is the meds WORK...you know what I mean!)

Deb

PS I don't know if I want to even go off it after tx.  It seems to help chill me out so much I think I'll just stay on them if possible.

[mremeet]

Thanks again everyone for the really great input. nygirl I was thinking about Paxil, but honestly I'm a little scared of that one. I have a friend that I went on a backpacking trip with for several days a few years ago. He's a really smart and funny fella, but he has a form of depression that makes him a bit of a chowderhead at times (he's very disorganized and "flight of idea-ish"). He takes Paxil to manage it, but somehow either lost his meds on the trail or forgot to bring them altogether (due to his poor organizational skills). By the end of the trip he was JONESIN' something fierce. He was NOT a happy camper, the withdrawal symptoms looked pretty hellish to me. I just hope like he11 that Effexor doesn't do that to me when I come off it. And if you discontinue it, make sure you do it nice n' gradual!

Thanks for the input rev, and I agree the side effects of the drugs in many cases makes them not worth it. On many levels does it really make sense to take an A/D to improve your disposition, only to have it cause, say, bad constipation? Or bad insomnia? And what's bad constipation or sleeplessness going to do to your disposition? Probably make you pretty depressed and irritable...but wait, wasn't that why I'm taking an A/D in the first place? It's like an endless vicious cycle of drugs and more drugs to deal with the other drugs. Oh well, I'm going to give it a shot and see what it's like. Hopefully I'll experience a net gain somehow.

Chellski you got my name right, "mystery meat" IS the joking double entendric' counterpart to "Mr E. Meet." Pretty clever huh?? Right. ;) Oh, and since you work at a middle school, I have a couple of questions for you: (1) Do they still have jocks, farmers (FFA types), heads (druggies) and nerd ("mathletes") cliques? (2) Do they still have those dried out overcooked hotdogs for school lunch? How about the "Ellios" like rectangular cheese pizza slices? Slimey and bland fruit cups? And how about the lunch ladies with their blue uniforms and hair nets? Thanks for the update.

[latecomer]

I have had a couple of friends who claimed Lexepro brought them out of clinical suicidal depression and reduced their paranoia and a couple of others who hallucinated and had really uncomfortable reaction to it.

I must say that I really find Adderol 20 mg time release to help my energy level and mental focus with no speedy feelings, dry mouth or tight muscles.  If you have trouble with brain fog and can't get your insurance paperwork (or taxes or whatever) completed, Adderol is a godsend.   I decided to try it when I observed how many kids and adults in my family are ADHD or just completely paperwork adverse and cronic procrastinators.  

I only take it on days I need to concentrate or work really rigoruously, which prevents any tolerance build up.  I am not on hep meds yet but I thinking of embarking and I think of Adderol as a bit of an insurance policy to make sure  I can keep functioning in my really demanding job.  Also seems to help headaches.

[B-bunch]

WOW. I thought the dream sequence was awesome...better tell your girlfriend about it so she can take some wrestling lessons for any middle of the night suprises! Maybe she can flip you over and hold your arm behind your back until you say "Uncle!" Hee-Hee.

I like Effexor because it is the best of both worlds, it is like half Paxil and half Wellbutrin.
It has helped me not to drive myself and everyone else around me crazy. Remember..you will need your friends and relatives to help you during treatment and you don't want to scare them away by monstering everyone..

Just remember what Steven Tyler said about not using ADs because he is an addict, and then his wife left him during his treatment 'cause he drove her crazy? Then he broke down and started ADs and it helped him to deal. I think his wife is still gone though.

Good Luck.

[B-bunch]

WOW. I thought the dream sequence was awesome...better tell your girlfriend about it so she can take some wrestling lessons for any middle of the night suprises! Maybe she can flip you over and hold your arm behind your back until you say "Uncle!" Hee-Hee.

I like Effexor because it is the best of both worlds, it is like half Paxil and half Wellbutrin.
It has helped me not to drive myself and everyone else around me crazy. Remember..you will need your friends and relatives to help you during treatment and you don't want to scare them away by monstering everyone..

Just remember what Steven Tyler said about not using ADs because he is an addict, and then his wife left him during his treatment 'cause he drove her crazy? Then he broke down and started ADs and it helped him to deal. I think his wife is still gone though.

Good Luck.

[mremeet]

My girlfriend was in the room when I woke up from my office lady wrestlemania bout. It was late morning by that time (I sleep about 10-12 hours a day due to anemia right now), the sun was shining through the window and she was up already. She saw me body slam the pillow, and asked "What the hell is wrong with you??" Before I was fully awake I blurted out "she had me in a scissor hold, I had to body slam her." And she said "WHAT??" Slowly coming to my senses I said "She...I had to pin her...wrestle...strong...uhhh, what's for breakfast?"

She's actually getting used to my madness now. Not too sure how much longer she'll put up with it though. ;)

[stangshelly]

I am currently on week 43/72?? and I have been on a low dose of effexor xr 75 mg since the start of tx. lexapro and effexor are in the same class of anti's..hard to wean off of when on for some time. maybe try a different class of anti's..ie..wellbutrin or prozac? hang in there i've been through h*ll with the tx...it gets better..I keep telling myself:)

[Htownwife]

My husband who is treating is now taking effexor. He was having severe anxiety, depression, and irritability before starting it @week 24. He's now at week 34, and effexor has helped him a lot. He,too, was concerned about what he read about withdrawal issues when treatment ends. The doc told him not to worry, what he's going through right now is worse than any withdrawal he'll have when getting off this AD. He's on 75 mg and doesn't feel the need to increase the dose.  The doc also told him that this one is not as bad on the liver as some of the others.  We have no experience with any other AD's, but this one has definately helped him deal with this treatment!