Effexor and medication

Hey there! I have been on Venlafaxine/Effexor for 5 months now and have steadily had my dosage increased (I now take 150mg in the morning and 75mg at night) and I can say that out of all the other antidepressants that I've taken (Prozac, citalopram, sertraline) this is the one for me. Yes I did have some side effects such as slight nausea in the beginning but the one that gets me is sweating, and I mean I sweat a lot! But for me it is worth it so I am not an irritable, bed ridden depressive and I actually want to go out and enjoy life with my son. Effexor is the best medication I have come across for relieving the crushing anxiety that I felt in my chest and has really helped with OCD symptoms.

It has taken me 3 years to come across this medication after numerous fails with the other meds, which in turn (on each occasion) made me doubt pharmaceuticals and my doctor, but if you are suffering on this drug then change it, there are so many slight variations to anti-depressants the one for you is out there, don't suffer in silence, just be brave and keep trying because when you find the one your quality of life will be unbelievably better.

Much love and strength to you all

I have put on weight I am 104kgs.I am picking up bacterial infections.I have a persistent cough and feel somewhat deflated.I also suffer from mild schizophrenia as well as my O.C.D.I take 375 mgs of Effexor and 10mgs of
Olanzapine or Zyprexa.I have had bouts of depression since the age of 25.I am now 39.I would dearly like my medication to be reduced as I'm finding it hard to be happy and content.Any advice?

I have been on Effexor for about 5 years. I had to stop using it suddenly when I became pregnant and the withdrawal was HORRIBLE (the inside of my eyelids felt like sandpaper and I actually heard my eyeballs scratching against it). Immediately after I stopped breastfeeding my son, I started it again. Within a few weeks, I felt so much better, my house was cleaned regularly, I stopped biting my nails, I lost and kept the pregnancy weight off and my libido did not suffer one iota. Unfortunately, my medical coverage lapsed and I cannot afford to refill the prescription. The sandpaper eyelids came back, my nails are bitten down to the quick, and I have no desire to take care of anything. The pharmacies are giving out free antibiotics ... but people who cant afford much needed medication have to suffer. I would rather have the flu than deal with not having Effexor.

Everyone has had really good point above me. Effexor is not a good drug. It causes ridiculous itching, nausea, stomach pain, etc. I already have enough stomach pain with my endometriosis, and now I effexor to make it worse. I haven't attempted to get off of it yet, but I hope it is not near as bad as some people have said. I don't want to put my wonderful fiance through that. It's not fair to him nor me. I would suggest to all, make sure you really need medication, and if you REALLY think you do, possibly try a different kind before trying this one (effexor).

I have been on Effexor 75mg and at first experienced extreme drowsiness and extremely dilated pupils. However, after the third week these side effects subsided, and I switched from AM dosing to PM dosing which helps with the drowsiness. The one thing I did notice though is that, though my anxiety and depression are gone, I have seemed to develop a new habit, or not new, but whenever I go shopping, I end up spending a lot of money and I don't really worry about it or care. The first month I burned through my credit and still, although I know it's a problem, don't feel any anxiety over it. Before the anxiety would stop me from doing ridiculous spur of the moment spending or other silly decisions, but since I have been on effexor I seem to not care anymore. I do love this medication however, and have learned over the past few months that I need to monitor my decision making more closely, and not based solely on my emotions, since I am always happy and carefree. Has anyone else experienced this?

I have had a wonderful experience with this medication. I have been on it for over 3 years at 75mg a day taken in the am. I have a few minor issues with going to the bathroom but by 9am I am feeling fine. I have been on many other depression meds and they all had terrible side effects, but with effexor I have had no issues. I am thankful to be on this medication and not so depressed all of the time. It also has helped with my GAD.

Dreams so vivid and realistic that at times I have had trouble distinguishing reality from dream state and have had episodes in which I would rapidly transition from the dream state to a paralyzed state of being awake

I'm 31 and started taking Effexor a week ago 75mg to begin with. Today I'm doubling the dose. I am mourning for the loss of my husband whom I have been together with for three years and married for 4 months! In a week I had a serious nervous breakdown due to an obsession in my mind; related to getting his personal belongings from his family. But today when I think about my feelings, it seems as if they're all lost. Or they are buried even deeper inside of me. I can't cry and this is uncomfortable. One day I'm seriously aggressive, another day I'm the easiest person on earth, then another day I'm fighting with my emotions like missing him bad. I had suicidal thoughts as well. When I look back, it seems overwhelming what I felt due to this medicine on top of my deep sorrow.
I don't really know how this dose doubling will affect me, but I'm anxious!!!!!

I was put on Effexor because of anxiety and panic attacks, and all I have to say is that this medication increased more so than it alleviated any of those symptoms. I was not even feeling very anxious at the time of my taking the first (37.5 mg) dose.

I took the capsule around 2 in the afternoon and by 4pm I had a severe headache. This was followed by nausea and strange thoughts. When I returned home that evening (last night) around 7pm I called my roommate a profane word (way out of character) and made her cry. We resolved the conflict, and I went to bed without any discomfort.

But I awoke around 3 am feeling strange sensations coursing through my body, anxiety, strange thoughts (again), and a sense of "overheating." I wanted to get up but I felt like I could not will myself to act, I felt as though I was in an "out of body" state. My paranoia and anxiety reached an apex at which I decided that I must not be "okay," and called my mother.

My mother assured me that I am okay and just that I must be on "too much stimulant, call the doctor tomorrow." I truly felt like I was having an awful hallucinogenic nightmare. I wanted someone to tell me that I would be okay because at certain points I had a fear that maybe I was having an allergic reaction to the stuff and might die.

Had I not researched online boards beforehand I would have called "911" no questions asked at the first onset of my symptoms last night. One of the scariest things I have been through in awhile. Still don't feel quite right, but the feeling is not as intense.

Effexor did work for my depression, but it did give me a lot of side effects. One for instance that was horrible is when I drank alcohol. My friends indicated to me the next day that I became a different person when I drank. The worst was that I couldn't remember a thing the next day what happened the night before! Also, when I was trying to get off the medication after being on it for a year it also gave me the WORST nightmares. I was yelling and screaming in my sleep. I dreaded going to bed every night because of the horrible dreams I was having.

After reading all the posted side effects I am very scared to continue this medication. The doctor diagnosed me with anxiety. I have to work through this and try and not take anymore of this medicine. My husband and I want to have an active sex life. I mean.....who wants to be on medicine that doesn't let you enjoy sex! I also don't understand gaining weight. I haven't experienced any weight gain yet. My head is very dizzy and I also feel like I can't think straight. I work in a school and have to work with children all day. I don't want to take this medicine. What else can I do?

This drug works really well for my anxiety. However, my sex drive is almost zero and it takes a long time to have an orgasm. Sex shouldn't feel like work!

Hi, I take Effexor, and have experienced many of the negative effects described here, however, my personal depression was such before I began that for me it was life-saving. During those periods when I've taken breaks from Effexor, withdrawal wasn't pleasant, nor was it quite as bad as some have experienced (I didn't get the brain-freezes or violent impulses). However, I did find an excellent post in another forum about tapering off, so I am cutting and pasting it here. (fyi, if you take 150s rather than 75s -- I take 150s -- you can use a similar schedule to open the capsules and shake a bit out rather than completely eliminating a dose):

In Response To: Re: New to Effexor (Sharon)

I'have been taking Effexor since one year and a half ( I take 225 mg per day). Before taking it, I was so worrying and panic that I could'nt do anything. It took me about 6 months before seeing a change in my mind. Now, I am very happy and I don't worry about everything anymore. It is a very good medication for me, though it decreases libido. I am reducing Effexor since two months this way : first week : after 7 days, I escape one pill (75 mg); then after 6 days, I escape one other pill and then after 5 days, one other, and so on. I wait about 2 weeks before beginning again for another 75 mg. It is the best way to get off of the med because if I try to stop suddenly, its horrible. Its the only disadvantage of this drug. I hope these comments will help you.

I know there are times when people need medication to help them with depression, anxiety, etc. but I really think there are better anti depressants out there. I found effexor HORRIBLE! it was a b**** to get used to, and i was so dizzy, tired, anxious and just felt horrible for a while.
After my body got used to it, it was alright, but trying to get OFF effexor was even worse! i have never experienced anythign like that. I felt SO depressed and anxious and DIZZY and this carried on for about two weeks. I felt trapped. I even took some work off while getting off it because I couldnt' function properly at all. Also, my sex drive went down to zero. I'd defintely reccommend trying out a different anti-depressant than this one.

I am Bipolar, and I have been on many drugs. When I began taking Effexor, I was misdiagnosed and told that I was manic depressive. Anti-depressants can often make people with Bipolar worse. Effexor was the worst! My main issues were terrible, vivid nightmares and anger problems. The nightmares were bad, but after even one alchohlic beverage, I became enraged. I said and did things to my friends, that I would never do. I know you are not really suppose to drink on a lot of medication, but one drink? I became scared of myself and I am lucky to still have my friends.

I do know, that Effexor works for some people, because my dad is on it and he loves it. It just wasn't for me.

I was on a 225mg daily dose of Effexor for about two weeks before I started to ween myself off because it was doing nothing for my situation, causing ridiculous dehydration, and possibly causing mood swings. I haven't taken any for just over a month and every day I'm still getting the same extreme light-headedness that I got the first time I missed a dose. I have no idea how long this is going to last, and I'm sick of it.

I urge anyone who is researching this medication and considering starting it to reconsider. Tell your doctor you would rather try something different first.

I feel the same and guest 40431 if I skip a few days because I cant get to the pharmacy right away I start feeling dizzy and light headed. When I blink my eyes I feel this weird feeling of
electricity that goes all through my body. It happens when I
blink or swallow. It is the weirdest sensation and I dont like it
at all. If I miss a few day I begin to cry alot and feel a sense of wanting to kill myself. I take the effexor XL 75mg I just hope things will get better. This is very scarey. I dont want to be addicted to anything. When I go to my doctor in a few days I will have a serious chat with him reguarding this medication. I was told that it is very safe and not addicting.
God help us all in the world of medications.

I have been taking Effexor for around 2 to 3 years for depression. I am currenty taking two 150 mg at night, though I was told to take one in the morning and one at night... I found it easier to take them both at night. The only side effect I am sure comes from the Effexor is the reduction in my libido (and I am female). Effexor is the only anti-depressant I have been on, and I think I got extremely lucky in that I found the one that works for me on the first try. I also see a psycho-therapist, and between the two, I feel I have managed to get a better hold on my life. I am a thirty-five year old mom (married, and with a seven-year-old daughter) and I have "almost" nothing but praise for Effexor.

HOWEVER, I do know that the withdrawal side effects are terrible... I have missed it for up to three days when I went out of town and forgot my medication. I can usually miss one day and the side effects will most likely just be a bad headache, and maybe a little nautious. But when I missed three doses:

Missing one dose at night: I had a headache the following day.
After missing two doses: The headache became worse, I would occasionally get dizzy spellls, and I started getting very emotional - swaying between sad and cranky.
After missing third dose: The headache became worse still, and was aggravated by light - I wanted to just keep my eyes closed. I felt dizzy and nautious - nautious to the point I couldn't tell if I was going to throw-up (never did).
Oh... and I should add that the dreams while I was off the medication were incredible... like watching movies... so detailed and complex. I usually don't remember my dreams... but these I could recall... not in perfect detail... but they were amazing.

After I got back home and took my dose that night: I missed three days of work while being back on the medication. I was nautious, had a terrible headache, wanted to just stay in bed, I was no longer ultra sensitive emotional-wise - but I was ultra-pissed-off. I became very angry that I was on a medication that was addictive after having been told it was "not addictive". I was angry that I have never had an addiction before, but now suddenly I was addicted to a prescribed drug. I don't smoke, I only drink a couple of alcholic drinks in a month (socially), no canabis (pot... is that an out-dated term? ... everyone here says canabis), or any other illegal or legal addictive drugs... the only other drugs I take are allergy (Clarinex) and birth control (Nuva Ring), neither of which are addictive.

That whole experience was months ago, and now that I have had time to calm down and get a clear perspective on the situation... I wouldn't stop taking Effexor for just being addictive... and YES... it is addictive... I don't give a rat's ass what any "expert" says about it. If you can't stop taking something without your body freaking out... then IT IS ADDICTIVE.

I don't know that I will ever be able to stop the medication. I go back and forth as to how I feel about this. At times it bothers me being so dependant on a medication... but on the other-hand, I'm dependant on the allergy medication, and that doesn't bother me, so why should I let being dependant on an anti-depressant bother me? Who cares what everybody else thinks, right? - - Boy, that's loaded...

Effexor has helped me tremendously. My thoughts about death are very infrequent. I don't feel like crawling into a hole and disappearing all the time. I have found "my voice" with the help of this drug and my therapist to voice my opinions more often to help me from not feeling so trapped and helpless in situations. It does cut down on emotional sensations... I don't feel overwhelming sad at all the terrible things I hear on the news. And I don't cry at sappy commercials and movies any more (Thank you!). For the first time, I feel much more in control of my feelings and my life.

So, I can understand the anger in a lot of these postings, but I would like to add, that I don't think the people who have benefited from Effexor are posting here. They have no reason to be looking for this site. I found this site when I had been angry over finding out it was habit-forming. I believe Effexor has probably helped a lot of people - and it isn't an "evil" drug... it's just a drug. For some, it just isn't the right drug.

I should add, that I'm on here today because I've recently started experiencing night sweats, but I wasn't sure if it was a side effect of Effexor or not. I hope that it is a side effect of Effexor and not a symptom of menopause... cripes... I'm only 35! The first site that popped up after searching under "Nightsweats" was about nightweats being a symptom of perimenopause or menopause... ugh!

But if I have to weigh the benefits I have experienced using Effexor, with the downfalls: addictive, sexual side-effects, and maybe night sweats... I still am of the mind that it is a good drug for me.

I wish all of you luck in finding what helps you most to be happy with your life.

Well, just wanting everyone to know that I stop taking this medication cold turkey 3 day's ago because of the evil side effect's. For those who just started on this med just wait until u miss a day are two or been on it long enough u will experience something's u will not like trust us u will be trying to get off this evil drug!!! I've been on it for 2 year's and at first I didn't experience anything I thought it was great it worked for the hot flashes immediately but after my body got use to taking it the hot flashes came back along with virtigo more and more just wait and see!!! it wont be long, but anyway I quiet 3 day's ago and I feel great!!! the side of effect of dizzyness and me not being able to walk straight are there but the energy & me feeling myself again feels GREAT!!! Im not tired anymore for the first time Im up early like I use to get up, and last night I wasn't sleepy early I stayed up with my husband he couldn't believe it! I actually feel good about myself. If u ask me this medication need's to be revisited because it doesn't help after awhile I wouldn't want to take something that if I were in a situation were I didn't have this med I would be close to death without it, Im off cold turkey and going to hang in there until the side effect's go away and it's out of my system for good! I pray for u all whose on this med because it's insane and not good. Oh I forgot to mention that it get's worse for the first time I over slept and was so,so,so tired friday night I couldn't go to work this drug after awhile draines u and makes u so sleepy and wore out it make u feel like you've been drinking all night and have a hangover trust me this is real.

I have been on this drug for almost 3 years. I have had headaches, very vivid and realistic dreams, dizziness (especially when I skip a dose), severe weight loss (66 lbs) followed by severe weight gain (70 lbs), paranoia, leaking nipples (I am male), and breathing difficulties. I am thankful that this medication got me through a very difficult time in my life, but now I am going to try to get off of it.

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.

When I was put on effexor I started feeling so much better. Then came the side effect. After taking for about a week I started lactating (producing breast milk). So far that is the only side effect that i have had . I will not stop taking this medication as long as it keeps me on track,I can deal with this one side effect.

Redd,

I'm 27 with a full time job & I've been on the 75mg of Effexor for about 4 months now and I really like it. If it takes a pill to level me out, that's fine...I'm not going to read too much into it. I previously took paxil and it did nothing for me, so I'm just glad that I finally found something that I like :)

Anyway, I do drink wine (on the weekends), and smoke cannabis. I don't really notice any difference now, than when I wasn't taking the effexor and I would drink or smoke. I do have a hard time getting to sleep on the effexor which is why i usually smoke before bed.

I'm no doctor, but if you are taking 150mg daily and you are not getting the effects that you desire, then ask your Dr to try giving you something else. There's no sense in trying to force this medication to work. All meds have different effects on everyone. I'm sure there's somthing that will work well for you. Don't worry about the fact that you take a pill to help you out. I consider myself to have a normal life, I just happen to take a pill to help me out. :) Hang in there!!!

Hello everyone :)
I have been taking slow release 75 mg for first 8 weeks and now take 150 mg slow release (past 4 weeks).
When I first started this medication I felt very tired and lazy at about tea time. I also take amitryptiline, 10 mg each night.
My physical problems are:
Have bad headaches and very painful neck (may be due to an incident at work where I was knocked unconsious 3 years ago)
More recently had a total abdominal hysterectomy and bso (removal of both ovaries).
Surgical menopause is a killer.
Doc has tried all sorts of pain killers. I now take dihydrocodiene (sp) 1 x 30 mg up to four times a day.
All this medication, plus the mountain of supplements, calcium, vit e, b, natural menopause supplements, epa fish oil, garlic oil and ginko biloba, makes is impossible to figure out why I still feel so bad. I feel more emotional since beginning treatment of effexor. Strange. Maybe if you were not clinically depressed in the first instance, taking these make you! Good for the pharmacuetical (sp) company who makes 'em.
I have an appointment tomorrow to review my progress (or deterioration!) tomorrow.
When I tell him of things I have learned from the internet, he looks at me as if I am an idiot! (Like how can I know more than him, must be rubbish!)
I now want to stop taking them. The only good thing about them, if it's them causing it, is my lack of appetite. Weird though, as I haven't lost any weight!
Any kind of advice would be appreciated.
I am a full time working mum with six kids. Life is hard enough without more things to deal with.
t
Thanks in advance.

I started my 'adventure' with anti-depressants 9 months ago.
The first was Zoloft. I began to feel totally weird and out of it, I couldnt function or barely talk. I was told this was depression and I was hospitalised and then it was changed to Effexor.
It was increased up to 300 mg a day.
I NEVER felt anything good from this stuff! all i had were the side effects
-Couldnt sleep
-awful sweating but just in the hairline.
-NO feelings
-NO taste of food (guess thats why the weight loss)
-NO energy
-felt like I had morning sickness all day.
-SCARIEST thing... it was like my IQ was chopped in half!
-I still have no retention of things I read or things that happen
-Constant thoughts of suicide. (more than when i was just depressed and not on medication)

Im trying to get off it now... slowly... and its tough. At least the sweating has finally stopped and I can taste food a bit.

I have absolutely NOTHING GOOD to say about Effexor. Its supposed to be industrial strenth for the severely depressed but I dont feel it did a thing.
I would not take it again, knowing how it was.

of course now, im supposed to be trying Wellbutrin. I dont see anything coming from that either.

I have been gradually been put on Effexor XR. 1st week 1x37.5mg for 7 days then 2x37.5 mg 7 days or 2nd week then 3x 37.5 for 7 days and now 4x 37.5 or 150 mg. I have noticed a decrease in appetite as a matter of fact I've lost 14 lbs. in a month. I did have vision problems at night when my eyes seemed very dialated. Daytime wasn't a problem. A little bit of yawning on the first day of increasing the dosage.
I sweat a lot, but it is summer and very humid here, so am not sure if this is a side effect. I have been suffering from deppression and GAD most of my life as well as severe PMS. This drug has increased my ability to think before I react, which is a miracle. I have been an emotional eater and am happy with the loss of my need to self medicate with food. I am sure they will gradually wean me off of this medicine as they gradually put me on it. I am also in therapy and I feel I am doing something good for myself. I feel much better than a month ago. They've said I will only be on this medication for one year.

I felt immediate relief of depression and anxiety. I have lost weight 10 lbs in 2 weeks with a loss of appetite and sleep is fine. I am on zanax, lithium, abilify, provigal and effxor 225 mg's daily. I am a recovering alcoholic, bipolar/manic depressant. I am for the medication. Good luck to all in our same boat!

I have been on Effexor for about 2 months now,, before that I was on Paxil for about a year and bit..... When I was on the Paxil............ it was not very nice,,,,,,,, especially when I tried to come off of it... I was moody,,, and just did not feel right.. When my doctor switch me to Effexor I had no side effects cause I went from Paxil to Effexor.

I now want to come off of the Effexor cause I am having troubling getting back to a normal working environment... I have apply for two jobs and both of them I got some Anxiety over them and had to refuse them both.

To me this is not normal... cause before all the medication I had great working skills.... and now I have not been at a job for about 17 months now.

The medication has helped me with my O.C.D. and my general anxiety,,, but the fact that I have not had a normal working pattern bothers me.

If this has happen to anyone else, please tell me.....

Sincerely,

Out of work (and not liking it )

I took Effexor for two weeks and during that time I notices my energy escalating every day. My heart was racing and this got worse each day. I didn't mind though because I had been so badly depressed so when the doctor said that I may have to go off it (the lowest dose is what I was taking) I told her I didn't want to because I finally feel like I don't have to sleep all the time and my mind was so alert. She said if it kept up I couldn't have it. Within two days of seeing her I was like a nut case - telling my husband I wasn't going to leave the house at night anymore because it was dangerous to drive and kept him up all night because I could hear my heart beating really loud and it scared me - he took the pills away and told me I couldn't have them back until I called the doctor and told her what was happening. Wow! I felt like a drug addict that would fight for my pills and realized this was not good. The doctor switched me to Wellbutrin and I feel just fine on this medication. No racing heart, no staying up all night, no abnormal thinking. Everyone has a different reaction to different medications and some that have worked for me have not worked for others and vice versa but the important thing to realize is that there is help out there - keep trying until you find the one that works and always get help if side affects don't seem right. Depression can kill us, just like diabetes if left without care. I wish you all the best!!

I first went on Effexor in June of 2002 at 75mg a day. It seemed to be working fine. Then in June of 2003 I decided to stop taking it because I thought everything was fine. About one month later I was on it at 150mg a day. Because I was crying, had suicidal thoughts. I really didn't care about life. I took it for 4 months and decided this wasn't for me. I have been off for a week, and I feel really funny. I never told the doctor about getting off the medication. I am forgetting things, I feel out of it all the time. My heart feels as though it will pound out of my chest. I don't sleep at all. I try to fall asleep, and once I am try to go to a deep sleep I wake myself up. I hear things popping in my ears. I am a little scared because I don't know what will happen. Never heard anything bad about this drug, until I read these side effects. I don't think I would recommend this drug to anyone. Especially if you live alone, because there are nights I think I won't wake up.