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Akita

Can't help with the efexor XR as I was only on it for a week and had no sleep with it and a massive migraine.

I can tell you though the avanza could be responsible for the weight gain as it is renouned for this - I gained about 20 - 30 kgs from it when I was on it.

Ask your doctor if there is an alternative to the avanza that you can have - a non weight gaining medication - my psychiatrist has me on luvox and it doesn't seem to have made me gain weight - then again I might be wrong. There are non weight gaining meds available as my psych has me on as many of them as possible. For the efexor sweats try one probanthine a day - I take it because I have a disease of my sweat glands, hyperhydrosis - they over work and I sweat even if it is freezing.

Talk to your psychiatrist about your meds and the alternatives if you are concerned about your weight.

Sorry you are still missing you dog. Perhaps as time moves on you can get another one.

Go Akita!!!

Studying1

Written by studying1, 23. Jan 2008 10:00 AM

Hello Akita1970

I was on Effexor 225mg a day and i sadly went troppo, i was hypoer for weeks and had to come off it slowly.

Just ask to reduce and change medication.

Written by Deleted_User, 23. Jan 2008 11:17 AM

Hi Akita,

I am an ex-DepNetter, and I am living proof for you that there is life after Effexor and there is life after depression! I can fully sympathise with all your mentioned side effects - and yes, the weight is Effexor too. I went from a tiny size 8 to a beefy size 16 in less than 12 months. Once I came of Effexor, 9 kilos fell off without me even trying. The sweat was the worst I think, so embarrassing and horrifically uncomfortable. Yes - I know the brain shocks to. I called them 'electric jolts'.

Ok - so withdrawing.

1. do NOT do it on your own. You need a very good psych who understands where you are coming from and supports your desire to come off of it.

2. DO IT SLOWLY. I was ripped from 450mg a day to nothing in two weeks and it damn near destroyed me. Don't rush, and find a psych that supports you slow withdrawel.

3. Unfortunatley there will most likely be side effects. I experienced shaking, sweating, more 'electriuc jolts' than ever, crying, fear, anger, exhaustion. I was in a wheelchair for a couple weeks. I lashed out at those I loved mercilessly (I don't remember this thankfully, but sadly they do). I don't think things would be this severe in a more controlled withdrawel.

SO questions to ask yourself...
Do you have a support network?
Does you main support person (partner) have a support network?
Is your psych the right person to support you through this?
Do you want to try more meds, or go med free for a while?

Once off Effexor, your side effects will taper off, but my electric jolts lasted about two months once the damned drug was out of my system.

It's not all bleak though, sweet pea. I am now drug free, married to my partner from that time, a bit thinner, working my butt off and getting places. You aren't really stuck in this place you find yourself in, it just feels that way.

I'd be happy to talk to you about this more, so I'll check back in later.

Love and light
Jo

Written by MissJ, 23. Jan 2008 01:17 PM

And I need to add a cuddle for the loss of your pet. It is a special bond we make with our animals, and it can really knock us about when it comes time to say goodbye.

Hugs.

Written by MissJ, 23. Jan 2008 01:21 PM

Hi Akita
I have been on Efexor for some years now from 75mg to 150mg up to 225mg. I have heard a lot of stories about Efexor, most of them bad! I have gained a lot of weight and am tired all the time. I have decided to wean myself off them - at the moment I take 150mg every 2nd day and I will slowly phase them out altogether. I am still depressed, but no worse since cutting down (So far so good?!) I do have a lot of bizarre dreams though. I am really disgusted with the weight gain and I cannot bear to see my reflection in the mirror or shop windows, etc. Seeing myself only depresses me more. So hopefully some weight loss will give me the boost I need to be more motivated. Maybe then this will lead to a happier me!
The loss of your dog, I can relate to as I said before. It's good you have his photo there, I have Milly's pics all around me and in my wallet. I'll love her forever and will be grateful always for having her as my best friend.
Cheyne

Written by hippiechick, 24. Jan 2008 01:02 AM

Hi Akita

I was on Effexor XR 300mg as well. The side effects were terrible. I put on about 15kg, a very dry mouth, trouble urinating, sweating, brain freezes, nightmares etc...

When I came off them the doctor gave me a schedule to cut them down over 3 weeks. Then I had 2 days taking nothing at all then I started on the new meds, Zoloft.
I started the zoloft 3 weeks ago but they still have not kicked in.

Coming off the Efexor was not pleasant but not as bad as some have described, thank goodness. I was very dizzy, had lots of brain freezes, very emotional, short tempered and nausious.
I just could not stay on Effexor, I was so unhappy because of the weight and side effects it was more negative than positive.

So good luck Akita and take care

Girlie

Written by girlie, 24. Jan 2008 03:05 PM