May 26th
2008
12:01 AM
Effexor XR has been a life-saver for me! I have been taking 150mg per day for about 8 yrs. Recently, 75mg was added to my daily dose because of a temporary new stress or on my plate - divorce. With the increased dose came constant sweating and unbearable dry mouth. I dropped back to the 150mg dose and the sweating is back to being manageable and the dry mouth is much less. I can't imagine living without Effexor XR - this anti-depressant has literally saved my life -- I know now that life doesn't to be so horrifically painful as was the norm for me prior to taking Effexor XR. I have no other side effects - I have gained some weight but only over the past two years and that possibly can be attributed to my age (50) and the stress of a bad marriage. The half life of Effexor is short and I do sometimes get the electrical shock feeling in my head -- that usually a red flag that I missed a dose. To be on the safe side I keep a dose in my purse as a back-up. All-in-all, it feels great to be 'normal', even if it means using Effexor XR - I hope it never goes off the market. Way-back-when, I initially started out w/ Paxil (helped, but I felt just below the surface of reality and had horrid withdrawals) - then tried Wellbutrin and after a day was so terribly spaced out that I could only minimally function and couldn't even leave the house - got off of that stuff immediately! Effexor just lets me function and feel feelings at a normal volume. Thank you Lord!!
-- By fiftyandfine | Reply | Private Message me
August 29th
2006
7:26 PM
#30157- I wanted to quell your fears about Zoloft. I started taking it about a year ago (when I turned 30). I take 50mg and feel great. I was very anxious and depressed. This stuff is like gold- I can't believe I ever survived without it. Before Zoloft I let anxiety rule my life, I couldn't focus on my job..it was a nightmare.
I don't remember what that was like now. Give it a try, I think you will find that you waited too long and you will be glad you tried it.
October 3th
2005
6:30 AM
August 13th
2005
12:32 PM
I have been on effexor for over 2 years. Last year I tried to get off this medication. The doctor never explained what the withdrawl side effects would be like. I was so sick, disorientated, severe numbness in my arms and leg. Electrical shock-like sensations throughout my whole body. If felt at times like someone was driving pins into my head. This went on for days. I went to the pharmacy (was away from my doctor)they said no medication would make me feel like that. Weeks later I still had these symptoms. My doctor suggested an MRI, thinking I had all the symptoms of MS. MRI was clear but migrains came back with a vengence. He suggested starting med again. All symptoms went away. This med is scary. I am going off this stuff for good now. By reading all of your testimonials I now know I'm not crazy. I too put on almost 20 pounds and now have high blood pressure at 36 years old.
-- By nina79 | Reply | Private Message me
May 4th
2004
6:08 PM
severe anxiety, panic, rapid heart rate, diarrhea, clostridium difficile, dizziness, numbness in feet, electrical shock sensations, leg and arm weakness, tremor in hands, rash, burning skin, insomnia, depersonalization, severe depression, chest pain, knee caps felt like they were going to pop off when I would walk, fatigued easily, memory loss, inability to concentrate, eye floaters, weight loss of 20 pounds in 2 weeks, loss of taste, sensitivty to sound/light, GERD, sensitivity to hot temperatures, night sweats. some symptoms still persist after 4 months
-- By blondeambitionz | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
Mirena (1) Effexor (1) Effexor XR (1) Celexa (1) Electrolyte (1) Cipro (1) Zoloft (1)
July 13th
2008
2:47 PM
I am 40 years old, divorced, 2 children, in a monogamous relationship for 2 years, all credentials as a perfect candidate for Mirena. I originally decided to have Essure, but my doctors convinced me to wait a few years, as it is peramament, irreversible. So last week, after much research, through the internet, and friends, I had Mirena inserted. I was looking forward to the spontaneity, and done with the side effects of condoms, spermicides, and the like. The first day was not pleasant, I had a terrible migraine, back pain, and heavy bleeding. Since then, the side effects have come & gone from time to time. I have experienced nasal congestion, stomach aches, diarrhea, more migraines, and fatigue. I decided to give it more time, in hope the symptoms would subside. Until the other night, when my guy told me he could feel the threads, and it was quite painful. I am not sure why so many of us have all these issues. I recall from the early 70s, there was much controversy regarding the IUD. I thought the research and improvements would make it safe & risk free. I can only say, that based on my mood swings, bleeding, cramps, and now this sensation my guy feels, he described it as a mini electrical shock, I am regretful of my decision. I will make an appointment to have it trimmed, and give it the 6 weeks to see if any effects improve, or at least subside. I wish I had read these blogs before I hade Mirena inserted, I would have reconsidered other options. Thank you to all of you for your honesty. I empathize & sympathize with all of you. I will keep you posted throughout my progress. Good luck to all of you!
-- By heidih68 | Reply | Private Message me