Sixstringkate Posted October 5, 2011 Share Posted October 5, 2011 It's freaking me out a little. I've got a minor (but noticeable and ever-present) tremor, and my legs and arms feel weak for the second day in a row. It seems to get worse at night. I put a call in to my Dr this morning but haven't heard back yet. Anyone heard of this type of reaction? I'm on 40mg Paxil, 75mg Effexor IR (37.5mg twice a day.) I thought maybe I just hadn't eaten enough, but I've had a big breakfast, a Coke, and snacked on crackers throughout the morning. Eating doesn't seem to have any effect. It gets less noticeable the more I move around. I drove around with the kids this morning to do some errands, and it eased up. Now I'm home sitting in front of the computer and it's back again, as strong as before. So that makes me wonder if it's physical or psycho-somatic. Maybe a new and exciting manifestation of my panic? Drove past a mental health and rehab clinic on the way home. Thought about how nice it would be to check in and relinquish all control of my life, even for a little while. I know that's not what it's really like, and this is nothing severe. But the romanticized idea of it is tempting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
olga Posted October 5, 2011 Share Posted October 5, 2011 The Coke and crackers are all carbs. The sugar in the Coke in particular can affect people---my husband feels shaky if he eats something really sugary. Maybe try eating protein and veggies and see if that helps. You might also try some real exercise---a fast, 30-minute walk, and some work with light weights for the upper body. Tremors and weakness are much less noticeable in people who have toned muscles. You also mentioned that it was better when you were moving around, so exercise may be key to keeping you feeling level. I think a lot of us have that feeling of just wanting to "pitch it" and let someone else take over our responsibilities. Do you have a friend or relative who could take the kids and give you an afternoon or evening off? It sounds like you need it. (I'm not being critical--being a parent is a very tough job.) If the tremor continues, you should definitely call your pdoc about it. olga Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motori Posted October 5, 2011 Share Posted October 5, 2011 Hi sixstringkate, I was on Effexor 75mgs daily for 6 months. I know exactly what you are talking about.. that strange fague trembling, slightly uncordinated, weak feeling. With me, it was also accompanied with a slight feeling of nausea / queasiness. I got it mostly in my legs, and a little bit in my arms. It was temporary. My doc told me it was because effexor was a stimulating antidepressant and the muscle tremor was due to a slight increase in systemic norepinephrine. He said it would pass once my system adjusted biochemically to the med, and it did. I think it took about 4 or 5 weeks to gradually phase out. Once gone, it never returned. Effexor was a great mood enhancer for me.. very motivating, uplifting med. I only stopped taking it because I had a very rare allergic reaction to it. Extremely uncommon and not something you should worry about. The side effect your experiencing is very common, normal and according to my doc was nothing to worry about. Hang in there!. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sixstringkate Posted October 5, 2011 Author Share Posted October 5, 2011 Thanks for the advice you guys! Olga, I tried cutting out the sugar and upping the proteins, but nothing seems to be having an immediate effect. I am a bit sugar sensitive though, I should probably keep a closer eye on it. But Coke's never made me shaky. In fact, I usually use it to power through a panic attack, or when I'm getting a bit too anxious. (Like EVERY FREAKIN DAY on my current med schedule!!) I haven't had time to exercise and, I won't lie, I just don't feel up to it. But I did take a good long break this afternoon while the kids were napping. Normally I rush around and try to get stuff done, but instead I lazed in bed with the tv and a magazine. I do feel much better, attitude-wise at least! Motori, I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one. But this sucks, so I'm sorry you had to go through it too! I'm hoping Effexor is "the one" for me, but I had a really bad reaction when I tried tapering off Paxil. So for now I'm on both. My GD doesn't really have the experience to figure this out, and I can't get an appointment with a pdoc until the end of NOV. Until then, I guess I'll just shake!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sixstringkate Posted October 6, 2011 Author Share Posted October 6, 2011 UPDATE! There was a cancellation! I'm going to a psychiatrist for the very first time this Friday!!! Oh please, dear God, let me get a med that works!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.