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Global Patient Feedback for Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
This is what I personally know about Effexor XR people... it is mainly for people who suffer from Major Depressive Disorder otherwise known as Unipolar... if your doctor never said you were Unipolar and gave you Effexor XR... that isn't the drugs fault... it's your doctors fault. I have been on three different types of meds... I have went through eleven different dosage adjustments before I was put on Effexor XR. I now finally have a normal, real life. It took my doctor two years to finally figure it out. As I see it... my doctor actually cares about both me and my well being. Maybe you need knew doctors.
45 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-28 17:58:14
Member Answer/Reply:
I also have been on every possible depressant medicine there was I find Effexor xr works the best yes the side effects of coming off of it is horrible the crying spells suicide thoughts but to me thats my body saying you need the medicine to cop with everyday life without the meds id be crying for no reason at all or over the littlest things.Take what life has to offer be safe all.it's been 13 years since i have been diagnosed with depression as of the 23rd of april my baby would of been 13
35 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-16 15:46:52
Member Answer/Reply:
I was on Effexor XR several years ago as I am now. It's the only medication that works well for me after trying several others. I also had to wean myself off of it when I became pregnant 6 years ago, and I had no trouble whatsoever. After I stopped nursing my baby I went back on Effexor XR and am doing great. I think each person is different.
44 year old female
45 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-16 20:17:59
Member Answer/Reply:
I totally agree with you about effexor xr. I have been diagnosed as bipolar and I am now taking carbatrol and effexor xr. I have had no problems with side effects and I finally feel like I am living a normal life again. I was weaned off of effexor xr for a while because of surgeries that I have had and the dr thought it would be safer for me to be off of it. I had no problems with that either. I think the other person was put on the wrong medication. Effexor XR was a life saver for me. I now have no more anxiety or panic attacks.
48 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-21 17:14:50
Member Answer/Reply:
i've also found effexor xr to be the best out of all the antidepressants. Granted i also take welbutrin sr but effexor xr is what got me off zyprexa which though effective has dangerous side effects, especially long term ones like diabetes. effexor xr works with the same chemicals in fact that zyprexa does. Norepinephrine and dopamine. While welbutrin works with norepinephrine and seratonin. I encourage all who are on zyprexa to transfer over to 225 mg of effexor xr a day, but thats just my opinion.
30 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-23 18:11:58
Question/Comment:
I would not recommend this medication to anyone, because the "discontinuation symptoms" are unbearable, even when weaning off at a very gradual pace.
21 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-23 01:20:50
Member Answer/Reply:
After taking 150 mg of the effexor XR daily for almost 2 years, I decided that I was tired of relying on pills to live my life. I remembered that my doctor had started me on this med using
a gradually increasing dosage. We agreed to start a step down process the same way. I began taking 75 mg daily but after a few months I reduced it to every other day. I now take
the 75 mg only on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays. It works out fine and I feel more in control of my life with no ill effects the other four days of the week. ---58 year old female
58 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-15 17:52:36
Member Answer/Reply:
I'm currently 52 and have been on Effexor and Effexor XR for over 10 years. I got off of it once because of the insurance. The withdrawal effects were not bad for me. I think each individual is different. I got back on it once I got a new job. It has been a lifesaver for me. I feel normal - like I did before my chemistry changed.
I also take Requip for Periodic Limb Movement Disorder and appreciate the comment about the XR version. I'll talk to my doctor about it.
52 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-20 14:18:12
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been on antidepressants 18 years. I tried them all. Some are OK, but the Effexor XR works the best. I have no problems with it, and I can't even try to cry if I wanted to. It's wonderful.
My only concern is that I tried quite a few times to get off of it, because my sex drive is at 0% with it. It is a great side effect, but I can't decide which is more important.
I tried about 4 times to wean off of it, and it wouldn't let me. It is a powerful drug. It made me very sick, and every symptom was horrible. I layed in bed for days trying to feel better. It's not good at all for giving up. My doctor told me there was no reason to give it up since it has no long term problems, so I stayed on it. I don't think once you start, you can go off it. The weaning doesn't work even taking less dosages every week to try and stop.
Just a warning.
50 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-20 20:32:03
Member Answer/Reply:
I agree, I was on it myself and had horrible horrible time when I was coming off of it - even though was slowly this last time. Time before I had to abrubtly stop it because found out I was pregnant and is a Class B so can't take when pregnant. I moved immediately to Zoloft. Even with abrupt switchover I felt as if I was going 'crazy', emotional and definitely would suggest asking doctor for a different one if possible.
36 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-21 11:47:07
Member Answer/Reply:
how long had you taken them? I love them.
56 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-21 12:58:16
Member Answer/Reply:
There are now doctors across the country using Suboxone to wean people off Effexor and other anti-depressants. Suboxone (generic is buprenorphine) is what's known as a partial-agonist opioid medicine used to detox from opiate addiction without the severe side effects. Recently it's been found to be of value when people are withdrawing from antidepressants as well. Apparently it can also be prescribed for pain management without creating any sort of "high." More at:http://cbwhit.com/stop_drugs.htm. I have no personal experience with Suboxone therapy but have a friend who has found it very helpful.
47 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-23 21:46:32
Member Answer/Reply:
Dear 19 year old,
I am sorry that the Effexor had such terrrible effects for you; obviously this was not the correct medication for you; a lot of these meds work differently at your age; fortunately for me this med is available; I am in my 40's, recovering from cancer, and am a nurse and this medication has been a god-send for me; I pray that you will consult your doctor and find the medication that is right for you; do not be disappointed if it takes several tries to find the correct medicine for you; you and your reaction to medicine is different than anyone else's - so hang in there and good luck.
44 year old nurse
45 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-23 23:19:46
Question/Comment:
After a suicide attempt, I was put on something similar to Zoloft (can't remember name). It turned me into a Zombie. If I wasn't moving, I would fall asleep. I wouldn't get out of bed unless someone actually picked me up. I kept telling my doctor that it was making me worse but she kept telling me to wait longer for it to work. (I knew something was wrong, be strong and persistant with doctors, sometimes you really do know what's best for you!) I was finally changed to Effexor XR and felt the change immediately. When on anti-depressants, you shouldn't feel numb, you should feel yourself. I felt myself again. I used Effexor XR for 18 months then was off them for 1 year then noticed signs of my depression returing so I went back on Effexor XR. The second time around, after being on Effexor XR for about 12 months, I fell pregnant. There wasn't enough information about the effects of Effexor XR on unborn babies and I was due to come off medication so I (against my doctors advice) tried to ween myself off very quickly. I felt like death, I was dizzy, moody, had the worst head aches, was shaking, my skin felt like it was crawling, and generally felt bad. I STRONGLY reccomend you slowly ween yourself off this drug. I ended up in hospital. Also, I could tell when I had missed dose because I would feel shaky and have a head ache and sometimes feel depressed, about 6 hourse after I missed the dose. A doctor once told me that I wouldn't tell if I missed a dose because it wasn't an addictive drug. Hmmm. Also, one weird thing. Whenever I have been on thid drug, without fail, every night, I would wake up between 2 and 3 am and need to pee. It wouldn't matter what time I went to bed or how long it had been since I had been to the toilet. It would start the first night I took them.
Hope this helps.
:o)
24 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-11 07:40:48
Member Answer/Reply:
I read about you being on an anti-depressant and finding out you are pregnant. I was on these meds when I found out I was pregnant. I stopped them as soon as I found out. Unfortunately, my child turns out to have ADHD severely. I do not have ADD or anything. I just took meds to help me cope with everyday life. I'm not sure if my child having ADHD is because I was on meds or if it was meant to be for her to have this disorder. I worry that while I was on anti-depressants, it was passed on to her while her brain was forming since these meds work on the brain waves. It's like a drug addict passes drugs to her baby and the baby is born needing the drugs..you know what I mean? I have mentioned this to the doctor but he says there has not been any studys done about mothers on anti-depressants and pregnancy. I just wanted to make you aware of this in case your child is diagnosed with ADHD or ADD when he or she is older. Some say this is also hereditary. Not in my case. Good luck with your pregnancy. God Bless
43 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-24 12:21:39
Member Answer/Reply:
Oh my goodness! it did the same thing to me "
Whenever I have been on thid drug, without fail, every night, I would wake up between 2 and 3 am and need to pee. It wouldn't matter what time I went to bed or how long it had been since I had been to the toilet. It would start the first night I took them."
That is exactly what i am going through!!! I thought there was something wrong with me...i'm convinced it is the Effexor. I like taking it, as my blood pressure went way down after 2 months being on this medication.
44 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-01 15:49:53
Question/Comment:
I was on this for about 1 1/2 years and 6 months of which were trying to get OFF of it, the side effects were Horrible, I could not go from bright to dark or vice verse without getting a migraine , i would get surges throughout my body plus brain zaps, I will never go back on that again!!!! Thank God I was strong enough to Finally ween myself off. Whew!!!
31 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-10 14:44:21
Member Answer/Reply:
How long did it take for you to get all the way off the effexxor???? I am having a hell of a time and its killing me. I was off work today due to it..... Please help and let me know how you made it threw..... Thanks!!
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-19 22:23:48
Question/Comment:
I started out on Zoloft 125mg in the morning, the same dosage at night. I still continued to experience anxiety/ depression. I cried all the time (talked so fast) my Doctor always seemed to know; when something was bothering me. I was a Administrative Supervisor (Qualified Mental Health Professional) never absent; doing everything physically I could think of to keep the budget down ( so everybody could keep their jobs). My position got cut- I lost everything. I was tricked out of my un-employment. I couldn't handle it (neither could Zoloft). Started on Effexor ER 150mg in the morning / 150mg at night. It worked at first-now I'm crying like crazy. I think my body has become immuned to it (1 year about 2years now). I now have Complex Partial Seizures (Doctors don't know why). I take Depokote 500mg 3x's daily. I refuse to go on disability (I want off of the meds) I have 2 degrees', currently working on my Master's. I still cry at times-but I'm looking at the big picture (the past, tried to kill me. God's got me here for a reason). Everybody hang in there. If it's helping good.
50 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-08 17:06:09
Member Answer/Reply:
Iknow this sounds crazy, but go to a Chiropractor who heals and uses only homeopathic supplements. I was on effexor xr for two years and had to ween myself off. It was hard, but I found myself feeling better and better everytime I saw my Chiropractor and his wife. They are special people, they know what they are doing. I have not been on effexor xr for almost a year now and feel GREAT!!!!!!! Good Luck to you and just know it gets better.:):):)
42 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-16 13:29:14
Member Answer/Reply:
That is great !!!!!!! I also have a wonderful, caring Chiropractor and he does a wonderful job on my TMJ problem.
58 year old female
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-18 01:33:53
Question/Comment:
Has anyone had problems with severe hives because of effexor? I was on prozac and other antidepression medications.After a period of time I broke out in hives. I have been on Effexor 150mg. about 1 and a half years. I wake around 2am. with severe hives now. I took an antihistimine but it didn't work that well. My doctor suggested to go off effexor. I have been taking 50mg benadryl every 6 hours, still itching a little. My concern is going off effexor cold turkey.The effexor was working so well for me.My doctor did not seem concerned about stopping the medication at once. It seems the more I take the effexor on a daily basis the worse the hives get..
55 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-01 18:52:10
Member Answer/Reply:
You have to ween off or do a cross over switch. As described above there are nasty side effects from cold turkey. I ran into a similar case of running low and had migranes, tremors, dizziness, etc for 6 days straight until my levels in my blood were up again. When it works it works. When it doesn't it doesn't. If you have hives it is a definite allergy. Much like penacillian allergies it may not happen on the 1st or 5th or 10th dose. It happens when the body decides it is no longer tolerable. good luck.
43 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-05 18:51:54
Member Answer/Reply:
Hi
I have been on effexor xr 75 for about 90+ days. It has been heavensent for me! I also have fibromyalgia. I started taking it because the other depression meds would eventually end up not working. Since taking this I have found out that I wasn't really thinking clear. Now I am!! The only side effects I have are the dry mouth and if a dose is missed I have some feelings of being shocked if I move my head too fast. I would seriously think twice about stopping cold turkey. When I have these "shocky" feelings I am very greatful that I am not driving! I just found out that side effect! I haven't had the hives. If I did -I would have to make a decision on if the med was worth taking another groggy med with it to help the side effects. From the research I have done....I found that the effexor is a completely different blocker than most of the other dep. meds. I also could tell before I did the research by the way I became functional again! I sure hope I have helped. I'm not an expert! Wish I had the answer for you! Maybe talk it over with another physician. God Bless
46 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-06 00:46:39
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been taking Effexor XR for about 7 years now and have never experienced what you are talking about. In the information packet your pharmacy should give you related to this prescription, is this a possible side effect? I have also read that you need to be careful about suddenly stopping Effexor. Apparently if you miss more than one time you may start to experience flu-like symptoms. Make sure that your doctor knows this before making any changes.
Best wishes in getting this resolved!
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-06 15:18:59
Member Answer/Reply:
Please do not go cold-turkey off of Effexor XR. Not knowing any better I tried it; neighbors had to call the medics as I could breathe, was clammy and a whole bunch of other things. Very long story short - it was going cold turkey off Effexor. The doctor then gave me a down sizing schedule that worked great. ( I'm back on it but needed to for a different situation).
Do not go cold turkey - a mistake.
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-17 17:34:47
Member Answer/Reply:
I have taken Effexor XR, 300 mg, for about 5 or 6 years now. I haven't had any side effects or anything. I think that I will be on this dosage for several more years, due to personal problems, in my life. 'My problems' are still there, but with Effexor, I can face them better, along with the help of the 'Big Man Upstairs'.
As far as your going off Effexor, 'cold turkey' , I feel that would be a big mistake. I have always been told that the physician who started you on the Effexor, should take you off the medicine, by tapering you off it, not quit all at once. If he won't do this, then definitely check with another doctor.
God Bless You
58 year old female
60 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-18 01:29:55
Member Answer/Reply:
yes i go through the same thing.along with alot of the other side affects.i have been on effexor xr for about 3 years.when i first started taking it the 1st week or 2 i felt great the when they started increasing my dose i had balance issues also signs i was having a stroke.i went through so many test it came back as nothing.well a year after being on it i started what i thought was hives then they turned into sores that from me scratching so bad turned into repeated stash infections which i am still going through.i have seen so many doctors.noone can figure it out.i refuse to have my medice dose upped cause as my body get immuned to it the worst it seems to get about a year ago i went into what my doctor refured to as a deluational state i was hallusatating which was scary.my family doctor that i have had since i was 4 told me a was crazy and deluational and that its all in my head.this drug has stole 3 years of my and my families life.i have lost mostly everything.i just want my life back side effects are no worth it.i am scared to stop from the research i have done coming off of this drug you have withdrawerals that are bad.and now cause my doctor didnt want to take a few minutes to do some research i have scars all over my body from head to toe.and they are very noticable.if i new the stuff about this drug i would have never started taken it.i found a web site that shows they new all the stuff before it was approved.
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-18 10:21:51
Member Answer/Reply:
If you are going to go off of it, wheen yourself... From your dose now, down to lower doses. This will require your doctor lowering prescription through pharmacy. Do it over a 1 month period, and make your doctor do this... You will feel like crap if you don't go slow, figure your body has been used to it. To me, Effexor is a life saver!!! I wake up in sweats at night sometimes, but I will deal with that. The pill twice a day has really given me my life back and I will not go off of it again.
38 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-19 17:28:45
Member Answer/Reply:
I have had my arms start to itched for no reasons. Also, if i take it without any food on my stomach I get a shakey hand. when i try to pick up something. I am trying to get my doctor to change to a gentric because my insurance does not cover it as well.
60 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-23 14:47:08
Member Answer/Reply:
I would not stop cold turkey. I had to when my insurance was up and it really messed with me it was like coming off a hard drug and I was only at 75 mg. maybe you can try the gernic brand venlafaxine HCL it works just as good.
35 yearl old female
36 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-23 19:40:07
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been on and off Effexor XR for the past 10+ years. When I go off the med my doctor has me do it gradually, step down method, without any problems. I would not suggest going off "cold turkey" this can make things worse. I have had no side effects from this drug and continue to take it to stay in control of my life. I would contact the doctor who initially prescribed the medication or have the currect doctor do the reseach before giving you the "cold turkey" remedy.
Best of luck to you.
52 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-24 09:28:14
Member Answer/Reply:
I took Effexor 75mg-150mg for 10 years. For the first 2 or 3 yrs. they worked really well. I did notice my finger-nails started losing their smoothness. The doctor did not seem to think it was the medication, but my nails are much better since I quit the Effexor. I also experienced little pulsations of light like bursting snowflakes when I closed my eyes tightly. This drug seemed to be my answer for depression and the side effects were tolerable at first. As I resolved my issues the Effexor seemed to do be causing me to be depressed. I never experienced hives while taking it. I do not like the way Effexor kept me from expressing my true feelings. I felt numb
53 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-25 13:30:06
Member Answer/Reply:
Do Not stop cold turkey. Make an appointment with a doctor willing to discuss effexor and its side effects, or with the doctor that prescribed it for you . There is a newer drug, Pristiq, that is basically the same as effexor, but with fewer side effects when you stop taking it. If that doesn't work, they will probably wean you off effexor, slowly, especially from your mid-range dosage. Talk to your doctor, they will help you manage this.
34 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-27 14:44:38
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been on Effexor for 2 years.I take 225mg a day. I have never heard of someone getting hives from effexor. Are you sure it is from the Effexor? Have you started any other meds. antibiotics, etc.? As far as getting off of it cod turkey. Don't do it. You will feel like you are going crazy. I unfortunately at one point left my meds at my sisters in Florida. I had to wait 4 days before I could get to the doctors or have them shipped to me. I had a very bad experience from that. I literally felt as if I was losing my mind. However, once I got the doses back in my system I was fine.
Good luck
45 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-27 22:30:38
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been on effexor for several years and find that it works well for me. I did run out of it over a weekend and the "cold turkey" was awful. A year ago, I was in a similar situation, but I took some zoloft in between the time that I could get more effexor and that seemed to work well.I never had a problem with hives, but we all have different body reactions as well as nutriton and with taking over the counter meds and vitamins combinations which makes this a very complex mix. I know that certain Vitamin B complexes can cause hives and itching. I wish you well and hope that you can find an answer. I know that without effexor, I couldn't live thate life I have now.
61 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-28 23:24:16
Member Answer/Reply:
I was on effexor for 6 mounts,I didn't have hives but when i went off effexor i did it slowly because it made me fill strange, like i was going to pass out or i was not really here. It was a little scary but after about 6 or 7 weeks it seemed to go away. Good luck and i hope you get better.
42 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-30 08:08:47
Question/Comment:
I Have been on this drug for at least 6 years. I have gone from the lowest to the highest doseage and am now on the medium dse (150 mg) taken at night. I have had no side effects from this medication. It has kept my depression under control and I was suicidal so I probably will stay on it or sopmething similar for the rest of my life.
woman aged 73
74 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-02-17 19:30:22
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been taking this for a couple of years and it has really helped me a lot. I've done other types and they have not helped me nearly as much as these.
I do notice if I miss a dose sometimes I'll become weepy and then I realize that I forgot and go ahead and take on. I've had no bad side effects at all
58 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-05 14:11:04
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been on Effexor XR 150 mg myself for the past 5+ years, had been on several other anti-depressant meds prior that only made me sleep and gain weight..... But the Effexor has been the best thing that has worked for me.... I thank the day they prescribed it for me.... and I hope it continues to do well for you .
43 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-05 14:44:29
Member Answer/Reply:
Effexor is a miracle drug. No Side efects like other antidepressents. If you go off cold trukey, you will feel like someone is drilling for oil in your brain. A few days of that and you will be ok. I did not go off on purpose. It was an insurance thing. I now take the midrange dose after taking the lowest dose for months. I have MS and have the depression that goes with that. Effexor pulls me out of that.
50 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-19 17:02:14
Member Answer/Reply:
i am wondering if it makes you sleepy? i find i have a tendency of sleeping up to 12 hours after taking this medication.
42 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-18 16:50:52
Member Answer/Reply:
I've been on it 6 years too and am also on 150 mg every morning. My depression was bad and I was suicidal as well. I've done very well on this medication and I tried quite a few!
38 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-19 15:31:55
Question/Comment:
My son, 19, was taking effexor for about 6 months. We ran out and pharmacy didn't have the plain effexor, so they called doc and she said it would be ok for him to take the effexor XR. A month into it there was a argument, he wasn't involved in that part, but he ended up hitting his older brother in the head with a baseball bat. It has been a nightmare for my family with all this. He is now in jail and it breaks my heart...he loves his brother so much. We have suffered so much with all of this. He is now back on the regular effexor and doing better. I want to sue them, but have no knowledge of who or where to turn. Hope this helps someone else...
58 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-02-11 14:58:23
Question/Comment:
My husband is on this drug, and he had a seizure on it, and was in a very bad vehicle accident due to the seizure. He missed his dose for 2 days and he had really bad brain zaps, couldn't concentrate, was very very moody, scary angry mood. It was terrible. I don't think that any new patients should be put on this deadly drug. It's terrible. It seems everyone I have ever spoke with about this drug has had nothing butt terrible side effects. And reading all your comments doesn't make me feel any better. :(
32 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-02-04 19:10:38
Member Answer/Reply:
Under nor circumstances can you miss dosages of this or any similar medication.
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-04 17:27:47
Member Answer/Reply:
I used to take Paxil, Welbutrin, Neurontin, along with Ambien to help me sleep. I hated taking all those pills everyday, not to mention the fact that they really didn't work very well. I am now taking Effexor and to me it is a lifesaver. I take my one pill every evening and I am great; my whole family have noticed the difference, and one of my relatives has even decided to go and get treatment for her chronic depression because she has now seen evidence that it works.
As with any good thing though, there's a flip side. If not taken properly (i.e. daily, approximately same time everyday) there are withdrawal symptoms, and when you start taking it again there are side effects. (Depending on how long you've been without.) This does not make it a "deadly drug". As with any other drug , there are is a good side and a bad side; no drug works the same for everyone. To want all those (like me) who have had wonderful effects from Effexor to stop taking it because your husband's unfortunate reaction is very selfish, self-centered, and unrealistic.
51 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-05 14:13:38
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been taking Effexor XR for going on 5 years now. Though I take the drug for nerve pain caused by Neuropathy due to Lymes Disease and not for emotional problems such as depression, I have always done very well with it, certainly no uncontrolled anger outbreaks. The only side effect I have noticed is that if I run out and am without the medication for several days, I become very emotional towards any sad movie or situation and cry easily, much to the enjoyment of my family which kid me about my tears. The pain control far outweighs my few emotional tears if I neglect to be careful about keeping my medication on hand.
56 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-05 14:37:10
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been on Effexor XR for about 3 years. The only side effects I've encountered is if I forget to take it. I usually get sick within 2 hours of missing my dose. I get the "Brain Zaps" as well. I feel feverish, achey, I get cravings for all kinds of foods and none of them fill me up. It is very rare that I forget it because I feel like I'm going to die if I dont. Otherwise, as long as I take it I'm good. No side effects at all. I've been doing really well so I talked to my Dr about getting off of it or at least stepping down to a lower dose to see how I do. We are waiting for spring to do that, when there is more sun. These medicines were not made to be taken long term, they are to help you cope and deal with what you need to deal with that's causing the depression.
26 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-05 14:40:00
Member Answer/Reply:
hi in connection with venlafaxine to stop drug a person must taper off very gradually or some strange and scary feelings and behavor happen if drug is stopped too quickly. your doctor should be notified and understand what you are doing. it's important.
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-05 15:25:25
Member Answer/Reply:
In response to your husband... First, I hope that he is recovering from his accident. Secondly, I have been on Effexor ER for a little over a year. I am taking 250 mg daily. Before taking this medication, I did not find any relief from my anxiety from other medications. Believe me when I tell you that I have been prescribed many. Effexor has been a miracle for me and my anxiety. The only downfall is the side affects, withdrawal mostly, from missing a dose. After missing just a single dose, I get headaches and feel unbalanced. I missed 2 days once due to being out of town and poor planning. The withdrawal was horrible and something that I never want to experience again. I love the drug for how it helps with my anxiety, since as mentioned earlier, i have been unsuccessful at finding anything that has helped in the past. But I agree with you on how you feel about prescribing the medication to new clients, or without letting them know exactly what the side affects are, and I don't mean just giving them the print out on the medication history that comes with the prescription. Female 34
35 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-06 01:29:18
Member Answer/Reply:
It is very important to stay on Effexor. If I miss my morning dose, within 2 hours I get a bad headache. It is in the paitent information that you are not to miss any doses, as side effects will occur. Also the benefits outweigh the risks in my case.
With any anti depressent it is extremely improtant not to miss a dose, because you must maintain blood levels. This is why when doctors change anti depressents, they wean you off one before weaning you onto another.
I know I ran out once while out of town and no pharmacy nearby. I got really irratible and scary angry for no apperent reason. This proved to me that the meds worked and that it was very important not to miss any doses.
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-06 07:25:27
Member Answer/Reply:
I too tried to stop the drug, we have a daughter with liver cancer and I thought the best I could be would be without drugs. I had the brain zaps...they're scary! I would get woozy, would stagger as if I were completely loaded, and at times on it I still get that way. The tears, well they won't stop if I don't take it. The anger I feel for having a 22 year old child that is in her second year with liver cancer and all the pain and surgeries she has had from that is awful...My daughter is a poster child for what a good child should be...straight A's, no drugs, drinking, didn't date til college, finished college even with her cancer, Sunday school teacher since 14, juust a great girl...so I'm probably just too angry for any meds to help. I would like to stop Effexor, but I know the side-effects are going to be debilitating and I can't take time away from taking care of her. Please continue to let people know that this drug is so hard to wean from.
49 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-10 20:35:45
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been taking Effexor XR for about 8 years and have not had any problems with it. It seems to work well for me. I have never heard anything but good results with it, so I'm not sure about anything like this happening before. My heart goes out to you, your sons and your family. I will start praying for all of you... I am 49 years young and a female.
50 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-21 15:28:28
Question/Comment:
tell me m ore about the sideefect and how hard it is to get off of because i in with drawl in one day and i dont no what to do.
64 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-02-01 13:40:18
Member Answer/Reply:
You have to be very careful when you go off this, it can literally make you think you are going crazy. My Doctor was very good about it. I was on 175 ml, cut down 25ml at a time and stayed there for 3 weeks. I am now down to half of a 25 ml a day for a month before I go off all together. The side effects of going off get better as you go down, but the first 3 days are terrible. She (the Doctor) told me it is one of the worst drugs she has seen people come off. But hang in there it does get better.
60 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-02-18 17:27:09
Member Answer/Reply:
I can't be off the effexor for more than 2 days, I start getting a really bad headache and I get this really weird dizzy feeling in my ears and head just for seconds at a time. It is really uncomfortable and irritating. I am only taking 37.5 mg that is the lowest dose and these are the withdrawl symptoms I get. I could only imagine what they would be on higher doses.
35 year old female.
36 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-02-19 23:10:42
Question/Comment:
I completely hear you I just went off my effexor a few days ago after being taper down to lowest dose. I also have been on it for a year and a half a few times I missed a dose or 2 and felt like I might die, well I feel worse than that now. I now what these effects are I am a nurse and the drug did help my post partum depression still I am off work on holidays for 2 weeks because I cannot concentrate and fear harming my patients. If I didn't know better I would say my brain is swelling. It is taking me everything not to take the two last pills my doctor said to save for an emergency. I will get through this but think I may just visit her tommorow and scream.
31 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-27 23:00:59
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been on the lowest dose for a while now. My doctor told me that I might as well not be on it. The last couple of days I have taken it everyother day. Then i thought I would be ok, to stop all together. I have been very dizy and my body has been sore almost like I pulled something. Have been dreaming so bad that I having a hard time sleeping all night. Would like to know if this is commnon getting off this drug. Is there more to come for me getting off this drug?
45 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-28 14:04:56
Question/Comment:
My husband is bi-polar and was put on Effexor. He didn't like the way it made him feel. He quit taking it 'cold turkey' and it was not a pretty sight! ;-) Now he's on other medications.
It was prescribed to me about a year ago for pain control and to help control my hot flashes. I use the generic and I've had no adverse side effects even though I'm on other medications for multiple other medical problems including permanent nerve damage in my right leg/foot.
But everyone's body doesn't react the same to any given drug. Sometimes it's just trial and error.
With a medication like Effexor, you do not want to just go off it 'cold turkey'. You should be weaned off the drug or you may very well have some nasty withdrawal issues.
Hope this helps.
58 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-25 04:35:32
Member Answer/Reply:
How do you take the generic? I was told they won't have a generic until at least the end of this year? Is it the xr or the one you have to take twice a day?
35 year old female
36 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-02-19 23:15:38
iGuard Answer/Reply:
The generic for both Venlafaxine XR (Effexor XR) and Venlafaxine (Effexor) are now on the market. Venlafaxine, which is equivalent to Effexor, is the one you have to take twice a day. Venlafaxine XR is the one you have to take once a day. The generic version of venlafaxine XR, when taken with food, should act just like Effexor XR. However, this medication is technically not equivalent to Effexor XR and is approved only for the treatment of depression and social anxiety disorder. For some people, switching to venlafaxine XR tablets may be a good, cost-saving alternative. However, because the medication is not equivalent to Effexor XR, you will need a new prescription from your healthcare provider. You may want to discuss with your doctor the available options that are best suited for you.
Posted: 2009-02-23 14:28:07
Question/Comment:
I am a 47 yr old female and I have been on effexor for about 2 yrs.Its crazy but it has helped my migraines a little.I have tryed all kinds of different meds and nothing has helped, I also have fibromyalgia.I am disabled from the headaches I went through depression for a while but it seems to have gotten alot better,I guess the effexor has helped me.I have been blessed and not went through any side effects, I went down from 150mgs to 75mgs a day. All I can say is that I know that it has helped my headaches,I dont really understand how it has but it has. Has it helped anyone else with their migraines?
48 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-21 05:09:08
Question/Comment:
If there is a generic for this drug, of which I have been on for 4 years now, what is it's name? I have been told that there was no generic for it. I am having to jump through hoops to get my new insurance company through my job to submitt to it . They say that is one the do not cover. With out all sorts of paper work from my doctor. Can you help me out here.
51 year old female
52 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-19 14:16:55
Member Answer/Reply:
Yes, in South Africa we receive a generic called Venlor
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-20 01:11:32
Member Answer/Reply:
Venlafaxine is the generic drug, the brand name for this is Effexor.
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-20 14:02:49
Member Answer/Reply:
I was at a quite high dose for Effexor XR and due to some insurance issues decided to wean off of this drug and use something else where a generic was available. Anyone who takes this drug (which worked well for me) needs to be aware of the very serious and potentially fatal withdrawal issues. That doesn't mean it is a bad drug but please be careful. I am down from 225mg a day to a 37.5 mg a few times a week and having trouble finishing the task due to becoming light headed. I started reducing my dose by 37.5 mg /day once a week and then 37.5 mg every other day and now stuck at 37.5 mg twice a week.
I had run out of this drug once and did not know about the withdrawal and got quite sick. Your body does not want to give this up. Please be careful. Do not attempt to go cold turkey with this medication. Again I don't think this is a drug company conspiracy or a poison but as with certain pain medications you can have a challenge removing this from your system. I am almost there I think. Good luck to you.
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-20 14:45:53
Member Answer/Reply:
Effexor XR is the name brand. Venlafaxine is the generic. Just ask for Effexor (w/o the XR). I have a lot less troubles with the Venlafaxine than I ever had with Effexor XR.
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-02-01 09:19:34
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been on 150 mg of Effexor for 2 years now. I am currently in Canada and taking a generic called Novo-venlafaxine XR.
55 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-02-18 16:42:55
Member Answer/Reply:
In South Africa, there is a generic called Venlor, which is much cheaper and which I have been using for the past three years, with no problems whatsoever.
42 year old female
43 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-02-19 00:25:11
Member Answer/Reply:
This may or may not be helpful but my doctor told me that effexor should be going generic soon, maybe by the end of this year. So hang in there I am. I have tried to go off it because of the cost but the withdrawl symptoms are horrid!!!
35 year old female
36 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-02-19 21:49:44
Question/Comment:
I take 300mgs. a day. I have to take hytrin a pill for high blood pressure which I have never had to counteract the profuse sweating. I have tried to get off this medicine but I have not been successful.I take the effexor & trileptal for mood swings.
67 year old female
68 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-12 17:04:54
Member Answer/Reply:
Some people have a very difficult time getting off Effexor. To be honest, the withdrawal effects were absolutely horrible for me, though I suppose it's different for each person. Anyway, if you really want to get off Effexor do it only after discussing it with your doctor, and ask for the most gradual decreases possible in order to reduce the possibility of severe withdrawal effects.. Good luck with whatever you decided to do and take care!
56 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-22 17:51:22
Question/Comment:
I've been taking Effexor XR 225mg/day for almost 7 yrs now. Its been life changing for me. I had to stop while I had my last child and the withdrawls wasn't the hard part, living without it and trying to be normal was. I am a severe depressive, But I am a normal person when I take this medication. The hardest part is remembering to take it because I "feel" fine (when I'm on it). I crawl in a hole , become a recluse and want to die, when I'm not. The worst side effect I suffer is night sweats. I will gladly have my night sweats though, it is so much easier to handle than the depression.
39 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-08 14:12:36
Question/Comment:
i,m being given the lowest dosage of effexor. for a year now for nerve damage in my legs .i must admit that it works very well ,i i thought i was losing my mind when i ran out of medicine when working out of town for a few days .wasnt told of side effects till i had to go to the hospital
45 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-05 20:56:24
Question/Comment:
I have been taking antidepressants for about 15 years now. In june 08, I had a quadruple by pass surgery and came out of it very good. Now, as I was supposed to go back to work on oct. 27 08, I was laid off and have been without work since. I had been taking Effexor XR 37.5MG once a day for about 2 years now and for the past month, my doctor went up to 75 mg on it and it seems that my body is rejecting it. It made me feel worst. So, I told ,y doctor that I wanted to stop taking it and he agreed with me and gave me back the 378.5Mg and he told me for the first week to take it every other day. It is so,so, bad. The withdrawing effects are so bad that some time I think I am going crazy. Is there some one out there that has taken this bad drug and kiked the habit and could speak with me. I need to know that I am not the only one. Help please!
62 years old man
64 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-02 19:26:31
Member Answer/Reply:
Ive been taking Effexor XR for 8 years now at 75mg and came off of it once. The only thing to do is to step down to the 35. mg doseage and it is tough. It takes about a week to get past the side affects this way, then after a week you come off the 35 mg(can remeber the exact MG). What I did and Im sure no doctor will reccommend it is to take the 75 apart and just pour out alittle and everyday pour out alittle more till I was able to got to the 35mg. I did the same thing with the 35mg till I could stop taking it. I back on the Effexor now cause for me the outcome was greater than the the side effects.
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-06 21:43:59
Member Answer/Reply:
If I had known that withdrawal from this medication was so bad I never would have started taking it. I was taking Effexor XR 150 and I am slowly being weaned off of this drug and it has been hell. It has been a very, very long process. I was only on it for a little over a year so I feel sorry for anyone who has been on it for a long time. I am now down to one 37.5 tablet in the morning and 1/2 of a 37.5 tablet in the evening for four more days and will then go down to 1/2 of a 37.5 tablet in the am and pm; then 1/2 of a 37.5 tablet in the am and then hopefully be off of this drug. I have suffered with nausea, what feels like little fireworks in my brain, dizziness, etc. You are not alone - if you google withdrawing from this drug you will see there are many others. Hope you are successful getting this out of your system. I know I will be and i will be more careful what I take in the future.
56 year old female
57 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-13 10:36:49
Member Answer/Reply:
You may just need to lower the dose if you still need it for depression etc. You should only come off under your Dr's supervision. You have to gradually come off of it. I've been on it for many years. Have tried so many different ones and the side effects are worse. I still deal with worsening eyesight, stomach problems, severe acid where the stomach and back hurts to the point of being unbearable and then I throw up. I also developed Veritgo. That's really bad too. I could go on and on with the side effects. I stopped all meds for two days, sick of taking pills. Felt great for two days and then crashed. I have severe depression/anixity and the better level of Bi-polar. I sleep so much and can barly funtion. I'm in bed most of my life. Oh, the nightmares are terrible, I think that's the worst side effect. I know that I will be on this junk the rest of my life. I'm very sensitive to the meds. I found a good list of side effects and disability is sending me to a Dr tomorrow and I wanted a printout so I'm starting my search now. My eye's get so dry they are painful. Can't look at the computer for long. I wish you well, but if your condition is not tempory you may want to talk to the dr about changing your med. this is a long process as you start to come off of one and start another at a low dosage. I can't take anymore tries at new meds, it's too hard on me. I'm just very sensitive. Side effects can also show up many years after taking the same med. and believe me, all the side effects are not listed in the paperwork from the drug store or in the paper that comes with the med. Most dr's even at Mental Health are not aware of all the side effects. That's a said state of affairs.
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-13 14:58:55
Member Answer/Reply:
You are definitely not the only one. The withdrawal symptoms from Effexor are horrible, and unlike anything else I've ever experienced. My doctor tried to wean me off it once, but I was only able to decrease from 300 mg/day to 225 mg/day. (In part, however, that was because my depression increased significantly; even though I hate it, the drug really does work.)
Anyway, there are some good guidelines for stopping Effexor here: http://www.crazymeds.us/ (Click on "Effexor" under "All About Antidepressants"; also read "How to Stop Taking Crazy Meds Safely" under "Basic Information.") Since you're already down to 37.5 mg, one recommendation is to switch to a lose dose of Prozac (or the generic, fluoxetine) for 10 days as you stop the Effexor.
I hope this can be of help. Best of luck.
41 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-14 03:26:21
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been on effexor for 4 years .......I have tried to get off of it 3 different times......it is the worst thing i hv been thru........how do you get off of it and how long does it take........
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-17 21:25:38
Member Answer/Reply:
YOU have to go off it very....gradualy or look out!! Headaches, severe mood swings, weird dreams...etc.. I really mean slowely........even on the lowest dose you need to every other day, every 3 days , 4 days , even 1 a week for a while!! and every other week
53 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-02-22 12:50:27
Question/Comment:
I take Effexor XR, 225mg/day. I've been on this now for about a year, and it has changed my life. I think I've had depression for many years (undiagnosed, of course), and now that I've been managing it, I have been able to take my life back! I have made good decisions that have only helped me, and I can finally see all that I am capable of. Even if it's hard to get off of, I can only see the benefits outweighing the risks of withdrawal symptoms. I have forgotten a dose or two, and I have to say that my symptoms were not that bad. I have gone 12+ hours without a dose, and I felt a little light-headed, but I had nothing that I couldn't function normally with.
32 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-02 12:18:42
Question/Comment:
112.5 mg + Lamictal (250 mg) po sid for BP2
This medication has been great for me... effective and sadly the withdrawal symptoms were useful for getting me to take the medication on a regular basis (something I used to be horrible at), but f'in hell! The withdrawal symptoms are horrible! Even if I wanted to get off I'm not sure I would just so I wouldn't have to go through them. I once had to go two days and I just wanted to die the vertigo and out-of-body feelings were so bad. I had to sit as still as possible until my partner finally got my rx from the $%^$ pharmacy. I just KNOW when I've forgotten to take my meds during the day when 10 hours later the world starts to turn.
Out of everything, I just wish I had understood how bad the withdrawal symptoms can be before I started the medication. I will never touch paxil with a 10 ft pole considering the withdrawal symptoms for that are supposed to be worse.
With all that said, I'm grateful for it since I can be 'normal' on it.
25 year old – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-31 15:17:00
Member Answer/Reply:
Holy cow u are right there. I know when I miss a dose because the whole room suddenly spins. The withdrawl effects really suck, but it really stopped me from having anexiety attacks. I freaked out in an M.R.I. machine a few years back and had panic attacks ever since then. I only take 37.5 mg.
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-06 00:30:37
Question/Comment:
Does anyone know what seratoine snydrome is?? What are some of the signs of it??? I am very curious about this matter. My doctor is on vacation at this time or I would go straight to him. Much Thanks!!!!!
55 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-24 14:21:02
Question/Comment:
I used to take effexor and only had one side effect.....Erectile Disfunction. It took me a while to discover this much to the displeasure of both my partner and myself. I successfully got off of the drug and happily report that I am now functioning normally.
69 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-24 12:36:53
Question/Comment:
hi,
i have been taking effexor xr and now switched to the generic form of the medicine, for over 10 years now. this medicine has given me my life back!!! i had panic attacks soooo bad, that i couldn't hardly leave the house. now that i take the medicine, i never STAY home!!!!! hahaha
life is good again!!!
the only problem i have with it, is when i forget to take it, you will quickly remember because your head gets a weird butterfly sensation followed with a headache. so, it is probably hard to weene yourself off of the medicine, but as good as life is now, who would want to stop taking it!!!! it just simply lets you appreciate life more, kids, husband, etc....even tolerate the inlaws!!!!
YES!!!!!! what more could we ask for!!!!!
43 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-23 20:51:55
Member Answer/Reply:
I agree...............can't stop taking it.
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-27 09:15:05
Member Answer/Reply:
what is the generic? I did not know there was a generic for this drug out.
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-27 09:15:50
Member Answer/Reply:
Me Too I was taking paxil cr for years and now that I am on effexor xr I am finally stating to get my life back and feel good about myself!
50 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-27 20:33:19
Member Answer/Reply:
I've been taking Effexor for about 10 years, too. I'd like to switch to the cheaper generic form. Did you have trouble switching? Did you have to go completely off Effexor first? Thanks for your help!
44 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-30 16:40:27
Member Answer/Reply:
I have switched between effexor and the generic with no problems. I think the trick is to be sure the dosage is the same.
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-02 15:22:35
Member Answer/Reply:
what is the generic form of effexor?
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-03 08:33:08
Question/Comment:
I'm taking Lamictal & Effexor XR Lamictal for B/P and Effexor for Panic Attacts..Anybody else on these drugs?
54 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-20 06:33:18
Member Answer/Reply:
Yea, I'm on the two together for BP 2. What symptoms do you get?
25 year old – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-31 14:57:42
Question/Comment:
I have had pantic attacks sinse I was 16 years old. I am now taking this drug and they have just about dissipeared. I have depression also, and I think the drug does help with that also.This is a druge you should try if you have pantic attacks.
67 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-19 23:20:00
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